SeniorZone is the new Harford County Public Library Website for Older Adults 60+.

On this site you will find information about the services we offer the older community, links to websites that relate to health, family, legal issues, and more. You can read a review of a new book in large print or on CD, find out about volunteering at your library, or find a program to educate and entertain.

Discover what a wide variety of activities, materials and services your library has to offer.

The Silver Reader is enjoying its third year.

Silver Reader continues to visit senior housing locations, senior centers, assisted living and long term care facilities for one year and we have met so many wonderful folks!  When a customer comments, “This is great because I don't drive anymore and can't get to a library ”or “I always find something good to read here,” we are delighted.  After all, it is our goal to provide the quality services of Harford County Public Library, but to make them available where a growing number of seniors can access them conveniently and safely. It is has been a pleasure to assist customers in using the on-board computers, to help over 30 individuals in assisted living adult medical day care and long term care to participate in the Winter Reading Program and, of course, to loan a huge variety of books, audio books, CDs and DVDs.  We currently visit 20 locations and look forward to expanding our service in the year ahead. Thanks to all, especially our great customers, for making this service a success….and lots of fun! Thanks to all, especially our great customers, for making this service a success….and lots of fun!
Katherine Clipp
Silver Reader Librarian

Has Spring really arrived? Take advantage of some outdoor activities !

Lincoln Memorial…a short drive to our nation’s capitol:
2008 marks the 86th anniversary of the dedication of the Lincoln Memorial. The cornerstone having been laid in 1915, it was dedicated on May 30, 1922. The memorial is made of marble from Colorado and Tennessee and limestone from Indiana. The famous sculpture of “Seated Lincoln” by Daniel Chester French stands in West Potomac Park in Washington, D.C. This is perhaps one of the most recognizable and inspirational of the many monuments in our nation’s capitol, the site of many historic events and a destination for millions of visitors each year.
May provides some beautiful weather and you may be able to make a trip to Washington yourself. Perhaps it has been some time since you have enjoyed the sights and activities there.
If you are looking for some events closer to home, why not try these?

BEL AIR COMMUNITY BAND CONCERT
Sunday, May 4, 3pm
C. Milton Wright High School
Popular concert band music for all ages. Sponsored by Harford Community College. Free.

SECRET GARDEN TOUR
Saturday, May 17
Havre de Grace Maritime Museum, 100 Lafayette Street Havre de Grace
Celebrate spring with a lovely tour of some of Havre de Grace’s beautiful gardens. Get a rare chance to visit some exclusive landscaped yards and gardens throughout the city. See what’s blooming, discover a variety of landscaping methods, learn about planting with herbs, plus enjoy a floral art show at the museum. Admission $15 in advance, $20 at the door.
For additional information, please call 410.939.4800
Website: http://www.hdgMaritimeMuseum.org

MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY
Monday, May 26, 11am
Hickory Ave. and Lee Way, Bel Air
Patriotic program honoring the men and women of the United States Armed Forces killed in all wars. There will be a Color Guard and Fly-over. Wreaths presented by each of the branches of the Armed Forces.
For additional information, please call 410.303.8138.

May News and Notes:

May is Older Americans Month “Working Together for Strong, Healthy and Supportive Communities 2008”
Since 1963, May has been designated each year as a time to honor the contributions of seniors throughout the nation. The theme of the 2008 celebration is “Working Together for Strong, Healthy and Supportive Communities 2008.”
You can find more information about Older Americans Month from the Department of Health and Human Services Administration on Aging at http://www.aoa.gov/about/about.asp

Here are some interesting facts from the U.S. Census:
The number of people 65 and older in the United States on July 1, 2006 (this age group accounted for 12 percent of the total population): 37.3 million

Projected population of people 65 and older in 2050. People in this age group would comprise 21 percent of the total population at that time: 86.7 million

Estimated number of people 65 and older who are military veterans: 9.1 million

Number of people 66 and older taking adult education courses, comprising about 8 percent of these students: 7.3 million

Percentage of citizens 65 and older registered to vote in the 2004 presidential election. Seventy-one percent of citizens in this age group reported actually casting a ballot: 79%

Estimated number of centenarians in the United States on Nov. 1, 2007 84,331
Projected number of centenarians in the United States in 2040. 580,605

What's On in Harford County

From the Harford County Calendar of Events
For more events and information go to
http://www.harfordcountymd.gov/calendar.cfm

Reminder: County offices will be closed on Monday, May 26 for the Memorial Day Holiday

JOHN CARROLL SCHOOL COUNTRY & CRAFT FAIR (May 2-4)

Friday 4-8pm; Saturday 10am-8pm; Sunday 9am-4pm
John Carroll School Campus, Bel Air
Crafts, booths, food and rides. Sponsored by John Carroll School Parent Association.
For additional information, please call 410.879.2840.

OUTDOOR CONCERT TO WELCOME SPRING
Saturday, May 3, 6:30-8:30pm
Havre de Grace Maritime Museum, 100 Lafayette Street Havre de Grace
Featuring Tom Lewis. Enjoy an entertaining evening of music with Tom Lewis of British Columbia. If you like songs and stories of the sea, new and old, Tom brings his famous and unique style to Havre de Grace. Also performing are Charlie Quesenberry and Brad McClary with their "pirate-style entertainment". FREE of charge. Snacks and beverages available. Family -friendly; located under the tent near the promenade.
For additional information, please call 410.939.4800
Website: http://www.hdgmaritimemuseum.org

BLACKSMITH DEMONSTRATION AT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Sunday, May 4, 2:30pm
Historical Society's, 143 N. Main St., Bel Air - on the Larking Lot
The Historical Society's annual spring program/meeting will be presented by Seth Barchowski demonstrating blacksmithing.
Followed by a hearty tea served indoors ($12 each)
Please call 410.734.6894 by April 19th for tea reservations

HANDBAG BINGO
Friday, May 9, Doors Open 6pm, Games Begin 7pm
Jarrettsville Volunteer Fire Co., 3825 Federal Hill Rd., Jarrettsville, MD
Tickets $12 each in advance, $15 at door
All must have ticket to enter
Refreshments, Door Prizes, food
Proceeds to benefit the Jarrettsville Volunteer Fire Company.
For information, please call Terry Kurtz 410.692.9644 or Jennifer Eckard 410.893.7247

MOTHER'S DAY TEA PARTY
Sunday, May 11
Havre de Grace Maritime Museum, 100 Lafayette Street Havre de Grace
Celebrate Mother’s Day with a traditional English tea ceremony. Also learn about native plant use. Admission is $5 for museum members and the fee is $7.50 for everyone else. Family rates available.
For additional information, please call 410.939.4800
Website: http://www.hdgMaritimeMuseum.org

WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY 101
Saturday, May 24, 9am-3pm
Eden Mill Nature Center, 1617 Eden Mill Rd. Pylesville, MD
The Piedmont Learning Center at Eden Mill Nature Center will be offering this course for ages 18 and older. The fee for the course is $35.00 for members or $45.00 for non-members. Learn the art of wildlife photography. We will spend some time in the classroom becoming more familiar with cameras and techniques used by photographers. Then we will adventure out into the field; learning how to track and observe wildlife in order to capture those breathtaking shots! Course taught by Matt Button, Photography Editor and Photographer at the Aegis newspaper and Frank Marsden, Wildlife Photographer and Naturalist at Eden Mill Nature Center. Be sure to bring your cameras! Pre-registration is REQUIRED.
To register or for additional information, please call 410.836.3050. or Email: eden_mill@hotmail.com
Check out our website for up-to date information.

For more information about senior activity centers or any of the great Office on Aging services, please contact us:http://www.harfordcountymd.gov/services/aging/

Senior Center Book Discussion Groups for May

McFaul Activity Center: Monday, May 5 at 1:00
Luncheon of the Boating Party by Susan Vreeland

Havre de Grace Activity Center: Thursday, May 1 at 1:00
Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

Edgewood Senior Center: Tuesday, May 27 at 10:30
Peony in Love by Lisa See

Other Senior Center News

Keep in mind that Harford County senior centers will be closed on Monday, May 26 in observance of the Memorial Day holiday.

Aberdeen Senior Center
7 Franklin Street
Aberdeen, MD 21001
410-273-5666

Friday, May 9 10:00-2:00 Resource Fair. We’d like to take this opportunity to introduce the public to the wide variety of services in our community. Display tables will be set up and representatives will be on hand to provide information and answer questions you may have.

Tuesday, May 13 1:00 “Giving Wisely” This in formative program is presented by the state’s attorney’s office and will give valuable guidance on this important subject. This event is free.

Friday, May 16 1:00 “Tea and Fashion Show” Please call or stop by the center to learn more about this special activity.

Edgewood Senior Center
1000 Gateway Road
Edgewood, MD 21040
Phone: (410) 612-1622

Monday, May 5 10:00-12:00 Blood pressure screening
9:00-1:00 Osteoporosis screening

Tuesday, May 6 1:00-2:00 Celebrity Singer: Eileen Chaffee
This presentation is free but admission is by reservation only. Call or stop by the center for more details.

Tuesday, May 13 12:30 SALT …..no, we don’t mean the seasoning you put on your food. SALT stands for Seniors and Law Enforcement Together. Join us for an overview of this valuable program.

Tuesday, May 13 1:00 Ice Cream Social. Make a reservation (required) to attend this free social. Summer is on the way….get in the spirit with ice cream!

Tuesday, May 27 10:00-12:00 “Clean Car Clinic” Precision Tune will provide inspect your vehicle and advise you about anything that should be done to keep you safe and keep your in good working order. There is no fee for this but reservations must be made in advance to take advantage of this service. Call or come by the center to reserve your spot.

McFaul Senior Center
Monday, May 5 1:00-3:00 Spring Dance. Time to kick up your heels. “JJ and Friends” will be on hand with the drum, saxophone and keyboard ensemble that has been so popular. The event is free but you are encouraged to sign up in advance.

Monday, May 12 10:30 “Is your TV in Jeopardy?” Karen Winkowski from the Office on Aging will be on hand to discuss the upcoming changes to digital broadcasting. Learn what impact this will have on you and your current TV viewing system. This is a free event.

Tuesday, May 13 10:30 Giving Wisely: Mr. Brian R. Moe, Maryland Deputy Secretary of State, will present a program to guide you in making decisions about financial donations. This is free.

Monday, May 19 “Feeling Fine After 59” Blue Cross/Blue Shield will sponsor 3 screening stations in the gym. Participants can sign up for health observations to be conducted through the day.

Thursday, May 22 10:00-11:30 Bocce Exhibit – Court Dedication. The new bocce court in the patio area of McFaul Center will be dedicated to the memory of former member, Angelo Grossi. This is sponsored by the ARC organization. Everyone is welcome to this special recognition event.

Highland Senior Center
708 Highland Road
Street, MD 21154
410-638-3605

Please call the center for the latest information about activities

Havre de Grace Activity Center
351 Lewis Lane
Havre de Grace, MD 21078
Phone: (410) 939-5121

Tuesday, May 6 1:00 Card-Making Workshop. Get in touch with your creative side. Learn how to make attractive greeting cards. Pre-registration is requested so materials can be obtained. The cost for this workshop is $5.00 for 3 cards. Participants can pay the instructor at the time of the workshop.

Thursday, May 8 1:30 Between the generation: Havre de Grace Elementary School Pre-K children will visit for the afternoon. There will be a story time, snack and opportunity to do some planting with the children.

Tuesday, May 13 Mother’s Day Pampering Party begins at 11:00. It will be followed with a special luncheon. Suggested donation for the luncheon is $1.75 for participants over 60 and $3.50 for participants age 50-59. Call the center to reserve your place.

Wednesday, May 21 10:00-12:00 “Clean Car Clinic” Precision Tune will provide inspect your vehicle and advise you about anything that should be done to keep you safe and keep your in good working order. There is no fee for this but appointments are limited and must be made in advance. Call or come by the center to reserve your spot.