Prime Times - January 28, 2021 by TBR News Media

PRIME TIMES

For those who weren’t born yesterday

INSIDE: Staying active as you age

Eldercare resources to stay independent

Ways to cut costs during retirement

Get a flu shot It’s important!

The value of a revocable trust during unprecedented times

and much more! A SUPPLEMENT TO TIMES BEACON RECORD NEWS MEDIA • JANUARY 28, 2021

PAGE B2 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • JANUARY 28, 2021

Eldercare resources

People want to grow old gracefully and maintain their independence as long as possible. There are many decisions to make as well as information to wade through to ensure needs are met and proper care is received through one’s golden years. Individuals, caregivers and families may find that a few helping hands along the way can be invaluable. Numerous elder care resources are available for those who don’t know where to look. Start by researching the National Council on Aging (www.ncoa. org). This is a national leader and trusted association that helps people age 60 and older. The council works with nonprofit organizations, governments and businesses to organize programs and services at the community level. This is a good place to find senior programs that can help with healthy aging — emotionally, physically and financially. 800-201-9989 At the local level in the United States, the federal government has mandated Area Agency on Aging (www.n4a.org) facilities in every county/city. These agencies can provide information on service programs available to the seniors in the area, as well as financial resources. These facilities give seniors access to volunteers who can take

seniors around by car, and some provide meals-on-wheels services. 631-853-8200 AARP (www.aarp.org) is yet another organization dedicated to helping seniors. The comprehensive AARP website offers a host of information on everything from senior discounts to products to health and other information specific to seniors. The AARP also has an affiliated charity that works to help low-income seniors procure life’s necessities. 888-687-2277 The Administration for Community Living (www.acl.org) was established to help older adults and people of all ages with disabilities live where they choose. A network of community-based organizations helps millions of people age in place. 212-264-2976

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Ways to cut costs during retirement

hile retirement should be an exciting journey, for some, financial stresses can negatively impact their lives. Even after a lifetime of responsibly saving and preparing for the future, unexpected issues can arise to thwart the best-laid plans. The average person will spend more than 50 years in the employment sector. As retirement draws closer, many professionals begin to daydream about giving up the commute and having more time to pursue their personal interests. Even if planning for retirement has been many years in the making, it can take some time for a person to become acclimated to having less income. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “older households,” which are defined as those run by someone age 65 and older, spent an average of $45,756 in 2016, or roughly $3,800 a month. That’s roughly $1,000 less than the monthly average spent by typical American households. Housing, transportation, health care, and food are some of the biggest bills retirees will have to account for. Aiming to have savings in addition to any other retirement income or government subsidy coming in to cover that amount is a step in the right direction. Retirees can make their money go further if they take inventory of their spending and make some cuts where possible. Know where your money is going. It’s impossible to save without knowing what your expenses are each month. Many people are surprised to learn how much little things add up over the course of a month. For example, spending $4 for a take-out coffee each day can quickly become an expensive luxury. Add all expenses and see where you can trim, especially if there’s a deficit each month.

Consider extra health care. In the United States, Medicare participants can choose Medicare Supplement Insurance plans to help reduce out-of-pocket health care costs. Medicare Parts A and B only cover some of your health care costs. Supplemental insurance can cover some of the costs not covered by original medicare, like copayments, deductibles and coinsurance, according to AARP. Pare down on possessions. Take inventory of what you have and scale back where possible. If you are no longer commuting to work, you may be able to become a one-car household. Downsizing your residence can help seniors avoid spending too much of their retirement time and money maintaining their homes. Take advantage of senior discounts. Take advantage of the many discounts that are offered to seniors. Retirees can usually save on restaurants, travel, groceries, and much more by simply shopping on specific days or verifying their age when checking out. Purchase less expensive life insurance. According to Cheapism, a site that advises consumers about how to be more frugal, the chief purpose of life insurance is to replace income to ensure the financial security of dependents in the event of death. Retirees may have no dependents and little income. Therefore, a large life insurance policy may not be necessary, especially if you’ve already set aside funds to cover funeral costs. Pay off a mortgage. Housing is many people’s most substantial expense. Paying off a mortgage can free up more money each month and allow retirees to spend their golden years doing as they please. As retirement nears, adults can employ various strategies to reduce their monthly expenses.

JANUARY 28, 2021 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • PAGE B3

PRIME TIMES

HELLO and welcome to our special section, Prime Times, for those who weren’t born yesterday. We are pleased to offer those of a certain age, and those who love them and look after them, some information about this specific demographic. After all, some of us know about this time of life first hand. We have put together articles that speak to dealing with shingles, more common in older patients, the importance of getting a flu shot, and elder care resources available to all. We have included online games for brain stimulation and an expert discusses the value of a revocable trust. BY LEAH S. DUNAIEF There is also an article on jazz, some advice about shopping for an appropriate assisted living facility, exercise and dealing with social isolation. Books are so much a part of our lives, especially now during COVID, that we’re glad to call your attention to the record number of eBooks checked out of Suffolk libraries to tell you what some of the most popular are. Then there is the wonderful new program through Book Revue, starting Feb. 1, called Write America. It is designed as a virtual series to encourage unity through literature. We are also feeding the body, not just the mind, with a couple of yummy recipes. Of course, since it’s February and President's Day, they involve cherries in honor of our first president. We haven’t touched on retirement — as in whether to retire or not to retire, that being the question in many senior minds. I, for one, have no such intention, at least at this point. More and more seniors are choosing to work as they age. Perhaps they are using Warren Buffett, the investment guru, as a role model. You must have some thoughts on this question as well. Please write, email or text us your views and we’ll deal with this matter in the next issue of Prime Times. Look for it in July.

Meanwhile enjoy this issue. Happy reading!

TIMES BEACON RECORD NEWS MEDIA PUBLISHER Leah S. Dunaief GENERAL MANAGER Johness Kuisel SUPPLEMENTS EDITOR Heidi Sutton ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Kathleen Gobos ADVERTISING Elizabeth Reuter Bongiorno Robin Lemkin Katherine Yamaguchi Minnie Yancey ART DIRECTOR Beth Heller Mason ART DEPARTMENT Janet Fortuna Sharon Nicholson BUSINESS MANAGER Sandi Gross BUSINESS OFFICE Meg Malangone CLASSIFIEDS DIRECTOR Sheila Murray CLASSIFIEDS DEPARTMENT Joann Brady

CIRCULATION MANAGER Courtney Biondo COLLECTIONS Diane Wattecamps COPY EDITOR John Broven EDITOR Julianne Mosher INTERNET STRATEGY DIRECTOR Rob Alfano LEISURE EDITOR Heidi Sutton LEGALS Courtney Biondo MANAGING EDITOR Rita J. Egan SOCIAL MEDIA Jenna Lennon Lauren Vohrer SPECIAL PROJECTS Kathryn Mandracchia SUBSCRIPTION MANAGER Sheila Murray

Times Beacon Record Newspapers are published every Thursday. Address: P.O. Box 707, Setauket, NY 11733; telephone: 631-751-7744; email address: desk@tbrnewsmedia.com; fax: 631-751-4165; website: www.tbrnewsmedia.com. Entire contents copyright 2021.

Keeping social, outdoors or from your armchair

f there’s one thing we’ve gained during this prolonged period of sheltering in place and social distancing otherwise known as the pandemic, it’s a deep appreciation for human interactions. Whether brief and in person as you say hello to your letter carrier, or digitally through a Zoom call with family or friends, these contacts make us feel good. They perk us up, stimulate our hearts and our brains and can brighten almost BY ELISSA GARGONE any day. Human beings are social creatures. From the beginning of time, our connection to others has enabled us to survive and flourish. Spending too much time alone can leave us vulnerable to social isolation and loneliness, not to mention related health problems such as cognitive decline, depression, and heart disease. Fortunately, even at this time, there are ways to counteract these negative effects. During the warmer weather, few of us hesitated to get outside for socially distanced get-togethers or walks, but winter’s chill presents another challenge. While we can still bundle up for a walk or chat outside, most of us are more confined overall. Even so, getting out occasionally to be in the semi-distanced company of strangers can be invigorating.

Fortunately, our experience during COVID-19 has taught us some valuable lessons by further opening our minds to the great world at our fingertips through our keyboard, key pad and remote control device. At Jefferson’s Ferry Life Plan Community, we’ve strengthened our friendships and our resolve to stay in touch with the people in our lives, even if we have to step outside of our comfort zones. While some people had an initial resistance to the digital world, most have come to eagerly embrace it and become adept and enthusiastic users. We’ve also adapted to using a number of the limitless apps available, from Zoom meetings to ordering take out, and from downloading podcasts to accessing art performances and information. We even have our own Jefferson’s Ferry app for the added convenience of fitness classes, entertainment, food and more from our devices. Wherever you reside, social and digital media can introduce us to a whole new world of teachers, friends and entertainers. For many, Zoom, YouTube, FaceTime and TikTok have been a lifeline, keeping us connected with family, friends and even next door neighbors by providing laughs, new ideas, visits to nearby and faraway places and endless how-to videos. For the uninitiated, Zoom and FaceTime allow people to connect in real time video to socialize, hold meetings, go on a video excursion, and take classes. If

you haven’t seen a loved one in a long time, FaceTime and Zoom are akin to a miracle. YouTube offers a vast compendium of content from performances to cooking and fitness classes of every description, and so much more. Your local library is a remarkable resource to entertain, educate and elevate emotional well-being. You can connect with fellow readers, travelers and lifelong learners through Zoom meetings and access an endless array of programming. A phone call to the library or a visit to its YouTube channel can help you get online and get going to enjoy hours of fabulous programs and opportunities. Visit www.livebrary.com to access eBooks and Audiobooks (all you need is a Suffolk County library card) and go to your library's website to explore its many offerings from the comfort of your home or bundle up and get out to experience nature, history and your overall environment in person on a beautiful winter afternoon. Either way you’ll experience a no or low-contact adventure in your own backyard. While we may be living through a time of more “at home time,” a whole world awaits at our fingertips. Make sure you take advantage of it. “Adventure isn’t hanging off a rope on the side of a mountain. Adventure is an attitude we must apply to the day to day obstacles of life.” — John Amat Elissa Gargone is vice president of sales and marketing at Jefferson’s Ferry Life Plan Community in South Setauket.

PAGE B4 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • JANUARY 28, 2021

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Getting a flu shot is more important than ever this year

ccording to medical experts, getting your flu shot is extremely important, especially in the midst of the global COVID-19 pandemic. Not only will a flu shot help keep you and your family healthy, it can help reduce the strain on the healthcare system and keep hospital beds and other medical resources available for people afflicted with coronavirus. This is no ordinary flu season; it's a flu season amid a pandemic. With two dangerous viruses going around at once, it's time for people to protect their communities by getting the vaccine already available: the flu vaccine. And people with Medicare are at greater risk for serious complications from flu. A flu shot is an important preventive tool for individuals with asthma, diabetes, and heart and lung disease - chronic conditions that can increase the risk for serious flu-related health complications or even death. It's the best protection from getting and spreading this flu virus, and it's covered by Medicare at no cost. Medicare Part B covers one flu shot per flu season per beneficiary. You pay nothing for a flu shot if your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider accepts Medicare payment for giving the shot. A flu shot won't protect you against COVID-19, but it has many other important benefits. Flu vaccines have been shown to reduce the risk of flu illness, hospitalization, and death and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there's no evidence that a flu vaccination increases your risk of getting sick from a coronavirus, like the one that causes COVID-19. Those at high risk for flu complications include young children, pregnant women,

people 65 years and older, and people with certain chronic health conditions. Anyone who is six months old or older should get a yearly flu vaccine. The CDC recommends getting vaccinated in September or October, but a flu shot anytime during the flu season can help protect you. Flu season in the United States rarely begins before early October and usually lasts from December to March. In the past two years, the peak activity has occurred around mid-to-late February. Your body needs two

weeks after a shot to develop a protective response to the influenza virus, so your best bet is to get vaccinated before the flu rate begins to climb. Workplaces and other settings that usually provide flu shots may not do so this season because of the challenges of maintaining social distancing. For more information on where you can get a flu vaccine, visit www. vaccinefinder.org. When going to get a flu shot, please practice everyday preventive actions and follow the CDC's recommendations for

running essential errands. Ask your doctor, pharmacist, or health department if they are following CDC's vaccination pandemic guidance. Any vaccination location following CDC's guidance should be a safe place for you to get a flu vaccine. What's the difference between flu and COVID-19? Influenza (flu) and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses, but they're caused by different viruses. COVID-19 is caused by infection with a new coronavirus (called SARS-CoV2) and flu is caused by infection with influenza viruses. Because some symptoms of flu and COVID-19 are similar, it may be hard to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone, and testing may be needed to help confirm a diagnosis. It is possible to have flu and COVID-19 at the same time. Health experts are still studying how common this can be. While it's not possible to say with certainty what will happen in the fall and winter, the CDC believes it's likely that flu viruses and the virus that causes COVID-19 will both be spreading. The CDC has developed a test that will check for A- and B-type seasonal flu viruses and SARS-CoV2, the virus that causes COVID-19. This test will be used by U.S. public health laboratories. Testing for these viruses at the same time will give public health officials important information about how flu and COVID-19 are spreading and what preventive steps should be taken. So please protect yourself, your family, and your community by getting a flu shot. Visit the doctor, pharmacy, or other local providers to get a flu shot today. Information provided by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.

Online exercises, games, platforms that can challenge the brain GAMES are as popular as ever. For evidence of that, one need look no further than his or her own smartphone. The number of hours people spend playing games on their smartphones might surprise even the most ardent players. According to the mobile research firm Apptopia, between May and July of 2018, mobile users spent a whopping 3.38 billion hours playing the wildly popular strategy game “Clash of Clans,” making it the most popular smartphone game in the world during that time period. Games might be seen as a way to unwind, but some games can potentially do more than merely provide a way to escape the daily grind. Brain teasers, riddles and crossword puzzles are just some of the types of games that can

help people engage and challenge their brains while still providing a bit of escapism. The following exercises, games and platforms can help men and women challenge their brains in unique ways. BrainHQ: According to Posit Science, which created the system, BrainHQ (www. aarp.brainhq.com) is a system of training the brain that was developed by neuroscientists and other brain experts. The BrainHQ platform includes various brain training exercises with hundreds of levels that can help people improve their brain function, including memory and retention. You can use the first levels of select exercises in BrainHQ absolutely free of charge. You can use them as often as you like, for as long as you like. However, if you'd prefer to access

the full range of BrainHQ's exercises and benefits, you may pay a monthly charge of $14 or an annual charge of $96. Private Eye: With a goal of helping users improve their focused attention and concentration, Private Eye (www.happyneuron.com) asks players to peruse a grid full of intricate layers and symbols in an effort to find the item that does not belong. Try the first seven days free. Braingle: With more than 200,000 members, Braingle (www.braingle.com) is a popular online community where users can go to access brain teasers, trivia quizzes, IQ tests, and more. Users even rank the games, allowing novices to find games that might help them hone certain skills or ease their way into challenging their brains with games.

All of the Braingle games are free to play and several of them are multiplayer games where you can challenge other members of the Braingle gaming community. Millions of people across the globe play games every day. Though players often play games to have fun, they might be helping their brains without even knowing it.

PAGE B6 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • JANUARY 28, 2021

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he COVID-19 pandemic has changed the face of our nation in so many ways — how we work, parent, celebrate holidays, shop, and put to rest our loved ones. It has tested our court systems, our nursing homes, our hospitals, our resilience. For estate planning attorneys, the delays in Surrogate Courts across New York State has brought BY NANCY BURNER, ESQ. into sharp focus the superiority of the revocable trust as an estate planning technique. A common misconception in the arena of Estate Planning is that trusts are only for people with large amounts of money, trying to avoid taxes. It is first important to understand that there are many different types of trusts, each serving a different purpose. One type of trust, a revocable trust, serves primarily to avoid the probate process after death. The creator can be the trustee with complete control over assets, can freely transfer assets into and out of the trust and revoke the trust at any time. Prior to the pandemic, we often counseled clients that a revocable trust was only needed if there was some compelling reason to avoid probate. Probate is the legal process whereby a last will & testament is determined by the court to be authentic and valid. Traditional reasons for avoiding probate are when someone is disinheriting a natural heir, does not have easily identifiable next of kin, owns

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A CHANCE TO DO YOUR BEST

BY THOMAS J. MANUEL, D.M.A.

here’s that old saying that “A picture speaks a thousand words.” As I walk through the Jazz Loft lately I’m more mindful of the photos that are throughout our 6,000 square foot museum that is sadly idle and quiet these many months. I have some favorites, although they all speak to me in different ways. For me the photos speak stories of my friends and they remind me of our time together, albeit brief. They are also powerful reminders of this great lineage in Jazz that we who participate as musicians are all a part of. When I pass the photos we have of Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington I look at the youthful faces of my friends who looked quite different when I knew them, and I repeatedly think to myself, “Wow, how amazing it must have been for them to share the stage and create music together with those giants!” Born roughly two years apart, Ellington in 1899 and Armstrong in 1901 respectively, both had already lived through the first World War and they would go on to witness the Spanish Flu epidemic, the Great Depression, World War II, the Cold War, and the turbulent 1960s and the Vietnam conflict. One can read Louis Armstrong’s descriptions of his experience of the 1918 influenza pandemic firsthand as he remembers it in his 1954 memoir, Satchmo: My Life in New Orleans. There he says: “Just when the government was about to let crowds of people congregate again so that we could play our horns once more the lid was clamped down tighter than ever. That forced me to take any odd jobs I could get. With everybody suffering from the flu, I had to work and play the doctor to everyone in my family as well as all my friends in the neighborhood. If I do say so, I did a good job curing them.” Today Jazz musicians and artists in general are experiencing a complete and utter shutdown that literally hasn’t been seen since over a hundred years ago, as Armstrong described. The question of course we’re all

From left, Jack Wilson at the piano; Louis Jordan as a baby; and Teddy Charles dancing with his sister. Photos courtesy of The Jazz Loft

asking ourselves, regardless of what walk of life we come from, is, “How do I deal with this? What do I DO?” One of the greatest American composers, Edward Kennedy “Duke” Ellington might be of inspiration and assistance to us as it was Ellington who once said that, “A problem is a chance for you to do your best.” Put that little caveat together with some sage words of wisdom from old satchel mouth himself and you’ve got quite the collaboration of ideas— in the spirit of Jazz of course. Louis "Pops" Armstrong’s own theory on how to solve those problems was that, “If lots more of us loved each other, we’d solve lots more problems.” The music of these larger than life giants in Jazz continues to inspire us decades after their departure from the stage of life, but if one digs deeper (and ya gotta dig it to dig it, ya dig!?) you’ll find a type of inspiration that speaks to that deeper place in each of us. It speaks not just to the heart, but to the soul. It speaks not just about happiness, but of joy. These are truly different things and Duke and Pops were not only in tune with them, they were absolutely vibrating with these truths. In fact, their generation was indeed one that was skilled in navigating problems. When I walk through the Jazz Loft and purvey these photos of youthful legends I can’t help but think about how skillfully, how successfully they fought their battles and wrestled their giants. Vibraphonist Teddy Charles (actually Theodore Cohen, Teddy Charles was his stage name) had a father who discouraged

music and was forced to change his name to gain entrance into the music business because his given name was too Jewish. Luckily his mother, who had been a somewhat accomplished pianist and singer who dabbled briefly in early entertainment playing for silent movies and vaudeville, encouraged her son’s musical journey. Charles would continue to compose, perform, arrange, record and produce, one of the first quintuple threats in the music industry alongside his pals Mingus, Trane, Monk, Bird, and a slew of others. Pianist Jack Wilson was so poor that his parents literally couldn’t feed him so he was sent from Chicago at the end of the Great Depression to live with an aunt up north who had enough means to do so. Luckily for Jack there was a piano in the house which became his emotional outlet. He’d later join the army and would be appointed the director of the Third Army Area Band, the first black person to ever hold the position. Wilson would pursue college studies at the University of Indiana and go on to collaborate with Dinah Washington, Sammy Davis Jr., Sarah Vaughan and his trio would become the hard bop jewel in the crown of Blue Note Records. If you pay the Jazz Loft a visit when we’re open again you can gaze upon the photos of others like Louis Jordan, Lester Lanin, Keely Smith, Arthur Prysock and Lloyd Trotman. Without even trying, these individuals modeled their values and taught us what really was important. Forged by the struggles of their time they’d go on to become the grandfather of rock n’ roll, pioneering Grammy artists, civil rights workers, and to produce the soundtrack to the American experience during the 20th century. If you

don’t recognize the names you’re sure to recognize the tunes: “Stand By Me,” “Let The Good Times Roll,” “From Here to Eternity,” “That Old Black Magic” and, if you’re old enough, remember “Let it Be Lowenbrau”? There has never been another person like those mentioned prior. They were men and women of deep faith, undying love, tenacious conviction, profound insight and constant hope. They taught us that it can be easy to quit during difficult times without a strong and proper foundation, and in doing so showed us that hard work and living ones truth can build that foundation to withstand the hard times. Their’s was a deeper message not to let anyone think less of you because you are young— to be an example to all in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, and so much more. Their example was one of seeing our problems as wondrous opportunities to do better, and most of all, to show love. They were, in a word, JAZZ. And if Jazz were a person, we’d all be a better person our selves for having them in our lives.

Author Tom Manuel is a Jazz historian, music educator, trumpet player and President and Founder of The Jazz Loft, 275 Christian Ave., Stony Brook. For more information, visit www. thejazzloft.org.

PAGE B10 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • JANUARY 28, 2021

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JANUARY 28, 2021 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • PAGE B11

I didn't know I was at risk: What everyone 50-plus needs to know about shingles

ublic relations professional, activist and Nevada native Jackie Shelton loves spending time in her community hosting special events, volunteering and gardening. Shelton woke up suddenly in the middle of the night with a sharp pain on the inside of her leg. She immediately recognized that the pain was linked to the itchy spot she felt earlier in the day. Feelings of anxiety and panic overcame her, but thinking of her two children, she decided it was best to wait until the following day to act. "At first, I didn't think much of the itchy rash," said Shelton. "I thought it was a bug bite from gardening and moved on. When I woke up to a searing pain on my thigh, I knew it was something more." As soon as Shelton woke up the next morning, she sent a photo of her rash to a friend who suggested it looked more like shingles than a spider bite.

"I couldn't believe it at first, but I knew she was right. I rushed to urgent care asking myself, 'How could I have shingles?'" Her experience with shingles was excruciatingly painful and something that she wouldn't wish on anyone. Shelton learned that she wasn't alone. In fact, approximately one in three people in the United States will develop shingles in their lifetime. "My biggest regret is that I didn't know I was at risk. I didn't bother to take the time to learn more about the disease before experiencing shingles myself. I learned the hard way that shingles isn't just your everyday rash, it can be agonizing," she said. Anyone who has gotten chickenpox is at risk of contracting shingles, also known as herpes zoster. When chickenpox becomes dormant within the nerves, it can reactivate later in life, causing shingles. Shingles typically presents as a painful, itchy rash that develops on one side of the body and

can last for two to four weeks. Shelton learned firsthand that shingles doesn't play favorites. Prior to her diagnosis, she knew nothing about shingles. Now, Shelton works to help educate adults about the disease, the severe pain it can cause and the importance of shingles vaccination. "There are misperceptions about shingles, and I hope my story will inspire others to be proactive and talk to their doctor about the risk of the disease." If you're 50 years of age and older, talk to your doctor about vaccination against shingles. Vaccination will help reduce the risk of developing shingles and the potential long-term pain from post-herpetic neuralgia, a common complication caused by the disease. For more information, visit www. ShinglesDoesntPlayFavorites.com. Please note: This is one person's experience; other people's experience with shingles may be different.

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gotawill?

The Recipe Corner

#2021goals

Celebrate cherries and George Washington this Presidents' Day

he month of February has a few important events to celebrate. One such event is Presidents' Day, which this year will be observed on February 15. Presidents' Day honors both George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, two influential presidents who were born in February. Some may recall a legend about George Washington and a cherry tree, as it's one of the most popular tales tied to the nation's first president. The original story has a young George receiving a hatchet as a gift when he is six years old. Young George ends up using it to cut into his father's cherry tree. After discovering the damage, George's father confronts him. Rather than lie, George admits to his wrongdoing. George's father commends him for his honesty, indicating that honesty has more value than a cherry tree. While no one is suggesting to cut down a cherry tree in February in honor of George Washington, the value of this tale and lesson can be celebrated symbolically with these two tasty recipes, a Cherry Coffee Cake and Martha Washington's Cherry and Butter Bread Pudding.

Cherry Coffee Cake

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Add some sweetness to your breakfast routine with this delicious and easy-to-make morning snack. YIELD: Makes 6 to 8 servings INGREDIENTS:

• Nonstick cooking spray • 1 can (12.4 ounces) refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing • 1 1/2 cups (21-ounce can) cherry pie filling • 1/2 cup slivered almonds or pecans (optional) DIRECTIONS:

Heat oven to 375 F. Spray 9-inch round cake pan with nonstick cooking spray.

Separate cinnamon roll dough into eight rolls; cut each roll into quarters. Place dough rounded-side down in pan. Spoon pie filling over rolls. Sprinkle almond slivers or pecans over cherry filling, if desired. Bake 25 to 35 minutes, or until golden brown. Invert onto plate or cutting board. Invert again onto serving plate. Remove lid from icing. Microwave 3 to 10 seconds. Stir icing and drizzle over warm coffee cake before serving.

Martha Washington's Cherry and Butter Bread Pudding

This recipe is rumored to be our first First Lady's favorite dessert to make. A firm bread like Pepperidge Farm or Arnold is recommended, and while cherry preserves are used for this recipe, any type of fruit preserve may be substituted. YIELD: Makes 6 servings INGREDIENTS:

• 12 slices white bread • Butter or margarine • Cinnamon • 10-oz. cherry preserves • 4 eggs • 2 and 2/3 cups milk • 2 tablespoons of sugar DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Butter an 8 by 8 inch baking dish. Cut crusts from 12 slices white bread. Spread butter on one side of each slice. Arrange 4 slices bread in bottom of dish and sprinkle each lightly with cinnamon. Spread a spoonful of cherry preserves on each slice. Repeat, making two more layers. Beat eggs in a medium mixing bowl. Add milk and sugar and stir until well mixed. Pour over bread and bake for 60 to 70 minutes, or until top is golden brown and the custard is set. Serve warm from the oven.

JANUARY 28, 2021 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • PAGE B13 weekly fitness routines twice per week. Lifting waits, working with resistance bands, heavy gardening, and even some forms of yoga qualify as muscle-strengthening activities. Exercises that use your body weight for resistance, such as sit-ups and push-ups, also can help build strength. Always speak with a physician before beginning a muscle-strengthening exercise regimen and, if possible, work with a personal trainer, especially if you’re a novice.

Stay active as you age for a healthier you

xercise is a vital component of a healthy lifestyle. By making exercise part of their day-to-day routines, people of all ages, including men and women over the age of 65, can greatly improve their overall health. The American Academy of Family Physicians notes that seniors should aspire to be as active as possible. Exercise is a great way to incorporate physical activity into your daily routine and has been linked to reduced risk for diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and osteoporosis. Though adults with chronic illnesses may be hesitant to exercise, the AAFP notes that it’s possible for men and women who have been diagnosed with such conditions to exercise safely. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that regular physical activity is one of the most important things seniors can do for their health and can potentially prevent many health problems associated with aging.

When to stop a workout

Frequency of exercise

Seniors, particularly those who have not exercised much in the past, may not know how much exercise they need to reap the full rewards of physical activity. Though it’s best to discuss exercise with a physician prior to beginning a new regimen, various public health agencies advise seniors to get at least 2.5 hours of moderate aerobic exercise

each week. Brisk walking is one example of moderate aerobic exercise. Seniors who want to sweat a little more when exercising can replace moderate aerobic exercise with one hour and 15 minutes of vigorous exercise, such as jogging, each week.

Strength training

The CDC advises seniors to incorporate muscle-strengthening activities into their

It’s imperative that seniors recognize when to stop working out. Exercising more than is recommended by your doctor can increase the risk of illness or injury. In addition, stop exercising if any of the following symptoms appear: • Dizziness or shortness of breath • Chest pain or pressure • Swollen joints • Nausea • Tightness in muscles or joints • Pain anywhere in the body • Throbbing or burning sensations Exercise can help seniors stay healthy and feel more energetic throughout the day. Before beginning a new regimen, seniors should discuss physical activity with their physicians.

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PAGE B14 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • JANUARY 28, 2021

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s people age, oftentimes their living arrangements need to be adjusted. Needs evolve as children move out or other situations arise. One of the scenarios that may come to pass as a person ages is the need for more specialized help that just isn’t possible at home. When failing physical or mental health affects one’s ability to be independent and live safety at home, moving into an assisted living facility may be the next step. The National Center for Assisted Living indicates assisted living offers the little bit of help some people need when they can no longer manage living alone. Typically these facilities provide assistance with bathing or dressing, medication management and other care, while also catering to people who may not require the around-the-clock medical care most often associated with nursing homes. Vetting is an important component of finding assisted living facilities. Family caregivers need to educate themselves about services, costs and other resources provided by assisted living facilities. AARP says assisted living facilities provide residents with a range of services that can include supervision, meals, housekeeping, laundry, and personal care. Residents usually have their own apartments or private rooms. Because they are mostly regulated at state level in

the United States, there is a lot of variety among these facilities. That means family caregivers need to assess their needs and desires in a facility to find the right one that fits. Assisted living facilities offer a home-like environment, and the amenities available vary based on cost. Paying for assisted living differs from paying for nursing homes. Largely government-subsidized health programs like Medicare and Medicaid pay for nursing home care. Those who would be best serviced by assisted living may find they may not qualify for government support, nor may the facilities accept anything other than private payment or long-term care insurance to cover room and board. Other considerations in assisted living facilities are size, specialties, atmosphere, location, and the ability to transition to higher forms of care. Assisted living may fill a void currently, but it’s often not a permanent situation for all, and eventually certain residents may have to move on to skilled care facilities. Potential residents and their families should visit various assisted living facilities to get a feel for what they are like. Speak with the staff and residents, request a meal and get a sense of the environment. Apart from cost, how the home feels is one of the most important factors in shopping around for this type of residence.

JANUARY 28, 2021 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • PAGE B15

WRITE AMERICA SCHEDULE:

Book Revue's new WRITE AMERICA virtual series encourages unity through literature

February 1

Rita Dove & Billy Collins

February 8

Francine Prose & Paul Muldoon

February 15

Russell Banks, Major Jackson and Alice McDermott

February 22

Patricia Marx & Garry Trudeau

March 1

Alan Bergman & Adam Gopnik

March 8

Alan Alda & Arlene Alda

March 15

BY MELISSA ARNOLD

he written word has the ability to stir up emotions in ways little else can. Whether it’s a collection of zealous love poems, a thought-provoking novel or the adrenaline rush of a favorite song on the radio, words are powerful. Like many Americans, essayist and novelist Roger Rosenblatt is heartbroken over the intense and sometimes even violent divisions in America today. “I was really concerned with how ready people are to argue and fight with one another,” said Rosenblatt, who lives on the East End. “And I started to think, ‘Can I make a difference here?’” An idea came quickly, and Rosenblatt fired off a letter to friends, former students and colleagues, all of them writers in some fashion. His message: Let’s come together and use our talents to encourage unity and peace. A few days later, he had dozens of enthusiastic responses. The result is Write America: A Reading for Our Country, a free, weekly online event hosted by Book Revue in Huntington. Beginning Feb. 1 and continuing through September, authors from around the country and all walks of life will read from their work, share their thoughts, and take questions from viewers. Book Revue last partnered with Rosenblatt in the fall, when they held a celebration and comedic “roast” for his 80th birthday. Event coordinator Loren Limongelli said they were thrilled to hear from him again, especially with such a wonderful idea. “Roger has gathered artists from all ages, races and backgrounds to bridge the divide in our nation and reach people with the reminder that we’re all human,” said Limongelli, who will

The virtual series welcomes former U.S. Poet Laureates Rita Dove and Billy Collins on Feb. 1.

'A writer’s words are a tacit call for people to gather round and discover or rediscover their connections to one another. Writing makes justice desirable, evil intelligible, grief endurable and love possible.' — ROGER ROSENBLATT

emcee the series. “We’ve had unwavering support from the community during the pandemic and we want to give back to them by providing really exciting events with well-known authors.” The growing list of participants runs the gamut from up-and-coming authors to award-winning and nationally recognized writers, including Billy Collins, Rita Dove, Major Jackson, Alan Alda, Alice McDermott, Amy Hempel, Natalie Diaz, Tyehimba Jess, Paul Auster, and many more. “I wanted to make sure we had representation from all parts of the country, different kinds of people, and different types of writing as well: poets, novelists, essayists, women, men, people of color,” Rosenblatt said. “They got it. Writers are generally private people and we joke that they shouldn’t let us out, but there was a unique opportunity here to do some good. We feel like we have a responsibility to reach out to the public.” The writers were encouraged to read from works they feel are healing and inspiring for all people, regardless of differences in politics or opinion. Suffolk County local Alan Alda has spent the latest part of his career immersed in the art of communication. He has written memoirs and books exploring how we relate to one another, what’s most important in life and why it all matters.

“I think it’s great that Roger has opened a door for writers to be able to make their own special contribution to national healing through their writing,” Alda said. “I’m not sure what I’ll be reading yet, but I have my eye on a description I wrote in my last book of the day mortal enemies took an impromptu day off from killing each other.” Novelist Alice McDermott recalled that in his letter, Roger said that while writers don’t make many observable changes in the world, they can make a little noise. “Is this important? I think so. Our public discourse of late has made it so easy for us to dismiss and to vilify one another, to silence and to degrade,” she said. “Maybe we can help to restore, even temporarily — we are human, after all, and full of flaws — the way we speak about and think about and even feel about our world and one another.”

Linda Pastan, Paul Harding and Juan Felipe Herrera

March 22

George H. Colt & Anne Fadiman

March 29

Kirsten Valdez Quade & Nick Flynn

April 5

Kurt Andersen & Amy Hempel

April 12

Claudia Acevedo-Quiñones & Julie Sheehan

April 19

Natalie Diaz & Daniel Halpern

April 26

Paul Auster, Siri Hustvedt & David Remnick

May 3

Carlos Fonseca & Rose Styron

May 10

Lloyd Schwartz & Priya Jain

May 17

Patricia McCormick & Michelle Whittaker

May 24

Grace Schulman & Lance Morrow

May 31

Bruce Weber & Molly Gaudry

Alan Alda and Alice McDermott will take part in the series.

Write America kicks off on Feb. 1 and will be held live at 7 p.m. Mondays on CrowdCast, a web-based meeting platform. All events are free. Registration is required by visiting www.bookrevue. com/write-america-series. For additional information, call 631-271-1442.

More dates will be announced with authors ... Adrienne Unger, Amy Cacciola, Cornelia Channing, DarJuinn Chou, David Lynn, Elizabeth Hawes Weinstock, Emma Walton Hamilton, Genevieve Sly Crane, Gregory Pardlo, Hilma Wolitzer, Jacqueline Leo, Jean Hanff Korelitz, Jennifer McDonald, Jill McCorkle, Jillian LaRussa, John Leo, Joyce Maynard, Jules Feiffer, Kate Lehrer, Kaylie Jones, Lora Tucker, Lou Ann Walker, Richard Ford, Robert Lipsyte, Robert Reeves, Roger Rosenblatt, Vjay Seshadri, Suchita Nayar, Susan Isaacs, Susan Minot, Tyehimba Jess, Ursula Hegi, and Vanessa Cuti.

PAGE B16 • ARTS & LIFESTYLES • JANUARY 28, 2021

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