1. “I will reflect more on the good things I do, rather than on my imperfections as a caregiver.”
2. “I will spend more time cherishing supportive friends and relatives than dwelling on those who have disappointed me.”
3. “I will compartmentalize more, preserving time for myself.”
4. “I will be grateful for what I’m learning about myself.”
5. “I will aim for joy.”

To read more about these inspirational ideas, click here to view the full article on the AARP website. For caregivers taking time for themselves, even for quiet time alone can often seem a challenge. Yet this simple list of five positive ideas makes is easier try small steps. A practical approach is to adopt one of the resolutions each month for the first five months of the year - and look forward to creating new positive thought patterns.

Earlier this year Positive Psychology featured a fascinating article by Joaquín Selva, Bc.S., titled "5 Worksheets for Challenging Negative Automatic Thoughts (+PDF)" - again five steps to positively change behavior. The US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health collects international research and publishes them. In 2012, Benjamin Gardner, Lecturer in Health Psychology at the Health Behaviour Research Centre, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, presented research on the impact of positive thoughts on daily wellbeing "Making health habitual: the psychology of ‘habit-formation’ and general practice." This fascinating paper includes a handy daily tick-sheet that can be used to set and stick to new healthy habits.

In Montgomery County we also have outstanding caregiver support groups that have proven to be a welcome panacea in times of concern, exhaustion, grief and any other the myriad of emotions caregivers face.
Click here for more information.
 

The Beacon's 50+ Expo continues to run virtually through the end of January 2022. Join in FREE online for Speakers, Classes, Entertainment, and dozens of informative exhibitors. This year's event has as its keynote speaker Diane Rehm, who hosted NPR’s The Diane Rehm Show for more than 30 years. A second keynote conversation will take place between Beacon publisher and editor Stuart Rosenthal and Dr. Mark Warshawsky, former Deputy Commissioner of Social Security, about the future of Social Security and private pensions.  

You can visit as often as you wish and stay for as many programs that interest you. Click here to visit the Beacon 50+ Expo and for more details visit.
Click here for more information.

Popping into a virtual support group can be much less stressful and as with in-person groups offers a safe place to share information, ask questions, voice personal feelings and stories. The virtual support group makes it possible for caregivers to connect face-to-face in real time using today’s technology. 

Additionally, lifelong learning is now offered broadly via the internet. So, whether pursuing personal interests and passions or chasing professional ambitions, lifelong learning can help participants achieve personal fulfillment and satisfaction. Science recognizes that humans have a natural drive to explore, learn and grow - lifelong learning encourages participants to improve quality of life and a sense of self-worth by paying attention to the ideas and goals that inspire the student. The NIH National Institute on Aging has published numerous research papers that highlight that maintaining mind, body and spirit positively helps with healthy aging. The NIH NIA's Cognitive Health and Older Adults offers a terrific read.

The Montgomery County Council, acting as the County Board of Health, earlier this week approved an amended Board of Health regulation to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and to update indoor masking guidance in the County. The new regulation continues indoor mask requirements at any location accessible to the public in Montgomery County until 11.59 p.m. on Jan. 31.
Click here for more information.

 

Every January, for more than a decade, the Montgomery County Volunteer Center has brought thousands of area residents together for an afternoon of volunteer activities featured at its large-scale Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service event. However due to the ongoing COVID-19 health crisis, for the second straight year, the event will be largely virtual and expanded to a week from Jan. 15-22. It will have a variety of home-based and safely distanced service opportunities available online.
Click here for more information.

 

Montgomery County has started conducting its biennial online survey of County residents. The survey is available on the County website and is designed to get residents’ assessment of the local government, its services and their quality of life. The survey will be open through Jan. 17.
Click here for more information.

 

A $248 million Maryland Homeowner Assistance Fund was opened this week to support mortgage relief, home repairs, housing counseling and legal services. The program will be administered by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development.
Click here for more information.

 

Bad winter weather sometimes requires Montgomery County departments to alter their service schedules. This can happen with County-operated trash and recycling collections, or with operation of the Shady Grove Processing Facility and Transfer Station in Derwood. The best way to be quickly made aware of those type of service changes is to sign up for Department of Environmental Protection Alerts.
Click here for more information.

 

The State’s Attorney Office is offering warnings that the increase in COVID-19 cases brought on by the Omicron variant could lead to an increase in domestic violence, child abuse and elder abuse incidents, with victims often suffering in silence.
Click here for more information.

 

Montgomery History will hold its 16th Annual “Montgomery History Conference” in a hybrid format Jan. 19-29. Over 11 days, the conference will offer a myriad of opportunities to take part online and in-person. There will be three keynote sessions, 12 breakout sessions, a movie screening and a trivia night. 
Click here for more information.


Free Online Workshops for Job Seekers and Entrepreneurs in January

Free online workshops and one-on-one sessions geared toward assisting renters, job seekers and entrepreneurs will be offered throughout January. The programs are sponsored by Montgomery County Public Libraries.
Click here for more information.


County Holiday Schedule for Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, Jan. 17

The Montgomery County Government will observe special schedules for facilities and programs changes for Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, Jan. 17.
Click here for more information.


County to Honor to Life and Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. With Virtual Celebration on Monday, Jan. 17, That Focuses on Voting Rights

The life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. will be celebrated by Montgomery County at 3:30 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 17, in a virtual event that will include special greetings and remarks by County Executive Marc Elrich and County Council President Gabe Albornoz on the importance of voting rights. Civil Rights warrior and Freedom Rider Joan Mulholland also will speak as part of the tribute.
Click here for more information.


Shady Grove and Rockville Metrorail Stations Reopening on Sunday, Jan. 16

The Shady Grove and Rockville Metrorail stations will reopen on Sunday, Jan. 16, following a four-month shutdown for the Rockville Canopy Replacement Project. 
Click here for more information.


Ride On Bus Service Will Be Reduced Starting on Sunday, Jan. 16, Due to Bus Operator Shortage

The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) will temporarily reduce Ride On bus service beginning Sunday, Jan. 16, due to a growing number of employees sick from, or exposed to, COVID-19.
Click here for more information.


Financial Assistance Available for Homeowners Impacted by COVID

The Maryland Homeowner Assistance Fund can provide grants or loans for delinquent mortgage payments, past due association fees, past due real estate taxes and for repairs and energy efficiency improvements. Eligibility is based on income and COVID-19 impact. Owner occupancy is required.
Click here for more information.


January Proclaimed ‘Human Trafficking Prevention Month’ in Montgomery County

Human trafficking has long been an issue in Montgomery County, in Maryland, nationally and internationally. Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich and the County Council earlier this week proclaimed January as “Human Trafficking Prevention Month” in the County.
Click here for more information.

January 18, 19, 21, 24, 26 - 2022 (Interactive and Online)
Upcoming:  February 28 & March 2, 4, 7, 9 - 2022    

Are you over age 50 and looking for a new job?  JCA’s Career Gateway Program can help you hone your resume, polish your networking and interviewing skills, use Internet job search resources more effectively, and turn your age and experience to your advantage. Each session of the Career Gateway features 30 hours of small-group classroom instruction over five days, comprehensive take-home materials, practical exercises, and a long-term mentor – all for only $75. Sessions run from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Optional employment-related tech classes are also available.

Sessions and tech classes will be an interactive, Zoom, online experience. The same curriculum, class facilitator, presenters and volunteers address all the important job-seeking skills as in in-class program. Don’t be intimidated by online instruction.  We’ll train you and will work through this together. 

Registration is limited and is on a first-come, first-serve basis.  For more information and to register for an upcoming Career Gateway session, please contact Jodie Rasch at 301-255-4215 or Jodie.Rasch@AccessJCA.org.  Website:  https://AccessJCA.org/Career-Gateway/


Virtual 50+ Expo

November 1, 2021 through January 31, 2022
beacon50expo.com

This year’s keynote speaker will be Diane Rehm, who hosted NPR’s The Diane Rehm Show for more than 30 years. Rehm will engage with Beacon newspaper publisher Stuart Rosenthal in a discussion about her broadcast career and the books she has written. A second keynote conversation will take place between Rosenthal and Dr. Mark Warshawsky, former Deputy Commissioner of Social Security, about the future of Social Security and private pensions.

More than a dozen expert speakers will address health and wellness, legal matters and estate planning, employment and volunteer opportunities, money and investments, retirement housing options and travel. In addition, the online expo will include video demonstrations and classes on tai chi, yoga, cooking, nutrition, dance and more.

Monday, January 17, 2022, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day: No County-provided recycling or trash collections on January 17; After the holiday, pickups slide one day with last pickup Saturday, January 22, 2022.

If you have questions or concerns about your County-provided collection, please contact the Montgomery County Customer Service Center at 311 (out-of-County: 240-777-0311) or @311MC311.

If you (or your community) have a private contract for your trash collection, or if you live in a municipality, our schedule announcements may not apply to your collection service -- check with your hauler or community manager.

Locations, hours and other details

• Monday, January 17, 2022
  • Transfer Station CLOSED.
  • Recycling Center CLOSED.