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December March 2019 2018
PrimeTime
inthisissue
March 2019 1944 Warwick Ave. Warwick, RI 02889 401-732-3100 FAX 401-732-3110 Distribution Special Delivery PUBLISHERS Barry W. Fain, Richard G. Fleischer, John Howell MARKETING DIRECTOR Donna Zarrella donnaz@rhodybeat.com EDITOR / CREATIVE Linda Nadeau lindan@rhodybeat.com WRITERS / CONTRIBUTORS Don Fowler, Herb Weiss Karen Kalunian, Larry Grimaldi, Elaine M. Decker, Justin Oakley, Eric Creamer PRODUCTION Lisa Bourque Yuettner Brian Geary ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES Donna Zarrella – donnaz@rhodybeat.com Bob Giberti, Lisa Mardenli, Melissa Miller, Cheryl Petrarca, Janice Torilli, Suzanne Wendoloski CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE Sue Howarth – sueh@rhodybeat.com
AGING IN PLACE 4
5
Home Safe Home
Justin Oakley from Oakley Home Access discusses safety issues in the home
Funding for Seniors
7
LIFESTYLES Animal Talk..............................................3 Larry Grimaldi........................................6 Events.......................................................8 That's Entertainment...........................9 Mike Fink.............................................. 12
PROFESSIONAL PERSPECTIVE
Herb Weiss talks about the governor's budget and what it means to Rhode Island seniors
Your Taxes............................................. 12
FOOD & DRINK Irish Stew.............................................. 14
A Comfortable Retirement
Planning in advance to age in place
SENIOR ISSUES Alzheimer's Association.................. 11 Retirement Sparks............................. 13
A Joint Publication of East Side Monthly and Beacon Communications. PrimeTime Magazine is published monthly and is available at over 150 locations throughout the Greater Providence and West Bay areas of Rhode Island. Letters to the editor are welcome. We will not print unsigned letters unless exceptional circumstances can be shown.
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ANIMAL TALK
PrimeTime RHODE ISLAND
text & photos by Karen Kalunian
Local❤Adoptable❤Loveable
Sweet Bailey!
Bailey will melt your heart with her gorgeous eyes and spirited personality! Are you looking for a playmate, someone to play fetch with and take on walks? Well, you just found Bailey! This sweet girl has lots of energy but she also loves to snuggle and hang out with you! She prefers to be an only pet — after all, she’ll keep you very busy. Bailey is a 5-year-old Catahoula Leopard mix with a chestnut coat and white-tipped toes. She also has the most amazing eyes! One eye has splashes of bright blue, which makes it look like a marble. Bailey is available for adoption through Save One Soul Animal Rescue League, a Rhode Island-based rescue. To meet Bailey call 401-2060727 or email info@sosarl.org You can also visit www.sosarl.org and be sure to spread the word. Bailey is excited to run and play in a new home, maybe it’s with you? If you know of an animal in need, please contact Karen: ilovedogs1920@gmail.com
March 2019
PrimeTime | 3
AGING IN PLACE
b y J U S T I N O A K L E Y, M S O T E C H M P
e f Home Sa Home
Owner, Oakley Home Access
It’s the American Dream. You work hard needs. Grab bars can be strategically placed in for years and years to save up some money, the bathroom to assist with bathing and toipurchase that dream home, and raise a family leting. Stair lifts or handrails can assist with there. It’s laying down solid roots in a place climbing and descending the stairs. that means something to you. Residents of Holistic Approach Rhode Island work hard to live where we do. A holistic approach should be taken when Although I’ve only been a homeowner for exploring fall prevention. Staying active a few years, I already appreciate the blood, through physical outlets such as yoga and Tai sweat, & tears (literally) that Chi is strongly recommended. goes into maintaining a house Typical homes are Such activities can help increase and making it a home. I work Peter Pan Houses...they balance and in turn reduce the with many folks who are risk of falls. striving to stay safely in their are designed and Regularly reviewing your homes. They are passionate medications with your local constructed as if the about their homes and have pharmacist or physician is a lived there for a great many occupants never great way to be aware of side efyears, sometimes up to forty, fects that may cause a loss of balchange. Simple upfifty or even sixty years. ance, dizziness, or fatigue. These The growing trend over the grades can match the fall prevention strategies, when last decade has been for peocombined with a safe home enple to remain in their homes individuals changing vironment, can greatly improve as they age. The National needs as they age the success of aging in place. Council on Aging reports that As an occupational therapist, seventy-five percent of adults (60+) intend to it is my passion to keep people safe in their live in their current home for the rest of their homes through environmental modifications lives. There is no escaping the fact that we based on their unique physical capabilities. are all human and we age. As the years pass, There are hundreds of products available to things that were once taken for granted like assist with improved home accessibility and getting up and down the stairs and getting safety. A home safety assessment performed around in the bathroom, become more chal- by a healthcare professional can raise awarelenging. For many, assisted living facilities ness of overlooked hazards in the home such ranging from three to five thousand dollars as loose area rugs, poor lighting, lack of handper month are simply unaffordable. rails on stairs, or cords running across walkAs the population shifts towards remaining ways. at home, fall prevention must become a high So whether it’s your home or an older priority, not only amongst healthcare profes- loved one’s home, take a look around. When sionals but also anyone with older loved ones entering, is there something to hold onto living independently in the community. One while traversing all those steps? Are there grab in three older adults fall each year and seventy bars installed by the toilet and in the bathtub? five percent of these falls occur at home. It Are there clear walkways and stairways? The is vital to understand the importance of how answers may surprise you. We often become the person interacts with the environment, complacent in our homes and many don’t reespecially as their abilities decline. alize the fall risks that exist. Many older adults aren’t aware of how It is easy for us to understand why the simple home modifications that can help majority of our community wants to stay in their ability to stay in their home. Typical their beloved homes while they age. It’s the homes are “Peter Pan Houses,” meaning they memories, the roots, and the commitment to are designed and constructed as if the occu- creating a comfortable home. pants never change. Simple upgrades in these As aging in place is on the rise, fall prevenhomes can match the individuals changing tion is a vital way to help support living out Oakley Home Access is a unique team of home safety experts who are passionate about aging in place, fall prevention, and home accessibility. Owned and operated by a registered, licensed, CAPS certified Rhode Island & Massachusetts Contractor and a registered, licensed Occupational Therapist. They provide free home safety assessments with function and safety in mind. Collaborating with individuals and their loved ones and healthcare providers in order to create simple solutions for maximizing mobility. Justin Oakley and Mike Vieira created Oakley Home Access in November 2015 while both engaged in their respective professions. Justin and Mike recognized a need in the Community for this specialty construction business and an opportunity to work closely with a wide variety of healthcare professionals to assist with discharges home and safe Aging in Place. Oakley Home Access located at 322 South Pier Road, Narragansett. 401-429-3882 oakleyhomeaccess.com 4 | PrimeTime
HAZARDS IN THE BATHROOM
Of all the household areas that we encounter during our daily routine, the bathroom is the area in which 80% of falls occur for the population of adults 65 years and older. Falls for the older adult commonly result in fractures of the musculoskeletal system, reduced functional independence, and often creates anxiety which reduces their frequency of showering/use of the bathroom. Luckily, all dangerous aspects of the bathroom can be modified in a way which promotes independence, maximizes mobility, and reduces the risk of falling. Here we will highlight some of the hazards within the bathroom. SLIPPERY SURFACES Bathrooms often have smooth tile surfaces and slick bathtub floors. Although they are easy to clean, they also are a frequent culprit of falls. LOW TOILET SEATS Toilets are many times as low as 14-15 inches which is exceedingly difficult to stand up from when you have reduced leg strength. DIMLY LIT ROOMS Many bathrooms do not have adequate lighting which is only reduced with the presence of steam from a hot shower. LOW BLOOD PRESSURE Hot showers may feel great on a cold New England morning, but the negative effects on blood pressure can cause dizziness and loss of balance. NO PLACE TO REST Many showers and bathrooms have no place to take a seat and rest at the vanity or in the shower. This can cause fatigue which leads to falls. REACHING OVERHEAD Placing your arms overhead to wash your hair, adjust the shower head, or reach for high shelving can create losses of balance leading to falls. GLASS SHOWER DOORS While they can be attractive, sliding or swinging glass shower doors are one of the most dangerous household items. We at Oakley Home Access are anti-glass doors. They reduce access for entering/exiting a shower, and allow less space for caregivers to assist their loved ones. Also, shower doors have handles that offer a false sense of security: They are tempting to utilize for stabilization during entering/exiting the tub or shower, which commonly leads to falls. Finally, glass can be very dangerous because some doors can break if we lean or fall into them. SUCTION CUP GRAB BARS While readily available and inexpensive, suction cup grab bars are a dangerous misconception. These bars often come loose during hot showers and offer no support in a falling situation. They literally indicate on them to not utilize for weight bearing. Grab bars should be securely anchored with specialized hardware as well placed properly. Set up a free home safety assessment with Oakley Home Access
March 2019
by HERB WEISS
AGING IIN PLACE
Funding for Seniors in Governor’s Budget In January, Gov. Gina Raimondo formally unveiled her $9.9-billion budget proposal to the Rhode Island General Assembly. The House and Senate finance committees have the task of holding hearings on budget plan, getting feedback from the administration and the public. Once the revised estimates of tax revenue and social services spending is available in May, negotiations seriously begin between Raimondo, the House speaker and Senate president to craft the House’s budget proposal. Lawmakers will hammer out and pass a final state budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1. Raimondo’s budget proposal gives state lawmakers a roadmap for what programs and services are needed for a state with a graying population. According to Meghan Connelly, a spokesperson for the Rhode Island Division of Elder Affairs, a projected increase of nearly 60 percent in the state’s population of residents aged 65 and older from the years 2016 to 2040 highlights the need for continued investments in programs servicing Rhode Island’s older adults and their family caregivers. Connelly says Raimondo’s budget proposal, released on Jan. 17, elevates Elderly Affairs from a division under the Department of Human Services to an office within the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. The governor shifts financing for the office and 31 full-time equivalent positions to EOHHS to accomplish this recommended action. “The projected increase in the state’s senior population – from 174,000 in 2016 to 265,000 by 2040 – coupled with the proven impact of community-based supports and services, highlights the need for continuing to invest in helping our seniors remain home, connected to their families and networks. Support of aging-related health-promotion initiatives are essential to maintain a high quality of life for Rhode Island seniors while minimizing aging-related healthcare costs,” says Connelly. “We are focused on making it easier for older adults to live independent, fulfilling lives for as long as possible,” said Michelle Szylin, acting director of the Division of Elderly Affairs. “The Co-Pay expansion [in the governor’s proposed budget] enables additional older adults to age in place, remaining safely in their homes and engaging in their communities.” The governor’s proposal to expand the state’s Co-Pay program by $550,000 will allow more seniors to reside in their communities, staying connected to their family and network of friends and neighbors. Providing access to the Co-Pay program to individuals earning up to 250 percent of the federal poverty level will allow more seniors to age in place with a better quality of life and delay nursing home admission. The DEA Co-Pay program was established in 1986 as an option for elders who would otherwise be ineligible for subsidized home and community care assistance because they did not qualify for the Rhode Island Medical Assistance program. Recognizing the importance of the state’s Elderly Transportation Program to keep older Rhode Islander’s independent, Raimondo’s budget proposal calls for additional funding of $1.8 million from general funds to support the state’s elderly transportation program. This program provides non-emergency transportation benefits to Rhode Islanders age 60 and over who do not have access to any means of transportation. Raimondo’s proposed budget also increases health facilities regulation staffing to increase the number of inspections to state-licensed health care facilities. The governor’s proposed budget continues to subsidize transit for elderly and disabled Rhode Islanders March 2019
With Senate President Dominick Ruggerio at her side, Gov. Gina Raimondo waves to assembled legislators, state officials and a full gallery of spectators before speaking Tuesday. (PHOTO BY JOHN HOWELL)
through the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority. Raimondo’s proposed budget also continues support for the Independent Provider model of at-home care with almost $200,000 in general revenue funds budgeted to cover implementation costs. The goal of this model is to increase workforce capacity and create a new option for delivery of direct support services. Finally, the governor’s FY2020 budget also allocates funding to an array of programs and services for seniors. Here’s a sampling: $800,000 to support the state’s senior centers through a grant process (the amount was doubled last year); $530,000 to support Meals on Wheels; $85,000 to implement security measures in elderly housing complexes; $169,000 for the long-term care ombudsman through the Alliance for Better Long Term Care, which advocates on behalf of residents of nursing homes, assisted living residences and certain other facilities, as well as recipients of home care services; and $500,000 for the state’s home modifications program through the Governor’s Commission on Disabilities. Nursing facility providers take a hit Raimondo’s proposed budget plan seeks to freeze the state’s Medicaid payment rates to hospitals, slashing funding by an estimated $15 million overall for the year, and to limit the rate increase for nursing homes to 1 percent, costing nursing home providers approximately $4 million. “We are beginning the budget process with a 1-percent increase in the COLA [or cost-of-living adjustment],” says Scott Fraser, president and CEO of the Rhode Island Health Care Association, warning that “this is not enough.” “Since 2012, nursing facility costs have risen 21.6 percent while Medicaid payment rates have only gone up by 9.6 percent,” adds Fraser, noting that by statute,
rates are supposed to be adjusted annually for inflation. Jim Nyberg, director LeadingAge RI, an organization representing not-for-profit providers of aging services, joins with RIHCA in calling on Rhode Island lawmakers to restore the full inflation adjustment. “Ongoing increases in minimum wage, up 42 percent since 2012, make it harder for publicly funded providers to compete for skilled workers,” says Nyberg, noting that most of his nonprofit nursing homes have 60 percent to 70 percent of their residents on Medicaid. Nyberg’s group is also advocating to expand the CoPay program for individuals under the age of 65 with dementia. Lawmakers, AARP give comments “AARP Rhode Island is encouraged to see that the governor placed an increase in the state budget for the Department of Elderly Affairs home healthcare Co-Pay program,” says AARP Rhode Island Advocacy Director John DiTomasso. “By increasing the income eligibility from 200 percent of the poverty level to 250 percent, more older Rhode Islanders will be able to obtain home care services at reduced hourly rates. This will help large numbers of people to extend the time they can age in place in their home and in their community rather than in more costly state-paid long-term care facilities.” “Upon a first look at the budget, I am very pleased that some of the Senate’s top priorities are incorporated,” says Senate President Dominick Ruggerio. “The governor had to close a significant deficit, and difficult choices had to be made. However, the budget is a statement of priorities, and initiatives like the no-fare bus pass program for low-income seniors and disabled Rhode Islanders are a priority for us in the Senate. I am very pleased to see this program funded in the budget, along with many other services for seniors, and I look forward to deeper analysis of all aspects of the budget in the months ahead.” Adds House Speaker Nicholas Mattiello, “We will make certain that the level of care and services to older adults will be maintained and hopefully enhanced. We are facing significant budget challenges this year, but we will always keep the needs of our seniors at the forefront of the discussions.” Older Rhode Islanders and aging groups must continue to push the House to maintain the governor’s senior agenda. Hopefully, as Mattiello said, senior programs and services can be enhanced. For a Senate fiscal analysis of Raimondo’s FY2020 budget, go to visit rilegislature.gov/sfiscal/Budget%20 Analyses/FY2020%20SFO%20Governor’s%20Budget%20-%20First%20Look.pdf. Herb Weiss, LRI’12, is a Pawtucket writer covering aging, healthcare and medical issues. To purchase “Taking Charge: Collected Stories on Aging Boldly,” a collection of 79 of his weekly commentaries, visit herbweiss.com.
PrimeTime | 5
by LARRY GRIMALDI
LIFESTYLES
Legendary URI Coach Frank Keaney put College Basketball on the Fast Track
The brief, unpredictable meteorological mayhem of February has passed and a wild season of sports frenzy lurks around the corner. This three-week college basketball spectacle will produce countless hours of lost worksite productivity and immeasurable hours of lost sleep as fans struggle to stay awake for those last few opening round games of the West Regional. Some will know the agony of defeat as their tournament bracket predictions are smashed by wins of teams they barely know. Some will exalt the in the thrill of victory by picking upsets of basketball blue bloods by much smaller colleges with minimal hoops “street cred,” such as last year’s shocking conquest by the University of Maryland Baltimore County over top-seeded Atlantic Coast Conference giant, the University of Virginia. New media stars, such as 98-year old celestial cheerleader, Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, patron saint of the University of Loyola Chicago Final Four squad, will streak across the tournament landscape. Welcome to the Holy Grail of the NCAA Division I college basketball championships-the annual Roman circus of March Madness. As you watch players streak up the court, defy gravity with rim-shattering dunks, and fire long range missiles, keep in mind that the dawn of fast-break, fast-paced college round ball began more than 70 years ago right here in Rhode Island. This round-ball revolution was the brainchild of University of Rhode Island (then Rhode Island State) coach Frank Keaney. In the 1930s, Frank Keaney, a quirky chemistry professor who quoted Greek philosophers in team pep talks, dragged basketball out of its plodding, laborious Dark Ages into the era of point-a –minute (or more) offensive
strategy. Keaney’s teams would push the ball up court as fast as possible and hoist as many shots as possible. The results were both amazing and exciting. In the 1940s, URI averaged 81 points a game30 more than any other NCAA five! In the 1940s, the Runnin’ Rams collected three invitations to the eightteam National Invitation Tournament at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The NIT was the most prestigious college basketball tournament of its time and MSG was the Mecca of college hoops. In the 1946 tournament, URI faced Bowling Green University in the semifinals. Despite arriving in New York with a sparkling 19-2 record, URI was given little chance of winning. Dave Otten, Bowling Green’s 6ft., 10 inch center, towered over Bob Shea, URI’s tallest player at 6ft., 2 inches. The game was tight and hard-fought, but it gave birth to a Rhode Island legend in the person of URI point guard Ernie Calverly. With the Rams down two points and time running out, Calverly, an All American who later played three years of professional basketball for the Providence Steamrollers, launched a 62 foot desperation shot (the distance was measured after the game) to tie the contest. URI won 82-79 in overtime. URI went on to face the mighty University of Kentucky and college basketball guru, Coach Adolph Rupp in the finals. URI lost the game by one point, but the age of racehorse basketball had begun. The Calverly basket was christened as “The Shot Heard ‘Round the World,” and propelled him and URI into the upper stratosphere of college basketball. That same phrase was adopted in 1951 to describe New York Giant Bobby Thompson’s epic winning home run in the third and deciding playoff battle with the Brooklyn Dodgers. (As a side
note, native Rhode Islander Clem Labine hurled the Dodgers to a win to tie the series in game two the day before). The URI win has an interesting post-script. No film evidence documents Calverly’s miracle basket. Just before the shot, the game camera’s film had run out and new film could not be loaded in time to capture Calverly’s toss. Just image how many times that the shot would be replayed on ESPN or Fox Sports today. Calverly went on to coach the University of Rhode Island basketball team for 11 seasons, compiling a 139-114 record, and guiding the team to two more NCAA tournaments. Calverly retired from URI in 1985 as the school’s associate athletic director. He passed away on October 21, 2003 at the age of 79. In the post-Calverly years, URI basketball has made its mark on the college hoops landscape with more NCAA appearances and wins, highlighted by the 2018 overtime victory over Big 12 opponent Oklahoma. The team also captured the Atlantic 10 regular season and tournament championships in 2018. The Rams moved from Keaney
Gym to the new 7,600-seat Ryan Center in 2002. In addition to Calverly, several URI players have gone on to pro basketball careers, including Claude English, Tom Garrick, Lamar Odom, and Cuttino Mobley. Former URI hoopster Al Skinner was at the helm of the Boston College Eagles for several years. Today’s URI players and coaches follow the trail of high speed basketball blazed by Frank Keaney and Ernie Calverly. No doubt, Keaney and Calverly are somewhere in the rafters of the Ryan Center rooting for the Runnin’ Rams. NOTE: This column fulfills my promise to URI fans to write about the school’s rich basketball history. Undoubtedly, they remember last month’s column about the beginning of the Providence College basketball legacy. It also absolves my conscience as a URI graduate! Larry Grimaldi is a retired freelance writer living in North Providence. Comments can be e-mailed to lvgrimald2149@gmail.com.
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Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Payment Plan Available
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Senior Discounts 6 | PrimeTime
401-738-3030
ribankruptcy.net March 2019
AGING IN PLACE
Comfortably
Aging in Place
Having lived in the same ranch house for 55 years, John Heck’s grandparents wanted to make any and all necessary accommodations to allow them to peacefully age in place. Using his expertise as a home remodeler, Heck completed a variety of aging-in-place related projects in their house, including adding grab bars to the bathroom and other small comforts. “I feel very lucky knowing my grandparents live in a one story and have my assistance making home adjustments to ensure that they can independently age in place,” said Heck, owner of VIP Remodeling & Construction Services, LLC. “Many folks who ignore the fact that they are aging and need to make adjustments wind up injuring themselves and being uprooted from a more affordable, comfortable lifestyle and proximity to loved ones.” With the number of U.S. residents 65 or older growing baby boomers entering or approaching retirement need to be aware of how they can best prepare to age comfortably. According a HomeAdvisor’s Agingin-Place Report, more than half of homeowners who hire a professional for an aging-related home improvement are under 65 years old, with 10 percent younger than 50. “Too many of us wait until we reach a health or financial crisis to plan for getting older,” said Marty Bell, Executive Director of the National Aging in Place Council. “We plan our careers, we plan to send our children to college, we plan our vacations, but we don’t plan to age. And yet the evidence is there that those who do accept they are going to get older and make plans in advance have a considerably better later life.” Heck notes that even making small adjustments in a home over time, such as adding stair lifts and handicapped accessible and curbless showers, can make all the difference in aging safety.
March 2019
The top aging-in-place related projects completed by homeowners according to HomeAdvisor’s Aging-in-Place report include: • Adding a personal alert system: Personal alert systems provide necessary security in case of an emergency accident or fall. • Adding grab bars: Many accidents take place in the bathroom. Grab bars help folks safely enter and exit a bathtub or shower. • Building a disability ramp: Adding a ramp offers accessibility to wheelchair or walker users. • Installing a stair lift: A staircase lift can eliminate the risk of injury on one of the most dangerous parts of a home. Folks with mobility issues can access the upstairs level safely with this highly reliable added function. Visit HomeAdvisor.com for more information. (Family Features)
“
We plan our careers . . . we plan our vacations, but we don’t plan to age. And yet the evidence is there that those who do accept they are going to get older and make plans in advance have a considerably better later life. – MARTY BELL, Executive Director of the National Aging in Place Council
PrimeTime | 7
MARCH MARCH 20
FIRST DAY OF SPRING
& community notes
THE NARRAGANSETT BAY SYMPHONY COMMUNITY ORCHESTRA will present a concert on Sunday, March 3rd at 3PM in the McVinney Auditorium, 43 Dave Gavitt Way, Providence. Join NaBSco and guest conductor, John Masko for an exciting afternoon of spectacular orchestral music. General Admission is $15, Seniors & Students $5, and children 12 and under are free. Tickets are available at the door or on line at NABSCO.org. Feed the hungry by bringing a non-perishable food item for the RI Food Bank. For information visit: www.NABSCO.org or call 401-274-4578. GIRL SCOUTS OF SOUTHEASTERN NEW ENGLAND THIRD ANNUAL COOKIES & COCKTAILS! Thursday, March 7, 5:30-8:30pm at the Crowne Plaza, 801 Greenwich Ave, Warwick – Celebrate 102 years of Girl Scouts selling cookies. Local chefs will be creating scrumptious desserts using everyone’s favorite treat—Girl Scout Cookies! We have partnered with some of your favorite groups: Castle Hill Inn, Coast Guard House, Back Forty, Ellie’s, Newport Restaurant Group, Hemenway’s and Whisk Me Away to showcase our cookies “out of the box”. Also new this year, the Crowne Plaza has created two signature Girl Scout Cookie-inspired cocktails—a Thin Mint Martini and a Lemonade Dream! Enjoy hors-d’oeuvres, tasty Girl Scout Cookie creations, and a silent auction. 21+ event are $60 per person. The evening will be emceed by Mario Hilario WJAR. Ticket sales are live on our website now at www.gssne.org OSDRI ANNUAL STEAK FRY Operation Stand Down RI is hosting their Annual Steak Fry on March 9 from 1-6PM at the Smithfield Elks Lodge, 326 Farnum Pike in Smithfield. Tickets are $25/person in advance., available online at osdri. org or by calling Sherry at 383-4730 or 261-9468. All proceeds benefit local Veterans in need. SRI 4-H FAIR CORNED BEEF DINNER & AUCTION FUNDRAISER The Annual SRI 4-H Fair Corned Beef Dinner & Auction Fundraiser will be held on March 16 at 5PM at Metcalf School, 30 Nooseneck Hill Road, Exeter. Tickets are $12 each, in advance only by calling Sandi, 741-1609 or Carol, 269-1769. AARP CHAPTER 2210 TRIPS AARP Chapter 2210 has planned a Foxwoods Casino trip for March 20. A trip to The Norman Rockwell Museum & Red Lion Inn is planned for April 17. AARP 2210 is sponsoring a trip to the Goodspeed Opera House in E. Haddam, CT to see “The Music Man” on June 13. For information on these and all the sponsored trips, Call Maureen, 828-5188 or Madeline, 821-8766.
FREE INCOME TAX HELP FROM AARP – West Warwick Public Library, 1043 Main Street, West Warwick will host the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program. Certified volunteer Tax Counselors will be on hand to prepare & electronically file Federal & State Tax Returns. Free, apppointment required. Call 828-3750, Ext 1. COVENTRY PUBLIC LIBRARY HOMEBOUND SERVICES The Library Homebound Service is a program for Coventry residents who have a temporary or permanent physical impairment that prevents them from coming to the Library. The Homebound Coordinator visits private homes & Nursing Facilities, delivering books, music CD’s & magazines. Visits are typically made every 3 weeks. Books are available in regular print, large print & disc format. Contact the Library at 822-9463 or email madame@coventrylibrary.org for more information. GOOD KNITTING AND CROCHET Warwick Public Library – Spend quality time knitting and crocheting in the company of others - bring your latest project and join us for camaraderie, inspiration, and tips. Central Library, 600 Sandy Lane, Warwick, 739-5440
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8 | PrimeTime
OSDRI ANNUAL STEAK FRY Operation Stand Down RI is hosting their Annual Steak Fry on March 9 from 1-6PM at the Smithfield Elks Lodge, 326 Farnum Pike in Smithfield. Tickets are $25/person in advance., available online at osdri.org or by calling Sherry at 383-4730 or 261-9468. All proceeds benefit local Veterans in need. SRI 4-H FAIR CORNED BEEF DINNER & AUCTION FUNDRAISER The Annual SRI 4-H Fair Corned Beef Dinner & Auction Fundraiser will be held on March 16 at 5PM at Metcalf School, 30 Nooseneck Hill Road, Exeter. Tickets are $12 each, in advance only by calling Sandi, 741-1609 or Carol, 269-1769. AARP CHAPTER 2210 TRIPS AARP Chapter 2210 has planned a Foxwoods Casino trip for March 20. A trip to The Norman Rockwell Museum & Red Lion Inn is planned for April 17. AARP 2210 is sponsoring a trip to the Goodspeed Opera House in E. Haddam, CT to see “The Music Man” on June 13. For information on these and all the sponsored trips, Call Maureen, 828-5188 or Madeline, 821-8766. COMEDY FUNDRAISER TO BENEFIT SMITH’S CASTLE Friday, April 5, at the Laurel Lane Country Club, 309 Laurel Lane, West Kingstown, at 6:30 with the show starting at 7:30pm. In addition to a 90 minute stand-up comedy show (PG-13, but adults only please). hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar, raffles and a 50/50 drawing .Your support will help the Smith’s Castle Association maintain this North Kingstown treasure. For tickets to the Comedy Night, to donate to the Castle, or to be a sponsor for this event, please visit www.funny4funds.com/events and page down to our event date (4/5). Tickets are $25. Contact Bob Stone at 401-258-1599 or rbsoffice02@aol.com for more info. VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY for Medical Transportation Volunteers in all of South County. Southern Rhode Island volunteers is looking for people to drive seniors to medical appointments and grocery shopping. Call 401-552-7661 or sign up through our website www.southernrivol.org.
EDNA BERNIER MEMORIAL EVENT
MARCH 31ST
BOWLED OVER IS BACK! $20 per person Bowling from Noon-3 PM Includes shoes & lunch
ket s a B fles! f a R
All proceeds fund senior transportation & meal delivery.
Old Mountain Lanes Wakefield, RI Registration begins at 10:30 AM visit www.southernrivol.org or call 401-552-7661
2 Cherry Hill Road, Johnston, RI
March 2019
THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT
LIFESTYLES
by DON FOWLER
Entertainment For Seniors While the entertainment scene caters heavily to the younger crowd, there are three plays and a RI Philharmonic concert that are of interest to seniors in the month of March. I don’t know about you, but cabin fever has really got me down this winter and I’m ready to spring out of the house and enjoy some of that live music and theatre. Here are a few choices for March: GAMM THEATRE Warwick’s Gamm Theatre presents the New England premiere of Caryl Churchill’s “Escaped Alone” during the month of March. Over a summer of afternoons in a suburban backyard, four 70-something women chat amiably about topics big and small, grandchildren and lost keys, insomnia and fear of cats, chemical leaks and famine. Churchill’s newest play is both hilarious and unsettling, and one of the few plays for and about senior citizens. It is being paired with Samuel Beckett’s “Come and Go” in whicj three women meet on the beach after years apart in a cryptic, ten minute capsule of a play. Call 723-4266 for reservations. PROVIDENCE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER “The Phantom of the Opera” makes a triumphant return to PPAC March 21-31 as part of its North American tour, and it promises to be “bigger and better than ever”, featuring a new scenic design and many special effects including the legendary chandelier. Call 421-ARTS for reservations. TRINITY REP Lauren Yee’s “The Song of Summer” is about a singer who sneaks away from his concert to travel hundreds of miles to visit the home of his childhood piano teacher. It is described as “A touching story about how revisiting the past can change our future.” Call 351-4242 for reservations. RHODE ISLAND PHILHARMONIC Francisco Noya will conduct the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra in Beethoven’s Violin Concerto, featuring violinist Jennifer Frautschi. The concert also features Dvoak’s Symphony No. 5. The concert is Saturday, March 16 at 8:00 p.m. at The Vets. The Rush Hour concerts have become quite popular, and there is one the night before on Friday, March q5 at 6:30 p.m., perfect for seniors who prefer an earlier evening. Call 248-7000 for reservations.
Lauren Yee’s “The Song of Summer” at Trinity Rep
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March 2019
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March 2019
a l z h e i m e r ’ s a s s o c i at i o n r h o d e i s l a n d c hapter
The financial impact of Alzheimer’s As Tax Day approaches, families and individuals across the country are taking a closer look at their finances. During this time, The Alzheimer’s Association is encouraging families to proactively plan for the financial impact of Alzheimer’s and dementia, the most expensive disease in the country. An estimated 5.5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s, including 1 in 10 age 65 and older, according to the 2017 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report. By age 85, those living with the disease jumps to 1 in 3. The costs associated with Alzheimer’s can be staggering for families, with average out-of-pocket costs for health care and long-term care services not covered by Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance exceeding $10,000 annually. On average, people live with Alzheimer’s 4-8 years after a diagnosis and many for longer. Disease-related costs can jeopardize a family’s financial security and many families and caregivers make enormous personal and financial sacrifices. A 2016 Alzheimer’s Association report found that nearly half (48 percent) of care contributors must cut back on their own expenses, including basic necessities like food, transportation and medical care, to afford dementia-related care, while others must draw from their own savings or retirement funds. Making plans in advance can help ease the burden on loved ones. The Alzheimer’s Association recommends the following tips to plan for the future: • Look at retirement planning as a time to think about how to prepare for the need for long-term medical care. After an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, your options may be more limited. • Conduct an inventory of your financial resources (savings, insurance, retirement benefits, government assistance, VA benefits, etc.). A financial planner or elder care attorney can help with this. • Enhance your understanding of the role and limitations of Medicare, Medicaid and other insurance options. A 2016 Alzheimer’s Association report found that nearly 2 out of three people incorrectly believe that Medicare helps pay for nursing home care, or were unsure whether it did. • Once you understand what you have for financial resources and what you can afford, make a plan with your family or a close friend for how to access care. • If you are caring for someone living with Alzheimer’s, learn about income tax breaks for which you may qualify. Caregivers likely pay for some care costs out-of-pocket. Because of this, you may qualify for tax benefits from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Tax rules are complex and can change. Be sure to get advice from your tax adviser or accountant before filing your returns. About the Alzheimer’s Association: The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. It is the largest nonprofit funder of Alzheimer’s research. The mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Its vision is a world without Alzheimer’s. Visit alz.org or call the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900 for more information and to get involved. March 2019
SENIOR ISSUES
Alzheimer’s Does Not Define You On January 24, The Alzheimer’s Association Rhode Island Chapter participated in an open discussion at the University of Rhode Island about navigating the world of Alzheimer’s disease. Guest speakers recounted their journey from caregiver to research volunteer, career changes, and the eventual diagnosis. Professionals provided tips on how to communicate concerns, plan for care, share available community resources and new research approaches to disease modification. Speakers included Annie Murphy, the A l z h e i m e r ’s Association Rhode Island Chapter’s Program Manager; Jenny Miller President and Owner of Senior Care Concepts; David Creamer, Alzheimer’s Association volunteer, caregiver, study volunteer and Alzheimer’s/dementia care specialist; Marc Archambault, patient, study volunteer and caregiver; and Christine Getter, coordinator of clinical Programming for the University of Rhode Island’s George and Anne Ryan Institute for Neoroscience, who spoke about the university’s new clinical trial. Miller, who works with and provides support to those affected by the disease daily, profoundly provided the mantra for the evening. “One of my clients declared that ‘I have Alzheimer’s, but Alzheimer’s doesn’t have me,” she said. “This disease does not define you.” She said that should be the approach and positive attitude to addressing the disease. Friends and relatives should not leave the lives affected by Alzheimer’s, including the caregivers. Creamer, a longtime member of the Pawtucket School Department and an Alzheimer’s practitioner, explained the need for clinical trials as well as providing advice. “There won’t be a world without Alzheimer’s disease if there are no clinical trials,” he said. “Without them we will never find a cure.” He shared a story about his father throwing his credit cards in the trash, which spurned thoughts on making plans for those affected and if they were clear on their end of life wishes. “Caregivers need a plan to transition their loved one through the disease,” he said. “Where are the insurance policies, how about bank statements, wills, car titles, deeds?” He stressed that people should pick up the warning signs of dementia and Alzheimer’s and take them seriously. And he asked if people trust the neighbors of patients. “Make sure your loved ones are safe, and make sure the neighborhood they live in is safe.” Murphy stressed the need to support caregivers and patients, including through support groups and community events. Caregivers can suffer from burnout, so providing them the resources they need is vital. Those looking for appropriate clinical trials can use Trialmatch.alz.org.
Archambault, a University of Rhode Island graduate, who has Alzheimer’s, said that his approach was to take the disease head on and used those friends and family around him as resources and as a support, including those who worked with him and for him at the business he runs. He explained that his father also had Alzheimer’s, and its effect his mother and his family deeply. “There are various stages in Alzheimer’s and for those of us who are in the early stage (people) may not be aware of the disease, so when you hear about someone with it please do not assume that that person is in the last stage,” said Archambault. “People need to know that there are many people like me are walking around who are still working and adding their good work to the community.” He stressed that people should continue to be friends to those with the disease and to caregivers. “61% of caregivers pass away before the patient,” he said. “It is a very tough and done mostly by family.” Archambault recommended that friends ask caregivers how they are doing and for those with the disease, he suggested to say ‘I am sorry this is happening to you.’ He also said a hug or putting a hand on a shoulder goes a long way. \ “It is ok to ask them how they are doing, and it is worse if they never mentioned it,” said Archambault. “It makes it seem like you don’t care.” He also explained that many people don’t disclose they have the disease. “In the early stage, many patients have some trouble with getting a word out, so it stops a normal conversation, and they may think you have a problem,” said Archambault. “That was the case with me, and that was when I told people. I now let friends and family say words for me when I am stuck. No patient should be embarrassed because of having Alzheimer’s.” Getter capped the evening with an explanation of the new trial at the University of Rhode Island called the BEACON Study that will start in April and discussed the benefits of having URI involved. “This is a trial that is born and bred at the University of Rhode Island. We are all invested in finding a treatment,” said Getter. Getter explained that the effects of thrombin activation in Alzheimer’s disease was discovered at URI by Dr. Paula Grammas, Lead Scientific Investigator on the BEACON Study. Dr. John Stoukides, of Rhode Island Mood and Memory Research Institute, is the Lead Clinical Investigator, and study design was the collaborative effort of Alzheimer’s researchers within Rhode Island. URI’s Pharmaceutical Development Institute is manufacturing a placebo for this study, and Alzheimer’s researchers within the state of RI will conduct the study visits. “We are going to enroll 40-60 people who qualify into the trial. This is the only study in Rhode Island where everyone will receive the investigational drug after 9-months of double-blind treatment and continue for 2-years,” said Getter. “Individuals between ages 50-85 will participate with a study partner.” The trial will also be looking at brain imaging and biomarkers as a measurement of disease modification. More information on the trial can be obtained at: https://today.uri.edu/news/ryan-institute-for-neuroscience-at-uri-receives-approval-for-groundbreaking-clinicaltrial-targeting-the-blood-vessels-in-alzheimers-disease/
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WHAT DO YOU FINK?
LIFESTYLES
by MIKE FINK
March Winds March winds doth blow and we shall have snow. And what will poor robin do then? He’ll hide in the barn, to keep himself warm....and tuck his head under his wing, poor thing. My mother used to recite this classical verse on the first day of this uncertain month leading up to the Equinox, the time when the lion and the lamb change places, compromising half-way through. I can identify with the uncertainty, the anxiety, of this season. If you switch your personal astrology from the western to the eastern tradition, then my birth in December is preceded by my conception in mid-March, between the pride and the prey. My Providence philosophy has been, whatever you seek, you will lay hands on it right where you stand or sit, here! I was looking for Elizabeth Kolbert’s renowned warning titled “The Sixth Extinction” which earned her this current year’s Pell Award, presented proudly in Newport. I tried four bookstores, and they were all out of the text, but then, right ‘round the corner of my lifelong dwelling, at the Rochambeau Branch Library, on a shelf beside the reception desk, was: a yellow-bound hardback of “Sixth Extinction” with a rather grim cover illustration. Took it right out and home and read it avidly. Two short quotes. The final dark foreboding con-
YOUR TAXES
clusion reads grimly, “The Sixth Extinction will determine the course of life after everything people have written and painted and built has been ground into dust and giant rats have-–or have not– inherited the earth.” You may smile with a worried frown as you peruse her powerful, but witty, words. She has courage, conviction, lots of energy and genuine and grateful research gusto. She thanks her mentors and advisers lavishly in the afterword...including a name that brought back some personal memories. “I want to thank Jamie Shreeve for help and ideas.” Now, this Jamie Shreeve taught what we used to call “English” with me here at RISD. He had studied ballet and other forms of dance, and in the class during which we instructed the subtle use of punctuation marks, he put on a marvelous performance. For an exclamation point, he would jump upward and land on his toes with a nice solid thump. He could formulate pantomime illustrations/images for commas, question marks, quiet, sedate periods, even colons
PROFESSIONAL PERSPECTIVE
by M E G C H E VA L I E R
How to pay taxes The IRS offers several payment options where taxpayers can pay immediately or arrange to pay in installments. Taxpayers can pay online, by phone, or with their mobile device and the IRS2Go app. Taxpayers should pay in full whenever possible to avoid interest and penalty charges. Here are some electronic payment options for taxpayers:
• Electronic Funds Withdrawal. Taxpayers can pay using their bank account when they e-file their tax return. EFW is free and only available through e-File. • Direct Pay. Taxpayers can pay directly from a checking or savings account for free with IRS Direct Pay. Taxpayers receive instant confirmation after they submit a payment. With Direct Pay, taxpayers can schedule payments up to 30 days in advance. They can change or cancel their payment two business days before the scheduled payment date. Taxpayers can choose to receive email notifications each time they make a payment. • Credit or debit cards. Taxpayers can also pay their taxes by debit or credit card online, by phone, or with a mobile device. Card payment processing fees vary by service provider and no part of the service fee goes to the IRS. Telephone numbers for service providers are at IRS.gov/ payments. • Pay with cash. Taxpayers can make a cash payment at a participating retail partner. Taxpayers can do this at more than 7,000 locations nationwide. Taxpayers can visit IRS.gov/paywithcash for instructions on how to pay with cash. • Installment agreement. Taxpayers who are unable to pay their tax debt immediately may be able to make monthly payments. Before applying for any payment agreement, taxpayers must file all required tax returns. They can apply for an installment agreement with the Online Payment Agreement tool, which also has more information about who’s eligible to apply for a monthly installment agreement.
Anyone wishing to use a mobile device should remember they can access the IRS2Go app to pay with either Direct Pay or by debit or credit card. IRS2Go is the official mobile app of the IRS and is available for download from Google Play, the Apple App Store or the Amazon App Store. Taxpayers can also visit IRS.gov/account and log in to their account. From here, they can view their taxes owed, payment history, federal tax records, and key information from their most recent tax return as originally filed.
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and semi-colons. He even demonstrated to his disciples how to stand or sit and hold a book gracefully, courteously, and with dignity. Now, I celebrated his creativity and verve: I had read the brilliant nonsense of James Thurber’s cartoons about English usage, his contempt for long, complicated sentences, his focus on love letters. Never use an exclamation big stick to say I Love You, he warned direly, it comes on too strong. So I found Jamie’s graceful pirouettes charming. But our then department head labelled his pedagogy “frivolous” and sent him packing. He changed from dance to science and found work tracing the genetic code of the biblical Eve, mother of us all–a gorilla grandmother of our species. He wrote, in a mix of playfulness and physiology, a book, from his laboratory somewhere in Cape Cod. He must have encouraged our Elizabeth to employ her writing skills as well as her travels and conversations with serious guardians of our natural wilderness environment. Well, she took his advice among the many other guides she congratulates. As I salute her book and toast the forthcoming equinox to the successful outcome of her predictions for saving the world...not FOR us, but FROM us!
Volunteers Needed at Smith’s Castle Are you looking for a rewarding local volunteer experience that offers you the opportunity to share your interest in the past with people of all ages from all over? Smith’s Castle is currently seeking men and women to join our dedicated team of docents and greeters. On Tuesday, March 26 from 3:00-5:00 pm, we will be starting our 2019 Training Session with an overview of the 5-week program, a presentation of Castle history and a walk-through tour. “Conducting tours is always a new experience and never boring. Each tour group takes on a life of its own according to the interests and backgrounds of our guests. I have received as much from them as I have given,” said Bob Rouse, who has been a docent for 4 years. Marian Adams, a 6-year veteran added “Smith’s Castle is a historic gem and has been a focal point in Rhode Island history for over 340 years. I think it’s important to share its historical value as well as its charm, colonial architecture, furniture, and gardens.” Janet Hatch, who has been a docent for 16 years, said “I like history and needed a change from running a preschool and daycare for 25 years. It was a challenge for me at first as l was nervous about presenting a tour but it really helps your self-confidence.” To let us know you will be coming or for more information, contact Joyce Fuller, 401-294-9650, Marilyn Harris, 401-481-2530, or the Smith’s Castle office, located at 55 Richard Smith Drive, North Kingstown, 401-294-3521. www. smithscastle.org
March 2019
RETIREMENT SPARKS
SENIOR ISSUES
by ELAINE M. DECKER
Disappearing Brands One of the frustrations of aging is when brands we have favored for years—make that decades—suddenly disappear from store shelves. It took a long time for me to admit that I should color my hair. Even then it was because I was in job search mode. I was blessed with my mother’s skin, so my gray was the “tell” of the years I’d shaved off my resumé. Since my hair is short (and I was also “blessed” with my father’s Teutonic frugality), I would split a package of dye into two uses. I color my roots every five weeks, so a box would last me ten weeks. Since I shop the sales, I bought two to four boxes at a time. That put me in the hair color aisle about twice a year on average. A few summers back I noticed that my brand, Clairol Natural Instincts, was frequently on sale, but the slot for my color, #28 Nutmeg, was always empty. Sadly, I didn’t recognize the warning signs of a disappearing brand. By the time my supply ran out, not only was Nutmeg missing, but in most stores, Natural Instincts was gone altogether. Most women readers will understand immediately the cold frisson of panic that crept up my spine. What to do? I had chosen Natural Instincts Nutmeg on the advice of my niece, Pam. “Start with semi-permanent dye until you see how you like it.” And then emphatically: “Don’t get anything with red in it! No auburn overtones. No red undertones. Just plain dark brown.” Don’t those manufacturers realize the havoc they sow when they discontinue (or renumber) a color, much less
an entire product line? Since my hair was a lot grayer at that point than when I started coloring it, I decided to try a permanent brand. That led me to Revlon’s ColorSilk. I wanted to punish Clairol for putting me through this, but I also wanted to stay as close to #28 Nutmeg as possible. ColorSilk offered #27 Deep Rich Brown (no mention of red). That was the beginning of my hair coloring nightmare. When I got home, I discovered that ColorSilk bottles are opaque. Natural Instincts were semi-transparent. By keeping a spare empty, I could easily split the color activator in half. Not so for ColorSilk. I decided to mix the entire bottle and throw out whatever was unused. My father was no doubt turning over in his grave because of the waste. I read the instructions for the new product to see what I might have to do differently. The first thing that caught my eye was how long the mix stays on the hair. Half an hour! That’s ten minutes longer than semi-permanent. I could deal with that. There are one or two things I can do without glasses (which would get hair dye on them). Further reading said after you pour the colorant into the activator bottle, be sure to shake until the two are well mixed. Hello? The bottle is opaque. How am I supposed to know when they’re well mixed? I counted two minutes, same as for the old product, and hoped for the best. I kept reading to find out if any other surprises awaited me. Sure enough. After a half hour I was supposed to run some water through my hair, gently work the product all
the way down to the ends, then immediately wash the dye out. I’m no expert, but wouldn’t it make more sense to work the product down before the half hour was up? What possible benefit could this work-through have if I rinse it right out? Turns out, not only is there no benefit, but there’s also added aggravation. Why? Because I was supposed to keep the protective gloves on for this process. So here it was in a nutshell. Put the product on my hair. Sit motionless for one half hour in dye-stained gloves. Gently do a wet work-through. Take gloves off and immediately rinse thoroughly. I dutifully, if begrudgingly, followed all the steps, and guess whose hair came out with reddish overtones? I decided to try another brand the next time, probably L’Oreal, because “I’m worth it.” As a happy PS, Natural Instincts eventually reappeared in new packaging and with new numbering. A patient Walgreens staffer helped me find the “new” Nutmeg. It’s number 4 and called (wait for it…) Dark Brown. I still shop the sales. But since Clairol followed Revlon’s lead and no longer has opaque bottles, I have to use a full box each time. That’s OK. Because I’m definitely worth it. Copyright 2019 Business Theatre Unlimited Elaine M. Decker’s books include Retirement Sparks, Retirement Sparks Again, Retirement Sparks Redux and CANCER: A Coping Guide. Her essays appear in the anthologies: 80 Things To Do When You Turn 80 and 70 Things To Do When You Turn 70. All are available on Amazon.com. Contact her at: emdecker@ix.netcom.com.
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FOOD
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American Irish Stew Reprinted with permission from the American Institute for Cancer Research Servings: 6
Turn your St. Patrick's Day celebration into a chance to enjoy this hearty stew with a rich Irish heritage 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 1 ¼ pounds beef, top round, cut into 3/4-inch pieces 3 cloves garlic, minced salt, to taste pepper, to taste 1 medium onion, coarsely chopped 3 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 3/4-inch pieces 2 medium parsnips, cut into large chunks (optional) 3 cups low-fat, reduced-sodium beef broth 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cut into large chunks 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary 1 leek, coarsely chopped 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley In large pot over medium-high heat, heat oil. Add beef and garlic. Cook, gently stirring until meat is evenly browned. Season with salt and pepper. Add onion, carrots and parsnips. Cook 3-4 minutes. Stir in broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer about 75 minutes, or until meat is tender. Stir in potatoes and simmer another 30 minutes. Add rosemary and leeks. Continue to simmer, uncovered, until potatoes are tender. To avoid potatoes falling apart, do not overcook. Serve hot and garnish with parsley, if desired. Nutritional information per serving: 370 calories, 8 g total fat (2 g saturated fat), 43 g carbohydrate, 32 g protein, 6 g dietary fiber, 427 mg sodium. (Photo courtesy of Getty Images)
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March 2019