January 2013 50 Plus

A guide to good living in the Brazos Valley

Inside...

Leon Bradway

How to get healthier in the new year Pg. 5

arthritis

Chinese healing treatments and exercise that can help

Pg. 7

January 2013 • Vol. 5, Issue 9 • A monthly publication of the Bryan-College Station Eagle

Helping hands Volunteers recognized for service to seniors PAGE 8

Do you know where you are heading financially?

PAGE 4

50plus January 2013 The Eagle • theeagle.com

Did you take a memory pill?

Pop a memory-enhancing pill and your friends will think you are sharp for your age. They might even reduce your annoying forgetfulness.

Sounds pretty good, right?

Well, such pills, in crude form, are already here, and drug companies are feverishly trying to develop better pills. The current targets for memory-drug development are three neurotransmitter systems (dopamine, norepinephrine and acetylcholine) and a couple of enzymes that activate genes involved in storing memory.

One effect of these neurotransmitters is to enhance attentiveness, which tends to deteriorate in the elderly. If you read my latest book, Memory Dr. BiLL KLeMM Power 101 the memory meDiC (available at Skyhorse.Publishing. com), you know that focused attention enhances information registration (encoding), which is the key to memory, because information has to be encoded in the brain before it can be remembered.

The original attentionenhancing drug is nicotine,

which potentiates the acetylcholine system. But this is also the basis for its bad side effects on heart rate, blood pressure and other visceral functions. However, there is a less hazardous acetylcholine enhancing drug, Aricept, which is used to reduce the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. The benefit does not last, as the disease inevitably progresses beyond the point where Aricept’s benefits work.

There is not much evidence that the drug helps normal people to remember better.

Another currently available class of drugs acts to enhance dopamine and norepinephrine transmitter systems. The best known example is amphetamine, notoriously used by truck drivers to help stay awake.

But amphetamine has way too many bad side effects, and has been replaced by Ritalin and Adderal. These drugs are used to help ADHD kids to focus, but many college students use these drugs to help their memory.

College students aren’t the only ones taking these drugs to help memory. A survey

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cOnTenTS Chef Diane: Thyme Roasted Chicken Financial Literacy: Financial planning Bradway: How to get healthier in the new year Cover: Volunteer awards Calendar Travel: Newport News

3 4 5 8 14 15

See Memory Medic page 6

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Chicken recipe makes great comfort food Extra-virgin olive oil, as needed 1 ½ teaspoon kosher salt (4 -5 lb) chicken, cut into 8 serving pieces, rinsed and patted dry, or 2 skin-on, bone-in thighs per person 1 head garlic, separated into cloves (but not peeled) 1 bay leaf, torn into pieces ½ bunch thyme, sprigs Serves 4-6.

Join.

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Senior Circle is out to expand your horizons with an exciting calendar of events scheduled around town and around the world. If you’re 50 or better, want to meet new people, learn more about your health, travel and just have fun, then Senior Circle is for you. Dues are just $15 a year. Call Mandy Williams today at 979-764-5107 and become part of the Circle.

Chef Diane Lestina created this Thyme Roasted Chicken with Mustard Croutons as a cold weather comfort food. before you do so they don’t burn (if you don’t plan to eat them, it doesn’t matter so much). Serve the chicken with pieces of bread from the pan. *You probably won’t need more than a half loaf to cover the bottom of your pan. This is a great recipe to use leftover bread from another dinner. I

just keep mine in the freezer until I’m cooking this dish.

Diane Lestina, a certified personal chef, holds cooking classes and cooks for residents in the Bryan-College Station area. To learn more, visit www.chefdiane.com

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Thyme Roasted Chicken with Mustard Croutons Ingredients: Country Bread, such as ciabatta or other sturdy bread, preferably stale, cut into ½ inch slices* Dijon mustard, as needed

Preheat oven to 425°F. Lay the bread slices in the bottom of a heavyduty roasting pan in one layer. Brush lightly with mustard, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Season the chicken all over with salt and pepper and place the pieces on the bread. If using a whole chicken, place the white meat in the center and the dark meat and wings around the sides. Scatter the garlic cloves, bay leaf and thyme over the chicken and drizzle everything with more oil (take care to drizzle the garlic cloves).

Roast the chicken until it’s lightly browned and the thigh juices run clear when pricked with a knife, about 50 minutes. If you like, you can crisp the skin by running the pan under the broiler for a minute, though you might want to rescue the garlic cloves

January 2013

This month’s recipe resulted from a suggestion made in a cooking class I taught in the fall on cooking with herbs. It is the epitome of comfort food. It’s perfect for cooler weather, and your house will smell marvelous when it’s cooking. I like to use thighs only in this recipe because I think they are more flavorful, but if you have a variety of white Diane Lestina and dark meat eaters at your Cook it Simple house, a whole www.ChefDiane.Com chicken works great. You can also use chicken breasts but use the skin-on, bonein ones or your croutons won’t get crispy and the breast meat will most likely dry out. Leftovers are great for lunch the next day, as well.

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Do you know where you are heading financially?

George Harrison sang, “If you don’t know where you’re going, any road will take you there.” January is the traditional time to look at where we are going and make resolutions to take the right road to get there.

I used to wonder why I bothered with New Year’s resolutions. After all, they tended to wind up in the guilt pile, unfinished. A while ago I changed my approach and started making my goals on the fly throughout the year.

I’ve tried different ways to track my progress.

Heck, I’ve tried several ways just to remember what my goals were, a few months after I made tracY stewart them. With finanCial literaCy that in mind, I’m going to share my goal experiences with you as well as some popular financial goals for 2013. If anything strikes a chord with you, that’s great. Steal it.

The one-word approach I came up with this one when there was a rash of single-word book titles.

Why not a simple one-word resolution? My first one was “Tacttact”. I wanted to be a more tactful person. I knew I couldn’t do this one alone. So I begged the most tactful colleague I knew to call me out whenever she heard me using less than my desired standard of tact.

She was generous enough to help me rehearse difficult conversations and emails.

At the end of that year, she gently mentioned that, while I had made great progress, it wouldn’t hurt to make this a two-year goal. And so I did.

Don’t feel pressured to achieve the goal in one year. Some goals involve substantial behavior changes.

Those can take more than one year to accomplish.

The future picture approach The first time I meet with a new client I ask them to imagine what they would like to have accomplished with me once we have completed our work. I jot down their answers and refer to them while we work together on their divorce financial issues.

Thankfully, you don’t have to be getting a divorce to use this tool.

What do you want your life to look like in one year?

In ten 10 or fifteen 15 years?

Imagine how you would like your life to be different from what it is today. This is the first step in creating financial goals.

Popular financial resolutions for 2013 After reviewing several websites and blogs, I came up with a three popular financial goals for 2013. If you would like a few suggestions for your financial resolutions, try some of these out.

Save, save, save This one comes in a number of flavors. Goals might include creating an emergency fund, saving some percent of your post-tax income, refusing to consider windfalls as splurge money, or maxing out your 401(k) contributions. Make saving a priority and pay yourself first. Don’t wait until all your bills are paid, because you will end up neglecting your savings goals. Most banks and investment companies have processes that enable you to deposit money directly from your paycheck or checking account into a savings or investment account.

Next pick two or three spending categories such as entertainment and clothing.

Try to trim those expenses 15 or 20 percent from the amount you typically spend.

Divert this money to your savings and you will be surprised how quickly your balance grows.

Coming from the other

direction, increase the amount you contribute to your 401(k) and find some spending categories where you can reduce spending to cover this additional contribution amount. It is never too early or too late to invest for retirement. If you don’t have a retirement plan at work, consider contributing to an IRA, Roth IRA or IRA-SEP.

Ditch the debt Try to wipe clean your credit slate. Add up how much you owe on each of your credit cards. Then create a plan for paying off your debt, starting with the credit card with the highest interest rate. Additionally, call each of your credit card issuers and try to negotiate a lower rate. Going forward,

resolve to make all purchases with cash or debit card to ensure that you spend only the amount you have.

One creative tip is to place your credit card in a metal bowl. Fill the bowl with water and pop the bowl in the freezer. When you are tempted to use your credit card, you have to thaw the ice.

Resist the temptation to use a hair dryer, microwave or boiling water to speed up the thawing process. Hopefully, by the time the ice has thawed you will have changed your mind about spending.

Work with a CPA A CPA can help you make tax planning a yearround activity. While some tax-saving activities can be executed at year-end, others require time and planning.

Examples include offsetting gains with losses, shifting income, restructuring your debt to take advantage of tax-favored borrowing, and maximizing your itemized deductions. Find out early in the year where you can get the most out of this goal.

A CPA can also help you create a financial plan. A comprehensive financial plan is a key tool for managing your finances. A written plan motivates you to achieve your financial goals, provides direction, and offers benchmarks for measuring your progress. Your CPA can help you establish or update your financial plan.

Contact Tracy B. Stewart, CPA, PFS, CFF, CDFA, CFP® through her blog at www.

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What to do and not to do when using the treadmill or elliptical - Again and again, I have witnessed people walking on a treadmill holding tightly to the rails while they read a book. In some cases, where the pace is fast or the incline is significant, I can see the muscles in their neck bulging. I strongly recommend that you reconsider this practice. For those of you who do this, you are likely to notice headaches, jaw pain, shoulder or back pain. This is due to the strain you are putting on your upper body and neck. If you are having pain in any of these areas, give me a call or talk with your doctor.

To stretch or not to stretch Experts continue to debate whether to stretch before or after exercise, as research is unclear on this topic. Based on my experience in treating athletic injuries, I recommend stretching before and after exercising. However, I also recommend stretching for those who are not engaged in any exercise. Too often, stretching is neglected overall.

Many of the patients I treat, young and old, could have avoided stiffness, injuries, trigger points and sprains, had they engaged in a daily stretching program. Stretching ensures that

your muscles stay flexible and that the blood flow to all areas of the body is unrestricted. For example, Yoga is an excellent way to achieve flexibility, release stress and increase muscle strength, yet it is gentle enough to do at any age.

Hydrate – It’s important to begin your exercise program hydrated and to stay that way throughout the session and the rest of the day.

Hydration is perhaps one of the most important components of wellness.

If you aren’t adequately hydrated, your body won’t function properly, and that includes flushing fat from your system. I recommend drinking a full 8 ounces a half hour before you start exercising and then taking a drink of water every 15 minutes, finishing another 8 ounces during a 60 minute workout. Continue to drink another 8 ounces an hour following your program. If you engage in vigorous exercise, you’ll need to drink even more. Remember, once you feel “thirsty” you are already dehydrated.

On a side note, I recommend using aluminum or BPA-free water bottles.

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your efforts altogether. If you are going to a gym to workout, talk to one of the trainers. If you are exercising from home and have not exercised in a while, start with gentle stretching and walking five minutes a day the first week. Add another five minutes each week until you are walking 30 to 60 minutes daily.

Invest in a new pair of shoes - If you have not purchased a new pair of athletic shoes in the past year, it would be a good idea to invest in a new pair before embarking on your exercise program. This is particularly true if you are running, walking or doing some other high impact exercise. Shoes can lose their support in as little as three months. How quickly your shoes need to be replaced depends on how often they are used, the intensity of your exercise, and the quality of the shoe. For example, a jogger/runner should invest in a good running shoe initially but if they run daily and for long distances, they will need to replace their shoe in a few months.

Running, walking or exercising in shoes that have lost their support can lead to foot, knee, and lower low back problems. If you start to have pain, stop for a day or so and stretch, then begin again. If you still have pain, give my office a call or talk with your

January 2013

It’s the beginning of a new year, time to initiate or renew your commitment to a healthier lifestyle, including diet and exercise. Whether you exercise at a gym or at home, here are a few things to keep in mind to make sure you don’t injure yourself or create unnecessary pain that could stall your good intentions of becoming healthier and more active.

Set realistic goals - It is important to set realistic goals and ensure you recognize where you are from Leon BraDwaY a conditioning phySiCal therapy standpoint.

You may be motivated to get moving and set a very aggressive schedule for yourself in an effort to lose as much weight as possible in the shortest time possible but is your body ready for the schedule you’ve set? If you haven’t exercised in a while, you need to start slowly. It won’t take long before you can build up to a more aggressive schedule, but initially you want to let your body adjust. You don’t want to pull a muscle or force an overuse injury, which will slow down or stop

50plus

How to get healthier in the new year

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Memory Medic from page 2

reported in Nature in 2008 showed that 20 percent of the more than 1,400 respondents took such drugs to improve their concentration. Over half of those did it daily or weekly.

Nearly half of the subjects were over 35.

Another drug, modafinil, also acts to enhance dopamine and norepinephrine, but it also interacts with other chemical systems in the brain (histamine, orexin) that are involved in sleep. It also activates neural circuits that use glutamate as a neurotransmitter. Modafinil is marketed for treating excessive daytime sleepiness and fatigue.

A newer class of drugs, known as ampakines, works by allowing more of the glutamate transmitter to enter nerve cells and stimulate them.

Currently, drug companies like Helicon are feverishly working on drugs that affect expression of memory genes.

This is a completely new area of research, and we don’t know much about how these memory genes (two have been identified, but only one, CREB, has been studied much) act to form long-term memories. In one pre-clinical trial with monkeys, one CREB enhancer cut in half the time it took monkeys to memorize tasks. A study of humans showed that a control group of people lost about 20 percent of their memory of a list of 10 words a week later. But in a comparable test group, the CREB enhancer reduced this memory loss to only 2 percent.

How well these drugs work to improve memory depend on a person’s already existing memory abilities. People with good memories will get little benefit. This is called a “ceiling effect” by researchers because the closer your function already is to its maximum effectiveness, the harder it is for anything to boost performance.

Most of these drugs are hazardous in high concentrations. I already mentioned the well-known hazards of nicotine. Ritalin and Adderall are potentially addictive, given that they are biochemically similar to amphetamines. High tissue concentrations of glutamate is known to kill neurons.

A similar consequence

might occur from long-term continuous use even at lower doses of the glutamate enhancers, modafinil and ampakines.

Memory pills will most likely become widely used as new and more effective compounds are discovered.

People seek competitive advantage, especially in school and information-dense jobs. Will this create a new drug culture?

There are psychological hazards. For example, memory enhancers might make you remember too well. They would certainly aggravate post-traumatic stress syndrome. Consider also that many ordinary life experiences need to be forgotten, lest they inappropriately continue to affect attitudes and behavior. It’s like having a well-learned song play over and over in your mind. That seems to drive one crazy, and maybe real craziness could be triggered by powerful memory-enhancing drugs.

Even without such dark consequences, very strong memories can make it difficult to retrieve other memories, producing the commonly called “tip-of-thetongue” recall difficulty.

There are simpler and less problematic approaches to improving memory: namely, improve learning strategies and use the established mnemonic principles and tactics, as I have outlined in my books and blog posts at thankyoubrain.blogspot. com. Besides, you can take more pride in intellectual achievement and being mentally sharp when you have earned it.

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Source: 1. Baker, Sherry (2009).

Building a better brain.

Discover Magazine. April, p.

56-59.

2. Maher, B. 2008. Poll results: look who’s doping.

Nature. 452: 674-675.

3. Partridge, B. J. et al. (2011). Smart drugs “as common as coffee”: media hype about neuroenhancement. PLOS One. Nov. Vol. 6 (11),

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Alternative treatments for arthritis Traditional Chinese exercises and treatments lessen symptoms; boost the mind, soul and joints.

By Jeff Schnaufer CTW Features

from page 5 interested in starting the new year healthier and leaner, consider participating in the Annual Sports, Back & Pain Management Clinic Weight Loss Challenge. The event is free to the public and open to anyone 10 and older. For every pound you lose, we donate $1 to “Health for All,” a medical clinic that provides much needed medical care for those who would otherwise have none.

All you have to do is weigh in, follow the diet plan and specially designed exercise program and then weigh in again 30 days later. The kick off begins Jan. 11, from noon to 6 p.m. at our clinic and ends Feb. 14. Contact the clinic for more information at 776-2225 or follow us on bvphysicaltherapy.com or Facebook.

Leon Bradway is a physical therapist and director of the Sports Back and Pain Management Clinic. See www. bvphysicaltherapy.com.

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Bradway

citing a recently published survey conducted by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). “There were 27.2 visits to acupuncturists per year per 1000 persons in 1997, but in 2007, this number increased to 79.2 visits per year per 1000 persons.”

Plus, Lao says, more medical acupuncturists are working in hospitals.

“For example, in our University of Maryland School of Medicine, not only is acupuncture service provided by licensed acupuncturists in the center for integrative medicine, but also by medical acupuncturists

January 2013

Older Americans suffering from osteoarthritis may find help in an even older source - ancient Chinese healing treatments and exercise.

New studies by U.S. researchers are revealing the potential healing power of acupuncture, Tai Chi exercise and Qigong to reduce the symptoms of osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, which causes pain and reduced motion in the joints and spine. Experts say there is no current medicinal cure for osteoarthritis.

In a 2009 study published in Arthritis Care & Research, Dr. Chenchen Wang and colleagues at Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, recruited 40 subjects averaging 65 years of age suffering from knee osteoarthritis to participate in a 60 minute Tai Chi session, instructed by a Tai Chi master, twice weekly for 12 weeks.

Tai Chi is a traditional Chinese mind–body exercise that enhances balance, strength and flexibility, and reduces pain, depression and anxiety in diverse patient populations with chronic conditions.

“It’s very exciting,” says Wang, who says the study showed that Tai Chi appeared to improve physical function and reduce pain and depression. “We found that Tai Chi does have a lot of benefits for the elderly for physical and mental conditions.”

In June 2008, Dr. Kevin Chen and fellow researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine Center for Integrative Medicine, Baltimore, published a study in Clinical Rheumatology revealing the effectiveness of external Qigong therapy on people with knee osteoarthritis. External Qigong

therapy is similar to therapeutic touch, in which the well-trained healer applies his/her Qi energy to the patient, Chen says. Chinese medicine considers knee arthritis to be caused by Qi blockage in the knee area.

Among the three groups treated for two weeks, Chen says “the placebo group had a 33 percent reduction in pain, the group by Healer 1 had a 35 percent reduction in pain, while the group by Healer 2 had a 55 percent reduction of pain after two weeks of treatment.” This led Chen to conclude that External QiGong Therapy might have a role in the treatment of osteoarthritis, depending upon the qualities of the healer.

Chinese acupuncture also has been studied to aid in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. Dr. Lixing Lao of the Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine has conducted three acupuncture studies from 1993 to 2004, from a small pilot study to a 570 patient clinical trial.

“Patients who were randomly assigned to the acupuncture treatment group had significant pain relief and function improvement as compared to placebo/ sham control,” Lao says.

Researchers realize more studies need to be done to incorporate Chinese exercise and healing practices into mainstream medicine in the U.S. But they are seeing hopeful signs.

“Acupuncture is more accepted by the public than any time before,” Lao says,

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Awards given to RSVP volunteers during annual luncheon

By SHARON SHAR ROE

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RSVP volunteer Luci Smith shared needs for Shirley’s RSVP Senior Christmas. RSVP volunteers and guests attending the recognition gave almost $2,000 toward items still needed to fill bags.

(Left to right): Susie Tippit and Ruby Whitley were each presented pr with awards ar ards for 25 years of service with RSVP. RSVP

During the 40th anniversary celebration of the Retired tir and Senior tired Volunteer Prog Pr ram, Carolyn Kraus, RSVP Corps manager and Mayor Jason Bienski pr present ed an apprepr preciation award ar to Janie ard Velasquez (right). The RSVP prog pr ram came to Brazos County in 1972. In 1985, Janie Velasquez wrote wr a grant application to expand the RSVP prog pr ram to the six surrounding surr counties. She served as RSVP project pr dir director from fr 1974 to1986.

The Guardian Star Award was present pr ed to RSVP volunteers with the Area Ar Agency on Aging’s Ombudsman Prog Pr ram. Pictured, Pictur fr from left to right, are: ar Daniel E. Whiting, Bobbie Gail Jeffries, Ombudsman pr ram manager, prog ger Ray D. George ger, Geor , Louise Bullock, Theresa Ther Lopez, Jean Saulsbury, ry Ronnie Gipson, Area ry, Ar Agency on Aging prog pr ram manager, ger Crystal Leon and Nevi Lea Lauter. ger, uter uter.

Awards for 15 years of service with RSVP were presented. pr Pictur Pictured, fr from left to right, are: ar Nadine Lenox, Doris Lavern Ondrasek, Helen Smith, Vanette Allen, Lillian Rushing, Elizabeth J. Allen, Delores or ores Gaskamp, Betty Doshier Brien, Dolores or Rydell and Bessie Hunter. ores Hunter Not pictured pictur are: ar Barbara Bolton, Susan Childs, Margaret ar M. Ford, Frances Haven, Robert aret Rober L. Holt, Lula Johnson, Lanelle McCulley, McCulley Joyce O’Neil and Beverly Patton.

Tom Wilkinson, executiv ex e dir director of Brazos Valley Council of Governments and sponsor of the RSVP propr gram, reads a procla pr mation fr from the Senate of the State of Texas commending the Brazos Valley RSVP – Senior Corps on the work of RSVP volunteers and congratulating them on 40 years of engaging thousands of seniors in service to help improve impr their communities.

Attendees listen to awards ar presentations ards pr at the annual RSVP luncheon on Dec. 5 at the Hilton in College Station.

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8

Washington County Judge John Brieden (center) presented pr awards ar for 20 years of ards RSVP service to Nevi Lea Lauter (left) and Donald J. Peloquin.

Local Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) volunteers spent all year helping others, and were formally recognized for their effo ef rts at an annual Christmas luncheon and award ceremony on Dec. 5 at the Hilton.

RSVP is a nationwide program that matches anyone 55 or older with volunteering opportunities in their communities.

Carolyn Kraus, Senior Corps program manager for RSVP, VP works diligently on the VP, Christmas luncheon and awards ceremony all year to make sure the volunteers feel honored.

“When you thank them, they always say, ‘I get so much more than I give, gi ’ Kraus said. “But everyone needs to be recognized because there are those days when it’s just a struggle to get out, put gas in the car and get there. But they

and the Sunshine Auxiliary at College Station Medical Center in College Station.

Whitley said, “I get more out of it than the people I help. I think volunteers are happy people because they are helping people.”

The Spirit of Service Award is give gi n to a volunteer in the Brazos Valley who has not only gone above and beyond serving, but who has provided others with new opportunities for service and training and has found new ways to meet community needs. Thomas receive cei d the ceive award for her work establishing the nonprofit Community Computer Ministry (CCM).

Now 73, Thomas was 63 befor bef e she learned to use a computer. Befor Bef e her son was deployed to serve in the United States Army in Iraq, he arranged for her to take a computer course so that he could stay in touch. Thomas enjoyed her new skills so much, she realized there must be other seniors who wanted to learn, but there were no places to teach the classes and she needed computers. She formed CCM, taught herself how to repair the used computers that were donated, and remodeled her garage into an air-conditioned computer lab. Now CCM and RSVP work together, ther and Thomas’ team has ther, seen more than 250 students finish her classes.

CCM also began in 2010 hosting mobile classes held in senior centers, libraries and community outreach sites.

“I was born to volunteer,” lunteer Thomas said. “I lunteer,” started off of by myself. I asked God to send me some help and I got all these volunteers. RSVP is a wonderful program because there are so many volunteers that are gifted. So many ways seniors can help. But they’re sitting at home. If I sit around three days without doing anything, the fourth day I’m sick.”

Thomas also receive cei d the Governor’s ceive Senior Corps Community Impact Award, presented by the One Star Foundation during the Texas Nonprofit Conference in Austin in September, ptember and has been nominated by RSVP ptember, for the Corporation for National & Community Service’s National Service Impact Award.

The winner of this award will be honored at the National Conference on Volunteering and Service in Washington D.C. in June. For more inf mation on CCM, contact Thomas at 936infor 851- 2842.

RSVP can match each prospective ospecti volunteer ospective with an area of service that they are passionate about.

Kraus said, “Our job is to make it possible for a person over 55 to serve their community. When there are issues to be addressed and needs not being met, then we get invo in lved.”

For more infor inf mation or to volunteer with RSVP, VP contact Carolyn Kraus at 979-595-2800.

VP,

Januar 2013 January

January 2013

Special to The Eagl Ea e

do.”

This year marks mar the 40th annive anni rsary of RSVP in Brazos County, County and an appreciation award was give gi n from RSVP to Janie Velasquez at the banquet. Velasquez served as RSVP project director from 1974 to 1986, and in 1985 wrote a grant application to expand the RSVP program to the six surrounding counties.

Among many other awards, including those honoring people for 15 and 20 years of service, RSVP presented the 25-year award to Susie Tippit and Ruby Whitley, Whitley and also announced the Spirit of Service Award winner, winner Emily Thomas.

Tippit volunteers at Caldwell Senior Center, Center calling bingo and serving meals.

“I’ve enjoyed every minute of it,” Tippit said.

“I wish I could do more.” Whitley volunteers with Grimes County VFW, AARP in Nava Na sota

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Recognizing those who volunteer

The Spirit of Service Award was pr present ed to Emily Thomas.

Ronnie Gipson (right), pr ram manager for prog Brazos Valley Council of Governments Area Ar Agency on Aging, prepr sented Dawn Goodall, special projects pr and marketing rk rketing coor coordinator at The Eagle, an award ar ard for The Eagle printing and distributing the Senior Resource sour magazine source for 15 years.

9

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Bryan-College Station libraries offer several resources, volunteer opportunities and events

By KaThY nIXIe

The Eagle • theeagle.com

January 2013

Special to The Eagle

It’s January 2013! The world did not end on Dec. 21, so I guess you will have to make some plans for your future.

At this time of year it is good to review what you have done in the last 12 months. Do you make New Year’s resolutions? How often do they really become habits? Studies show that in order for something to become a habit you have to do it daily for at least 30 days.

While you might not have time to come to the library daily, we are open seven days a week. It would be wonderful if you came by and visited us or brought up our website from any computer. Please go to www.bcslibrary.org .

Why would you want to come to the library or visit the website? The library has the same stuff you always remember it having: books of bestselling fiction, reference books to look up information and story times for the children. Yes, those are three ways we fulfill our mission. We have lots more!

Are you one of the lucky ones who own an e-book reader? Are you planning to buy one soon? We have free e-books for you. We also have downloadable free audio books.

Can’t figure out computers yet?

The library knows that there are lots of you out there who are computer illiterate. We can help with free classes. We all started somewhere and it has never been easier to learn

to use a computer.

The library can provide your family with free movies on DVD and Blue Ray. There are audio books on CD for those who have a long commute. The library has free Wifi, so you can bring your laptop and get online.

There are free computers to write papers and printing for a small fee for your various projects. There are also fax and copy machines to use for a small fee. Are you trying to learn a second language? We have help in the form of audio tapes and CDs. A grant has provided us monies to purchase books in Spanish, Japanese, Korean and Chinese.

This past year we have added a variety of programs. Are you a family of working parents? Would you come to an evening story time with your camera and have your child’s picture taken with “The Cat in the Hat”? The libraries have evening hours for you.

We are currently offering a series of author visits.

There are clubs for teens. Origami and kite building for all ages have been added to the program schedule.

Be sure to visit the Ringer Library in April to see the kite display for National Kite Month. The Puppet Theatre at the Ringer Library is offering young people the opportunity to watch and perform puppet shows four times a year. We

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A library card is available to children who have a parent signature when they are old enough to write their first and last names. Adults need to show proof of residence in Brazos County for a free card. If you live in Texas but outside the county, you can get a card for a small annual fee. You can see your account online and place books on hold from any computer.

What kind of help can we provide for you? Please visit a Bryan-College Station library soon: • Larry J. Ringer Library, 1818 Harvey Mitchell Pkwy. S., College Station. 979-764-3416 • Clara B. Mounce Public Library, 201 E. 26th St., Bryan. 979-209-5600 • Carnegie History Center, 111 S. Main Street, Bryan. 979-209 -5630 For more information, visit www. bcslibrary.org.

Kathy Nixie is the branch manager for the Bryan and College Station Library System, Larry J. Ringer Library in College Station. She has devoted over 20 years to her library career.

Caring for the Eyes of Texas

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are looking forward to having a wonderful children’s and teens’ summer reading program from May till August. There will also be a program for adults this summer.

What is available that you can’t see? Besides the E-book and E- audio books already mentioned, the library carries some interesting online databases and current information in newspaper form that you can’t get without paying a hefty fee. There are some great resources that are provided to the libraries by the State of Texas. Topics cover literature, health, genealogy, business, history and science. The libraries hold a good collection, but if we don’t have a book we can use the Inter library loan system (known as ILL for short) to borrow it from another library for you.

You might like to come to the library to volunteer. There are a number of interesting things you can help us do. The Friends of B-CS Library is a group that raises money to support the libraries. They have a membership drive and three book sales each year. Join today.

Visit us online at

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Early-onset dementia is a label applied when the diagnosis is before age 65. Clinically, Alzheimer’s disease presents pretty much the same at age 63 as at age 83. But Alzheimer’s disease is highly associated with advancing age. For other causes of dementia, like fronto-temporal dementia and Lewy Body disease, peak incidence is at a younger age. So, early-onset dementia has a greater probability of not being caused by Alzheimer’s.

Q: If someone has parents and grandparents diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, is it inevitable that person will someday also suffer from the disease? In other words, what is the role of genetics in the development of Alzheimer’s?

A: There are three major genes known to cause dementia and these genes follow what is known as the Mendelian inheritance pattern, in which the genetic trait displayed results from one parent’s gene dominating over a gene inherited from the other parent. But these three genes are present in less than 5 percent of all dementia cases.

There are also genes that increase

See Genetics page 13

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The Eagle • theeagle.com

Are you suffering from

launched an intensive multicomponent intervention that combines daily physical activity, cognitive exercise, a memorycompensation strategy, wellness education and support groups. We’ve observed that this intervention produces short-term improvement and longer-term stabilization of a patient’s ability to function.

Q: What is early-onset Alzheimer’s and do the symptoms differ between early-onset and when it occurs at a later age?

A: In normal aging, processing speed declines and word finding may worsen, but memory is relatively spared. By contrast, the hallmark first sign of Alzheimer’s disease is forgetting. Indications of the illness first appear in brain structures that are critical for new learning and delayed recall of information.

The disease soon spreads to regions supporting more complex understanding of language and executive function, which covers basic mental tasks such as planning, strategizing, organizing and setting goals. Simple attention (including processing speed), visual-spatial reasoning and other aspects of speech and language are generally spared early on.

January 2013

The nation’s memory is eroding as the population ages.

Some 5.2 million individuals -- one out of every eight people 65 years or older -- have Alzheimer’s disease in this country, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.

“And this number is expected to increase rapidly as America’s baby boomers reach retirement age,” according to an association report. “Alzheimer’s disease is a chronic brain disease that gradually erodes an individual’s memory, intellectual abilities and personality.

Psychologists play an important role in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of this disease, which is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States.”

The American Psychological Association recently interviewed Dr. Glenn E. Smith, a leading expert on Alzheimer’s and a consultant in the Division of Neurocognitive Disorders, Department of Psychiatry and Psychology at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. He also is an associate director of Clinical and Translational Sciences Education Programs at the Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research

and clinical director of Alzheimer’s disease resources on MayoClinic.com Following are excerpts from that interview.

Q: News about Alzheimer’s frequently focuses on the use of medications to treat the disease. Are there behavioral treatments that can help without medication?

A: Outcomes of clinical trials with medications for treating Alzheimer’s have been disappointing. Historically, these clinical trials involved patients with dementia because the presence of dementia was required for the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease.

There is a growing concern that, by the time dementia is present, the brain may be so ravaged that treatment at that point cannot be effective.

Recently, substantial progress has been made in the ability to detect Alzheimer’s before dementia is present. For example, we can now reliably diagnose mild cognitive impairment. This ability has given rise to secondary prevention strategies that seek to prevent or delay progression to full dementia. A variety of behavioral treatments show promise as secondary prevention strategies.

At the Mayo Clinic, we have

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50plus January 2013 The Eagle • theeagle.com 12

Different conditions comprise low vision

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Metro - Millions of people have significant visual impairments that can make daily life challenging.

Although many vision problems are readily treated with corrective lenses, treating low vision may not be so simple.

“Low vision” is a term used to describe the inability to see clearly. Even after correcting for vision with glasses or contact lenses, many people still cannot see well and test at lower than 20/40 vision. The American Academy of Opthalmology defines low vision as what happens if ordinary eyeglasses, contact lenses or intraocular lens implants do not provide a person with clear vision.

Anyone with reduced vision that is not corrected by some method of lenses or surgery is considered to have low vision or be visually impaired. Low vision may cause slight vision loss or even blindness.

Causes of low vision There are many factors that contribute to the onset of low vision, including disease, aging, injury and heredity.

The following are some of the more common causes of low vision.

• Age-related macular degeneration (AMD): This is a common eye condition among people age 50 and older. In fact, it is the leading cause of vision loss in older adults, says the National Eye Institute. When a person has AMD, the macula, which is

the most sensitive part of the retina responsible for fine-tuning images received by the eye, deteriorates and does not work properly.

Though there might be some vision, images won’t be clear. The most common form of age-related macular degeneration is known as nonexudative, or “dry” form.

This generally causes vision loss that develops gradually.

More rapid and severe vision loss comes from exudative, or the “wet” form, of macular degeneration. This occurs when abnormal blood vessels develop under the macula and leak fluid and blood.

• Cataracts: Cataracts are a clouding of the lens of the eye that usually develops with aging. It may be present at birth or be the result of an injury to the eye. Depending on the severity of the cloudiness of the lens, vision can be impacted greatly. Cataracts may form as a result of longterm exposure to ultraviolet light, exposure to ionizing radiation, secondary effects of diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and advanced age or trauma.

• Glaucoma: When a person has glaucoma, eye damage occurs to his or her eye when there is a buildup of fluid pressure within the eye, also known as intraocular pressure. This pressure can damage the optic nerve and cause visual field loss, which over time might escalate to

See Glaucoma page 15

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susceptibility to develop Alzheimer’s.

The most notable of the susceptibility genes is the Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) gene.

But you can carry the risky form of this gene and still not develop dementia, and many people develop the disease without carrying it. Finally, a family history of Alzheimer’s irrespective of status does increase your risk of developing the disease. Yet, even with a family

going on inside the room to any mobile device. Caregivers can see if a parent has fallen or is having a scheduled meal.

2. Homecare communication systems - This new technology aims at facilitating caregivers’ efforts to help aging parents remain independent for as long as possible. Many adult children turn to professional home care agencies to assist aging parents with non-medical aspects of their care. ClearCare is an online software system that helps consumers stay connected with the professionals that aid their parents.

Consumers as well as professional caregivers can use a mobile device (such as a smart phone or tablet) to access care schedules and view reports on the status of their parent’s in-home care, and more. Visit www. clearcareonline.com to learn more.

3. Personal response and GPS - Tracking devices such as Philips LifeLine and those that use global positioning technology can help caregivers keep track of an elderly parent wearing such a device. To

preserve the wearer’s dignity, these devices come in wristband, clip on and pendant designs, and provide caregivers with information on the wearer’s location.

Even elderly parents who are independent enough to continue driving can benefit from GPS technology.

Driving can be especially daunting for older people who often deal with age-related deficiencies in reaction time and eyesight. GPS technology can help them safely navigate to a new destination, avoid traffic congestion and even find alternate directions when facing a detour on a familiar route.

“Caring for those who need our help is a basic human instinct,” says Lucy Andrews, RN, MS and Vice Chairman of the National Association for Home Care, who uses ClearCare Online with families that she works with, “Technology can support and make it easier for people to care for those they love, both at home and when they are far away from their loved ones.”

history, the chances are still greater that you will die without developing Alzheimer’s disease than with the disease, provided you do not carry a causative gene.

Q: What are the most important steps a person can take to prevent onset of the disease?

A: Physical and mental inactivity, smoking, obesity, diabetes, hypertension and depression (each modifiable

by behavioral intervention) have been shown to be risk factors for the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Barnes and Yaffee, (Lancet Neurology, 2011) suggest that 25

percent improvement in these conditions among the general population would prevent as many as 16.5 percent of Alzheimer’s disease cases in the United States.

The Eagle • theeagle.com

from page 11

in technology-based solutions when they’re facing particular challenges in caring for their aging loved ones.”

Here are three tech tools that Americans are finding helpful when taking care of elderly parents: 1. Home security systems - These systems, once relied on solely to keep bad guys out of a home, are serving an expanded function for caregivers.

Provided through companies such as ADT, these monitoring systems can provide caregivers with a variety of information, including: • Users can receive a text message to their mobile device that lets them know when the front door opens. This can be useful for people taking care of parents with dementia, potentially alerting them if the parent might be wandering outside the house.

• Sensors placed on a medicine cabinet can let users know if the cabinet has been opened - or not.

An unopened cabinet may mean a parent has forgotten to take needed medications.

• Cameras in key areas of a home can live-stream an image of what’s

January 2013

(BPT) - It’s human nature to want to take care of those we love.

In fact, nearly 66 million Americans are caregivers, who spend about 19 hours a week caring for a loved one, according to AARP. Many of those caregivers are looking after older parents who don’t live with them.

And while helping aging parents with everything from financial management to health care decisions is difficult enough, the challenges grow if the parent lives alone, either close by or in another state.

Many members of the “sandwich generation” - adults age 45 to 55 who are taking care of their own children and their aging parents - are turning to technology to make their caregiving role easier.

“This is an age group that’s comfortable with technology, and they’re used to employing it in their professional lives to solve problems,” says Geoffrey Nudd, CEO of ClearCare Online, a webbased service that facilitates communication between consumers and professional caregivers. “They’re finding that it makes sense to bring

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Sandwich generation uses technology to help take care of parents

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The Eagle • theeagle.com

January 2013

Ongoing

42 Dominoes - Seniors meet every Thursday to play 42 at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road, from 9:30 to 11:30 am. For more details, contact Southwood Community Center at 979-764-6351 or College Station Parks and Recreation Department, Senior Services at 979764-6371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov.

“Sit and Fit” Chair Exercise Join seniors at Southwood Community Center every Tuesday and Thursday, from noon to 12:45 p.m. The center is at 1520 Rock Prairie Road. For more details, contact Southwood Community Center at 979-764-6351 or College Station Parks and Recreation Department, Senior Services at 979764-6371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov.

Friday Bridge - Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station, offers bridge for seniors every Friday from 9 a.m. to noon. For more information, contact Southwood Community Center at 979764-6351 or College Station Parks and Recreation Department, Senior Services at 979-764-6371 or mrodgers@cstx. gov.

Line dancing - Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station, offers line dancing for seniors every Tuesday from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. and every Friday from 10 to 11 a.m. For more information, contact Southwood Community Center at 979-764-6351 or College Station Parks and Recreation Department, Senior Services at 979-764-6371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov.

Bluegrass Jam Session Bluegrass Jam Session is held every Tueday, from 1:30 to 3 p.m., at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road. All levels welcome.

Bring an instrument and a friend. For more information, contact Southwood Community Center at 979-764-6351 or College Station Parks and Recreation Department, Senior Services at 979764-6371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov.

Jan. 3

Meditation - Brazos Healing Center, 1804 Brothers Blvd., Suite D in College Station, holds free meditation class the first Wednesday of every month, from 7:15 to 8 p.m. For more details, visit BrazosHealingCenter.com or call 4023595.

Jan. 7

14

Registration begins for spring classes - The College Station Parks and Recreation Department offers a variety classes for older adults that are listed in the Spring 2013 Activity Guide.

To see all classes offered, visit cstx.gov.

Register for classes online at rectrac. cstx.gov or visit Stephen C. Beachy Central Park office, 1000 Krenek Tap Road. For more information, contact College Station Parks and Recreation Department, Senior Services at 979764-6371 or 979-764-3486.

Jan. 9

Computer Club for Seniors – Monthly meetings are held from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at the Carter’s Creek Training Room, 2200 North Forest Parkway in College Station. The topic this month will be “Income Tax Programs,” presented by Dale Schafer. Free and no pre-registration needed. For more information, contact College Station Parks and Recreation Department, Senior Services at 979-764-6371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov.

“Benefits of Exercise” with Brazos County Health Department The Brazos County Health Department, from 10 to 11 a.m., will present a Health Education Session on the “Benefits of Exercise”. Learn some new exercises.

Event at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station. For more information, contact Southwood Community Center at 979764-6351 or College Station Parks and Recreation Department, Senior Services at 979-764-6371 or mrodgers@cstx. gov.

Jan. 16

Genealogy Computer Users Group (GCUG) - All are welcome to meet with other adults on the third Wednesday of each month at Southwood Community Center from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. The program “How to use your computer and other digital tools” will look at cameras, scanners and software that may help users share their family gems. For more details, contact Southwood Community Center at 979-764-6351 or College Station Parks and Recreation Department, Senior Services at 979-764-6371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov.

Jan. 17

Movie and Popcorn - Seniors are invited to a movie and popcorn at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station.

The movie starts at 1 p.m. For more information, contact Southwood Community Center at 979-764-6351 or College Station Parks and Recreation Department, Senior Services at 979764-6371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov.

Jan. 23

“Writing Your Family History” Workshop - This free workshop, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., will offer tips on how to start writing. Workshop will be

at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station.

To register, call 979-764-6371 or email mrodgers@cstx.gov.

Jan. 24

Guest speaker on nutrition – Guardian Healthcare will present “An Apple a Day” from 1 to 2 p.m. at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station.

Attendees will sample a variety of apples and learn the benefits of good nutrition.

For more details, contact Southwood Community Center at 979-764-6351 or College Station Parks and Recreation Department, Senior Services at 979764-6371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov.

Jan. 25

Bingo and Birthday Celebration - All seniors are invited to celebrate January birthdays (including those who don’t have January birthdays) with cake and bingo, at 1 p.m. at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station. Home Instead Senior Care will provide prizes. For more information, contact Southwood Community Center at 979-764-6351 or College Station Parks and Recreation

Senior Services at 979-764-6371 or mrodgers@cstx.gov.

Jan. 28

Beginning Computer Class 101 for seniors – Class that teaches basic beginning computer skills in a small group offered at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road. The class meets on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9 to 10:30 a.m. for two weeks. Cost is $60. To register, visit rectrac.cstx.gov or visit Stephen C. Beachy Central Park office, 1000 Krenek Tap Road. For more information call College Station Senior Services at 979-764-6371 or 979-764-3486.

Intermediate Computer Class 102 for seniors - Classes offered at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station. The class meets on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. for two weeks. Cost is $60. To register, visit rectrac.cstx. gov, contact College Station Parks and Recreation Department at 979-7643486 or visit the College Station Parks and Recreation Department at 1000 Krenek Tap Road. For more information call College Station Senior Services at 979-764-6371 or email mrodgers@cstx.

gov.

Senior Advisory Committee - Meets at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road starting at 10 a.m.

Visitors welcome. For more information call 979-764-6371 or email mrodgers@ cstx.gov.

Conversational Spanish Class designed for beginners - This sixweek class will be offered on Mondays and Wednesdays from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Road in College Station.

Cost is $85. To register, visit rectrac. cstx.gov or visit Stephen C. Beachy Central Park office, 1000 Krenek Tap Road. For more information call College Station Parks and Recreation Departmetn at 979-764-3486.

Jan. 29

Zumba class - Class meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. for six weeks. Cost is $65.

To register visit rectrac.cstx.gov or visit Stephen C. Beachy Central Park office, 1000 Krenek Tap Road. For more information call College Station Parks and Recreation Department at 979-7643486.

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from page 12

blindness. Glaucoma is often dubbed “the silent thief of sight,” because in most cases it progresses slowly and vision loss is not immediately apparent.

• Diabetic retinopathy: Vision can fluctuate daily as a result of diabetes. Diabetic retinopathy can cause blood vessels in the retina to develop abnormal off-shoots that leak blood and interfere with vision, eventually causing severe damage to the retina.

• Retinal detachment: This occurs when the retina separates from its underlying layer. The portion that detaches may be rendered useless and cause total impairment of vision. Some retinas can be surgically reattached, and vision may be restored partially if surgery occurs promptly.

• Anaridia: Anaridia occurs when the iris, which is responsible for controlling the diameter and size of the pupils and regulating the amount of light reaching the retina, fails to develop normally. If the iris is not functioning properly, extreme sensitivity to light and an inability to see clearly may

result.

Treatment for low vision Treatment cannot begin until your vision is assessed by a professional.

An optometrist may conduct various vision acuity tests to determine what might be the cause of vision loss. Each type of low vision problem requires a different approach to treatment, so it’s important to correctly diagnose the problem before beginning treatment.

Some treatment options for low vision may include specialized optical systems, video magnification, therapeutic filters, or special prescription glasses. There also may be the need to perform eye exercises that help maximize existing visual function. Individuals may have to use a combination of devices to find the ones that help the best.

Only a doctor can determine the culprit behind vision loss. Routine visual exams are recommended at least every year and may need to be more frequent if a person is suffering from deteriorating vision. If caught early, many eye conditions can be managed to help prevent further loss of vision.

Call today for a Free Cataract Screening

979-776-7564

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The Eagle • theeagle.com

Glaucoma

See Civil War page 16

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January 2013

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. ---- Fans of the history of the South and of the Civil War can get their fill of both between stops for big-band music, walking among shore birds and a host of other detours in this Chesapeake Bay city of 180,000.

You can begin to satisfy your curiosity about this region at the Virginia Living Museum. Wander through such natural habitats as an Appalachian Mountain cave and cypress swamp, get eye-to-eye with endangered red foxes, catch a glimpse of circling bald eagles and watch otters frolic on the outdoor natural trail. There’s also the opportunity to get close and personal with a live horseshoe crab, spidercrab and loggerhead turtle in

the home to some 250 living species native to Virginia from mountains to sea.

Each exhibit tells a story, including the predatorprey relationship between chipmunks and the corn snake and the camouflage abilities of the flounder.

A leisurely stroll along the elevated boardwalk offers views of coastal birds, otters, beavers, red wolves and coyotes, along with other animals in their natural habitat.

Give yourself enough time to visit the spectacular stateof-the-art planetarium where you can view images of the sun in the observatory.

Then check out the Walking Guide to Civil War

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Proudly serving the Brazos Valley stories to tell for over 25 years.

15

50plus January 2013 The Eagle • theeagle.com

Civil War

from page 15 animals, plants and geography.

Civil War battles were fought all over Virginia and many of the plants and animals mentioned by soldiers and civilians are featured in this living museum.

Using the Walking Guide as you amble by numbered icons, you will find a quote about the region, animal or plant. You can point your camera phone at the QR code to hear an audio presentation.

After we took a lunch break, we visited The Mariners’ Museum, which Congress has designated America’s National Maritime Museum. It is the largest and most comprehensive maritime museum in the world and also the official site of the Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail.

You can prowl around some 35,000 maritime artifacts that include fancy ship figureheads, handcrafted model ships and decorative arts and small craft from around the world illustrating the adventurous seafaring spirit.

A major exhibit is the USS Monitor Center featuring the remains of one of the most famous ships in U.S. history – the Civil War ironclad USS Monitor. The Wall Street Journal calls the $30 million, 63,500 squarefoot facility “An Ironclad Must-See.”

Save time for the high-definition Battle Theatre, which brings to life the dramatic Battle of the Ironclads March 8 - 9, 1862, between the Monitor and CSS Virginia.

The action keeps you glued to the many screens as you revolve on your swivel chair. Then you can walk onto a full-scale Monitor replica and take in such artifacts as a revolving gun turret.

Our next visit was to the Virginia War Museum, where the saga of American military history unfolds.

On display are weapons, vehicles, uniforms and posters that trace U.S. military development dating back to 1775.

There are more than 60,000 artifacts in the collection. Highlights include a section of the Berlin Wall and a portion of the outer wall from the Dachau concentration camp.

Several tanks and cannons are displayed on the grounds.

Our visit concluded at the Lee Hall Mansion, which is managed by the museum. This Italianate mansion was constructed by affluent planter Richard Decatur Lee and has been restored and decorated to reflect its pre-Civil War splendor. It is one of the last remaining antebellum homes on the Virginia peninsula that offers visitors an opportunity to step back to the mid-Victorian period with its authentically furnished rooms.

The mansion served as the

Photo by Sandy Katz The free spirit of the region is cast in bronze in front of New Port News’ Virginia Living Museum.

headquarters for Confederate generals Magruder and Johnston during the 1862 Peninsula Campaign.

It houses an exhibit gallery focused on the myths and realities of the Old South and of the conflict that was to destroy it forever.

To help you explore Newport

News, you can get a Newport News Combination Ticket that, for one low price, gets you into seven attractions: Endview Plantation, Lee Hall Mansion, Mariners’ Museum, Peninsula Fine Arts Center, Peninsula SPCA and Petting Zoo, Virginia Living Museum, and Virginia War Museum.

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