Joe Carta's sultry voice and a Mexican feast containing tacos, taco salad, fiesta rice, refried beans and homemade flan was the order of the day at the Glenwood Senior Center's Cinco De Mayo celebration. Jane Ridgely liked all of Carta's songs and said the program was "very nice." Jane Hardesty and Esther Clement (who enjoys spicy food) were looking forward to trying the Mexican food. Tom Clement called the program "unique."

The Older Americans' Day Caribbean Luncheon at Ten Oaks Ballroom May 14 brought out the calypso rhythms of Orlando Phillips and many a smile to the faces of the seniors from around the county. Catherine Dorsey, of West Friendship, was awed with the tropical decorations and meal consisting of grilled chicken with mango chutney, confetti rice, tropical fruit parfait and tropical fruit drinks. Dorothy Bowman, of Lisbon, was energized by the Golden Girls' dance routines. Darleen Summerfield, of Dayton, was inspired by County Executive Ken Ulman's welcome address and the joyous atmosphere. Eileen Buckholtz, the new Senior Council chairperson, called the day's program "Very entertaining. Orlando Phillips' music reminds me of the Caribbean."

Lois Mikkila, deputy director of the Department of Citizen Services, said "What a nice way to honor our senior citizens. The entertainment was energizing, and the food was wonderful!" Shelley Garten, assistant administrator for the Office on Aging, said "This event is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the vitality of older Americans. The day also kicks off a month long celebration of older Americans at the various senior centers."

Aside from Glenwood seniors being present, seniors from the Bain, Elkridge, East Columbia, Longwood, Guilford, Savage and Ellicott City (which celebrated its 20th anniversary May 21) centers were also present. In addition, members from Winter Growth and the ARC of Howard County were in attendance. The event was made possible by the Office on Aging, the Department of Citizen Services, Home Instead, River Hill Garden Center and numerous volunteers.

Back at the Glenwood Center, the celebrations continue. Celebrating birthdays during the month of May are Anita Hardin, Marshall Mundy, Lisbel Romero, Dennis Lemmon, Marilyn Matthias, Karen Vincent, Lily Mulherin, Harold Yaskovich, Jean Hall, Judy Miller, Walter Merten, Arleen Taylor, Gladys Taylor, Martha Mattheis, Catherine Mulinski, Karol Tash, Robert Scoville, Patricia Stuehler and Elizabeth VanNorman. Happy Birthday to all!

Of the many historical programs that have become popular is the Civil War Series offered by the Western Howard County Senior Council and the Maryland Humanities Council. The next presentation will be held June 18 at 10 a.m. Brett Spaulding will present "Mission Impossible: The Point Lookout Operation." This mission was devised to rescue Confederate prisoners held at the Union-controlled Point Lookout prison.

Spaulding was born in Altoona, Pa., and attended Penn State University, where he received his degree in geography with a minor in history. He is a park ranger at Monocacy National Battlefield and continues to research Civil War topics.

Mark your calendars for Glenwood's Health & Fitness Day on Wednesday, May 28, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Various health screenings and wellness demonstrations will be presented.

A practical session entitled CARFIT will be offered for senior adults June 4, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at Centennial Park (west side). At this session, you can find out how the fit of your vehicle affects driving and adapt your vehicle to your changing needs.

Also, be sure to spread the word on Glenwood's Relay For Life June 20, from 6 p.m. until the following morning. For more information on Relay For Life, go to www.events.cancer.org/rflwesternhoward.

If you are able to volunteer prior or during the event, call Betty Frey at 410-313-5440.

For information on programs or events, call 410-313-5440 or go to www.glenwoodseniorcenter.org.

E-mail Shyami Codippily Murphy at shyami1@comcast.net.

user comments (0)