QAC Aging and Transportation
We hope you all have a wonderful time celebrating the holiday season! The holiday season is often described as “the most wonderful time of the year,” but for many, it can also be one of the most challenging. For those grieving the loss of loved ones, the holidays can bring a mix of emotions – fond memories, deep longing, and perhaps feelings of isolation or sadness. Grieving through the holidays is a journey and it looks different for everyone. Remember there is not a right or wrong way to navigate this time. If you find yourself struggling this holiday season, know that you are not alone, and there are ways to make this gentler on your heart. If someone you know is having a tough time this holiday season, please let them know that they are not alone. While everyone's journey is different, being around others who can offer a kind word and offer their support, no matter how small, can make all the difference. Included below are some resources to keep in mind and either utilize for yourself or let others know about: - 7 Tips for Navigating Grief During the Holidays (from NCOA)
- HOPE for the Holidays presented by Rhonda Knotts, MSCC, Grief Counselor and Director of Support Services with Compass Regional Hospice. Will be held at Grasonville Senior Center on December 17, 2024.
- Emotional Support Group hosted by Jane Anthony, volunteer with Compas Regional Hospice. Will be held at Sudlersville Senior Center on December 19, 2024.
Check out these YouTube videos for some other ways to get informed: Senior Call CheckThe Senior Call Check is a free program run by the Maryland Department of Aging (MDoA) that helps keep our older residents safe all year round. Any Maryland resident who is 65 years of age or older who has a landline phone or cell phone can take advantage of this program. Every day an automated telephone call will be placed to a participant at a regularly scheduled time. These calls will take place between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. as close as possible to the one-hour time block pre-selected by the participant. If those calls go unanswered, an alternative person who is selected by the participant during program enrollment will be called. The alternate will then be encouraged to check on the older adult program participant. The failure of the participant and alternate to answer will result in a call to your local non-emergency service. To learn more about this service, please visit this website to find out more. |
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INTAKE RENEWALIt's time for our annual Intake Renewal campaign! Running from October to December, stop by one of our locations to update your paperwork for the following year. |
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QAC Ride for FreeThis announcement is to let everyone know that QAC County Ride will be continuing its Ride for Free throughout 2025! Please spread the word to let everyone know that they can participate. |
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THANK YOU! For A Wonderful Make a Difference DayThe 2024 Make a Difference Day event was fantastic and had an amazing turnout! The Department of Community Services would like to offer its warmest thanks and sincerest congratulations to everyone who donated items, their time, and their services, as well as the generous sponsors who offered their financial support. Without all of you, this event wouldn't be possible. This year's event saw 205 attendants (78 more than last year!) who were able to receive help in one way or another. Each year, we hope to provide the best assistance we can to those who greatly need it. We can't wait to see you again next year! |
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Important November Dates: - The County will be closed on the following days this month:
Friday, December 20, 2024, for Community Services All-Staff Meeting; and Monday, December 25 for the Christmas Holiday. - Senior Centers will be closed on the following days this month:
Friday, December 6, 2024, for the Galla (thank you to the County Commissioners for sponsoring this event; admission by ticket only);
Friday, December 20, 2024, for Community Services All-Staff Meeting; and Monday, December 23 through Friday, December 27, 2024, for the Holiday. - The next meeting for the Caregiver's Support Group is on Tuesday, December 10, 2024. See the flyer under the SAVE THE DATE for more info.
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Upcoming Events
Don't miss out on our exciting upcoming events where you can meet new friends, try new activities, and have a blast! |
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Special Grief Counseling and Support GroupsBoth flyers below are fantastic resources for helping work through grief and that offer amazing emotional support in our communities. If you or anyone you know are having a tough time this holiday season, please take advantage of these incredible resources. HOPE for the Holidays with Rhonda Knotts is on Tuesday, December 17, 2024 at 11:00 am at the Grasonville Senior Center. Space is limited, so please register ahead of time by calling 410-827-6010. Emotional Support Group with Jane Anthony meets on the 3rd Thursday of the month at 12:45 pm in the Sudlersville Senior Center. The next meeting will be held on Thursday, December 19, 2024. Please call 443-262-4100 for more information and a list of dates. |
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SAVE THE DATE: Caregiver's Support GroupIf you are a caregiver that wants a place to talk about your experiences, pass on some of your knowledge, or help support others in your position that might be having a rough time, then please consider joining the Caregiver's Support Group. Meetings will be held in the Active Aging Center located at 210 Vincit Street, Centreville MD, on every second Tuesday of the month at 1 pm. For more information, please call 410-758-0848 Ext. 2703 or email. |
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County Ride
Need a ride? Look no further! County Ride is here to make transportation a breeze. Whether you're heading to a doctor's appointment, the grocery store, or just out and about, our team is dedicated to providing quality transit services for all. To contact County Ride for more information, or to schedule a ride, call 410-758-2357 Monday - Friday, 6 AM - 5 PM, or send an email. View County Ride Schedules Follow us on Facebook! |
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Driver SpotlightThis month, we are excited to shine the spotlight on Shonee! Shonee has been with us since February of 2021 and is currently assisting the public as a door to door and vacation relief driver. We would like to thank her for the 3 (almost 4!) years of dedicated service she has selflessly given to our county and our residents. If you have Shonee as your driver, thank her for the outstanding service she has provided to your friends and neighbors over the years! |
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Scam Watch
Stay up to date with the latest news on scams, fraud alerts, and telemarketing hazards. Check back every month to help educate yourself on potential dangers and how to best handle them. To learn more, please visit the FDIC Consumer Resource Center. Grandparent ScamOne of the most common telephone scams is the "grandparent scam." In this scenario, an imposter calls and pretends to be their grandchild (or another relative). Often, they will act distressed or cry in an attempt to disguise their voice. These bad faith actors say they are in trouble and need immediate money, either in the form of a wire transfer or prepaid cards. They also say to not tell any other family member for fear of embarrassment or upsetting them. While many people will quickly help a family member in need and ask questions later, always be sure to take precautions. Some ways to combat this type of fraud:- Scammers often claim an emergency, hoping that you will respond without thinking. Before offering help, make sure to call the individual using a telephone number that you know to be correct.
- If the person insists that something bad will happen if you hang up or tell anyone about what is happening, take it as a warning sign. Never allow anyone to discourage you from seeking more information or verifying who they are through means you are comfortable with.
- Speak with a family member, friend, or trusted adviser before making large, sudden, financial transactions.
- Listen to your banker! Financial institutions train their employees to look for signs of fraud. If they suggest that you verify who you are speaking with, take their advice.
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Connect With Us!
Looking for more ways to stay active and independent? Our Area Agency on Aging offers a variety of programs and activities to support seniors like you. To learn more about becoming a member, reach out to your local Senior Center or visit our website for more information. Follow us on Facebook! |
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