Prime Time March, 2014

Prime Time

Clutter cutters

Resources, tips to simplify your move tips

Handled with care

Woman sends care packages to soldiers

sends packages soldiers

Smart moves

Downsizing experts share spring cleaning, organizing tips

BY ERIN JONES

SPECIAL TO THE NEWS-POST

Have you ever considered that this year’s spring cleaning could affect you and your family for years to come?

Spring cleaning brings with it the opportunity for a fresh start, decluttering, and getting organized. However, a spring cleaning done right could help you and your family for many years.

Spring cleaning, executed with intention, ultimately lays the groundwork for downsizing and preparing for the future.

Whether you plan to move to a smaller home, retirement community, or with family, the task of downsizing and getting organized can never be done too early.

Why start this spring? Even if you don’t see downsizing in your immediate future, breaking the process up into small projects and building in continual habits of organization will save stress later on.

Ryan Burns is the owner and founder of Stress Free Solutions, a company that helps people transition from their current home to a new living situation, whether a smaller home, a retirement community or with family.

“You don’t want to wait for injury or illness to dictate your move,” he advises.

Stacy Reno is an agent with Century 21 who teaches a course at Frederick Community College called, “Downsizing Simplified: Living Smaller and Loving It.”

She says clutter is often a source of stress, regardless of whether a move is on the horizon.

“Downsizing should be a continual process throughout life,” she says.

SPRING CLEANING

How can you make this year’s spring cleaning benefit you and your family in the long term? Here are a few insider tips with the help of local experts.

1. Set goals and create a timeline

Whether a downsizing move is six months in the future or 10 years down the road, break projects down into small goals, and celebrate the victories along the way.

A lot of people feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of items in their home and do nothing at all, what Burns calls “paralysis by analysis.”

Starting small helps create slow progress. If nothing else, “just do 15 minutes today, slowly build towards it and start seeing progress,” he says.

2. Start in a non-living space

No one likes the idea of seeing the kitchen or living area in a shambles, while a massive organization project is underway. Instead, Burns suggests you start in a garage, attic, or storage unit. This strategy will facilitate consistent progress, while not disrupting day-today activities.

3. Break projects into categories

One method of breaking down organization into small projects is to create categories to focus on.

A significant example is paper documents. Burns recommends not only organizing documents, but establishing systems of organization with incoming mail.

“When that mail comes into the house, anything that is junk mail needs to go into the recycling,” he says. The less volume of mail and paper documents, the easier it will be to find and maintain important documents.

Scanning paper documents to store digitally is a method Reno suggests. She helps clients with digitizing documents as a means of keeping paper clutter under control.

4. Stop churning and learn to OHIO

A common pitfall in organization is what Burns and his company call “churning,” the moving of piles around without

making net progress. Instead, they use the acronym OHIO: Only Handle It Once.

“Everything has a purpose and a place. So, don’t take one pile and turn it into three piles and three back into one ...,” Burns says. “If it’s a situation where you have the box at your feet and you’re going through it, you want to make sure you have a place for that item.”

5. Honor what holds emotional significance

Both Burns and Reno recognize that downsizing is not only logistically challenging, but often an emotionally charged process. Burns recommends envisioning the next space and asking: What do you need with you to make it feel like home?

Reno takes clients through Marie Kondo’s method of decluttering, asking whether each item “sparks joy” and prioritizing those items with a strong emotional connection.

She also recommends involving loved ones in the process. Going through old items can be an opportunity to pass on a story or a memory that wouldn’t otherwise come up.

It’s not simply about the items. Instead, people are faced with the process of getting rid of “part of their history, of their life,” Reno says. Families and loved ones need to be willing to help document or to listen to their story.

6.

Downsize continually

Instead of viewing downsizing as an event, view it as an ongoing process. There are benefits to downsizing beyond the need for a move. After all, Reno says, “clutter creates stress.”

Even if a move is not immediately on the horizon, Reno suggests imagining the positive benefits of a decluttered life. For example, how could you enjoy an office

Courtesy photos

Ryan Burns is the owner and founder of Stress Free Solutions

Stress Free Solutions helps people transition from their current home to a new living situation, whether a smaller home, a retirement community or with family.

space free of clutter? How could a spare room free of boxes be given new life as an enjoyable space?

Building practical systems in place will help sort out items that may no longer be needed.

Take clothing, for example. Reno recommends turning all the hangers in a closet around so they face backwards. Then, every time an item is worn, turn that hanger around so it faces forward. Every six months, look and see which clothing items have not been used. “If you haven’t used it after six months, you don’t need it,” Reno says.

SPRING CLEANING

Once the hard work of sorting and organization has been completed, there is still the issue of what to do with the items you no longer need.

1. Giving meaningful items to family and friends

For those items that will hold meaning and value for a family, involve loved ones in the process. In the age of smartphone cameras, this becomes particularly simple. Reno suggests sending pictures to

adult children or grandchildren and asking, “Do you want this?”

It’s important to recognize that you may need to split up a collection. Reno tells the story of her stepmother’s cherished collection of dishes.

“Nobody wanted her entire collection,” she recalls, “so we divided it up. Some people took the water pitchers. Some people took the salt and pepper shakers. When I use the salt and pepper shakers, I think of my stepmother and have a good memory. Knowing that some pieces are staying in the family makes it easier.”

2. Selling items of value

You may be able to make some money on items of value. There are a few ways to go about this.

Stress Free Solutions holds an auction for its clients to sell the items that the family and friends don’t want. Burns warns, however, that selling items can often take more time than an item is worth.

“If they’re going to spend time really selling something, they need to spend 90% of their time on that 10% that has value,” he says.

With that in mind, here are a few places to sell:

• Local consignment Shops

• Frederick Coin Exchange

• Online

• eBay

• Amazon Marketplace

• The Decluttr App

3. Donating to those in need

Donating unwanted items to charities can be a way to help others in your downsizing process. Here are a few suggestions from Burns and Reno:

• Call a church or local faith-based organization to see if they can use any donations.

• Charities like Goodwill, Salvation Army, Pick Up Please take donations.

• Contact local animal shelters, as many of them need donations of sheets and linens.

• SOAR (https://soarfrederick.org/) takes donations of medical equipment to be used for low-income or unhoused seniors. This organization can be particularly useful after the death of a loved one.

• Select Seconds Hospital Thrift Shop Downsizing can be overwhelming,

MORE RESOURCES

Reno

Stacy Reno’s course “Downsizing Simplified: Living Smaller and Loving It” will be offered at Frederick Community College on Wednesdays at 10 a.m. from March 4 to 18.

She will also hold a downsizing seminar at Urbana 50+ Community Center on Feb. 21 at 2 p.m.

To work with Ryan Burns’ company Stress Free Solutions visit stressfreesolutions.com. It will not only work with clients to prepare for the process of downsizing, but will carry out the practical details of a move, even after a sudden incapacitation or death.

More information on both can be found in the Frederick County Division of Aging and Independence Resource Directory

but taking advantage of spring cleaning to get a jump start can help make the process smoother when the time comes. Taking steps to organize, declutter, and downsize, even when a move is not imminent, can have an impact on your loved ones, as well.

Reno first began to see the importance of taking these steps after the death of her stepmother, followed by her father.

She recalls preparing to sell their home, while carrying out the emotional task of sorting through their belongings. That experience sparked in her a passion to help others take the steps needed for these transitions, which would grow into her specialization in downsizing within her real estate work.

Burns’ journey also started by identifying a need. He worked in senior home care while getting his MBA at Frostburg State University. He saw how many people needed help preparing to transition to a new living situation and grew a business from a desire to meet that need.

Special deliveries

Frederick woman sends care packages to soldiers overseas

BYCEOLIJACOBY CJACOBY@NEWSPOST.COM

Harriet Sampieri, who was recently named the 2024 ‘mayor’ of the Edenton Retirement Community in Frederick, likes to say she has a “military family.”

Her late husband served 20 years in the U.S. Air Force. One of her sons recently retired after more than 30 years of service in the same branch. Another son and multiple grandsons of hers were members of the U.S. Marine Corps.

Based on her family ties, it is not surprising that Sampieri — who moved to Frederick roughly a year ago — would be a strong supporter of the armed forces.

But for the past 20 years, Sampieri has taken her support a step further, dedicating time and money to assemble care packages for soldiers stationed overseas and for local veterans.

It started around the outbreak of the war in Iraq, when Sampieri and her husband lived in North Carolina and were active in the Johnsonville Ruritan Club.

At that time, Sampieri said, a U.S. Army colonel requested assistance from local Ruritan Clubs in collecting much-needed supplies to send to soldiers who were injured while fighting in the Middle East.

“When the troops were injured, the only thing they brought into the hospital was what they were wearing,” Sampieri said in an interview.

Along with other members of the Johnsonville Ruritan Club, Sampieri began to fill box after box with gym shorts, flip flops and underwear to hold the injured soldiers over while they awaited transport

to a larger hospital in Germany.

Sampieri eventually moved away from stuffing the boxes with clothing items in favor of providing toiletries like deodorant and shaving cream.

In recent years, as her income became more limited and things became more expensive, Sampieri has focused on sending snacks for the soldiers themselves and holiday-themed cards for the soldiers to

send home to their families.

“If it’s a unit, I usually send out anywhere from 75 to 100 Christmas cards,” Sampieri said. “I make sure I get a lot of kiddie cards, so that the soldier has cards to send home to their little ones from daddy or mommy.”

Sampieri said she does not personally know any of the soldiers to whom she currently sends care packages. She col-

lected some of their addresses while living in North Carolina by contacting the local Army base and Red Cross chapter.

This past Christmas, Sampieri said, she sent 11 care packages to several different military bases in Kuwait, Poland, South Korea, Germany, Djibouti and Croatia.

“I always ask anybody that if they know of anybody that is overseas, or know of a unit, they would get a package from

Staff photos by Katina Zentz

Harriet Sampieri holds a framed American flag at the Edenton Retirement Community. For the past 20 years, Harriet Sampieri has made care packages for members of the military stationed overseas. She received the American flag as a thank you gift from a unit she sent packages to.

Boxes of care packages are shown in the trunk of Harriet Sampieri’s car at the Edenton Retirement Community. For the past 20 years, Harriet Sampieri has made care packages for members of the military stationed overseas.

me,” Sampieri said. “That’s how I end up working it.”

Over the years, Sampieri has received several thank yous from the recipients of her packages. One of the most prized is a folded American flag, which was sent to her by a Marine Corps unit after the U.S. military withdrew from Afghanistan.

Most of the money spent on the care packages comes from Sampieri’s own pocket. The one exception is postage, for

which she is able to seek reimbursement from Francis Scott Key Post 11 of the American Legion.

“At the legion, they know that all they have to do is give me a name and I’ll send them a package,” she said.

Back in North Carolina, Sampieri said, the local Ruritan Clubs would cover the cost of shipping. Occasionally, the local Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary would contribute granola bars or other food for packages.

Near the end of January, Sampieri was preparing to send Valentine’s Day cards and candy to people staying at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Martinsburg, West Virginia.

This time around, Sampieri got her candy from a group of Oakdale High School students looking to offload their leftovers from Halloween.

When she isn’t assembling care packages, Sampieri keeps busy with bingo, needlepoint and her mayoral duties.

“I’m 86 years old,” Sampieri said. “So, I figure if I keep busy, I can keep going.”

Anna

You’re not gross and sad for getting older. Here’s how to think about aging instead.

BY DEBORAH NETBURN LOS ANGELES TIMES

Connie Zweig first encountered her inner ageist on a cloudless spring day in Santa Monica about seven years ago.

The author and retired psychotherapist was enjoying lunch at her favorite vegan restaurant, Real Food Daily, when an old woman walked in and sat at the table next to her. The woman’s clothes were worn and tattered, her fingernails dirty, her hair unkempt. As she began to order free samples of food, presumably because she couldn’t afford to pay, Zweig noticed a feeling of disgust rising within her.

This is uncomfortable. I’ll never be like that. I feel sorry for her.

Then, she caught herself, took a breath and stopped. For decades, Zweig had helped people interrogate the part of their minds outside of their conscious awareness — what the 20th-century psychologist Carl Jung called “the shadow.” Now, here was her own shadow raising its head.

“The voice in myself was attributing to her the traits I couldn’t look at in myself,” said Zweig, who was in her late 60s at the time. “I was getting old, I was getting more needy, more slow. I could risk poverty if something terrible happened.”

“And that was shocking to me,” she said. “That after all this work on my own personal shadow, I still had an ageist part.”

If you’ve ever yanked a gray hair, made a joke about our aging political leadership or shaved a few years off your age in conversation, then you probably have an inner ageist, too.

Most of us do. This is the deep part of ourselves that has us convinced that

becoming old makes us useless, worthless, ugly and irrelevant.

It’s also the part that leads some of us to spend thousands of dollars each year to fight any sign of getting older with personal trainers, fillers, Botox and a staunch refusal to slow down.

But the battle against age is ultimately unwinnable. No matter how old you are, aging is coming for you, too. (Consider the alternative.) As Zweig says: “Aging is the one thing we all have in common.”

After her encounter with the woman in the cafe, Zweig embarked on a yearslong exploration of the inner ageist,

discover the hidden treasures of getting old — especially in later life. The result is her book “The Inner Work of Age: Shifting From Role to Soul.”

“We thought legislation would eliminate racism, but we’ve seen that it did not succeed,” Zweig said. “Implicit bias requires both social justice action and what I call ‘shadow work’ to uproot unconscious internal images and attitudes like the inner ageist.”

Zweig, now 74, talks here about where the inner ageist comes from, and how we can begin to recognize it in ourselves and ultimately release it.

“Our unconscious beliefs and bias-

For those of us who want to reorient how we feel about aging, where do you suggest we start?

All through the lifespan, the inner ageist is growing right along with us, so you can begin to do this work at any age.

What are you saying to yourself about growing older? Can you catch it like I caught my inner dialogue in the restaurant when I was being judgmental and ageist? Can you catch that inner voice — or the feeling that goes with it — in the context of growing older?

If you’ve ever yanked a gray hair, made a joke about our aging political leadership or shaved a few years off your age in conversation, then you probably have an inner ageist, too. Most of us do.

Tartilastock/Dreamstime

Maybe you see an older stranger — what do you say to yourself? Or you see a relative who has aged — what do you say to yourself? Or you notice a change in yourself — what do you say to yourself and what do you feel about it? That kind of shadow awareness can help you begin to tune into yourself more and then notice the effect it’s having on you.

Emotionally, socially, in terms of your health, your relationships, what are the consequences of not attending to that inner voice and rooting it out so you can attend to it more deeply?

Knowing that aging does come with diminishing health, time and energy, how can we feel less afraid of it?

Those are legitimate concerns because those are legitimate challenges. It’s true that grief and loss are part of the aging process and they’re built into it. And part of my work with the shadow is to face what I call mortality awareness. Many people deny death and that denial is building a charge in us around illness and death.

But when we are aware we have limited time, this time becomes so precious, and we want to spend it differently, and we want to prioritize and we want to really care about what is important to us. That changes everything.

Fighting the physical signs of aging is expensive. Why are so many of us spending our money this way?

If our identity is rooted in how we look and that’s all we know, then we are going to do everything we can to prop up our self-image for as long as we can. It’s our only value. If our identity is rooted in what I call “the doer” — what we do, what we produce, how we succeed — then we are going to keep “doing” for as long as we can. So, if we can begin to learn how to cultivate an inner life, then we’re going to focus more on that and less on how we look and what we do.

I’ve heard friends say, ‘Women are not allowed to age.’ What do they mean when they say that?

If you begin to watch for how the media portrays older adults, you’ll start to see an answer to that. I grew up in the ’50s and ’60s watching “All in the Family,” where the husband, Archie Bunker, had contempt for his wife as she aged and he was mean and critical and used humor

often to put her down. We internalized those feelings and beliefs and attitudes.

An older person who is a really positive influence, like a grandparent, an aunt, a teacher or a mentor, can be an antidote to the negative media portrayals or the negative comments people make. If you don’t have an antidote, then you are just going to internalize the negativity.

I have a friend whose brother sent her a walking stick when she turned 25. What is that about?

We encounter the shadow or unconscious in many ways. One way is in dark humor. If you listen to comedians, you’ll get uncomfortable. You’ll start to feel kind of squishy because they carry some part of the shadow that is not normally spoken aloud. There are a lot of Hallmark cards and birthday cards that have this edge to them because they make people laugh. But they do it at a price. They do it at the cost of expressing, in this case, ageism, but it could be any implicit bias. So, that humor can be uncomfortable.

You’re in your 70s. What does accepting your age look like for you?

We can’t prescribe what this looks like for anyone else. For people in really difficult financial situations, it’s a whole different thing. Some of them have to keep working even when they’re ill, even when they would rather stop working. There’s also cultural differences around the role of the family with elders.

For me, I’ve been working since I was 19, and I’m ready for a different pace now. I’m ready to spend more time in meditation, in the inner world, spend more time with my husband, and our grandkids, which we haven’t been able to do because we’re so busy. I’m looking at different kinds of activism, as well as different kinds of spiritual practice.

But the deeper issue for me is letting myself step into the unknown, so that I can see what calls to me. Because as long as I’m this busy, I’m not going to hear the next call.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity .

MARCH CALENDAR

Events are subject to change. Contact the sponsoring organization for any updates.

MARCH 1

Heartsaver CPR/First Aid/AED Adult Child Infant for the Layperson — 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Frederick Community College — Monroe Center, 200 Monroe Ave., Frederick. This course was developed by the American Heart Association for anyone with limited or no medical training who needs a course completion card in CPR/AED use and first aid to meet job, regulatory or other requirements or for personal interest.

$85. 240-629-7907.

healthcarecareers@frederick.edu. frederick.edu/cpr.

MARCH 2

Myersville Indoor Farmers Market — 9 a.m. to noon at Fire Company Banquet Hall, 301 Main St., Myersville. First and third Saturdays. 301-524-1035.

myersvillefarmersmarket.com.

Special Event: Bettie Award

Winners — 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Delaplaine Arts Center, 40 S. Carroll St., Frederick. Join us for the announcement of the 2024 Bettie Awards Grand Prize Winner and celebrate the exhibiting artists. Bettie Delaplaine was a lifelong supporter of the arts in Frederick County, Maryland. Her strong belief in the importance of the arts in our community, and the importance of supporting young emerging artists, inspired The Delaplaine Arts Center to create the Elizabeth Barker Delaplaine Award for Young Artists–affectionately known as the Bettie Awards–in her honor. The award program is an annual event run in March, nationally recognized as Youth Art Month. 301-698-0656. jclark@delaplaine.org. delaplaine.org/exhibitions/ opportunities/bettie-

award/?fbclid=IwAR33M0NQPjxfZo9ruKlPQRxvJNx-1_ SSlCJ8hO4dgh6PR_1rahUlc9sy5s.

Middletown Health and Wellness Expo — 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Middletown Volunteer Firehall Activities Center, 1 Fireman’s Lane, Middletown. Activities include learning how to improve your posture, stretching and releasing tension at a mini yoga class, learning a new dance move, vision screenings for children, getting the right gear from Sportsland, and more! Beyond showcasing the wide array of health and wellness professionals, nonprofits, and organizations in Middletown, be inspired by local motivational speaker, Pam Herath! Fun for the entire family! 301-371-6171. Baxilbund@ ci.middletown.md.us. www.mainstreetmiddletown.org.

MARCH 3

“Heritage at Work” — 9 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. at All Saints Episcopal Church, 106 W. Church St., Frederick. The third in the Lenten Rice Bowl Speaker Series, Ranger Mark Spurrier, manager of Cunningham Falls State Park (which includes the Catoctin Furnace Historic Site), will talk about the “Heritage at Work” program that provides internships at the Catoctin Furnace Historical Museum in the restoration building trades to atrisk students from the Department of Juvenile Services. Mark helps to coordinate work projects for work crews who are preparing to enter the workforce to provide them with a positive work experience. 609-781-4792. cabrogers624@gmail. com.

Return to Little Round Top: A Discussion of the 50th Anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg — 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Urbana Regional Library, 9020 Amelung St., Frederick. Fifty years after the Battle of Gettysburg, another army invaded Gettysburg. In 1913, more than 56,000 veterans returned to Gettysburg to remember

the deadliest battle of the Civil War. So many veterans attended that a temporary military had to be constructed to house them all. Eight monuments were dedicated, the cyclorama opened for the first time, a silent movie about the battle premiered, and veterans who had tried to kill each other made peace. This was the largest reunion of Civil War veterans held in history. Author James Rada will tell the story of the reunion via discussion and numerous photographs. Books will be available for purchase.

301-600-7000.

frederick.librarycalendar.com/ event/return-little-round-topdiscussion-50th-anniversary-battlegettysburg-121049.

MARCH 4

New to Medicare Workshop — 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Virtual Senior Center, — Are you new to Medicare, or will be soon? Join us for an overview of Medicare from a member of our knowledgeable SHIP (State Health Insurance Program) staff. These are 90 minute workshops held on Zoom.

301-788-1075. virtualseniorcenter@ frederickcountymd.gov.

www.frederickcountymd.gov/8075/50Community-Centers.

MARCH 5

Senior Tax Credit Seminar — 10 a.m. at Walkersville Town Hall, 21 W. Frederick St., Walkersville. The Town of Walkersville offers a Senior Tax Credit for homeowners age 65 and over. The amount of the Walkersville tax credit is 50% of the net Town tax. This is a supplement to the State’s Homeowner Tax Credit and County’s Senior Tax Credit, and all qualifications and limitations of these credits apply. The credit was effective with the July 1, 2021, real estate tax bill. When residents complete a State Homeowner Tax Credit application, it will apply to the State Homeowner Tax Credit, County Senior Tax Credit, and Walkersville Senior Tax Credit. If the homeowner qualifies for the County’s Senior Tax Credit and resides within the Town’s municipal limits, they will

qualify for the Town’s tax credit.

MARCH 6

Sensory Program for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities: Rhythm Works Dance Class — 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Walkersville Branch Library, 2 S. Glade Road, Walkersville. Learn some dance moves with Rhythm Works from Dee Buchanan Dance Studio! This program is designed for adults with intellectual disabilities and their caregivers. 18 and over. 301-600-8200.

www.fcpl.org.

Valley Quilters, TLC Meeting — 6:30 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 3864 Jefferson Pike, Jefferson. Meets the first Wednesday of each month, open to all ages and levels. The guild offers teaching, learning and companionship to those interested in the art of quilting. March meeting features show-and-tell. Visitors are always welcome!

valleyquiltersTLC@gmail.com.

www.facebook.com/groups/ valleyquilters.

MARCH 7

Property Tax Credit Program — 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Virtual Senior Center, — There are various property tax credits offered by state, county, and municipal governments. To obtain information on eligibility requirements and the application process, we encourage everyone to attend one of these Frederick County Government Tax Credit seminars. This seminar is held on Zoom. Presenter: Diane Fox. 301-788-1075. virtualseniorcenter@ frederickcountymd.gov.

www.frederickcountymd.gov/8075/50Community-Centers.

MARCH 8

Circle of Friends Memory Café

— 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Frederick Senior Center, 1440 Taney Ave., Frederick. Frederick County Division of Aging & Independence and the Alzheimer’s Association Memory Café is a safe and relaxed place where people with early-stage memory loss, their families, and friends can come together for a unique blend of education and social interaction.

Anyone affected by early-stage memory loss is welcome to attend. 301-600-1234. caregiversupport@ frederickcountymd.gov.

www.frederickcountymd.gov/8075/50Community-Centers.

MARCH 9

Burall Brothers Memorial Scholarship Pancake Breakfast

— 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. at New Market Grange Hall, 14 South Alley, New Market. Menu includes pancakes, biscuits, bacon, sausage patty, scrambled eggs, chip beef gravy, milk, juice and coffee. Proceeds will be used to benefit the Frederick County Pomona Grange Burall Brothers Memorial Scholarship Fund which is part of the Community Foundation of Frederick County. The scholarship was started to honor the memory of LeRoy Burall, William Burall and Jesse Burall, all of whom were active in the work of the Grange and who were members of the New Market Grange. The scholarship is offered to individuals who are from Frederick County, Md. Snow date is March 16 (if snow emergency plan is in effect.

$10 adults, $5 ages 6 to 12, ages 5 and under free, cash or check only.

MARCH 12

Computer Security & Internet Safety

— 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Virtual Senior Center, — Learn how to safeguard your computer, keep your digital data secure, and protect your privacy online. This guide to cybersecurity, concentrating on Windows, will help you prevent malware, viruses and security breaches on your computer and your network. This is a prerecorded course available via LinkedIn Learning, accessed through Frederick County Public Libraries. Together we will watch the course and take the chapter quizzes. This is a 3-week course that will meet on Mondays, starting March 12. 301-788-1075. virtualseniorcenter@ frederickcountymd.gov. www.frederickcountymd.gov/8075/50Community-Centers.

Know Your Beer — 4 p.m. to 6 a.m. at Steinhardt Brewing, 340 E. Patrick St.,

Suite 102, Frederidk. It used to be that the only choice you ever had to make while ordering a beer was whether you wanted it served in a bottle or a glass. But as the craft brewing movement grew so did our choices. There are different categories and styles, and never mind color, body and ABV. Learn the beer basics as you taste your way through this course. Afterall, the best beer to drink is the one that you’ll enjoy the most. 21 and older, pre-registration required. $34. 301-624-2727. lifelonglearning@ frederick.edu.

tinyurl.com/24ukhvuh.

MARCH 13

Medigap/Supplemental vs Advantage Plans — 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Virtual Senior Center, — Learn more about these different types of Medicare programs to help determine which type of program may be the best for you. These are 90-minute workshops held on Zoom, led by our knowledgeable SHIP (State Health Insurance Program) staff. 301-788-1075. virtualseniorcenter@ frederickcountymd.gov.

www.frederickcountymd.gov/8075/50Community-Centers.

MARCH 14

Dinner Dance, Hosted by Brunswick Senior Center — 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Fraternal Order Of Eagles, 401 Central Ave., Brunswick. Join us at the Brunswick Eagles Club for a fun afternoon of dancing followed by dinner! Hosted by Brunswick Senior Center.

$12. 301-834-8115. virtualseniorcenter@ frederickcountymd.gov.

www.frederickcountymd.gov/8075/50Community-Centers.

MARCH 15

Groceries for Seniors — noon to 1:30 p.m. at Frederick Senior Center, 1440 Taney Ave., Frederick. A free monthly distribution of seasonal produce, canned goods, and shelf stable products. This is a “farmer’s market” style distribution located inside of the Frederick Senior Center. All Frederick

MARCH CALENDAR

County residents age 60+ with an income below $1,450 per month are eligible to participate. Please bring a photo ID to register the first time. Groceries for Seniors is offered on the third Friday of each month.

301-600-1234. DAI@ frederickcountymd.gov.

www.frederickcountymd.gov/8337/ Groceries-for-Seniors.

Swingin’ Harmony Jazz Band at Rockwell Riverside — 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Rockwell Riverside , 8411 Broadband Drive, Suite K, Frederick . Frederick’s premier big band jazz band playing music from the 1930’s to present day.

www.rockwellbrewery.com/.

MARCH 16

Blossoming at Baker Park: Art Quilt Workshop with Clustered Spires Quilt Guild — noon to 4 p.m. at Frederick MADE, 31 W. Patrick St., Frederick. Join us at Frederick MADE for a 2-part quilting workshop. Learn to quilt the Blossoming at Baker Park Covered Bridge pattern, brought to you by the Clustered Spires Quilt Guild. Beginner-friendly. Part 2 workshop is noon to 4 p.m. March 23. $90. 7032988981. barksdalejessica@ gmail.com.

frederickmade.com/products/quiltingworkshop-with-the-clustered-spiresquilt-guild-march-2024.

Frederick Symphony Orchestra Orchestra — “The Planets”

— 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Frederick Community College, Jack B. Kussmaul Theater, 7932 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick. Features Gustav Holst’s “The Planets,” Dvorak’s rarely heard “Othello” overture, as well as performances from the winners from Frederick Symphony’s Young Artist competition. $20 adults $15 students. 301-8462514.

fredericksymphony.org/event/comingto-a-planet-near-you/.

MARCH 17

Sons of the Pioneers — 3 p.m. at Weinberg Center of Arts, 20 W. Patrick St., Frederick. This legendary organization, formed in 1934 by Roy Rogers, forever transformed cowboy music with its thrilling harmonies and poetic images of the West. The group has remained together continuously since then, rotating through 47 members over the years, still shouldering the standard for western music.

$25-$35. 301-600-2828. bhiller@ cityoffrederickmd.gov. weinbercenter.org.

MARCH 18

Spring Drawing Workshop — 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Emmitsburg Senior Center, 300A S. Seton Ave., Unit 8, Emmitsburg. Learn drawing techniques while creating a springthemed artwork. New and returning students welcome! Instructor: Dorothea Barrick. $15. +1(301)600-6350. virtualseniorcenter@ frederickcountymd.gov. www.frederickcountymd.gov/8075/50Community-Centers.

MARCH 19

Senior Fitness: Chair Yoga — 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Walkersville Branch Library, 2 S. Glade Road, Walkersville. Join Trisha Houston with Sol Yoga as she leads a chair yoga class. Wear comfortable clothing Chair and extra mats provided. 301-600-8200. www.fcpl.org.

MARCH 20

Spring Paint Party — 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Urbana Senior Center, 9020 Amelung St., Frederick. Bring your friends for a fun and creative afternoon! Paint a vase full of spring flowers using acrylics on canvas. All skill levels welcome. Instructor: Deanna Schaeffer. $25. +1(301)600-7020.

virtualseniorcenter@ frederickcountymd.gov.

www.frederickcountymd.gov/8075/50Community-Centers.

Friends In Frederick Parkinson’s Disease Support Group — 1 p.m. at Mount Pleasant Ruritan Club, 8101 Crum Road, Walkersville. See a presentation from the Frederick Health Hospice regarding hospice and palliative care. Meets the third Wednesday of the month except July and August. RSVP. 240-815-0080. john.nicodemus@ verizon.net. fifpdsg.org.

MARCH 22

Circle of Friends Memory Cafés — 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Brunswick Senior Center, 12 E. A St., Brunswick. Frederick County Division of Aging & Independence and the Alzheimer’s Association Memory Café is a safe and relaxed place where people with early-stage memory loss, their families, and friends can come together for a unique blend of education and social interaction. Anyone affected by early-stage memory loss is welcome to attend. 301-600-1234. caregiversupport@ frederickcountymd.gov. www.frederickcountymd. gov/8075/50-Community-Centers.

MARCH 24

Creating a Bird Friendly Yard — 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Brunswick Branch Library, 915 N. Maple Ave., Brunswick. Come prepare for spring and find out how to welcome more birds into your yard! Barb Kemerer, local birder, will share tips on food that’s best for the local birds, ways to attract more, and things to avoid to keep your yard safe for our little, feathered friends. 301-600-7250.

frederick.librarycalendar.com.

MARCH 27

Trivia Night — 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Union Mills Public House, 340 E. Patrick St., Frederick. Heritage Frederick invites you to participate in the first annual trivia night, a fundraiser

benefiting Heritage Frederick. This event is hosted by master trivia host Chris Clemons and his side-kick Chaz Remus. Proceeds from this fundraiser will benefit Heritage Frederick. Doors open, food and cocktails will be available starting at 5:30 pm. Trivia will start at 6:15 p.m. Food included. Cash bar. 21 and older, pre-registration required.

$45 Individual/ $350 Table (8). 301-663-1188. Development@ FrederickHistory.org.

www.frederickhistory.org.

MARCH 28

Senior Cafe: Mahjong — 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Walkersville Branch Library, 2 S. Glade Road, Walkersville. The place to come for coffee, conversation, friendship and fun events! Asian American Center will be back to continue teaching/reviewing Mahjong.

301-600-8200.

www.fcpl.org.

MARCH 29

Heartsaver CPR/First Aid/AED Adult Child Infant for the Layperson — 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Frederick Community College - Monroe Center, 200 Monroe Ave., Frederick. This course was developed by the American Heart Association for anyone with limited or no medical training who needs a course completion card in CPR/AED use and first aid to meet job, regulatory or other requirements or for personal interest.

$85. 240-629-7907.

healthcarecareers@frederick.edu. frederick.edu/cpr.

MARCH 30

Beloved Gardens Plant Sale — 12 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. at UUCF Congregation, 4880 Elmer Derr Road, Frederick. Choose from vegetables and herbs, flowers, native plants, and pollinator-friendly perennials & annuals. Online ordering begins on 9 a.m. March 30. Pick up orders 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 27

301-514-4524. kileyam29@gmail.com.

www.belovedgardensplantsale.org/.

B o r e d o m B u s t e r s

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

CLUES ACROSS

1. Chaps

5. Currently fashionable

9. Collision

11. More slim

13. European city

15. Implicitly

16. The side of something that is sheltered from the wind

17. Mount Rushmore State

19. Gold or silver wire cord

21. Muscles along insects’ diaphragm

22. Trent Reznor’s band

23. Sweet juicy grittytextured fruit

25. Broken branch

26. Indicates ten

27. Expression of annoyance

29. Brings together

31. Ancient city in Thrace

33. Sailors’ spirit

34. Looked into

36. Muckraking woman journalist Rheta

38. A type of cast

39. One’s responsibility

41. Where golfers begin

43. Make a mistake

44. Semitic Sun god

46. Ancient Italian-Greek colony

48. Beheaded

52. A place to stay

53. Unwise

54. Most supernatural

56. “Dennis” is a famous one

57. Ointments

58. Exam

59. Leaked blood

CLUES DOWN

1. Baseball managers assemble it

2. Revised

3. Mountain is a popular kind

4. Takes to civil court

5. Pouches

6. A type of veil

7. Chants

8. Boston hoopster

9. Elongated appendage

10. Sailboat

11. 2017 Oscar-winning film

12. Actor Gosling

14. Monetary units

15. Assembly

18. Russian pop duo

20. Embellished with expressions

24. Infrequent

26. Temperature unit

28. Hydrophilic amino acid

30. Honk

32. Legislative body

34. Swinish

35. Russian assembly

37. Take over for

38. Put in advance

40. Satisfy

42. Felt

43. Dutch cheese

45. Witnesses

47. Strong insects

49. Gasteyer and de Armas are two

50. Ancient people of Scotland

51. Cheerless

55. Sick

B o r e d o m B u s t e r s

SUDOKU

Here’s How It Works:

Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!