Energizing the Lives of Seniors in Perry Hall, MD

Online Classes, Programs & Resources during Covid-19

While we are under the Stay at Home order and patiently waiting for the day when we can all be together again at our center. At this time Senior Centers are in Phase 3 of Governor Hogan's reopening plan. The staff is doing their best to keep you engaged and informed! Many Seven Oaks instructors are offering weekly Zoom classes and they are offered at no charge to our members as they are subsidized by the Center Council.  Other BCDA Senior Centers are also offering free Zoom classes and members were sent a google doc with all of the information and links - this document is updated frequently. You should always check the google doc before logging into a program or class to make sure there are no changes.   


We no longer send out weekly updates - please check the google doc each Monday for weekly updates. It is the same document/link each week and never changes! Within this google doc is the link for the other document which has all programs and classes from all 20 Senior Centers. 


If you need the google doc sent to you please contact e-mail kyoung@baltimorecountymd.gov or cgonce@baltimorecountymd.gov. We do not share our Zoom links online or on social media. Please do not post a link when you receive it. ​


Weekly Online Classes from Seven Oaks
Tuesday - Strength Training 9 am on Zoom 

Tuesday - Mindfulness Meditation class at 11 am on Zoom

Wednesday -  Watercolor 10:30-12:30 on Zoom  - Project posted on Facebook each week

Wednesday - Feldenkrais 1 pm (Jan 20 & 27, Feb 10, 17 & 24, March 3 & 10)

​Thursday - Core & Strength on Zoom 9-10 am 

Thursday - Zentangle 10 - 11:30 am Beginner & 1:30 - 3:30 pm Advanced (Jan 14, 21 & 28 and Feb 4, 11, 18 & 25)
​Thursday  - Drawing Class with Alina on Zoom - 11 am  (project posted on Facebook)

Thursday - Yoga with Jana 2-3 pm on Zoom

Friday - Tai Chi 10-10:30 am Beginners/New Students & 10:30-11:30 Experienced Students -on Zoom

Fridays - Strength Training at 9 am on Zoom

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SHARE THE LOVE DONATION DRIVE 
Can you help many personal hygiene kits for the homeless clients of Beans and Bread? 

​Men’s Kits (travel size items) - Men’s soap or body wash, Men’s deodorant, Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Disposable men’s razor, Small comb, 
Shampoo, Mouthwash, Shaving cream, Lotion, Nail clippers, Wash Cloth. 
Women’s Kits (travel size items) - Women’s soap or body wash, Women’s deodorant, Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Disposable women’s razor, 

Small comb, Shampoo, Mouthwash, Lotion, Nail clippers, Wash Cloth.

​You can inexpensively purchase these items at the Dollar Store. Please put items in a gallon size ziplock bag and label M for male and F for female. 80% of the clients at Bean and Bread are male.

Drop off your kits on Wed. ​Feb. 19 from 9-12 pm and (updated due to snow last week) Wed. Feb 24 10 -12 pm 

Thanks to our wonderful members we received 200 kits at our first drop-off!!!

We’ll also have the new 2021 Community Resource Guide available for pick up. 

Enhance Fitness Class Resumes!
As you may have heard Carol Gittings has retired to Delaware but the good news is we have a new instructor Debbie Jobson! Debbie is teaching a 3 day a week Enhance Fitness Class virtually on Zoom. The class is held online on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 11 am-Noon and a second class held 12-1 pm. Limit 12 students per class.  To register e-mail: Debbie.jobson@yahoo.com
Students will need to have a stretch band and their own weights (or use water bottles or canned food). The class will be free while it’s online and we look forward to having Debbie teach in person once the center re-opens.


New weekly Class! Mindfulness Meditation - Tuesdays at 11 am 
A regular practice of mindfulness meditation can help reduce stress and improve attention and general wellness. Meditating is a great way for seniors to care for themselves. This class will explore these themes and introduce different meditation techniques. A typical 50-minute class will devote approximately 30 minutes to a guided meditation and the remainder to instruction and discussion. Novice and experienced meditators are invited to attend.


Polish Cookbook - Gosia, our intern from last winter created this cookbook which includes all of the recipes she made live on Facebook back in the spring. You can still the view the cooking demos, Cooking Live with Gosia, by searching the videos posted to our Facebook Page. 

Click on the button to download the cookbook. 



Vaccine Update: Individuals can regularly visit baltimorecountymd.gov/vaccine for the latest updates.  Residents can access the COVID-19 vaccine registration form at www.baltimorecountymd.gov/vaccineregistry. Fill this form out and then you’ll be contacted to make an appointment when your group is eligible. 


AARP Tax-Aide will continue providing tax assistance this year but due to the pandemic they will be utilizing a different method than what people are used to.  This method will have NO direct contact between the client and the tax counselor to ensure everyone's safety.
The method is called Dropoff.  In this method the client's tax documents are collected, inventoried, and then provided to tax counselors in a secure manner.   Interaction between the client and the Tax-Aide volunteer will be done over the telephone.  The client's tax documents are kept securely by TaxAide and returned approximately a week later after the tax return has been completed.    
Our closest location for the Dropoff:
Perry Hall, MD.       (443) 595-7927   Call anytime and leave a message with name, phone number
Clients will need to come to our locations twice  (once to drop-off tax documents and other papers, and the other time to pick up your completed tax return and tax documents).  We are sorry for this added inconvenience but this is necessary as we do all we can to conduct TaxAide in a safe manner.     
Due to operational constraints, Tax-Aide will not be able to prepare amended returns, part-year returns, or returns with multiple or complex brokerage statements.    
If you are interested in TaxAide tax preparation and electronic filing, please contact the site of interest for further information.  
** Note: Due to large influx of calls (hundreds) on the AARP scheduling lines, the scheduling lines occasionally have to shut down temporarily to allow the tax volunteers to respond to the backlog of messages. The shutdown could last for 1 day or 1 week depending on the number of messages received.

Upcoming Virtual Programs:


Feldenkrais Returns in Jan for a 7 week seated series - 1 pm on Wednesdays
Jan. 20 & 27, February 10, 17 & 24,  March  3, 10 
The Feldenkrais Method®, a somatic educational system centered on slow, easy, safe, non habitual sensory motor exercises and kinesthetic awareness, teaches people strategies to experientially begin to sense and learn how to move the body out of pain/discomfort, improve balance/posture and increase flexibility. Marika Hicks, certified Feldenkrais Practitioner® , is offering 7 virtual Seated Feldenkrais classes designed to restore physical harmony, ease and flexibility to our body.
The 7 classes will focus on:
• How to evoke the Gravity Response in Sitting by teaching you how to generate transmission of force throughout the skeleton from foot to head in sitting.
• How to evoke and re-awaken optimal skeletal self organization


Mind, Body and Spirit Self Care Workshop - Friday, March 12 at 11:30 am                           

As a part of BCDA’s initiative, Rooted in Resilience the theme for March is Coping. Join Donna Naslund from Gilchrist for a 90 min workshop to learn ways to cope and provide self- care that nurture mind, body and spirit.

Democracy Café  –Monday, March 15 from 1 – 2:30 pm                                                                                      

The Democracy Cafe is an opportunity to explore matters related to our democracy in 2021 by using topics selected by the group from suggestions offered by the moderator. There will be open discussion without argument, debate or efforts to persuade anyone to change their point of view. Participants then come together to discuss the topic and, if willing, explain any particular position they may have. We listen with an open heart and mind to the views of others to better understand relevant current matters and hopefully develop an informed more complete position about our democracy and its functions. At February's lively, informative meeting various aspects of "What is Democracy?” were discussed. Join us on the 3rd Monday of every month.   Moderator - Al Muehlberger

Trivia with the BCPL – Tuesday, March 16th at 11:00 am                                                                                                           

On the 3rd Tuesday of the month join the Perry Hall Library for trivia!

St Patrick’s Day Events – Wednesday, March 17th
10 am - Popular Gaelic Sayings – Learn about the Irish Language
11 am - Cooking Demo – Learn how to Make Irish Soda Bread            
12 pm - Irish Jokes and Trivia with Chad
1:30 pm - "Baltimore’s Irish and the Building of America’s First Railroad” by Luke McCusker, Managing Director of the Irish Railroad Workers Museum
3 pm - Irish Songs and a Sing a Long with Rearview Mirror. Join in on the singing and wear your Green attire for a chance at a prize! 
5:30 pm - Irish Music Happy Hour - Jared Denhard provides a brief introduction about the bagpipes, Celtic harp, and Irish whistle and plays several Irish songs. Show your Green beverage of choice for a chance to win a prize. This program is made possible by The Musicians Performance Trust Fund.
7:15 pm Irish Dance Performance by Teelin Irish Dance Company

Towson University Nursing Students present Healthy Cooking Demo  -  Wednesday, March 24 at 1:30 pm
Learn how to use alternative ingredients to make your foods healthier!
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Re-Registration Information
Usually in October we begin our annual registration/re-registration program and Enhancement Fund donation campaign. We have decided to postpone this until we are physically back in the centers. Therefore, everyone’s 2019-2020 membership term will be extended until we re-open. You do not have to do anything to remain a member through the pandemic. All fitness memberships are also extended to cover the time that we are closed.


Free Internet Tablets Becoming Available Soon! Apply Here! 
In an effort to connect our members who do not have the technology or internet access to participate in our virtual programs, BCDA has purchased some small tablets from the Living Well Center of Excellence. These tablets have a 2-year data plan, so internet is not required. In addition, they can be used to access all our virtual programs, as well as those of our partners like Get Set Up. They will become the property of the individual at no cost.
If you desire to participate in an online program, but are unable to due to a lack of technology, please complete the form below. You will need to provide some income verification as this gift program is geared to low-income individuals. A staff committee will review the applications and rank the people to receive the tablets as they become available. Priority would go to anyone who wants to take an evidence-based class, but next would be all other online programs. Any questions let us know! 



Pen Pal Opportunity with Local High School Students

LetterPals is a student-run organization with the goal of providing companionship and support for children in hospitals and senior citizens through letters and penpaling. These students live in Howard County, MD and would love to write to local seniors. If you'd like to participate in the program fill out the google form below. 

https://letter-pals.weebly.com

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSciFrVeBFJ3rOClWQ6w3ct9OEQISd6de6GNHxkHOhTR_C0zFg/viewform


Comcast/Verizon Channel 25 - BCDA is offering daily classes at 8:25 am on TV ! 
Monday - Chair Yoga
Tuesday - Power Up Cardio
Wednesday - Strength Training  (with our very own Karen Kansler!)
Thursday - Tai Chi
Friday – Zumba


In addition, for more virtual program resources, here are some links that may be of interest:
Https://seniorplanet.org/coronavirus
Https://seniorplanet.org/online
www.oasiseverywhere.org
Senior Planet also has a free technology advice service that can be accessed at 920-666-1959.


Stress? Uncertainty? Grief? Anger? We understand. 
While these are perfectly normal reactions to a pandemic, distressing thoughts and emotions can cause problems with our health, relationships, moods and behaviors. These days we really need to be mindful of our minds, understand the brain-behavior relationship and take steps to protect our mental and emotional well-being. Our goal should be to thrive, not just survive, during this pandemic. It is something we can do together.
The Mental Health Association of Maryland’s Older Adults: Vibrant Minds program is pleased to offer “Mind Your Mind Mondays,” a weekly opportunity for older Marylanders to learn about mental health and engage with others around mental wellness
When: Monday evenings from 6:30pm to 7:15pm
New Link Registration: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUkcO2oqzkiEtBLhY4x2m8ACz966KvS0iN2 
You only need to register once. After you register, Zoom will send you a link that you can use to join us every week.​​​​

Recorded Zoom Videos for Strength Training with Karen

​FITNESS AND EXERCISE DISCLAIMER - IT IS IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND THAT THIS EXERCISE VIDEO OR ONLINE CLASS MAY PRESENT CERTAIN INHERENT RISKS. YOU ARE ENCOURAGED TO CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN CONCERNING YOUR FITNESS BEFORE PARTICIPATING. BY PARTICIPATING IN THE PHYSICAL EXERCISES OR TRAINING ACTIVITY DEMONSTRATED IN THIS VIDEO OR ONLINE CLASS, YOU UNDERSTAND THAT YOU DO SO ENTIRELY AT YOUR OWN RISK AND ASSUME ALL RISKS OF INJURY, ILLNESS, OR DEATH. THROUGH PARTICIPATION, YOU WAIVE ALL CLAIMS AND RELEASE BALTIMORE COUNTY, THE BALTIMORE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF AGING, AND THEIR RESPECTIVE OFFICIALS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, AND VOLUNTEERS FROM ALL LIABILITY FOR DAMAGE OR INJURY OF ANY KIND THAT MAY ARISE, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY.

Nov. 20 - https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/FeJSEvnwZPdTpmKLoBEnTLSZPNevrW8e_0B64UEagMekQdW10A-UjQkWiidwkBRU.jGY57dVG2bHXR7Xe?startTime=1605879000000

Nov 17 - https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/Qxxm4lxo2es7Li9dYRgqazSqDx8CqxIdyLmlDElze5IPWh3QfXsYe3EqWK_yyRYj.5jvvRURvFbon5YFy?startTime=1605620681000

Nov. 13 -https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/kyGz1zq_EWaX37r0SlEwDRxtNxXFmcgfLp1mDTk5qyWhPRK-lrg0KkuTwRo8y2k.gAkAZMczBAczmgf4?startTime=1605274832000

 July 14- https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/x8t3bOH69HtISavm-EyEfp54Iqv5T6a8hCYer_NfyUZbPo_BCRY9vXYdCSYVuGil

July 21 - https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/-_R8A5fX93hITKfosnyHfawvBZa0eaa803IZ-qcNmB15uTan-1h5ifsaJztACVzi

​July 28 - https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/7JdyBYvQyjJLa4nfr1j_ZrQbHYS4T6a8gXUaqKAPzkm4w1FhX6PSC52nmDrFHdBM

​Sept. 22 - https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/Ff_jbtvVKaaidU7dshR-C-JF_HwWhT9gQWPCDvUXIF7QeIm2Gr0U0MmBSPMUfYZZ.x09nPz-DNOeWeFZw?startTime=1600777708000

Oct. 30- https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/3KWyNrC_lXPqtjBUkKfsvJq-AHnhPqsgSZ30v4xQy8yV4oK866iWpja3jk9tcg_G.vTadt96vSkoPZZzP?startTime=1604061148000

​Aug 18 - https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/-ul6LuqrrjlLGpXNuW_5Z_YlRb_4eaa82ygZ_fFfzhuSfiHUjJhLYOkryCyZp_sW?startTime=1597754342000

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Jana Long, Our Yoga Teacher has a few online videos:

Copy and paste these links in your browser:

https://vimeo.com/358513718 - Chair yoga Sequence

​​https://www.yogajournal.com/videos/joint-freeing-series - Helps maintain or improve mobility and stability for healthy aging.     


Senior Center Monthly Online Newsletter

Since the centers are close BCDA is creating one monthly online newsletter. Copy and paste the link below to view the newsletter. 

  • ​December - https://www.fataonline.com/bulletin/bulletin-2101606333669.pdf
  • ​January -  https://www.fataonline.com/bulletin/bulletin-1631609172527.pdf
  • ​February - https://www.fataonline.com/bulletin/bulletin-2101611852884.pdf​
  • ​March - https://www.fataonline.com/bulletin/bulletin-2101614192577.pdf

Travel Updates for 7 Oaks Trips:

All Trips for 2020 are now cancelled. All refunds have been mailed for trips scheduled through July.  If you did not receive a refund for a trip you paid for please e-mail kyoung@baltimorecountymd.gov. 


2021 Trip Scheduled! Maine - Oct. 3-6, 2021 -Includes 3 nights lodging, 3 breakfasts, 3 dinners including a Downeast Lobsterbake dinner, Tour of Portland including Portland Head Light, Perkins Cove, Narrated Harbor Cruise of Casco Bay, Boothbay Harbor Tour, Eartha- Revolving/Rotation Blobe, Kennebunkport Tour, LL Bean & Dexter Factory Outlets, Nubble Lighthouse. Cost is $559 per person. We are not taking deposits on this trip yet until centers re-open and we are approved to travel again. 

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Stretch, Balance, and Other Fitness Video Links

  • Walk with Arthritis - https://oaaction.unc.edu/resource-library/living-with-osteoarthritis/wwe/
  • Let's Move with Balance: 30minute Chair exercise class - https://youtu.be/iLqyeVeRHGQ
  • 25 Minute standing workout - https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PLwMObYmlSHaPIArTOC4JBZfeuU7LN7KVJ&v=eLClKvN9Qag
  • ​20 Minute Indoor Walk with Weights -  https://youtu.be/brOtds0XZ3Y
  • Balance Exercises:  https://youtu.be/EO42oECKtl
  • Arms:  https://youtu.be/7PaxVnTjLUk
  • Legs:  https://youtu.be/JlKRtrWGNFQ
  • Stretches:  https://youtu.be/fNFeNljprBo
  • Core:  https://youtu.be/4a_pCy91HW4
  • How to get up from a Fall:  https://youtu.be/EL1IdespmCY
  • ​If you're in the mood to dance or learn some line dances check out this YouTube Instructional video! 🎶🎵
    https://youtu.be/uZXQuqPnp8g
  • ​Fall Prevention Made Easy With Mary Lewis!
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ijo-EDRk12o&feature=youtu.be
  • Penny's Pajama Party  Workout - ​​https://youtu.be/XRLQxZbTW44
  • Best Lower Back Stretches - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xm8iSSdU3I0
  • 30 Minute Senior Workout - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ASXG
  • 30 Minute Fitness Walk - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvEJ5WFk2KE
  • Daily Qigong Routine to help Your Immune System Stay Strong - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BC9MvsxZrW4
  • Indoor Power Walk - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4IH12Piuf4
  • Low Impact Beginner Workout - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0c-4nZjIWQ


Home Leisure Activities
This program was developed to encourage you to stay engaged in activities during your time at home. Participation in leisure activities is associated with improvements in physical, mental and emotional health and overall well-being. For any of the activities listed, encourage your family members to join you in the fun. Also feel free to call your loved ones that do not live with you to share what you have done or completed! Staying connected is important! Click on the box to open. 

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​Free Online and TV Classes from other Organizations Plus Access to the BCPL​

  • ​Mandy Katz, one of Giant's in store nutritionist, presents their Nutrition series, several times a year at Seven Oaks. During this time Giant's nutritionist are doing an online series called Nutrition at Noon. Check out their informational videos on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVH8tm4ZhA4&list=PLox1V4FCuM-eepHE7RgFZFQ0Lk21SKQaT
  • PBS WHUT (with Verizon it's channel 32 or 532) shows different workout programs each morning M- F at 5am, 5:30am, 6am, 10:30am and 11am. There's a variety of workouts including Yoga, Stretch class, Body Electric, Weight Loss and Strengthening, and Sit & Be Fit. 
  • ​​Step by Step acrylic painting on canvas for beginners | moon light night Painting | Tree of Magnolia on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DyWM_cH5ZOI&feature=youtu.be
  • Learn some Sign Language with Harford County Park & Recs: http://www.harfordcountymd.gov/2841/Sign-Language
  • With your library card you can access free materials on the Baltimore County Public Library's website https://bcpl.info/books-and-more/downloadables.html


Entertaining or Motivating Videos  

  • Enjoy "The Great American Song Book" performed in their home by two of our favorite performers at Seven Oaks -
  • Trish and Frank Curreri:​ https://youtu.be/fT-qcixsXFE
  • Inspiring Ted Talk - https://www.ted.com/talks/travis_roy_the_art_of_practicing_gratitude_and_life_s_simplest_pleasures?utm_campaign=tedspread&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=tedcomshare
  • ​Ted Talk - How to Create Meaningful Connections While Apart - https://www.ted.com/talks/priya_parker_how_to_create_meaningful_connections_while_apart?utm_campaign=tedspread&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=tedcomshare
  • Garden Tour https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9kRD6TWUq2A&list=PLBwhoK0hSpr2OLL3m5PKIs5

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​Food Resources/Community News/Support:

For details regarding meal distribution for older adults visit the site below. There will be weekly food distributions at 4 senior centers. You need to call a week ahead (the Monday the week before)  to reserve your meal at 410-887-2040. Fresh produce is also distributed with the shelf stable meals and each senior in the household can receive a meal. Meals will continue through June 2021. 

https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/News/foodresources.html.​


Need a friendly check in phone call? Volunteers of Seven Oaks are calling members that live alone and checking in with them weekly. If you know if someone who could use a friendly phone call please contact sevenoakssc@baltimorecountymd.gov or call us at 410-887-5192. 


Volunteers needed for the new Connections Project!
In response to the circumstances right now, MHAMD and NAMI have partnered to provide supportive phone and video visits to older Baltimore County residents who are struggling with anxiety, fear, depression, hopelessness, loneliness and other challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. We are currently seeking individuals to volunteer their time to visit with older adults over phone and video. Learn more about the opportunity and apply here:https://forms.gle/8ymLfEVSZLCf5N8YA