Prime Time February 2022

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FEBRUARY 2022

Mr. Clean RETIREE GAINS CELEBRITY STATUS FOR LITTER REMOVAL

GAME CHANGER

A REVERSE MORTGAGE CAN GIVE YOUR BANK ACCOUNT A BOOST

The Frederick News-Post

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*Does not include cost of material. Expires 1/31/22. All participants who attend an estimated 60-90 minute in-home product consultation will receive a $50 gift card. No purchase is necessary. Retail value is $50. Offer sponsored by LeafGuard Holdings, Inc. Limit one gift card per household. LeafGuard procures, sells, and installs seamless gutter protection. This offer is valid for homeowners over 18 years of age. If married or have a life partner, both cohabitating persons must attend and complete presentation together. Participants must have a valid photo ID, understand English, and be legally able to enter into a contract.The following persons are not eligible for this offer: employees of LeafGuard or affiliated companies or entities, their immediate family members, previous participants in a LeafGuard in-home consultation within the past 12 months and all current and former LeafGuard customers. Promotion may not be extended, transferred, or substituted except that LeafGuard may substitute a gift card of equal or greater value if it deems it necessary. Gift card and terms and conditions (https://www.darden.com/gift-cards/terms-and-conditions) of such gift card will be mailed to the participant via first class US Mail within 21 days of receipt of promotion form provided at consultation. Not valid in conjunction with any other promotion or discount of any kind. Offer not sponsored or promoted by Darden Restaurants and is subject to change without notice prior to reservation. Offer ends 1/31/2022. LeafGuard operates as LeafGuard of DC in Virginia under registration number VA Class A Lic. #2705116122, in Maryland under registration number MHIC Lic. #116693, and in DC under registration number DC Permanent #420219000010.

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Publisher Geordie Wilson

Editor Lauren LaRocca

Sales Support Manager Noelle Hallman

Director of Revenue Connie Hastings

Calendar Editor Sue Guynn Photographers Bill Green Contributing Writers Jillian Altasek

Multimedia Marketing Consultants James Constantine Kathi Smith Karen Washburn

Advertising Director Brittney Hamilton

Distributed monthly in The Frederick News-Post and through selected distribution outlets. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED BY COPYRIGHT. Prices, specials and descriptions are deemed accurate as of the time of publishing.

This publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the express written consent of the publisher.

Advertising information has been provided by the advertisers. Opinions expressed in Prime Time Frederick are those of editors or contributors and do not necessarily reflect those of Ogden Newspapers of Maryland, LLC. All terms and conditions are subject to change. The cover, design, format and layout of this publication are trademarks of Ogden Newspapers of Maryland, LLC and published by The Frederick News-Post.

COVER: Frederick resident Gary Levy takes a walk through his neighborhood nearly every day with his wife. As he passes through area city parks and walkways he gathers trash and debris. Staff photo by Bill Green

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Mr. Clean

Whittier retiree gains neighborhood celebrity status for picking up litter

BY JILLIAN ATELSEK JATELSEK@NEWSPOST.COM

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hittier residents have come to recognize Gary Levy. He’s the man who — no matter the weather or season — can be seen strolling the streets of the Frederick neighborhood, clad in a neon coat or a reflective vest.

For years, he and his wife have been going on daily walks about three and a half miles long.

It’s enjoyable, Levy said. But after a while, it got dull.

“Walking can be a little boring sometimes,” he said. “Exercise notwithstanding.”

So now, in addition to his bright outfit, Levy, who is in his 60s and retired, takes his walks armed with rubber gloves and a trash bag. He picks up litter from across his neighborhood, sometimes returning with a full bag of garbage.

“Obviously, in a perfect world, people would not litter,” Levy said. “But they do. And so, I do my thing.”

The endeavor has an array of benefits, Levy said.

There’s the obvious one: movement.

Countless studies have linked daily walks to improved health outcomes. The simple ritual can boost everything from cardiovascular fitness to immune system health and provide relief for things Staff photos by Bill Green like arthritic pain and blood pressure issues, researchers say. Studies from the Frederick resident Gary Levy goes for a walk though his neighborhood nearly every American Heart Association indicate day with his wife and picks up trash and debris he sees. The walk is usually more that walking is just as effective as runthan three miles.

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ning when it comes to providing these benefits. And for many people, especially older folks, it’s a far more manageable habit to keep.

In addition to the physical outcomes, Levy enjoys the feeling of cleaning up the environment. He’s hopeful that keeping his neighborhood fresh and attractive will help his neighbors maintain or increase their property values.

He estimates that he collects between five and 10 pounds of trash each day, while his wife, Belinda, continues to accompany him on the walks, despite her mobility issues.

Levy estimates that he collects between five and 10 pounds of trash each day.

“Everybody benefits from it,” he said.

“And it doesn’t cost me anything because I’m walking anyway.”

Levy’s neighbors have noticed. They stop and thank him for his efforts, sometimes honking their horns as they pass by or presenting him with gifts.

One of Levy’s “encouragers” (his term) was a “safety man” who works at Fort Detrick for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. He’s the one who stopped and gave Levy the bright, construction-grade vest.

Other neighbors have gifted Levy an extendable grabbing arm, gloves and

boxes of trash bags. On a few occasions, he’s received gift certificates for local restaurants.

Usually, he tries to wave the givers off, insisting that he doesn’t need anything. But sometimes, Levy said, his neighbors are insistent.

“I appreciate that,” he said. “I guess they figure they’re getting a service.”

Steven DeGrange, a Whittier resident, said Levy has become a fixture in the community. He described the man as “a cheerful fellow” who takes it upon himself to call the city if public grass needs mowing or roads need to

be cleared of snow.

“It was just refreshing to see someone actually take part in the community — especially a retiree,” DeGrange said.

Levy worked for more than 30 years as an IT professional. Now, he scans the ground with an analytical curiosity.

Usually, the garbage is standard — cigarette butts, fast-food containers — but Levy has found some valuable items, too, including more than one discarded cell phone.

“If I were an archaeologist, it’d be very interesting to categorize some of it,” he said.

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Though he’s adamant he didn’t start the habit out of a desire for recognition, Levy said it feels good that his neighbors have so openly expressed their appreciation. He thinks he’s made a difference: Some of the streets along his regular route have much less trash than they did when he started a few years back, he said.

“Especially during the summer, when the kids are out and about, they see me doing it,” Levy said. “They see an old man doing it. And it’s a good example.”

Follow Jillian Atelsek on Twitter: @jillian_atelsek

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‘Game Changer’

Overcome tough economic times with a reverse mortgage

BY STEVEN J. SLESS SPECIAL TO THE NEWS-POST

U

nfortunately, we rang in 2022 with unprecedented inflation, rising cost of goods and income loss that started with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Making things worse, mortgage forbearance has been extended a few times, but now the loans are called due with most lenders. Homeowners have to enter into a loan modification agreement with their lender, refinance or arrange alternative agreements with their lender to start making payments again. Older homeowners in particular are facing real struggles, worrying whether they’ll have enough assets to last throughout their retirement.

That’s the bad news.

The good news is that there are three safe and strategic solutions for pivoting without having to dip into retirement savings: 1) accessing home equity with a reverse mortgage, 2) replacing a current mortgage with a reverse mortgage to eliminate mandatory mortgage payments, and 3) using a reverse mortgage to purchase a home more suitable for future needs without a mandatory monthly payment.

If you’re retired or close to retirement, home equity likely represents a large portion of your net worth. As of 2021, homeowners age 62 and up saw their collective housing wealth increase to $9.57 trillion, according to data provided by the National Reverse Mortgage Lender Association in conjunction with RiskSpan. A HECM reverse mortgage gives homeowners 62 and up access to a portion of the wealth tied up in their home while they still own and continue to live there.

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HOW IT WORKS Reverse mortgages provide qualified homeowners access to home equity, while retaining ownership of their home. The loans are called “reverse” because instead of making monthly payments to a lender, as with traditional mortgages, the lender pays the borrower.

A reverse mortgage can pay off and replace a traditional mortgage loan, reducing the burden of a mandatory monthly payment. This provides immediate savings. With a reverse mortgage, borrowers also can consolidate debt, protect their portfolio from market risk, supplement retirement income, fund long-term care and still keep some liquidity for emergencies.

With a variety of payout options,

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reverse mortgages are among the most versatile type of mortgage loans available. They offer flexibility that other mortgages don’t. Borrowers are not required to pay back the loan until the home is sold or the last remaining homeowner permanently vacates the home.

Borrowers can choose to make payments for any amount at any time but are not required to do so.

They may defer payback, which includes loan interest and any applicable mortgage insurance until they permanently leave the home.

As with any mortgage loan, borrowers must meet loan obligations: paying property taxes and homeowner’s insurance, and maintaining the home.

They also must live in the home as

their primary residence.

Reverse mortgages have gone through many transformations and improvements in recent years.

Through advanced research and public policy changes, these products are no longer considered the “loans of last resort” they were in the past.

In fact, they are now one of the most well-developed loans in the mortgage industry. Backed by the federal government, reverse mortgages have built-in protections and safeguards to keep borrowers safe.

Now is a particularly good time to consider a reverse mortgage because the housing market has boomed.

Some areas of the country have seen 30 percent housing appreciation, but this trend is not going to last.

The Perfect Combination.

American Rescue Plan funds will aid seniors

F Roy Cox

Steven J. Sless.

Reverse mortgage borrowers can lock in today’s house value to hedge against future market corrections.

Because the loan is based on present value, if you wait to lock in the loan and the value decreases, you won’t be able to borrow as much. Locking in the loan with today’s value can help offset financial losses during the pandemic and help older homeowners protect and prolong their retirement nest egg.

To be clear, reverse mortgages aren’t for everyone, but they are fast becoming a mainstream solution recommended many financial professionals. Take ample time, explore your options and seek professional advice before deciding if this is the right option for you.

Steven J. Sless, CLTC is division president of The Steven J. Sless Group of Primary Residential Mortgage, the lender’s national reverse mortgage division, and handles loans throughout Maryland.

Named a “Reverse Mortgage Game Changer” by Yahoo Finance, he is considered the go-to housing wealth source and one of the only mortgage professionals to have earned the Certified Long-Term Care designation. For more information, visit theslessgroup.com, call 410-814-7575, or follow @MoreWithSless on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.

rederick County Executive Jan Gardner in December announced several initiatives that will be funded through a portion of Frederick County’s American Rescue Plan Act allocation. The programs address needs that were identified through extensive public outreach. The funded initiatives announced will expand broadband, help seniors stay in their homes, and improve access to food and transportation.

“These projects will help to make life better for people in our community,” Gardner said. “We are seizing this opportunity so we can provide generational investments that will lay the foundation for a strong and equitable recovery with meaningful and lasting change.”

Specifically, a portion of Frederick County’s $50.4 million ARPA funds will go toward the following: n Provide equipment and retrofit homes to allow seniors to age in place, through the nonprofit Advocates for the Aging ($300,000) n Make home repairs for seniors, veterans and homeowners with disabilities, through the nonprofit Rebuilding Together ($300,000) n Conduct a feasibility study for a Frederick County Program for All-Inclusive Care of the Elderly, a program Frederick Health is considering to provide a full range of services, such as social work, medical, transportation and rehabilitation, to frail seniors ($125,000)

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HELP STOP MEDICINE MISUSE IN FREDERICK COUNTY Dispose of unwanted & expired medicine at the following locations: Brunswick Police Dept.

20 East “A” Street 24 hours a day Emmitsburg Community Center 300 South Seton Avenue Monday–Friday, 8AM–4:30PM Frederick Police Dept.

100 West Patrick Street 24 hours a day Frederick County Law Enforement Center 110 Airport Drive East 24 hours a day

Middletown Municipal Center 31 West Main Street Monday–Friday, 8AM–4PM Myersville Municipal Center 301 Main Street Monday–Friday, 9AM–4PM Thurmont Police Dept.

800 East Main Street Monday–Friday, 8AM–4PM

Acceptable Items: prescription & over-the-counter medications (in pill form only), prescription patches (fentanyl & nicotine replacement), medication for pets (in pill form only) Unacceptable Items: needles/sharps, inhalers, thermometers, aerosol cans, ointments, liquids, lotions, hydrogen peroxide, medicine from businesses or clinics

Stay InThe Know by visiting stayintheknow.org/opioids

A collaborative effort of local law enforcement, local government, and the Frederick County Health Department with funding from MDH and SAMHSA, 2022.

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Follow the MAP

Navigating programs and services and Frederick Division of Senior Services

BY ELDER SERVICES PROVIDER COUNCIL

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rederick County seniors and family members are fortunate to have access to a variety of programs and services throughout Maryland and Frederick Division of Senior Services.

Two programs that are important to know about and can sometimes be confusing are the Adult Evaluation and Review Services and the Maryland Access Point.

The most versatile program that everyone should know about is Maryland Access Point, or MAP. This service, available through Frederick County Government’s Senior Services Division, is a single inquiry call that opens pathways to needed services in the Frederick community for anyone 55 and older or anyone 18 and older with a disability or their family and caregivers. If you are thinking that you or a family member may benefit from or need services, this is the starting point. MAP helps people navigate the complex system of services and programs that exist in our community.

Using a screening tool developed by the state, MAP coordinators can assist a person in exploring what options are available, planning and obtaining services to remain as independent in the community. MAP coordinates with local government, non-profit agencies, and other organizations and businesses to assist citizens in coordinating necessary services. MAP can also assist with the referrals to subsidy programs and the submission of those forms and other dedicated paperwork.

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for an elderly person or functionally disabled adults who might need longterm care and are at risk for institutionalization. Frederick County AERS, a Maryland Medicaid program is in the Frederick County Health Department.

The team, consisting of nurses and social workers normally provide a comprehensive medical/nursing, environmental, and psychosocial assessment in the individual’s home or current residence. However, due to COVID-19 all assessments are currently being done via telephone. Upon completion of the evaluation, the team develops a plan of care that recommends services that may enable the individual to remain at home, or in the least restrictive environment

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where they are able to function at the highest possible level of independence.

AERS staff also conduct assessments for community Medicaid recipients who are seeking Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) such as the Community First Choice (CFC), Community Personal Assistance (CPAS) and Community Options Waiver (COW) Programs. This team is also responsible for monitoring the client’s home care services once they are established.

The AERS program is also tasked to conduct Preadmission Screening and Resident Review (PASRR) Services, an evaluation of an individual seeking placement in a nursing facility who has,

or is suspected of having, a diagnosis of mental illness, a developmental disability, or both. The staff also evaluates individuals, currently residing in a nursing facility who screen positive for mental illness a developmental disability, or both, and demonstrate a significant change in their physical or mental condition as defined in federal regulations.

Anyone who may need long term care services or assistance with finding resources in our community should call the local the Maryland Access Point Program at 301-600-1234. The MAP Coordinator will forward any referral to an agency or service to make the process streamlined and as simple as possible.

Retire your shovel not your lifestyle

Take it to Heart

At Edenton you can focus on the things that matter most to you and leave the rest to us. Our vibrant community is designed to enhance an independent lifestyle while providing convenience and safety.

Cardiovascular risks may be worse for thinking, memory skills in middle-aged women

BY SUSAN BARBER LINDQUIST MAYO CLINIC NEWS NETWORK

A

Mayo Clinic study shows heart conditions such as coronary artery disease and cardiovascular risk factors such as diabetes and high cholesterol have stronger association with decline in memory and thinking skills during midlife for women than men. That’s despite a higher prevalence of those conditions in men. The research is published in Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

“It is well-known that men, compared to women, have a higher prevalence of cardiovascular conditions and risk factors in midlife. However, our study suggests that women in midlife with these conditions and risk factors are at greater risk of cognitive decline,” says Michelle Mielke, Ph.D., a Mayo Clinic epidemiologist and neuroscientist, and senior author of the study. “Thus, while all men and women should be treated for cardiovascular conditions and risk factors in midlife, additional monitoring of women may be needed as a potential means of preventing cognitive decline.”

The research used the population-based Mayo Clinic Study of Aging and included 1,857 participants without dementia who were 50 to 69 at their initial visit. Of the participants, 920 were men and 937 were women. Every 15 months for an average of three years, study participants’ global cognition was evaluated with nine tests of memory, language, executive function and spatial skills.

The study found most cardiovascular conditions were more strongly associated with cognitive function among women.

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The annual decline for global cognition associated with coronary artery disease, for example, was more than two times greater for women than men.

It is important to understand sex differences in the development of cognitive impairment to enhance the health of women and men, Dr. Mielke says. Middle-aged adults, especially women with a history of heart disease, may represent critical subgroups for early monitoring. Additional research is needed across the life span to examine potential mechanisms explaining sex differences in the relationship between cardiovascular factors and cognition, such as hormones, genetics, lifestyle and psychosocial factors, Dr. Mielke says.

Funding for this study was provided by grants from the National Institutes of Health and the GHR Foundation, and resources were provided by the Rochester Epidemiology Project, which is supported by the National Institute on Aging. Other study authors are Nan Huo, M.D., Ph.D.; Prashanthi Vemuri, Ph.D.; Jonathan Graff-Radford, M.D.; Jeremy Syrjanen; Mary Machulda, Ph.D.; David Knopman, M.D.; Clifford Jack Jr., M.D.; and Ronald Petersen, M.D., Ph.D. — all of Mayo Clinic. Dr. Mielke is a consultant for Biogen and Brain Protection Co., and she is on the editorial boards of Neurology and the Alzheimer’s & Dementia Journal.

5800 Genesis Lane, Frederick, MD 21703 www.EdentonFrederick.com • 301-694-3100

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Each office independently owned and operated

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Put It In Writing

Why it’s important to tell your kids the story of your life

BY ARMIN BROTT TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE

D

ear Mr. Dad: My mother passed away several years ago and my father suffers from dementia. They were great parents and are definitely role models for me as I father my own children (ages 7, 12 and 16). The problem is when my kids ask me questions about their grandparents, I barely have any answers. Although both of my parents were very involved in all aspects of my life, including school, sports, music and so on, they almost never told me anything about their own lives, especially when they were kids. I have so many questions and it makes me incredibly sad — and a little angry — to realize I’ll never be able to get answers. I don’t want to make the same mistake my parents did. Is there some way I can make sure my kids will know me after I’m gone?

Thank you for such a thoughtful question. Although both my parents are, thankfully, still alive, I’ve been thinking about this exact thing for quite some time, and I know there are plenty of others like us. As parents (and especially dads), when we talk about providing for our children, the discussions tend to focus on the financial — insurance, college savings and so on — and we overlook the kind of intangibles you mentioned. But giving our children the knowledge of who we are, our life experiences, our triumphs, our failures, our family history and our personal philosophy is a gift that’s just as important as money. Maybe even more so.

Just think of all the knowledge we have about our kids: We know how much they weighed when they were born, when they rolled over, when they took their first steps, the name of their

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favorite stuffie, who their friends are, what size shoes they wear, whether they wet the bed or not, who their favorite (and least favorite) teachers are, what they like to read, the trouble they got into, and the story behind every scar (real or imagined).

But how much do our kids know about us? Probably not nearly as much.

And that’s a mistake. By not telling them about ourselves — where we came from and how we became who we are — we’re doing them a tremendous disservice. At the very least, our stories can bring us closer together. Stories let them know we’re not just lecturing them about life, but that we’ve actually lived it, that we’ve had experiences that

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are similar to theirs, and that we really understand them.

Just to be clear, I’m not talking about teachable moments or being a good role model. There’s definitely a place for both, but this isn’t it. This is simply about introducing ourselves and our history to our children. The first step toward that goal is to remind ourselves of our stories. What was life like when you were growing up? What were your earliest memories? What were your favorite subjects in school? How did it feel when your first romantic relationship ended?

Kids absolutely love these stories — especially the ones where you’re less than perfect. Mine, for example, still

enjoy hearing about when I got caught shoplifting in third grade, the many times I got my butt paddled in the principal’s office as punishment for a variety of misdeeds, or the time I was detained and interrogated by the KGB on trip to the then-Soviet Union when I was 19.

Write down as many of your stories as you can think of or do audio or video recordings.You might even want to start a blog. And remember, it’s not always about the past. The experiences you have right now — things as mundane as what you did at work today — are all part of your living legacy.

Read Armin Brott’s blog at dadsoup. com, follow him on Twitter @mrdad, or or email armin@mrdad.com.

Find your favorite activity at Fahrney Keedy!

Whether it’s a game of cards, attending an ice cream social or an area excursion, Fahrney Keedy has many choices for seniors.

Phase III Construction begins soon!

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Diane and Marvin Querry, pictured in 2018, have been married for 47 years. Diane has lived at Barone Alzheimers Care Center in Nevada, Missouri, for two years.

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More Than Assisted Living Record Street will surprise you!

• • • •

As COVID hits nursing homes’ finances, town residents fight to save Alzheimer’s facility

BY JUDITH GRAHAM KAISER HEALTH NEWS

M

arvin Querry, 86, was on his tractor, planting rye on his 770-acre western Missouri farm, when the call came in early November.

It was the social worker from Barone Alzheimer’s Care Center, where Querry’s wife, Diane, is a resident. The facility would be closing because of financial hardship, she said, reading from a statement.

It was an agonizing moment for Querry, a retired physics professor and former executive dean for academic affairs at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. “I

was stunned,” he said. “Where could I find another place as wonderful to care for Diane?”

It’s rare to hear people talk about a nursing home the way they talk about this 40-bed facility in Nevada, Missouri — a city of nearly 8,300 people near the Kansas border — with deep affection, respect and gratitude.

“We couldn’t ask for a more loving and thoughtful staff than those who work at Barone,” a woman whose mother lives there wrote on a petition to save the facility. In a business where staff turnover is constant, many of Barone’s staff members have been there for five years or more.

Exceptional care for life Unique financial security Never outlive your funds The support you need with the independence you enjoy

To learn more, call 301-663-6822; speak to Kevin or Tracy. recordstreethome.org gm.rsh@comcast.net Live in beautiful downtown Frederick, near restaurants, shops, C. Burr Artz Public Library, Weinberg Center for the Arts, Carroll Creek, Baker Park.

Why Wh h wait? Wh When h you need assisted living, you’ll already be home!

See FACILITY, 17 THE FREDERICK NEWS-POST

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Record Street Home

a lifetime home in historic downtown Frederick, Maryland Since 1892

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FEBRUARY CALENDAR Events are subject to change, cancellation or postponement.

Please contact individual event organizers for up-to-date status of events.

FREDERICK COUNTY SENIOR SERVICES DIVISION CLASSES

Virtual 50+ Center live virtual fitness classes. Preregister. $60 fitness pass for classes.

Location: Online and hosted by Senior Services Division Virtual 50+ Center Contact: FrederickCountyMD.gov/ Virtual50 or VirtualSeniorCenter@ FrederickCountyMD.gov Mondays, 1:30 p.m. Line Dance — Improve your balance and have fun!

Includes a review of basic steps.

Mondays, 2:45 p.m. Floor Yoga — Focus on alignment of the muscular and skeletal structures, along with breathing techniques using both held and moving postures.

Tuesdays, 9 a.m. Strength & Stretch — Using light weights (or soup cans or water bottles).

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10:30 a.m. Morning Flow Yoga — Incorporating traditional & nontraditional yoga moves to energize & waken the body. These will include standing & sitting asanas (postures).

Tuesdays, 1:30 p.m. Zumba Gold — Active cardio low-impact dance moves and energizing music.

Wednesdays, 9 a.m. Joy of Movement — “Aging Backwards: Eccentrics for Seniors” is a dynamic, gentle full body movement that increases cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength and joint mobility.

Done seated and standing, with modifications.

Wednesdays, 12:15 p.m. Zumba Gold — Active cardio low-impact dance moves and energizing music.

Wednesdays, 3 p.m. Meditation and Movement (M&M) — Tai-Chi inspired seated exercise class. The focus is on releasing tension in the body through slow movement and deep breathing.

Wednesdays, 7 p.m., second Wednesday of the month — Yoga

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Nidra (yogic sleep), helps induce a conscious meditative state between waking and sleeping. The practice reduces stress and improves sleep.

You may lay on the floor, bed or recliner. Comfort is key.

Thursdays, 9 a.m. Strength & Stretch — Using light weights or soup cans or water, bottles join this strength training and gentle stretching.

Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. Morning Flow Yoga — Incorporating traditional and nontraditional yoga moves to energize and waken the body. These will include standing and sitting asanas (postures).

Thursdays, 1 p.m. Line Dancing — Improve your balance, get moving and have fun. In-depth step instruction building on the previous weeks.

Fridays, 9:15 a.m. Zumba Gold — Active cardio low-impact dance moves and fun music.

Fridays, 10:30 a.m. Yin Yang Yoga — This class brings together the benefits of passively holding yoga poses with more active dynamic sequences and standing postures; working on the muscles and blood flow, building strength, stamina and flexibility.

SENIOR RECREATION COUNCIL Open Duckpin Bowling — 1-3 p.m. Thursdays, Walkersville Bowling Lanes, contact Gerald at 240-651-1865 Tuesdays Bridge — 8:45 a.m. to noon, Creekside at Taskers Chance Senior Apartments, call Pat at 240651-5651.

Adult Exercise — 8:50 to 10 a.m.

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, William Talley Rec Center, Frederick, contact Sally at 301-9061296 Basketball — 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Tuesdays, Walkersville Rec Center, contact Adrian at 301-662-6623 SRC Talley Book Group — 10:15 a.m. Feb. 21, via Zoom, contact Jane at 301-658-8680 FARMERS MARKETS Please follow market guidelines when visiting, including wearing of facial masks.

Frederick Fresh Online. Place orders from 8 a.m. Thursdays through 8 p.m. Sundays. Pickups are 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in Urbana, Downtown Frederick, Point of Rocks and at Stone Pillar Farm, 6316 Mount Phillip Road, Frederick.

FEBRUARY CALENDAR Sustainable and local produce, dairy, eggs, meat, baked goods and specialty items from a variety of farmers and small businesses in the area. lisa@communityfare.org. frederickfreshonline.com.

Myersville Farmers Indoor Market.

Myersville Volunteer Fire Co. banquet hall, 301 Main St., Myersville, first and third Saturdays, 9 a.m. to noon.

Feb. 5 and 19, March 12 and April 20. myersvillefarmersmarket.com. josh 301-524-1035 or manager@ myersvillefarmersmarket.com.

FEB. 3

Senior Exercise Classes Every Tuesday and Thursday. 11 a.m. to noon yoga same days except for second Tuesday of the month, $5 per class. Other classes $2 per class. COVID vaccines required to participate.

Time: 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Location: AMVETS, 408 Green St., Middletown Contact: 301-371-5170 The Warrior Tradition: American Indians in WWII Presented by National WWII Museum Staff In addition to the most famous group of American Indians, the Navajo Code Talkers, uncover surprising and lesser-known stories of these warriors in uniform. Hear segments from the Museum’s oral history collection, including Medal of Honor recipient Van Barfoot, and the File photo by Dan Neuland last surviving Crow war chief Joe Medicine Crow. With a focus on Rick Guynn, of Frederick, keeps his eye open for geese while enjoying a winter float hunt on the Monocacy River. language and symbols, explore how the Code Talkers used their in the 1920s and ‘30s defined by www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/ The McCartney Years once-suppressed languages to an outpouring of African American Virtual50 Note-for-note, harmonies and riff, successfully transmit code on the Songs in the Attic: The Music of every song is played live with nothing literature, theater, music and art. battlefront, attempt to crack the Discuss the origins of this period and Billy Joel pre-recorded and to the standard “unbreakable” Navajo code, and explore some of the many influential set by Paul McCartney in the early David Clark entertains with spot on discuss why native language and writers, poets, visual artists and 1970s. $34.50 and up. accuracy with dynamic and high terminology are still relevant to musicians. Speaker is Vivian Fisher, energy. If you love the music of Billy Time: 7 to 9:30 p.m. day. $5 person.

African American Department, Joel, this show is a can’t miss.

Location: Maryland Theatre, 21 S. Enoch Pratt Free Library. Free, preTime: 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Time: 7 p.m.

Potomac St., Hagerstown registration required.

Location: Online and hosted by Location: Maryland Theatre, 21 S. Contact: 301-790-3500 or Time: 2 to 3 p.m.

Senior Services Division Virtual Potomac St., Hagerstown mdtheatre.org/mccartney 50+ Center Location: Online and hosted by Contact: 301-790-3500 or Senior Services Division Virtual 50+ Contact: VirtualSeniorCenter@ FEB. 4 Center mdtheatre.org FrederickCountyMD.gov or visit The Harlem Renaissance www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/ Contact: VirtualSeniorCenter@ See CALENDAR, 14 Virtual50 A cultural and social movement FrederickCountyMD.gov or visit THE FREDERICK NEWS-POST

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FEBRUARY CALENDAR continued from 13

FEB. 6

Frederick Speaker Series: Fran Lebowitz Ironic, facetious, deadpan, sarcastic, wry, wisecracking, and waggish, Lebowitz’s prose is wickedly entertaining. $35, $40 and $45.

Time: 3 p.m.

Location: Weinberg Center for the Arts, 28 W. Patrick St., Frederick Contact: 301-600-2828 or weinbergcenter.org

FEB. 7

Great Decisions Discussion Group Discussion on world affairs. Topics are drawn from the 2022 Foreign Policy Association Briefing book and include topics such as climate change, industrial policy and Biden’s agenda. Each class begins with a short video. Presented via Zoom.

Eight-week program. $5 plus the cost of the 2022 Briefing Book.

Time: 10 to 11:30 a.m.

Location: Online and hosted by Senior Services Division Virtual 50+ Center Contact: VirtualSeniorCenter@ FrederickCountyMD.gov or visit www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/ Virtual50 Lawyer in the Library with Md. Legal Aid Also Feb. 25. Maryland Legal Aid’s Midwestern Office and the C. Burr Artz Public Library host their biweekly Lawyer in the Library event.

Maryland Legal Aid attorneys will provide brief, one-on-one advice focusing specifically on criminal record expungement and COVID-related housing issues. No appointments needed, first come first served.

Time: Noon Location: C. Burr Artz Public Library, second floor, 110 E. Patrick St., Frederick Contact: 240-215-3741

FEB. 8

Monthly Senior Luncheon Held the second Tuesday of each

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month. Dr. Mary Beth Aronow, retina specialist, will speak on eye care. $10 per person, reservations and COVID-19 vaccinations required to attend.

Time: Noon Location: AMVETS, 408 Green St., Middletown Contact: 301-371-5170

FEB. 9

Love Your Heart Ever wonder how food affects your heart? The program will provide answers on salt and fat, and ways to improve your health. Speaker is Thu Huynh, RD, LDN, in-store nutritionist, Giant Food. Free, pre-register.

Time: 9 to 10 a.m.

Location: Online and hosted by Senior Services Division Virtual 50+ Center Contact: VirtualSeniorCenter@ FrederickCountyMD.gov or visit www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/ Virtual50 Sleep Your Way to Better Brain Health Based on the NY Times bestseller “Why We Sleep,” by Matthew Walker, Ph.D. Explore the critical need for sleep and the essential role it plays in brain health and functioning. Five-week program, free but pre-registration required.

Time: 1:30 to 2:45 p.m. for five weeks Location: Online and hosted by Senior Services Division Virtual 50+ Center Contact: VirtualSeniorCenter@ FrederickCountyMD.gov or visit www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/ Virtual50

FEB. 10

Fundraiser Night at Roy Rogers Benefits the Thurmont Senior Center. When ordering, mention the fundraiser and the center will receive 25 percent of the total sales. Every second Thursday.

Time: 5 to 8 p.m.

Location: Roy Rogers, 203 Frederick Road, Thurmont Contact: 301-271-7911 or

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thurmontseniorcenter.org Gordon Lightfoot: The Legend in Concert Celebrating two huge releases: his first full-length album in 14 years, and the nationwide release of the documentary film “Gordon Lightfoot: If You Could Read My Mind.” $49 and up.

Time: 8 p.m.

Location: Weinberg Center for the Arts, 20 W. Patrick St., Frederick

Contact: 301-600-2828 or weinbergcenter.org

FEB. 11

Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve: Ask a Park Ranger — Living and Working in Glacier Bay, Alaska Topics can cover the flora, fauna, glaciers, geology and cultural history of the bay, as well as life in rural Alaska, careers with NPS and more. Email the virtual center with

FEBRUARY CALENDAR questions before the program. Free, pre-registration required.

Time: 2 to 3 p.m.

Location: Online and hosted by Senior Services Division Virtual 50+ Center Contact: VirtualSeniorCenter@ FrederickCountyMD.gov or visit www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/ Virtual50 Classic Albums Live: The Eagles Greatest Hits A note for note, cut for cut recreation of one of the best-selling greatest hits packages in recording history. $28 and up.

Time: 8 p.m.

Location: Weinberg Center for the Arts, 20 W. Patrick St., Frederick Contact: 301-600-2828 or weinbergcenter.org

FEB. 12

New to Medicare Workshop Trained State Health Insurances Program staff help Medicare beneficiaries, family members and caregivers understand Medicare benefits, bills and rights. Free, preregister.

Time: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Location: Online and hosted by Senior Services Division Virtual 50+ Center Contact: VirtualSeniorCenter@ FrederickCountyMD.gov or visit www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/ Virtual50

FEB. 14

Supportive Services: Do You Qualify?

Through the completion of a Level One screening conducted by Maryland Access Point (MAP) staff, individuals may be able to access a variety of supportive services. Learn more about the Level One screening process and the MAP program in general! Maryland Access Point of Frederick County (MAP) is a trusted source of information and assistance for Frederick County residents who need or want to plan for their immediate and future needs. MAP serves adults 50 years and older, adults 18 years and older with a

disability, family members and other caregivers, and health or business professionals. Preregister. Free.

Time: 10 to 11 a.m.

Location: Online and hosted by Senior Services Division Virtual 50+ Center Contact: VirtualSeniorCenter@ FrederickCountyMD.gov or visit www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/ Virtual50

FEB. 16

Third Wednesday Jazz Series: The Leister Quartet With special guest Nick Reider.

Benefits Find Your Purpose. $10.

Time: 7 p.m.

Location: Carroll Arts Center, 91 W. Main St., Westminster Contact: 410-848-7272 or carrollcountyartscouncil.org

FEB. 17

Double Victory: African Americans in WWII, Presented by the National WWII Museum Learn about the triumphs and challenges experienced by African Americans on the battle fronts and on the home front. Meet Pearl Harbor hero Dorie Miller, the Montford Point Marines, the Tuskegee Airmen, and the seven African American Medal of Honor recipients. $5, pre-register.

Time: 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Location: Online and hosted by Senior Services Division Virtual 50+ Center Contact: VirtualSeniorCenter@ FrederickCountyMD.gov or visit www.

FrederickCountyMD.gov/Virtual50

FEB. 18

Groceries for Seniors Free monthly distribution of seasonal produce, canned goods and shelfstable products. All Frederick County residents age 60+ with an income below $1,450 per month are eligible.

Bring a photo ID to register the first time. Third Friday of each month.

Time: Noon Location: Online and hosted by Senior Services Division Virtual 50+ Center

Contact: VirtualSeniorCenter@ FrederickCountyMD.gov or visit www.

FrederickCountyMD.gov/Virtual50 Russian Ballet Theatre Presents “Swan Lake” Experience the grandeur of the Russian ballet. $56.75 to $86.75.

Time: 8 p.m.

Location: Weinberg Center for the Arts, 20 W. Patrick St., Frederick Contact: 301-600-2828 or weinbergcenter.org

FEB. 19

Eric Byrd Trio: Brother Ray Band The Trio joins forces with some of the best musicians in the Mid-Atlantic region to pay tribute to the Ray Charles songbook. $20 and up.

Time: 8 p.m.

Location: Weinberg Center for the Arts, 20 W. Patrick St., Frederick Contact: 301-600-2828 or weinbergcenter.org

FEB. 20

Community Concert Series: Women’s Guitar Gala Classical guitarists Danielle Cumming, Magdalena Duhagon, and Candice Mowbray. Free.

Time: 3 to 4:30 p.m.

Location: Calvary United Methodist Church, 131 W. Second St., Frederick Contact: 301-662-1464 or calvaryumc.org “The Color Purple” (1985) A classic film moment on the big screen. $7.

Time: 3 p.m.

Location: Weinberg Center for the Arts, 20 W. Patrick St., Frederick Contact: 301-600-2828 or weinbergcenter.org

FEB. 23

Flying Dog Film Series: “Shaft” (1971) Cult classic and craft beer. Happy hour begins at 6:30 p.m., film at 7:30 p.m. $7, plus beer.

Time: 6:30 p.m.

Location: Weinberg Center for the Arts, 20 W. Patrick St., Frederick Contact: 301-600-2828 or THE FREDERICK NEWS-POST

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weinbergcenter.org

FEB. 24

New to Medicare Workshop Trained State Health Insurances Program staff help Medicare beneficiaries, family members and caregivers understand Medicare benefits, bills and rights. Free, preregister.

Time: 1 to 2:30 p.m.

Location: Online and hosted by Senior Services Division Virtual 50+ Center Contact: VirtualSeniorCenter@ FrederickCountyMD.gov or visit www.

FrederickCountyMD.gov/Virtual50

FEB. 25

Kathy Mattea and Suzy Bogguss: Together at Last!

Armed with 2 careers worth of stories and more hits than they can fit. $28 and up.

Time: 8 p.m.

Location: Weinberg Center for the Arts, 20 W. Patrick St., Frederick Contact: 301-600-2828 or weinbergcenter.org

FEB. 26

Baltimore Mandolin Orchestra in Concert Featuring 30 musicians, this orchestra plays an eclectic mix of mandolin arrangements, from rags, marches, and dance and pop tunes to short classical gems, grand Italian romantic pieces, and contemporary compositions. In addition to mandolins, this ensemble features some of the more exotic lower-range members of the mandolin family, including mandolas, mandocellos and mandobasses. The orchestra also often uses woodwinds, brass instruments, and vocal numbers to add color and variety to their concerts. $14 adults, $10 ages 25 and under or 60 and over.

Time: 7:30 p.m.

Location: Carroll Arts Center, 91 W. Main St., Westminster Contact: 410-848-7272 or carrollcountyartscouncil.org

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15

Boredom Busters

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

CLUES ACROSS 11. __ de Mornay, actress 8. Surrenders 13. Omission 14. The white poplar 15. They become butterflies

CLUES DOWN 1. Get back 2. Pass or go by 3. Having a sharp taste 4. Midway between east and southeast 5. Cairo Regional Airport 6. Peace officer 7. Brings to life

19. Used to chop

8. Automotive vehicles

20. Select

9. One point south of due east

21. Volcanic craters

10. Football position 22. Consumer price index 11. Goes by 23. Utilize 12. Most attractive 24. “True Blood” actress Paquin

18. Small, faint constellation

26. Sank in

22. Cabbage

30. Retail

25. Least frequent

32. Most bald 34. Unit of loudness

30. More coherent

39. Learned skill 50. PI

30. SALES

49. PEW

26. PERMEATED

48. SARAN

25. ROSE

47. IVA

24. ANNA

46. MIA

23. USE

45. TALK

22. CPI

44. RIMY

21. MAARS

40. DECERTIFY

20. OPT 19. AX 15. CATERPILLARS 14. ABELE 13. ELISION 8. CEDES 1. REBECCA SOLUTIONS ACROSS

39. CRAFT 38. SIRES

34. SICKNESS

8. CARS

32. BORE

7. ANIMATES

30. SANER

6. COP

29. ARES

5. CIR

28. EGYPT

4. ESE 3. BITTER 1. RECOUP SOLUTIONS DOWN 59. SECEDED 58. SLEEK

35. STRIPS

57. SCIENCE

34. SONE 33. DYES

56. CE 54. TEE 53. SIC 52. ACE 51. SHE

27. MODIFY

2. ELAPSE

48. SOAK 45. TAU

25. RAREST

43. YAWNED

22. COLE

42. FIERCE

18. ARA

41. IMPEND

17. LAND

40. DART

16. LANES 12. SEXIEST

38. SELAH

11. ELAPSES

55. PACHA

37. RAMA 36. TRIVIAL

10. DE

ERN

32. BAREST

35. SCRIPPS

9. EBS

51. SOUTHEAST-

31. OGRES

THE FREDERICK NEWS-POST

32. Make uninteresting 34. Nausea 35. Institution of Oceanography

40. Remove qualification 36. Of little value 37. Hindu model of the 44. Covered with frost ideal man 45. Speak up 38. Biblical exclamation 46. Nowhere to be found 47. Part of surgery (abbr.)

48. Type of wrap 49. Church seating 50. Mathematical figure 51. College football conference 55. Turkish officer title 57. Organized body of knowledge 58. Smooth and glossy 59. Left

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28. A country in NE Africa 29. Metric units of measure

38. Fathers

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27. Change slightly

33. Changes color 35. Undresses

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17. Not the sea

25. Got up

31. Giants

16 | FEBRUARY 2022

16. Road divisions

40. You throw it at a board 41. Be about to happen 42. Brutal 43. Opened one’s mouth widely 45. 19th letter of Greek alphabet 48. Saturate 51. The woman 52. Someone who is highly skilled 53. A way to launch an attack on 54. Where golfers begin 56. Atomic number 58

FACILITY, continued from 11 “The care there, it goes beyond words,” said Kay Stevens, whose 94-year-old mother moved into Barone in May. “The residents are treated so well, and it’s such a joyous environment.”

But even a sterling reputation and deep community support can’t overcome a stark reality: The future of nursing homes is deeply uncertain as older adults and their families shy away from care in these institutions, where nearly 142,000 residents have died of COVID-19.

With ongoing expenses related to the pandemic and beds sitting empty, 54 percent of nursing homes report operating at a financial loss, according to a national survey released in June by the American Health Care Association, a long-term care trade organization. Only a quarter are confident they can make it through the next year or beyond. At least 134 nursing homes closed their doors in 2021, on top of 170 closures in 2020.

Although COVID relief funding has helped many nursing homes in the short term, “things are much more uncertain going forward,” said David Grabowski, a professor of health policy at Harvard Medical School.

Barone’s fortunes reflect these broader trends. Before the pandemic, all 40 beds were full, and there was a waiting list of 25 people. About 60 percent of patients paid privately for care; the other 40 percent were on Medicaid, the government’s program for people who are poor. The facility was making money, although not a lot.

Then COVID began circulating, and an outbreak of 32 COVID cases and four associated deaths in the weeks after Thanksgiving in 2020 created enormous stress. Querry’s wife, Diane, 76, was one of the residents who became ill, but she recovered.

Between January and October of last year, Barone’s financial losses totaled $675,318, according to data from William Denman, city treasurer of Nevada, which owns the facility. Even more alarming, another city-owned nursing home, Moore-Few Care Center, which has 108 licensed beds, lost more than $1.1 million in the same period.

Moore-Few, which does not include a locked area for patients with dementia,

Courtesy Paula George/Kaiser Health News/TNS

Marvin Querry, pictured with his wife, Diane, in February 2020 on her first day at the Barone Alzheimers Care Center in Nevada, Missouri, is leading the fight to save the nursing home from closing. experienced a COVID outbreak after a staffer came to work with symptoms in October 2020. In the following weeks, 47 residents contracted the virus, and 10 died. A subsequent investigation resulted in an “immediate jeopardy” citation from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, a signal of serious problems that pose a risk to residents and mandates quick action, and a fine of $144,693. Investigators found that the nursing home had not adequately screened staffers for COVID or prevented those with symptoms from working.

Since then, about half of Moore-Few’s beds have remained empty.

Financial and operational problems of this sort “can’t continue,” said Denman, a retired businessman who grew up in Nevada. “We’re going to lose both of these homes if we don’t do something soon.”

But there’s considerable controversy over how to move forward.

Marvin Querry has become an activist — a role he never anticipated playing at this stage of life — leading the opposition to Barone’s closure.

The day after he learned of the proposal to close the home, Querry asked several pointed questions at a meeting of a five-member board that oversees Neva-

da’s nursing homes. More than 100 community members attended that meeting, many of them angry and distressed. The board ended up tabling plans to vote on the home’s closure for now.

A few days later, with his daughter’s help, Querry created an online change. org petition requesting detailed financial information about Nevada’s nursing homes and protesting Barone’s closure.

Within a month, it had gathered more than 1,500 signatures.

Also, Querry attended city council meetings and ran ads in the local newspaper three times a week featuring the petition. “I’ve spent almost $3,000 on these ads. I’m willing to spend $30,000 — or more — because the care [at Barone] is unsurpassed.”

He wants nothing less for Diane, 76, whom he’s been married to for 47 years and who’s lived at Barone for two years.

Every evening, Querry goes there to feed her dinner.

Karen Hertzberg, who owns a local furniture store and whose husband, Steve, 68, moved to Barone in September, feels equally strongly about saving the facility. “We need time for conversation, for research, for finding funding,” she told me. Steve has severe multiple sclerosis THE FREDERICK NEWS-POST

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with related cognitive dysfunction and is completely dependent on assistance.

One option could be a new city tax that would pay for Nevada’s city-owned longterm care facilities.When the city hospital faced financial trouble several years ago, voters passed a dedicated tax. It generates about $800,000 a year for the hospital, whose financial difficulties continue.

“We rallied to save the hospital, so why aren’t we saving our seniors? We need to stand up and fight for this,” said Jennifer Gundy, a lifelong resident of Nevada and executive director of On My Own, a center that helps older adults and people with disabilities live independently.

But what if current trends continue beyond the pandemic? What if families shun nursing homes and keep loved ones at home? And what if short-term solutions — grants for COVID-related funding, contributions from donors, new city funding — don’t make up for financial shortfalls for long?

Faced with the controversy over Barone Care Center’s potential closure, four members of Nevada’s long-term care board resigned. As four new members joined the board in mid-December, Moore-Few’s administrator and up to a dozen staffers also tendered their resignations. The sense of crisis seems more acute than before.

Officials are sending mixed messages.

“Our intent is to do whatever has to be done and absolutely keep [Barone] open,” said George Knox, Nevada’s mayor. “I don’t think anything is decided yet,” said Judy Campbell, who chairs the city’s long-term care board. “We just have to go back to square one and see if there’s any chance of keeping Barone going.”

In the meantime, community members are determined not to back down. “I have no idea what will happen, but I’m not giving up,” Querry said. “I’m going to do everything I can to save this place that’s so important to all of us.”

KHN (Kaiser Health News) is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues. Together with Policy Analysis and Polling, KHN is one of the three major operating programs at KFF (Kaiser Family Foundation).

KFF is an endowed nonprofit organization providing information on health issues to the nation.)

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17

Boredom Busters

SUDOKU

Here’s How It Works:

Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!

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19

Open House Every Saturday in January From 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Final Phase of The Lodge Expansion Make Your Deposit Today to Secure Your Apartment!

Homewood at Frederick is growing! We are adding 31 additional apartments to The Lodge building. Our residents enjoy an independent lifestyle free from home maintenance.

Tours Now Available Call today to schedule an appointment 301-732-6153

www.homewoodfrederick.com 7407 Willow Road, Frederick Maryland Luxurious Amenities • Continuing Care 20 | FEBRUARY 2022

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