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March 30, 2023

The Talbot Spy

The nonprofit e-newspaper for the Talbot County Community

Senior Nation Senior Notes

Talbot County Organizations Host Senior Supply Drive

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The Talbot County Commission on Aging (TCCOA) kicked off the Senior Supply drive on March 1st to collect incontinence supplies for seniors in need in Talbot County.  The Talbot County Senior Care program is administered by the Talbot County Health Department through a partnership with the Maryland Department of Aging, the Talbot County Department of Social Services, and Talbot County.

This program helps at need seniors stay in their homes for as long as possible, through resources they may not otherwise be able to access.  The TCCOA  has joined Talbot County’s Senior Care program by organizing a supply drive to collect incontinence briefs/underwear, packs of incontinence pads, and disposable underpads. For a complete list of items accepted, please see our Amazon Wishlist – http://bitly.ws/yU3P for type of product and size needs (only new, unopened packages accepted). The drive is scheduled to run through the summer.

Please bring your donations to the following locations: Brookletts Place-Talbot Senior Center, Home Instead, and Talbot County Health Department. Volunteers will collect the donated items for distribution throughout Talbot County by the Department of Social Services and the Talbot Health Department.  If you have further questions about donating, please contact Kate Stinton at 410-819-5631 or kate.stinton@maryland.gov.

Londonderry on the Tred Avon Celebrates CEO Irma Toce’s Birthday

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On January 27th, Londonderry on the Tred Avon celebrated CEO Irma Toce’s 65th birthday.

The Londonderry staff and residents highlighted Toce’s love for animals by donating various items to Talbot Humane in lieu of gifts. The donations included food, toys, and treats for dogs and cats.

“Our residents and the entire team are so incredibly generous,” said Toce. “I am thankful to be surrounded by an amazing group of people who always think of giving back to the greater community, donating goods or their time to many non-profits. I could not have imagined a better birthday celebration.”

The party featured a charcuterie board filled with different cheeses, meats, and crackers made by the Londonderry dining team. After the festivities, Toce and her Londonderry team delivered the donations to Talbot Humane.

On February 27th, the Londonderry on the Tred Avon celebrated CEO Irma Toce’s 65th birthday by honoring her love of animals by making donations to Talbot Humane.

About Londonderry on the Tred Avon

Londonderry on the Tred Avon is an intimate residential cooperative community for adults ages 62+, offering a variety of housing options from convenient apartments to spacious cottages among 29 acres, including 1500 feet of waterfront shoreline. For more information, visit www.londonderrytredavon.com.

Londonderry Residents Paint Bowls for Empty Bowls

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On February 10th, Londonderry on the Tred Avon residents painted bowls at Kiln Born Creations in Easton for the 2023 Talbot County Empty Bowls event. Talbot County Empty Bowls is an independent, volunteer organization with the twin mission of striving to eliminate hunger insecurity and raising awareness in our community of this serious and fundamental issue.

“Londonderry residents are deeply invested in their community,” said Irma Toce, Londonderry CEO. “Supporting Empty Bowls is one of many ways they give back and share their time and talents with many worthy causes in the area.”

The painted bowls will be used at the February 25th, 2023, community dinner held at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in Easton. Those who attend the dinner will select a painted bowl for their soup, which is provided by local restaurants.

On February 10th, Londonderry on the Tred Avon residents painted bowls at Kiln Born Creations in Easton for the 2023 Talbot County Empty Bowls event. Front Row, Left to Right: Pat Bradley, Regina Amy, Cyndy Miller. Back Row, Left to Right: Susan Andrews, Judy Lutkus, Erica Hardeo (Activities Coordinator), Cathy Cooper.

Through this event, with the help of Talbot County community members, Talbot County Empty Bowls is able to raise funds for local food pantries and award funds to several organizations to assist in their efforts to address food insecurity in Talbot County.

These funds are being provided to Helping Hands, Tilghman Island Food Pantry; Care Packs; Neighborhood Service Center; Scotts United Methodist Church Pantry on the Go; Harvest of Hope Food Pantry, Easton Church of God; St. Michaels Community Center; and Royal Oak Church/ Bellevue Church.

Since 2008, Talbot County Empty Bowls has distributed over $235,000 to Talbot County food organizations. The global non-profit organization Empty Bowls has raised millions of dollars for hunger-related causes across the United States and in countries around the world.

About Londonderry on the Tred Avon

Londonderry on the Tred Avon is a vibrant, independent living cooperative community for adults, ages 62+, that promotes wellness of mind and body. Londonderry offers a variety of housing options from convenient apartments to spacious cottages among 29 acres, including 1500 feet of waterfront shoreline. For more information, visit www.londonderrytredavon.com.

Londonderry on the Tred Avon Receives Best Retirement Community, Best Assisted/Senior Living Community, and Best Boss for CEO Irma Toce in APG Best of the Best Chesapeake Awards

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Londonderry on the Tred Avon is pleased to announce that it has been named the Best Retirement Community and Best Assisted/Senior Living Community in the 2022 Best of the Best Chesapeake awards and Londonderry’s CEO, Irma Toce, was named Best Boss.

Members of the Londonderry team attended the award celebration on Tuesday, November 29th at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay in Cambridge. The 2022 Best of the Best Chesapeake is the official community and readers’ choice awards for the Mid-Shore. The program is organized by APG Chesapeake, the parent company of The Star Democrat.

Irma Toce, 2022 Best Boss

The Londonderry team is very grateful to the community and residents for their continued support and is especially proud of their leader, Irma Toce, who has dedicated herself to creating a positive, energetic, and service-focused culture that allows for the residents and team to thrive.

“I am incredibly humbled by this great recognition, and I owe much of my success to the hard work of our entire team. It’s the team and residents who make Londonderry such a special place,” said Irma Toce, CEO. “We love our community and campus, full of supportive friends and neighbors.”

This is the fourth year Londonderry has been the recipient of the Best Retirement Community award, but the first year receiving the Best Assisted/Senior Living Community and Best Boss awards. They won after advancing through the nomination and voting rounds that took place earlier this year.

About Londonderry on the Tred Avon

Londonderry on the Tred Avon is an intimate residential cooperative community for adults ages 62+, offering a variety of housing options from convenient apartments to spacious cottages among 29 acres, including 1500 feet of waterfront shoreline. For more information, visit www.londonderrytredavon.com.

Senior Pets Find Second Chance at Londonderry

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Londonderry Resident, Nancy Burns, and her dog, Duke.

Londonderry on the Tred Avon’s CEO, Irma Toce, has a passion for senior pet adoption and placing senior animals with Londonderry residents.

“I have always been an animal person,” said Toce. “Animals give people purpose and are incredibly therapeutic, especially for those living alone who are at risk of feeling isolated – like seniors. While an energetic puppy may not be the best option for our residents, older dogs and cats can be a great match. The animals provide our residents with purpose and companionship, and our residents provide the animals with a second chance and a safe and loving home.”

Toce’s passion began several years ago when she visited the Talbot Humane Society. She met a cat who was 16 years old and completely bald. Knowing no one else would adopt her, Irma brought the cat home. She lived happily with Irma for about a year, her hair even growing back. Within that same year, the Humane Society called and said they had an overweight cat on insulin. Irma adopted him as well and cared for him for five wonderful years before he passed away.

Toce’s reputation as a champion for senior pets grew on campus and residents who were interested in adopting began asking her for help finding a pet.

“I always have my eye out,” said Toce.

Toce’s latest adoptee was a dog named Duke. He was almost 13 when his owner passed away and her loved ones were getting the word out on social media to find Duke a new home. She immediately thought of a resident who had been looking for a puppy. She encouraged her to consider an older dog because they would be a better match for her energy level and lifestyle. Once she met Duke, he never left her side, and they are often found sitting together on her front porch swing.

Londonderry residents have also taken it upon themselves to share the responsibility of the on-campus pets by offering assistance to friends in need. If a resident is ill or away for the day, there is never a shortage of neighbors willing to walk a dog or feed a cat. Overall, having animals on campus has brought much joy, with dogs even greeting visitors on tours.

Irma has now placed 11 animals with loving residents over the course of seven years, mostly from the Humane Society. All pets are still a responsibility, no matter the age, but Toce insists that those who are able should adopt. Senior animals only want to be loved and love their owners in return.

About Londonderry on the Tred Avon

Londonderry on the Tred Avon is a vibrant, independent living cooperative community for adults ages 62+ that promotes wellness of mind and body. Londonderry offers a variety of housing options, from convenient apartments to spacious cottages among 29 acres, including 1500 feet of waterfront shoreline. For more information, visit www.londonderrytredavon.com.

Talbot County Commission on Aging Sponsors Talbot County Council Candidate Roundtable Discussion

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The Commission on Aging recently held a Talbot County Council Candidate Roundtable Discussion at Brookletts Place in Easton on October 12 and 13 for the Democrat and Republican candidates running for Talbot County Council. The purpose of the discussion was for the County Council candidates to meet the Commission on Aging and learn more about the programs that the Talbot County Council supports for seniors in the county. Council candidates Pete Lesher, Scott Kane, Keasha Haythe, Phil Jackson, Michele Dappert, Wade Strictland, Dave Stepp, and Lynn Mielke attended.

Talbot County Council Candidates with members of the Talbot County Commission on Aging, who held a Talbot County Council Candidate Roundtable Discussion around senior issues in Talbot County.

The Talbot Commission on Aging was established in 2003 to advise the Talbot County Council on issues affecting seniors and to advocate for change. A member of the Talbot County Council sits on the Commission on Aging. Other members include Current members of the Commission are Jenna Marchi, Ellen Taggert, Lee Newcomb, Jennifer Pierson, Marion Donahue, Veda Gibson, Grace Lyons, Megan Murray, Rachel Smith, Kate Stinton, and Ex-Officios Frank Divilio, Andrew Hollis, and Childlene Brooks,

According to Jenna Marchi, Chairperson of the Commission on Aging, Talbot County’s population is aging. The county’s median age is 49.4 years of age while the state of Maryland’s median age is 38.3 years of age. The average age of the populations in Talbot, Kent, and Worcester counties are the oldest in the state of Maryland. She also reported that seven percent of seniors in Talbot County live below the poverty level.

“Talbot County has nearly twice as many seniors as it does children, but those seniors receive only a fraction of our resources. When it comes to ensuring that our seniors have adequate access to information and services, we want to make sure our elected officials understand their important needs and take them into account as they go about the business of government. All too often, our seniors get overlooked and we’re so glad that so many of those folks seeking seats on the County Council chose to participate and discuss these important issues,” Marchi adds.

The Commission shared recent data from a recent University of Maryland Shore Regional Health needs assessment, stating that area seniors identify availability and access to doctors’ offices, transportation, and housing/homelessness as the three most important socioeconomic issues currently facing seniors in Talbot County.

Talbot County Council Candidates with members of the Talbot County Commission on Aging, who held a Talbot County Council Candidate Roundtable Discussion around senior issues in Talbot County.

To address some of these needs, the Talbot County Council currently supports Upper Shore Aging, Inc., Talbot Senior Centers, Meals on Wheels, the Senior Care Program of the Talbot County Department of Health, and the Talbot County Department of Social Services. Information on these programs was shared with candidates.

Among other issues facing seniors today that were discussed with the candidates were COVID, increased isolation, less physical activity, reduced life expectancy (excess deaths due to COVID-19 and other causes in 2020 and 2021 led to an overall decline in life expectancy between 2019 and 2021 of 2.7 years for the total population, 3.1 years for males and 2.3 years for females), healthcare access, the increasing county population, closures, lack of providers accepting Medicare, and behavioral health resources (long waits and lack of providers).

Candidate suggestions included providing listening sessions on these issues, further utilizing Delmarva Community Transport with merchants to address the transportation issues, improving the delivery of healthcare in the county, and managing growth with the comprehensive plan.

For further information on the Talbot County Commission on Aging, visit talbotsenior.com.

Upper Shore Aging Seeks Ombudsman to Advocate for Mid-Shore Seniors

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Advocating for a senior or learning to navigate the world of home care, an assisted living facility, or a nursing home can be a daunting task. Upper Shore Aging (USA) offers several programs in Caroline, Kent, and Talbot counties to assist individuals and families protect the safety, welfare, and rights of seniors. One of the programs that the organization is currently seeking a manager for is its Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program. The ombudsman investigates and advocates to resolve complaints from residents in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

“Our Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program plays such an important role in being the eyes and ears for our senior population and people of all ages, who may be experiencing issues in an assisted living facility or nursing home.  The ombudsman in the county is the advocate for people in helping them resolve their complaints, but also develops relationships with these facilities to improve the quality of life for residents there,” states Andy Hollis, Executive Director of USA.

“Recently, we have had to rely on the State’s representatives to oversee this role because we have not had this position filled locally. While the State has provided excellent support, residents on the Mid-Shore need to have an advocate locally who can work with these facilities regularly to address concerns and issues as they develop.”

Pictured is Mary Sellers, Family Caregiver Program Manager & Guardianship Program Manager for Upper Shore Aging, talking with a family member about services. Upper Shore Aging is currently seeking a manager for its Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program. The ombudsman investigates and advocates to resolve complaints from residents in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

According to Stevanne Ellis, State Long-Term Care Ombudsman for the Maryland Department of Aging, the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program is a program under the Older Americans Act.

“Whether you are in a nursing home for short-term rehabilitation or a longer stay, the ombudsman in the county is the advocate for that person. The ombudsman provides a minimum of monthly nursing home visits and quarterly assisted living visits. The ombudsman also responds to any complaints or requests between these visits. We have more than 1800 assisted living facilities and 227 nursing homes,” Ellis states.

“During these visits, we go and see how the resident is doing and what life is like for them. We want the resident to know that if he or she has a complaint, then we can help resolve the complaint to their satisfaction. Complaints can range everything from issues related to the building to hands-on care to staffing to cold coffee to physical and emotional abuse. We are also available to help people navigate the long-term care system, which can be complicated and confusing at times.”

She adds, “There are some facilities that they see us as a big help. We are focused on the same thing – that their residents are happy, receiving good care, and want to stay in the facility. That’s what we advocate for.”

In getting issues resolved, the ombudsman’s goal is first to empower residents – to help them figure out how to take care of their issues first. And if this is not successful, the ombudsman can go with residents to address concerns or get permission to talk to facilities without the resident being present. The majority of complaints are initiated by residents and residents’ families; however, friends, family, physicians, and ministers also can make complaints on behalf of the resident.

The Ombudsman Program Manager position provides leadership and direction for the Ombudsman Program, overseeing operations, fiscal performance, and effectiveness of the program.  In addition to investigating and resolving resident complaints, the ombudsman provides educational training and information presentations to residents, staff, and members of the community on resident rights, services available, and good health and safety practices.

“The position requires someone who cares about residents and genuinely has a passion for helping people in long-term care and helping families. I think the ombudsman job is a prestigious thing because it’s a form of social justice. By making the world a better place, you’re going to have the satisfaction that you truly made a difference in the quality of life for someone,” comments Ellis.

Other qualities of an ombudsman include an interest to learn new things, experience in health care or working with the aging community, a mediation background, strong community relations skills, and experience with volunteer recruitment and retention. Preferred qualifications for the position include a bachelor’s degree in human services, social work, or nursing and five to eight years of working with the elderly population providing case management.

The Department of Aging offers a comprehensive Ombudsman Training Program and there are mentors available to support the local ombudsman from the State.

Mary Sellers, Family Caregiver Program Manager & Guardianship Program Manager for USA sees the Ombudsman Program as an extension of her work in assisting individuals and families to keep seniors in their own homes or helping them when a family member has been discharged from a nursing home. She states, “My programs help connect seniors and families to community resources when they are living independently. The Family Caregiver Program is preventive service to connect families to community resources to help keep them in their own homes or help them when a family member has been discharged from a nursing home.”

“Through our Family Caregiver Program, Guardianship Program, and Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, our hope is we can also offer families important information about resources ahead of time, before they need it for a loved one, and to ensure seniors get the best care in whatever situation they find themselves,“ Hollis adds.

For further information about applying for the Ombudsman Program Manager position, contact Andy Hollis at (410) 778-6000. For further information, visit uppershoreaging.org.

Upper Shore Aging, Inc. is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that is the designated Area Agency on Aging for Talbot, Caroline, and Kent counties, Maryland, serving a potential market of nearly 31,000 persons over the age of sixty years. The organization develops and manages a coordinated program of services that work together to help elders to remain, and live well, in the community for as long as possible. Upper Shore Aging, Inc. works closely with the Maryland Department of Aging to serve the needs of its clients.

Londonderry on the Tred Avon Celebrates Oktoberfest

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Londonderry residents, families, friends and team members dance during the Oktoberfest celebration.

Londonderry on the Tred Avon celebrated Oktoberfest on September 29th. The event was hosted on the Londonderry campus and was attended by residents, their families, board members, and the community.

“At Londonderry we’re all about community and connection, and we love any reason to bring our residents together and welcome visitors to campus,” said Irma Toce, Londonderry CEO. “We had the perfect evening with all of our guests, who enjoyed dancing, eating and socializing with their friends and family!”

Attendees enjoyed Oktoberfest-inspired appetizers, beer and Lebkuchen cookies. Each cookie was decorated with a custom message, like “Ich Liebe Dich,” which is “I love you” in German. Everyone also enjoyed dancing to the lively polka music performed by a live band and Oktoberfest toasts were made every twenty minutes to keep with tradition.

Oktoberfest is just one of many events hosted by Londonderry to bring residents, their families and the larger community together. Learn more at www.londonderrytredavon.com.

About Londonderry on the Tred Avon

Londonderry on the Tred Avon is a vibrant, independent living cooperative community for adults ages 62+ that promotes wellness of mind and body. Londonderry offers a variety of housing options from convenient apartments to spacious cottages among 29 acres, including 1500 feet of waterfront shoreline. For more information, visit www.londonderrytredavon.com.

Londonderry on the Tred Avon Welcomes Lewers & Bollman to Board of Directors

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Londonderry on the Tred Avon is pleased to welcome Pat Lewers and Ron Bollman to its Board of Directors. Resident board members are elected to their positions by Londonderry Stockholders at the annual Meeting in August. The Londonderry Board of Directors is comprised of residents and community members. Members of the Londonderry Board of Directors volunteer their time to provide guidance and strategic direction to the cooperative and its management team.

“We are looking forward to working with Pat and Ron on the Board,” said Irma Toce, Londonderry’s CEO. “We are very fortunate to benefit from their leadership and experience as we continue to make Londonderry the premier senior living community on the Eastern Shore.”

Londonderry on the Tred Avon is pleased to welcome Pat Lewers and Ron Bollman to its Board of Directors.

After previously serving on Londonderry’s Board, and as a past President, Pat Lewers returns to the Board of Directors where she has been elected to serve as Vice President. Lewers moved to Londonderry in 2013 after living on Baileys Neck Road in Easton for 25 years with her husband, Dr. Ted Lewers. Together, they have three daughters and four grandchildren. Pat graduated from the University of Maryland and taught fourth grade in Baltimore before raising her family full-time. She is an active member of the Mid-Shore community and has volunteered countless hours with the Easton Memorial Hospital, Talbot County Garden Club, Talbot County Historical Society, St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, and organizations that support individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia.

Ron Bollman and his wife, Jane, moved from Towson to Easton following Lon’s 39-year career with Bethlehem Steel at Sparrow’s Point, where he retired as Chief of Technology. They lived in Easton’s historic district for 22 years before moving to Londonderry in 2021. Ron is a very active member of the community: volunteering with the Easton Historic District Commission, Historic Cemeteries of Easton, Talbot Historical Society, Town of Easton Tree Board, Trappe Landing Farm & Nature Sanctuary, Eastern Shore Land Conservancy, Shore Rivers, Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, Talbot County Public Works Advisory Commission, and Christ Church.

Since moving to Londonderry, Ron has been a member of the Landscaping Committee, the ad hoc committee, wine-making group, and the beer-making group.

About Londonderry on the Tred Avon

Londonderry on the Tred Avon is a vibrant, independent living cooperative community for adults ages 62+ that promotes wellness of mind and body. Londonderry offers a variety of housing options from convenient apartments to spacious cottages among 29 acres, including 1500 feet of waterfront shoreline. For more information, visit www.londonderrytredavon.com.

Local Experts Help Seniors and Their Families Learn About Resources for Elder Abuse and Social Isolation

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Brookletts Place Senior Center recently hosted a presentation, “Getting Back Out There: How to Re-Engage After the Pandemic” at Brookletts Place at 400 Brookletts Avenue in Easton. The presentation explored elder abuse and social isolation, as well as how to re-engage seniors as a result of the pandemic. The panel of aging experts included Dr. Maggie Black, Partner of Shore Neurocognitive Health; Beth Parker O’Brien, LCSW-C, MPH, Founder/Partner of Shore Neurocognitive & Behavioral Health; Lee Newcomb, Adult Services Social Worker, Talbot County Department of Social Services; Mary Sellers, Upper Shore Aging, Inc., Guardianship and Family Caregiver Program; Dana Newman, Talbot County Free Library; and Kate Stinton, RN, LCSW, Talbot County Health Department.

Presenter Kate Stinton reported that social isolation is an increasing problem across the United States with Medicare reporting that 1 in 5 people suffer health effects from social isolation and that the cost of these health effects is a big health concern. She added, “Social isolation is a lack of contact that involves loneliness, anxiety, and depression among other health conditions. Talbot County has a good network of social services. The Health Department has programs available to help, they can talk with physicians, conduct assessments, and make liaisons with customers to work through the issues. The department offers home visits with 1-to-1 staff, assessments to determine health and functional needs, food, and transportation, along with case management services. Seniors can also enroll in the Senior Call Check services which can help give them a feeling of security. They can help you understand loneliness and social isolation.”

“Some risk factors for social isolation are living alone, decreased mobility, not leaving the home, suffering a major loss, financial struggles, being a caregiver, memory loss, cognitive changes, limited social supports, and eating meals alone,” she added.

According to presenter Lee Newcomb, the Talbot County Department of Social Services provides services to the elderly and vulnerable adults over the age of 18. Additionally, they make assessments to determine what services are helpful.

“The definition of vulnerable is an individual who lacks the mental and/or physical capacity to take care of their daily needs. The majority of the referrals received by our department are for financial exploitation and self-neglect. Self-neglect is when one isn’t taking care of their daily needs. Financial exploitation involves a scam or fraud that involves the transfer of money. It can happen with a family member, a caregiver, or calls/texts on your phone. We try to educate victims on what has happened and how to prevent future exploitation in the future.”

Another role of the Department of Social Services is to determine whether the victims have diminished cognitive capacity. Newcomb adds, “If the individuals are of sound mind and are making poor decisions, services are not appropriate. Adults have the right to make poor decisions.”

For help in determining cognitive capacity, Shore Neurocognitive Health in Easton offers memory screening, neurocognitive testing, and psychotherapy with a focus on the aging population. They provide education regarding anxiety, depression, caregiver stress, and testing to determine if an adult is vulnerable and experiencing cognitive impairment. They also make referrals to the Department of Social Services and the Health Department.

Beth Parker O’Brien and Maggie Black commented, “We want to help families navigate these tough issues. Social isolation and memory are connected. If one had a good memory before COVID, but not now – we can help them figure out what has happened. The central isolation encountered during COVID was a major obstacle and didn’t help anyone as daily life was being impacted. Depression increased, anxiety increased, and memory was impacted. They are seeing that COVID has a memory impact even among younger people.”

Mary Sellers shared resources from Upper Shore Aging, Inc. which serves Caroline, Kent, and Talbot counties. Talbot county receives 44% of the budget which serves the frail and elderly through the Family Caregiver program which provides grants to families and caregivers, along with education to those 60 and above. Some grandparents and clients with dementia are also served. She explained how to tap into these resources, stating, “An individual needs an impairment in at least two activities of daily living, and income is not considered, however, a declaratory income statement is required. Home-delivered meals are very valuable in reducing social isolation as you see a volunteer face to face and they check on the individual during the delivery. The average age of people served through the program is 85 years age. We are also seeing an increase in younger disabled individuals trying to qualify for services along with relatives who have quit their jobs to care for their disabled family members.”

Stinton shared that families and friends are important to help with taking the small steps to make connections. The Senior Centers, community centers, churches, theaters, and libraries are all also places where one can make connections. Dana Newman shared resources from the Talbot County Free Library to help seniors stay connected and find information on such topics as medical concerns and potential scams. The library also has programs for engagement and staying connected with loved ones virtually through FaceTime and Zoom. Staff can assist and can offer WiFi hot spots for free that give Internet connections for two months (there are some data limitations). They have online programming, including an online resource arts and crafts class called Creative Bug and an Easton Book Club that meets once a month. The library’s My Tech program offers people the opportunity to have IT questions answered and to learn FaceTime and Zoom.

The panel ended by encouraging participants to look out for their neighbors to see if changes are occurring and to reach out to one of the resources mentioned if help is needed. The agencies represented at the event work cooperatively to help families navigate the resources they need to address these important aging issues. For further information, call Brookletts Place at 410-822-2869 or visit brooklettsplace.org.

Brookletts Place is a center for seniors to gather and socialize with each other. It provides an aspect of community engagement for individuals 60 or older through the Center’s facilities and various events throughout the year.