This week has been such a demanding one, time-wise, that I am starting this column late, and, have so much to share.

I have tried to follow up on the suggestions proposed at the Morgan State University seminar, for people with mortgage problems or possible ones coming up. For those not in trouble yet, but fearful of trouble in the near future, there was one proposal called "Lifeline Loan."

Because my lender had representatives at the Home Retention Fair July 17, I checked with them, specifically about the Lifeline Loan. They took my name and number and told me they would have somebody call me Monday, or at the latest, Tuesday. I really doubted that much would happen, but I did receive a call on Monday. but I was not home when they called.

Again, Tuesday, and for most of the week, we kept playing telephone tag, which did not relieve my doubts. However, we finally talked, and, although it was not from a representative of the primary mortgage, it was from one for the home equity.

It seems there is a program that may provide some help for people. No doubt the equity has to be substantial, and, that there are other restrictive requirements. But, using my mortgage as the sample, the representative is checking the details and says that, "perhaps something can be worked out."

There may be monetary relief for a period of time with the monthly payment cut some amount, for a period, say, for three months or even for 12 months.

Will it help or will it end up worse than before? Of course, until I see something in writing, I still am hesitant to believe such a thing is out there for worried people, and, could actually come about. I remain skeptical. After all, how does one pay for this help and what is the cost, the interest, the fees?

On to more pleasant subjects, such as the Howard County Fair, with "Senior Day" which took place Tuesday, Aug. 5. Of course the forecast was for hot, hot, hot days! Those days are just what seniors need to meander around the fairgrounds to check out their grandchildrens' projects, especially their animals. My daughter is a horse lover and loves to go to the fair to see them and always urges me to go, too.

Other Ellicott City Senior Center August activities include: the QVC bus trip, Wednesday, Aug. 20, 8:15 a.m.-6:30 p.m.; Bingo & Birthdays Party, Tuesday, Aug. 26, 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. (watch for ticket sale day/date); and Social Security Administration Chorus, Thursday, Aug. 28, 12:30 p.m.. (Though my birthday is in August, I will have a conflict, so will miss the Senior Center's Party.)

The Bain Center Activities: Discussion: Where's the Ice? (Recreation & Parks), by a "Natural Resource Specialist," Tuesday, Aug. 12, 11-11:45, free, (register at 410-313-7213); Fall into Fashion, at Slayton House (featuring Chico's clothes, seniors modeling), Friday, Aug, 15, 11:30 a.m., luncheon, cost-$12, tickets on sale at the Bain Center (410-313-7213) - cosponsored by the Wilde Lake Community Association and the Howard County On Aging; Musical Interludes: Heidi Sturniolo, on Harp, Friday, Aug. 22, 1 p.m., free (call 410-313-7213 to register), sponsored by the Bain Center Council; and Exotic India, by Ginny Matthias, recent traveler with pictures and "interesting tidbits", cost is $8, traditional Indian luncheon,. Register at 410-313-7213).

Phoenix Society Members: Interested in volunteering with Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic for those afflicted with blindness and/or deafness? Saturdays, evenings, or daytime, Studio at 5225 Wisconsin Ave., NW, Suite 312, call 202-244-8990. second annual Phoenix Society Golf Tournament, Fort Meade, Oct. 1, $47 for the courses. Club members, $67 for nonmembers, deadline to sign up Sept. 12. Call 301-688-6413 for more details.

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