Elders take action on climate
Leslie Wharton is a self-proclaimed introvert, too shy in college to go to Vietnam protests. Although she went on to a long career as a law firm litigator and at the Securities and Exchange Commission, she never pictured herself as an activist. But when Wharton, now 72 and living in Bethesda, Md., took a sabbatical in 2007, she started reading about climate change and began to look... READ MORE
Enjoy being a student again — Howard County Edition
As the kids go back to school this fall, you can almost smell those new pencils and feel the excitement of learning something new. Many older adults in Howard County return to school this time of year, too. Hundreds of classes in our area are affordable or even free for older adults, and they’re available online or in person. Lifelong students say these classes introduce... READ MORE
Enjoy being a student again — Baltimore Edition
As the kids go back to school this fall, you can almost smell those new pencils and feel the excitement of learning something new. Many older adults in Baltimore return to school this time of year, too. Hundreds of classes in our area are affordable or even free for older adults, and they’re available online or in person. Lifelong students say these classes introduce them to new... READ MORE
‘Big Tree Man’ branches out
Do you have a favorite tree? Joe Howard, known as the “Big Tree Man,” does. Howard, 93, leads popular “tree tours” several times a year, giving the public a close-up look at some of the biggest, oldest trees in Montgomery County, Maryland. For example, he gives his groups a peek at the “triple-trunk tulip,” a massive tulip tree with three trunks, located on private... READ MORE
Running a gym is a family affair
The prospect of owning a small business presented a tantalizing world of opportunities for the Zahor family. So, this spring, wielding a plan — eyes wide open — they stepped into the arena and bought an existing Fitness Together franchise not far from their home in Ellicott City. The Denver-based company, which specializes in personal fitness training conducted in private studios,... READ MORE
Put your lips together and blow
Janice Ford, 70, a retired Baltimore and Howard County public school art teacher, spends one or two afternoons each week glassblowing at McFadden Art Glass, located just off I-95 in East Baltimore. “I found out that age does not limit you at all,” she said. “Extraordinary strength is not needed for blowing glass through a metal tube.” All that is needed, Ford said, “is the... READ MORE
Foodies grow and see green
Many of our grandparents made food from scratch — such as jam, biscuits, applesauce, even whiskey. Today, some local entrepreneurs over 50 are confirming that it’s possible to do it and even make a living at it. With a mindset of “If you can’t find it on the grocery shelves, make it yourself,” these enterprising older adults have built robust businesses making and selling... READ MORE
A great time to explore classes
Although retiree Janet Ameen-Lee had paddled a canoe as a child, she was anxious about getting in a kayak when visiting Centennial Lake with other members of Howard County’s Encore Adventures Kayaking Club. “I was nervous the first time. I even used my inhaler,” said Ameen-Lee, who lives in Columbia. But with encouragement from an instructor and other club participants, she... READ MORE
Helping those with disabilities
In 1983, a group of Maryland parents who wanted better services for their children with intellectual and developmental disabilities founded a nonprofit called Target Community & Educational Services. The late Milton M. Harris of Lutherville was one of those parents. He and his wife, the late Mary Charlotte Wooden Harris, sought a better life for their youngest daughter, Linda Ann,... READ MORE
Foster a mutual sense of worth
Whether we remember the taste of Grandma’s pies or the smell of Grandpa’s cigars, most of us recall our parents’ parents with fondness. After all, they seemed to love us unconditionally — and even spoiled us a little. Some older adults in our area are stepping up to act as grandparents to children in need. And so far, they’re finding that the time they spend with children as... READ MORE
Cover Stories 2024
