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VOL.35, NO.11

A second chance behind bars

A turning point Launched in 2016, the Prisons and Justice Initiative was the brainchild of Marc Howard, now its executive director.

Howard’s life trajectory changed when he was in high school. On his first day of senior year, Howard woke up to the news that the parents of his friend Marty Tankleff had been murdered.

Through a hostile interrogation without presence of counsel, the young Tankleff was tricked into believing he had been identified as the murderer, though he suspected

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE PRISONS AND JUSTICE INITIATIVE

By Margaret Foster Neil Roland’s students aren’t your average college kids. Instead of dorm rooms, they live in prison cells. Roland, 71, has tutored incarcerated people for eight years, starting at a maximum-security prison in Jessup, Maryland.

Today, the Silver Spring resident teaches world affairs at the District of Columbia Jail through Georgetown University’s Prison Scholars, a program of its Prisons and Justice Initiative. The initiative, which also offers degree programs to inmates, has reached more than 200 people to date.

This fall, Roland brought one of his students a book she had been trying to find for years. “She was overjoyed. She covered her face to keep herself from crying,” Roland said.

“Clearly, this was a woman who loves learning. Of course, I kept my cool, but when I can help set off that spark for learning in someone, it brings me joy.”

Every year, convicted people in America’s jails are proven to be innocent of the crimes for which they were imprisoned.

Even those that were justly convicted can turn over a new leaf and start anew. Getting an education is one way to achieve that.

5 0 NOVEMBER 2023

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LEISURE & TRAVEL

Osaka, Japan is worth a visit for its castle, world-class aquarium and delicious street food; plus, relive Dirty Dancing at the Virginia lodge where the 1987 movie was filmed, and plan a destination holiday this year page 33

Georgetown University professor Marc Howard, 53, is founding director of the Prisons and Justice Initiative at Georgetown, which helps incarcerated people earn college degrees and assists them in returning to society after they’re released from prison. He also teaches a course at Georgetown called Making an Exoneree.

Howard himself helped exonerate a high school friend who was wrongly convicted and spent 17 years in jail for a crime he did not commit.

his father’s business partner of the crime.

Tankleff was arrested, convicted and sentenced to 50 years to life in prison. (The business partner who owed Tankleff’s father money and fled after faking his own death was never charged with the murders.)

Years later, Howard began visiting his old friend, who continued to maintain his

innocence, behind bars.

“One day in the prison visiting room, I made him a promise: I said, ‘I’m going to do everything I can to get you out of prison.’ That was a real turning point in my life,” Howard said.

See SECOND CHANCE, page 42

ARTS & STYLE

A Pulitzer Prize-winning play based on Hamlet shines at Studio Theatre; plus, funny novel satirizes Capitol Hill, and Bob Levey says farewell to a friend page 39

FITNESS & HEALTH 3 k Does TV boost dementia risk? k Light therapy fights winter blues LIVING BOLDLY 24 k Newsletter for D.C. residents

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N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 3 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Where do we go from here?

Have you ever had a near-death experi- to fulfill their life’s purpose or a particular ence? Of course, each day in our lives mission.

In nearly all cases, the expewe’re one day nearer to our rience results in major changes deaths. That’s the nature of in the person’s attitude and bethe human condition. havior, often their career and But those who’ve had what sometimes their marriage. It is now called a near-death exalso nearly always results in perience (known as an NDE) losing their fear of death. have the sensation of having It might be easy to write off “died and gone to heaven,” the occasional NDE story as and then return to life. the product of an overactive The term is frequently apimagination or hallucinatory plied to those who may have experience — perhaps brought flatlined during surgery, suf- FROM THE on by drugs during surgery or fered a near-fatal heart attack PUBLISHER or accident, or been struck By Stuart P. Rosenthal lack of oxygen to the brain, some claim — if such accounts by lightning, but somehow survived and recovered, often with intima- were rare or experienced primarily by people already known to be lightly tethered to realitions of what lies beyond.

Usually, these people were taken for ty. But that doesn’t seem to be the case.

I recently attended a lecture by Bruce dead by their doctors for a brief period before they regained consciousness. During Greyson, M.D., professor emeritus of psythat “dead time,” however, many NDEers chiatry and neurobehavioral sciences at went through an other-worldly experience, the University of Virginia, who has spent often involving the sense of traveling 50 years collecting data from more than through a dark tunnel, being drawn toward 1,000 ordinary people who share strikingly a pure light, exiting into a colorful world, similar stories about their NDEs, includand communicating with angelic “light be- ing some with out-of-body experiences where the patients report seeing or hearings,” often including deceased relatives.

While in this place, nearly all say they ing things they could not have physically feel intense love and acceptance, learn what observed.

In 1981, Greyson helped found an orthe afterlife is like, and are either asked if they wish to return to their body or, in ganization, the International Association many cases, are told that they must return for Near-Death Studies (IANDS), and edit-

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ed its peer-reviewed scholarly journal, the Journal of Near-Death Studies, for 25 years.

He has himself published more than 100 articles describing his research.

When I heard him speak some weeks ago, he was addressing the annual convention of IANDS in Arlington, Virginia, before an audience of nearly 600 people.

I’ll admit a few of the other speakers at the conference, especially those hawking their books or offering to share their newfound “healing powers” for a price, seemed a bit on the shady side.

But I spoke with several attendees (those with yellow ribbons on their name tag were “experiencers”) who seemed very down to earth and shared unique experiences.

Some had what you might call the “traditional version” of a near-death experience; others had what they called “spiritually transformative” experiences while conscious — a daily-life experience that made them aware of a spiritual force in the world they had not previously sensed.

Most were attending the conference because it presented a safe place to meet others with whom they could share their stories and not be treated as if they were crazy. Instead, they would find people who could truly empathize, having had a similar experience themselves.

People came from all over the U.S., of all ages and backgrounds. Similarly, the experiencers studied by Greyson span the world, coming from many different cultures and nations, speaking many languages, yet telling stories with striking similarities.

In his 2021 book, After, Greyson summarizes many studies where he and others evaluate physical, brain-based explanations for NDEs and discover those can’t explain (or refute) the experiences. He also describes situations where inexplicable claims of out-of-body vision are evaluated and found to be accurate.

Most interesting to me: He says around

20 percent of people who come near death (whether in a hospital setting or otherwise) report having some sort of afterlife experience.

So, I’ve started to ask people I know if they have personally had such an experience or another inexplicable communication.

One friend confessed that a person her daughter had never met approached her at a conference and asked if her father had recently died. He had, she said, whereupon the fellow said he needed to convey a comforting message that her father wanted her to hear — a message containing facts it would have been difficult or impossible for someone outside the family to know. The stranger confessed that he doesn’t enjoy having this ability to be an intermediary, but it’s something he said he has no control over.

Other friends of mine (a nurse and a hospice chaplain) told me that seeing deceased relatives and engaging in conversations with them are frequently reported by hospital patients who are close to the end of life.

So, I would like to make a request. If you have had a near-death experience or an otherwise inexplicable spiritual encounter, or know of one from a close family member or friend, will you share those stories with us? We will not publicize the stories in your name if you don’t want us to. But I would like to gather more information about these phenomena with your help.

Please write to us either by mail or email, or submit your comments through our website. And please share your contact information so we can follow up with you if we have questions. Again, we will keep your personal information confidential.

I hope to hear from many of you. And I expect to follow up with a longer article about this topic in a future issue. Thank you.

Letters to the editor Readers are encouraged to share their opinions 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.

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Dear Editor: I just read the article you wrote about me in the Beacon. It’s really great! One of the best pieces that has ever been written about me. Thank you so much!

Tony Perkins Anchor, News4 Today NBC4 Washington, DC Dear Editor: I, like many seniors receiving Social Security, am deeply troubled about its future and the reported fixes that are circulating around Capitol Hill.

I read with interest Elliot Raphaelson’s column in your September issue, “To fix Social Security yet protect benefits.”

I have been a proponent for many years to increase the cap on earnings, which is now $162,250. As he stated in the article, increasing or eliminating the cap will not have a significant impact on the lifestyle of family units with incomes over $162,250.

The impact will be felt by the increase in funds [available] for families who rely on the monthly receipt of benefits.

In addition to eliminating the cap on earnings, a rise in the retirement age for eligibility will go even further in closing the gap.

Raphaelson also suggests that state and local government workers should be a part of the Social Security program.

See LETTERS TO EDITOR, page 45

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IMMUNE SYSTEM FACTS No, vitamin C won’t cure a cold — and other myths about the immune system

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Does more TV time raise dementia risk?

By Andrew E. Budson, M.D. Be honest: Just how much television are you watching? One study has estimated that half of American adults spend two to three hours each day watching television, with some watching as much as eight hours per day.

Is time spent on TV a good thing or a bad thing? Let’s look at some of the data in relation to your risks for cognitive decline and dementia.

First, it’s proven that physical activity sharpens the mind. The more time you sit and watch television, the less time you have available for physical activity. Getting sufficient physical activity decreases your risk of cognitive impairment and dementia.

Not surprisingly, if you spend a lot of

time sitting and doing other sedentary behaviors, your risk of cognitive impairment and dementia will be higher than someone who spends less time sitting.

Is TV actually bad for you?

OK, so it’s better to exercise than to sit in front of the television. But you knew that already.

Assuming you’re getting regular exercise, is watching television still bad for you? The first study suggesting that, yes, television is still bad for your brain was published in 2005.

After controlling for year of birth, gender, income and education, the researchers found that each additional hour of television viewing in middle age in-

creased risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease 1.3 times.

In contrast, participating in intellectually stimulating activities and social activities reduced the risk of developing Alzheimer’s.

Although this study had fewer than 500 participants, its findings had not been refuted. But would these results hold up when a larger sample was examined?

TV and cognitive decline In 2018, the UK Biobank study began to follow approximately 500,000 individuals in the United Kingdom who were 37 to 73 years old when first recruited between 2006 and 2010. The demographic information reported was somewhat sparse: 88% of the sample was described as white and 11%

as other; 54% were women.

The researchers examined baseline participant performance on several different cognitive tests, including those measuring: • prospective memory (remembering to do an errand on your way home) • visual-spatial memory (remembering a route that you took) • fluid intelligence (important for problem solving) • short-term numeric memory (keeping track of numbers in your head) Five years later, many participants repeated certain tests. Depending on the test, the number of participants evaluated ranged from 12,091 to 114,373.

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Fact v. fiction about our immune systems

By Jessica Migala The health of our immune systems has become front-of-mind for many over the last few years. And with that comes a lot of advice on the best way to prepare your body’s defenses for any lingering bugs.

Here, we take a look at four common myths about immune health and see what the science says.

1. Your body’s defenses weaken with age.

True. Research shows that as more candles top your birthday cake, the immune function begins to decline, leaving adults over age 65 more vulnerable to severe illness from viral and bacterial infections.

There’s a science-y term for this

process: immunosenescence. You have fewer circulating immune cells, and changes to those you do have make them slower to respond to infectious invaders.

2. Probiotics support healthy immune function.

Mostly true. The microbiome plays a key role in a strong, resilient immune system. A recent review found that probiotic supplements (which contain strains of “good” gut bacteria) decreased the risk of becoming sick with a respiratory infection, and shortened its duration among those who did come down with one.

Probiotics may activate immune cells that fight viruses, reduce inflammation, and kick out “bad” bacteria in your GI sys-

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tem that could open the door to illness.

However, this mechanism isn’t fully understood, and higher-quality clinical studies are needed.

3. Honey will “cure” your allergies.

Too early to tell. The theory is this: Honeybees gather pollen from the very plants that cause your itchy eyes, so consuming a small daily dose of the local honey — and subsequently these pollens — may stimulate your immune system and reduce allergies, explained Miguel P. Wolbert, an allergist and immunologist in Evansville, Indiana.

But the pollens that cause sneezing and congestion — such as ragweed — are wind borne, while the pollens bees collect are too heavy to fly in the breeze.

Wind-borne pollens can fall onto flowers, get picked up by bees and end up in honey, Wolbert said, “but it’s likely to be a very, very small amount” — not enough to make a difference. And, so far, no clinical evidence shows that honey alleviates allergy symptoms.

On the other hand, honey may help soothe your cough. The brain part that reg-

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isters sweet tastes and the part that causes coughing are located near each other, so sensing sweetness may affect coughing, according to researcher Ian M. Paul, M.D. One (major) disclaimer: Don’t give honey to a baby younger than one year old. Honey may contain spores of a bacteria that causes botulism, which an infant’s immature immune system can’t handle.

4. A megadose of vitamin C can squash a cold.

Mostly false. This vitamin does play an important role in immune function. But at the first sign of sniffles, don’t run to the drugstore to load up on C: High-dose supplements won’t prevent or shorten the duration of a cold, according to a review published in Frontiers in Immunology.

Plus, there’s only so much vitamin C your body can absorb in one sitting; you’ll simply urinate out any excess.

EatingWell is a magazine and website devoted to healthy eating as a way of life.

Online at eatingwell.com. © 2023 Dotdash Meredith. All rights reserved. Used with permission. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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TV time From page 3 The results of this study were clear.

First, at baseline, more television viewing time was linked with worse cognitive function across all cognitive tests.

More importantly, television viewing time was also linked with a decline in cognitive function five years later for all cognitive tests.

Although this type of study cannot prove that television viewing caused the cognitive decline, it suggests that it does.

Further, the type of sedentary activity chosen mattered. Both driving and television were linked to worse cognitive function.

In contrast, computer use was associated with better cognitive function at baseline, and a lower likelihood of cognitive decline over the five-year study.

TV and dementia risk

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If you watch more than one hour of TV daily, my recommendation is to turn it off and do activities that we know are good for your brain.

Try physical exercise, using the computer, doing crossword puzzles, dancing and listening to music, and participating in social and other cognitively stimulating activities.

Andrew E. Budson, M.D., is a contributor to Harvard Health Publications and an Editorial Advisory Board member for Harvard Health Publishing. © 2023 Harvard University. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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In 2022, researchers analyzed this same UK Biobank sample with another question in mind: Would time spent watching television versus using a computer result in different risks of developing dementia over time?

Their analyses included 146,651 people 60 and older from the UK Biobank. At the start of the study, none had been diagnosed with dementia. Over 12 years, on average, 3,507 participants (2.4%) were diagnosed with dementia.

Importantly, after controlling for participant physical activity: • time spent watching television increased the risk of dementia, while • time spent using the computer decreased the risk of dementia.

These changes in risk were not small.

Those who watched the most television daily — more than four hours — were 24% more likely to develop dementia. Those who used computers interactively (not passively streaming) more than one hour daily as a leisure activity were 15% less likely to develop dementia.

Studies like these can only note links between behaviors and outcomes. In other words, it’s possible that people who were beginning to develop dementia started to watch television more and use the computer less.

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SADder in the winter? Try light therapy Dear Mayo Clinic: Once daylight saving time ends, I find it difficult as it gets darker earlier. I also notice that I get a bit more depressed in the winter.

My friend suggested a light box for seasonal affective disorder. What is a light box, and can it be helpful in improving my mood?

A: Seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, is a type of depression that typically occurs each year during fall and winter. If you’re like most people with SAD, your symptoms start in the fall and continue into the winter months, sapping your energy and making you feel moody.

It is important not to brush off that yearly feeling as simply a case of the “winter blues”

or a seasonal funk you must tough out on your own. Take steps to keep your mood and motivation steady throughout the year.

The use of light therapy can offer relief.

For some people, light therapy may be more effective when combined with another SAD treatment, such as an antidepressant or psychological counseling, or psychotherapy.

Light therapy boxes for SAD treatment are also known as light boxes, bright light therapy boxes and phototherapy boxes.

Light boxes come in different shapes and sizes. Some look like upright lamps, while others are small and rectangular.

All are designed to do the same thing, but one type may work better for you than another.

®

A light therapy box mimics outdoor light.

Researchers believe this type of light causes a chemical change in the brain that lifts your mood and eases other symptoms of SAD.

How to use a light box Generally, the light box should provide an exposure to 10,000 lux of light and emit as little ultraviolet, or UV, light as possible.

Typical recommendations include using the light box: • within the first hour of waking up in the morning, • for about 20 to 30 minutes, • at a distance of about 16 to 24 inches from the face, and • with eyes open but not looking directly at the light.

Light boxes are designed to be safe and effective, but they aren’t approved or regulated by the Food and Drug Administration for SAD treatment, so you can buy a light box without a prescription.

Still, it’s best to talk with your healthcare provider about choosing and using a light therapy box. Most health insurance plans do not cover the cost.

A caveat: If you’re experiencing both SAD and bipolar disorder, the advisability and timing of using a light box should be carefully reviewed with your healthcare provider. Increasing exposure too fast or using the light

box for too long each time may induce manic symptoms if you have bipolar disorder.

If you have past or current eye problems, such as glaucoma, cataracts or eye damage from diabetes, get advice from your eye care provider before starting light therapy.

How to choose a light box Here are some questions to think about when buying a light box for SAD: Is it made specifically to treat SAD? If not, it may not help your depression. Some light therapy lamps are designed for skin disorders, not for SAD. Lamps used for skin disorders primarily emit UV light and could damage your eyes if used incorrectly.

How bright is it? Light boxes produce different intensities of light. Brighter boxes will achieve the same effect as dimmer boxes with less use each day. Typically, the recommended intensity of light is 10,000 lux.

How much UV light does it release?

Light boxes for SAD should be designed to filter out most or all UV light. Contact the manufacturer for safety information if you have questions.

Can it cause eye damage? Some light boxes include features designed to protect See LIGHT THERAPY, page 8

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What are the benefits of practicing yoga?

Dear Mayo Clinic: I am a mother of two, work full time and am also a breast cancer survivor. I know physical exercise is important, so I try to visit the gym a few times a week for weight training and to walk.

A friend recently invited me to a yoga class. I have never thought about adding yoga to my fitness routine. What are the benefits, and how would I get started?

A: Yoga is a wonderful form of exercise that provides benefits that walking and strength training do not provide. In Eastern cultures, yoga is not seen as exercise but rather as “a moving meditation.” In the Western world, many people know power yoga or vinyasa yoga, which are classified as exercise.

Regardless of the type, the practice of yoga brings together physical and mental disciplines that may help you achieve peacefulness of body and mind, relax, and manage the stress and anxiety associated with

being a busy mom and living with cancer.

Yoga can provide three primary benefits that a typical gym routine may not provide: improved nervous system function, improved joint range of motion, and improved dynamic balance.

Better breathing Since yoga is based on breathing, parts of the nervous system are affected when you lengthen the amount of time you exhale and control your breathing. 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 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 parasympathetic nervous system,

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which controls the body’s rest and digestion functions.

The mindful breathing practiced in yoga increases the activity of the parasympathetic nervous system. As a result, yoga lowers the heart rate, improves digestion and quality of sleep, and strengthens the immune system. Another benefit is reduced stress.

Better mobility 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 the 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 sidebending. Therefore, yoga can prevent stiffness and disuse that also can occur with age. Being able to control the available

Light therapy From page 6 the eyes. Ask your eye care provider for advice on choosing a light box if you have eye problems, such as glaucoma, cataracts or eye damage from diabetes.

Can you put it in the right location?

Think about where you’ll want to place your light box and what you might do during its use, such as reading. Check the manufacturer’s instructions so you receive the right

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

Better balance Think of balance like a muscle. By working hard at different exercises, balance can improve. This is similar to improved 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 play as people aim to hold a pose with their eyes closed. Certain poses become more See YOGA, page 10

amount of light at the proper distance.

Again, talk to your healthcare professional about light box options and recommendations to get one best suited to your needs. — Compiled by Mayo Clinic staff Mayo Clinic Q & A is an educational resource and doesn’t replace regular medical care. Email MayoClinicQ&A@mayo.edu.

For more information, visit mayoclinic.org. © Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. All rights reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Why fingers may hurt in colder weather

By Robert H. Shmerling, M.D. Q: I am getting more sensitive to colder weather. I am worried about the times my fingers get cold enough to hurt and throb. What are some of the possible causes?

A: A likely possibility is Raynaud’s phenomenon. People with this condition have blood vessels that respond in an exaggerated way to cold. This occurs in their fingers and toes and sometimes in other parts of the body.

Instead of the blood vessels constricting normally in reaction to the cold, they “overreact” and constrict more severely.

This causes discomfort.

A key feature of Raynaud’s phenomenon is reversible color changes in the fingers. Initially, the fingers may appear white, but within minutes will turn blue and then red before returning to normal.

Raynaud’s phenomenon may accompany other conditions such as lupus and scleroderma. However, these conditions

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body, but it’s rare that it primarily affects the hands A congenital circulation problem.

Some people are born with small or missing

Yoga

know what to expect. You may want to speak to the instructor in advance about expectations for the class.

And remember, you don’t have to do every pose. If a pose is uncomfortable or you can’t hold it as long as the instructor requests, don’t do it. Good instructors will understand and encourage you to explore — but not exceed — your personal limits.

While it may be hard to add one more thing to your busy life routine, incorporating yoga into your fitness routine can benefit your stress level, mobility and balance in ways that may not be achieved from your regular gym routine.

— Compiled by Mayo Clinic staff 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. © 2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. All Rights Reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

From page 8 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.

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are relatively rare while Raynaud’s phenomenon without another condition (such as lupus) is common.

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If you choose to try yoga, go slow and try different kinds to find what works best for you.

Although you can learn yoga from books and videos, beginners usually find it helpful to learn with an instructor. Visiting a class with your friend may be more enjoyable in that it will offer support to you and time together, which is just as important to overall well-being as fitness.

When you find a class that sounds interesting, talk with the instructor so you

See COLD FINGERS, page 12

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11

Six ways to alleviate Raynaud’s disease Raynaud’s disease, often characterized severity and frequency of Raynaud’s attacks by its telltale cold fingers and toes, is more in many patients, but again, it’s not a cure. than just a fleeting discomfort 3. Protect yourself from for people. It’s a window into cold: Simple measures like the complexities of our vascuwearing gloves can make a siglar system. nificant difference. Ensure you While managing Raynaud’s dress warmly and limit expocan be challenging, undersure to cold environments. standing its ties to other condi4. Avoid caffeine and tions, like thyroid disease and smoking: Nicotine and cafautoimmune disorders, can feine constrict blood vessels shed light on effective treatand limit blood flow. Avoiding ment strategies. I’m a believer DEAR them can help reduce the in getting to the root cause. symptoms of Raynaud’s. On PHARMACIST Let’s delve into six of the By Suzy Cohen this continuum, where meds remost recommended ways to strict blood flow, ADHD medalleviate the symptoms of this condition. ications and oral decongestants should be 1. Biofeedback Training: I was avoided or minimized. trained in neurofeedback in the early 5. Regular exercise: Engaging in rou2000s for the fun of it, but never practiced tine physical activity can help improve ciron patients because I was a pharmacist. culation. Ensure any outdoor exercise durThis technique employs electronic moni- ing colder months (even walking the dog toring to convey information about physio- during the snowy season) is done while logical processes. By understanding your wearing hats, gloves and socks. body’s responses, you can, with practice, 6. Stress management: Since stress learn to promote relaxation and warmth in can trigger Raynaud’s episodes, techyour extremities. It’s not a cure, though. niques like deep breathing, meditation and 2. Calcium channel blockers: Med- yoga can be beneficial. Yoga in hot or ications like amlodipine or nifedipine can warm settings may help because it prohelp relax the blood vessels and increase motes blood circulation.

Now let’s discuss the connection beblood flow to the extremities. These drugs have been proven effective in decreasing the tween thyroid disease and autoimmune

disorders. This has been an area of interest for researchers for many years.

Studies have highlighted that people with Raynaud’s phenomenon often show symptoms of autoimmune conditions such as Sjögren’s disease. The prevalence of Raynaud’s is also higher in people with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Treating the underlying condition will help relieve the Raynaud’s symptoms.

Raynaud’s disease is named after the French doctor Maurice Raynaud, who first described the color changes in the fingers

back in 1862. This condition has been around for a long time, and I wish it had more effective solutions.

If you would like to read a more comprehensive version of this article, it’s posted on my website, suzycohen.com.

This information is opinion only. It is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose your condition. Consult with your doctor before using any new drug or supplement.

Suzy Cohen is a registered pharmacist and author of The 24-Hour Pharmacist.

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Leave leaves on yards to aid biodiversity

By Edwin J. Viera A new study finds the autumn chore of raking leaves could be a disservice to budding plant life.

The National Wildlife Federation found that fallen leaves can be crucial to biodiversity. Experts find keeping leaves in a yard has a similar effect to spreading mulch. They cover roots under plants, suppress weeds, and keep the soil moist.

While the group’s research finds this is common knowledge, only 25% of people surveyed said they actually leave their fallen leaves.

Holly Shimizu, a board member of the American Horticultural Society, said for a lot of people, it comes down to aesthetics.

“A lot of people, they love everything super neat and tidy, and if you’re using leaves as your mulch, it’s not going to have that same totally tidy, neat look,” she said. “It’s going to be a little bit more natural looking.”

But, she added, the perception is slowly changing as more people are working with nature in their gardens.

The report reflects this shift, as 82% of people surveyed are open to

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keeping leaves where they are to benefit wildlife.

While keeping leaves has benefits, there are limits to how well this can work.

David Mizejewski, a naturalist with the National Wildlife Federation, said a portion of the yard being covered with leaves can benefit wildlife, but leaving a couple of inches of leaves on a lawn will kill it.

Either way, bagging leaves as trash is not a better alternative. “Bagging them

up and sending them to the landfill actually is a really bad thing,” he said. “It contributes some really nasty greenhouse gasses to the atmosphere that are a piece of climate change.”

Mizejewski noted some states have taken action to keep leaves out of local landfills. The U.S. Composting Council finds that 17 states (including Mar yland) ban disposing of yard debris with trash.

Those states, along with many counties in Virginia (including Arlington County and Prince William County, as well as the City of Alexandria) collect leaves and other yard debris to create compost or mulch.

—Virginia News Connection, a bureau of the Public News Service

Cold fingers

may be worthwhile to have your thyroid checked, your medications reviewed, and to have some basic blood tests (to look for some of the conditions mentioned earlier in this article).

In the meantime, keep warm. Wear a hat, coat, scar f and gloves before going out in the cold. Hand warmers are another effective remedy for cold fingers.

However, if you have Raynaud’s phenomenon and these actions don’t help, medications (such as nifedipine/Procardia) to open up the arteries of the fingers may be helpful.

Robert H. Shmerling, M.D., is a senior faculty editor at Harvard Health Publishing and corresponding member of the Faculty of Medicine, Harvard Medical School. For additional consumer health information, visit health.harvard.edu. © 2023 Harvard University. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

From page 10 arteries in the hands, so their fingers may get less than normal blood flow.

Thyroid disease. An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) may cause cold intolerance, though this is usually bodywide, not just in the fingers.

Drugs. Prescription, over-the-counter and recreational drugs may provoke Raynaud’s phenomenon. Examples include beta-blockers (such as metoprolol/Lopressor), pseudoephedrine (as in Sudafed), and cocaine. Caffeine and nicotine may also constrict small arteries in the fingers.

Diseases that cause sluggish blood flow. These can include polycythemia vera, cold agglutinin disease or cryoglobulinemia. Among all people complaining of cold hands, however, these are rarely to blame.

See your doctor for an evaluation. It

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15

Small fish and bivalves are good choices

By Julie Corliss, Harvard Health Blog Many health-conscious consumers have already cut back on hamburgers, steaks and deli meats, often by swapping in poultry or seafood.

Those protein sources are better than beef, and not just because they’re linked to a lower risk of heart disease, diabetes and cancer.

Chicken and fish are also better for the environment, as their production uses less land and other resources, and generates fewer greenhouse gas emissions.

And choosing seafood that’s lower on the food chain — namely, small fish such as herring and sardines, and bivalves such as clams and oysters — can amplify those benefits.

“It’s much better for your health and the environment when you replace terrestrial food sources — especially red meat — with aquatic food sources,” said Christopher Golden, assistant professor of nutrition and planetary health at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

But instead of popular seafood choices such as farmed salmon or canned tuna, consider mackerel or sardines, he suggested.

Why eat small fish?

Anchovies, herring, mackerel and sar-

dines are all excellent sources of protein, micronutrients like iron, zinc and vitamin B12, and heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, which may help ease inflammation within the body and promote a better balance of blood lipids.

And because you often eat the entire fish (including the tiny bones), small fish are also rich in calcium and vitamin D, said Golden. (Mackerel is an exception: cooked mackerel bones are too sharp or tough to eat, although canned mackerel bones are fine to eat.)

Small fish are also less likely to contain contaminants such as mercury and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) compared with large species like tuna and swordfish.

Those and other large fish feed on smaller fish, which concentrates the toxins.

It’s also more environmentally friendly to eat small fish directly instead of using them to make fish meal, which is often fed to farmed salmon, pork and poultry.

Feed for those animals also includes grains that require land, water, pesticides and energy to produce, just as grain fed to cattle does, Golden points out.

The good news is that, increasingly, salmon farming has begun using less fish meal, and some companies have created highly nutritious feeds that don’t require fish meal at all.

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Follow the Mediterranean diet The traditional Mediterranean diet, widely considered the best diet for heart health, highlights small fish such as fresh sardines and anchovies, said Golden.

Canned versions of these species, which are widely available and less expensive than fresh, are a good option.

However, most canned anchovies are salt-cured and, therefore, high in sodium, which can raise blood pressure.

Here are some ways to use sardines packed in water or olive oil: • served on crackers or crusty, toasted bread with a squeeze of lemon • prepared like tuna salad for a sandwich filling • added to a salad

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• tossed with pasta, either added to tomato sauce or with lemon, capers and red pepper flakes.

Golden is particularly fond of pickled herring, which you can often find in jars in supermarkets or even make yourself.

Bivalve benefits Bivalves are two-shelled aquatic creatures that include clams, oysters, mussels and scallops. Also known as mollusks, they’re good sources of protein but are quite low in fat, so they aren’t as rich in omega-3s as small, fatty fish.

However, bivalves contain several micronutrients, especially zinc and vitamin See SEAFOOD, page 16

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Q&A: Advice on weight loss; low energy

By Howard LeWine, M.D. Q: If you are overweight, what is more important: getting fit or losing weight?

A: You are alluding to what some people have called the fat but fit paradox. Let’s start with definitions of fitness and fatness.

Fitness, also referred to as cardiovascular fitness or cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), is a measure of the performance of the heart, lungs and muscles of the body.

Muscle performance includes measures of both strength and endurance.

Maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max), a laboratory measure of the maximum amount of oxygen a person can use during exercise, is the optimal measure of CRF. However, self-reported physical activity is often used as a proxy for VO2 max in research studies because it’s much easier and less expensive to assess.

Fatness can be defined in many different

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ways. Body mass index (BMI), a calculation of your size that takes into account your height and weight, is used most commonly.

However, we know that measures such as body fat percentage, waist circumference, waist-to-hip, ratio and waist-to-height ratio tell us much more than BMI about a person’s health, metabolic risk and risk of death. Still, due to the ease and relative inexpensiveness of this measurement, BMI is used most commonly in research studies.

The fat but fit paradox suggests that individuals with obesity who are also active can experience a reduction in cardiovascular disease risk that supersedes the effect of their increased weight.

It’s no surprise that being more physically active is linked to lower levels of blood pressure, cholesterol and sugar

compared to being inactive.

However, physical activity does not completely compensate for the negative effects of having either overweight status or obesity. In other words, individuals with overweight or obesity are at greater cardiovascular disease risk than their counterparts with normal weight, regardless of physical activity levels.

Thus, the existing evidence shows that physical activity reduces — but does not eliminate — the effects of overweight or obesity on cardiovascular disease risk.

So, if you are both overweight and inactive, what should you concentrate on first?

The natural answer is both.

However, for my patients I have always

Seafood

States. For less common varieties, try larger Asian markets, which often carry a wide variety of fish and bivalves, Golden suggested.

From page 15 B12. Zinc contributes to a healthy immune system, and vitamin B12 helps form red blood cells that carry oxygen and keep nerves throughout the body healthy. While most Americans get enough B12, some may not.

And from a planetary health perspective, bivalves are among the best sources of animal-based protein. “Bivalves can be ‘nature positive’ because they don’t require feed, and they filter and clean up water,” Golden said.

Be aware, however, that bivalves can become contaminated from runoff, bacteria, viruses or chemicals in the water.

So be sure to follow FDA advice about buying and preparing seafood safely.

Although we tend to think of coastal cities as the best places to find seafood, it’s available throughout the United

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• Local & Long Distance F REE • Packing Services BOXES • Pianos & Big Objects Owner Operated since 1982 References • Best Rates in DC Senior’s Special Rate $80/hr. – two men Pickups / Deliveries

See ADVICE, page 18

Aquatic plant foods You can even go one step further down the aquatic food chain by eating aquatic plant foods such as seaweed and kelp.

If you like sushi, you’ve probably had nori, the flat sheets of seaweed used to make sushi rolls. You can also find seaweed snacks in Asian and many mainstream grocery stores. The truly adventurous may want to try kelp jerky or a kelp burger, both sold online.

Nutrients in seaweed vary quite a bit, depending on species (kelp is one type of brown seaweed; there are also numerous green and red species).

Seaweed is low in calories, is a good source of fiber, and also contains iodine, a mineral required to make thyroid hormones. Similar to terrestrial vegetables, seaweeds contain a range of other minerals and vitamins.

For now, aquatic plant foods remain fringe products here in the United States, but they may become more mainstream in the future, according to Golden. © 2023 Harvard University. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

BEACON BITS

Nov. 14

OBSERVATIONAL ART CLASS

Learn the art of observation, including techniques such as perspective, shading, color theory and more, using both paint and drawing materials.

This free class will meet from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Tues., Nov. 14 at the Georgetown Library, 3260 R St.

www.continentalmovers.net

NW, Washington, DC. For more

Cmora53607@msn.com

information, call (202) 727-0232 or

202-438-1489 301-340-0602

email georgetownlibrary@dc.gov.

Makes a great gift! | Fitness & Health

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 3

Falll inn Love o ...

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Advice From page 16 advocated concentrating first on increasing daily physical activity and scheduling 10 to 15 minutes of moderate intensity exercise every day.

There are many non-weight related benefits of exercise, including improvements in energy metabolism, oxidative stress, inflammation, tissue repair and immunity. But don’t expect that you will immediately start

to shed pounds with a bit more exercise.

Once your increased activity level becomes more routine, you are more likely to consider the ways you can reduce daily calorie consumption.

Also, you may wish to talk with your doctor about pharmacologic options to help with weight loss.

Q: I am in my 70s, and my health is good overall. But I wish I had more energy. Why do older people become less energetic? How can we

BEACON BITS

Nov. 17

FALL RECIPE DEMO Learn to turn winter plants into delicious dishes like potato gratin

and Apple Gingersnap Crumble. The U.S. Botanic Garden hosts a free online cooking demonstration on Fri., Nov. 17 from noon to 1 p.m. The Cook Sisters will share their tips and secrets to getting the most flavor out of winter vegetables.

Register at bit.ly/USBGFallRecipes for the free web-based class. For more information, call (202) 225-8333.

Nov. 28

BOOK DISCUSSION Stop by Politics and Prose bookstore on Tues., Nov. 28 at 7 p.m. to hear political historian Sam Lebovic discuss the troubling histo-

ry of the 1917 Espionage Act. Lebovic will read from his new book, State of Silence: The Espionage Act and the Rise of America’s Secrecy Regime, at this free event. Politics and Prose is located at 5015 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC. For more information, call (202) 364-1919.

N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 3 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

boost our energy naturally?

A: As we get older, we lose energy-producing engines in the cells (mitochondria), and as a result, we make less adenosine triphosphate (ATP) — the molecule that delivers energy to cells throughout the body.

We also lose muscle mass, resulting in fewer cells, fewer mitochondria and lower ATP production. If you’re too tired to be active, it compounds the problem by further weakening and shrinking muscles.

Fortunately, a healthier lifestyle can help give you more energy. That means eating a diet low in added sugars and processed foods, with enough calories and nutrients to meet your needs; getting seven to nine hours of sleep each night; managing stress; and (if necessary) talking to your doctor about medication side effects.

And perhaps the fastest, most important way to boost your energy is to move more.

The recommended amounts of exercise are at least 150 minutes of aerobic activity (such as brisk walking) per week, and at least two muscle-strengthening workouts per week. But studies have shown that any amount of exercise is beneficial.

For example, a review of almost 200 randomized controlled trials of resistance training, published online by the British Journal of Sports Medicine on July 6, 2023, found that people who did any strength training at all increased muscle mass and physical function compared with

people who didn’t do strength training.

In addition to boosting your energy, it’s essential to use what you have wisely. Think in terms of “energy dollars” and be more frugal about the way you spend them.

Strategies known as the “four P’s” can help.

Prioritizing. Think about what you need to accomplish in a day versus what you want to accomplish, and make the necessary activity your priority.

Planning. Planning how to use your energy will help you accomplish more.

Planning could be scheduling just one major errand or appointment per day as opposed to three errands. Planning could also mean that you schedule rest breaks.

Pacing. Don’t try to rush through activities, which can use up all of your energy quickly. Rushing leads to fatigue and increases your risk of falling. Spread out your activity to give yourself time to recover between tasks.

Positioning. Maintain good posture when you’re sitting or standing. You’ll expand your lungs so they can take in more oxygen. And it might help to sit down during activities to reduce the amount of energy you’re using.

Howard LeWine, M.D., is an internist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston and assistant professor at Harvard Medical School. For additional consumer health information, visit health.harvard.edu. © 2023 Harvard University. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Makes a great gift! | Fitness & Health

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 3

to everyone who made the Beacon’s 50+Expos such a great success!

Including our 22 Sponsors, more than 140 Exhibitors, more than 60 Community Partners, numerous volunteers and thousands of attendees.

GOLD SPONSORS:

SILVER SPONSORS:

BRONZE SPONSORS:

Aging & Disabiliy

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N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 3 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Health Studies INFORMATION ON AREA CLINICAL TRIALS Test a new combo flu and Covid vaccine

By Margaret Foster When children get immunized for measles, mumps and rubella, they get one shot, known as MMR. Same with diphtheria, tetanus and acellular pertussis, or DTaP. So why not bundle the flu shot with a Covid vaccine?

A study of a combined flu and Covid vaccine is under way now at Velocity Clinical Research in Rockville, Maryland.

“Right now, we have a Covid vaccine and we have a flu shot. You have to get two separate shots, and they’re not always available at the same place at the same time. So, there’s a

compliance issue and certainly getting poked twice can result in more localized side effects as well,” said Dr. Shishir Khetan, principal investigator of Velocity Clinical Research.

“So, the study sponsor is combining the Covid and flu shot into one shot, just like the kids have these combination vaccines in one shot — same concept,” Khetan said.

How the study works Adults over 50 are invited to get the twoin-one shot, which is in phase three of testing. (Phase-three studies look at the efficacy of new drugs compared to a placebo, after

the drug’s safety has already been shown.)

In this randomized, controlled trial, everyone will get two shots, one in each arm. One arm may get the combination shot, and the other will get a placebo. Another group will receive the standard Covid vaccine in one arm and flu shot in the other. In other words, participants won’t know whether the second shot is a vaccine or just a placebo.

The benefit is that everyone who participates will get both the flu and Covid vaccines, even if they’re not in the same shot.

The six-month study only requires two, possibly three, in-person visits to Rockville

Paid Volunteers Needed

(parking is free). After people receive the vaccines, they’ll keep track of any side effects, such as a sore arm, in an e-diary.

“They’re helping to get two vaccines into one that doesn’t exist right now. There is no combination [available] and having the combination increases compliance or decreases side effects,” Khetan said.

Velocity Clinical Research is located at 1201 Seven Locks Road, Suite 214, in Rockville, near red line bus and metro stations.

For more information, call (240) 698-2800 or email RockvilleIM@VelocityClinical.com.

BEACON BITS

to participate in hearing research

BLOOD Ongoing DONATE The Red Cross is working around-the-clock to collect 10,000

You will be compensated $15/hour for your time!

blood and platelet donations, especially type O blood. Donors will receive $10 gift cards through Nov. 10 and be automatically entered to win a $5,000 gift card. To make an appointment, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Who? Persons 18 - 30 years old with normal hearing Persons 65 – 85 years old with either normal or mildly impaired hearing American English must be your first language.

Where? University of Maryland, College Park, MD What does the research involve? You may be asked to listen to sentences, tones, or noise bursts. You will then be asked to react to a particular sound or sentence. This will take approximately 18 to 25 hours, scheduled over multiple weeks.

Or you may be asked to complete tasks that involve passively measuring brain activity.

This will take approximately 13 to 15 hours.

For further details, contact Ms. Carol Gorham hearing@umd.edu, 301-405-4236

Nov. 22

EMAIL FOR SENIORS

Sign up for a free email address and learn how to use it. This class will meet Wed., Nov. 22 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Southwest Neighborhood Library, at 900 Wesley Pl. SW, Washington, DC. For more information, email southwestlibrary@dc.gov or call (202) 724-4298.

Help Fight Deadly Diseases Now enrolling for paid flu and COVID-19 vaccine studies Velocity is conducting clinical trials for investigational vaccines that could help prevent the spread of the flu and COVID-19. Health insurance is not required to join.

Beyond helping advance medicine, you may also: • Learn about new medicines in development • Receive study-related medical exams at no cost • Get paid for participating (amounts differ for each study)

Call (240) 698−2800 mail RockvilleIM@velocityclinical.com Em Vellocity yCliniicalTrials.c com m

1201 Seven Locks Road, Suite 214 Rockville, MD 20854

Makes a great gift! | Fitness & Health

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 3

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One-sided headache may need attention

By Howard LeWine, M.D. Q: How would a person know if a one-sided headache around the temples is just a migraine or something more serious, like temporal arteritis?

A: Throbbing pain in the temples, especially on just one side of your head, is a common symptom of migraine pain.

But when throbbing turns into a constant headache, and it’s accompanied by pain when you touch your temples, you need immediate medical evaluation. It may be a sign of temporal arteritis.

Temporal arteritis is a condition caused by inflammation of one or more large arteries. It typically strikes either or both large temporal arteries located on the side of the head.

Also known as cranial or giant-cell arteritis, this painful condition almost always occurs in people 50 or older.

People with temporal arteritis describe the pain as severe, throbbing, and burning — most often at the temple on one side of the head. Other symptoms, such as a lowgrade fever, fatigue, loss of weight or appetite, or a tender scalp or temple may also occur. Chewing may cause aching jaws.

Doctors don’t know what triggers the problem, but it involves a misguided immune response causing inflammation of artery walls. The resulting swelling can progressively narrow the affected vessels,

reducing blood flow.

In severe cases, arteries become totally blocked. If this happens in the artery supplying the retina, it threatens the vision in that eye. However, when caught and treated early, temporal arteritis responds well to medication.

A doctor who suspects temporal arteritis will check your blood’s erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and/or C-reactive protein (CRP). A high level of one or both suggests there’s inflammation in your body. In some centers, an ultrasound of the temporal arteries can confirm the diagnosis.

But the surest way to diagnose the condition is to remove part of the blood vessel and examine it under a microscope for changes in the artery wall. Confirming temporal arteritis is crucial because the condition requires long-term treatment with drugs to reduce inflammation.

If your symptoms, exam and blood test strongly suggest temporal arteritis, therapy with high-dose corticosteroids needs to start as soon as possible. Most doctors will begin corticosteroid therapy as a precautionary measure before having an ultrasound or taking a blood vessel biopsy.

If the diagnosis is confirmed, you will need to take prednisone or another corticosteroid at a high dose until symptoms have disappeared and the laboratory tests are close to

normal. This usually takes at least a month.

The dosage is then gradually decreased.

Your doctor may suggest adding another anti-inflammatory drug, such as

tocilizumab, to help more rapidly reduce the dose of prednisone. © 2023 Harvard University. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Adults with Asthma Needed to Participate in Research NIH researchers at the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute want to learn more about asthma.

BEACON BITS

Fridays

FREE FITNESS CLASS Join an exercise class from home and get your heart rate up. The

free conditioning class, led by AARP, takes place every Friday morning on Zoom at 10 a.m. AARP membership not required. Sign up for Fitness Fridays at bit.ly/AARPfreeclass or by emailing gaaarp@aarp.org.

To learn more, go to https://bit.ly/99H0076 or call the NIH Clinical Center Office of Patient Recruitment at 1-800-411-1222 or via email at ccopr@nih.gov.

Please reference study # 99-H-0076.

Consider participating if you: • Are an adult 18 years of age or older • Have a history of asthma or wheezing • Do not have another lung or respiratory condition, such as chronic bronchitis or cystic fibrosis

What is involved: • One testing visit and a 1-2 day stay at the NIH Clinical Center • Tests of your lung function including blood work, urine collection, and chest X-ray • A procedure to collect cells from your lungs (bronchoscopy)

Compensation provided.

The NIH Clinical Center is located in Bethesda, Maryland.

For more information, please see complete study information here: https://bit.ly/99H0076

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N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 3 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) An ADU is a smaller, independent residential dwelling unit (like a Tiny Home or cottage) built on the same lot as a stand-alone (i.e., detached) singlefamily home. They can enable older adults to stay near family as they age — bit.ly/ADUInfo

Montgomery County “Design for Life” Incentive Program This program helps county residents add accessibility features to their home and earn a property tax credit to help cover the cost — www. montgomerycountymd.gov/design

Montgomery County In-Home Aide Services

Help with Housing It’s difficult to age “friendly” when you have issues with housing.

Whether you rent, own or share your home in Montgomery County, there are many resources available to help you stay there safely and affordably. Here are some resources provided by the County that are worth looking into:

Montgomery County Aging and Disability Services Start here for information on ALL Montgomery County resources for older adults and those with disabilities — www.montgomerycountymd.gov/ senior. Or place a call to (240) 7773000 for advice and referrals.

Montgomery County Senior Housing Resources Along with other important material, this site has information on property tax credits for older

homeowners, and rental assistance and tax credits for renters — www. montgomerycountymd.gov/senior/ housing.html

Montgomery County Rental Marketplace Looking for a place to rent? This website from the Department of Housing and Community Affairs gives rent, location and contact information for rental properties throughout the County — www.montgomerycountymd.gov/ RentalMarketplace

Montgomery County Home Sharing Program Home-sharing is a way for two unrelated people to agree to safely share a home, expenses, chores and even each other’s company — bit.ly/HIPHomeSharing or call (301) 85-SHARE

This program provides home care to income-qualified older adults, helping them remain in their own homes, relieving their caregivers, and helping to prevent residents from having to move to institutional care settings. Call (240) 777-3000 for more information and to discuss eligibility.

AARP Home Fit Guide Download this publication to learn smart ways to make a home comfortable, safe and a great fit for older adults — bit.ly/ AARPHomeFitGuide

Home Accessibility Rehabilitation Program (HARP) The HARP Program (HARP) is a service of the Department of Housing and Community Affairs, administered by Habitat for Humanity Metro Maryland.

They provide income-qualified homeowners with free accessibility modifications, such as grab bars, chair lifts and walk-in showers — bit.ly/ HelpFromHARP

www.montgomerycountymd.gov/senior

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 3

Makes a great gift! | Fitness & Health

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Some unique appetizers for the holidays

By Dawna Pitts As the holidays approach, add these appetizers to your entertaining repertoire.

Parmesan Crisps, below, are available in grocery stores, but they are easy to make and can be prepared a week in advance.

Homemade ones taste so much better, and leftovers are great on salads, soups, or with slices of pear for a little snack.

In addition, Baby Brie and Fig Pies are an easy, fast appetizer using store-bought, pre-made pie crust. These pies are filled with the delicious combo of melted Brie cheese and fig jam. These cuties disappear very fast!

Baby Brie and Fig Pies Serves 6 Ingredients: 1 frozen pre-made pie crust, defrosted 8-10 ounces soft Brie cheese (not triple cream, which will be too runny in this recipe) 8 ounces fig jam 1 egg and 1 tablespoon of water

Butter or non-stick spray for preparing the baking pan Round cookie cutters Directions: 1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

2. Prepare mini cupcake tins or mini tart tins by spraying non-stick spray or rubbing butter inside. Silicon baking pans work great for non-stick purposes.

3. Roll out the pie crust so it is flat, even, and about ¼-inch thick.

4. Using a 2 or 2 ½-inch round cookie cutter, cut the bottom part of the baby pies.

5. Press the cut pie crust into the baking tins and repeat until you have used about half of the crust.

6. Trim Brie by cutting out most of the wax and cut it into 1-inch cubes, inserting them into prepared pie bottoms.

7. Spoon a teaspoon-full of fig jam and add to top the Brie pieces. Spread gently to fill the pie cups.

8. Using a 1- to 1 ½-inch round cookie cutter, cut out small rounds of pie crust until you have used all the pie crust. You can re-shape and use the scraps as well.

9. Place a small round-cut crust on top of the pie and seal the rounds by pressing with a fork all around the diameter. Also, poke holes in the center top of the pie with a fork.

10. Beat 1 egg and a tablespoon of water until well combined and brush the egg wash on top of the pies.

11. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown.

12. Let cool for about 5 minutes before taking them out of the pans. Serve warm.

Parmesan Crisps Serves 6 These can be made a week in advance.

Ingredients:

1 cup grated parmesan cheese ½ tablespoon all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper Optional topping ideas: 1 tablespoon “Everything Bagel” seasoning Fresh minced herbs such as thyme leaves, rosemary, chives or parsley Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

2. Combine cheese, flour, pepper and any optional toppings.

3. Place a generous tablespoon of mixture on a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet (make sure you leave at least an inch and a half of space between them as they will spread out in the oven).

4. Bake for 8 minutes.

5. Let cool and store in airtight container until you’re ready to use.

You can toast them quickly in the oven right before serving for a warm and softer texture.

Excerpted from Entertaining Is My Love Language, a new home entertainment cookbook from party planner Dawna Pitts. © 2023 by Dawna Pitts

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N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 3 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

DIRECTOR S MESSAGE

By Charon P.W. Hines Dear Seniors, As we step into November, we are greeted by a season of change. The leaves that were once green, now paint our city in vibrant autumn hues. The clocks will fall back, ending daylight savings time, and ushering in standard time, and the temperature change will mark the progression of a new season on the horizon.

Although the world around us is ever-changing, one thing around us remains the same — the opportunity to embrace gratitude daily and the appreciation of our loved ones.

This November, we celebrate National Caregivers Family Month, a month designed to recognize and honor family caregivers across the country. It is a time where we can all raise awareness of caregiving issues, educate communities, and increase support for caregivers.

We are proud to share that one of DACL’s grantees, the DC Caregivers Institute (DCCI), is supporting this mission. DCCI provides support for caregivers through the Caregivers Support Group and DCCI Educational Webinars.

Caregivers Support Group DCCI provides monthly support groups for caregivers enrolled in the Institute. The goal of the group is to enhance caregivers’ coping skills through mutual support and information sharing. It provides a space to virtually gather with a group of people facing common caregiving issues to share what’s troubling them. Through the sharing of experiences, DCCI is able to offer support, encouragement and comfort to others, and receive the same. The support group schedule is below:

Afternoon Support Group When: 3rd Thursday each month Time: 3 to 4 p.m./Virtually To enroll in the Caregivers Support Group please contact DCCI (202) 4641513.

Educational Webinars: DCCI also offers monthly educational webinars, which cover a variety of valuable topics. These webinars are open to everyone. Topics can include “Learning Stress Reduction Techniques,” “Safe at Home Program,” and “Safe Transfer Techniques with appropriate equipment.” Knowing what to expect can help caregivers feel more in control and better able to plan. The webinar schedule for November is below: When: November 15 Time: 1 to 2 p.m./Virtually Zoom Information: Meeting ID: 896 9478 6432 Passcode: 257331 Topic: Emergency Preparedness for Seniors Janel Doughten, Associate Director Center for Senior Services B’nai B’rith International To learn more about how to take advantage of these programs and services, and others offered by DCCI, call (202) 464-1513.

Let’s embrace this season of change and gratitude. We can do this by continuing to make connections with our loved ones and by helping those in need. I hope the month of November is an amazing start to your new season of change and gratitude.

Evening Support Group: When: 1st Thursday each month Time: 7 to 8 p.m./Virtually

In Service, Charon P.W. Hines

DC’s Ms. Senior DC 2023 Competes In Ms. Senior America Pageant

Last month, DC’s Ms. Senior 2023, Cerise Turner, competed in the Ms. Senior America Pageant in Atlantic City, NJ. Although Queen Cerise didn’t place, she remains the reigning Ms. Senior DC 2023!

Congratulations Queen Cerise, we are so proud of you!

Living Boldly

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 3

Mayor Bowser Breaks Ground on Lisner-LouiseDickson-Hurt Senior Affordable Housing Units

Makes a great gift!

P R E S E N T E D

10-11 am: Senior Citizens Admission 11 am-1 pm: General Admission 9:30 am: Community Services and Health Expo, Clothing Distribution opens 11 am: Meal Seatings begin Walter E. Washington Convention Center 801 Mount Vernon Place, NW, Washington, DC

Attendees will enter through the Mount Vernon Place front doors

housing at the Lisner-Louise-DicksonHurt Home in Friendship Heights. The new project will also feature a rehab facility and long-term care housing.

E V E N T S

D C

Celebrating 24 Years of Sharing & Caring Wednesday, November 22, 2023

DACL’s Director Hines joined Mayor Bowser and community members in Ward 3 last month to break ground on 93 units of affordable senior

B Y

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Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, fellowship, and for giving back to others. It’s also a time to gather with friends and family to show how much we care.

Join us for a holiday celebration featuring a delicious free Thanksgiving meal, live entertainment, free health screenings and community service exhibitors, a free clothing distribution, fun prizes and more.

ALL VOLUNTEERS MUST REGISTER ONLINE

#SAFEWAYFEAST • SAFEWAY.COM/FEASTOFSHARING •

This event is Metro accessible. The closest stations are Mt. Vernon Square 7th Street-Convention Center (Green & Yellow Lines) and Gallery Place (Red Line)

DACL & Hattie Holmes SWC Honor Breast Cancer Awareness Month With A “Party N’ Pink”

District residents are invited to this family-style festival to mark the open enrollment period of the DC Health Link, the District’s online health insurance marketplace. The 2024 Open Enrollment Period begins November 1, 2023, and runs through January 31, 2024.

Living Boldly is published by the Information Office of the DC Department of Aging and Community Living for DC senior residents. Advertising contained in the Beacon is not endorsed by the DC Department of Aging and Community Living or by the publisher.

Director

Editor

Photographer

Charon P.W. Hines

DACL External Affairs

Amanda J. Washington

500 K St. NE, Washington, DC 20002 | (202) 724-5626 | www.dacl.dc.gov

Onsite enrollment in health plans to meet every need and budget will take place along with FREE health screenings, local entertainment, celebrity chef healthy cooking and health-wellness demonstrations, hip-hop freestyle dance exercises, children & family activities including games and story book hour, refreshments from Ben’s Chili Bowl, branded giveaways and much more.

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N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 3 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Money Law &

KEEP YOUR INTEREST HIGH It might be time to sell inflation-protected savings bonds you got last year GIVING WISELY When you donate to charity, do it from your IRA for maximum tax benefit TAKE THE HEAT How to save money while keeping yourself and your home warm this winter KNOW THE SIGNS People with even mild dementia are more vulnerable to financial abuse

Medicare Advantage — pitfalls to avoid

By Kate Ashford [Ed. Note: We are currently in the thick of Medicare’s annual “open enrollment period,” which runs from October 15 to December 7 every year. That’s the period during which you can a) switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan, or vice versa, b) join, drop or switch to another Medicare Advantage Plan, and c) add, drop or change prescription drug coverage.

It is advisable to review your options every year, as various aspects of health and drug plans may change. This article is focused on those currently in or considering a Medicare Advantage plan.]

Only 3 in 10 Medicare beneficiaries who have a Medicare Advantage plan shop around during open enrollment, according to a 2022 analysis from KFF, a health policy nonprofit. And only 1 in 10 Medicare Advantage enrollees voluntarily switch plans.

A 2020 analysis of Medicare Advantage plan choices by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that more than half of beneficiaries overspent by more than $1,000 due to the plan they selected.

Here are some practices to avoid as you shop for Medicare Advantage this fall: 1. Thinking Medicare Advantage is Medicare If you’re considering Medicare Advantage, understand that it’s not the same thing as government-provided Medicare.

It offers the same benefits, but Medicare Advantage is run by private health insurance companies, and it operates differently.

“You are essentially taking the Medicare coverage that you’ve been provided by the government and turning that in,” said Melinda Caughill, co-founder and CEO of 65 Incorporated, which offers Medicare guidance.

You can switch back to Original Medicare during each year’s open enrollment period, but you may not be able to qualify for an affordable Medicare Supplement Insurance plan, or Medigap, once you’re past the one-time Medigap open enrollment period. (Medigap helps with certain out-of-pocket costs not covered by Original Medicare.)

2. Assuming your doctors are in network Medicare Advantage plans operate within networks of medical providers, and you usually must see in-network doctors for covered care.

“A lot of people don’t realize that — especially those $0-premium plans — they tend to have fairly confined networks,” said Emily Gang, CEO of the Medicare Coach, a site that provides Medicare guidance. “You want to double-check that your doctor is actually an approved provider in that network.”

Ask your providers what insurance they’ll be accepting in 2024, suggests

Sarah Murdoch, director of client services for the Medicare Rights Center, a nonprofit consumer advocacy organization. It’s easier than trying to check each plan’s network individually.

3. Not checking your drug coverage Like network providers, drug coverage can also change each year. Your drug plan might cover one of your medications differently in 2024, leaving you with more out-of-pocket costs than you expected.

“If you take even one brand name medication, your need to compare plans is incredibly high,” Caughill said. No brand names on your list? Shop around if you take five or more medications in general.

4. Buying for the dental benefits Medicare Advantage plans usually include benefits that aren’t part of Original Medicare, such as dental, vision or hearing coverage. These extras may be appealing, but don’t let them steer your plan choice.

“First of all, it’s health insurance — so how is it going to cover your healthcare providers and your medications?” said Katy Votava, who holds a doctorate in health economics and nursing and is president and founder of Goodcare, a consulting firm focused on the economics of Medicare.

“If you pick (your plan) for a benefit that isn’t health insurance, you’re often picking wrong. And the dental benefit is pretty limited in all these plans — it’s a couple of

cleanings and some bite wings.”

5. Looking at the premium only The majority of Medicare Advantage enrollees are in plans with no premium, meaning you pay nothing each month for the plan. “People see that $0 premium and they’re like, ‘Oh, it’s free,’” Gang said.

“And it’s not.”

Research the rest of the plan’s costs before you sign up, including deductibles, copays, coinsurance and the out-of-pocket maximum, which is the most you might have to spend on covered care in a year. In 2023, the out-of-pocket max can be as high as $8,300 for in-network care.

6. Buying because your friend has it People eligible for Medicare are bombarded by information during open enrollment, and it can be overwhelming.

“They don’t shop,” Votava said. “They go with name recognition or what their friend has.”

The better choice: Focus on your own situation and find the plan that meets your needs.

If you need help, contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program, or SHIP, for free Medicare guidance. Just don’t wait until the last minute, because appointments fill up, Votava said. “If you need individual help, you’d better get on the list.” © 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Time to give bonds and CDs a closer look Traditionally, financial advisers have stock returns in the near future will be urged investors to allocate 60% of their much lower than in the past. Average portfolios to stocks and 40% stock returns in the last few to debt instruments. This apyears have been poor. proach made sense during In 2022, the returns for both bull markets for stocks, when stocks and bonds were poor. the average return for a diFor most of 2023, most stock versified stock portfolio perindexes had very good reformed much better than for sults, but now all of the gains a diversified bond portfolio. have fallen back to levels at Lately, however, the Federal the start of 2023, so if you look Reserve has been increasing at the average returns of most interest rates to curb inflation. THE SAVINGS indexes, stock returns over The result has been that re- GAME the last two years have been turns for investments in cer- By Elliot Raphaelson mostly negative. tificates of deposit, money As recently as the beginmarket funds, and bonds with short and ning of 2022, the returns on investments in long maturities have increased dramatically. short-term debt instruments were much Many market forecasters predict that less than 1%.

But with the recent increases in interest rates, even very conservative debt investments — such as CDs with various maturities, money-market funds, short- and longterm Treasury instruments, and highquality corporate bonds — carry attractive interest rates often exceeding 5%.

The current attractive interest rates, coupled with the uncertainty and risks of traditional common stock investments, are leading many investors to change their portfolio balance more in favor of bonds and fixed-income securities.

Bonds also have risks If you are planning to invest more heavily in bonds, you need to understand the risks involved.

Interest rate risk. When you purchase

an individual bond, or invest in bond funds or bond exchange-traded funds (ETFs), the value of the investment will fluctuate based on changes in interest rates. This is an inverse relationship to interest rates.

That is, when interest rates increase, the value of individual bonds decreases.

If you purchase individual bonds and hold them to maturity, you will receive the par value of the bond. You receive your principal back.

But when you purchase mutual funds or ETFs, the manager is constantly buying and selling shares, so an increase in interest rates will reduce the value of your investment. You don’t have the option of waiting until the portfolio matures.

See BOND BASICS, page 28

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N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 3 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Own Series I Bonds? Consider cashing in

By Sandra Block In 2022, a spike in inflation made normally staid Series I [inflation-protected] savings bonds almost as popular as tickets to Taylor Swift’s Eras tour.

I bonds issued between May and Octo-

ber 2022 earned a six-month composite rate of 9.62%, creating a surge in demand from yield-hungry investors that briefly overwhelmed the TreasuryDirect website where they’re sold.

I bond rates have since come down to

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GENTLE YOGA

This free yoga class focuses on flexibility and mental calmness.

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earth. Bonds issued between May and October 2023 pay a composite rate of 4.3%.

Meanwhile, some certificates of deposit and high-yield savings accounts are paying more than 5%, and the recent yield on oneyear Treasury bills topped 5.3%.

Yields on Treasury inflation-protected securities (TIPS) — government securities that are indexed to the rate of inflation — are also attractive now, according to David Enna, founder of Tipswatch.com, a website that focuses on I bonds and TIPS. But I bonds may still provide some benefits for long-term investors, particularly those issued between May and October 2023. And cashing in your I bonds may mean giving up some interest — if you can cash them in at all.

I bonds consist of two components: an inflation rate, which is based on the consumer price index and is adjusted every

six months from the bond’s issue date, and a fixed rate that remains the same for the life of the bond (up to 30 years).

You can’t redeem an I bond in the first year, and if you cash it in before five years have passed, you’ll forfeit the most recent three months of interest. (If you check your bond’s value at TreasuryDirect.gov within the first five years of owning it the threemonth penalty is subtracted from it.)

Weigh your options With that penalty in mind, if you’ve owned an I bond for longer than a year but less than five years, is it worth redeeming the bond — which means giving up some of the interest See I BONDS, page 29

Bond basics From page 26 Therefore, unless you are investing on a long-term basis, you should only invest in bond funds and ETFs with short maturities to protect your principal.

Credit risk. The safest bond/debt instruments you can buy are issued by the U.S. Treasury. You can obtain higher interest rates with corporate bonds, but you incur the risk of default (in which case your interest payments are stopped or missed for a period), or downgrading (in which case the bond price may fall significantly).

You should select bonds with the highest ratings. Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s ratings are reliable yardsticks to measure credit risk.

Call risk. Many bond issues, including municipal bonds, allow the issuer to retire all, or a portion, of the bonds at premium or par before maturity. Before purchasing individual bonds, make sure you understand any call provisions.

Money-market benefits

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Personally, I have increased the percentage of debt holdings in my portfolio, investing a significant portion of my portfolio in federal money-market funds, which now return over 5%.

Significant advantages of money-market funds are liquidity and safety. You can sell your shares any time.

So, if you decide that you want to increase your common stock holdings in the future, you can dollar-cost average back into the stock market by investing in diversified index funds. You can use this approach both within or outside your retirement plan.

Bottom line: There are now many safe debt instruments that provide high returns with short and long maturities.

Don’t assume that your only investment option is maintaining a high proportion of common stocks in your portfolio.

Elliot Raphaelson welcomes your questions and comments at raphelliot@gmail.com. © 2023 Elliot Raphaelson. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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I bonds From page 28 you’ve earned — so you can reinvest the money in a higher-yielding investment?

The answer depends on your goals, when you bought the I bond, and the fixed rate for the bond, Enna said.

For example, if you bought one in October 2022 — when many investors snapped up I bonds to capture the 9.62% rate for six months before the rate reset — your optimal redemption date is January 1, 2024.

The reason: Those bonds earn a 0% fixed rate and transitioned in October 2023 to a composite rate of 3.38%, which is well below what you can get from shortterm Treasuries.

If you wait to cash in the bond until three months after the rate resets, the interest penalty will apply entirely to the 3.38% rate, rather than some portion of the penalty ap-

plying at the higher 6.48% rate that the bond earned during the previous six months.

For I bonds purchased in September 2022, the optimal redemption date is December 1, 2023; for bonds purchased in August 2022, the optimal redemption date is November 1, 2023.

For I bonds purchased in November 2022 through April 2023 — which can’t be redeemed until at least November 2023 — your optimal redemption date will to some extent depend on the inflation-adjusted rate announced on November 1. Based on the consumer price index through the first eight months of 2023, Enna predicted that the bonds’ inflation rate will range from 3.2% to 3.4%. But those I bonds have a 0.4% fixed rate, so you may want to hold on to them, Enna said.

Likewise, you may want to hold on to I bonds issued between May and October 2023, even if the new six-month inflation- ad-

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justed rate is underwhelming. Those I bonds have a fixed rate of 0.9%, which is the highest fixed rate in 16 years. No matter what happens to inflation in the future, you’ll lock in that rate for as long as you own the bonds.

29

“If you have a very attractive fixed rate, hold on to it as long as possible,” Enna said. © 2023 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Nov. 14

KEYBOARD SHORTCUT WORKSHOP

The Mt. Pleasant Neighborhood Library is holding a keyboarding shortcut workshop on Tues., Nov. 14. Learn how to navigate a computer with shortcuts, using certain keys instead of a mouse. This class meets from 3 to 4 p.m. at 3160 16th St., NW, Washington, DC. For more information, email mtpleasantlibrary@dc.gov or call (202) 671-3121.

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YARNWORKS MEETUP

Knit, crochet, chat or learn a new skill at Marianne’s Café in the Martin Luther King Jr. Library on Thurs., Nov. 23 from 5 to 6 p.m.

This meetup is open to all levels of knitters, or anyone looking for company. The library is located at 901 G St. NW, Washington, DC. For more information, call (202) 727-0321.

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N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 3 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Give to charity from IRA for max tax benefits

By Joy Taylor Many Americans donate to charity each year. Knowing that the money can help an organization that is near and dear to your heart helps you feel warm and fuzzy inside. Getting a federal tax break for the contribution might be an added bonus.

However, these days, most people who donate can’t write off their gifts. That’s because only individuals who itemize deductions on Schedule A of Form 1040 can deduct charitable contributions. And fewer people are itemizing each year because of higher standard deductions. Only 11.6% of federal tax returns for 2021 claimed itemized deductions.

For IRA owners who are 70½ or older, one of the easiest ways to make a charitable donation and get a tax break is by making a qualified charitable distribution (QCD) from a traditional IRA. For 2023, you can transfer up to $100,000 directly from your traditional IRA to charity. If you have more than one IRA, the $100,000 cap applies per account owner, not per IRA. The amount next year will be a bit higher because the Secure Act 2.0 retirement law provides for annual inflation indexing of the $100,000 cap.

Note: Qualified charitable distributions are not permitted from employer plans, such as 401(k)s. The tax break applies only if you are 70½ or older on the date of the charitable transfer.

If you are married, you and your spouse can each potentially give up to $100,000 in 2023 from your separate IRAs, provided each of you has a substantial amount in your IRA. But let’s say you have a $70,000 balance in your IRA, and your wife has an IRA worth $1.2 million. In this situation, your qualified charitable distribution cap is limited to $70,000 and your wife’s is limited to $100,000. Your wife won’t be able to make a distribution of $130,000 to make up for your lower gift.

Do it right There are three main tax benefits of qualified charitable distributions. They are not taxable. They are not added to your adjusted gross income, which can help you mitigate surcharges on your 2025 Medicare premiums. And they can count toward your annual required minimum distribution (RMD).

(Note: The first dollars out of your IRA are considered to be required minimum distributions, so if you want to do a qualified charitable distribution that will count toward your required payout, give money to the charity before you take money for yourself.)

But you can’t deduct the qualified charitable distribution on Schedule A. That would be double-dipping.

Only transfers from your IRA directly to charity are considered qualified charitable distributions. Most IRA custodians will require you to fill out a form requesting the charitable payout. The custodian will then either send a check directly to the charity or make a check out to the charity and send it to you to mail to the organization.

In either circumstance, get a receipt from the charity to substantiate the donation.

Also, give a heads up to the charity if the check is being sent to it from the custodian. Let the charity know the money will be arriving, and give your name and address for an acknowledgement receipt for your tax records.

If you have check-writing privileges on your IRA account, your custodian might let you write the check to charity yourself, but first ask if that’s OK. Don’t wait until the last minute in 2023 to do a qualified charitable distribution. It can take some time for the money to go from the IRA to the charity, particularly if an investment needs to be sold for cash, and the charity must receive the money by Dec. 31 for your contribution to count for that year.

Gifts to colleges also OK The money must generally go to a section 501(c)(3) organization. However, there is now a limited exception to this rule.

IRA owners can do a one-time qualified charitable distribution of up to $50,000 through a charitable gift annuity, charitable remainder unitrust or a charitable remainder annuity trust. Many private colleges have charitable gift annuity programs. If you’re an alumnus, you may hear about this from your alma mater.

Reporting on your Form 1040 The Form 1099-R that you will get early next year won’t reflect the qualified charitable distribution. The 1099-R will show only the total amount of distributions made from the IRA for 2023.

When filling out your 2023 Form 1040 or 1040-SR, you would include the total distribution amount on line 4a of the 1040.

Then subtract the qualified charitable distribution and report the remainder, even if $0, on line 4b. Write “QCD” next to line 4b. If filing electronically, a drop-down box for line 4 should give you a choice to click QCD. Note: This item first appeared in Kiplinger Retirement Report, a popular monthly periodical that covers key concerns of affluent older Americans who are retired or preparing for retirement. Subscribe for retirement advice that’s right on the money. © 2023 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. 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 — N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 3

Leave your heat on all day or turn it off?

By Erin Bendig With energy prices increasing, heating your home is proving difficult for many to afford. This peak in prices is leading many to search for alternative ways to save on energy bills during the winter.

Fortunately, the solution can be easier than you think. If you’ve ever wondered whether or not you should leave your heat on low all day or turn it off when you’re gone, keep reading.

The idea that your heater has to work harder to heat a cold house than it does to keep a home warm is a common misconception. Your home will heat at the same rate, regardless of how cold it is inside.

Considering the typical household spends $4,400 a year on utility bills, it doesn’t make sense to expend energy if you’re not home. If you plan on being away from home for an extended period, turn off your heater so you’re not paying for heat all day.

If turning the heat off all day isn’t an option, then the next best thing is to keep your thermostat setting low to cut your bills.

When you are home, it’s recommended to turn your thermostat down to 68°F for eight hours a day. You’ll be able to maximize

your savings by making sure your home is properly insulated so it loses less heat.

Purchasing a smart thermostat is also a great solution to keeping your home at the appropriate temperature. With a smart thermostat, you’ll be able to control your home’s temperature from your phone, allowing you to schedule different temperatures for different times of the day, or to shut your heat off and turn it on whenever you want.

Other ways to save energy • Make sure your home is well insulated so it loses less heat. If you don’t already have it, insulation is a good investment as it reduces your future bills.

• Switch to LED lightbulbs — they use 75% less energy than incandescent/halogen lightbulbs.

• Consider whether solar panels could be an option for your property.

• Place your thermostat where it will give you the most accurate temperature — avoid drafty windows or direct sunlight.

• Wash your clothes in cold water — this can cut your energy usage in half See HEAT, page 32

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N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 3 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Reducing financial abuse of older adults

By Trina Walton Financial crime against older Americans is a growing problem. Victims of fraud who are 80 and older lose an average of $39,200 every year.

People living with dementia are at an especially high risk of becoming victims. As their memory and other thinking skills decline, people with dementia may struggle to make financial decisions.

They may not remember or report the abuse — or understand that someone is taking advantage of them. This abuse can occur anywhere, including at home or in care settings.

Studies show that financial exploitation is the most common form of elder abuse.

However, only a small fraction of these incidents is reported.

You can help protect others by learning to recognize common signs of financial exploitation and abuse, including: • Unopened bills • Unusual or large purchases • Utilities being shut off due to unpaid bills • Money given to telemarketers or soliciting companies • Unexplained withdrawals from the person’s bank account

Steps for caregivers There are many simple things that caregivers can do to reduce the risk of finan-

cial abuse for people with dementia and similar conditions, like Alzheimer’s. (Do your best to make sure they’re involved in deciding which safety measures to put into place.)

Some options include: • Agreeing to spending limits on credit cards • Signing up for the “Do Not Call” list at DoNotCall.gov • Setting up auto-pay for bills instead of paying them by check • Signing up to receive automatic notifications for withdrawals from bank accounts or large charges to credit cards • Requesting electronic bank and credit card statements and watching for unusu-

al purchases or changes in how the person typically spends money • Asking credit card companies to stop sending balance transfer checks, and opting out of future solicitations • Creating a separate account where you can keep a small, agreed-upon amount of money that the person can use for recreational activities, meals with friends, etc.

To learn more about combating elder abuse, visit Social Security’s blog at blog.ssa.gov/world-elder-abuse-awarenessday-combating-injustice.

Trina Walton is the Social Security district manager in Glen Burnie, Maryland.

Heat

If you work from home or are unable to shut your heat off completely, then try keeping your thermostat at a low temperature during the day.

Purchasing a smart thermostat gives you the option of controlling the heat in your home from your phone, helping you to save money on utility bills during cold spells. © 2023 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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DIABETES SUPPORT GROUP

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From page 31 when doing laundry.

• Bundle up — wear warm clothes and use blankets to avoid turning up the heat.

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Overall, turning your heater off during the day when you’re not home is the best way to save on heating costs. If you’re out at work all day, flip off your heat until you get home.

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PHOTO BY MOUNTAIN LAKE LODGE

Travel Leisure &

33

Stay in the lodge where the 1987 film Dirty Dancing was filmed. See story on page 35.

Street food, friendly people in Osaka, Japan

Osaka’s street food scene Our hotel was located next to the airport bus terminal, subway and railroad stops.

More importantly, it was only a short walk to Dotonburi, the heart of the nightlife and street food scene.

Once a thriving theater district, the primary attractions now are wall-to-wall crowds of people, and prominent, almost hallucinatory, signage above the many restaurants that line the promenade — including a giant crab, a large cow and a sea serpent.

One could just find a place to sit, gaze at the neon and watch the people streaming by. But I was there for the food.

Our first stop was at one of the many stalls selling takoyaki, doughy dumplings stuffed with bits of octopus, which are synonymous with Osaka street food. I nibbled carefully at the molten hot ball of dough before wolfing it down.

At my wife’s urging, we moved on to a conveyor-belt sushi restaurant for our next course. If you are not familiar with the concept, you sit at a counter as a conveyor belt whisks all manner of sushi past.

You have to make a split-second decision as to whether or not you want the particular morsel whizzing by and grab it before it passes out of reach. The effect is not unlike a buffet or smorgasbord where the pull of something new and different leads to serious overeating.

Over the next three days, I continued my research on Osaka street food, including okonomiyaki, a savory pancake filled with meat, vegetables and whatever else the chef decides to throw in. I also visited (twice!) a

PHOTO © KHIM WAI WOON | DREAMSTIME.COM

By Don Mankin “Why go to Osaka?” a fellow travel writer asked at an annual adventure travel conference.

Another travel writer spoke up: “It’s the only place in Japan with soul.”

My wife, Katherine, and I were attending the conference in Sapporo, Japan, and looking for a place to visit afterward. I’ve toured Tokyo and Kyoto, hiked the Kumano Kodo trail, and visited the southernmost island of Kyushu.

I was looking for someplace new to explore. Osaka, like Tokyo, is huge and sprawling. It’s the third largest city in Japan and is often considered its economic hub.

Osaka is also a major port and is, therefore, one of the most culturally diverse cities in the country. It’s more workingclass than Tokyo, and according to several of my travel writer colleagues, the people are friendlier and more outgoing.

And most importantly, Osaka has a reputation for great street food. That’s all I needed to know! We were going to Osaka.

PHOTO BY DON MANKIN

Katherine Mankin, the author’s wife, feeds a wild fawn in pastoral Nara Park, a 30minute drive from Osaka, known for its herd of docile, but hungry, deer.

The landmark Osaka Castle rises over Japan’s third largest city, reminding people of its long history. Located six hours southwest of Tokyo, Osaka is worth a visit for its architecture, world-class aquarium and street food scene.

stall that sold one of my favorite hand-held desserts, a sweet bun sliced in half with a slab of vanilla ice cream in the middle.

get there (you can take an elevator, but it takes at least half an hour’s wait to get on).

Nara’s wild deer World’s largest aquarium Of course, we did more than just eat.

The city’s famous world-class aquarium is a must-see both for its impressive setting and unique architecture.

Located on the bay, the aquarium claims the title of world’s largest aquarium. Visitors walk down a ramp descending from the top floor, winding around a huge, multistoried tank filled with all kinds of fish and aquatic mammals, including a whale shark.

The outer rim of the ramp features tanks with animals from various natural environments around the Pacific Rim, including Japan, the Aleutian Islands, Panama, the Great Barrier Reef and Antarctica.

Another attraction was Osaka Castle, one of Japan’s most famous landmarks.

The current castle, a reconstruction of the original built in the late 16th century, looms over a moat. Inside is a museum that traces the history of the castle and the critical battles that played a major role in the unification of Japan.

The observation deck at the top of the castle offers a 360-degree view of the city.

It’s well worth climbing seven stories to

From Osaka, it’s just a 45-minute subway ride to Nara — a relatively small, walkable city that was the capital of Japan in the 8th century.

One of Nara’s main draws is the herds of wild deer that roam city parks looking for snacks from accommodating tourists.

Park vendors sell special “deer crackers” made of wheat flour and rice bran. The deer can get a bit pushy, gently nudging visitors for yet another snack.

We saw more than a couple of kids cringing and crying because of the insistent deer. It’s a fun thing to do for a while, but the novelty soon wears off.

For me, the main attraction of Nara, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was the ancient temples, shrines and Japanese gardens throughout the city.

My favorite was Todai-ji Temple, which contains one of the largest Buddhas in the world, close to five stories high. I could have spent hours wandering from one temple, shrine and garden to another.

Leafy, green and peaceful, with a bit of See JAPAN, page 34

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N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 3 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

How climate change is changing travel

By Sam Kemmis Travelers encountered many weather surprises this summer, from wildfires in Europe to knee-deep mud at Burning Man. Indeed, it was the hottest summer on record around the globe, according to the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service.

“The dog days of summer are not just barking, they are biting,” said U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres in a prepared statement published Sept. 6. “Our planet has just endured a season of simmering — the hottest summer on record.

Climate breakdown has begun.”

Shifting weather patterns are raising questions about where, when, how and whether tourists will travel.

For example, does it still make sense to visit Italy in July, despite high temperatures, large crowds and minimal air conditioning? Or should “peak” travel season move to the more hospitable autumn or spring months?

Tourism destinations are starting to take note — and get worried — about the toll climate change could take on this enormous industry.

Hot destinations Escaping to the Spanish coast for the summer used to sound like a dream. This

year, it turned into more of a nightmare for Mediterranean travelers.

The coastal city of Valencia, Spain, saw temperatures reach 116 degrees Fahrenheit in August, a record high. That came amid Spain’s limits on air conditioning use in public spaces, leaving tourists to sweat it out.

These trends are only likely to get worse, driving travelers away from hot beachside destinations in Europe, according to a July report from the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre.

Southern coastal regions such as Greece, Italy and Spain are expected to see a drop in tourism if temperatures continue to increase.

On the other hand, colder destinations in Northern Europe could actually see more vacationers. Denmark, France and the United Kingdom could receive more tourists because of higher temperatures, according to the report.

Greenland, which is mostly covered with ice, is expecting to see far more tourists in the coming decades, with a new airport set to open in 2024.

Closer to home, many popular destinations have already been affected by rising temperatures. The namesake glaciers of Glacier National Park have lost an average of 40% of their size between 1966 and

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2015, according to the National Park Service.

Florida’s coral reefs were bleaching and dying under the stress of record ocean temperatures this summer.

Adjusting travel times Summers are for vacations — that’s a truth so universally acknowledged as to be almost self-evident. Families travel while kids are out of school, and office workers flee to vacation in ideal weather.

Yet, as summers continue to warm, these vacations could give way to “shoulder season” alternatives in spring and autumn months. In other words, tourists could change when (rather than where) they visit.

Indeed, this change may already be taking place. Short-term rental analytics platform AirDNA reported that occupancy rates at mountain and lake destinations in October 2022 were nearly as high as 2019’s peak occupancy (in July), bucking the typical sharp downward trend after the summer.

Cherry blossoms in Japan are flowering 11 days earlier than they used to, according to a 2022 report in the journal Environmental Research Letters. This has shifted the tourist-attracting cherry blossom festival from April into March.

More flexible working conditions, as well as pent-up demand from the pandemic, could also be contributing to the rise of shoulder season travel. As more travelers take stock of changing weather patterns, they will likely adjust their schedules to avoid stifling summer heat.

The European Commission’s Joint Research Centre estimates that southern

Japan From page 33 wildlife, Nara may well be my favorite destination in Japan.

coastal regions could lose as much as 10% of tourists during peak summer months.

How tourists affect climate A changing climate will affect how and when tourists travel. But this causation runs the other way, as well: Tourism is itself affecting the climate.

Tourism accounts for about 8% of global emissions, according to some estimates. A single trans-Atlantic flight would require an acre of forest to absorb its carbon emissions.

Although the airline industry is racing to reduce emissions, it lags far behind other major emitters, such as passenger vehicles, in making meaningful change.

What does that mean for airline passengers? Either they must begin reducing the number of miles they fly, or governments may begin imposing restrictions in order to reduce emissions.

For example, France has already banned short-haul domestic flights for routes already serviced by rail. That is, if travelers can get there in less than two and a half hours on a train, they can no longer fly. Similar bans could appear throughout Europe as countries get more aggressive on combating climate change.

Some advocates have even proposed a frequent flyer tax that scales with the number of flights a traveler takes — an effort to curb these large carbon footprints.

Whether these or similar measures take off in coming years or not, this much is clear: The days of unfettered jet-setting could be coming to an end. © 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

at the open mic. (Fortunately for all concerned, I demurred. I have a lousy voice and can’t carry a tune.)

My travel writer colleagues who described Osaka’s people as friendly and outgoing were totally right.

Welcoming, outgoing people As for Osaka, the street food was tasty, the aquarium was great, the castle was imposing and Nara was charming. But maybe the best thing about the city was the people.

Almost everywhere we went, people smiled and asked us where we were from and engaged us in what passes for conversation when one party speaks little English and the other speaks no Japanese at all, aside from Konnichiwa (hello) and Arigato (thank you). Smiles and gestures said a lot.

Nowhere was this spirit more evident than at the jam session in Jazz Bar 845, a jazz club close to our hotel, which we discovered on the last night of our visit.

Everyone welcomed us, asked where we were from, and loved my stories about seeing the giants of jazz in my youth — Coltrane, Miles and Rahsaan, among many others — when I haunted the clubs of Philadelphia. I was even invited to sing

If you go Round-trip airfare from Baltimore/Washington area airports runs about $2,000.

We stayed at the Hotel Monterey Grasmere Osaka. Rooms start at about $150 per night. Rooms at the nearby Agora Place Osaka Namba are about $110 for a standard double.

In addition to street food, we also ate at several restaurants, including at Sushitojizakeigossou, a sushi bar near the hotel.

Very little English is spoken there.

My favorite meal was at a tiny restaurant, Senzou, down an alley a couple of blocks from the hotel, which served platters of beef cooked on a charcoal grill in front of us. Little English was spoken there as well.

For more infor mation on Osaka, see osaka-info.jp/en. For a self-guided walking tour in and around Nara, see bit.ly/Nara5days.

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35

For nature lovers and Dirty Dancing fans

Resort’s setting, amenities The history alone is enticing. In the early 1800s, a wooden hotel was built to serve as a stagecoach stop. Following several reincarnations, a businessman purchased the property and, in 1936, erected the sprawling stone lodge that still stands.

Today, the resort is owned by a foundation that preserves its role as a place where peo-

ple can forge a close connection with nature.

There are 24 miles of hiking trails of varying degrees of challenge. Birdwatchers can explore the tranquil hemlock forest and marsh bog nearby. Guided tours reveal hidden areas of the property.

The resort clings proudly to its past.

Hallways are lined with historic photographs and memorabilia, and cottages built during the early 1900s have been refurbished to serve as accommodations. Stone benches from that time are scattered about the campus to provide rest and respite.

Those seats come in handy for guests seeking a bit of R&R after taking advantage of the resort’s eclectic A-to-Z choice of recreational alternatives, from art classes to zip lining.

Escape rooms challenge the ingenuity of those who venture into them, and a ropes course tests their bravery and balance.

An onsite shooting range, Clays at the Overlook, offers rifle shooting at moving targets, and lessons are available for a fee to help beginners score a bullseye.

Other opportunities close to the resort include fishing, kayaking and canoeing, river rafting and golfing.

What happened to the lake?

Not long ago, the on-site lake itself offered a choice of water-related opportuni-

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PHOTO BY MOUNTAIN LAKE LODGE

By Victor Block It didn’t take long after arriving at Mountain Lake Lodge in Pembroke, Virginia, to realize that, despite the resort’s name, it has no lake. What it does offer guests is a long, colorful list of activities that can fill many a day.

Then there’s that not-so-secret reason many people go there: Most of the popular 1987 movie Dirty Dancing, which supposedly took place at a vacation retreat in New York’s Catskill Mountains, was filmed at the Virginia lodge.

Taking advantage of the almost cult-like following the motion picture spawned, Mountain Lake Lodge stages a series of special weekends focused on the film.

During our recent visit, my wife, Fyllis, and I combined an immersion in the movie’s mystique with a sampling of other things to do and see on the resort’s 2,600acre spread.

You don’t have to be a Dirty Dancing fan to enjoy a stay at the Mountain Lake Lodge in Pembroke, Virginia, where the movie was filmed 36 years ago. Situated on 2,600 acres, the resort offers many activities, including ziplining, art classes and archery.

ties. Geologists explain that Mountain Lake was formed about 6,000 years ago by rock slide dams.

It’s the only body of water in the world that goes through natural periodic cycles of draining through leak holes, and then refilling as those openings are plugged by sediment.

While the lake bed was empty when Fyllis and I were there, it’s famous for another reason. During the making of Dirty Dancing, Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey

practiced “the lift” there — the most famous part of a dance routine at the end of the film. The location is identified by one of a number of signs that mark spots where scenes were filmed.

The resort’s special Dirty Dancing weekends, which are held throughout the year, attract both first-time participants and fans who, I learned, have watched the movie as many as 50 times.

See MT. LAKE LODGE, page 37

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N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 3 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Advice for taking a destination holiday Yes, I know, Thanksgiving and Christ- Lots of personal experience mas are when the whole family gathers at I’ve personally experienced a wide specgrandma’s house, or some trum of destination holidays. similar Norman Rockwell Soon after my wife and I marscenario. ried, she became the de facto But not everybody plays matriarch of her side of the by that script. Moving your family, and my side wasn’t holiday festivities, whatever around. That meant full-family they might be, to some vacaThanksgiving and Christmas at tion destination is becoming our house, wherever we might increasingly popular. live at the time.

And if you’re thinking After we retired to Southern about a destination holiday Oregon, we did a few destinathis year, and you haven’t al- TRAVEL TIPS tion Christmases and Thanksready locked it in, get busy. By Ed Perkins givings. Typically, we rented a You can figure something out for just house on the Oregon Coast, prepared about any scenario. most of the big dinner before we went

BEACON BITS DRIVE Ongoing FOOD Donate food to the Fairfax Memorial Food Drive through Fri., Nov. 17. Help local families by donating non-perishable items to Fairfax Memorial Funeral Home or Cemetery Office, 9902 Braddock Rd., Fairfax, VA. For more information, call (703) 323-5202.

Nov. 14

SENIOR GAME DAY

Play board games and cards at the Francis A. Gregory Neighborhood Library. Games like Monopoly, Checkers, Uno and more are all available from 1 to 3:30 p.m. at 3660 Alabama Ave. SE, Washington, DC. For more information, email francisgregorylibrarydc.gov or call (202) 698-6373.

over, and had the family join us there. For most, it was an easy day trip, but a few stayed overnight.

My wife and I traveled extensively both before and after retirement, and enjoyed several memorable destination Christmases.

On one such trip, in Dublin, I overheard one of the greatest lines ever. We were wandering downtown at lunchtime on Boxing Day (the day after Christmas) when almost everything was shut down, including most restaurants.

We spotted a Chinese place open, so we went in. A few minutes later, two young Americans walked in, obviously having searched for a lunch spot, sat down, and one of them heaved a sigh and muttered, “Thank God for pagans.” I leave the full implication of that to the theologians.

Another memorable Christmas was in Canterbury, when a coal strike left the country with drastic power cuts and the big stores ran holiday sales by candlelight.

As a widower, I typically get invited as the old geezer to younger-family events, but I did spend one Christmas in Vienna — no company, but great food and music.

A few recommendations All this has let me to develop a few generalized suggestions about destination hol-

idays: • Typically, Thanksgiving can be a fourday holiday, and you don’t want to spend half of them traveling. That means a destination less than a full-day driving trip for whoever can come.

• Many of you can stretch Christmas and New Year’s into 15 or 16 days. That means the world’s your destination range.

• Christmas holidays are big business at many popular vacation destinations. For example, the Christmas period is Hawaii’s busiest time of the entire year. Beach destinations on the Gulf of Mexico, the South Atlantic and the Caribbean are also popular during the holidays. If you want a beach, book now.

• Transportation costs are about what you’d expect. You find peak fares and most limited availability at the obvious start and end dates of the holiday period. Fares are lowest on holiday days and other dates between the obvious start and endpoints. We once flew from Paris to San Francisco on New Year’s Day on a 747 with maybe 80 people on board.

• For either holiday period, you’re probably better off arranging your air trip sooner rather than later. If you have trouble finding seats and accommodations, take a See DESTINATIONS, page 37

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 3

Destinations From page 36 look at air-hotel packages from either an airline or a tour operator — they sometimes have space remaining when airlines and hotels say they’re full.

• Consider all of the family attendees when you pick a destination. If kids are involved, make sure there are kid activities.

A beach destination is generally fine for everyone.

But don’t take opera-lovers to a Wisconsin lake or fishermen to Salzburg. And don’t let

Mt. Lake Lodge From page 35 At a costume contest, Hollywood wannabes dress up like various actors.

Dance lessons introduce some of the moves that gave the movie its name, and games like a scavenger hunt and trivia quiz separate diehard groupies from less dedicated devotees.

The weekend warriors we met told us that a Dirty Dancing sequel is in the works, written by and starring Jennifer Grey. It’s not yet known when filming at the site will take place.

Not a resort to be satisfied with its film fame, Mountain Lake Lodge also offers other themed events: Independence and Mother’s Day celebrations, football weekends, craft beer tastings and Thanksgiving and Christmas fetes.

Even if the inventory of special occasions doesn’t tempt a visit to Mountain Lake Lodge, the beautiful setting and relaxing campus may do so. Fyllis and I returned home with fond memories and the hope of returning in the future to create more of them.

If you go Mountain Lake Lodge is about a fivehour drive from Washington, D.C. Accommodations include the historic lodge building and cottages located around the property.

Nightly rates begin at $199, and prices for the all-inclusive Dirty Dancing weekends start at $499 a night per person.

Meals in the Harvest Dining Room, where some Dirty Dancing scenes were filmed, offer a farm-to-table experience

BEACON BITS

Nov. 14

LAUGH WITH LINCOLN

Visit Lincoln’s Cottage and listen to comedy skits based on Abe’s time on the road as a lawyer. Doors open at 7 p.m. on Tues., Nov. 14, and the show begins at 7:30 p.m. Lincoln’s Cottage is located at 140 Rock Creek Church Rd. NW, Washington, DC. Tickets for this event are $10 at bit.ly/laughlincoln. For more information, call (240) 997-6223.

one contrarian control your choice — be ready to tell them, “So stay at home, already.”

• No matter what the holiday or the venue, a family destination holiday means you need a great vacation rental, hotel or resort. If you’re a couple or a single, a good hotel or B&B is fine.

But don’t cheap out, and be careful to arrange a spot that makes everyone happy. After all, that’s the whole objective.

Email Ed Perkins at eperkins@mind.net or visit his rail travel website at rail-guru.com. © 2023 Ed Perkins. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency LLC.

using locally sourced ingredients. A meat and cheese charcuterie board, listed as a “small plate,” was enough to share ($18).

Cast iron chicken ($21) and sesame seedcrusted salmon ($23) were among other entrée alternatives.

For more information, call (540) 6267121 or visit mtnlakelodge.com.

37

BEACON BITS

Nov. 26

MCDONALD’S HISTORY

Virginia’s first McDonald’s opened in 1957 in Alexandria. The Burke Historical Society will discuss the history of the franchise before Ray Kroc bought it a decade later. Stop by the Pohick Regional Library, 6450 Sydenstricker Rd., Burke, VA on Sun., Nov. 26, from 3 to 4 p.m.

No registration required. For more information, visit BurkeHistoricalSociety.org.

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39

Arts &

For a Carl Hiaasen-like satire, read George Franklin’s new book, A Feeding Frenzy in Washington. See story on page 40.

Fat Ham: A joyful, intense spin on Hamlet

Carefully crafted scenes As in Hamlet, Juicy’s mother Tedra (Tanesha Gary) hastily marries her brother-in-law Rev (also played by Alverez Reid). The cookout celebrating the marriage, like every scene in this play, is filled with small, telling details.

Rev grooves to “Before I Let Go,” a song known as a Black summer anthem. At the feast, the greedy, selfish Rev devours every single deviled egg before the guests arrive.

Gary’s Tedra is perfectly trashy in sparkly turquoise and tight jean shorts.

She may put on a risqué show for her toonew man, but we never doubt her love and sympathy for the child she’s so close to but cannot totally fathom.

In contrast to his controlling, violent father and uncle, Juicy is frequently described as soft. This refers as much to his not-quiteacknowledged sexuality as to his attempts to step away from the family legacy of violence — from pig-butchering to murder.

Some acts of self-definition are small provocations: He changes from mourning in black vest, black net shirt and shorts to celebrating in black shorts, vest, and black shirt with sparkles.

For much of the play, there’s negative space around Juicy’s childhood friend, Larry (Matthew Elijah Webb), modeled after Laertes. He’s monosyllabic to the point of comatose, hiding what’s haunting him.

Alone with Juicy, though, Larry re-discovers words, motivation and his own lost softness. The scenes between Juicy and Larry carry a true tenderness.

Larry’s sister Opal (Gaelyn D. Smith) is, happily, no Ophelia. With a healthy ego and sulky teen belligerence, she rolls her eyes at everyone. She pushes back on her mother’s dreams of a debutante season, but wears a dress to the cookout since

! "

# # $ % & '

PHOTO BY MARGOT SCHULMAN

By Lynda Lantz Time’s a-wasting; get thee to Fat Ham, James Ijames’ Pulitzer-prize winning party of a play, at the Studio Theatre through December 23. Taylor Reynolds, an OBIE-award winner, directs a stellar cast with a special shoutout to Marquis D. Gibson as Juicy and Thomas Walter Booker as Cousin Tio. If you know Hamlet, you might imagine that you know where this multi-Tonynominated play is headed when Juicy — a Black, queer kid in a small Southern town — is terrorized by his recently deceased father’s ghost.

Pap (Greg Alverez Reid), startling and celestial in a white-lit suit, demands vengeance for his murder. Like Hamlet, Juicy grieves and muses, but then he insists that his father recognize the abuse he perpetrated and challenges his right to be avenged.

Thus, Act One introduces the play’s themes: intergenerational violence, images of masculinity, loyalty and expectation, and mental health. But when Pap delivers a brief lecture on the predatory nature of for-profit colleges, you realize that Shakespeare is not the only culturally relevant force in the room.

Tanesha Gary and Marquis D. Gibson star as mother and son in the Hamlet adaptation Fat Ham. The play, which won a Pulitzer Prize and was nominated for several Tony Awards, runs through Dec. 23 at the Studio Theatre in Washington, D.C.’s Logan Circle area.

she’s not quite comfortable telling her mother she likes women.

Studio Theatre’s small stage becomes both expansive and more intimate thanks to the spooky sound and lighting effects

by Sinan Refik Zafar and Minjoo Kim. When Juicy is having it out with his dead dad, flash, bam! — lights crack open the space-time continuum, allowing Juicy to talk directly to the audience.

There’s a stunning moment when Juicy sings Radiohead’s “Creep,” as lighting,

sound and staging (Jean Kim) whisk us from a chaotic back yard into a brief otherworldly crescendo.

Nods to Shakespeare There’s joy in recognizing where the play echoes Hamlet: Larry/Laertes’ military background, for instance, or Rev’s orchestration of Pap’s shanking in prison.

Or where it ricochets away from the origSee FAT HAM, page 40

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Former lobbyist lampoons his profession

By Robert Friedman “He was a morally vacuous human being, but he came by it naturally. As a descendent of a long line of grifters, [he] was perfectly suited for a life in politics.”

And away we go in the satirically realistic novel about Capitol Hill, A Feeding Frenzy in Washington, published in September by former longtime Bethesda resident George Franklin.

This is Franklin’s fourth self-published book and second novel based on his two decades working in the nation’s wild and woolly capital.

Here, he takes off on the potentially sleazy political practices of lobbyists and other behind-the-scenes influencers of our supposed upright up-fronters in the House and Senate.

Franklin, 72, apparently knows of what he writes, having been a longtime lobbyist and vice president for the Kellogg Corpo-

Fat Ham From page 39

inal, for example, by replacing old father Polonius with a churchy mom (Kelli Blackwell), who has a few secrets of her own.

There are marvelous moments when Juicy codeswitches between Elizabethan

ration from 1980 until he retired in 2005.

He was also (briefly) a political candidate who ran unsuccessfully in a 2018 Democratic primary for a House seat in Michigan. In an interview with the Beacon, Franklin, who wound up second of six candidates, said he told himself, “Thank God that’s over.”

The never-again candidate said the campaign was “an exhausting process.” He now calls that run his “moment of insanity.”

Memoirist and novelist Since 2014, Franklin has churned out four books, including two memoirs, Raisin Bran and Other Cereal Wars and So You Think You Want to Run for Congress, as well as his first novel, Incentives: The Holy Water of Free Enterprise.

Franklin noted his latest novel “couldn’t be more timely” since it deals, in part, with the strategy of food industry lobbyists trying to take big bites out of a huge agricultural bill.

and vernacular English. That said, the play can be as provocative and joyous for audiences without Hamlet-experience.

In this production, everything works together — lighting, scenery, costuming, music, choreography, language, acting — to make the intermission-less time fly.

Will the violence of their past and their

The real bill is a massive piece of legislation covering farm programs, conservation, rural development, forestry, trade promotion, nutrition and agricultural research and education. (The U.S. Department of Agriculture is asking for, but has not yet received, $35.9 billion to run its programs in the coming fiscal year.)

Franklin’s novels are filled with “scalawags and scoundrels,” he said, and characters that are “more real than real” in books that lampoon Congress and the lobbying industry.

“My books play off the foibles of self-absorbed lobbyists and politicians only to be found in D.C.,” he said.

The Twinkie defense Take, for instance, the great fictional brouhaha in A Feeding Frenzy when it is discovered that Hostess Twinkies, “which had been a mainstay of children’s lunchboxes since their inception in 1930 as

nation’s past destroy Juicy and his family?

Is Hamlet inevitably a tragedy, or can this Southern clan take Tio/Horatio’s advice to choose pleasure over harm?

Studio Theatre is located at 1501 14th St., NW, in Washington, DC. Parking is available for $14 at the Washington Plaza Hotel, or reserve a spot in another nearby garage

cheap, sugar-filled gut bombs, were causing holy hell” for teachers trying to control their overactive students. The parents convinced themselves “that classroom chaos and unruly behavior were what teachers were paid to handle.”

All began to go well again on the Twinkie front until a man accused of murdering the mayor of San Francisco invoked the “Twinkie defense,” arguing that he suffered from diminished capacity brought on by a Twinkies addiction. The trial judge lowered the charge to manslaughter.

Thousands of failing students, in the novel, pick up on the Twinkies defense to try to get failing grades changed, which sends teachers, parents, school board members and assorted other characters in the novel into various head and heart spins.

In the closing pages of A Feeding Frenzy, See NOVEL, page 41

at SpotHero.com. This production contains haze, flashing lights, loud music and sudden loud noises.

Tickets, ranging from $45 to $125 (depending on seat and day), can be purchased by calling (202) 332-3300 or at studiotheatre.org. Patrons 62 and over can receive a $5 discount with promo code SENIOR.

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 3

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Cookbooks for creativity in the kitchen Relax and rest easy this season. Here’s expert advice on preparing your holiday feasts.

Delicious Gatherings: Recipes to Celebrate Together, by Tara Bench, 260 pages, Shadow Mountain hardcover, 2022 This cookbook offers 105 recipes for brunch, dinner, cookout and buffet-style meals. Occasions such as Thanksgiving feast, mezze dinner party and Tex Mex fiesta are covered, accompanied by 100 full-

page color photographs. In the back, there’s an ingenious index featuring a small photo of each dish.

For Thanksgiving, the recipe for classic turkey in pieces eschews preparing the whole turkey. Instead, cut the bird into five parts and follow the clever instructions. This technique enhances the flavor; the individual parts cook more evenly and faster. The recipe serves 10 to 12, and the total preparation time is two hours and 15 minutes.

Novel

Washington attorney P.J. “Snakeboots” Jackson, the protagonist, will return with a set of clients that “provide plenty of fodder to highlight the madness of the political scene,” the author said.

And yet, strange as it could seem to his readers, Franklin does not condemn all real-life lobbyists and politicians.

“There are lobbyists and members of Congress trying to perform their work honestly and with consideration for the industries and the people they represent,” he said.

Nevertheless, Franklin noted, there are enough real-life goings on from daily doings in Congress to give a writer material for comedies, both laughable and otherwise.

A Feeding Frenzy in Washington is available from Amazon.com. For more information, visit georgefranklinauthor.com.

From page 40 Franklin writes: “The 118th Congress, like all congresses before it, started with lofty expectations and calls for bipartisanship, comity, civility and reform.

“Every opening day speech declared it was time for the people’s house to do the people’s business without regard to party or political persuasion. Like all Congresses before it, none of this happened.”

Fact apparently, and sadly, follows fiction.

Podcast and next novel Now living in Atlanta, Franklin is working on a sequel to his first novel, Incentives: The Holy Water of Free Enterprise, which has been described as, among other things, “a look at the hilarious dark side of capitalism.”

To complete the holiday meal, Delicious whenever you have to feed a group buffetGatherings offers recipes for dinner rolls, style — at home, tailgating, on a picnic, at fresh orange-cranberry sauce, the beach or park. The 75 t u r k e y s t o c k a n d g r a v y, recipes are organized by sausage stuffing, a variety of chapter: bread, pizza, dips, side dishes and 19 desserts. salsa, salads, soups, burgers, Tara Bench worked with hot dogs, ribs, desserts and Martha Stewart and has been drinks. Most of the dishes a food-magazine editor. She is serve eight people. a recipe developer and Learn how to prepare Mistrained chef. Check out her sissippi mud cheesecake, blog, TaraTeaspoon.com. grilled cheese bubble bread, The Ultimate Tailgating THE walking tacos, popcorn chickPlaybook: 75 Recipes that BIBLIOPHILE en, beer-can chicken and cowWin Every Time, by Russ By Dinah Rokach boy cookies.

T. Fender, 192 pages, The no-bake eclair cake is Union Square & Co. paperback, 2022 See BIBLIOPHILE, page 42 These recipes are perfectly suited for

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From page 1 Howard, who had been teaching European politics at Georgetown University, decided to devote his life to helping people in prison. He earned his J.D. degree from Georgetown Law and is now a professor of government and law at the university.

“I completely changed my direction and orientation, and now do everything I can to help support people in prison to a successful social reentry, and overturning wrongful convictions.”

Thanks in part to Howard’s efforts, the charges against Tankleff were dismissed, and he was freed in 2008 — after 17 years in prison.

For the past six years, Howard and Tankleff have seen each other almost every day.

Both are now professors at Georgetown and jointly teach a course called Making an Exoneree.

In the class, university students reinvestigate cases and advocate for people they believe were wrongly convicted. Since the course launched in 2018, students have helped free seven people.

The Prisons and Justice Initiative’s staff of 20 works on several fronts. First, they send Georgetown professors to teach in person at the D.C. Jail via the Prison Scholars, which also began in 2018.

They also offer a five-year bachelor’s degree to incarcerated people through a program that started in 2022. So far, about 75

BEACON BITS

Nov. 15

ALEXANDRIA FOR SENIORS

Looking for some fun this season? “Discover Fun Things to See and Do in Alexandria,” presented by Senior Services of Alexandria, will give you plenty of ideas. The free event takes place on Wed., Nov. 15 at 10:30 a.m. at the Beatley Central Library, 5005 Duke St., Alexandria.

To register, call (703) 836-4414, ext. 110 or go to seniorservicesalex.org.

Nov. 19

students are working toward a Georgetown University degree from behind bars.

Rejoining society Even with a Georgetown degree, it can be difficult to land that first job when you have a prison record. So, the initiative also focuses on supporting people’s re-entry into society.

Two training programs have helped dozens of people: a paralegal course and a business startup course (called the Pivot Program).

One graduate of the paralegal program, Kenard Johnson, studied six days a week while he was in prison. He worked hard to earn his certificate from Georgetown Law School. “It challenged me to my core,” Johnson said.

Johnson now works as a paralegal specialist at the D.C. Office of the Attorney General’s Office of Consumer Protection, helping victims of fraud get their money back.

“I go to work every day for the small man,” Johnson said. He has also self-published a book of poetry, which he started writing while he was incarcerated.

‘Common humanity’

CELTIC MUSIC

Traditional Celtic band IONA will perform two shows at the Old Brogue Irish Pub in Great Falls, VA on Sun., Nov. 19. One performance is at 4:30 p.m. and the second starts at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $21 and must be purchased in advance at oldbrogue.com/celtic-concert-series. For more information, call the Old Brogue at (703) 759-3309.

Howard, now 53, hasn’t slowed down. He wants to enable more people to interact with those behind bars, as Roland does.

To that end, in 2020 he founded the nonprofit Frederick Douglass Project, which “brings members of the free community into prisons to meet and engage with, and connect with, incarcerated people,” he explained. So far, nine states have joined the Frederick Douglass Project.

“I’m very committed to expanding that program and to allowing people across the country to have the opportunity to visit a

Bibliophile From page 41

WB1123

one of the many entries that can be made in advance. Twenty drink recipes feature these enticing names: flannel shirt, beergaritas and marychelada.

More than 80 color illustrations show you how to arrange the most appetizing presentations. Tips accompanying many recipes explain how to prepare them in advance and reheat them on the grill.

Fender recommends equipment, and lists 13 essential items for tailgating. He provides instructions on safety and proper cleaning. Learn how to use a grill as a stove or an oven, how to achieve desired temperatures, and how to properly pack a cooler. There’s a handy index at the back.

Become the MVP of the parking lot with the most elaborate and creative spread.

Vegetarian Salad for Dinner: Inventive Plant-Forward Meals, by Jeanne Kelley, 224 pages, Rizzoli International Publications hardcover, 2023 Make all your guests feel welcome, no matter their dietary inclinations. The book divides 80 salad recipes into these categories: classic, grain, pulse (meaning beans, lentils and peas), salads with seeds (notably quinoa), pasta salads, bread salads, roasted and toasted salads.

PJI/GEORGETOWN

Second chance

N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 3 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Neil Roland

prison and engage with the humanity of incarcerated people,” Howard said.

“Everything that I do is to try to reinforce that theme of common humanity — recognizing that incarcerated or formerly incarcerated people are just like us.”

As for Roland, he’s still teaching at the jail every Friday. He started with a class of only four people, and now his classes have as many as 25 students.

Roland looks forward to visiting the jail each week. “I’m accustomed to having prison doors close behind me — [hearing] the finality of that sound — and interacting with inmates,” Roland said.

“I’ve taught junior high school, high school, college and graduate school. But the older students behind bars [have] the highest motivation I’ve encountered anywhere,” he said.

They are hungry to learn “because they know this is their ticket out — not only out, but to a better life.”

More than half are gluten-free or include a gluten-free variation, and 27 are vegan or are accompanied by a vegan option. Kelley also concocts vegetarian versions of classic recipes such as chicken salad.

As the title Vegetarian Salad for Dinner indicates, the dishes serve as main courses. Different recipes are meant to serve from two to eight people, but are predominantly for four. You can easily recalibrate them to serve as side dishes.

More than 90 color photographs by Gemma and Andrew Ingalls illustrate the recipes. Knowing how to arrange a dish is a key element in salad presentations, lest you serve an unappealing heap of vegetables on a plate.

The cookbook commences with a glossary describing 25 salad greens, and the last chapter covers 13 toppings, sauces and spreads. A helpful index of recipes and ingredients is at the back.

The recipes themselves include advice on shopping, preparing and storing ingredients. Alas, there are no calorie counts, nor is nutritional information provided.

Jeanne Kelley is a food stylist, recipe creator, author of six cookbooks and contributor to Bon Appétit magazine. She’s an edible garden expert who specializes in seasonal and sustainable cooking.

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 3

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How to say farewell to a dear friend?

Friends die. No escaping that. Some die with equal gusto. He is always sharp, crisp, suddenly, but many do not. They linger. eager. He gives great advice — and he So does this question: How takes it, too. So goes real do you say goodbye to a close friendship. friend without being maudlin, But for nearly the last year, and without defeating the his disease has become his friend’s sense of hope? entire focus — as it had to.

So it has gone over the last Battling brain cancer takes enfew months with a very dear ergy and careful decisions — amigo of four decades. not to mention money.

He has a form of brain canWhen I visited him a few cer that is usually fatal within months ago, he seemed pretwo years. He is just short of HOW I SEE IT occupied and distracted. Not 80 — a nice long life, for sure. By Bob Levey his usuals.

But not as long as many, and So today, as he rests comnot as long as he or I would have liked. fortably, I am torn.

My guy has now lasted for 11 months, Do I call him and conduct some sort of post-diagnosis. His care has been effec- Irish wake by phone, trying to jolly him tive, up to a point. But the pavement on his out of a grim time? Do I write him a letter road is running out. thanking him for being such a great His wife says it’s now just a matter of friend? Or do I simply let him be, so he can days, maybe hours. He’s “resting comfort- curl up and die quietly, without fuss or fanably,” she says. We all know what that fare? means. I dread her next message.

Of course, I want to do what he would He and I have had a deep, uproarious, want. But what is that? To ask him would uplifting and thoughtful relationship. be to admit that this will probably be our We’ve navigated all sorts of twists and last conversation. Am I prepared for that? turns — even welcomed those. He’s one of Is he? those rare people one meets in life where I’ve already written him three letters no subject or comment is out of bounds. during this awful period. Chin up, man.

We have discussed politics, football, Keep punching, boss. If anyone can beat space travel and professional intricacies this, big guy, it’s you.

But I knew — and I suspect he also knew — that the tone of those letters was forced. The elephant in his room kept occupying more of the room. No letter could undo that.

During a phone call, I tried tapping into one of his obsessions. His favorite college football team has fallen on hard times. It lost two of its first three games. Was my friend somehow cursing them from his hospital bed? Was his misfortune now theirs?

“All I can do is root,” he said, “for them and also for me.”

Which is all I can do, too. I am not a doctor. I am not a soothsayer. I am not a religious figure who can summon God’s grace. All I am is a fellow passenger on the planet.

But this morning, I realized that I am more than that. I am one of my friend’s connections to the future.

I will remember him and honor his memory. I will tell his grandchildren what a great guy he was. I will use the lessons he taught me, and try to live through them as he always did.

Because I will survive him, he will survive.

Yet nature abhors a vacuum. So does this situation. I can’t do nothing today.

So, I just wrote him another letter. He may never read it. But when I pop it in the mailbox 30 minutes from now, I hope he will somehow know what it contains.

“Dear Friend,” I wrote. “How and when you die has very little to do with how you lived. I’ve seen how you live. I’ve been honored to share some of that life. You’ve enriched mine. For that, I owe you two things: “One, a farewell toast of your favorite whiskey, which I will gulp as soon as you no longer can. And two, my thanks. Your ride has made mine far better than it might have been.

“Cheers, Bob.” Yes, I could call him. But writers write, so that’s my drug of choice. Somehow, to set it down on paper summoned all the emotion that a phone call might not.

I know he’d understand.

Bob Levey is a national award-winning columnist.

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Crossword Puzzle Find a new crossword every day on our website at www.TheBeaconNewspapers.com/puzzles.

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71. Numerous characters in Barbie

1. Respond to a thriller’s twist 5. Temporary release from jail 9. Made a choice 14. “The best thing to hold ___ is each other” (Audrey Hepburn) 15. Machu Picchu builder 16. Jacket style the Beatles wore in 1965 17. Singer Redding, who died in a 1967 plane crash 18. Enter 19. Full of firs 20. One who witnessed history 23. Shoe width that sounds like a screech 24. Sludge 25. @@@@@ 26. Fed. org. with a flower in its logo 29. “Let them ___ cake” 31. Business org.

33. Reviewer 39. Religious offshoot 40. “Gimme ___” (start of an Occidental College cheer) 41. Outer limit 42. Four inches 47. Fill up the moving van 48. Name part with Alamos or Angeles 49. Org. that manages Fed. properties 50. General dir. of I-75 from Atlanta to Miami 52. Actors Lowe and Schneider 55. NFL linemen who do not protect the blind side 57. Where the groom touches the bride 63. “... ___ dark stranger” 64. The spookiest sounding of the great lakes 65. Emmy and Tony winner, Alan 66. Silenced 67. 21st century tech.

68. Prompted 69. Fencing swords 70. “You don’t ___ into the wind”

1. Blunder 2. Prefix for -freeze and -fog 3. Prepare pancake batter 4. Deputy’s dawgs 5. What a narcissist has 6. Small buffalo 7. Cinnamon roll section 8. Old pal of Han Solo 9. Above 10. South American nation with good sunset views 11. Canine companion 12. Construct 13. Gentlemen 21. Any of the Mutant Ninja Turtles 22. South Coast, to the trendy 26. Exxon predecessor 27. Rounded end of a hammer 28. Use one of the foot pedals 30. Russian ruler 32. Snorkeler’s spot 34. Diplomat, von Bismarck 35. Be at wits’ ___ 36. Tree branch, to an elephant 37. Self-images 38. “Siri, ___ reminder for noon” 43. Partners of Maude and Kumar 44. “U do me, and ___” 45. Lose without even playing 46. Italian wine town 50. Mortify 51. Enter the initial parameters 53. Makes regular or decaf 54. Remove all the sheets 56. Eat between meals 58. Run away!

59. 20th century tech.

60. Add details to a diorama 61. Genesis setting 62. X-ray units

Down

Answers on page 47.

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 3

Letters to editor From page 2

ONE BIG HAPPY By Rick Detorie

Why stop there?

How about Congress looking at their retirement program and comparing it to the program they want us to rely on for our retirement before they start playing games and reducing our benefits.

Unfortunately, the ball is their court.

The only redress we have is to vote them out of office.

Joseph M. Miller Rockville, MD Dear Editor: I just read Stuart Rosenthal’s appreciation for Joanne Petras [in the October Beacon] and was sorry to hear of her passing.

We shared a birthday (although we were born more than 30 years apart), and she never failed to call me on our birthday to chat.

I’m sorry that we lost touch after I left the Beacon. Joanne was a wonderful role model for active aging, and I know she will be missed.

Barbara Ruben Kensington, MD Dear Editor: Often taken for granted is one of Montgomery County’s greatest resources, the “Ask a Librarian” reference service.

Telephoning (240) 777-0001 during operating hours gets you more than just the publications you want. Live persons give you specific answers to questions of all kinds, including contact information for organizations. No need to sift through dozens of possibilities on the internet to get what you want.

As a heavy user of the oldest wireless search engine known — books and periodicals — I think the service is fantastic. I salute it. You should also. Long may it continue and prosper!

Gerald Schneider Kensington, MD

Classifieds continued from page 46.

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BUYING OLD COINS, JEWELRY, gold, silver, old toys, older baseball cards and memorabilia, comic books, older Xmas and Halloween decorations, military, firearms, books, Antique Asian items, call Tom 240-476-3441.

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LOOKING TO PURCHASE QUALITY BRIC-A-BRAC AND SMALLS. I collect Royal Copenhagen, Herend, Shelley, English bone China cups and saucers and antique Christmas and Halloween decorations. Have recently changed my look a little and developed an interest in Midcentury pottery and glass and Chinese antiques. Need to clean out a house in a hurry? I may be able to help.

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CASH FOR JEWELRY; Gold, silver, costume. Watches, coins, turquoise, dental gold, etc. TheAtticLLC.com. Gary Roman; 301-5200755. 18-SH-004233

Thank you for reading the Beacon!

See useful links and resources at www.TheBeaconNewspapers.com

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CLASSIFIEDS The Beacon prints classified advertising under the following headings: Business & Employment Opportunities; Caregivers; Computer Services; Entertainment; For Sale; For Sale/Rent: Real Estate; Free; Health; Home/ Handyman Services; Miscellaneous; Obituaries; Personals; Personal Services; Vacation Opportunities; and Wanted. For submission guidelines and deadlines, see the box on page 47.

CAVEAT EMPTOR! The Beacon does not knowingly accept obscene, offensive, harmful, or fraudulent advertising. However, we do not investigate any advertisers or their products and cannot accept responsibility for the integrity of either. Respondents to classified advertising should always use caution and their best judgment.

N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 3 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

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EXPERTISE CLEANING SERVICES, LLC offers our customers exceptional home and commercial cleanings at affordable prices. We specialize in cleaning windows, baseboards, all flooring and carpet, kitchens, bathrooms as well as every other room in your home or retail space. We also do clean outs and organizing. Our experienced cleaners are CIMS-GS certified & are educated in the chemistry of cleaning and the mixture of chemicals. We are available to meet all your cleaning needs. Call us for a free estimate at #301- 781-9200. (Service Areas- MD, VA, DE, PA) AMERICAN RESIDENTIAL HEATING & COOLING. As temps outside start to climb, the season for savings is now. $49 cooling or heating system tune up. Save up to $2000 on a new heating and cooling system (restrictions apply.)

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EFFORTLESSLY DOWNSIZE OR LIQUIDATE YOUR ESTATE! Our easy process helps you decide what to keep, gift, sell, donate, or discard. Services include: estate liquidation, downsizing, clean-outs, emptying storage units, junk removal, and estate sales. We buy estates, vehicles, and real estate. Contact Philip at 301-219-3600 or visit DownsizingSpecialists.com. Free estimates.

Licensed. Insured. Family owned.

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Call: (301)676 - 5535 or newlooksystems@yahoo.com. ***All work performed by owner*** ***Calls answered same day*** Owner operated - MHIC:41207 insured. *Serving northern Montgomery County* SLOWING DOWN AFTER 41 YEARS OF CONTRACTING. Small to medium jobs mainly residential but will do some commercial. Will work all over DC area. $45.00 from arrival on job. Andy 703-906-5429.

DENTAL INSURANCE from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for 350 plus procedures. Real dental insurance - NOT just a discount plan. Do not wait! Call now! Get your FREE Dental Information Kit with all the details! 1-844366-1003 www.dental50plus.com/320 #6258.

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SAFE STEP. North America’s #1 Walk-In Tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-theline installation and service. Now featuring our FREE shower package and $1600 Off for a limited time! Call today! Financing available. Call Safe Step 1-866-478-2363.

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.

STROKE AND CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE are leading causes of death, according to the American Heart Association. Screenings can provide peace of mind or early detection! Contact Life Line Screening to schedule your screening. Special offer - 5 screenings for just $149. Call 1-844-485-7035.

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DO YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW PAY TOO MUCH FOR MEDICATIONS? Cleo’s Meds-Care can assist you to lower theses cost to $0.00. Call 703-594-6345 for a No cost/No obligation 3 question meds review to start you on the way to lowering cost of meds. Call now.

Personal Services RESUME & COVER LETTER WRITING. Translation & virtual interpretation French-English. Proofreading. Designing Job description, HR tools. Tutoring in French for students thru Google Meet. Contact consultingdiversifiedllc@gmail.com

Personals ENCHANTING, ATTRACTIVE LADY, AGE 60’s - Seeking sincere, attractive single Gentleman for companionship, Autumn outings.

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Wanted WILL BUY MILITARY, WWII, WWI, Civil War memorabilia items. Uniforms, weapons, helmets, photos, war souvenirs, medals, photos or any other items associated with U.S., German, Japanese or other military history. Call Dave (240-464-0958) or email (david.obal63@gmail.com).

CASH FOR ESTATES; I buy a wide range of items. Art, antiques, jewelry, cultural items, furniture, rugs, collections/accumulations.

TheAtticLLC.com. Gary Roman; 301-520-0755 ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES/ESTATE LIQUIDATION: One call solves it all when you hire us to liquidate and clean out your home. We remove everything! We sell what can be sold (you get the money), donate what can be donated (you get the tax receipts), and haul away the trash. Don’t keep making mortgage payments or delay selling your home and making the big money because you’re wasting time with estate sales and yard sales. See a great 2.5minute explainer video in the Our Services section of www.OrionsAttic.com. No job too big, including hoarder houses. We also buy high-end collectibles of all kinds. Based in Silver Spring MD, we serve the greater DC region. Also provide appraisal services for insurance/estates.

Call Chris on cell 202 731-9447.

I BUY OLD GUNS (Military/Civilian) and MILITARY MEDALS, uniforms, insignia, books & more from the Civil War, World Wars I and II, Korea, Vietnam to present. I have a Federal Firearms License to purchase firearms from estates and individuals. Located in MD but will travel. I also buy West Point & Naval Academy memorabilia and items from Generals and Admirals. Client testimonials on my website: ww.midatlanticmilitaryantiques.com Call, email or text. Tim Frank 703-447-7243 historian1975@gmail.com

Classifieds continued on p. 45.

Makes a great gift

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 3

FROM PAGE 44 ANSWERS TO SCRABBLE

ANSWERS TO CROSSWORD G A S P B A I L O P T E D O N T O I N C A N E H R U G O I N T R E E D O T I S F I R S T H A N D S O U R C E E E E G O O P A T S E P A E A T C O R P S E C O N D S E T O F E Y E S S E C T A N O E D G E O N E T H I R D O F A F O O T L O A D L O S G S A R O B S R T S S S E H E R F O U R T H F I N G E R A T A L L E R I E A L D A W I F I C U E D M U T E D S P I T K E N S E P E E S

ANSWERS TO JUMBLE Jumbles: LEAVE BATTY SHROUD ATTAIN Answer: She correctly answered every question on her history exam, which her score — ATTESTED TO

HOW TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED AD All classified ads must be submitted and paid for online, via our website, www.thebeaconnewspapers.com/classifieds Deadlines and Payments: To appear in the next issue, your ad text and payment must be entered by the 5th of the preceding month (for Baltimore and Howard County editions); by the 20th (for Washington edition).

Cost will be based on the number of characters and spaces in your ad: • $25 for 1-250 • $35 for 251-500. • $50 for 501-750 (maximum length). The website will calculate this amount for you.

Note: Maryland contractors must provide a valid MHIC number.

• Each real estate listing qualifies as one ad. • All ads are subject to publisher’s discretion. Payment will be refunded if unacceptable for any reason.

To place your classified ad, visit www.thebeaconnewspapers.com/classifieds

We thank our advertisers who make our publication possible.

Please patronize them and let them know you saw their ad in the Beacon!

Care Management/ Home Health Care Best Senior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Paladin Life Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Seniors Helping Seniors . . . . . . . .15 Wellness Strategies . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Clinical Health Studies Asthma Study (NIH) . . . . . . . . . .21 Flu & COVID-19 Vaccine Studies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Hearing Study (UMD) . . . . . . . . .20

Employment & Volunteers

Brooke Grove Retirement

Woodleigh Chase/Erickson . . . . . .9

Maryland Senior Concierge . . . . . .6

Legal Services

Montgomery County Age-Friendly

Communities . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Farr Law Firm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

Senior HelpLine . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

Chevy Chase House . . . . . . . . . . .15

Law Offices of Paul Riekhof . . . .31

Churchill Senior Living . . . . . . . .21

Medical/Health

Technology

Aetna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

BeaconSilverPages.com . . . . . . . .40

Ennoble Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

TheBeaconNewspapers.com . . . .36

Ikon Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Medical Eye Center . . . . . . . . . . .23

Theatre/ Entertainment

Mobility City . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Encore Creativity . . . . . . . . . . . . .39

Stephen Friedman, DDS . . . . . . .23

Glenview Mansion . . . . . . . . . . . .41

United Healthcare . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Kennedy Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

Wellness Strategies . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Senior Zone Radio Show . . . . . . .43

Carnegie at Washingtonian Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Charles E Smith Life

Covenant Village . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Culpepper Garden . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Emerson House . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Falcon’s Landing . . . . . . . . . . . . .48 Flats at Sandy Spring, The . . . . . .29 Grandview, The/Erickson . . . . . . . .9 Greenspring/Erickson . . . . . . . . . .9 Harmony Chantilly . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 Harmony Spring Hill . . . . . . . . . . .1

JCA Career Gateway . . . . . . . . . .31

HIP Home Sharing . . . . . . . . . . . .23

Seniors Helping Seniors . . . . . . . .15

Homecrest House . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Inspir Embassy Row . . . . . . . . . . .7 Leggett, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Family Nights at CCH . . . . . . . . .15

Lockwood House . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Longevity Innovation Summit . . .34

Park View Apartments . . . . . . . . .37

Funeral Services

Riderwood/Erickson . . . . . . . . . . .9

Housing Ashby Ponds/Erickson . . . . . . . . . .9

Judy Oh, DDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Memory Care

Newsletter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

Signature Theatre . . . . . . . . . . . . .39 Toby’s Dinner Theatre . . . . . . . . .41

Brooke Grove . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

USAF Band . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43

Real Estate & Move Services

Transportation/ Travel

Continental Movers . . . . . . . . . . .16

Vamoose Bus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35

Eric Stewart/Long & Foster . .30, 32

Utilities

Kendal at Lexington . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Beacon 50+Expo Thank You . . . .19

Going Home Cremation . . . . . . . .37

Getting Older/Eric Stewart . . . . .32 GROWS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Free Job Training . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

Events

Westminster Canterbury at Chesapeake Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Village . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

47

Spring Ridge Apts . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Sommerset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Senior Resources

DC Discount on Utilities . . . . . . .35

Vida Senior Residences . . . . . . . .12

AARP DC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

Pepco Cleaner Energy . . . . . . . . .28

DC Living Boldly Newsletter .24-25

48

Subscribe online! See how on p. 42

N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 3 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

(ready (r ad -to-en e joy))

Th ere wass a tim e wh en th e th t ought of livin g offf MREs did little for yo our appetite. But th ose days are don e— —at Falcons L an din g, you’ll f in d th e MRE repla ced by culina ar y delights rea dy for your enjoym ent . Wh eth er you’re lookin g for som ethin g quick an d conven nient , a cocktail with h f rien ds or som ethin g m ore elegant , our three dinin g optio ons are sure to keep yo ou comin g ba ck forr m ore.

CALL 703-293-5054 TO SCHEDUL LE A TOUR TODAY !

FAA L C O N S L A ND IN G . O R G

Independen nt Senior Living | Potoma o c Falls, VA

Eligibility for Indepe endent Living at Falcons Landiing is open to any officer that has served, senior level federal a employees GS14 and above, spouses s or surviving spouses. Iff you are looking for short-term rehab, long-term care, assistted living or memory care, no military or government backgr g ound is required. ed