National Transit Staff Appreciation Day

Monday, March 18th represents National Transit Staff Appreciation Day. It's a time for us to recognize the hard work, dedication, and professionalism of our transit networks within Queen Anne's County. Each week, this newsletter likes to highlight one of our amazing County Ride drivers in the Driver Spotlight section. Our drivers, coordinators, dispatchers, and all other staff who assist County Ride are to thank for the incredible services that are provided to citizens.

Congregate Meal Program

Since 1972, this vital program has been helping older Americans get the nutrition they deserve, thanks to funding from the Older Americans Act. The Administration for Community Living (ACL), part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, provides grants to states to enable a network of local programs that deliver nutrition services to older adults. These programs promote healthy eating, foster meaningful social connections, and support overall health.

But it’s more than just food. These programs serve as a gateway to other home and community-based services like falls prevention programs, chronic disease management resources, and more – empowering older adults to live healthier, independent lives. 

How can You get involved?

We invite you to join us in celebrating this milestone by taking “A Place at the Table:"

• Enjoy a Congregate Lunch: Come dine with us at one of our Senior Center locations.  Lunch is served Monday through Friday with advance reservation.
  • Queen Anne’s County Family YMCA & Active Aging Center, Centreville, MD
  • Grasonville Senior Center, Grasonville, MD 
  • Kent Island Senior Center, Stevensville, MD 
  • Sudlersville Senior Center, Sudlersville, MD
• Spread the Word:  Help others understand the valuable nutrition services available to them by sharing this information with friends, family and neighbors!

Let’s come together and celebrate healthy eating, new connections and vibrant communities!

NEW Department of Community Services Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2024

To read them easier, click on either image to enlarge them. 

Scam Watch

You may have noticed the new (blue) section in the newsletter near the bottom. If not, give it a read! Each month we like to highlight a type of scam and some steps you can take to keep yourself, and those around you, from becoming a victim.

This month is focused on Identity Theft.

Important March Dates:

• Senior Centers will be closed on the following days this month:
  Friday, March 7, 2025, for the Cookoff.
• Don't forget to change your clocks on Sunday, March 9, 2025, for Daylight Savings time.
• The next meeting for the Caregiver's Support Group is on Tuesday, March 11, 2025. See the flyer under the SAVE THE DATE for more info.

Upcoming Events

Don't miss out on our exciting upcoming events where you can meet new friends, try new activities, and have a blast!

^{SAVE THE DATE: Caregiver's Support Group}

If 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.

^{SAVE THE DATE: Getting to Know Dementia - a Free Virtual Training}

Beth Hobson, Positive Approach to Care Certified Independent Coach, from Aging at Home Solution will be facilitating a free virtual training focused on Positive Approach to Care every Wednesday starting on March 5th through April 16th from 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm. This training is appropriate for all who are curious about dementia, such as family, care aides, facility care staff, health care professionals, volunteers, and faith communities. The course is designed to encourage experiential learning and discovery rather than traditional lectures. Space is limited. For more information, please contact Julia Stokes at 410-758-0848 EXT 2703 or jstokes@qac.org. 

Senior Summit

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

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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.

Identity Theft

Just like the name implies, identity theft is when an individual steals your personal information and uses it to commit fraud or other crimes. Your "personal information" are things like your Social Security Number (SSN), date of birth, mother's maiden name, credit card numbers, personal identification numbers (PINs), passwords for websites you use, and others. While some of this information may not seem important or private, a criminal can do a lot with it if used in the right way. 

Criminals who have your private information can open up credit cards, apply for loans or bank accounts, gain access to your benefits or retirement accounts, create fake social media accounts or emails to use in other types of crime, as well as other types of criminal activity. Not only can you be financially affected, but you could also be drawn into legal troubles if your information is attached to accounts that are connected to illegal activities. While legal trouble can be easily refuted, it still takes time and can be a scarry ordeal for those involved.

As frightening as identity theft can be, don't be afraid to provide your information to individuals you trust. Government agencies, non-profits, and other assistance groups may request your information to help them better serve you. There are many sets of checks and balances used to keep your information safe within these groups. If you are concerned, ask for a form of identification or about their organization's privacy policies involving your information.

^{Some ways to combat this type of fraud:}

• Protect your personal information! Never provide any personal information in response to an unwanted or unprompted telephone call, fax, letter, text message, or email. Trustworthy organizations will almost never contact you out of the blue and require you to provide them with this information. In the case that they do, look online for the organization's main phone number to call and verify that they are legitimate.
• Sign up for direct deposit and shred financial trash. By allowing your payments to go directly to your bank with a direct deposit, it eliminates the risk of your information being seen on paystubs at your workplace or in your mailbox. To safely eliminate your personal information on documents you want to throw away, use a black marker to cover the information, then use a shredder. 
• Monitor your bank accounts, credit card bills, and review your credit record annually. Keeping track of your finances is key to preventing permanent damage from identity theft. If you don't recognize a charge or withdraw on your account, if new accounts appear on your credit statement that you didn't open, or something else catches your eye that you don't understand, make sure to speak to the proper authority to get things resolved as soon as possible.
• Get help from trusted individuals. If you are worried, be sure to ask someone you trust for assistance. Your friends, family, and other individuals you trust can offer assistance and advice.

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.

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