Prime Time October 2023

Prime Time

Friends of Waterford Park

Groundskeepers of one of Frederick’s best-kept public open spaces

Elder Expo is back A wealth of information, resources

Publisher

Geordie Wilson

Director of Revenue

Connie Hastings

Advertising Director

Brittney Hamilton

Sales Support Manager

Noelle Hallman

Editor Lauren LaRocca

Contributing Writers Ryan Marshall

Joseph Peterson

Calendar Editor Sue Guynn

Photographers

Bill Green

Katina Zentz

Multimedia

Marketing Consultants

James Constantine

Heather Lowman

Kathi Smith

Distributed monthly in The Frederick News-Post and through selected distribution outlets. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED BY COPYRIGHT. Prices, specials and descriptions are deemed accurate as of the time of publishing. This publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the express written consent of the publisher. Advertising information has been provided by the advertisers. Opinions expressed in Prime Time Frederick are those of editors or contributors and do not necessarily reflect those of Ogden Newspapers of Maryland, LLC. All terms and conditions are subject to change. The cover, design, format and layout of this publication are trademarks of Ogden Newspapers of Maryland, LLC and published by The Frederick News-Post.

On the cover: Ginny Brace, president of Friends of Waterford Park, examines plants at Waterford Park in Frederick on Aug. 16.

Staff photo by Katina Zentz

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Waterford Park and all her friends

The story of the dedicated groundskeepers of one of Frederick’s best-kept public open spaces

BY JOSEPH PETERSON SPECIAL TO THE NEWS-POST

The goldfinch is a gregarious bird, often found socializing with other songbirds in fields and meadows. In Frederick’s Waterford Park, an acre-wide meadow of native plants and grasses is a frequent hotspot the goldfinches seem to particularly love.

But they’re not the only birds of a feather to gather in this natural open space that stretches from Rosemont to Baughmans Lane, following from where Rock Creek peels off from Carroll Creek and makes its way westward. It’s here where the Friends of Waterford Park meet, at least once a week yearround, to tend to the needs of the land and socialize with each other.

“I just took a walk here one day, and fell in love and wanted to be part of it,” said Deb Portney, a certified Maryland master naturalist and volunteer with Friends of Waterford Park, who shows up ready with a utility belt of yard work tools, a knack for identifying bird calls and an enthusiasm for native plants.

“I think it’s really important, in cities especially, that we have nature space, and set an example,” she said. “We can do native [plants], we can have wildlife and birds and everything in the middle of the city, and I love it.”

One visit to this space in the middle of the city and there’s no doubt there’s something special about Waterford Park that sets it apart. For starters, not every park has its own nonprofit organization to foster stewardship,

plant and water trees, and help the city maintain it all while encouraging the public to take advantage of its beauty.

But that’s exactly what The Friends of Waterford Park does. Its members — a group of dedicated volunteers, many of whom live adjacent to the park —

take an active role in the stewardship of this natural space. Through grants, membership dues and donations, the Friends of Waterford Park has been the driving force behind an effort to create, as they call it, “an oasis in Frederick, Maryland.” It’s an effort largely spearheaded by the nonprofit’s founder and

president Virginia (Ginny) Brace.

“The grand vision began when this was a narrow path and my neighbor and I stood up there on the hill where we live and said, ‘Oh wouldn’t it be nice to plant some plants that bloomed down along the edge?’” Brace said.

Staff photos by Katina Zentz Volunteers with Friends of Waterford Park Barb Dunnington, left, and Deb Portney pull out weeds at Waterford Park in Frederick on Aug. 16.

A simple desire, but one that would result in decades of hands-on, dedicated learning. As Brace tells it, at the time, “we did not realize that the entire understory that we were looking at was all bush honeysuckle,” one of the invasive plants that Brace and her crew now work tirelessly to keep at bay. But in 2005, she had no idea. “I mean, my education is, like, huge here!” she said. “They think I know everything. I don’t know everything. Although spend enough time around here, and you do learn a thing or two along the way.”

The first lesson, as Brace and her neighbor found out from a forester friend at the Maryland Department of Natural Resources who reviewed the site for the would-be gardeners, was to point out that the honeysuckle had to go.

“Basically he was saying you gotta get the invasives out of here,” Brace recalled, which she swiftly did, in partnership with the DNR, who secured a $5,000 federal invasive species control grant, bringing professionals in for a years-long project. “Fortunately we had a volunteer who was a certified chainsaw operator, and we cut honeysuckle, hauled it out, just huge amounts of invasives removal at the same time,” she said.

The project was successful, and not long after, another grant came their way, this time from the Chesapeake Bay Trust, allowing the group to plant 400 new trees in the park near Carroll Creek.

“So the vision started out as ‘lets have some blooming plants’ and it turned into, well, it turned into a big deal,” Brace said, concluding that because of what they began nearly 20 years ago, two “really cool things” have happened. “One is that the native plants have reemerged where the honeysuckle was. The other really cool thing is that I have met so many cool people who want to come out here on a Wednesday morning and, you know, dig in the dirt,” she said, gesturing to her crew.

On this particular Wednesday, a trio of volunteers showed up with a carload of repurposed 2.5-gallon kitty litter jugs full of water for the thirsty trees they planted last year, and they looked

ready to tackle any overly ambitious ivy or unwelcome honeysuckle that dared to cross their path. Portney and Brace were joined by Barb Dunnington, herself a resident at Waterford overlooking the creek, and a new board member as well.

“I’ve had the most magical moments here during snowfalls,” Dunnington recounted. “The other day, I was weeding one of the beds, and I turned around and there was a doe within 20 feet of me. And we live in the city! I can walk two miles and I’m downtown, so it’s just like a little oasis here where there’s bugs, there’s birds, there’s wildlife, and that means a lot to me.”

By evidence of how many others seem to find their own magic moments here in Waterford Park, Dunnington is far from alone. Besides the meadow, the 18-acre park’s main feature is a paved, mixed-use trail that weaves a path across the well manicured grounds adorned with stone benches, bird and bat houses, a wide diversity of flowers and trees, and interpretive signs for visitors to learn about the various plants and wildlife there.

Indeed, Waterford has a kind of noble estate feel with its expansive grounds,

hackberry, is home to five butterflies. The butterflies are a major feature of the Waterford experience, as the native plants meadow attracts a lot of them.

“The fact that there’s natives here, it’s like an ecosystem,” Portney said. “There’s just all these insects, and the insects are the key to everything — they’re the basis for the whole food chain.”

Portney’s also growing shoots of salty dogwoods at home to plant along the stream in service of another category of care: repairing the riparian, creek-bank habitat. It’s a lot of work, but to see the joyful dedication on the faces of these volunteers is to witness a labor of bliss.

“Tending to Waterford Park is a chance for sanity,” Brace said. “There’s so much depressing news about the climate, and I think it’s really good to have the opportunity for people to focus on doing something positive and actually accomplishing it. There are only 18 acres here, so we’re not trying to take on the world.”

Recognizing the women from afar, someone shouted from the trail, “Thanks for taking care of us!” as they walked. “Yep, you’re welcome!” comes the swift reply from Brace and her friends.

“That’s one of the fun things,” Brace said.

“Yeah, people are pretty appreciative,” echoed Portney.

“Somebody always says thank you when we’re out here working,” Dunnington added.

shrubs, meadows and streams. It’s beautiful, natural, though not entirely wild, as it’s obviously well tended to. One thing visitors won’t see, however, are any playgrounds or bathrooms.

“We very intentionally do not have facilities. No facilities here. You can make your own play. And people do,” Brace remarked, singing the praises of what she labels the “passive” park. “I like it when people are off the path, and a lot of people do go off the path, and they look at the butterfly sign and they look at all the tree signs,” she said.

The abundance of signage, labeling the more than 40 species of native trees, is thanks to yet another grant. Brace mentioned one tree, the lowly

For these friends of Waterford Park, and all the other people who wander here to enjoy nature with a friendly smile, these 18 acres are in fact, the whole world, at least for a moment — a world where the ambition to plant something small and take care of it and watch it grow into something mature and independent is the richest reward there is.

“It’s a great comfort to me to be able to come out here and, you know … you see the trees that you planted when they were little,” Brace said. Then with the enthusiasm in her voice not unlike the gregarious finches in the meadow, her eyes widen as she exclaims, “And they get big!”

Spicebush at Waterford Park.

Ginny Brace, president of Friends of Waterford Park, poses for a portrait.

‘You’ve got to have a purpose in life’:

BY RYAN MARSHALL RMARSHALL@NEWSPOST.COM

Cathy Wahl’s hobby has the power to bring joy to those in tragic situations.

For more than two years, Wahl has crocheted animals for children at Frederick Health Hospital, trying to bring a spark of joy to people in terrible circumstances.

“It gives me joy, because there’s not enough of that in this world,” she said.

It started more than two years ago, when her daughter’s best friend was in the hospital with breast cancer. Wahl’s daughter asked her to make her friend a hat when she began to lose her hair, and things continued from there.

Wahl had learned to crochet when she was a little girl, taught by a neighbor whose fingers moved faster than Wahl thought hers ever could. But she eventually learned, and crocheted afghans, blankets and doilies, as well as sewing quilts.

“Anything that strikes me,” she said.

She tries to make a dozen animals per month, choosing from a variety of about 30 patterns that include animals and a gingerbread boy and girl.

Her favorite one to make might be the llama, she said.

Each figure takes about two nights of work to complete, depending on how much time she has to work on it.

When she has enough, she takes them into the Development Office at Frederick Health Hospital, where they’re distributed to children and others who want one.

She said that she doesn’t actually see the children get the animals, but she takes satisfaction from knowing that she’s made someone’s life a little bit better. Anything that can bring some joy to a sick child is worth it, she said.

Wahl has lived in Frederick for more than 70 years.

“I grew up in the best of times,” she said. “And kids today don’t have that.”

She and her husband Gene owned two local businesses. He first opened a typewriter repair shop, which grew and transitioned into selling fax machines and other office equipment. When that business was sold, they started a copy machine dealership, which they sold in 2008.

When they retired, she needed ways to keep busy. Married for 54 years, she and her husband are both

Staff photos by Bill Green Cathy Wahl’s has a hobby she hopes is spreading joy. For more than two years, Wahl, 86, has been crocheting animals for children at Frederick Health Hospital, trying to bring a spark of joy to people in terrible circumstances.

Cathy Wahl

homebodies who don’t really like to travel. He does woodworking, and Wahl needed a hobby of her own.

She found that crocheting, knitting and sewing give her a calm feeling.

She also likes to keep active by walking two miles a day. Until a few years ago, she still moved the lawn with a push lawn mower.

“Age has nothing to do with anything. It’s just a number,” she said.

Some health problems and personal losses in recent months have slowed down her production of animals for the hospital, but she said she plans to keep at it as long as her body allows her to do it.

You’ve got to have a purpose in life,” she said, “and my purpose is to make someone happy.

You’ve got to have a purpose in life, and my purpose is to make someone happy.

CathyWahl

Cathy Wahl

A new Medicare proposal would cover training for family caregivers

BY JUDITH GRAHAM KFF HEALTH NEWS

Even with extensive caregiving experience, Patti LaFleur was unprepared for the crisis that hit in April 2021, when her mother, Linda LaTurner, fell out of a chair and broke her hip.

LaTurner, 71, had been diagnosed with early-onset dementia seven years before. For two years, she’d been living with LaFleur, who managed insulin injections for her mother’s Type 1 diabetes, helped her shower and dress, dealt with her incontinence, and made sure she was eating well.

In the hospital after her mother’s hip replacement, LaFleur was told her mother would never walk again. When LaTurner came home, two emergency medical technicians brought her on a stretcher into the living room, put her on the bed LaFleur had set up, and wished LaFleur well.

That was the extent of help LaFleur received upon her mother’s discharge. She didn’t know how to change her mother’s diapers or dress her since at that point LaTurner could barely move. She didn’t know how to turn her mother, who was spending all day in bed, to avoid bedsores. Even after an occupational therapist visited several days later, LaFleur continued to face caretaking tasks she wasn’t sure how to handle.

“It’s already extremely challenging to be a caregiver for someone living with dementia. The lack of training in how to care for my mother just made an impossible job even more impossible,” said LaFleur, who lives in Auburn, Washington, a Seattle suburb. Her mother

passed away in March 2022.

A new proposal from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services addresses this often-lamented failure to support family, friends, and neighbors who care for frail, ill, and disabled older adults. For the first time, it would

authorize Medicare payments to health care professionals to train informal caregivers who manage medications, assist loved ones with activities such as toileting and dressing, and oversee the use of medical equipment.

The proposal, which covers both

individual and group training, is a long-overdue recognition of the role informal caregivers — also known as family caregivers — play in protecting the health and well-being of older adults. About 42 million Americans provided unpaid care to people 50 and older in 2020, according to a much-cited report.

“We know from our research that nearly 6 in 10 family caregivers assist with medical and nursing tasks such as injections, tube feedings, and changing catheters,” said Jason Resendez, president and CEO of the National Alliance for Caregiving. But fewer than 30% of caregivers have conversations with health professionals about how to help loved ones, he said.

Even fewer caregivers for older adults — only 7% — report receiving training related to tasks they perform, according to a June 2019 report in JAMA Internal Medicine.

Nancy LeaMond, chief advocacy and engagement officer for AARP, experienced this gap firsthand when she spent six years at home caring for her husband, who had amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a neurological condition also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Although she hired health aides, they weren’t certified to operate the feeding tube her husband needed at the end of his life and couldn’t show LeaMond how to use it. Instead, she and her sons turned to the internet and trained themselves by watching videos.

“Until very recently, there’s been very little attention to the role of family caregivers and the need to support caregivers so they can be an effective part of the health delivery system,” she told me.

(See TRAINING 10)

Patti LaFleur/KFF Health News

Patti LaFleur’s mother, Linda LaTurner, moved into her home after her dementia progressed and care became complicated. “My mom had always been a very happy easygoing person. But she withdrew from social situations and cried a lot,” LaFleur says.

Annual Elder Expo returns with a wealth of information, resources

The annual Elder Expo will be held on Oct. 5 at Warehouse Cinemas. This event is not just for seniors but for adult children, caregivers, friends, faith communities and employers seeking information about older adults.

The growing aging population engages us all, and knowing that experts are available in Frederick County is important.

This year’s Expo includes 63 venders providing resources about services and knowledge related to seniors and caregivers.

The Expo is free and open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., with a free lunch for senior attendees. During the lunch, attendees will also have the opportunity to win door prizes.

Attendees will also be able to listen to 10 speakers throughout the day who will talk about Medicare, veteran services, volunteerism, scams, dementia, marijuana, and downsizing or moving.

Warehouse Cinemas is at 1301 W. Patrick St., Frederick. To learn more about the event, visit espcfrederick.com/ events.

Connect with local businesses that provide services related to aging and senior care at this year’s Elder Expo on Oct. 5. Shown here, John Maly reacts as he gets his annual flu shot from registered nurse Ladonna Brown at the event in 2016.

Staff file photo by Bill Green

TRAINING

(Continued from 8)

Several details of CMS’ proposal have yet to be finalized. Notably, CMS has asked for public comments on who should be considered a family caregiver for the purposes of training and how often training should be delivered.

As for the frequency of training, a onesize-fits-all approach isn’t appropriate given the varied needs of older adults and the varied skills of people who assist them, said Sharmila Sandhu, vice president of regulatory affairs at the American Occupational Therapy Association. Some caregivers may need a single session when a loved one is discharged from a hospital or a rehabilitation facility. Others may need ongoing training as conditions such as heart failure or dementia progress and new complications occur, said Kim Karr, who manages payment policy for AOTA.

When possible, training should be delivered in a person’s home rather than at a health care institution, suggested Donna Benton, director of the University of Southern California’s Family Caregiver Support Center and the Los Angeles Caregiver Resource Center. All too often, recommendations that caregivers get from health professionals aren’t easy to implement at home and need to be adjusted, she noted.

Nancy Gross, 72, of Mendham, New Jersey, experienced this when her husband, Jim Kotcho, 77, received a stem cell transplant for leukemia in May 2015. Once Kotcho came home, Gross was responsible for flushing the port that had been implanted in his chest, administering medications through that site, and making sure all the equipment she was using was sterile.

Although a visiting nurse came out and offered education, it wasn’t adequate for the challenges Gross confronted. “I’m not prone to crying, but when you think your loved one’s life is in your hands and you don’t know what to do, that’s unbelievably stressful,” she told me.

For her part, Cheryl Brown, 79, of San Bernardino, California — a caregiver for her husband, Hardy Brown Sr., 80, since he was diagnosed with ALS in 2002 — is skeptical about

Nancy Gross had to perform “nursing tasks I wasn’t prepared to do” when her husband, Jim Kotcho, came home after a stem cell transplant for leukemia. “Until you’re really into caregiving, you don’t know what your issues will be,” she says.

paying professionals for training. At the time of his diagnosis, doctors gave Hardy five years, at most, to live. But he didn’t accept that prognosis and ended up defying expectations.

Today, Hardy’s mind is fully intact, and he can move his hands and his arms but not the rest of his body. Looking after him is a full-time job for Cheryl, who is also chair of the executive committee of California’s Commission on Aging and a former member of the California State Assembly. She said hiring paid help isn’t an option, given the expense.

And that’s what irritates Cheryl about Medicare’s training proposal. “What I need is someone who can come into my home and help me,” she told me. “I don’t see how someone like me, who’s been doing this a very long time, would benefit from this. We caregivers do all the work, and the professionals get the money? That makes no sense to me.”

KFF Health News, formerly known as Kaiser Health News (KHN), is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs of KFF — the independent source for health policy research, polling and journalism.

Jim Kotcho/KFF Health Newss

FREE EVENT

28TH ANNUAL ELDER EXPO

October 5, 2023 • 9:00am - 2:00pm

Warehouse Cinemas Frederick

The Elder Services Provider Council (ESPC) is pleased to present the 28th Annual Elder EXPO. The Elder EXPO will premiere 63 vendors sharing resources and information concerning a wide range of topics. Attendees will be able to collect information on home care, legal services, nursing and assisted living, community health services, downsizing and realtors, home improvement, end of life planning and more.

The Elder EXPO will also provide several sessions for attendees to learn about such topics as Medicare, Veteran services, downsizing and moving, Frederick County services, as well as many more. Free lunch is available for seniors. Attendees who enjoy lunch will also have the ability to win door prizes drawn during each lunch seating.

The EXPO welcomes all to attend! This is not an event just for seniors, but for information seeking adult children, caregivers, friends, faith communities and employers. Our growing aging population engages us all and knowing that experts are available in Frederick County is very important.

2023 SPONSORS SCHEDULE 2023

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2023 • WAREHOUSE CINEMAS

From 9:00am to 2:00pm enjoy FREE ADMISSION and collect information on home care, legal services, nursing and assisted living, community health services, downsizing and realtors, home improvement and end of life planning from 63 vendors.

SPEAKER SCHEDULE

9:15am

Medicare 101 (Theatre 6)

Elleanor Williams, Service Navigator, Frederick County Division of Aging & Independence

Veteran Services (Theatre 7)

Kadena Williams & Elaine Scott, Shepherd Pratt

10:00am

Healthy Bodies, Healthy Brains (Theatre 6)

Nannette Tummers, Ed.D

Downsizing and Moving (Theatre 7)

John Newell, President of Graceful Transitions

11:15am

Frederick County Division of Aging and Independence (Theatre 6)

Kathy Schey, Division Director, Frederick County Division of Aging & Independence

Frederick County EMS: What to Know (Theatre 7)

Matt Burgan, FC EMS

12:15pm

Volunteer Opportunities (Theatre 6)

Steve Norris & Marc Miller, AmeriCorps Volunteers

Medical Marijuana (Theatre 7)

Jennifer Miller, Sweet Buds

1:00pm

Dementia (Theatre 6)

Megeen White, Greater MD Alzheimers Association

Senior Scams (Theatre 7)

Timothy Gilbert, MD State’s Attorney office

BOXED LUNCH FOR ATTENDEES

Lunch ticket received at entry TICKET ONE 11:00-11:45am

TICKET TWO Noon-12:45pm

TICKET THREE 1:00-1:45pm

EXPO COMMITTEE

CO-CHAIRS: CHRISTINA FORBES AND RAEANN BUTLER

Committee members: Hongwei Xu, Steve Norris, Bonnie Elliott, Megeen White, Troy Rudy, Lindsey McCormick, Leslie Sier, Lisa Flannery, Kris King and Courtney Posch

OCTOBER CALENDAR

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

Duckpin Bowling — 1-3 p.m. Thursdays, Walkersville Bowling Lanes, 44 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Walkersville. Recreational bowling. Participants pay for cost of bowling. Contact Gerald at 240-651-1865 or gvblessing@comcast.net.

Thursdays Bridge — 1 to 4 p.m., Spring Ridge Senior Apartments, call Judy at 336-662-2889. Reservations required.

Easy Hikes — As scheduled. Hikes offered April-June, SeptemberOctober (weather permitting). Meeting locations vary. Hike from 3 to 6 miles on terrain with good footing and little or no elevation change. The pace is adjusted to the speed of the group. Contact Kathy at kathyginsburg1106@ gmail.com.

Moderate Hikes — As scheduled. Hikes offered April-June, SeptemberOctober (weather permitting). Meeting locations vary. For more advanced hikers. May be 5-7 miles in length on uneven ground and hills. Contact Ray Rother, 301-662-6315 or crwords@ verizon.net.

Exercise — 8:50 to 10 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, William Talley Rec Center, 121 N. Bentz St., Frederick. $2 per session. Call Susan at 301-695-1785 or jsusan481@aol. com.

Talley SRC Book Group — 10:15 a.m. third Monday of the month, William R. Talley Rec Center, Classroom A (ground floor) 121 N. Bentz St., Frederick. Kathy at 908797-6539 or hkblackstone01@gmail. com.

Taney SRC Book Group — 2:30 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of the month, Frederick Senior Center, 1440 Taney Ave., Frederick. Mary Ann at 301-6626199 or mafoltz919@verizon.net.

Bicycling — As scheduled March through November, weather permitting. Helmets required. Rides vary. Kathy at 301-606-0064 or sailawayhr@comcast.net.

Staff file photo by Ric Dugan

Fall foliage starts to show its colors in Baker Park in October.

OCTOBER CALENDAR

OCT. 1

Bingo

Every Sunday evening for fun and community with weekly bingo games. All are welcome. Doors open at 5 p.m., games at 7 p.m. Food and beverages available for purchase.

Time: 5 to 10 p.m.

Location: Beth Sholom Congregation, 1011 N. Market St., Frederick.

Contact: 205-572-2907

OCT. 2

Duplicate Bridge Games

Also Oct. 9, 12 and 16. Frederick Bridge Club duplicate games allow you to hone your skills and make new, like-minded friends. All are welcome, no membership requirements. Need a partner? Contact our Player Representative, Karol McIntosh, at karolmcin@yahoo.com. $7.

Time: noon to 4 p.m.

Location: Church of the Transfiguration, 6909 Maryland Ave., Frederick

Contact: 301-254-4727 or bridgewebs.com/frederick

Frederick Health Hospice Program

Hospice is a program that provides comprehensive comfort, care, and support for people who are terminally ill and their families. This specialized service is a coordinated program of all Hospice disciplines involving physicians, nurses, social workers, nursing assistants, chaplains, volunteers, bereavement counselors and veteran liaisons. Presenter: Frederick Health Hospice. Free, preregister.

Time: 2 p.m.

Location: Online and hosted by Division of Aging and Independence Virtual 50+ Center

Contact: 301-600-1234 or VirtualSeniorCenter@ FrederickCountyMD.gov

OCT. 3

New to Medicare Workshop

Are you new to Medicare, or will be soon? Join us for an overview of Medicare. Trained State Health Insurances Program (SHIP) staff help Medicare beneficiaries, family members and caregivers understand Medicare benefits, bills and Medicare rights. Free, pre-register.

Time: 1 p.m.

Location: Online and hosted by Division of Aging and Independence Virtual 50+ Center

Contact: 301-600-1234 or VirtualSeniorCenter@ FrederickCountyMD.gov

Senior Basketball

No set teams, all skill levels welcome, just for fun and exercise. $2 per session. Also Oct. 10, 17 and 24.

Time: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Location: Walkersville Rec Center at Walkersville Elementary School, 83 W. Frederick St., Walkersville

Contact: 240-651-1865

OCT. 4

Soldiers in Skirts: Army Women in Vietnam

The U.S. Army Women’s Museum will lead you through the years of the Vietnam War, exploring women’s roles as they served their country as soldiers and nurses. Exploration takes place through newspapers, photographs, and oral testimonies about this period during the Cold War. Presenter: U.S. Army Women’s Museum.

Time: 2:30 p.m.

Location: Virtual 50+ Center

Contact: 301-788-1075 or VirtualSeniorCenter@ FrederickCountyMD.gov

OCT. 5

Elder Expo

Hosted by the Elder Services Provider

Council. For seniors and information seeking family members, caregivers, etc. 63 vendors providing resources about services and knowledge related to seniors and caregivers.

Free lunch for senior attendees, door prizes. 10 speakers on topics including Medicare, veteran services, volunteerism, scams, dementia, marijuana and downsizing or moving.

Time: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Location: Warehouse Cinemas, District 40 Complex, 1301 W. Patrick St., Frederick Contact: espc.frederick.com

OCT. 7

Frederick Community Health Fair

This annual event brings medical service providers, local businesses, organizations, and the community together for FREE medical screenings, food distribution, COVID-19 vaccinations, flu shots, family-friendly activities, and much more! Hosted by Asian American Center of Frederick and Frederick Health.

Time: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Location: Frederick High School, 650 Carroll Parkway, Frederick Contact: communications@aacfmd. org

OCT. 9

Medigap/Supplemental vs Advantage Plans

Learn more about these different

types of Medicare programs to help determine which type of program may be the best for you. Trained State Health Insurances Program (SHIP) staff help Medicare beneficiaries, family members and caregivers understand Medicare benefits, bills, and Medicare rights.

Time: 10 a.m.

Location: Online and hosted by Division of Aging and Independence Virtual 50+ Center

Contact: 301-600-1234 or VirtualSeniorCenter@ FrederickCountyMD.gov

Senior Services Advisory Board Meeting

Each month will have special guest speakers on topics of interest to the seniors in Frederick County. Check the SSAB’s Facebook page for the speakers each month. Free.

Time: 1 to 3 p.m.

Location: Bourne Building, 355 Montevue Lane, Frederic Contact: 301-639-8518

Staff file photo by Ric Dugan Bob and Jane Litterini walk by the fall foliage in Baker Park in the fall of 2022. The couple recently moved from Pittsburgh and walk around the park several days a week.

CALL US TODAY (301) 662-1997

OCTOBER CALENDAR

OCT. 10

Fundraiser Night for Pulling for Veterans

Mention Pulling for Veterans when placing your order. Roy Rogers will donate a percentage of sales to Pulling for Veterans to help us continue our mission of raising awareness for PTSD and Secondary PTSD and the 22 suicides today. We hope to see you there.

Enjoy the freedom and lifestyle you deserve!

Experience maintenance free living at Homewood. Call today to tour our patio homes, cottages or apartments

7407 Willow Road, Frederick MD 21702 301.732.6157

Time: 5 to 8 p.m.

Location: Roy Rogers Restaurant, 1990 Riverside Way, Frederick Contact: 240-446-3916 or pullingforveterans.org

OCT. 11

Bingo Night

Sponsored by St. Peter’s Knights of Columbus Council 13290. Cost is $20. Doors open at 6 p.m. Early bird games start at 6:30 p.m. and regular call starts at 7 p.m. Food and drink are available for purchase. Additional Purchases: Game Pack: $10, Early Bird Game: $1, 3 Game Sheet: $2, Jackpot Game: $2. Proceeds help fund our charitable programs for outreach to the parish and the community.

Time: 6 to 9 p.m.

Location: St. Peter Catholic Church, Sappington Hall, 9190 Church St., Libertytown (Union Bridge) Contact: 301-471-3533

OCT. 13

For 34 years, we’ve been enhancing our resident’s independent lifestyle as the only Maryland family-owned retirement community in Frederick County. That means that for over 30 years, our families have supported your family with long term leadership, reliable services, and quality care.

Circle of Friends: Memory Cafe Frederick County Senior Services Division and the Alzheimer’s Association memory Café offers a fun and relaxed way for people living with memory loss and their care partners to get connected with one another through social events that promote interaction and companionship. Free, pre-register.

Time: 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Location: Emmitsburg 50+ Community Center, 300 S. Seton Ave., Emmitsburg Contact: 301-600-6001

or CaregiverSupport@

FrederickCountyMD.gov

Bonanza Bingo

Doors open at 5 p.m., bingo starts at 7 p.m. 16 games with $300 payouts, 3 small jackpots of $500, 1 jackpot of $1,000. Kitchen and bar will be open. $40 per person, includes 9-pack of 20 games (except 50/50).

Time: 5 p.m.

Location: Brunswick Volunteer Fire Co., 1500 Volunteer Drive, Brunswick Contact: 301-305-0777

OCT. 17

Paint Party

It’s a party! A paint party! Gather your friends to socialize, create a beautiful picture to take home, and enjoy a light soup and salad supper. Instructor: Deanna Schaeffer. $35, pre-register.

Time: 2 p.m.

Location: Emmitsburg 50+ Center, 300 S. Seton Ave., Emmitsburg

Contact: 301-600-6350

or VirtualSeniorCenter@ FrederickCountyMD.gov

OCT. 18

Friends in Frederick Parkinson’s Disease Support Group

Speaker is the Baker Rehab Brain and Balance Center, topic is physical therapy benefits for people with Parkinson’s. Free.

Time: 1 p.m.

Location: Mount Pleasant Ruritan Club, 8101 Crum Road, Walkersville

Contact: 240-815-0080 or fifpdsg.org

Medicare Part D Open Enrollment

Questions about your Medicare Part D plan? Need to find a new Medicare Part D plan? Attend this do-it-yourself workshop!

Time: 1 p.m.

Location: Online and hosted by Division of Aging and Independence Virtual 50+ Center

Contact: 301-600-1234

or VirtualSeniorCenter@ FrederickCountyMD.gov

50+ Fall Prevention Strategies

197 Thomas Johnson Dr,Suite B Frederick, MD 21702

This presentation will help you identify your personal risk factors and provide a functional assessment. You will leave equipped with the personalized knowledge and skills to reduce your risk of falling so you can live a confident and active lifestyle.

Presented by Dr. Bernadette Schwai, Physical Therapist & Personal Trainer, Thrive Physical Therapy. Free.

Time: 1 to 2 p.m.

Location: Middletown Branch Library, 101 Prospect St., Middletown

Contact: 301-600-7560 or lgrackin@ frederickcountymd.gov

OCT. 19

Health Eating Patterns: Canned and Frozen Foods

Join Weis Dietitian Christina in learning about nutrition and healthy eating patterns. This presentation will be followed by a recipe demonstration that you may sample. Upon registration, please indicate if you have a food allergy. Presenter: Christina Pelletier, MS, RDN, LDN, Regional Dietitian, Weis Markets. Free, pre-register.

Time: 1 p.m.

Location: Brunswick 50+ Center, 12 E. A St., Brunswick

Contact: 301-834-8115 or VirtualSeniorCenter@ FrederickCountyMD.gov

OCT. 20

Groceries for Seniors

A free monthly distribution of seasonal produce, canned goods, and shelf stable products in a farmers market style setting. A free box lunch to the first 100 seniors. Additional resources and information. All Frederick County residents age 60+ with an income below $1600 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. Don’t forget your reusable shopping bag. Offered through Frederick County Division of Aging and Independence.

Time: Noon (and continues until all food is distributed)

Location: Frederick Senior Center, 1440 Taney Ave. Frederick

Contact: 301-600-1234 or DAI@

FrederickCountyMD.gov

OCT. 22

Health Department Rabies Vaccination Clinic

Rain or shine on a walk-in basis. Each vaccination is $10 and payable by cash or check only (no debit or credit cards). All dogs, cats, and ferrets 12 weeks old or older are welcome.

Time: 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Location: Brunswick Park, 655 E. Potomac St., Brunswick

Contact: 301-600-1717

OCT. 23

Fall Watercolor

Explore watercolor using the warm, rich color palette of autumn. Enjoy a relaxing creative experience. Beginners and returning students welcome. This is a 4-week class.

Instructor: Jeanne McDermott. $40, pre-register.

Time: 9:30 a.m.

Location: Frederick 50+ Center, 1440 Taney Ave., Frederick Contact: 301-600-3525, VirtualSeniorCenter@ FrederickCountyMD.gov or register http://frederickcountymdgov.3dcartstores.com

Medicare Part D Open Enrollment

Questions about your Medicare Part D plan? Need to find a new Medicare Part D plan? Attend this do-it-yourself workshop!

Time: 10 a.m.

Location: Online and hosted by Division of Aging and Independence Virtual 50+ Center

Contact: 301-600-1234 or VirtualSeniorCenter@ FrederickCountyMD.gov

Overdose Response Training

Opioid use has a significant impact on those who use, and their families and friends, and the community at large. The consequences can sometimes be fatal but there are actions that can be taken to save lives. In this training provided by the Frederick County Health Department participants will learn how to recognize, respond, and prevent an opioid overdose; how to administer Naloxone/Narcan; and how to identify and access resources for

family members, friends and loved ones. Free, Pre-register.

Time: 2 to 3 p.m.

Location: Virtual 50+ Center

Contact: 301-788-1075 or VirtualSeniorCenter@ FrederickCountyMD.gov

OCT. 24

Medicare Part D Open Enrollment

Questions about your Medicare Part D plan? Need to find a new Medicare Part D plan? Attend this do-it-yourself workshop! Free, Preregister.

Time: 5 p.m.

Location: Online and hosted by Division of Aging and Independence Virtual 50+ Center

Contact: 301-600-1234 or VirtualSeniorCenter@ FrederickCountyMD.gov

OCT. 25

Dessert with the Deputy Monthly presentation and discussion with Emmitsburg Resident Deputies of the Frederick County Sheriff’s

Department. Each month one or both resident deputies will provide education on a specific topic

(Scams, Driver & Pedestrian Safety, Home Security) followed by a question-and-answer session and general discussion. Come out to enjoy a snack and learn more about ways to be safe, our community, and the people who protect us. Free, drop-in.

Time: 3 p.m.

Location: Emmitsburg 50+ Center, 300 S. Seton Ave., Emmitsburg Contact: 301-600-6350 or VirtualSeniorCenter@ FrederickCountyMD.gov

Lost Worlds: The Real Dracula (Documentary)

In a country torn by bloody civil war, a young man seizes power. In his native tongue, he is called Dracula. This is not the vampire, Count Dracula, but a real historical figure: a Romanian prince. Join us in watching Season 1, Episode 10 of the HISTORY Channel series Lost Worlds. This is a documentary. Presenter: HISTORY — YouTube

Time: 2:30 p.m.

Location: Virtual 50+ Center Contact: 301-788-1075 or VirtualSeniorCenter@ FrederickCountyMD.gov

OCT. 26

Fresh Conversations: Nutrition Program

Do you want to discuss current nutrition and health topics and discover new ways to stay active and independent? Join us for this month’s gathering of Fresh Conversations: Beating the Silent Killer. This program is being offered through a partnership between the University of Maryland Extension and the Maryland Department of Aging.

Presenter: Joi Foss Vogin, Family and Consumer Sciences Agent, University of Maryland Extension.

Time: Noon

Location: Frederick 50+ Center, 1440 Taney Ave., Frederick. Also online @ Brunswick, Emmitsburg, Urbana, Virtual 50+ Center Contact: 301-600-3525 or VirtualSeniorCenter@

FrederickCountyMD.gov

Virtual Genealogy Lecture Series: Maryland Land Records

Presenter is Bonnie Leins. Via Zoom. Free.

Time: 7 p.m.

Location: Via Zoom

Contact: tinyurl.com/msfsajvy or 240818-1937

OCT. 27

Seniors in the Park: Halloween Party

Welcome fall with a fun-filled Halloween party that is more silly than scary. There will be games, maybe some tricks, and lots of treats, including a plated lunch and a storyteller. Costume contest is optional. $5, pre-register.

Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Location: Emmitsburg 50+ Center, 300 S. Seton Ave., Emmitsburg, hosted by Frederick County Division of Aging and Independence

Contact: 301-600-6350 or VirtualSeniorCenter@ FrederickCountyMD.gov

support clearer communication, including:

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

CLUES ACROSS

1. Flat tableland with steep edges

5. Byproduct of fire

10. Talked

12. Unique skill

14. Unembarrassed

16. Where teenagers go

18. Boxing’s GOAT

19. Used to anoint

20. Reproductive structure found in rust fungi

22. Auburn great Newton

23. Some are for Christmas

25. Dried, split pulses

26. Self

27. Where to get your mail

28. High schoolers’ test

30. Flightless bird

31. Expectorated

33. Practice of misrepresenting the truth

35. Type of patch

37. French river

38. Told on

40. Hillside

41. Peyton’s little brother

42. Soviet Socialist Republic

44. Progressive country musician

45. Witness

48. Brews

50. Yellowish-brown

52. Arctic explorers (abbr.)

53. Mexican agave

55. Type of “cast”

56. Popular breakfast food

57. Atomic #52

58. Position north or south of the equator

63. Gadget

65. Another recording

66. Irregular bulges in cell membranes

67. Dark brown CLUES DOWN

1. Licensed for Wall Street

2. Partner to flow

3. A very large body of water

4. Accumulate on the surface of

5. Central cores of stems

6. Angry

7. Spanish stew: __ podrida

8. Fastened with a pin

9. On your way: __ route

10. Soviet labor camp system

11. Enmities

13. B complex vitamin

15. Go quickly

17. Toast

18. A team’s best pitcher

21. Philly culinary specialty

23. Small child

24. Unhappy

27. Trims away

29. Full of tears

32. Touch softly

34. Former OSS

35. A person’s chest

36. Came from behind 39. Fall back

40. Nellie __, journalist

43. A part of a river where the current is very fast

44. Weather

46. Sports broadcaster Ian

47. Electroencephalograph

49. Phenyl salicylate

51. Web of Things

54. Ship goods as cargo

59. The bill in a restaurant

60. Young female

61. OJ trial judge

62. One’s grandmother

64. West Siberian river

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