If you want a friend in Washington, get a furry one
by HERB WEISS
With an increasing number of adults reporting a decrease in the number of close friends, the old adage, “If you want a friend in Washington, get a dog,” might also be applicable outside the Beltway. This companionship can also boost your physical and mental health. Your furry friends’ capacity for unconditional love enables them to share our lives’ highs and lows.
The powerful bond of owning a pet
According to the findings of an American Psychiatric Association (APA) Healthy Minds Monthly poll released jointly with the American Veterinary Medical Association, pets offer mental support to their owners.
Among the many mental health benefits of pets, nearly twothirds of pet owners say that their animals offer companionship (65%), are a true friend (65%) and provide unconditional love and support (64%), the survey finds. Eighty-four percent of pet owners say that their pets have a mostly positive impact on their mental health, similar to the findings of last year’s polling on the same topic. The poll was of 2,200 adults, done by Morning Consult.
“It’s easy to overlook the role of pets when we’re talking about mental health,” said APA President Petros Levounis, M.D., M.A, in a March statement announcing the survey results. “But for people who do enjoy the company of animals, they can be a source of companionship, comfort, love and friendship. I routinely encourage adoption of a pet to my patients who struggle with addiction to alcohol, drugs or technology. We’re also starting to see more and more research around the role that animals can play in recovery from depression and other psychiatric disorders,” he says.
“My5-yearoldchocolatelab,Molly, keepsmeonmytoes,literally...
“As veterinarians, we witness firsthand the powerful bond between people and their animals, and the positive impact pets can have on their emotional well-being,” adds AVMA President Rena Carlson, D.V.M. “From offering companionship and unconditional love to reducing stress and anxiety, pets can be invaluable sources of comfort and support. These survey results further reinforce the importance of responsible pet ownership and the critical role pets play in our lives,” she says.
Positive impacts of pet ownership
Sixty-two percent of the survey’s respondents say that pets provide a calming presence and also help reduce their stress and anxiety. Thirty-five percent note that their pet encourages them to be more physically active, too. The findings note that owning a pet adds structure to a respondent’s schedule and can even increase social connections with others (19%).
While the mental health benefits are widespread, Americans did express some worries about their furry, feathered or scaly companions. Among their top concerns: 76% were
concerned about a pet aging or passing away, 67% reported worrying about their pet’s health conditions and 67% worried about their care when traveling.
Among all survey respondents, 72% reported having pets at home — 52% had dogs, 37% had cats, 7% had fish, 4% had birds, and less than 3% had turtles, chickens, horses, snakes, lizards, rabbits, guinea pigs or hamsters. One in five (18%) of those with pets said one or more of their pets was certified as an emotional support animal.
Among all respondents, 44% described themselves as dog people, 15% were cat people, 30% described themselves as both and 10% were neither. Dog (85%) and cat (86%) owners, as well as those who indicated they are owners of emotional support animals (88%) were all more likely to say their pet had a mostly positive impact on their mental health than those with other companion animals (55%).
According to a July 2023 Pew Research Center study, we also view our pets are family members as well. Sixty-two percent own pets, including about a third (35%) owning more than one. The study found that 97% of pet owners viewed their pets a furry family member. And most pet owners view their pets as much a part of their family as human member.
On a personal level…
The research findings are right on about the multitude of benefits of owning a pet. My 5-year old chocolate lab, Molly, keeps me on my toes, literally, with multiple daily short walks around the block, usually ending with a two-mile walk (almost 8,000 steps). She gets me out at night to exercise and my walking is good for my heart health, maintaining my weight, lowering my blood pressure and keeping my diabetes in check. It even helps to lower my stress levels.
Like many pet owners, Molly is considered a family member in my household, and most certainly my good furry friend. Being 70-years old, I see my social network shrinking, as friends pass away, retire and relocate to be closer to their families. Yes, like many, I might be able to count the number of close friends on one hand. But Molly is always there for me, waiting at the door when I return from work or running an errand.
Yes, in Washington or outside the Beltway, if you want a friend, get a dog (or even a cat, bird or hamster). Pets can become protective buffers against physical and mental disorders and life stressors.
Herb Weiss, LRI -12, is a Pawtucket-based writer who has covered aging, health care and medical issues for over 43 years. To purchase his books, Taking Charge: Collected Stories on Aging Boldly and a sequel, compiling weekly published articles, go to herbweiss.com
Laura M. Krohn
Pizza served with a side of nostalgia
I know. I know. You’ll ask why I’m not highlighting a local pizza emporium like Caserta’s, on Federal Hill instead of a legendary restaurant in East Boston near Logan Airport. But trust me. A visit to Santarpio’s Pizza is a step into the past, and a Beantown version of Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. For intrepid travelers who yearn for local culture, it’s a must-stop on any trip to Boston.
Original owner Frank Santarpio went into business as a bakery in 1903. He began selling pizzas at the current, nondescript Chelsea Street location in 1933. The renown pizzeria is still owned and operated by the Santarpio family. It was one of the first pizzerias designed to serve Italian immigrants who had put down roots in East Boston and the surrounding enclaves. There are other Santarpio’s sites, like one siting in Logan Airport, scattered throughout the city, but the real experience is to be found at the original location. I joined my son Matt, my son-in-law Ray, and my grandson Nicholas, to eat at Santarpio’s before Nicholas’s first visit to Fenway Park.
Entering the restaurant, you are enveloped by the aroma of the grill preparing equally aromatic appetizers. (More about the menu later). The wooden bar extends the length of the restaurant and heavy, well-worn wooden tables are framed by high-back booths. There is additional seating in another section of Santarpio’s, but first-timers should sit in one of the booths to get the full experience. The lighting may be dim, but the atmosphere is warm and friendly. The servers are local Bostonians who are courteous, direct, and efficient. Some of the employees have been with the restaurant for 30 years or more. The local ambiance is enhanced by autographed photos, posters, memorabilia of Boston sports heroes and notable sporting events, local and national, that are displayed throughout the restaurant.
The menu is simple but enticing. Start by ordering your favorite brew or wine from the menu. The featured appetizers are barbecued lamb, steak tips, chicken, or sausage. If you like variety, you could ask about ordering a combination plate. Each dish is served with slices of hard-crusted Italian bread and two cherry peppers. (Be warned. The peppers ARE hot)!
Although there are several other options on the menu, the pizza is the main attraction.
They are baked to perfection in (what some declare) as East Boston style. Actually, the pies could be described as thin-crusted New York or Greek style pizzas. I don’t care what name you give it; the pizza is among the best I have tasted! My grandson, unversed as he is in pizza etiquette of neighborhood spots, asked the waitress for ranch dressing to dip his slice. The waitress gently told him that the necessary condiments, if desired, were already on the table. No additional ingredients would be provided; nor would they be required. Pizzas can be baked with the standard toppings, and as a kick (if you dare) can be garnished with more hot peppers. We devoured two pizzas, with a combination of cheese, pepperoni, sausage, ground beef, and hot peppers. Although I had been to Santarpio’s several times, the quality, freshness, and taste are still a feast for the discerning pizza palate. I guess that proves you don’t have to alter a family recipe to please the loyal customer base stretching across the generations.
Lest you think that Santarpio’s is only a local legend, the restaurant was named as one of the best pizza joints by Food and Wine magazine and was featured on Bizarre Foods America in 2012. By now, your mouth is probably watering. To feed that craving, hop into your car; take the commuter rail; or hire a ride and get to Santarpio’s Pizza in East Boston. It’s heaven by the slice with a side of nostalgia.
THIS MONTH’S WHY IS IT THAT FEATURE: Why is it that people will order a diet drink with their supersized meal at a fast-food restaurant?
Larry Grimaldi is a freelance writer from North Providence. Larry and his wife Kathy are co-authors of “Wandering Across America,” a chronicle of their cross-country road trip, and “Cooking with Mammie,” a collection of family recipes prepared with their grandchildren. He has also written the column anthologies “50 Shades of Life, Love, and Laughter, Volumes I & II.” Columns reissued in these books are used with the permission of Beacon Communications. For more information, or comments, e-mail lvgrimaldi49@gmail.com or visit fruithillpublishing.my.canva.site
Taxpayer privacy isn’t just a right – it’s the law
YOUR TAXES
by MEG CHEVALIER
IRS/SPEC
Protecting taxpayer privacy is priority at the IRS. The right to privacy is one of 10 rights the Taxpayer Bill of Rights gives all taxpayers.
Taxpayers have the right to expect that any IRS inquiry, examination, or enforcement action will comply with the law and be no more intrusive than necessary. Taxpayers can also expect that the IRS will respect all due process rights, including search and seizure protections and will provide, where applicable, a collection due process hearing.
Here are more details about what a taxpayer’s right to privacy means:During an audit, if the IRS finds no reasonable indication that a taxpayer has unreported income, the agency will not seek intrusive and extraneous information about the taxpayer’s lifestyle.
• A taxpayer can expect that the IRS’s collection actions are no more intrusive than necessary. During a collection due process
hearing, the Office of Appeals must balance that expectation with the IRS’s proposed collection action and the overall need for efficient tax collection.
• Sometimes, taxpayers submit offers to settle their tax debt that relate only to how much they owe. This is formally known as a Doubt as to Liability Offer in Compromise. Taxpayers who make this offer do not need to submit any financial documentation.
• The IRS cannot seize certain personal items, such as schoolbooks, clothing, and undelivered mail.
• The IRS cannot seize a personal residence without first getting court approval, and the agency must show there is no reasonable alternative for collecting the tax debt.
More information:
Taxpayer Advocate Service
IRS Privacy Policy Privacy Act of 1974
With over 34,000 circulation in the West Bay area, this is the perfect place to reach seniors and caregivers.
Gabapentin Abuse in Seniors An Emerging Concern for Senior Care Providers
by DON DRAKE CONNELLY LAW OFFICES, LTD.
Gabapentin is a prescription medication approved by the FDA and is used as an anticonvulsant to manage specific types of seizures It is also prescribed for nerve pain stemming from various conditions, such as diabetes and shingles. While gabapentin is not currently classified as a federally controlled substance, it is available under brand names including Neurontin, Gabapentin has been associated with widespread diversion, non-medical misuse, potential dependence, and withdrawal when misused in conjunction with other substances.
In tandem with the rise in gabapentin prescriptions, its misuse has markedly increased over the past decade. Misusers often combine it with opioids to intensify euphoric effects, and some misuse gabapentin for self-treatment of conditions such as insomnia, anxiety, pain, and substance withdrawal.
According to the website GoodRx, current data ranks this medication in the top ten of the most prescribed drugs in the United States, attributable to its increasing use as an alternative to opioids in pain management amid the ongoing focus on the opioid epidemic. Referred to as “Johnny Rottens,” “Johnnies,” “Morontin,” or “Gabbies” on the street, this medication has been subject to abuse by addicts for many years. Notably, this medication is likely to be found in the medicine cabinets of many seniors.
The Increasing Abuse
During the 2015-16 period, toxicology screenings of individuals who experienced drug overdoses in Kentucky indicated that gabapentin was present in more than one-third of cases. This discovery raised concerns among healthcare professionals and legislators regarding the potential abuse and diversion of gabapentin, leading to its reclassification as a Schedule 5 controlled substance in Kentucky in July 2017. Other states have since classified gabapentin as a Schedule V controlled substance.
It is also important to note that gabapentin shares structural and pharmacological similarities with pregabalin (Lyrica, Lyrica CR), a Schedule V controlled substance, which is federally regulated in all states. While not classified as a narcotic, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has observed a growing trend of gabapentin being illicitly abused. This has been well-documented by law enforcement, reflected in crime reports, and noted by U.S. poison control centers.
According to Psychiatry Online, the FDA issued a warning about the potential risks of respiratory depression in patients taking gabapentin in combination with central nervous system (CNS) depressants such as opioids, antidepressants, and benzodiazepines. The FDA also cautioned that the medication could exacerbate breathing difficulties in patients with underlying lung conditions like asthma or COPD, as well as in the elderly.
According to the IQVIA National Prescription Audit, the total number of gabapentin prescriptions dispensed was around 68.3 million in 2019, 69.0 million in 2020, and 70.9 million in 2021. Between 40% to 65% of individuals with gabapentin prescriptions and approximately 20% of individuals misusing opioids have reported gabapentin misuse.
In a recent national bulletin distributed to law enforcement and narcotics officers, the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas identified gabapentin as an “emerging threat.” Considering these concerns, it is crucial to contemplate the ramifications for seniors.
Baby Boomers and Abuse
It’s surprising that today’s seniors, mostly baby boomers, are not the same as the seniors from previous generations. Their upbringing in the sixties and seventies has given them a different perspective on drug use and other behaviors, which is evident in senior programs.
This shift in attitudes has led to higher rates of addiction and alcoholism among today’s seniors. Disturbingly, statistics show that baby boomers are getting arrested for possession of substances at higher rates than teens and young adults.
The American Addiction Centers have documented numerous cases of middle-aged and elderly patients with a history of alcohol abuse being prescribed gabapentin, only to end up abusing it and experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms, which can be life-threatening. Other treatment programs also report concerns of gabapentin abuse in seniors given its availability and the decline in prescriptions for opioids to treat chronic pain.
The Prevalence of Gabapentin Today
The prescription of gabapentin has notably increased, largely due to its off-label usage in treating conditions such as pain and substance use disorder. Despite initial marketing portraying gabapentin as a medication with low abuse potential and high safety and effectiveness, there is a growing body of evidence emphasizing the hazards associated with overprescribing the drug.
A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine revealed that while gabapentin prescriptions in the United States escalated between 2006 and 2018, opioid prescriptions initially stabilized and then declined, which seems to indicate that providers were substituting gabapentin for opioids to treat chronic pain.
Within the prison system, medical professionals have identified gabapentin as one of the most abused and diverted drugs. These insights shed light on the potential for abuse and misuse of gabapentin, despite it being positioned as a safer alternative to opioids. Such information is crucial for understanding the evolving landscape of drug misuse and abuse trends, as well as for proactively addressing the associated challenges.
It is vital to acknowledge the concerns raised regarding the utilization of gabapentin as a precautionary narrative, particularly due to its presence in the medicine cabinets of numerous seniors or its potential future prescription for them.
It is important for individuals who provide services to seniors to consider the implications of this information. While those working in nursing homes may have minimal cause for concern at this time, staff in senior centers and those working with seniors in the community should be mindful of the potential for misuse and abuse of gabapentin. They need to be prepared to intervene if necessary and to refer individuals for treatment when appropriate. Being proactive in addressing these issues can make a significant difference in the well-being of seniors.
The Look of Gabapentin Abuse Gabapentin abuse may lead to potentially serious consequences, as indicated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Those who misuse gabapentin may experience a range of concerning signs such as agitation, restlessness, irritability, panic attacks, insomnia, mania, new or worsening anxiety and/or depression, and changes in mood or behavior, including aggressive or violent tendencies.
Withdrawal symptoms can manifest in individuals who have used gabapentin for as little as 3 weeks and may emerge within 12 hours to 2 days after cessation. Gabapentin withdrawal effects mirror those of benzodiazepine withdrawal and can be especially perilous for older individuals.
The abrupt cessation of gabapentin can lead to severe adverse effects, so it is advisable to consider enrolling in a medical detoxification program to safely discontinue gabapentin usage and effectively manage any associated withdrawal symptoms linked to Neurontin. This approach can be particularly beneficial if there is concurrent use of other substances, such as opioids, benzodiazepines, or alcohol. Individuals struggling with gabapentin misuse or other substances may also benefit from exploring structured treatment options, including inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation programs.
When you or your loved one need help at home with personal care, homemaking, grocery store, laundry, medication pick up, meal preparation and companionship.
The Dog Days of Summer
I was sitting on a park bench recently. It was the middle of the day - a most perfect August noontime. The sky, a bright summer blue, met the marine navy shade of the bay. The slowly rolling waves reflected the sun, creating the illusion of thousands of moving diamonds, twinkling and sparkling.
Puffy cotton ball clouds grazed lazily across the sky. The shapes and configurations resembled all kinds of things - animals, birds, fish, flowers, dragons, and dinosaurs. Castles in a faraway landscape and mountains sur rounding a distant lake. Even a few faces appeared - with eyes, noses, and mouths - smiling or grimacing, or staring in wonder - all moving and morphing in an aerial kaleidoscope display. I felt lucky to be witnessing this natural splendor - a show I would have missed - and probably do miss often when going about my daily routine without taking the time to look up and notice the sky.
MY MEMOIRS
by SUSAN DEAN
The birds were singing and chirping their tunes. Some were melodic - creating songs with notes and pitch - a chorus of sorts - singing duets and trios and answering each other with solos from the treetops. Others were loud and rhythmic - making their presence known with per cussion-like calls. Distant, then louder as they neared, deafening as they flew overhead, and then distant again. The sweet songs of the locals quietly resumed until they were in full voice once more.
Looking up into the trees, I didn’t see the singers, but I noticed the slight shivering and swaying of the leaves on the treetops. Movement so subtle in the gentleness of the summer breezes. Almost like the trees were talking to each other - conversing in their language of the ages. What would they be saying to me? Notice - take time to notice! Listen and see - be present!
There is magic in the workings of nature. And it never ceases to fill me with awe and wonder that the natural world around us lives and flourishes following its own rhythms and inner wisdom - no matter what is happening in our human world. And it’s all here for us to ignore and take for granted, or…to sit and notice and wonder and appreciate.
The peaceful sound of the waves lapping gently against the shoreline was in terrupted by quacking sounds - several duck voices filled the air like the brass instruments in a passing marching band. This noisy jam session was followed by a rustling in the reeds just off-shore to my right. The noisy raucous calls of the ducks faded as a gaggle of geese made their way up from the water and onto the grass.
First one, then another, then a third appeared. I watched as they then turned around and stared back down the embankment they’d just climbed. These three geese - perhaps the three in charge of things - watched as five more geese made their way up from the shoreline. When all eight were safely on land and accounted for, the three ‘supervisors’ turned around and led the marching octet up the incline and into the park behind me. They were clearly on a mission and took no notice of me.
I saw squirrels running up and down trees, and two rabbits that day, too. The rabbits appeared from nowhere, rested still as statues rooted to the ground, then vanished just as suddenly - as if they’d never been there at all.
But the funniest sight of that afternoon appeared just before I was getting ready to leave my summer communion with nature. I heard the pitter patter of dog paws approaching from my right on the path in front of me.
A little dog - a short-haired terrier type with pointy upright ears flopping in time with his steps - ran towards me down the path. He carried a very large stick in his mouth. The stick extended at least four inches outward on both sides of his cheeks and was thick enough that the dog actually looked like he was smiling.
As this bundle of energy approached, he paused, looked up, and made eye contact with me before resuming his trotting pace. His wild sloppy grin made me laugh as he passed. His owner came running a good distance behind him holding a leash and simply gave me a quick wave as she continued the chase.
But this moment and the whole afternoon, really, wasn’t about human interaction. The dog, besides being a comical interlude adding to the beauty of the day, was a reminder. His lop-sided goofy smile reminded me of the innate joyfulness of dogs. Dogs don’t live in the past or in the future. They live in the now. We can live in the present, too, and not rehash the past or worry about the future. We can take the time to sit, to notice, and to absorb the simple beauty of nature. Maybe that’s why these days are called ‘the dog days of summer’. To remind us to find joy and peace in the present moment in the middle of the gift of a precious summer day.
X Appeal
RETIREMENT SPARKS
by ELAINE M. DECKER
The other day I noticed that a message was addressed to me as Mx. Decker. I assumed it was because the sender couldn’t decide whether I was a Miss or a Mrs. I thought that problem was solved with the use of Ms.
Apparently it’s more complicated than that. The use of the letter X has become a common way to circumvent all sorts of societal unknowns. One of the more common uses that have been popular for a while now is LatinX. That’s the gender-neutral alternative to Latina or Latino.
But I blame the explosion of the use of X today on Elon Musk for renaming Twitter X. It started with his SpaceX rockets. He even titled his artificial intelligence company xAI and created a special logo for it. Lord only knows what he’ll christen with X in the future.
To be fair, X has been around in many forms for a while now. The X Games, a semi-annual ESPN extreme sports competition, began in 1995 in Rhode Island as the Extreme Games. I don’t know when it was shortened to just X. The Xbox gaming console has been available in the U.S. since 2001.
I’m not sure what drives this X appeal, but it’s all around us. X has always symbolized something unknown and often mysterious. Simply thinking in terms of it having four points, we can group it with other similar symbols. The four-leaf clover is considered lucky, perhaps because it’s so rare (unlike X). When we find one, we usually preserve it in plastic and put it in our wallets.
Old fashioned Dutch-style windmills that were used to mill grain or pump water have four blades, though modern wind turbines usually have three. Railroad crossing signs are always an X. I still remember the scene in the movie Two For the Road with Albert Finney and Audrey Hepburn. They’re hitchhiking and she gets a ride, leaving him behind. Farther up the road, she’s on foot again and has been hiding behind a railroad crossing sign; she’s so thin you can barely see her. When he gets within sight, she pops out, flapping her arms like the crossing sign. It was a great movie.
There are dozens of areas where X marks the spot. Take clothing sizes for instance. We have XL, 1X, 2X, 3X etc. in women’s. It gets even crazier for men, with XXL and XXXL. In mathematics, X is always the horizontal axis. In science, X-rays have countless uses, but Y-rays and Z-rays are virtually unheard of.
In popular culture, we had the X-Files science fiction TV series back in the nineties. Remember Scully and Mulder? There’s yet another remake of that in progress. We still have the X-Men team of mutant superheroes from Marvel Comics. Just the thought of Nightcrawler or Wolverine can send a frisson up ones spine! On the opposite end of the spectrum, in the Greek alphabet, X represents the letter chi. Many devoted Christians use chi to refer to Christ, especially when combined with the Greek rho to make the first letters of His name.
The uses for X keep proliferating. It’s prominent in company and brand names, like Xfinity, introduced in 2010, while that stalwart workhorse Xerox was founded 1906. Tesla has several models, but its Model X is the most popular. If you text a lot, you no doubt enjoy receiving XOXO kisses and hugs from your friends.
All this having been said, I still blame Elon Musk for the ubiquitousness of X in our lives today. Anywhere we go, there it is. With a name like Musk, you’d think he’d overwhelm us with sex appeal. But no, thanks to Elon and his rebranding of Twitter as X, we’re all drowning in X appeal.
Copyright 2024 Business Theatre Unlimited Elaine M. Decker’s books include Retirement Downsizing—A Humorous Guide, 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.
New Local Documentary Confronts Ageism in Society
by HERB WEISS
Big News. After three years in fundraising, filming and production, Filmmaker Michelle Le Brun is poised to showcase her new 55-minute document, “Optics of Aging,” on Oct. 15 at 5:00 pm., at the Providence Public Library in the Donald Farish Auditorium.
This full-length documentary’s premiere is support by The Rhode Island Foundation, The Robertson Foundation, RI State Council on the Arts and The Providence Public Library, and about $11,423 raised on GoFundMe (goal set at $20,000).
In “Optics of Aging”, stereotypes of ageism dissolve and the beauty of aging is revealed through five Rhode Island elders who have shaped the landscape of Rhode Island and beyond, says Le Brun. “Their voices take flight against the backdrop of archival imagery that captures the vision of an earlier time,” she said.
This is not Le Brun’s “first rodeo” in making documentaries. Her first film Death: A Love Story premiered at Sundance film Festival in competition in 1999 (now available now in over 500 universities in the U.S. and Canada), It won Best Documentary at Santa Barbara film festival and got several honors at other film festivals. It enjoyed seven different kinds of distribution over 20 years. She also teaches in the Film Media Department at the University of Rhode Island (URI).
The Epiphany…
According to Le Brun, the subject of aging is front and center in our country right now. How old is too old? Is age really just a number? Regardless of one’s answer to these questions, we all have ageist stereotypes that we grow up with from a very young age.
At age 61, the Providence filmmaker had an epiphany about her own aging. “I had all kinds of negative images in my mind about what it means to grow old. Images of decrepitude and rapidly decreasing health, not being able to get up the 41 stairs to my home, isolated,” she remembered.
“But I also knew people in their 90s who were nothing like my conditioned images of the elder years. The more I looked around, I began to notice that in fact, there were many people in their 70s, 80s, and 90s that defied the images I had of what it means to be an elder,” says Le Brun.
“So, I thought I would reach out to them and ask about their lives and their feelings about aging,” notes Le Brun. ”There are so many very interesting and unique elders in our community, I had a hard time deciding who to interview. I decided the common element that would pull them all together is that they had each done something at some point in their lives that contributed to the character of Rhode Island,” she added.
“From there, I found various people word-of-mouth except Phil West who I already knew from University of Rhode Island, adds Le Brun.
“And one of the things I have realized in making this film, is that we are all a thread in the tapestry of this place; of Rhode Island - of any place we call home. Our home is living and breathing, ever changing. We shape the place we live in as it in turn shapes us,” she stated.
Five Elder Voices
On her website, Le Brun notes: “The five elders’ take flight against the backdrop of archival imagery that captures the vision of an earlier time in Rhode Island when the state confronted challenges that required creative solutions. The ideas of these forward thinkers changed lives and shaped legends and legacies during times of vast sociocultural change. Through these stories, our community remembers its past to inform a future that maintains the unique character of Rhode Island.
These five elder Rhode Islanders raise awareness and challenge society’s stereotypes around aging and celebrate the elder years. “Their personal narratives create a tapestry of perspectives that showcase the beauty, resilience, and wisdom that comes with advancing age,” says Le Brun.
And their backgrounds are detailed on the Optics of Aging web site:
“Linda Miller (90 years young at filming), the woman behind Lippitt Hill Tutorial, later renamed Inspiring Minds, that alleviated the stressors of 1960’s desegregation in Providence schools and delivered significant improvements in student’s academic performance. Her stalwart values have guided her life from education reformer to psychotherapist, which she is still doing today! Her wisdom about aging shines through her ever-present humor.”
“Phil West (77 years young when interviewed in 2019) long-time state director of Common Cause and author of Secrets and Scandals: Reforming Rhode Island1986-2006.The Providence Journal dubbed him “The Godfather of Political Reform in Rhode Island.” The key to his pursuit of ethical government over the decades was establishing a Separation of Powers amendment in the Rhode Island Constitution. Phil’s quiet passion for justice resonates deeply.
“Aly Stallman (90 years young when he died in 2019) entrepreneur and Ironman triathlete in his 50s, also Founder and President of the Ocean State Marathon in Newport, RI. In the feature film, Aly has just told his doctors that he wants no more treatments. He shares his feelings about his imminent death with grace and poignancy”.
“Morris Nathanson (95 years young when he died in 2022) who co-designed De Pasquale Square in Providence, the first Dunkin’ Donuts, and was one of the founding designers for Trinity Repertory Theater. He has shaped the sights and sounds of Providence and abroad through his landmark architectural restaurant designs. The warmth in community of growing up in Pawtucket has shaped his whole life.”
“Mildred Nichols (90 years young when interviewed in 2019). Beloved community leader, was a founding member of the Rhode Island Women’s Political Caucus, served on the Rhode Island Board of Governors for Higher Education and was Director of Career Counseling Services at the Rhode Island Department of Education where she was instrumental in providing out reach to women known as ‘displaced’ homemakers. Mildred is also a descendent of Joseph Trammel. She shares with us his freedom papers and her moving gratitude.”
As Le Brun says, “ageism is the last “ism” it seems still ok to have. Let’s change that!” Working alongside Le Brun were Ryan Bliss (Editor), Milana Cepeda (Composer), Becca Bender (Archival Producer), Roxanne Ducharme, in Panama (Graphic Design and Animation), and Mauro Colangelo in Italy (Post-Production Audio and Mix). An international team.
To register for the premiere and join the discussion at Providence Public Library, go to https://provlib.libcal.com/event/12675871 .
For updates and future screenings go to: https://www.opticsofaging.com/
To fund Optics of Aging’s outreach, go to https://www.gofundme.com/f/optics-of-agingbeyond-the-number
SENIOR RESOURCE GUIDE
AARP supports livability across Rhode Island
Rhode Island
Americans 50 and over decide elections and can force action on the issues that matter most to us.
That’s why AARP Rhode Island has collected the most up-to-date election information for you. You can find out about key voting deadlines, polling places and how to cast your ballot.
Make sure the candidates hear from you. Get the latest Rhode Island election information at aarp.org/RIvotes
AARP - RHODE ISLAND
by CATHERINE TAYLOR
One of my great joys as AARP Rhode Island State Director is announcing our annual Community Challenge Grants – this year an AARP investment in communities to the tune of $3.8 million awarded among 343 organizations nationwide. Improving the livability of communities is a big part of AARP Rhode Island’s mission to empower people to choose how they live as they age. These grants do just that.
I’m thrilled that 2024 grantees in Providence, Central Falls, Woonsocket and Bristol will implement quick-action projects that help their communities become more livable, with an emphasis on the needs of adults ages 50 and older.
AARP Rhode Island is committed to working with local leaders, advocates and policymakers to make communities better places to live. We are proud to collaborate with this year’s grantees as they make immediate improvements to address long-standing and emerging challenges.
Here’s a look at the 2024 projects:
• Progreso Latino, Central Falls Weatherize the outdoor activities community pavilion for use during rain and windy days. Waterproof the sunshade canopy and add retractable curtains.
• Recycle a Bike, Providence Deliver a range of transportation and mobility options for residents (especially those 50-plus) through solutions that increase connectivity, walkability, bikeability and access to public and private transit. Funds will pay to refurbish bikes, buy accessories and parts, transport to events and other expenses.
• Bristol Parks & Recreation Bristol Implement walk audit assessments to enhance safety and walkability in the Town of Bristol, especially people age 50-plus, with support from America Walks and using the AARP Walk Audit Tool Kit.
• Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council, Providence Enhance digital connectivity to prepare and respond to disasters for residents, especially those age 50- plus. The project seeks to enhance digital literacy skills among adult and older residents, while at the same time expanding access to much needed hyper-local data toward empowerment, emergency preparedness and climate resilience.
• Federal Hill House, Providence Funding for the purchase of grocery carts and reusable bags to distribute to pantry guests who access their food pantries on foot. Food may be prohibitively heavy and difficult to carry, especially for older adult guests.
The grant program is part of AARP’s nationwide Livable Communities initiative, which supports the efforts of cities, towns, neighborhoods and rural areas to become great places to live for people of all ages. Since 2017, AARP Rhode Island has awarded 22 grants totaling more than $270,000 through the program to nonprofit organizations and government entities across the state.
Across the state you can see the projects that have become sustainable community assets enjoyed by thousands of Rhode Islanders.
Senior centers have received funds for outdoor exercise facilities, computers, outdoor covered meetings spaces, intergenerational gardening & cooking activities and a unique “hay bale” home gardening program. Veterans got a lift from a program that provides assisted biking experiences for those with disabilities; a neighborhood community garden was revitalized. A transit group conducted neighborhood walkability audits. And that’s in just the past two years!
We are inspired by their energy and creativity the grants ignite.
It’s part of a bigger picture. This fall, AARP Rhode Island and America Walks will join forces to conduct a workshop to train walk audit volunteers to assess and report on the safety and walkability of a street, intersection or neighborhood — and inspire needed change.
AARP Rhode Island’s livable communities work continued with our successful effort this year to change Rhode Island law to make it easier for people to add Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) to their properties so they can continue to thrive in the neighborhoods they love as their housing needs change. We’ll host an October webinar on universal design concepts, including innovative Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) designs, featuring Richard Duncan, MRP, Executive Director, Universal Design Institute and the Better Living Design Institute.
And we are especially excited about Providence, Newport, Cranston, Bristol and Westerly who have joined the AARP Network of Age Friendly States and Communities and their ongoing commitment to become more age friendly. And we’re assisting other communities who are interested in joining the network.
Learn more about the work we do and the many ways you can be involved. Please visit www.aarp.org/RILivable. Meanwhile, there’s a very good chance we’ll run into each other somewhere near where you live. Please say hello!
AUGUST-SEPTEMBER ONLINE EVENTS
August 27 and September 10, 4 p.m. - Tai Ch/Qi Gong August 28, 6 p.m. - Laughter Yoga
September 11, 1 p.m. - Everybody Dance!
September 12, 4 p.m. - RI Healthy Cooking
September 19, 2 p.m. – Free Social Security Webinar
IN-PERSON EVENTS
August 19, 6:30 p.m., September 17, 6 p.m.- AARP-RI Sponsored Bike Newport Full Moon Bike Ride
August 22, 29 and Sept. 5, 12, 4 p.m. - AARP-RI-Sponsored Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council Community Paddle
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Sept. 13, 27, 7:30 p.m. – AARP-RI Sponsored Newport Classical Fall Chamber Series