Last week, I missed providing some information about returning veterans I had promised to mention. From a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Ellicott City, I received word that returning military have need of clothes so they can go on job interviews suitably dressed.

He thought many of seniors have such attire hanging in their closets and would not mind donating them to the VFW Yingling Ridgely Post 7472 to make them available to those returning military. He emphasized the clothing must be in good condition and asked that suits and jackets be on hangers, shirts, ties and pants boxed or bagged. The VFW is also looking for summer clothing.

To arrange a donation, call Jim Soterlis at 410-203-1774.

With the upcoming anniversary celebration at the Ellicott City Senior Center Wednesday, May 21, of course there had to be some sprucing up of the facility. It was decided that the Great Room, where the party activities will be held, needed to be painted. That has been accomplished, and it's a very nice job.

But, to me, the Activity Room, with its soft rose, looked good enough for me to think that it was done too. I was fooled; guess we just treat it well.

Everyone is looking forward to the anniversary party. "We're going to have fun" is the staff's and council's view. Other than the Ellicott City Senior Center Director Carla Buehler, "Lady Velva," the Senior Council president, is the only current member who remembers the opening so many years ago.

So, though this month is extraordinarily busy with the May 14 annual Older Americans Day at Ten Oaks Ballroom, in Clarksville, in addition to the usual Senior Center's activities, such as the weekly "Friday Flicks," the annual Mount View Middle School's Jazz Band May 23 and the monthly Bingo & Birthdays Party May 27. Remember, all the centers also closed May 26, in observation of Memorial Day.

About the Friday Flicks, they are: "Dan in Real Life," 1 p.m, May 23; and "I Am Legend" at 1 p.m. on May 30.

As one of the many NSA retirees in the area, I was especially interested in the Phoenix Society's announcement about the new 2008 NSA Commemorative Coin. It's about the size of a silver dollar and comes in a sealed plastic case. The cost is $15, and, as an NSA retiree you may send a check to the Phoenix Society, P.O. Box 64, Annapolis Junction, MD 20701, but be sure to include the name and address of the person receiving the coin. Also, don't forget the annual Phoenix Society appreciation luncheon, June 13, at Timbuktu Restaurant. For more information, call 301-688-6413.

If you received at least $3,000 in Social Security income last year, but did not file your income tax, have you checked about filing the tax stimulus form to recieve your check of the amount due you?

If you have questions, call 410-313-5980, to determine who might help you fill out the form and where. I understand there are volunteers, or are training a person, for the different senior centers.

The Office on Aging announced the 10th anniversary of the 50+EXPO to be held at the Wilde Lake High School in Columbia Oct. 17. There will be more than 140 exhibitors, a health fair, flu shots to be given, educational seminars and all-day entertainment, featuring the Capitol Steps and Milkshake. For more information, call 410-313-6410. For those interested in being an exhibitor, call 410-531-5472 or e-mail Lorrie Diener at LDiener@howardcountymd.gov.

COGS monthly meeting: May 28, 8:30-10 a.m., Somerford Place, 8220 Snowden River Parkway, Columbia. The speaker will be Michael R. Lachance, the legislative liaison for the Department of Aging, who will be updating attendees on the elderly care issues discussed at the most recent General Assembly, in Annapolis. For more information, call Lisa Hasch at 410-997-0610 or e-mail info@cogsmd.org.

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