August 2017 | Fifty Plus Richmond by The Beacon Newspapers

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Can you relate? Who did not see at least some of the im- patients, who may choose to try experimenmense publicity devoted worldwide to the tal treatments, who pays for all this, and British infant, Charlie Gard, many other important issues. who died July 28? But the question I want to Charlie was born with a rare ask is simply this: Why was genetic condition that, in his 11 Charlie’s case such a lightning short months of life, made him rod for attention and money blind, deaf, and suffer seizures when there are — right now — and irreversible brain damage. literally hundreds of thousands He could not even breathe of children fleeing war and perwithout the aid of a ventilator. secution in Syria, Yemen, Libya There were no known treatand elsewhere, living in refugee ments for his condition, no camps if they’re lucky, drownprospect of reversing any of the ing in the sea as flimsy boats damage, and only the vaguest FROM THE capsize, if they’re not. promise of help through an ex- PUBLISHER And what about the thouperimental treatment that had By Stuart P. Rosenthal sands of Central American chilnot yet been tried on any living dren risking their lives to enter thing. America illegally to escape poverty and crime, And yet, the story of Charlie generated not to mention the thousands of American-born huge interest worldwide, and his parents’ children who go to bed hungry each night? plea for contributions to get him that treatDid we think that our sincere feelings ment raised nearly $2 million through social about Charlie, and even our generous online media. donations to his cause, would salve our conOne of the reasons Charlie’s situation sciences for all the other children (not to proved so compelling is that the case pitted his mention their parents and grandparents) parents against the British hospital that wanted whose survival presents an equally urgent to disconnect life-support. British courts ulti- concern? mately upheld the hospital’s position. History has certainly shown us that indiCharlie’s dire situation certainly raised dif- viduals are far better able to focus on, and ficult questions about who gets to make life- identify with, a single person than a mass of and-death medical decisions for incapacitated humanity.

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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 Intern: ..............................................Sununu Bah

Winners of the January Fifty Plus reader drawing enjoyed dinner with Lt. Joe Kenda, star of Homicide Hunter on the Investigation Discovery channel, and his wife, Kathy. Shown left to right, at Tarrant’s West, are Kathy Kenda, Lt. Joe, lucky winner Barbara Seeley and her guest, Gwynn Harvey. The Kendas have graciously agreed to have dinner with the winner of this month’s reader survey drawing as well (with one caveat: the winner has to meet the Kendas at a restaurant in Norfolk!). For your chance to win dinner for two with the Kendas, fill out the survey on the facing page and be sure it gets back to Fifty Plus by September 20.

We grieve for Anne Frank, while we barely consider the rest of her family, much less the millions of others who perished at the hands of the Nazis and their collaborators during WWII. Yes, we cringe at the memory of nearly 1 million Tutsis massacred in Rwanda in 1994, and the hundreds of thousands of Sudanese who died of starvation or disease in Darfur between 2003 and 2010. We tell ourselves “never again.” We won’t let man’s inhumanity to man succeed on this scale again. And yet, the only cause that really generates wide public discussion and practical action is the one we can relate to personally: the individual, especially a helpless infant. In part, this may well be human nature. While our hearts go out to a fellow human being in pain, we are simply not capable of grasping the nature or magnitude of suffering on an immense scale. Another reasonable explanation is that we know our assistance might be able to “make a difference” to one or two people in need. How and what can we do as individuals to help a thousand? A hundred thousand? A million? The scale is so huge as to overwhelm us and make us retreat into our comfortable lives rather than even imagine what it would

take to address the problem. I understand all this. I am no different. I am not in any way trying to cast blame on others. Most of us are guilty of this reasoning. If it’s indeed human nature, how could it be otherwise? But I am disturbed to realize that many of us seem to be more ready and willing to put ourselves out even for a hopeless cause, such as Charlie’s, rather than for, say, a teenager who could go on to live a full life if she could just cross the sea, or the border, or the fence, or even just get regular meals and an education. There is so much need out there, it is easy to succumb to inaction. But when a case like Charlie’s comes up, it should remind us that we are ultimately all family, that each of us is our brother’s keeper, and that we needn’t look far to find a situation where each of us could extend a hand and make a difference. Let each of us pledge to do what we can, on any scale, to make the world a better place by devoting some of our time or money to a needy individual or worthy cause. The opportunities for doing good are almost endless.

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Feature Story Century-old camp continues to shape youth

A refuge from the city Camp Alkulana, the oldest ongoing summer camp in Virginia, was part of the camping movement that swept the United States in the early 20th century, according to Beth Reddish Wright, the current camp director, in her book, Come Along, Join Our Song — written two years ago for the camp’s 100th anniversary. “In an era before air conditioning, cities often became oppressively hot and humid in the heat of July and August. The smell of rotting produce, horse manure, and untreated sewage was most intense, and the threat of such infectious diseases as cholera and ty-

phoid was at its height,” she wrote. Alkulana means “bright eyes,” and comes from a 1915 glossary of Indian words, according to Wright. Stories passed down suggest there was yellow mosquito netting on the cottage windows at the first camp, which when illuminated by kerosene lanterns made the windows look like bright eyes shining through the forest. The reform-minded women who ran the camp sought relief for girls who lived in cramped housing in overcrowded city neighborhoods. Their families couldn’t afford to spend time in the country even for the briefest of getaways. In fact, as Wright explained, some poor parents, whose daughters worked in factories, sacrificed the additional income their daughters brought home when the girls gave up work for the two-week camp opportunity. The camp’s original goal was to develop strong young women who knew more than the usual domestic skills, as gender roles were more flexible there than at home in Richmond. In the early years of 1915 to 1917, girls, who sometimes arrived at camp with nothing more than the clothes on their backs, learned team-building sports and swimming, in addition to dancing, jewelry-making and basketweaving. The seriousness of the founders didn’t preclude a lot of fun — as well as the occasional prank. Barbara Ramos, a retired state tourism manager in Richmond who was a camper at Alkulana in the late 1940s, remembers being rebuked when she and girlfriends were caught skinny-dipping in the camp’s creek. That incident aside, one of Ramos’ best memories is of taking the train to camp: “The views of the countryside as we wound our way there from Richmond to Charlottesville to Clifton Forge were incredible,” she recalled. Over time, the train gave way to school buses, and now campers travel to Alkulana in air-conditioned chartered buses.

A tradition of strong women Camp directors have remained strong women as was the case with its first director, Nannie West. West came from a Richmond family, Wright says, of “substantial economic means and social standing.” She had “long been committed to community mission projects” as a member of Grove Avenue Baptist Church. West was hired at an annual salary of $600 in June 1914 — not to start a camp but to minister to young girls on Church Hill for the

PHOTOS COURTESY OF CAMP ALKULANA

By Martha Steger A great camp is always more than pranks and scary stores by the campfire. And it can have beneficial effects far beyond getting a week or two of fresh air in the summer. Camp Alkulana, a 102-year-old ministry of the Richmond Baptist Association’s River City Faith Network, is one such camp. Alkulana, located about 150 miles west of Richmond, was founded last century as a cool, restorative retreat for poor, urban white girls who lived in Richmond’s East End, and whose parents worked in city factories (or who worked there themselves). Today, the camp serves both boys and girls from low-income families. State Senator Creigh Deeds of Virginia’s 25th District, which includes the camp’s Bath County area, served as a counselor at the camp many years ago. He learned first-hand how difficult the lives of the campers were back in the city. “The first day I sat down at lunch, a little black boy from Richmond at the table asked, ‘Do you mean we eat more than once a day here?’ That stunned me,” he recounted in an interview with Fifty Plus. “I grew up on a farm not far from the camp, and [my family] didn’t have much of anything else, but we had food to put on the table,” Deeds recalled. “It’s not enough to say what we’re ‘going to do’ for people — we have to do it. This camp makes a difference in people’s lives. It’s the embodiment of the Gospel.” The senator unintentionally — and succinctly — stated in laymen’s terms the mission of Richmond’s Baptist Woman’s Missionary Union, which started as the Woman’s Missionary Circle before the turn of the last century. It was that group of determined women who developed a spunky reputation for practicing their missionary ideals and helped lay the foundation for the camp.

As a child, Jack Dempsey attended Camp Alkulana, which he credits with getting him on the right track in life. In the inset photo, he is shown as a camp counselor with the group of boys he worked with in the late 1960s, helping promote a sense of racial tolerance.

Missionary Circle’s House of Happiness. Centers in other poor city neighborhoods soon followed, such as Oregon Hill, where many immigrant families lived. Today, the River City Faith Network hosts three ministry centers in the city as well as the camp. Camp directors and staff made the camp such a desirable summer destination that many former campers wanted to become counselors. Camp staff developed a formal program for counselors-in-training — including their practice of “tough love.” Margaret Fields, the 94-year-old mother of Denise Seal, a camper and counselor from 1970 to 1980, recalled director Mother (Myrtle) Hazelgrove. She was known for being a tomboy in old-lady, lace-up shoes, and was strict in laying down camp rules while she shared directorship duties with Eva Gravatt through the mid-1940s. The camp expanded to include boys in 1947, and several marriages later resulted among counselors. Among them, Seal and her husband, Bobby, whose two sons, now 28 and 25, were also campers. They still occasionally show up at camp to catch up with some of their buddies. Seal said that during her era, two camp directors, Gracie Kilpatrick and Barbara Davis, carried on the tradition of “strong, independent women running the show. They were happy dealing with a variety of children, and they dealt with problems in kind, loving voices. “They wanted individual campers to learn

what they wanted to do, and to say, with their lives,” Seal recalled.

Richmond in flux But one’s city neighborhood often determined what one felt free to say and do. Jack Dempsey, 62, a camper in the late 1960s who grew up in a single-parent Southside family at 10th & Bainbridge Streets, provides a good example of how Richmond’s neighborhoods have changed — and how House of Happiness and Camp Alkulana helped young people cope with change. “I grew up with my mother and sister in the old Manchester neighborhood,” he said, “where the lower side from Jeff Davis [Turnpike] to Cowardin and the Semmes Avenue section was white, and the other side — Decatur and Maury streets — was predominantly black. Camp Alkulana literally saved my life,” said Dempsey, who is white. “Without that, I would have been doing a lot of the bad things I saw kids on the streets doing. “I’m afraid I would have been a follower instead of a leader,” he added. “Instead, I developed a strong belief in loving all people all the time. “The only swimming pool near my home was in [the black neighborhood of] Blackwell. When my friends saw my wet swim trunks one day and asked where I’d been swimming, they were astonished — they See CAMP, page 8

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FIFTYPLUS — AUGUST 2017

Fitness &

Health

A HAIRY QUESTION If you’re worried about hair loss, eat well and consider Rogaine IS IT RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS? Sometimes joint pain is caused by this body-wide progressive disease ENERGY WITHOUT CAFFEINE Try B vitamins, licorice root and other herbs to boost your energy level COMPLAIN FOR BETTER HEALTH Cancer patients who report side effects boost survival by almost half a year

When memory lapses call for doctor visit Dear Mayo Clinic: My father, who is 79 years old and in good health, has become quite forgetful. He seems to recognize that it’s happening, but laughs it off and chalks it up to old age. I know memory problems are common as people get older, but I’m worried. Should I encourage him to see his doctor? Answer: Although memory lapses are a normal part of aging, they can be a sign of an underlying medical problem. In older adults, memory problems are of concern when they affect information that is particularly important or familiar, when the lapses become more frequent, or when difficulty with memory interferes with daily activities. If your father’s

situation falls into any of these categories, it would be a good idea for him to see his doctor. As we grow older, our brains undergo numerous aging-related changes that can make it harder to learn new things or remember familiar words. Older adults may have difficulty coming up with names of acquaintances, for example, or they may have trouble finding reading glasses or car keys. In most cases, these memory lapses do not signal a problem.

When to worry The type of forgetfulness that is worrisome involves forgetting information that a person formerly would always have remembered. For example, a favorite social event

gets missed, like a tee time for a weekly golf game. Or, a calendar item that an individual would usually make a priority, such as a doctor’s appointment, goes unnoticed. If this happens once in a while, it probably isn’t a problem. If a person starts to have trouble making these connections regularly, then it’s time to see a doctor. A medical evaluation also is in order if memory lapses lead to problems in a person’s day-to-day life, or if someone begins to have trouble with mental tasks. Examples include becoming overwhelmed or confused when faced with decisions, having a hard time driving, getting irritated or upset when mental concentration is required

to complete a task, getting lost on the way to a familiar location, or having trouble following step-by-step instructions.

What evaluations entail If your father goes to his doctor, an evaluation likely would include a review of his medical history and a physical exam. In addition, tests that measure cognitive function — attention, memory, language and spatial skills, among others — may be part of the assessment. In some cases, a neurological evaluation and brain scans also may be useful. The doctor may want to talk with you or See MEMORY LAPSES, page 6

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AUGUST 2017 — FIFTYPLUS

Memory lapses

M ARK YO UR CALE NDAR

Aug. 17+

CAREGIVER EDUCATION SERIES

From page 5

Chesterfield County Senior Advocate, Riverside Center for Excellence in Aging and Lifelong Health, and Senior Connections present “Caring for You” from noon to 2 p.m. on five Thursdays, from Aug. 17 through Sept. 21. The program is designed for families and professional and volunteer caregivers who are providing support for those with long-term illnesses or disabilities. Learn what it means to be a caregiver, how to take care of yourself, how to build cooperative relationships, how to prevent and solve problems, and how to access and develop resources. The program costs $45, which includes materials and refreshments, and will take place in the Chesterfield Community Development Building, located at 9800 Government Center Pkwy. in Chesterfield. For more information, including limited scholarships, email SeniorAdvocate@chesterfield.gov or call (804) 768-7878.

other family members about your perspective on your father’s cognitive skills, functional abilities and daily behaviors, and how they have changed over time. The purpose of this evaluation would be to screen for signs and symptoms of dementia. The doctor also will rule out reversible causes of memory loss. Keep in mind that dementia isn’t a specific disease; it’s a clinical syndrome. That means it’s a term used to describe a group of symptoms — such as memory loss, difficulty reasoning, inability to learn or remember new information, personality changes or inappropriate behavior — that affect a person’s intellectual and social abilities enough to make it hard to perform daily activities. Dementia has a variety of possible causes, including progressive disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia with Lewy bodies.

Other conditions also can mimic the symptoms of dementia, such as depression, thyroid abnormalities, infections, immune disorders and nutritional deficiencies, among many others. Prompt evaluation of a symptom such as persistent forgetfulness that could point to dementia is important for early diagnosis and identifying management strategies. It is possible, too, that your father’s memory lapses may be just what he thinks they are: a normal part of aging. If they seem to be problematic, though, encourage him to see his doctor. A thorough assessment should be able to identify if there is a need for concern. — Ericka Tung, M.D., M.P.H., Primary Care Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Mayo Clinic Q & A is an educational resource and doesn’t replace regular medical care. E-mail a question to MayoClinic Q&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 C ALE NDAR

Aug. 16

DEMENTIA TALK

The Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Richmond presents “Dementia Conversations” on Aug. 16 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Covenant Woods, located at 7090 Covenant Woods Dr. in Mechanicsville. The talk is free, but advance registration is required. For more information, call (804) 967-2580.

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FIFTYPLUS — AUGUST 2017

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Camp From page 4 thought I would have been killed.” Alkulana became integrated in 1968 — before court-ordered busing reached Richmond in 1970. At the time, Virginia was still resisting the U.S. Supreme Court’s 1954 Brown v. Board of Education decision mandating integration. Dempsey’s background helped him moderate camp disagreements among white kids from Oregon Hill and black kids from other areas, according to the Faith Network’s Anna Tuckwiller. Dempsey said, “[Anger] never escalated much beyond some pushing and shoving matches.”

Like Seal, he gives camp directors Kilpatrick and Davis all the credit. “Young black men trusted Davis,” he said. “She was as sweet as could be, but if she gave you that look, you knew you were in trouble, whether you were black or white.” Davis made a similar comment about former director Marie Greenup: “She was five feet tall and white-haired. But when she stood up, you could hear a pin drop.”

Lifelong friendships Everyone interviewed for this story said that, while they didn’t realize it was happening at the time, they built lifelong friendships

M ARK YO UR CAL EN DAR

Ongoing

FRIENDLY VISITORS NEEDED Family Lifeline is looking for visiting volunteers to support older adults and persons with disabilities who are experiencing loneliness

and isolation. Weekly visits are flexible and scheduled around your availability. Volunteers need to commit to one-year, submit an application, pass and background check, and undergo training. For more information, call (804) 282-4255.

Aug. 24

SIGN LANGUAGE PRACTICE Chesterfield County is offering an opportunity to practice American Sign Language on Thursday, Aug. 24 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at LaPrade

Library, located at 9000 Hull Street Rd. in North Chesterfield. For more information, call (804) 318-8988 or visit http://library.chesterfield.gov.

AUGUST 2017 — FIFTYPLUS

at Alkulana. Robert Hancock, 51, one of Dempsey’s best friends, is a mental-health counselor who was originally mentored by Dempsey at camp. Hancock, who’s black, explained, “We didn’t see color, because we were all treated alike at camp. We didn’t have much at home, but the structure provided by camp took our minds off what we didn’t have and focused them on everything there was to do.” A former D.C. police officer who also worked in juvenile corrections in Northern Virginia for eight years, Hancock coaches football and baseball in the city’s Mosby Court area as a way of giving back to the neighborhood. “Camp [Alkulana] had a great influence on teaching us to do that,” he said. Davis was the last director to serve both as camp director and director of the House of Happiness. She credits the centers’ strong neighborhood presence for the smooth integration of Camp Alkulana, even during the tumultuous years of court-ordered busing to achieve integration in Richmond’s public schools. “We got to know the strong black mothers,” she said, “and we knew every child who came to our centers….Students who became part of cross-town busing benefitted from their neighborhood and camp experiences, because they had gotten to know other innercity students.” Davis — whose husband, a retired physics

teacher, does camp maintenance — was back at the camp a few weeks ago. Like many former counselors, such as Dempsey, she has grandchildren going there now, and she’s seen adjustments. “We had a library when I was camp director,” Davis said, “and now we have computers around because the kids are really into their devices.” But some things don’t change as fast as libraries becoming computer centers. Richmond was the second largest slavetrading area in the South before the Civil War (second only to New Orleans). And still, just last year, Richmond’s poverty rate was 24.6 percent, only slightly lower than Lynchburg’s 24.8 percent, the state’s highest among 30 largest cities and counties. But solving such a large, entrenched problem is beyond the scope of one camp. “When I became camp director,” Davis concluded, “I said, ‘We have the opportunity to create the world we wish we lived in, if only for a few weeks.’ “The things that don’t change [from one generation to another] are creating positive peer culture, respect for the natural world, and respect for people. The respect goes beyond any one church — it’s about bringing the spirit into you for you to help others.” Readers can get a sense of the countryside surrounding Camp Alkulana, as well the nearby town of Clifton Forge and city of Covington, from our travel article on page 17.

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Worried about hair loss? What you can do Q: I’ve noticed my hair getting thin- den or patchy hair loss, hair loss without a ner, and lately there’s been more hair family history of AGA, fever, excessive tiredthan usual in my comb and ness, lesions or bumps on the in my shower. Should I be scalp, or loss of eyebrows or concerned? I don’t want to eyelashes. go bald! While many people might A: According to the Amerithink of it as a mere cosmetic can Academy of Dermatology, issue, hair loss can be very uplosing up to 100 hairs per day is setting. Its effect on self-esteem perfectly normal. Also, most shouldn’t be ignored. Please adults are likely to see changes seek support and guidance in the growth and thickness of from a health professional if their hair as they age. your hair loss is causing you seAlthough hair loss some- DR. RX vere anxiety or stress. times can be a symptom of an By Kailey Conner You will often hear AGA reunderlying medical problem, ferred to as “male pattern baldthe most common cause is a benign condition ness,” but the condition can affect both men called androgenetic alopecia, or AGA. and women. More than 3 million cases of AGA are reWith male pattern baldness, hair loss typiported each year in the United States. It is cally occurs on the top and front of the head. caused mostly by genetics, and partly by hor- With female pattern baldness, it often starts monal changes related to aging. as a widening of the hair part and mainly afOther possible causes of hair loss include fects the top and crown of the head. iron deficiency, polycystic ovary syndrome, Although there is no cure for AGA, I am stress, thyroid disorders and certain medica- happy to report that a few options are availtions (for example, anticonvulsants and able to help: chemotherapy). You should talk to your doctor if your hair Nutrition loss bothers you a great deal, or if you expeIn addition to maintaining a balanced diet, rience any of the following symptoms: sud- taking a multivitamin can help prevent hair

loss caused by vitamin deficiencies. Biotin, a type of B-vitamin, is a popular supplement that has been shown to increase hair thickness and create an illusion of more hair. Omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in foods such as salmon, tuna, flaxseed and walnuts, can give your hair more strength and shine.

Minoxidil The first-line treatment for AGA is minoxidil, or Rogaine, which stimulates hair growth. It is available as a liquid or foam that you apply topically to your head. You can buy it over the counter (OTC), without a prescription. The recommended minoxidil formulations are different for men and women. The 5 percent concentration is recommended for men, while a 2 percent concentration is recommended for women. If you do decide to use this product, be aware that it may take up to four months for hair growth to occur. If you have no results

within that time frame, you should discuss alternative treatment options with your healthcare provider. Bear in mind that any hair growth that happens during treatment with minoxidil will be reversed once you stop using it. And if you have a history of heart disease, you should discuss minoxidil with your healthcare provider before using. Ultimately, changes in hair growth and thickness are common as we age. If you are concerned about your hair loss, ask your pharmacist before using an OTC product in order to find what might work best for you. If OTC options are unsuccessful or if you experience sudden and severe symptoms, please see your doctor for further evaluation. Kailey Conner is a fourth-year Pharm.D. student at VCU School of Pharmacy. She earned her bachelor’s degree in biology at the University of Miami, and her interest areas include ambulatory care and diabetes management.

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AUGUST 2017 — FIFTYPLUS

Appraisals added to annual 50+ Expos Who will be the lucky winner of a 10-day vacation for two to China? Two lucky registrants at the 2017 Beacon 50+Expos, that’s who! For the 18th year in a row, the Beacon Newspapers expects to attract thousands of attendees to its two expos — free, annual events featuring health screenings, informative resources, an expert speaker, flu shots and entertainment for older adults and their families. This year’s events will take place at two locations this fall: on Sunday, Sept. 10, from noon to 4 p.m., at the Silver Spring Civic Center in downtown Silver Spring, Md., and on

Sunday, Sept. 17, from noon to 4 p.m., at Springfield Town Center in Springfield, Va. The keynote speaker at both locations will be Matthew Quinn, of Quinn’s Auction Galleries. Quinn is a seven-year veteran appraiser on PBS’ “Antiques Roadshow.” He will talk about “Valuables hiding in your attic or basement.” Expo attendees are encouraged to bring with them up to two items they would like to have appraised. Professionals from Quinn’s will be present to provide verbal appraisals of paintings, prints, autographs, glassware, crystal, knick-knacks, Asian art, rare books,

M ARK YO UR CAL EN DAR

Sept. 1+

ART EXHIBITS

jewelry and other hand-carryable items. Two items may be appraised, at $5 per item (to be donated to charity). A free 10-day trip to China for two will be given away at each Expo as Grand Door Prizes, in addition to other door prizes. The China trips — which include airfare to and within China, luxury hotel accommodations, most meals, and an English-speaking tour guide — are provided by Nexus Holidays. (Please note: One door prize entry per person per Expo.) The expos will also offer exercise demonstrations (jazz dance, tai chi and more) and free health screenings — including blood pressure, bone density, balance, vascular and glaucoma screenings — along with flu vaccines, free with a Medicare card.

More than 100 exhibitors — including government agencies, nonprofits and local businesses — will offer information and answer questions about retirement communities, home remodeling, financial planning, healthcare, travel, fitness, senior services and more. Giveaways will be plentiful. The Beacon Newspapers presents its 50+Expos each fall as a community service. Sponsors include CVS pharmacy, Comcast, Holy Cross Health, and CareFirst BlueCrossBlueShield, among others. Volunteers are needed for two-hour shifts at both events. For more information — or to exhibit, sponsor or volunteer — call (301) 949-9766 or visit www.theBeaconNewspapers.com/50-expos.

Richmond Public Library offers several arts exhibits, on display from Friday, Sept. 1 through Tuesday, Oct. 4. Two of the exhibits include “Traditional and Modern,” a fusion of traditional Chinese ink and modern color in flower and bird freehand brushwork by artist Yu Fang of Guizhourin China, and “Uncertain Boundaries,”

M A R K YO U R C ALE NDAR

Aug. 11+

HARRY POTTER TICKETS Tickets for The Richmond Symphony Orchestra’s “Harry Potter and

a small, semi-abstract landscape series that explores appearances and perception

the Sorcerer’s Stone” concert go on sale Friday, Aug. 11. The concert takes place

by Richmond-artist Kay Vass Darling. The library is located at 101 E. Franklin St. in

next year on Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 10 to 11 at Altria Theatre, located at 6 N.

Richmond. For more information and a complete list of exhibits, visit http://rvali-

Laurel St. in Richmond and are expected to sell quickly. For more information or to

brary.org or contact Lynn Vandenesse at (804) 646-7223.

purchase tickets, visit http://bit.ly/HarryPotterRichmond or call 1-800-514-3849.

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

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FIFTYPLUS — AUGUST 2017

Is that joint pain rheumatoid arthritis? When your joints ache, you may chalk it up to an old injury or to osteoarthritis — the wearing away of cartilage that’s common in older age. But for two million people in the United States, aching joints are caused by rheumatoid arthritis (RA) — when their immune system mistakenly attacks the tissues lining the joints. “People commonly assume RA pain is due to aging, overuse, or even the flu,” said Robert Shmerling, M.D., a rheumatologist at Harvard-affiliated Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, and medical editor of the Harvard Special Health Report Rheumatoid Arthritis. Unlike osteoarthritis — which is limited to the joints and can often be treated with mild pain relievers or exercise, or resolved with joint replacement — RA is a progressive disease that can affect the whole body, including the heart, lungs and eyes. It may damage the joints, tendons and bones.

Diagnosis and treatment “The biggest tip-off to RA is the presence of persistent swelling in multiple joints,” Shmerling said. “That does not occur with most other causes of joint pain.” Other classic RA symptoms include joint pain that is worse in the morning or better with movement, and persistent fatigue.

Diagnosis typically involves symptom assessment, physical examination findings, blood test results, as well as X-rays. “In confusing cases, ultrasound or MRI can be helpful,” he said. In most cases, the first-line treatment is the medication methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall). Shmerling said it’s important to begin treating RA as soon as possible, because drug treatment may prevent RA from progressing and causing more damage to the body. “Delaying treatment will, on average, lead to more joint damage and loss of joint function.” Medications, however, do not reverse damage or improve dexterity, strength, balance or stamina. They also do not address other aspects of health — such as depression, pain or the impact of excess weight. Other therapies include exercise, splinting, weight loss and smoking cessation. The role of heat or cold therapy and other alternative treatments is uncertain. “As long as these other treatments seem safe to me, I encourage patients to explore what works for them,” Shmerling said.

tirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), such as methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall), have a broad effect on immune system function, which can help slow the disease process and protect the joints from damage. They also help relieve symptoms. These are generally offered as soon as the RA diagnosis is established, but they may take up to 12 weeks to work. Side effects vary from one drug to another, and range from fatigue to liver problems. Screening and monitoring can prevent many side effects. Biologic DMARDs, such as etanercept (Enbrel) and infliximab (Remicade), help relieve symptoms and prevent joint damage. They have a more targeted effect on immune system function than nonbiologic DMARDs, and are considered the most effective drugs for RA. However, they are expensive and can be given only by injection. These are usually reserved for people who do not improve enough with methotrexate or other medications. Because these drugs suppress parts of the immune system, people who take them are at increased risk for infec-

tions, especially tuberculosis. Janus kinase inhibitors, such as tofacitinib (Xeljanz), help relieve symptoms and prevent joint damage by interrupting inflammatory signals as they enter cells. Possible side effects include shingles, allergic reactions, diarrhea, headache, runny or stuffy nose, and sore throat. An advantage of these drugs, in comparison to biologic DMARDs, is that they are pills, not shots or medicines infused into your veins. Both Janus kinase inhibitors and biologic DMARDs have price tags of about $20,000 or more per year. Insurance plans often pay only some of the costs. Until the above medications take effect, doctors may recommend low doses of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or corticosteroids, such as prednisone. But these medications do not protect the joints from damage, and longterm use is linked to dangerous side effects. © 2017 President and Fellows Of Harvard College. All Rights Reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Types of medication Most RA drugs fall into one of three classes: Nonbiologic disease-modifying an-

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AUGUST 2017 — FIFTYPLUS

Ways to boost your energy without coffee By Suzy Cohen We all experience fatigue or low energy at some point in our lives. Sometimes it is temporary — like after an allnighter, or a bout with the flu. Whatever the cause, fatigue is difficult to deal with. One common but overlooked reason for fatigue is a missed diagnosis of hypothyroidism. Today, I’ll share my secrets for natural and effective ways to improve energy… without StarDEAR bucks.

ful to make neurotransmitters and generate ATP energy production via the Krebs cycle. You need B12 to support thyroid production and get rid of homocysteine.

Licorice root

This ancient herbal adaptogen (substances that improve your body’s ability to react to stress) doesn’t care how you got fatigued, it only seeks to fix your exhausted adrenal glands by increasing your energy and enPHARMACIST durance. Because licorice By Suzy Cohen B complex stimulates the production of corA deficiency of the B vitamins tisol, it also boosts thyroid horharms your adrenal glands and is a frequent mone. One cup of licorice root tea per day cause of fatigue. B Complex is profoundly use- might be all you need.

M ARK YO UR CAL EN DAR

Aug. 26

LATIN, JAZZ AND SALSA The summer-long Festival of the Arts at Dogwell Dell presents a free

But proceed with caution: using it for too long or taking too much may induce headaches and hypertension.

your muscles and bones. In animal studies, oat straw triggered release of luteinizing hormone (LH), which increases testosterone and impacts ovulation.

Ashwagandha Also known as Indian ginseng, over just a few weeks of use this herb activates T4 to T3 thyroid conversion (good!), which improves energy and fat-burning capabilities. But ashwagandha should be taken at night, at least at first, because it causes drowsiness in many people.

Tyrosine Your body uses tyrosine, an amino acid, to make thyroid hormones that improve brain power and energy. Tyrosine is in many popular energy drinks and thyroid supplements. Dosage varies greatly from person to person. Start with 75 to 100 mg. once or twice during daytime hours, or it can cause insomnia. You can always increase from there. You’ll know you’re getting too much if you feel shaky or get a racing heartbeat (similar to excessive caffeine).

Acetyl-L-Carnitine This amino acid makes acetylcholine, a memory compound. It invigorates you at a cellular level. Optimal effects may be seen in six to eight weeks. Sound like a long time? It’s worth the wait to get the clarity and energy that occurs without the crash and burn of coffee and sweets.

Salads and greens Eating steamed or sautéed greens is perfect and, of course, a salad a day keeps the doctor away! The green color of romaine lettuce, chard and collards comes from natural chlorophyll. There are also supplements and powdered drink formulas that contain seaweeds or cereal grasses that also contain chlorophyll. This rapidly cleans your cells and creates energy.

Latin, Jazz and Salsa festival hosted by Lou Hidalgo and Jimmy Castro on Saturday, Aug. 26 from 2 to 7 p.m. at Broad Rock Park, located at 4802

Oat straw (Avena sativa)

Other alternatives

Warwick Rd. in Richmond. The concert is a tribute to veterans, and features music,

Known best as an effective tonic for hemorrhoids, oat straw may gently support thyroid function, which in turn provides energy and fat-burning compounds. It has a lot of natural calcium, which helps

Still want more energy? There are coffee alternatives — such as teas (black or green), coffeeberry fruit extract, yerba mate shots and guayusa (gwhy-you-sa) drinks and teas — which all are stimulating, like coffee, but are a bit milder. These are extra nice because each comes with its own specific set of herbal health benefits as well. So give one or more of these alternatives a try, and soon you’ll be on your way to an energized day without relying on a $6 coffee drink to get you there! This information is opinion only. It is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose your condition. Consult with your doctor before using any new drug or supplement. Suzy Cohen is a registered pharmacist and the author of The 24-Hour Pharmacist and Real Solutions from Head to Toe. To contact her, visit www.SuzyCohen.com.

food, dancing, games and family-friendly fun. For more information, visit http://bit.ly/LatinJazzSalsaRichmond.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Sept. 8

COUNTRY CONCERT

Veteran singer/songwriter Jonathan Edwards will perform on Friday, Sept. 8 at 8 p.m. at The Tin Pan, located at 8982 Quioccasin Rd. in Richmond. Doors open at 6 p.m. Edwards will be performing songs from his new album Tomorrow’s Child. Tickets cost $30 in advance and $35 at the door. For more information, visit www.tinpanrva.com.

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

Reporting complications boosts survival By Marilynn Marchione If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re being treated for cancer, speak up about any side effects. A study that had patients use home computers to report symptoms like nausea and fatigue surprisingly improved survival â&#x20AC;&#x201D; by almost half a year, which is longer than many new cancer drugs do. The online tool was intended as a quick and easy way for people to regularly report complications rather than trying to call their doctors or waiting until the next appointment. Researchers had hoped to improve quality of life, but got a bonus in longer survival. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was floored by the results,â&#x20AC;? said the study leader, Dr. Ethan Basch. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are proactively catching things earlyâ&#x20AC;? with online reporting. Patients were able to stick with treatment longer because their side effects were quickly addressed, he said. People shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t assume that symptoms are an unavoidable part of cancer care, said Dr. Richard Schilsky, chief medical officer of the American Society of Clinical Oncology. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You want to be able to reach your provider as early and easily as possible,â&#x20AC;? because a sign like shortness of breath may D treatment isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t working and needs to mean be changed, he said. The study was featured at the cancer groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual meeting in Chicago and published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

mind,â&#x20AC;? said Basch, a researcher at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York. Sometimes patients just put up with a problem until their next exam. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The spouse will say, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;My husband was laid up in bed, exhausted or in pain,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll say, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Why didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t you call me?â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;? Basch said. The study tested whether the online tool could catch problems sooner. It involved 766 people being treated for various types of advanced cancers at Sloan Kettering. Some were given usual care, and the rest got the online symptom tool. Patients were as old as 91, and 22 percent had less than a high school education. But using a computer proved easy. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The older patients really grabbed onto it very quickly,â&#x20AC;? Basch said. The online group was asked to report symptoms at least once a week â&#x20AC;&#x201D; sooner if they had a problem â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and given a list of common ones such as appetite loss, constipation, cough, diarrhea, shortness of breath, fatigue, hot flashes, nausea or pain. Doctors saw these reports at office visits, and nurses got email alerts when patients reported severe or worsening problems. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Almost 80 percent of the time, the nurses

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Six months later, health-related quality of life had improved for more of those in the online group, and they made fewer trips to an emergency room. They also were able to stay on chemotherapy longer â&#x20AC;&#x201D; eight months versus six, on average. Median survival in the online group was 31 months versus 26 months for the others. A larger study will now test the online reporting system nationwide.

M A R K YO U R CAL EN DA R

Aug. 25

APPOMATTOX BOOK TALK

The American Civil War Museum presents â&#x20AC;&#x153;To the Bitter End: Appomattox, Bennett Place, and the Surrenders of the Confederacy,â&#x20AC;? a book talk with Robert M. Dunkerly, who will bring to light littleknown facts from the surrender at Appomattox through those following at Greensboro, Citronelle, and the Trans-Mississippi. The talk, on Friday, Aug. 25 from noon to 1 p.m., is free with museum admission, which costs $10 for adults; $8.50 for those 62 and older. The talk will take place at the White House and Museum of the Confederacy, located at 1201 E. Clay St. in Richmond. For more information, visit http://bit.ly/AppomattoxBookTalk.

Earlier studies suggest that doctors miss about half of patientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; symptoms. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Much of this happens between visits, when patients are out of sight and out of

Ongoing

Higher quality of life

A colon cancer patient, 53-year-old James Sylvester of New York, is using a version of the one tested in the study to report any problems to his doctors at Sloan Kettering. He hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t had many side effects, but a rash led to referral to a dermatologist to see if it was related to his cancer medicine. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The main benefit is they go holistically all over your bodyâ&#x20AC;? with the list. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Some of the things you might not tell your doctor, or you might forget,â&#x20AC;? Sylvester said. The tool ensures the doctor has that information ahead of time, â&#x20AC;&#x153;so when you have that face time, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more focused.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201D; AP

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MARK YOUR CALENDAR

responded immediately,â&#x20AC;? calling in medicines for nausea, pain or other problems, Basch said.

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AUGUST 2017 — FIFTYPLUS

Does 94-year-old mom still like sis better?

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Dear Solutions: him? And if we do, should he pay for My mother, 94 years old, is still driv- himself? ing me crazy. She has always Anyway, shouldn’t there favored my younger sister. be a time when just immediWhen I was widowed and ate family still counts? my sister was still married, — Rose Mom never asked her to inDear Rose: clude me in outings with her Yes there should be, and husband, and she never did. there was. That time was before Now my sister is widowed, any of your grandchildren left and I have a man I’m seeing home for any reason. a lot. So now every time I tell Once they go and do what Mom we’re going somegrown-ups do — make new rewhere, she insists I should SOLUTIONS lationships — the door opens, take my sister along. If I say By Helen Oxenberg, vacations are shared, holidays my friend doesn’t want any- MSW, ACSW split, tables extended. one along, she says he’s no Your granddaughter is in a regood, and I should get rid of him. lationship that is important to her. So if you I don’t want to be nasty to her when want a happy camper, invite him. He is then she’s so old, but she still has all her fac- a guest of yours, and if you can afford it, you ulties, and she is driving me crazy. How pay. If not, speak to your granddaughter can I stop her? about the two of them possibly sharing some — Lilly of the cost. Dear Lilly: Whatever you do — enjoy. The future is Your mother is 94 years old. She doesn’t here. have a driver’s license anymore. It’s you Dear Solutions: who’s driving you crazy, trying forever to get A ver y attractive woman recently her approval. moved next door to me, and I’ve tried to Change your thinking. Does it occur to be friendly with her. She’s divorced and you that she thinks of you as the more capa- keeps telling me how lucky I am to have ble, stronger person — and your sister as a such a nice husband. needy one, unable to take care of herself? If She likes to see new things I’ve gotten you think of it that way, you’ll start seeing and says it will help her to know where yourself through your mother’s eyes in a dif- to shop in this new area. But whatever I ferent way. get, she asks me where I found it and Finally, you’ll become that stronger person, then gets the same thing! and you’ll be able to say no. That will still put She did this with a dress I love, with you in the driver’s seat, but then you’ll be in a unique coffee table I bought, and other charge of where you go and who you go with. things. She seems to want to take everyDear Solutions: thing I have. My granddaughter, whom we brought My husband says she’s just insecure, up for various reasons, is in her third and I should be flattered. Should I put a year at an out-of-town college. Since she’s stop to it? there, she’s been dating a fellow student. — L. We’re planning a family vacation during Dear L: her school vacation. Now she says she Yes. When she asks you where you found wants to spend time with her boyfriend, your husband, put a stop to it! and asked if he could come along with us. © Helen Oxenberg, 2017. Questions to be She says this is important to her. considered for this column may be sent to: The I’ve been looking forward to just my Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD husband, my younger grandson, my 20915. You may also email the author at granddaughter and me spending time to- helox72@comcast.net. To inquire about gether. So I’m unsure. Should we invite reprint rights, call (609) 655-3684.

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

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AUGUST 2017 — FIFTYPLUS

Travel Leisure &

This unusual “humpback” bridge is among many picturesque sites in the Alleghany Highlands.

Yosemite’s wonders of nature and light

Majestic nature Located in central California’s Sierra Nevada Mountain range, about 200 miles east of San Francisco and 110 miles north of Fresno, Yosemite’s glacier-carved formations, soar-

ing cliffs, thundering waterfalls, vibrant meadows, alpine lakes and giant sequoias have wowed people for generations. Glaciation, erosion and the uplifting of the earth’s crust formed the landscape. It is 1,170 square miles of spell-binding nature, at elevations ranging from 2,000 feet to over 13,000 feet, threaded with 800 miles of hiking trails. A UNESCO World Heritage site, 94 percent of the park is designated as wilderness. The park’s varied elevations and their microclimates yield a rich diversity of flora and fauna, including 90 mammal species, 262 birds, 22 reptiles, 13 amphibians and over 1,000 plants. Lucky visitors might see mule deer, coyotes, mountain lions, black bears and golden eagles soaring above. Giant sequoias, Douglas firs, incense cedars and lodgepole, sugar and Jeffrey pines stretch to the sky. Meadows are sprinkled with 1,450 species of wildflowers like monkeyflowers, shooting stars, Alpine columbines, spider lupines and pussy paws. In 1864, President Abraham Lincoln signed the bill to protect the Yosemite Valley and Mariposa Grove from development, and

PHOTO BY YONGYUT KUMSRI

By Glenda C. Booth The sunlight creeps across Half Dome’s mammoth granite face, easing from steel gray to grayish-white to dull yellow-orange to a luminescent blaze orange. Sunrises, sunsets, moonrises and moonlight provide an ever-changing light show on Half Dome and across the landscape. The noon sun spotlights the purplish “throat” of the Sierra penstemon’s tube-like flower. Rainbows sparkle across misty waterfalls. Lakes glisten. Stars twinkle in the black firmament. This is Yosemite National Park. Yosemite has long been a photographer’s mecca because of its stunning beauty, clear days, changing colors, and interplay of light on the granite boulders and crystal blue lakes. It inspired famed photographer Ansel Adams, and drew five million visitors in 2016. There is no “off-season.”

Visitors can view (and sometimes even walk through) ancient giant sequoia trees in three groves at Yosemite National Park. Some trees are more than 2,500 years old and more than 40 feet in diameter.

PHOTO BY SHAFERAPHOT

Yosemite has one of the largest concentrations of cascading waterfalls on Earth. Some display rainbows when light bounces off them, including a rare lunar rainbow at times.

deeded the property to California — an act representing the first time the federal government set aside land for the public. It officially became a national park in 1890. Glaciers sculpted imposing dome-shaped rocks, towering cliffs and bold landscapes. The massive, sheer, rounded cliff called Half Dome, with its stark granite face, is the park’s symbol and most photographed feature, captured by Adams’s famous black and white photograph, “Moon and Half Dome.” High-energy adventurers hike 16.4 miles to the dome’s summit, 8,842 feet from the valley floor. The more agile scale up the rocks. Half Dome’s ever-shifting reflection in the still waters of Mirror Lake is magical. El Capitan is a single piece of granite soaring 3,245 feet, equal to 350 stories above the valley. It’s a favorite site for elite rock climbers from all over the world. With binoculars, you may see human “specks” clinging and climbing. “Here, the best of the Sierra Nevada range is a blanket of solid granite. Here is where

you meet Mother Earth stark and undressed,” said David von Seggern, a hiker and Nevada Sierra Club activist.

Waterfalls tumble to the valley Native Americans called Yosemite Valley “Ahwahnee,” which is believed to mean “mouth” because they thought it resembled a bear’s gaping mouth. It is a tapestry of meadows brightened by wildflowers and flowering shrubs, oak woodlands, mixed conifer forests and wildlife. A focal point for services and a jumping-off place for other sites, the valley constitutes less than five percent of the total park. Yosemite has many seasonal waterfalls that tumble into the valley, one of the best concentrations of cascades in the world. In years of heavy snowpack or rain, dozens of waterfalls can plunge over the cliffs, many of which are unnamed. Yosemite Falls thunders down 2,425 feet in See YOSEMITE, page 19

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FIFTYPLUS — AUGUST 2017

Alleghany area draws art and nature lovers

Surprising arts scene The 64-year-old Alleghany Highlands Arts Council has always thought big, bringing in world-class performers in a wide variety of genres ranging from violinist Daniel Heifetz, the Berlin Chamber Orchestra and the Royal Shakespeare Company, to country/rock artist Charlie Daniels and actor Ed Asner. Stern, who has a long history of theater work before taking his present position, said, “These people don’t think small.” Crossing adjacent streets, I visited the

Kayakers paddle down the Jackson River in the Alleghany Highlands in western Virginia. The river, together with the Cowpasture River and two mountain lakes, comprise the Alleghany Highway Blueway — offering everything from white water action, to calm floating, fishing, hiking and camping.

town’s two other mainstays of the arts scene: the Clifton Forge School of the Arts, housed in a former lumber mill, and the Alleghany Highlands Arts & Crafts Center, in the former Virginia Power Company building. The two-story arts school, the dream of three Clifton Forge women, continues to ex-

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pand its offerings in music and art. Opportunities abound for hands-on learning in areas as diverse as stained glass, blacksmithing and knitting. After enjoying the gallery’s large exhibit of Clifton Forge artist Henrietta See ALLEGHANY, page 18

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After a painstaking $6.9-million renovation, the storied Masonic has launched a full schedule of performances. The 445-seat theatre on the ground floor stages performers and shows films. The top floor (once the meeting hall for the Masonic Order) is a rental venue for conferences, reunions and weddings. In the nearby Masonic Amphitheatre, shows take place outdoors from April to October, ranging from community festivals, to honky tonk music, to Shakespeare. Many events at the Masonic are free or have a nominal fee. For a schedule of upcoming shows and to register for a free 45-minute tour of the theater, see www.historicmasonictheatre.com.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ALLEGHANY HIGHLANDS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & TOURISM

By Martha Steger Plan now for a cooler, color-filled autumn getaway to the Shenandoah Valley, west of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Two small Alleghany County communities along the Jackson River — Clifton Forge and Covington — have reinvented themselves as tourism destinations, branded under the “Alleghany Highlands” name. Clifton Forge, the easternmost of the two communities, is about 170 miles west of Richmond (and 30 miles southwest of the subject of our cover story on Camp Alkulana). Jeff Stern, executive director of the reopened Historic Masonic Theatre there, describes the spirited rebirth of the town, saying, “I’ve never seen a community this size do so much so well.” The town boasts a population under 5,000 but has focused its efforts on tourism after the downsizing of local industry and the railroad. Local supporters, especially the Alleghany Foundation, get big credit for repurposing an 1892 lumber mill, 1920s hardware store, grocery supplier and tire plant. The architectural treasure at the heart of the new community vision is the three-story, 445-seat, 1905 Historic Masonic Theatre — Virginia’s oldest continuously operating theater when it closed temporarily in 1987.

Leisure & Travel | www.FiftyPlusRichmond.com

Alleghany From page 17 Crandall’s paintings, I purchased a fine needlework piece and art supplies in the school’s art-supply shop. Moving on to the 33-year-old Alleghany Highlands Arts & Crafts Center, I discovered it’s a downtown retail linchpin and exhibition space with an impressive range of local artists’ works. Nancy Newhard-Farrar, the center’s executive director, said, “Some of our exhibits offer comfort and feel familiar. Some are more adventurous and push the limits. There’s room for both.” It proved to be a great place to satisfy my gift shopping list with locally made jewelry, ceramics and paintings. There’s no better time to visit the town and browse through exhibits and shops than during the Clifton Forge Fall Festival, Oct. 20-22. The local Arts & Crafts Center awards prizes in seven categories during its open art show. Crafts ranging from handmade jewelry and quilts to wooden sculptures and leather goods will be for sale. Tables at the event’s popular flea market lining the town’s main streets will offer antiques and collectibles, furniture, books, pottery and many other items. Nonstop musical performances will include those by the local high school as well as gospel, country, bluegrass and rock bands.

AUGUST 2017 — FIFTYPLUS

Local civic groups and organizations will offer foods made on the premises, including fresh doughnuts, country-ham sandwiches, hot dogs and hamburgers. Festival profits benefit the 22 Shriners’ Hospitals for Children.

Covington: land and water With roughly 50 percent of the Alleghany Highlands as National Forest land, exploration opportunities are boundless: more than 100 miles of trails lead hikers to waterfalls, wildflowers or spectacular mountain views. The Alleghany Highlands Trails website and trail guide (www.alleghanyhighlandstrails.com) are a big assist in helping you plan to hike, bike or ride horseback on trails. The Covington area is unique. In most cases, a “blueway” is simply a marked navigable water route — a linear stretch of a river. But the Alleghany Highlands Blueway combines two scenic rivers — the Cowpasture and the Jackson — and two mountain lakes, Lake Moomaw and Douthat Lake, both near Covington. Taking part in a one-mile open-water swim like that just completed on Lake Moomaw on Aug. 5 can be about family, friends or just fun. The same motivations come into play with the annual full or half-marathon earlier in the season on trails through forests and meadows in the Alleghany Highlands. “I don’t run on pavement. Give me a trail run like this,” said Washington-state resident Claire McElroy-Chesson, who took part

again this year in the Jackson River Scenic Half-Marathon in late June. You can kayak or canoe on class I and II rapids, or leisurely explore miles of lake shore. No matter which river or lake you visit, the fishing is very good. Check the Alleghany Highlands website for information on this fall’s foliage festival as well as info on upcoming sports competitions. A great photo opportunity when you’re in the area is posing with the “Feel the Love” outdoor art at Humpback Bridge. The word “love” is spelled out, with the “L” created with historic bricks from the area. The “O” is a gear from an old factory, the “V” is the natural feature created by a tree in the creek bank, and the “E” was created with railroad ties . The bridge is said to be the oldest of Virginia’s five remaining covered bridges. It’s an unusual bridge, higher in the middle than either end (hence the name “humpback”). You can reach the bridge off exit 10 from Interstate 64 to Route 60 and traveling one-half mile east or by taking Route 60 west from Covington.

Civil War heritage The hiking, biking or horseback riding will, in all likelihood, take you along historically significant Civil War sites visited by rebels and raiders during what was called by residents “the War of Secession.” Check out the historic Jackson River

Depot along the Selma-Low Moor Road, between Covington and Clifton Forge, as well as Australia Furnace and Lucy Selina Furnace on Longdale Furnace Road in Clifton Forge — both of which supplied pig iron for arms and rails to Tredegar Iron Works in Richmond for the Confederate war effort. The Alleghany Highlands was the scene of a daring raid and a narrow escape for Union soldiers. Four historical markers detail the region’s role in one of the most significant periods of American history.

If you go Choose from a variety of inns, bed-andbreakfasts, motels and campgrounds (also cabins at Douthat State Park) in the Clifton Forge-Covington area. For dinner, between Covington and Clifton Forge, check out the Cat & Owl, also called the C&O, (http://catandowl.com) in the tiny community of Low Moor. I met folks who drove an hour for their great steak and seafood. Across the way is Penny’s Diner (https:// oaktreeinn.com/pennys-diner/), where I chatted over breakfast with a conductor and engineer for CSX Transportations’ “mountain rail line” that passes through Clifton Forge — friendly greetings for a visitor. The Alleghany Highlands Visitor Center is located at the Mallow Mall Shopping Center, 110 Mall Rd, Covington. Call 1-888-430-5786 or see www.visitalleghanyhighlands.com.

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www.FiftyPlusRichmond.com | Leisure & Travel

Yosemite indoors Over 60 park properties are on the National Register of Historic Places, and some say the National Park Service’s rustic architectural style was born here. Completed in 1927, designers wanted the Ahwahnee Hotel (now the Majestic Yosemite Hotel) to blend in with nature. The Great Lounge has original oak tables and wroughtiron chandeliers. The hotel’s famous dining room recalls an earlier era that hosted luminaries like Eleanor Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy, Steve Jobs and the United Kingdom’s Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, who booked every room in the hotel. The Big Trees Lodge, of Victorian-era resort design, is also a historic landmark and has served guests since the 1870s. The Yosemite Museum showcases the history of the Miwok and Paiute people through clothing, projectile points, baskets and beadwork. The Ansel Adams Gallery features the famous photographer’s and other artists’ works, plus handcrafts and gifts. The Pioneer Yosemite History Center presents the park’s history.

If you go Yosemite is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, but some roads are closed at times, largely because of snow. Check ahead. Summer provides a palette of wildflowers, active wildlife and open roads and facilities. But summer is also fire season, and in July, a wildfire that started about 10 miles outside the park had destroyed about 100 structures and threatened 1,500 more. The fire has not affected the park, and it is still currently open. In the fall, big-leaf maples, black oaks, Pacific dogwoods and other deciduous trees become showy amid the evergreens’ backdrop. Crowds are smaller. Winters can be cold, but a pristine blanket of white, crystallized foliage, frozen waterfalls and mesmerizing silence await. Some parts of the park are not accessible. Spring’s highlights are rushing creeks and tumbling waterfalls, blooming redbuds and dogwoods. Frogs and toads croak. Some snow patches linger. Yosemite has four entrances and four visitor centers. Buses (VIA bus lines; 800-369PARK) are available year-round from Merced and Fresno. Amtrak trains connect in Merced with buses to the park. The nearest major airport is in Fresno, 90 miles from Big Trees Lodge. American Airlines has the cheapest roundtrip flights from Byrd International Airport to Fresno for $489 in early September. Most visitors tour the park by driving or taking free shuttles or fee-based tours. Staffers offer many programs, guided walks and hikes, horseback riding and winter sports. Spring and fall are the least crowded. Veteran visitors recommend staying several days and arriving in the early morning or late afternoon. For accommodations, there are lodges, cabins, canvas tents on platforms and campgrounds. Make reservations well in advance at www.travelyosemite.com or by calling (888) 413-8869. For more information from the National Park Service, call (209) 372-0200 or see www.nps.gov/yose.

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From page 16 three sections, the highest free-falling waterfall in North America. Bridal Veil Fall drops 620 feet. Native Americans called this area Pohono, “Spirit of the Puffing Wind,” probably because the wind swirls about and jerks the water side to side. The Nevada Fall plummets 594 feet. Vernal Fall, a watery, white curtain, descends 317 feet; viewing often requires a poncho in the spring. Rainbows can emerge in the torrents in late afternoon. A lunar rainbow appears at times, one of three locations in the world where this occurs. John Muir described these “moonbows” as “one of the most impressive and most cheering of all the blessed mountain evangels.” Yosemite has three groves of Sequoiadendron giganteum, giant sequoias — Mariposa, Tuolumne and Merced. These cinnamon-colored behemoths, some with a 40-foot diameter, grow from an oatmeal-flake-sized seed. The Mariposa Grove has around 500 giant sequoias spread over 250 acres, including the Grizzly Giant — 2,700 years old and perhaps Yosemite’s oldest living sequoia. Yosemite’s High Country has fewer visitors than other parts and is less disturbed. It is home to alpine lakes, meadows and jagged peaks. In some more barren areas, small plants peek out of rock crevices and seem to struggle to survive under gnarled, windbeaten trees. Tuolumne Meadows, the park’s largest subalpine meadow, at 8,600 feet, is popular for hiking — it’s flat. The Tioga Pass, at 9,945 feet, is the highest pass in the Sierra Nevada range accessible by vehicle.

Sixty to 70 tour buses and up to 8,000 cars can roll into the park on a summer day. Visitors left 15,000 tons of garbage in 2015, perhaps a signal that people are loving the park to death. As humans alter the landscape, park officials are working hard to preserve and restore native habitats and bring back critters like the Sierra Nevada big horn sheep, Yosemite toad and the western pond turtle. But the crowds also signify the allure of Yosemite and its natural wonders. Light — bright or soft, dim or lustrous — creeping across granite cliffs, illuminating a wildflower’s delicate pistil, glistening through waterfalls or electrifying the night, Yosemite is a constant interplay of land and light.

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Parking your car near an airport for less If you have someone to drive you to the air- Park Ride Fly USA (parkrideflyusa.com), and port and pick you up, or if you live close LongtermParking (longtermparking.com). These agencies post rates enough to take a taxi or shuttle and availability for a handful of to the airport for your summer local lots near an airport, with flight, you can forget about longlinks to their reservation webterm airport parking. sites. The Parking Spot (thepBut if you don’t have a driver arkingspot.com), as far as I can and aren’t close to your departure tell, operates its own dedicated airport, driving and parking your lots at 18 U.S. airports. car at the airport while you’re Rates are typically at least a away can be cheaper than taking dollar per day less than the airtaxis. port’s official long-term parking, Although long-term airport but not always. Most independparking could expose you to TRAVEL TIPS ent lots offer, at a minimum, a grief in the form of high prices, By Ed Perkins guaranteed space and a free overflowing airport lots or both, you have alternatives. Big and medium-size shuttle to/from the terminal. Many offer a choice of covered, uncovered, airports attract adjacent independent parking operations, most of which offer reserved park- and even indoor parking, and some offer valet ing at rates lower than airport long-term rates. service with your car rather than shuttle. A few offer minor maintenance services while your Finding cheaper lots car is parked. If you don’t already have a favorite, several online agencies arrange airport parking in Hotels with free parking Another option is to book the night before demany big U.S. and Canadian airports: Airport Parking Reservations (airportparkingreser- parture or after arrival at an airport-area hotel. vations.com), Park ‘N Fly (pnf.com/), Hundreds of airport-area hotels offer packages

To subscribe, see page 29.

that combine one night’s accommodation with “free” parking in the hotel’s parking area — typically one or two weeks’ worth, but sometimes more — plus shuttle service to/from the airport. Most also provide for parking beyond the nominal limit for an extra daily charge. I know of three big online agencies that specialize in parking packages at airport hotels: • Park Sleep Fly (parksleepfly.com), the pioneer in the field, arranges hotel-park packages near almost 200 airports in the U.S. and Canada. Park Sleep Fly also arranges airport parking without the hotel. • Stay 123 (stay123.com) and Hotel N Parking (hotelnparking.com), apparently the same outfit, provide similar coverage. • BuyReservations (buyreservations.com) posts accommodation/parking packages at about half as many airports. You find a lot of overlap among the three agencies, but not 100 percent. Check all three just in case any one agency doesn’t cover what you need. Many airport-area hotels and motels independently offer similar packages. If you don’t find what you need on one of the nationwide sites, you can Google something like “airport hotel parking packages [city]” to find other choices. Also, your travel agent may have ac-

cess to deals. Although the agencies tout “free” parking, the parking-package room rate for one night is almost always higher than the hotel’s lowest available rate. But the difference in rates is much less than the cost of parking for a week in an airport-area parking lot. I’ve usually found the premium for a week or more of parking works out to only a few dollars a day, and much less than you’d pay at most big airports for just the parking. The airport parking specialist agencies listed also say they offer similar deals at major cruise ports. But when you take a closer look, you find that most of the “cruise port” listings are actually for airport-area hotels with shuttles to/from the actual port area. And, in many cases, the “free” shuttle is one-way only: You pay for the return trip. Only a few hotels are actually located near the port. A former intriguing option, Flightcar, folded last year. Its deal was to rent out your car at attractive rates to other travelers while you parked it “free” at the airport. I’ve heard about a new operation that seems to be retrying the same model; more on that later. Send e-mail to Ed Perkins at eperkins@ mind.net. Also, check out Ed’s new rail travel website at www.rail-guru.com. © 2017 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Money Law &

STAY SAFE ONLINE Protect yourself by creating strong passwords and watching out for spam WIDOW WORRIES After losing a spouse, hire a lawyer to help protect assets and collect insurance HELP FOR HOSPITAL BILLS Hospitals and doctors are increasingly offering patients financial counselors TOO MUCH OF A GOOD THING Don’t go overboard on saving for retirement by forgoing essentials today

Use credit cards to maintain credit rating By Melissa Lambarena When her car trouble began, Beverly Dobratz, 70, assumed that years of responsible credit usage would qualify her for a new car loan with a low interest rate. Then the salesman checked her credit and learned that she hadn’t made any purchases with it in 10 years; she preferred to pay with cash or her debit card. That had hurt her credit scores, preventing her from getting a deal that worked for her. “It was quite a shock. I had a huge down payment for him, but it didn’t make any difference,” Dobratz said. “I didn’t get the car.” About one-third (34 percent) of American baby boomers risk damaging their credit scores in retirement by reducing or eliminating their use of credit cards, according to a survey by TransUnion, one of the three major credit bureaus that gather information used to calculate the scores. The bureau’s consumer data show that 20 per-

cent of people ages 51 to 70 have subprime credit, or a score of less than 600. (TransUnion is a NerdWallet business partner.) Using credit cards for small purchases keeps your credit active, said Heather Battison, a vice president at TransUnion. That can help ensure you’ll have available credit — or good credit scores — when it counts. Keeping credit cards active doesn’t mean running up debt. Think of them as tools for maintaining credit, not a temporary loan.

Why you might need them You can plan for retirement, but it’s impossible to predict exactly what will happen in your 80s or 90s. The average 65-year-old today will live until his or her mid-80s, according to the Social Security Administration. That’s why it’s important to maintain a strong credit profile even if you don’t foresee borrowing money again. You might need it in retirement for many reasons, such as an unexpected car purchase, as happened with Do-

bratz. Other reasons include: • Finding housing. Some independent living facilities require a pre-admission credit check, the way a landlord might run a credit check before renting an apartment. • Co-signing a loan. You’ll need good credit to help a child or grandchild qualify for a loan or credit card by co-signing. [But before you do, see “Student loan debt hobbling more older adults,” June Fifty Plus.] • Refinancing your home. If you still have a mortgage, refinancing can lower your interest rate and monthly payments, which might be attractive after retirement. • Receiving a home equity line of credit. You can use this type of credit to finance repairs and upgrades that will make your home more accessible, said certified financial planner Delia Fernandez. For example, you might widen doorways to accommodate a wheelchair or walker. “It’s an example of things we don’t think about because we’re not 80. But how much

better to prepare the house before we turn 80,” Fernandez said.

Keep cards active Recently, Battison’s dad moved to an independent living facility. “All of the furniture that he had in his home was too big, and we all of a sudden needed to completely furnish this apartment,” she recalled. “Because he didn’t use his credit card often, we ran into some issues there.” Your retirement plan might appear bulletproof, but circumstances easily change — and if they do, it’s nice to know you can lean on your credit. “You never know when you’re going to need something,” Dobratz says. “Hang on to that credit. Otherwise, they’re going to charge you high interest on your loan.” This article was provided to the Associated Press by the personal finance website NerdWallet. Email staff writer Melissa Lambarena: mlambarena@nerdwallet.com.

Nervous investors look to dividend stocks By Michael Andersen While most investors are publicly celebrating this record-setting bull market, many tell me in private that they’re nervous about the possibility of a downturn. People have different reactions when the market does so well for so long. Some are sure they should get out, but greed won’t let them pull the plug. Others are eager to get in on the action, but fear won’t let them pull the trigger. I tell clients to base their decisions on their long-term plan, not what’s happening day to day. Staying on a steady course is always key in investing, but especially in uncertain times. One of my favorite ways to add some stability to a portfolio is with a thoughtful dividend strategy — especially if you can reinvest those dividends instead of taking them as income. What’s the payoff for patience? Let’s hypothetically say you had put $10,000 in an investment that perfectly matched the S&P 500

at the end of 1960. If you had taken the dividends as cash and not reinvested them, at the end of 2015, your $10,000 would have grown to $351,000. Not bad. But if you’d reinvested those dividends, you’d have just shy of $1.9 million. Jaw-dropping, right? Now, you may not be able to wait 55 years, but even 10, 20 or 30 years could bring you some pleasing results. And the thing is that most folks, if they’re still working and earning a paycheck, don’t need that dividend income. Oh, it might pay for a vacation every couple of years or so. But if you can keep your hands off and reinvest it, there’s a good chance you’ll see exponential growth. It’s one of the easiest and least expensive ways to increase your holdings over time. And even after you retire, you may choose to continue growing those investments as you pull

from other income streams.

Reinvesting strategies There are various way to handle reinvesting: • You can enroll in a dividend reinvestment plan (DRIP). • You can buy a low-cost fund that automatically reinvests distributions for you. • Or you can stockpile the cash until you decide to make a purchase on your own. (I’d avoid this third option unless you are both market savvy and extremely disciplined.) Keep in mind that, no matter which method you choose, this is a slow process. You’re not looking for the next big thing, and you want to stay far away from the big thing that’s almost over. Don’t make the mistake of simply choosing stocks that offer the highest yields possible. Over time, those stocks have not performed

as well as those that pay high, but not the very highest, levels of dividends. Why? Sometimes a company will declare dividends to grab investor interest and boost share price, but then it can’t sustain those payments. And if there’s a dividend cut, the market might read that as a sign of weakness. Look instead for stable, well-run companies that pay constant or rising dividends — companies that are going to be here for a while. For example, iconic American brands, even though they may be in mature industries, can be terrific investments. I’m pretty confident we’ll be eating at our favorite fastfood restaurants, drinking popular soft drinks, and using those brand-name laundry detergents for years to come. But do your homework, because even consistent dividend payers can develop problems. See DIVIDENDS, page 22

Law & Money | www.FiftyPlusRichmond.com

AUGUST 2017 — FIFTYPLUS

If online, beware: fraudsters proliferate By Mary Kane During a recent stay in a San Diego rehabilitation facility to recover from surgery, Eva Velasquez’s mother used social media to keep her spirits up. “She was all over Facebook,” Velasquez said. For some seniors, going online links them to a larger community for support. But there’s a downside as well, according to Velasquez, who is also president of the Identity Theft Resource Center — a nonprofit that educates consumers about online fraud. Fake e-mails and other scams abound in the virtual world. Take the recent WannaCry malware attack. Hundreds of thousands of users globally clicked on a link or attachment and got a message saying, “Oops, your important files are encrypted,”

along with a ransom demand. Scams are on the rise, from fake Google Doc attachments to spoof Dropbox e-mails and fraudulent bank notices. The scammers “are hitting us hard,” Velasquez said. Even so, there are steps you can take to protect yourself. They include mastering computer security basics before spending time online. “You’ve got to do the common-sense things that are in your control,” said Michael Kaiser, executive director of the National Cyber Security Alliance, a nonprofit that promotes online safety awareness.

How to protect yourself First, lock down your log in, Kaiser said. Create strong authentications for all your ac-

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Aug. 18

POETRY BOOK SIGNING

Book People presents a free book signing by poet Ron Smith, who will sign copies of his latest book, Humility of Brutes, on Friday, Aug. 18 from 5 to 7 p.m. The title of Ron Smith’s new collection comes from Yeats’s observation that creators “must go from desire to weariness and so to desire again, and live but for the moment when vision comes to our weariness like terrible lightning, in the humility of the brutes.” Book People is located at 536 Granite Ave. in Richmond. For more information, visit www.bookpeoplerichmond.com or call (804) 288-4346.

counts, which adds an extra layer of security. That way, someone can’t just guess a password to get into your accounts. Sign up for two-factor authentication, which sends a unique code to your smartphone or other mobile device, and consider adding a fingerprint swipe to access your smartphone. Go to www.lockdownyourlogin.org and click on a site or account you use for specifics on how to add authentication. Start with your crown jewel accounts. “Your email is really your life,” according to Kaiser. If it gets hacked, your other accounts are vulnerable. Move next to your financial accounts, followed by social media accounts. Check your social media settings; you may not realize your Facebook profile defaults to “public,” for example. Use privacy settings to manage what others will see online.

Keep up with updates. Don’t skip software updates or let them pile up, said Daniel Whitehouse, a technology law attorney in Orlando, Fla. Install anti-virus software. And don’t forget your smartphone; keep its software updated and delete unused apps. Ask a family member to review your software if you need help. And keep a backup of crucial files: Print out important documents, or store them on an external hard drive. Never use the same password for all your accounts. If you can’t remember them all, try a password manager, recommended Justin Cappos, a professor at New York University’s engineering school. Services such as Last Pass and Dashlane create and store passwords for you and organize them under one master password.

Dividends

Most important: Know thyself. If you are a patient, careful investor, dividend stocks may be just the thing to help take your market anxiety down a notch. Kim Franke-Folstad contributed to this article. © 2017 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

From page 21 Also talk to your financial professional about how dividend stocks might work in your portfolio. Be sure to ask about tax consequences (good and bad) and how your strategy might affect your overall retirement plan.

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FIFTYPLUS — AUGUST 2017

How savvy are you when online? Home Instead Senior Care offers a simple quiz, called “Protect Seniors Online,” which illustrates how to spot an online scam and what to do if you have suspicions. Here are two sample questions and answers. Visit www.protectseniorsonline.com/quiz/ for more. Question: You purchase a birthday gift for a friend from a small online boutique. The seller sends you a message that says your order didn’t go through due to technical difficulties with the site. She requests that you send your billing information to her via email, and she promises quicker, two-day shipping in return for the hassle. Should you email her your billing information? Answer: You should NOT send your credit card information through email. Red flags: • A reputable seller should not ask you to share billing information over email. • A reputable seller would offer you the option to cancel your order and receive a full refund if they are not able to fulfill your order as requested. What to do: • You could try asking the seller when

Fraudsters From page 22 “You’re much less likely to have problems using one of these than if you write all your passwords down on sticky notes you may or may not lose,” Cappos said. Some services are free; others charge premiums for additional features. Be mindful at the computer. You probably didn’t win a foreign lottery (especially one you didn’t enter!), and your grandchildren don’t need you to wire them money, said Rebecca Morgan, a Stetson University College of Law professor. And ignore that friend request from a “friend” already in your social network, one of the latest scams.

the site will be working again and if there is a safer way to re-submit your information. • You could contact your credit card company and ask them to put a watch on your account for any fraudulent activity. • You could contact the Better Business Bureau to report the issue. Question: You receive a Facebook message from an acquaintance you haven’t talked to in a long time. The message simply says, “Hey, this is so funny. Check it out: http://bit.ly. aU6L12wm.” You remember this person had a good sense of humor. Do you click the link? Answer: You should NOT click the link without more information. Red flags: • You can’t tell where the link goes. • You received the message out of the blue without a personal note. What to do: • You can contact your friend to ask if he sent you a link on Facebook recently. If not, his account was probably hacked, so he should change his Facebook account password immediately. It’s likely that other people he is friends with on Facebook received the scam message too.

“Don’t take things at face value or for granted anymore,” Morgan said. Your trusting nature may be admirable, but it won’t keep you safe online. If you get an email that appears to be from your bank or another institution asking for your account information, go directly to its website or call the institution and confirm whether someone really was trying to reach you. You can test your ability to spot scams by taking the quiz at www.protectseniorsonline.com. [See box above for some sample questions.] © 2017 The Kiplinger Washington Editors All contents copyright 2017 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Aug. 16

FAMILY FUN DAY

Chesterfield County Farmer’s Market is celebrating first responders on Wednesday, Aug. 16 from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. Bring the grandkids to meet first responders, complete a scavenger hunt, explore a fire truck and police car, and learn safety tips. This event will take place at Chesterfield County Government Complex on Mimms Loop, between Krause and Lori Roads in Chesterfield. For more information, contact Debbie Koller at (804) 751-4403.

Law & Money | www.FiftyPlusRichmond.com

AUGUST 2017 — FIFTYPLUS

Widows need an attorney to protect assets By Renée Henning Recently widowed women and their children are vulnerable. After losing a spouse, many women are treated poorly. They need a champion with expertise in estates, contracts, competency, and other legal subjects. As explained below, this area of law is effectively a “wronged widow” practice. For centuries, numerous people have profited from the death of a colleague, friend or relative at the expense of the decedent’s wife. Many of the horror stories involve a partnership. One partner tried to cheat the widow by closing the company, making her half interest virtually worthless. The next day, he opened another company at the same address, with the same employees and for the same clientele — but under his sole ownership. In a less formal commercial arrangement, a young lawyer referred a matter to another attorney to handle in court. They were buddies from law school days. Their arrangement to share the attorney’s fee was not their customary split, because the first lawyer had devoted so much work to the case. Days later he died suddenly, leaving a wife and two little sons. Seizing the chance to earn more at the widow’s expense, the law school chum tried to revise the deal. Frequently the stories involve greedy relatives. In one case a dying man was the chief stockholder in a family funeral business. Millions of dollars were at stake. For several years after his death, his broth-

Money Shorts Watch out for phony IRS agents This summer, consumers should be especially wary of callers claiming to represent the IRS. An IRS program to use private debt collectors to recoup back taxes on some accounts has attracted scammers looking to cash in. The IRS began turning over some 140,000 seriously delinquent accounts to collectors in April. Phone scams are among the most common forms of tax fraud, taking the numbertwo spot (behind e-mail and website scams that seek to steal personal data) on the IRS’s “Dirty Dozen” list for 2017. The IRS’s first contact with taxpayers is never a phone call, and the same goes for collectors employed by the IRS. The agency and the assigned debt collector must each send a letter informing you of an account transfer

ers delayed settling with the widow to force her to accept a pittance for his share. The woman, increasingly desperate, began showing up daily and sitting quietly in the funeral home. The police refused to remove her, so the partners asked a judge to issue a restraining order against her.

My story A recent example of the treatment of women acting alone concerns a life insurance policy with a death benefit of about $200,000. In 2004, my husband, Richard Henning, Jr., bought the key-man policy from his law firm during his transition from partner to “of counsel.” Battling cancer, he wanted this additional insurance to help protect our minor children and me. In 2010, my dear husband died while still working for the law firm. He had been a partner and friend for years with the people with whom I later dealt, Joe and another attorney. My spouse and Joe had been pals for 35 years. In 1976, Joe was in our wedding party. In the 1980s the two men co-founded the firm, and the two families jointly purchased a vacation apartment. My children called him “Uncle Joe.” My husband said I was the beneficiary on the insurance policy. Thus, I was shocked after his death at his employer’s claiming the proceeds. I requested a meeting. It never occurred, leaving all communications in writing. For

before the debt collector may contact you by phone. Currently, the IRS has contracts with only four collection agencies: CBE Group, ConServe, Performant and Pioneer Credit Recovery. If you haven’t received a letter, a call is a red flag. Ask which company the caller represents, and get a name and contact number so you can follow up with the IRS before divulging any information. Hang up if you’re badgered about paying on the spot. Also note that payments are never made to the debt collector, but rather to the U.S. Treasury, by check or electronically on the IRS website. — Rivan V. Stinson

Know this before paying bills online Using your bank’s bill-payment service is convenient: Enter a payee into the system, and the bank transfers funds from your checking account electronically or mails a check. No stamps to buy, no envelopes to ad-

I made a blunder by pursuing justice for my children, now college students, and me without hiring a lawyer. Sadly, many people make this mistake. No wise woman lets her divorcing spouse decide how to split their assets, since the less she gets, the more he keeps. For the same reason, and because business is business, a widow should not let her husband’s colleagues determine the equitable division of money or property. She may think she cannot afford an attorney. However, a lawyer can represent her on a contingent fee basis. He would receive a specified percentage of what he recovers for his client. She should collect significantly

more money with an attorney than without one, even after deducting the legal fee. Unfortunately, the widow’s adversaries have many ways to cast themselves as the injured party and her as the wrongdoer in their dispute. For example, they may lie or may declare themselves insulted when no insult was intended. A woman representing herself should expect the other side to take offense regardless of whether she presents her case in writing, orally or even silently. As to written communications, “Uncle Joe” and his partner objected to my “tone.” As to oral communications, the opposing side may accuse the widow of yelling, misunderstanding business, or much worse. As to the silent vigil discussed above, the surviving partners objected to the very sight of the woman, even seeking an order barring her from the premises. Therefore, the widow should adopt a fourth approach, i.e., pursuing justice through an attorney. Many students entered law school wanting to help those in trouble. They can realize their goal — and make money — by aiding bereaved women and their children. In fact, the mere presence of an attorney can make a difference. It serves as a warning to people hoping to take advantage of a grieving wife — they picked the wrong wronged widow! Renée Henning is a retired antitrust attorney and a writer in Arlington, Va.

dress and mail. But the process isn’t a slam dunk. First, be certain you understand the bank’s definition of the payment date so that your payment arrives on time. “Is it the date the bank is going to begin processing your transaction? Or is it the date your payment will be delivered?” asked Justin Jackson, a vice president at financial-technology company Fiserv. Some banks ask you to select the date that the payment must reach the biller, and the system calculates when it needs to initiate the transaction. If the bank prompts you to choose a date to start processing the payment, it may indicate when the biller will receive it. If not, choose a date a week in advance of the due date so that the bank has ample time to send the payment. Banks also have differing schedules for when they remove money from your account to cover the bills. Wells Fargo, for example,

withdraws funds the business day after the date you choose to initiate the payment, even if it is mailing a paper check. When Bank of America sends a check, however, the money doesn’t leave your account until the recipient deposits the check. Monitor your balance closely to be sure you have enough in the account when the bank withdraws the money. Finally, check that you are submitting the correct information. That may seem like a nobrainer, but user errors are common. Customers may, for example, enter their cell number rather than the account number when setting up payments for a smartphone bill. Pull up a recent statement to reference as you enter the details. — Lisa Gerstner © 2017 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

several months, the two partners avoided telling me if they would keep the money. They were supposedly unable to decide anything concerning the proceeds. I suggested they give me the money, as my husband wanted, for the good of our family. They did not reply. After further work on my part, they announced their decision. According to the email, I was not designated as the beneficiary of the policy “whether by design, mistake or error.” They ruled out sharing because of a mistake by anyone else, including my husband and the insurance company, despite serious questions about that company’s reliability. In short, both men decided to keep every penny.

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FIFTYPLUS — AUGUST 2017

Hospitals offering financial counseling By Tom Murphy The financial counselor will see you now. Many people hit with a terrifying medical diagnosis like cancer also have to deal with another worry: whether the care will bankrupt them. Soaring treatment costs, and insurance that covers less, can swamp patients with piles of unexpected bills. To help ease money worries, hospitals and other care providers are increasingly using counselors to guide patients and — in some cases — arrange for financial help. Financial counselors can tell patients about help they didn’t know existed, or coax them into accepting assistance they might be reluctant to request on their own. But they also work for the hospital or medical group doing the billing, so patients should seek a second opinion before making a big financial decision.

Many ways they can help There’s no set formula for what these counselors do. They might start by reviewing a patient’s health insurance or checking if some other coverage can help pay bills, like a worker’s compensation or auto policy for people who have been in an accident. They also can give cost estimates for care based on the insurance coverage, or alert patients if their insurer wants to approve a treatment before it happens. “Many patients rely on us to explain how their health benefits work,” said Margie Barton, a financial counselor at the IU Health Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center in Indianapolis. “They are preoccupied with just getting well again.” Counselors may suggest how to get finan-

cial help, or assist with the paperwork. They can tell someone if they are eligible for a hospital charity program, or connect them to a free drug supply or discounts from the manufacturer. They may also find charities to cover expenses like groceries or arrange transportation to medical appointments. “Many times people don’t even realize what’s available until they are sick and they need it,” said Richard Gundling, a senior vice president with the Healthcare Financial Management Association, which represents finance officials at hospitals and other medical settings.

More patients need advice A hospital may refer anyone seeking expensive care to a financial counselor. That frequently includes cancer patients and also neurology or rheumatology patients. Counselors review every patient’s treatment plan at Barton’s cancer center, which sees hundreds of patients every week. Five years ago, only about half the plans were reviewed. Barton says about 80 percent of the people they review will need some help with a significant expense. That percentage has climbed dramatically in the last few years. Some chemotherapy regimens can cost $20,000 per dose, and it’s common for annual deductibles — the amount a patient pays before coverage starts — to climb as high as $6,000. That can hit cancer patients especially hard because deductibles generally reset at the start of the year, so someone in the middle of treatment may have to meet the deductible more than once over the course of treatment.

M ARK YO UR CALE NDAR

Aug. 10

MEDICARE 101

Chesterfield County offers a free seminar on Medicare basics on Thursday, Aug. 24 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Registration is required and opens Thursday, Aug. 10. This talk will take place at Bon Air Library, located at 9103 Rattlesnake Rd. in North Chesterfield. For more information, call (804) 3188966 or visit http://library.chesterfield.gov.

Ongoing

HELP CHOOSE POLICE CHIEF

Chesterfield County is recruiting for its next police chief and is holding meetings throughout August to gain community input. Meetings will be on Monday, Aug. 14 at 2 p.m. at the Public Meeting Room, located at 10001 Ironbridge Rd. in Chesterfield; at 7 p.m. at Ettrick Elementary School’s cafeteria, located at 20910 Chesterfield Ave. in South Chesterfield; and on Tuesday, Aug. 15 at 7 p.m. at Clover Hill High School, located at 13301 Kelly Green Ln. in Midlothian (use door 11). Residents can also submit an online survey at http://bit.ly/ChesterfieldPoliceChiefSurvey. For more information, www.chesterfield.gov.

Counselors can offer many resources for help, and they understand what patients are going through. But patients should still seek a second opinion before making a major financial decision, like signing up for a loan or a payment plan, said Caitlin Donovan, a spokeswoman for the Patient Advocate Foundation, which helps patients deal with medical bills and problems accessing care. Patients need to make sure the amount they

owe is correct and that a lower total cannot be negotiated. Sometimes, a discount can be bargained in return for one payment in full. They also should make sure that terms are manageable, and check to see if they qualify for additional help. Many nonprofit agencies are available to help with billing issues. Patients also can hire billing advocates, but they will take a fee or a portion of any money saved as payment, Donovan said. — AP

M A R K YO U R CAL EN DA R

Sept. 2

1940s-STYLE DANCE CONTEST AND MORE

Henrico County Historical Society presents a WWII “Homefront Tribute” on Saturday, Sept. 2 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Sandston Memorial Recreation Center, a former USO center from the 1940s, located at 11 J.B. Finley Rd. in Sandston. There will be a dance contest, refreshments, antique cars and more. Guests can bring photos, documents and artifacts for scanning to be documented. 1940s attire is optional but encouraged. Admission is free. For more information, call (804) 501-5682 or visit http://bit.ly/HomeFrontTributeHenrico.

Aug. 20

GERMAN SCRABBLE

Book People is offering a chance to play German Scrabble, on Sunday, Aug. 20 from 3 to 5 p.m. at Book People, located at 536 Granite Ave. in Richmond. For more information, visit www.bookpeoplerichmond.com or call (804) 288-4346.

Law & Money | www.FiftyPlusRichmond.com

AUGUST 2017 — FIFTYPLUS

A good problem to have: saving too much By Brian Vnak The most fundamental financial advice — to consistently save — is absolutely correct. What’s less obvious, yet equally correct, is that you can also save too much. Your financial plan should not only help you to live better in the long run. It should also help you live better today. The truth is, accumulating more in savings than you will need for retirement can be a mistake if it’s preventing you from fully enjoying life today or if it’s causing you unnecessary financial stress. In order to strike the right balance between diligent saving and saving too much, you need a blueprint.

When saving goes too far I recently met with two of my clients, we’ll call them Larry and Laura (not their real names) — age 62 and model savers. They contributed diligently to their 401(k)s, HSAs and IRAs and built a nice nest egg. But this diligent savings came with a cost. They constantly worried about paying their mortgage, life insurance premiums, living expenses, spoiling their grandkids and, of

course, continuing to save for retirement. With a family history of longevity and Alzheimer’s, Larry and Laura also began to worry about saving for long-term care. Despite their nest egg, a long-term care event would likely devastate their retirement. They knew they needed coverage, but they did not feel like they could afford it. Without a plan, Larry and Laura were lost. When they came to meet with me, we first looked at their current income and expenses. Then, we did a deep dive and looked at how their cash flow would change throughout retirement by detailing how certain types of incomes and expenses started and/or stopped at different times. Starting at age 67, Larry and Laura would begin receiving Social Security and pension benefits, providing them with a solid foundation. What they didn’t realize, however, is how these income sources, coupled with a reduction in non-lifestyle expenses (e.g., retirement savings and payroll taxes), would generate a recurring surplus to the tune of tens of thousands of dollars each year. The kicker? This didn’t even include

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spending any of their retirement savings.

Better today and tomorrow The analysis concluded that it made sense for Larry and Laura to free up additional cash flow to enhance their current lifestyle. They continued working, but they stopped making additional retirement account contributions, which allowed them to indulge a bit more when it came to their daily expenses. This sounds easy, but it required Larry and Laura to defy the conventional advice they had so diligently followed for so many years. Initially, the thought of halting their retirement contributions caused some discomfort. To help alleviate that uneasiness, I worked with them to pay off their mortgage using distributions from their retirement savings. The distributions were spaced out over two years to keep the couple in the 15 percent bracket. They canceled their life insurance policies, as the insurance was only owned to pay off the mortgage in the event of premature death. The money that was being used to pay for those life insurance premiums was redirected toward purchasing long-term care insurance. Larry and Laura came in with three primary priorities: an immediate upgrade to their current lifestyle, financial security against the likely need for long-term care, Up or Down

and the comfort of knowing they’d be able to retire a few years early, if they so choose. By analyzing their current and future cash-flow needs, we were able to accomplish all three by correcting the problem of over-saving.

The bottom line The one-size-fits-all advice to maximize the amount you’re saving may work out in the long run, but it may add undue stress today. Remember, your situation is unique, and your financial plan should be, too. Ask yourself and/or your adviser the following questions to help you evaluate whether you’re saving too much: • What percentage of my current income will I need to replace once I retire, and how will that number change throughout retirement? • How much will I need to withdraw from my savings in order to meet my cash-flow needs in retirement? Navigating your retirement journey requires that you and/or your adviser has good answers to these questions. If you lack clarity, I encourage you to seek better guidance that ensures you are on track with your financial plan and the pursuit of your long-term goals. © 2017 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Sit up or recline

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FIFTYPLUS — AUGUST 2017

Style

Arts &

To have a beautiful fall lawn, take steps now to prevent weeds and strengthen turf grass. See story on next page.

Irish play offers roles for older actors

Role fits “like a glove” The Irish-based play, set in the 1960s with flashbacks to the 1930s and ‘40s, falls in line with Kennedy’s Irish Catholic upbringing — she was the youngest of six children in her family. Her ties to all things Irish also include the Irish band she sings for and plays in, Handsome Molly, and her past participation in 39 Fingers, another Irish band. The talented Kennedy plays piano, guitar, accordion and several folk instruments. Kennedy has been acting in Richmond-area productions for 30 years, but her interest in theater dates back to her childhood. “My mother was an actress and a director,” she said. The mother character she plays in Da “slips on like an old glove,” she said. “I feel like I am drawing on several people I knew in my life.” She says the character is a “stereotypical Irish mother, but at the same time a real person,” she said. “Even when she is being her most acerbic and demanding, there is so much love in the character and the play.” The character is full of love, but displays no sentimentality. She’s straightforward, but

also has a lot of dry wit. Kennedy can relate. “I feel like I can be a little bossy and assertive and unsentimental, but caring,” she said. “My own grandmother was a nononsense, unsentimental woman with a sharp wit.”

Humorous but complex Sader said he was drawn to the play because Da was the perfect role for him in terms of age. “Because I am a senior actor, I look for roles that are important. I don’t do theater just because I want to be in a play. It has to be a role that I feel is special, and that I can wrap myself around,” he said.

He likes the emotional complexity of the play as well as its bent toward humor. But he also considers his role challenging. “The play is about relationships, and specifically about Da and what he does to let things that would defeat other people roll off of his back while he maintains a smile,” Sader said. One of his challenges was achieving an auSee DA, page 29 Kelly Kennedy plays the mother in Virginia Rep’s production of the Irish comedy Da, which focuses on the relationship between her deceased husband and adopted son.

PHOTO BY JAY PAUL

By Joan Tupponce Actors Kelly Kennedy and Alan Sader know firsthand that roles for actors over 50 are sparse. So when they heard that Virginia Rep would be producing the play Da, they were thrilled. The play, about family and relationships, is from Irish playwright Hugh Leonard and reflects on his past. It won the 1978 Tony Award for Best Play. “I was delighted to hear they were doing this play, and that there was a part for an older woman,” said Kennedy, who plays the mother of the main character in the production. “There are fewer parts for older women these days, and Richmond is blessed with great actresses in my age range,” In the production, the family patriarch, Da (Irish for “father”), passes away, and soon afterwards, his son, Charlie, comes face to face with his father’s ghost, forcing him to confront the complexities of his childhood.

Arts & Style | www.FiftyPlusRichmond.com

AUGUST 2017 — FIFTYPLUS

It’s time to get your lawn ready for fall By Lela Martin A carefully timed schedule is one of the most important factors in grass germination success. Complete your preliminary tasks in August to prepare for seeding in September.

Evaluate your lawn now Perform a soil test every three years. The results of the soil test show the lawn’s pH (whether the soil is acidic or alkaline) and the nutrients it needs. There is a connection between the pH of the soil and how it is able (or unable) to use chemicals such as fertilizer or pesticides. Look over your lawn; if weeds cover 30 percent or more of the lawn, you probably should renovate by completely beginning again. If you don’t have many weeds, you can

simply overseed. If your lawn is in between (up to 30 percent weeds), you can kill weeds with the appropriate herbicide. However, this is when the timing is important, as some herbicides contaminate the soil, with a considerable waiting period prior to and after seeding. Read labels to determine how far in advance you need to use weed killers. You should also measure the depth of thatch at this time. (Thatch is the organic matter that resists decomposing on the surface of the lawn.) Also check over your lawn to determine why you are having problems, if any. For example, do you need to fill in low spots? Consider reducing the amount of turf grass in your landscape by creating more planting beds instead.

M ARK YO UR CAL EN DAR

Ongoing

MUSEUM SENIOR DISCOUNTS

Pamplin Historical Park and the National Museum of the Civil War Soldier have launched a new membership program that offers discounts to visitors 62 and older, active-duty military members and teachers. Valid ID verification is requested. One year membership begins at $25 and two-year memberships begin at $40. Each membership includes unlimited free park admission, the newsletters, a 10 percent discount at the Civil War Store, and an invitation to the annual member’s party. It also includes access to some special events held throughout the year. For more information, visit www.pamplinpark.org.

Preparing the soil As recommended in a soil test, spread lime if the pH is too acidic. For any lawn, it’s helpful to incorporate compost to enrich the soil. Consider topdressing your lawn (and particularly bare spots) applying a thin layer (from 1/8 to 1/4 inch) of soil or organic material over the turf surface. Typically, a mulching mower chops up the clippings enough for them to decompose. However, vertical mowing or dethatching could be used to remove anything more than 1/2 inch of thatch. The bottom line is that grass seed needs direct contact with the soil. In early September when the soil is moist, use a core aerator to provide oxygen deeper in the soil and to alleviate compaction. Ideally, aeration should pull cigar-shaped plugs 2-3 inches (the longer the better) out of the soil.

seed is from this year, the purity percentage is 95 percent, and the germination percentage is good (80 percent). Select the appropriate seed for your location. It’s fine to sow different seed for side, front, and/or back yards if the areas have different light and environmental conditions. Typically, a tall fescue mix is a reliable coolseason grass in the area. There are several types of spreaders. I recommend the broadcast spreader, which is both efficient and effective. You want approximately 15 to 20 seeds per square inch. Read the spreader directions for the proper settings. Over newly seeded bare soil, you can apply a thin layer of straw to cover the seed and keep it from washing away. (Note: Do not use hay or straw with seeds; you don’t want them to germinate!)

Sow seed in September Seed is expensive; however, do not skimp when purchasing seed. This is a case where you get what you pay for. Check the grass seed label. Ideally the

Fertilize thrice Apply a starter fertilizer to the soil surface See LAWN CARE, page 29

M A R K YO U R C ALE NDAR

Aug. 13+

COMMUNITY THEATER AUDITIONS

River City Community Players (formerly Huguenot Community Players) is holding auditions for the play The Great Kooshog Lake Hollis McCauley Fishing Derby by Norm Foster. In the story, the character of investment banker James Bell gets stuck in the sleepy town of Kooshog Lake during their annual fishing derby. The company is looking for three women who can play the following ages: 25-35, 30-50 and 50+; and two men who can play the following ages: 25-40 and 50+. Actors are unpaid. Auditions, which involve reading from the script, will be held on Sunday, Aug. 13 and Monday, Aug. 14 at 7 p.m. at Huguenot United Methodist Church at 10661 Duryea Dr. in Richmond. The show performs from Sept. through Oct. For more information, contact the director at bm142857@verizon.net.

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ANSWERS TO JUMBLE Jumbles: TASTY BAKED TETHER VANDAL Answer: When the X-rated movie was shown, it was -"BARELY" SEEN

From page 27 thentic Dublin accent, as the characters live in a village south of Dublin. “I have always had a good ear for dialects. I’ve done lots of them, and specifically one from Dublin. I knew I had a good rhythm, but I didn’t know the specifics of the dialect. This is where Amanda Durst, dialect director, came in and was most helpful,” he said. He has also enjoyed working with Landon Nagel, who plays Charlie. “He is a wonderful, natural actor. We have terrific working relationship,” Sader said. Sader sees the play as a comedy, but says there are moments in the production when people will tear up and they may cry. “I think of this really as a love story,” he said. Kennedy agrees. “It’s about truth and re-

Lawn care From page 28 right before or directly after seeding. Check spreader settings and apply in a crisscross pattern. (You don’t want a striped lawn!) Fertilizers typically contain the nutrients nitrogen (N), phosphate (P), and potash (K). Labels list their ratios in this order: N-P-K. For example, a 12-4-8 starter fertilizer would contain 12 percent nitrogen, 4 percent phosphate,

gret, love given and not given,” she said. “That is what makes it appealing across the board. It’s something everybody relates to.” Da continues at Virginia Rep at Hanover Tavern, 13181 Hanover Courthouse Rd., in Hanover, through Aug. 20. Tickets are $38, with a $5 discount for those 65 and older for Wednesday matinees and evenings, as well as Thursday evenings. Virginia Rep also offers highly discounted tickets to seniors who cannot afford to attend the theatre otherwise. Called “Tom Tickets,” the program honors the memory of Tom McGranahan, who was a staple in the Richmond theatre community and long-time Virginia Rep employee. For details, contact Hannah Miller, program coordinator at (804) 783-1688, ext. 1123. For general tickets or more information, call (804) 282-2620 or go to www.va-rep.org.

and 8 percent potash on a weight basis. For cool-season turf grass in the Richmond area, you should fertilize on the SON schedule September, October and November. The maintenance fertilizer in October and November may include nitrogen only.

Water regularly after seeding To prevent drying, keep the top 1/2 inch of the soil moist with light watering two or three times a day for 15 to 20 days. Germinat-

PHOTO BY JAY PAUL

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FIFTYPLUS — AUGUST 2017

Alan Sader (right) plays the titular father in Da, in which his son Charlie, played by Landon Nagel, grapples with their relationship — both through flashbacks and present-day interactions with his ghost.

ing seedlings can die within a few hours if they become dry. As the seedlings grow and root, water less often, but to a greater depth, approximately 1 inch per week.

When to mow Stay off the lawn as much as possible until it is ready for mowing. Begin mowing as soon as the grass is 50 percent higher than the desired height. For example, mow tall fescue back to 3 inches when it reaches 4 1/2

inches. The Virginia Cooperative Extension can help if you have questions about fall lawn care. Its publications are helpful and the local offices often offer public seminars. The Chesterfield County office offers a Grass Roots program in the spring to provide lawn evaluations for homeowners. Lela Martin is a Master Gardener with the Chesterfield County office of the Virginia Cooperative Extension.

8/17FP

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Crossword Puzzle Daily crosswords can be found on our website: www.TheBeaconNewspapers.com Film School 1

By Stephen Sherr 5

25 29

38 42

47 49

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56 59

Jumble answers on p. 28.

Scrabble answers on p. 28.

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1. Ppetting zzoo pparticipant 6. Find Waldo 10. Stylish 14. Tiny amounts 15. Apple spray 16. Oahu to-to 17. Dog bred to herd cattle 18. Octave component 19. ___ A Sketch (1998 entry into the Toy Hall of Fame) 20.Start of a Roger Ebert quote (slightly edited to fit your screen) 23. Children’s Tylenol dosage unit 24. “___ corny as Kansas in August” 25. ___-frutti (Italian for “all fruits”) 28. It launched two days after Country Music Television (CMT) in 1983 29. Hall-of-Famer Mel 30. Obnoxious jerk 32. Second part of quote 38. The A in NBA, but not MBA 39. Yale student 40. Move like The Blob 41. Third part of quote 46. Table holder 47. Push and pull 48. Start to -law or -med 49. “The real secrets are not the ___ tell” (Mason Cooley) 51. Ride in a hot air balloon 53. Owl’s question 56. Conclusion of quote 59. Global conflict that led to the Baby Boom 62. Darken a car window 63. Last inning, usually 64. Get what you deserve 65. A quarter’s has 119 ridges 66. Crystal-lined stone 67. Some Like It Hot costumes 68. Tarot card dealer 69. Screw-up

1. Culturally acceptable 2. Takes a five-finger discount 3. ___ to the Moon (Groundbreaking 1902 movie) 4. GQ and SI 5. Senseless 6. Mr. Claus, to pals 7. John Deere’s were made of steel 8. All senators take one 9. Pick up the tab 10. Skirt fold 11. Like last year’s styles 12. ___ fly (run-scoring out in baseball) 13. “Can you say that again?” 21. Prefix for -potent or -present 22. Item in a ballerina’s wardrobe 26. Culturally unacceptable 27. Japanese car maker 28. Fancy popcorn holders 29. Brief newspaper bio. 31. Proofer’s second thought 32. Pony Express delivery 33. Bone: Prefix 34. Gesture of peace 35. Uses needles and thread 36. Heavyweight champion during the US bicentennial 37. One of Hamlet’s options 42. Quiet down, please 43. Poppy products 44. Fitness centers 45. Select the bride and groom 50. “Dallas” family name 51. Blacken a marshmallow 52. Cousin to a weasel or badger 53. Present a Lifetime Achievement Award 54. Perform better than 55. None of the above 57. Top selling liquid laundry detergent 58. German beer 59. Walk down the aisle 60. ___ and Peace 61. Gold fund, reserved for one’s golden years

Answers on page 28.

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CI TY

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