FPA September 2023

ideas

Embracing other cultures and ideas

By NaNce eBert coNtriButiNg Writer

BOSTON - Yasmin Padamsee, executive director of the Asian American and Pacific Islanders Commission, is no stranger to working with diverse populations. Originally from India, Padamsee became a U.S. citizen ten years ago and has served in leadership roles with both the United Nations and a variety of non-profits in India, Myanmar, Papua New Guinea, and other countries. She is also a graduate of the Harvard Kennedy School with a master’s degree in public administration.

Advocating for the AAPI community

The Asian American and Pacific Islanders Commission is a statewide body dedicated to advocate for the needs and challenges of those groups of individuals from

Padamsee | page 4

Yasmin Padamsee, executive director of the Asian American and Pacific Islanders Commission

“It’s not only democracy, but also the ability to embrace other cultures and

that makes you a superpower.”

@aarpma

Connecting with others helps your health and your community

Director P Massachusetts

onnecting and maintaining social relationships is crucial for individuals of all age groups, but it holds particular significance for seniors. As we age, we face any number of physical and emotional challenges that can lead to social isolation and loneliness. That’s why connecting with others remains as vital as ever; it helps our physical health, mental well-being, and overall quality of life.

Earlier this year, the Surgeon General recognized the critical role social connections play. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, M.D. released a new advisory, “Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation.” In it, he said “Loneliness is far more than just a bad feeling — it harms both individual and societal health.” Murthy described social connection as “a fundamental human need, as essential to survival as food, water, and shelter.”

Social connection is beneficial for individual health and also improves the resilience of our communities. Evidence shows that increased connection can help reduce the risk of serious health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, dementia, and depression. Communities where residents are more connected with one another fare better on several measures of population health, community safety, community resilience when natural disasters strike, prosperity, and civic engagement.

Our volunteer state president Sandra Harris has been working to end social isolation and loneliness in Massachusetts. With AARP’s help she began the Massachusetts Task Force To End

Loneliness And Build Community. Her Co-chair is UMass Boston’s Caitlin E. Coyle who is the Director of the Center for Social & Demographic Research on Aging.

The taskforce’s mission is to ensure all residents of the Commonwealth feel connected to their community and enjoy a strong sense of social well-being. The taskforce works with local organizations, thought leaders, and other partners to join forces and use its collective resources and ingenuity for maximum impact. On Good Neighbor Day, September 28, the Taskforce to End Loneliness will host its annual summit and explore ways to connect.

If you’re looking to connect, we have an idea this September. Head to the New England Botanic Gardens at Tower Hill any Tuesday during the month. AARP Massachusetts is offering free admission for you and five friends.

You can tour the gardens, have lunch in the café, check out the gift shop and just unwind with friends. While supplies last, we’ll have a free gift for you. You do need to register. A volunteer will be there to check you in. It’s a great chance to meet AARP members and connect with volunteers. September is beautiful time in New England. The weather is great, the crowds are a bit thinner; all the more reason to get out with friends and family and connect. Register to visit at aarp.org/ garden.

AARP offers events and enriching experiences close-to-home and fromyour-home that help you make connections and serve others. While our situations are different, our need for connection is universal. AARP has a long history of helping people 50-plus connect and engage with their communities and the broader world, whether it’s through local in-person events and volunteer opportunities or online experiences. Now, more than ever, we know that connecting with family and friends is vital to aging well and living longer, happier lives. Learn more at aarp.org/ma.

ike Festa, state

Mike Festa

AARP awards grant for Northborough Senior Center trail

By Laura hayes coNtriButiNg Writer

NORTHBOROUGH – Benches will be coming to the new Americans with Disabilities Act-accessible trail at the Northborough Senior Center, thanks to a grant.

During their July 17 meeting, the Select Board unanimously accepted a $5,200 grant from the AARP for the project and authorized the expenditure of the funds with the approval of Department of Public Works Director Scott Charpentier and Interim Town Administrator Bob Reed.

“This is very creative. They applied for a grant from AARP to assist with the trails project that has been funded by the Senior Center,” said Reed.

Located at the Senior Center, the trail will be accessible under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). In the past, town staff have indicated that there is already a trail located at the Senior Center, but it is not up to ADA standards. The Senior Center is also located near the northern entrance of the Edmund Hill Conservation Area.

According to a memo from Char-

pentier to Reed, the town had applied for this grant in 2021 for the design phase of the project. He said the AARP Community Challenge grant program provides funds to projects “that can help communities to become more livable for people of all ages.”

“Unfortunately, our application was not successful, and we subsequently sought and received [Community Preservation Act] funding for design,” Charpentier wrote.

The town later applied for a grant earlier this year, requesting $5,200 to

install benches along the trail.

The grants do not require a local match from the town. According to Reed, there will be placards on the benches, giving credit to AARP for their funding.

“With a 2023 construction estimate of $340,000 and costs continuing to rise, this is welcome news,” Charpentier said.

According to Charpentier’s memo, the project is underway and the land use permitting is nearing completion.

In the application with the Community Preservation Committee in 2021, the project was described as being 0.5 miles long and would be suitable for both wheelchairs and walkers with both a paved surface and rest stops.

This will be the first accessible woodland trail in Northborough.

Charpentier wrote that the town is anticipating that the project would be advertised for bids for the construction of the trail later this year. The project, estimated to cost $370,000, will be funded through fiscal 2024 CPA funds.

“I think it’s great,” said Select Board Chair Mitch Cohen of the grant funds.

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• We are very experienced licensed audiologists who have been in business for 37 years. We actually care about you hearing better.

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“When you can’t hear, we listen.”

Hearing aids are medical

They should be fitted by a professional to ensure optimal hearing.

PHOTO/LAURA HAYES

One of the trails at the Northborough Senior Center weaves through woods. The AARP recently awarded the town a grant for benches at the future ADA-accessible trail.

Embracing other cultures and ideas

Yasmin Padamsee, executive director of the Asian American and Pacific Islanders Commission

Padamsee | from page

these diverse communities of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in Massachusetts. One of the main goals of the commission is to connect these groups to each other in solidarity as well as bring their voices and concerns to the state legislature. Many of them face common challenges.

“The AAPI community in Massachusetts is quite large, with immigrants from Burma, Afghanistan and many other countries,” Padamsee explained. “You have differing needs for this vast community. This also includes Pacific communities and island countries like the Tongans, Samoans, Burmese and others.”

“I often refer to these groups as a ‘salad bowl.’ Each community has their own identity and came to the United States with similar goals,” she noted. “They all want to contribute to their new country and had their own differences in their homeland before they came to America.”

Some of the different needs of

each of these communities might include language access, employment, rental assistance and safe housing, getting a Social Security card, medical care, driver’s license, mental health services, registering a vehicle

and more. Having a provider who understands these diverse cultures also plays a role.

“Trying to navigate these things is hard enough when you know English, but more so when you do not speak the

The Asian American and Pacific Islanders Commission is a statewide body dedicated to advocate for the diverse communities of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in Massachusetts.

language. The process is so complicated,” said Padamsee. During Covid, especially, many of these minority communities were affected with job loss, housing loss and other challenges. Having those assistance programs in

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place was necessary.

The Massachusetts Asian American and Pacific Islanders Commission (AAPIC) was established in October 2006. It recognizes the important contributions made by those of Asian and Pacific Islander descent. Its funding is provided by the state. Appropriations are used for programs as well as staffing. The physical office is based in the State’s Treasurer’s office in Boston, right next to the State House.

Connecting the community

Listening sessions play an important role in identifying and resolving issues faced by Asian and Pacific Islander residents. “With this inclusive approach, the Commission aims to provide every individual with a voice and facilitate access to essential government services,” says the AAPIC website.

“We are the connection between the AAPI community and the state government. As part of the state government, we recognized that the AAPI communities were some of the largest growing communities in the state of Massachusetts. During AAPI Heritage Month, we have a Unity Dinner, which is our biggest event each May,” said Jennifer Best, communications and outreach manager.

There are twenty-one spaces on the commission but at times some of the positions are vacant. There are currently nineteen commissioners.

“I was hired in April 2021 by the commission as the executive director,” said Padamsee. “My job is to ensure that we have a clear strategic plan, and we are meeting our goals. I am

Originally from India, Yasmin Padamsee became a U.S. citizen ten years ago and has served in leadership roles with both the United Nations and a variety of non-profits in the Asia/Pacific Island region.

also responsible for ensuring that the budget is used effectively within the AAPI community. We have developed several different programs.”

Shared experiences

As an immigrant to the United States, Padamsee has gone through similar experiences and fully understands the challenges that many of these people face. She also worked in Burma for seven years with the United Nations. She tries to use various outreach techniques to get in touch with communities and try to resolve any challenges people might be facing. Padamsee also encourages members of the community to share achievements as well. One successful outreach was when she hired a Pacific Island Tongan intern who found an entire community residing right in Framingham that she was made aware of.

Padamsee is constantly seeking partnerships with all protective classes and works closely with members of the commission to collectively, through legislation, improve all lives, not just Asian American/Pacific Islander.

One of the most rewarding things about her job that Padamsee shared is that she gets to work with cultures from across the globe who are all Americans and have brought their strengths, inventions and skills from their homelands. She embraces immigrants and all of their knowledge.

“It’s not only democracy, but also the ability to embrace other cultures and ideas that makes you a superpower,” she said.

For additional information, visit aapicommission.org.

It’s not only democracy, but also the ability to embrace other cultures and ideas that makes you a superpower.

Yasmin Padamsee

‘Friends’ Central Perk Coffeehouse is coming to Boston

By sharoN oLiver coNtriButiNg Writer

BOSTON – Local fans of the TV show “Friends” will soon have a piece of their favorite sitcom to experience. Previously thought by many to be making its debut in New York City, the first Central Perk Coffeehouse will actually be coming to the Back Bay neighborhood in Boston. That’s right, the famous orange sofa where Rachel (Jennifer Aniston), Monica (Courteney Cox), Phoebe (Lisa Kudrow), Joey (Matt LeBlanc), Ross (David Schwimmer), and Chandler (Matthew Perry) gathered around will be making its way to 205 Newbury Street later this year. Well, perhaps not the exact same sofa, but you get the idea.

Popular show had millions of fans

From 1994 to 2004, millions of people faithfully watched episodes of “Friends” where this group of young Manhattanites in their twenties and thirties often discussed their ups and downs and gossip over a hot cup of joe at Central Perk. The Boston project is a collaboration between Warner Brothers Themed Entertainment and CenPer Holdings, LLC, along with “Top Chef” judge and restaurateur Tom Colicchio,

who has helped to inspire the anticipated menu.

In a statement to People magazine, Warner Brothers said, “The forthcoming coffeehouse will be imbued with the same heart and soul as the iconic setting from the series. Central Perk Coffeehouse will be a place for fans (and friends) to slow down and come together over great coffee and eats.”

Chef Colicchio also commented on his hopes for the forthcoming project, stating, “Our goal with this partnership and the Central Perk brand, like all of my food and beverage enterprises, is to secure the best ingredients and then de-

A Central Perk Coffeehouse based on the famous café in the TV show

“Friends” is coming to Newbury Street in Boston later this year.

buy Central Perk products like “How You Doin’?” (medium roast), “Pivot Blend” (medium/dark roast), “We Were on a Coffee Break” (dark roast), “Oh.My.GAWD!” (cold brew blend), “Gunther!” (espresso), “Moo Point” (decaf). Fans have already been enthralled by the Warner Brothers studio tour in Los Angeles with sets that made guests feel as though they were living in the sitcom. The series was nominated for 62 Primetime Emmy Awards, winning the Outstanding Comedy Series award in 2002.

liver superior products and services for a great customer experience.”

In a recent press release, Central Perk Coffee Company president Joe Gurdock stated, “We are incredibly excited and proud that the world class city of Boston will be the home of our new Central Perk concept. Newbury Street and the city’s Back Bay neighborhood are such treasured gems, known and admired around the globe. We are so fortunate to have found the ideal first location for this concept.”

Boston already a coffee hub

For now, coffee consumers can

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Now accepting applications for 62 years of age and older and those who are under 62 years of age and are permanently disabled.

Applicants must meet HUD annual low income guidelines. Preference is given to individuals 62 and older.

While it may be surprising to learn that New York City will not serve as the launching pad for a Central Perk Coffeehouse, it may also come as a shock to learn which cities rank as the top ten best coffee cities in the U.S., according to real-estate firm Clever. Not on the list is Seattle, where coffee is king. Based on affordability and the largest variety of coffee shops (not taste or quality), Boston comes in third.

Boston has approximately 61 coffee shops per 100,000 residents. Soon, Central Perk will open its doors and become a part of Newbury Street’s already trendy atmosphere where good friends meet to drink, eat and be there for each other.

Financed by MHFA Managed by

PHOTO/COURTESY OF WILLIAM WARBY

FDA Approves Leqembi, a promising drug used to treat Alzheimer’s disease

By NaNce eBert coNtriButiNg Writer

REGION - In June, a drug called Leqembi was given full approval by the FDA, to help slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. This medication is made jointly by the Japanese drugmaker Eisai, and Cambridge-based Biogen. Leqembi targets a type of protein in the brain called beta-amyloid. It is thought to be one of the underlying causes of Alzheimer’s disease and the drug may give many patients in the early onset of this devastating disease some new hope.

Cost a barrier

The drug is quite costly at $26,500 per year with Medicare covering eighty percent of the cost after patients meet their deductible. Medicare patients will be responsible for more than five thousand dollars per year. This will affect the accessibility to many who will not be able to afford this treatment.

The drug is given to previously screened patients at either a hospital or clinic. Those who benefit most are patients with early signs of cognitive issues who have elevated levels of amyloid. The medication is received through an infusion that takes approximately

one hour to complete. As with any other anti-amyloid treatments in this class of drugs, there are side effects that can occur. Serious allergic reactions can happen but most of the reported side effects were related to the infusion process.

Encouraging results

On July 6, WCVB Channel 5 interviewed Dr. John Dickson, a Boston neurologist in the division of Memory Disorders at Mass General Hospital. “In

clinical trials, the main benefit appears to be less cognitive decline at eighteen months in patients treated with the drug compared to a placebo,” said Dickson.

According to a recent article on the Alzheimer’s Association website, “Lecanemab (the generic name for Leqembi) is not a cure but is the first traditionally approved treatment that addresses the underlying biology of Alzheimer’s and changes the course of the disease in a meaningful way for people in the early stages.”

Leqembi was first granted accelerated approval in January, but the FDA was still reviewing clinical trial results. In June 2023, an independent advisory committee voted to grant it with full approval.

“It’s not something that’s going to stop the disease or reverse it. But it may slow down the progression of the disease and may give people more meaningful time with their families,” said Dr. Sanjeev Vaishnavi, Director of Clinical Research at the Penn Memory Center.

The second treatment approved Alzheimer’s disease is an irreversible, progressive brain disorder that affects millions of people. It makes thinking, memory recall and the ability to

carry out simple tasks quite daunting, if not impossible. For family members and friends of someone diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, feelings of helplessness and despair are common.

“Just to be talking about a treatment is an incredible point for the Alzheimer’s cause overall,” stated Joanne Pike, President and CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association, in a recent FDA news press release.

Leqembi is the second of a new category of medications that has been approved by the FDA to target the pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s disease. The first was Aduhelm, also known as Aducanumab. “Alzheimer’s disease immeasurably incapacitates the lives of those who suffer from it and has devastating effects on their loved ones,” said Billy Dunn, M.D., director of the Office of Neuroscience in the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research in an FDA press announcement on January 6. “This treatment option is the latest therapy to target and affect the underlying disease process of Alzheimer’s instead of only treating the symptoms of the disease.”

This newly approved drug will give hope for many patients and their loved ones.

Leqembi targets a type of protein in the brain called beta-amyloid which is thought to be one of the underlying causes of Alzheimer’s disease.

Casting calls can start a new chapter for aspiring older actors

By sharoN oLiver coNtriButiNg Writer

REGION - As visions of retirement life grow sharper in focus and plans for what is next in that chapter remain unclear, there are several fun things to consider. One such option, especially for those who dream of being featured in movies, is acting, or playing a non-speaking part as an extra. Yes, the film industry is sometimes troubled by writer and actor strikes. However, opportunities to be an ad spokesperson, act in a skit or short film still exist and there are always commercials to be made, which can pay very well.

The state of Massachusetts is no stranger to Hollywood when it comes to filming locations. In fact, there is a long list of movies that have been filmed in the Commonwealth dating back decades―“The Verdict” (1982), “The Departed” (2006), “American Hustle” (2013), and “Central Intelligence” (2015), to name a few. Again, the opportunities are plentiful, there

is no age limit and even your dog could become a star like Lassie. All is needed is to stay on top of casting calls.

Where to find opportunities

One popular website to search for casting calls is Backstage. Interested individuals can narrow down their search by location and scroll through the posts for auditions. Boston Casting is a more localized place for getting started. The agency provides a headshot clinic for personalized sessions which includes hair and makeup and 40 to 80 digital images. They also offer acting and voiceover classes as well as an “acting for commercials for seniors” class using a variety of scripts appropriate for people aged 55 and over.

Actress and Cambridge native Erica McDermott, who appeared in “American Hustle” and ‘Manchester by the Sea,” said, “I found Boston Casting several years ago and got myself an active profile. Shortly after I did that, I received an email through

AgencyPro inviting me to come to Boston Casting for an open casting call for the film ‘The Fighter.’”

Getting started

The process of getting started may be easier than one might think. Once you’ve applied for an audition, it is highly important that you show up on time. Movies and television productions often use “code names” on signs so the public won’t know what exactly is being filmed. If cast as an extra in a movie, it is frequently suggested that you bring a book or something to keep you occupied as there is liable to be a holding period until time for your scene. You will likely be sent to wardrobe for fittings, and hair and makeup for styling, especially for period pieces.

Talking to and/or hunting down an actor for an autograph is more than frowned upon. It could get you blacklisted from ever working with that film company. While playing an

extra or performing a skit may not lead to a starring role in a soon-tobe blockbuster or paying off your mortgage, the more parts you take on can lead to networking and making good connections. Payment can vary from anywhere between $10 to a few hundred bucks, depending on the role.

The experience could lead to an up-close look at celebrities and gaining insight into how the movie business works even from a director and production crew standpoint. A few A-listers who got their start in commercials include Ben Affleck (Burger King), Morgan Freeman (Listerine), Tina Fey (Mutual Savings Bank), Mark Ruffalo (Clearasil) and Brad Pringle (Pringles).

Whether retired or not, getting cast as a movie extra, being featured in a short film or landing a role in a commercial can not only be fun, it could be the turning point for your next chapter in life.

Getting cast as a movie extra, being featured in a short film or landing a role in a commercial can not only be fun, it could be the beginning of the next chapter in your life.

Know your rights as a grandparent

By sharoN oLiver coNtriButiNg Writer

REGION - One of the greatest joys in life is becoming a grandparent, but some of life’s circumstances can turn that joy into heartache due to no fault of the child. If the parent of a child dies or there is a divorce, this could cause a dilemma for the grandparent(s) especially if there is bitterness involved.

Unfortunately, it is the innocent parties who end up on the receiving end of such retribution. Scenarios where a child’s parent may deny grandparents the right to visit their grandchildren do exist. Notwithstanding, grandparents do have legal rights and can take the challenge to court.

Access to grandchildren

Shapiro Law Group, PC, with offices in Boston, Woburn, Needham and West Roxbury, handles cases for grandparents. Anna Shapiro, Esquire, of the firm stated, “Grandparents’ rights could be filed by either maternal or paternal grandparent. Generally, what happens is when two people are getting divorced, they technically

just close all rights to the grandparents for each side.”

“They don’t want the children to see either the grandmother or grandfather from the mother’s side or the father’s side because they are already fighting and there’s always a lot of tension going on,” she explained. “So, grandparents do have rights in Massachusetts.”

There are typically two types of custody in the Commonwealth:

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Grandparents do have legal rights to visit their grandchildren in cases of divorce and also when the parents never married.

• Legal custody: Legal custody may be awarded to both parents and includes the right to make important decisions such as academics, health care and religion for the child.

• Physical custody: This is awarded to the parent who has the child for the majority of the time and who is largely responsible for providing the child with basic needs, such as food, shelter, clothing, and education.

In the state of Massachusetts, grandparents have the right to ask a court for visits if the parents are divorced, or married but separated pending a court order about the separation. Also if one or both parents are deceased or the parents were never married, living separately and there is proof of who is the child’s father. However, grandparents on the mother’s side do not need to show proof of who is the father. They must be able to show at the hearing that their visits are in the child’s best interest, there is an established relationship, and it will be harmful to the grandchild’s health, safety, and welfare if visits are denied. They must also meet the harm standard, proving the child could suffer harm if contact is denied. Such cases can be hard to prove, but not necessarily so if a parent is neglectful or abuses substances.

Children at risk

If you fear a child is at risk, there are two government agencies you can visit to seek help.

• Probate and Family Court: Cases

Know your rights | 11

Pictured above: Allison Karsay, SALMON’s Director of Resident Success & Events welcoming SALMON’s newest resident to the cottages at Medway.

By aNNie reiD coNtriButiNg Writer

REGION - Due to progress in science and technology, it’s time for an update on efforts to bring back the American chestnut (Castanea dentata). This magnificent tree dominated hardwood forests in eastern North America when Europeans first arrived five hundred years ago. Then, in the 20th century, the tree was largely lost to the chestnut blight fungus (Cryphonectria parasitica) in only 50 years (1904-1950s).

You can still find a few reminders of the once mighty chestnut tree in our area. Beams of chestnut wood still exist in attics or basements of some homes and barns built before 1904 (when the blight arrived). In the woods today, American chestnut saplings continue to sprout from the living roots of long-gone trees. Most become infected with the blight and die before maturity. Look for these saplings next to trails in the woods. Chestnut leaves are long and narrow (about 5-8 inches long and 1.5-3.5 inches wide) with a pointed tip and pointed triangular teeth on the edges. These leaves turn yellow and then

brown in autumn.

Recent science has brought a new approach to restoring the American chestnut. You probably won’t be surprised that it involves genetics. This approach involves adding to the American chestnut tree a single new gene (OXO) that enables the tree to survive infection with the blight fun-

gus. The resulting trees, and most of their offspring, are able to live — to coexist — with the blight. Here are some details. When the blight fungus infects an American chestnut tree, the fungus releases large quantities of oxalic acid (sometimes called oxalate), which kills tissues of the tree. The oxalic acid causes

the canker, blistering, and eventual girdling of the infected tree, leading to the tree’s death. The added gene produces an enzyme (basically a protein called oxalate oxidase, OXO) that breaks down oxalic acid. As a result, trees with the gene survive when infected and live on.

The trees with the OXO gene are known as Darling 58 American Chestnuts (named after Herb Darling of The American Chestnut Foundation). They originated when the OXO gene, which comes from wheat, was added to an American chestnut embryo. Now there’s a whole line of these trees. Their response to the blight has been tested experimentally to see how they survive. They are being studied extensively. They’re also being bred experimentally with one another, as well as with Chinese, Japanese and European chestnut trees. These other chestnut species evolved their own forms of blight resistance, over thousands of years of living alongside the blight fungus, which existed in Asia and Europe (but not North America until 1904).

In collaboration with the State University of New York (SUNY) College of Environmental Science and

PHOTO/TIMOTH VAN VLIET

American chestnuts

Forestry (ESF), the nonprofit American Chestnut Foundation (TACF), founded in 1983, is spearheading the project to restore the American chestnut to the eastern North American forests where it formerly grew.

Prior to recent work with genetics that produced the Darling 58 American Chestnut, research had focused on selective breeding. This effort involved crossing American chestnuts with blight-resistant Chinese chestnuts (Castanea mollissima). The goal was to create hybrid trees with the characteristics of American chestnuts and the blight resistance of Chinese chestnuts. After breeding seven generations to get seedlings that were 15/16 (94 percent) American chestnut and 1/16 Chinese chestnut, researchers found the results less promising than they’d hoped. What happened? The Chinese chestnut’s blight resistance came from up to nine genes and became too diluted to work effectively.

Yet another line of research pursues the possibility of fighting the blight fungus with a virus. It has not yet worked out. It did, however, yield knowledge about the role of oxalic acid in infecting a tree.

What now is the future of the American chestnut? It remains to be seen. Federal agencies such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) are scrutinizing Darling 58 to see if it can be released into the wild.

Interested in more about the American chestnut’s story? Read the book, “Champion: The Comeback Tale of the American Chestnut Tree” by Sally M. Walker. It’s informative and interesting for both young people and adults.

Check out the American Chestnut Foundation website https://acf. org and the SUNY ESF website https:// www.esf.edu/chestnut. Want a deep dive into the USDA scrutiny of Darling 58? Read the USDA’s Draft Plant Pest Risk Assessment (PPRD) https:// www.regulations.gov/document/ APHIS-2020-0030-8290 and Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) https://www.regulations.gov/ document/APHIS-2020-0030-8289.

Know your rights as a grandparent

Know your rights | from page 9

REVERSE MORTGAGES TOP USES

You’ve Worked Hard All Your Life, Now Let Your Home Work For You

A reverse mortgage gives qualified borrowers the option to receive cash as a lump sum, a monthly check, or a line of credit with NO minimum required monthly mortgage payments. The homeowner is, of course, required to pay ongoing real estate taxes, insurance and meet other loan guidelines. By not having a monthly mortgage payment, thousands of eligible homeowners have utilized a reverse mortgage to:

• Increase monthly cash flow

• Pay off a current mortgage or home equity line

• Payoff credit cards

• Pay real estate taxes & property insurance

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• Ability to pay for at home care or nursing home expenses

• Finalize divorce situations (buyout ex & keep your home)

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• Use a reverse to purchase a new home

• Purchase a second home or condo in warmer weather

• Install a new septic system

• The Department of Children and Families: If the child was orphaned through the death of their biological parents, the responsibility will fall on the Department of Children and Families to arrange for foster care. If you are willing to take your grandchild in, you will need to present your case and argue that you are the best and most suitable guardian to raise the child.

Financial aid for grandparents

Also, there is financial aid available for grandparents who are raising grandchildren. Your grandchild may be eligible for several financial aid programs. Grandchildren under age five may be eligible for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) aid which can help with basic food necessities.

• Purchase a new or used car

• Cash reserves for unforeseen emergency life events

• Support grandchildren’s educational needs

• Gift to adult children for their home purchase dreams

• Prepay funeral expenses

• Estate & financial planning purposes

• Estate planning

• Lifestyle improvement options

• Travel

• Buy an RV

• Home accessibility improvements

• Cash received is all income tax free

• Peace of mind knowing that cash is available

• And the list goes on! What are your needs and desires?

A reverse mortgage might not be the magic wand to solve all the above life challenges, but it very well could be the next best thing. Take the first step and get informed. I would enjoy the opportunity of having that conversation!

Take Action!

A great place to start is get your free “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. To receive your free copy, please call me at (781) 724-6221 or email me at av@powhse.com

Alain Valles Reverse Mortgage Specialist

determining custody are a civil matter. If you feel your grandchild is at risk with their parents, gaining custody is accomplished with the Probate and Family Court through court orders. Depending on the situation, you can request temporary guardianship or permanent custody.

Children of deceased parents may be eligible for Social Security survivor benefits. Your grandchild may likely be eligible for MassHealth insurance, which can include assistance in childcare or daycare and as grandparent, you might be eligible to apply for grantee relative benefits at the Department of Transitional Assistance.

I am also available to evaluate your specific situation, answer your questions, and calculate how much money is available to you.

781-724-6221

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) 7246221 or by email at av@powhse.com

By sharoN oLiver coNtriButiNg Writer

REGION - The importance of amino acids, molecules used by the body to produce proteins needed for growth and repair of cells, is often overlooked. These “building blocks of protein” are essential to our immunity, looks, sleep, energy and insulin levels. In fact, our bodies require 20 different amino acids. While the body makes hundreds of amino acids, there are nine acids it cannot make. So, what do we do? Eat a well-balanced nutritional diet that contains amino acids.

But for some people, it’s not easy to eat right without some assistance. Owner and practice manager Amy Gardner describes Metrowest Nutrition and Therapy as “a group nutrition, psychotherapy, occupational therapy practice centered around helping individuals heal from their relationship with food, movement, body and self.” It has locations in Newton, Framingham, and Westborough. “We also work with our clients around grocery shopping and dining out as all these things may be challenging to them,” said Gardner.

Plant-based protein sources include pea protein, quinoa, soybeans, and tofu. Other sources include dairy, fish, eggs, meat, and poultry. To break this down even further, below is a list of the various types of amino acids, their purpose and food sources.

Types of amino acids

Valine helps with energy and stimulation of muscle growth. Athletes and bodybuilders are known for supplementing with this amino acid. Plant-based food sources include brown rice, wild rice, beans, cashews, cooked broccoli, lentils, mushrooms, pistachios, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, oats, quinoa, and wheat germ. Also, cottage cheese, eggs, yogurt, and red meats such as beef and lamb.

Tryptophan, a precursor to melatonin, is essential in the production of serotonin to regulate sleep, appetite, mood and pain. Plant-based food sources include almonds, beans, cashews, chia seeds, lentils, oats, pistachios, pumpkin seeds, spirulina and wheat germ. Also, chicken, turkey, fish, eggs, milk, tofu and soy. Threonine is responsible for the structure of collagen and elastin and plays a role in maintaining a healthy gut and digestive tract, fat metabolism and immune function. It helps build strong bones and tooth enamel and supports the central nervous system. Plant-based food sources include almonds, beans, cashews, lentils, flaxseeds, peanuts, pistachios, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, spirulina, and

wheat germ.

Why amino acids are important for your health Subsidized senior housing with

Phenylalanine assists in the function of proteins and enzymes along with the production of other amino acids. Plant-based food sources include almonds, brown rice, wild rice, cashews, oats, quinoa, spirulina, peanuts, pistachios, pumpkin seeds, and wheat germ.

Methionine helps with detoxification, metabolism function, healthy hair, skin and nails, the absorption of zinc and selenium, tissue growth and protection of cells from free radical damage. Plant-based food sources include Brazil nuts, beans, soybeans, and tofu. Also, corn, cauliflower, oatmeal, pork, canned tuna, and lobster tail. Lysine is used for tissue repair, calcium absorption and the production of hormones and enzymes and may help with conditions like anxiety and herpes flares. Food sources include Fenugreek seeds, Brewer’s yeast, peas, eggs, red meat, fish, and poultry.

Leucine helps promote healing of bones, muscle tissue and skin after severe stress or trauma. It also helps stimulate insulin release. Food sources include corn, almonds, peanuts, brown rice, navy beans, pistachios,

Colony Retirement Home III is congregate housing for seniors. Enjoy nutritious “Home Cooked Meals,” served in our attractive dining room with your neighbors and friends.

All apartments at Colony Retirement Homes receive rental assistance through the HUD section 8 program. Rent is 30% of your adjusted monthly income. Rent includes all utilities except phone and cable TV.

Colony Retirement Homes I are garden style studio apartments, located in a country-like setting. A short walk takes you to shopping centers, banks, restaurants and the bus line. A little bit of the country adjacent to the city.

Cashew nuts are a healthy snack that contain several vital amino acids.

sesame seeds and lentils.

Isoleucine is used to produce hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells. It also helps regulate blood sugar, energy levels and repair muscle. Foods high in isoleucine include seaweed, sesame seeds, beans, oats, beef (skirt steak), lean chicken breast, lean pork chops, tuna, tofu, squash, pumpkin seeds, salami, avocado, apricots, kiwi fruit and toasted wheat germ.

Histidine is beneficial to the body in many ways: digestion, immunity, reduction of inflammation, protecting the skin against UV radiation, producing carnosine, which reduces plaque buildup in the arteries, reduce fatigue and much more. Food sources include legumes and beans, cauliflower, potatoes, corn, poultry, fish and seafood, and protein powders.

By MariaNNe DeLorey, Ph.D.

WhenI was a young girl, my brothers, friends, and I would wander the neighborhood, checking back yards for people to talk to and sometimes ringing bells to visit with neighbors. We started fairly indiscriminately but quickly learned what neighbors were too busy for us and who invited us in for a visit. The ones who invited us in often gave us treats, thereby insuring future visits.

We became particularly fond of two sets of elderly neighbors who always had candy and a smile. One of those couples was across the road. The wife was always so happy to see us. Her husband was less happy, but not unwelcoming. At some point, she passed away. We still visited him, but it was clear that our visits were not as welcome. We noticed that the candy he offered was old and had less variety than before. We were stupid, selfish children and we did not notice his change in demeanor, his isolation, or his sadness. One day, my friend found him hanging from a bandana in his garage. I think of him frequently when I think of men and aging. I think about how older white men have a suicide rate three times the national average. And I think about how much he must have been hurting. I wish it were true that times have changed, but I am not convinced they have. September is National Suicide Awareness Month and in memory of Mr. Teshu, I encourage you all to reach out to someone who is isolated.

To anyone out there who’s hurting — it’s not a sign of weakness to ask for help. It’s a sign of strength.

— Barack Obama

Also check on people who are self-neglecting. Although suicide is typically thought of as a deliberate act of terminating one’s life, there is definitely gray area. Some people give themselves over to neglect rather than actively working to terminate their lives. Please reach out to anyone you think may be struggling.

And if you are struggling, remember there is hope. You can call 988 from any phone for immediate support. Help is also available at the following links:

https://www.iasp.info/suicidalthoughts/ https://samaritanshope.org/

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.

SUPER CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Answers on page 19

Back-to-school envy

By JaNice LiNDsay coNtriButiNg Writer

Do other grown-ups gaze longingly at the “School Supplies” store shelves at this time of year?

All those lovely blank notebooks waiting to be filled with new ideas, pens full of ink, unsharpened pencils, unscuffed erasers — and me, not going back to school, with no excuse to buy.

When I was a child facing the new school year, I was a nervous wreck. The prospects of new beginnings, new adventures, new friends, new books, new ideas, new challenges both excited and terrified me. I found myself in the confusion of wishing that the first day would come

quickly and wishing that it would not come at all.

During that first week, I’d get a new math book. I would look at the first problems. They looked hard. I’d turn to the back and look at the last problems. They looked impossible. Then I’d remember the previous September, when I had thought the same thing, and the previous June, when I confidently tackled even those at the back of the book.

I needed patience, persistence, and optimism. If I worked hard, I might be able to master subjects that seemed scary, incomprehensible, and overwhelming to a student who, like me, did not abide in the realm of genius.

When you’re a teenager, you might as well try to learn everything they try to teach you. You don’t know if you’ll ever, in adult life, need to calculate the area of a triangle, or locate Civil War battlefields, or understand the innards of a frog, or ponder the meaning of the whale Moby Dick.

At least, that’s what I believed, until I came up against — horrors — chemistry. Chemistry and I could not get along; rather, chemistry went on being its data-driven, factual, uncaring self, and I could not make sense of it. I had chosen five majors that year, but I needed only four. Chemisty sank to the bottom of the list and fell off. Mr. Verdun, our imposing but kind chemistry teacher, tried to persuade me to stay. He offered help. He seemed to believe that he had personally failed me as a teacher, rather than that I had failed him as a student. I felt sorry for Mr. Verdun. It was not his fault. But I could not wait to get out of that classroom that had chemistry scribbled all over the blackboards. Fortunately, in my decades of adult life, I do not seem to have suffered from my lack of understanding of chemical formulas.

How would we grown-ups behave, if, knowing what we know now, we bought some of those lovely school supplies and headed back to junior high or high school to start over?

I suspect we would be terrible students, supremely interested in some subjects, with no patience to learn anything else. We are too aware of the passage of time to spend precious hours learning anything that seems inconsequential to our own lives.

As we grow older, we narrow our possibilities, sometimes without even noticing it. As I think about courses I’ve taken in the past few years at adult education, I realize they’ve been in the realms of literature and history, which were also my favorites in high school. (Yikes. Have I not changed at all?)

But for children going back to school, the possibilities are still open and endless. Maybe that’s why I’m envious when I’m drawn to those “School Supplies” shelves. They promise an unlimited world of adventures yet unimagined, for those whose lives are just beginning, and who haven’t yet made up their minds about, for example, chemistry.

Contact jlindsay@tidewater.net

Sitting all day can be harmful to your health

Prolonged sitting can lead to muscle atrophy, decreased bone density, lower circulation, and other health problems.

Community Snapshot

By sharoN oLiver coNtriButiNg Writer

REGION - Prolonged sitting may bring relief to sore, achy feet but it could have a negative impact on our health. Millions of people are sedentary for at least eight hours a day. Between sitting at a desk all day and binge-watching a list of favorite programs, no wonder certain health issues arise. Our bodies were made to move.

Martha Tassinari is the founder of Custom Fit Physical Therapy in Sandwich, where among the many treatment therapies are joint mobilization and muscle energy technique. According to Tassinari, who is also a physical therapist and life coach, many of her patients are looking for a solution to decrease their pain and stiffness, become more mobile and return to an active lifestyle. Less sitting may be part of that solution.

Sitting for long periods of time can lead to a stiffening of the body, poor blood circulation and a risk of injuries. It also places pressure on the buttocks, hips, and spine, which can lead to pain, discomfort, and stiffness. After hours of sitting in front of a computer and staring at a screen, muscle knots can develop and/or you begin to experience stiffness in the neck, chest and shoulders areas. Nevertheless, body stiffness is not the only problem that can occur.

Aching back – Sustained static positions like sitting, especially in a slouched position, can be bad for the spine. Such posture places pressure on the discs in the lower back. The discs receive their nutrition from the vertebrae when we move around. Sitting in an upright posture for any length of time without back support puts pressure in the lower back’s facet joints, increasing stiffness in the hip flexors. Muscle atrophy – Muscle atrophy is

the loss of skeletal muscle mass caused by immobility, aging, malnutrition, medications, a wide range of injuries or diseases that impact the musculoskeletal or nervous system or by immobility. Muscle atrophy leads to muscle weakness and causes disability. Prolonged periods of sitting can weaken the muscles in your back, core, hips, and legs and lead to muscle imbalances. Having tightly wound muscles in one area while other areas are weak can disrupt the body’s natural alignment. Burning less calories – Burning calories is the top mission for all who desire to lose weight. Numerous studies have found that sitting for hours increases the risk of being overweight or obese. Even if losing weight is not your present goal, the body needs to expend energy. If not, you can expect weight gain over time.

Heart health – The heart is like any muscle in that it needs to get a good workout. Movement increases the body’s demand for oxygen. This helps to keep blood circulating through the arteries and tissues and decreases the risk of heart attack or stroke.

Good bones – Many who are age 65 and older start to naturally experience loss of bone mass. Prolonged sitting reduces the mechanical loading on our bones which can lead to decreased bone density, increasing the chance for fractures and osteoporosis. Weight-bearing activities like standing or walking help stimulate bone growth and density. Low circulation – Inactivity can decrease blood flow and circulation in the lower body and result in pooling of blood in the legs and lead to a risk of blood clots and swollen ankles.

Medical and physical professionals highly recommend staying active even if it is just walking around every 30 minutes to an hour to avoid any of the above-mentioned health risks. Keep your body moving.

WESTBOROUGH – Andrew Koenigsberg captured this photo of a red-tailed hawk perched on a tree in Westborough. According to the National Audubon Society, the red-tailed hawk is one of the most widespread hawks in North America.

Framingham Heart Study celebrates 75th anniversary

By NaNce eBert coNtriButiNg Writer

FRAMINGHAM – Seventy-five years ago, fifteen thousand participants voluntarily gave biological samples, health information and their time to participate in the Framingham Heart Study. The study’s original mission was to gain more knowledge regarding heart disease but has since evolved to include matters relating to other age-related diseases like dementia, bone diseases, diabetes, lung disease, stroke and more. The study has moved far beyond heart research and has included great partnerships with leading researchers.

To commemorate the 75th anniversary, several events are in the planning stages to include participant-focused ongoing research with a fall open house at the Framingham Heart Study headquarters in Framingham. In addition, next spring, there will be an official celebration with the local community, administration from Boston University, NIH and others.

Multiple generations of family participants

“It is currently estimated that there are seven thousand remaining participants in the study, and they belong to different groups,” said Patricia Connell, MPH, the director of operations at the Framingham Heart Study. “The first group are second generation or the children of the first generation of participants. The second group are the grandchildren

of the original participants.”

“The third group comprised of two additional cohorts recruited to participate as the original 1948 group consisted of primarily Caucasian people. This helped to increase the diversity,” Connell explained.

For the thousands of participants who volunteered with this study, there was no monetary compensation whatsoever. These people have been a part of something big and impactful, and for most, that was what they took pride in.

Identifying risk factors

Boston University School of Medicine has served as the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) contractor and academic partner for the study. The study found high blood cholesterol as well as high blood pressure to be major risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Additionally, cigarette smoking and diabetes were cited as a result of the FHS as risk factors for coronary heart disease.

As of February 2023, Framingham resident Agnes De Cenzo, age 105, was the last surviving original Framingham Heart Study participant. Her daughter, who is also a FHS participant, is proud to be a part of something that has such a huge impact with health around the world.

The interim multiple principal investigators of FHS include Joanne Murabito, MD and George O’Connor, MD.

“The dedication of the Framingham Heart Study participants has allowed the study to continue for

seventy-five years strong,” said Murabito. “The study is their study. The participants’ willingness to come in for testing has contributed to our knowledge of risk factors for heart disease and has expanded to many other important health conditions including brain aging and dementia.”

Origins go back to FDR

When President Franklin Delano Roosevelt died suddenly in office in 1945, it was determined that the cause of death was uncontrolled hypertension that progressed to heart failure and stroke. Harry Truman signed a bill forming the National Heart Institute, now known as the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. The Framingham Heart Study was the result of this bill.

“President Roosevelt’s death may have played a role in creating the Framingham Heart Study,” said Connell.

Here are some heart-healthy tips to include in your daily life. Try to eat smart by adding fresh fruits, vegetables, dark leafy greens, whole grains and healthy oils like olive oil or avocado oil to your diet. Exercise is key for cardiovascular health. Try to maintain a healthy weight and manage your stress. Consume alcohol in moderation. Control your cholesterol and blood pressure. Meet with your doctor for a yearly physical.

For more information about the Framingham Heart Study, please visit www.framinghamheartstudy.org.

By tyLer charPeNtier coNtriButiNg Writer

MARLBOROUGH – After writing for 35 years, Marlborough resident Sheryl Roberts has tackled numerous topics in her books, varying from educational business books to wacky books of facts.

Roberts recently published her 25th book, titled “Technical Writing for Dummies.” Her latest publication is a rewrite of the dummies first edition technical writing book, and centers around modern technical writing practices and skills.

She is originally from New York and moved to Massachusetts 30 years ago. After first settling in Salem, Roberts moved to Marlborough into a house built by her son and where she has lived alongside her husband for the last 28 years.

Roberts’ first encounter with writing was while she was teaching a legal skills course at a college in New Jersey.

“I came into the main office of the college one day and the secretary said to me, Webster just called and wanted to know if you would like to re-write the dictionary,” said Roberts.

She spoke to the editors from Merriam-Webster and they asked her to contribute chapters to their legal secretaries handbook. Roberts proceeded to write the main chapter of the handbook and since then, she’s “kept with it” in regards to writing.

Roberts is not only an award-winning writer but also worked in the field of marketing, business, and technical writing for many years. She continues to help support her field as a workshop facilitator and coach for business and technical writing, as well as creative writing.

Although Roberts has just finished her 25th book, she has no plans

on putting her writing career on halt anytime soon.

“I plan on writing until I die or until my hands are too arthritic to type,” she said with a smile.

Roberts is currently working on her 26th book which is centered around storytelling through presentations. She has invented a new word to describe this process and named it “storyopia”.

“It stems from the word utopia, which means the ultimate. It describes the experience of taking your audience on an ultimate journey from what is to what could be,” said Roberts.

Roberts has been an inspiration to numerous young writers throughout her career and advises them to “believe in yourself and never give up.”

“I kept with it for two years before I got my first book published but I never gave up. I just knew in my heart that eventually it was going to happen for me at some point and it did,” she concluded.

Sheryl Roberts recently published her 25th book titled “Technical Writing for Dummies.”

Celebrate the Winter Olympics with a visit to Lake Placid

By saNDi Barrett coNtriButiNg Writer

LAKE PLACID, N.Y. – In the villages, lakes, and mountains of Milan, Cortina d’Ampezzo, and other local cities and towns, the XXV Olympic Winter Games will descend upon Italy in 2026. February 6 through 22 will bring athletes to our TV screens as we watch them defy gravity, snow, and ice in their quest for an Olympic gold medal.

If you aren’t planning on traveling to Italy for the games, you can revel in the Winter Olympics past at the Lake Placid Olympic Museum. The museum commemorates the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics, which were based in Lake Placid, New York.

The drive from Central Massachusetts to Lake Placid is about five hours, making it the perfect destination for a short getaway vacation.

Lake Placid Olympic Museum

The museum reminds us of past Olympian feats of greatness and the extensive work it takes to become the best in your sport. As a guest, you can easily put yourself in the metaphorical shoes of the U.S. athletes. Experience a simulated bobsled run where the gravity-defying twists and turns have you wondering how the sled stays its course. Peruse the USA opening cer-

emony uniforms of Olympics past, highlighting how the styles and textiles have changed over decades of competition. Discover the nuances of distinctly designed Olympic torches used in the relays from Greece to their final destinations.

The Lake Placid Olympic Museum is a peek into

the highest of highs for our Olympic champions.

Miracle on ice

In the 1980 Olympic hockey game against the Soviet Union, the USA underdog team, led by coach Herb Brooks, locked up their standings in the round-robin

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Left: USA opening ceremony uniform at the Lake Placid Olympic Museum. Above: The Herb Brooks Hockey Arena is where Mike Eruzione scored the winning goal against the Soviet Union team in 1980, which put the Americans on the path to win the gold medal for Team USA.

PHOTOS/SANDI BARRETT

hockey quest for the gold.

When you step into the Herb Brooks Hockey Arena at the Lake Placid Olympic Museum, you may get a chill. Listen closely and you can almost hear the thundering roar of the crowd when Winthrop native and Boston University graduate Mike Eruzione scored the winning goal for team U.S.A. That goosebump moment when the puck flew off Eruzione’s stick is etched into the mind of every USA hockey fan.

Lake Placid Olympic Jumping Complex

Take a little drive down the road and visit the Lake Placid Olympic Jumping Complex. While you wouldn’t want to attempt the intrepid run down the 128-meter or even the 100-meter ski jump, you can ascend to the top. The Skyride gondola rides up, up, up alongside

the jumps to the base of the jumping towers. Then you board a glass elevator that takes you to the sky deck of the 128-meter jumping platform. Here you can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the Lake Placid area.

Dining and accommodations

When it comes to dining in Lake Placid there are lots of great options. Queue up at aptly named the breakfast club, etc. for a tasty on-the-water breakfast. Locals and visitors line up for their famous, filling, and flavorful röstis. For a delicious dinner with views of peaceful Mirror Lake, find a spot on the porch at The Cottage Restaurant and Cafe. The charming cafe serves up a selection of upscale comfort food.

You will find accommodation options for however you like to travel. The Mirror Lake Inn is walkable to

Affordable Living at its Best

Income Guidelines: $ 41,500 single / $47,400 couple

Now accepting Applications for 62 years of age and older and those that are under 62 years of age and are permanently disabled.

• Heat and hot water included

•

downtown and the museum. If you prefer to be away from the hubbub, then the Saranac Waterfront Lodge on Flower Lake in nearby Saranac Lake is a wonderful choice.

If you’re a diehard Winter Olympics fan, a visit to Lake Placid and the Olympic complex should be on your pre-2026 Olympics bucket list. As you go through your daily routine, take time to think of the stamina and dedication required of our Olympians. From sunup to sundown, they are continually preparing themselves to be comfortable in uncomfortable situations.

• Manicured walking paths with garden plots

• Ideally located in Natick residential bus route

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The Saranac Waterfront Lodge on Flower Lake in nearby Saranac Lake is a peaceful and picturesque place to stay.

PHOTO/SANDI BARRETT