PrimeTime - September 2022

Advice from Dan Marino

Tips to Keep Health Goals on Track During Football Season

The

kickoff to football season is here again, and with it comes pizza, beer, wings and more. In a poll of 2,000 American men conducted by OnePoll and commis sioned by Nutrisystem, 37% said they usually gain weight during football season from September to January, with 53% claiming they gain 10 pounds or more.

But football season doesn’t need to wreak havoc on your overall health, wellness and weight loss goals. Just ask pro football Hall-of-Fame quarterback, Dan Marino.

“After playing pro football for 17 years, my knees took a beating and I had to have both of them replaced. Couple that with the stress of the COVID-19 pandemic, and I couldn’t exercise or do the things I wanted to stay active, so I put on some weight,” says Marino. “I knew I needed to make a change, turned to Nutrisystem and lost 26 pounds.”

To help football fans stay on track this season, Marino is sharing his best tips to lose weight and get healthier.

1Make a Commitment: It all starts with a commitment. You make a commit ment to yourself to get healthier and then you find a game plan to do it. When you see results, you’re motivated to keep going to reach your goal.

2Keep it Simple: Men, especially, need things to be simple. If your goal is to lose weight, look for programs like Nutrisystem that are easy, take the guesswork out of dieting and deliver your favorite foods made healthier right to your door. Plus, they have great game day foods like popcorn, pizza and burgers to ensure you’re making good choices.

3Seek Support: Studies show that individuals lose up to 20% more weight when dieting with a partner. Find that teammate who will help motivate you to stick with your wellness goals.

4Focus on Protein: Protein keeps your hunger in check and will keep you from grabbing those not-so-good for you game day foods. Aim to get your protein from foods like meat and fish, eggs, dairy products, nuts and nut but ters. For an afternoon snack, I always grab a Nutrisystem shake, which is packed with protein to keep me full until dinner.

5Get Moving: Get up and off the couch! Call up your friends and organize a game of football or shoot some hoops. I love to hit the golf course and I often walk instead of grabbing a cart. This way, I’m getting in extra exercise.

The most important thing to remember is keeping up with your health and wellness doesn’t need to be hard. It’s all about balance. If you find yourself over-indulging as you’re watching the game, that’s okay. Commit to getting back on track the next day.

Understanding AFib

AFEATURES

diagnosis of atrial fibrillation (AFib) may be scary, but it doesn’t have to hold you back from enjoying life. Learning more about the condition and treatment options can significantly affect your prognosis and quality of living.

AFib is the most common type of cardiac arrhythmia or abnormal heart rhythm. It occurs when the upper chambers of the heart, called the atria, beat rapidly or in an uncontrolled manner. AFib can cause a wide variety of symptoms, including heart palpitations, fatigue, shortness of breath, difficulty exercising, anxiety, chest pain and dizziness.

AFib impacts nearly 40 million people worldwide, according to research published in the “International Journal of Stroke,” including 6 million people in the United States alone. Despite its prevalence, many people are unfamiliar with the symptoms, available treatment options and importance of early treatment to avoid disease progression or other life-threatening complications such as a stroke.

More than a quarter of adults living with AFib have fears and anxiety about the progressive nature of the disease, according to a survey conducted by Biosense Webster, Inc., part of Johnson & Johnson MedTech. However, a quarter of patients did not get treatment immediately after diagnosis and 44% of patients have ended up in the emergency room due to their condition.

Speak to Your Doctor

Despite half of adults 55 and older believing they may be at risk for AFib, only one-fifth (18%) said their doctors have ever discussed AFib with them and even less (10%) have proactively spoken to their doctors about it. Recognizing symptoms and talking to your doctor as soon as possible can help prevent the progression of AFib.

Make Lifestyle Changes

About 1 in 4 adults over the age of 40 are at risk of developing AFib. The causes are wide-ranging and include non-modifiable and lifestyle factors. Some non-modifiable risk factors include age, family history and a heart disease diagnosis.

Making lifestyle changes to control factors such as obesity, smoking and sleep apnea may help lower your risk. Limiting alcohol and caffeine consumption and controlling your stress can also reduce your risk and may help manage AFib episodes.

Consider Treatment Options

For most AFib patients, treatment begins with medication. Medications can be used for controlling your heart rate, rhythm and blood thickness, but about half of patients don’t respond to or can’t tolerate medications. Catheter ablation is a procedure to restore the heart’s incorrect electrical signals that cause an abnormal heart rhythm. It is recommended by the American College of Cardiology, the Heart Rhythm Society and the American Heart Association for patients when medication proves to be unsuccessful.

To learn more about AFib and treatment options, including catheter ablation, visit getsmartaboutafib.com.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

If you’re concerned about your risk of AFib, consider these questions to ask your doctor at your next visit:

Questions for your primary care physician:

1. I have some concerning symptoms. Could they be the result of AFib?

2. Do I need to take any diagnostic tests?

3. Am I at risk of stroke?

4. When should I go to the emergency room?

5. Do I need to make any lifestyle modifications?

6. What are my treatment options?

7. Should I see a specialist?

If your physician recommends medications:

1. Why are you recommending this medication?

2. What should I do if I have side effects or it doesn’t work?

3. Can I take this medication with the other medicines I’m already taking?

If medications aren’t working:

1. Am I a good candidate for a catheter ablation procedure?

2. What are the benefits and risks of a catheter ablation procedure?

3. Can you refer me to an electrophysiologist?

StoneRige resident Trisha Grabel, 88, has been creatively inspired by the light, ocean and beautiful scenery of West erly and Mystic. She has produced an extensive collection of acrylic paintings over the past five years and the culmination of her artistic efforts will be on view at a solo exhibit and sale at the Tapped Apple Cidery & Winery, 37 High Street, in Westerly through October 20.

Grabel paints with acrylics and her work covers a wide range of subjects, including landscapes, abstracts, florals and still lifes. Her 2022 installation will include 34 works of art, ranging in size from small, tabletop sized to expansive.Grabel says that her style has evolved from expressionist to abstract expressionist. Her work, she says, “Is fueled by my exuberance, imagina tion, intellect and love of color and motion. Noth ing is rendered realisti cally.” She credits Pierre Bonnard, Henri Matisse and Vincent Van Gogh as inspiration for her expres

sionist art, and Warhol, Pollock and Frakenthaler as an influ ence on her abstracts.

The Tapped Apple Cidery & Winery exhibit will be Gra bel’s first solo show in 10 years. She has exhibited in galleries in New York, Connecticut and Rhode Island. Her work was also included in a tri-state juried show at the Katonah Museum of Art in New York.

Grabel began painting in her 60s after a career as the di rector of publicity for Conran’s, a chain of home furnishings, headquartered in New York and founded by Sir Terence Con ran.A native of London, Grabel was evacuated as a child to Canada for six years during WWII. Years after her post-war return to England, Grabel was introduced to her future hus band on a blind date. Dan Grabel was a New York-based news writer and reporter with the TODAY Show. The two married in London in 1959 and chose to make their home in the United States. Both Dan and Trish had successful careers while rais ing a family. As their children grew and retirement neared, the couple purchased a summer home in Westerly. Recently, Trisha moved her home and studio, once more, to StoneRidge Senior Living Community in Mystic.

StoneRidge is a senior living, life plan community in Mys tic, CT situated on 32 acres, next to 100 acres of conservation land. StoneRidge is managed by Life Care Services (LCS®).

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Cremation with Memorial Service $2,645.00

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2022 Monopoly Game

RETIREMENT SPARKS by ELAINE M. DECKER

Hearing all the mentions of SCOTUS and Roe v. Wade in the news had me thinking of water-related activities: row vs. wade. This in turn made me picture a side of a new Monopoly board game: SCOTUS Row, with properties Wade, Breast Stroke and Butterfly. From there, it was full speed ahead to a 2022 revamp of that classic game. I’m limiting the number of players to six. The new tokens to choose from are: Tesla Model S, iPhone, COVID Spiked Ball, Spiced Pumpkin, Kale Leaf, and Avocado

SimilarToast.to SCOTUS Row, which launched this new initiative, there will be Congressional Row, with Senate and House properties, and Executive Row, with stops on POTUS, VPOTUS, and FLOTUS. One of the other sides will be home to Inflation Alley. In the inaugural edition, this will be represented by Energy, Groceries and Used Cars. Another side will house the Food Court Mall, with stops for shops on Organic Boulevard, Vegan Way and Gluten FreePepperedAvenue. throughout these rows and alleys, as per the classic board, will be various taxes and utility companies. There won’t be a Luxury Tax, or even an Income Tax, but you should hope to avoid expensive stops on Health Care Tax and Real Estate Tax. If you land on any of the energy com panies—Gasoline, Electric or Oil—it will cost you Unlikedearly.theoriginal game, there will not be a “Go Directly To Jail” square. Don’t get too complacent though. Instead, there will be a “Go to Debtor’s Prison.” You’ll have to roll doubles to get out of there. There will still be a “Free Parking” square, which will be free only on Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and holidays. All other times it will cost $10. The list of holidays will be updated annually. The “Just Visiting” stop will be replaced by “Just Texting”. You’ll have to stay there texting until all the other players pass you by.

The four railroads will be replaced by four social media companies. In the inaugural edition, those will be Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp and Instagram. If you land on one, you’ll be able to open an account for $100. Then you’ll be able to collect $10 usage fees from others who land there later in the game. Chances are the list will change in future editions. Those games will obviously need to be renamed for the year they represent.

Fans of the classic Monopoly game are

ACCORDING TO DON by DON FOWLER

probably wondering how I plan to handle the Chance and Community Chest stops on the board. I’ll be leaving those intact. Of course I had to rethink what you’ll read on those cards when you land on one of those spots. I’m still working on what the Chance cards will say and I’m open to suggestions.

The Community Chest is where the phi lanthropy comes in. It will become a source of support for both local and international NGOs, especially food banks and organiza tions that provide animal welfare support. If you pull one of those cards, it may tell you to donate money or volunteer hours to sup port the group listed. Players should decide in advance which local groups will be the recipients of the night’s largesse.

If you’ve already adopted a shelter pet (in real life), you’ll be allowed to take a pass when you pull a card that requires a donation. During the game, you can take that pass once for each pet you’ve adopted. Some of the cards will contain items on wish lists for a variety of NGOs. If you pull one of those, you’re on the honor system to comply when the game is over.

Certain Community Chest cards for food banks will require an actual donation of food or money to a local organization. To make the play go smoothly, you’ll want to bring some non-perishables with you to game night. Other cards will ask for reci pes, so bring a few of those, too. If you run out of all of these before the game is over, you’re allowed to sign an IOU. As with the animal welfare items, the other players will have to trust you to make good on your promise.The player with the most money at the end of the game wins. Since I put this together rather quickly, I’ll probably make some revisions. Feel free to send me your suggestions along with your Chance card ideas. You can also suggest replacement tokens for future editions, but I’ll decide whether or not to use them. It’s my party after

Copyrightall.

2022 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.com

Theatre For Seniors

THE GAMM THEATRE Warwick’s Gamm Theatre opens its season under the direction of Tony Estrella with “Describe the Night” by Rajiv Joseph.

In 1920, the Russian writer Isaac Babel wanders the countryside with the Red Cavalry.

In 1989, a mysterious KGB agent and future Russian president spies on a woman in Dresden and falls in love.

In 2010, an aircraft carrying most of the Polish govern ment crashes in the Russian city of Smolensk. Spanning 90 years, this thrilling and epic play traces the stories of eight men and women con nected by by history, myth, and conspiracy. “Describe the Night” runs from September through October. Call 7234266 for reservations.

Tattoos From The Heart

MY SIDE OF THINGS by LARRY GRIMALDI

What used to be the almost exclusive domain of soldiers, sailors, Marines, merchant sea men, motorcycle devotees, non-conformists, and members of ancient tribal nations, has now expanded into the public cultural square. It’s the age of the tattoo; and both men and women have eagerly engaged in this social trend. Drive down any main street and you’ll see quite a few tattoo parlors, either in strip malls or in standalone shops. Unless you are cloistered in a monastery, I’m guessing that a day doesn’t go by when you don’t see someone adorned with a tattoo. Tattoo emporiums with catchy names like Altered Images, Tattoo Paradise, Once Upon a Tattoo, Aqua Dots, Elegant Ink, or Inkphonic, to name just a very, very few of the more creative labels, are almost as numerous as wellness centers, convenience stores. or donut shops.

Tattoos are available in an endless variety of designs. You can get inked with your birthday, wedding anniversa ry, or other important life event. You can get tattooed with the name of someone special to you, a spiritual symbol or quote, your favorite animal, geometric shape, military designation, or virtually anything that suits your imagina

tion.Tattoos can be etched with thin or thick outlines using just black ink or in a full image displayed with color. They can be small or large, or on a sleeve covering arms, legs, or other parts of the body. They can also be drawn in Jap anese, Polynesian, Philippine or other ethnic traditions. Many times, the tattoos offer a glimpse owner’s life story. For instance, my sister sports a tattoo on her foot with the word Nona, a popular Italian name that acknowledges her status as a grandmother of three. A tattoo is artwork displayed on a body canvas.

If tattoos can be said to come from the heart, the sleeve of tattoos that my son Matt has on his left arm focuses on his devotion to family and a sense of spirituality. Inside his bicep is tattooed the word “Family.” On his shoul der, close to his heart and watching over our family, is St Christopher, the patron saint of protection.

In remembrance of my father, there is an image of my father’s watch. My father passed away in 1983. That tat too is a reminder that timing is everything in life. An other tattoo depicts a bunch of roses in tribute to Kathy’s mother. She passed away in 2016. She loved roses and that image serves as a reminder that life isn’t always roses and we must learn to deal with our challenges. One tattoo in the sleeve is etched with the date July 11, 2017. On that date, his cousin Mark died in a tragic industrial accident. An angel sits close to Mark. The branches and leaves near Mark honors his memory in our family tree.

A little more than 22 years ago, at age 51, I had a small Yin-Yang image tattooed on my upper right arm. According to Wikipedia, Yin-Yang is a graphic symbol of Chinese origin in the form of circle divided evenly into

two symmetrical teardrop shapes. One shape signifies dark (usually black) and the other signifies light (usu ally white). Each side contains a small circle of the other color. If you into the symbol’s cultural history, you will uncover a fascinating list of interpretations.

Perhaps the simplest description of Yin-Yang was not ed by Jonathan M. Swift in the June 1, 2022 edition of the Washington Post when he described it as “a figure that in Asian traditions signifies a balanced embrace of opposing forces.”Recently, our college sophomore twins Kailyn and So phia decided get tattoos. Sophia chose an inking outlin ing an elephant on her right ankle. Elephants have always been her favorite animal. Kailyn had the Yin-Yang sym bol etched into her upper right side. I was honored that she chose the same symbol as mine for her tattoo.

My wife and I are very lucky to have developed a warm and loving relationship with twins and their 12-year-old brother Nicholas over the years.

Although we don’t get the chance to be with our New Jersey grandchildren as of ten, Benjamin, Jr., age four and Lorelai, age 1, are gifts we hold dear in in our grand parent treasure chest.

In the majority of cases, tattoos have special mean ings for those who get them.

Sophia’s is a testament to her love of animals. Kailyn’s tattoo is a tribute to a life we have shared. One thing is un doubtedly true. Their tattoos, like Matt’s, come from the heart.

Larry Grimaldi is a free lance writer from North Providence. Comments can be e-mailed to lvgrimaldi49@ gmail.com

TRINITY

“The Inheritance”, winner of the the atrical Olivier Award, is an epic play of three generations trying to forge a future for themselves that opens Trinity Reps season on the 1st of September. The epic play, like “Angels in America, is performed in two parts, with Part 1 being two and a quarter hours long and Part 2 being two hours and ten min utes. The play takes place at the height of the AIDS epidemic in America, and has been described as funny, romantic, and intriguing. The characters are sim ilar to the characters in E. M. Forster’s “Howard’s End”. Part 1 will be per formed September 1 through October 5, and Pat 2 September 22 through November 1. Call Trinity at 521-1000 for reservations.

After Disaster Strikes

Getting copies of important records can help people rebuild their lives

Picking up the pieces after a natural disaster can be challenging. Fire or flood may have destroyed personal and financial records, including records needed to recover disaster-related losses. People may need documentation for tax purposes, federal assis tance programs or insurance claims.

While personal or business property may have been destroyed, all hope is not lost. Here are some steps that can help people reconstruct important records.

Tax records

• Get free tax return transcripts immediately using Get Transcript on IRS.gov.

• Order transcripts by calling 800-908-9946 and following the prompts.

Financial statements

People can gather past statements from their credit card company or bank. These records may be available online. People can also contact their bank to get paper copies of these statements.

Property records

• To get documents related to property, homeowners can contact the title com pany, escrow company or bank that handled the purchase of their home or other property.

• Taxpayers who made home improvements can get in touch with the contrac tors who did the work and ask for statements to verify the work and cost. They can also get written descriptions from friends and relatives who saw the house before and after any improvements.

•

For inherited property, taxpayers can check court records for probate values. If a trust or estate existed, taxpayers can contact the attorney who handled the trust.

• When no other records are available, people should check the county assessor’s office for old records that might address the value of the property.

• Car owners can research the current fair-market value for most vehicles. Resources are available online and at most libraries. These include Kelley’s Blue Book, the National Automobile Dealers Association and Edmunds.

•

More information:

Publication 547, Casualties, Disasters, and Thefts

Publication 584, Casualty, Disaster, and Theft Loss Workbook

Publication 584-B, Business Casualty, Disaster, and Theft Loss Workbook

Publication 976, Disaster Relief

Small Business \DisasterAssistance.govAdministration

SOCIAL

by CHERYL TUDINO

Take Control With Social Security Online

We continue to add more services you can access through your secure my Social Security account. Use your personal my Social Security account to check your Social Security record and complete your business conveniently and securely from home or on the go.

If you do not currently receive benefits, you can:

• Request a replacement Social Security card.

• Review your earnings history for accuracy.

• See an estimate of your future Social Security benefits to help you plan when to start receiving benefits.

• Compare benefit amounts depending on what age you start receiving benefits.

• Check the status of your Social Security application.

If you already receive benefits, you can:

• Get a benefit verification or proof of income letter.

• Request a replacement Social Security or Medicare card.

• Set up or change direct deposit.

• Change your address.

• Get a replacement Social Security 1099 form (SSA-1099).

• Opt-out of certain mailed notices.

Your personal my Social Security account includes a secure Message Center where you can receive communications from us. For example, you can view your annual costof-living adjustments before you would normally receive them in the mail. You can also opt-out of receiving notices by mail that are available online.

We designed these online features to save you time. Create your personal my Social Security account today at www.ssa.gov/myaccount

Put a Plant-Based Twist on Holiday Baking

We offer many other online resources at www.ssa.gov/onlineservices. Please let friends and family know they can access them from the comfort of their home or office, and on the go from their mobile phones.

Brulee Pumpkin Pie

FAMILY

FFEATURESlavorful desserts are a staple of the holidays and the exciting, appetizing allure of new recipes can help elevate seasonal gatherings and create sweet memories. With near-endless options for celebrating the season, putting a plant-based twist on traditional recipes offers everyone the opportunity to indulge with decadent treats.

In seasonal sweets like Brulee Pumpkin Pie and No-Bake Choc olate Peanut Butter Cheesecake, an option like Country Crock Plant Cream can be used as a dairy-free substitute for heavy whipping cream.

With 29% less saturated fat than dairy heavy whipping cream, it’s an easy 1:1 swap and is also soy-free, certified plant-based and 100% vegan, making it ideal to have on hand during holiday baking season. It’s all of the deliciousness of heavy cream, with none of the heaviness of Visitdairy.CountryCrock.com for more delectable holiday dessert ideas.

To make chocolate ganache: In pan over medium heat, add plant butter and chocolate; stir continuously. chocolate ganache on top of chilled cheesecake. Refrigerate at least 1 hour before and a Twist on Baking

Prep time: 45 minutes

Cook time: 1 hour

Servings: 8

Pie Crust: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon sugar 1/4 teaspoon salt

8 tablespoons Country Crock Plant Butter, cold and cut into cubes

2 tablespoons chilled vegetable shortening, cut into pieces

4 tablespoons ice water

Pumpkin Filling: 1/2 cup maple syrup

1 tablespoon vanilla 1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin puree 1/4 cup coconut cream

1 cup Country Crock Plant Cream 1 cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 teaspoon ginger 1 teaspoon nutmeg

1/8 teaspoon ground clove 1/2 teaspoon salt

3 tablespoons cornstarch

3 tablespoons white granulated sugar

Whipped Topping: 2 cups Country Crock Plant Cream, chilled 1/4 cup powdered sugar

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

To make pie crust: Preheat oven to 350 F.

In bowl of food processor, add flour, sugar and salt; pulse to combine. Add cold plant butter and shortening. Process about 10 seconds until it looks like coarse meal.

With food processor running, add ice water. Process until mixture clumps together.

On lightly floured surface, roll dough into 14-inch circle. Transfer to 9-inch pie dish. Lift edges and allow dough to drape into dish. Trim, leaving 1-inch overhang. Fold excess dough under and crimp edges.

To make pumpkin filling: In medium saucepan over medium heat, add syrup and vanilla; warm about 2 minutes then remove from heat and set aside.

In large bowl, combine syrup mixture, pumpkin, coconut cream, plant cream, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, clove, salt and cornstarch; blend with hand mixer until smooth. Pour mixture into pie crust.

Bake 1 hour. If crust starts to burn, cover edges with aluminum foil. The middle will still be jiggly.

Cool at room temperature 30 minutes then cover and transfer to refrigerator to chill at least 5 hours

Slice and serve with whipped topping. beat until and Pour filling prepared and refrigerate 5-6 hours or overnight.

or Beforeovernight.serving, sprinkle pie with white sugar and, using kitchen torch, brelee until sugar is melted and dark

Tobrown.makewhipped

topping: Using electric hand mixer or stand mixer, whisk plant cream, powdered sugar and vanilla on high until mixture thickens and stiff peaks form.

Life’sJourneysUnexpected

It’s amazing how life’s twists and turns can take us in many different directions and can lead us down paths we never imagined.

MEMOIRS

by SUSAN DEAN

When I got married for the second time in 2000, my new husband, Dave, was a tennis player. I had dabbled in tennis, back when tennis balls were white, and even took a class in it as a senior at URI in the 1970s and in need of an elective. I think I managed a C - well, looking backmaybe those heavy wooden racquets were to blame!So

when Dave suggested that we spend our first anniversary in August of 2001 at a tennis camp in New Hampshire, I had my misgivings. But the word “camp” appealed to me having spent many child hood summers at Girl Scout camp and lov ing every minute of those experiences. So I bought two tennis skirts (figuring I had to at least look the part!) and off we went. We were in different groups due to our differing skill levels, but I thoroughly enjoyed learning the game and hitting balls with my tennis level peers in the clear, refreshing air, blue skies, and surrounded by green Andmountains.although it was called tennis camp there was no sleeping in tents with mosquito nets, no cleaning latrines, and no campfires. The whole group stayed in the same comfortable hotel and we shared all our meals together talking tennis, but also getting to know each other - jobs, families, etc. The only similarity to camp as I remembered it was the friendship and camaraderie of shared experience. I found that tennis, as well as being a fun and chal lenging physical sport, was a fun social sport, too.We decided to spend our next anniversary up at tennis camp, and then the next, and the next, and on through the years, many times encountering many of the same people who were also repeat attendees.By

2006 I was a more skilled ten nis player than I had been in 2001, but I wasn’t playing much in-between our annual summer excursions. Dave had a regular group he was playing with on courts near his job in Newport and was also playing inside during the winter months. I needed to find more opportunities to play.

In 2006, after our week at tennis camp, we discovered the clay courts at Roger Williams Park. There were clinics for all levels along with regular match play. We joined and began playing there regu larly from April to October.

Again, the camaraderie was a sec ondary benefit to the fun of playing tennis. I began to form friendships. Jane, Marcia, Jackie and I began to play together regular ly. We ranged in age from our fifties to our seventies, and through the seasons we’ve shared many good times together.

A few years ago we flew to Iceland for a long weekend - hiking up a glacier, standing beneath a waterfall, riding Icelandic horses (I love horses, but I was

terrified as we trotted over steep hills cov ered with rocky lava fields!), and relaxing in the natural hot springs. We even spent nearly a whole night chasing the northern lights for a glimpse, but the clouds eventually won out. It was a glorious trip filled with adventure and fun.

We went to Maine another time. Jane, who had planned our Iceland week end, found an opportunity to sail on a boat with a female skipper, who offered a day of sailing which included allowing us to be her crew for the day. I have pictures of each one of us at the helm while the rest of us helped with the sails. Our sailing day ended with wine and cheese and crackers on the boat while watching the sunset.

We had brought our tennis rac quets with us to Maine, too, and found a public court where the four of us played a few sets the day before our sail. I often look back at the pictures from both Iceland and Maine and smile at the memories we cre ated together.Through the years we’ve main tained a routine of sharing lunches or din ners every month or so - trying new restau rants around the state. We’ve shared joys and personal losses, too, as good friends do as the years have passed.

Jane, Marcia, Jackie and I now range in age from our sixties to our eighties, and we’re still going strong, still looking for new adventures to share. We’ve gone kayaking a few times - in Wickford, on the Narrow River, and also on the Providence River and upper bay. There’s been talk of going whitewater rafting or maybe taking another trip overseas. And we’re never far from the tennis courts, still playing and running and hitting the balls as if the years have melted away.

We have another friend, Roy, who also plays tennis with us at Roger Williams Park. He and his wife, Shirley, own a condo up in New Hampshire just steps away from our tennis camp. Our tennis friends have joined us for many of our summer tennis camp visits and we’ve had the added bonus of gathering at Roy and Shirley’s condo for post-tennis

Jane,festivities.Marcia, Jackie, Roy, and Shirley - the years march on, but on the ten nis courts we’re young again - maybe with a few extra aches and pains here and there - but young in every other way, laughing, sharing, and having fun reminiscent of our childhood summer days.

Yes, who can imagine life’s twists and turns that take us in many different directions and lead us down paths we never imagined. Jane recently told me that taking up tennis was one of the best things she did after her retirement because it led her to meeting all of us. Tennis - a lifelong sport - with unexpected friendships formed over ground strokes, lobs, serves, and volleysdeep friendships forged on the courts that last a lifetime off the courts, too.

Building a Livable Community: Housing is Key

AARP Rhode Island’s mission is to help our 130,000 members, and all the 50+ and our families, live the lives we choose as we grow older. Creating truly livable com munities is central to that work. Communities committed to becoming places where people of all ages and abilities can adopt features such as safe, walkable streets; wel coming outdoor spaces; better housing and transporta tion options; access to key services; and opportunities for residents to participate in civic and community activities and to be respected and included.

Is it your goal to age in place in a community that you love, and that also fits as many of your needs as possible? If so, you are envisioning a livable community.

Housing is the cornerstone to our ability to thrive in our community. But many of us are grappling with big decisions when it comes to where we will live as we grow older. Does our current home still work for us or has it become too big, too expensive, too hard to maneu ver in? If we want to downsize or need support to live independently, are there accessible, affordable homes or apartments available?

I’m excited to share news about an important national event coming up later this month that takes on these questions: The 2022 AARP Livable Communities Workshop: Housing for People of All Ages

The workshop, which will take place virtually on September 21 and 22 from 1-4 pm (and, of course, is free for everyone) will bring together local leaders, housing practitioners, and AARP staff and volunteers to explore how communities nationwide can provide safe, afford able housing options for individuals and families of all backgrounds, incomes and abilities.

If you are reading this after the conference dates, do not despair. Speakers and sessions will be posted soon after the event at www.aarp.org/Livable2022.

Through four core themes — Housing Choice, Design, Stability, and Equity – the workshop will share

AARP - RHODE ISLAND by CATHERINE TAYLOR

best practices, insights and inspiring next steps for meet ing the housing needs of a changing nation.

AARP has assembled a fantastic lineup.

One panel will highlight efforts to diversify housing choices in order to provide more options for meeting the needs of people of all ages, abilities and incomes. Emily Hamilton is a senior research fellow and director of the Urbanity Project at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University. She will be joined by Tya Winn, executive director of the Community Design Collab orative, a Philadelphia-based architectural nonprofit, and an advocate for affordable housing and community development.Anotherpanel that will discuss efforts to design housing for people of all ages and ability levels, espe cially for older adults and residents with disabilities, fea tures Jennifer Molinsky, project director of the Housing and Aging Society Program at the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies, and Cynthia Shonaiya, an architect with 30 years of experience spanning three continents and the senior living market sector leader at the design firm Hord Coplan Macht.

This is just a taste of what promises to be two great days. You can review the full agenda and register at www.aarp.org/RI events.

While you are there, you can also register for a free AARP Rhode Island webinar, The ABC’s of ADUs, which I will be hosting at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Sep

tember 29. Get expert answers to questions on Acces sory Dwelling Units (ADUs) – What they are, what’s involved in adding one, design concepts, the permitting process and more.

So many older Rhode Islanders live in homes, especially older homes, that were designed without mobility considerations. Many have multiple levels, and many built up from street level. Or they’re just too big, with too many steps and requiring exhaust ing upkeep of space no longer needed. And too often, smaller homes or apartments that might better serve your needs can’t be found in your community or are simply beyond your means. ADUs can fill that gap.

A recent AARP Vital Voices Survey revealed that more than 54% of Rhode Islanders age 45 and older said they would consider building an ADU. In fact, 7 percent surveyed said they have already added an ADU. And a strong majority (84%) said they strongly support or somewhat support town ordinances that make it easier for property owners to create an ADU.

That’s why AARP Rhode Island and our advocacy volunteers worked tirelessly in the last legislative ses sion to make it easier to add ADUs. The webinar will include an update on the new law and what it means for you. AARP Rhode Island was also successful in increas ing funding for the state’s Livable Homes Modification grant program. We will share what types of projects qualify and how to apply.

AARP Rhode Island is here to help. I hope you will take advantage of these opportunities to learn more about housing options as we age, and that we make Sep tember a “livable” month that will lead to great things in your life.

Know the when, where, and how. Then vote.

ON TO THE NOVEMBER GENERAL ELECTION! Voting gives you the power to decide what our future looks like. But you have to be in the know to vote. AARP Rhode Island is here to help. We’ve collected the most up-to-date election information, including key dates and deadlines, to make sure that the voices of voters 50-plus are heard. Make sure you’re prepared to vote and know the safe and secure voting options included in the new, AARP Rhode Island-backed Let RI Vote Act. You can also find our updated Video Voter Guide posted along with all the latest election information at aarp.org/RIvotes.