The October luncheon guest speaker was Linda Penkala, a local Howard County author. Linda spoke about her journey from an earlier career as a Maryland jockey to becoming a successful published author and her latest book on heart health. Her PowerPoint presentation is available by clicking on the photo below.
To learn more Optimum Health for Life, click here for Linda Penkala on Link-In.
FRAUD FIGHTING RESOURCES
In March 2025, the luncheon program featured a presentation from AARP, the American Association of Retired Persons. The guest speaker, Steven Midge, shared a very informative presentation on “How to Avoid Fraud, Scrams, and Identify Theft." It was a timely a topic, and we’re confident members in attendance benefited from the latest information as well as tips to avoid being victimized. Below are listed some fraud fighting resources that you may find helpful.
FIGHTING FRAUD: IMPORTANT NUMBERS and WEBSITES
AARP FRAUD WATCH NETWORK -- 877-908-3360 / aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork
SOCIAL SECURITY FRAUD HOTLINE -- 800-269-0271
FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION (FTC) -- 877-382-4357 / identitytheft.gov. / reportfraud.ftc.gov / ftc.gov
FBI, BALTIMORE OFFICE -- 410-265-8080 / ic3.gov
MEDICARE -- 800-633-4227
SENIOR MEDICARE PATROL RESOURCE CENTER -- 877-808-2468
CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION BUREAU -- 855-411-2372 / consumerfinance.gov/complaint
IRS (tax related identity theft) -- 800-908-4490
BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU -- BBB.ORG
EQUIFAX -- 888-378-4329 / equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services
EXPERIAN -- 888-397-3742 / Experian.com/help
TRANSUNION -- 800-916-8800 / TransUnion.com/credit-help
ANNUAL CREDIT REPORT (FREE REPORT) -- 877-322-8228 / annualcreditreport.com
NATIONAL ELDER FRAUD HOTLINE -- 833-372-8311​​​​​
CLICK HERE to download and print a copy
you can use as a handy reference.
Fall Prevention
"Did you know that 1 in 4 Americans aged 65+ falls every year? Falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries for older Americans. Falls are costly—in dollars and in quality of life. However, falling is not an inevitable part of aging. Through practical lifestyle adjustments, evidence-based programs, and community partnerships, the number of falls among seniors can be reduced substantially." (National Council on Aging)
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Visit this website to learn about home modifications that will help prevent falls.
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​Visit this website to learn about strategies for organizing your home for safety.
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Howard County Office on Aging and Independence
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Here is a list of some of the programs and services provided by this office:
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50+ Centers
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Medicare Counseling
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Caregiver Program
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Loan Closet
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Social Day Programs
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Lunch programs at Senior Centers or at home
To reach the HoCo Office on Aging and Independence, click here.
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Another resource is the Maryland Access Point, or MAP, reachable at 410-313-1234. This program provides guidance with assistance and benefits, referrals to programs and services, and planning for the future.