Putting on a show for charity

By Carol Sorgen
Posted on April 21, 2017

Judy Kahl, Jody Duke, and Deb Wilson rehearse for the Paint and Powder Club’s upcoming performance on June 2 and 3. The club, which was founded in 1893 and puts on shows to benefit charity, is thought to be the oldest of its kind in the United States.Photo by Jason SaulerBaltimore has many nicknames, including the “city of firsts,” with such claims to fame as the first... READ MORE

Novels help heal war’s trauma

By Robert Friedman
Posted on April 03, 2017

For Ellicott City resident Tom Glenn, 80, “Not to write would be to accept damnation. If I gave up writing, my spiritual life would come to an end. I would be a husk, and cease to be a human being.”For Glenn, you see, writing is not only a compulsion — “I’ve been writing since I was 6 years old” — but also a therapy. It eases the post-traumatic... READ MORE

Getting up to speed on tech

By Carol Sorgen
Posted on March 20, 2017

Can’t get to your granddaughter’s ballet recital in person? Wonder what happened to your best friend from high school? Want to start your Christmas shopping? It’s all there waiting for you, thanks to the world of technology. “If you can think of it, it will be on your iPad,” said Cathy Milando, 77, a Perry Hall resident. Thanks to technology classes offered at the Seven Oaks ... READ MORE

It’s never too late to get healthy

By Barbara Ruben
Posted on March 06, 2017

A few years ago, Gertie Elam lost her job as a federal contractor, and soon after that had surgery for colon cancer. “It was a very difficult time in my life. I was so stressed, not getting enough sleep, worrying about what would happen,” said Elam, who lives in Suitland, Md. A friend at church suggested Elam join a support group she co-facilitated called Prime Time Sister Circles ... READ MORE

Women named to Hall of Fame

By Jamie Lee Pricer
Posted on February 27, 2017

Without exception, the five women who will be inducted into Howard County’s Women’s Hall of Fame in March credit others for the support and encouragement that led to their success.The county’s Commission on Women has inducted its honorees each year as part of Women’s History Month since 1996. The women are heralded for their community service. “Once again, I am so impressed by... READ MORE

Shall we dance? Absolutely!

By Carol Sorgen and Danielle Rexroad
Posted on February 20, 2017

Christine and Lee Gedansky began ballroom dancing lessons in 1991 in preparation for their wedding. Unlike most couples, though, they never stopped dancing.In 2002, they decided to establish their own dance studio, Beginning Ballroom, “to bring real dancing to real people,” said Lee, who will soon turn 50.Throughout their marriage, the Gedanskys have continued dancing, taking... READ MORE

Taking a chance on romance

By Barbara Ruben
Posted on February 06, 2017

Hillary Finkel discovered “it was a whole new world out there” when she decided to try online dating four years after her husband passed away — swiping right or left, catphishing, photo editing apps that make people look 10 years younger. Finkel considers herself lucky that she didn’t encounter anyone who had created a fictional persona, the definition of catphishing, and... READ MORE

Opposing views on immigration

By Robert Friedman
Posted on January 30, 2017

Should Howard County become a “sanctuary” for immigrants, where county employees, including police and other law enforcers, would be barred from volunteering to work with federal officials on immigration matters or inquiring about the immigration status of those they encounter in their official duties? That’s the hot topic question that county officials and residents alike are... READ MORE

Many upsides to downsizing

By Carol Sorgen
Posted on January 23, 2017

Roberta and Ira Greenstein had never lived in a city. So when they started to consider downsizing four years ago, they thought downtown Baltimore might be just the spot for them. In short order they sold their four-bedroom Columbia home, purchased a two-bedroom condominium in Fells Point, and have wholeheartedly embraced this new stage in their lives. While many people have intense... READ MORE

Still smokin’ after all these years

By Rebekah Alcalde
Posted on January 11, 2017

When William “Smokey” Robinson, Jr. was a young boy, his godfather Claude nicknamed him “Smokey Joe” since they both loved cowboy films. In his early teens, he shortened it to “Smokey.” Though his dreams of the Wild West had faded, he still loved the nickname.Now 76, the singer, songwriter and producer was recently in Washington, D.C. to receive the... READ MORE