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Tristan Wright left his job as a bank executive to start a second career, crafting a variety of hard apple ciders at his company, Lost Boy Cider Company in Alexandria, Virginia. A number of area retirees have established craft distilleries, some of which have pivoted during the pandemic to making hand sanitizers.

pivot because they already had a license to use alcohol and plenty of stock on hand. (Besides, even though liquor stores remained open, few customers ventured out to take tours or visit tasting rooms with stay-at-home orders in place.) Some, like Twin Valley Distillers in Rockville, Maryland, donated their hand

community matters. Now No w mo more ore tha than h n ever ever, er,,

JULY 2020

PHOTO BY GLENDA C. BOOTH

By Glenda C. Booth Peter Ahlf spent 25 years as a rocket scientist at NASA and a private firm, helping design the Space Shuttle and the International Space Station, planning flight missions and more. But it wasn’t until he retired that he started making a kind of rocket fuel. Today, he crafts an award-winning absinthe, a green, anise-flavored spirit. Ahlf makes 400 bottles a month of the 140-proof brew from scratch. He grows the potent beverage’s key herbal ingredients — wormwood and hyssop — at the Mt. Defiance Cidery and Distillery in Middleburg, Virginia. After many years working or raising children, a number of retirees like Ahlf are reinventing themselves by distilling spirits or making hard cider. Artisanal craft brew and distilling businesses have popped up all over America as more people are seeking out custommade, small-batch beer, spirits and cider. “People are tired of the traditional Smirnoff and soda,” said Brad Plummer, American Distilling Institute spokesman. “Drinking is not just drinking. It’s an experience.” The number of licensed distilleries in Virginia alone has soared from 10 in 2005 to 70 today. Cideries have had a similar trajectory in the state, exploding from two in 2010 to 50 in 2020. Maryland is catching up; the state has more than 25 distilleries today. During the early months of the coronavirus pandemic, when retail shelves began to empty of hand sanitizer, many distilleries stepped up to put their high-power ethanol — the intoxicating ingredient of beer, wine and hard liquor — to good use making hand sanitizer by the gallon. They were well-positioned to make this

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sanitizer products to first responders and hospitals.

A family tradition Another distiller who adapted to the times is Chuck Miller of Belmont Farm See DISTILLERS, page 32

There’s comfort in being part of a strong community. Learn more. Call 1-877-575-0231 or visit DMVSeniorLiving.com for your free brochure.

At Montpelier and other historic sites, retirees help out on archaeological digs; plus, novels with older narrators, and Bob Levey on change page 31 TECHNOLOGY 4 k Easy-to-use video chat devices FITNESS & HEALTH 6 k Drugs winning against cancer k Avoid rebound headaches SPOTLIGHT ON AGING k Newsletter for D.C. seniors

LAW & MONEY 21 k Best books on money topics k How to write an ethical will LEISURE & TRAVEL k A Swedish road trip k Rhode Island getaway

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Guest columnist Editor’s Note: The following guest column is brother, President John F. Kennedy, was by Timothy Cox, one of our contributing writ- considered a fair man who would also lead ers. Mr. Cox has written for Ganthe charge as the young, new nett and Scripps-Howard as well politician, with values targeted as for newspapers in Augusta, toward alleviating America’s Atlanta, Baltimore, Pittsburgh unfair treatment of African and Washington, D.C. A memAmericans. ber of the National Association of In 1968, those bright hopes Black Journalists, he has a jourand dreams ended abruptly nalism degree from Point Park with their unexpected and sudUniversity. den deaths. I vividly recall the spring of Fast-forward some 52 years 1968. I was 10 years old. to the spring of 2020. I’m now Then, America was in a WAKE-UP CALL 62. Once again, we’re imstate of turmoil following the By Timothy Cox mersed in a series of racially April 4 assassinations of Dr. polarizing and world-changMartin Luther King, Jr. and, ing events. Amid the somber soon after, the June 5 fatal shooting of then- effects of the coronavirus, many Americans U.S. Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, a candidate were already psychologically and emotionwell-positioned to win the Democratic nomi- ally wrecked since the virus took hold in nation for the 1968 presidential election. early March, ending jobs and lives. The violent death of Dr. King was an As a former longtime resident of Georevent that rocked the core of black Ameri- gia, I was personally impacted by the video cans, many who considered him the savior released in May of two white men who who would finally help even the playing tracked down and killed a young black man, field in a nation steeped in Jim Crow laws, Ahmaud Arbery, who was jogging in “their” its foundations embedded in the 18th -cen- neighborhood. It reignited a flame that histury slave trade. torically has saddled America’s South. Sen. Kennedy, as well as his deceased But within weeks, we saw the ground-

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breaking video of George Floyd’s murder at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer. To me, that is when the wake-up call blasted out to end the illegal, racist behavior toward African Americans and other minorities. The event has and continues to adversely impact billions, nationally and internationally. As of press time, the protest marches continue worldwide. The video of George Floyd was so unbelievable that it was difficult for me to watch. It is hard to fathom that such an incident could occur in the 21st-century United States. Like most Americans, I immediately felt sorry for Floyd’s family, and also for the millions of young people of all races and cultures whom had never seen an incident so inhumane. Not in 2020. And hopefully, never again. As a descendant of two parents who were raised in segregated Georgia in the early 1900s to mid-1940s, I’m proud to say that my upbringing in Western Pennsylvania had a full impact on my life. From the time of my early education to the time I entered the job market, I’ve adopted mechanisms to thrive even when faced with obvious, racially-based oppression and systemic racism. When I was a young man, my parents ensured that my brothers and sisters were well equipped to appropriately respond when encountered by aggressive law enforcement personnel. “The talk” was and is a protection mechanism passed down the ranks from grandparents, fathers, uncles, cousins and nephews to children and in my case, to my godchildren. As a lifelong journalist, I have often witnessed unfair hiring practices at America’s premier newspapers. On the rare occasions I was offered a job interview there, managing editors would often tell me that minority reporters such as myself were not qualified because we lacked daily newsroom experience. But if we were never given an initial opportunity, how were we supposed to acquire the neces-

sary daily newsroom experience? Racism was, and continues to be, a reality in our country. However, one powerful televised moment stands out to me. At a march for George Floyd’s homegoing in Houston, a three-year-old girl saw a line of police SWAT team members and asked her father if the police were coming to “shoot them.” Then, an officer stopped to comfort the little girl — stating that she and her family were safe and able to march and demonstrate as they pleased. Those types of hopeful images can impact our youth and the law enforcement community. Who has the answers? Money and support has poured in from corporations, churches, athletes and entertainers, and even Pope Francis has expressed his awareness and support. As a man of God, I pray that the religious community can step up and develop some type of healthy dialogue with other denominations and religious groups — with the sole purpose of ending the ongoing unfairness in society. Hopefully, there’ll be a conglomeration of organizations that’ll collectively lead the charge in fixing the wrongs in America, and internationally, that have for so many years utilized systematic racism — again, to unfairly and primarily target and harm people of color. Black men, along with our mothers, sisters and all in between, know and have lived the real story. Those who march worldwide in the streets to protest current and past inhumane treatment of people of color are clearly reacting to what they believe are racist practices. To our young people: Continue to march and make the world aware of the inequities that continue to plague black Americans. It’s an ongoing struggle, but facing reality is long overdue. Sadly, George Floyd had to pay the ultimate price in order for the world to awaken. Stay woke, America!

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Readers are encouraged to share their opinion on any matter addressed in the Beacon as well as on political and social issues of the day. Mail your Letter to the Editor to The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915, or e-mail to info@thebeaconnewspapers.com. Please include your name, address and telephone number for verification. Dear Editor: It would indeed be refreshing if authors of his ilk, your June cover story [about crime novelist George Pelecanos], wrote something positive and uplifting instead of the same old bigoted, fabricated nonsense that only serves to further vilify the victims of 244 years of colonial tyranny. Suggested reading: Susan Sontag’s article answering the question, “What’s happening in America?” in the 1967 Partisan Revue. Chris Harrison Kensington, Maryland Dear Editor: Beacon publisher Stuart P. Rosenthal

nicely reviewed personal responses to the coronavirus pandemic in the June issue. But I would add political and economic lessons that come from this epidemic. Two of special import: First, “unalienable rights” mentioned in the Declaration of Independence, and partly codified in the Bill of Rights, are alienable. The president, governors, mayors and county executives assumed dictatorial legislative and judicial powers never constitutionally given. Separation of powers and checks-and-balances restrictions have been dishonored. Elected officials See LETTERS TO EDITOR, page 37

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Technology &

Innovations Students develop virtual reality hikes By Brendan Quealy Take a trek to Skeleton Point on the South Kaibab Trail along the Grand Canyon in Arizona. Head to California and make your way to the Bridge to Nowhere or Potato Chip Rock. Find yourself atop Mother Miguel Mountain in Ohio or in the caves of Natural Tunnel State Park in Virginia. All are possibilities from the comfort of your home due in large part to the work of two recent high school graduates in Elk Rapids, Michigan. Zak Miracle and Garrison Waugh spent part of their senior year developing a way for people to take virtual hikes in dozens of locations across the United States. Their work can be seen on a webpage where they’ve partnered with Treadmill TV and HikingGuy.com to provide more than 50 hikes in five states. “It’s been a lot of experimentation so far,” Waugh said. Waugh and Miracle told the Traverse City, Michigan, Record-Eagle the inspiration to venture into such a project occurred to them in similar ways but in dif-

ferent parts of the world. Waugh said his breath was taken away when he reached the summit of the Kuliouou Trail in Hawaii and was given a full 360-degree view of the island. “That’s where it sparked for me,” Waugh said. “I was thinking about how many people will never get that experience in their life. They’ll never be able to get out and see the beauty and nature.” Miracle had the same “a-ha moment” while touring Yosemite and Yellowstone national parks. “Seeing everything and being able to take everything in was so beautiful,” Miracle said. “Knowing some people can’t do that really opened my eyes that we should do something.”

A school science project The two talked last year about doing a science project together. Miracle said the original intent of the project was to provide a way for people with ambulatory disabilities or issues with their limbs the chance to experience these hikes.

Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital, in Grand Rapids, in partnership with Munson Medical Center, has since reached out to Miracle and Waugh to see how they could work together to make that goal a reality. “Allowing them to be able to view all of these great sights is really what this all about,” Miracle said. Waugh said they are hoping to develop an app to go along with their project. Holly Zatkovic, AP chemistry teacher at Elk Rapids High School in Elk Rapids, Michigan, has from the beginning helped guide Miracle and Waugh’s work. She’s called the project “phenomenal” and “philanthropic.” “I am extremely proud of the creativity, commitment and enthusiasm demonstrated by Garrison and Zak. They are both amazing students that are well on their way to becoming innovators and problem solvers of the future,” she said. “What began as an idea for an independent study project has slowly become a design reality that will have a positive impact on society.”

How to take a (virtual) hike The process itself is rather simple. Those interested can go to Miracle and Waugh’s website, vr-hike.weebly.com, browse the map for hikes, pull up the video on their smartphone and, if they have one, pop the phone into a virtual reality (VR) headset and start the trek. [A variety of VR headsets for smartphones cost less than $40 on Amazon.] The first “hike” the duo created themselves was of their high school. Miracle said it began with propping a 360-degree camera on a prototype of a helmet they designed and built. They’re now working on trying to secure funding for a gyroscope stand for the camera to keep it level, and they hope to move out to the famed hiking trails in northern Michigan and record hikes at places such as Sleeping Bear Dunes. “It was a passion project,” Waugh said. “We’re hoping that it just continues to grow.” –AP

Video call options for the tech-challenged Dear Savvy Senior, ple video calling and much more. The Can you recommend some simple GrandPad is an 8-inch tablet specifically devices that can help tech-challenged designed for people ages 75 and older. It seniors with video calls? comes with a stylus, a chargMy 80-year-old mother has ing cradle and 4G LTE built been isolating herself for in, so it works anywhere withmonths now in fear of the in the Consumer Cellular netcoronavirus, and I haven’t work — home Wi-Fi is not rebeen able to see her facequired. to-face in quite a while. Ready to go right out of the —Concerned Daughter box, GrandPad provides a simDear Concerned, plified menu of big icons and Video chatting is a great large text for essential features, way to stay connected and providing clutter-free, oneSAVVY SENIOR keep tabs on a parent when touch access to make and reBy Jim Miller you can’t be there. But it’s ceive video calls, send voice even more important during emails, view photos and videos, this pandemic, as many isolated seniors are listen to music, check the weather, play also suffering from chronic loneliness. games, browse the internet and more. To help connect you and your mom virA GrandPad tablet costs $250 plus $40 tually, there are various products on the monthly service fee and is sold through market that offer simple video calling for Consumer Cellular at GrandPad.net or call those with limited ability or experience 1-888-545-1425. with technology. Amazon’s Echo Show: With its built-in Here are four devices to consider: camera and screen, the voice-command GrandPad: This is a top option for sim- Echo Show also provides a simple way to

have face-to-face chats with your mom, but she’ll need home Wi-Fi installed. Echo Shows, which come in three screen sizes — 5-inch ($90), 8-inch ($130) and 10-inch ($230) — will let your mom make and receive video calls to those who have their own device or who have the Amazon Alexa app installed on their smartphone or tablet. Once you set up her contacts, to make a call your mom could simply say, “Alexa, call my daughter.” And when you initiate a call to her, she would ask Alexa to answer the call (or ignore it). There’s also a feature called “drop-in” that would let you video call your mom’s device anytime without her having to answer it. Available at Amazon.com, the Echo Show also offers thousands of other features your mom would enjoy, such as voice-activated access to news, weather, her favorite music and much more. If you decide to order an Echo Show device for mom, be sure you ask Amazon to mark it as a gift, so it doesn’t get tied to your Amazon account.

For instructions to help your mom set it up, or if she doesn’t have a smartphone, go to Amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html, and type in “Help Loved Ones Set Up Their Echo Show Remotely” in the “find more solutions” bar. ViewClix: This is a smart picture frame specifically designed for older adults who aren’t in a position to operate a device themselves. It lets family members make video calls, send photos, and post virtual sticky note messages to their loved ones’ ViewClix from their smartphone, tablet or computer. The recipient, however, cannot initiate video calls from their ViewClix. Home Wi-Fi is also required. Available in two sizes — 10-inch for $199, and 15-inch for $299 — you can learn more about this product at ViewClix.com. Facebook Portal: If your mom is a Facebook user, a voice-command Facebook portal (see portal.facebook.com) is another simple way to stay connected. Again, home Wi-Fi is needed. See VIDEO CALLS, page 5

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Kindness spreads with volunteer links

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❏ Alzheimer’s Prevention Study (See ad on page 15) ❏ Covid-19 Vaccine Study (See ad on page 14) ❏ Memory Studies (See ad on page 15) ❏ Stroke Rehabilitation Study (See ad on page 14)

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Portals, which come in three sizes — the original 10-inch Portal ($179), the 8inch Mini ($129) and the massive 15-and-ahalf-inch Portal Plus ($279) — are like Echo Shows, except they connect through Facebook.

now, but we’re all interconnected,” she said. “We’re here for you. And we’re one society. We’re one humanity.” While nonstop global news about the effects of the coronavirus have become commonplace, so, too, are tales of kindness. “One Good Thing” is a continuing series of AP stories focusing on glimmers of joy and benevolence in a dark time. Read the series here: apnews.com/OneGoodThing. —AP

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availability. Organizations can also submit needs and recruit volunteers. “It’s a two-sided platform…so it’s a winwin,” said Shalva Gozlan, who’s in charge of the platform’s marketing. She found out about Corona Connects on social media and used it to find a volunteering opportunity as a crisis counselor. “I think the beauty of this platform is that we’re reminding people you might be geographically and physically alone right

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With a Portal, your mom can video call your smartphone or tablet (and vice versa) using Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp. Send your questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of The Savvy Senior book.

When the coronavirus crisis forced schools to go virtual, Raskas and University of Maryland junior Elana Sichel started a list of organizations in need of help. They realized that there were many needs and many students with extra time on their hands. “We started with just a spreadsheet. We thought we could post it to social media and try to get it spreading around and figured if we help 10 people or 50 people, that’s amazing,” Raskas said. “And we quickly realized that that spreadsheet was getting passed around, and we needed something better.” Penn seniors Steven Hamel and Megan Kyne found out about the initiative through the Class of 2020 Facebook page and offered to build an easy-to-navigate site. Users can filter volunteer opportunities following their interests, location and

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Good idea goes viral

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By Luis Andres Henao It started with a simple spreadsheet created by a group of college students who wanted to help during the pandemic. In just two months, that spreadsheet has grown into an online platform that has connected do-gooders with nearly 3,000 opportunities to volunteer across the United States. Corona Connects (coronaconnects.org) includes 170 volunteer categories — from food delivery and tutoring, to mental health and supporting nursing home residents. The site, created by three students at the University of Pennsylvania, now is run by a team of 25 students from colleges nationwide. “We called this Corona Connects because we knew that corona spreads through droplets, but kindness can spread through connecting,” said Hadassah Raskas, a Penn senior.

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SAFER SAMPLES A new technique with prostate biopsies avoids the risk of infection GREEN THUMBS Tending to a home garden can lower stress, improve mood and help others ICE CUBES WITH A TWIST Make ice cubes with green tea to boost your immune system this summer

Better, gentler cancer drugs are helping By Marilynn Marchione Doctors are reporting success with newer drugs that control certain types of cancer better, reduce the risk it will come back, and make treatment simpler and easier to bear. Gentler drugs would be a relief to patients like Jenn Carroll, a 57-year-old human resources director from New Hartford, Connecticut, who had traditional IV chemotherapy after lung cancer surgery in 2018. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was very strong. I call it the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;blammoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; method,â&#x20AC;? she said. Carroll jumped at the chance to help test a newer drug taken as a daily pill, AstraZenecaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tagrisso. Rather than chemoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s imprecise cellkilling approach, Tagrisso targets a specific gene mutation. Its side effects are manageable enough that it can be used for several years to help prevent recurrence, doctors said. A big drawback: It and other newer drugs are extremely expensive â&#x20AC;&#x201D; $150,000 or more per year. How much patients end up paying depends on insurance, income and other factors. Here are highlights of that study and others from an American Society of Clinical Oncology conference held online this spring

because of the coronavirus pandemic:

has consulted for the drugâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s maker. The drug costs about $15,000 a month.

Lung cancer Lung cancer kills more than 1.7 million people globally each year. Dr. Roy Herbst of the Yale Cancer Center led a study of Tagrisso in 682 patients with the most common form of the disease. All had operable tumors with a mutation in a gene called EGFR thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s found in 10 to 35% of cases, especially among Asians and nonsmokers. About half had standard chemotherapy after surgery and then took Tagrisso or placebo pills. Independent monitors stopped the study in April when the drugâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s benefit seemed clear. After two years on average, 89% of patients on the drug were alive without a cancer recurrence versus 53% on placebo. Severe side effects were a little more common on Tagrisso â&#x20AC;&#x201D; mostly diarrhea, fatigue and inflamed skin around nails or in the mouth. Tagrisso is approved for treating advanced lung cancer, and â&#x20AC;&#x153;the excitement now is moving this earlierâ&#x20AC;? before the disease has widely spread, said Herbst, who

Prostate cancer Men with advanced prostate cancer often are treated with medicines to suppress male hormones that can help the cancer grow. The drugs are given as shots every few months but take days or weeks to start working and can cause an initial flare of bone pain and urinary or other problems. Researchers tested Myovant Sciencesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s relugolix â&#x20AC;&#x201D; a different type of hormone blocker and the first thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a daily pill â&#x20AC;&#x201D; versus leuprolide shots every three months in 930 men treated for nearly a year. About 97% on the experimental drug kept hormones suppressed throughout that time versus 89% on leuprolide. Four days after the start of treatment, 56% of men on relugolix and none on leuprolide had their hormones suppressed. A heart attack, stroke or other serious heart problem occurred in 3% of men on relugolix and in 6% of men on leuprolide. The difference was even greater among men with prior heart problems.

That could be important because heart disease is a frequent cause of death in men with prostate cancer, according to Dr. Celestia Higano of the University of Washington in Seattle in a commentary published with the results in the New England Journal of Medicine. She had no role in the study. Myovant is seeking Food and Drug Administration approval for the drug; no cost estimate has been disclosed. [For more good news on prostate cancer, see â&#x20AC;&#x153;Low risk technique for prostate biopsiesâ&#x20AC;? on page 12.]

Colon cancer Merck & Co.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s blockbuster Keytruda, which helps the immune system find and fight cancer, proved better than standard chemo combinations as initial treatment for people with advanced colon cancer and tumors with gene defects that result in a high number of mutations, making them tough to treat. The study involved 307 patients in France. Those given Keytruda went more than 16 months on average before their See CANCER TREATMENTS, page 7

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Ways to lower stress, boost whole grains By Howard LeWine, M.D. Q: The coronavirus outbreak has raised my stress level. I am worried that anxiety is making me more susceptible to infection. What can I do now to feel calmer? A: The stress response is also known as “the fight or flight” reaction. It’s what the body does as it prepares to confront or avoid danger. When appropriately invoked, the stress response helps us rise to many challenges, such as fighting infections. But trouble starts when this response is constantly provoked by events and circumstances, such as dealing with the rapid changes in our lives due to the coronavirus outbreak. Not only does persistent stress increase the risk of hypertension and heart disease,

it also is associated with an altered immune response to infections. Stress does not make you more likely to get infected with coronavirus or other germs. But stress could mean a greater chance of developing more symptoms. We can’t avoid all sources of stress in our lives, nor would we want to. But we can develop healthier ways of responding to them. One way is to invoke the relaxation response, a state of profound rest that can be elicited in many ways, including through meditation, yoga or progressive muscle relaxation. Breath focus is a common feature of several techniques that evoke the relaxation response. The first step is learning to breathe deeply. When you breathe deeply,

Cancer treatments

in this study, said Dr. Howard Burris, president of the oncology society and head of the Sarah Cannon Research Institute in Nashville. “If you’re one of that one in 20, instead of taking that combination chemotherapy you can take a simpler immunotherapy once every two weeks” with better results and fewer side effects, he said. Keytruda costs about $12,500 a month. —AP

From page 6 cancer worsened compared to 8 months for those on chemo. After a year, 55% on Keytruda were alive without worsening cancer versus 37% on chemo. After two years, it was 48% versus nearly 19%. About 22% of people getting Keytruda had severe side effects versus 66% on chemo. About 5% of colon cancers are like those

the air coming in through your nose fully fills your lungs, and your lower belly rises. Breath focus helps you concentrate on slow, deep breathing, and aids you in disengaging from distracting thoughts and sensations. It’s especially helpful if you tend to hold tension in your stomach. To try focusing on your breath, find a quiet, comfortable place to sit or lie down. First, take a normal breath. Then try a deep breath: Breathe in slowly through your nose, allowing your chest and lower belly to rise as you fill your lungs. Let your abdomen expand fully. Now breathe out slowly through your mouth (or your nose, if that feels more natural). Notice how your body feels and changes as you

breathe in and out. Once you’ve taken the steps above, you can move on to regular practice of controlled breathing. As you sit comfortably with your eyes closed, blend deep breathing with helpful imagery and perhaps a word or phrase that helps you relax. It’s important not to try too hard. That may just cause you to tense up. Just be aware of your breathing. The key to eliciting the relaxation response lies in shifting your focus from stressors to deeper, calmer rhythms. Q: What makes whole grain foods healthier than other carbs? And how See HARVARD Q & A, page 9

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Coronavirus News Virus kept ER patients home Emergency room visits in the U.S. for chest pain and heart attacks fell early this spring, according to a June study that supports fears that the coronavirus outbreak scared away people from going to the hospital. ER visits were up for respiratory illnesses and pneumonia, but were down for nearly every other kind of injury or ailment, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Overall, fewer ER patients showed up: Visits were down 42% in a four-week period that stretched from late March through most of April, compared to the same time last year. At the time, hospitals in some U.S. cities — most notably New York — were overwhelmed treating COVID-19 patients. But the CDC study covered 43 states and saw big declines, particularly in visits involving preteens. Some of that may be good news — there may have been fewer injuries from some types of accidents, for example, because people were staying at home and not doing as many risky things at work or play. But some experts worry about the CDC’s finding of 1,100 fewer visits per week for heart attacks and 24,000 fewer for chest pain. The finding seems to parallel death certificate reports. In each of the first three weeks of April, the nation saw 2,000 more

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deaths than normal in a category comprised of primarily heart attacks. That may be the result of some patients worrying more about catching the coronavirus at a crowded ER than their heart problems, some experts think. “There’s a lot of evidence that suggests people are afraid to interact with medical care, and are deciding not to act on their symptoms,” said Wayne Rosamond, a University of North Carolina researcher who studies heart disease and stroke trends. The CDC report echoes research in the U.S. and Italy, which showed reductions in heart-related hospital admissions and use of labs to clear clogged arteries. There has been no drop of heart attack deaths during coronavirus. The latest study found a small increase in people arriving at the ER in cardiac arrest — their heart had stopped. One possible explanation: “They could have been people with heart attacks who waited too long,” said Dr. Harlan Krumholz, a Yale University cardiologist and researcher, in an email. “If someone is having acute chest pain and think they’re having a heart attack, they should call 911,” Rosamond said. “You shouldn’t ignore these things. You should seek help.”

Masks and social distancing work Masks and social distancing can help control the coronavirus, but hand washing and other measures are still needed, according to a new analysis. Researchers concluded single-layer cloth masks are less effective than surgical masks, while tight-fitting N95 masks provide the best protection. A distance of 1 meter (more than 3 feet) between people lowers the danger of catching the virus, while 2 meters (about 6 ½ feet) is even better. Eye protection such as eyeglasses or goggles can help, too. None of the strategies work perfectly, and more rigorous studies are needed, according to the analysis published in June in the medical journal Lancet. With the coronavirus still new, health officials have relied on studies involving its

cousins, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). The findings come from a systematic review of 44 studies, including seven involving the virus causing COVID-19. The other studies in the analysis focused on SARS or MERS. Still to come are results from more rigorous experiments in Canada and Denmark that are testing masks in randomly assigned groups of nurses and the general public. Until then, the new study provides reassurance that masks do help. Public health officials have given conflicting advice about masks. The World Health Organization, which funded the new analysis, has said healthy people need to wear a mask only if they are caring for a person with COVID-19. The CDC wants everyone to wear at least a cloth mask when grocery shopping or in similar situations where keeping distance is difficult.

Cancer and coronavirus are dangerous mix New research shows how dangerous the coronavirus is for current and former cancer patients. Those who developed COVID-19 were much more likely to die within a month than people without cancer who got it, two recent studies found. They are the largest reports on people with both diseases in the United States, the United Kingdom, Spain and Canada. In one study, half of 928 current and former cancer patients with COVID-19 were hospitalized, and 13% died. That’s far more than the various rates that have been reported in the general population. Results were published in Lancet in May. A second study in Lancet from researchers in England of 800 patients with various types of cancer and COVID-19 found an even higher death rate: 28%. The risk rose with age and other health problems such as high blood pressure. The studies have big implications: More than 1.6 million new cancers are diagnosed See CORONAVIRUS, page 9

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Harvard Q & A From page 7 can you tell which products are really whole grain? A: Whole grains reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes. But they do even more. People who eat a diet rich in whole grain foods live longer compared to people who consume foods made from refined grains. All grains grow as kernels. Each kernel has three layers: —The inner germ contains many of the vitamins, minerals and healthy oils. —The middle layer is called the endosperm. It is primarily starch and makes up most of the kernel. It provides the energy the kernel needs to start growing. —The outer coating, known as bran, contains most of the grain’s fiber. In the 1880s, millers became very adept at separating the layers, especially for wheat. The starchy middle layer was ideal for baking.

Coronavirus From page 8 in the United States each year, several million Americans are in treatment now, and about 20 million are cancer survivors. Dr. Jeremy Warner, a Vanderbilt University data scientist who led the first study, said the results show the need for people treated in the past to be extra careful now. “They want to do anything they can to avoid getting it,” he said. “We’re trying to minimize trips to the clinic” and telling older cancer patients and those with lung problems “to be extra vigilant, extra isolated, to stay at home, be careful with family members,” said Dr. Howard Burris, president of the American Society of Clinical Oncology. Men seemed to fare worse — 17% of them died versus 9% of women. That might be because breast cancer was the most common tumor type in this group, and women with it tend to be younger and with fewer health problems. Many cancers seen in men that are typically diagnosed at later ages, and smoking also is more common among men.

Large COVID-19 vaccine study underway soon The first experimental COVID-19 vaccine in the U.S. is on track to begin a huge study in July to prove if it really can fend off the coronavirus — a long-awaited step in the global vaccine race. The vaccine, developed by the U.S. National Institutes of Health and Moderna Inc., will be tested in 30,000 volunteers — some given the real shot and some a dummy shot. Moderna said it has made enough doses for the pivotal late-stage (Phase 3) testing. —AP

These new refined grains became very popular. White bread crowded grocery store shelves for the next 100 years. Goodbye to the germ and bran, along with their nutritional value. When you eat a whole grain, you’re getting more than just the fiber from the outer layer. You also get all the vitamins, minerals, good fats, protein, antioxidants and other healthful parts of the grain’s inner layer. It’s easy enough to decide between brown rice and white rice. But selecting whole-grain breads and cereals often requires a close reading of the food label. Don’t be fooled by terms such as “wheat flour,” “unbleached wheat flour” and “enriched wheat flour.” They can refer to refined white flour. The same goes for “stone-ground,” “multigrain,” “fortified,” “stoned wheat,” “cracked wheat” and “organic.” None of these terms guarantees that the product is whole grain. To be sure that you are really getting

whole grains, look for the word “whole” or “whole-grain” before the grain’s name as the first ingredient. And it’s not enough that “made with whole grain” appears somewhere on the list of ingredients. That grain may have been refined. Again, the key is the word “whole” in the first ingredient listed — for example,

“stone-ground whole wheat.” Howard LeWine, M.D., is an internist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston and assistant professor at Harvard Medical School. For more information, visit health.harvard.edu. © 2020 President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Age-Friendly Montgomery “I invite you to take part in all the resources our County has to offer.” County Executive Marc Elrich

Thrive at Home: Check Out These Fun and Helpful Websites Montgomery County’s Caregiver Program eNewsletter / Blog / Podcasts / Engage@HOME Highlights practical support for caregivers such as: access to County resources, telephone and virtual support, wellness activities and lifelong learning opportunities. Go to: bit.ly/MoCoCaregiverBlog

Montgomery County’s Rec Room This virtual recreation hub provides DIY arts & crafts, fitness videos, virtual classes and tours, and fun ideas for any age. For help navigating the site, call the Seniors Team at 240-777-4925. Go to: bit.ly/MoCoRecRoom

Montgomery County’s Public Library MCPL offers programs and services including: book clubs, arts and craft instruction, computer help, tax preparation, music performances, music lessons & performances, and health & wellness programs. For help navigating the site, call “Ask a Librarian” at 240-777-0001. Go to: montgomerycountymd.gov/library

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Contact Us Today • Aging & Disability Resource Line 240-777-3000 (8:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. T, W, Th/5 p.m. M & F) • 3-1-1 or 240-777-0311 for County programs and services; 9-1-1 for emergency • www.montgomerycountymd.gov/senior • “Seniors Today” airs on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6 p.m. on Comcast/RCN 6, Verizon 30

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Ending rebound headaches from meds By Sait Ashina, M.D. Rebound headaches, also known as medication overuse headaches, are caused by the frequent or excessive use of pain-relieving and/or anti-migraine drugs to treat headache attacks that are already in progress. (Note that these are not the same as oral prophylactic or preventive headache medicines, which should be taken daily.) In other words, the same medications that initially relieve headache pain can themselves trigger subsequent headaches if they are used too often. Medication overuse headaches can be disabling, forcing people with this condition to take sick leave and to be less productive at work and home. To be diagnosed with medication overuse headaches, a person must experience headaches on more than 15 days per month for at least three months while taking pain-relieving and/or anti-migraine drugs. In addition to headache, other symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, light sensitivity, sound sensitivity, irritability, difficulty concentrating, insomnia, restlessness and constipation. Medication overuse headache is a common headache disorder. Approximately one to two out of every 100 people have experienced medication overuse headache in the past year. This headache is more common in women, and in people with chronic pain conditions and who have depression and anxiety. Pain relieving or anti-migraine medications may stop a headache attack when taken as needed to relieve headache. But if a person with a primary headache disorder, such as a migraine or tensiontype headache, takes these headache-re-

lieving medications more than two to three days a week, they may trigger medication overuse headache.

Who’s at risk? A variety of medications can lead to rebound headaches. For example, people with migraine who take over-the-counter pain-relieving medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve) more than 15 days per month are at risk for medication overuse headache. So are people who take combination medications such as Excedrin, which contains caffeine, aspirin and acetaminophen; people who take combination medications that contain the barbiturate butalbital; and those who take triptans, including sumatriptan (Imitrex), ergots or opioids, if they take these medications on more than 10 days per month. In fact, butalbital-containing medications and opioids have been shown to increase the risk of a person’s migraine progressing from episodic (occurring zero to 14 days per month) to chronic (occurring 15 or more days per month). Interestingly, the same pain-relieving medications taken for other conditions such as back pain, neck pain or arthritis usually do not trigger medication overuse headache in people without a pre-existing primary headache disorder.

Treating rebound headaches Medication overuse headaches usually stop when a person stops taking the headache medication. It may be difficult in the beginning, because once you stop your medication, your headache is likely to get worse before it gets better.

But medications that prevent headaches, and nonmedical therapies such as biofeedback and avoiding headache triggers, can help get a person through this medication withdrawal period. Some headache medications can be discontinued abruptly, while others may need to be tapered slowly. For example, following long-term use, opioids and butalbitalcontaining medications should not be stopped abruptly. Doing so may lead to withdrawal symptoms such as sweating, shaking, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, body aches, anxiety, irritability or runny nose. Abrupt discontinuation of butalbital may result in seizures. Some people may benefit from discontinuing these medications in an inpatient setting. If you are taking opioids or butalbital-containing medications, talk to your doctor.

How to prevent rebounds The following steps can help stave off rebound headaches: • Limit the use of any headache medications taken as needed to relieve headache pain to no more than two to three days per week (fewer than 10 days per month). • Contact your doctor if you need to take headache medications more than two days per week. If you experience headaches more than four days per month, you may need to be on headache preventive medication. • Avoid using butalbital-containing medications or opioids. • Control and avoid anything that triggers your headaches. Common triggers include dehydration, hunger, lack of sleep, stress and certain foods and drinks. © 2020 Harvard University. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Low-risk technique for prostate biopsies By Julio Gundian Jr., M.D. Dear Mayo Clinic: My husband had an MRI that showed an abnormal spot on his prostate. The last time he had a prostate biopsy, he got a severe urinary tract infection, which led to him being hospitalized. It took him weeks to recover. Is he at risk of another serious infection after this prostate biopsy? Is there anything we can do to reduce that risk? A: Although it’s uncommon to contract an infection as a result of a prostate biopsy, as your husband found out, it can happen. A new technique for prostate biopsies has been developed, however, which reduces the odds of an infection to almost zero. That technique, called “transperineal

fusion biopsy,” is a good alternative to consider, particularly for someone like your husband, who has already had one infection due to a biopsy. A prostate biopsy is a procedure that removes samples of suspicious tissue from the prostate gland, so they can be examined for signs of cancer. Until recently, prostate biopsies had to be performed with a probe inserted through the rectum. During the procedure, a needle is passed through the rectal wall to obtain tissue from the prostate. This approach, known as a transrectal biopsy, exposes the biopsy needle to bacteria found in the rectum. Despite measures to reduce the risk of infection with a transrectal biopsy, such as

cleansing enemas and antibiotics, the needle may encounter fecal contents, and bacteria can be introduced into the prostate or bloodstream. The risk of contracting an infection with a transrectal biopsy is about 6%. The risk of requiring hospitalization for urosepsis — a serious infection of the bloodstream — due to a transrectal biopsy is about 3%.

Minimal risk and side effects In contrast, the new technique — transperineal fusion biopsy — virtually eliminates the risk of infection. The perineum is the area that lies between the scrotal sac and the anus in men. For a transperineal fusion biopsy, a needle is inserted through the perineal skin while an ultrasound probe in the rectum helps locate the area in the prostate that requires biopsy. When this technique is used, the needle never enters the rectum, virtually eliminating the risk of infection. This technology also uses previously obtained MRI imaging of the prostate to guide the needle to the suspicious region. After the procedure, there is a small risk of urinary retention or inability to urinate in about 2% of patients, which is similar to the transrectal approach. Unlike the transrectal approach, however, there is almost no risk of bleeding from the rectum after a transperineal biopsy.

Reduces antibiotic use Another significant difference between the new transperineal biopsy and the traditional transrectal biopsy is that the new approach dramatically reduces the need for

antibiotics before the procedure. Prior to a transrectal biopsy, the patient usually receives a quinolone antibiotic, such as ciprofloxacin. But between 15% and 30% of typical bacteria in the colon are resistant to this powerful antibiotic. The CDC estimates that the problem of antibiotic resistance by bacteria will only worsen with time. Bacteria can develop resistance to antibiotics the more they are exposed to them. Patients who have previously been treated with multiple antibiotics, who work in medical facilities, who travel internationally or who have a weakened immune system are more prone to be resistant to the antibiotics. As a result, they have a higher risk for infection. Patients who fall into those categories are better served by a technique such as the transperineal prostate biopsy that requires little to no antibiotic treatment prior to the procedure. It’s also a better choice for people who have drug allergies or who have developed serious side effects to antibiotics in the past. Encourage your husband to talk with his healthcare provider about a transperineal biopsy. While the procedure is not widely available at this time, it is offered at Mayo Clinic and some other large academic medical centers. Mayo Clinic Q & A is an educational resource and doesn’t replace regular medical care. Email a question to MayoClinicQ&A@mayo.edu. For more information, visit mayoclinic.org. © 2020 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Gardeners: help yourself and others, too By Dean Fosdick Gardening’s popularity has surged during the coronavirus pandemic. It provides exercise, outdoor time, emotional well-being and wholesome produce. [For more benefits of gardening, see related story on p. B-13.] Home gardeners can also provide some hunger relief to others during a time of rising food insecurity. Many home gardeners are donating portions of their freshly picked harvests to food banks, meal programs and shelters. Some are cultivating “giving gardens” for donations. These plots are weighted toward long-term storage crops, like carrots and winter squash, or nutrient-dense potatoes and beans. “When gardeners are able to donate a steady supply of fresh produce, it can make a big difference for neighbors in need,” said Christie Kane, a spokeswoman for Gardener’s Supply Company in Burlington, Vermont. The nation’s overburdened food pantries generally have access only to canned fruits and vegetables, she said. Even before the coronavirus crisis, an estimated 37.2 million people, or 11.1% of all U.S. households, lacked reliable access to enough food for a healthy standard of living, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Now, joblessness and lost wages due to the COVID-19 outbreak are forcing mil-

lions more to choose between food and other essentials. Fortunately, “stay-at-home orders have been a boon for gardening, since they give people added hours to go out and work in relative safety,” said Gary Oppenheimer, founder and executive director of AmpleHarvest.org, an organization that helps gardeners find food pantries eager to obtain fresh crops for their clients. “Millions more are planting, a great many more are enjoying healthier foods, and still more are contributing [to others],” he said.

Where and how to donate Make safety a priority when harvesting homegrown produce, especially if you’re sharing it with others, Oppenheimer said. “Call the local food pantry ahead of time to schedule your drop. Wear gloves. Step back six feet from anyone when delivering food. “Add nutrition to the community, but do it in such a way that people don’t get harmed in the process,” he said. Be choosy about where you make your contributions, Oppenheimer said. “Verify that they’re legitimate, that they’re nonprofit and give away their food for free.” Look to churches, municipalities or groups like AmpleHarvest.org for lists of recognized food programs.

How to boost garden’s yield Expanding the growing seasons will stretch your giving. Start earlier in the spring and continue production well into early winter using lights, row covers or other shelters to protect plants from frost. Other yield-boosting tips: — Practice succession gardening. Plant new crops immediately where others have been harvested. — Keep on picking. Promptly harvesting crops like green beans enables them to flower and produce still more beans, said C.L. Fornari, a writer, radio host and garden consultant from Sandwich, Massachusetts. “If left to sit on the plants for more than a few days, these plants will stop germinating and producing,” Fornari said.

— Use small spaces like patio and windowsills for container gardens, or grow vertically with vine crops. — Share your space or time. “Team up with a neighbor or family member that may have space but no time to garden,” said Melinda Myers, a horticulturist and television/radio host from Mukwonago, Wisconsin. “Gardening is good for our minds, body and spirits, and so is sharing,” Myers said. “As more families have been able to spend more time together, this is another activity that provides valuable lessons to children.” For more about how and where to donate your surplus produce, visit ampleharvest.org/ covid19gardeners. —AP

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Health Studies

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INFORMATION ON AREA CLINICAL TRIALS

Digital registry tracks COVID symptoms By Margaret Foster For some of us, the worst aspect of the

coronavirus pandemic is the fear of the unknown. How long will it last? When will a

vaccine be available? Will we contract the virus, and if so, how bad will it be? Since late March, a digital study called Behavioral, Environmental and Treatments for COVID-19 (Beat19) has been gathering real-world information about the novel virus’ symptoms and effects. Project researchers hope to recruit 100,000 people to the volunteer registry to compile a full list of symptoms and track the course of the disease. “Until people see someone close to them has this experience, it’s kind of a mystery — and that’s what we’re trying to dispel,” said Mark Shapiro, the study’s principal investigator. About 80% of people with COVID-19 will

Help advance COVID-19 vaccine research. Volunteer for a clinical trial. The NIH Vaccine Research Center is looking for healthy adults over age 55 in the DC area to participate in a COVID-19 vaccine clinical trial. The study will evaluate the safety of the vaccine and its ability to generate an immune response. The vaccine does not contain COVID-19 so you cannot become infected from participation. Participants will be compensated for their time and inconvenience. To volunteer, call 1-866-833-5433 (TTY 1-866-411-1010), email VRCCOVIDtrials@nih.gov, or visit www.niaid.nih.gov/about/vrc. Se habla español.

experience “mild to moderate” symptoms, according to the Centers for Disease Control, while about 20% will need hospitalization. “The vast majority of people who get this illness will experience it at home,” Shapiro said. “We wanted to know what that was like.”

A daily e-diary Registering for the Beat19 study is relatively easy. Go to the website, beat19.org, and electronically sign a consent form. You don’t have to be sick or think you have COVID-19 to participate. You’ll be asked to provide some basic demographic information, including your age, gender and Zip code, along with a brief medical history. (Study organizers “anonymize” the data to protect privacy.) Every day, you will receive a text or an email asking about your health. If you’re feeling fine, you’ll answer only three questions. If you’re ill, however, you’ll be asked several more questions about your symptoms. Since the longitudinal, observational study launched in late March, people of all ages from all 50 states have enrolled. So far, the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) has accessed the data twice. Several pharmaceutical and biotech companies seeking a vaccine also have downloaded the survey data, according to Shapiro. To date, the results show that infected people don’t always have a high fever. “The [known] symptoms being used to describe COVID-19 have changed in the three or four months we’ve been doing this,” Shapiro said. “For example, we do see fever, but it’s not a striking symptom.” That’s an important finding, Shapiro said, because some people without a high fever were denied a test. People may spread the virus if they don’t know they have it.

‘A long recovery’ Although the people-powered registry doesn’t provide monetary compensation for participants, they will be given access to a dashboard of the combined data of all volunteers. Many volunteers simply want to share their stories, Shapiro said. “This is a very, very rough disease, and the people who have had it really want to get that message out,” said Shapiro, who said he receives 20 to 30 emails every day from survivors. Many survivors report the same lingering effects of the coronavirus. “I talk to people who are super fit in their 30s, people who are triathletes, and they were completely bedridden and didn’t start to feel better for about three weeks. “That’s a story that’s come up a lot in our data…It’s not normal to be sick or experience fatigue for a month or two,” Shapiro said. “It’s a long recovery.” To sign up, visit beat19.org.

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — J U L Y 2 0 2 0

Can you cocoon with friends or family? Q. Is it safe to form a COVID-19 “support bubble” with friends? A. Yes, if done correctly. Support bubbles, also known as quarantine pods, may help fend off loneliness and anxiety after months of social distancing. The idea, which originated in New Zealand, calls for two people or households to agree to socialize in person only with each other in order to limit the risk of infection. Experts say don’t do it unless everyone agrees to follow social distancing guidelines while outside the bubble. “You are now swimming in the same pool with not just that person, but all the people those people are interacting with,” said Dr. Aaron Milstone at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

Idea is gaining adherents Support bubbles are already catching on in the U.S. with reopenings underway. And earlier this month, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that

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Ongoing

EXERCISE CLASSES FOR YOU

If you feel overwhelmed by generic workout classes, HASFit now has exercise routines specifically for older adults. Check out their 10- to 30-minute videos on their YouTube channel at https://bit.ly/HASFitOnline.

Ongoing

LEARN MORE ABOUT COVID

Are you interested in understanding the coronavirus and the science behind health pandemics? TEDTalks has a page dedicated to everything COVID-19, with more than a dozen videos on the virus at https://bit.ly/TedTalkCOVID.

Ongoing

SPORTS PODCASTS

If you are missing your sports fix, check out the New York Times list of seven podcasts for sports fans, including game recaps, crime in sports and sports history, at https://bit.ly/SportsPodcast.

Ongoing

VIRGINIA’S BLACK HISTORY

If you want to learn about African American heritage in Virginia, check out the many monuments, memorials, museums and other sites there. Visit virginia.org/blackhistoryattractions.

adults living alone or single parents can form support bubbles with another household. Members of a bubble can meet, indoors or out, without remaining two meters (6 ½ feet) apart. It’s too soon to know whether the strategy will work on a broad scale. But a recent study indicated that bubbles with more limited contacts worked better to flatten the curve of infection compared with other strategies, such as limiting contact to one’s neighborhood. “I don’t think we can promise people complete safety when they have face-toface contact with others outside their household,” said study co-author Per Block of Oxford University. But he said limiting interactions to one other family poses a much smaller risk than resuming previous socializing habits. —AP

Volunteers 45-85 Needed for Studies The Memory Disorders Program at Georgetown University Medical Center investigates new treatments designed to prevent and slow Alzheimer’s disease. Furthermore, we develop new tools to improve diagnostic and prognostic accuracy We are actively recruiting subjects for current and future clinical trials. You may be eligible if you: • Are between 45-85 years of age • Are in good general health • Are fluent in English • Have a study partner (friend or relative with whom you are in contact at least 10 hours/week and who can accompany you to study visits) • Are cognitively normal, or have a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer’s disease

For more information, please call (202) 687-1597 or email bae42@georgetown.edu.

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Try making immunity-boosting ice cubes As the weather warms, I find myself (I’d take the astragalus bark out before craving ice cubes in my water. But I make serving them, of course.) I made some of their drinks what you might call “weird” and smoothies using coconut ice cubes. water or bilber r y-infused Sometimes they’re green. water. I’d put a dash of matcha Sometimes they are the norpowder in their cookie dough. mal whitish color, but they’ve Today, my adult children are been laced with herbs like astickled about my antics. They tragalus or echinacea, all intease me that they knew what tended to boost immunity. was going on…which is possiWhen my children were ble because they were always young, they didn’t notice what in the kitchen, licking spoons was going on, but they got DEAR and “helping me” pour flour out “immune cubes” at times PHARMACIST onto the floor. (usually in their smoothies). By Suzy Cohen All soups were simmered with a piece of astragalus bark in the Made with green tea broth, along with the expected bay leaf. At times like these, with the coronavirus

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still circulating, it’s important to protect your immune function as best you can. I also think making immune cubes might be a fun project with your kids or grandchildren. There are green tea bags available everywhere, as well as matcha powder. This has caffeine. I usually use matcha because it’s stronger. You’re drinking crushed-up leaves, not an extraction. The antioxidants in green tea and matcha, especially EGCG, chase down free radicals and help balance your cytokines, so they are in healthier ratios. The FDA requires me to say that neither green tea nor matcha powder (or supplements containing these ingredients) prevent, cure or treat COVID-19 — or any disease for that matter. This herb simply provides antioxidants to go after oxidants (free radicals), which are reactive molecules in our bodies that can cause inflammation and contribute to disease.

How to make them Steep 4 green tea bags in 4 cups of hot water for about 5 minutes. Strain the infusion into an ice cube tray and freeze. If you are using matcha, you can use a bamboo whisker or a metal whisker and stir 2 teaspoons of matcha powder into 4 cups of hot water. Make sure it has all dis-

solved well, or put it through a stainless steel strainer before pouring into your ice cube tray. Freeze. These will probably stay good for about a month. Use these ice cubes daily. Put them in individual glasses or in a pretty water dispenser for your counter. You can also use these ice cubes in your smoothies. You won’t even taste the green tea (which is a tad bitter if you over-steep it) in a glass of water. But it will provide powerful immune benefits. Studies support this. Between 1998 and 2009, a group of women were studied, and those who drank green tea showed a 30% reduced risk of getting breast cancer. In another study of 49,000 men, they found that prostate cancer risk was cut virtually in half. I have a longer version of this article with other immunity-boosting recipes using licorice root, astragalus, oranges and more. It’s available via email after you sign up for my newsletter at suzycohen.com. This information is opinion only. It is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose your condition Consult with your doctor before using any new drug or supplement. Suzy Cohen is a registered pharmacist and the author of The 24-Hour Pharmacist and Real Solutions from Head to Toe. To contact her, visit suzycohen.com.

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Fridays

LUNCHTIME LITERATURE Join the staff at the D.C. Public Library for a short story reading

every Friday at noon. On the last Friday of the month, the story will be read in Spanish. Join by internet connection or phone. For questions, email David.quick2@dc.gov. To register, visit https://bit.ly/DCLunchLit.

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N â&#x20AC;&#x201D; J U L Y 2 0 2 0

Strawberry-rhubarb crisp for any season By Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Test Kitchen Around this time every year, as fresh rhubarbâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s season is coming to an end, we start to anticipate going months without half of our favorite fruit-dessert filling. But with this crisp â&#x20AC;&#x201D; which works with both fresh and frozen rhubarb â&#x20AC;&#x201D; we can get that bright, tart, floral combination any time of the year. Even better, the recipe is literally easier than pie. Making a crisp takes little more than stirring together a topping in a bowl, tossing cut-up fruit with some sugar, and throwing it all in the oven. But baker, beware! Follow the wrong recipe, and you might end up with a strawberry-rhubarb soup and a soggy topping â&#x20AC;&#x201D; decidedly not crispy. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the real lesson of this carefully tested recipe: Different batches of strawberries and rhubarb will exude varying amounts of moisture when combined with sugar and baked. So, how do you create a recipe that will result in the perfect (slightly jammy but never stodgy) texture every time? The simplest answer is to cook the filling briefly on the stovetop, over moderately high heat, to coax out the excess liquid, reduce it, and thicken it to the right consistency. Then you can top the fruit and quickly brown the crisp in the oven. Applying this simple technique also ensures that your

topping remains crisp. And we found that the crispiest topping came from the inclusion of an unexpected ingredient: panko breadcrumbs. There was a fair amount of debate on whether we were developing a recipe for a crisp or a crumble (and debate on the difference between the two). This topping ended all confusion on the matter. A crisp topping should be crispy, and panko is an excellent way to give the topping a lasting, light, airy crispness. Try it and see.

Strawberry-Rhubarb Crisp Serves 6 For the topping: Âž cup all-purpose flour Â˝ cup panko breadcrumbs Âź cup packed light brown sugar Â˝ teaspoon table salt Âź teaspoon ground cinnamon 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted For the filling: 1 pound fresh rhubarb, trimmed and cut into Â˝-inch pieces, or frozen rhubarb, thawed and cut into Â˝-inch pieces (3Â˝ cups) 12 ounces fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped coarse, or frozen strawberries, thawed and chopped coarse (2 cups) 1Âź cups packed light brown sugar 2 tablespoons cornstarch Dash of table salt

Directions: 1. Make the topping: Whisk flour, panko, sugar, salt and cinnamon together in bowl. Add melted butter and stir until no dry spots of flour remain and mixture forms clumps. Refrigerate until ready to use. 2. Prepare the filling: Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 375Â° F. Toss all ingredients in large bowl and thoroughly combine them. Transfer to a 10inch oven-safe skillet. Cook over mediumhigh heat, stirring frequently, until the fruit has released enough liquid to be mostly submerged, the rhubarb is just beginning to break down, and the juices have thickened, which should take about 8 minutes. Remove skillet from heat. 3. Squeeze the topping into large clumps

with your hands. Crumble the topping into pea-size pieces and sprinkle evenly over the filling. Bake until the topping is browned, and the filling is bubbling around the sides of the skillet, about 20 minutes. Let cool for 15 minutes. Serve. Notes: If using frozen strawberries, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no need to thaw them completely; you can chop them as soon as theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re soft enough. If using frozen strawberries and frozen rhubarb, you may need to increase the stovetop cooking time by up to 4 minutes. Depending on the amount of trimming required, you may need to buy more than 1 pound of fresh rhubarb to ensure that you end up with 3Â˝ cups. ÂŠ 2020 Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Test Kitchen. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

A few minutes can GHĆ&#x201C;QH \RXU GHFDGH. Improving your community starts with the 2020 Census. ,PSRUWDQW Your response will inform how over $675 billion in SXEOLF IXQGLQJ Ĺ´RZV LQWR WKLQJV OLNH FRPPXQLW\ VHUYLFHV KHDOWK FOLQLFV +HDG 6WDUW KLVWRULFDOO\ %ODFN FROOHJHV DQG XQLYHUVLWLHV DQG SURJUDPV WKDW VXSSRUW PLQRULW\ RZQHG EXVLQHVVHV Safe Your personal information is kept cRQĆ&#x201C;GHQWLDO by law. (DV\ RHVSRQG RQOLQe, by phone, or by mail. FHQVXV JRY 1-844-330-2020

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VOLUME XXXII, ISSUE 7

A newsletter for D.C. Seniors

DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE By Laura Newland, Director D.C. Department of Aging and Community Living Like many of you, my heart has been heavy with grief. Words are insufficient to convey my despair for our future together when over and over again, we see that some people are valued over others, while others are counted merely as bodies. And still, I have tremendous hope for our future together as people across the country are uniting in the most American of activities — speaking out against injustice. We live in a racist society with a brutal violent history toward Black people, with every generation finding more and more ways to express and maintain white supremacy. The pandemic has only highlighted the health inequities that are a result of this shameful history and present, and I don’t think any of us have been surprised that Black people are more likely to contract COVID, and more likely to die when they do. Racism is deeply American — from our founding fathers to our current life. Terrorism against Black people is America’s constant companion. In recent years technology has allowed us to capture some of acts of violence toward and murders of Black people, but we know that the racism doesn’t turn off just because it’s not recorded. What makes America great isn’t the amplification of our shameful hate or unearned privilege — it’s the amplification of the relentless belief that we can redefine what it means to be American. That’s why I’m so proud to work for Mayor Bowser. Her response to the president’s suppression of first amendment activities was painting Black Lives Matter on the street that leads to the White House. Black Lives Matter Plaza is right in front of the White House, so tourists and the president

are confronted directly with what we mean when we say D.C. Values. As we continue to move safely towards reopening, the Mayor has challenged all of us to use this as a once-ina-generation opportunity to create a more equitable, resilient and vibrant city. Part of this includes the construction of two new, state-of-the-art hospitals to improve healthcare and address inequalities in health outcomes for District residents. Even as we’re facing significant budget deficits, the Mayor has prioritized building a new $306 million hospital at St. Elizabeths East, expected to open in the fall of 2024, and the construction of a $69 million health services complex at St. Elizabeths that is expected to open in the fall of 2023. Two new urgent care centers in Wards 7 and 8 will open in the fall of 2021 and the spring of 2022. We know that no one action will end the systemic racism and inequalities embedded within our society, just like no one action created and sustains it. But individual actions and the actions we take as a community do matter. If you haven’t completed the 2020 Census, please take the time to be counted. The census is just another way of saying that you matter — and that our city matters. I’m grateful to be a part of this community with you and to have a Mayor who is a staunch defender of our D.C. values. As the Mayor has said, together we’ll build a better America. We’ll fight for D.C. statehood. We’ll demand justice for George Floyd and every Black person who has been killed by an unjust and unfair system. Together, we’ll make it clear to our nation and to the world: Black Lives Matter. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate Independence Day than that!

July 2020

Director Newland Discussed Mayor Bowser’s D.C. HOPE Budget On Thursday, June 18, Director Laura Newland joined AARP DC’s State President, Rev. Kendrick Curry, to discuss Mayor Bowser’s FY 2021 Budget. As Director Newland shared, “while the financial impact of COVID-19 requires us all to make sacrifices, the Mayor’s priority is to maintain the critical services our residents expect.” To watch the full inter-

view, head to AARP DC’s Facebook Page, https://www.facebook.com/ aarpdc/.

The District Moves Into Phase Two of Reopening Mayor Bowser announced that Phase Two began on Monday, June 22, allowing certain businesses to reopen and activities to resume under specified conditions. For more information on Phase Two guidance, please visit coronavirus.dc.gov/phasetwo.

Flatten the Curve – Wear a Face Mask

While the District has experienced a sustained decrease in community spread of COVID-19 during Phase One, you should still continue to wear a face mask. Be good neighbor. Wear face coverings if visiting essential business-

es, such as grocery stores and pharmacies. With your help, we can further reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our community. Learn more about the District’s response to COVID-19 at coronavirus.dc.gov.

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Spotlight on Aging

Say you saw it in the Beacon

District Expands Free COVID-19 Testing at Firehouses across DC Since June 15, the District has expanded free COVID-19 testing to include four firehouses each day, Monday-Saturday. The firehouse testing sites are walkup and no appointment is needed. Residents are still encouraged to access testing through their healthcare providers so that they are connected to healthcare. However, anyone who needs a test can get a test at the testing locations listed above.

Find a full list of testing locations at coronavirus.dc.gov/testing. Director Laura Newland

Editor Spotlight On Aging is published by the Information Office of the D.C. Department of Aging and Community Living for D.C. senior residents. Advertising contained in the Beacon is not endorsed by the D.C. Department of Aging and Community Living or by the publisher.

Darlene Nowlin

Photographer Richard Williams 500 K St. N.E., Washington, D.C. 20002 (202) 724-5626 | www.dcoa.dc.gov

The Department of Aging and Community Living has extended its search for District Centenarians to July 10, 2020. If you or someone you know has celebrated their 100th or older birthday by April 30, 2020, please contact us today at dacl.communications@dc.gov or call 202-374-9573.

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Communities expand use of technology juries or who have suffered a stroke. “Retirement communities are places that you go to stay healthier and independent longer,” Reilly said. By using advanced technology like the EksoGT device, “We improve longevity, quality of life and care outcomes.”

Tech for yoga, telehealth, therapy During the coronavirus pandemic, Knollwood has shifted to projects focused more on social distancing. One is Om Practice, which provides one-on-one virtual yoga classes. The staff even gives residents iPads if they don’t have a laptop with a web camera and microphone. “We don’t want any excuses to not participate, if they want to,” Reilly said. Another is Pembo Health, which has remote diagnostic tools that connect to a confidential, virtual meeting space. A Knollwood nurse can administer basic vital checks and help set up the telehealth conference call. In addition, Knollwood staff is preparing to deploy Xr Health, which will make it the first community in the world to use virtual reality to facilitate group therapy sessions. It is also looking to incorporate “social assistance robotics,” which utilizes an autonomous robot that can interact and communicate with people. “Social help is just as important as psychological help, which is just as important

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1739 Kirby Road, McLean, VA www.vinsonhall.org | 703-506-6900

PHOTO BY EKSO BIONICS

By Ivey Noojin The rapid spread of the coronavirus is quickly dispelling the idea that older adults won’t use and can’t understand advanced technology. Several senior living communities in the D.C. area are implementing new technological innovations, or are relying more heavily on established ones, due to the isolation imposed in response to the pandemic. “These perceived boundaries of seniors with technology aren’t as bad as we think,” said Matt Reilly, the director of innovation and technology at Knollwood, a life plan community in Washington, D.C. “With some hand holding, people pick it up really fast.” Much of this technology is integral to maintaining the safety of residents in senior living communities. Older adults, particularly those with chronic conditions like heart, lung or kidney disease, among others, are in the high-risk category for complications from COVID-19 — the severe, even deadly, disease caused by the coronavirus. As a part of the nonprofit Army Distaff Foundation, Knollwood is no stranger to experimenting with technological innovation. In 2018, it was the first senior living community in the nation to use the EksoGT device, which is a battery-powered, adjustable suit that helps with walking and balance for people with spinal cord and orthopedic in-

The EksoGT device is designed to help stroke and spinal cord injury patients learn to walk again through rehabilitation known as “gait training.”

as physical health,” Reilly said.

Robots boost morale Maplewood, a senior living community with locations in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York and Ohio (not to be confused with Maplewood Park in this area) has implemented the use of robotics to assist their residents since the beginning of the pandemic. The temi robot, created by an Israeli start-up in 2016, is the first robot to interact with humans using self-learning navigation, video and audio, and advanced artificial intelligence. Martha Yeater, a Maplewood resident in Twinsburg, Ohio, uses the robot to receive grocery deliveries and to play dance

music, live concerts and guided classes. “It was surprisingly easy to learn how to interact with robots, and we all get a kick out of seeing how advanced technology has become,” she said. Using the 10-inch HD screen, Yeater has also enjoyed participating in video calls with loved ones using temi. “Since COVID made it unable for us to leave the community or have visitors, [the temi robot] added a level of communication and connection I think we all had missed,” she said.

Individualized screen time Deploying a robot to roam the halls of senior living communities isn’t the only See TECHNOLOGY, page B-3

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Communities pivot during the pandemic By Margaret Foster This summer, change is in the air. Everyone has had to make adjustments to fight the current pandemic — staying at home, wearing face masks — especially those who live in local independent living, assisted living or life plan communities. All of these places have had to make changes large and small to ensure the safety of their residents. And it’s not just a tweak here and there. “Everything has changed,” said Megan Packard, assistant property manager at Sommerset, an independent living rental retirement community in Sterling, Virginia. Its common areas are closed; every visitor must complete a questionnaire and have their temperature checked; and tours are by appointment only.

Room service, anyone? Room service has become an everyday occurrence in most communities. At

Technology From page B-2 way residents can receive quality interaction with the help of technology. Since 2017, Falcon’s Landing in Sterling, Virginia, has been using iN2L, a touch screen with personalized content to support social interaction, education and cognitive and physical therapy, according to recreation manager Lauren Cratty. With this technology, each resident can create their own page for the topics that interest them, including music, movies and faith groups. Most popularly, iN2L also hosts group activities, such as exercise classes. Due to the pandemic, unfortunately, those types of gatherings are currently pro-

Culpepper Garden, an independent and assisted living facility in Arlington, Virginia, residents now dine in their apartments rather than in the dining room. “We try to make it so the residents don’t have to leave their apartments unnecessarily,” said Linda Kelleher, executive director of the Arlington Retirement Housing Corporation, the nonprofit owner of the facility. “They are practicing social distancing, and everyone’s wearing a mask.” In addition, Culpepper Garden limits the number of caregivers in the building, to reduce the risk of contagion from someone who might have been exposed elsewhere. Many communities mandate a COVID19 test a day or two before visitors are permitted entry. Some have even installed clear plastic panels to allow visitors to see and speak safely with their loved ones face-to-face [See “Bringing people together safely, clearly,” on page B-10].

hibited. Instead, the Falcon’s Landing staff has been rolling the two iN2L screens, one 65 inches and the other 22 inches, to the residents’ rooms for video chats. “The sound quality is excellent, and it’s a lot easier for the residents to see” than a cellphone or iPad, Cratty said. Many communities like Falcon’s Landing have been using advanced technology for years. Due to the pandemic, those that haven’t are now reevaluating their policies and biases relating to older adults and technology. “COVID-19 has really hastened the need,” Knollwood’s Reilly said. “It created a sense of urgency for communities that maybe weren’t looking at technological services or ways of improving.”

Most tours are virtual Technology has also been helpful in maintaining connection between people while they keep physically apart. Instead of in-person tours for prospective residents, many communities are offering live “virtual” tours on a computer (via Zoom) or smartphone (via FaceTime or Skype). “Our admissions team will talk to them on the phone, do a FaceTime, and show them the apartment that they’re going to rent,” Kelleher said. Virtual tours are nothing new to Tawanda Jackson, assistant property manager at Seabury at Friendship Terrace in Washington, D.C. “Long before the pandemic, she had led FaceTime tours for prospective residents and family outside of the D.C. area,” according to Chuck Thornton, Seabury’s director of marketing and community relations. “She has taken this to a whole new level now with Zoom.” Jackson carries a laptop from room to room, giving prospective residents a live view of the affordable senior living community in Tenleytown.

Seabury also launched a series of online videos for residents on its Facebook page: “how to wear a mask” tutorials, chair yoga and other information.

A difficult time to move Overall, staff and residents of local communities have adjusted to their “new normal” lives. But there has been a decline in the demand for rooms at these residences, according to Packard. “In general, a lot of older people are a little more hesitant to move into a retirement community now,” she said. “It has been a lot tougher bringing people in, getting them interested.” It’s a difficult time for everyone, she noted, especially those who were planning a big move to a retirement community. “I don’t blame them. They don’t want to leave their homes. It’s already hard enough moving into a retirement community after living in their house for 50 years, so the coronavirus made it a lot harder,” she said. “Hopefully things will get back to normal soon.”

To request housing info, see page B-9.

B-4

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Sell with less hassle (but for less money) By Pat Mertz Esswein The prospect of selling and leaving your longtime home can seem overwhelming under the best of circumstances. But it is all the more so if you have lost your spouse, have health or cognitive issues, or need a quick sale so you can move to a better situation, such as assisted living. The challenge is greater if the home is in poor condition, say, because of long-deferred maintenance. Your home will fetch the highest price if it’s updated, in good repair, decluttered, cleaned and staged. But that requires time, money, energy and expertise that you — or loved ones who want to help you or will inherit your home — may lack. In that case, you still have options: You can sell the house for a price that reflects its “as-is” condition through a real estate agent, or for a significant discount to a realestate investor who can close quickly and for cash. You’ll take away less money in exchange for convenience. Before you assume anything, talk with a real estate agent who specializes in helping older home sellers and buyers (search for a Seniors Real Estate Specialist, or SRES, certified by the National Association of Realtors). The agent will visit and assess your home’s attractiveness to prospective buy-

ers, review your situation, and connect you with people who can help with your transition. If you hire the seniors specialist to sell your home, you’ll pay a commission, typically 4 to 6% of the sale price. You also could spend a few hundred dollars for a professional home inspection, an unbiased assessment of its condition, as well as pay for any needed repairs or replacement.

Selling “as is” If your home could use a facelift but is functional, you could sell it in “as is” condition, meaning you won’t pay for improvements or repairs requested by a buyer. Your real estate agent will list the home on the local multiple listing service and market it to buyers — fixer-uppers, flippers and landlords — who can envision it fixed up after they invest their own resources. Such buyers will expect a bargain. To set the price, your agent will look at recent sales in your area of comparable homes (style, square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms) and adjust for your home’s condition. You must still pay an agent’s commission, and other seller closing costs. Buyers can add contingencies to their purchase offer for inspection and financing. If their inspection or an appraisal required for FHA or VA financing reveals problems that you won’t pay to fix, buyers

can bail out and you’re back to square one. Furthermore, even if you sell “as is,” you must disclose to buyers any defects you know about.

Find an investor If deferred maintenance has stacked up and you want the quickest-possible sale with the least hassle and expense, you can sell directly to a real estate investor. Investors buy houses that aren’t “retailready,” said David Hicks, co-president of HomeVestors of America, also known as “We Buy Ugly Houses” — a franchisor of investors operating in 47 states. Hicks said his investors mostly buy smaller homes built in 1980 or earlier that will appeal to entry-level buyers or renters. Homes built after 2000 generally are too large, nice and high-priced to interest investors. After you’ve taken everything you want from the house, investors will dispose of the rest. You won’t even need to empty the trash or sweep the floors. Before making an offer, reputable investors will come by to inspect the home and review your situation with you. They’ll base their offer on what they expect the house to sell for after it’s repaired, minus any remaining mortgage balance or other liens against it, the estimated cost of repairs and their profit. Investors should

share and explain their numbers willingly. “Investors almost always start with a 25% discount to its ultimate [repaired] retail price, simply to get to a 10% profit after the dust settles,” said Dev Horn, vice president of marketing for We Buy Houses, which connects homeowners with its investor-licensees in 30 states and about 100 cities. Investors usually allow 30 to 60 days for you to respond to their offer, after which they’ll want to re-inspect your property, said Hicks. If you accept an offer, the investor should make an earnest-money deposit of, say, $500. It should be held by the title company or real estate lawyer the investor hires to conduct a title search and conduct the closing. At closing, you’ll be paid with a cashier’s check or wire transfer. To find an investor, ask for a referral from a local real estate agent, search by location at HomeVestors.com or WeBuyHouses.com, or respond to one of the “we want to buy your house” or “sell your house fast” solicitations you’ve probably received in the mail. Look for a well-established business identity — a referral from someone you trust, verifiable references, a rating from the Better Business Bureau, or the backing of a well-established company. See NO HASSLE SELLING, page B-6

Care, Connect, Comfort! These times have shown how important it is to care for one another, to be connected to people who care, in a place that is comfortable and safe. Seabury at Friendship Terrace is 180 affordable, independent living, senior apartments in Tenleytown where caring comes first. Said resident Mary Ann Norwood following an Executive Director’s meeting via Zoom, “Your meeting with us on Zoom is one more addition to the positives of Friendship Terrace that I will be telling my family and friends or anyone who asks me about how is it living at FT. I'm proud to live at Friendship Terrace.” Call for your apartment today!

Seabury at Friendship Terrace - Serving Seniors for Fifty Years!

Applications now being accepted! Call 202-244-7400 (TRS 711) to schedule a visit. FriendshipTerrace.org 1-800-643-3769 DC RELAY SERVICE • 1-800-643-3768 TTY 4201 Butterworth Place, NW, Washington, DC 20016

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Love, marriage in the time of pandemic computer programmer analyst, moved to Oak Crest in 2013 with his first wife, who had dementia. Home to about 1,800 residents in independent-living apartments and another 300 in continuing care units, Oak Crest was a good fit. Unfortunately, his wife passed away four months after the move; they had been married for 50 years. Baker, twice-widowed and a retired Baltimore County schoolteacher, moved to Oak Crest early in 2018. “I liked it right from the beginning,” she said. “When I met Dan, I liked it even more.” About nine months after she moved in — Nov. 10, 2018, to be exact — she was taking an evening walk and noticed a friend playing piano. Here’s the story, as they tell it: Kott: “In one of the lobbies on Saturday nights, a lady would come up and play the piano and entertain. I would walk over and listen to the music. A lot of times folks would sing along. “One evening I was sitting there, and Helen was stopping by. There was only one place to sit, and that was on the sofa next to me. And she did. And I’ll let her tell the rest of the story.” Baker: “I had been in the habit of taking a walk after dinner. So, when I saw Natalie was playing, I thought I’d stop. There was no place else to sit. “At the end, we started to talk, and then

PHOTO BY JEFF GETEK

By Sheri Venema The bride wore sensible sandals and the white lace dress she had fortunately purchased in pre-pandemic times. Her left hand clutched a small bouquet of white and pink roses. The groom wore a dark sports coat with a boutonniere to match her bouquet. Her hair was white; what remained of his was gray. The chapel pews were empty. With their Baltimore County retirement community under lockdown, Helen Baker, 84, and Dan Kott, 82, walked down the hall to the chapel to be married. Only three others were allowed at the April 24 ceremony: an officiant, a photographer and a Scripture reader. As soon as all five were in the chapel, the doors were locked behind them. “It was kind of like we were sneaking around,” Kott said. It wasn’t the wedding they had planned. But their happiness brightened the pandemic gloom for residents at Oak Crest, a sprawling 87-acre retirement community in Parkville operated by Erickson Living. “That marriage was a moment of joy in this time,” said Rev. Emily Holman, an Episcopal deacon and fellow resident of Oak Crest who performed the ceremony. “Everyone was so happy about it.” Kott, a Baltimore native and retired

The coronavirus couldn’t stop octogenarians Helen Baker and Dan Kott from tying the knot in April at their retirement community, Oak Crest. The private event was “a moment of joy,” said Rev. Emily Holman, a fellow resident who performed the ceremony.

we started walking home…He asked me to dinner the next night. We kept on walking and talking and having dinner a lot.”

Best laid plans

Crest’s chapel for a May 2 ceremony and the Garden Room across the hall for a reception. In January, they bought rings. Baker went to Macy’s and found the lace dress.

A year later, the couple was talking about marriage. They reserved Oak

See LOVE, page B-6

There’s comfort in being part of a strong community. We’re managed by Erickson Living,® a leader in senior living and health care. Despite social distancing, our residents never lacked care and connection. • Meals, medications, personal items, and more—delivered! • Telehealth appointments and house calls from our on-site doctors • Virtual faith services, ﬁtness classes, entertainment, and more

“We were well cared for during this crisis with meals, mail, and essentials delivered right to our doors.” –Mike B., a community resident

community matters.

14169201

Now N ow more more tthan han e ever, ver,

Learn more. Call 1-877-575-0231 or visit DMVSeniorLiving.com for your free brochure.

B-6

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J U L Y 2 0 2 0 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

No hassle selling From page B-4

A quick and dirty sale Working with an investor was a boon for Bonajean McAneney, 53, formerly of Lowell, Massachusetts. Prior to her mother’s death in early 2018, McAneney lived with and cared for her mother for four years and subsequently inherited the family home. Built in 1960, the house suffered from neglect and was filled with decades of belongings. “We didn’t have the money to keep it up, and it was literally falling apart,” McAneney said. Plus, she was a

Love From page B-5 Their families would meet for the first time: Baker’s daughter and two sons from Connecticut, Philadelphia and Baltimore; Kott’s three daughters from Baltimore. Baker’s three granddaughters would do the readings, and her grandson would play “Amazing Grace” on his saxophone. Then: coronavirus. On Friday, March 13, state and county courts announced they would close, and the couple didn’t yet have a marriage license. “We were really worrying that we wouldn’t be able to get out and get it,” Kott said. But they did, squeezing in just under the wire that day. By Monday, the courts were shuttered. Then, on March 31, Oak Crest went under lockdown. Independent living residents were asked to stay in their apartments. Its dining rooms, snack bars, fitness center and hair salon closed. The pool and gyms closed. No tai chi classes or knitting groups, no mahjong games, no woodworking. The piano in the lobby fell silent. No visitors were allowed from outside the campus. Meals and snacks were delivered directly to apartments. Employees were screened for illness. Those restrictions proved a bulwark against the virus; as of June 1, Oak Crest reported not one case among its independent residents, according to Oak Crest spokesman Jeff Getek. But all that social distancing didn’t stand in the way of romance. “We used to sneak out in the evening and spend a couple of hours together,” Kott admitted.

The big day The couple decided to move forward

year behind on property taxes. Anxious to get out, McAneney called a local real-estate investor, WinWin Properties, a HomeVestors franchisee. She accepted its offer of $115,000. Based on a neighbor’s recent sale, McAneney knew that, in good condition, the home would have sold for almost three times as much. But selling to WinWin allowed her to take just the items she wanted, leave the rest, and start over in a home of her own, near family in another state. © 2020 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. with their wedding on April 24. Oak Crest agreed to open the closed chapel for their nuptials. Baker asked Holman, an ordained deacon who has lived at Oak Crest for three years, to officiate. Getek offered to take photos. An Oak Crest pastoral associate would read Scripture. Masks were required. Empty pews. No family, no other friends, no live music, no reception. At least there would be flowers: white lilies and red begonias at the altar, left there for an Easter service that never happened. Getek and his communications team ordered the couple’s bouquet and boutonniere. As a surprise, the Resident Life folks made a chocolate cake with buttercream frosting. A bottle of champagne appeared, too. Deacons in the Episcopal Church may, but don’t often, officiate at weddings, and this was Holman’s first ceremony. The empty pews felt odd, so when she came to the part asking those assembled to “Speak now, or else forever hold your peace,” Holman gestured to the empty pews. Behind her, Getek chuckled. After the ceremony, Baker and Kott couldn’t share the cake or champagne with anyone. But none of that diminished their union. “We felt married,” said Baker, who plans to change her name when she can get out to file the paperwork. The newlyweds are spending what might have been their honeymoon moving him into her apartment, one or two boxes at a time. Because of the lockdown, they can’t hire a mover or ask their friends to help. But every box that comes down the hall is one more symbol of their bond. “We don’t mind being quarantined together,” Baker said.

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VOTE FOR FAVORITE INNOVATION

The Global Innovation Search has received 130 ideas from around the world on ways to mitigate social isolation and loneliness in older adults. You can vote for your favorite innovation online from Mon., July 6 to Fri., July 31 at https://bit.ly/GISVote.

Fridays

WEEKLY QUARANTINI

If you’re interested in learning to mix drinks, join the Round House Theatre every Friday at 5 p.m. on Facebook Live for a class on making an alcoholic beverage using local products and vendors. Check it out at facebook.com/RoundHouseTheatre.

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Home equity line of credit pros and cons By Elliott Raphaelson As a result of the coronavirus, many families are facing both short-term income uncertainty and uncertainty regarding the future value of their asset holdings. One way to provide more stability regarding access to assets at a reasonable cost is a home equity line of credit (HELOC). Individuals who have substantial equity in their primary residence are generally able to obtain a line of credit, which generally covers 20 years in which, during the first 10 years or so, they have the flexibility to borrow up to their credit limit. After that, they are required to repay the outstanding balance.

A number of pros There are several advantages associated with HELOCs. 1. Low interest rate: Most rates are based somewhat on the prime rate, which is now 3.25% as the base. Borrowers with the best credit ratings may be able to obtain an interest rate lower than prime. Most borrowers will borrow at a rate of prime plus a specified additional rate based on their overall credit rating, the stability of their income and the amount of home equity. For most individuals, the interest rate will be much lower than other

loan options. 2. Flexible choices: Most financial firms allow borrowers the choice of fixed interest loans or variable interest rates, generally based on the prime rate. 3. Flexible loan amounts: One of the most favorable advantages of the HELOC is that during the first 10 years, you can borrow as much or as little as you need up to the limit of your credit line. However, some lenders will ask you to initially borrow a specified minimum initially. This feature is very useful if there is uncertainty regarding the amount of loans you will need for the first 10 years. 4. Flexible repayment options: In general, assume you can repay the outstanding loan amount at any time of your choice. 5. Low (or no) initial closing costs: Closing costs for HELOCs are much lower than for either traditional home mortgages or fixed home equity loans. Some do not have any closing costs. However, financial institutions that don’t have any initial closing costs will require you to pay their closing costs if you close the account within a specified period, such as three years. However, even in this case, the closing costs would be much lower than other types of home loans. 6. Low (or no) monthly charges: Many financial institutions have no recurring monthly fees. Even those that do, the fee is

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generally modest. 7. A tax advantage: If you do use the loan to improve the property, you may be able to include the interest cost as part of your itemized deductions.

A few cons, too There are also some possible disadvantages. 1. Possible foreclosure: If you are unable to meet the required minimum payments, the financial institution can foreclose on your home. Accordingly, you should not borrow more than you can afford to repay. 2. Possible future payment increases: If you borrow using variable interest rates, such as the prime, if interest rates increase in the future, your required monthly payment will also increase. Interest rates are now at historically low levels, so it is likely that over the term of your loan, interest rates will increase. 3. Future closing costs: If you don’t retain the line of credit for a specified time,

you will incur closing costs from some financial institutions when you did not pay any initially. This will be specified in your loan agreement. Fortunately, there are excellent sources of information that will provide you with the financial institutions offering the best terms for HELOCs. Go to Bankrate.com for the latest information regarding which financial institutions are offering the best terms for HELOCs. I have used HELOCs three times, even recently, for personal residences I have owned. I have found these loans to be very flexible with low interest rates. I have used the loans very sparingly, but they did provide piece of mind in case I did need the funds. They are an excellent option to have. In my opinion, the advantages of HELOCs vastly outweigh the disadvantages. Elliot Raphaelson welcomes your questions and comments at raphelliot@gmail.com. © 2020 Elliot Raphaelson. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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J U L Y 2 0 2 0 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

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2030 Westmoreland Street Falls Church, VA www.chesterbrookres.org

20522 Falcons Landing Circle Potomac Falls, VA 20165 www.falconslanding.org

Make the move to Chesterbrook Residences, where your comfort and well-being are our top priority. One- and two-bedroom apartments offer idyllic views of our quiet, wooded neighborhood. On-site rehab services include physical, occupational, and speech therapy, and a robust life enrichment program keeps residents active and engaged. Our mission has always been to provide quality assisted living care in an environment that puts residents first. Times change, but not our commitment to your loved one. Call today or visit our website to take a virtual tour!

Common Bonds and Extraordinary Living is what you find when you move to Falcons Landing. Nestled near the Potomac River in scenic Loudoun County, Falcons Landing is a vibrant hub for residents who have retired from work, but not from life! Opening in Winter 2021, Falcons Landing presents, The Terrace Homes. 24 new luxury units that fuse the best aspects of apartment and cottage living. Residents will enjoy generous square footage in private corner units with social spaces to gather with neighbors. The Terrace Homes provide a fresh and exciting new take on senior living and are ideal for those that enjoy natural lighting, open floor plans, indoor/outdoor living and entertaining family and friends.

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Chevy Chase House (202) 686-5504 5420 Connecticut Ave., NW Washington, DC 20015 www.meridiansenior.com/chevychasehouse

Come visit the newly renovated Chevy Chase House on Connecticut Avenue in a vibrant NW DC neighborhood. Enjoy all the city has to offer ; while we provide the services and amenities you may want or need. On site physical and occupational therapy is provided by Legacy Healthcare Services. Select a spacious apartment starting at a base price of $4,499 for a studio. Join us for lunch and a tour by calling 202-686-5504. Everyone deserves a great life; continue your next chapter with us at the Chevy Chase House.

PERSONAL CARE/ASSISTED LIVING

Brooke Grove Retirement Village 301-260-2320 18100 Slade School Road Sandy Spring, MD 20860 www.bfg.org You’ll feel it as soon as you drive onto our 220-acre campus of lush pastures and hardwood forest—all that makes independent living at Brooke Grove different. Beautiful cottages in a truly picturesque setting. Maintenance-free living, with more time for what you really want to do. Personalized fitness programs, meals prepared by talented chefs, clubs and social events. Neighbors who share your interests and passions. Come for a visit and see why Brooke Grove Retirement Village is one of the most soughtafter retirement communities in the state. Living here is simply different … because what surrounds you really matters.

INDEPENDENT & PERSONAL CARE COMMUNITIES

Seabury at Springvale Terrace (301) 587-8717

B’nai B’rith Homecrest House 301-244-3579

8505 Springvale Road Silver Spring, MD 20910 www.seaburyresources.org/springvaleterrace

14508 Homecrest Road Silver Spring, MD 20906 www.homecresthouse.org

Discover Seabury at Springvale Terrace inside and out. Our Assisted Living offers a price and lifestyle you will love, with personal care subsidies for those who qualify. Affordable value that can only be found at our community, providing personal care, exercise, music, a host of daily activities and social events. Starting at only $3,901/month including private apartment with private bathroom, three nutritious meals a day, medication administration, nurse oversight, housekeeping and laundry services. Come take a look at Springvale Terrace. Assisted Living Apartments are available now (Medicaid accepted). Call Donald at (301) 587-0190 or email svtadmissions@seaburyresources.org for info and to schedule a virtual tour.

Homecrest House is a non-profit, affordable, subsidized community neighboring Leisure World. Our community offers 2 senior living options, and residents may qualify for rent & service subsidies based on eligibility. EDWARDS PERSONAL CARE BUILDING offers: onsite 24 hour staff, daily meals, weekly housekeeping & laundry services, assistance with bathing & optional medication administration. HOMECREST INDEPENDENT LIVING offers: dinner meals, full calendar of activities & scheduled trips. Our Computer Lab, Fitness Center, Salon & Convenience Store are just a few of the amenities our residents enjoy. Contact Princetta at 301-244-3579 or marketing@homecresthouse.org for a personalized tour or visit us at www.homecresthouse.org.

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Check the boxes you’re interested in and return this entire coupon to: The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915-2227. You may return our survey on page 3 and our free info form on page 5 together with this coupon. Name __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address ____________________________________________________E-mail_______________________________________________ City _______________________________________________________ State ______________________ Zip ____________________ Phone (day) _______________________________________________ (eve) ___________________________________________

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J U L Y 2 0 2 0 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Bringing people together safely, clearly By Ivey Noojin While talking with family and friends on the phone or video chatting on platforms like Zoom or FaceTime are better than nothing, people all across the world are missing the opportunity to engage with their fellow human beings in person. This is especially true of those living in retirement communities where they are largely isolated during the pandemic. In June, the Georgia-based company Thrive Senior Living, which manages 17 senior living communities, was finally able to provide that opportunity to its residents at Tribute at Black Hill in Germantown, Maryland. The company installed clear plastic panels to allow residents and their family members

to see and speak with one another while still adhering to social distancing guidelines. “We’ve learned that there is no substitute for being a few feet apart from someone you love,” said Jeramy Ragsdale, CEO and founder of Thrive.

An innovative solution Like other senior living communities across the country, Tribute at Black Hill closed to the public in mid-March. By the end of the month, however, Ragsdale had received multiple emails from the residents’ families about wanting to see their loved ones. “Each day that went by, there was another birthday without seeing family — or an anniversary that a couple couldn’t spend together,” Ragsdale said. “I didn’t sleep well.”

Ragsdale quickly got to work on creating an innovative plan with his leadership team to address the problem: clear connection panels. Measuring eight feet by 10 feet, the transparent Lexan polycarbonate sheets are the same material race car windshields are made of. Ragsdale did much of the work himself. “I simply went to Home Depot, loaded up a truck of what I thought we might need, and headed to my dad’s woodworking shop for some help,” Ragsdale said. Three days later, Ragsdale, his family and the Thrive team had built 10 panels. He then embarked on a road trip, starting in Georgia, with Thrive President Les Stretch and CFO Sebby Kannukkaden. They traveled more than 1,500 miles to five states in the Southeast to install the clear connection panels. In the process, they distributed more than 4 million face masks to their staff and residents.

els were not able to make it to Maryland, however, until the beginning of June due to the state’s stay-at-home mandate. On June 4, the first Maryland residents were able to engage with each other and family members face-to-face. Carole Spruill, who has lived at Tribute at Black Hill since its grand opening March 2, was able to visit with her daughter, Yasmian Lyew, for the first time in months. “It’s great because I can see her fully,” Spruill said. “I like it because it’s not on the phone, and I can experience an emotional connection.” Lyew was also grateful for the connection to her mother due to the clear connection panel. “It brings me peace to see her smile and how well she is doing,” she said. In addition to being able to see loved ones in person, the clear connection panels also accommodate the residents who are hard of hearing. Mae Bauerband, who moved into the community during the pandemic, had

Enabling emotional connections Ragsdale and the clear connection pan-

See SAFE GATHERINGS, page B-12

Guidance for outdoor visits The Mar yland Department of Health issued the following guidance last month for outdoor visits at assisted living facilities in Maryland. Outdoor visitation at assisted living facilities is allowable if: • Visitors and residents wear a face covering at all times. • Visitors and residents maintain proper social distancing at all times.

• There is NOT an ongoing outbreak at the facility. Additionally, it is recommended that there are no more than two visitors at a time per resident per visit. For more information on ways to support and engage with people under lockdown, see the CDC report “COVID-19: Supporting Your Loved One in a Long-Term Care Facility,” available at: https://bit.ly/VirusLTC.

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — J U L Y 2 0 2 0

INDEPENDENT LIVING

Seabury at Springvale Terrace (301) 587-8717 8505 Springvale Road Silver Spring, MD 20910 www.seaburyresources.org/springvaleterrace Discover Seabury at Springvale Terrace, inside and out. Enjoy the benefits of Independent Living just steps away from downtown Silver Spring. Within blocks, you will have access to the Silver Spring Civic Center, pharmacies, movie theaters, library, shopping, & restaurants. Come join us to dine and experience one of our chef inspired,delicious meals that are served restaurant style each and every single day. Enjoy a comfortable private studio apartment with care services available. Rents from as low as $1,190 per month with a signed lease before September 1st. A three-course dinner is included. Additional meals are available. Call Donald at (301) 587-0190 or email svtadmissions@seaburyresources.org for info and to schedule a virtual tour.

ASSISTED LIVING & MEMORY CARE

Brooke Grove Retirement Village 301-260-2320 18100 Slade School Road Sandy Spring, MD 20860 www.bfg.org This community hums with warm-hearted camaraderie and a zest for life shared by residents and staff alike. Experience all that makes assisted living at Brooke Grove extraordinary. Cozy, homelike dwellings with easy access to beautiful courtyards and walking paths. Caring staff trained in using memory support techniques, building independence and lifting self-esteem. Innovative LIFE® Enrichment Programming with meaningful activities and off-site adventures. Visit us to see why Brooke Grove Retirement Village is one of the most sought-after continuing care retirement communities in the state. Living here is simply different … because what surrounds you really matters.

REHABILITATION

Brooke Grove Retirement Village 301-260-2320 18100 Slade School Road Sandy Spring, MD 20860 www.bfg.org Imagine an extraordinary staff and the best therapies and equipment—in a beautiful environment that rejuvenates and restores. Physical therapy spaces bathed in sunlight. The quiet comfort of a garden walk or relaxing massage. Imagine getting back to the activities that matter to you. Our new, state-of-the-art rehab addition at Brooke Grove Rehabilitation and Nursing Center offers innovative therapy services for seniors, including NeuroGym® Technologies mobility training, the Korebalance system and much more. Visit us to see why Brooke Grove Retirement Village is one of the most sought-after continuing-care retirement communities in the state. Rehab here is simply different… because what surrounds you really matters.

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Housing Options

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INDEPENDENT LIVING COMMUNITY

Ashby Ponds 877-664-5445 21170 Ashby Ponds Boulevard Ashburn, VA 20147 AshbyPonds.com Now more than ever, COMMUNITY matters. The past few months have taught us we’re stronger together — just ask the residents of Ashby Ponds, the premier senior living community in Loudoun County. They’ll tell you that despite social distancing they never once felt alone. Ashby Ponds is managed by Erickson Living®, a national leader in senior living and health care. Being part of a network of communities under one management company gives us the size, financial strength, and resources to weather even the toughest challenge. Call 1-877-664-5445 for your free brochure or to schedule your in-person or virtual appointment.

INDEPENDENT LIVING COMMUNITY

Sommerset Retirement 703-450-6411 22355 Providence Village Dr. Sterling, VA 20164 www.Sommersetretirement.com At Sommerset Retirement Community, located in the heart of Sterling, Virginia, you’ll experience exceptional independent living at its best, with a comfortable, fulfilling, secure and active lifestyle. Sommerset’s unique amenities include restaurant style dining, housekeeping, 24-hour front desk personnel and private transportation. Enjoy the convenience of being just minutes from medical services, shopping, banking and entertainment. Sommerset has been voted by the readers of Virginia Living Magazine as one of the best retirement communities in Northern Virginia! Call us or visit our website to request more information or to schedule your tour.

INDEPENDENT LIVING COMMUNITY

Emerson House 301-779-6196 5999 Emerson Street Bladensburg, MD 20710 Our community features bright onebedroom apartments in a nine-story elevator building for today’s active and independent seniors who are 62 or older. Emerson House is subsidized for low- to moderate-income households. Activities are yours to choose from: gardening, Bingo, Wii bowling league, movie night, parties, bus trips, exercise classes, learning to line dance — it’s all waiting for you and more! Emerson House offers an in-house Resident Service Coordinator to assist with finding helpful resources. Please call today for an appointment to tour our community or request an application; 301-779-6196 Monday-Friday from 8:30 to 5:00.

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J U L Y 2 0 2 0 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Home care sees uptick during pandemic By Margaret Foster Before coronavirus descended on the D.C. area, a resident of the Ring House in Rockville used to call House Calls LLC whenever she needed groceries, help taking medication or writing a check. Now, however, her trusted home care provider, Sarah Putnam, can’t go into her apartment. In fact, she can do little more than deliver groceries to her front steps. When it comes to writing a check, Putnam wears gloves and slips the check under the front door. “These little things add up to big things when it comes to caregiving,” said Beth Albaneze, founder of House Calls LLC. According to some local home care companies, there has been a recent surge

Safe gatherings From page B-10 difficulty communicating with her daughter, Mae Forsythe, over the phone. “Being able to lay eyes on her made me feel better,” Forsythe said. And the panel reunion had the same effect on Bauerband. She has mainly kept to herself since moving in, but “I understand from the team that after our visit she was more outgoing and stayed outside for lunch,” Forsythe said. “That

of interest in caregivers who can visit the homes of isolated older adults. Taking care of them safely is the tricky part. Alex Petukhov, partner at Best Senior Care, said he has seen ups and downs in his industry. “Right now, it feels like it’s on the uptick, and more clients are looking for more hours,” he said. There has been an increased demand for homecare workers at Options for Senior America, which operates in nine U.S. states, including D.C., Maryland and Virginia. “We’ve seen [more demand] in all nine states,” said Ramzi Rihani, CEO at Options for Senior America.

Some move in with families That may be because some people have is a win!” Bauerband isn’t the only one who has been positively impacted by the panel implementation, according to Torshie Brice, the social network director at Tribute at Black Hill. “Our residents are so excited,” she said. “It’s such a heartwarming experience.” “It’s so popular we need a second one,” said Tribute at Black Hill President Jodie Edwards-Taylor. The next weekend, Ragsdale delivered another panel to enable additional visitors to participate.

moved out of assisted living facilities. “Their loved ones prefer to bring their parents home,” Rihani said. Once at home, people can have helpers come to them, restricting unnecessary social contact. Options for Senior America offers hourly home care as well as live-in aides. “A lot of people opt for the live-in. That’s the most popular program and the most affordable,” he said. Hiring the same aide to either live in the home or be assigned to the same client can reduce exposure to a parade of different aides. It also can be particularly important for memory care patients. “We at Options specify the same provider on repeat visits, particularly if the care recipient has Alzheimer’s or memory loss — the last thing you want [for them] is change.”

Testing is key

A lesson from lockdown

cognitive deterioration, and decreases the ability to maintain strong mental health. “It’s our hope that everyone will remember this feeling — this longing for community — and carry it forward to help eliminate isolation and loneliness for our older adults whenever and wherever possible,” Ragsdale said. Instead of focusing on all of the destruction coronavirus has caused, Ragsdale chooses to see the good. “This has been a great reminder of how precious special moments are,” he said.

To Ragsdale, the lockdowns due to the pandemic have shed a light on an already prolific problem in retirement communities. “The broader battle being fought by Thrive and others isn’t COVID-19; it’s loneliness and isolation,” he said. Social isolation is associated with higher mortality in older adults, according to a 2013 study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. It increases the risk of developing physical health issues, including cardiovascular disease and

As far as safety concerns, Options has adopted new federal guidelines. “We have followed directives of the CDC and make sure that if any of our caregivers have symptoms, they don’t come to work,” Rihani said. “If they’ve been traveling to certain states, they have to take a test. If they’ve been in a facility where anyone has tested positive, we ask them to quarantine.” During the stay-at-home orders and partial reopenings, isolation of older adults remains a big problem. Albaneze at House Calls LLC lamented that most of her clients are more or less confined to their apartments. “A lot of our clients are quarantined in the middle of the quarantine,” she said.

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Housing Options

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — J U L Y 2 0 2 0

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Some surprising benefits of gardening By Emma Patch Each summer, the fruits of the harvest fill the shelves of local groceries and farmers markets, a colorful reminder of the many nutritional benefits of fresh produce. But growing your own produce offers equally sustaining, though perhaps less visible, benefits [For more benefits, see related story on page B-13.] Beyond reduced grocery expenses, gardening offers many positive effects financially. A garden may be a good way to improve property value, for example, said David Ellis, director of communications for the American Horticultural Society and editor of its magazine, The American Gardener. But most people garden because they enjoy it, he said. “They grow vegetables and improve their own nutrition,” Ellis said, “and they grow flowers, which they give away and spread joy.” A form of light exercise, gardening can be a great way to stay active. The physical activity involved varies, depending on the task, and older adults should be careful not to overexert themselves, Ellis said. Spending time outdoors has been linked with improved mental health. Recent studies have shown that the quantity of nearby green space buffers life stresses across ages. Gardening may lower cortisol levels in your brain, and in turn reduce stress levels, according to a study in the Journal of Health Psychology.

May reduce dementia risk Gardening may also lower the risk of dementia by as much as 36%, according to a study conducted in 2010 in Australia. For this reason, horticultural therapy is a growing area proving helpful for those with dementia, Ellis said.

With this form of active therapy, people are led through gardening tasks and see the results, often making use of fragrant herbs that stimulate memory, he said. “It has become a great tool,” Ellis said. Longtime gardeners agree that gardening makes great mental exercise. “So much of it is observation and decision making,” said Jay Leshinsky, 73, a retired gardening educator in Middlebury, Vermont. Whether researching a new insect or a new disease, there’s often a lot of problem solving involved, he said. “It keeps me thinking and using many different skills.” There’s also an avenue for creativity in designing a garden. “Some people focus on efficiency; some people focus on form. Even in a small area with short lines of sight, different colors and textures at different times of the season create a kind of ever-changing palette,” Leshinsky said. At the start of each growing season, he and his wife, Susanne, sit down and talk about how to plan their space. “You give each other feedback, and in that sense, it can be a solitary or collaborative practice whether in design, planning or harvest,” he said.

Join a community garden Even if you don’t have a garden in your yard, a community garden lets you experience all the benefits of gardening with the added dimension of having others around. At community gardens across the U.S., older adults serve as teachers and mentors, but they are also there to learn. The Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia, for example, assists in planting and maintaining gardens of herbs, plants and flowers at a community garden. Gardening in your community often con-

Chesterbrook Residences

Front Porch Chats Now Taking Appointments for July Admissions!

This completely outdoor session will honor social distancing while allowing us to discuss your needs and answer any questions you may have. Enjoy a cup of freshly brewed coffee and baked goodies. You can even take a peak inside of our model apartment or take our virtual tour! Schedule your "chat" today: call Kelly or Betsy at 703-531-0781. 703-531-0781 | chesterbrookres.org 2030 Westmoreland St. | Falls Church A Caring Assisted Living Retirement Community Coordinated Services Management, Inc.—Professional Management of Retirement Communities since 1981.

nects you with like-minded people, said Kirsten Conrad, the organization’s agricultural natural resources extension agent. And you can learn new skills. “It’s both a social and technical support system,” she said. Gardening is generally a very communal activity, Ellis said, allowing you to bond with your community and with neighbors. “And if you are an experienced gardener, sharing your expertise can also be a great way to support your community,” he said.

At the end of the day, gardening simply grounds you (pardon the pun), Leshinsky said. Besides gardening’s physical and mental health benefits, Leshinsky said, “For me, it always opens up this world of mystery that just can’t be explained scientifically — the miracles of seeds and what they do.” © Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

BEACON BITS

Ongoing

ANIMAL PLANET AQUARIUM

If you can’t get to the beach this summer, watch an underwater series instead. Learn about sea creatures from Animal Planet with 19 full-length episodes available online for free. All you need to do is sign in with your cable provider. Check it out at https://bit.ly/AquariumOnline.

Ongoing

ART HEIST HISTORY

On March 18, 1990, 13 works of art were stolen from the Isabella Stewart Gardener Museum in Boston in the largest property theft in the world. Listen to an audio, read about the story, and discover other pieces of art inspired by the incident at gardenermusuem.org/about/theft.

Ongoing

EDGAR DEGAS EXHIBIT

The National Gallery of Art has opened a virtual gallery with works by 19th-century French painter Edgar Degas. You can read about the history, listen to an audio tour, and take a 3D tour of the exhibit. Visit https://bit.ly/NGADegas for more information.

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J U L Y 2 0 2 0 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Introducing the future of personal transportation.

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Years of work by innovative engineers have resulted in a personal electric vehicle that’s truly unique. They created a battery that provides powerful energy at a fraction of the weight of most batteries. The Zinger features two steering levers, one on either side of the seat. The user pushes both levers down to go forward, pulls them both up to brake, and pushes one while pulling the other to turn to either side. This enables great mobility, the ability to turn on a dime and to pull right up

to tables or desks. The controls are right on the steering lever so it’s simple to operate, and its exclusive footrest swings out of the way when you stand up or sit down. With its rugged yet lightweight aluminum frame, the Zinger is sturdy and durable yet convenient and comfortable! What’s more, it easily folds up for storage in a car seat or trunk. Think about it, you can take your Zinger almost anywhere, so you don’t have to let mobility issues rule your life. It folds in seconds without tools and is safe and reliable. It holds up to 275 pounds, and it goes up to 6 mph and operates for up to 8 miles on a single charge. Why spend another day letting mobility issues hamper your independence and quality of life

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The Zinger Chair is a personal electric vehicle and is not a medical device nor a wheelchair. Zinger is not intended for medical purposes to provide mobility to persons restricted to a sitting position. It is not covered by Medicare nor Medicaid. © 2020 ﬁrstSTREET for Boomers and Beyond, Inc.

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More and more Americans are reaching the age where mobility is an everyday concern. Whether from an injury or from the aches and pains that come from getting older– getting around isn’t as easy as it used to be. You may have tried a power chair or a scooter. The Zinger is NOT a power chair or a scooter! The Zinger is quick and nimble, yet it is not prone to tipping like many scooters. Best of all, it weighs only 47.2 pounds and folds and unfolds with ease. You can take it almost anywhere, providing you with independence and freedom.

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Housing Options

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — J U L Y 2 0 2 0

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The liberating feeling of a smaller home By Katherine Roth With the current trend toward de-cluttering and downsizing, there are plenty of books about how to winnow down possessions to the few that are truly necessary and beloved. One book shows how you can live well once that’s done. In Downsize: Living Large in a Small House (2019, The Taunton Press), author Sheri Koones focuses on practical ways to live well at home once you’ve streamlined your belongings and are living more compactly. “It scares people to think of moving into a smaller space, but every single person I interviewed who has made the transition said they are so happy they did,” Koones said. “Time and again, people used the word ‘liberated’ to describe their move to a smaller space, with homes requiring far less time and money to maintain.”

All ages can see benefits Koones, who relocated from a 6,800square-foot house in Greenwich, Connecticut, to a 1,400-square-foot home closer to town, experienced the transition herself. “It’s not just empty nesters anymore,” she added. “Younger people too are in couples where they’re both working, they’re having children later, they want to be active, and they don’t want to be doing maintenance on the weekends. “They don’t want to be tied down to mowing lawns and doing all the other chores that come with living in a big house.” Living more sustainably and saving on energy costs are also part of the attraction of downsizing, Koones said. So is aging in place. People of all ages look for features like a master bedroom on the main floor or barrier-free showers. “Yes, older people with disabilities need

INDEPENDENT LIVING COMMUNITY

them, but even younger people break a leg skiing, or have situations where they want a barrier-free shower,” she said.

Most valuable features The book features photos and illustrations of 33 well-designed small homes in urban and rural settings in the U.S. and Canada. Some of the features that Koones said can make a small home feel more spacious: — raised ceilings, well-positioned windows and light wall colors, — multifunctional furniture, like tiny kitchen tables that can expand to accommodate dinner guests, — flexible rooms that can serve as office, bedroom and hobby room, for example. One house featured in the book has a garage with light fixtures and doors that open in front and back so that it doubles as

an entertaining space, — creative storage ideas, like chairs that can hang on wall pegs, hooks for bicycles, and making the best use of alcoves or space under stairs, and — fewer hallways, which allows for more livable space. Koones details specific types of roofs (like standing-seam metal roofs), flooring (concrete) and heating systems that are more energy-efficient and low-maintenance. “The key is to have a home that is efficiently designed, both in terms of energy use and in terms of space,” she said. “I refer to it as ‘downsizing,’ but a better word for it might be ‘right-sizing.’ For most of history, houses were more modestly proportioned, and we lived quite comfortably in those smaller homes. Now the trend is heading toward smaller again.” —AP

INDEPENDENT LIVING COMMUNITY

Riderwood Retirement Community 877-742-4390

Covenant Village Senior Apartments 301-540-1162

3140 Graceﬁeld Road Silver Spring, MD 20904 Riderwood.com

18889 Waring Station Road Germantown, MD 20874 www.qpmgmt.com

“We were well cared for during this crisis with meals, mail, and essentials delivered right to our doors.” — Mike B., a community resident The past few months have taught us we’re stronger together —just ask the residents of Riderwood, the premier senior living community in Silver Spring. They’ll tell you that despite social distancing they never once felt alone. Riderwood is managed by Erickson Living®, a national leader in senior living and health care. Being part of a network of communities under one management company gives us the size, financial strength, and resources to weather even the toughest challenge. Call 1-877-742-4390 for your free brochure or to schedule your in-person or virtual appointment.

• Spacious 1 and 2 bedroom plans with washer/dryer in each apt. • Shuttle bus for shopping and local trips • On-site fitness, game, and craft rooms, movie theatre, library, beauty salon, and courtyard garden plots. It's about our residents, said Management staff, Debra and Trisha. They always ensure that they have interesting and exciting things going on. Some of the fun includes: Garden Party Cookouts, Trips to Washington, DC to see the Cherry Blossoms, the Franciscan Monastery, and the National Zoo, Black Hills Pontoon Boat Ride, Low-Impact Fitness Classes, Resident Birthday Celebrations, Craft Classes and Potlucks. Also, many guest speakers are invited to speak to our residents on topics that are relevant to them.

LIFE PLAN COMMUNITY

INDEPENDENT LIVING COMMUNITY

Vinson Hall Retirement Community 703-536-4344

Seabury at Friendship Terrace 202-244-7400

6251 Old Dominion Drive McLean, VA 22101 www.vinsonhall.org

4201 Butterworth Place NW Washington, DC 20016 www.friendshipterrace.org

We are an active, vibrant senior living community located on 22 acres in suburban McLean, Virginia. Vinson Hall Retirement Community offers independent living, assisted living, memory support, nursing care, rehabilitative care, and respite care. Our community is committed to providing services to our residents to maintain a healthy and safe lifestyle during the COVID-19 crisis. Visit our website to learn more: www.vinsonhall.org.

Active, affordable senior living close to stores, restaurants, transportation and entertainment can be found at Seabury at Friendship Terrace! Located in a quiet, tree-lined northwest Washington neighborhood, Friendship Terrace is just two blocks from the Tenleytown Metro station. The community offers affordable senior living with subsidy assistance to those who are eligible, as well as exciting onsite events including performances, lectures, holiday observances, socials, and more. A rooftop deck, greenhouse, library, lounges, and a dining room overlooking an outdoor courtyard are highlights of the community. Your new home awaits. Remarkable in town value! Applications now being accepted. Call for your tour today!

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PULL OUT & KEEP THIS SECTION

Housing Options

J U L Y 2 0 2 0 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

OPEN WITH CARE The difﬁculties of the past few months have only compounded existing challenges for many families. At Brooke Grove Retirement Village, we’re here to help by accepting admissions for all levels of care.

As our community progresses through the reopening process, we are committed to protecting our residents from the spread of COVID-19. As always, the health and well-being of all in our care remains our top priority.

WE’RE TAKING THE FOLLOWING STEPS TO MAINTAIN A SAFE ENVIRONMENT AND RIGOROUSLY ADHERING TO RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND LOCAL HEALTH AUTHORITIES. · Dedicated isolation care units for quarantined COVID-19 patients

· Current residents are screened daily, have been tested and are retested if symptoms arise

· All new residents and staff are tested prior to admission or starting work

· Daily screenings and weekly testing for all staff, physicians and other service providers

· Masks required for everyone in facilities and additional personal protective equipment worn by all who enter patient rooms

· Meticulous disinfection of all rooms and surfaces · Hand sanitizing stations in lobbies and hallways of all buildings

We have a thorough approach to maintaining a safe environment for our residents. To see a full list of our protocols, visit www.bgf.org.

301-260-2320 18100 Slade School Road Sandy Spring, MD 20860

Independent living

assisted living

rehabilitation

long-term care

memory support

Say you saw it in the Beacon

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — J U L Y 2 0 2 0

Money Law &

SAFETY IN BONDS Despite the bear market, most domestic bonds remain safe and shouldn’t default BEST BOOKS Read these resources for advice on Social Security, reverse mortgages and more RETIREMENT GLITCH Take another look at your target date funds, a popular choice in a 401(k) plan FAMILY VALUES What do you stand for? Pass on your life’s history and knowledge in an ethical will

Money tight? Ways to adjust your budget By Courtney Jespersen You’re not the only one with a tight budget. Millions of Americans are currently struggling with unemployment, lost hours and lowered wages. We talked to financial experts for advice on getting more mileage out of the money you have available right now. Here are their tips for finding extra money in your monthly budget:

Go line by line You’re probably spending a lot of time at home these days, so devote some of that free time to analyzing your finances. Go over every single transaction in your checking account, savings account, credit card bills and so forth, said Robinson Crawford, a certified financial planner. He said you can use a budgeting system to make this step easier. Try an app, Excel file or some other tool. Once you see all of the dollars going in

and out, you’ll be able to identify areas for savings. And you’ll be ready to start making some (or all) of the changes outlined below.

Pick up the phone As you look at your line items, focus on the largest bills first, suggested Cady North, another financial planner.. Lowering substantial, recurring payments has the potential to reap the biggest savings. For example, even if you already received an automatic rebate from your auto insurance company [due to the pandemic], it doesn’t hurt to call and see if you can negotiate additional savings. That’s particularly applicable if you’re not driving right now. [Ed. Note: If you have a federally backed mortgage and are able to attest that the pandemic has caused you financial hardship, you can request up to one full year’s “forbearance” on mortgage payments from your lender. That’s only a temporary hold on your debt payments, but if you need the extra

Five stocks to consider buying now By Anne Kates Smith With the market finding its way through tricky economic territory, investors will have to strike a careful balance between offensive and defensive moves. These five stocks will help you finesse your approach with a blend of classic safety plays, companies that will shine as the economy recovers, and companies poised to profit in a post-pandemic world: American Electric Power (AEP, $81): Operating in 11 states, this electric utility mixes defense of a 3.6% yield with some sensitivity to an economic rebound, according to T. Rowe Price portfolio manager David Giroux. Look for long-term annual earnings growth in the mid-single-digit percentages. Becton Dickinson (BDX, $235): The healthcare equipment maker has a pipeline of products to battle COVID, according to BofA Securities, including a test that will confirm an active infection in 15 minutes. Becton is ramping up to produce syringes for a COVID vaccine. Costco Wholesale (COST, $300): Competitive advantages go beyond pan-

demic-related stockpiling, according to Morningstar. Membership renewal rates are nearly 90% and have held steady through the financial crisis and the rise of e-commerce. Peloton Interactive (PTON, $53): Peloton (which makes indoor exercise bikes and treadmills with screens connecting you to remote classes and fellow exercisers) has yet to post a profit. But it has first-mover advantage in the interactive fitness market, allowing it to achieve critical mass and cultivate a loyal following. Brand awareness grew with free-trial marketing amid the pandemic, according to investment research firm CFRA. Southwest Airlines (LUV, $34): People will fly again, and this low-cost airline has the financial resources to survive until they do, according to Artisan Partners portfolio manager Dan O’Keefe. The domestically focused carrier is in the best position to take market share from struggling competitors. © 2020 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

money now and expect to be able to resume payments later, it can be a big help.] If you choose to contact companies and service providers you do business with, be honest about how COVID-19 has affected you. Crawford recommends telling them about your situation and why you’re asking for help, especially if you’ve been laid off [or suffered steep declines in investment savings]. They’re likely to empathize. “Part of the reasoning should be, ‘Listen I’m trying to do everything to keep all of my bills paid. I want your service. I want to keep you. I want to stay as a customer,’” he said.

holes in your spending. Try looking around your house, recommended certified financial planner Shehara L. Wooten. Unplug electronics when they’re not in use. (They’re using electricity even while turned off.) Stop buying disposable paper towels and paper plates — switch to reusable towels and plates instead. Monitor the thermostat and lights as you spend increased amounts of time at home. You can also pull the plug on unnecessary subscriptions. Crawford said now might be the right time to cancel those streaming services and online shopping memberships, especially ones you haven’t found use for even

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Bonds still offer pockets of opportunity By Jeffrey R. Kosnett Bonds survived a brutal financial upheaval, reinforcing my confidence that positive returns will extend through the remainder of this strange year, albeit with massive help from the Federal Reserve. There will be more bad days and shrill headlines, and you can expect a bulge in corporate debt downgrades to junk status in the most-depressed industries and localities. But actual defaults will remain low. And there will be no magical economic boom to send interest rates flying and slash bond returns. Consequently, your principal will be okay, and income will remain reliable. This is in sharp contrast to that hour-by-hour maelstrom of emotion called the stock market.

Most bonds remain safe With few exceptions, corporations, states, municipalities and public-service authorities have the cash flow and reserves to meet their interest obligations. The Fed is buying big-city bonds. The U.S. government pays Treasury debt and backstops gazillions of mortgages. And in April, Fed Chairman Jerome Powell said he is “not concerned about the financial system collapsing as in 2008,” noting that banks are lending, credit is flowing, and sound companies (and even some not-so-sound ones) find ready buyers for new bond issues. Yes, airlines and firms in the travelleisure-convention-sports complex are in a bad way. Oil companies are going belly-up, as will some suppliers. Many have junk

debt trading for 50 cents or less on the dollar. Energy bonds still rated investmentgrade are rickety. So, the question is: what to hold and what to avoid for the rest of 2020? Let us go down the list. Treasuries. As the world’s lockbox, Treasury debt sells no matter how big the volume or how low the yield. You’ll break even on the principal, but do you want less than 1% forever? You can find risk-free federally insured savings accounts paying 1.5%. Mortgages. I like funds holding bonds backed by the Government National Mortgage Association because of the full faith and credit guarantee. You are shielded from missed mortgage payments and foreclosures. Fidelity GNMA (symbol FGMNX), T. Rowe Price GNMA (PRGMX), Pimco GNMA (PAGNX) and Vanguard GNMA (VFIIX) are all good choices. Avoid non-government-backed commercial mortgages, such as in most mortgage real estate investment trusts (REITs), even though they’ve already crashed. Indiscriminate or desperate bottom-fishing is unwise. Municipals. There are sectors in peril — nursing homes, for one. But general obligations and school, highway and water/sewer bonds are sound and beckon-

ing to fresh buyers with excellent taxableequivalent yields. Use actively managed, low-cost mutual funds, where the pros find numerous opportunities to pick and choose. Kiplinger 25 member Fidelity Intermediate Muni Income (FLTMX) is fine. Corporates. At one point in March, the index of triple-B-rated bonds was down 10% for the year. It is now just above break-even, and the losers are crowded into a few sectors. I look for actively managed funds to have a good second half. Vanguard IntermediateTerm Investment Grade (VFICX) holds nearly 2,000 bonds and shouldn’t get tripped up by one rogue sector. Foreign bonds and emerging markets. Just say no. Nein. Nada. Junk bonds and other high-yield credit. The worst is over for business development companies and floating-rate bank-loan funds, but if the economy doesn’t regain positive momentum this year, look out below again. That’s not what we’re expecting, but I’d stick with senior and secured debt with high ratings, from good borrowers you recognize and understand. © 2020 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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From page 21 while you’ve been cooped up at home. If you still like (and use) your subscriptions and aren’t willing to give them up completely, cut them out temporarily. Some companies allow you to go online and pause your account for a period of time. “That’s a way to get $15, $20 here and there extra in your budget,” North said.

Sign up for cash-back shopping sites or apps to earn money back when you purchase groceries and other essentials, Wooten suggested. With some apps, you scan your receipt after a transaction for post-purchase savings. Every change you can make — no matter how major or minor — can make a difference. —AP/NerdWallet

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Excellent resources for financial planning By Elliot Raphaelson Life is fraught with a series of complicated financial decisions, from financing an education or a first home to distributing an estate after death. Fortunately, on almost every aspect of personal financial planning, there is at least one published guide that can help you through. I use many sources to keep current on the latest innovations, legal developments and information about personal finance. Here are the most reliable and readable:

Social Security My favorite guide is Andy Landis’ Social Security: The Inside Story (available online at andylandis.biz). The book, which Landis updates regularly, is well organized and easy to read, and he includes references relevant to Social Security regulations. Landis answers questions from readers promptly and clearly.

IRAs and other retirement accounts Ed Slott’s Retirement Decisions Guide: 2020 (irahelp.com) is the most recent iteration of his comprehensive and authoritative guide to retirement accounts. He and his staff at Ed Slott & Co. stay up-to-date with all new issues. I count on Ed and his staff to re-

spond quickly and accurately to any issues.

Annuities Annuities are a complex subject. My favorite expert is Stan Haithcock, an annuity agent with whom I have been working for 10 years. Haithcock has prepared readable and accurate brochures, available at no cost, on every type of annuity that discuss the pros and cons. His website, stantheannuityman.com, has a wealth of information. He responds quickly and accurately to readers. As an agent, he recommends only costeffective products to his clients and does not push products for high commissions. I have recommended many readers to Stan and have yet to receive a complaint.

Retirement planning The best general book on the subject is How to Make Your Money Last, by Jane Bryant Quinn (published by Simon & Schuster). Recently updated, the book is comprehensive and easy to read. It covers all major retirement issues, including Social Security, healthcare, pensions, retirement plans, investing, housing issues (including reverse mortgages) and life insurance. She also identifies her sources, so readers can seek additional information.

Reverse mortgages When I first started writing my column, I had a very low opinion of reverse mortgages, owing to deceptive ads and high costs. Costs are still pretty high, but some authors have presented a good case for the advantages of reverse mortgages for some homeowners. The best book I have read on the subject is Reverse Mortgages: How to Use Reverse Mortgages to Secure Your Retirement, by Wade Pfau (Retirement Research Media). He has presented a reasonable case for some home-

owners. I would recommend that anyone considering a reverse mortgage read his book before committing to anything.

Index investing Readers of my column know that I am a strong believer in the advantage of index investing. A leading proponent is Charles Ellis, one of the most influential investment writers, who makes a strong case for See RESOURCES, page 25

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Is your target date fund letting you down? By Liz Weston Target date investments are supposed to be an easier way to invest, and they’re a popular choice in 401(k) plans. But the recent market downturn showed that some target date strategies suffered much bigger losses than others, especially for investors nearing retirement. Target date investments did protect near-retirees from the full force of the selloff. While U.S. stocks overall lost 33% in the 30-day period ending March 20, the average target date fund for people retiring in 2020 dropped 17%, said Leo Acheson, director of multi-asset ratings at Morningstar. But losses among some popular funds ranged from 13 to 23%, reflecting dramatic differences in how the investments are constructed. “Some of these 2020 funds, you might look at them and think they’re probably pretty similar to one another,” Acheson said. “But when you look beneath the hood, you find out that actually some 2020 funds are taking a lot more risks than other 2020 funds.” An outsize loss by itself isn’t a good reason to bail on an investment. The same strategy that’s giving you heartburn now could deliver above-average returns later. If you’re approaching retirement, however, you want to be sure the investment strategy you’re using still makes sense. You have less time to make up losses — and more risk of running out of money.

How target date funds work Target date investments come in two forms: mutual funds, which are available at brokerages and in workplace retirement plans, and collective investment trusts, which are found only in workplace plans. Although people use target date strategies in IRAs and taxable accounts, they’re particularly popular in 401(k)s. One Fidelity survey found about half of all assets in tax-exempt retirement funds are invested in target date options. The name comes from the fact that the mix of stocks and bonds gets more conservative as the target date — typically the year the investor plans to retire — gets closer. A Target Date 2020 option is designed for someone retiring soon while Target Date 2060 is meant for retirements that are 40 years away.

How their strategies differ That’s where the similarities end, however. Investment companies offering these products choose different initial mixes of stocks and bonds as well as different “glide paths,” or rates at which the mix is adjusted. On average, target date strategies for

2020 had 43% of their portfolios invested in stocks, but one fund had 55% in stocks while another had just 8%, Acheson said. The types of investments differ, as well. For example, some funds that are more conservative with their stock allocation take more risks with their bonds, choosing corporate bonds or even high-yield “junk” bonds over U.S. Treasury and other governmental debt. Those riskier bonds offer better returns in good times but often get trounced in extreme downturns, when investors flee to the safety of government bonds. On top of all that, investment companies tinker with their formulas, so the strategy in place when you initially invested might change by the time you retire.

What’s an investor to do? Understanding how your target date works requires time and research. Your 401(k) provider or brokerage will be able to provide you with information, including how the investment’s glide path works, its expense ratios, and how those compare to industry averages. Then you must decide if you’re comfortable with its approach, given the expected risks and returns. If you decide you’re not happy with your current choice, you have options. If you’re in a workplace retirement plan, you might choose a different date (such as the 2015 fund if you think the 2020 option is too risky, or Target Date 2025 if you’re willing to take more risk). However, you probably can’t switch target date providers since most 401(k)s only offer one. If your money is in an IRA or taxable account, you could switch providers as well as target dates. Another possibility is to craft your own portfolio. Consider consulting a fee-only, fiduciary advisor — one who’s committed to putting your best interests first — for help. Getting good advice is something you should do anyway before you retire, because many retirement decisions are irreversible, and mistakes can make your life a lot less comfortable. Also, our ability to avoid financial errors tends to decline starting in our 50s, even though our confidence in those abilities remains high. Working with a trusted advisor can help us avoid blind spots that could be costly. All of this work is the exact opposite of the hands-off-the-wheel approach you probably wanted when you chose a target date investment. But staying hands-off — or making changes without professional advice — could mean losses that drive your retirement into a ditch. —AP/NerdWallet

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Ethical wills let you share life’s lessons By Alina Tugend Rebecca Schreiber, a Manhattan real estate agent, was getting her papers in order after a divorce and decided that, along with redoing her legal will, she would also write up an ethical will for her two young children. “It was a way to convey my wishes and hopes to my children,” Schreiber, 42, said. Ethical wills, or legacy letters as they are also called, are documents to “communicate values, experiences and life lessons to your family,” said Abby Schneiderman, co-founder of Everplans, which helps people plan and store important documents online in one location. Barry Baines, a hospice medical director in Minneapolis and St. Paul and author of Ethical Wills: Putting Your Values on Paper, said he first came upon the concept in the 1990s when he and his colleagues were working on a project about existential pain at the end of life. A dying young man told them his nonphysical pain was a 10 out of 10. Even though this patient was a husband and father, “He told us, ‘I feel like I’m going to die, and there won’t be any trace that I was ever on the Earth.’” When Baines heard this, he recalled a book he had read about ethical wills and suggested the patient create one with some guidance from a chaplain. The patient “grabbed onto the idea like a drowning person grabs onto a life preserver,” Baines said.

Resources From page 23 it in his book, Winning the Loser’s Game: Timeless Strategies for Successful Investing (McGraw Hill). His book is excellent, readable and recommended reading by many of the leading investment experts. Ellis regularly updates this book, printing seven additions.

Investment strategy and risk control I haven’t read an investment book that covered the subject of risk as well Howard Marks’ The Most Important Thing: Uncom-

And when it was done, the young man said his spiritual suffering had dropped to zero. Baines is also co-founder of livingwisely.org, a company that, among other things, offers both guidance for creating ethical wills and trains facilitators — such as financial planners, hospice workers and those who work in faith communities — about how to help people fashion their own legacy letters. No one needs an expert to write their own ethical will, Baines acknowledged, but services like his are a way to prompt people to do it. “Everyone is capable of doing it by themselves,” he said. “But you need that protected time to reflect and write.” While the task may seem daunting, most people’s ethical wills aren’t long, perhaps only a page or two. For those who don’t know where to start, Schneiderman suggests writing about their personal history, favorite things, academic and professional life, religious and political views, and hopes for the future.

if you love cooking, take beloved recipes and annotate them with memories and hopes for future family gatherings. Legacy letters can even be accidental. Kline discovered a two-page typewritten letter from her uncle that was saved by his brother (her father) while clearing out her parents’ house in the early 2000s. Her uncle had written the letter in 1963 on the back of a church bulletin shortly after his only child had died in an airplane crash. In it, her Uncle Bill urges his brother to take walks, to worry about his mental health as well as his physical health, to keep an open mind and be tolerant of others. “When I saw it, I thought, ‘This is my uncle’s ethical will. But he didn’t have any idea what it was called,’” Kline said.

For many, leaving an ethical will seems like a grandiose idea, that their lives are too ordinary or unsuccessful for them to have valuable insights to share. But the struggles are where life lessons come from, Baines said. Kline also urges those considering writing a legacy letter to perhaps do it at their life’s milestones — for instance, when you become an empty nester or when you retire. The document can also be one of self-reflection for how you want to live the rest of your life. “It’s a way to soul-search what I want the rest of my footprint to look like,” she said. “What do I stand for?” © 2020 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Ethical wills take many forms Be creative. Jo Kline, a retired attorney and author of So Grows the Tree: Creating an Ethical Will, said her ethical will is a slideshow with photos of loved ones and her favorite quotes. Or, think of how a favorite hobby can convey to others your passions and beliefs. For example, Kline, 68, recommended that mon Sense for the Thoughtful Investor (Columbia Business School Publishing). Considered a must-read by John Bogle, Warren Buffett and many other prominent investors, the book is comprehensive and readable. Marks is the cofounder of Oaktree Capital Management, which manages over $120 billion for clients.

Periodicals I recommend Barron’s weekly and Investors News monthly. Elliot Raphaelson welcomes your questions and comments at raphelliot@gmail.com. © 2020 Elliot Raphaelson. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Explore the historic estates of the Ocean State. See story on page 28.

Enjoy the simple life in modern Sweden and Skåne, the southernmost county in Sweden, I had the chance to explore parts of the country I missed on my first trip.

Oysters and art in the West The first morning after arriving in Gothenburg we picked up a new hybrid Volvo with a hi-tech navigation system at the factory on the outskirts of the city and headed north to the Bohuslän Coast — the rugged, rocky, indented coastline to the north. It didn’t take long to get used to the Volvo’s new-fangled gadgetry, and soon I was cruising along like a local. Lulled by a smooth, effortless ride that made 80 mph feel like 50, I even got a speeding ticket. We made our way up the coast to Everts Sjöbad, a guesthouse near the town of Grebbestad, for our first taste of Sweden’s back-to-nature revival. There are only six simple rooms in this weathered former boathouse, all with access to a deck where guests can eat simple, healthy meals or just gaze over the water to the rocky islands offshore. The first activity on our agenda was an oyster-shucking lesson from Hanna, our host, on her father’s classic wooden fishing boat. We chugged around the rocky bay, nothing in view to suggest that we were in one of the most modern, technologically advanced countries on Earth.

PHOTO BY DON MANKIN

By Don Mankin [Editor’s Note: Given the worldwide reach of the coronavirus and the fact that COVID-19 cases in Sweden and elsewhere are still rising, this is not the time to travel there, or anywhere, for enjoyment. Please enjoy this article as armchair entertainment and for planning your future travel in healthier times.] Sweden has been much in the news of late. First, it was teenage activist Greta Thunberg scolding adults for trashing the planet. More recently it’s been the country’s controversial no-quarantine approach to the COVID-19 pandemic. Its reputation, however, has long been in the vanguard of progressive lifestyles, social innovation and avant-garde experimentation, and is now heading “back to the future” by focusing on sustainable living and eco-friendly lifestyles. This past fall, my wife and I saw both sides of Sweden — futuristic art and technology coupled with a pervasive desire to return to nature. Our week-long road trip to West and Southern Sweden was my second trip to the country. My first was in 1969 when I purchased a Volvo in the U.S., picked it up at the factory in Gothenburg, and drove it for three weeks throughout Scandinavia. Fifty years later, with help from Volvo and the tourism boards of West Sweden

Quiet fishing villages such as Marstrand, above, line the West Coast of Sweden, a region famous for its open spaces and fresh seafood.

PHOTO BY BERNHARD KLUG, DREAMSTIME

Built an estimated 1,400 years ago, the windswept monument of Ales stenar in Southern Sweden brings to mind England’s Stonehenge. The Swedish site’s 59 stone megaliths, arranged in the shape of a ship, may have been used to observe cycles of the moon.

Hanna did most of the shucking; I did most of the eating. I washed down the oysters, plucked from the water just minutes before, with a bottle of the local oyster stout. You can have champagne with your oysters, but I’ll take a bottle of oyster stout on a fishing boat any day. After a sunny four-mile walk into Grebbestad and back, two huge platters of seafood with crab claws, langoustine, mussels and prawns, plus various accompaniments, were waiting for us outside our room. We took our time working our way through the meal as we sat on the deck and watched the sunset. Before leaving West Sweden, we visited a scenic sculpture park on the island of Tjörn. We wandered for over an hour through Sculpture in Pilane’s fields of heather, gaping at the collection. All of the pieces were interesting, many dramatic, but the highlight was the gigantic head of a woman by the Spanish artist Jaume Plensa. It looks like a marriage between the elongated faces painted by Modigliani and the massive stabiles of Alexander Calder.

Vineyards of Southern Sweden From the sculpture park, we headed four hours south to Skåne. Our first stop was Mölle, a 19th-century fishing village

that was transformed into one of Sweden’s first seaside resorts by its scandalous, mixed-gender beaches. Sweden, and indeed the rest of the Western world, has come a long way since then. Just a few minutes from Mölle is Arild’s Vineyard, with rows and rows of grapevines, wine vaults from Roman times and 16th-century farm buildings. Fine wine is not what you would normally associate with Sweden, so I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the wine served at dinner. I enjoyed several more glasses to confirm my initial impression.

Sweden’s Stonehenge For a glimpse of an even simpler time, my wife and I made our final stop of the week-long trip at the megalithic Ales stenar (Ale’s stones) monument — ancient stones several feet high arranged in the shape of a ship, probably the burial site for somebody very important. It’s a short but steep hike to the stones in a grassy meadow on a bluff overlooking the sea. In a trip that featured spectacular scenery, this was some of the best. It was late afternoon when we started our hike. The sun was low in the sky, and See SWEDEN, page 27

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Travel insurance coverage after COVID By Ed Perkins “I had to cancel my trip because of the virus, but my insurance wouldn’t cover my prepayment losses.” This is a common complaint I’ve seen and heard, and I’m sympathetic to travelers who believe their insurance failed them. That’s not exactly the case, however, and it brings up the question of just what you can expect from travel insurance now — and in the future. The record of the current crisis is clear: Insurance sellers say that typical cancellation policies do not specifically list an “epidemic” or equivalent term as a “covered reason” to pay a cancellation claim, and that therefore the insurance is not obligated to pay.

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From page 26 the stones casted long shadows across the meadow. We coould imagine that we were living 1,400 years ago, worshipping, watching the sun rise, or fasting for spiritual enlightenment (well, maybe not that). The hike to Ales stenar essentially marked the end of our trip. I did not realize it at the time, but that hike also marked the end of my traveling for a while, at least until a vaccine for COVID-19 becomes available. When we all emerge from our pandemic cocoons and start thinking about traveling again, there will be lots of destinations competing for our dollars and time. Despite its radical and potentially risky approach to the pandemic, I recommend Sweden. Not just because it’s safe, clean and beautiful. But also because it offers a peek at a possible future and how we might return to a simpler, sustainable life — and enjoy ourselves while doing it.

The only claims being paid for most virus-based cancellation claims are on “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) policies, which are not restricted to enumerated “covered reasons,” but which are more expensive and typically pay no more than 75% of insured losses. Other travel writers and I have consistently urged travelers who want to cover cancellation losses to buy CFAR policies. I still do, but the COVID-19 pandemic changes the game. It’s hard for me to imagine any insurance that could provide full cash recovery of all prepayments in future pandemics — or a recurrence of the current one — and still sell at a reasonable price.

British Airways, Air France and SAS have one stop, round-trip flights from Washington, D.C., to Gothenburg for around $1,000. Check cdc.gov for current travel restrictions. Getting around: With Volvo’s Factory Delivery Experience, you can make arrangements for the purchase of a new car in the U.S., pick it up at the factory just outside Gothenburg, drive it around for as long as you want, and drop it for shipment back to the U.S. See volvocars.com/intl/buy/explore/experience-volvo-cars/factory-delivery-experience for more info. We enjoyed our stays in Gothenburg at the Hotel Eggers (hoteleggers.se/en/), Grebbesta’s Everts Sjöbod. (evertssjobod.se/en/), Mölle’s Hotel Kullaberg. (hotelkullaberg.se), and at Arild’s Vineyard (arildsvingard.se). This trip was hosted by Volvo, West Sweden Tourist Board and Tourism in Skåne. For more information, photos and details on what to do and places to stay and eat, visit Don’s website, adventuretransformations.com.

Some of us occasionally forget the basic economic model of almost any kind of insurance: A lot of people pay a little money, which they never get back, into a pot that can pay a lot of money to a few people who encounter an insured contingency. That works fine for occasional contingencies such as a house fire, a sudden medical problem, or death of a travel companion. But it fails when the same widespread contingency causes a large percentage of the insureds to cancel, and those insureds all submit big-dollar cancellation claims. To sell at reasonable rates, issuers of future policies will have to find a way to exclude claims for such far-reaching contingencies.

What constitutes a refund? A related problem involves exceptions from recoverable expenses. Virtually all policies say that cancellation coverage will cover only those prepayments that you can’t first get refunded by the supplier: airline, hotel, cruise line, tour operator, whatever. But many are not clear about whether a “refund” in the form of a credit toward future travel satisfies the requirement for a recovery from a supplier. Some insurers say it does, others say it doesn’t, and many don’t specify. And many travelers don’t see a credit toward a future trip they’re unlikely to take as a satisfactory See TRAVEL INSURANCE, page 29

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Visiting quaint, yet grand, Rhode Island By Ashley Stimpson Rhode Island is easy to miss. It’s famously small, crammed tightly into the jigsaw puzzle of New England. But travelers who seek out this tiny-butmighty state are rewarded with quaint accommodations, uncrowded attractions and one-of-a-kind cuisine. My partner and I set out from Baltimore on a blustery fall day last year, content in the cozy silence of an Amtrak Northeast Regional quiet car. We pulled into Providence Station six hours later and caught an Uber to Bristol, an easy 20 miles and 200 years down the road.

Historic waterfront mansions Quaint, seaside towns are not difficult to

find in Rhode Island. Narragansett and Newport are among the most popular, but we chose Bristol for its proximity to the capital city of Providence. We wanted to explore historic houses, so we were excited to find one we could sleep in: the Bradford Dimond Norris House, a Federal-style mansion in the heart of downtown. This B&B is 228 years old but feels remarkably clean and modern. Next door to the BDN House is the crown jewel of Bristol’s collection of historic houses. Linden Place’s spacious mansion, ballroom, sculpture garden, carriage house (complete with a carriage!) and outbuildings were built before the Revolutionary War. To get the full experience, call ahead to make sure a docent will be on

hand to give you a tour. From Linden Place it was an easy walk to the other two properties on our list. (Bristol is quite walkable as long as the weather cooperates.) Our second stop was Mt. Hope Farm, a 127-acre National Historic Site built on land once occupied by the Pokanoket tribe — the Native Americans who lived in the area in 1620, when the Mayflower arrived. Last, we headed to Blithewold Mansion, yet another massive home by the sea. A late-19th-century estate, Blithewold has been meticulously maintained with period art and furniture, so walking through the home feels more like a stroll through a museum. If you want to live out your Downton Abbey fantasies, book a spot for the mansion’s popular tea service.

Funky Providence A couple days in the country left us eager to get back to the city, so we headed to Providence. Our room at the newly renovated Graduate Providence (formerly the Biltmore) was dark and moody, like the city itself. The hometown of famous horror writer H. P. Lovecraft and site of much Revolutionary angst, Providence feels like a mystery waiting to be unraveled. Plan to explore by foot; the city is com-

pact and walkable. We began our time in PVD, as the locals call it, by visiting its most beloved institution (no offense to Brown University): the Rhode Island School of Design. The RISD Museum has a permanent collection of 100,000 pieces, which it showcases alongside student work. Make sure to stop by the gift shop for the best souvenirs in the city. Around the block we found the Athenaeum, a historic, picturesque library housed in a handsome 1938 Greek Revival building. We enjoyed the self-guided tour, which takes visitors on a veritable treasure hunt of cool history. Just make sure you explore quietly — the Athenaeum is still a working library. From the library, we took a stroll down Benefit Street, Providence’s main thoroughfare. The John Brown House, Stephen Hopkins House and the Old State House face these cobblestones and could keep any history buff entertained. If you’re looking for evening plans, Trinity Repertory Company (the locals call it Trinity Rep) is one of the most highly regarded local theatres in the country.

See RHODE ISLAND, page 29

VOICE LIFELINE AND BROADBAND LIFELINE

Did you know? You may qualify for assistance in paying your home phone or Fios Internet bill. Discounts for basic telephone or Broadband Lifeline service are available to eligible District of Columbia low-income residents. Verizon Washington, DC Inc. Voice Lifeline Plans: Verizon Washington, DC Inc.’s Lifeline service, known as “Economy II,” offers reduced rates on Verizon’s monthly telephone bill and one- time discounts on the cost of installing phone service. Additionally, toll blocking is available to Economy II customers at no charge. Economy II Service*: $3.00 per month for unlimited local calling. Value-added services are not included (e.g., Call Waiting, Caller ID). No connection charges apply. Also, customers will not be charged for the federal subscriber line charge. Economy II customers who are 65 years of age or older can have this service at a further reduced rate of $1.00 per month. Broadband Lifeline: Verizon Washington, DC Inc. also offers a monthly Lifeline discount to qualified customers who subscribe to Fios Internet service. Eligible customers will receive a $9.25 monthly discount. * Full terms and rates for these services, including terms of eligibility, are as set forth in federal regulations and in Verizon’s tariffs on file with the Public Service Commission of the District of Columbia. All rates, terms and conditions included in this notice are subject to change and are current at the time of printing.

Eligibility: District residents who have been certified as eligible may apply for the Economy II program or Broadband Lifeline service for customers who subscribe to Fios Internet. Households in which one or more individuals are receiving benefits from one of the following public assistance programs or have an annual income that is 135% or below the Federal Poverty Guideline may be eligible. ✓ Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (SNAP) ✓ Medicaid ✓ Supplemental Security Income (SSI) ✓ Veteran’s Pension Benefit ✓ Veteran’s Survivors Pension Benefit ✓ Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8)

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An Application for Verizon Voice Lifeline or Broadband Lifeline service can be obtained by contacting Verizon at www.verizon.com/lifeline or by phone at 1 800 VERIZON. To find out more information, you may also call the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC), which administers Voice Lifeline and Broadband Lifeline for the FCC, by calling (800) 234-9473 or by accessing its website at www.LifelineSupport.org. Economy II and Broadband Lifeline are Lifeline supported services. Voice Lifeline and Broadband Lifeline are government assistance programs. Only eligible consumers may enroll. You may qualify for Voice Lifeline or Broadband Lifeline service if you can show proof that you participate in certain government assistance programs or your annual income (gross and from all sources) is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guideline. If you qualify based on income, you will be required to provide income verification. Proof of participation in a government assistance program requires your current or prior year’s statement of benefits from a qualifying state or federal program; a notice letter or other official document indicating your participation in such a program; and/or another program participation document (for example, benefit card). Proof of income requires your prior year’s state or federal tax return; current income statement from an employer or paycheck stub; a statement of Social Security, Veterans Administration, retirement, pension, or Unemployment or Workmen’s Compensation benefits; a federal notice letter of participation in General Assistance; a divorce decree; a child support award; and/or another official document containing income information. At least three months of data is necessary when showing proof of income. In addition, the Lifeline program is limited to one discount per household, consisting of either wireline, wireless or broadband (internet) service. You are required to certify and agree that no other member of the household is receiving Voice Lifeline or Broadband Lifeline service from Verizon or another communications provider. Voice Lifeline and Broadband Lifeline services are non-transferable benefits. Voice Lifeline customers may not subscribe to certain other services, including other local telephone service. Consumers who willfully make false statements in order to obtain the Lifeline benefit can be punished by fine or imprisonment, or can be barred from the program.

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — J U L Y 2 0 2 0

From page 28

Food for foodies, vegans Unsurprisingly, the Ocean State is all about seafood — specifically the quahog, a hard-shell clam that makes a memorable chowder. We got ours at the Lobster Pot in Bristol along with fried calamari, the official state appetizer. Rhode Island-style calamari is topped with hot peppers, served with garlic butter — and worth a try. Another Rhode Island classic is coffee milk. Made with sweet, coffee-flavored syrup, it’s like chocolate milk for grownups. We fell in love with it at a diner called Olneyville N.Y. System, where you can also indulge in a hot wiener (insider tip: Do not call it a hot dog, and do not ask for ketchup) with salt-and-vinegar fries. If meat is not your thing, Providence delivers with Plant City, the country’s first all-

vegan food hall. Featuring four restaurants, a coffee bar, bakery and small grocery store, Plant City has something for everyone, even for skeptics. If you try one meal in Providence, let it be the cacio e pepe at Double Zero. The thick noodles coated in cashew cream sauce will change your life — or at least your misconceptions about vegan cuisine. Elsewhere, we were impressed with the service and French toast at Nick’s on Westminster, and the opulent dining room at the Dorrance. If you’re hungry in Rhode Island, you’re doing it wrong. We did it right, I can happily report, and were stuffed for the duration of the train ride home. At the end of our journey, we were full of seafood and stories, and ready to let everyone in on the East Coast’s bestkept secret. You can get to Rhode Island by train (around $100), plane (around $150), or car. It’s a seven-hour drive. Check cdc.gov for current travel advice.

PHOTO BY RHODE ISLAND COMMERCE CORPORATION

Rhode Island

Historic houses line Thomas Street in the College Hill area of Providence, Rhode Island. The bright yellow building, built in 1885, is an artists’ studio today.

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From page 27 recovery. If you’re considering a trip this year or next, most ordinary policies wouldn’t help you at all. Almost universally, they limit claims to “unforeseen” circumstances, and for the foreseeable future, nothing about the virus and its consequences can be considered “unforeseen.” I still see a CFAR option available on many policies, but for a sample $4,200 in cancellation coverage for a couple ages 43 to 45 on a two-week trip, CFAR adds $100 to $200 to the cost. [Older travelers may encounter even higher costs.]

Changes to expect For the longer-term future, I expect to see changes to cancellation insurance: — Typical policy fine print will specifically exclude destination “epidemic” and local responses to the epidemic, such as quarantines, from lists of “covered reasons.” — Policy fine print will specify credit for future travel as satisfying the requirement for recovery from a supplier. Policies that call for suppliers to make cash refunds may still be available, but only as extracost options. — Many insurers will either abandon the CFAR option entirely or raise its price well above current levels. This is not to say that travel insurance will no longer be valuable or useful. It will still cover the usual contingencies that affect only a small minority of insured travelers. But no insurer can sell policies that are likely to result in claims from a big percentage of buyers. The industry — and the travelers — will have to adjust to that new reality. Send email to Ed Perkins at eperkins@mind.net or visit his website at railguru.com. © 2020 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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BALTIMORE CITY Ednor Apartments I: 410-243-0180 Ednor Apartments II: 410-243-4301 The Greens at Irvington Mews: 410-644-4487 Park Heights Place: 410-578-3445 Park View at Ashland Terrace: 410-276-6440 Park View at Coldspring: 410-542-4400

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BALTIMORE COUNTY Cove Point Apartments I: 410-288-2344 Cove Point Apartments II: 410-288-1660 Evergreen Senior Apartments: 410-780-4888 The Greens at English Consul: 410-789-3000 The Greens at Liberty Road: 410-655-1100 The Greens at Logan Field: 410-288-2000 The Greens at Rolling Road: 410-744-9988 Park View at Catonsville: 410-719-9464 Park View at Dundalk: 410-288-5483 • 55 & Better Park View at Fullerton: 410-663-0665 Park View at Miramar Landing: 410-391-8375 Park View at Randallstown: 410-655-5673

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PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY Park View at Bladensburg: 301-699-9785 • 55 & Better Park View at Laurel: 301-490-1526 Park View at Laurel II: 301-490-9730

Call the community of interest to you to inquire about eligibility requirements and to arrange a personal tour.

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Arts &

This summer, read novels with older, wiser narrators. See reviews on page 33.

Amateur sleuths uncover buried history

Escaped slave’s story In the first half of the 19th century, between 30% and 40% of Montgomery County’s population was enslaved, according to Cassandra Michaud, senior archaeologist for Montgomery Parks. This year, about 25 volunteers have been excavating the former Riley plantation, near Rockville, Maryland, where more than 20 people were enslaved by Isaac and Matilda Riley. One of the men who worked on the plantation, Josiah Henson, escaped to Canada, and in 1849 wrote his autobiography, The Life of Josiah Henson, Formerly a Slave, Now an Inhabitant of Canada. Henson’s book inspired Harriet Beecher Stowe’s landmark novel, Uncle Tom’s Cabin. The Riley plantation is now known as Josiah Henson Park. This December, Montgomery Parks is scheduled to open a new museum honoring Josiah Henson at the location. “Most slaves’ stories were not told,” Michaud said. “His story speaks for all who we don’t know.” Since 2009, archaeology teams in Josiah Henson Park have discovered evidence of structures and more than 40,000 objects: dishes, glasses, nails, window glass, marbles, dominoes and buttons. Egg shells and fish, chicken and cow bones from trash pits reveal the diets of those who lived here. Unlike many Southern plantation owners, the Rileys were not rich.

“Most sites study wealthy people, [but] in Rockville in 1820, most people were like Riley. Those sites are not well understood,” Michaud said. “Part of our mission is to make sure people understand the communities that were there.” Frank Sanford, a retired teacher from Chevy Chase, said his most exciting moment volunteering on the site was unearthing pieces of a chamber pot. His team found three-quarters of the object, which, they determined from its maker’s mark, was manufactured in England. “We wondered if we could get DNA from it,” he joked. Fran Kline of Rockville is excited about reassembling the “fascinating artifact,” she said, “because it is such a personal item.” In addition, Kline found the scratched bottom of a whiskey glass, which “had seen a lot of use,” she said. “I’m fascinated with what happened in a certain place in times past — and the similarities to and differences with human life today.”

At work at Montpelier About an hour away in Orange, Virginia, about 1,000 volunteers search for clues of life on James and Dolley Madison’s 19thcentury plantation, Montpelier. Led by Dr. Matthew Reese, director of the archaeology and landscape restoration, they are looking beyond the life of the landed gentry. In fact, Montpelier is reconstructing slave dwellings based on its archaeological research. With few objects owned by the Madisons surviving, archaeology offers important details about life 200 years ago, Reese explained, and excavations are the only source of information. Through volunteers’ efforts they have learned, for example, that the Madisons regularly served suckling pig and veal to show off their wealth, and that enslaved girls played with dolls to practice tending to white women. At several excavation sites, including the overseer’s and slaves’ dwellings, volunteers have found “treasure troves” of British-manufactured ceramics, bottles and jewelry, along with animal bones, nails, hardware and chimney bricks and stones. Because James Madison is hailed as the “Father of the Constitution and the Bill of

PHOTO BY MONTGOMERY PARKS

By Glenda C. Booth They find a tiny bead here, a fish bone there, a piece of a chamber pot, a rusty hinge. The volunteers, many of them retirees, are working side-by-side with professional archaeologists to unearth centuries-old artifacts that reveal threads of history buried in the dirt. At two former Maryland and Virginia plantations, archaeological research initially focused on the lives of the owners and their mansions. But that missed a significant part of the story: the people who powered the plantations — the enslaved community who lived and worked there. Unlike plantation owners, who kept records and wrote letters, enslaved people were denied the right to read and write, so their lives have been largely invisible to many historians.

Volunteer Fran Kline helps excavate a plantation site in her hometown of Rockville, Maryland. The county-led excavation is revealing more about the lives of the 20 people who were enslaved there by Isaac and Matilda Riley. A new museum will honor Josiah Henson, who escaped the Riley plantation to Canada, where he wrote his autobiography.

Rights,” two pipe bowls found are especially ironic and informative. One, found at a slave dwelling site, is etched with the word “Liberty.” “These pipe bowls demonstrate that the enslaved community had their own ideas and

concepts about politics, and that they were political agents as well, despite not having the political rights afforded to others,” said Terry Brock, senior research archaeologist. See ARCHAEOLOGY, page 33

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Distillers From page 1 Distillery, which now sells an array of sanitizers and offers curbside pickup. During his 30 years as a commercial pilot, Miller spent his days off at his family’s 200-acre farm, where he grew corn and made small batches of moonshine — an unaged, corn-based whiskey with a high alcohol content. So, when airline rules forced his retirement at age 60, he said, making whiskey seemed like the “natural thing to do.” Miller learned the ropes as a teenager from his grandfather, who made beverages of questionable legality and concealed the containers in brown paper bags. Miller recalled that, when he was a child, his grandfather’s many milk jugs, and the steady stream of customers for

their contents, puzzled him “because granddaddy only had one cow.” Miller and his wife, Jeanette, turned his grandfather’s farm into Belmont Farm Distillery, where they still grow their own corn and produce whiskey in a 3,000-gallon copper pot still. The still is the “secret of our whiskey,” he contends. The Millers also make vodka, bourbon and gin, some flavored with cherries, butterscotch and peaches. But by far the most popular product is the moonshine: their 100-proof unflavored Virginia Lightning. “We are preserving an American and family tradition. We keep the old pot still going,” Miller said.

Gold medalists Antiseptic sanitizers are also for sale at the Catoctin Creek Distillery in Purcellville, Virginia, housed in a former car

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J U L Y 2 0 2 0 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

dealership built in 1921 to sell Model-Ts. Using locally sourced grains and fruits, Scott Harris and his wife, Becky, make gin, brandy and rye whiskey (and, temporarily, sanitizer). Their flagship product is their premium rye whiskey, which is pot stilled just like in the 1800s, and has won gold medals across the globe. Twenty years of government contracting headaches “taught me a great love of whiskey,” Harris joked. Feeling “burned out” when he retired, he and wife, a chemical engineer, opened their distillery in 2009. Now, in their “second act,” the couple’s experience is similar to that of other Virginia families who have teamed up to create craft beverages.

marle CiderWorks’ workshops and events. “Some bastardize it with flavors like berries and pomegranates. I’m exploring what the apple can do,” she said. Another cidery has taken root in Alexandria, Virginia. Owner Tristan Wright had a commercial banking career, but when he learned he was allergic to soy and gluten, he wanted an alternative to gluten-laden beer. Wright took some cidermaker classes and was inspired to change careers. He opened Lost Boy Cider in a former warehouse in 2019. “Nobody was making cider here [in Alexandria],” Wright said. Using Virginia apples, the former bank executive now crafts “bone dry” sugarless ciders as well as ciders flavored with raspberries, sweet tea or coffee.

Nothing but the apple The Shelton family bought a farm in North Garden, Virginia, 10 miles south of Charlottesville. The family patriarch planted the Rural Ridge Orchard, while two of his grown children started studying heirloom apples. By 2009, the family hobby evolved into Albemarle CiderWorks, with Chuck Shelton, a former radiation control specialist for a nuclear power plant, as the cidermaker. The Sheltons are now resurrecting the cider culture of old, making a pure, artisanal product. “There’s nothing in the glass but the apple,” said Charlotte Shelton, a former financial advisor who now oversees Albe-

Studying at Moonshine U. Taking on new professional challenges is not really starting over. It’s moving onto the next chapter, some distillers contend. To Bill Karlson, distilling “is the most rewarding job I’ve ever had.” After a stint in the Merchant Marine, Karlson had a 26-year career in government contracting with Stanley, Inc. At a Baltimore Ravens game with his U.S. Merchant Marine Academy buddy, John O’Mara, the two floated the idea of making whiskey. Intrigued, Karlson toured See DISTILLERS, page 33

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Archaeology From page 31 Exploring slavery is in part what motivated Washingtonian Victoria Elliott to volunteer three times at Montpelier for five days each. “It’s a combination of doing something outdoors and physical in the fresh air, and at the same time it’s intellectually interesting,” Elliott said. Dean Cummins of Reston has volunteered at Montpelier a dozen times because of the site’s mission to interpret the lives of

Distillers From page 32 Kentucky’s Bourbon Trail while O’Mara took a one-week course at Kentucky’s Moonshine University, where he “studied harder than at the Academy,” Karlson joked. In 2015, they opened K&O Distillery in Manassas. K&O makes bourbon, whiskey and gin (as well as sanitizer), with local ingredients. Karlton emphasized that starting a new endeavor involves on-the-job training, hard work and adaptability. “Success is not about winning. In the second half of our professional and personal lives, when we all have come to realize that life really is too short, success is about making the most out of each day, not only

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Arts & Style

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — J U L Y 2 0 2 0

the Madisons and those enslaved there. “I feel like I’m contributing to it in a small way,” said Cummins, who once found a bottle bearing the Madisons’ seal.

What volunteers do Much of archaeology requires getting down on your knees or sitting in a pit, trowel in hand, and gently, methodically scraping the dirt to find evidence of human habitation. Once a bucket of evidence is full, team members pour the dirt onto a sifter, shake it and look for artifacts. The objects are, by definition, dirty and

for yourself but for the ones with you on your journey,” he said. “Having a little bourbon along the way might help, too.”

Not get-rich-quick For most of his life, Arlingtonian Marc Chretien practiced law, served in the New Hampshire legislature, was counsel to a Congressional committee, and advised four-star combatant commanders in Iraq and Afghanistan. Chretien didn’t want to settle for “the classic retirement — go to Florida and play golf,” he said. “When you come out of a pressure-cooker environment, you need something to do. I’m not really geared to sit home.” So, Chretien tapped his inner entrepre-

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not always easy to identify, but that’s part of the intrigue. Bethesda volunteer Paul Bollwerk, who has volunteered weekly at the Henson site since 2009, said his most interesting discovery was a jewelry bead made from a seed. Using a screening tool, he glimpsed the tiny white bead about three millimeters in diameter among tiny fish bones and scales. Bollwerk’s volunteer work is “an avenue to explore American history and culture in a very different way,” he said, “by finding it in the soil.” Volunteers also dig test pits, lay out ex-

cavation units, backfill completed units, wash and label artifacts, and keep careful records. “The 19th century is still there,” Michaud said. “Volunteers add an incredibly important dimension. They are not only willing to do physical labor. They bring a wealth of experience from their own lives and help us tell the story.” For the most current schedules and volunteer opportunities at Josiah Henson Park, visit montgomeryparks.org/support/volunteer. Keep up with Montpelier excavations at Montpelier.org/archaeology.

neur, partnered with former aerospace engineer Ahlf, and together they opened Mt. Defiance Cidery and Distillery in 2014. Ahlf makes absinthe, and Chretien makes hard cider flavored with bourbon, ginger, blueberries or lemonade, which is served in the airy barn’s tasting room. Chretien said he’s happy, but he warns retirees who want to open a distillery that it’s not a get-rich-quick scheme.

“Don’t plan on making a fortune,” he said. “You have to be prepared to work for free and have workers earn more than you in some years, if you have chosen something you like doing.” For more information about distilleries and cideries, visit the websites of the companies mentioned above, or see virginiaspirits.org/spirits-trail, virginiacider.org/explore-cideries or AmericanWhiskeyTrail.com.

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J U L Y 2 0 2 0 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

When your best doctor friends retire In the wider world, it has been a month departures is a shock, at least not if you beof protests, disease and turmoil. lieve in smelling the roses. In my world, it has been a But I had leaned on all three month of retirements. of these guys, confided in In the space of one week, them all and let my hair down for a variety of reasons, three when with them. They were men born in the 1940s, who not just skillful professionals. have been taking care of me They had become my friends. and my family in one way or I can, must and will replace another for ages, announced them all. But as I begin the that they no longer would. process of auditioning possiFirst, one of my (too many) bilities, I have come to grips doctors folded his practice, so with what I’m really seeking. HOW I SEE IT he could move to the beach. He Not just competent profesBy Bob Levey has been monitoring various sionals. Rather, professionals parts of me for more than 30 years. Super- who “get” me and my spouse. skilled, super-caring, super good listener. This is not necessarily the best apBut boom, bang, just like that, he was proach, I realize. I should not be evaluatdone. ing replacements based on how much fun Second was our accountant. He has they would be at a dinner party. been keeping our family on the good side I should sift through their professional of the Internal Revenue Service for a mere credentials, get recommendations, discuss 40 years. But he is nearing 80. “Can’t do pre-existing conditions and pre-existing tax this forever,” he told me. problems, and do all the box-checking that And then, our dentist joined the parade. a 70-something guy has learned how to do. His wife has been ill, and he needs to take But the truth is, I want replacements care of her. So, via a heartfelt letter to all whom I like. his patients, he announced that he was I want to listen to tales of medical school hanging up his dental tools, as of just a few romances from my next doc, as I did from days hence. the last one. All of these men are well past the norI want to hear about boyhood baseball mal retirement age of 65, so none of their games from my next accountant, just as I

did from the former one. And I want a dentist who exemplifies Murphy’s Law of Dentistry, in the same way the old one did. Here’s the law: The dentist always tells you his best jokes when your mouth is so full of probes and drains that you can’t laugh or respond without risking a choking fit. So, am I wrong to want to hire the person, and not just the expertise? I’ve floated this question past several friends, all of whom are in my age bracket, and many of whom have faced the same fork in the road. To the surprise of no one, the verdict split right down the middle. Said one woman who has seen about 20 doctors in the last ten years for various problems: “You have to like the person. Otherwise, you’re just rolling the dice.” Said another woman who has been with her current dentist since Jimmy Carter was president: “I’ll never replace his experience, so I might as well try to replace his sense of humor.” Said a guy with whom I grew up: “Your friends should be your friends and your professionals should be your professionals. Don’t mix business and pleasure.” Said a guy with whom I used to work: “If you go all gooey and sentimental about this, you might pick the wrong person. Your teeth and your bank statements will never forgive you.” So, I’ve resorted to my old standby: Debating that face in the mirror. It goes something like this: Bob: “What you’re really saying, old man, is that you don’t like change, and you don’t think anyone younger will be competent.” Mirrorface: “Guilty as charged on both

counts. But do you blame me? Experience gets the job done.” Bob: “Yes, but a dentist who is 35 has had the same amount of training as a dentist who’s 76. Besides, his training has been more current and probably more comprehensive.” Mirrorface: “Don’t laugh at me, but he probably won’t have any gray hair. When my former guy was scraping away in my mouth, I’d look at his gray hair and feel comforted, the same way I like to see gray hair aboard the pilot of my plane.” Bob: “As for doctors, they can always consult with many others if they’re stumped by what’s wrong with you. That means some 35-year-old isn’t going solo. He seeks help, and he gets it. What’s not to like?” Mirrorface: “I’d miss that moment where my former guy says, in his grandfatherly way, ‘OK, let’s have a look.’” Bob: “And your worries about a new accountant are silly. They’re all licensed. They can all add. Any new guy will be the same as your old guy.” Mirrorface: “No, he won’t. The new guy will never have hit a home run in the Little League in 1954 that he can still describe to this day.” I keep promising my wife and myself that I will find and choose replacements soon. But it all feels uncomfortable and uncertain. So, I did what any citizen of the modern world would do. Googled, “Can I please make it be 1985 again?” No hits. “Old man,” I told the mirror, “it’s time to accept the passage of time.” Bob Levey is a national award-winning columnist.

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ANSWERS TO JUMBLE Jumbles: SWUNG MOUTH COSTLY WEAKLY Answer: They studied the attractive properties of certain metals at the — MAGNET SCHOOL

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N â&#x20AC;&#x201D; J U L Y 2 0 2 0

Novels that focus on mature protagonists This summer, follow the adventures of Akin is the story of Noah and Michaelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s characters our own age as the plots twist overseas trip and much more. Enjoy the and turn to their denouement. repartee between the uninAkin: A Novel, by Emma hibited pre-teen and the older Donoghue, 352 pages, Back gentleman â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the clash of valBay Books paperback, 2020 ues, attitudes, habits and voRetired chemistry profescabulary across the wide gensor Noah Selvaggio is looking eration gap. th forward to spending his 80 Lear n about occupied birthday on a short visit to his France, the collaborators and hometown Nice, France. the Resistance movement, as The widower lives alone in well as the remnants of that an apartment on Manhattanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s THE time that are still visible in the Upper West Side, which he BIBLIOPHILE Nice of today. shared with his beloved late By Dinah Rokach Tour a fascinating Mediterwife, Joan, a renowned medranean city and follow along ical researcher. They were childless by as an old man and his young companion choice. He still hears her voice of reason in take in the local sights. his mind as he ponders life and makes deA mystery, an intergenerational story, a cisions. travelogue to the French Riviera, and a ficLike many older people living alone, tional account of historical events in warNoah treasures past memories and me- torn Nice, Akin is a multifaceted work of mentos, including a set of photographs fiction sure to enlighten and please. Examtaken by his mother. They were apparently ine, through Noah and Michaelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s journey, shot in Nazi-occupied France. the meaning of the formerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mantra: Never Noah hopes to learn more about them hate, never forget. and the years his mother lived apart from Who Killed the Fonz?, by James him and his father during World War II. She Boice, 208 pages, Simon & Schuster later rejoined them in the United States. paperback, 2020 As he is about to leave, Noah becomes Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a fun read about the later lives of the temporary guardian of his great- the characters of the television show nephew Michael, whom he has never met. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Happy Days,â&#x20AC;? the hit sitcom that ran for a

decade beginning in 1974. The storyline was, itself, a throwback to life during the 1950s in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The characters of the show come to vivid life in Who Killed the Fonz? Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find many â&#x20AC;&#x153;ahaâ&#x20AC;? moments reading the names and remembering the colorful characters you may not have thought about in four decades. Find out who remained in town, who left, who changed and matured, who stayed the same, and what livelihoods they pursued. Read about their unexpected reunion and the event that brings them back together. Author James Boice was raised in Northern Virginia and now resides in Jersey City, New Jersey. As he is in his late 30s, he must have watched â&#x20AC;&#x153;Happy Daysâ&#x20AC;? reruns, unlike many of us. His book is a great way to spend a few hours down memory lane with a fine writer. Rejoin beloved fictional characters who, it turns out, have a life of their own beyond the last episode on the small screen. Enjoy! The Night Fire: A Renee Ballard and Harry Bosch Novel, by Michael

Connelly, 448 pages, Grand Central Publishing paperback, 2020 Retired L.A. Police Detective Harry Bosch, three years off active duty, is nearing 70 and recovering from knee surgery as well as battling the early stages of leukemia. Nevertheless, this does not slow him down. He works on cold cases and assists his half-brother, a defense attorney. Bosch joins Detective RenĂŠe Ballard, an outspoken and unconventional cop relegated to the midnight shift. The duo of renegade outsiders tries to unravel three homicides that the department has closed. The environs and neighborhoods of L.A. are richly detailed and evoked in The Night Fire. The politics that permeates the police force, clashing personalities, and overarching ambitions are realistically portrayed. Learn about the investigative shortcuts that undermine the rule of law. Author Michael Connelly, born in 1956, has written more than 30 novels since 1992 and has sold more than 74 million books worldwide. His literary idol, he said, was Raymond Chandler.

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Crossword Puzzle

Daily crosswords can be found on our website: www.TheBeaconNewspapers.com Click on Puzzles Plus Domestic Blues 1

By Stephen Sherr

17 21

54 59

2. Picks up the check 3. Bumpkin 4. Retirement acct. 5. Cholesterol counting 6. Bathroom appliance 7. Provincial bird of Ontario 8. Leave dumbstruck 9. Undergrads’ goals 10. Ostentatious luxury 11. Get someone’s goat 12. Airbus product 13. Repairs shredded evidence 18. Positive vote 19. Iron-on patch advantage 24. Bus that stops a lot 25. In solitary confinement 27. Criticism 28. Wriggling 29. Part of an environmental sci. program 30. Mary Queen of ___ 31. Sounds of doubt 32. Severity 33. “He’s mine, and ___” 34. More than just point at 35. “Put ___ on it!” 36. Member of la familia 37. Start of a Bear or Berra’s first name 42. “My shot accidentally knocked in the 8-ball” 43. Takes into custody 46. Some move out of the dorms 47. Approximately 48. Fabric softener, freshening since 1960 50. Bullwinkle’s last name 51. Provide with weapons 53. Advantage 54. Vegan’s protein 55. Gone with the Wind locale 56. Apple music player 57. Direction from Madrid to Valencia 59. Good name for a bandit 60. The UK’s Rugby Football League 61. “That firework was pretty”

1. Donations

Jumble answers on p. 34.

1. It hath 30 days 6. Have loose lips 10. Deeply engrossed 14. Schlessinger, with a doctorate in physiology 15. Part of the Corn Belt 16. On a tour of the stars’ homes 17. “I got the Household Blues. I’m so tired because ___. ...” 20. Dir. from Daytona to West Palm Beach 21. Prom attendee 22. Molecule of three oxygen atoms 23. Gnaw on gnachos 24. “Well, ___-di-dah!” 26. Proposal possibility 27. Sneaky add-on charges 30. Lonely fish 31. “... Every month, I have to pay the ___, ...” 38. Standard piece in an angel costume 39. “Her name’s Naomi; that’s ___ backwards” (Van Wilder) 40. Hodgepodge 41. “... so there’s not enough money left to fix the ___.” 44. The mom in Malcolm in the Middle or Family Guy 45. Project on PBS’ This Old House 46. Down in the dumps 49. Hospital’s C-section sections 50. Put graffiti on the third calendar page 52. Double-reed instruments 54. Opened a bag of chips 55. Cliched Father’s Day gift 58. “... Worst of all, I’m not even allowed to use the ___!” 62. “People are hanged; pictures are ___” 63. Turn- ___ (centerfold’s pet peeves) 64. Go ___ (deteriorate) 65. Eye sore 66. With 67 Across, what each line of the Household Blues contains 67. See 66 Across

Down

Across

Scrabble answers on p. 34.

10 16

Answers on page 34.

Letters to editor From page 2 forget we have a Bill of Rights, not a Bill of Government Dictates! Second, financial losses from the coronavirus business shutdown may cause more illness and death than the pandemic does. Not being able to make ends meet leads to despair and stress that promotes illness. Suicides may also increase. The highest suicide rates in the U.S. were recorded during the Great Depression of the 1930s, as an example. Gerald Schneider Kensington, Maryland Dear Editor: All too often history repeats itself and then life goes on! The tragic death of George Floyd is one example. An innocent life is lost by pure racist feelings, there are protests followed by unacceptable looting of commercial businesses, and then forgotten until it happens again! Why should we see such repetitive instances in our history, especially in 2020? Sure, looting and burning of offices and commercial businesses is not acceptable and must be condemned. But is that the only problem? My answer would definitely be NO! When you hear hatred from the very top echelon of the U.S. government, then what do you expect? Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “Let us all hope that the dark clouds of racial prejudice will soon pass away, and that in some not too distant tomorrow the radiant stars of love and brotherhood will shine over our great nation with all their scintillating beauty.” He said this more than half a century ago. Are we any closer to his wishes? My answer would definitely be NO! It is time for us to educate ourselves and our kids. This is not acceptable and must end! We need to reform the law enforcement system and improve police acts in public safety. We need to educate those around us that this is wrong. It is time for the people of the U.S. from all walks of life to mobilize and organize campaigns to demand justice, reform in police behavior, condemn the misuse of power, and finally find an effective “cure” for this cancerous tumor to empower solidarity, unity and diversity in the U.S. More than a thousand years ago famous Iranian poet Sa’di wrote these wise words: “The children of Adam are the members of each other, who are in their creation from the same essence. When day and age hurt one of these members, other members will be left (with) no serenity. If you are unsympathetic to the misery of others, it is not right that they should call you a human being.” Mehdi Amini Vienna, Virginia

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ONE BIG HAPPY By Rick Detorie

Dear Editor: I take offense to the letter from Gerri Barnes in your June edition [which responded to our January Bob Levey column about someone who took a parking spot reserved for those with disabilities]. The spot was reserved for handicapped people. I am 79 years old, without any family, and I have suffered for a couple of years with visible and invisible disabilities (hearing loss, kidney stones, arthritis and high blood pressure). I asked my doctor for a handicap [parking] sticker when I was no longer able to walk without a cane. In these days of the coronavirus, it is especially important to observe the rules. Most of the time I cannot find a handicap parking spot, and so it irks me when I see someone without a handicap sticker take a spot from someone like me. If I could only have that last spot, it would make life a lot easier for me. Please, readers, be considerate of the handicapped. For us, it is need over convenience! Brigitte Donkin Rockville, Maryland

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PAYING CASH merchandise pre 1980. Old toys, silver, records, books, photographs, smoking pipes and lighters, fountain pens,florsheim shoes. If you have old stuff to sell cal Carl 312316-7553. Sorry no furniture or glassware. Located Silver Spring MD.

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Home/Handyman Services SLOWING DOWN AFTER 38 YEARS of contracting. Small to medium jobs, mainly residential. $42.50 an hour from arrival on job. Andy 703-906-5429.

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PARALEGAL: Is “Where Do I Start” standing in the way of you not having a WILL. I am a paralegal experienced in document preparation for wills, estate and trust preparation. I am available to organize your business documents (personal papers) in such a straight fashion that the time needed to finalize your will, will be greatly reduced. This advance preparation will save you time and hundreds or maybe thousands of dollars in legal fees. Your assets, liabilities, important contacts, final wishes and desires will be accumulated under cover in one workbook document ready to be finalized. Let me help you remove this stress and anxiety from your to do list TODAY. Call me at 301-565-2917 for an appointment.

A CARE AGENCY - Been in business for more than 10 years. Experienced nurses, CNAs, GNAs. Any hours you need. Flat rate for live-in. Duties include cooking, housekeeping, bathing, errands, etc. Tel: 667-231-8235 MATURE, HONEST, RELIABLE, Experienced Home Health Aide. Its a very fulfilling job for me. I can also help with dog walking, downsizing, organizing, all around personal assistant or Home Helper. References available. Elizabeth 301-605-3777

For Sale CEMETERY LOTS FOR SALE in National Memorial Park cemetery in Falls Church, Va. Lots are located in Block I, Section 258, Sites 3 and 4. Current value if purchased through cemetery is $15,800. Asking $12,500, but willing to negotiate. Will pay ownership transfer fees. Call 703-989-6965. PUT ON YOUR TV EARS and hear TV with unmatched clarity. TV Ears Original were originally $129.95 - NOW WITH THIS SPECIAL OFFER are only $59.95 with code MCB59! Call 1-833-934-0843.

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Health LIFE ALERT. One press of a button sends help FAST, 24/7! At home and on the go. Mobile Pendant with GPS. FREE First Aid Kit (with subscription.) CALL 240-847-6732 FREE Brochure. PORTABLE OXYGEN CONCENTRATOR May Be Covered by Medicare! Reclaim independence and mobility with the compact design and long-lasting battery of Inogen One. Free information kit! Call 855-851-0949.

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Miscellaneous HOUSE CLEANING SERVICE. Looking to clean house. Accessible price. Good reference and experience. Please call Vio. 301-706-6317. Free estimate.

Personal Services HAVE CAR - WILL TRAVEL Flat rates to all airports. $45 to and from Dulles - BWI - Reagan National. Also flat rates to and from Union Station, doctors appointments, work, etc. Call John Westmoreland (301-536-5801).

TV/Cable DISH NETWORK. $59.99 for 190 Channels! Blazing Fast Internet, $19.99/mo. (where available.) Switch & Get a FREE $100 Visa Gift Card. FREE Voice Remote. FREE HD DVR. FREE Streaming on ALL Devices. Call today! 1-844-560-5837. DIRECTV - Switch and Save! $39.99/month. Select All-Included Package. 155 Channels. 1000s of Shows/Movies On Demand. FREE Genie HD DVR Upgrade. Premium movie channels, FREE for 3 mos! Call 1-888-572-4953.

BUYING VINYL RECORDS from 1950 to 1990. Jazz, Rock-n-Roll, Soul, Rhythm & Blues, Reggae, Punk, Blues, and Disco. 33 1/3 LP’s, 45’s and some 78’s, Some Groups Of CD’s Larger collections of at least 100 items wanted. Please call John, 301-596-6201. CASH FOR JEWELRY: Buying jewelry, diamonds, gold, platinum, silver, watches, coins, flatware, etc. Ask for Tom. Call anytime, 301654-8678 (Reg. 883). ALWAYS BUYING OLD STUFF! Old Silverware and Holloware (even some silverplate) Very Old books, Costume Jewelry, Pinup magazines before 1970, Metal purses, Comic Books, Old School Rings, Pinup magazines before 1970, Old Coins U.S. & Foreign, Antique Metal Pens & Pencils, Posters, Dental Gold( Yellow & White),Pocket & Wrist Watches, Old Toys, Broken Jewelry, Coins, other “old stuff”. What do you have? Call Now: Alex 571-426-5363 or send to: 8409 Lee Highway, Suite 825 Merrifield, VA 22116 TOP PRICES PAID FOR FINE ANTIQUES, artwork and decorative objects including decorated crocks and jugs, unusual antique clocks, music boxes and mechanical things, coin operated devices, furniture, rare antique dolls and toys etc. I am 67 years old, well educated, financially capable, and have over 40 years in this business. Why pay outlandish auction house, estate agent or consignment store commissions when you can get a fair upfront price for your pieces with no hassle? If you have something interesting or unusual, rare and valuable and are prepared to sell it I would like to speak with you. Please call Jake Lenihan, 301 279 8834. No calls after 7 pm please. OLD TOYS, COINS, BASEBALL CARDS, memorabilia, pre-1970, antique golf, comic books, dolls, trains, ephemera, pre-1920 photographs, books, militaria, firearms, knives, fountain pens, men’s wristwatches, jewelry, original art, Montgomery County resident, will travel to District, Virginia, call Tom 240 476 3441, thank you. STAMP COLLECTIONS Purchased/Appraised; U.S., Foreign, Worldwide - anything philatelic! I also advise on how to best dispose of collections that I don’t purchase. Contact Alex: 301-309-3622; ARogolsky@gmail.com; American Philatelic Society Member

“OLD VIOLINS AND POCKET WATCHES WANTED by 84 year old codger who remembers when things were hand made VIOLINS and POCKET WATCHES have one thing in common... Time :) Please call Ken. 240-731-016” WANTED: OLDER VIOLINS, GUITARS, BANJOS, MANDOLINS, UKULELES, ETC. Musician/collector will pay cash for older string instruments. Jack (301) 279-2158. BUYING OLD STEREO/Audio Components from 1940’s - 1980’s Speakers, Receivers, Amplifiers, Turntables, etc. working or not. Also interested in parts. (540)999-1486 BOOK COLLECTIONS WANTED. Moving? Downsizing? Estate? Together the Bonafide Book Buyers have over 85 years experience as professional buyers & sellers of quality books in the D. C. area. Best prices paid for good books. Examples: Easton Press, Folio Society, First Edition Science Fiction & Mysteries, Military, History, Scholarly & Academic Press publications. Call Nelson at 240-472-4615 for an appointment at your house. Also will consider DVDs & CDs. Curbside pickup possible, phone for details. BUYING OLD STEREO/AUDIO ITEMS: from 1940’s - 1980’s Speakers, Receivers, Amplifiers, Turntables, etc. working or not. Also interested in parts like tubes, etc. (540) 999-1486. USED & RARE BOOKS WANTED. Quality books in all subjects. We also buy old maps, menus, post cards, advertising & travel brochures, posters, road maps, old magazines. Contact Dale 301-495-2732. Experienced seller since 1977 WILL BUY MILITARY, WWII, WWI, Civil War memorabilia items. Uniforms, weapons, helmets, photos, war souvenirs, medals, photos or any other items associated with U.S., German, Japanese or other military history. Call Dave (240-464-0958) or email (david.obal63@gmail.com). CASH FOR ESTATES, moving etc; I buy a wide range of items. Buy out/clean up. www.atticllc.com Gary Roman; 301-520-0755. CASH FOR JEWELRY; I buy a wide range of jewelry; gold, silver, costume, watches, turquoise, coins, school rings, etc. Gary Roman; 301-520-0755.

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Learn about the more than 15 historically black communities of Sandy Spring through a research project by the Sandy Spring Museum. View newspaper clippings, locate the homes of black Union soldiers, and learn about black landowners. You can also contribute to the project at sandyspringmuseum.org/ssblackcommunities.

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This year is the centennial of the 19th Amendment. Learn about the women in Montgomery County who worked for women’s rights, including Lavinia Margaret Engle, Lucy Wright Trungle and Jessie Ross Thomson. Delve into the history of the female suffrage movement and its connection to women’s clubs at https://bit.ly/MoCoWomen1.

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Perfect Sleep Chair...................20

Farr Law Firm ..........................22

Perfect Walker ..........................32

Law Offices

Upbed.......................................33

Computer/Technology TheBeaconNewspapers.com ....30

Events Beacon 50+Virtual Expo....16, 25

Funeral Services

Brooke Grove Retirement Village .............B-8, B-11, B-16 Chesterbrook Residences.................B-8, B-13 Chevy Chase House .....B-8, B-10 Churchill Senior Living ...........11 Covenant Village.......B-6 & B-15

of Lee Holdmann ..................25 Law Offices of Nancy Feldman .....................23

Subscriptions

Acumedicine Health.................17

Falcons Landing ..............11, B-8

I Hate Knee Pain ........................9

Five Star Premier

Medical Eye Center....................8

Montgomery County Public Libraries .......................9 U.S. Census/AARP DC............17

Home Health Care/Companion Services

Beacon Newspaper...................37

Residences...........................B-7

Stephen Freidman, DDS ..........22

Friendship Terrace........B-4, B-15

United Healthcare-DC ...............7

Theatre/ Entertainment

Greenspring........................1, B-5

United Healthcare-MD.............13

F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre .......31

Homecrest House ...........B-2, B-8

Miscellaneous

Senior Zone..............................34

Homewood at Frederick ...........27

City of Rockville Mansion.......28

Tour & Travel

Quantum Property Mgmt..........B-6

Pepco........................................40

Global Wanderer Travel ...........27

Park View Apartments.................29

Verizon Voice Lifeline..............28

Martinsburg West Virginia .......27

Pointe View at Aspen Hill .........B-7 Riderwood ...................1, B-5, B-15

Best Senior Care . . . . . . . . .B-13

Shenandoah Senior Living .........6

DMV Home Therapy . . . . . .B-3

Sommerset....................B-4, B-11

Options for Senior America .B-10

Zinger Chair .........................B-14

Manor Care Health Services ....12

Enterprise Residential ..............29

Disability Services ..........10, 12

Wonder Book ...........................21

Medical/Health

Government Services

Montgomery County Aging and

Oakridge Auction Gallery........23

Law Offices of Paul Riekhof ...25

Emerson House .........B-6 & B-11

DC Water....................................8

NuImages Hair Salon.................5

Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation

Going Home Cremation...........16

DC Office on Aging ...........18-19

Cherry Blossom CBD ................7

Real Estate Long & Foster/ Eric Stewart.....................24, 35

Subscribe for half-price. See p. 37

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