October 2021 | DC Beacon

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VOL.33, NO.10

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I N S I D E …

A parent’s prediction Growing up in Washington, D.C. with a father who was a cab driver and a mother who managed a building in Columbia

PHOTO COURTESY OF MARITA GOLDEN

By Margaret Foster You know you’ve made it when your name appears in a clue on “Jeopardy!” In October 2020, a D.C. author’s name appeared in one of the show’s signature blue boxes: “Novelist Marita Golden paid homage to this woman in an essay called Zora & Me.” (“Who is Zora Neale Hurston?”)

Marita Golden, author of 19 books, has had other brushes with fame. She has been interviewed by Oprah and Maria Shriver, and her writing has been called “adroit and affecting” by Nobel Prize-winning author Toni Morrison.

Golden, 71, wrote her most recent book, The Strong Black Woman: How a Myth Endangers the Physical and Mental Health of Black Women, with “a sense of urgency,” she said in an interview with the Beacon.

Published this month, the book explores the devastating effects of prioritizing others.

Golden was inspired to write the book after a trip to her doctor’s office. Despite a healthy lifestyle, her doctor told her, she had experienced several mini-strokes.

“That made me realize that, even though I was doing all these very good things for my health, I was still vulnerable.

I wasn’t invincible,” Golden said.

“That made me think about the whole ‘strong Black woman’ persona and how important it is for Black women — but also how it can be damaging.”

She completed the nonfiction work during the pandemic. “During that very difficult time of being locked down, exploring this issue gave my life a great deal of meaning, and it helped me heal,” Golden said.

SEE SPECIAL INSERT Housing & Homecare Options following page 18

L E I S U R E & T R AV E L

This month, D.C. resident and novelist Marita Golden published a nonfiction book,

The Strong Black Woman: How a Myth Endangers the Physical and Mental Health of Black Women. “When I was writing the book, I was trying to approach my own reck-

Los Angeles’ Venice Beach, home to picturesque canals and a funky boardwalk, is back in action; plus, consider travel insurance for your next vacation

oning, my own healing,” said Golden, who teaches writing workshops and coaches writers one-on-one.

Heights, Golden felt encouraged and supported by her parents. She absorbed her father’s rich storytelling, and felt buoyed by her mother’s premonition that she would write a book when she grew up.

“My parents, either consciously or unconsciously, made me a writer. They raised me in a way to be curious about the world,

page 24 FITNESS & HEALTH k Can COVID cause dementia? k The benefits of crying

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LIVING BOLDLY k Newsletter for D.C. seniors

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Get more out of your retirement!

LAW & MONEY k Stock market: stay or leave? k Plan a celebration of life

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At Ashby Ponds, Greenspring, and Riderwood

ARTS & STYLE k Folk music lives on

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Virtual Expo virtues I am partial to fall weather. Because I aged to pull together a rather impressive virtual Expo that, in some grew up in Texas, where ways, offered more than our there is no clear change in in-person events ever could. season this time of year, I We had not only a keynote have come to love the sudden speaker, as usual, but 16 other crisp morning air with the speakers on a variety of topics. bright blue skies of fall.

Not only did we have an imBut I also have a warm pressive singing group, as alspot for cool autumns beways, but we were able to cause, for more than 20 offer more than a dozen enteryears, we have hosted annual taining videos, ranging from Expos for our readers at this classical music to rock to time. There’s something esFROM THE stand-up comedy. pecially wonderful about PUBLISHER We not only offered exermeeting some of the Beacon’s By Stuart P. Rosenthal cise demonstrations, as we biggest fans in person.

In the print business, we traditionally have done, but feel we know our readers indirectly, some- were able to provide 18 classes, including times from your letters or phone calls, exercise, dance, cooking and more. sometimes from your replies to surveys.

More than 9,000 people visited our VirBut we seldom get to personally interact tual 50+Expo site last year — about four with you — except at our Expos. times as many people as we host in our It always gives me a lift to meet new peo- usual one-day Expos in person. So, all in ple, see familiar faces, and share mutual all, we consider last year’s Virtual 50+Expo admiration: You love us, and we love you! a big success.

Naturally, it was a big disappointment Still, back in July, we were very excited last year when COVID-19 kept us from hav- to announce we would return to offering ining an in-person event. But our team man- person Expos this fall, along with a virtual

Beacon The

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The Beacon is a monthly newspaper dedicated to inform, serve, and entertain the citizens of the Greater Washington DC area, and is privately owned. Other editions serve Greater Baltimore, Howard County, Md. and Richmond, Va. Readership exceeds 400,000.

Subscriptions are available via first-class mail ($36) or third-class mail ($12), prepaid with order. D.C. and Maryland residents: add 6 percent for sales tax. Send subscription order to the office listed below.

Publication of advertising contained herein does not necessarily constitute endorsement. Signed columns represent the opinions of the writers, and not necessarily the opinion of the publisher.

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Expo to address the needs of those who would or could not personally show up.

As the summer progressed, however, we realized the delta variant and continued spread of COVID, along with the apparent desirability of getting boosters to protect from breakthrough infections, made it unwise to host in-person events this fall.

So, once again, we find ourselves falling back on the virtues of a virtual event instead.

Thankfully, we aren’t alone in making this decision. Like last year, we are partnering with the Baltimore County Department of Aging and the Howard County Office on Aging & Independence. Both of those county offices also decided against hosting in-person events this year, and have been very supportive of the joint 2021 Virtual 50+Expo we will soon open to the public.

So, mark your calendars: on November 1 our website will go live, and from then through January 31, 2022, you will be able to watch a host of top-notch speakers, classes and entertainers at your leisure, 24/7, as often as you like.

Also, you will have access to useful information from exhibitors in all the usual subject areas you’ve come to expect at past Expos: housing communities and options,

home care, healthcare, financial and insurance advice, travel, the arts, home remodeling and more.

Each of our exhibitors and sponsors will have a unique “landing page” where you can learn about their offerings, view a video presentation, and contact them directly via email or through their website.

And you won’t want to miss our keynote speakers: Diane Rehm, the beloved host of the daily “Diane Rehm Show” on NPR for nearly 40 years, and Dr. Mark Warshawsky, former Assistant Secretary of the Treasury and more recently Deputy Commissioner of Social Security.

We owe special thanks to our Gold Sponsor AARP, as well as Silver Sponsors CIGNA and Holy Cross Health for helping make this year’s event possible.

Let’s hope 2022 makes crowds safe and enjoyable once again, but in the meantime, please help us make the most of this year’s Virtual 50+Expo.

Please join us at beacon50expo.com as often as you like, starting November 1, and recommend it to your friends as well.

I look forward to “seeing” you there.

Letters to the editor 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 email to info@thebeaconnewspapers.com.

Please include your name, address and telephone number for verification.

Dear Editor: We appreciate and use your Resource Guide in our community and in our work.

In addition to the excellent resources you share with the community, it would be helpful to have a consolidated list of organizations and agencies which accept donations of household items, clothing and furniture. So many people move in and out of Montgomery County that they would happily donate if they knew where and how to do so. Among our Caring Matters clients, we have bereaved families which would love to make good use of their late loved ones’ goods by donating to a charity.

Would you please consider expanding your resource guide in this way?

Ellen Sirkis, Bereavement Facilitator, Caring Matters Silver Spring, Md. Ed. Note: Excellent idea. In the meantime, see page B-3 of this issue for a list of places to donate.

Dear Editor: I was approached recently by email asking me to renew a contract with the computer security firm Norton, with whom I had no prior contact.

I recognized immediately that this was a scam but thought it would be useful to

gather as much information as possible about an approach that had been made to over 400 listed email addresses.

My first step was to reply to the email saying that I had no such account. The responder gave a telephone number which sent me to a “computer specialist” who would give me access to a form which was required to register my objection.

I was transferred to a man with an accent who said that, to be able to send the form, he would need access to my computer. At this point I hung up, having gathered as much information as I could.

Who should one report to after such an experience — or do we just throw up our hands and declare that nothing can be done, leaving more vulnerable members of our society to be conned?

Dr. Jim Cowie Silver Spring, Md. Ed. Note: If you suspect a scam, do not respond to the phone call or email. Hang up or delete the email immediately. Report scams to the Better Business Bureau’s Scam Tracker at BBB.org/scamtracker. You can also file a report to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov or call 1-877FTC-Help. A third option is to report your experience to the Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov/complaint.

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Health Fitness &

LIMBER LIMBS Yoga lowers the heart rate, improves digestion and boosts the immune system BENEFITS OF BOO HOOING Crying is good for your health, flushing out stress and releasing endorphins DITCH THE SALT Flavor food without salt by cooking with citrus, vinegar or spice blends FIGHT MUSCLE LOSS UMD researchers will pay you to exercise for three months

Possible COVID tie to later Alzheimer’s

By Lauran Neergaard Researchers are trying to unravel why some COVID-19 survivors suffer “brain fog” and other problems that can last for months, and new findings suggest some worrisome overlaps with Alzheimer’s disease.

One study of older adults in Argentina found a surprising number of dementialike changes in memory and thinking for at least six months after a bout with the coronavirus — regardless of the severity of their infection.

Other researchers found Alzheimer’srelated proteins in the blood of New Yorkers whose COVID-19 triggered brain symptoms early on.

The preliminary findings were reported at a recent Alzheimer’s Association meeting. Experts stress far more research is needed — and getting underway — to tell if COVID-19 might raise the risk of Alzheimer’s or other brain problems later in life, or if people eventually recover.

The possibilities “are real and troubling,” but it’s too soon to know “whether

this is really going to result in long-term cognitive change,” cautioned Dr. Richard Hodes, director of the National Institute on Aging. His agency wasn’t involved in the research but has begun its own large study to try to better understand the link between COVID-19 and Alzheimer’s.

“If you did have COVID, this does not necessarily mean that you will be impacted,” agreed the Alzheimer’s Association’s Heather Snyder. But protecting the brain from COVID-19 offers yet another reason to get vaccinated, she added.

Memory problems may persist Some hints about the risk come from a study that tracked about 300 people in the Jujuy province of Argentina, keeping a health registry of anyone tested for the virus, whether they had symptoms or not.

Researchers combed the registry for people 60 and older who had no record of brain disorders prior to the pandemic and asked if they’d undergo cognitive testing. “[The results were] quite scary, if I have

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to put it bluntly,” said Dr. Gabriel de Erausquin of the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, who is leading the study.

Between three and six months after their coronavirus infection, about 20% of the older adults had problems with shortterm memory.

And 34% had more profound impairment, including trouble finding words and difficulty with longer-term memory, what de Erausquin called a “dementia-like syndrome.”

The severity of their COVID-19 didn’t predict the problems — instead those most at risk had a persistent loss of smell. That loss often is temporary with COVID-19.

But de Erausquin noted the brain’s olfactory region is directly linked to areas critical for memory, and a loss of smell is sometimes an early sign of degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s.

The study will track participants for three years to see how they fare. While the early findings focused on older adults, de Erausquin said other evidence suggests that lingering problems in younger COVID-19 survivors tend to center more around the ability to concentrate.

Blood proteins a concern Researchers at New York UniversityLangone Health took a different approach, testing the blood of more than 300 older adults hospitalized for COVID-19.

About half experienced new neurologic symptoms such as confusion as part of their coronavirus infection. The study found a jump in their blood levels of proteins linked to inflammation of the nervous system, brain cell injury and Alzheimer’s disease.

That shows the brain is responding to injury, but it will take time to tell if the abnormal levels really signal Alzheimer’slike changes or are a temporary blip, said the National Institute on Aging’s Dr. Eliezer Masliah, who wasn’t involved in the research.

He noted that one protein that goes awry during Alzheimer’s also has a normal role in the brain, to defend against infection.

Previous research has suggested that certain viruses may play a role in later Alzheimer’s, and “the pandemic certainly gave us an unwelcome opportunity” to try to finally better understand why, Snyder said.

—AP

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I N F O R M A T I O N

As we approach the Medicare annual enrollment period beginning October 15, older adults should consider whether their current plan includes programs that can help reduce the chances of a fall.

Many Medicare Advantage plans, for example, include benefits that Original Medicare does not cover that can help reduce the risk of falls, such as vision and hearing benefits, gym memberships, and

Most falls happen at home. Remove clutter, fix steps that are uneven, and make sure there is adequate lighting in every room.

Install grab bars and handrails in the bathroom and on both sides of stairways.

Use a cane, walker, crutches or other support if needed.

Falls can present a more significant health threat than many may realize, but by understanding risk factors and how to reduce them, older adults can empower themselves to live healthier lives.

Dr. James J. Carney is UnitedHealthcare’s Chief Medical Officer for Medicare and Retirement in the Mid-Atlantic.

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Any time you get a new prescription, ask your pharmacist or doctor about side effects like dizziness or drowsiness that can affect balance.

District of Columbia

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Understand medicine side effects

Housing Communities

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A healthcare provider can help assess and reduce your fall risk. Medicare-eligible individuals can access care through an annual wellness visit, which is free to anyone on Medicare. (UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage members can take advantage of the HouseCalls program — which brings an annual health assessment to the convenience and privacy of your home — at no additional cost.)

For free materials on housing communities and health studies, just complete and clip this coupon and mail or fax it to the Beacon.

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Make sure your shoes fit, have good traction, and are comfortable. See a doctor if you are experiencing foot pain.

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Invest in quality footwear

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Health Studies

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Do exercises that can strengthen your legs and improve balance. Many Medicare plans offer benefits to help seniors stay active, such as UnitedHealthcare’s fitness program RenewActive®, which includes access to balance classes.

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disease management programs.

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By James J. Carney, M.D. As we age, we begin to learn — sometimes firsthand –- how devastating a fall can be. It isn’t quite as easy as it once was to hop back up and continue on our way.

Each year, millions of older adults experience falls and fall-related injuries. In Maryland, 23% of adults over age 65 reported a fall in the past 12 months, according to new local data from the 2021 America’s Health Rankings Senior Report.

Among older adults, one out of five falls causes a serious injury, including 90% of hip fractures and 51% of traumatic brain injuries.

Contributing factors for falls include poor balance, poor vision, certain medications, alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, osteoporosis, physical disabilities and general frailty.

Being aware of the risk factors and following the tips below can reduce your chances of serious injury and help you maintain and improve the quality of your health so you can remain independent.

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Why to add yoga into a workout routine

By Lauren Hubbard, D.P.T. Dear Mayo Clinic: I have always been fairly flexible, so I have never felt compelled to include yoga in my fitness routine. Typically, I just walk and maybe do some weights for strength training.

I was talking to a friend who said her physical therapist recommended yoga as part of a well-rounded workout routine. What is the benefit of yoga? Should I add it to my routine or stick with what I’m doing?

A: Yoga is a wonderful form of exercise that provides benefits that walking or strength training don’t provide.

In Eastern cultures, yoga is not seen as exercise but rather “a moving meditation.”

In the Western world, many people know

of power yoga or vinyasa yoga, which are classified as exercise.

Regardless of the type of yoga, when practiced mindfully, there are many advantages for the body, mind and soul. Yoga can provide three primary benefits that a typical gym routine may not provide.

Improved nervous system function Since yoga is based on breathing, parts of the nervous system are affected when exhales are lengthened and breath is controlled. This is cued throughout particular yoga sequences. Specifically, yoga can help lower the fight-or-flight response and improve the body’s “rest-and-digest” response.

Practicing slow, controlled breathing stimulates the body’s vagus nerve, which

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takes information about the current state of relaxation and relays it to the rest of the body, including the brain.

One area affected when the vagal nerve is stimulated is the parasympathic nervous system, which controls the body’s rest and digestion functions. The mindful breathing practiced in yoga increases the activity of the parasympathic nervous system.

As a result, yoga lowers the heart rate, improves digestion and quality of sleep, and strengthens the immune system. Another benefit is an improved stress level.

Improved joint range of motion The difference between flexibility and active range of motion is important. Think of flexibility as how much a muscle can be passively stretched. In contrast, range of motion is how much muscles can be used to control a joint’s movement.

It is not uncommon these days for people to report neck and back pain, and poor range of motion in their thoracic spine due to constant sitting, typing on computers and looking down at cellphones.

Yoga is excellent in improving thoracic range of motion because many poses involve extending the body through the rib cage and using strength to hold these postures.

Yoga incorporates all four motions of the spine: flexion, extension, rotation and side-

bending. Therefore, yoga can prevent stiffness and disuse that also can occur with age.

Being able to control the available range of motion in joints is crucial to good posture and decreasing the risk of injury.

Improved balance, lower fall risk Think of balance like a muscle. By working hard at different exercises, balance can improve. This is similar to improving strength by lifting weights.

Balance is a complex system, requiring three parts: the sensation of the foot on the ground, or proprioception; vision; and the inner ear, or vestibular system.

These three parts tell the brain where the head is in space. These three components work together to control both static and dynamic balance.

Yoga trains the proprioception and visual systems to improve balance. Depending on the pose, cues are sent to focus, for instance, on the foot rooted to the ground.

By concentrating in an attempt to maintain contact, the big toe, little toe and heel form a tripod of sorts, which in turn helps focus the proprioception portion of balance.

In yoga, you may hear the term “drishti,” which refers to obtaining a focused gaze or focus in the mind. The concept comes into See YOGA WORKOUT, page 8

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Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

Introducing a $0 premium Medicare Advantage PPO plan in Maryland When you choose a Medicare Advantage plan from UnitedHealthcare®, you get more for your Medicare dollar. Whether you’re at home or traveling, you can take advantage of a new PPO plan that gives you the flexibility to visit any doctor who accepts Medicare, without a referral. You also pay network costs when you choose doctors participating in the UnitedHealthcare Medicare National Network.† AARP® Medicare Advantage plans from UnitedHealthcare may also include: $0 monthly premium $1,000 for comprehensive dental services

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Or visit UHCMedicareSolutions.com. †Network size varies by market and exclusions may apply. Based on UnitedHealthcare Product Ancillary Network 360 Research, May 2021. Out-of-network/non-contracted providers are under no obligation to treat Plan members, except in emergency situations. Please call our customer service number or see your Evidence of Coverage for more information, including the cost-sharing that applies to out-of-network services. $0 cost-share for in-network dental care, specified services only. If your plan offers out-of-network dental coverage and you see an out-of-network dentist you might be billed more, even for services listed as $0 copay. You will pay a maximum of $35 for a 1-month supply of Part D select insulin drugs during the deductible, initial coverage and coverage gap or “donut hole” stages of your benefit. You will pay 5% of the cost of your insulin in the catastrophic stage. This cost-sharing only applies to members who do not qualify for a program that helps pay for your drugs (“Extra Help”). Benefits, features and/or devices vary by plan/area. Limitations and exclusions apply. This information is not a complete description of benefits. Call 1-877-591-1797, TTY 711 for more information. Plans are insured through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or one of its affiliated companies, a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in the plan depends on the plan’s contract renewal with Medicare. UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company pays royalty fees to AARP for the use of its intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP. AARP and its affiliates are not insurers.

You do not need to be an AARP member to enroll. AARP encourages you to consider your needs when selecting products and does not make specific product recommendations for individuals. AARP does not employ or endorse agents, producers or brokers. © 2021 United HealthCare Services, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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Crying offers health benefits for everyone

By Leo Newhouse It’s safe to say that 2020 gave us more than enough to cry about.

Yet even prior to last year, it seems that we were crying fairly often. Researchers note that, on average, American women cry 3.5 times each month, while American men cry about 1.9 times each month.

These figures may take some of us by surprise, especially as our society has often looked at crying — particularly by men — as a sign of weakness and lack of emotional stamina.

Health benefits of crying As a phenomenon that is unique to humans, crying is a natural response to a range of emotions, from deep sadness and

grief to extreme happiness and joy.

But is crying good for your health? The answer appears to be yes.

Medical benefits of crying have been known as far back as the Classical era.

Thinkers and physicians of ancient Greece and Rome posited that tears work like a purgative, draining off and purifying us.

Today’s psychological thought largely concurs, emphasizing the role of crying as a mechanism that allows us to release stress and emotional pain.

Crying is an important safety valve, largely because keeping difficult feelings inside — what psychologists call repressive coping — can be bad for our health.

Studies have linked repressive coping with a less resilient immune system, car-

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diovascular disease and hypertension, as well as with mental health conditions, including stress, anxiety, and depression.

Crying has also been shown to increase attachment behavior, encouraging closeness, empathy and support from friends and family.

Not all tears are created equal Scientists divide the liquid product of crying into three distinct categories: reflex tears, continuous tears, and emotional tears.

The first two categories perform the important function of removing debris such as smoke and dust from our eyes, and lubricating our eyes to help protect them from infection. Their content is 98% water.

The third category, emotional tears (which flush stress hormones and other toxins out of our system), potentially offers the most health benefits. Researchers have established that crying releases oxytocin and endogenous opioids, also known as endorphins. These feel-good chemicals help ease both physical and emotional pain.

Popular culture, for its part, has always known the value of a good cry as a way to

Yoga workout From page 6 play as people aim to hold a pose with their eyes closed. Certain poses become more challenging with eyes closed, which improves the visual part of balance.

Also, moving back and forth between poses without fully touching a limb to the ground can increase the ability to dynamically move and not lose balance. Over time, this will reduce the risk of falling while walking on uneven ground or turning quickly.

While it may be difficult to add one more

feel better — and maybe even to experience physical pleasure. The millions of people who watched classic tearjerker films such as West Side Story or Titanic (among others) will likely attest to that fact.

Rethinking crying in boys, men “I know a man ain’t supposed to cry,” goes the lyric of a popular song, “but these tears I can’t hold inside.” These words succinctly summarize many a man’s dilemma about emotional expression.

From early on, boys are told that real men do not cry. When these boys grow up, they may stuff their feelings deep inside and withdraw emotionally from their loved ones, or self-medicate with alcohol or drugs, or even become suicidal.

Many men therefore need to learn how to reconnect with their emotions. Back in the 1990s, the poet Robert Bly led men’s seminars at which he taught the participants how to get in touch with their longburied feelings of sadness and loss, and to weep openly if they needed to.

See CRYING, page 9

thing to your busy life, incorporating yoga into your workout routine can benefit your stress level, mobility and balance in ways that may not be achieved from a regular gym routine.

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. © 2021 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. All rights reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1

Crying From page 8 Ideally, however, such education should begin early on, at home or at school, with adults making it safe for boys to talk about difficult feelings.

Crying during COVID The nation has registered hundreds of thousands of deaths from COVID-19. The collective grief over these losses can only be described as staggering.

It is no surprise, then, that at times like these our feelings are closer to the surface, and that many people who were not previously prone to crying find themselves tearing up more easily. In fact, as one medical professional put it, showing emotion in public may have become a new normal.

When are tears a problem?

There are times when crying can be a sign of a problem, especially if it happens very frequently and/or for no apparent reason, or when crying starts to affect daily activities or becomes uncontrollable.

Conversely, people suffering from certain kinds of clinical depression may actually not be able to cry, even when they feel like it. In any of these situations, it would be best to see a medical professional who can help diagnose the problem and suggest appropriate treatment.

As challenging as it may be, the best way to handle difficult feelings, including sadness and grief, is to embrace them. It is important to allow yourself to cry if you feel like it.

Make sure to take the time and find a safe space to cry if you need to. Many people associate crying during grief with depression, when it can actually be a sign of healing.

Teaching boys and young men that it’s OK to cry may reduce negative health behaviors and help them have fuller lives.

That said, if crying becomes overwhelming or uncontrollable, see a doctor or mental health professional for evaluation and treatment.

Leo Newhouse, LICSW, is a contributor to Harvard Health Publications. © 2021 Harvard University. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Ways to turn up flavor without using salt

By Lori Zanteson We know we should be eating less salt.

Most of us consume far more than recom-

mended. We know to skip the salt shaker at the table and to check food labels.

While it is essential to the body — the

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sodium in salt works with potassium to regulate fluids — too much can raise blood pressure, putting the heart at risk. Read on to learn ways to cut back on your consumption of salt without sacrificing flavor.

Cooking methods help Use cooking methods to heighten flavor. Roasting vegetables in the oven or on the grill brings out their natural sweetness and deepens the flavor of animal and plant proteins, like fish and tofu. Similarly, a quick sear or sauté on the stovetop enhances flavor with minimal cook time.

Cook with a light coating of olive oil and finish with a splash of vinegar or citrus and a garnish of fresh herbs, dried fruits, chopped nuts or citrus zest.

Use good ingredients High-quality ingredients pack so much flavor they hardly need seasoning. Choose the best you can find: in-season fruits and vegetables, flavorful cuts of animal proteins, the freshest fish and seafood, and high-quality healthy fats (extra-virgin olive oil, avocado oil).

Season it up Dig into spices to replace salt. Dried spices, like cumin and cinnamon, bring bold flavor to dishes, while dried and fresh

herbs, like basil and thyme, season with subtlety.

Choose fresh or powdered onion, garlic and chili peppers, mustards, vinegars and citrus (lemon, lime, orange or grapefruit) juice, peel or zest.

Experiment with mixed herb and spice blends to jazz up your meals. Sample these seasonings from around the world for flavor so you won’t miss the salt: —Herbs de Provence (France): savory, rosemary, marjoram, thyme —Curry powder (India): turmeric, coriander, cumin, fenugreek, pepper —Chinese five spice (China): star anise, Szechuan peppers, cloves, fennel, cinnamon —Jerk spice (Caribbean): red and black pepper, allspice, cinnamon, thyme —Italian blend (Italy): basil, oregano, rosemary, parsley, thyme, red chili flakes, garlic powder Give these tips a try — see how quickly your palate prefers less salt (and how these suggestions broaden your meal planning repertoire).

Reprinted with permission from Environmental Nutrition, a monthly publication of Belvoir Media Group, LLC, 1-800829-5384, EnvironmentalNutrition.com. © 2021 Belvoir Media Group. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

11

Things to know about palliative medicine

By Maisha Robinson, M.D. Dear Mayo Clinic: My 65-year-oldmother was diagnosed recently with Parkinson’s disease. A friend mentioned that we should see a palliative care doctor to develop a care plan.

I don’t think my mother is dying anytime soon. Can you explain palliative care and why we might need a consultation?

A: I am sorry to hear about your mother’s diagnosis. It can be challenging to have a loved one with a neurodegenerative disease like Parkinson’s disease, but it is wonderful that she has you to assist her.

Palliative care is a specialty that focuses on improving quality of life for people who have chronic, serious or advanced medical conditions. It can benefit patients and families at any point along the disease course, even at the time of diagnosis.

Different from hospice care While you mentioned that your mother is not dying anytime soon, there is a role for palliative care throughout the disease trajectory — from the time of diagnosis until the end of life.

Palliative care is not synonymous with hospice care, which is specialized care for people who are near the end of their lives.

A palliative care consult focuses on the

physical, spiritual, social and psychological aspects of care for the patient as well as his or her caregiver.

The palliative care team may include a combination of physicians, nurses, advanced-practice providers, chaplains, social workers, therapists and pharmacists. The team assesses and manages symptoms, supports caregivers, helps establish care goals and discusses advance-care planning.

Suboptimal control of symptoms can negatively affect quality of life. Thus, the palliative care provider aims to maximize function and quality of life by reviewing symptoms and offering options. The types of symptoms that are assessed include pain, nausea, anxiety, depression, constipation, diarrhea, fatigue and insomnia.

The palliative care team also cares for caregivers. Caregiver stress can negatively affect patients, so the team tries to identify and alleviate caregiver stressors and burdens.

This may include making recommendations for additional assistance in the home, or increasing support services, such as physical or occupational therapy, or respite care.

The team enquires about the patient’s medical, personal and family goals. For instance, one person may want to plant and tend to a garden, and another patient may want to travel to see family members.

The role of the palliative team is to help

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patients meet their goals and ensure that their medical goals align with available therapeutic options.

Considers end-of-life choices Advance-care planning is the process of discussing one’s preferences for care at the end of his or her life. It is a topic that some people are hesitant to discuss, but it is important, particularly when people have a serious or advanced medical condition. Making decisions in advance of when they are needed guides family members and the medical team.

In addition to discussing their goals, patients are encouraged to complete an advance directive. The advance directive includes two parts: designation of a health-

care surrogate and a living will.

A healthcare surrogate is a person who would help make medical decisions if one is unable to make his or her own decisions. This person can be anyone who would feel comfortable carrying out the person’s wishes, such as a family member, friend or co-worker.

The living will is a document that outlines one’s wishes regarding life-prolonging care at the end of life. A topic that may be covered is whether a person would want CPR when his or her heart stops or when he or she stops breathing, or if he or she would prefer to allow for a natural death. The latter option is often referred to See PALLIATIVE MEDICINE, page 12

12

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O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Practical uses for common baking soda

By Suzy Cohen Everyone has some baking soda in the house, and if not, you should get some. Aside from baking with it, I use it in my garbage disposal and to brighten my laundry.

Sodium bicarbonate is known more commonly as “baking soda” since it helps make dough rise by producing carbon dioxide. Today, I’ll share the most common medicinal uses for baking soda, as well as a few household uses that make it the cheapest, most effective remedy in town!

Consuming excessive baking soda is toxic because it’s so high in sodium. So, if you’re taking it internally for heartburn, do not use it chronically, and do not take too much. See a doctor for proper treatment.

Now, here are the best medicinal uses I can think of for baking soda:

Improve bad breath Adding some baking soda to your

mouthwash can instantly freshen breath and improve oral hygiene. I think this is a great addition to anyone’s nightly routine.

Studies show that it can help your body fight bacteria better by temporarily increasing pH in your saliva.

You can also make your own mouthwash using baking soda, water and essential oils.

I have a recipe for this posted at my website if you’d like to try it. Rinse with plain water after you do the baking soda rinse.

Soothe itching Get relief for itching and minor bug bites or bee stings using baking soda paste that you make at home.

Make a paste that is thick enough to apply to your skin. The amount of baking soda you use doesn’t matter; just pour it into a little dish, and add enough water slowly until it is thick like paste. Then apply it to your itchy spots. You can kick it up a notch medicinally by adding several drops of lavender, frankincense and/or tea tree essential oil.

If your itchy skin is widespread, as you might experience with a drug allergy reaction, then take a lukewarm bath and add about 2 cups of baking soda to a large bathtub of water, and soak for 15 minutes.

Freshen your feet You can make a little foot bath using 1 cup of baking soda to a small foot bath of water. I would add a cup of witch hazel to the mix as well as 10 drops of tea tree oil. Soak your feet for five minutes, then rinse and dry off.

This might help with toenail fungus too.

Treat heartburn or reflux Acid reflux is a very common problem that stems from various different root causes, so before I tell you how to use baking soda, I want to make sure that you understand you should not be ignoring this symptom.

It may be due to overeating or from using drugs that are irritating to the esophagus like NSAIDs. But it’s also associated with a hiatal hernia, parathyroid adenomas, esophageal cancer and more.

So, get a doctor’s work-up before using this remedy, and do not use it if you are on a sodium-restricted diet.

This baking soda trick works well for simSee BAKING SODA, page 13

Palliative medicine From page 11 as a do-not-resuscitate order, or DNR. Palliative care complements a person’s general or specialty medical care, and it can be provided while people are receiving medical therapies, chemotherapy, dialysis, surgical procedures or other life-prolonging therapies. People often appreciate the additional support that the palliative care team provides. © 2021 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. All rights reserved.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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13

Colorful peppers with turkey casserole

“Stuffed” Bell Pepper Casserole Servings: 4 20 ounces ground turkey breast 1 yellow onion, chopped

Baking soda From page 12 ple acute types of acid reflux, such as the type triggered by eating salsa, onions or coffee.

Dissolve ½ to 1 teaspoon of baking soda in a cold glass of water. Sip it slowly until the heartburn subsides. Do not use this chronically because it may lead to metabolic alkalosis and electrolyte disturbances that impact your heart and muscles.

Make laundry cleaner Baking soda is an inexpensive method that many people know about to whiten and

¼ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon pepper 3 large bell peppers, chopped (1 each, red, yellow and green) 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes ½ cup long-grain brown rice 1 teaspoon oregano ½ teaspoon garlic powder 8 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese Directions: Heat oven to 350° F. In large skillet over medium heat, add turkey, onions, salt and pepper. Break up turkey and cook until browned.

Add turkey mixture to 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Add chopped bell peppers, crushed tomatoes, brown rice, oregano and garlic powder. Mix until combined.

Cover with aluminum foil. Bake 80-90 minutes until rice is tender.

Remove foil, add shredded cheese and bake 5 minutes until cheese is melted.

Find more family dinner recipes at Culinary.net.

If you made this recipe at home, use #MyCulinaryConnection on your favorite social network to share your work. clean your laundry. It’s simple to do. Just add ¼- to ½-cup of baking soda to the regular amount of laundry detergent that you use.

The baking soda will dissolve completely in the water and help remove stains and dirt from your clothes. You’ll notice it softens the water too.

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 author of The 24-Hour Pharmacist and Real Solutions from Head to Toe. Visit her website at suzycohen.com.

PHOTO BY FAMILY FEATURES

By Family Features When life gets busy, you need a recipe that is quick to make, easy to bake and mouthwatering to eat. Try this recipe for Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole next time you are in a pinch.

It’s made with hearty ground turkey breast, delicious bell peppers, crushed tomatoes and brown rice, then topped with gooey sharp cheddar cheese. It’s a whole meal in a dish.

This short ingredient list makes it easy to assemble. First, brown the turkey and onions, then combine all the ingredients in a baking dish. It’s simple to prepare before baking to perfection.

It’s just right for little ones who are hungr y and ready for a wholesome and appetizing home-cooked meal. Adults enjoy the natural flavors and fresh ingredients that keep all ages happy and content.

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Health Studies

O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

INFORMATION ON AREA CLINICAL TRIALS

Research study will pay you to exercise

By Margaret Foster As we age, we lose as much as 5% of muscle mass every decade. If we don’t exercise, we become even weaker.

“If you’re unable to be as active and do as much physical activity, then you’re setting yourself up for a worsening of the problem,” said Steven Prior, associate professor in the University of Maryland School of Public Health’s Department of Kinesiology.

But it’s never too late to get in shape.

This fall, after a long delay due to the pandemic, Prior and a team of researchers

are looking for older adults to participate in a study of the aging-related loss of muscle, known as sarcopenia.

The re-launched study seeks to determine the best exercises to increase muscle mass and strength in older adults.

Previous studies showed that strength training (such as lifting weights, doing pushups, etc.) can reverse sarcopenia. But what about aerobic exercises like walking or swimming? Can that build muscle mass, too?

Strength and aerobics included

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Prior and his team are “looking at people with relatively low muscle mass and finding out how to best improve the strength and function of their muscles,” he explained. “We’re trying to figure out better exercise programs to improve strength and function in older people.”

The study is open to people ages 65 to 88. (Diabetics and smokers aren’t eligible for the study.)

Three times a week for six months, participants will visit either the University’s College Park or Baltimore campus for exercise classes.

They will be randomly sorted into two groups: one will do three months of resistance training (such as weightlifting) first, followed by three months of aerobic exercise; and the other group will start with aerobic exercise and then do resistance training.

Everyone will work with an exercise physiologist three times a week in the university’s exercise facility. The exercises are safe and can be adjusted to anyone’s ability, according to Prior, the study’s pri-

mary investigator.

“Everything is monitored by exercise physiologists who are well trained in prescribing exercises for older individuals. All exercise interventions are tailored specifically to the person’s ability,” Prior said.

Builds on previous study Prior has studied sarcopenia for years.

His 2016 study found that muscles with dense, oxygen-rich capillaries receive oxygen more quickly and efficiently during exercise.

To track people’s progress in this year’s clinical trial, researchers will measure changes in participants’ strength over six months. They will also take samples of muscle tissue to track the size of their muscle fibers and any changes in the number of capillaries.

Parking is free at both locations, and participants will be paid a total of $300 to exercise three times a week for six months.

For more information or to volunteer, call (410) 605-7179 and reference the “SARCOPENIA” study.

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Burke, VA --- The most common method your doctor will recommend to treat your neuropathy is with prescription drugs that may temporarily reduce your symptoms.

These drugs have names such as Gabapentin, Lyrica, Cymbalta, and Neurontin, and are primarily antidepressant or anti-seizure drugs. These drugs may cause you to feel uncomfortable and have a variety of harmful bXST TŊTRcb

Blood Vessel

Nerve

As long as you have not sustained at least 85% nerve damage there is hope!

Normal

Diseased Blood Vessel Nerves shrivel when blood vessels disappear

Montage Health and Wellness will do a free neuropathy consultation to assess the extent of the nerve damage d amage and determine the treatthat is right for you. m ment

Figure 3: The blood vessels will grow back around the nerves much like a plant’s roots grow when watered.

There is now a facility right here in Burke that ^ŊTab h^d W^_T fXcW^dc cPZX]V cW^bT T]S[Tbb SadVb fXcW bTaX^db bXST TŊTRcb In order to effectively treat your neuropathy three factors must be determined What is the underlying cause?

How much nerve damage has been sustained?

Figure 1: Notice the very small blood vessels surrounding each nerve.

Peripheral neuropathy is a result of damage to the nerves often causing weakness, pain, numbness, tingling, and the most debilitating balance problems. This damage is com\^][h RPdbTS Qh P [PRZ ^U Q[^^S Ő^f c^ cWT nerves in the hands and feet which causes the nerves to begin to degenerate due to [PRZ ^U ]dcaXT]c Ő^f 5b h^d RP] bTT X] ŎVdaT Pb cWT Q[^^S vessels that surround the nerves become diseased they shrivel up which causes the nerves to not get the nutrients to continue to survive. When these nerves begin to “die” they cause you to have balance problems, pain, numbness, tingling, burning, and many additional symptoms. The main problem is that your doctor has told you to just live with the problem or try the drugs which you don’t like taking because they make you feel uncomfortable.

NOTE: Once you have sustained 85% nerve loss, there is likely nothing that we can do for you.

How much treatment will your condition require?

The treatment that is provided at Montage Health and Wellness has three main goals 1) Increase blood flow 2) Stimulate small fiber nerves 3) Decrease brain-based pain

Figure 3: The blood vessels will grow back around the nerves much like a plant’s roots grow when watered.

The amount of treatment needed to allow the nerves to fully recover varies from person to person and can only be determined after a detailed neurological and vascular evaluation

to make an appointment with Montage Health to determine if your peripheral neuropathy can be treated.

Most major health insurances are accepted including: BCBS

Humana

Tricare

Medicare

Note: Montage Health and Wellness is located in Burke Centre Shopping Center.

The patient and any other person responsible for payment has a right to refuse to pay, cancel payment for any other service, examination, or treatment that is performed as a result of and within 72 hours of responding to the advertisement for the free, discounted fee, or reduced fee service, examination, or treatment.

16

O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

GUEST COLUMNIST

Dr. LaQuandra Nesbitt, Director, DC Health It’s been 19 months since the pandemic started and I know that times have been tough. Not being able to spend time with family and friends, missing your favorite workout class or even having to limit the places that you’ve visited.

When vaccines became available for District residents over the age of 65 in January, you led the way, setting an extraordinary example for others to follow. You showed everyone that getting vaccinated was the right thing to do for you, your loved ones, and your community. You were shining stars and today over 80% of you are fully vaccinated. We still have more work to do, and I know I can count on each of you to continue to be great role models and ambassadors of the COVID-19 vaccines and other practices that will keep us safe.

If you haven’t received a vaccination, consider getting one today. The COVID-19 vaccines are safe and are the best way to prevent severe illness, hospitalizations, and death. There are over 150 locations in the city where you can receive the COVID19 vaccine. You or your family can visit vaccines.gov to find the location nearest you and make a plan to get your vaccine at a time that is convenient. If you prefer to get your vaccine in your home, call us at 1-855-363-0333 and we will come to you! If you’re vaccinated, call someone who is not vaccinated and encourage them to do so.

If it’s been a while since you’ve received your second dose of the vaccine and you want to be ready for your booster, start making your plan. Find your vaccine card, call your healthcare provider to discuss your options for a booster or visit vaccines.gov to find a location near you. If you need support, you can call 1-855-363-0333.

Last, but not least, flu season is upon us and to ensure that you have protection against the flu this year, get your flu shot. The COVID vaccine does not protect you against flu and the flu vaccine does not protect you against COVID. There were record low numbers of flu cases nationally and in the District in 2020... and we want to keep it that way. So, do all you can today so you can continue to have small family dinners, story time with the grandkids and fellowship with neighbors and friends. Whenever you leave home, remember to take your mask with you and wear it.

Carry plenty of hand sanitizer and continue to wash or sanitize your hands often to avoid the spread of germs.

I’ve missed spending time with DC residents at all of the special events, festivals, and celebrations that make us who we are as a city. So let’s do all we can, together, to end this pandemic and reconnect in new and meaningful ways.

Hayes Senior Wellness Center, Team Cerebral Wins Brain Games!

On September 21, DACL hosted its 4th Annual Brain Games. Seniors from across the District competed in a citywide Jeopardy-style trivia competition. Though the

competition was tough, the Hayes Senior Wellness Center, Team Cerebral, took home the trophy. Congratulations to all the seniors who participated!

Living Boldly 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.

Director Laura Newland

Editor DACL External Affairs

Photographer Richard Williams

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

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Living Boldly

Say you saw it in the Beacon

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DACL Honors More than 55 DC Centenarians!

Leading up to National Centenarian Day, DACL partnered up with the Mayor’s Office of Community Affairs to honor more than 55 centenarians

living across the District. Just like last year, our annual Centenarian Salute luncheon shifted to door-todoor, neighbor-to-neighbor interac-

tions where centenarians will receive a certificate and medal from Mayor Muriel Bowser, hand-delivered by members of the Bowser Administra-

DACL Named as a Model Rosie City by the American Rosie Movement On September 3rd, Director Laura Newland joined the American Rosie Movement to celebrate DC Rosies, women who worked on the home front during World War II. Three DC Rosies were celebrated for their contributions during the war and beyond – Ms. Vangie Parades, who

worked for the US Secretary of Defense; Ms. Eva Gale, who worked at the Shell Plant in South Carolina; and Ms. Hilda McDougald, who worked for the Veterans Administration as a key puncher. Bells rang all throughout the National Museum of the US Navy in their honor.

Mayor Bowser Announces New Vaccine Requirements Beginning November 1, 2021 all adults who are regularly in schools and childcare facilities in the District must be vaccinated against COVID19. In addition, students aged 12 and older must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to participate in school-based extracurricular athletics.

The vaccination requirements apply to all employees, contractors,

interns, and volunteers working in person in a: • DC Public School • Public charter school • Private school • Parochial school • Childcare facility regulated by the Office of State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) To learn more about these requirements, please visit mayor.dc.gov.

tion and DACL staff. To learn about our centenarians, visit our social media channels, @DCAgingNews on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

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We have decided to postpone our in-person Expo events until 2022 to enable readers to obtain a booster vaccine for better protection from COVID.

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Donate to declutter: Where, when and how

By Margaret Foster When were stuck at home during the pandemic, some of us took a hard look at all the junk we’ve accumulated over the years and decided to make a change.

Many of those unwanted items ended up at local charities.

“We definitely have seen an uptick in donations,” said Amy Javaid, president and CEO of A Wider Circle, based in Silver Spring, Maryland.

“Lots of people have used the opportunity to clean out closets, spare rooms, and in some cases even downsize or move. So we’ve been very fortunate.”

A Wider Circle has been helping resettle Afghan refugees this fall, according to Javid, as well as families who suffered a

flood in Rockville and a fire in Prince George’s County.

“So many of those folks lost everything,” Javid said.

What exactly are charities like A Wider Circle looking for? Clothes, furniture, kitchen items — just about anything to set up a new home. Mattresses are a “big ticket item,” Javid said, noting that A Wider Circle is one of the few nonprofits that accepts mattresses.

“Both pre-pandemic and now, the number-one item that we need and that ‘fly off the shelves’ are beds, and in particular fullsized and queen size beds,” she said.

Most nonprofits also have a high demand for pots, pans and small kitchen appliances like microwave ovens, toasters

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and blenders.

But make sure your donations are in “dignity condition,” meaning no rips, stains or broken pieces — “something you’d feel comfortable giving to your best friend,” Javid said.

Pickups are sometimes free Although most nonprofit organizations will pick up your donations for free, there’s often a months-long wait.

If you don’t want to wait, drop off items directly at the charity during their business hours. Most nonprofits have volunteers on hand to help unload your car and give you a tax receipt if needed.

It’s easy to schedule a pickup at your home from a red Salvation Army truck; just visit the website, satruck.org. Established in 1865, the Salvation Army sells donated items at its thrift stores, funneling profits to its Adult Rehabilitation Centers, “where those struggling with drugs and alcohol find help, hope and a second chance at life,” according to its website. The Salvation Army accepts furniture, including couches, in good condition.

Vietnam Veterans of America accepts clothes, appliances and other small items light enough for one person to lift. Its pickup time is shorter than other local charities; the nonprofit claims to be able to pick

up your donations in 24 hours. You don’t have to be at home when the driver arrives.

On donation day, some nonprofits will send a truck to your home, but they may require you put your items out at the curb or on your porch.

If you’re unable to lift heavy items, consider paying a professional moving company, such as College Hunks Hauling Junk or EcoJunk. Both companies will send workers to your home to pick up your items, and they pledge to donate or recycle 70% of the items, keeping them out of landfills.

How to get started If you need some inspiration to purge, read Marie Kondo’s The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up (or watch the Netflix series “Tidying Up with Marie Kondo”) or Margareta Mangnusson’s The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning.

It helps to make a list and have a goal: By next month, for instance, clean out the bathroom closet. Or donate all the unused medical equipment in your house by next week. Or tackle one room a day. Pace yourself so you don’t give up.

To get started, just spend 15 minutes a day tackling a particular pile or corner of the house. Try to make it fun: Turn on See DECLUTTER, page B-4

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Contact information for donations American Veterans (AMVETS) 1-800-526-8387, AMVETSPickup.org American Veterans is a service organization founded 75 years ago. It operates thrift stores in Alexandria, Virginia; Laurel, Maryland; and Waldorf, Maryland. Drop off at donations directly at a store or call the number above for a free pickup.

College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (540) 931-0935 Not sure where to donate? Hire a moving company that pledges to recycle or donate 70% of your items to charities like Habitat for Humanity ReStore and Goodwill.

Although the pickup isn’t free, the company charges a “fair price,” according to one customer review. Workers can also clean out a storage facility or office.

Donation Town donationtown.org Enter your ZIP code on the website, and Donation Town will suggest a nonprofit near you and help arrange a free pickup.

youths at the House of Musical Traditions, 7010 Westmoreland Avenue, Takoma Park, MD, (301) 270-9090.

land, including the Rockville Senior Center or Easterseals at 1420 Spring St. Silver Spring, MD, 301-920-9765. Staff will come out to your car to retrieve your donation.

Interfaith Works

Donate clothes and housewares at any of the 12 local thrift stores, or schedule a free pickup directly on satruck.org.

Suited for Change

(301) 762-8682, Iworksmc.org 751 Twinbrook Ave, Rockville MD 20851 Interfaith Works “accepts most lightly used clothing and home goods…Items that are ripped, dirty, broken, inoperative or missing pieces are not reusable.”

Drop off items in their bins on Tuesday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or Saturday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Mary’s Center 1-855-250-3146, info@mcdonationpickup.org This local nonprofit operates discounted clinics throughout our area. They pick up donations (except for large furniture, books and other items) in Maryland, D.C. and Virginia.

1023 15th St. NW, Suite 601, Washington, DC (202) 293-0351, suitedforchange.org This nonprofit accepts business attire for the women in its job training program.

Donation hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at the address above. All clothing donations must be dry-cleaned.

Lego Replay The Maryland Department of Aging’s Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Re-Use Program (240) 230-8000, DME.MDOA@maryland.gov, aging.maryland.gov Donate wheelchairs, walkers and other medical equipment so others can use them.

Drop off at several sites throughout Mary-

givebackbox.com/lego Just pack up old Legos (full sets not required), print a free shipping label from the website, and mail the package to Lego Replay.

Salvation Army 1-800-728-7825, sa-md.org

Vietnam Veterans of America 1-800-775-VETS (8387), pickupplease.org.

This organization, which helps veterans make claims for VA benefits, often is able to pick up donated items within a week.

Schedule a free pickup of clothing or household items on their website, vva.org, or call the number above.

Eco City Junk (310) 963-4326, ecocityjunk.com Eco City Junk accepts damaged or ripped items for a fee, donating reusable items to local charities and then disposing of the rest. Free estimates are available over the phone.

Friendship Place (202) 503-2971, friendshipplace.org.

Friendship Place assists homeless people in D.C. To schedule a donation drop-off, call Chris Cannedy at (202) 503-2971 or ccannedy@friendshipplace.org.

Goodwill of Greater Washington goodwill.org Drop off your donations at one of nine local stores in Arlington, Alexandria, Annandale, Bethesda, Bowie, Fairfax, Falls Church, Gaithersburg, Hyattsville or Rockville. Donate your car by calling (202) 804-3088.

GreenDrop 1-888-944-3767, gogreendrop.com, info@gogreendrop.com Drop off clothing and household items at one of GreenDrop’s mobile donation trailers in Alexandria, Friendship Heights, Laurel or other cities. Or call to schedule a pickup. Your items will go to one of three charities.

Habitat for Humanity (301) 990-0014, habitatmm.org, restore@habitatmm.org Donate to one of two D.C.-area Habitat ReStores — 8380 Colesville Road, Silver Spring, MD or 1029 East Gude Drive Rockville, MD. Donation hours are Monday through Sunday from noon to 3 p.m.

For larger items, contact (301) 926-4104 to schedule a pickup in Montgomery County and Prince George’s County in Maryland.

Hungry for Music (202) 374-8649, hungryformusic.org Drop off old instruments for underserved

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Benefits of a multigenerational home

By Adriana Lopez, Nest.com The pandemic has undoubtedly changed our lives in many ways. One outcome is that an increasing number of families share their homes with multiple generations. While this living arrangement might not work for everyone, it does have its own set of unique benefits.

A multigenerational home consists of at least two generations of family living together. Whether it’s an older adult child and their parents or a married couple and their young children and parents, the term essentially means that more than one generation lives together under the same roof.

Living together with other family members certainly has its challenges, but some people see benefits. There are many factors to consider before determining whether living in a multigenerational home is right for you.

People in different age groups will have different lifestyles and different needs. Liv-

ing under the same roof can cause conflict about schedules, sharing bathrooms and mealtimes.

Whether it’s a lack of privacy, space, or free time, having many people together under one roof can feel constricting for some people.

If you’re living with an elderly family member, delineating caregiver responsibilities can cause issues. The same applies if there are infants or young children in the house.

While living in a multigenerational home certainly has some challenges, there are also many benefits. First, sharing a home with other family members means that you’ll share costs like utilities, mortgage and other monthly expenses.

Of course, the social benefits can be more valuable than savings. When a multigenerational family lives under the same roof, children can spend quality time with their grandparents in their golden years.

Unique benefits Here are some other positive effects of cross-generation cohabitation: Homeowner responsibilities: With more people living in the home, you can assign different duties to each family member, such as mowing the lawn, washing dishes or cleaning bathrooms.

Safety: If you have elderly family members living with you, they’ll be safer than if they were on their own. The younger people can also be a great help to the elders by running errands and simply monitoring them in case of an emergency.

Family activities: Whether it’s growing a family garden, arranging a family game night, or just watching your favorite TV shows together, family activity time is easier to schedule when multiple generations are living in one house.

Teaching younger generations: Living in a multigenerational home is an excellent way for younger family members to

learn skills from the older generations.

From learning how to cook from scratch to how to use power tools, this is an excellent opportunity to help your children thrive and grow through learning from their older relatives.

How to make it work Here are some tips for fostering a successful multigenerational setup: —Assign each family member a specific chore so that everyone plays a role in maintaining the household.

—Make sure you have ample room, including bathrooms and bedrooms, before you make the change.

—Talk to your real estate agent about the possibility of upgrading to a multigenerational home so they can help you find the right size and type of dwelling.

—Discuss the idea with your children See MULTIGENERATIONAL, page B-5

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To Oct. 18

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Creating Possibilities for MEMORY CARE RESIDENTS At The Residences at Thomas Circle, we know that every memory care resident has their own story.

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It’s how we help residents who have Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia find more joy and connection in their lives. Your loved one will thrive in a safe, secure environment designed around comfort and care – and we’re here to help support your entire family.

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Declutter From page B-2 some music or call a friend to keep you company.

When you’re cleaning, ask yourself: Have I used this in the past five years?

Does this have sentimental value? If not, give it away. Someone else may want what you don’t – or desperately need your items.

Don’t be afraid to throw away or recycle old magazines and newspapers. Many of them are digitized now, so you can always find them on the internet — even the Beacon.

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Housing Options

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1

Multigenerational From page B-4 beforehand so that they understand the new change and aren’t taken by surprise.

—Talk to other family members in advance about expectations, including sharing expenses and household duties, so everyone understands their role.

—Create private spaces — including the back yard, garage, basement, or a separate room — so that everyone has enough space to stretch out and enjoy some privacy.

Key things to consider You can choose to undergo a complete house remodel, or you might decide to purchase a larger home to accommodate your growing family. Here are some key things to consider when you’re looking for a multigenerational home: Insurance changes: Make sure you contact your homeowner’s insurance provider to update them about the change.

You may need to extend coverage to protect the belongings of your other family members. Or if you’re building an addition or adding outdoor structures, you will need to raise your coverage limits.

Shared spaces and family rooms. Will your living room be large enough to accommodate the entire family? Look for a home with a roomy shared space where everyone can spend time together comfortably.

Finished basements. A basement can double as an extra bedroom, workout space or laundry room. Consider homes with a finished basement to give you more usable square footage.

Kitchen. The kitchen will need to be large enough for everyone to use without feeling cramped. You can also find homes that include two full kitchens, such as a duplex where each generation will have their own separate cooking space.

Bathrooms for adults: Having enough bathrooms can be challenging, so make sure your new home either has a full bath for each adult or, at minimum, a half-bath where they can have privacy and share the full bath for showers and bathing.

Bathrooms for kids. Make sure your home has enough bathrooms for everyone

BEACON BITS

Oct. 23

to use without conflict. A separate bathroom for the kids is ideal, especially if they need to get ready for school in the morning.

Bedrooms for kids. It’s essential that the home has ample bedrooms for all family members. If you have two kids, consider having them share a bedroom with a bunk bed unless you have enough bedrooms for everyone to have their own.

TV rooms. The living room or family room can work well as a TV room, but you can also place another TV in the basement so that some family members can watch what they want without being disturbed.

Private spaces: Even if you love spending time together, having a private space is important. You may want to adapt an existing room to make it a private space.

Consider adding a wall to break up a large room into separate rooms. Whether it’s a room over the garage or a reading nook, a private space helps keep the peace.

Home office: If a family member works from home, they should have their own

private office space to work undisturbed.

Bedrooms for adults: A two-story or split-level home is ideal for multigenerational homes with adults. You can give the parents the master bedroom, while young adults can have the remaining bedroom(s) on a separate floor.

Accessibility: Consider the unique needs of older family members and determine if you’ll need to build a wheelchair ramp or add other universal design features to ensure safety and improve accessibility for all.

Relaxing spaces: If you have the extra room, designate a quiet part of the home for reading, meditating and generally relaxing.

Outdoor spaces: Make sure your yard is large enough so the kids have an outdoor place to play. If you have pets, this is also an important thing to consider.

A pool isn’t necessary, but it can be an excellent distraction for the kids during the summer when school is out.

Garages: If you have several cars, con-

sider a home with a garage that can accommodate all of them. Garages also make great workshops and provide extra storage for tools and other large items.

Decks: A deck is an attractive option for multigenerational homes. You can use it to barbecue, sunbathe, or just to give family members a nice place to relax outdoors.

Greenhouses: If you have a green thumb, consider adding a greenhouse to your backyard where you can grow your favorite veggies and other plants.

Whether it’s the COVID pandemic itself or the economic impact, there are many reasons why this living arrangement might be right for you. Caring for your parents or sharing the responsibilities of caring for younger kids can be easier when you’re all under the same roof.

Remember that while living in a multigenerational household has its challenges, it’s also a fantastic way to strengthen family relationships that will last a lifetime.

Originally posted on Porch.com.

Your new home is ready.

Maplewood Park Place Celebrating 25 Years of Active Retirement Living in Bethesda, Maryland

HOW TO TELL YOUR FAMILY STORY

On Sat., Oct. 23, the Mount Vernon

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Genealogical Society hosts its annual conference, open to both members and non-members. This year’s virtual conference focuses on the theme

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“Tell It Like It Was,” advising how to tell your family’s stories. The conference takes place via Zoom from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and costs $40. For

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Voted “Best Senior Living Community” By the readers of Bethesda Magazine 12 years in a row!

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Two ways to utilize a reverse mortgage

By Steven J. Sless Reverse mortgages have gone through many transformations and improvements in recent years. No longer considered

“loans of last resort,” they are becoming increasingly popular with homeowners age 60 and up who have equity in their homes and want to bolster their nest egg.

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Qualified buyers age 62 and older can purchase their next primary home with a reverse mortgage. It’s called a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) for Purchase. And it’s tailored to better suit the needs of the growing number of aging home buyers.

Whether you want to upsize to the home of your dreams or downsize to a home more suited for your long-term needs, using an HECM for Purchase may be a better option than paying cash or taking out a 15-, 20- or even a 30-year mortgage at this stage in life.

Simply put, a HECM for Purchase loan combines a reverse mortgage with the equity from the sale of your previous home — or from other savings and assets — to buy your next primary home in one single transaction.

Regardless of how long you live in the new home or what happens to your home’s value, you only make one down payment of roughly 50 percent towards the purchase, provided

that you pay property taxes and homeowner’s insurance, maintain the property, and occupy the home as your primary residence.

Once the purchase is complete, you can choose to make payments on the mortgage, or defer payback until the last remaining borrower permanently leaves the home. There is no mandatory mortgage payment, making this a great way to preserve cash flow later in life, while aging in a safe place suitable for long-term needs.

Using home equity as a buffer Some astute investors will set up a “buffer asset,” which is a bucket of money outside their investment portfolio that can be strategically used when needed.

The wealthiest people typically have enough cash saved to ride out shifts in the market so they don’t need to tap into their portfolios during economic downturns.

Most folks nearing retirement or currently retired don’t have that kind of cash lying around.

But homeowners 60 and up do have what is usually their largest asset: their home.

Monetizing the home with a reverse mortgage is a safe and effective strategy to create a buffer asset of tax-free money that can be used for comprehensive financial planning.

See REVERSE MORTGAGE, page B-7

more out of your retirement!

At Ashby Ponds, Greenspring, or Riderwood, you gain more than a stylish senior living apartment home, you gain a community filled with extraordinary amenities and services—at a value that may surprise you!

• Get MORE for your money with a host of amenities just steps from your door.

• Make your spending MORE predictable with a single, streamlined monthly bill.

• Experience MORE peace of mind with a variety of health and well-being services.

Get your free brochure! Call 1-877-575-0231 or visit DMVSeniorLiving.com today.

ASHBY PONDS GREENSPRING RIDERWOOD

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Get

In short, reverse mortgages can pay off and replace a traditional mortgage loan, reducing the burden of a mandatory monthly payment — and resulting in immediate savings.

That savings can be used in a variety of ways, but let’s focus on just two: purchasing a new home and creating a buffer asset.

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1

Reverse mortgage From page B-6 With adjustable-rate reverse mortgages, qualified homeowners can establish a line of credit as a bucket of cash — guaranteed to be there in reserve until needed. The line of credit comes with a guaranteed growth rate of .5 percent over the loan’s interest rate, giving you more borrowing power each year it’s in place.

Interest rates on these loan products are subject to change, but consider this example.

A 65-year-old borrower who takes out a reverse mortgage at an interest rate of 3 percent would see a growth rate of 3.5 percent. If that borrower opens a $100,000 line of credit, in 20 years that line of credit will be worth $204,000, provided that no withdrawals were taken from the $100,000. (There are no time restrictions on HECM lines of credit; however, jumbo reverse mortgage credit lines do have a 10-year draw period.)

Reverse mortgages also can help meet income needs in the event of a down market, preventing you from locking in market losses or having to sell stocks at a loss for living expenses.

Strategically accessing home equity with a reverse mortgage during times of economic uncertainty can give your portfolio an opportunity to recover from a market drop.

Incorporating housing wealth during retirement years can limit the amount of money you need to draw from your invest-

ment portfolio, allowing those assets to grow at a higher rate. Using all of your assets instead of just some can extend the longevity of your nest egg.

Most people don’t think of reverse mortgages as a way to extend the longevity of an investment portfolio, but today’s reverse mortgages are now recommended by some financial advisers and retirement researchers as part of a comprehensive financial plan to increase cash flow and help create a more comfortable retirement.

Because reverse mortgages are federally insured, they can never be suspended, frozen or reduced regardless of what happens to the home value or market conditions so long as the terms of the loan are met.

be financed in the loan. The origination fee is subject to the lender.

To be clear, reverse mortgages aren’t for everyone. Take ample time, explore your options and seek professional advice before deciding if this is the right option for you.

Steven J. Sless, CLTC® (NMLS: #298581

MLO: #49963) is president of The Steven J. Sless Group of Primary Residential Mortgage, Inc., the lender’s national division dealing exclusively with reverse mortgages. For more information, visit TheStevenJSlessGroup.com, call (410) 814-7575 or follow @MoreWithSless on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn or Instagram.

Loan costs Reverse mortgage borrowers must pay 2 percent of the home value, either up front as part of the closing costs or financed into the loan.

Also, 0.5 percent of the ongoing mortgage balance is added to the loan each year for federally-backed insurance, which makes reverse mortgages non-recourse loans. In other words, no debt from the reverse mortgage loan can be passed on to your heirs or your estate when the loan becomes due and payable.

Most other costs — such as title, municipality, counseling and appraisal fees and mortgage insurance premiums on federally-backed reverse mortgage loans — can

Where your ‫ٹ‬ȇƺɯ‫ژ‬ȇȒȸȅƏǼ‫ ٺ‬ ƬƏȇ‫ژ‬ƫƺ ƺɮƺȇ ƫƺɎɎƺȸِ As a resident at The Landing of Silver Spring, you won’t need to worry about things like housekeeping, ɵƏȸƳ‫ژ‬ɯȒȸǸً Ȓȸ ɎȸƏȇɀȵȒȸɎƏɎǣȒȇِ çȒɖ ƬƏȇ ǔȒƬɖɀ Ȓȇ ɯǝƏɎ‫ټ‬ɀ ȸƺƏǼǼɵ ǣȅȵȒȸɎƏȇɎ‫ژي‬ɵȒɖِ «ƺƳǣɀƬȒɮƺȸ Ə ȵƏɀɎ ǝȒƫƫɵ Ȓȸ ɖȇƬȒɮƺȸ Ə ȇƺɯ ȵƏɀɀǣȒȇ ǣȇ Ə ƬȒȅǔȒȸɎƏƫǼƺ ɵƺɎ ƏƬɎǣɮƺ ƺȇɮǣȸȒȇȅƺȇɎ ɎƏǣǼȒȸƺƳ ɎȒ ɵȒɖِ XɎ‫ټ‬ɀ‫ژ‬ˡɮƺ‫ٮ‬ɀɎƏȸ ǔɖȇً ɯǣɎǝ ˡɮƺ‫ٮ‬ɀɎƏȸ ɀƺȸɮǣƬƺِ

Take a home tour. Call today.

13908 New Hampshire Avenue | Silver Spring, MD (301) 200-0928 | TheLandingOfSilverSpring.com

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A Whole Lotta Heart

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INDEPENDENT LIVING

O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

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 SpringvaleTerraceApts.com

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

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 $835 per month with a signed lease before November 15th.

Call 301 587-0190 or email svtadmissions@seaburyresoources.org for info and to schedule a 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.

LIFE PLAN COMMUNITY

INDEPENDENT LIVING COMMUNITY

Vinson Hall Retirement Community 703-536-4344 6251 Old Dominion Drive McLean, VA 22101 www.vinsonhall.org Welcome to Vinson Hall, a vibrant senior living community located in McLean, Virginia. Here you'll discover a tight-knit community with all the amenities you want alongside a full continuum of care from independent living, assisted living, memory care support, nursing care, rehabilitative care, to respite care. We are now offering rental options for one-bedroom, onebathroom apartments! Instead of paying an entrance fee, renters pay a one-time $10,000 payment and monthly fees to access all VHRC amenities. Our rental plan also includes a $350 per month meal allowance to enjoy delicious meals at our two dining areas.

To find out more about our available apartments or learn more about our rental program, call us at 703.536.4344.

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.

ASSISTED LIVING & MEMORY CARE COMMUNITY

Chevy Chase House 202-905-0708

The Providence 571-396-0500

5420 Connecticut Avenue NW Washington, DC 20015 www.chevychasehouse.com

9490 Sprague Avenue Fairfax, VA 22031 www.providencefairfax.com

Fall is in full swing at Chevy Chase House with new services and amenities! Our new, state-of-the-art gym offers wellness classes; individualized cardiovascular exercise; balance training; and PT, OT, speech therapy and specialized Parkinson's programs from Fox Rehab.

Plus, our culinary team has created an exciting new menu inspired

by New York City delis. Enjoy more time with friends and family on our enlarged patio!

What is not new is our continued commitment to the care and well-being of our residents. Our spacious apartments start at $3999 for a studio. Call 202-905-0708 to schedule a tour, or stop by to learn more about our community. We look forward to meeting you!

The Providence, part of Silverstone & Watermark’s Élite Collection, is an elegant, artful assisted living and memory care community in Fairfax, Virginia that opened in March 2021. The Providence is in the heart of Fairfax County’s MetroWest neighborhood, with easy access to I-66, the Vienna/GMU Metro station and Dulles Airport. Worldclass amenities at The Providence include professional concierge and valet services, art studio, day spa, a salon and wellness center, chef-driven restaurants and more, all in an awe-inspiring setting with thoughtful and imaginative interior design, light-filled common areas and a rooftop terrace.

Watermark’s highly trained associates provide custom support, personal assistance and award-winning programs such as EngageVR, Watermark University and Thriving Through Music.

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Housing Options

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1

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FREE HOUSING AND OTHER INFORMATION For free information from advertisers in this special section, check off those that interest you and mail this entire page to the Beacon. Please do not request info if you are not interested.

All forms received by Nov. 5, 2021 have an equal chance to win tickets to Ford’s Theatre.

HOUSING COMMUNITIES: WASHINGTON, DC

❑ Chevy Chase House . . .B-8 & B-15

❑ Residences at Thomas Circle . . . . . . . . . .B-4 & B-12

MARYLAND

❑ Brooke Grove Retirement Village . . . . .-B-10–11, B-12, B-14, B-18 ❑ Covenant Village . . . . . . . . . .B-18 ❑ Emerson House . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-8 ❑ Homecrest House . . . . .B-8 & B-16 ❑ Landing at Silver Spring, The . .B-7 ❑ Modena Reserve . . . . .B-2 & B-12 ❑ Maplewood Park Place .B-5 & B-14 ❑ Quantum Property Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-17

❑ ❑ ❑ ❑

Riderwood . . . . . . . . . .B-6 & B-12 Ring House . . . . . . . .B-13 & B-18 Seneca, The . . . . . . . . .B-3 & B-14 Springvale Terrace Asst. Liv. . . . . . . . . . .B-14, B-19 ❑ Springvale Terrace Indep. Liv. . . . . . . . . . .B-8, B-16

VIRGINIA ❑ Ashby Ponds . . . . . . . .B-6 & B-14 ❑ Chesterbrook Residences . . . . . . . . .B-6 & B-14 ❑ Falcons Landing . . . . . . . . . . .B-18 ❑ Greenspring . . . . . . . . .B-6 & B-18 ❑ Landing Alexandria, The . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-3 & B-12 ❑ Providence Fairfax, The . .B-3 & B-8

❑ Sommerset . . . . . . . . .B-12 & B-17 ❑ Vinson Hall . . . . . . . . . .B-8 & B-15

HOME HEALTH CARE/COMPANION SERVICES ❑ Best Senior Care . . . . . . . . ..B-19 ❑ EZ Home Care . . . . . . . . . . . ..B-2

HOME MATCHING SERVICE

❑ HIP Home Sharing . . . . . . . . . .B-7

RETAIL ❑ Perfect Sleep Chair . . . . . . . .B-20 ❑ The Zoomer . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-20

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 free info form on page 5 together with this coupon.

Name __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address ____________________________________________________E-mail_______________________________________________ City _______________________________________________________ State ______________________ Zip ____________________ Phone (day) _______________________________________________ (eve) __________________________________________

WB1021

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O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

VILLAGE LIFE the following is excerpted from

Young-at-Heart Residents Create New Jet Ski Memories hether riding on a Jet Ski for the first time or welcoming a return to the water, Brooke Grove Retirement Village (BGRV) residents participating in the 25th Annual Jet Ski Picnic embraced the opportunity with enthusiasm. The much-anticipated event was hosted by Williamsport Retirement Village (WRV) on Dam 4 on the Potomac River in Sharpsburg, Maryland, on August 25.

W

While jet skiing is not usually a routine activity for those in their age bracket, the intrepid seniors from BGRV’s independent living (IL) community and Brooke Grove Rehabilitation and Nursing Center (BGRNC) were eager to take on the challenge.

A multitude of BGRV employee team members were on hand to ensure that residents who needed assistance were safely lifted onto one of two jet skis and into the care of experienced drivers. An exhilarating spin down the river brought a sense of freedom and joy to participants.

BGRV Plant Operations Director Jeff Richmond savors homemade ice cream from Antietam Dairy

“Am I really doing this?!” repeatedly exclaimed one excited BGRNC resident as she skimmed across the water and delighted in the passing scenery. While floating logs and branches sometimes required slower speeds on past occasions, the lack of storm debris

IL resident Glo Hong prepares to cruise down the Potomac with WRV Regional Administrator and driver Tim Berry.

this year allowed drivers to open the throttle for those who felt the need for speed. “That was the best ride I’ve ever had on the river!” noted IL resident Gar Guyton.

CM Pig Out Catering served up a delicious lunch menu of hamburgers, veggie burgers, hot dogs and pulled BBQ chicken along with macaroni and fruit salads for residents to enjoy in a shaded tent decorated with balloons and fresh flowers. Homemade treats from the Antietam Dairy truck tantalized taste buds with “the creamiest ice cream I’ve ever had!” according to IL resident Al Smith.

“It was a beautiful, sunny day, and we are so grateful to Regional Administrator Tim Berry and his team for putting on this event for our campus,” concluded BGRV Executive Director Patty Gomez.

Message from the Village From the desk of Dennis Hunter, president, Brooke Grove Foundation ur annual Jet Ski Picnic, launched

by Williamsport Retirement Village 25 years ago, is all about providing enriching experiences. Some residents are excited about trying something new. Some are apprehensive but want to participate anyway. Some have spent their lives enjoying the water but believe they will never have the opportunity to do so again. No matter what their motivation for joining

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ASSISTED LIVING

in, the joy on their faces as they return to shore is truly powerful.

This outing is good for the soul, all the way around. It does so much for the residents who relish the freedom of cruising down the river as well as for those who prefer to savor a picnic lunch while watching the action. It’s also extremely rewarding for the employee team members who take on the tremendous effort of creating a unique experience that will result in a memory that will last.

We’ll all be talking about the Jet Ski Picnic for a long time, and we’re already looking forward to next year!

REHABILITATION

LONG-TERM CARE

MEMORY SUPPORT

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1

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Johns Hopkins Partnerss with BGV to Co onduct Research Studies rooke Grove Rehabilitation and Nursing Center residents, family members and staff were recently invited to participate in two research projects being conducted by colleagues and partners at Johns Hopkins Medicine. Both studies address unique health issues facing older adults and involve a short interview or questionnaire, which will be conducted by phone or online.

B

The first pproject j addresses antibiotic use. “Antibiotics are overused, especially in treating older adults, and this results in increased antibiotic resistance. We want to understand how families and caregivers perceive the effectiveness and side effects of antibiotics, which in turn will lead to better prescribing practices,” wrote Brooke Grove Retirement Village (BGR RV V) Executive Director Patty Gomez in a letter encouraging participation in the voluntary and confidential studies. The second project focuses on understanding how residents and caregivers have fared through the challenges of the past year’s COVID epidemic.

Both studies have been approved by the Johns Hopkins University (JHU) Institutional Review Board, which is the

oversight and ethics committee for all clinicaal research. At the end of the endeavor, the JHU team will proviide BGR RV with feedback and advice on how to improve care for residents.

Barbara Hackett Prom moted to Director of Vo Volunteer Se ervices arbara Hackett was named director of volunteer services for Brooke Grove Retirement Village (BGR RV V) on August 2.

She joined Brooke Grove Rehabilitation and Nursing Center (BGRNC) in 2019 as guest services liaison and was honored as a LIFE Illustrator of the Month in 2020. Having previously worked in management positions for retail and business organizations, Ms. Hackett has the strong customer service, supervisory and

B

For more information about Brooke Grove, call

301- 637-8928 18100 Slade School Road Sandy Spring g, MD 20860

www.bgf.o org INDEPENDENT LIVING

ASSISTED T LIVING

organizational skills essential to her new role.

“Through her work at BGRNC, Barbara has demonstrated her commitment to Brooke Grove Foundation’s mission and residents,” noted BGR RV Executive Director Patty Gomez.

“She has already identified new areas that will be well served by volunteers and is excited about working with current volunteers rs and recruiting new team members to meet the needs of the BGR RV ccommunityy. She has a warm and welcoming personalityy, and I know that she will greet each volunteer with gratitude and enthusiasm.”

To learn about volunteering at BGR RV V, visit bgf.org/volunteers or contact Ms. Hackett at 301-570-7081 or volunteers@bgf.org.

REHABIL LITA TA AT TION

LONG-TERM CARE

MEMOR RY Y SUPPORT

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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 awarded with the Senior Advisor 2021 Best of Senior Living award, an award exclusively designated to only 3% of senior communities nationwide.

Call us or visit our website to request more information or to schedule your tour.

INDEPENDENT & ASSISTED LIVING + MEMORY CARE

The Landing 571-577-6011 2620 Main Line Boulevard Alexandria VA 22301 www.landingalexandria.com Leasing Office: 950 N. Washington Street, Suites 213 & 214, Alexandria, VA 22314 The Landing, part of Silverstone & Watermark’s Élite Collection, is an independent living, assisted living and memory care community opening in early 2022. Located in the new collective National Landing neighborhood, The Landing offers residences with private balconies and sweeping views of the Potomac River and Washington, D.C., including nine premium penthouse suites. With its emphasis on hospitality-focused living and state-of-the-art amenities, The Landing offers an array of culinary options, including three signature chef-driven restaurants, a wine cellar, private dining and a rooftop terrace lounge featuring regionally inspired cuisine and local ingredients. The Landing’s lifestyle offers unparalleled comfort and convenience close to the Metro, Reagan National Airport, the future site of Amazon HQ2 and more.

INDEPENDENT LIVING COMMUNITY

Riderwood Retirement Community 877-742-4390 3140 Gracefield Road Silver Spring, MD 20904 Riderwood.com Riderwood Offers an Experience That Your House Can’t At Riderwood, you gain more than a stylish senior living apartment home, you gain a 120-acre community with extraordinary benefits.

It’s Silver Spring’s premier senior living community that allows for complete peace of mind.

Between the fitness center, indoor pool, chef-prepared meals, and hundreds of clubs and activities, Riderwood offers an experience that a house can’t. It’s all-inclusive living at a great value!

With a variety of apartment homes to fit your style and budget, you never worry about another big-ticket house repair.

The streamlined Monthly Service Package covers maintenance, cable TV, property taxes, telephone, and more. Predictable spending means fewer worries.

For more information, call 877-742-4390 today to request a free brochure.

O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

LIFE PLAN COMMUNITY

The Residences at Thomas Circle 571-317-0437 1330 Massachusetts Avenue NW Washington DC 20005 ThomasCircleSeniorLiving.com Located in downtown Washington, D.C., The Residences at Thomas Circle provides exceptional senior living. With personalized care, delicious dining and a location just steps away from the finest monuments, museums and culture our country has to offer, it's no wonder we're the community of choice for so many seniors.

It's a luxury lifestyle that's full of opportunities. With an on-site fitness center, outdoor pool, library, a salon and spa, and a rich variety of activities and hobby clubs, there's always something to enjoy.

And we offer award-winning memory care with the option of fully furnished apartments.

We create a safe, enriching community where seniors can live well, know they're safe, and maintain dignity and purpose.

INDEPENDENT LIVING + ASSISTED LIVING + MEMORY CARE

Modena Reserve at Kensington 240-998-9990 10540 Metropolitan Avenue Kensington, MD 20895 www.modenakensington.com Welcome Center: 3720 Farragut Ave., Suite 105, Kensington, MD 20895 Excited to keep savoring all the best that life has to offer, but ready to be free from day-to-day concerns? Modena Reserve at Kensington, opening soon, features Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care with an extraordinary blend of sophistication, excitement, beauty and convenience in a highly desirable location. Residents enjoy the highest standards in safety, engaging programs, exquisite cuisine, best-in-class amenities, innovative technology, exemplary service and an abundance of elegance. Call us at 240-998-9990 to learn more, and to find out about our exclusive Estate Club benefits totaling over $10,000!

Live exceptional, every day, at Modena Reserve at Kensington.

REHABILITATION

Brooke Grove Retirement Village 301-637-8928 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

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1

Housing News

By Margaret Foster

Game table entertains, engages This summer, residents of The Virginian, a senior living community in Fairfax, Virginia, noticed an unusual new table in their common room. Called Obie for Seniors, the table-like device projects colorful games onto its surface. One to four players can participate, slapping the table and dragging their fingers across the illuminated screen.

“The residents really seem to enjoy it,” said Andrew Carle, executive director of The Virginian, who brought Obie to the facility. “We’re among the very first to have it in the country, let alone on the East Coast.”

Carle, who has a background in technology, has been designing memory care facilities for 25 years. When he heard of Obie for Seniors, he knew it was perfect for The Virginian, which will soon have 40 memory care apartments as part of a $56.5 million renovation. Des Moines-based LCS manages the community and 140 others.

“Part of the reason I joined the Virginian was to design an entirely new memory care facility,” Carle said. “We really wanted to take it to the next level.”

With a goal “to offer state of the art science-based evidence-based memory care — and to use technology to do that,” Carle said, The Virginian will feature circadian lighting, daytime programs and colorcoded neighborhoods so residents don’t get lost.

For memory care, he said, “You’re trying to address apathy, you’re trying to address boredom, and you’re trying to address the ability to communicate.” Obie is fun, engaging and doesn’t require communication, he pointed out.

“If you think of the ABCs of dementia care, it’s one device covering all the bases.”

Creative storytelling at Waltonwood Every week, residents of Waltonwood Ashburn’s memory care unit in Ashburn, Virginia, gather to tell their stories.

“The creative storytelling program is one that is incredibly special for our community,” said Rachel Reed, life enrichment assistant, who facilitates the program.

“This program gives our memory care residents the opportunity to tell their own stories in a way that is entirely their own… and build connections with one another.”

Launched three years ago, the program asks residents to talk about a theme. For example, at one meeting the class tossed around a beach ball and created sand art, then shared memories about the beach.

“These exercises provide our residents with the ability to use their voices to con-

nect with one another while they create,” Reed said.

Waltonwood at Ashburn has 114 independent living apartment homes, 72 assisted living apartments and 27 memory care apartments (mix of private studios, oneand two-bedroom floor plans) for up to 270 residents at its 14.5-acre facility.

Luxury apartments unveiled Acclaim at Belmont Bay, new luxury senior apartments in Woodbridge, Virginia, held its grand opening last summer.

The apartment complex, located near the Occoquan Historic District and the Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, has a restaurant, pool, fitness center, game room and greenhouse, all overseen by a professional services staff, weekly house-

keepers and maintenance personnel.

Residents can also watch a movie in the facility’s small theater, take classes in the Occoquan Art studio, and enjoy on-site beauty services at the spa and salon.

Open to people 62 and older and to people with disabilities, Acclaim at Belmont Bay is a joint venture between Senior Lifestyle Corporation and Bonaventure Senior Living.

Author festival at Ashby Ponds On Sept. 22, two dozen proud writers presented their books at Ashby Ponds’ author festival. Their self-published books included history titles, poetry, memoir, fiction, horror and inspirational works.

Ashby Ponds, an Erickson Senior Living Community of 1,800 residents in Ashburn, Va., welcomed the press and others to the event.

>/D/d d/D K&& Z >/D/d d/D K&& Z

It’s the Little Things ...

It’s the server who greets you every morning with a warm smile and coffee — just the way you like it..

That Make the Biggest Difference.

BEACON BITS

Oct. 13

WHAT IT MEANS TO BE HUMAN

The National History Museum hosts

LIMITED TIME OFFER: NO COMMUNITY FEE.

a free virtual conversation with Melanie Challenger, an environmental philosopher, who will discuss what it means to be human and reflects on how technology influences our sense of our own animal nature. This event takes place Wed., Oct. 13 from 5 to

Discover Independent Living at Ring House.

Call 301-476-4390 and ask about year-end savings

6 p.m. For more information and to register, visit bit.ly/HumanandAnimalNature.

SmithLifeCommunities.org | 1801 East Jefferson Street Rockville, MD 20852

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ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNITY

Chesterbrook Residences 703-531-0781 2030 Westmoreland Street Falls Church, VA www.chesterbrookres.org Chesterbrook Residences has been named the Best of the Best Senior/Assisted Living Community by readers of the Sun Gazette.

What makes Chesterbrook such a beloved senior living provider with families? Everything we do is driven by our commitment to the well-being of our residents! By providing excellent care, delicious meals, and engaging activities, we help our residents live a fulfilling, healthy life. We also offer 24-hour access to licensed nurses, visiting physicians, and on-site rehabilitation. Schedule your tour of Chesterbrook today – an award-winning assisted living community in Falls Church!

PERSONAL CARE/ASSISTED LIVING

Seabury at Springvale Terrace (301) 587-8717 8505 Springvale Road Silver Spring, MD 20910 SpringvaleTerraceApts.com 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 301-587-0190 or email svtadmissions@seaburyresoources.org for info and to schedule a tour.

O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

ASSISTED LIVING & MEMORY CARE COMMUNITY

The Seneca 240-614-2800 55 W Gude Drive Rockville, MD 20850 www.senecarockville.com The Seneca, part of Silverstone & Watermark’s Élite Collection, is a brand-new assisted living and memory care community now open next to King Farm in Rockville, Maryland. This naturefocused community is redefining assisted living with high-end dining showcasing sustainable seafood and other Marylandinspired cuisine, a wellness-focused lifestyle, forward-thinking technology and attentive personal care. Surrounded by tall, lush trees, The Seneca is a peaceful oasis in an ideal suburban location. Among other world-class amenities, the tranquil Serenity Garden and meditative Labyrinth Walk offer the chance to connect with nature. Each memory care associate is a Certified Dementia Practitioner, trained extensively on caring for and engaging with residents suffering from memory loss.

INDEPENDENT LIVING COMMUNITY

Ashby Ponds 877-664-5445 21170 Ashby Ponds Boulevard Ashburn, VA 20147 AshbyPonds.com Ashby Ponds Offers an Experience That Your House Can’t At Ashby Ponds, you gain more than a stylish senior living apartment home, you gain a 132-acre community with extraordinary benefits.

It’s Ashburn’s premier senior living community that allows for complete peace of mind.

Between the fitness center, indoor pool, chef-prepared meals, and hundreds of clubs and activities, Ashby Ponds offers an experience that a house can’t. It’s all-inclusive living at a great value!

With a variety of apartment homes to fit your style and budget, you never worry about another big-ticket house repair. The streamlined Monthly Service Package covers maintenance, cable TV, property taxes, telephone, and more. Predictable spending means fewer worries.

For more information, call 877-664-5445 today to request a free brochure.

INDEPENDENT LIVING COMMUNITY CONTINUING CARE RETIREMENT COMMUNITY

Maplewood Park Place (301) 571-7444 9707 Old Georgetown Road Bethesda, MD 20814 MaplewoodParkPlace.com Discover the best of all worlds at Maplewood Park Place, the area's premier resident-owned retirement community, with continuing care — all “under one roof.” We've redefined retirement living for active adults 62+. Enjoy a warm and charming community you'll be happy to call home. Take part in a broad array of social, cultural, educational, spiritual, and recreational events each month. Delight in five-star dining, beautiful amenities, outstanding services and attentive staff.

Have peace of mind knowing a full range of health care options are available, when and if you need them. Come see for yourself why Maplewood has been the right choice for so many.

Brooke Grove Retirement Village 301-637-8928 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.

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Housing Options

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Wise remodeling increases home value

By Kenya Burrell-VanWormer Some remodeling choices may add value to homes, and others can actually subtract value — and some choices, such as a built-in aquarium, may make a property challenging to sell.

Most remodeling projects cost more than the amount your home’s value will increase, so you shouldn’t assume that you’ll recoup every cent you spend on a homeimprovement project. However, some types of projects come closer to paying for themselves when you eventually sell.

When you’re considering selling a home, it may make sense to undertake a particular project to make the house more attractive to buyers.

When you’re living in a home and intend to be there for some time, the best reason to remodel is to get more pleasure and functionality from your home. While you’re at it, making wise choices can pay off in the long run.

Here are some of the best ways to get the most value from your projects: —Homeowners use kitchens to entertain.

After all, the kitchen is the heart of the home, the place people like to gather. So it’s no surprise that upgraded kitchens can be a great remodeling project.

Solid-surface counters in granite, marble, Corian or Silestone are hot, as are professional-quality appliances. Stoves with

more than four burners and cabinets in maple, cherry and birch make even the most jaded homebuyer swoon.

—Bathrooms have become private havens, and more people are adding luxury master baths with jetted tubs or steam showers like the ones often seen in spas.

Natural materials or synthetic materials that look natural (like laminate flooring) will attract buyers.

—A fresh coat of paint or a new color can do wonders for your home. And if you don’t like the color, just paint over it.

—Make sure your home looks great from the outside, because a well-kept home is more attractive to potential buyers. Drive down your street and check out the neighbors’ yards. Then grab those hedge clippers and get to work.

Think landscaping isn’t a big deal? Mature, beautiful trees can add thousands of dollars in value to a property, according to appraisers. Lush grass is preferable to compacted dirt. Trimmed bushes and edged grass make the whole yard look better.

If your home has a porch, clean it up and make it useable. Front and back porches are selling points.

house — however minor — it can make your home less appealing and detract from the value if it’s not repaired.

Even if you’re not selling in the near future, little problems don’t fix themselves and can quickly turn into big problems and a more expensive solution.

Also, if you’re going to have to lay out some money to fix a problem before you sell your home anyway, you might as well fix it as soon as it breaks. That way, at least you get the benefit of the repair while you’re still living in your home.

Visit your neighbors’ remodeling projects and tour model homes and furniture showrooms to check out current design trends and identify styles you like.

Make a list of the improvements you want

to make. Then rank them in order of importance. You might love to take a jackhammer to your kitchen, but your priorities might depend on your budget, in which case you may have to start with painting the trim.

Ask a Realtor The value of improvements can vary from region to region and even neighborhood to neighborhood.

Ask a Realtor when you’re thinking about a room addition or kitchen remodel if you want an opinion on how it might affect the resale value of your home. And if you’re getting ready to sell, a Realtor can give you advice about which remodeling projects might help your home sell faster or increase its value.

—AP

Keep up maintenance It sounds obvious, but fix what needs fixing. If something’s broken in your

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O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Subscribe online! See how on p. 25

Fund a dream retirement with your home

By Harriet Edleson Selling a mortgage-free house can put money in your pocket and give you the opportunity to dream, explore or start a new life in a different area.

Consider Suzanne and Paul, who had paid off their mortgage and were willing to take on some risk. First, they sold their suburban New York home and left for Israel, where they rented an apartment for 10 months.

“By moving to a less expensive area, it frees up money to travel,” said Suzanne, now in her mid-70s.

Next, they spent a month traveling in Africa and Europe, and then rented an apartment in Manhattan for two months.

They sold most of their possessions and ultimately paid cash for a furnished condo-

minium in South Florida.

The couple had been in business for many years and felt they had enough money to feel secure. Also, they wanted to live closer to relatives already living in Florida. Family relationships, climate and the cost of living drove their decision.

“The rest didn’t matter,” Suzanne said.

“Nothing will be perfect. We prioritized.”

If you are mortgage-free, you’ll have more options because any money you clear in the sale goes directly into your pocket after real estate agent fees and other costs.

“If you can be retired and not have a mortgage, it can be a lot better,” said Anna Rappaport, chair of the Society of Actuaries Committee on Post-Retirement Needs and Risks.

Mortgage-free lifestyle

Biggest asset

Even if you are still carrying a mortgage, if you have equity in your home — say, 60% or more — selling can still be a route to a new retirement lifestyle. The biggest advantage, according to some who have made the change, is the sense of freedom that lies ahead.

Approximately a third of those who bought a home between 2020 and 2021 were ages 54 to 72, according to the 2021 Home Buyer and Seller Generational Trends Report.

Proceeds from the sale of a primary residence was often the source of the down payment. Among those ages 54 to 63, 51% used the proceeds for their down payment, according to the 2019 report. Among those ages 64 to 72, more than half (54%) did.

The percentage was the highest among those ages 73 to 93, at 60%.

Remember, for most people, the phase of life called retirement can last 25 or 30 years.

There are many different ways to use the equity in your home for retirement.

Here are three: —Downsize to less expensive housing in your area and invest any remaining money from the sale of your home.

—Downsize to less expensive housing in a less expensive area, and invest the rest of the money from the sale of your original home.

—Move to an active-adult community in a less expensive area, and invest the rest of the money from the sale of your home.

Downsizing can save you 35% or more on housing costs, Rappaport said. Create a budget to consider different variables and combinations. Think of it as a “spending plan going forward,” Rappaport said.

After you downsize, your cost of living may be lower, but be sure to include these items in your retirement spending plan: • home maintenance and repairs • vehicle maintenance and repairs • travel and entertainment costs • the potential for rising healthcare costs If you decide to purchase a condominium, townhouse or other property in an active-adult or other type of community, be sure to consider any taxes or charges that typically will increase each year.

In addition, check if there is a reserve fund for long-term maintenance and if it is funded for any community you are considering, or have your lawyer check. Ask a financial person at the property rather than the marketing director if there are any asSee MORTGAGE FREE, page B-19

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Say you saw it in the Beacon | Housing Options

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1

B-17

How to find and hire a home health aide

By Kiplinger Washington Editors When Richard Foye was looking for a home health aide to live with his 97-yearold mother, he found the search daunting.

One applicant was bipolar and admitted that she didn’t always take her medication.

Another was afraid to stay overnight alone with his mom.

Finally, Foye found a caring and capable aide. But “it was a struggle,” he said.

Care at home can be a lot less expensive than a nursing home or an assisted-living facility, especially for those who need only a few hours of help a day. And staying in familiar surroundings can be much more comfortable for the patient than living in an institution.

There are many options for hiring trained aides through private companies.

Finding an aid to hire directly, as Foye learned, is not easy. But with perseverance, it’s a manageable task.

Types of aides To start, think about the level of help your parent or spouse will need. For the most seriously ill, there are registered nurses, who can manage many complex medical conditions, administer medications, and operate sophisticated equipment.

At the next level are certified nursing assistants, who have training in first aid and in

helping patients bathe, go to the bathroom and transfer from a bed to a wheelchair.

Finally, for those who don’t need skilled assistance, there are companions and homemakers, who may have little or no medical training.

Once you settle on a level of care, decide how many hours of assistance you’ll need. Does your mom need someone to come in just a few mornings a week to help her cook, clean or perhaps bathe? If mom needs constant care, you can hire aides to work eight- or 12-hour shifts.

Hiring a live-in aide would be a lot less costly, since you’ll be providing room and board. But you can’t expect a live-in to be on call 24 hours a day. If your loved one needs to be turned in bed every few hours, you’ll need to use shift workers.

Often the biggest area of conflict between aides and clients is confusion over what services will be provided and by whom. For instance, families often expect aides to administer medications. But aides need specialized training and nurse supervision in order to be able to do so.

Many ways to find an aide You can hire an aide in one of three ways.

The simplest but most expensive option is to hire an employee of a home-health agency.

The benefits of this approach are that the

agency will vet the employee, handle the aide’s withholding taxes and any benefits, and will find a fill-in on days your aide cannot come. The agency may also provide insurance and arrange ongoing training.

In the D.C. area, the going rate is $25 to $30 an hour for a certified aide who is an agency employee. A registered nurse will likely cost twice as much.

A second option is to hire an independent aide through home-health agencies called registries or staffing services. These firms act like an old-fashioned hiring hall.

They may check aides for competency or a criminal record, but the level of screening differs by firm. Aides hired through a registry may cost, on average, around $20 an hour.

To find a good agency, check with your local area agency on aging (AAA) or a nonprofit information-and-referral service.

The federal government’s Home Health Care Compare at medicare.gov/care-compare provides broad quality ratings for Medicare-approved agencies. (But note that Medicare itself will pay for only very limited home care after a hospitalization.)

Questions to ask Once you’ve selected some potential companies, call and ask many questions. How long has the firm been in business? Is the firm insured? How does it handle complaints?

See HOME HEALTH AIDE, page B-19

Affordable Senior Communities Discover how great senior living is at one of our affordable apartment communities. Many of our communities feature 24-hour emergency maintenance, full activities programs, spacious floor plans, affordable rents, caring and dedicated staff, and much more. We are conveniently located near shopping, including grocery stores and pharmacies. Let us help you live life to the fullest.

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Housing Options | Subscribe online! See how on p. 25

INDEPENDENT LIVING COMMUNITY

Greenspring Retirement Community 877-589-9570 7410 Spring Village Drive, Springfield, VA 22150 GreenspringCommunity.com Greenspring Offers an Experience That Your House Can’t At Greenspring, you gain more than a stylish senior living apartment home, you gain a 58-acre community with extraordinary benefits. It’s Fairfax County’s premier senior living community that allows for complete peace of mind.

Between the fitness center, indoor pool, chef-prepared meals, and hundreds of clubs and activities, Greenspring offers an experience that a house can’t. It’s all-inclusive living at a great value!

With a variety of apartment homes to fit your style and budget, you never worry about another big-ticket house repair.

The streamlined Monthly Service Package covers maintenance, cable TV, property taxes, telephone, and more. Predictable spending means fewer worries.

ASSISTED LIVING & MEMORY CARE

Brooke Grove Retirement Village 301-637-8928 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.

INDEPENDENT LIVING COMMUNITY

Covenant Village Senior Apartments 301-540-1162 18889 Waring Station Road Germantown, MD 20874 www.qpmgmt.com • 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 Janiece.

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.

O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

INDEPENDENT LIVING COMMUNITY

Falcons Landing 703-293-5054 20522 Falcons Landing Circle Potomac Falls, VA 20165 www.falconslanding.org Falcons Landing, a Life Plan Community in Potomac Falls, Virginia, welcomes officers from all branches of service, whether retired or honorably discharged, as well as federal employees of GS-14 and higher, spouses and surviving spouses.

Falcons Landing is proud to announce the opening of The Terrace Home Apartments, with 24 new units that fuse the best of apartment and cottage living. Expect to find generous square footage and social spaces to gather with neighbors—new residents are already gathering weekly to enjoy happy hour! 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, an active lifestyle and entertaining family and friends.

INDEPENDENT LIVING COMMUNITY

Ring House Residence at Charles E. Smith Life Communities 301-476-4390 1801 E Jefferson Street Rockville, MD 20852 https://www.smithlifecommunities.org/residences/ring-house/ As part of our overall commitment to maintaining a brain healthy lifestyle we have partnered with BCAT®, a leader in innovative brain health, to provide our residents at Ring House Residence access to daily innovative health and wellness programming and exercises that can be completed online in the comfort of their own homes.

To learn more details about our award-winning and innovative lifestyle programming at Ring House Residence please visit our website.

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1

Mortgage free From page B-16 sessments of residents pending.

Research, visit or rent first Some retirees like the idea of selling their current home first, giving them the option to rent while a new home is being built or while deciding where to buy.

Home health aide From page B-17 Most important, you’ll want to learn all you can about the individual aide they will be sending you. You’ll also want to know what their policy is on replacing an aide that you and your mom do not like.

If you have long-term care insurance, read the policy carefully and contact your agent to determine if it will cover all or part of your costs. Some policies will reimburse you only if you hire through an approved agency.

Medicare and Medicaid, which pays for long-term home care only if you meet strict income and asset tests, will also require you to hire through an approved firm.

You can save money by hiring an aide on your own. You may find one through a newspaper ad, an online service such as Craigslist.org, or a friend. You’ll negotiate your own price, but expect to pay about $15 to $25 an hour.

Note that if you go this route, you will

A couple from California in their late 60s opted to rent in a luxury building in Chevy Chase, Maryland. They had sold their home and relocated to be near their adult children and grandchildren. They liked the flexibility of renting.

Your decision will be entirely personal, based on your assets and individual preferences.

Wherever you consider moving, it’s not

the same as visiting or vacationing there.

Research online, speak to people who live in that area, and be realistic about how a great climate in the winter can be unbearable in the heat and humidity of summer.

No location will be perfect. If you can afford to travel to the new location at least once before you move, you can save time and avoid mistakes in the long run.

“The faster you can make the right deci-

sion, the better off you are,” said Sylvia Ehrlich, president of Intrepid Relocation International.

Whatever your situation, looking at the bigger picture, getting input from a financial expert and a real estate agent, and considering your preferences will help give you a sense of the option that is right for you.

This article is an excerpt from Harriet Edleson’s book 12 Ways to Retire on Less.

have the responsibilities of an employer.

You’ll have to pay Social Security taxes, withhold income taxes, check references, and make sure that an immigrant worker has a green card.

Also, by self-hiring, you will have to make other arrangements when your aide calls in sick or takes vacation.

she does each day.

Visit frequently, and at irregular times.

Check that the house is clean, that the refrigerator is full and that mom is doing well — that she’s up and dressed (if that is possible) every morning. If she is confined to bed, check for bedsores.

Many aides are immigrants. Some may speak English with a heavy accent, and if mom has difficulty hearing, communicat-

ing can be a challenge at first. But if the aide seems caring and competent, give it a few weeks. You’ll be surprised at how well they’ll be able to work things out.

It is crucial that you communicate with the aide. If an aide is doing a good job, offer your thanks. If there are problems, talk about it. © The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Media Services.

Evaluating an aide Before choosing an aide, conduct an inhome interview. Most reputable agencies will conduct a formal assessment of your loved one’s needs either by phone or by sending a registered nurse, along with the prospective aide, to the patient’s home.

Ask the aide about his or her experience.

If your mom has dementia or other special needs, see if the aide has cared for such patients before. Find out if the agency or the aide has malpractice insurance.

After you hire someone, prepare a daily schedule of duties, so that expectations are clear. Have the aide keep a log of what

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B-20

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1

Money

19

Law &

Washington Post writer Michelle Singletary’s new book offers advice for a crisis. See story on page 23.

Should you stay in the stock market?

Many readers have written recently ask- and he has been justified in doing so based ing if they should be reducing their alloca- on market performance. tion to the stock market because of the excellent perReasons to be bullish Here are some of the reaformance over the last few sons he continues to be bullyears. ish: I have always recommendHe noted that second-quared re-balancing your portfolio ter profits were on track to inonce a year. I do re-balance crease by a record high myself, sometimes more than [which they did]. He pointed once a year. out that companies reacted to Stock markets rarely go up the pandemic by cutting continuously, so it does pay to THE SAVINGS costs, and profit margins inbe prudent and not become GAME creased as well as sales. too enamored by excellent By Elliot Raphaelson There is a backlog of orders stock market gains. There will always be periods when stock markets currently, which is another very positive indicator of increasing earnings growth. will fall in value.

In the long run, stock market prices will Yardeni indicated that Federal Reserve be determined by corporate profitability. policy has helped the stock market and, as On that basis, you can be optimistic, at a result, price earnings (P/E) ratios did least in the short-run. not fall as much as you would expect in a In a recent Barron’s article, Leslie Nor- period of recession. ton interviewed Ed Yardeni, the President Although the P/E ratio is high, in of Yardeni Research, who has an impres- Yardeni’s opinion the high ratio is justified sive background and is well-respected in because of the Fed policy and because the industry. Yardeni has been bullish earnings prospects currently are very about the stock market for some time now, good. He believes that the stock market

will continue to do well in the near-future because of the prospect of higher earnings.

Yardeni went on to forecast a 5,000 level for the S&P in 2023. He expects earnings per share in 2023 to be approximately $230/share at year-end. (Most analysts predict that earnings would average $200/share at the end of this year and $219 at the end of 2022.)

Although he doesn’t expect earnings growth in the third and fourth quarter to be as good as the second quarter, earnings will be at record levels, and that should be a good omen for market prices.

Yardeni is not very concerned about inflation, because he believes that productivity will increase by 4% by the middle of the decade, and will stay there a while.

He anticipates that the labor market will remain tight and corporations will have to increase wages, but that the improvement in productivity will outweigh the increase in wages. He predicts that wages will increase faster than prices, and that the result will be higher profit margins.

He doesn’t believe that there will be significant economic risks as a result of

COVID-19, because he believes that the Delta variant will lead more people to be vaccinated, and that is a positive factor.

Entrepreneurs create prosperity Yardeni discussed a new book he is writing titled In Praise of Profits. In the book, he points out that the S&P accounts for “only about half of national corporate profits.” A significant portion of profits is derived from S corporations, which aren’t publicly traded and don’t pay corporate taxes. The profits are distributed to shareholders, who pay personal taxes on the dividends and income.

In addition, there are other “passthrough businesses,” and if you add all of them, there are 36 million business entities owned by one or a few shareholders that add to overall employment.

In summary, he believes that there is a great deal of entrepreneurship in this country that is not appreciated, “particularly by the progressives.” He believes this entrepreneurship has created a great deal of prosperity in the country.

See STOCK MARKET, page 20

Volunteer options you may not know of

By Janet Bodnar My earlier column on fulfilling ways to spend retirement continues to generate inspirational responses from readers, many of whom have sung the praises of volunteering. You also named service groups that you have found rewarding.

I’ll cite a number of them for those of you in search of a cause that strikes a chord.

Many of your efforts focus on children.

After working for more than 40 years as a registered dietician in hospitals and nursing homes, reader Linda Hall volunteers for Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse, which delivers giftfilled shoeboxes to children around the world.

“I am using my marketing MBA and my organizational and people skills,” Hall writes. “Sometimes I think that my training and experience were meant all along to be applied in my volunteer work.”

Nila Whitfield, who describes herself as a “teacher wannabe” who always wanted to

work with kids, has donated time to MakeA-Wish and A Kid Again, helping families with children facing critical illnesses.

Reader Jodie Black requests that I mention her group, National CASA/GAL Association, which has more than 950 local affiliates that train volunteers to work with children in foster care.

Reader Marty Jacobson helps people at the other end of the age spectrum: He was an original member of Seniors vs. Crime, a special task force of the Florida attorney general’s office dedicated to prosecuting criminals who defraud elderly Florida residents.

Now retired, Jacobson has rejoined the task force, which has 36 offices throughout Florida and more than 200 senior volunteers. “I am very evangelical about working for this group,” writes Jacobson.

In addition to being president of a local symphony orchestra, Charles Dye is a mentor with SCORE, a national organization of experienced businesspeople who counsel

small businesses. “I’m 87 and am amazed that I’m still enjoying life,” Dye said.

Team efforts Some couples have made volunteering a joint activity. Diane and Tom Howlett began renting motor homes for vacations with their kids.

Now retired, they participate in Care-AVanners, a project of Habitat for Humanity, in which RV travelers can visit sites where construction help is needed.

“All that is required to join is an RV and a willingness to help out deserving folks who need a house,” Tom said. (The program was suspended because of COVID but is scheduled to resume.)

Carol and Ron Jochimsen have combined volunteering with their church. The Jochimsens made a two-year commitment to travel out-of-state with Laborers for Christ, a project of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, which replaces or repairs small or outdated church structures.

“It was a fulfilling activity that took away my desire to be at regular work,” Ron said.

Like many of you, Steve Jansen didn’t have to travel far afield to find fulfillment in religion. “I lead worship services at a summer chapel, and volunteer in the music ministry at my church when the chapel is finished for the season,” Jansen writes.

When you consider volunteering, focus on activities that make use of your talents or pique your interest, and don’t overcommit.

Choose something that allows flexibility if you’d like to travel or have regular family commitments (also a prime volunteer activity).

And be on the lookout for opportunities.

Says Jansen, “Each day I pray that if God wants me to do more than I am doing, He will reveal it to me and make me passionate about it.” © 2021 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Replace funeral with a celebration of life

By Mark Theil Some older adults tell their families, “I don’t want a funeral; I want to have a party.” Others request no funeral or party at all. But some families feel that doing nothing isn’t quite right.

In any of these circumstances, a funeral celebrant can help create a “celebration of life” tribute ceremony that can be a beautiful, healing experience for everyone who attends.

Funeral celebrants are a relatively new

phenomenon. We are trained specialists who create and officiate at personalized celebration of life ceremonies designed to honor a loved one’s life in a way that transcends the traditional funeral experience.

Funeral celebrants create and officiate a service from scratch, collaborating closely with families and loved ones to ensure that the ceremony genuinely reflects the unique qualities of the individual who has passed.

The ceremony is all about the family’s deceased loved one; however, the purpose

of the ceremony is for the family to begin the healing process. The tone of the ceremony is uplifting, triumphant and comforting, not somber.

Parachute jumps, campfire services Often celebrants are contacted by funeral homes or the families themselves to create a memorial service.

The process begins with an interview with the family, where the celebrant learns about the deceased in order to capture their essence in a ceremony.

Celebrations of life can take place in a traditional location such as a funeral home or cemetery, or a non-traditional location selected by the family. For instance, celebrants have officiated at these alternative sites: — A family of parachuting enthusiasts requested that a small ceremony be held in a

Stock market From page 19 Yardeni advises investors to own companies that are either providing improved technology, or using technology heavily to run their business. He recommends investors continue to have technology stocks in their portfolios.

For now, he recommends overweighing

jump plane, followed by a group jump by all the family members, who then released the decedent’s ashes during the descent.

— A family made a toast with a favorite wine at a yacht club, while jazz and rock music played in the background.

— A family that loved to camp together requested that the celebrant officiate a ceremony around a campfire at night.

Religious, spiritual or neither While celebrations can incorporate religion, prayer and spirituality of all denominations, celebrants can also respond to the needs of those who do not have a religious tradition.

A family may consider themselves to be “spiritual but not religious” or may not have a relationship with a pastor, priest or See FUNERAL, page 21

U.S. stocks. He believes the valuation on small and mid-cap stocks is historically low relative to the larger-cap stocks.

In summary, he believes, as I do, that you still need a high percentage of common stocks in your portfolio.

Elliot Raphaelson welcomes your questions and comments at raphelliot@gmail.com. © 2021 Elliot Raphaelson. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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The smarter way to pay estimated taxes

By Rocky Mengle and Kevin McCormally If you’re still working, you probably don’t need to worry about estimated tax payments. Withholding on your paychecks should ensure compliance with the tax system’s pay-as-you-earn demands.

But if you’re retired, chances are you need to make estimated payments. You’re basically supposed to figure how much tax you’ll owe for the current year and send it along to the IRS in four equal installments (due mid-April, mid-June, mid-September and mid-January).

If you pay at least 90% of this year’s liability or 100% of what you owed last year, you’ll have done your duty and be protected from an underpayment penalty. (That 100% of last year’s taxes rises to 110% if your adjusted gross income last year was more than $150,000.)

Not only can making those estimates be a pain, writing those checks can disrupt your cash flow. Many taxpayers simply divide the previous year’s tax bill by four and send 25% on each payment date to wrap themselves in the “100% of last year’s tax bill” exception.

But depending on the source of your re-

Funeral From page 20 rabbi. The family may not be observant of any type of denomination, or may not have attended a church for many years.

Funerals for the living Another service a celebrant can perform is a “Living Funeral” or “Life Celebration” service. This is a wonderful phenomenon that is gaining popularity in the United States, Canada, New Zealand and Australia, where celebrancy began.

In this event, the honoree is living and

tirement income, you may be able to satisfy the IRS via withholding from those payments.

Unlike withholding from paychecks, withholding from retirement income is almost always voluntary. (The exception: Non-IRA distributions that can be rolled over tax-free to an IRA or other eligible retirement plan are generally subject to mandatory 20% withholding.)

If you want federal taxes withheld from Social Security benefits, you must file Form W-4V (the “V” is for voluntary) with the Social Security Administration. You can ask that 7%, 10%, 12% or 22% of each monthly benefit be carved off for the IRS. When it comes to pension or annuity payments, you control how much will be withheld by filing a Form W-4P with the payor.

For IRA distributions, the law requires that 10% be withheld for the IRS unless you tell the custodian otherwise. You can block withholding altogether or ask that as much as 100% be withheld.

A better way for IRAs Speaking of IRAs, a little-known opportunipresent to hear the eulogies, praises and farewells given before death. It is a gathering of family, friends, and colleagues to celebrate a person with a life-limiting illness.

Celebrants function on an on-call basis, seven days a week, 24 hours a day. Most celebrants charge in the $450 to $700 range, which includes a two- to three-hour meeting with the family to get to know the decedent, a service in the funeral home chapel or elsewhere, and a graveside service if desired.

Mark Thiel certified as a celebrant following a 42-year career as a Registered Nurse.

Contact mark@celebratefunerals.com or call (248) 860-6358.

JCA’s Virtual Employment Expos For Jobseekers 50+ are Back!

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ty may free you from withholding on multiple income sources and from the hassle of filing estimated taxes. We call it the RMD solution.

Starting at age 72, retirees must take required minimum distributions from their traditional IRAs, based on the balance in the accounts on the previous December 31st divided by a factor provided by the IRS. However, if you don’t need the money to live on, wait until December to take your RMD and ask the sponsor to withhold a big chunk for the IRS — enough to cover your estimated tax on the IRA payout and on all of your other taxable income for the year.

Although estimated tax payments are considered made when you send in the checks — and must be paid as you receive your income during the year — amounts

withheld from IRA distributions are considered paid evenly throughout the year even if made in a lump sum payment at year-end.

So, if your RMD is large enough to cover your entire tax bill, you can keep your cash safely ensconced in the IRA most of the year, avoid withholding on other sources of retirement income, skip quarterly estimated payments — and still avoid the underpayment penalty.

Note that RMD withholding might not work when it comes to state estimated taxes because some IRA sponsors won’t withhold state income taxes. Check this point with your IRA sponsor. © 2021 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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RESOURCES FROM

Age-Friendly Montgomery is Working for Workers Take heart! Although the pandemic and ageism have forced many middle-aged and older workers out of work, LinkedIn News reports that about 20% of those 65+ are working today compared to about 10% in the mid-1980s. New technologies and the widespread adoption of remote work are helping as are the programs of Age-Friendly Montgomery and its nonprofit partners.

For 48 years, JCA® -- the Jewish Council for the Aging® -- has been enabling jobseekers to find the jobs they need and want. With support from Montgomery County Aging & Disability Services, it offers employment expos as well as jobsearch courses for people of all faiths and from all walks of life. JCA also offers on-the-job training with

minimum wage for qualified, lowincome residents.

The career advisors at WorkSource Montgomery work one-on-one with jobseekers, and staff at its American Job Centers have a deep understanding of local industry demands. They can identify a wide range of resources for you including workshops, job postings, computer access and job counseling.

The Workforce Development and Continuing Education Programs of Montgomery College not only help those reentering the workforce but also those seeking to maintain or enhance their technical skills. Courses include information technology, small business and management, real

estate, certification and licensure preparation, and health sciences. For more information, call 240-567-5188.

All of these programs are important, because finding a job can be hard work. The economic recovery from COVID-19 won’t be speedy, and that makes this an especially good time to hone skills and prepare for the world ahead. The listed resources can help!

Ready to Help At JCA, www.AccessJCA.org

50+ Employment Expos: 301.255.4209, www.accessjca.org/ employment-expos

Career Gateway and CareerTech courses: 301.255.4215, www. accessjca/career-gateway

The Senior Community Service Employment Program for lowincome jobseekers: 240.395.0918, www.SeniorEmployment@ AccessJCA.org At WorkSource Montgomery, www.worksourcemontgomery. com

The American Job Center: 11510 Georgia Avenue, Wheaton, 301.929.6880

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General resources for 50+ jobseekers: Cynthia Grissom, 202.770.0686, cgrissom@ worksourcemontgomery.com

Multigenerational teams solve problems creatively.

At Montgomery College, www. montgomerycollege.edu/ workforce-developmentcontinuing-education/index.html

www.montgomerycountymd.gov/senior

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What to do should a financial crisis arise

By Elliot Raphaelson As the economy struggles to regain its footing after the pandemic recession, many Americans are facing serious financial problems. If you are one of them, I recommend an excellent new book by Washington Post personal finance columnist Michelle Singletary.

It is very easy for individuals facing financial problems to make poor decisions. For such people, What to Do with Your Money When Crisis Hits: A Survival Guide (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt) is a roadmap to recovery. Thorough and easy to understand, it covers a wide range of topics and provides very practical advice.

When people face mounting bills because of layoffs, accidents and other emergencies, it can be difficult to know which expenses to prioritize — to distinguish between those that must be paid immediately and those that can be postponed or partially paid.

Singletary reviews options regarding housing, explaining how to work with landlords and mortgage lenders and servicers, and she explains the importance of understanding the foreclosure process, which varies across states.

She also discusses options regarding dealing with credit card companies to postpone payments that are not high priority.

A top priority, she argues, is feeding your family. She does a good job explaining the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps.

Although there are income requirements, you still might qualify even if you have lost your job. There are special SNAP rules for households with older or disabled members. Each state has its own application process.

Singletary gives a solid review of the pros and cons of withdrawing funds from retirement accounts such as IRAs, as well as of 401(k) loans.

She also discusses payday and title loans. They are both terrible options, and I am glad to see the author avow that these options are only a last resort.

The book contains valuable information about unemployment benefits, part-time work while receiving benefits and the appeal process.

There is detailed information about healthcare options, including COBRA, the Affordable Care Act, Medicaid, short-term insurance coverage, flexible savings accounts and health savings accounts.

What to do about debt There is very good information regarding the best ways to handle your outstanding credit card debt. Also included are the pros and cons of filing for the two types of bankruptcy.

An important section discusses your rights regarding debt collectors. Debt collectors have to provide proof that you owe any debt; many are unable to do so. The book provides valuable sources so that you understand your rights and options.

Those who find themselves in financial crisis and who have reached age 62 can consider applying early for Social Security benefits — which has some advantages and several disadvantages. One advantage is that you can file for a benefit early and still work part-time without penalty.

Some whose jobs are in jeopardy consider starting their own businesses. Singletary suggests some options that have minimal risks.

One of her themes is that those in crisis need to think on two timescales: what to do now to solve problems, and what to do to establish a secure future.

The advice to invest in low-cost index funds is sound. Singletary explains how priorities should vary according to the period of life you are in.

If you’re facing significant personal financial problems and must make critical decisions now and in the near future, this book will be very valuable to you. Even if you are not, you never know what the future will bring, and this book will help prepare you. © 2021 Elliot Raphaelson. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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PHOTO BY JEN FRY

Travel Leisure &

Take a day trip to the historic waterfront of Havre de Grace, Maryland.

See story on page 26.

Venice Beach is back and worth the trip and Globe and Mail, lamenting the demise of the iconic Venice Beach scene.

For months I stayed off the boardwalk, giving up one of my favorite leisure (un)activities of sitting on a bench, where I would munch on a sausage sandwich and watch the colorful parade of tourists and locals walk by, all dressed (or barely dressed) to the nines in their versions of funky, hip and casual.

This past June, though, the city finally started to pay attention to the complaints from residents and cleared up the encampments one by one in a somewhat humane fashion. All campers were offered temporary housing and storage for their tents, bikes and shopping carts.

A couple of weeks ago my wife and I decided to take a walk along the boardwalk to check on the progress of the cleanup.

We were pleasantly surprised. As usual, the sun was shining, the breeze was light and balmy, and the temperature was a beach-perfect 75.

Most of the boardwalk had been cleaned up, many stores were open for business, and the boardwalk was packed with tourists. The bars and restaurants were jammed. Street musicians and tarot card readers were back, taking over spots recently occupied by tents and clapboard shacks.

So, come back for a visit. No need to

© DANIIL BELYAY | DREAMSTIME.COM

By Don Mankin Frank Lloyd Wright once wrote, “Tip the world over on its side, and everything loose will land in Los Angeles.”

I would add: Tip Los Angeles on its side, and everything loose will land in Venice Beach.

I’ve lived in Venice Beach for almost 40 years (most recently in a house just two blocks from the ocean and boardwalk), and have witnessed many changes over the years — from funky and rough to hip and pricey.

But this past year has been like none other. Because of the pandemic and economic downturn, homeless people took over Venice Beach’s world-famous boardwalk — also known as Ocean Front Walk, the second most popular tourist destination in Southern California — and turned it into a mile-long encampment.

Many businesses were closed, and foot traffic dropped off precipitously. What remained felt dark and sinister. Trash was strewn everywhere, there were constant street fights, and crime rates soared. The charred remains of at least one building burned down by an out-of-control fire from a nearby tent loomed over the once bustling, boisterous boardwalk.

Numerous articles appeared in the national and international press, including the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Guardian,

PHOTO BY TRAVIS CONKLIN, L.A. TOURISM

Aerial stunts and amateur skateboarders attract spectators along Venice Beach’s Ocean Front Walk, a bustling boardwalk. Although the city buried the popular waterfront park in sand during the pandemic to discourage crowds, the park reopened last summer.

Venice Beach’s canals, designed by developer Abbot Kinney in 1905, were modeled after those in Venice, Italy. Today, the Venice Canal Historic District is a great place to explore old and new architecture just 10 minutes’ walk from the beach.

wait until next summer: The Los Angeles summer extends into mid-October, and even in the depths of winter it’s more likely to be sunny, warm and dry than cold, wet and dreary.

While you’re here, check out some of the many other attractions in Venice Beach.

Sea and sand The beach itself begins just a few yards west of the boardwalk and extends for more than 100 yards to the water’s edge.

Stop for a few minutes at the Venice Beach Skatepark to gawk at the skateboarders “catching air” as they propel themselves off Dali-esque concrete curves and soar into the air, framed by beach, ocean and the distant Santa Monica Mountains.

On most days, the beach is empty except for a few sunbathers, surfers or meditators gazing at the sailboats gliding offshore or, at the right time of year, dolphins playing in the breaking waves.

Look south and you can often see Santa Catalina Island in the distance; look north and you can get a better view of the backdrop for the soaring skateboarders — a beach curving around a vast bay all the way to Malibu and beyond.

When visitors tell me they think Los An-

geles is ugly, this is where I bring them to change their minds.

Venetian (Beach) Canals Venice’s six canals, built by developers at the turn of the 20th century, now comprise one of the ritziest neighborhoods in Los Angeles. Once home to motorcycle gangs and drug dealers, the Venice Canals are now an architectural showcase of the most expensive homes in Los Angeles.

Because Venice Beach has no design constraints (other than height limits, setbacks and engineering requirements), you’ll find a mosaic of architectural styles.

This, coupled with the money, ego, hubris and imagination of the creative community that lives here — successful screenwriters, directors, producers, musicians, artists and high-end professionals — produces colorful, eclectic structures.

The houses, canals and bridges, along with the flocks of ducks and geese that make the canals their home, provide a picturesque and serene contrast to the crowds of vendors, entertainers and tourists on the boardwalk.

Wander along the canals and bridges at your leisure. Although they are just one block from the boardwalk, the canals See VENICE BEACH, page 27

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25

Travel insurance is costly but necessary If you’re thinking about an international penalties if you have to abort a trip before trip this fall or next spring, adding travel you leave home because of the usual causes: sickness, accident and insurance is not optional — such. Most policies cover your it’s necessary. getting COVID as with any Before anyone ever heard other sickness. of COVID-19, the question, “Do I need travel insurance?”

The main new risk is possible called for a complicated anCOVID lockdowns or quaranswer. COVID has added antines in your destination. Most other dimension of complicapolicies do not cover cancellations — new risks and new retion if you’re just uneasy about quirements. the situation, nor do they cover A quick refresher course any restrictions in effect at the TRAVEL TIPS in travel insurance basics is time you buy your policy.

By Ed Perkins useful: • Most travel insurance is “named peril” Issues after you arrive insurance: If a contingency is not specificalTraditional trip-interruption insurance ly included in the contract, it isn’t covered. covers costs of early return if you get sick • Most travel insurance is limited to or suffer an accident while at your destina“unforeseen” contingencies. You can’t buy tion. And traditional medical insurance fire insurance when your house is already covers the associated medical costs, which on fire, and you can’t buy travel medical in- typically includes getting COVID. surance if you’re too sick to travel. Many The new risk is getting caught in your insurance companies view current destination by a new COVID restriction COVID problems, in general, as fore- imposed after you arrive. Although many seeable and therefore not covered. policies do not cover the cost of accommo• Many travel insurance coverages are dations if you’re caught in a destination secondary, which means the travel insur- quarantine, some now do. ance covers only what you can’t first recover as refunds or payments from other in- New government requirements surance sources.

As a direct result of COVID, some counTravel insurance is most useful against tries require that you have, and can docubig-dollar risks. Many bundled policies ment, locally applicable medical and emercover small-dollar risks such as delay and gency evacuation coverage as a condition delayed baggage costs, but those typically of entry, in some cases with minimum covdon’t amount to more than a typical travel- erage up to $100,000.

A few of those — notably Aruba, the Baer can absorb. If those coverages are included in a bundled policy, take them, but hamas, Jamaica and Sint Maarten — require that you buy their own policies, at a don’t pay extra for them. cost of up to $40 per person. In addition to insurance, many countries require pre-arIssues before you leave Traditional trip-cancellation insurance rival COVID tests. covers your nonrefundable cancellation

Insurance coverage you need The best way to cover yourself is (1) determine exactly what coverage you need, then (2) call a travel insurance agency and negotiate a policy that specifically covers those exact requirements.

Over the years I’ve recommended Insure My Trip (insuremyrip.com), Quotewright (quotewright.com), and Squaremouth (squaremouth.com), which posts a useful list of special individual-country requirements. But a handful of other travel insurance companies are equally good.

Note: The only way to keep personal control of whether to travel is to buy a “cancel for any reason” policy.

Obtaining such insurance will be especially hard on older travelers, because

most travel insurance pricing is age-rated.

Medicare doesn’t cover international travel, and Medicare supplemental insurance often isn’t enough to satisfy requirements.

A recent study by AdvisorSmith (advisorsmith.com) found that, for a sample trip, travelers (age 60) pay 28% more than travelers age 30 to 50, and the excess increases to 88% at age 70, 200% at age 80, and 360% at age 90. And some policies that are not agerated cut off entirely at age 70 or 80.

At a typical price of 4% to 5% of total trip cost, insurance is often a reasonable buy.

With COVID, a more costly policy can be a necessity. And as always, the best way to minimize risk is to minimize up-front payments for travel. © 2021 Ed Perkins.

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Havre de Grace: a charming historic town

By Ashley Stimpson, Bay Journal News Service Before it was a capital city contender (it lost by one vote to what would become Washington, D.C. at the First United States Congress), Havre de Grace, Maryland, was called Harmer’s Town.

But when a visiting Marquis de Lafayette mentioned that the town reminded him of a charming French seaport called Le Havrede-Grace, residents honored the Revolutionary War hero by incorporating under that name in 1785. (No need to channel your high school French when in town. Locals pronounce it HAV-er-dee-grace.)

While the quiet charm Lafayette admired is still on display, Havre de Grace also feels very much like the busy crossroads that garnered the Founding Fathers’ attention.

During my visit on a hot day in May, cars poured down Market Street, many with kayaks and stand-up paddleboards strapped to their roofs.

Pleasure boats roared by on the wide Susquehanna River, which hugs the east side of town as it flows into the Chesapeake Bay. Trains rumbled over bridges.

Joggers pushed strollers along the waterfront promenade, and weekend revelers spilled from seafood shacks and antique shops onto crowded sidewalks.

Self-guided city tour While there are many ways to see the sights, Havre de Grace is a pedestrian’s paradise. To get from one end of town to the other only requires a trek of about 1.5 miles, a pleasant walk punctuated by museums, murals and gorgeous vistas.

To make it simple, the city has continued to improve its self-guided walking tour along the Lafayette Trail, which meanders past just about every attraction Havre de Grace has to offer.

Visitors who would like a narrated experience can download the DISTRX app and learn about each of the 57 stops along the route.

One of those stops — and a good place to begin digging into the area’s history — is the Havre de Grace Maritime Museum and Environmental Center. One of its permanent exhibits shows what the area looked like before European settlement.

The Susquehannock were a confederation of Iroquoian-speaking tribes that occupied scattered villages of longhouses on the banks of the Susquehanna River, from New York to Maryland. Historians estimate that during the 1500s, they numbered between 5,000 and 7,000.

Even after Europeans arrived, the Susquehannock were able to maintain their influence in the area, becoming the

only Native group to develop trade relationships with all four colonial settlements — English, Dutch, French and Swedish.

In 1608, English explorer John Smith traveled north from the Virginia colony of Jamestown and met with Susquehannock chiefs during one of his famous expeditions on the Bay. From the shore of Havre de Grace, visitors can still see the site of this meeting: Garrett Island, a 198-acre, 100-foot-high land mass rising from the Susquehanna.

A route to freedom Two hundred years later, a journey north was the difference between liberty and bondage for many people fleeing slavery through the network of routes and safe houses known as the Underground Railroad.

Last year, the Maritime Museum opened its newest exhibit, Other Voices of Freedom, to “reveal the importance of waterways and their relationship to the quest for freedom,” according to a museum brochure.

An intriguing combination of art and ethnography, the exhibit features evocative wire-mesh sculptures by African American author and artist Anyta Thomas, as well as compelling firsthand accounts of escape, including that of Fredrick Douglass.

When describing his ferry crossing of the Susquehanna at Havre de Grace, Douglass

compared his pounding heart to that of a “fox or deer, with hungry hounds on his trail.”

Other panels illuminate the import of local waterways, where enslaved people on their way to freedom crouched in rowboats or hid inside crates aboard barges.

Historic canal and lockhouse During the same time, Havre de Grace became an important stop on a different kind of thoroughfare. In 1840, the Susquehanna and Tidewater Canal opened to boat traffic, facilitating the shipment of coal from the central portions of Pennsylvania to population centers like Philadelphia and Baltimore.

Visitors can learn more about the 45-mile canal and the impact it had on Havre de Grace at the impressively maintained Lockhouse Museum. This spare, red brick house provided a living space to the lock tender as well as an office for the toll collector.

When I visited, a docent named Tom explained that during the canal’s busiest years, Havre de Grace became a “truck stop on water,” where men from boats either caught up on sleep at local inns or cavorted in taverns and casinos. The museum features compelling exhibits and artifacts, including a to-scale model of the canal lock (water and all) and canal scrip — money that could be See HAVRE DE GRACE, page 27

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Venice Beach From page 24 aren’t easy to find on your own, so consult a map or your smartphone for directions.

Abbott Kinney Boulevard After you have had enough quirky, cutting-edge architecture, head to Abbott Kinney Blvd., or AKB, which is, according to GQ magazine, “the Coolest Block in America” (the cool part is actually closer to a mile from end to end).

AKB is home to the hippest galleries, restaurants, bars, cafes and stores in Los Angeles. A constant stream of attractive young men and women tweet on their smartphones as they stroll on the sidewalk, so be prepared to dodge one slender, well-coiffed body after another as you make your way from store to store.

Also be prepared to spend a lot of money. You can easily spend most of the day on AKB, especially if you like to shop.

Inland walk streets Try to spend an hour strolling up and down the “walk streets,” marveling at the architecture and looking for celebrities.

The walk streets are essentially sidewalks lined on both sides by tall trees, bamboo, overgrown ivy and bushes, whimsical gardens and lawns, and houses as architecturally diverse as those on the canals.

Entering the walk streets is like passing through a wormhole into another universe: magical, quiet and soothing, especially compared to the boardwalk and AKB. The inland walk streets are even more hidden than the Venice canals. To find them, consult a map or your smart phone for directions, looking up “Crescent,” “Nowita,” “Marco” or “Amoroso Place.”

Rooftop sunsets If you have time and haven’t spent all of your money on AKB, go to the rooftop lounge of the Hotel Erwin in the heart of Venice, appropriately named “High.”

Here, you can have a pricey cocktail and observe the mating rituals of 20- and 30somethings. In the ultimate triumph of hormones over aesthetic appreciation, they seem more interested in each other than the view.

I have been all over the world, but this is still one of my favorite views, 80 feet above the Bohemian bustle of the Venice Boardwalk at the height of its insanity in the late afternoon on a clear, warm day.

There may be better views in more exotic locales. But I doubt there is one with as rich a stew of people, architecture, scenery and opportunities for spending money as the one in Venice Beach.

If you go It’s best to fly into LAX, which is about 20 minutes south of Venice Beach. Roundtrip, nonstop flights from the D.C. area on American Airlines or Southwest start at around $250.

The small but charming Hotel Erwin is

a four-star hotel and bar in the heart of Venice Beach; its rooms start at $240.

Rates are comparable at the brand-new waterfront Venice V Hotel, a restored 1915 building where every room has an ocean view. Or choose a chain hotel from the Courtyard Marriott to the Ritz-Carlton, in nearby Marina Del Rey or Santa Monica.

Venice is chock full of great restaurants, ranging from top-of-the-line, Michelin-starworthy trattorias to inexpensive window counter takeaways.

Among my favorites are: Felix Trattoria on AKB for handmade pasta made on site (good luck getting a reservation though); Hama Sushi, one of the oldest sushi restaurants in Los Angeles outside of Little Tokyo; Great White, an Aussie-style café specializing in inexpensive California cuisine; and The Win-Dow, on the boardwalk, featuring a double patty smash-cheeseburger for less than $7.

For more information, visit venicechamber.net/visitors/guide.

Havre de Grace

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From page 26 used on the journey.

Outside, visitors can peer down into the preserved canal and take in an unbeatable view of the half-mile-wide mouth of the river as it meets the Bay. The area, known as the Susquehanna Flats, boasts some of the richest, most diverse underwater vegetation in the entire Bay system.

This unique habitat made Havre de Grace a prime base for those chasing wild game and fish. During the last century, the bounty made the city a major player in the seafood industry as well as a premiere destination for anglers and waterfowl hunters.

At the Havre de Grace Decoy Museum, exhibits and relics galore tell the story of one of the nation’s most singular hunting traditions: waterfowl decoys. Inside the still, reverent air of the museum, I could almost feel the concentration it takes to carve and paint the incredibly lifelike wooden birds, some so detailed they look like taxidermy.

Museum board member Jim Carroll, who gave me a tour of the space, calls decoy making “a uniquely American, pure artform.”

Visitors would be forgiven for mistaking the Decoy Museum for an art gallery.

In between these many attractions, I wandered through the grounds of the Concord Point Lighthouse — Maryland’s second oldest — and the city’s new living shoreline project, a three-acre, formerly industrial lot that has been restored with native plants and a natural stormwater filtration system.

There, I marveled at the water’s latest gift to Havre de Grace — the flocks of boaters, sunbathers and seafood enthusiasts.

The city may have missed its chance to become the nation’s capital, but in doing so, Havre de Grace got the chance to become something even better: itself.

Ashley Stimpson is a freelance writer based in Maryland. This article was originally published in the June 2021 issue of the Bay Journal and was distributed by the Bay Journal News Service.

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PHOTO BY STEVE TUTTLE

Style Arts &

Folk musicians perform in the area throughout the year. See story below.

The folks who keep folk music alive in D.C. meet people. The concerts are social events,” Baum said.

The society recruits performers from folk festivals, other folk societies, radio and websites. During the pandemic, however, events have been online, and in early 2022 they’re likely to be both in-person and online.

If there’s a pandemic silver lining, it’s that online events have broadened the organization’s reach, notes Baum. And COVID restrictions inspired a new format: Online, attendees can converse with artists before or after performances.

The FSGW traces its genesis to 1964, a time when Washington had a thriving folk music scene. “People usually sit around and sing on spring and summer evenings” in Dupont Circle, reported Hootenanny magazine, and folk music was all over the radio, in nightclubs, coffeehouses, concerts and hootenannies.

Founders included Chuck and Nan Perdue, Jonathan Eberhart, Lani Herrman, Joe Hickerson, Mike Rivers, Helen Schneyer and Andy Wallace — people who wanted to foster traditions that were not gaining traction in the mid-1960s commercial folk boom.

PHOTO BY STEVE TUTTLE

By Glenda C. Booth You might croon to the blues, soak up soul, tap to a clawhammer banjo or sing four-part harmony.

You could listen to a Balkan women’s ensemble, Tibetan nomad music, New Zealand percussive music or a Chinese dulcimer called a yang qin.

To get your juices flowing, you can try dancing: square, Cuban salsa, English country, Irish or Norwegian.

These are some highlights of the events presented by the Folklore Society of Greater Washington (FSGW) — a local group devoted to folk music from sea shanties to polkas, bluegrass to ballads.

Since 1964, the society has staged more than 200 events each year all over the Washington metropolitan region, including live concerts by local and touring artists, folk dances, waltzes, storytelling events, jams, sings, workshops and three festivals. Events attract anywhere from 15 to 1,000 fans.

But the Folklore Society is much more than music, said Charlie Baum, its current chair of programs and concerts.

“It’s great exercise and a great way to

A 2019 dance hosted by the Folklore Society of Greater Washington was just one of 200 live events the group organizes annually.

Longtime folk music radio host and society member Mary Cliff recalled, “It was in 1965 that Dylan went electric at the Newport Folk Festival. So those who really loved the old-time and ethnic music de-

cided they needed something to preserve it and separate it from the commercialized pop-folk.”

See FOLK MUSIC, page 31

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Ton Koopman conducts Bach & Haydn

October/ November Events

Early music authority Ton Koopman returns to lead the NSO in a Baroque/Classical program, featuring Bach’s Orchestral Suite No. 4 and selections from Georg Philipp Telemann’s Tafelmusik III.

November 4 & 6 | Concert Hall

Katia & Marielle Labèque play Dessner’s Concerto for Two Pianos Renowned sibling pianists Katia and Marielle Labèque, who The New York Times credits with having “transformed the piano duo,” perform a piece composed especially for them: Bryce Dessner’s Concerto for Two Pianos.

November 11–13 | Concert Hall

Kennedy Center Chamber Players Fall Concert Comprised of title players of the NSO, this ensemble performs today’s finest chamber repertoire with acclaimed artistry.

November 14 | Terrace Theater

NSO Presents: Ben Folds In Actual Person Live For Real Tour NSO Artistic Advisor Ben Folds returns to the Concert Hall as part of his anticipated In Actual Person Live For Real Tour! Folds is no typical rock star—his last album, So There, featured a blend of power-pop songs, alt rock hits, and his Concerto for Piano and Orchestra that soared to #1 on both the Billboard classical and classical crossover charts. Note: The NSO is not performing on this concert.

November 15 | Concert Hall

Hilary Hahn Plays Brahms’ Violin Concerto

NSO Pops: Marvel Studios’ Black Panther in Concert

Gianandrea Noseda leads a program spotlighting three-time Grammy Award®-winning violinist Hilary Hahn performing Brahms’ Violin Concerto. Then, experience the sweeping, spiritual Third Symphony by Florence Price—the first Black woman to have her music performed by a major American orchestra.

In 2018, Marvel Studios’ Black Panther became a cultural phenomenon. Now, you can relive the excitement of T’Challa becoming king and battling Killmonger as the NSO performs Ludwig Göransson’s Oscar-winning score live to picture for the very first time.

October 1 & 2 | Concert Hall

Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5 Grammy Award®-winning conductor Paavo Järvi leads Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Symphony, a triumphant portrayal of the composer’s struggle with Fate. Also on the program: world-renowned pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet returns to the Concert Hall for Mendelssohn’s glittering performance of Mendelssohn’s glittering Piano Concerto No. 1.

October 14–16 | Concert Hall

Ravel’s Daphnis et Chloé Yan Pascal Tortelier conducts Ravel’s lush Daphnis et Chloé, dazzling excerpts from Bizet’s L’Arlésienne, and the premiere of an NSO co-commission by Puerto Rican composer Angélica Negrón.

October 28–30 | Concert Hall

November 18 & 20 | Concert Hall

NSO Pops: Disney and Pixar’s Up in Concert The unforgettable animated classic returns to the big screen with Michael Giacchino’s Oscar- and Grammy Award®winning score performed live to the film! Follow the unlikely duo of a curmudgeonly 78-year-old balloon salesman and his 8-year-old stowaway on this hilarious, heartwarming journey to a lost world filled with danger and surprises.

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Australian conductor Simone Young makes her NSO debut with a Benjamin Britten-influenced program featuring Britten’s Violin Concerto, Shostakovich’s Tenth Symphony, and Arvo Pärt’s requiem to the great English composer.

November 26 & 27 | Concert Hall

October 7, 9 & 10 | Concert Hall

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Shostakovich’s Tenth Symphony

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Little victories in the mask/no-mask wars Here he comes, straight at me, along an or make any sort of hand signal. indoor corridor.

I simply arc to my right, diverting from He’s a man half my age. He my previous path by a couple isn’t wearing a face mask. I am. of feet, eyes straight ahead. I Yes, we will have passed one pass the offender. Then I arc another in less than a second. back to my left and go on my Yes, he looks healthy. Yes, I merry (and healthful) way. could just let it go.

A nice, crisp, ef fective But shouldn’t I send him a parabola. message just the same? BroadThe Parabola Method has cast to him that I disapprove. served me well across these Yet do it silently, not putting nearly two years of weirdness myself at risk of a tongue-lash- HOW I SEE IT and danger. Not once have I ing or a right hook. raised anyone’s hackles. Not

By Bob Levey My method is the parabola. once has the mask-avoider I do not yell at oncoming mask-avoiders, made a comment. especially if they are half my age. I do not Most important, I have avoided a possilecture them. I do not smirk, or grimace, ble brush with the dreadful virus for one

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more moment.

I fall back in love with The Parabola Method every time I read a news story about a confrontation involving a mask.

A clerk reminds a maskless patron of the indoor rules at her store. She gets a screaming lecture, and maybe a direct assault, for her trouble.

A flight attendant insists that a passenger mask up. More than 3,000 times since the pandemic arrived, according to the Transportation Security Administration, that passenger has responded with once-unthinkable physical threats — or pushes or punches.

Even in families, including a few I know, a request to mask up during an indoor gettogether can lead to harsh words, even a rupture of relations.

The Parabola Method would not prevent many — and maybe not any — of these eruptions. It works best between passing strangers. But it’s especially effective for older, masked people.

We 65-plus inhabitants of the planet are at greater risk from the virus simply because of our age. Add to that the possibility/likelihood that we have compromised immune systems, and it’s imperative that we avoid casual brushes with contagion.

Of course, all of us have learned at our advanced ages that preaching about anything doesn’t always work.

Getting on a high horse can leave younger relatives, co-workers, fellow passengers on a bus, annoyed and defiant — about any subject, not just COVID. Preaching and moralizing can actually reduce the chances of a maskless person doing the right thing.

The glory of The Parabola Method is that it protects an older person, and also sends a hard-to-miss message.

No words are exchanged, and none are necessary. As the parabolizer navigates sharply to his right, the oncoming person can’t help but notice.

And what is the result? About half the time, shame crosses that passing face.

It’s worth the trouble — in the same way that flicking one’s headlights at an oncoming speeding car is worth the trouble.

Shame him. Bring him up short. Make the next guy safer.

One friend has adopted a more direct approach to his own safety. He has ordered a T-shirt that reads: I AM OLD. THE VIRUS WORRIES ME. PLEASE WEAR A MASK. He points at the message whenever a maskless person approaches. He tells me he gets plenty of eye-rolls in return — but also requests for the website where he ordered the shirt.

Then there’s the friend, well over 70, See BOB LEVEY, page 31

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1

Folk music From page 28

Defining the genre What is folk music exactly? That question elicits multiple definitions.

“A good songwriter will tell you a great story,” Cliff explained. “It’s our history, our culture. It’s roots music, like the Gullah traditions of the South Carolina coast and the second lines of New Orleans, to Tex-Mex and hillbilly music.” (A second line is a guest parade at a wedding or funeral, usually led by a brass band.)

In its early years, FSGW sponsored concerts by artists like Mike Seeger, Arlo Guthrie, the Clancy Brothers and Hazel Dickens. They held the first Washington

Folk Festival in 1977, a one-day event so popular that the next year they expanded it to two days.

It now takes place annually the first weekend after Memorial Day in Glen Echo Park and attracts up to several thousand people. In 1978, the society began gospel sings, and in 1979, they caroled through the Metro subway.

Performances mushroomed over the years, most by artists unknown to most people except the “folkies.” In 1980, typical concert prices were $4 for non-members. Today, ticket prices vary, and many are free. In 1965, annual dues were $5; today, they’re $25.

Why folk music?

res seemingly blasting out of every electronic platform, why promote folk music?

“A lot of people are interested in what we provide. Some sing. Some love to dance,” said Baum, who joined FSGW in 1986 when he moved to the D.C. area from Connecticut.

In college at Yale, he sang Sacred Harp music and performed in the Russian Chorus.

Baum and other longtime society members have been passionate about folk music for decades. One of their goals is to provide folk artists a platform to perform before a niche audience.

Rivers says that the group showcases “a lot of good songs that nobody would otherwise hear.” On the other hand, he admits, “It’s not for everybody. It’s a form of music

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that doesn’t lend itself to being adopted into the hip-hop, rap culture.”

Rob Hinkal, executive director of a “sister organization” in the area, Focus Music, believes that folk music “is a place that we are giving voice to every person. It’s storytelling,” he said.

Because their performances can be profoundly moving, Hinkal’s organization works to help folk singer-songwriters survive. “[Folk concerts are] a singalong and group experience, listening to a story and participating — not in a giant crowd in a jumping-up-and-down kind of way, but sitting down and listening.”

For more information about the society, visit fsgw.org.

With today’s explosion of musical gen-

Write a letter to the editor. See page 2.

Bob Levey From page 30 who is known as Mr. One Word. When it comes time to pay at a restaurant, he will say to the server: “Check.” When someone hits a home run at a baseball game he’s attending, he will blurt: “Gone.”

And when someone approaches him with an uncovered face, he will call out: “Mask.”

This friend is fatalistic about the risks he runs. If someone wants to retaliate, well, he says, he has lived a nice life. “I’m right and they’re wrong,” he says, hugely expanding his usual word count.

And yet, The Parabola Method can pay immediate benefits.

The other day, masked as always, I parabolized a 20-something guy coming toward me on a downtown sidewalk. He never broke stride.

A few steps further on, I turned around to grab a peek.

Yes! He was fishing a mask out of his pocket!

Little victories for oldsters are actually big ones. Anything to keep us going for as long as possible.

Bob Levey is a national award-winning columnist.

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1. It marks the spot on Greek treasure maps 4. Cousin of a giraffe 9. Fantasy football event 14. Loopy tennis return 15. Farm machine 16. He often goes bar hopping with a priest and a minister 17. “A friend’s ___ is a good mirror” 18. See 20 Across 20. Rekindle the romance, with 18 Across 22. Vaccine delivery tool 23. Tiny amount 25. Travelocity listing 26. Operate a roulette wheel 30. Public spats 32. Chills and fever 34. Single-stranded genetic molecule 35. Start a family feud, with 39 and 36 Across 36. See 35 Across 38. “Never have I ___” 39. See 35 Across 43. Deal maker in Angels in the Infield 44. Endless end 45. Dueling swords 47. They can really get in your hair 48. ___-yo (self-serve dessert option) 49. The best kind is win-win 51. Brokeback Mountain director Lee 52. Giver of a prophecy 55. Getting too big for one’s britches, with 64 Across 61. They picked LA for the 2028 games 62. Start a new tube of toothpaste 63. Top corn-producing state 64. See 55 Across 65. Create weapons at the renaissance fair 66. Sound made by the Joker’s henchmen’s fists 67. It was ___ dream (lame TV plot twist) 68. More like a lord than a serf 69. Ultimatum ender 70. ___ professor (new PhD hire)

1. Symbol at the start of a staff 2. Georgetown athlete 3. “Sounds right to me” 4. Kimono sash 5. Geographic center of the contiguous US 6. Treaty partner 7. Iconically mainstream city of Illinois 8. NBA champion, Kyrie 9. Reposition an area rug 10. Temper tantrums 11. Lawyers’ org.

12. X-Files parent agency 13. Element known to exist in Oz 19. Listlessness 21. Willy Wonka and Edward Scissorhands 24. Middle choice between coffee and me 27. Non-cosmopolitans 28. Native Alaskan 29. Common parts of NFL and NBA 30. Garage organizer 31. Explorer with a helmet-light 33. “A war to ___ all wars” 37. Tangy salami 39. Pretend to be affected 40. Pertinent 41. Romanian currency (and letters in SUPERSLEUTH) 42. Grassland 46. Thumb drive, for example 49. Sharpshooter 50. Contributions to it are listed on IRS Form 5498 51. “A watched pot never boils”, for example 53. Melts into the sofa 54. Dazzling effect 55. Part of the Big Bad Wolf’s threat 56. Little part of an ENORMOUS word 57. It can fit 1,032 king-size beds 58. Taunt 59. Future Kentucky Derby winner 60. Pays off the mortgage 64. Org. that defines minimum width for airplane seats

Answers on page 35.

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Arts & Style

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1

Golden From page 1

33

ONE BIG HAPPY By Rick Detorie

to be confident and to feel like I could do anything. My father was my first writing teacher, and my mother was my first mentor.”

Sadly, her parents died when Golden was in her 20s, never seeing her novels, anthologies or memoirs, in which she describes their profound influence on her life.

“I honor them in my books. Their spirits have touched many people because the books have touched people, so they’re kind of immortal,” Golden said.

Golden attended D.C. public schools, then graduated from American University and received a master’s degree from the Columbia University School of Journalism.

She lived in Nigeria for several years before publishing her first book in 1983.

A lifelong writer, Golden toggles between genres, from novels to articles for the Washington Post. Golden has won a slew of writing awards, including the Barnes & Noble Writers for Writers Award, and has a Howard University fellowship in her name.

Her 2017 novel, The Wide Circumference of Love, about a D.C. judge whose husband is diagnosed with early onset dementia, was named an NPR Book of the Year.

Golden worked as a professor of writing at several prestigious institutions, including Emerson College, American University, George Mason University and Virginia Commonwealth University. She has been appointed writer-in-residence at many institutions as well.

Writing coach Today Golden helps others heal by writing. She teaches writing workshops and offers one-on-one mentoring sessions to many students who write as she does — as if summoned.

“I don’t think you choose to write a memoir; it’s something you have to do,” Golden said. “Our life stories are very treacherous and beautiful…Writing can be therapy — and often is.”

Her coaching helps people shape their memoirs, while her motivational writing workshops help people get started in the process of telling their life stories.

One of the first steps, according to a class description, is to “defeat self-censorship,” and learn “how to discover why you write and more importantly how to write with regularity and dedication.”

Being “strong” takes a toll In Strong Black Women, Golden points out that Black American women are three times more likely to die of a heart attack than whites. They’re at a higher risk of childbirth complications, diabetes and stroke, too — “an expression of systemic racism,” Golden said.

“There are many reasons why our health is so challenged. But one of them that can be changed is our attitude about prioritizing ourselves and not always prioritizing others,” she said. “We can change our attitudes about the relationship between our bodies and our minds.”

The book shares Golden’s health history as well as first-person, inspirational stories from other Black women.

“I didn’t want to belabor the daunting statistics, but I wanted to talk to women who have gone through trauma and pain and got into therapy or used other techniques to get on the road to healing,” she said.

Black heroines like Rosa Parks and Harriet Tubman often are portrayed as one-dimensionally strong. That go-it-alone strength can take its toll, though, Golden points out, if it discourages people from reaching out for help.

“There does remain a stigma in the Black community around mental healthcare,” she said.

Golden maintains her own emotional health by maintaining connections with several writer’s groups and a hiking club.

After all, strong social ties “help keep the brain elastic and relieve stress,” she said.

“When I was doing research on Alzheimer’s disease, the researchers said that the number-one lifestyle change that can help you keep Alzheimer’s at bay was a very wide and diverse group of social connections.”

Foundation supports Black writers Shortly after Golden published her first book, she was interviewed by a radio station. One listener, an activist named Clyde McElvene, contacted her, hoping to do something to help Black writers.

The two co-founded the Zora Neale Hurston/Richard Wright Foundation in 1990 “with just $750 and a dream,” according to the foundation’s website.

“I’m very proud that it’s in its 30th year,” she said. “We’ve had a profound effect on creating new, expanded opportunities for Black writers.”

Some of the writers who have attended the foundation’s writing workshops have gone on to become successful — and even bestselling — authors, including Brit Bennett and Mitchell Jackson.

Golden named the Hurston/Wright Foundation after two American writers with very different ideologies. Wright “plumbed the anger and the psychosis, and the ways racism had really corrupted the humanity of black people,” she said, while Hurston’s characters have a joyful, hopeful quality that demonstrates how “you could be both intact and tattered.

That’s why I named the foundation for both of them.”

Every few years, Golden said, she rereads Hurston’s classic Their Eyes Were Watching God, whose main character is “moving toward strength and vulnerability.

She was the kind of woman that we want to be,” Golden added.

Starting the conversation Golden’s new book may encourage others to start a conversation about the cost of being too strong. She acknowledges she’s “just one of the voices” talking about this issue, she said.

“We’re the first generation of Black women who are really examining this ‘superpower’ of strength, this ‘Black girl magic.’ But we don’t have to be magical all the time.

“We have to honor our fragility. If we don’t honor it, no one will.”

This month Golden will read excerpts from her new book at the D.C. Public Library and Politics and Prose in Washington, D.C. For more information about her readings or writing workshops, visit maritagolden.com.

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O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

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Caregivers PRIVATE HOME HEALTH - CAREGIVER Kind, Loving, Honest, Compassionate, Trustworthy, reliable caregiver is looking for a full time job caring for your loved one. 28 years experience seeking position in MD, DC, VA with excellent references. Call Julie (301) 221-7695.

A HOME HEALTHCARE- Experienced nurses, CNA, GNA are available 24/7. Cooking, companionship, personal care, housekeeping, driving. Full/Part-time or live-in care. Flat rate for live-in. 15 years’ experience. (2405336599) A CARE AGENCY - Been in business for more than 10 years. Experienced nurses, CNAs, GNAs. Any hours you need. Flat rate for live-in.

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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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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.

TIRED OF POLISHING YOUR SILVER? Turn it into cash which does not tarnish. I will come to your home to give you a free evaluation of what I can pay. I buy all gold and silver jewelry, including broken pieces, all sterling silver, gold and silver coins, gold watches, etc. I am licensed with both Maryland and Montgomery County (lic. #2327). Gold 4 Good pays an additional 5 percent to all sellers who are veterans of the U.S. Army, Air Force, Navy or Marine Corps.

And we extend the same courtesy to their spouses. We honor our servicemen (and their spouses). Gold 4 Good is a Maryland licensed precious metals dealership. Call Bob, (240) 938-9694.

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Home/Handyman Services SLOWING DOWN AFTER 39 YEARS of contracting. small to medium jobs mainly residential but will do some commercial. $42.50 an hour from arrival on job. Will work all over DC area.

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DON’T LET THE STAIRS LIMIT YOUR MOBILITY! Discover the ideal solution for anyone who struggles on the stairs, is concerned about a fall or wants to regain access to their entire home. Call AmeriGlide today! 1-866-365-5170.

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Miscellaneous

Wanted ELECTRIC SLOT CARS & ACCESSORIES including collections from 60s-70s (all scales) wanted by reputable Collector. Includes Aurora, Tyco, Cox, Monogram, Faller, Revell, AMT, etc.

Call, text or leave a message with basic info for Bill at 410-615-7043.

BUYING ESTATES, JEWELRY: gold, silver, old coins, mens wristwatches, military items, firearms, old toys, books, baseball cards memorabilia, golf, art, etc. Call Tom for free evaluation thanks 240-476-3441.

WANTED: OLD FIREARMS & MILITARY ANTIQUES. I buy military medals, documents, uniforms, insignia, swords, books & firearms (civilian & military). I have a Federal Firearms License & the required MD State Police license to safely & legally buy old firearms. Trusted by estates, executors and individuals for over 35 years.

I have a BA and an MA in History. Read testimonials from veterans & others at www.midatlanticmilitaryantiques.com Call Tim Frank at 703-4477243 or email historian1975@gmail.com 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 68 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. Thank you COLLECTOR BUYING MILITARY ITEMS: helmets, weapons, knives, swords, web gear, uniforms, etc, from all wars & countries. Also slots/pinball & other coin operated machines.

Top prices paid, Vaccinated & COVID Safe.

CALL FRED 301-910-0783.

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.

LOOKING TO BUY PRETTY THINGS. Favorites include Dresden, Herend, Royal Copenhagen and Shelley. English bone china cups and saucers, figurines by various makers and dish sets. Art, collectibles, pottery and sterling. Teak furniture. Serious collector of vintage Christmas and Halloween decorations. Please call (301) 785-1129. MD Precious Metal License 2753.

CASH FOR JEWELRY: Buying jewelry, diamonds, gold, platinum, silver, watches, coins, flatware, etc. Ask for Tom. Call anytime, 301654-8678 (Reg. 883).

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).

WANTED: OLDER VIOLINS, GUITARS, BANJOS, MANDOLINS, UKULELES. Musician/collector will pay cash for older string instruments. Masks & safe distance. Jack (301) 279-2158, leave message.

CASH FOR ESTATES. I buy a wide range of items; Jewelry, Silver, Art, Rugs, Cultural Items, ETC., ETC. BUY OUT/CLEAN, 301-520-0755 WEBSITE: TheAtticLLC.com. I have my own trucks, my own crew & insurance.

WE BUY BOOKS. Moving? Downsizing? Estate? Together the Bonafide Book Buyers have over 85 years experience as professional buyers & sellers of books in the D. C. area. Best prices paid! Call Nelson at 240-472-4615 for details or appointment. Will pick up & remove from your house. Also consider DVDs & CDs. Inside or curbside pickup possible, phone for details.

I BUY CARS, TRUCKS, SUVS, and Harley Davidson motorcycles. Licensed dealer. Will buy as is. Working Montgomery County, some parts of Washington D.C., and some parts of Frederick County. Please call Tom 301-806-8140.

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For Sale

Personal Services

by Min Kwon, with pieces from her America/Beautiful project. This event takes

PARKLAWN CEMETERY OF ROCKVILLE. Garden of Meditation, Section 6, Block 12, Unit #44. Valued at $16,000. For sale at $8,000. Call 301-774-7865.

PET PORTRAITS by award winning artist, Carol Berman. Preserve the memory of your dear pet forever. Call (703)437-9068 or email carolbermanart@gmail.com to see samples of my work.

place Sun., Oct. 17 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. and costs $15 ($10 for members). For

GENERAC STANDBY GENERATORS provide backup power during utility power outages, so your home and family stay safe and comfortable. Prepare now. Free 7-year extended warranty ($695 value!). Request a free quote today! Call for additional terms and conditions. 1-866-964-8106.

WE ARE A TO Z PERSONAL ORGANIZERS, bringing order to your life and to the life of your loved ones. We specialize in relocation services for seniors. Check us out on the web: A2ZOrganizers.com, or give us a call at 240.432.4920.

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.

For Sale/Rent: Real Estate NATIONAL MEMORIAL PARK, FALLS CHURCH - 4 desirable sites on Chapel Drive, Block L. Sell 1, 2, 3 or 4 - $4995ea. List at Cemetery $7995ea. Call/text Kent (425) 829-6628.

READY TO MOVE OR DOWNSIZE? Do you feel overwhelmed and stressed? Downsizing Specialists is here to help! Our process helps you determine what to keep, gift, sell, donate, or discard with a compassionate specialist. Services include downsizing, decluttering, moving prep, estate sales and consignment of antiques, jewelry, coins, and collectibles. We also buy estates, vehicles, and real estate. DownsizingSpecialists.com or call/text Philip 301-219-3600 for details. Entire staff is vaccinated.

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BEACON BITS

Oct. 17

MIN KWON, PIANO The Phillips Collection presents a virtual solo piano performance

more information and to purchase tickets, visit bit.ly/MinKwonPiano.

Oct. 19

GHOSTS OF MARYLAND Celebrate the season with a free virtual lecture, “In Search of Ghosts: Montgomery County, Maryland,” by Karen Yaffe Lottes.

Learn about the Tommyknocker at the Maryland Mine and the poltergeist at the Madison house and other historic tall tales on Tues., Oct. 19 at 2 p.m. To register and receive the Zoom link, visit bit.ly/ghostsofmd.

Oct. 28

IN-PERSON POETRY READING On Thurs., Oct. 28, at 6:30 p.m., the Martin Luther King, Jr. Library hosts a poetry reading led by local poet and literary historian Kim

Roberts. Roberts and other poets will read from the anthology By Broad DIRECTV for $69.99/mo for 12 months with CHOICE Package. Watch your favorite live sports, news & entertainment anywhere. One year of HBO Max FREE. DIRECTV is #1 in Customer Satisfaction (JD Power & Assoc.) Call for more details! (some restrictions apply) Call 1-888-572-4953.

Potomac’s Shore: Great Poems from the Early Days of Our Nation’s Capital. The event is free. Masks are required. For more information, visit bit.ly/DCPoetry or call (202) 727-0321.

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