‘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
Recalling a beloved puppeteer
“As children, we all live in a world of imagination, of fantasy, and for some of us, that world of make-believe continues into adulthood.” These words by the late puppeteer Jim Henson set the stage for an immersive museum experience into his enduring entertainment legacy. Henson’s remarkable contributions to pop culture will be showcased at “The Jim Henson Exhibition:... READ MORE
Honoring a woman of purpose
When Ify Nwabukwu came to the U.S. from Nigeria at age 25, her dream was to become a physician. She studied at several colleges, finally graduating with a degree in nursing from Howard University in Washington, D.C. But her real career developed as the founder and leader of an organization that has boosted the health of thousands of African women new to this country. In fact, the impact... READ MORE
Longtime conductor moves on
Although Jason Love, 52, will be stepping down after 24 years as music director of the Columbia Orchestra, he intends to keep his music career moving in several directions, including more cello recitals, further composing and exploring ways to film musical events. “Columbia has been my dream job,” Love said in a recent interview with the Beacon. “I loved being with the orchestra.... READ MORE
Cover Stories 2024
