It matters to this one - November 21

November 20, 10:03 PMLaurel Community Volunteer ExaminerCarol Plotnick

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It matters to this one is a weekly Laurel Community Volunteer Examiner column that lists support groups and health/social service resources in the area. Most services and support groups are free. The following information may change, so call and confirm the dates, times and locations. Contact phone numbers are listed for each service or group.

Mobile Crisis Teams

The City of Laurel is located in four Maryland counties - Anne Arundel, Howard, Montgomery or Prince George's. Citizens have access to special mobile crisis units that can help them during times of personal distress. During emergency mental illness or behavioral situations, the trained individuals of the Mobile Crisis Teams come to their aid. These emergencies include, but are not limited to, suicide threats or attempts, children/adolescents with serious emotional issues and intense family conflict. MCT teams are able to carry out an Emergency Petition in dangerous situations.

Anne Arundel county residents - Call 410-768-5522. Hours of operation: Sunday through Thursday – 7:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday – 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.

Howard county residents - This Mobile Crisis Team is sponsored by Howard County, the Mental Health Authority, the police department and Grassroots. For assistance call Grassroots at 410-531-6677 and request "MCT." Hours of operation: Noon to 11:00 p.m., seven days a week.

Montgomery county residents - Call 240-777-4000. Hours of operation: 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. daily. Mobile Crisis Team (MCT) on the Web.

Prince George's county residents - Call 301-927-4500 or 301-429-2185. Crisis services are available 24 hours/day, 7 days/week.

Active Parenting for Hispanic Families - Alianza de la Comunidad is sponsoring two programs designed to help parents teach their children how to participate effectively in school and to have successful relationships with others in their communities. One program is for parents of children 2 to 12 years old and the other is for parents of teens, 12 to 18 years old. Both are six-week programs; the one for children is 2 1/2 hours per week and the one for teems, two hours per week. There will be short breaks during class, child care is provided if no one is available at home to care for children and in certain circumstances, transportation can be arranged. If interested, call Consuelo Petro 410-884-2993 or Sandra Gutierrez 443-812-8486.

American Cancer Society's Road to Recovery service is FREE to cancer patients who are undergoing treatment. Volunteer Road to Recovery drivers take patients to their treatments and doctor visits. Call 1-800-ACS-2345.

American Red Cross offers First aid, CPR, AED, baby-sitting, family care-giving and preparedness training courses. Call 301-559-8500 ext 102. Web sites: National Capital Area (for Montgomery and Prince George's county residents) and Central Maryland (for Howard and Anne Arundel county residents).

Arthritis Foundation Exercise Class, November 9 through December 8, 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the Savage Senior Center, 9525 Durness Lane, Savage. Eight sessions for $27.00. Contact E. Bennett at 410-880-5915.

Capital College, 11301 Springfield Road, Laurel participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs web site, The Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement Program (Yellow Ribbon Program) is a provision of the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008. This program allows institutions of higher learning (degree granting institutions) in the United States to voluntarily enter into an agreement with VA to fund tuition expenses that exceed the highest public in-state undergraduate tuition rate. The institution can contribute up to 50% of those expenses and VA will match the same amount as the institution.

Veterans who want to pursue further education should contact both the Capital College at 1-800-950-1992 and the VA [click on Yellow Ribbon Program link below].

Yellow Ribbon Program [eligibility and application procedures]

Post-9/11Veterans Education Assistance Act

Capital College [admissions information]

Claudia Mayer Cancer Resource Center is a place of hope, help and support for men, women and children living and coping with cancer. Phone: 410-740-5858. Location: Medical Pavilion at Howard County,10710 Charter Drive, Suite G050, Columbia

Quilting and Hand-sewing classes, 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month, 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Free. Beginners and advanced needlers welcome.

Knitting and crochet groups, 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month, 10:30 a.m.-noon. Free. Instruction, directions and good times for beginners and advanced.

Beading and Jewelry Group, 3rd Tuesday each month, 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Bring your beads and baubles to swap and trade. Make a project. Free, but register by calling 410-740-5858.

Yoga for Patients, Caregivers and Survivors, Friday, 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. Learn and practice basic yoga movements under the leadership of an experienced and clinically-trained instructor. For more information or to register, call 410-964-9100.

Caregivers' Support Group, 2nd Wednesday each month, 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.

Transition to Wellness, December 14, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Ambulatory Care Center. Free, but registration required. Women at or near the conclusion of breast cancer treatment receive coping tools and information as they enter the wellness phase of their journey as a breast cancer survivor. To register, call 410-884-4574.

Winter Clothing Distribution at Elizabeth House, December 12, 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. [rain or shine]. Volunteers from Our Shepherd Lutheran Church [OSLC] in Columbia, MD, will hand out new and lightly-used coats, hats, scarves, gloves/mittens and sleeping bags to the homeless guests that come to dinner at Elizabeth House. The distribution will take place at tables set up in the front yard and OSLC team members will help Elizabeth House guests find what they need.

Come Sign With Us is a sign language group that helps individuals who want to learn and use American Sign Language [ASL]. They have group lessons, tutorial and in-home sessions. They are also offer support for family and friends that know someone who's first language is ASL.

Diabetes Support Group, third Monday each month, 7:00 p.m. for people with Type I diabetes at the Howard County Wellness Center, Medical Pavilion, 10710 Charter Drive, Suite #100, Columbia. For more information, call Judy Haxton at 301-490-0029.

Discount Prescription Cards are available, free of charge, at Laurel's City Hall, CVS Pharmacies, Giant Pharmacy, Safeway Pharmacy, Shoppers Food Pharmacy and the Main Street Pharmacy. Laurel residents can also call 1-888-620-1749 or visit the Caremark web site. The discount prescription card program is made available to Laurel residents through the cooperation of the City of Laurel and the National League of Cities. The card makes it possible for patients to benefit from an average savings of 20 percent off the retail price of commonly used prescription drugs. There are no restrictions based on age, income or existing health coverage. The cards can be used at about seven pharmacies in Laurel.

English as a Second Language and U.S. Citizenship Classes, FREE, ongoing through May 2010, 10:00 a.m. Tuesdays and Fridays and 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays at First Baptist Church, 15000 First Baptist Lane, Laurel. Call 301-725-6163.

Grieving a Personal Loss Workshops and Luncheons offered by Gilchrist Hospice Care. All workshops are free, but require pre-registration. The luncheon is $10 per person, payable at the door. Please check location and call the following people to register: Pat Schoenleber 443-849-8251 for Gilchrist Center or Hunt Valley locations or Lois Fitzgerald 410-730-5072 for Howard County locations. Click HERE for a listing of events and more information about each event and then click on the "September - December 2009" hyperlink under the "Bereavement Services Support Groups and Workshops Calendar" heading.

Hope Lodge [American Cancer Society], a place where cancer patients and their caregivers - that live a long distance from their cancer treatment centers - can stay FREE during their treatments. Click the links below for the Hope Lodge story.

• Hope Lodge Examiner.com article and video

• Hope Lodge - general information

• Hope Lodge - Baltimore

• American Cancer Society

Howard Community College – The Counseling and Career Services Department offers a FREE Job Search Support Group each Friday from October 2 through November 20 from 10:00 a.m. until noon at the Columbia campus. “Topics will include how to research your target employers and industries, network with employers and other job seekers, write effective résumés and cover letters. Led by career counselors, the sessions will prepare group members to participate in the Fall Job/Career Fair hosted on campus in November.” Call 410-772-4840 to register. [Credit: BizWeekly 29 September]

Howard County General Hospital Wellness Center - FREE health screenings. Registration required. To register either call 410-760-7601 or go online

Howard County General Hospital Wellness Center - Group Meetings. Unless otherwise indicated, all groups meet at Medical Pavilion at Howard County, 10710 Charter Drive, Suite 100, Columbia, MD. The following information is subject to change. Please call the contact phone number listed in advance. [Credit: HCGH's "Wellness Matters" Fall 2009]

Adult Type 1 Diabetes, third Monday, 7:00 p.m. Call 301-490-0029 or 410-778-8720.

Alcoholics Anonymous every Sunday at 7:00 p.m. Call 410-663-1922.

Al-Anon every Sunday at 7:00 p.m. for families and friends of alcoholics. Call 410-832-7094.

Alateen every Sunday at 7:00 p.m. for teenagers with an alcoholic friend or family member. Call 1-888-4AL-ANON.

Alzheimer's Caregivers Groups- Caregivers, first Friday every month at 11:00 a.m. Spouse caregivers, second Tuesday, 10:30 a.m. Call 410-313-9744.

Aneurysm Support Group, first Monday, 7:00 p.m. Call 410-422-4045.

Bereavement Support Group, every Thursday, 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. for families and friends who have lost loved ones at HCGH. To register, call Pastoral Care office, 410-740-7898.

Better Breathing Club, monthly meetings. In cooperation with the American Lung Association. Call for information 410-740-7803.

Breast Cancer Support Group, third Wednesday, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Central MD Oncology Center. Call 410-884-4650.

Caregiver's Support Group provides caregivers with an opportunity to network with other caregivers and share coping tools and similar personal experiences. Register by calling 410-740-5858.

Chronic Pain Support Group, third Monday, 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. Call 301-873-3959.

Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America Support Group, fourth Tuesday, 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. Call 1-800-618-5583.

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance of Howard County, second and fourth Fridays, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Call 443-995-8391.

Hospice Services of Howard County offers support for the terminally ill, their families and the bereaved. Call 410-730-5072.

Howard County Diabetes Education and Support Group, first Tuesday, 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. at The Bain Center. Call 410-740-7695.

I Can Cope, sponsored by the Claudia Mayer Cancer Resource Center and the American Cancer Society, is an educational series for people diagnosed with cancer. Registration required. Call 410-740-5858.

Look Good Feel Better. Licensed cosmetologists teach women undergoing cancer treatment how to manage appearance-related side effects of treatment. Call 1-888-535-4555.

Lupus Mid-Atlantic, first Wednesday, 7:00 p.m. Call 1-800-777-0934.

Man-to-Man Prostate Cancer Support Group, third Thursday, 7:00 to 9:30 p.m. Call 410-379-2896.

Maryland Sickle Cell Disease Association, fourth Wednesday, 7:00 p.m. Call 410-465-4822.

Narcotics Anonymous, every Sunday, 8:00 to 9:00 p.m. Call 1-800-317-3222.

Nicotine Anonymous, every Sunday, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Call 410-964-2180.

Overeaters Anonymous every Friday, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Call 410-963-2102.

Parkinson's Support Group, second Tuesdays, noon to 1:00 p.m. Call 443-718-3135

Rising Hope Support Group, first Monday, 7:30 p.m. is for parents who have lost a baby to miscarriage, stillbirth, or newborn death. Call 410-740-7845.

Stroke Support Group, select Wednesdays each month, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the Ambulatory Care Center. Call 410-740-7601.

WomenHeart, the National Coalition of Women with Heart Disease. For information, call 443-854-8333.

Howard County Mental Health Resources brochure contains contact information useful to individuals, caregivers and families who are dealing with mental illness. Produced by the Department of Health & Mental Hygiene, NAMI Maryland and NAMI Howard County, the brochure is a PDF available for either online viewing or downloading HERE. Scroll to the bottom of the web page and click “Howard County Mental Health Resources.”

Watch a video about the breaking the stigma of mental illness:

Howard County Resources for Immigrants – This list of links to non-profit organizations that help foreign-born individuals is located at the FIRN web site.

Humanim Brain Injury Support Group third Tuesdays each month, 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at Humanim, 6355 Woodside Ct, Columbia. A support group for people who have sustained brain injuries due to trauma, stroke, aneurysm, tumor, disease or other neurological incidents. For more information, call Dee Johnson at 410-967-5906.

Interstitial Cystitis (IC)/Painful Bladder Syndrome (PBS) support group meets quarterly from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Maryland City Public Library, 3501 Russett Common, Laurel. Next meeting on November 15. Established in 2002, the group provides support and information to patients. No fees or dues. Contact: Tina Nachodsky Tina@BaltoDCircsupport.com Web site

Job Club, ongoing at the Central Branch of the Howard County Library, 10375 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia. “Baby Boomer Plus” Job Club, was formed to help people born between 1940 and 1970 who are facing a tough job market and rising unemployment. According to the group's brochure, “The objective of this Job Club is to utilize the skills, experiences, resources, techniques and other abilities to aid job seekers to find employment. In the Job Club you will learn new techniques and ideas that will assist you in finding a new career or simply new and meaningful employment.” For more information and meeting times, call the group facilitator Mark Blacker at 443-799-7395.

LBGC [Laurel Boys and Girls Club] offers their LBGC, Firefighter and Police Mentoring Program to 10 to 18-year olds. Contact Levet Brown via e-mail levetbrown2@aol.com

Laurel Pregnancy Center, Wednesdays, 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. FREE classes for new and expectant parents. Topics include childbirth, parenting and healthy living. Classes taught by professionals. LPC location: 415 Main Street, Laurel. Contact Karen at 301-776-9997 or e-mail karen@laurelpregnancycenter.org

Laurel Regional Hospital - Community Education

The following information is subject to change. Please call the contact phone number listed in advance.

Arthritis – People with Arthritis Can Exercise, October 29 to December 17, 10:00 a.m. at the hospital. Participants must be able to walk independently, with a device, or are able to transfer to a straight chair from their wheelchair. Cost: $25.00 per person; $15.00 for Auxiliary members or $3.00 per class. For information, call 301-497-7914.

Breast Feeding - For women breast feeding newborns and infants. For more information call 301-497-7979 or 410-792-2270 ext. 77979.

Tour of Labor and Delivery - Tour of the hospital's labor and delivery units. To register for your tour or for more information, call 301-497-7977 or 410-792-2271 ext. 77977.

Laurel Regional Hospital - Group Meetings - For more information call 301-497-7914 or 410-792-7636.

Alcoholics Anonymous every Sunday, 7:00 p.m. A fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism.

Al-Anon every Friday, 7:00 p.m. Helps families and friends of alcoholics recover from the effects of living with the problem drinking of a relative or friend.

Bi-polar Depression support group every Thursday, 6:00 p.m.

Narcotics Anonymous (NA) every Monday and Thursday, 7:00 p.m.

Nar-Anon every Monday, 7:00 p.m. Provides encouragement for those recovering from narcotic addictions emphasizing rehabilitation and wellness.

Parkinson, every Tuesday, 10:30 a.m.

Rehabilitation Sharing Group, second Thursday of each month, 6:00 p.m. For those recovering from strokes or long-term illness. For more information call 301-497-7901 or 410-792-2270 ext. 77901.

Love Is Not Enough, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) domestic violence awareness organization founded by Valerie Nicholas. For information about domestic violence, outreach programs for organizations, or personal support, contact via 9403 Spring House Lane, Apt D, Laurel, MD 20708.

Lupus Support Groups

Anne Arundel County, December 12, 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Location: 45 McKinsey Road, Severna Park

Howard County, December 2, 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. Location: 11055 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia

For other locations, see online calendar.

Malevictims.org, every Saturday, 10:00 a.m. at 10721 Graeloch Road, Laurel. A support group for men who were molested during their childhood. Call Haku at 866-824-9548 for more information.

Mentor, Encourage, Lift and Love, Inc. offers a support group for male and female teen parents on the second Saturday every month. The group meets in the Laurel Presbyterian Church, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Refreshments and childcare provided.

Minds on the Edge, November 30, 2:00 p.m. at On Our Own Howard County, Patricia Fogarty Wellness and Recovery Center, 6440 Dobbin Road, Suite B, in Columbia. NAMI Howard County and On Our Own of Howard County are offering a FREE screening of “Minds On The Edge: Facing Mental Illness” to encourage dialog within the community about what can be done to improve treatment options and how best to support for people with mental illness and their families. A discussion will follow the film. Refreshments will be served.

“The program illuminates challenging ethical issues as well as medical practices that can be barriers to treatment. It also explores our growing reliance on the criminal justice system to manage people with mental illness, a consequence of limited community-based treatment options and support. In diagnosing the problems resulting from a fragmented mental health care system, MINDS ON THE EDGE provides a glimpse of many solutions that are currently being implemented across the country. These innovations, many shaped by the guidance and expertise of people with mental illness, offer promising solutions and hopeful direction to transform the mental health system.” For more information, contact NAMI Howard County office at (410) 772-9300. [Credit: 11 November NAMI Howard County e-mail announcement.]

Mission of Love Charities, Inc. is a “a multifaceted health and human services organization dedicated to helping the undeserved and misfortunate by providing free programs and services designed to meet their immediate and short-term needs. MOLC is committed to addressing basic human needs by equipping people with the tools for long-term stability and growth. Based in Prince George's County (Maryland), MOLC's clients are vulnerable, at-risk families and individuals from various communities in Maryland, the District of Columbia and Northern Virginia.” [Credit: MOLC web site.] For more information or assistance, call 301-333-4440 or e-mail molcgeneral@molc-inc.org

MOMS Club of Laurel, first Thursday each month, 7:00 p.m. social time; 7:30 p.m. meeting. Make friends, discover new things and celebrate community. All moms welcome! Our Savior Lutheran Church, 13611 Laurel-Bowie Road [Rt 197], Laurel.

Moms, Inc., second Tuesday each month, 10:00 a.m. Offers networking opportunities and support for stay-at-home moms who want to have a successful home business. Fellowship Hall of Linden Linthicum United Methodist Church, 12101 Linden Linthicum Lane, Clarksville.

National Alliance on Mental Illness:

NAMI for Family & Friends of adults with mental illness meets on:

• Fourth Monday of each month from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. Group meets in Room 3 at the Emmanuel United Methodist Church, 10755 Scaggsville Road, Laurel 20723.

• Second Tuesday of each month from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. Group meets at the Harmony Hall Retirement Center, 6336 Cedar Lane, Columbia 21044. For more information call 410-772-9300.

NAMI for Spanish speaking Family & Friends of adults with mental illness meets on the fourth Friday of each month from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at the Wilde Lake Interfaith Center, 10431 Twin Rivers Rd., Columbia, 21044.

NAMI Parents & Caregivers of Children & Teens with a mental illness:

• Second Monday of each month, noon to 1:30 p.m. in Room 204 at the First Presbyterian Church of Howard County, 9325 Presbyterian Circle, Columbia. Bring your lunch, if you wish.

• Last Wednesday of each month, 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. at the Faulkner Ridge Center, 10598 Marble Faun Ct, Columbia, MD 21044. For more information call 410-772-9300.

NAMI Connection group [for adults with mental illness] meets every Tuesday, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. at Wilde Lake Interfaith Center, 10431 Twin Rivers Rd., Columbia , 21044.

NAMI Sunday Suppers -- People have been gathering for our Sunday Suppers program since 1982. Sunday Suppers is a social gathering for adults living with mental illness. The event begins at 4:00 p.m. on the third Sunday of each month at the Florence Bain Senior Center, 5470 Ruth Keeton Way, Columbia, 21044. Meals are prepared by local churches and organizations. For transportation concerns please contact Harvey at 410-730-3852.

Mother-Daughter Self Care & Stress Relief Workshop, January 2010 - Group currently forming for mothers and daughters who want to spend quality time together. Creative activities, sharing with others, learning relaxation skills and gaining insight and personal power. Call Vanita at 410-772-9300 for information and to pre-register for this FREE workshop.

Nixle, a FREE, secure, electronic community information system, notifies Laurel residents about area traffic, weather, school closings and other emergency or unscheduled events in a timely manner via e-mail or text message to a cellphone. Register online.

Online On the Homefront – The following organizations are for women who have family members either actively serving, or who are considering serving, in the military. Each web site has links to other organizations, related information, and access to photos, videos, blogs, forums and chat groups.

• Blue Star Mothers of Maryland has monthly meetings in Laurel for mothers supporting sons and daughters in all branches of the military (active duty, reserves, honorably discharged). 301-490-5358 or 410-978-2979.

• CafeMom - Blog for U.S. Air Force wives and moms

• Military Moms

• Navy For Moms

• Proud Army Moms

PATH of Howard County, third Mondays each month, 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. - A community support organization for families raising children, serving Howard County, Maryland and the surrounding area. [Credit: PATH web site.] For meeting locations, call 410-992-9291 or E-mail parents_at_home@hotmail.com

Phelps Senior Services Center, 701 Montgomery Street, Laurel.

Blood Pressure Screening, second Tuesday, 10:00 a.m. to noon. Co-sponsored with Laurel Regional Hospital.

Diabetic Support Group, third Wednesday of each month, 10:00 a.m. Program co-sponsored with the Prince George's County Health Department. Call 301-883-3526.

Prince George's County Health Department - The Addictions & Mental Health Services' Men's Intensive Outpatient Program offers treatment for men with drug or alcohol addictions or mental health issues. Call 301-856-9400.

Russett Branch Library, in cooperation with AARP tax-aide volunteers, will be offering FREE Federal and State Tax Assistance to seniors and low-income residents. AARP membership not required. Volunteers available on Wednesdays beginning February 3 and continuing through April 14, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. No pre-registration for this drop-in service; however, residents are assisted on a first-come, first-served basis.

Seniors Against Domestic Violence and Stalking, every Saturday, 11:00 a.m. Free support group. Call Barbara J. Givens at 301-277-3775 for location. For more information about the organization, read The Gazette article “Volunteers work to curtail abuse, stalking of seniors.”

Serenity Center, Talbot Springs Community Center, 9660 Basket Ring Road, Columbia. A group of people in recovery established the Center in 1993 as a place where members of various Twelve Step support groups could meet and provide support for each other. Meetings are hosted in both English and Spanish. There is space for four groups to meet simultaneously, along with a lounge and large kitchen. Some of the many groups that meet here are: Al-Anon, Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous and Overeaters Anonymous.

Online calendar of meetings, dates and times.

General information and a map

Sheppard Pratt at Howard County, Way Station support groups. Location: 9030 Route 108, Suite A, Columbia. To register for any support groups listed below, call intake at 410-740-1901 to confirm insurance authorization, then press zero to set-up a pre-group interview with Denise Katz. For general info, call Denise at 410-740-1901, ext 7761.

Bi-Polar Group: Therapy, Support, Education. A new weekly group, for adult men and women, Wednesdays, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Women’s Therapy Group (ages 40 and above), every Thursday, 6:00 to 6:55 p.m. Discuss mood and anxiety issues. Also, focus on stress-management techniques, relationship and problem-solving skills.

Clutter and Hoarding with Mood Disorders Therapy and Support Group, Tuesdays, twice a month, Noon to 1:00 p.m. Do you feel like it’s just too much, but you’re afraid to let “it” go? Try our new group for people just like you who need support, patience and understanding. Lots of tips and most of all lots of camaraderie as we face life’s challenges together. For adult men and women.

Women’s Therapy Group (for ages 25-39), every Wednesday, 7:00 to 7:55 p.m. Discuss mood and anxiety issues. Also, focus on stress-management techniques and problem solving skills. Learn to improve relationships with social skills and communication techniques.

Society of Military Widows, fourth Sundays every month, brunch at Fort Meade's Club Meade. New members welcome. Call Daisy Jackson, 410-730-6194 or e-mail daisyjackson@mris.com

Stop the Silence is an international non-profit organization dedicated to stopping child sexual abuse and to promoting healing for the victims and survivors. For information. To make an online donation.

Take Pounds Off Sensibly [Chapter TOPS #MD 0192] meets every Monday, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Pythias Hall, 620 Montgomery Street, Laurel. A membership fee funded weight-loss support group. Annual $26 fee covers mailing costs and $1.50 weekly fee covers meeting room rental. Call Cookie Darsey 301-498-9031.

The following announcement comes from the BizWeekly, 17 November 2009:

TracFone Launches SafeLink Wireless to Aid Low-Income Households in State

Annapolis-based TracFone Wireless, a prepaid cell phone provider, has launched SafeLink Wireless — the first and only completely free offering of Lifeline — a U.S. government supported program that ensures telephone service is available and affordable for eligible low-income households.

The service will provide eligible low-income households a free cell phone, mobile access to emergency services and 64 free minutes of airtime, monthly, for one year. The cell phone offers in-demand features: voicemail, text, call waiting, international calling to more than 60 destinations and caller ID.

“For the over 378,000 households that qualify for Lifeline services in Maryland, SafeLink provides a modern necessity that could help them secure employment, communicate with their child-care provider, reach hospitals, fire departments, or police in the event of an emergency, and they would receive that help at absolutely no cost,” said Jose Fuentes, director of government relations for TracFone. “No other company is doing that."