Gardening course
An "Introduction to Square-Foot Gardening" will be offered from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays, Feb. 21, and 28, at the Pascal Senior Activity Center, 125 Dorsey Road in Glen Burnie. Students will learn the "10 Basics of Square-Foot Gardening," a small-space, high-yield method using raised beds and a soil-less growing medium. Extending your growing season, protecting your crops from cold and critters, making a square-foot garden for those with limited mobility and vertical gardening are among the topics to be discussed. The cost is $20 and includes materials. For registration or information, call 410-222-6680.
Trips for 2012
Members of the Annapolis Senior Activity Center can stop by the trip desk for a preview of 2012 outings and make reservations and deposits. Trips include "Journey of Hope" to Gettysburg, Pa., and a visit to Washington to see the cherry blossoms, followed by a luncheon cruise. Information: 410-222-1818.
Tax returns
Trained volunteers will be available through April 5 at the O'Malley Senior Activity Center, 1275 Odenton Road in Odenton, to assist seniors with federal and state tax preparation. Appointments are available Monday-Friday. Information: 410-222-6227.
Support groups
The Department of Aging and Disabilities has revised and updated a booklet on community support groups. Information in the booklet focuses on groups for care giving, Alzheimer's disease, bereavement for adults and children, diabetes, brain injury, cancer, stroke, cardiac and pulmonary problems, Parkinson's, and bowel and urinary diversions. The booklet is free and available at the department, 2666 Riva Road, fourth floor, Annapolis or online at aacounty.org/aging/resources/community_support_groups.pdf. Information: 410-222-4257.
Residents' rights
Brochures on residents' rights in nursing homes and assisted-living facilities and another brochure on the ombudsman program protecting those residents are available from the Department of Aging and Disabilities. The brochures are titled "Resident's Rights in Nursing Homes/Rehabilitation Centers in Maryland," "Resident's Rights in Assisted Living Facilities in Maryland" and "Ombudsman: Your Resident Advocate." Information: 410-222-4464 or aacounty.org/aging.
Senior services
The Anne Arundel County Department of Aging and Disabilities has published its 2011-2012 edition of "Services for Seniors, Adults with Disabilities and Caregivers." The directory includes information on rental and housing assistance, legal help, county social services benefits and caregiver information. Free copies are available at the department's headquarters, 2666 Riva Road, fourth floor, Annapolis; the seven senior activity centers; county libraries; at CVS, Food Lion and WaWa stores; and online at http://www.aacounty.org/aging. Information: 410-222-4257.
Senior housing
Information on assisted-living homes and other housing options for seniors has been updated on the county Department of Aging and Disabilities website at http://www.aacounty.org/aging.
Calendar
The following activities will be offered at the Annapolis Senior Activity Center, 119 S. Villa Ave. Information: 410-222-1818:
Leap Year party celebrating the center's African-American heritage takes place at 12:30 p.m. Feb. 29. Refreshments will be served.
The following activities will be offered at the Arnold Senior Activity Center, 44 Church Road. Information: 410-222-1922:
Massage therapist Bonnie Pavlak offers free 10-minute back, neck, and hand massages from 10 a.m. to noon Monday, Feb. 27.
Scrabble Challenge your brain by playing Scrabble, 12:45 p.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays. New participants are welcome.
Memoir writing A course on autobiographical writing meets from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays. There will be an opportunity to learn listening and interviewing skills, writing tips and proofreading. Registration required.
The following activities will be offered at the Brooklyn Park Activity Center, 202 Hammonds Lane. Information: 410-222-6847:
Heart attack From 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 22, J.J. Beckwith of the county Department of Health will talk about the signs and symptoms of a heart attack and how they are different between men and women.
Health insurance A representative from the Senior Health Insurance Program is available by appointment to discuss health insurance concerns at the Arnold Senior Activity Center. Appointments and information: 410-222-1922.
The following activities will be offered at the O'Malley Senior Activity Center, 1270 Odenton Road, Odenton. Information: 410-222-6227:
Diabetes A representative from Anne Arundel Medical Center give a presentation at 10:45 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 28, on diabetes awareness and available resources. Signs and symptoms of diabetes, taking precautionary measures, and short term complications will be discussed.
Quilt Club Participants can help one another with projects and learn ideas and techniques every Friday at 1 p.m. at the O'Malley Annex. Machines are available. New members welcome.
The following activities will be offered at the South County Senior Activity Center, 27 Stepneys Lane, Edgewater. Information: 410-222-1927 or 410-798-4802.
"Fashion with Flair," a fashion show and tea, will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 22. Bring your own teacup and maybe win a prize.
Single seniors group The Single Seniors Group encourages companionship, support and group participation in activities such as movies, dances, picnics and tours. Information: 410-222-6680 or http://www.aacounty.org/aging and click on the senior center.