December 2017 | Fifty Plus Richmond by The Beacon Newspapers

Published by The Beacon Newspapers, Inc.

www.fiftyplusrichmond.com

DECEMBER 2017 â&#x20AC;¢ FREE

www.FiftyPlusRichmond.com

DECEMBER 2017 — FIFTYPLUS

How the world works When I was six years old, my father took the reality was definitely something else, as our family to New York City (where he had a reporting on television and in the newspabusiness trip) for a vacation. pers made clear. Among many other firsts for Some years after that trip, a me on that eye-opening trip young actress from New York were my first visit to a World’s came to my home town to play Fair and my first musical on the role of Anita in West Side Broadway: Oliver! Story at a local theatre. My famI was instantly taken with the ily had the opportunity to host idea of the theatre. I already her for a meal. played piano and liked to sing, It was from her that my brother and there I saw a child about and I first learned about the “castmy age starring in a Broadway ing couch.” She bitterly comshow! I came out of the theatre plained about how difficult it was singing some of Oliver’s num- FROM THE for female actresses to land parts bers. Was this something I PUBLISHER on Broadway or in TV or films By Stuart P. Rosenthal could aspire to? without sleeping with the producMy father very quickly filled ers, which she refused to do. me in on the downsides of such a career. Not Here my father’s claims, and even worse beonly the economic insecurity, but also the diffi- havior, were substantiated. And she portrayed culties of maintaining a marriage, of raising chil- that devil’s bargain as being rampant in the indren, of withstanding temptations, and the like. dustry. (Yes, I know I was only a child, but my father Another example of my education in “the always took me seriously and replied in kind.) way the world worked” came from my mother Performing on stage and screen certainly when I was older. She had a dear friend who appeared to offer a glamorous lifestyle. But was a newspaper reporter for our hometown

paper. This friend had spent several years as the paper’s Washington correspondent during the Kennedy administration. She had told my mother at the time about the extramarital liaisons President Kennedy was having in the White House, and how the entire press corps was aware of it. When my mom asked her why this information was not publicized, her friend basically said, “It isn’t relevant. Why tarnish his presidency when it has no effect on his work?” As a kid, I was both appalled and fascinated by these revelations. Is this really how the world worked? Did all adults (and less sheltered teens) know about all this? The answer seemed to be yes. Well then, why do we allow it to continue, I asked? The answer, such as it was, seemed to be that the rich and/or powerful get away with this, and the rest of us are expected to accept that. Just do what you can to steer clear of it, my dad advised. These vignettes have been popping into my head recently, as we read almost daily of the end of at least part of this era. Hollywood producers, politicians, journalists and others who have long taken advantage of their positions, believing they lived under a different set of rules, are finally being called to ac-

count. For years, it appeared there would be no repercussions for their past (and in too many cases, continuing) “indiscretions.” They were able to use their power to prevent victims from coming forward, or from being believed. They may have bought their silence with cash settlements and gag orders, or cowed them into silence with threats and lawsuits. But today, it looks like the jig is up. Perhaps due to a changing social attitude, we have decided to stop the cover-ups and accept the reality of what has long been rumored. Clearly, the Internet and social media have played a major role in enabling the victims to band together and amplify their voice into one that can no longer be ignored. I had never understood why we tolerated the unconscionable way “the world worked” for all those years. I’m not so optimistic as to say it doesn’t work that way anymore. But I think we can say we’re moving in the right direction. And it’s about time.

Letters to the editor a publication of

The Beacon Newspapers, Inc.

Readers are encouraged to share their opinion on any matter addressed in Fifty Plus as well as on political and social issues of the day.

Editorial Mission: Fifty Plus is dedicated to providing readers with accurate information, professional guidance, and useful resources. Our publication is intended to both reflect and enhance fifty-plus lifestyles, and to encourage reader dialogue and input. Fifty Plus is published monthly and distributed free of charge. The advertising deadline is the 20th of each month for the upcoming issue. The entire contents of Fifty Plus are © 2017, The Beacon Newspapers, Inc. No portion may be reproduced in whole or in part by any means without the express written consent of the publisher. The views and opinions expressed by writers and columnists do not necessarily represent those of Fifty Plus or its staff.

Publisher/Editor: ........................Stuart Rosenthal Vice President of Operations:........Gordon Hasenei Sales Director: ..................................Alan Spiegel Managing Editor: ..........................Barbara Ruben Assistant Editor: ..........................Rebekah Alcalde Art Director: ....................................Kyle Gregor y Operations Manager:............................Roger King Advertising Representative: ................Wendy Bond

Mail your Letter to the Editor to Fifty Plus, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915, or e-mail to info@fiftyplusrichmond.com. Please include your name, address and telephone number for verification. Dear Editor, I liked the tribute you paid to your writers and contributors in November’s Fifty Plus. Their work helps us, the elderly, stay in shape, be of good cheer, and try to remain “with it.” Today’s amazing new technology often threatens to leave us behind in understanding of what’s going on. Your writers clarify and explain stuff to us. Yeah, at age 96, I can vouch for being so! Thanks Fifty Plus! And thank you, dear writers! Francis Nunnally Richmond Dear Editor: Just a note of appreciation for sponsoring the contest for dinner with Lt. Joe Kenda. Imagine my surprise to learn I had won!

My husband and I had the privilege of meeting and dining with Joe & Kathy Kenda last Tuesday evening. We truly enjoyed ourselves and found the Kendas to be absolutely charming folks. Thank you for facilitating a fond memory we’ll cherish. Debi & George Davis Via email

www.FiftyPlusRichmond.com

FIFTYPLUS — DECEMBER 2017

Feature Story A family Christmas visit to Colonial Williamsburg and me for a three-night holiday in Colonial Williamsburg — the living history museum that recreates 18th-century life in the city that served as Virginia’s capital from 1699 to 1780. Stores, restaurants, craft shops and residences dating from the 1700s line the equivalent of 37 city blocks in the 300-acre area. We’d booked accommodations at the Woodlands, a hotel adjacent to Colonial Williamsburg’s Visitors Center, that’s a 10minute walk from the heart of the old city. Its shuttle trolley makes regular stops at Historic Area shops, exhibition buildings, taverns and accommodations. We wanted to immerse ourselves in the period and minimize modern distractions (though Colonial Williamsburg has its own “apps” for download, if you wish). For three days, we experienced the holidays as our forebears might have. Little did we know we might learn some things to inform our 21st-century lives.

PHOTO © LOUISA PRESTON

By Martha Steger “No Christmas tree in Colonial Williamsburg?” our 9-year-old granddaughter Helena exclaimed, as we walked along Duke of Gloucester Street to Chowning’s Tavern. The question didn’t surprise Tom and me, grandparents who acted as costumed guides 50 years ago in Colonial Williamsburg and nearby Jamestown Settlement. “The holidays in early America were very different from ours today,” I explained, drawing on the weeks of training I’d went through to qualify for Colonial Williamsburg’s docent program. “Remember, Williamsburg existed before America was a country. Everyone had a lot of difficult duties every day without adding special tasks for holidays. You would put some evergreens in the windows, go to church, have a special dinner, enjoy dancing, and visit with friends and family. That was Christmas.” “No shopping or baking cookies or writing cards?” Helena asked. “What about hanging stockings and getting gifts?” “No stockings,” Tom told her, “and your gifts would have been a book or two, and perhaps a few sweets. The entertainment people enjoyed — balls and foxhunts, for example — was for adults. There was nothing special for children. It was all very simple and over quickly; but you got to see people you hadn’t seen in a while.” “Like now — with you and Grandmom.” She was right about that. Helena, her 15year-old sister, Sophia, and their parents (our son, Michael, and his wife, Anya) had traveled from New York in December to join Tom

Author Martha Steger (right) and her two grandchildren, Helena and Sophia, try on hats for sale at one of the merchants in Colonial Williamsburg. One can also rent 18th century-style costumes for children by the day, as seen on the cover.

History is served To get into the spirit of Colonial times, we went to Chowning’s Tavern for dinner. On the second floor, we sat on wooden benches at a long wooden table lit by candles under glass. The table was set with pewter silverware and plates. Sophia laughed at the huge, white napkins tied around the necks of adults as well as children. “I guess they didn’t want to take any chances of food accidently dropping on those handmade clothes,” she said, “not to mention having to clean them without washers and dryers when they were dirty.” PHOTO COURTESY OF MARTHA STEGER

Martha Steger, author of this story, was a costumed Colonial Williamsburg guide herself more than 50 years ago, as shown in this photo.

We started off with Virginia apple cider (a very dry, hard cider for the adults who chose an alcoholic beverage), followed by an assortment of appetizers, with Welsh rabbit recommended as one of the most popular items. Helena wondered if it contained rabbit, but the waitress said the ingredients were only cheddar cheese, a mustard-beer sauce and a few seasonings. Rabbit is a bit of a misnomer, as the original name is “rarebit.” But the British liked to poke fun at the Welsh. In the 18th century, “Welsh” was used derogatorily to mean substandard or fake. So jokingly calling the dish “Welsh rabbit” meant this was as close as the Welsh would get to having meat in their dinner. Both Helena and Sophia looked up when musician David Gardner, in 18th-century garb, began playing the fiddle. The girls, who live in New York, are serious musicians. Sophia has played the violin several times at Carnegie Hall, and Helena is a flutist studying at the Manhattan School of Music. After playing a few tunes, including Tom’s special request, “Danny Boy,” Gardner pulled out what he called “a pocket fiddle.” “This fit nicely in your saddlebag if you were traveling in Colonial times,” he explained. “Thomas Jefferson owned one. If a musician wasn’t present in a dining room like this one, guests often performed songs themselves. Some colonists made their own simple instruments.” When he asked if anyone played a fiddle or violin, Sophia raised her hand. Gardner in-

vited her forward to play a few bars, accompanying him on the pocket fiddle. Even with her performance background, Sophia blushed at the applause that followed before we decided to go to Kings Arms Tavern, a few blocks closer to the old capitol building, up Duke of Gloucester Street. There we sampled a syllabub for dessert — a cream seasoned with lemon zest, then mixed with sugar and wine (this was a nonalcoholic version) and garnished with seasonal berries. After dinner, Tom returned to Helena’s earlier question about Christmas customs. He explained how modern Christmas customs have origins in many places around the globe, “and most of them, a hundred years later than Colonial Williamsburg’s time,” he said. All of the customs incorporated music, and Tom made sure we walked off our dessert to catch the free organ and harpsichord concert at Bruton Parish Church at 8 p.m. (Wren Chapel at the College of William and Mary hosts free historic organ recitals at 10 a.m. on select days during the holidays.)

Immersion in 18th-century life The next day, as we walked down Duke of Gloucester Street for our Raleigh Tavern tour, we encountered costumed living-history interpreters chatting about the subscription balls happening at the taverns during the holidays. (This was happening in 1773 — before See WILLIAMSBURG, page 24

www.FiftyPlusRichmond.com

DECEMBER 2017 — FIFTYPLUS

Fitness &

Health

DOGGED COMPANIONS Assistance dogs help those with hearing and vision loss, other disabilities KEEP YOUR COOL Learn some ways to alleviate hot flashes and other menopause symptoms FLEXIBLE FLAXSEED Add fiber-rich flaxseed to foods to improve digestion and lower cholesterol FOOD FOR THE FUTURE This lower-fat recipe for eggplant parmesan is delicious and freezes well

Massive study seeks 1 million volunteers By Lauran Neergaard In a quest to end cookie-cutter healthcare, U.S. researchers are getting ready to recruit more than 1 million people for an unprecedented study to learn how our genes, environments and lifestyles interact — and to finally customize ways to prevent and treat disease. Why does one sibling get sick but not another? Why does a drug cure one patient but only cause nasty side effects in the next? Finding out is a tall order. Today, diseases typically are treated based on what worked best in short studies of a few hundred or thousand patients. “We depend on the average — the one-sizefits-all approach —because it’s the best we’ve got,” said Dr. Francis Collins, director of the National Institutes of Health. That’s changing: The NIH’s massive “All Of Us” project will push what’s called precision medicine, using traits that make us unique in learning to forecast health and treat disease. Partly it’s genetics. What genes do you harbor that raise your risk of, say, heart disease or Type 2 diabetes or various cancers? But other factors affect that genetic risk: what you eat, how you sleep, if you grew up in smog or fresh air, if you sit at a desk all day

or bike around town, if your blood pressure is fine at a check-up but soars on the job, what medications you take. Not to mention differences based on age, gender, race and ethnicity, and socioeconomics. Layering all that information in what’s expected to be the largest database of its kind could help scientists spot patterns, combinations of factors that drive or prevent certain diseases — and eventually, researchers hope, lead to better care. “The DNA is almost the easiest part,” Collins said. “It’s challenging to figure out how to put all that together to allow somebody to have a more precise sense of future risk of illness and what they might do about it.”

Pilot study has started Pilot testing is under way, with more than 2,500 people who already have enrolled and given blood samples. More than 50 sites around the country — large medical centers, community health centers and other providers like the San Diego Blood Bank and, soon, select Walgreens pharmacies — are enrolling patients or customers in this invitation-only pilot phase. If the pilot goes well, NIH plans to open the study next spring to just about any U.S. adult

who’s interested, with sign-up as easy as going online. It’s a commitment. The study aims to run for at least 10 years. The goal is to enroll a highly diverse population, people from all walks of life — specifically recruiting minorities who have been under-represented in scientific research. And unusual for observational research, volunteers will receive results of their genetic and other tests, information they can share with their own doctors. “Anything to get more information I can pass on to my children, I’m all for it,” said Erricka Hager, 29, as she signed up last month at the University of Pittsburgh, the project’s first pilot site. A usually healthy mother of two, she hopes the study can reveal why she experienced high blood pressure and gestational diabetes during pregnancy.

Focus on tailored medicine Heading the giant All Of Us project is a former Intel Corp. executive who brings a special passion: How to widen access to the precision medicine that saved his life. Precision medicine is used most widely in cancer treatment, as more drugs are developed that target tumors with specific molec-

ular characteristics. “Why me?” is the question cancer patients always ask — why they got sick and not someone else with similar health risks, said Dr. Mounzer Agha, an oncologist at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. “Unfortunately I don’t have answers for them today,” said Agha, who says it will take the million-person study to finally get some answers. “It’s going to help them understand what are the factors that led to their disease, and it’s going to help us understand how to treat it better.” Beyond cancer, one of the University of Pittsburgh’s hospitals tests every patient receiving a heart stent — looking for a genetic variant that tells if they’ll respond well to a particular blood thinner or will need an alternative. NIH’s Collins expects surprises from the study. Maybe, he speculates, Type 2 diabetes will turn out to be a collection of genetic subtypes that require varied treatments. “This looks at individual responses to treatment in a way we couldn’t do previously with smaller studies,” he said. Collins himself plans to enroll in the study. He’s had his DNA mapped before, but can’t See HUGE STUDY, page 6

Medicare’s Part D doughnut hole shrinks By Kimberly Lankford Q: What will be happening with the Medicare Part D doughnut hole in 2018? Will it continue to close? A: The Medicare Part D doughnut hole — the coverage gap in Medicare prescriptiondrug coverage, in which you pay a larger portion of the drug costs out of pocket — will continue to close next year. In 2017, people with Part D pay 40 percent of the cost of brand-name drugs in the coverage gap and 51 percent of the cost of generic drugs. In 2018, you’ll pay 35 percent of the cost of brand-name drugs in the coverage gap and 44 percent of the cost of generic drugs.

The doughnut hole will continue to shrink each year until 2020, when you’ll need to pay only 25 percent of the cost of brand-name and generic drugs in the coverage gap.

How Part D coverage works For 2018, after you pay a deductible (up to $405; the deductible amount varies by plan), your Part D plan will provide coverage until your drug expenses reach $3,750 (including both your share and the insurer’s share of the costs). Then you will land in the doughnut hole, and your out-of-pocket cost will be 35 percent of brand-name drugs (50 percent of the discount for brand-name drugs will be covered by the

drug company, and your plan will pay 15 percent), and 44 percent for generics (a 56 percent discount for generics will be a federal subsidy). For example, if your generic drug costs $100, you’ll pay $44, and the government subsidy will cover the remaining $56. When your out-of-pocket costs reach $5,000, you will be out of the donut hole, and your plan will pay 95 percent of your drug costs. You’ll just pay the remaining 5 percent. Even though the pharmacy applies the discount in the doughnut hole automatically, both the 35 percent you pay and the 50 percent discount the drug company pays for brand-name drugs (but not the 15 percent

paid by your plan) will count toward your $5,000 out-of-pocket cost cutoff. For generics, only the 44 percent you pay will count toward your out-of-pocket costs. For more information, see “Closing the Coverage Gap” at www.Medicare.gov. Open enrollment to pick a new Medicare Part D plan or Medicare Advantage plan for 2018 runs until Dec. 7. You can compare premiums and coverage for the 2018 plans in your area with the Medicare Plan Finder. (Medicare Advantage plans are called “Medicare Health Plans” in the tool.) © 2017, Kiplinger. All Rights Reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

FIFTYPLUS — DECEMBER 2017

www.FiftyPlusRichmond.com | Fitness & Health

How to recognize and treat depression Dear Savvy Senior: manifest as apathy, irritability or problems Since retiring a few years ago, my hus- with memory or concentration, without the band has become increasdepressed mood. ingly irritable and apathetic. Fortunately, it is very treatI’m concerned that he’s deable. pressed, even though he won’t admit it. Online screening tests Where can we turn to get To help you get a handle on help with this? And what, if the seriousness of your husanything, does Medicare pay band’s problem, a good first step for? is for him to take an online de— Concerned Spouse pression-screening test. Dear Concerned: He can do this for free at MenDepression is unfortunately SAVVY SENIOR tal Health America, a national a widespread problem among By Jim Miller nonprofit organization that offers older Americans, affecting apa variety of online mental health proximately 15 percent of the screening tools at www.Mental65-and-older population. Contrary to what HealthAmerica.net. Click on “Take a many people believe, it’s not a normal part of Screen” in the menu bar. Or visit www.HelpYaging or a personal weakness. ourselfHelpOthers.org, which is offered by Here’s what you should know, along with Screening for Mental Health, Inc. some tips and resources for screening and Both of these tests are anonymous and treatments, and how Medicare covers it. confidential, take less than 10 minutes to Everyone feels sad or gets the blues now complete, and can help you determine the and then, but when these feelings linger severity of your husband’s problem. more than a few weeks, it may be depression. Depression is a real illness that affects mood, Getting help feelings, behavior and physical health. If you find that your husband is suffering It’s also important to know that depression from depressive symptoms, he needs to see is not just sadness. In many seniors, it can his doctor for a medical evaluation to rule out

possible medical causes. For example, some medications can produce side effects that mimic depressive symptoms. Pain and sleeping meds are common culprits. It’s also important to distinguish between depression and dementia, which can share some of the same symptoms. If he’s diagnosed with depression, there are a variety of treatment options, including talk therapy, antidepressant medications or a combination. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a particularly effective type of talk therapy. It helps patients recognize and change destructive thinking patterns that lead to negative feelings. For help finding a therapist who’s trained in CBT, ask your doctor for a referral, check your local yellow pages under “counseling” or “psychologists,” or contact the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (www.FindCBT.org), or the Academy of Cognitive Therapy (www.AcademyofCT.org). To search for therapists that accept Medicare, use Medicare’s Physician Compare tool. Go to www.Medicare.gov/physiciancom-

pare, type in your ZIP code, or city and state, then type in the professional you want to locate, like “psychiatrist” or “clinical psychologist” in the “What are you searching for?” box.

Medicare coverage You’ll be happy to know that original Medicare currently covers 100 percent for annual depression screenings that are done in a doctor’s office or other primary care clinic. They also pay 80 percent of its approved amount for outpatient mental health services, such as counseling and therapy services, and will cover almost all medications used to treat depression under the Part D prescription drug benefit. If you and your husband get your Medicare benefits through a private Medicare Advantage plan, they too must cover the same services as original Medicare, but they will likely require him to see an in-network provider. You’ll need to contact your plan directly for the details. Send your questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org.

Please patronize our advertisers.

Fitness & Health | www.FiftyPlusRichmond.com

DECEMBER 2017 — FIFTYPLUS

Assistance dogs do more than you expect By Jim Miller Dear Savvy Senior: What can you tell me about assistance dogs for people with disabilities? My sister, who’s 58, has multiple sclerosis. I’m wondering if an assistance dog could help make her life a little easier. — Inquiring Sister Dear Sister: For people with disabilities and even medical conditions, assistant dogs can be fantastic help, not to mention they provide great companionship and an invaluable sense of security. While most people are familiar with guide dogs that help people who are blind or visually impaired, there are also a variety of assistance dogs trained to help people with physical disabilities, hearing loss and various medical conditions. Unlike most pets, assistance dogs are highly trained canine specialists — often Golden and Labrador Retrievers, and German Shepherds — that know approxi-

mately 40 to 50 commands, are amazingly well-behaved and calm, and are permitted to go anywhere the public is allowed. Here’s a breakdown of the different types of assistance dogs and what they can help with. Service dogs: These dogs are specially trained to help people with physical disabilities due to multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, Parkinson’s disease, chronic arthritis and many other disabling conditions. They help by performing tasks their owner cannot do or has trouble doing — including carrying or retrieving items, picking up dropped items, opening and closing doors, turning lights on and off, assisting with dressing and undressing, helping with balance, household chores and more. Guide dogs: For the blind and visually impaired, guide dogs help their owner get around safely by avoiding obstacles, stopping at curbs and steps, negotiating traffic and more.

Huge study

rather than the scientist on the other side. “I’m curious about what this might teach me about myself. I’m pretty healthy right now. I’d like to stay that way.” — AP

From page 4 pass up what he’s calling a one-in-a-million experience to be part of a monumental study

Hearing dogs: For those who are deaf or hearing impaired, hearing dogs can alert their owner to specific sounds — such as ringing telephones, doorbells, alarm clocks, microwave or oven timers, smoke alarms, approaching sirens, crying babies, or when someone calls out their name. Seizure alert/response dogs: For people with epilepsy or other seizure disorders, these dogs can recognize the signs that their owner is going to have a seizure and provide them with advance warning, so he or she can get to a safe place or take medication to prevent the seizure or lessen its severity. They are also trained to retrieve medications and use a pre-programmed phone to call for help. These dogs can also be trained to help people with diabetes, panic attacks and various other conditions.

Finding a dog If your sister is interested in getting a service dog, contact some assistance dog training programs. To find them, Assistance Dogs International provides a listing of around 65 U.S. programs on their web-

site that you can access at https://assistancedogsinternational.org. After you locate a few, you’ll need to either visit their website or call them to find out the types of training dogs they offer, the areas they serve, if they have a waiting list, and what upfront costs will be involved. Some groups offer dogs for free, some ask for donations, and some charge thousands of dollars. To get an assistance dog, your sister will need to show proof of her disability, which her physician can provide, and she’ll have to complete an application and go through an interview process. She will also need to go and stay at the training facility for a week or two so she can get familiar with her dog and get training on how to handle it. It’s also important to understand that assistance dogs are not for everybody. They require time, money and care that your sister or some other friend or family member must be able and willing to provide. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.

Tell them you saw it in Fifty Plus!

804-355-3013 1620 N. Hamilton Street Richmond, VA 23230

www.FiftyPlusRichmond.com | Fitness & Health

FIFTYPLUS — DECEMBER 2017

Menopause symptoms can be alleviated Q: I just turned 53, and have noticed Postmenopause is the final phase, and bethat my menstrual cycle has been quite gins after a woman experiences menopause. irregular for the last five Menopausal symptoms are a months. I also have terrible result of two fluctuating horhot flushes at night. I think I mones: estrogen and progesmight be going through terone. Over time, production menopause. of these hormones in the How long will this last, ovaries declines, leading to a vaand what can I do to alleviate riety of symptoms. these symptoms? Hot flushes are the most A: Menopause is a natural common, affecting nearly 80 process caused by reduced percent of women. Other sympfunction of the ovaries. As toms include changes in menwomen age, the finite number of DR. R strual cycle, weight gain, mood X follicles, or eggs, in the ovaries By Christa Barber changes, changes in sleep patis depleted and hormone protern, vaginal dryness, changes duction decreases. in sexual function and joint pain. “Menopause” occurs in three phases, which During post-menopause, women may expeoften begin between the ages of 45 and 55: rience urinary symptoms, and are at increased Perimenopause, or menopause transi- risk for osteoporosis and heart disease. tion, is a transition phase that begins with the first signs of menstrual irregularity and ends Ways to improve quality of life with the last menstrual period. Peri• Exercise and maintain a healthy diet to menopause may last anywhere from four to prevent weight gain. eight years. • Use breathing techniques and find hobMenopause is a specific point in time bies to help reduce stress. Antidepressants when there is a permanent cessation of may also be used to treat mood changes. menses. A woman reaches menopause when • Reduce caffeine intake to improve qualher menstrual cycle has been absent for 12 ity of sleep. continuous months. • Use moisturizers and lubricants for vagi-

Greenfield Residences

at Monument Avenue

CATERED CARE AT YOUR SERVICE Experience a B&B style of senior living at the historic Shenandoah Building, located in the heart of Richmond’s Historic Fan District. !"#$%%&'%()"*%+,)%&-%+".!" Monument Avenue, we provide total resident care in a way !/.!"0,(("$%)%'&%" and transform the senior living experience. !""#$"%&'(")*&"#+")',-'./#01"#-'23"#0" /%0/))*)1$(02*,*%"03+..4%*15 501 North Allen Avenue, Richmond, VA 23220

804-441-9336 !"#$$%&$'()$%*+#'*,*%"!-+.

nal symptoms. • Wear light and layered clothing, use a fan, and drink cold water to minimize hot flushes.

What about hormone therapy? Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) — to replace hormones that are no longer produced by the body — is used to alleviate symptoms of menopause. MHT is recommended for healthy women who are 60 years old or younger, or within 10 years of menopause. MHT is most beneficial in women experiencing severe hot flushes, vaginal dryness and bone loss. Estrogen therapy is the gold standard of MHT, and is available in a variety of dosage

forms (tablet, patch, vaginal ring, gel). Oral progesterone is also commonly used, especially in women who have not yet had their uterus removed, otherwise known as a hysterectomy. MHT is not without risks, and women with a history of heart disease, blood clots, breast cancer or liver disease may not be candidates for hormone therapy. The risk versus benefit of hormone replacement should be discussed with your physician. Christa Barber is a fourth-year Pharm.D. student at VCU School of Pharmacy. She graduated from Virginia Tech with a B.S. in Biochemistry. She is interested in transitions of care, and hopes to one day pursue a career in ambulatory care.

M A R K YO U R CAL EN DA R

Dec. 21

CAREGIVING AT THE HOLIDAY SEASON

The Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Richmond presents “Navigating the Holidays” on Thursday, Dec. 21 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Dinwiddie Public Library, 14103 Boydton Plank Rd., Dinwiddie. Advance registration is required. For more information or to register, call (804) 446-5860.

Ongoing

MIGHT YOU QUALIFY FOR MEDICAID? Richmond offers Medicaid pre-screening visits in your home to determine if you qualify for Medicaid programs to help with daily living activities. For more information, call (804) 646-3150 or (804) 646-3148.

Fitness & Health | www.FiftyPlusRichmond.com

DECEMBER 2017 — FIFTYPLUS

Tired of struggling on the stairs? Introducing the Affordable Easy Climber® Elevator

Can be placed virtually anywhere in your home.

Home Improvement that actually improves your LIFE! SAFE ! Equipped with weight, balance and obstruction sensors ! Works even in a power outage

VERSATILE ! Can be placed almost anywhere in your home ! Quick Professional installation CONVENIENT ! Footprint is slightly larger than a refigerator ! Compact and Quiet

• No more climbing up stairs • No more falling down stairs • Plenty of room for groceries or laundry • Perfect for people with older pets • Ideal for Ranch houses with basements

Revolutionary elevator can give you– and your home’s value– a lift

“We are tickled about our new elevator. This is the first time I’ve seen the second floor of my home! It’s like an early Christmas present.” Stan W. US war veteran and retired professor

team without an expensive shaft-way. Its small “footprint” and self-contained lift mechanism adds convenience and value to your home and quality to your life. It’s called the Easy Climber® Elevator. Call us now and we can tell you just how simple it is to own. For many people, particularly seniors, climbing stairs can be a struggle and a health threat. Some have installed motorized stair lifts, but they block access to the stairs

and are hardly an enhancement to your home’s décor. By contrast, the Easy Climber® Elevator can be installed almost anywhere in your home. That way you can move easily and safely from floor to floor without struggling or worse yet… falling. Why spend another day without this remarkable convenience? Knowledgeable product experts are standing by to answer any questions you may have. Call Now!

Call now to find out how you can get your own Easy Climber Elevator. Please mention promotional code For fastest service, call toll-free. Residential installations only. Not available in all areas. Call to see if you qualify. © 2017 Aging in the Home Remodelers Inc.

82837

Elevators have been around since the mid 19th century, and you can find them in almost every multi-story structure around… except homes. That’s because installing an elevator in a home has always been a complicated and expensive home renovation project… until now. Innovative designers have created a home elevator that can be easily installed almost anywhere in your home by our professional

Imagine the possibilities

www.FiftyPlusRichmond.com | Fitness & Health

FIFTYPLUS — DECEMBER 2017

Flaxseed can aid digestion, heart health Dear Mayo Clinic: I have heard that adding flaxseed to my diet could improve my health, but I know nothing about it. What’s the best way to take it? Answer: Flaxseed is a nutritional powerhouse. Its health benefits come from the fact that it’s high in fiber, and is a rich source of a plant-based type of omega-3 fatty acid called alpha-linolenic acid. Flaxseed also contains an array of other beneficial nutrients, including soluble and insoluble fiber, antioxidant phytochemicals called lignans, and numerous other vitamins and minerals. Flaxseed commonly is used to improve digestive health or relieve constipation. But it also may help lower total blood cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or “bad”) cholesterol levels, which may help reduce the risk of heart disease. The connection between dietary fiber in flaxseed and digestive health is fairly obvious. But when it comes to potential heart health benefits, it’s not clear which components of flaxseed are most beneficial. It’s possible that all components are beneficial, or that they may work together.

How to consume flaxseed Ground flaxseed is easier to digest than

whole flaxseed. Whole flaxseed may pass through your intestine undigested, which means you won’t get its full nutritional benefit. Flaxseed supplements are available, but usually contain only one element of flaxseed nutrition — such as the alpha-linolenic acid-rich oil — thus limiting their benefit. Flaxseed oil is also available. It has more alpha-linolenic acid than ground flaxseed, but it doesn’t contain all the nutrients of ground flaxseed. The best way to incorporate flaxseed into your diet is by adding 1 to 4 tablespoons of ground flaxseed to your snacks and meals each day. Flaxseed has a light, nutty taste that can be added to any number of foods. Try mixing 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed into yogurt or hot or cold breakfast cereal. You could add 1 teaspoon to mayonnaise or mustard when making a sandwich. Or add ground flaxseed to a smoothie, pancake mix or baked goods. Unripe and raw flaxseed can have toxins that may be harmful in high doses. Consider toasting, cooking or baking the flaxseed to destroy those toxins. Flaxseed is available in bulk, whole or ground, at many grocery stores and health food stores. Whole seeds can be ground in a coffee grinder and then stored in an airtight

container for several months. To preserve the taste and health benefits of flaxseed, keep it in the refrigerator or freezer, and grind it just before using. Like other sources of fiber, flaxseed should be taken with plenty of water or other fluids. Flaxseed shouldn’t be taken at the same time as oral medications or other dietary supplements. As always, talk with your doctor before trying any dietary supplements.

— Katherine Zeratsky, R.D.N, L.D., Endocrinology/Nutrition, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Mayo Clinic Q & A is an educational resource and doesn’t replace regular medical care. E-mail a question to MayoClinicQ&A@mayo.edu. For more information, visit www.mayoclinic.org. © 2017 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. All Rights Reserved. Distributed By Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

M A R K YO U R CAL EN DA R

Ongoing

PICKLEBALL

Chesterfield County Dept. of Parks and Recreation offers indoor and outdoor pickleball at various locations throughout the county. For more information or to register, contact Linda Scott at (804) 6838481 or Kim Graves at (804) 751-4753, or email pickleball4all@aol.com.

Ongoing

HUNTINGTON’S SUPPORT GROUP

There are regular Huntington’s disease support group meetings on the second Tuesday of every month from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in VCU’s Health Building, 11958 W. Broad St., Henrico. For more information, contact Ginger Noris at (804) 627-1398.

Ongoing

BILL MURRAY TALKS BASEBALL

Comedic actors Bill Murray and Brian Doyle-Murray host an unscripted digital series on Facebook about minor league baseball. The 10episode series posts new videos on Mondays. For more information or to watch, visit www.facebook.com/billbrianextrainnings.

Fitness & Health | www.FiftyPlusRichmond.com

DECEMBER 2017 — FIFTYPLUS

Healthier eggplant parmesan freezes well By Melissa D’Arabian Make-ahead meals and cooking for the freezer — once relegated to suburban supermoms who had it more together than the rest of us — are now trendy with the healthy-eating crowd. Sure, we call it “meal prep” but it’s pretty much the same thing: Make good food in advance, so that we can eat it sometime in the future. In the past, this was primarily to save mealplanning stress, dishwashing time, and money. Now, we are recognizing another implicit benefit: We are more likely to make healthy food choices if something tasty and nutritious is already prepared. Cook once but eat twice has long been the battle cry of the make-ahead meal, with Italian comfort foods such as lasagna and eggplant parmesan perhaps being the poster-children of this eat-one-freeze-one movement. So I overhauled these Italian casseroles into my Eggplant and Spinach Parmesan, a healthier veggie-filled version that is actually quite easy to pull together and freezes beautifully. To make my healthy tweaks, I focused on an eggplant Parmesan dish simply because I

felt the pasta would be missed less. The eggplant, usually breaded and fried, was simply seasoned and roasted, and no one in my family missed the extra breadcrumbs or oil. I added in baby spinach, which contributed nutrients, but also added a nice layered lasagna-like element to the dish. Without actual pasta, though, I knew I needed to keep some serious cheese. Using part-skim ricotta as the main component worked well, and I boosted the flavor with just a little bit of nutty Parmesan, and a reasonable quantity of mozzarella for meltystretchy goodness. Luckily, marinara needs no makeover, as long as you buy or make one without extra sugar or preservatives. My version is vegetarian, but feel free to add a pound of lean browned ground turkey or beef if you want. The recipe makes enough for eight, so a small family can freeze half for a second meal, or divide up leftovers into individual servings for DIY single-serving frozen meals. You can also double the recipe and really load up that freezer. I buy a bunch of foil baking pans at a warehouse store, because just seeing a stack of those pans in my cupboard inspires me to cook double and stock up the freezer.

Eggplant and Spinach Parmesan Servings: 8 Start to finish: 1 1/2 hours 2 medium eggplants, about 1 1/2-2 pounds total 1 teaspoon granulated garlic olive oil mister (or nonstick spray) 1 15-ounce container part-skim ricotta cheese 1 egg white 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese 2 teaspoons dried Italian herb seasoning 5 cups baby spinach 1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese plus 1/4 cup additional for topping 4 cups prepared marinara sauce (no sugar added) 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper Preheat the oven to 375 F. Slice eggplant into 1/4-inch slices. Place on a baking rack set over a large baking sheet. Sprinkle with half the garlic and 1/4 teaspoon of the salt, and spray lightly with an olive oil mister. Bake for 10 minutes, and then flip over the slices. Season the second side with the remaining garlic, another 1/4 teaspoon of salt and spray with olive oil. Bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until slices are tender, but not falling apart.

Allow to cool enough to handle. Lower the oven temperature to 350 F. Meanwhile, mix together in a small bowl the ricotta, egg white, Parmesan cheese, Italian herb seasoning, black pepper and remaining salt. Spray the inside of a medium-sized baking or casserole dish. Place 1/2 cup of the marinara sauce at the bottom of the pan. Layer in order: half the eggplant, half the ricotta cheese, half the spinach, half the 1 cup of mozzarella, half the (remaining) sauce. Repeat the layers, ending with sauce. Top with remaining 1/4 cup of mozzarella cheese. Cover with oven safe lid or with foil (spray lightly with oil to avoid sticking), and bake until hot and bubbly, about 45 minutes, removing cover halfway through the baking time. Let sit at least 10 minutes before serving. Chef’s tip: The dish will firm up as it cools, if you are trying to cut neater squares. Nutrition information per serving: 236 calories; 99 calories from fat; 11 g. fat (5 g. saturated; 0 g. trans fats); 28 mg. cholesterol; 855 mg. sodium; 19 g. carbohydrate; 6 g. fiber; 9 g. sugar; 16 g. protein. Food Network star Melissa d’Arabian is an expert on healthy eating on a budget. She is the author of the cookbook, “Supermarket Healthy.” — AP

Paid Advertisement

New device stops a cold before it starts New research shows you can stop a cold in its tracks if you take one simple step with a new device when you feel a cold coming on. Colds start when cold viruses get in your nose. Viruses multiply fast. If you don’t stop them early, they spread and cause misery. But scientists have found a quick way to kill a virus. Touch it with copper. Researchers at labs and universities agree, copper is “antimicrobial.” It kills microbes, such as viruses and bacteria, just by touch. That’s why ancient Greeks and Egyptians used copper to purify water and heal wounds. They didn’t know about viruses and bacteria, but now we do. Researchers say a tiny electric charge in microbe cells gets short-circuited by the high conductance of copper. This destroys the cell in seconds. Tests by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) show germs die fast on copper. So some hospitals switched to copper touch sur-

faces, like faucets and doorknobs. This cut the spread of MRSA and other illnesses by over half, and saved lives. The strong evidence gave inventor Doug Cornell an idea. When he felt a cold coming on he fashioned a smooth copper probe and rubbed it gently in his nose for 60 seconds. “It worked!” he exclaimed. “The cold went away completely.” It worked again every time he felt a cold coming on. He reports he has never had a cold since. He asked relatives and friends to try it. They said it worked for them, too, every time. So he patented CopperZap™ and put it on the market. Soon hundreds had tried it and given feedback. Nearly 100% said the copper stops their colds if used !"#!$%&%#'()*%'+%"#,%-)*"%*!.$/%01,$% up to 2 days, if they still get the cold it is milder and they feel better. Users wrote things like, “It stopped my cold right away. Is it supposed to work that fast?” and “What a wonderful thing!”

Pat McAllister, age 70, received one for Christmas and called it “one of the best presents ever. This little jewel really works.” People often use CopperZap for prevention. Karen Gau2!3% #'% 4!,*% '+",$3% New research: Copper stops colds if used early. used to get colds 5+",)% 4!.#"*/% 6#'(.#% *7,8"!2593% *#,% Some users say copper stops tried it several times a day on trav- $!.#""!=,%*"(+-$,**/%>$,%=5$%*5!:3% el days for two months. “Sixteen “Best sleep I’ve had in years.” 4!.#"*%5$:%$'"%5%*$!+4,;<% ?'88,)%=5@%,1,$%*"'8%4(%!+%(*,:% Businesswoman Rosaleen says early and for several days. In a lab when people are sick around her test, scientists placed 25 million live she uses CopperZap morning and 4(%1!)(*,*%'$%5%?'88,)A58/%B'%1!night. “It saved me last holidays,” ruses were found alive soon after. she said. “The kids had colds going The EPA says the natural color round and round, but not me.” change of copper does not reduce Some users say it also helps with its ability to kill germs. sinuses. Attorney Donna Blight had CopperZap is made in the U.S. a 2-day sinus headache. She tried of pure copper. It has a 90-day full CopperZap. “I am shocked!” she money back guarantee and is availsaid. “My head cleared, no more able for $49.95 at CopperZap.com headache, no more congestion.” or toll-free 1-888-411-6114.

www.FiftyPlusRichmond.com | Fitness & Health

FIFTYPLUS — DECEMBER 2017

Dealing with negativity from family, friends about a lot in the papers. He was often inDear Solutions: My nephew recently moved to my city terviewed on television and quoted about his expertise. Then, unfortufrom across the country at my nately, the company went out recommendation. Now all he of business. does is complain that he can’t He’s been out of a job for find any interesting people some time now, and he’s cophere. ing with it the best he can. I want to convince him to I’m the one who’s having try joining groups I think he trouble controlling my anger might find interesting, but he when people, casual acquainkeeps being negative. He says tances, keep asking me what everyone he sees is a fool. he’s doing, where he’s lookHow can I change his attitude? ing, how he’s coping, how — Millie SOLUTIONS By Helen Oxenberg, awful I must feel and so forth Dear Aunt Millie: Tell him to stop looking in the MSW, ACSW — and even make suggestions mirror! He is acting the fool by about how I should help him judging everyone without giving himself a cope. chance to know them. They think they’re being sympathetic, Does this make him feel superior? You but I think they’re just nosey. How do I can’t control his need to look down on people answer them? I’m surprised at the dein order to look up on himself. gree of anger I feel. Just tell him you hope he’ll give people a —M chance, and then step away. You’re not re- Dear M: The degree of your anger is directly responsible for his sad attitude. If you stop sympathizing with him, he’ll have to start making lated to their sudden degree as therapists. They masquerade as sympathetic supporters changes for himself. Dear Solutions: who are giving you a chance to vent your My son had a very big job and was well feelings, but what you’re sensing, especially known with a company that was written from casual acquaintances, is a smirking sat-

isfaction about, “Oh, how the mighty have fallen.” When bad things happen to other people, there is often a sense of relief that it didn’t happen to them. Those who are sincerely sympathetic will ask no questions but merely wish your son well. As for the others, don’t waste your anger on them. Rise above them and just say, “He’s fine thank you,” and change the subject. Dear Solutions: I’m a recovering alcoholic, and I’ve been sober for over six months. But I’m having a hard time when I go out with new people. My brother and I were with friends of his, and they were celebrating something and wanted to toast the occasion. When I ordered a soda, they said, “Oh, come on.

You have to toast to wish us luck.” I don’t want to tell people my situation every time. What should I have said to them? — Molly Dear Molly: If it happens again, just say, “I don’t drink liquor, but my wishes are just as sincere, and my glass clinks just as nicely with soda.” You don’t have to explain anything. But if you want to, do it with pride in your accomplishment and your on-going determination. © Helen Oxenberg, 2017. Questions to be considered for this column may be sent to: The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915. You may also email the author at helox72@comcast.net. To inquire about reprint rights, call (609) 655-3684.

M A R K YO U R CAL EN DA R

Dec.

MAYMONT CHRISTMAS Maymont is holding a Victorian Christmas through Sunday, Dec. 31, featuring a storyteller, workshops to create holiday wreaths, topiar-

ies and window swags, and a chance for kids to pen letters to St. Nick. Additionally, there will be holiday shopping and giftwrapping for adults. Holiday tours are $5; workshops are various prices. Maymont is located at 1700 Hampton St. in Richmond. For more information, visit https://maymont.org or call (804) 358-7166.

Personalized care to keep you safe and well at home • Age 55 and older • Live in the service area of a PACE organization • Eligible for nursing facility care in Virginia • Able to live safely in the community with the support of PACE services

Call us today and learn more about PACE

804-977-5900 riversideonline.com/pace

PACE is a program of the Commonwealth of Virginia and the Federal Government.

www.FiftyPlusRichmond.com

DECEMBER 2017 — FIFTYPLUS

Money Law &

FREEZE OUT THIEVES Three steps (and phone calls) can help you freeze your credit reports to help foil identity thieves BOND RISKS Not all bond funds protect against stock swings; it’s important to know which ones counterbalance stocks and which ones move in tandem with them

Making the most of your donor dollars By Sandra Block This year’s seemingly endless string of natural disasters has inspired countless acts of heroism and generosity. But as the year-end giving season begins, some philanthropy experts worry that a phenomenon known as “donor fatigue” could affect individuals’ willingness to support other worthwhile causes. Many global crises don’t get much news coverage in the U.S. For example, shortly after hurricanes Harvey and Irma inundated Texas and Florida, flooding in Southeast Asia killed more than 1,200 people and affected more than 40 million people, according to GiveWell — a nonprofit that supports underfunded charities. There are also long-term crises that get little attention, such as child hunger in developing countries. And if you have a group of charities you regularly support, don’t shortchange them because you donated to hurricane victims, said Daniel Borochoff, president of CharityWatch, a watchdog organization. “There are times in this life when you need to step up and do more, and this is one of them.”

Make a plan Talk with your family and decide which charities you want to support — not only before year-end (which locks in a tax break for itemizers for 2017) but also in the new year. Eileen Heisman, chief executive of the National Philanthropic Trust, which provides advice to foundations and financial institutions, suggests devoting a large percentage of your charitable-giving budget — say, 80 percent — to whatever charities you’ve selected, and setting aside 20 percent to respond to disasters and other short-term events. If you really want to help — and this applies to more than disaster relief — consider committing to a monthly or quarterly donation. Recurring gifts provide a predictable source of funding, which helps charities budget for long-term projects. In addition, charities with a predictable source of funding don’t have to spend as much on fundraising, Heisman said. If your investment portfolio has performed well this year, consider giving appreciated stock or mutual funds instead of cash. You’ll help the charity while reducing your tax bill.

M ARK YO UR CALE NDAR

Ongoing

MONEY MANAGEMENT HELP The Capital Area Agency on Aging’s Senior Connections offers the

Volunteer Money Management Program to help those age 60 and older who need help paying their bills. Trained volunteers will look over check writing and bill paying. For more information, call (804) 343-3055 or email jadams@youraaa.org.

Ongoing

REAL ESTATE TAX FREEZE Richmond has a Tax Freeze Program for residents age 65 and older by Dec. 21 of the preceding tax year who are permanently disabled.

Qualification grants a total exemption of the increase in real estate taxes from the date applied and qualified. To keep benefits, the taxpayer must pay their portion of real estate taxes by June 15 each year. For more information or to apply, call (804) 646-5700.

Most large charities accept donations of securities. If you want to contribute to smaller organizations that aren’t set up to accept contributions of securities, consider setting up a donor-advised fund. With these funds, you can make a charitable contribution of cash or other assets, take a current tax deduction for the donation, and decide later how to distribute the money. [See sidebar below, “Make giving a family affair.”]

Watch out for scams Shortly after Harvey hit, the Department of Homeland Security warned that e-mails seeking donations could be fraudulent phishing expeditions, or efforts to direct individuals to malware-infected websites. This scam is easy to avoid: Don’t click on

a link in an e-mail seeking charitable donations, even if it looks legitimate, Heisman said. If you think the cause is worthwhile, close the e-mail and go directly to the charity’s website. To learn more about a charity’s expenses and accomplishments, visit the websites of charity watchdogs, such as Charity Navigator or CharityWatch. Legitimate charities, such as Donors Choose.org, may use crowdfunding to raise money, but be wary of appeals from individuals on websites such as GoFundMe.com. Some of these requests are scams. And even when the appeal is legitimate, there may be other victims with more-pressing needs. © 2017 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Make giving a family affair Question: I’d like to set up a donoradvised fund so my family can contribute to charities as a group. Does one person have to control the fund, or can several family members donate to it and get a tax break for the contributions? — E.G., Baltimore Answer: A donor-advised fund is a separately identified fund or account that is maintained and operated by a nonprofit organization, which is called a sponsoring organization. Each account is composed of contributions made by individual donors. Once the donor makes the contribution, the organization has legal control over it. However, the donor, or the donor’s representative, retains advisory privileges with respect to the distribution of funds and the investment of assets in the account. Such a fund may be controlled by one or more people. Anyone named on the account can recommend grants, and anyone can make tax-deductible donations.

Setting up a donor-advised fund is a great way to get your family involved in philanthropy, teach your kids and grandkids about giving, and build a charitable fund that can last for generations. Some parents start by controlling the fund themselves, but have their children research charities and present their ideas at a family meeting. Parents may add the children to the account as they get older so they can make their own grants. You can set up a donor-advised fund at many brokerage firms, banks and community foundations. Fidelity requires a $5,000 contribution to get started; Vanguard’s minimum is $25,000. You can donate cash, stock and other assets to get a current tax deduction, then take as much time as you want to choose the charities who will ultimately get the money. — Kimberly Lankford © 2017 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC

www.FiftyPlusRichmond.com | Law & Money

FIFTYPLUS â&#x20AC;&#x201D; DECEMBER 2017

More risks stemming from hack of Equifax By Liz Weston Long after the Equifax breach was announced, people were still struggling to freeze their credit reports as credit bureau websites failed, lured people to look-alike products, or even redirected visitors to download malicious software. [See â&#x20AC;&#x153;How to freeze your credit in three steps,â&#x20AC;? on page 19.] But thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just the start of the gauntlet people may have to run to protect their financial

lives. The Equifax hack exposed the names, addresses, birthdates and Social Security numbers of up to 145.5 million Americans. Drivers license information for 10.9 million people was also exposed, according to a Wall Street Journal report. This is the type of sensitive, private information thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s used to establish your identity, which is why freezing your credit reports â&#x20AC;&#x201D;

as important as that is â&#x20AC;&#x201D; wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be enough. Credit freezes wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t prevent criminals from taking over credit, bank, retirement and investment accounts, said security expert Avivah Litan with Gartner Research. [See sidebar: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Secure your bank accounts, too,â&#x20AC;? below.] Thieves also could use the purloined information to snatch your tax refund or mess with your Social Security benefits. Your

Secure your bank accounts, too By Lisa Gerstner The huge Equifax data breach has made consumers hyper aware of how vulnerable they are to identity theft. But the major credit-reporting bureaus arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the only ones that track your data. Several other specialty reporting agencies also collect consumer information. Among them is ChexSystems. When you apply for a checking or savings account, the bank or credit union may look up ChexSystemsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; report on you. You can retrieve it, too, to look for errors or fraudulently opened accounts. A ChexSystems report usually includes

only negative information associated with accounts youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve held. So if you have a good record, the report should be clean. But if, say, you overdrew an account and failed to pay back the debt and resulting fees promptly, a black mark may appear. Such information remains on your report for five years. ChexSystems also lists inquiries from banks that have viewed your report. You can request a free ChexSystems report every 12 months at www.chexsystems.com, and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll receive your report in the mail. If you find a problem, you have the right to dispute it.

And just as with your credit reports, you can set up a security freeze (you may have to pay a fee), which blocks new institutions from viewing your report, or a security alert, which is similar to a fraud alert. Doing so may prevent an identity thief from opening accounts in your name. If you want to go the extra mile, you can also check your free annual reports from other bank-account screening agencies, including Early Warning (www.earlywarning.com), TeleCheck (www.firstdata.com/telecheck) and Certegy (www.askcertegy.com). ÂŠ 2017 The Kiplinger Washington Editors

email, phone, shopping and cloud-based storage accounts arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t safe, either. Here are some cybersecurity steps you should take now: Make sure all of your freezes are in place You need to set up credit freezes separately at each of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion), as well as with Innovis, a lesser-known bureau, and ChexSystems, a database that banks use to track people who mishandle their accounts. When your accounts are frozen, banks and lenders canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t access your reports, so they are much less likely to allow criminals to set up phony accounts in your name. Keep track of the personal identification numbers youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re issued, since youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll need those to lift the freezes if you need to apply for credit or financial accounts. Set up two-factor authentication wherever you can Two-factor security requires both something you know, typically a password, along with something you have, such as a code texted to your phone or generated by an authentication app. Security experts including Litan recomSee EQUIFAX HACK, page 14

Are You A Veteran? +

Sitter & Barfoot Veterans Care Center is a Long-Term Care & Short-Term Rehab Facility that opened in -DQXDU\ 7KLV IDFLOLW\ ZDV EXLOW VSHFLĆ&#x201C;FDOO\ IRU RXU 9LUJLQLD 9HWHUDQV Located conveniently on the campus of the McGuire VA Medical Center in Richmond, Virginia, this state-of-the-art facility is owned and operated by the Virginia Department of Veterans Services and is a recent recipient of a 5 Star Rating from The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

Law & Money | www.FiftyPlusRichmond.com

Equifax hack From page 13 mend using an app, since criminals have started taking over cell phone accounts to cir-

cumvent two-factor verification by text. Yes, two-factor authentication is a hassle, and no, it’s not foolproof. But it creates another barrier between your accounts and the criminally inclined. Typically, once you set it

M ARK YO UR CAL EN DAR

Jan.2

IMMIGRATION HISTORY

The Valentine museum is hosting a free talk on immigration, as part of their Controversy/History series, on Tuesday, Jan. 2 from 6 to 8 p.m. The talk will focus on immigration using local historic figures, and an expert speaker will provide relevant immigration data for the Richmond area. The Valentine is located at 1015 East Clay St. For more information, call (804) 649-0711 or email S info@thevalentine.org.

Jan. 16

TRAVIS TRITT CONCERT

The Beacon Theatre presents a solo acoustic performance with Travis Tritt on Tuesday Jan. 16. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the show begins at 7:45 p.m. Tickets cost $37 to $57 in advance; $42 to $62 at the door. The theater is located at 401 N. Main St. in Hopewell. For more information, visit http://travistritt.com.

Ongoing

ADULT DAY CENTER VOLUNTEERS

Hanover Adult Day Center needs volunteers to lead men’s groups for auto club, woodworking, hunting and fishing. Volunteers are also needed for other activities, such as arts & crafts, storytelling, gardening, travel time, magic or clown activities, special parties, baking or cooking, and office assistance. For more information, contact volunteer coordinator Marie Riley at (804) 7460743 or admin@hanoveradultcenter.com.

DECEMBER 2017 — FIFTYPLUS

up, you’ll have to use it only if you try to sign in with an unrecognized device or after a set amount of time. Two-factor security is a must for your password manager (if you have one), your email, and any cloud-based storage account, including DropBox and Evernote. Consider setting it up for shopping sites, such as Amazon, and your social media accounts, too. Incredibly, not all financial institutions offer this (though they should). Consider whether you want to continue doing business with a company that refuses to take your security seriously. The four big cell phone carriers don’t offer it, either, which is pretty horrifying. Phone numbers are often used as a security backup, so a criminal controlling yours could reset passwords on many of your accounts. File your taxes early It’s pretty lame that the only thing you can do to thwart thieves from ginning up a phony tax return is to file your legitimate one as soon as possible after the IRS begins accepting them. Right now, that’s all you can do. People who have already been victims of such a scam are issued a special code they

can use in the future. But a pilot program offering codes to other taxpayers hasn’t been extended. The IRS will start processing returns Jan. 22, 2018. (However, employers don’t have to send out the W-2 forms most of us need to prepare our returns until Jan. 31.) Create a “my Social Security” account Again, you’re trying to get there before the evildoers. Setting up online access to your Social Security records will help you monitor activity, such as attempts to take over your account or apply for benefits. If your credit files are frozen, you’ll need to lift the freeze with Equifax before you can set up the account. Yes, Equifax is the bureau Social Security uses to verify your identity. Or, you can set it up in person at a Social Security office. Equifax is waiving the fees to set up and lift freezes until January. You can’t make your identity hack-proof, unfortunately, any more than you can keep a determined burglar from breaking into your home. Your goal is to make the bad guys work hard enough that they’ll decide to move on to an easier target. — Nerdwallet via AP

Money Section continues on p. 19

Housing designed and built to meet the needs of the elderly, handicapped and disabled.* • All-Paid Utilities • Social Activities • 24-Hour Maintenance • Convenient Location

Now Accepting Rental Applications 1025 W. Grace Street (in the Fan) For more information call

355-9114 *Based on Income Managed by Beacon Residential Management

Plus A special supplement to Fifty

Dear Fifty Plus Readers and Community Friends: Fifty Plus is to be commended for supporting Senior Connections in presenting this special supplement recognizing the importance of caregiving. We are pleased to recognize the unique and special role of caregivers who support the needs of older relatives, friends and neighbors who are living with chronic illnesses and long-term disabilities. Caregivers support loved ones in many ways, depending upon individual needs and circumstances. These “unsung heroes” often provide countless hours of care to their loved ones. Caregiving is an important part of our continuum of support, and is recognized each year during November with Presidential Proclamations that recognize the part that caregivers play in keeping families and communities strong. A copy of this year’s Proclamation is included in this supplement, along with information about resources that are available to older adults and caregivers. We take this opportunity to recognize the many community partners who join with Senior Connections in providing support for caregivers to help them with their responsibilities while encouraging their efforts. Senior Connections extends special appreciation to the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) for devoting funding and resources to support community caregivers. In collaboration with community partners, DARS provides and advocates for resources and services to improve the quality of life for older Virginians and their families. One important resource for caregivers that is provided through the leadership of DARS is the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program. This program consists of advocates for quality long-term care services in nursing homes, assisted living facilities and community based programs. We extend special thanks to the Alzheimer’s Association, Adult Day Centers and all of the No Wrong Door Partners who support the needs of older adults and caregivers in the Richmond Metropolitan Region. We are pleased to join with them to recognize and salute caregivers in our community. Finally, we extend thanks and best wishes to current and past caregivers. We appreciate you reading this supplement, and if you wish, please share your caregiving stories with us. Holiday greetings to Fifty Plus Readers and community friends. Sincerely,

Thelma Bland Watson Executive Director, Senior Connections

E C E M B E R 2 0 1 7 D 15

Focus on Caregiving

Announcing the 2017 “Home for the Holidays” Campaign Every year, the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a) and the Eldercare Locator launch a campaign that focuses attention on sensitive topics and conversations families should have during their time together during the holiday season. The focus of this year’s campaign will be on dementia and the local resources available in the communities around the country to assist individuals with dementia and their caregivers.

What it takes to be a caregiver “Caregiving Around the Clock” MORNING: Getting off to work.

The average family caregiver is a working mother of school-aged children. Mornings become a tricky balancing act of getting the kids ready for school and making sure your loved one has what they need for the day before getting yourself out the door for work. ALL DAY LONG: Managing medications.

Up to 70% of the time, the family caregiver, not the patient, manages the medications. The more serious the condition, the more likely it is that the family caregiver manages the patient’s medications. This means maintaining an up-to-date medication list and ensuring your loved one is taking their medication correctly.

DURING THE WORKDAY: Juggling caregiving and work.

Six out of 10 family caregivers work full- or part-time in addition to juggling their caregiving responsibilities at home. And most of them say they have had to cut back on working hours, take a leave of absence, or quit their job entirely. EVENING: Family time and meal time.

Ensuring that you get proper nutrition will help you maintain strength, energy, stamina and a positive attitude. Nutrition is as important for you as the caregiver as it for your loved one. Caregiving affects the whole family. See CAREGIVING, page 17

Ten Tips for Family Caregivers 1. Seek support from other caregivers. You are not alone! 2. Take care of your own health so that you can be strong enough to take care of your loved one. 3. Accept offers of help and suggest specific things people can do to help you. 4. Learn how to communicate effectively with doctors. 5. Caregiving is hard work, so take respite breaks often. 6. Watch out for signs of depression, and don’t delay getting professional help when you need it. 7. Be open to new technologies that can help you care for your loved one. 8. Organize medical information so it’s up to date and easy to find. 9. Make sure legal documents are in order. 10. Give yourself credit for doing the best you can in one of the toughest jobs there is!

www.FiftyPlusRichmond.com

Senior Connections

DECEMBER 2017 — FIFTYPLUS

‘No Wrong Door’ to getting help Database aids those in need and providers Earl Ragland, 65, a retired railroad worker in Richmond, said he depended on his wife to organize the budget, pay bills and manage the household. When she died two years ago, he was at a loss for what to do. A local support agency, Senior Connections, used No Wrong Door, an innovative referral system, to get Ragland enrolled with organizations that helped him set up a budget, pay his bills, and

get assistance for food and utilities. “I couldn’t have done it without them,” Ragland said. “I wouldn’t still be in this house.” For many older people and their relatives, finding the right service provider when in need can be daunting. They may go from one agency to another, filling out long forms that ask for the same information. It’s easy to get confused, discouraged and overwhelmed.

That’s why Virginia set up No Wrong Door, which shares client information with multiple providers of long-term services and supports. Using a comprehensive database, it provides Virginians with access to more than 26,000 providers. No matter where people go to find help, they will be connected to all of the other providers (both public and private) with services they need.

Using a secure network, a county agency can quickly share information with a local chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, for example, or with a nonprofit that provides transportation so an older person can get the appropriate help. No Wrong Door has been led for over a decade by the state Department of Aging and Rehabilitative Services, in partnership with Virginia’s health and human resource agencies. The website (nowrongdoorvirginia.org) features a state map allowing users to pinpoint providers in any county. Katie Roeper, the recently retired director of No Wrong Door, described how the system helps a person looking for assistance: “I can tell my story to a No Wrong Door partner, who inputs my information into the system, with my consent to share it. So, when I get referrals to other partners, they already have that information.”

Filling out forms — once It’s similar to the concept of electronic medical records that now provide doctors and hospitals with the ability to quickly share a patients’ medical information. “It helps the patients who often get so tired of telling their story to provider after provider that they leave out important information,” Roeper said. A person seeking help can go to one organization and immediately be referred to others, she said. No Wrong Door also makes it easier for families to find help for older relatives and people with disabilities. Deb Dalla Villa, 62, of Virginia Beach, lives two hours away from her relatives in Richmond. She has used No Wrong Door through Senior Connections to find services for her parents and two aunts facing significant health and mobility issues. “I worked a full-time job, making a hands-on effort difficult for me,” Dalla Villa said. “I tell everyone I meet who may be facing similar family issues and don’t know where to turn that the first and best step is Senior Connections and the No Wrong Door program.” — Gil Klein Reprinted from the November 2017 issue of the AARP Bulletin. Copyright 2017 AARP. All rights reserved.

Senior Connections

FIFTYPLUS — DECEMBER 2017

Get the Emotional Support You Need

Presidential Proclamation The White House

Office of the Press Secretary For Immediate Release

October 31 ,2017

A support group is a gathering of caregivers, family, friends and/or persons with dementia to discuss issues surrounding Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. The purpose of the support group is to provide an opportunity to meet regularly for mutual support, and to exchange coping skills with one another. The reasons people attend support groups vary. People may come to a group to gain a better understanding of the disease, because they are in crisis, or because they have specific caregiving struggles. They may be looking for advice on a particular subject, or just want to be with people who are having similar experiences. The group provides the opportunity for participants to help maintain their

President Donald J. Trump Proclaims November 2017 as National Family Caregivers Month NATIONAL FAMILY CAREGIVERS MONTH, 2017 ––––––– BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA A PROCLAMATION

From page 15 LATE AT NIGHT: Taking time for yourself.

Late at night might be the only time you get a few minutes for yourself. Make sure you take time to rest and recharge. The chance to take a

Request for Free Information and Assistance

Senior Connections, as the designated Area Agency on Aging for the Richmond Metropolitan Region, provides a range of services, activities, resource information and volunteer opportunities. If you would like to receive additional information about Senior Connections or caregiving resources, please provide the information below, or contact us: Telephone: (804) 343-3000 Email: aphelon@youraaa.org Name: ______________________________________________________ Mailing Address: _____________________________________________

breather and re-energize is vital in order for you to be as good a caregiver tomorrow as you were today. THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT: Emergency room visits.

Have you ever had to take your loved one to the emergency room in the middle of the night? Be prepared ahead of time with what you need to know and what you need to have with you.

Caregiving

across the country that equip caregivers to navigate emotionally complex situations. The Administration for Community Living, through the National Family Caregiver Support Program and Lifespan Respite Care Program, facilitates services for eligible caregivers, including counseling, training, support groups, and respite care. The Caregiver Support Program within the Department of Veterans Affairs helps address the specific needs of those who provide critical support to our Nation's veterans, offering education, financial assistance, peer support mentoring, and respite care services to eligible family members. Each November, we acknowledge the commitment of exceptional Americans who embody the compassion and spirit of our Nation. We support the life-affirming work of our Nation's caregivers and thank them for the sacrificial devotion that improves the lives and honors the dignity of their loved ones. NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States do hereby proclaim November 2017 as National Family Caregivers Month. I encourage all Americans to acknowledge, and express our gratitude to, all who provide compassionate care to enhance the lives of their loved ones in need.

own health and well-being, and enhance their ability to care for the person with dementia. One caregiver, who is caring for her father, says a support group “provides information about Alzheimer’s disease and helps you realize that you are not alone. Just being with others who understand the caregiver’s situation helps. I find it hard to discuss my concerns with those who don’t have experience with Alzheimer’s as it sounds like I’m complaining. Other caregivers understand.” A support group can give you moral support and encouragement during a difficult time. For a listing of support groups in the Richmond area, visit bit.ly/AreaSupportGroups.

Every day, compassionate Americans devote time, energy, and resources to ensure that family members who are disabled, elderly, chronically ill, or injured can remain in the stability and comfort of familiar surroundings. During National Family Caregivers Month, we honor those whose extraordinary selflessness provides others with independence and comfort. The unselfish devotion of family caregivers affirms the importance of respecting the dignity of life in all stages and underscores the importance of the family unit. Family caregivers empower their spouses, parents, and siblings to maintain ties with family, friends, and community. They also enable their loved ones to live with a measure of independence, sense of security, and peace of mind. Many family caregivers provide innumerable services to people in need, including meal preparation, shopping, finance management, transportation, and companionship. In addition, they often manage both simple and complex healthcare issues, and coordinate medical appointments to ensure continuity of care. Caregivers must often be available around the clock, which can require them to forgo or postpone priorities for their own lives. Through sacrificial love, caregivers endure emotional, physical, and financial strain for the sake of another. My Administration proudly supports community efforts and programs

www.FiftyPlusRichmond.com

_____________________________________________________________ Email:________________________________________________________ Telephone Number: _________________________________ Complete this form and mail to: Senior Connections • Attention Angie Phelon 24 E. Cary Street • Richmond, VA 23219

Senior Connections

www.FiftyPlusRichmond.com

DECEMBER 2017 — FIFTYPLUS

Is an Adult Day Care Center a good option? The National Adult Day Service Association defines adult day care centers as “coordinated programs of professional

and compassionate services for adults in a community-based group setting. They provide social and some health

services to adults who need supervised care in a safe place outside the home during the day.”

Transforming Perspectives New Mural in RVA Senior Connections and Genworth partnered with local artist Colleen Phelon Hall to add some color to East Cary Street in Richmond, VA. Over the last few months, we surveyed and interviewed seniors in our community to discover the best advice for aging gracefully and living life to the fullest. We met some truly amazing seniors, who shared even better words of wisdom. Our learnings led to the design of a collaborative community mural that has been added to the side of the Senior Connections’ building.

About the Mural Project Goal: Highlight the positive and transformative aspects of aging and increase awareness of senior issues and the resources available to help Title: Transforming Perspectives Partners: Senior Connections, Genworth, Age Wave, and local artist, Colleen Phelon Hall Process: • Surveyed and interviewed older adults in the Greater Richmond area about their perspectives on aging • Results from survey and interviews inspired the design of the mural • Over 500 people, from ages 2 to 102, participated in 11 community paint parties • Installed October 20–21, 2017 • Unveiled November 3, 2017

About Senior Connections Senior Connections, The Capital Area Agency on Aging, offers a comprehensive range of home and communitybased services for older adults, caregivers and persons with disabilities in Richmond. The agency is dedicated to helping seniors maintain quality of life and independence as they age. Learn more about Senior Connections at www.seniorconnections-va.org.

About Genworth At Genworth, the issues of growing older are what we are focused on every day. The way we see it, aging is something to be embraced. It is a cause for celebration. It’s the next chapter of life. And that chapter, just like the previous chapters, requires planning. Aging impacts everyone. People are living longer and not prepared for it. We believe

GF90410 11/01/17

it is our responsibility to help start the conversation, make people aware of this issue and its impact. Learn more about Genworth at www.genworth.com.

About Colleen Phelon Hall Originally from New York, Colleen settled in Virginia after earning both an art and business degree from the University of Richmond. After working at The Martin Agency, Colleen formed her own creative services company, Colleen Phelon Hall, LLC. For over 22 years, she has used her artistic talent and business acumen to create custom artwork that transforms residential and commercial environments. With her Social Practice art, Colleen seeks to transform communities through engagement and by raising awareness of important social issues. With these projects and partnerships with local organizations, communities are empowered through the Arts. Learn more about Colleen at www.colleenhall.com.

Adult day care centers allow seniors to enjoy safe and productive days in a caring environment while returning to the comfort and familiarity of home at night. Approximately 4,000 adult day care centers are in cities and suburbs across the country, according to the National Adult Day Services Association. If you are considering an Adult Day Care Center, plan a visit, talk to seniors attending the center, and ask to speak to a caregiver of a senior attending the center to get a reference. The Virginia Department of Social Services provides a search option to find a center near you, and also lets you review their state survey inspections. Visit bit.ly/AdultDayCareSearch.

www.FiftyPlusRichmond.com | Law & Money

FIFTYPLUS — DECEMBER 2017

Money Section, continued from p. 14

How to freeze your credit in three steps By Lisa Gerstner Not so long ago, a credit freeze was a tool usually reserved for people who had suffered identity theft. But as data breaches have piled up — culminating with the massive data breach at credit agency Equifax announced in September — the freeze has become more widely recognized as the most effective way to protect your credit, even if a thief hasn’t yet made fraudulent use of your personal information. The reason: When you place a credit freeze (also known as a security freeze) on your credit reports, new creditors can’t review them to judge whether you’re eligible for a credit card or loan — and in turn, lenders are unlikely to grant credit to fraudsters posing as you. When you need to shop for credit, you can temporarily lift the freeze. What’s the downside? Unless you have a police report proving you were a victim of ID theft, in most states you’ll have to pay (at each bureau) to impose a freeze, as well as when you need to lift it. (Equifax is waiving fees to add and lift freezes until the end of January.) To set up a credit freeze, take these three steps. 1. Gather your information. At a minimum, you’ll have to supply identifying information such as your Social Security number, birth date and address. If you haven’t lived at your current home for more than a couple of years, you may need to have your previous address on hand, too. You must provide a PIN when you want to temporarily lift or permanently remove a freeze. Equifax formulates the PIN for you whether you go online or call to place a freeze. Experian generates the PIN and mails it to you if you set up a freeze by phone, but you have the option to create a PIN of your choice if you place the freeze on its website. TransUnion requires you to create your own PIN whether you place a freeze by phone or online. Think about the number you’d like to use

— and don’t pick something obvious, such as your birth date. Keep a pen and paper handy to jot down your PINs. Have your credit-card number at the ready. In many states, you’ll pay a fee of $5 to $10 to place a credit freeze if you have not been an identity-theft victim (and you’ll often be charged to lift the freeze, too). If you are a victim of identity theft, you don’t have to pay for the freeze. But you will have to send each agency a police report or other valid documentation of fraud, plus proof of your identity, such as copies of your driver’s license, birth certificate or bills displaying your current address. 2. Contact each credit agency. The web pages or phone numbers below are the quickest avenues to imposing a freeze. To submit your request by mail, use these addresses (identity-theft victims may have to use snail mail to send documentation).

SEEKING HANDBELL RINGERS

The James River Ringers is looking for talented handbell musicians. If you can play Level 35 music proficiently and would enjoy a challenging ringing experience, contact the group at www.jamesriverringers.org, and someone will be in touch. Rehearsals are Tuesday nights from 7 to 9 p.m.

Freeze your credit with Experian Experian Security Freeze P.O. Box 9554 Allen, TX 75013 888-397-3742

Freeze your credit with TransUnion TransUnion LLC

P.O. Box 2000 Chester, PA 19016 888-909-8872 3. Save your PINs. Write down the PINs, and keep them in a safe place at home. When you’re ready to shop for a loan or lift the freeze for any other reason, you can call the phone numbers or visit the websites listed above. © 2017 The Kiplinger Washington Editors

M A R K YO U R CAL EN DA R

Ongoing

DONATE USABLE SHOES Saxon Shoes is holding a shoe collection through Sunday, Dec. 24.

Individuals, families and groups from the community are encouraged to clean out their closets and donate their used, but still usable, shoes to the collection. While shoes for all seasons and ages are needed, children’s and men’s shoes are historically the most needed. Bring shoes to 11800 W Broad St., Henrico, and the store will present them to the Salvation Army stores in Richmond and Fredericksburg. For

Freeze your credit with Equifax Equifax Security Freeze P.O. Box 105788, Atlanta, GA 30348

Imagine trying to manage your health and your life when you struggle to read. You can make a difference! Become an Adult Literacy Tutor.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Ongoing

800-685-1111.

For more information, visit www.readcenter.org or call 804-288-9930.

Everyone needs and deserves a literate life.

more information, visit http://saxonshoes.com/news/shoes-for-needy.

Law & Money | www.FiftyPlusRichmond.com

DECEMBER 2017 — FIFTYPLUS

Are your bonds lowering or raising risk? By Eleanor Laise Most retirees hold a mix of stocks and bonds, assuming that their bonds will not only generate income but also cushion the fall if stocks crash. But are your bonds really taming your portfolio’s risk — or amping it up? For much of the past two decades, bonds could be depended on to zig when stocks zag. But now, some analysts and money managers are warning that the correlation between stocks and bonds is headed higher — meaning they’re more likely to rise and fall in sync. At the same time, many bond funds that form the core of retirees’ portfolios have sought juicier income in bond-market sectors, such as high yield, that behave even more like stocks. “Your bond funds are meant to be defensive when equity markets melt down,” said Craig Israelsen, financial-planning professor at Utah Valley University. But investors can no longer take that for granted. To be sure your bonds are bringing stability to your portfolio, rather than rocking the boat, you need to keep a close eye on your fixed-income funds’ holdings as well as on the performance of those funds when the stock market takes a dive.

How stocks, bonds correlate While many investors assume that bonds will tame their portfolios’ stock-market risk, that hasn’t always been the case historically. From the 1980s to 2000, correlations were positive, according to fund firm BlackRock — meaning stocks and bonds were likely to rise and fall in sync. Since 2000, correlations have tended to be negative, meaning stocks and bonds have generally moved in opposite directions. That’s because most stock-market declines during that period have been driven by economic or geopolitical worries, and in those situations, bonds tend to do well, said Russ Koesterich, portfolio manager for BlackRock’s global allocation team. With the Fed now raising rates, stock-bond correlations are drawing more scrutiny. Over the past 25 years, BlackRock found, the correlation has tended to move higher when the Fed is hiking rates. (When interest rates rise, bond prices fall.) Analysts aren’t predicting that stocks and bonds will start moving in lockstep — after all, the market isn’t expecting many more Fed rate increases in the near term. But if the stock-bond correlation does move into positive territory, cash will become a more effective way to hedge stock risk than bonds,

Koesterich said.

Check out the prospectus Another factor introducing stock-like risk to bond holdings: fund managers thirsting for yield. During a long stretch of low rates, many bond funds have dipped into high-yield bonds, emerging-markets bonds and bank loans — three fixed-income segments that have shown the highest correlation with Standard & Poor’s 500-stock index over the past three and five years, according to investment-research firm Morningstar. Check a bond fund’s prospectus to find out how much leeway it has to invest in lowercredit-quality holdings — or even stocks. The Loomis Sayles Bond Fund (symbol LSBRX), for example, can invest up to 35 percent of the portfolio in non-investment-grade holdings, and up to 10 percent in common stock. The aggressive approach has helped the fund build a strong track record, beating roughly 85 percent of its peers in the multisector bond category over the past 15 years. But its three-year correlation with the S&P 500 is also one of the highest in the category, according to Morningstar. Many bond funds launched in recent years are “unconstrained” or “go anywhere” funds, which typically means that they don’t need to stick closely to a benchmark or maintain any minimum average credit quality. In many cases, managers have used that flexibility to load up on high-yield or emerging-markets bonds. In a study of 10 large unconstrained bond funds, Israelsen found that all but one had a high correlation with the S&P 500. “A portfolio is like a go kart: You have an

engine and brakes,” Israelsen said. “The brakes have traditionally been bond funds.” But if unconstrained or other, more aggressive bond funds form the bulk of your fixedincome holdings, “good luck,” he said. “You’ve chosen a brake that looks a lot like an engine.”

Some defensive bond funds So where can you find some brakes that will keep your portfolio from running off a cliff? Focus on bond funds that keep most of their assets in investment-grade government and corporate bonds. And if the managers venture into highyield or emerging-markets bonds at all, check that they use caution to avoid overpaying for those holdings, said Karin Anderson, associate director at Morningstar. If a fund has a significant stake in international bonds, which expose investors to foreign currency swings, read the prospectus to find out whether the fund is hedging away that risk. In unhedged funds, currency fluctuations can make for a bumpy ride. Bond funds that take a more conservative approach should truly behave like bonds — and they should form the core of retirees’ portfolios. Some good options, Anderson said, include Baird Aggregate Bond (BAGSX), Fidelity Intermediate Bond (FTHRX), Fidelity Investment Grade Bond (FBNDX), and Kiplinger 25 member Metropolitan West Total Return Bond (MWTRX). © 2017 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

M A R K YO U R C ALE NDAR

Jan. 14

JAZZ PIANO CONCERT Jazz pianist Ayinde Williams will perform, as part of the Second

Sunday South of the James concert series, on Sunday, Jan. 14 at 4 p.m. at Bon Air Presbyterian Church, 9201 W. Huguenot Rd., N. Chesterfield. Admission is free, but there will be an offering for donations. For more information, contact music director Stephen Henley at (804) 272-7514.

Dec. 16

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE The Branch Museum of Architecture and Design is hosting a free

Holiday Open House on Saturday, Dec. 16 from 1 to 3 p.m. See the house dressed up as it was meant to be, and enjoy punch, cookies and supplies to make collages. The museum is located at 2501 Monument Ave. No registration necessary. For more information, visit http://bit.ly/BranchOpenHouse or call (804) 644-3041, ext. 151.

www.FiftyPlusRichmond.com

FIFTYPLUS — DECEMBER 2017

Travel

Leisure &

Recent travel books to inspire you — or to give as a gift. See story on page 23.

Albuquerque basks in its place in the sun even some of today’s high tech gurus.

Pueblo influences The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center chronicles the Pueblo people’s reliance on the sun’s sustenance for their land-based culture, as well as their respect for the Earth, and their undaunted perseverance through three uninvited, colonizing forces aimed at suppressing the native culture: Spain, Mexico and the United States. The Spanish conquest brought horses, livestock, disease, missions and a new religion. Franciscan Catholics tried to squelch Pueblo customs, leading to a full-scale revolt in 1680 that killed 400 Spaniards and drove 2,000 would-be settlers away. In another not-so-sunny chapter, the U.S. government forcibly removed native children from their families and plunked them into boarding schools. The U.S. government also usurped native water and mineral rights. Pottery, baskets, weaving and farming exhibits in the Center’s museum symbolize the Pueblo peoples’ strong survival spirit. New Mexico has 19 Pueblos or tribal nations

PHOTO BY RON BEHRMANN

By Glenda C. Booth Albuquerque license plates sport New Mexico’s symbol — an ancient red sun on a bright yellow background, an image borrowed from the indigenous Zias for whom the sun was sacred. Maybe that’s because the sun shines on Albuquerque 310 days a year. Sunlight dapples across the high desert, and sunsets turn the Sandia Mountains watermelon pink. The sun inspired early inhabitants, who chipped images on rock formations, as well as the Pueblo Indians, who built thick adobe walls to retain the sun’s warmth. The sun helped heal thousands of tuberculosis patients, known as “lungers,” who basked in the warmth and low humidity between 1880 and 1940, giving Albuquerque the title, “Health City of the U.S.” With 559,000 people, Albuquerque is the largest city in the state dubbed “Land of Enchantment.” Visitors can explore petroglyphs of 13,000 years ago, the native Pueblo culture of yore and today, the area’s Spanish heritage, the town’s 1706 roots, the coming of the railroad in 1880, the famous Route 66, and

PHOTO BY GLENDA BOOTH

The Pueblo Deco style KiMo Theatre, which opened in 1927, is an Albuquerque landmark. It continues to host a variety of entertainments, including film, theater and musical performances, today.

Each October, Albuquerque hosts the world’s largest balloon festival, with 600 hotair balloons taking to the sky over the city and the Rio Grande River.

today. “Our struggle for existence has not ended,” says one sign. Pueblo influences are threaded like a tapestry throughout Albuquerque, like the University of New Mexico’s pueblo-style buildings. The city’s original Old Town is a tight cluster of 150 flat-roofed, Pueblo-Spanish-style, adobe buildings with soft contours connected by brick sidewalks, some leading to tuckedaway courtyards dating to the early 1700s. Many buildings have long portals or porches offering shade from the sun. Thick walls help cool interiors on hot days and absorb heat for chilly nights. The oldest building in Old Town is the San Felipe de Neri Church, built in 1793 on a Spanish-style plaza. Old Town today is a warren of art galleries, crafts boutiques and souvenir emporiums hawking cowboy hats, chili pepper key chains, and Route 66 T-shirts. One curious anomaly is the largest collection of live rattlesnakes in the world, the American International Rattlesnake Museum, home to western diamondbacks, twin-

spotted, Arizona black rattlesnakes and more.

Varied museums At the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History, visitors learn how a Native American language helped the United States win World War II. Chester Nez, one of the 20 Navajo code talkers, was fluent in both Navajo and English, and used this language as a tool for victory in the South Pacific. Another exhibit, highlighting Albuquerque’s ethnic diversity, touts, “We’ve all been blended. We embrace the differences.” The museum’s 10,000-works collection focuses on the art and history of the southwest U.S., from Native Americans to contemporary artists. The history wing spans four centuries, displaying items from the Spanish military invasion, Mexican cowboys, and the town’s early railroad years. For more modern history, the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science sings the praises of two hometown boys who made good: Bill Gates and Paul Allen, the entrepreSee ALBUQUERQUE, page 22

Leisure & Travel | www.FiftyPlusRichmond.com

DECEMBER 2017 — FIFTYPLUS

Mountains and petroglyphs

Albuquerque From page 21 neurs who in 1971 started MITS, Micro Instrumentation and Telemetry Systems, a business that morphed into today’s computer giant, Microsoft. The “Start-up” exhibit relates the history of the microcomputer — “electronic brains” created by the U.S. military in World War II. In 1953, this computer cost $1 million and required seven staffers to operate it. In the 1970s, Gates, a Harvard University dropout, and Allen envisioned “a computer on every desk and in every home.” Imagine that. Downtown or “new town” is spread along Central Avenue, a.k.a. Route 66. That’s the well-known “Mother Road” and 2,000-mile highway from Chicago to Los Angeles made famous by Nat King Cole as “the highway that’s the best.” Urban renewal demolished many of the original neon signs, motels and other icons once there, but brown signs note its path. You can still “get your kicks,” as Nat crooned, at the no-frills Dog House Drive In, and scarf up green chili tater tots, chili cheese fries, chili burgers and chili dogs. Downtown’s KiMo Theatre may be Albuquerque’s most distinctive building, built in a flamboyant, Pueblo Deco style and decorated with southwestern motifs and Native American iconography.

Atop the looming, black Sandia Mountains east of Albuquerque the sun is closer at the highest peak, 10,678 feet, and the temperature 15 degrees cooler than in town 5,300 feet below. The end reward of a climb up by car or via the Sandia Peak Tramway (2.7 miles) — through varied landscapes and life zones to the top — is a panoramic view of the Rio Grande Valley and a line of extinct volcanoes. The Sandias are “a place for reverence,” home of ancient gods revered by the Puebloans, wrote James A. Morris, a local. Along the west mesa, the sun bears down on the 7,500-acre Petroglyph National Monument, decorated with more than 24,000 images — one of the largest petroglyph sites in North America. Boiling volcanoes erupted 150,000 years ago and left behind five cones along a jagged escarpment. Basalt boulders are coated with a dark, natural varnish, conducive to scraping with stone tools to reach the paler, grayer stone beneath. Scratched in the rocks are hands, feet, lizards, birds, snakes, spirals, geometric patterns, and many more mysterious images from 400 to 700 years ago. Ancient graffiti? Art? Messages? “Each of these rocks is alive, keeper of a message left by the ancestors,” wrote William F. Weahkee, a Pueblo elder.

On the way up to the crest of the Sandia Mountains is quirky Tinkertown, where the late Ross Ward, a certified circus-model builder and master whittler, created the Old West in miniature with hundreds of thousands of wood-carved figures and displays, some animated with tiny levers and pulleys. This 22-room cabin is crammed with a mishmash of folk art and objects such as swords, wedding cake toppers, ice tongs, wrenches, corn grinders, a hand-cranked horse, and a World War I-era mule clipper. Over 55,000 glass bottles wedged into the walls suggest some phantasmagoria. Ward once said, “I did this whole thing while you were watching television.” Go Topes! How could a baseball team get a cumbersome name like Isotopes? A clue: Life-size, fiberglass statues of Homer, Marge, Bart and Lisa Simpson, from the fictional television series “The Simpsons,” proudly stand in the town’s baseball stadium. They were hauled 800 miles from Los Angeles, washed and refurbished with shiny new paint. Homer holds an Isotopes ticket, and Marge a bucket of popcorn. What’s the connection? Local newspaper readers chose the name Isotopes over the Road Runners and the 66ers because in a 2001 episode of “the Simpsons,” the manager of fictional Springfield’s team, the Isotopes, threatened to move the team to Albuquerque. This Triple A affiliate of the Colorado Rockies

TECHNOLOGY SIMPLIFIED – BIGGER AND BETTER

Wow! A Simple to Use Computer Designed Especially for Seniors! Easy to read. Easy to see. Easy to use. Just plug it in! There is finally a computer that’s designed for simplicity and ease of use. It’s the WOW Computer, and it was designed with you in mind. This computer is easy-to-use, worry-free and literally puts the world at your fingertips. From the moment you open the box, you’ll realize how different the WOW Computer is. The components are all connected; all you do is plug it into an outlet and your high-speed Internet connection. Then you’ll see the screen. This is a completely new touch screen system, without the cluttered look of the normal computer screen. The “buttons” on the screen are easy to see and easy to understand. All you do is touch one of them, from the Web, Email, Calendar to Games– you name it… and a new screen opens up. It’s so easy to use you won’t have to ask your children or grandchildren for help. Until now, the very people

who could benefit most from E-mail and the Internet are the ones that have had the hardest time accessing it. Now, thanks to the WOW Computer, countless older Americans are discovering the wonderful world of the Internet every day. Isn’t it time you took part? Call now, and you’ll find out why tens of thousands of satisfied seniors are now enjoying their WOW Computers, emailing their grandchildren, and experiencing everything the Internet has to offer.Call today!

Call toll free now and find out how you can get your own WOW! Computer.

plays in 11,124-seat Isotopes Park.

Gustatory Albuquerque While the sun heats up the outdoors, Albuquerque cuisine heats up “the innards.” “It’s all about the chili,” promotes Cocina Azul, a popular eatery. Another favorite, Monroe’s, uses 150,000 pounds of chilis every year. Servers routinely query customers, “Red or green?” Chefs blend chilis with Mexican, Native American and Spanish dishes, using local ingredients like corn, beans and squash. Chilis go into tamales, eggs, chicken soup, stews, ribs and cheeseburgers. Joyce, age 80 and a Kansas transplant, said, “After you’ve been here for awhile, I don’t know what you’d do without green chilies. You can get them mild to hot and roasted. I put them in eggs and gravy.” Other staples include enchiladas and sopaipillas, the latter being puffed-up, fried pastry filled with savory ingredients. Locals stress that New Mexican food is not Mexican food. The city’s zingy specialties are front and center at the National Fiery Foods and Barbecue Show, dubbed “the hottest show on earth.” It features hot sauces, hot rubs, hot ribs, hot BBQ, hot jerky, hot salsas, and a “cool down booth” for ice cream to ease the burn of the hot See ALBUQUERQUE, page 23

NEW Now comes with... Larger 22-inch hi-resolution screen – easier to see 16% more viewing area Simple navigation – so you never get lost Intel® processor – lightning fast Computer is in the monitor – No bulky tower Advanced audio, Better speaker configuration – easier to hear Text to Speech translation – it can even read your emails to you! U.S. Based Customer Service

FREE Automatic Software Updates

81059

www.FiftyPlusRichmond.com | Leisure & Travel

FIFTYPLUS — DECEMBER 2017

Travel books to inspire you or give as gifts By Beth J. Harpaz Travel books can get you dreaming. They can provide practical information for your trips. And they can also just tell a good story. Here are a few books out this season to consider buying for your own use and entertainment, or to give as a gift.

and Continental Divide trails. Timeless Journeys: Travels to the World’s Legendary Places, from National Geographic, explores 50 once-in-a-lifetime destinations, from places that offer a window on lost worlds, like Pompeii in Italy, to living wonders like a Tanzania game preserve.

Coffee table books

Practical info

They’re way too big and heavy to tuck in your suitcase. But these beautifully illustrated volumes with big themes will get armchair travelers smiling and real-world travelers planning. The Cities Book: A Journey Through the Best Cities in the World, from Lonely Planet, looks at 200 cities from Abu Dhabi through Zanzibar, offering everything from the best time to visit, to ideas for a perfect day. Great Hiking Trails of the World covers 80 trails in 38 countries on six continents, including Peru’s Inca Trail, Japan’s Shikoku Pilgrimage, and the U.S. triple crown of hiking: the Appalachian, Pacific Crest

Moon Travel Guides has a new series, City Walks, exploring neighborhoods in seven cities: Berlin; Amsterdam; Barcelona, Spain; London; New York; Paris and Rome. The walks include descriptions, maps, attractions, dining and shopping.

For fun and inspiration These books about places and travel offer laughs, eye candy, a good read, or some combination thereof. For New Yorkers, former New Yorkers and wannabe New Yorkers: Going Into Town: A Love Letter to New York, by cartoonist Roz Chast, is absolutely laugh-out-loud hys-

If you go

Albuquerque From page 21 and spicy foods. The 30th annual show will be held March 2 to 4, 2018. Visit www.fieryfoodsshow.com.

Start your planning at www.visitabq.org. Once in Albuquerque, get oriented and see the major attractions on the ABQ Trolley, www.abqtrolley.com. The Spanish-colonial-style Hotel Albu-

terical. It’s an illustrated memoir about city life told through the eyes of a native New Yorker who moved to the suburbs, billed as an ode/guide/thank-you note to Manhattan. Gems include this aside: “Sixth Avenue and Avenue of the Americas are the same thing. But no one calls it ‘Avenue of the Americas,’ because GIVE ME A BREAK.” Topics include stores of mystery and the ancient landmarks. Van Life: Your Home on the Road, by Foster Huntington, grew out of the author’s three-year adventure traveling around North America in a Volkswagen van. The photos showcase all kinds of funky vehicles parked in picturesque locations, along with peeks at a few interiors. Ultimate Journeys for Two: Extraordinary Destinations on Every Continent, by Mike and Anne Howard, grew out of the writers’ five-year adventure across seven continents as the world’s longest honeymooners — an experience they chronicled on their blog HoneyTrek.com. The book includes 75 featured querque, steps away from Old Town’s attractions, has a Southwest feel. Visit www.hotelabq.com. Throughout the year, Albuquerque hosts events that feature, among other things, bull riding, flamenco dancing, powwows, fiestas,

destinations; top 10 lists of day hikes, festivals, beaches and more; and travel advice. Holy Rover: Journeys in Search of Mystery, Miracles, and God, by Lori Erickson, is part memoir and part travel guide as the author reflects on her pilgrimages to 12 sites around the world — from Our Lady of Lourdes in France to Machu Picchu in Peru. The book also recounts her meetings with spiritual leaders, including the chief priest of the Icelandic pagan religion Asatru, and a Lakota Indian man who directs a retreat lodge at the holy site of Bear Butte in South Dakota.

Best of 2018 The folks at Lonely Planet don’t just publish a list for where to go in the new year, they’ve published an entire book: Best in Travel 2018, with the travel media brand’s picks for best countries, regions, cities and trends in travel for the new year, along with suggestions on what to see and do there. — AP wool dyeing, salsa, arts and crafts. Oh, and every October, throngs gather for the world’s largest hot air balloon fiesta. Delta, American Airlines and United all have round trip fares starting at $352 from Byrd International Airport in early January.

Sh ip pi ng

ed ud cl In

Finally... A scooter that loads itself in and out of your car. Introducing the Quingo® Flyte - the powerful, portable mobility scooter that you never have to lift. Now featuring patented 5-Wheel Anti-Tip Technology.

Available in portable, auto-loading and luxury models

Quingo® Flyte can load and unload itself in less than 60 seconds using an innovative ramp and a simple remote. The built-in guide rails can be installed in minutes and safely direct your scooter to ground level. This scooter provides 5-Wheel Anti-Tip Technology for stability, agility and comfort with its unique wheel configuration. The patented 5-wheel BumpmasterTM design by Quingo enables it to ride safely over a wide variety of surfaces. It uses 4 ultra slim powerful batteries providing a range of up to 23 miles on a single charge. The best selling auto-loading scooter in Europe is now available in the US! Don’t wait to take advantage of this exciting new technology, call today to find out more.

“For the first time in years I’ve been able to go with my granddaughters to the mall. A crowd gathers every time I unload my scooter from my car!”

– Judi K, Exeter, CA

Winner of the 2015 International Innovation Award

featuring 5-Wheel Anti-Tip Technology

Introductory U.S. price $6,995 Shipping Included.

1-888-612-6070 See it in action at www.QuingoUSA.com Medicare and Medicaid no longer subsidize scooter sales. Today, cheaper scooters are cheaper for a reason. Get the most out of your investment with the best scooter on the market today. Please mention code 107817 when ordering. © 2017 firstSTREET for Boomers and Beyond, Inc.

83716

It’s a sad fact. Many people who have mobility issues and could benefit from a scooter aren’t able to use them away from home. Struggling to get it into a car or loading it onto a bumpermounted lift just isn’t worth the effort. Now, there’s a better scooter, the Quingo® Flyte. It’s easy to use, even for one person, and requires no more effort than closing a car’s tailgate. Clever design enables it to fit into SUV’s, mini-vans, crossovers and hatchbacks.

Leisure & Travel | www.FiftyPlusRichmond.com

o ct N t ra e n Fe Co No ly th on

Breakthrough technology converts phone calls to captions.

DECEMBER 2017 — FIFTYPLUS

New amplified phone lets you hear AND see the conversation. The Hamilton® CapTel® Captioned Telephone converts phone conversations to easy-to-read captions for individuals with hearing loss. Do you get discouraged when you hear your telephone ring? Do you avoid using your phone because hearing difficulties make it hard to understand the person on the other end of the line? For many Americans the telephone conversation – once an important part of everyday life – has become a thing of the past. Because they can’t understand what is said to them on the phone, they’re often cut off from friends, family, doctors and caregivers. Now, thanks to innovative technology there is finally a better way.

A simple idea… made possible with sophisticated technology. If you have trouble understanding a call, captioned telephone can change your life. During a phone call the words spoken to you appear on the phone’s screen – similar to closed captioning on TV. So when you make or receive a call, the words spoken to you are not only amplified by the phone, but scroll across the phone so you can listen while reading everything that’s said to you. Each call is routed through a call center, where computer technology – aided by a live representative – generates voice-to-text translations. The captioning is real-time, accurate and readable. Your conversation is private and the captioning service doesn’t cost you a penny. Internet Protocol Captioned Telephone Service (IP

SEE what you’ve been missing!

CTS) is regulated and funded by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and is designed exclusively for individuals with hearing loss. To learn more, visit www.fcc.gov. The Hamilton CapTel phone requires telephone service and high-speed Internet access. WiFi Capable. Callers do not need special equipment or a captioned telephone in order to speak with you. Finally… a phone you can use again. The Hamilton CapTel phone is also packed with features to help make phone calls easier. The keypad has large, easy to use buttons. You get adjustable volume amplification along with the ability to save captions for review later. It even has an answering machine that provides you with the captions of each message. See for yourself with our exclusive home trial. Try a captioned telephone in your own home and if you are not completely amazed, simply return it within 60-days for a refund of the product purchase price. It even comes with a 5-year warranty.

Captioned Telephone Call now for our special introductory price!

1-888-899-6288 Please mention promotion code 107815.

81135

Call now Toll-Free

The Captioning Telephone is intended for use by people with hearing loss. In purchasing a Captioning Telephone, you acknowledge that it will be used by someone who cannot hear well over a traditional phone. Hamilton is a registered trademark of Nedelco, Inc. d/b/a Hamilton Telecommunications. CapTel is a registered trademark of Ultratec, Inc.

Williamsburg From page 3 the somberness of the revolutionary period set in). Robert Prentis, manager of Prentis Store, was talking about the goods from England, including tea, that he was bringing in (before the 1774 Colonial embargo on select British goods). We ran into other visitors like ourselves on themed walking tours, with a costumed interpreter taking them along on her holiday errands to make Christmas punch — two or three stops at places such as the Geddy House, where a colleague had left her citrus fruits, and then to the Randolph House, where she bartered for extra sugar — an expensive, imported commodity. The colonial character Ann Blair, guiding another tour, was talking about making a “Christmas box” — a box of food and clothing given to someone in need. In response to a question from someone on the tour as to whether husbands and wives exchanged gifts, Blair explained that Christmas in Colonial Virginia wasn’t about giving gifts to one’s equals or family members, but about giving to those who had very little all year long. The “Spirit of the Season at Raleigh Tavern” tour (free with reservation) demonstrated the same sense of bustling busyness that we in the 21st-century feel. Before we entered, a woman was chatting about posting “a bill” on the outside of the tavern — the most common form of advertising at the time. With a ball inside tonight, the well-known dancing instructor Sarah Hallam rushes past us — she invites us in for a lesson in the Apollo Room, which will be beginning in a few minutes. Others in the Apollo Room include the presidential but down-to-earth “Thomas Jefferson” (portrayed by Bill Barker), reflecting on Christmases past. (Characters move in and out of different times for their interpretations, accounting for variances from the 1773 ball to a post-presidential Jefferson in 1800). We were enthralled at the sight of the hoop-and-stick game played in front of the Pitt Store at the corner of Botetourt Street, and had to try our hands at it. We joked that it was the 18th century version of the hulahoop, only you kept the hoop rolling along the ground by using a short stick to keep up the hoop’s momentum. On our way to the Governor’s Palace, we passed “John Ashby,” whose family was among the free blacks living in Williamsburg. He was talking with his Aunt Ann about whether to join a Continental army if “the troubles” with England got to that point. The focus at the Royal Governor’s Palace was on the family of Lord Dunmore, the last of seven royal governors to inhabit the house.

(He had no clue on this day that he would be leaving Williamsburg after dissolving the elected House of Burgesses in the summer of 1775, and a year later would flee Virginia after the burning of Norfolk.) Out in the Palace kitchen, separate from the main house, we saw slaves (approximately half of Williamsburg’s population at the time) roasting duck on a spit, and preparing boiled, buttered onions for onion pie. Sophia and Helena happily threw “scrapings,” or crumbs, to chickens in the kitchen yard. As we walked along the uneven cobblestones of the streets, everywhere we looked were whitewashed shops and homes with holiday decorations made of natural materials on their doors. In back of the houses were cold-weather plantings, such as cabbages, in vegetable gardens. Stately, red brick buildings and people riding by in horse-drawn carriages added richness to the scene. We watched women in long skirts and mob-caps get their aprons soiled while sweeping front stoops or building fires under iron pots. This was not dry textbook history, but the whirling mix of daily 18th-century life, nature and events of the day.

All decked out On our last morning, we dashed into tradesmen’s shops and made a few purchases, such as beribboned, broad-brimmed hats for the girls at the Milliner’s Shop. I shared with the family an old picture of myself as a docent, wearing one of the period dresses handmade in Colonial Williamsburg’s costume shop for personnel. Sophia and Helena thought it was so neat that they persuaded Michael and Anya to rent 18thcentury costumes for them for this final day of their visit. Girls may choose from a variety of dresses and sashes, while boys have their pick of shirts. Hats are available for purchase (not rental) at a discounted price. Colonial Williamsburg staff make all reproduction costumes. Properly bedecked, we visited the Press/Bindery, where the girls helped apply the necessary pressure for the printing of a broadside (a large, one-sided proclamation) on the printing press. Later, at the blacksmith’s forge, we watched horseshoes being made from bars of yellow-hot iron. “The jailor had a pretty good job,” Sophia noted as we looked around the jail’s threeroom house, a spacious home by some of the day’s standards. The girls enjoyed putting each other in the jail’s stocks, which was a common form of 18th-century punishment. When darkness gathered, we watched colonial men light torches (cressets) for street lighting. Our three generations marched with Colonial Williamsburg’s Fife and Drum corps. See WILLIAMSBURG, page 25

Williamsburg From page 24 We all reveled with Sophia and Helena in the stirring sounds as we followed the musicians from the Capitol to the Palace Green. Each night, we returned to our quarters at the Woodlands weary from our full days. At dinner across the courtyard on this evening — at the restaurant called “Huzzah’s” — we began with a rousing 18th-century “Huzzah!” toast to the day. The setting and fare were contemporary compared to our tavern dining the previous night — pizza with green salad was enjoyed by all — but I performed my duty of telling them that Thomas Jefferson was one of the first Americans brave enough to taste a fresh tomato. As we talked about our day, occasional questions arose — such as Anya’s about the authenticity of Venetian blinds at windows in the buildings. Another bit of my old training burst forth, as I explained that “blinds” predated Colonial Williamsburg — the concept having been brought from the Orient by Marco Polo. Colonial women wove tapes for their blinds on small home looms No rest for Sophia and Helena after dinner. As music students, they practice daily, even on vacation. We enjoyed a concert in our hotel room, along with Christmas cookies made by Grandmom Martha and Granddad Tom.

www.FiftyPlusRichmond.com | Leisure & Travel

FIFTYPLUS — DECEMBER 2017

It seemed fitting — after all, before television and radio, families created their own entertainment. The strains of a Bach duet for flute and violin made for a perfect finale to our Colonial Williamsburg holiday.

Planning your visit The best value in tickets is the three-consecutive-days’ ticket: $50.99 adult; $25.49 child ages 6-12; free for ages 5 and under. You can purchase tickets online and print out the vouchers, but you must bring them to the Colonial Williamsburg Regional Visitors Center to be redeemed for tickets. Parking is free; complimentary shuttle service is included for ticket-holders’ visits. For tickets and more information, visit www.colonialwilliamsburg.com or call tollfree (844) 207-9373. For accommodations, visit www.colonialwilliamsburgresorts.com; or call toll-free 1888-965-7254. For the complete immersion experience, consider booking your lodging at one of the Colonial Houses, with their canopy beds and fireplaces. These 18th-century buildings that open onto private courtyards book up far in advance, but offer the most authentic Colonial living experience. Depending on the season and the size, houses range from $169 to $649 per night. To download detailed descriptions and layouts of all of the houses available, go to www.colo-

nialwilliamsburgresorts.com/accommodations/colonial-houses. Our economical family lodging at the Woodlands — with rates ranging from $89 to $229 depending on season, and offering various packages — featured a contemporary façade and interior. The in-house buffet breakfast was quick and easy, and the “Huzzah!” contemporary restaurant was just steps away. All Colonial Williamsburg lodging reservations carry the benefits of preferred reservations at the resort’s spa, golf courses and restaurants, along with shopping delivery services and complimentary shuttle service. As soon as you’ve checked in, be sure to book lunches and dinners around the activities you plan to engage in each day of your visit. For example, one-hour tours are offered many days between 10 and 11 a.m., such as

the Christmas Decorations Walking Tour, and The Talk of the Town: Christmastide. You’ll receive the printed weekly calendar on check-in. Help children into the immersion experience by renting 18th-century costumes for them, available daily at the Visitor Center and outdoor booths in Market Square. (Costume rentals are $24.95 daily, with a $50 refundable deposit.) For information, visit www.colonialwilliamsburg.com/do/shop/costumerentals. To cook some of Colonial Williamsburg’s dishes at home, check out the index of historical recipes at http://recipes.history.org/recipeindex. Find historic Colonial recipes and cooking techniques at www.recipes.history.org. Note: As of Jan. 2, Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Area’s winter season begins, when sites start operating from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

M A R K YO U R CAL EN DA R

Jan. 20

TRIBUTE TO MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.

Tony Cosby, an actor and playwright who’s traveled the country delivering the famous speeches of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., will perform alongside the Cole Sisters of Goochland County in a tribute to King on Saturday, Jan. 20 in the Strawberry Room at Henrico County Parks and Recreation Center, 1440 N. Laburnum Ave., Henrico. Tickets cost $20 and can be purchased at Gospel Bookstore, 842 S Laburnum Ave, Henrico, (804) 236-0885, or Barky’s Music & DVDs, 18 E. Broad St., Richmond, (804) 643-1987. For more information about the event, call (804) 218-6970.

“To you, it’s the perfect lift chair. To me, it’s the best sleep chair I’ve ever had.” — J. Fitzgerald, VA

Sit up, lie down — and anywhere in between!

Long Lasting DuraLux Leather Tan And there’s more! The overstuffed, oversized biscuit style back and unique seat design will cradle you in comfort. Generously filled, wide armrests provide enhanced arm support when sitting or reclining. The high and low heat settings along with the multiple massage settings, can provide a soothing relaxation you might get at a spa – just imagine getting all that in a lift chair! It even has a battery backup in case of a power outage. Shipping charge includes white glove delivery. Professionals will deliver the chair to the exact spot in your home where you want it, unpack it, inspect it, test it, position it, and even carry the packaging away! Includes one year service warranty and your choice of fabrics and colors – Call now!

Chocolate Burgundy

Black

Blue

DuraLux II Microfiber Burgundy Cashmere

Fern

Chocolate

Indigo

The Perfect Sleep Chair

46443

Our Perfect Sleep Chair® is just the chair to do it all. It’s ’s a chair, true – the finest of lift chairs – but this chair is so much more! It’s designed to provide total comfort and relaxation not found in other chairs. It can’t be beat for comfortable, long-term sitting, TV viewing, relaxed reclining and – yes! – peaceful sleep. Our chair’s recline technology allows you to pause the chair in an infinite number of positions, including the Trendelenburg position and the zero gravity position where your body experiences a minimum of internal and external stresses. You’ll love the other benefits, too: It helps with correct spinal alignment, promotes back pressure This lift chair relief, and encourages better posture puts you safely to prevent back and muscle pain. on your feet!

Easy-to-use remote for massage, heat, recline and lift

www.FiftyPlusRichmond.com

DECEMBER 2017 — FIFTYPLUS

Style Arts &

Learn how to make a festive evergreen holiday wreath. See page 29.

Man of many talents follows his passions By Cathy Brown On the surface, Jeff Resnick seems lucky. Lucky that he was asked 40 years ago to compose songs for a recruiting film promoting the Rochester Institute of Technology, and lucky that the rare LP made from those jazz songs currently fetches $650 among record collectors. Resnick bristles, however, at being called “lucky.” That isn’t surprising, given that Resnick doesn’t benefit from the high prices paid for his album; the record collectors who held onto the album do. When describing the project, he said, “Maybe it was meant to be, but it wasn’t luck.”

Composing a classic

What, then, enabled Resnick to create music that has endured the test of time, win an award for his teaching, develop a successful advertising agency, and self-publish 20 books? It can only be luck if you call to mind the quote attributed to author Coleman Cox: “I am a great believer in luck. The harder I work, the more of it I seem to have.” Resnick’s passion for music, teaching, writing and people has seeped into everything he has done. He describes passion as “the essence of life.” “If you don’t have passion for something, don’t bother doing it,” said Resnick, who is 70 and lives in Midlothian.

PHOTO BY CATHY BROWN

A passion for music gripped Resnick early in life, and he played for much of his youth, including professional gigs starting at age 12. Though his father wanted him to study engineering rather than music in college, he couldn’t help but follow his passion, and he thrived once he did. Resnick’s music degrees led him to a teaching position at Genesee Community College in New York from 1973 to 1978. While there, he made a name for himself, and led a student jazz ensemble. After he conducted the ensemble one night, a young filmmaker approached and asked that he compose a score for a recruiting film for the Rochester Institute of Technology. Resnick agreed, and asked his musician friends to help him produce the album on a miniscule budget. Resnick composed different tone poems to represent each department in RIT’s School for American Craftsmen — nine in all, including Wood, Metal, Weaving, Glass and Clay. Although the late arrival of the sound engineer almost derailed the album production, Resnick and the other musicians dedicated their day to recording the music, even blowing off their night gigs to get it done. Now, 40 years later, music label Outernational Sounds is re-releasing the album in vinyl to serve an ongoing demand for what European record collectors describe as “the Holy Grail.” The new release went on sale Dec. 4 with an initial run of 500 copies. Once these have sold, they will press 500 more. Why do collectors covet the album? “Frankly, it was way ahead of its

CREDIT

12/17FP

Jazz composer and musician Jeff Resnick. His first album, recorded on the fly 40 years ago for the Rochester Institute of Technology, was re-released in early December due to high demand. A prolific author, Resnick has also written 20 books, the latest containing a story by his granddaughter.

time,” Resnick said. “Raw. Unexpected. Fusion. One of the first to successfully combine traditional instrumentation with the modern world of music electronics — synthesizers. The European collectors are both avid and rabid!”

Coming full circle The resurgence of the album has gotten Resnick thinking about how his love of music has impacted his life. “Early passions grab us early in life, but life takes us in other directions,” he said. “It’s interesting how these early passions come full circle.” Resnick recently self-published a book about these resurfacing passions, Our Earliest Passions Shape Our Future. Multiple friends and colleagues contributed stories, including a former student, Bill Mancuso, and Resnick’s 17-year-old granddaughter, a talented artist in her own right. See RESNICK, page 27

www.FiftyPlusRichmond.com | Arts & Style

FIFTYPLUS — DECEMBER 2017

Resnick

he was happy to have the album and music ability in his back pocket.

From page 26 The book is a natural evolution of the rerelease of the album, and Resnick hopes it will help bring about interest in the music. This is not his first writing endeavor, however; throughout his career he has self-published 20 books. “I can’t stop…It’s like an addiction,” Resnick said about writing. “Sometimes it feels like too much, but then the next day, I start up again and keep going.” That ability to start up again and keep going has served Resnick well at multiple times in his life. Just a few years after the album was released, Resnick found himself in an interesting predicament. He was called in to the college president’s office in the morning to receive the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching. Just a few hours later, however, the president called him in again to tell him he was one of many teachers being let go. That was a shock. One year away from being tenured, Resnick was the unlucky victim of finance-driven layoffs. “I was pretty depressed for a while about my teaching job ending,” he said. He had two young daughters, and he and his wife were paying a mortgage on a new house. His tenacity kept him going, however. “You dig in and make things happen,” he said, and

Switching gears To keep his family financially afloat, Resnick used his experience recording music to develop ads and jingles for local businesses. Even though he had no advertising training or experience, he built up a solid client roster because he spent time talking to business owners and learning their stories. Eventually, his endeavor became a successful national advertising agency. Mancuso said about Resnick, “Whatever he does — writing, playing music, voice-over, advertising, teaching, whatever — he will absolutely do the best he can possibly do, and do it with love. Love of the process and love of the people.” Another friend, artist Alan Hailston, added, “What strikes me the most about Jeff is his kind, articulate and helpful demeanor, his great sense of humor, and his ability to quickly connect ideas with others…Jeff is extremely intuitive and creative, both in writing and music, not to mention his advertising flair.” In 1997, Resnick sold his ad agency, and he and his wife moved to Williamsburg. While living there, Resnick performed a one-man show that was a tribute to American music. That concert led to a series of 10 CDs of See RESNICK, page 28

The winner and a guest will receive airfar airfar faree and 4-star hotel accommodat dations ions plus: • Visit the locations of popular PBS series such as Poldark, Doc Martin and Downton Abbey • Private tour of Buckingham Palace, the home of the British monarchs since Queen Victoria • Sample local food as you participate in a traditional Cornish cooking class • And much more! Raf afffle tickets are only $50 each and only 2,000 will be sold. Purchase as many many tickets as you like. like. You must be 21 years or older at time of purchase and a Virginia resident. For more info information and to purchase tickets, go to ideastations.org/raf afff l e. Raff affll e ends Jan Januar uaryy 31, 2018.

Arts & Style | www.FiftyPlusRichmond.com

DECEMBER 2017 — FIFTYPLUS

Resnick From page 27 American standards. Resnick also has a podcast called The Jazz Storyteller — “a finely woven tapestry of colorful characters brought together in the world of improvisational jazz and the richness that accompanies the jazz lifestyle,” according to one of the many glowing reviews on his website. The first five of 57 chapters can be accessed free on his site, www.jeffresnick.com. He and his wife recently moved to Midloth-

ian to be closer to their daughter and her family, but Resnick has not stopped working. He continues to write, and is developing a stage play and TV pilots. “In about 10 years, maybe an agent will see one and want to pick it up,” he joked. With his passion and hard work, Resnick will likely continue to stumble upon some good luck. To listen to samples from Resnick’s RIT album, visit amazon.com and enter “Jeff Resnick Limited Edition.” The album is available for download for $7.99.

M A R K YO U R C ALE NDAR

Dec. 16

CHORAL DANCING DAY

The Virginia Choristers present Dancing Day! on Saturday, Dec. 16 at 6:30 p.m. Enjoy the angelic children’s voices, who will be joined by the American Youth Harp Ensemble, at Seventh Street Christian Church, 4101 Grove Ave. in Richmond. Tickets cost $5 for children 8 and under, $10 for those 65 and older, and $20 for general admission. For more information, visit http://bit.ly/DancingDay.

Dec. 16

Dec. 17

BOYS CHORAL CONCERT Richmond Boys Choir will perform a free concert on Saturday, Dec. 16 at 2 p.m. at Richmond Public Library, 101 E. Franklin St. For more information, contact Lynn Vandenesse at (804) 646-7223.

CHRISTMAS BAND CONCERT

Richmond Concert Band has a free Christmas concert on Sunday, Dec. 17 at 4 p.m. at Tabernacle Baptist Church, 1925 Grove Ave. For more information, visit www.richmondconcertband.org or call (804) 737-3767.

Jan. 4

GALLERY OPENING

The Weinstein JCC is hosting a free gallery show opening of artist Dawn Kowal’s work on Thursday, Jan. 4 at 7 p.m. Kowal is part of the JCC early education staff, and has been working on interesting ink designs for the show. Weinstein JCC is located at 5403 Monument Ave. in Richmond. For more information, call (804) 285-6500.

ANSWERS TO CROSSWORD

FROM PAGE 30 ANSWERS TO SCRABBLE

F I B A R I B A G T L I B A R A K A R E D B R E B R I E F

S E E T V

A L L W E T

B A D R E A U B S D O E N R Y

E K E D L D S

T S A N E R A O R W I A N G L A N T O O U Y N A S

O G D E N

P I L E D

A B O S O M

I G S A N I Z A E N D B U R O I S J E A S W

L E X

V I D D E N I O E N R E L D R I P S R T T E R E A O R D D R E E A R

O C E A N

W E N D S

I C I E R

C E N T

A N S S S A

ANSWERS TO JUMBLE Jumbles: CLOVE WHEEL DEFACE SECEDE Answer: When the con man pulled the wool over their eyes, the couple was – FLEECED

www.FiftyPlusRichmond.com | Arts & Style

FIFTYPLUS — DECEMBER 2017

Make your own evergreen holiday wreath By Lela Martin Decorating the house with fresh greenery is an ancient winter holiday tradition. Evergreens represent everlasting life and the hope for the return of spring. Boxwood says “traditional” in a tasteful, understated way. This year when using natural materials, however, I urge you to substitute faux (i.e., plastic) boxwood for fresh or even glycerin-preserved boxwood. A devastating fungus threatens both the English and American boxwood — on the magnitude of the chestnut blight that decimated the American chestnut tree in the 20th century. You can still enjoy decorating with an abundance of other attractive natural materials. Where do I find natural greenery? Start with your own yard to look for evergreens you can use. Get permission before cutting branches on someone else’s property. Tree farms or lots are also a good source of greenery that is typically free for the asking. Your local florist should have natural materials, both local and from warmer climates. When you are gathering fresh materials, you are pruning. Remember to sanitize your tools between each cut. Use a bypass pruner to prune back to a place where the branch joins another branch.

Thinning, which is also called “plucking,” is a technique that involves cutting out small branches, 6 to 8 inches in length, from all around tightly growing evergreens such as yew, Japanese holly and arborvitae. What natural materials work well? White pine is easy to find and lasts throughout the season. Junipers add variety, color, texture and fragrance; however, they have sharp needles. Native red cedar (in the juniper family) is fragrant and easily obtained. Firs also make good décor. Balsam fir has a pleasant scent and is tolerant of indoor conditions. Douglas fir has long-lasting foliage when cut, as well as a nice branching structure on its young shoots. Hemlock and mountain laurel work well for outdoor décor. Holly provides a traditional Christmas look with its red berries; however, the berries turn black when the branches are cut and left out in freezing weather. Cryptomeria, cypress and arborvitae add interest. Spruce, while attractive, does not have good needle retention. Glossy magnolia leaves with their velvety brown undersides are often featured. As an accent, look for yellow-leaved evergreens such as variegated yews and varieties of cypress, juniper and arborvitae. Other choices for décor include evergreen abelia,

barberry, pieris, euonymus and viburnum. For natural adornments, include magnolia pods, nuts, cones, sweet gum balls, red twig dogwood stems, nandina berries, rose hips or dried flowers. Fresh fruits such as apples, pomegranates, kumquats, pineapples, lemons, cranberries, and clove-studded oranges can also be used. Dried fruit slices or sugared fruits can add a festive touch as well. In addition to avoiding boxwood, avoid using common ground pine or running-cedar. Because they are slow-growing, extensive harvesting can destroy local populations. Be aware that poisonous berries are found on holly, yew, mistletoe, Jerusalem cherry, bittersweet and crown of thorns. This is a concern if they are ingested by small children or pets. What supplies do I need? Wreaths require a wire, foam or straw wreath form available at any craft store, or even a coat hanger bent into a circle as a base. You should have a sharp pair of clippers or utility scissors, wire cutters, florist picks and florist wire. Florist wire is a thin green wire, available in several diameters, that is used to hold everything together — from cones to wreaths, greens to frames. A glue gun can be used to attach lightweight embellishments. Wear gloves when working with prickly evergreens. How do I use natural materials?

Perfect Choice HD Ultra™ is simple to use, hard to see and easy to afford…

Before bringing the greenery inside, soak branches in water overnight to rehydrate them. Cut shoots about 4 to 6 inches long for smaller wreaths, longer for larger wreaths. You may form bundles of the branches first or attach them individually. Attach the end of a spool or paddle of wire firmly to the frame and then gradually wind the wire tightly around the bases of these shoots as you place them, following in one direction only. The next small bundle of branches is placed to cover the bases of those last wired on, and so on around the entire circle. A large full wreath may require more material than you expect. What embellishments can I use? Mix natural greenery with manmade greenery. Customize your wreath with decorations to coordinate with your home’s interior décor or to match your front door. You aren’t limited to the traditional red and green. Add your own touches such as bells, ornaments and ribbon. Check for unbreakable and weather-resistant selections for your outside décor. Keep candles away from the natural greenery, which can be quite flammable when dry. Lela Martin is a Master Gardener with the Chesterfield County office of the Virginia Cooperative Extension.

NEW

Invention of the Year

Dynam ic S Optim peech izatio n

PERSONAL SOUND AMPLIFICATION PRODUCT (PSAP)

IT’S NOT A HEARING AID

Now you see it...

Now you don’t

If you are one of the 48 million Americans suffering from hearing loss, we have great news for you. An innovative team of doctors and engineers have teamed up to create a truly revolutionary personal sound amplifier. It’s not a hearing aid– those require trips to the audiologist, hearing tests and can cost as much as $5,000. It’s also not a cheap amplifier that just makes everything louder, making it virtually impossible to hear conversations. It’s Perfect Choice HD UltraTM… and it may be the perfect solution for you. Perfect Choice HD UltraTM is the first PSAP that features Dynamic Speech Optimization (DSO). This technology enables the device to prioritize the spoken word over other sounds. These noises are generally in different frequencies than voices, but they can drown out the words and make conversations hard to understand. This invention targets the frequencies of the human voice and amplifies the words. It’s even designed to diminish feedback even at higher volumes, so you can customize your hearing experience to meet your needs. Just imagine how great it will feel to be able to understand what people are saying… the first time they say it.

Perfect Choice HD UltraTM is perfect for... • Watching TV • Restaurants • Dinner parties • Lectures• Outdoor conversations • Sermons …and other times where you need to turn up the volume

That’s only the beginning. This unit is small and lightweight at less than an ounce, so it hides discreetly and comfortably behind your ear. The only way people will know you have it on is if you tell them. Plus, its moisture resistant coating make it durable– you could even leave it in when you take a shower! There’s no fitting or hearing test required, so it’s ready to use right out of the box. Once it’s arrived, a helpful product expert will provide a one-on-one set up over the phone so you’ll get the maximum benefit from this new technology. Call now, and you’ll find out for yourself why so many people love their Perfect Choice HD UltraTM. Call now, and be sure and ask about special discounts for Seniors and Military personnel.

It’s Better SOUND QUALITY

Call now toll free.

Less than 1 ounce

COMFORT

1-888-649-6737

Excellent: Optimized for speech

FITTING REQUIRED?

ONE-ON-ONE SETUP

Free

SENIOR AND MILITARY DISCOUNTS

Please mention promotional code 107819.

Now With DSO!

1998 Ruffin Mill Road, Colonial Heights, VA 23834

Yes Perfect Choice HD Ultra is not a hearing aid. If you believe you need a hearing aid, please consult a physician.

81184

Understand what people are saying... the first time

More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

www.FiftyPlusRichmond.com

APRIL 2017 — BALTIMORE BEACON

DECEMBER 2017 — FIFTYPLUS

CrosswordPuzzle Puzzle Crossword

Daily website: Dailycrosswords crosswordscan canbebefound foundononour our website: www.TheBeaconNewspapers.com www.TheBeaconNewspapers.com Click Clickon onPuzzles PuzzlesPlus Plus Beans and Cornbread On Daylight Time Beans and Cornbread 1

40 42

43 46

54 57

1 Start a Monopoly turn 7. Fall birthstone Claudius, to Caligula 11.5Solemn promise 14.10 Those named Shock andafter ___the Little Mermaid 15.13 Ridicule Plan to meet with Godot 16. Shrinking Arctic feature Rootreferenced canal locale 17.15 Partners in the 1949 Jump Jive 16 Male turkey song Beans and Cornbread Sudden 19.17 Family roomdesire to play instead of study 20.19 Sched. for two Tuesdays Itemnotation on a podiatrist’s top-10and list a Wednesday 21.20 Widely-used shoebox stickers 30% of the land on Earth 22. ___ on arrival 23.21 SeeMerced, 17 AcrossCA airport code 22 Like 26. Tavern Snow White 27.23 AL ___ Eastkidding foe of BAL and BOS aside 28.25 Vasectomy patients beach population swells When Florida’s 29. Letters before a bandit’s nickname 28 Alternative to coffee or me 30. Ghostbusters star, Kristen co. for example 33.29 TheHome Swordsecurity of Gryffindor, upon 37.30 SeeBe 23 contingent Across 41.31 StartOffice a game of 8-ball note 42.33 NileEnding river city for thesp- or lesb43. Voodoo doll piercer 35 Employee 44. The 1st state of the US government What puzzle’s theme answers do 46.36 There wereall7 of in this nineteen ninety-nine would 48.41 On “I Soc. Sec. like to purchase ___, Pat” 49.42 SeeXVII 37 Across x LIII 55.43 Massages ___ place or mine? 56. Underdog at a bullfight if possible; truth at all ___” 57.45 Are“Peace mixed-up 58. Rite(Martin answer Luther) 59.48 Writer and DeGeneres singer of the ___ song,deand a 1987 Portia Rossi inductee into theletters Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 50 Rap sheet 63. Poetic dusk 51 Emerge from a cake 64. Unit of force Frost : winter :: ___ : summer 65.55 “Life is not ___ rehearsal” Name above theonion title 66.56 Prepare a blooming 67.57 Backtalk Ginger drink 68.58 ___Modifies cape (dresses a super-hero) beerasfor St. Patrick’s Day 60 Identify the person in a photo 61 Start to take on water 65 Improve (as wine) 66 More common name for the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act 67 Task list items

Answers

Across Across 1. Tells lies to

BB417

11 16

Jumble answers on p. 28.

Scrabble answers on p. 25.

18 20

Scrabble answers on p. 28.

By Stephen Sherr By Stephen StephenSherr Sherr

Down Down 1. Descriptive of John or Ringo

12.UK defenders inaddressed the BattlebyofIRS Britain Investment plan Pub 590-A 23.Have a car loan Temper tantrum “Mustroom ___” lighting (90’s NBC slogan) 34.Dorm Completely mistaken 45.Prevarications 6. Muggle org. that uses powerful wands 57.Arbiter of what’s really fair might have Poet Nash, who said “Progress 6 14th in some years beentropical all rightstorm, once, but it’s gone on too long” 78.Activate a web link Organized cannonballs “Only ___ buddy will tell the truth” (Mame) 89.Destinations for lovers (oryou bowlers) Luther 910. A Metropolis little bit of businessman, work 11. Wi-fi bandwidth hog 10 a goal 12.Achieve The Indian is the youngest 11 Pursuing 13. Takes the(romantically) scenic route 18.Exit Coming into view 12 the cocoon 22.Nickname Restaurant reviewed by The Food Network’s Guy Fieri 14 for the Cleveland Indians 23. Tall migrant from Minneapolis to LA 18 Rider on a crowded subway car in 1960 22 3-day 24.Start First of linea of dataweekend in a spreadsheet 23 dispenser 25.20’s Anthony Michael Hall, in several 80’s movies 26.Writers Fishhook’s end and Spike 24 Harper 31. “Art ___; science 26 “GATE”, crashed is we” (Claude Bernard) 32. Garden shade makers 27 wasparty a close 34.“That Cocktail spy,one” perhaps 32 Public speaker 35. Less friendly 34 football 36.Grp. Wordofon16the reverseteams of all Lincoln pennies 38.2000’s No better then sitcom 35 top-rated 39.ISqueaked out ___ (T. Bennett tune) 37 Left My Heart 40. Mork and Mindy greeting 38 beginning 45.Potent Next born after Tito and Jermaine 39 stand location 47.Lemonade Walked boldly 49.John Succinct 40 Wayne nickname 50.Extremely More like Goofus than Gallant 44 undercooked 51. Chess board wood 45 Name below the title 52. There are two each in 17, 23, 37, and 49 across 46 53.Power Hangsfailure out on a clothesline 47 out ahead of time 54.Planned Latin lead-in to -cotta or -firma 59.Filming Mormons, initially 49 location for The Mummy Returns 60.Beauty Trash talk 52 parlor 61. Beast of burden 53 West Point 62. It is said to freshman stand for “No Such Agency” 54 Improve the arsenal’s stock 59 page A love god28. on 61 Good reveal on Card Sharks 62 “Kick” start 63 ___ a dry eye in the house

www.FiftyPlusRichmond.com

FIFTYPLUS — DECEMBER 2017

CIT Y

Utility Buddy is Richmond’s friendly life-sized gas meter.

RICH MON D

DEPA RTMEN T

PUB L I C

UT IL IT IES

YOU DIG? CALL 8-1-1

Before you do. Making You Aware. Keeping You Safe. Richmond’s Natural Gas Safety Awareness Program

www.FiftyPlusRichmond.com

DECEMBER 2017 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; FIFTYPLUS