Prime Time Feb. 2024

Prime Time FEBRUARY 2024

F R E D E R I C K

Life support

Meet Frederick’s leading advocate for ending county’s homelessness

Wheel concerns

For drivers 70 and older, DMV test questions continue

The Frederick News-Post

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PRIME TIME FREDERICK

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THE FREDERICK NEWS-POST

Publisher Geordie Wilson Director of Revenue Connie Hastings Advertising Director Brittney Hamilton Sales Support Manager Noelle Hallman

Editor Lauren LaRocca

Photographers Katina Zentz

Contributing Writers Gary Bennett

Multimedia Marketing Consultants James Constantine Heather Lowman Kathi Smith

Calendar Editor Sue Guynn

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.

On the cover: Ken Allread, executive director at Advocates for Homeless Families in Frederick

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PEOPLE

‘A hand up’

Frederick’s leading advocate for ending homelessness in the county talks about his program and passion

BY GARY BENNETT SPECIAL TO THE NEWS-POST

I

t’s not often you find your life’s purpose after a lifetime of work, but that’s exactly what Advocates for Homeless Families executive director Ken Allread did.

Like most of us, Allread had been concerned with the welfare of homeless families his entire life but couldn’t do much about it. Then in 2009, he got an invitation to volunteer at Advocates for Homeless Families in Frederick. Now, he has been executive director for 15 years, and his passion for the mission of this somewhat obscure Frederick nonprofit has only grown.

After retiring in 2009 from the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts in Washington, D.C., where he had been serving as section chief in the budget division, Allread sat around the house for three weeks and decided that was not going to work for him.

Luckily, his friend Joe Case was the current executive director at Advocates in Frederick and invited him to volunteer. “It will be fun,” Case wryly told Allread.

Although “fun” may not have been the best descriptor for the difficult work, it was certainly fulfilling. Allread took to his volunteer duties at Advocates with the same vigor he’d had with his paid career.

In 2010, Allread was recognized as Advocates’ volunteer of the year, after spending countless hours writing grants and doing other administrative tasks, freeing paid staff for other work.

In early 2011, the executive director

4 | FEBRUARY 2024

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Staff photos by Katina Zentz

Ken Allread, executive director at Advocates for Homeless Families in Frederick, poses for a portrait at the facility on Jan. 12. position at Advocates became vacant when incumbent Joe Case decided to reestablish his professional contracting career in D.C. Throwing caution (and perhaps a comfortable retirement) to the wind, Allread applied for and got the job in September 2011.

He was thrilled, but taking the job turned out to be a tough decision for Allread. At about this same time, his former employers at the U.S. Courts came calling. They wanted him to go to Serbia and help get that former communist country into the European Union. To do so, they would have to show a separation of powers. Allread took a leave of absence from Advocates

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THE FREDERICK NEWS-POST

“

We are a program and not a shelter.

We want our clients to stand on their own, and we do everything we can to make that happen.

Ken Allread

and traveled to Serbia and to help their newly formed independent judiciary write an operating manual.

“They wanted me to stay in Serbia for a lot of money. But at the time, Joe [Case] was leaving, and Advocates

probably would have failed. So, I had a choice to make, and I chose Advocates,” Allread said.

Because of less than stellar management prior to Case coming on board, Advocates had only $20,000 in the bank. Most of the other nonprofits and foundations no longer trusted Advocates. Allread had to work hard to rebuild that goodwill. And by all indications, he has succeeded.

Advocates for Homeless Families has become a valuable but somewhat hidden asset in Frederick County.

Perhaps misnamed, Advocates does much more than advocate on behalf of homeless families in Frederick. It operates two successful programs designed to keep homeless families together, off the streets, and eventually in a reliably-housed, stable, working, tax-paying situation.

Allread sees Advocates as a holistic program first and a housing-provider second.

“The housing is just a means to an end,” he said. “We are a program and not a shelter. We want our clients to stand on their own, and we do everything we can to make that happen.”

Advocates currently owns 12 apartments and townhouses in Frederick that provide families with an alternative to life on the streets. The transitional housing program serves as a transition from shelters to permanent housing. It features intensive case management that can last up to two years.

During that time, families pay a housing fee of 30% of their income with a cap of $300 per month. “There are no free rides,” said Allread. “The

Shifra Jackson, a family advocate at Advocates for Homeless Families in Frederick, left, and Ken Allread, executive director at Advocates for Homeless Families in Frederick, talk at the facility on Jan. 12. goal is to eventually get them standing on their own and into public housing or, at least, get them Section 8 assistance.”

Receiving the highly subsidized housing requires more than just paying the fee. The program mandates education, training and support services to help families find jobs or increase earnings so they can afford to live on their own.

Advocates works closely with Frederick Community College and Hood College to steer clients into degree programs and trades that will provide enough money to live on. If they are accepted into a program like nursing,

they can be with Advocates for up to three years.

“We support them as long as it takes to get that degree and a well-paying job. This doesn’t mean they won’t struggle along the way,” Allread said.

“They do.”

All clients agree to a personalized plan and must meet monthly milestones to assess their progress. The program is successful in moving five or six families a year into permanent housing.

Allread admits there is a real need to increase Advocates’ funding so they can help more people by purchasing or renting more properties. They have a

waiting list of about 60 households.

Currently, one-third of Advocates funding comes from private contributions, which includes individuals, civic organizations and businesses. Onethird comes from charitable foundations and one-third comes from state and federal grants. A falloff in any of the three can really hurt.

Allread realizes Advocates has kept a low profile over the years but would like to change that.

“We would love to have a development manager to get the word out about Advocates, but we’re just not ready financially,” he said. “It is necessary. Our peers, such as the Religious

Coalition and Heartly House, have development managers.”

Allread hopes the organization continues to expand and keep up its high success rate. He’s excited to see where Advocates goes in the future.

“Our operating philosophy is that we give a hand up and not a handout,” Allread said, “and we really mean it.”

Gary Bennett is a longtime Frederick resident who spends his time hiking, biking, volunteering and providing childcare for grandchildren. He is married and retired from his career as a nonprofit marketing executive. He is a volunteer board member for Advocates for Homeless Families.

THE FREDERICK NEWS-POST | PRIME TIME FREDERICK | FEBRUARY 2024 | 5

LIVING

For drivers 70 and older, the road rage over DMV test questions continues

BY STEVE LOPEZ LOS ANGELES TIMES

H

alf a year has come and gone since I first wrote about driver’s license renewal adventures for people 70 and older, but the mail keeps coming.

I hear regularly from people who are confused, frustrated and angry about the process, and some of them have repeatedly flunked tests despite spotless driving records. On Friday afternoon, even the DMV acknowledged this mess, and a spokesperson told me the agency is working on some fixes, which I’ll get to in a minute.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the DMV lifted the requirement that drivers over 70 had to go to an office to renew their license. When the requirement was reinstated on Jan. 1 of this year, that’s when the confusion began.

To summarize the complaints that fly in over my transom, readers aren’t clear on whether you can take an online test at home, or, if you go to a DMV office for your test, whether you can take it on paper rather than on a computer.

I’ve also heard from readers who flew through the process without complications and passed easily. But pass or fail, a lot of drivers say they find a number of the questions to be infuriatingly trivial and useless in determining driving ability.

John Suggs, 76, of Scotts Valley, California, in the Santa Cruz Mountains, says he got a test question about “how far your chest is supposed to be from an airbag. The answers I had to choose from were 8, 10 and 12 inches, with 10 being the correct answer. That level of specificity was laughable.”

6 | FEBRUARY 2024

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Dreamstime

Seniors over 70 are confused about the DMV driver’s license renewal process.

Alysia Vinitzian, 70, a West L.A. talent coach, said she flunked twice before passing on her third try, and she recalls two “ridiculous” questions in particular. One was about how to protect yourself from carbon monoxide poisoning, “but they offered no context” regarding the specific situation. The other was about sharing the road with NEVs, with no explanation as to what an NEV is. She later learned that’s a Neighborhood Electric Vehicle, like a golf cart.

“There’s a cottage industry to be

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THE FREDERICK NEWS-POST

had in terms of coaching people to memorize all the numbers in the DMV handbook,” Vinitzian said. “They love to ask about the number of feet, the number of yards, the numbers for jail sentences.”

Although she got her license renewed, Vinitzian is now battling the DMV over a vision dispute. The agency insists she take another driving test every year or two; she insists her eye doctor says that’s not necessary.

Joan Moon, 77, a Ladera Heights, California, Realtor, purchased a prep

course for the test, studied hard and failed. So she studied hard again, took another test, and failed again.

“It was soul-crushing,” said Moon, who took her daughter’s advice and got two test-prep apps. She studied even harder this time, and even used flashcards.

“I’m not a dummy. I went to college and I’ve been a Realtor for 30 years and most people think I’m intelligent, but I took the third test and failed,” said Moon. “Both the test course and the apps said they would encompass

all the questions that would be on the test. That turned out to be untrue. The four questions I missed were ones I had not seen on any of the learning tools.”

Such as?

“For example, how many points are you allowed in a year? And what does that have to do with how good a driver I am? Or where can I legally mount my cellphone?”

If you flunk three times, as Moon did before passing on her fourth try, you have to pay another $41 fee to start a new round of test-taking.

Long Beach, California, resident Sue Speir, 74, said she thinks that’s unfair, especially in the case of seniors on fixed incomes. Speir flunked twice on the computerized knowledge test and insists she was done in by “trick questions” that have nothing to do with driving ability. She said she has trouble with computers and requested a paper test, but that led to a whole additional rigmarole.

“I called the state DMV office twice

and they said I had a right to request a paper test,” said Speir, but she got a different story at the Long Beach branch she went to. First she was told that a paper test was no longer an option, and later she was told that you had to flunk a computer test first. In the end, she took the written test and passed.

Encino, California, resident Mitchell Group, 70, offered the same tip as several other readers. He was apprehensive about taking the test, so he did some research and found that it was wise to begin the renewal process online. When you do, you might be given the option of taking a pass-fail online knowledge test, or to instead use the DMV’s eLearning program, which is what Group did.

“It’s basically a 40-minute video in seven sections that you watch online,” said Group, an actor who told me he’s made a living at his craft but not gotten rich. “Or famous,” his wife, Diane, added in the background.

“After each section there is a short

test with multiple-choice answers,” Group explained. “If you pick the wrong answer they let you know. You then are allowed to enter another answer. If it shows correct, you move on.

You can’t fail the test. You just keep changing the answers until you put in every correct answer.”

That’s what he did; then he went to a DMV office for the required eye test, and he got his license. Joan Moon, by the way, the Realtor who struck out three times, finally got her license after doing the eLearning program.

So why would the DMV have such a confusing set of options, and why would the in-person tests at DMV branches be harder than the eLearning course you could take without leaving home? That’s another in a long history of confounding DMV mysteries and irritations, but apparently the agency has gotten the message. Here’s what the DMV public affairs unit sent me late Friday: “The DMV has heard from seniors

and others who have difficulty taking the knowledge test and knowing when they are eligible for the online test or the eLearning course. As a result, the DMV is currently revising the online driver’s license application. In 2024, our customers should see improvement in descriptions of services available, how to engage with the eLearning course or online test, and experience a smoother flow to the process. The DMV is also revising the webpage information about the knowledge test types. Those changes will be available in the coming weeks.”

It shouldn’t have taken this long to see the light, and the changes can’t happen soon enough. Getting old is hard enough without having to box bureaucrats.

In the meantime, if you’re up for renewal, my advice is that if it’s at all possible, take the eLearning option.

And if you still get lost, or encounter any more crazy test questions, you know where to find me.

Anna and Zoey, best friends

Live the life you love.

Find out how at

AboutActs.com/FrederickNews or call (301) 234-7232.

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TENDERLY PASSION + PURPOSE + COMMUNITY THE FREDERICK NEWS-POST | PRIME TIME FREDERICK | FEBRUARY 2024 | 7

KITCHEN

Shake up breakfast with savory oatmeal with eggs and pesto Steps

BY ELLIE KRIEGER

I

THE WASHINGTON POST

f your oatmeal is stuck in the sweet zone, this recipe is an alluring invitation to break away. Sure, a bowl of the hot cereal is reliably good with, say, a drizzle of maple syrup, fresh fruit and a sprinkle of cinnamon, but that is just one half of the story.

Oatmeal goes savory, too. Just like other whole grains, such as brown rice, quinoa, buckwheat and cornmeal, it is versatile enough to go in either flavor direction. Exploring the grain’s savory side opens a vast new realm of meal possibilities. Oats pair especially well with savory ingredients that can stand up to the grain’s deep, earthy flavor — mushrooms, onions, root vegetables (carrots, beets, parsnips and celery root), peppers, winter squash, herbs and sharp cheeses, for example. For a memorable and satisfying dinner, try cooking steel-cut oats as you would risotto, using any of those add-ins.

This recipe brings savory oatmeal to the breakfast table with vegetarian toppings that have bacon-and-egg vibes.

The bacon-like half of that duo comes from sliced shiitake mushrooms sautéed in olive oil until brown and crisp, then sprinkled with smoked paprika and salt. They are placed, along with a fried egg, atop a bowl of hot oatmeal, which has been seasoned with parmesan and swirled with a spoonful of basil pesto.

You can use any cut of plain oats, prepared any way you like, with or without milk, but omit the salt since the parmesan cheese and toppings fill that role. If using prepared pesto — which I freeze in ice cube trays so it is easy to thaw a little at a time — the meal is relatively quick to prep, and can be easily adapted to a single

8 | FEBRUARY 2024

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Tom McCorkle for The Washington Post; food styling by Gina Nistico for The Washington Post

Savory Oatmeal With Shiitake “Bacon,” Egg and Pesto. serving or scaled up for a larger group.

It’s a nourishing breakfast (or lunch or light dinner) that brims with mouthwatering flavor, provides steady energy for your morning and is sure to shake up your notion of what oatmeal can be.

of basil pesto. Using prepared pesto (tip: freeze pesto in ice cube trays so it is easy to thaw a little at a time) makes for a relatively quick prep and can be easily adapted to make a single serving, or scaled up for a larger group.

Savory Oatmeal With Shiitake ‘Bacon,’ Egg and Pesto

Ingredients

2 servings Total time: 25 mins This savory oatmeal brings baconand-egg vibes with vegetarian ingredients for a satisfying and nourishing meal. The bacon-like half of that duo comes from sliced shiitake mushrooms sautéed until brown and crisp, then sprinkled with smoked paprika and salt. They are placed, along with a fried egg, atop a bowl of hot oatmeal which has been seasoned with parmesan cheese and swirled with a spoonful

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THE FREDERICK NEWS-POST

2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more as needed 4 ounces fresh shiitake mushrooms, stems removed and thinly sliced (see Notes) 1/8 teaspoon smoked paprika 1/8 teaspoon fine salt, plus more to taste 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats or quick-cooking oats 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese 2 large eggs 1 tablespoon prepared pesto Freshly cracked black pepper

In a medium nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, heat the oil until shimmering. Add the mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and crisp, about 6 minutes.

Sprinkle the mushrooms with the paprika and salt and cook, stirring, for 10 seconds more. Remove from the heat and transfer the mushrooms to a plate.

Cook the oats according to the directions on the package, without adding salt. Once the oats are cooked, stir in the parmesan cheese, remove from the heat and cover to keep warm.

Return the skillet to medium heat.

There should still be some oil in the pan but add 1 teaspoon more, if needed. Crack the eggs into the pan and cook until the whites are set and the yolk is to your desired consistency, flipping them, if you like.

Divide the oatmeal between two bowls. Swirl 1 1/2 teaspoons of the pesto into each bowl, then top each with half of the shiitake “bacon” and one of the eggs. Season to taste with salt and pepper, and serve right away.

Variations: In place of old-fashioned oats >> use quick-cooking oats or 1/2 cup steel-cut oats Nutrition per serving (1 bowl): 404 calories, 32g carbohydrates, 196mg cholesterol, 24g fat, 6g fiber, 15g protein, 6g saturated fat, 391mg sodium, 3g sugar This analysis is an estimate based on available ingredients and this preparation. It should not substitute for a dietitian’s or nutritionist’s advice.

From cookbook author and registered dietitian nutritionist Ellie Krieger.

‘We’re very lucky’: They’ve been married for 82 years.

BY KAILYN BROWN LOS ANGELES TIMES

L

OS ANGELES — As a lively group of elderly women scurried onto a shuttle for a shopping day on a recent Tuesday afternoon, Carla and Jack Weingarten could be found snuggled under a blanket inside their Los Angeles apartment, watching “I Love Lucy” episodes on repeat.

Carla, who’s 100, and Jack, who turned 105 on Dec. 25, used to look forward to Efesan their retirement community’s weekly outings. But these days, they prefer a more In August 2023, Carla and Jack laid-back afternoon: Sitting side by side celebrated a major milestone: 82 years in their recliner chairs and watching one of marriage. “We’re very lucky,” said of Carla’s favorite shows — Jack mostly Carla. just listens because he’s lost much of his an anomaly. vision — as they hold hands for hours.

The couple’s Hollywood-like love story In August, Carla and Jack celebrated began in Vienna, where Jack and Carla had a major milestone: 82 years of marriage. been neighbors and family friends since “We’re very lucky,” said Carla, who has they were kids. Their families also attended short-term memory loss. Then she leaned the same synagogue, though they didn’t over toward her husband to encourage pay much attention to each other due to him to chime in. their five-year age difference.

“Yeah,” he said in agreement, before The family story goes like this: Around kissing her hand tenderly. Jack, whose 1936, a teenage Jack moved to what was speech and memory have faded in recent then known as Mandatory Palestine on the years, used to tell their two sons that the advice of a teacher because antisemitism key to a healthy marriage is “the man al- was rapidly rising in Austria and neighways having the last word: ‘Yes dear.’” Jack boring Germany. Carla fled there a few doesn’t talk much nowadays, but when he years later during World War II. Her father does, he’s typically calling out for Carla thought she’d be safest there because she or telling her that he loves her multiple spoke Hebrew. He’d later be killed in a times a day. concentration camp, along with her moth“I love you too, Jackie,” she always re- er, younger brother and grandparents. Besponds. fore Carla left Austria, Jack’s mother asked An estimated 17,000 centenarians live her to give him a letter. His mother didn’t in California, with nearly 6,500 of them know exactly where he was living, but she in Los Angeles County, according to the hoped Carla would find him.

California Department of Finance. That Soon after she arrived, Carla ran into number gets even smaller — roughly one of Jack’s childhood friends, who told 25% as estimated by the Census Bureau’s her where he was, and they reunited. Carla American Community Survey — when it doesn’t remember what she thought of comes to how many Californians ages 90 Jack when she saw him again, but his reacand up are still married. According to the tion was laced with the charming sense of Guinness World Records, the longest doc- humor he’s known for, according to their umented marriage in the world is 86 years. sons. “You look a lot better now,” Jack said In other words, Carla and Jack’s (See WEINGARTENS 12) long-lasting relationship is somewhat of

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THE FREDERICK NEWS-POST | PRIME TIME FREDERICK | FEBRUARY 2024 | 9

FEBRUARY CALENDAR Events are subject to change.

Contact the sponsoring organization for any updates.

FEB. 5

National Heritage Fire Center Learn about the Fire Center’s purpose and history, as well as discuss the records and archives the Fire Center keeps. The National Heritage Fire Center is located in Emmitsburg.

Presenter: Dick Devore, Executive Director and Chief Archivist, National Heritage Fire Center Free, pre-register Time: 1:00 p.m.

Location: Emmitsburg 50+ Center Contact: VirtualSeniorCenter@ FrederickCountyMD.gov or 301-6006350

FEB. 6

Flamingo lawn ornaments appear stuck in the snow on Hillcrest Drive in Frederick in January.

Abstract Painting Paint with colors dictated by the roll of the dice! Using six different acrylic paint colors, create a unique abstract painting. Bring your friends for a fun and creative afternoon! $5, pre-register Time: 1:30 p.m.

Location: Urbana 50+ Center Contact: VirtualSeniorCenter@ FrederickCountyMD.gov or 301-6007020 New to Medicare Workshop Are you new to Medicare, or will be soon? Join us for an overview of Medicare. These are 90 minute workshops. Trained State Health Insurances Program (SHIP) staff help Medicare beneficiaries, family members and caregivers understand Medicare benefits, bills, and Medicare rights.

Free, pre-register Time: 1 p.m.

Location: Online and hosted by Division of Aging and Independence Virtual 50+ Center Contact: VirtualSeniorCenter@ FrederickCountyMD.gov or 301-6001234

10 | FEBRUARY 2024

Staff photo by Ric Dugan

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FEB. 7

Climate-Friendly Diet: How to Make the Switch show that by eating more plant foods and fewer animal products each of us has the power to make a difference for the climate and for our health. Be introduced to different plant-based diets and learn how they support the climate, as well as your body. Includes cooking demonstration for vegan chili.

Tasting is optional. Presenters: Alison Wexler, National Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach, Sand Garden Coaching $1 at door, pre-register Time: 1:30 p.m.

Location: Frederick 50+ Center Contact: VirtualSeniorCenter@ FrederickCountyMD.gov or 301-6003525 Stroke Awareness Learn more about stroke, including risk factors, signs and symptoms, the important role of 911, treatment and recovery.

Presenter: Savannah Rhoderick, Stroke Program Coordinator Frederick Health Hospital Free, pre-register

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Time: 5:00 p.m.

Location: Virtual 50+ Center Contact: VirtualSeniorCenter@ FrederickCountyMD.gov or 301-7881075

FEB. 8

Brunswick Monthly Dinner Dance Dancing: 2:00 p.m. Dinner: 4:00 p.m. $12 per person, pre-register Time: 2:00 p.m.

Location: Brunswick Eagles, hosted by the Brunswick 50+ Center Contact: VirtualSeniorCenter@ FrederickCountyMD.gov or 301-8348115

FEB. 9

Circle of Friends: Memory Cafe Frederick County Senior Services Division and the Alzheimer’s Association memory Café offers a fun and relaxed way for people living with memory loss and their care partners to get connected with one another through social events that promote interaction and companionship.

Free, pre-register Time: 11:30 a.m.

Location: Urbana 50+ Community

Center Contact: CaregiverSupport@ FrederickCountyMD.gov or 301-6006001

FEB. 12

Learning TransIt Learn more about Frederick County’s TransIt system! Learn how TransIt works, how to use it, and the services designed to help seniors. Presenter: Frederick County TransIt Free, pre-register Time: 9:00 a.m.

Location: Virtual 50+ Center Contact: VirtualSeniorCenter@ FrederickCountyMD.gov or 301-7881075 Medigap/Supplemental vs Advantage Plans Come learn more about these different types of Medicare programs to help determine which type of program may be the best for you. Trained State Health Insurances Program (SHIP) staff help Medicare beneficiaries, family members and caregivers understand Medicare benefits, bills, and Medicare rights.

Time: 10:00 a.m.

Location: Online and hosted by Division of Aging and Independence Virtual 50+ Center Contact: VirtualSeniorCenter@ FrederickCountyMD.gov or 301-6001234 Watercolor: Valentine Create a watercolor painting or card for your Valentine. New and returning students welcome! Instructor: Dorothea Barrick $15, pre-register Time: 1:00 p.m.

Location: Emmitsburg 50+ Center Contact: VirtualSeniorCenter@ FrederickCountyMD.gov or 301-6006350

FEB. 12

Early Heart Attack Signs & When to Call 911 Learn the early signs and symptoms of heart attacks and strokes. Review the importance of calling EMS and discuss reasons why people hesitate to call for help or visit the ER. Presenter: Frederick Health’s Cardiac and Vascular Services Department Free, pre-register Time: Noon Location: In-Person @ Emmitsburg 50+ Center. Also at the Virtual 50+ Center Contact: VirtualSeniorCenter@ FrederickCountyMD.gov or 301-6006350

FEB. 13

Presenter: Jim Johnson, Speakers Bureau Montgomery History $5, pre-register Time: 1:30 p.m.

Location: Urbana 50+ Center Contact: VirtualSeniorCenter@ FrederickCountyMD.gov or 301-6007020

FEB. 14

Americorps Senior Program Join Steve Norris as he describes the Americorps Senior Companion Program (SCP), a federal grant with the mission of helping seniors age in place. SCP members and volunteers are 55+, act as companions to other seniors who need assistance, and can qualify to earn a modest, tax-free stipend. Presenter: Steve Norris Time: 2:00 p.m.

Location: Online and hosted by Division of Aging and Independence Virtual 50+ Center Contact: VirtualSeniorCenter@ FrederickCountyMD.gov or 301-6001234

FEB. 14

Time: 1:00 p.m.

Location: In-Person @ Brunswick 50+ Center; Also at the Virtual 50+ Center Contact: VirtualSeniorCenter@ FrederickCountyMD.gov or 301-8348115

FEB. 16

Groceries for Seniors A free monthly distribution of seasonal produce, canned goods, and shelf stable products in a farmers market style setting. Additional resources and information. All Frederick County residents age 60+ with an income below $1600 per month are eligible to participate. Please bring a photo ID to register the first time. Groceries for Seniors is offered on the third Friday of each month. Don’t forget your reusable shopping bag. Offered through Frederick County Division of Aging and Independence.

Time: Noon (and continues until all food is distributed) Location: Frederick Senior Center, 1440 Taney Ave. Frederick

Contact: DAI@FrederickCountyMD. gov or call 301-600-1234

FEB. 20

Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body Discuss heart health and how it’s connected to brain health as well as ways to decrease your risk of dementia through nutrition, exercise, sleep, not smoking, mental health, social and intellectual engagement and more. Learn about the heart brain connection and the importance of heart health to brain function and health. The presentation draws from the latest research in dementia prevention.

Presenter: Community Educator, Alzheimer’s Association Free, pre-register Time: 1:30 p.m.

Location: Urbana 50+ Center; Also at the Virtual 50+ Center Contact: VirtualSeniorCenter@ FrederickCountyMD.gov or 301-6007020

Home Modifications, Repair, and Safety Learn more about the home safety modifications and repairs that are recommended for older adults based on the latest research. Presenter: Brenda Thiam, Partners in Care MD Free, pre-register Time: 2:30 p.m.

Location: Virtual 50+ Center Contact: VirtualSeniorCenter@ FrederickCountyMD.gov or 301-7881075

William Marbury: The Man Whose Lawsuit Made the Supreme Court, Supreme William Marbury, the son of an impoverished tobacco farmer, was an accounting clerk in Annapolis, but he FEB. 15 Heart Healthy Options at the Grocery dreamed of fame and fortune. When Store the new president, Thomas Jefferson, Learn about nutrition and healthy told Secretary of State James eating patterns as they relate to heart Madison not to deliver to Marbury his health. The presentation will include commission as justice of the peace, a recipe demonstration. In-person Marbury wanted to teach Jefferson participants will be able to sample a lesson. Marbury’s and Madison’s the dish. Upon registration, please portraits hang in the dining room of indicate if there is a food allergy. the Supreme Court as reminders Presenter: Christina Pelletier, MS, that the case of Marbury v. Madison RDN, LDN, Regional Dietitian, Weis established the proposition that the Markets Supreme Court reigns supreme on matters of constitutional interpretation. Free, pre-register THE FREDERICK NEWS-POST | PRIME TIME FREDERICK | FEBRUARY 2024 | 11

FEBRUARY CALENDAR FEB. 20

Making a Friend Watercolor No skill required, there will be step-bystep instruction. This class is for all skill levels. All supplies will be provided.

Instructor: Michelle Moore $10, pre-register Time: 1 p.m.

Location: Brunswick 50+ Center Contact: VirtualSeniorCenter@ FrederickCountyMD.gov or 301-8348115

FEB. 20

FEB. 21

Found Object Artworks From beads to bottlecaps, tinfoil to toys, artists have used many nontraditional materials to express themselves and create art. This virtual program discusses how artists use everyday materials, vision and imagination, storytelling, and a sense of place. Presenter: Smithsonian American Art Museum Free, pre-register Time: 2:30 p.m.

Location: Frederick 50+ Center, Virtual 50+ Center Contact: VirtualSeniorCenter@ FrederickCountyMD.gov or 301-6003525

Downsizing Seminar Overwhelmed by stuff? And the work it takes to maintain it? Learn ways to navigate the planning and sorting process so your transition to a clutterfree life will be a stress-free experience. FEB. 23 This seminar will provide a jumping Circle of Friends: Memory Cafe off point to living smaller. It will cover Frederick County Senior Services all the major steps of the downsizing Division and the Alzheimer’s process including the challenges of Association memory Café offers a fun sorting and parting with sentimental and relaxed way for people living with items. Bring clarity to the variety of steps and time involved in downsizing a memory loss and their care partners to get connected with one another household. Live in comfort; not clutter! through social events that promote Presenter: Stacey Reno interaction and companionship.

Free, pre-register Free, pre-register Time: 2:00 p.m. (2-weeks) Time: 11:30 a.m.

Location: Urbana 50+ Center Location: Emmitsburg 50+ Community Contact: VirtualSeniorCenter@ Center FrederickCountyMD.gov or 301-600Contact: CaregiverSupport@ 7020 FrederickCountyMD.gov or 301-600FEB. 21 6001 Writing Family History — Introduction FEB. 26 Explore writing strategies that help us Winter Watercolor tell our stories to future generations.

Explore watercolor using the serene Low-key writing classes focusing cool color palette of winter. Enjoy on getting started or continuing a a relaxing creative experience. project. Writing prompts provided, and participants will share each week.

Beginners and returning students welcome. Instructor: Jeanne Led by Dara Markowitz McDermott Free, pre-register $40, pre-register Time: 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. (4-weeks) Time: 9:30 a.m. (4-weeks) Location: Frederick 50+ Center, Virtual Location: Frederick 50+ Center 50+ Center Contact: VirtualSeniorCenter@ Contact: VirtualSeniorCenter@ FrederickCountyMD.gov or 301-600FrederickCountyMD.gov or 301-6003525 3525 12 | FEBRUARY 2024

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THE FREDERICK NEWS-POST

WEINGARTENS (Continued from 9)

to 17-year-old Carla. Knowing that she didn’t have any family or resources at the time, Jack told her, “Don’t worry.

I’ll take care of you,” and he suggested they get married.

They tied the knot on Aug. 12, 1941, and had their first son, Joel, four years later, then their second son, Henry, in 1950. The young family moved to New York City in 1958 and made their way to Los Angeles a few months later. Jack worked for a children’s apparel company, which he eventually took over, while Carla worked as a seamstress and pattern maker. She also taught sewing classes in their garage.

“They struggled moving to America, but what I respected was that they never brought that to their children,” said Joel. Unlike some of his friends’ parents, Carla and Jack didn’t remind him and his brother about the sacrifices they’d made for them, he added. “I never heard anything from my parents about what they went through. They never looked back, they only looked forward.”

Jack and Carla had a vibrant social life until a couple years ago. First, Jack hurt his head after two falls and had to recuperate during days-long hospital stays. Then he got COVID-19 and pneumonia. But before all that, Jack played bridge competitively for several years. He and Carla would go to every social event at their independent living community and encourage others to attend. If there was a dance floor, they were always on it. “They’re such a loved couple here,” said Deborah Rivera, the community’s business manager.

She’s known them since they moved into the retirement complex nearly 15 years ago.

The couple used to travel regularly to places like Hawaii, Austria and Germany, and they have friends of various ages around the world. They’ve outlived many of their longtime friends.

Fluent in multiple languages, including German, Hebrew and French, they typically speak to each other in German.

“We’re lucky,” Carla said of their

lives. “We thank God. We have no complaints. We have a good place here. We enjoy being here with the people. We have good friends.”

Carla still exercises every day, and regularly gets her hair and nails done at the community’s salon. And when her husband falls asleep in the evenings, she usually goes downstairs to catch up with her friends over a glass of wine.

Three other centenarians live at the senior complex, but Carla and Jack are the only married couple, Rivera said.

“I think that’s what is keeping them alive,” added their son, Joel. “The fact they have each other.”

Carla and Jack’s marriage has also made an impact on their three grandchildren.

“We all kind of look up to them as a success story and something to strive for because they do love each other so much and really do enjoy each other’s company and waking up next to each other,” said granddaughter Ashton Cohen-Weingarten, 33.

“They’re so committed to each other,” added her sister, 30-year-old Lindsay Cohen-Weingarten. “They grew up together and now they’ve grown old together, and their relationship remains so strong. [Their marriage] has taught me unconditional love.”

Willie Coronado, one of Carla and Jack’s caregivers, has also picked up a few gems from them. Jack told Coronado, who’s been married for 23 years, that the secret to “living happily ever after” is making sure “that when you go to bed at night with your wife, things are settled. Don’t go to bed upset.”

“That’s something I keep with me all the time,” said Coronado, who’s worked with the couple for more than a decade. “I know it’s not easy, but I know he has so much wisdom in those words.”

Back in Carla and Jack’s cozy apartment, Lucille Ball bounced on the TV screen in their living room. While a housekeeper tidied up their bedroom and a caretaker prepared their lunch, Jack began drifting off to sleep as he and his wife held hands. He didn’t let go — and neither did she.

Boredom Busters

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

CLUES ACROSS

CLUES DOWN

1. One point south of due 1. A way to board east 4. Coagulated blood 8. Fortifying ditch 10. Devotee of Hinduism 11. Trunk of a tree 12. Bank note 13. Capital of Guam 15. Study again

2. Get down 3. Highly seasoned sausage 4. First day of month 5. Eurasian shrubs 6. The organ that bears the ovules of a flower

16. Covered with

7. Small lake

hoarfrost

9. Belief

17. Opening

10. Sunrooms

18. Legendary Rolling

12. Metric weight unit

Stone

14. Vasopressin

21. Stray 22. Computer storing system 23. Signal 24. Pitching statistic 25. Human being 26. Malaysian isthmus

15. Bravo! Bravo! Bravo!

17. One-time family room staple 19. Got back together 20. Anger 23. Sang merrily

27. The “Blonde

24. Sea eagle

Bombshell”

25. Military men

42. GEES

22. GIS

34. A gland

26. Kilo yard (abbr.)

41. SEEP

21. ERR

35. Bluish greens

27. Found in the sea

40. ACNED

18. KEITH RICHARDS

36. Endangered

28. Protects from

37. Three-dimensional

weather

38. In a way, precipitated

23. CUE 17. VACANCY 16. RIMED 15. RELEARN 13. AGANA

39. God associated with

12. DOLLAR

dissolution 40. Blemished 41. Flow or leak slowly 42. Disco legends The

29. Type of medicine 30. City along the Rhine 31. Animal disease 32. Martini ingredients 33. Get away

Bee __

34. Lack of disunity

43. Midway between

36. One-time European

south and southeast

Commission officer

11. BOLE 10. SAIVA 8. MOAT 4. CLOT 1. EBS SOLUTIONS ACROSS

THE FREDERICK NEWS-POST | PRIME TIME FREDERICK | FEBRUARY 2024 | 13

43. SSE 39. SIVA 38. RAINED 37. CUBIC 36. PERILED 35. TEALS 34. PAROTID 27. MARILYN MONROE 26. KRA 25. MAN 24. ERA

1. EMBARK 2. BOOGIE 3. SALAMI 4. CALENDS 5. LILAC 6. OVARY 7. TARN 9. TENET 10. SOLARIA 12. DECAGRAM 14. ADG 15. RAH 17. VCR 19. REUNITED 20. IRE 23. CAROLED SOLUTIONS DOWN

36. PRAG 34. PEACE 33. ESCAPE 32. OLIVES 31. RABIES 30. NEUSS 29. OTC 28. LID 27. MARINE 26. KYD 25. MARINES 24. ERN

Boredom Busters

SUDOKU

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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!

14 | FEBRUARY 2024

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THE FREDERICK NEWS-POST

Start the New Year off right!

25 VISA GIFT CARD $

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*Guaranteed not to clog for as long as you own your home, or we will clean your gutters for free *All participants who attend an estimated 60-90-minute in-home product consultation will receive a $25 Visa gift card. Retail value is $25. Offer sponsored by Leafguard Holdings Inc. Limit one per household. Company procures, sells, and installs seamless gutter protection. This offer is valid for homeowners over 18 years of age. If married or involved with a life partner, both cohabitating persons must attend and complete presentation together. Participants must have a photo ID and be legally able to enter into a contract. The following persons are not eligible for this offer: employees of Company or affiliated companies or entities, their immediate family members, previous participants in a Company in-home consultation within the past 12 months and all current and former Company customers. Gift may not be extended, transferred, or substituted except that Company may substitute a gift of equal or greater value if it deems it necessary. Gift card will be mailed to the participant via first class United States Mail within 10 days of receipt of the promotion form. Not valid in conjunction with any other promotion or discount of any kind. Offer not sponsored and is subject to change without notice prior to reservation.

Offer not available in the states of CA, IN, PA & MI. Expires 1/31/24.

THE FREDERICK NEWS-POST | PRIME TIME FREDERICK | FEBRUARY 2024 | 15

New Year, New You! With the variety of fitness and wellness classes offered at Homewood at Frederick, our residents find it easy to stay fit. Whether you like to work out with weights or take yoga classes, you will find what you need at Homewood to keep your New Year’s resolutions.

Call today for a tour to see what maintenance free living looks like.

301-732-6157

homewoodfrederick.com 7407 Willow Rd, Frederick “No person shall be subject, on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, familial status or disability, to discrimination in the terms or conditions for admission to, treatment or the provision of services in, one of our communities.”

16 | FEBRUARY 2024 | PRIME TIME FREDERICK

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