Our weekly listing of events and classes in and around Howard County to make you Well & Wise!

October 19, 2:00- 6:00 p.m. HCGH Farmer’s Market.  Come and pick out some fresh fruits and veggies from our Farmer’s Market.  Did you know that the products at HCGH are 100% Howard County grown or produced? Stop by the Farmer’s Market to pick up locally grown, fresh fruit and vegetables and other local products. 

October 19, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. 50+Expo. Howard County General Hospital is a proud sponsor of the 14^th annual 50+ Expo geared towards adults 50 and older, caregivers, family members and health care professionals. Featuring over 140 exhibitors, workshops, health seminars, seasonal flu vaccines and all day entertainment.  Wilde Lake High School, 5460 Trumpeter Rd., Columbia.  Catch the free shuttle service from the Columbia Mall.

October 20, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Clinic  Join Howard County General Hospital, Johns Hopkins Medicine at the Mall in Columbia for this free, event. Speak with physicians about breast and colon health, nutrition, smoking cessation, and get fecal occult blood, pulmonary function, blood pressure, height and weight with body mass index screenings.

October 20, 10:00 a.m. Family Hike on Site at the Howard County Conservancy.  Join a Conservancy naturalist.  Fall is in the air.  The leaves are every color imaginable. Bring the family and explore how nature prepares for winter.  The Conservancy’s naturalists are again leading family hikes, divided into groups that are age and ability appropriate. Explore the grasslands, stream edges, woodlands, and gardens, noticing animals and other wonders of nature.  Dress appropriately.  In case of rain, check website.   FREE.

October 20, 11 a.m.- 12 p.m. Pizza Garden: Pizza Nutrition. Celebrate National Pizza Month at the Miller Branch. Learn about the nutritional value of pizza while discussing food preferences and choices. Then design a pizza, and make a plan to convince food fans that your pizza is tasty and nutritious. Ages 9-12. Registration and signed release form required. Click here to download release form. Register online or by calling 410.313.1950.

October 20, 1:30 p.m. Textures And Scents Of Plants. Master Gardener Anne Roy comes to the Miller Branch to discuss plants that smell good; feel fuzzy, soft, or scratchy; and look pretty or interesting. Visit the garden to experience many of the plants. Ages 5-8; 30 – 60 min. Registration and signed release form required. Click here to download release form. Register online or by calling 410.313.1950.

October 20, 2:00 p.m. Apple Season. Fall is apple season! Celebrate this favorite fruit at the Savage Branch with a story about Johnny Appleseed, activities, and a tasty treat! Ages 4-8; 45 min. Register online or by calling 410.880.5978.

October 20, 3:00 p.m. Herbal Apothecary. Join Master Gardener Anne Roy at the Miller Branch for a brief look at plants and their uses for medicines, perfumes, cooking, and flavorings. Visit the garden to experience many of the plants. Ages 9-12; 30 – 60 min. Registration and signed release form required. Click here to download release form. Register online or by calling 410.313.1950.

October 21, 5:00-9:00 p.m. Gilchrist Taste and Auction of Howard County. Savor, celebrate and support Gilchrist Center Howard County. Enjoy fare from 26 of Howard County’s finest restaurants and caterers plus exciting live and silent auctions. Turf Valley Conference Center, Ellicott City.

October 22, 11:30 a.m. at the Savage Branch and 2 p.m. at the Miller Branch. Just For Me. Classes for children ages 3-5 who are ready for an independent class that includes creative expression, listening comprehension, and early reading skills. 30 min. No registration required at the Savage Branch. Tickets available  at Children’s Desk 15-30 minutes before class at the Miller Branch. Offered 10/23, 10:30 a.m. at the Glenwood Branch– registration required; register online or by calling 410.313.5579. And offered at 10:15 & 11:15 a.m. at the Elkridge Branch; no registration required.

October 24, 7:00 p.m.  Amy Stewart. Join award-winning author Amy Stewart at the Miller Branch as she takes a dark yet comical look at the natural world. Discover plants that kill, maim, intoxicate, and otherwise offend, along with insects that infest, infect, and wreak havoc. Based on her bestsellers Wicked Plants and Wicked Bugs, Stewart presents a mixture of history, science, murder, and intrigue that begins–but doesn’t end–in your own backyard. Register online or by calling 410.313.1950.

October 24, 7-8 p.m. Bats: Halloween & Beyond! Halloween is for scary creatures and monsters. Are bats among them? Master Gardener Alex Dunbar comes to the Miller Branch to talk about the ten species of bats that live in Maryland – learn about our favorite flying mammals. Enjoy a bit of Halloween fun, too. Ages 7 & up. No registration required.

October 25, 11:30 a.m. Pumpkin Time. Fall is pumpkin season! Celebrate it at the Savage Branch as we listen to stories and songs, explore a real pumpkin, and create a craft. Ages 2-5; 45 min. Register online or by calling 410.880.5978.

October 25, 7:00- 9:00 p.m. Considering Join Replacement Surgery? If you’ve been told you need joint replacement surgery- this may be the next stop on the list.  Receive practical information including information about physical fitness and rehabilitation before and after surgery. Therapists will demonstrate specific physical therapy exercises. Orthopedic surgeon Mark Bullock, M.D. and anesthesiologist Mercy Thomaskutty, M.D. will answer questions.  The Wellness Center 10710 Charter Drive, Suite 100.

October 25, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Parenting in the Digital Age. This free workshop will focus on parents’ common concerns about online activity, including bullying, inappropriate use of photos, setting limits at home and at school, use of social media, and texting and driving. A panel discussion will follow, with representatives from the school system, police, local community programs and student speakers, addressing questions from those in attendance. Space is limited, pre-register by calling 410-313-1940 or register online at www.howardcountymd.gov/children. The Bain Center, 5470 Ruth Keeton Way, in Columbia.

October 26. 2:00- 6:00 p.m. HCGH Farmer’s Market.  Come and pick out some fresh fruits and veggies from our Farmer’s Market.  Did you know that the products at HCGH are 100% Howard County grown or produced? Stop by the Farmer’s Market to pick up locally grown, fresh fruit and vegetables and other local products.   

October 30, 7:00- 9:00 pm. Knee Deep in Pain. If a painful knee joint has you begging for mercy, come to this presentation by orthopedic specialist Daniel Tang, M.D. to learn ways to reduce knee pain and get back on your feet! Learn about knee injuries and degenerative conditions such as arthritis, and medical and surgical treatment including arthroscopy and knee replacement surgery. The Wellness Center 10710 Charter Drive, Suite 100.

October 30, 7-8:30 p.m. Rewiring Your Neural Pathways of Emotion Did you know that emotions affect our health, outlook, and well-being?  Participants will examine their own current emotional response patterns and learn how to use the tools of imagery, visualization, and meditation to promote positive change and optimal ways of being. The Wellness Center 10710 Charter Drive, Suite 100.