FPA April Central

fiftyplus advocate

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Central Edition

Vol. 49 | No. 4 | April 2022

Artist/activist Domenic Esposito draws attention to opioid crisis page

10

Former Boston broadcast journalist now trains others to be top communicators

Liz

BRUNNER Story on page 4

Liz Brunner is well-known from her days as a news co-anchor on Boston’s WCVB NewsCenter 5.

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Affordable Connectivity Program and heating assistance help

By Mike Festa, State Director AARP Massachusetts

We're in Your Corner People today can spend nearly half their lives over the age of 50. That's a lot of living. So, it helps to have a wise friend and fierce defender like AARP in your corner and in your community so your money, health and happiness live as long as you do.

AARP offers information and support for caregiving, financial planning, volunteering and events to help you achieve your goals and stay connected.

Find us at aarp.org/ma.

 /AARPMA  @AARPMA

H

igh speed internet is no longer a luxury — it’s a necessity. And with the COVID-19 pandemic now entering its third year, access to affordable and reliable high-speed internet, also known as broadband, is essential to providing the connections Massachusetts residents need to family, friends, health care providers, work and so much more.

Unfortunately for many Massachusetts residents, affordable high-speed internet is not available where they live. Unfortunately, the lack of accessibility and affordability of high-speed internet also serves as a barrier for many who find themselves increasingly isolated and without many options for maintaining these vital connections.

That’s why AARP fought for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which provides new long-term assistance for Bay State residents who are struggling to afford the high-speed internet services they need in these Mike Festa challenging times. Applications are now being accepted for the ACP, a $14.2 billion federal program created late last year as part of the bipartisan infrastructure bill.

The ACP provides eligible recipients a discount of up to $30 per month for high-speed internet services. Massachusetts residents who are struggling to get by may be eligible to apply for the ACP, including those who: • Have household income of less than $25,760 for a single-family household or $43,540 for a couple (at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines).

• Qualify for the Lifeline program or Medicaid, receive SNAP or WIC benefits, Federal Public Housing Assistance or Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefits.

• Live on Tribal lands and have at least one person in the household who participates in Bureau of Indian Affairs general assistance, Tribally administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Head Start (only those households meeting its income qualifying standard), or the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations.

The ACP modifies and extends the temporary Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program in effect last year as part of COVID-19 relief.

Bay Staters enrolled in the EBB Program before 6 p.m. ET on December 30, 2021 will continue to receive their current monthly benefit (up to $50) during the 60-day transition period, which ended on March 1, 2022. As of March 1, 2022, the monthly discount for all legacy EBB participants not located on qualifying Tribal lands has been reduced to $30.

More than 8.5 million Americans took advantage of the EBB program during its tenure, but we know millions more could be eligible. AARP encourages all Americans who are without access to high-speed internet, or struggling to afford it, to look into the Affordable Connectivity Program today. Visit aarp. org/ACP for more information; call 1-833-511-0311; or Text INTERNET to 22777.

Heating Assistance For those needing some assistance to heat their homes in winter, know there is help available to pay your heating bills through the Home Energy Assistance Program (also commonly referred to as Fuel Assistance, and more formally known as LIHEAP — the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program).

Home Energy Assistance programs play a critically important role to protect public health and safety by ensuring that all families and individuals have safe access to home heating.

Homeowners and renters are eligible — including households whose cost of heat is included in the rent and not subsidized. Eligibility is based on household size and the gross annual income of every household member over the age of 18. Household income cannot exceed 60% of estimated State Median Income.

To find out if you qualify, and for more information on other Home Energy assistance programs in Massachusetts, please contact the Massachusetts Association for Community Action (MASSCAP) at www.masscap.org or call (800) 632-8175.

Mike Festa is the State Director for AARP Massachusetts. For more articles visit www.fiftyplusadvocate.com.

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Clinical studies offer opportunities for family caregivers Participating in a clinical study can enhance personal wellbeing, provide solutions, and strengthen an individual’s effectiveness as a family caregiver.

By Rhonda R. Fletcher Contributing Writer REGION - One in five Americans, over 53 million, are caring for a family member in the United States.

In the Commonwealth, an estimated 840,000 individuals serve as family caregivers, dedicating 700 million hours per year at an estimated value of $12 billion in unpaid healthcare services.

Impact on family caregivers According to AARP, 23% of family caregivers are in worse health compared to five years ago. Family caregivers end up juggling personal lives and the responsibilities of caring for a loved one ― often ignoring the simple things that ensure mental and physical health. Other things that go unresolved include grief and loss management and financial management.

Depending on the intensity, caregiving can result in chronic stress, depression, sleep disorders, financial distress, poor health-related quality of life (HRQOL), and early mortality.

And if attention requires a continuous 24/7 responsibility, the danger to the caregiver’s health increases.

I WILL

One 1999 study published in the Getting support through pretend Medical to understand Journal of theoften American As- what people say. Even clinical studies my surroundings are quiet, it canSometimes be hard to sociation madewhen a startling correlation caregivers need outbetween caregiver strain and future side support to recognize caregiver mortality rates. The study suggeststrain and reverse the cycle. ed that the combination of grief, One way to find help while helpMy wife says relationship would be so much prolonged distress, andthat theour physical ing others is to enroll in a caregiver demands of caregiving compromise clinical trial. A study can enhance caregiver health―leading to inpersonal well-being, provide solucreased mortality. In fact, within four tions, and strengthen an individual’s didn’t have to repeat herself so often. years of cessationif she of intense caregiveffectiveness as a caregiver. ing, there was a 63% higher mortality There are numerous private and risk. public universities and organizations

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conducting surveys, studies, and formalized clinical trials that focus on generalized family caregiving concerns, families dealing with chronic disabling health conditions, and health and service providers.

Researchers often need study volunteers to determine the usefulness of experimental treatments or whether new technologies help gather data and ultimately improve the lives of family caregivers.

Over the past decade, family caregiving has crossed from a familial obligation to a vital but unrecognized arm of healthcare. And the rise in family caregiver academic studies and clinical trials seeking data is notable.

The Family Caregiver Alliance lists current clinical trials actively seeking family caregivers.

In a recent study listed on ClinicalTrials.gov, intervention for ethnic and underserved family caregivers used wearable technology for real-time monitoring of caregivers’ stress and sleep. In addition to data collection, the study delivered intervention and stress reduction techniques, support/listening, and

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1. Better Physical Health When you treat your hearing loss, you gain a greater sense of independence and are more likely to be active. Indeed, a study from The Hearing Journal reports that some participants attributed their better physical health to treating their hearing loss.

2. Improved Cognitive Function With hearing loss, your brain works harder to process sound, leaving less brainpower for thinking and memory. Per a recent study in the Journal of Clinical Medicine, hearing aid use improved participants’ cognitive function.

3. Increased Quality of Life

5. Higher Income Stability

In a study of U.S. adults by the Seniors Research Group, respondents who’d treated their hearing loss reported improvements in their family relationships, self-confidence, social connections, mental health, and other psychological and functional areas of their lives.

A study in The Hearing Journal reported that those with untreated hearing loss make up to $30,000 less annually than those without hearing loss.

Hearing aids, however, mitigated that income loss substantially — up to 100% for those with mild hearing loss.

4. Greater Ability to Maintain Balance You use sound as a reference to help you balance.

Hearing loss robs you of reference points, so it’s more difficult to remain steady on your feet.

Treating your hearing loss gives you more auditory landmarks and could improve your balance.

Already a proud owner of hearing technology? Your hearing changes over time, and new developments are always emerging. If it’s been a while since we last saw you, schedule a hearing check today!

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fiftyplus advocate + APRIL 2022 + www.fiftyplusadvocate.com

Former Boston broadcast journalist now trains others to be top communicators

By Peg Lopata Contributing Writer

Being comfortable presenting oneself has also been key to Brunner’s successes. Then, whenever opportunity came knocking, she always pursued learning more than just what’s required, whether as a vocal performer, music teacher, retail worker, journalist ― and now.

Though she had to endure slings and arrows in childhood for her mixed racial heritage and later from the men in the newsroom for lacking a journalism degree, she has always persevered. In the newsroom, she learned the ropes and climbed them well. No surprise it wasn’t long before she was co-anchoring an award-winning news show in a major city and becoming an award-winning journalist herself.

BOSTON - You could say Liz Brunner was born under a lucky star. But for some people, there’s no such thing ― you make your own luck. Brunner’s a good example of a person who’s made her own luck. She may have had the blessings of good health and good looks, and trail-blazing women in her family tree ― but the life she’s made for herself is the result of perseverance, hard work, and a strong sense of agency.

Broadcast journalism career Many know of Brunner from her days co-anchoring the news on TV on Boston’s WCVB NewsCenter 5. But what has made Liz tick, from her childhood in Hawaii to now, is her desire to always seek out opportunities to best use her gifts and learn, learn, learn.

In all the steps of her life, she took to heart her maternal grandmother Dr. Dorothy Dunning Chacko’s saying, “No knowledge is every wasted.”

In her post-broadcast journalism career, Brunner is an author and communications consultant.

Next chapter Not one to rest on her laurels, at age 54, Brunner finished her 28-year career in broadcast journalism and launched her own multi-dimensional company, Brunner Communications. She describes her company as a

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DISCOVER SENIOR LIVING THAT’S

Give yourself permission to dare to own who you are. Become your best authentic selves so you can turn your dreams into your next chapters.

UNIQUELY YOURS.

— Liz Brunner

“full-service communications training, coaching and consulting company, because I do more than just media training. I work a lot with clients on their executive presence, presentation skills, storytelling, messaging, leadership and so much more,” she said.

Having presence, understanding the media, getting out your message, being a strong leader. Who better than Brunner to help you grow these qualities in yourself?

Inspiration is contagious Brunner has more than just agency, talents and skills. She absorbs inspiration. Interviewing highly accomplished people such as Oprah Winfrey or Barack Obama was more than just a feather in her cap. These people inspired Brunner to be the best at what she does too. She took from these interviews and the many others she’s done in her long career as a newswoman an important lesson.

There are countless inspiring stories because there are countless inspiring people. So that means you can be an inspiration to others too.

Interviewing people continues to be an important part of what Brunner loves to do. This is the basis for her current podcast “Live your Best Life.”

“I want listeners to hear stories,”

she said, “that will inspire them and motivate them to think: ‘If that person can create a next chapter or rise above life’s challenges, maybe I can too.’”

Using the best tools Brunner’s book, “Dare to Own You: Taking Your Authenticity and Dreams Into Your Next Chapter” is not only a memoir ― and she’s got a unique story to tell ― but, most importantly, a practical guide. But it’s not dry and rote steps ― she’s wants readers to allow themselves to dream.

“Give yourself permission to dare to own who you are,“ Brunner affirmed. “Become your best authentic selves so you can turn your dreams into your next chapters.”

Whether it’s her popular public speaking course, “How to be a Rock Star Public Speaker,” or other courses offered by Brunner Academy, Brunner’s goal is to help others find success. That’s her sweet spot.

“I see the growth, the success in my clients often before they do,” Brunner is happy to report. “But when they see it? It’s the best feeling in the world.”

Learn more about what Brunner is up to now at LizBrunner.com and BrunnerAcademy.com.

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Clinical studies offer opportunities for family caregivers Clinical Studies

| from page 3

caregiving education to improve the caregiver’s health and wellbeing.

The UCLA Care2Sleep Education Program recruited caregivers to test two different education programs that teach simple strategies to help those with memory problems and their caregivers sleep better. And University of Washington researchers recruited family caregivers to help evaluate a text messaging intervention to improve caregiver wellbeing.

One study conducted by researchers at Emory University tests an online self-administered caregiver program. Funded by the National Institute on Aging (NIA), the Tele-Savvy@Home study’s purpose is to provide caregivers with the needed skills, knowledge, confidence to provide care. Participants receive a series of daily caregiving video lessons,

self-guided learning strategies, and exercises to enhance skills.

Some of the benefits Engaging in yet another activity seems dubious when time is at a premium. Many research studies, however, offer a small stipend or a certification in a new skill.

Ultimately, participation in a family caregiver survey or study may offer continuing support and provide valuable data supporting caregiver needs and encouraging new questions.

The updated demographic and statistical study recently released by the National Caregiver Alliance (NCA) and the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) defines and reinforces the upspoken fact that the caregiver nation’s size, scope, and responsibility are increasing at an alarming rate.

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55-plus housing communities offer maintenance-free living in an intimate social setting

By Colin McCandless Contributing Writer REGION - Fifty-five-plus communities, also known as active adult communities, offer another potential housing option for older adults to consider as they age. Couples or individuals looking to maintain their independence who also seek a low-maintenance lifestyle and a vibrant social life might find them particularly appealing.

The Pulte Group provides both Pulte Active Adult and Del Webb 55plus communities. “These communities offer new construction with a mix of single-level plans in elevator-accessed buildings as well as one or two-story attached townhomes with first floor owner’s suites,” according to Ashton Khoury, Pulte Group vice president of sales in New England.

A variety of amenities Many of these communities feature on-site amenities including clubhouses. Chauncy Lake, a Del Webb destination lifestyle 55plus community in Westborough, features an onsite lifestyle director to plan clubs and activities. “It has tennis and pickleball courts, an

Upton Ridge is a 55-plus golf course community in Upton.

11,500-square-foot community center/clubhouse complete with a resort-style heated swimming pool, fitness center, yoga studio, craft room, game room, outdoor grilling stations and more,” said Chauncy Lake community sales manager Jay Schildge.

Other 55-plus communities offer convenient access to the links, including Upton Ridge, a golf course community in Upton, and Emery at Cold Brook Crossing in Sudbury, which is within walking distance of Nashawtuc Country Club, said

Khoury. A number of 55-plus communities are located in or near historic towns, such as Riverside Woods in Andover and Pennington Crossing in Walpole.

Select communities offer an affordable housing program for those who qualify. Riverside Woods and Upton Ridge have housing lotteries scheduled soon, the former in April, according to Schildge.

Pros and cons Khoury outlined some of the benefits of living in a 55-plus com-

munity. “A low-maintenance lifestyle, communities with connection where it’s easy to meet people in planned activities,” he explained.

“The opportunity to meet like-minded neighbors at a similar stage of life, on-site amenities, ‘right-sizing’ and personalization options with brandnew, high-quality designer finishes.”

Security and peace of mind are other advantages.

“For communities offering our low-rise product, the ability to live in a secure building where buyers can lock and leave their homes with no concern,” commented Khoury.

The environmentally conscious will appreciate that some community locations provide electric car charging stations.

Because you are moving into an age-specific community, one potential drawback if you have future intentions of selling your home is “as an investor, you’re limiting your pool of buyers,” Khoury explained. Additionally, if you’re accustomed to being the handy man or woman around the house, the transition to a low-maintenance lifestyle may require an adjustment for some people. Also, 55-plus communities are socially dynamic and not ideal for recluses.

Estate planning may seem overwhelming and daunting, but it’s really a matter of getting your affairs in order. Of course, no two estate plans are alike. Some individuals may only require a will-based plan, while others may benefit from establishing trusts. The best way to plan for your future, protect your interests, and provide for your loved ones is to consult a qualified elder law & estate planning attorney.

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www.fiftyplusadvocate.com + APRIL 2022 + fiftyplus advocate Social aspect a strong attraction Paul Busa and his wife Pam have been living in Chauncy Lake for 14 months and they relish the social aspect and camaraderie the most.

“We’ve made more friends in 14 months than in our previous 30 years of marriage,” reflected Paul. “It’s not a nursing home. They have a clubhouse that’s full of activities.” Paul participates in line dancing classes and plays dominoes and Pam takes an art class and plays Mahjong regularly with a group of ladies. “There’s always something going on. It’s just been a blast.”

This particular community is pet-friendly so people would need to keep that in mind when they are researching a place. “Do your homework,” he suggested. “If you’re not a pet person, you wouldn’t want to come here.” And of course it’s designed specifically for older adults.

“I love kids, but there’s no kids,” he added.

Cathy Harp was one of the first people to move into Chauncy Lake, “a pioneer,” as she puts it. St. Patrick’s Day marked two years of living there.

She echoed the sentiment that socialization is a significant part of an active adult community’s appeal. “The residents here are extremely nice,” she proclaimed. “I really think overall

it’s the social aspect for most of us.”

Harp previously lived in a townhouse with no pool or other amenities. Chauncy Lake’s array of activities from clubhouse offerings and socials to pickleball courts and walking trails formed a big part of the attraction for her. Chauncy Lake has even established a social committee that plans events. “There are a lot of things that people can get involved in,” Harp said. “You couldn’t ask for a better community.”

Tips for finding the right community When people are considering a move to a 55-plus community, “typically buyers do their research first before coming in,” noted Khoury.

Their team is trained to ask the right questions to help guide the discovery process. “We really try to get to the emotional reasons why buyers try to leave their house in the first place,” he asserted. He advised anyone considering the transition to a 55-plus community who is visiting communities to “look for a welcoming atmosphere, meet with current homeowners and ask questions.”

Schildge said that potential buyers who meet up to learn more about a particular 55-plus community are generally ready for a lifestyle change.

“People come in because they are

A spacious clubhouse is one of the amenities at Chauncy Lake, a Del Webb 55-plus community in Westborough.

dissatisfied with their current living situation,” he remarked. Moving to a low-maintenance community allows for things such as “freeing up more leisure time with grandkids.”

Chauncy Lake offers a “Resident for a Day,” program which grants prospective homeowners a day pass to the Clubhouse, a chance to experience the amenities and activities, and the opportunity to meet people already living in the community to determine if it’s the right fit for them. “Lifestyle’s a big piece of the puzzle,” stated Schildge.

He said Del Webb communities

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use the term “right sizing,” (defined as reducing something to an optimum size — in this case a residence) rather than the phrase “downsizing” one’s home. “It’s not just about downsizing their home, it’s about downsizing their life,” he qualified.

“It’s downsizing as well as adding to your life.”

Paul Busa recalled that for he and Pam, downsizing their home and jettisoning items took a little adjusting initially, but they have no regrets. “Now we realize we had so much stuff we didn’t even need. In the long run, that was a plus.”

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Should you declare bankruptcy?

By David Wilkening Contributing Writer REGION - If you’re considering bankruptcy, there are a lot of lawyers in Massachusetts who can help. And many offer free consultations to help you decide if you need professional advice. In general terms, what is your situation if you’re thinking about it?

Making the decision “It depends on the individual case and how much money you owe.

You can’t generalize too much,” said Anna Shapiro, chief executive officer, owner and founder of the Boston-based Shapiro Law Group.

You can file for bankruptcy on your own. But mainly because it is complicated, attorneys are not the only group recommending you get legal advice.

Some lawyers who specialize in bankruptcy have more detailed suggestions of when older adults should consider asking for professional help.

“When you are on a fixed income and you can’t pay your monthly

bills,” said Massachusetts attorney Thomas Benner, is when bankruptcy should be considered.

Benner has been handling bankruptcies for more than 20 years. He said many cases involve older adults who often are strapped financially by credit card debt.

He agrees with many lawyers who make the point that every individual situation is unique. His firm of Benner & Weinkauf on its website says bankruptcy of debt relief might be considered under two circumstances: credit card debt is equal to at least 50 percent of an individual’s income, and the credit card debt will not be paid off in five years ― even if an effort is being made to reduce monthly expenses.

Older adults might consider asking for legal advice when they’re on a fixed income with “very little left over after paying their expenses,” said George J. Nader, who has 25 years’ experience specializing in bankruptcy law and other areas.

He is with the firm of Riley & Dever, which has offices in Plymouth, New Bedford and other areas.

With all the financial considerations of bankruptcy, one other factor is not measured in dollars and cents: the psychological impact.

Many of his clients are seniors who are often overwhelmed with debt in part because they have good intentions. They may have problems because they are financially helping out children or grandchildren.

When not to declare bankruptcy There are pros and cons for debt-ridden seniors to declare bankruptcy. Nader’s firm calls it “getting a fresh start.” A major detraction is the

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The official reverse mortgage consumer booklet approved by the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development

•9

Reverse Mortgages Combat Uncertainty Alain Valles, MBA, MS 781-724-6221

“When you are on a fixed income and you can’t pay your monthly bills,” says attorney Thomas Benner, is when seeking professional help about bankruptcy might be a good idea.

harm to credit scores. The major advantage of declaring Chapter 7 bankruptcy ― the most common type of options ― is to eliminate most but not all debts. What is called a court “discharge” releases individuals from debts such as credit cards. But there are many exceptions to that ― such as student loans, recent taxes, alimony and others. Many law firms make the point that those stipulations are arguments in favor of hiring an attorney. The price of a personal attorney in Massachusetts ranges from $1,100 to $1,700 with most costing about $1,400, according to legal sites.

Nolo, a legal advice site, says there are two situations when not to file for bankruptcy. One is when there is nothing a creditor can take. “Creditors aren’t allowed to take the things needed to maintain a home, such as household goods, a modest car, Social Security funds and many retirement accounts,” the site says.

Those are many things already owned by seniors, making them “judgment proof.” So filing for bankruptcy is not necessary.

The second situation is when someone has too many assets to benefit from bankruptcy. “When you own property and income that isn’t protected from creditors, filing for bankruptcy might not be a good idea,” according to Nolo, which has been publishing legal guides for more than 50 years.

On the other hand, bankruptcy can work for seniors if they can exempt or protect all or most of their property and if they can give up or discharge enough to make filing for it worthwhile.

Low-income legal service offers assistance Greater Boston Legal Services

helps more than 10,000 low-income families and individuals every year solve non-criminal legal problems.

Its website points out that in Massachusetts bankruptcy filings do not require individuals to appear in court. But state law does require a meeting with creditors, though that is not a major factor. Such meetings are usually quick, involving a few questions about bankruptcy forms and an individual’s own financial situation.

It also stresses that bankruptcy frees individuals from most debts, stopping home foreclosures or auto repossessions and other matters. “It can’t fix every problem. It’s not the right choice for everyone,” it warns, however.

Impact and other options Debt consolation programs are another option to bankruptcy. But both Benner and Nader say they have not seen much success for those programs.

They also say with all the financial considerations of bankruptcy, one other factor is not measured in dollars and cents. It is the psychological impact.

“I see it less in people in their 50s and 60s but for those in their 70s and older, it’s a strange dynamic. It may be a last resort but they don’t want to do it. It’s a psychological thing,” Benner said, with some thinking they were failures because of it.

Nader regards federal and state bankruptcy laws as very fair, sympathetic to those needing help and overall part of a “very good and smooth-running system.”

“Bankruptcy helps rehabilitate people. The way to look at it is that it’s just a tool,” he affirmed.

So many things are causing fear. Globally—world conflict, the next Covid strain, gas prices, and inflation. Personally—cash flow needs, mortgage payments, credit cards, medical bills, deferred home repairs, and future unexpected expenses.

Financial pressure and uncertainty may not only lead to higher anxiety but also being forced to sell one’s home. A reverse mortgage may be your solution to reducing financial stress and being able to afford your home and live financially strong.

What is a reverse mortgage?

For homeowners at least 62 years old with sufficient equity, a reverse mortgage is a government guaranteed loan that allows you to receive cash when needed or desired. The primary benefits of a reverse mortgage are: • No monthly mortgage payment • You may receive a lump sum amount of cash, a monthly check, and/or have a line of credit that grows as you get older • Easier qualification than conventional loans • No minimum credit score required • May be used to pay off current mortgage and other debts • Money received is tax free and when done properly will not impact assistance programs • You continue to own and control your home • Note—you are required to pay your insurance and real estate taxes.

There is no cost to learn Regardless of what you’ve heard about reverse mortgages, it can be complicated to determine if a reverse mortgage is the best path for you.

A great place to get free information is the “How to Use Your Home to Stay at Home” 36-page book. This is the official reverse mortgage consumer booklet approved by the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development and published by the National Council on Aging.

For more personalized information, please give me a call at (781) 724-6221 to receive your free copy of “Use Your Home to Stay at Home” or email me at av@powhse.com. I am available to evaluate your specific situation and calculate how much money is available. The only upfront personal question asked is your date of birth. Thank you and stay safe!

Alain Valles was the first designated Certified Reverse Mortgage Professional in New England. He obtained a Master of Science from the M.I.T. Center for Real Estate, an MBA from the Wharton School, and graduated summa cum laude from UMass Amherst. He is the senior reverse mortgage loan officer MLO#7946 at Powerhouse Funding Corp. NMLS #1740551. He can arrange but does not make loans. Alain can be reached directly at (781) 724-6221 or by email at av@powhse.com.

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Artist/activist Domenic Esposito draws attention to opioid crisis

By Ed Karvoski Jr. Culture Editor WESTWOOD - Artist and activist Domenic Esposito of Westwood developed a personal concern for the opioid crisis because his younger brother Danny battles substance use disorder (SUD).

After sculpting a 10.5-foot, 800-pound opioid spoon replica, Esposito garnered national attention by placing his protest art outside pharmaceutical and government headquarters. More people now have a better understanding of the opioid epidemic because of his art.

“Reaching people who don’t know about the opioid crisis is most rewarding and powerful,” he said.

“Real change happens when more of the population has empathy for the disease.”

Reaching people who don’t know about the opioid crisis is most rewarding and powerful.

— Domenic Esposito

PHOTOS/ED KARVOSKI JR.

Above: Making his first stop in Marlborough on 2019’s tour of 15 cities in 10 states, Domenic Esposito displays the replica of an opioid spoon that he sculpted as protest art.

Reaching out to the general public Esposito’s outreach began in 2017.

He spoke at his local church about addiction recovery services offered by the archdiocese. Additionally, he discussed his family’s experience with his brother’s SUD. Afterward, he heard

Left: Domenic Esposito speaks at Marlborough’s Overdose Awareness Day candlelight vigil in 2018. The annual event is organized by Kathy Leonard, whose son Jonathan Testa died of a heroin overdose at age 27 in 2014.

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An artist’s rendering of how a Memorial Doors Project sculpture would appear in the Boston Common.

PHOTO/COURTESY OF DOMENIC ESPOSITO

organized the OSP Honor Tour. A sculpted spoon traveled to 15 cities in 10 states. Along the way, he invited individuals to sign the spoon to memorialize loved ones lost to opioids.

‘Crying out’ Esposito began 2022 with his first solo exhibit presented throughout January at the Piano Craft Gallery in Boston’s Roxbury neighborhood.

He named the exhibit “Vox Clamantis” (“voice of one crying out”). “I’m dealing with a subject matter that a lot of people want to pretend is not there,” he said. “It’s me and all of us crying out for help.”

Many of the over 20 works of

sculptures and paintings depicted hooded figures in slouched positions.

“It’s isolation and loneliness,” Esposito said of the hooded figure. “I’m creating a visceral confrontation for the viewer. It’s a call on society to engage and work with people’s mental health and SUD.” The exhibit also included paintings set in Roxbury’s intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and Melnea Cass Boulevard (aka “Mass and Cass”). A WBUR report described this area as “the epicenter of the region’s opioid addiction crisis.” “To me, Mass and Cass has always been a place of suffering and pain,” Esposito shared.

“My brother would go missing and

half the time we’d go looking for him there.”

Launching new project Esposito is currently seeking images and stories for his new venture called the Memorial Doors Project to be displayed at public venues. These sculptures with bronze panels on doors depict memories of lives lost to opioids. Remembrances are also preserved with a companion audio recording. The first completed door panels memorialize Jonathan Testa, who died of a heroin overdose at age 27 in 2014. His passion for playing drums is told by his mother Kathy Leonard of Marlborough.

“This is a great way to remember loved ones ― not while they used drugs, but their normal, everyday lives,” Esposito explained. With each of his projects, Esposito is particularly moved by people who have lost loved ones to opioids. “It’s been a huge inspiration to hear thousands of families’ heartbreaking stories,” he said.

“It has given all of us the energy to carry on and try to make a difference.”

Learn more about Domenic Esposito at domenicesposito.com, the Opioid Spoon Project at theopioidspoonproject.com and the Memorial Doors Project at memorialdoors. com.

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firsthand accounts of other parishioners’ struggles with their relatives’ addiction.

“All these families opened up to me about going through similar situations,” he recounted. “It led me to think about using art to impact the sense of hopelessness that’s out there.” He stationed his first sculpted spoon outside a pharmaceutical company in 2018. As his inaugural protest venue, he chose the OxyContin manufacturer Purdue Pharma in Stamford, Conn. His brother’s SUD began with their highly-addictive prescribed painkiller.

“I wanted to point fingers at the corporations that are accountable for this manmad e epidemic,” Esposito explained. In 2019, Esposito founded the nonprofit Opioid Spoon Project (OSP). Subsequent “spoon drops” took place that year at Rhodes Pharmaceuticals in Coventry, R.I., Johnson & Johnson in New Brunswick, N.J., and the Food and Drug Administration at the Department of Health and Human Services in Washington, D.C. “Putting the spoon in front of pharmaceutical companies creates a discussion point around how we got here,” Esposito said. “Empathy is slowly changing in this country.

What hasn’t changed much is government action.” Also in 2019, he

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Celebrations welcome spring across Massachusetts

By Sandi Barrett Contributing Writer

Bridge of Flowers, April 1 - October 31 Experience a wild riot of colorful plants at the Bridge of Flowers in Shelbourne Falls; open 24 hours a day from April 1 to October 31, weather permitting. Bright April blooms can include crocus, daffodils, hyacinths, early tulips, and azaleas. As the warmth of May settles in, the gardens explode with bleeding hearts, trout lilies, hellebores, iris, foam flowers, dogwoods, flowering cherries, and more.

There is no entrance fee for the Bridge of Flowers; however, they welcome monetary donations. Dogs are not allowed with the exception of service dogs.

PHOTO/COURTESY ERIC WORKMAN, TMP IMAGES

REGION - It is time to shake off your heavy coat and the overwhelming feeling of cabin fever for warm sunshine and local festive events. Across Massachusetts we are fortunate to have a variety of celebrations to welcome the glorious spring season. Here are five fun festivals to bring joy to your April and May stepping-outside adventures.

the entire family. The festival is a great way to enjoy dog-herding demonstrations, traditional sheep shearing techniques, local artisan booths, music, and food vendors.

Historic Gore Place is the 50-acre, 1806 country estate of Christopher and Rebecca Gore. The estate includes a Federal-style mansion, an authentic 1793 Carriage House, a working farm, and expansive grounds. Parking is free.

Adult admission is $20 and children 12 and under are free. Pets are not allowed.

Lilac Sunday, May 8 Lilac Sunday at Arnold’s Arboretum in Boston is set for Sunday, May 8. The Arboretum is celebrating 150 years and 112 Lilac Sundays.

The collection of the 408 lilacs can be explored in a variety of ways.

Visitors can use a printed self-guided tour. Guests who download the Expeditions: Arnold Arboretum App, which includes the lilac tour and describes other plants and areas across the grounds, can enjoy an educational experience while exploring the great outdoors. Admission is free and the Arboretum is open from sunrise to

This year’s Lilac Sunday at the Arnold Arboretum is celebrating 150 years of the garden’s existence and 112 Lilac Sundays.

Daffodil Days, April 16 Fields of cheery flowers blanket gardens at Boylston’s Tower Hill Botanic Garden and the Daffodil Day event. The child-centric celebration takes place Saturday, April 16, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Stroll with your favorite youngster through the blooming spring daffodils and tulips while learning about the lifecycle of spring bulbs. Enjoy a

daffodil-focused craft and an afternoon amongst the flowers.

Advanced registration is required and includes admission to the garden.

This event is for children accompanied by an adult: $9 member youth, $6 member adult; $16 youth, $24 adult.

Sheep Shearing Festival, April 23 The annual Sheep Shearing Festival will take place at Gore Place in Waltham on Saturday, April 23. This high-energy festival is a fun take for

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In service of others

By Marianne Delorey, Ph.D. Executive Director Colony Retirement Homes

I

have found that our society has a difficult time understanding what a nonprofit organization is, perhaps in part because in a capitalist society where ownership and profit are prioritized, a nonprofit does not seem to make sense.

Here, in simple terms, is what I have learned from my lifetime working for nonprofits as both an employee and as a director.

1. Typically, the board of directors is comprised of volunteers who agree to take on the responsibility of acting as the owner. In my 13 years as executive director, I have probably worked with 60 to 70 people who have all shaped how we address the needs of our elders.

2. Nonprofits sometimes have employees but often just have volunteers. Amazing work can be done with just volunteers (think of parent-teacher organizations) but the larger a company is, the more likely you need staff to run it.

3. Nonprofits can be huge and international (like the Red Cross) or small and very local (like a small animal shelter).

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9. Everyone has skills that can help a board. Boards often need people who are representative of the membership, so even people with significant disabilities or who were previously incarcerated need to have their voices heard by certain organizations.

10. Serving on a nonprofit board can be a great way to give back to a community or to immerse yourself in a cause that is important to you.

It does not have to be a large time commitment. Many boards meet monthly or quarterly, and a board member’s job is to sometimes just be there for meetings and help guide the staff.

In 2022, we are facing the triple threat of war, climate change, and illness. Instead of despairing, I encourage all our readers to make a difference by finding a nonprofit that will help make 2023 a better year.

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.

— Margaret Mead 4. The term “nonprofit” or “not for profit” can be misleading. All companies earn revenue and have expenses. Some years are good and the revenue is higher than the expenses. Other years, the expenses are higher. A well-managed nonprofit can afford to lose money some years if they have saved money from good years. Usually, the budget is managed to allow for a small “profit” that helps the organization through bad years.

5. Nonprofits typically hold themselves to a mission above all else and because of the mission, the work of a nonprofit seldom ends.

The mission is usually a broad statement like, “To end homelessness.”

6. Nonprofit directors often have many responsibilities. The most important responsibility is fiduciary and requires each director to make the best decisions for the nonprofit they can make. This often means they must understand the organization, supervise the executive director, and not engage in practices that put the nonprofit at risk (no risky investments, no self-dealing, etc.).

7. Nonprofits do not technically have an owner, but the board of directors

(also called the board of trustees) acts as the owner. They typically consider themselves accountable to the membership. Sometimes, like at a YMCA, the membership may be the people who pay for access to the programs and services they provide. Sometimes, the membership is the larger group of people that the organization could serve (like cancer survivors, students, members of a community, or people of a certain faith).

8. The work of the nonprofit is typically done by the staff and volunteers. The primary roles of the board are to advise, set goals, and ensure that there are sufficient resources to meet those goals. Some boards rely on fundraising to meet some of these goals and the board often has an important role to play in this area.

Marianne Delorey, Ph.D. is the Executive Director of Colony Retirement Homes. She can be reached at 508-755-0444 or mdelorey@colonyretirement. com and www.colonyretirementhomes.com.

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sunset. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash at all times.

Patriots’ Day Festival, April 16, 17, and 18 The Colonial Patriots Day Festival takes place across Massachusetts Patriots’ Day weekend, but is laser focused in the towns of Lexington, Concord, and Arlington. Events over the entire weekend — and leading up to the weekend schedule — portray costumed actors bringing American history to life through reenactments and representing everyday life.

For a true immersion into the spirit of the day, begin Patriot’s Day (April 18) at 4:30 a.m. with the march from Concord to Stow where the colonial militia wakes the town, warning them of the impending battle. The Battle on Lexington Green begins at 5:30 a.m., if you want to sleep in a little longer.

Not to worry; there are plenty of other events — at 9 a.m the Patriots’ Day Parade begins in Concord Center and Lexington’s Patriots’ Day Parade begins at 2 p.m.

Check the https://www.boston-discovery-guide.com/patriots-day-schedule.html for the up-tothe-minute activities across the entire weekend.

Get out and enjoy the beautiful April-in-Massachusetts weather and explore a little history in the process.

Many of the events are free; some tours require a nominal fee.

Celebrate Spring The cause for celebration is clear.

Chilly days warmed by glorious sunshine bring the colorful blossoms of early-season plants that beckon us to outside to breathe the fresh air perfumed with the heady aroma of early blooms.

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viewpoint

When walls talk

By Janice Lindsay Contributing Writer

I

once had occasion to visit a doctor who was new to me and whose office I will never forget.

Doctor-visiting does not rank in my top ten list of favorite pastimes. When the nurse left me, anxious and alone, in the tiny, bright, sterile examining room, I looked around for something to bring me a smidgen of warmth and comfort.

What I saw was the room’s only decoration — a huge full-color poster of a diseased colon.

Such an illustration might be instructive at some point in an unfortunate person’s life. But in that case, a smaller, more discreet graphic, pulled gently from a file folder, would feel less intimidating.

Lots of doctors display diagrams on their walls: the skeletal system, a cutaway of an eyeball, a knee joint. Those can be interesting and informative, since we hardly ever peer inside our own bod-

ies. But as an aid to relaxation in a stressful situation, most of us would prefer the non-diseased variety.

Even so, something a little more soothing would be welcome, whatever the reason for seeing the doctor: a painting of a flower-filled New England meadow, or photo of a sunny Mediterranean coastline. My dentist displays, in his treatment room, a steadying watercolor of a sweet little sailboat on a calm sea.

My former gynecologist had no body parts on the wall. His examining room was decorated only with black and white photos he had taken himself. Nice idea. Except that in every photo, the subject was an automotive junk yard, scattered piles of discarded, bashed, rusting cars, hardly the image you want to peruse while the doctor examines your female innards.

My primary care physician cheerfully decorates her walls with drawings made for her by young grateful patients.

Pastel walls are stenciled with flower and leaf designs. A mobile of silvery leaves hangs from the ceiling, gracefully and gently turning. It’s charming and calming.

You can tell a lot about a person by whatheorshechoosestolookateveryday.

In my writing career, I’ve written for, and about, many different people. I’ve always liked to meet them on their home turf, to see if I could discern who they are by what they look at. Photos of children and dogs (warm and personable?).

Original art or prints of famous paintings (sophisticated, discerning?). Paintings of battleships (hard-driving, clear-thinking?). Framed certificates from continuing education programs (proud of accomplishment? Or unsure of self and trying to impress?). Collections of mementoes from trips abroad (interesting in world affairs?). One business executive’s office was bare of personal decorations except for two three-by-five-inch photos of his two Mercedes convertibles, past and present (lonely?).

In the interest of full disclosure, I should probably reveal what I look at every day as I write.

Family photos. A colorful, if amateurish, collage I made. A few greeting cards I like. Cat calendar. Autographed sketch by children’s author Richard Scarry from the 1970s. A county map. A poster of the cover of my only, so far, published book. Knick-knacks from friends, family, and trips. Two small grinding wheels from my grandfather’s workshop. And books. In my office I have reference

books, anthologies, and 75 books about the European Middle Ages and colonial New England.

What would a stranger discern about me with a glance in my office?

Probably that my mind is a mishmash, a jumble, and all higgledy-piggledy.

That might not be a good thing, but it’s surely more conducive to mental health than pondering a four-foot-tall diseased colon.

Contact jlindsay@tidewater.net.

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Requirements In order to purchase one of the Townhomes at St. Therese, applicants will need to have a mortgage pre-approval and have attended a homebuyer counseling course with a HUD certified counselor within the last 2 years prior to purchasing.

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Tower Hill Botanic Garden a year-round destination

By David Wilkening Contributing Writer

comfortable walking loop and you can stop along the way for shorter options if you don’t want to walk that far,” she said.

Accessibility a focus “We have always been trying to make us more accessible for everyone of all ages including seniors,” said Grace Chapman Elton, chief executive officer of Tower Hill Botanic Garden, which since 1986 has been a visitor-friendly Worcester-area institution.

Among those improvements in recent times to make the garden easier to navigate are the walk-in paths modified for visitors with mobility issues. Areas were also created to allow visitors to move slowly at their own pace. The ADA-compliant paths also made it all feel natural and a part of the landscape.

The 171-acre garden admittedly gets more visitors in temperate times, weatherwise. But that does not deter

PHOTOS/COURTESY OF TOWER HILL BOTANIC GARDEN

BOYLSTON - There are many ways to escape colder weather but here’s one that is probably unexpected: A visit to a botanical garden. It’s open daily, year-round. It’s less than an hour’s drive from Boston, has comfortable indoor alternatives, and caters to older visitors.

Thousands of flowering bulbs are one of the signs of spring at Tower Hill Botanic Garden.

others from seeing the increasingly popular attraction during the colder months.

In fact, the most recent count of annual guests before the pandemic was 167,000. That number compares to 2012 when there were 83,072 visitors to the garden, which is about 40 miles from Boston and eight miles north of

Worcester. It is regularly rated among the best attractions in the greater Boston area.

Visitors often come to see thousands of “quite beautiful tropical plants year-round,” said Elton. In the winter, it is common to find them traversing the garden’s two miles of walking trails on snowshoes and skis. “It’s a

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Seventeen gardens are ‘inspiring’ Tower Hill has thousands of plants covering all four seasons in its 17 gardens. Most of the gardens are from preserved woodlands. The garden has a mission “to create experiences with plants that inspire people and improve the world.” In line with that, it has a large collection of native as well as exotic plants, and open spaces with the aforementioned walking trails. Some collections are particularly known with for their winter-blooming plants ― which many visitors find after a stroll through the outdoor Winter Garden.

Described as “a place of tranquility and beauty year-round,” the Winter Garden is enclosed on three sides by the Orangerie, the Stoddard Education and Visitors Center, and the Limonaia.

Protected from wind and extreme temperatures, the Winter Garden showcases plants that are at their best during winter months, highlighting bark, structure, berries, and evergreen forms.

The Winter Garden also includes sev-

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27 Mount Vernon Street, Worcester, MA • Office Open Daily 8:00am - 4:30pm To receive an application please call 508-755-6062 TDD# 508-755-0228 Now accepting applications for 62 years of age and older and those who are under 62 years of age and are permanently disabled.

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• 17

We have always been trying to make us more accessible for everyone of all ages including seniors.

— Grace Chapman Elton

The Limonaia, or Lemon House, which displays a collection of non-hardy plants that need to winter in a sub-tropical environment, opened at Tower Hill in 2010.

eral thousand spring-blooming bulbs, are moved outdoors and incorporated shrubs, trees and low-maintenance into the gardens during the summer perennials. months The 18th century-modeled Orangerie opened to the public at perhaps Indoor areas also accessible a typical time: January 31, 1999. Its glass “It’s accessible outdoors but also Journey roof emits a great deal of light, allowing indoors because it’s surrounded on non-hardy plants to be grown in the sides by the visitor center and to thethree winter. This cool, temperate house is other areas, so visitors can go inside as filled with winter-blooming, fragrant,past.well,” Elton said. potted plants from October through The Limonaia, or Lemon House, May. As with the Limonaia, the plants opened in 2010. The cathedral-like in-

terior reflects the architecture of a traditional lemon house, with a windowed south wall for optimal winter light. The Limonaia displays a portion of Tower Hill’s collection of non-hardy plants that need to winter in a sub-tropical environment. Though daytime temperatures might reach as high as 70°F, night-time temperatures can dip as low as 45°F. The plants displayed in the Limonaia are chosen for their winter grandeur, with enticing fruit, flowers or outstanding foliage and fragrance.

Obviously, many visitors are motivated by their love of plants. Many comment they’ve never seen some species before. But even casual, non-plant novices are impressed with gardens such as the Apple Orchard, which has over 238 trees, with 119 different varieties. These varieties are pre-20th century and what makes them unique is that they have been developed over years through grafting techniques.

Another tree-lover favorite is the

Lawn Garden, where there are 350 species of shrubs and plants. It said to be a “sight to behold at all times” with the woody texture of the winter in its berries and barks, spring bulbs, summer peonies and fall colors.

Since it opened in 1986, the hilltop-situated garden, a former dairy farm, has been home to the Worcester County Horticultural Society. The 1700s farmhouse is now part of the complex, a reminder, along with old stone walls, of an earlier use for the property. It was named Tower Hill since it was used as a surveying point when the nearby Wachusett Reservoir was built. The site has retained views of the reservoir and Mount Wachusett to the west, seen over fields and gardens.

The attraction sponsors various music and plant exhibitions and educational programs throughout the year.

For more information visit: https:// www.towerhillbg.org.

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Top home improvements that pay off when selling Replacing an old and worn-out garage door is one simple way to boost a home’s curb appeal.

By David Wilkening Contributing Writer REGION - The housing situation in Boston and most of Massachusetts these days is best described as “sizzling.” Big demand is overwhelmed by short supply. It’s definitely a seller’s market. But that does not mean you shouldn’t consider renovation or improvements to the home you are selling.

“Right now, sellers are often overlooking those kinds of things simply because of the limited inventory available,” said Boston-based realtor Helen Tarantino. “Buying ‘as is’ is common. Sellers are losing out sometimes when just a coat of paint can be worth $50,000 in value here.”

Cost doesn’t always equal value It may be startling to many home sellers, but some of the most valuable renovations to make the maximum return on a later home sale are often as mundane as a low-cost paint job and even a new garage door.

In fact, Zonda Media―previously Hanley Wood ― released its highly-respected “Cost vs. Value” report in 2021 that found the leading returns were

on exterior home improvements. The three exterior projects with the highest recoup on investments were garage door replacements (94%), manufactured stone veneer installation (93%) and siding replacement with fiber cement material (69%).

Eleven of the dozen projects with the highest ROI (return on investment)

were exterior improvements. The indoor exception at the third ROI spot was “minor kitchen remodeling.”

Multi-year key trends find exteriors are best bets Multi-year key trends have found exterior improvement projects such as manufactured stone sidings and ve-

neers, as well as minor kitchen surfaces, have traditionally topped the list when it comes to getting back partial replacement costs. Popular renovations often return far lower than their actual costs.

Garage door replacements in past years typically cost $3,000 to $4,000, far less than a master suite addition, which in Boston might cost $300,000, while

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“Sometimes just a coat of paint can be worth $50,000 in value,” says Boston-based realtor Helen Tarantino.

only recouping less than half of that price.

Those were national figures, but multi-year studies by Hanley Wood in the past with numbers broken down by specific areas found similar results in the New England area. Its last report rated garage doors as the best cost-value replacement with return values of 90-92%.

“Many people do not know that a new garage door goes a long way,” said Pavel Khaykin, founder and owner of the Boston-based Pavel Buys Houses.

If all of this sounds discouraging, it is realistic. Hanley Wood has pointed out in the past that, while improvements seemed like great ideas, they often have not justified their costs when homes were put on the market. Remodeling projects “dear to home-owner hearts” usually return far lower than actual costs. Some of the most in-demand projects such as room additions are among the lowest in percentage of returns.

“While the percentage of costs recouped are trending downward for all of the replacement projects covered by ‘Cost vs. Value,’ this change primarily reflects the sharp increase in material costs over the past summer,” Hanley wrote more than a year ago. With inflation continuing at record rates, that statement is even truer today.

Ways to maximize home value Still, realtors have suggestions for renovations and repairs that maximize homeowner returns ― even when the overall market here in Massachusetts and just about everywhere else has shifted to strongly favoring sellers.

Some of those suggestions are at far lower costs than extensive overhauls.

Agreeing with Tarantino about painting as an inexpensive alternative is Khaykin. “You sometimes see houses with a lot of striped colors and things like that. Some people object. It’s bet-

Decluttering and storing pieces of furniture and other items elsewhere helps would-be buyers envision more spaciousness in a home for sale says Pavel Khaykin, a Boston realtor.

ter to choose one color that is neutral, white or gray,” he said.

He also suggests decluttering and storing pieces of furniture and other items elsewhere, at least temporarily.

Doing that helps would-be buyers envision more spaciousness in a home for sale. “It opens things up in their imaginations,” he said. For older would-be buyers, having all access areas on one floor is also an added inducement for seniors often more concerned with accessibility than younger house hunters.

Curb appeal and first impressions can also add appeal, often at less cost than more extensive and expensive renovations, added Julie Horvath-d’Amico, a real estate agent with Century 21 Adams KC in Arlington. “Decks, balconies and patios are sought-after amenities, especially in the city, where lots are smaller,” she said. Many older buyers also value homes with open outdoor spaces for recreation.

Kitchen upgrades can also add value, studies have shown.

Seller tastes’ may not appeal to buyers universally, so Tarantino suggests foregoing any one particular style of decoration dominance in favor of less costly upgrades such as appliances, which have more universal appeal.

Khaykin also suggests a couple of other home improvements to quickly sell a home. One is kitchen upgrades.

They can be expensive with larger-scale overall renovations, but less costly targeted areas such as countertops, faucets and sinks can be replaced during renovations. Bathroom remodeling such as replacing the shower and bathtub might also add value.

One more amenity that has popped up since the pandemic and the rise in working from home is the attractiveness of home offices. A Homelight study found that 60% of real estate agents cited it as a new top priority for buyers. That may very well be the latest popular renovation to offset its price in future studies.

• 19

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