fiftyplus advocate
FREE | Published monthly
Vol. 49 | No. 8 | August 2022
Hudson museum offers a unique, immersive historical experience
page
16
Diving Deep Into a New Phase of Life
Author Laura DeSisto of Cohasset conquered her longtime fear of the ocean and became a certified scuba diver page
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Massachusetts social isolation task force assembles and hosts summit By Mike Festa, State Director AARP Massachusetts
A
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ARP Massachusetts State President Sandra Harris has convened a task force made up of state and municipal employees, academic institutions, a variety of non-profits and other organizations who share a common commitment to end loneliMike Festa ness and build community throughout Massachusetts. The task force’s mission is to ensure that all residents of the Commonwealth feel connected to their community and enjoy a strong sense of social well-being. The taskforce works to achieve this mission by mobilizing local organizations, thought leaders and other partners to join forces and use its collective resources and ingenuity for maximum impact. The task force’s priorities are to disseminate resources and information, strengthen community connections and develop resources and multigenerational programming. One of the means of which the task force is able to disseminate resources and information is through a monthly television series aired on community media called “CONNECT: Addressing Loneliness in Massachusetts.” More information about the television series is available at www. endlonelinessma.com/tv-series. Additionally, one of the ways the task force is able to strengthen community connections is through the use of outdoor spaces that are accessible, inclusive and interactive. An example of one of these outdoor spaces are the “Happy
To Chat” Benches, which were done in collaboration with the AARP MA Age Friendly and Livable Communities programs that deploy benches in multiple neighborhoods in an effort to invite people to sit down and chat with fellow members of the community. Learn more about these outdoor spaces at www.endlonelinessma. com/connected-spaces. Additionally, the task force is prioritizing the development of resources for multigenerational programming to help people become more and remain digitally literate to combat the post-pandemic digital divide. Learn more at www. endlonelinessma.com/digital-divide. On National Good Neighbor Day, September 28, the Massachusetts Task Force to End Loneliness and Build Community will be holding its
annual summit. Taking place virtually, it will be from 10 a.m. -12 p.m. with the theme: Shift Happens – focused on looking beyond the pandemic to address social isolation and forge friendships across Massachusetts. The summit’s keynote speaker is Marc Freedman – Founder and Co-CEO of Encore.org, speaking on the importance of “embracing shift” as we move toward a co-generational approach to healthy aging and problem solving in the community. Learn more and register for the summit at www.endlonelinessma.com/summit.
Mike Festa is the State Director for AARP Massachusetts. For more articles visit www.fiftyplusadvocate.com.
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Boston music critic changed the trajectory of Bruce Springsteen’s career Bruce Springsteen was a struggling musician in 1974 when a concert review written by Boston critic Jon Landau helped catapult him to stardom.
By David Wilkening Contributing Writer BOSTON - The Boston area is certainly best known for its role in the American Revolution, but two centuries later, in 1974, it was center stage for what has been called one of the most significant meetings in modern musical history. Two prominent figures―one of them now one of the biggest rock stars in the world―got together across the Charles River in Cambridge, at the old and now defunct Harvard Square Theatre. Appropriately enough, the theatre is located just two blocks away from where another “boss,” not a musician but George Washington himself, took over the Revolutionary army.
PHOTO/ LAURA BLAND
Music critic helped catapult Springsteen to fame The Harvard Square Theatre meeting on Church Street involved a then-obscure New Jersey musician who would soon be famous: Bruce Springsteen. The man he met at the theatre, Jon Landau, had his own successful career but never was as wellknown as Springsteen. Born in New York City, Landau moved with his
PHOTO/TAKAHIRO KYONO
family to Lexington at the age of 12. He attended Lexington High School and Brandeis University in Waltham. “When Springsteen performed at
the Harvard Square Theater in Cambridge that spring, his life—and the future of rock and roll—changed forever,” said the site Mass Movement.
Musician’s early struggles Springsteen was then still just one of hundreds of young rock musicians hoping to make it big. His early work had earned him a small but devoted following. He had a contract with Columbia Records but his career was still in a rocky stage. “In May of 1974, there seemed little prospect that the young singer would ever become a star,” wrote the site. Boston music critic Jon Landau was in the audience on May 9. He was known for spending much of his time at Brandeis University in the 1960s listening to rock ‘n’ roll rather than studying. He played in a band in 1965 and 1967 called Jellyroll. The failure of that band apparently turned him to music criticism. He became a regular writer for Rolling Stone and The Real Paper, a Boston alternative newspaper. In an issue of The Real Paper, he made Bruce Springsteen a star. The article that changed everything “Tonight,” his Springsteen-praising column began, “there is someone I can write of the way I used to write, Springsteen | 13
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There are a variety of ways to cope with loneliness By Nance Ebert Contributing Writer REGION - While some people might enjoy solitude, there are others who find being alone quite painful. Loneliness can actually cause a multitude of health problems including weight gain, sleep issues, depression, a weakened immune system and more. Causes vary There are many reasons for a person to feel lonely. Things that can contribute to this feeling are the loss of a spouse or close friend, a move to a new area, a physical illness, depression and more. The Covid-19 pandemic has certainly played a role that has left many people, who were not able to see family members and loved ones for almost two years, feeling depressed, isolated and lonely. In the May 2020 newsletter from Massachusetts General Hospital, Dr. Matthew L. Russell, a geriatrician and palliative care specialist at the hospital, said, “Loneliness amongst the older populations will be a much more insidious cause of casualty than we previously realized.”
A variety of solutions There are, however, many things you can do to cope with loneliness and turn things around. To begin, try to think of activities you enjoy. Things like exercise, a craft or hobby, reading, singing, cooking, volunteering and more. Sometimes it is helpful to even make a list so these ideas are written down so you can now try to implement some of them. Joining a gym or signing up for a class puts you in an environment where there are people around. Making connections in this way can be such a positive experience. Local libraries are also a terrific resource for book clubs, museum outings, volunteerism, event passes and more. Senior centers also have a host of ongoing activities at your disposal and are a great way to meet people in your age bracket. Many towns have a choir or a chorus group for those who love to sing. There are typically a few concerts each year and singing has been known to lift one’s spirits. Animals play a key role in warding off loneliness as they make great companions who love unconditionally. If you are an animal lover, you can
volunteer at an area shelter or even choose to adopt a pet. There are many venues within every community that benefit strongly from those who volunteer. These might include a local school, nursing home, soup kitchen, meal delivery and more. Depending on your proximity to any of these types of places, you could simply call and see if they are looking for volunteers to help in any way. Elementary school children, in particular, love to have visitors come into their classrooms to read or help with a project. Whatever activity you enjoy, it’s important to be engaged in life. While it is nice to make connections while doing so, even if that doesn’t always happen, the fact that you are participating is still beneficial to combat loneliness. A website that offers group activities is meetup.com. The groups are formed based on common interests and they are in many locations. Other resources and organizations include the AmeriCorps Senior Program, Friend to Friend America, Eldercare Locator, and the National Council on Aging.
Getting help One thing to keep in mind is that if loneliness is adversely affecting your life, you might want to reach out to a mental health provider or your primary care physician. Situational loneliness is temporary while chronic loneliness is felt all of the time. Some places of employment have an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) where they will offer discounted or even free of charge services that include therapists to help you work through a bout of loneliness. Self-care is also very important. Maintain a healthy diet, exercise and get a good night’s sleep. Getting outside in the sun while taking a walk is a double win as you are absorbing vitamin D and increasing your serotonin levels and endorphins. Whatever route you choose to help you cope, you will likely feel empowered once you take control of your situation. Whether you reach out to an old friend, engage in an activity, speak with a professional, volunteer or spend time with loved ones, there are many ways to connect and reduce your feelings of loneliness.
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Diving deep into a new phase of life By Sharon Longo Contributing Writer COHASSET – Becoming an empty nester can be tough and for some, even depressing. When Laura DeSisto of Cohasset watched her daughter leave for college the same year the youngest of her three children headed off to boarding school, the active stay-athome mom found the transition difficult. Instead of sinking into the depths emotionally, she learned to scuba dive, facing her lifelong fears. She also wrote a book about her life and experiences, and in the process, provided a legacy for her family. An early love for the sea DeSisto grew up with a love for the sea, swimming in the waters off Cape Cod, watching Jacques Cousteau as a child and wishing she could explore the beautiful depths. Then came the movie “Jaws.” “It ruined the ocean for me,” she said. However, once her children grew up and moved out, her lifelong dream of scuba diving once again came to the surface. “For years, I was trying to figure out who I really was and what I was meant to be doing,”
she explained. “Once I revisited my inner child, there I was! I believe when we take a deep dive into our younger selves, we rediscover who we really are and have always been.” Her close friend and neighbor who was like a sister to her was already an avid scuba diver. With her trusted friend by her side, she felt secure enough to try a daylong program called Discover Scuba while in the Bahamas. “This is a great way to try the sport without committing to the fullblown training that it takes to become a certified diver,” she noted. Facing her fears Her fear of sharks had long kept her from setting foot in the ocean. Coming face-to-face with a shark on her first attempt at scuba diving should have sent her screaming from the water. Instead, she became fascinated with the creatures. “I became passionate about diving and ultimately decided to head back down to the Bahamas to become a fully-certified diver,” she said. She convinced her husband to become a diver along with her. “We began embarking on diving excursions around the world, often in pursuit of encounters with the
world’s most dangerous creatures, like tiger sharks and bull sharks. Scuba diving helped me resurface into my own life. It was something I had achieved all on my own―separate from my role as a wife and mother.” Pursuing other goals DeSisto has loved to write her whole life. “I’ve been a writer for as far back as I can remember,” she recalled. “As a child, I would hide under the covers when I was supposed to be sleeping late at night, and I would write poetry.” She was an English major in college and worked at an ad agency after graduating. Eventually she began writing magazine articles. “I continued to dream of one day writing a book, and after the experience of fulfilling my lifelong goal of scuba diving, I was led to revisit that childhood dream. I made several failed attempts. The sheer number of words was intimidating, and I didn’t know how to structure it,” she explained. “I also never felt like I had the right subject matter, but at mid-life when my life took such an interesting turn, I finally felt it was time.” She went after online resources and hired a coach to help her stay on track with her goals. “I was told to write at the same time every day and in the same place,” said DeSisto. “This prepares our brains to be creative, and it really works.” Starting just before the pandemic, she wrote in her local public library and then eventually at home each day. It took about a year to complete her book, the memoir “Resurfacing: Sisterhood, Sharks and Storms” but it quickly became a bestseller on Amazon. Described as “A true story of female friendship, adventure, heartbreak and finding purpose beyond motherhood,” it has gotten great reviews on Amazon. “Some people who have read it have said they can see it as a movie,” she noted. “Beyond the
scuba diving experiences I detailed in the book, I wrote about how my close friends and I helped each other to weather the rough waters that we all sometimes face in life.” But DeSisto made sure to counter the heavy material with some lightness. “There is definitely heartbreak in this book, but I tried to balance it with humor because that is how I personally get through tough times. Besides the metaphorical storms, my experience with a real storm, Hurricane Dorian, the most powerful hurricane in Bahamian history, is also detailed,” she said. “I don’t want to give too much away, but that is a big part of the heartbreak for me. However, there is also learning, redemption and a reconnection to faith that comes out of it.” Embracing your older years “We are all now living longer and healthier lives,” she said. “These days, life begins for many of us at 50. It can be a wonderful opportunity to finally take time for yourself and your personal development. For me,” she explained, “the two main keys to success were to rediscover my inner child and to seek out the resources and support I needed to achieve my goals.” She said pursuing her dreams has been pivotal in forging the direction of her next stage of life. “Going after a lifelong dream of scuba diving totally re-energized me and allowed me to resurface into my own life,” she said. “This experience then led me to exhume and pursue another bucket list item of writing a book. The fact that those two dreams dove-tailed into this memoir still seems a bit surreal to me. It’s been life changing.” DeSisto believes that we are never too old to dive into something new. We never know what dreams will resurface. For more information: www.lauradesisto.com.
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Goat yoga on a farm makes for an adventurous getaway By Sandi Barrett Contributing Writer
Meet the baby goats Have you ever thought about what
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SOUTH NEW BERLIN, NEW YORK - The stillness of morning and a lulling background of cheerful chirping is disturbed by tires scrabbling over gravel as the golf cart delivering our breakfast-in-bed arrives at our front porch. An enormous wire basket of delectable goodies is placed at our tent flap sending aromas of fresh baked scones, muffins, and bacon and egg sandwiches through the screen. The perfect way to kick off our goat yoga getaway. Our adventure began when we arrived; our bags swiftly lifted onto a golf cart, then we were whisked away to our accommodations―a very large and luxurious tent. Glamping has never been this good. The platform tents each have a private porch with Adirondack chairs that open up to a room that would rival any four-star hotel. A large bed smothered in cozy pillows rested under a massive chandelier flanked by twin ceiling fans. On either side of the bed were ample bureaus outfitted with lamps and a coffee maker. The seating area, with colorful upholstered chairs, was a welcome addition. Our tent came with a three-piece ensuite. My kind of glam camping!
Participation from two- to threemonth-old baby goats add a fun dimension to yoga classes.
goat yoga would be like? I spent two days at Gilbertsville Farm as a participant in its Goat Yoga Retreat. Honestly, even though I love yoga, I’m not that great at getting into or holding poses, so I was a little nervous about my participation level. No worries—the yoga was gentle enough for
even a non-flexible newbie. There was no competition on who could achieve the most perfect cobra pose―phew! The baby goats, in addition to being beyond cute, were spectacular at joining you in your pursuit of nirvana. We were introduced to the two- to three-monthold adorable goats as we sat on our mats in a grassy meadow next to a small pond. An alpaca family grazed nearby while guinea fowl pecked at the grass. The enthusiastic goats came running from the barn towards our class like they were greeting lost friends. As we sat on our mats, treats in hand, we became acquainted with the little kids. As you can imagine, the class became more about interacting with the cute goats than finding our inner ohm. Happily, we moved into cat and cow pose (on knees and hands) to entice our cavorting, four-legged friends to hop on our backs. With gentle encouragement from the goat wranglers and a handful of treats, the goats were hopping from backto-back with the agility of young mountain climbers. Our yoga instructor, Vanessa, was well versed in goat/student interaction. She kept the class in on-the-mat poses ensuring the class was a hilarious yoga goatcation. The instructor basically recommends poses, but if you are interacting with one of these little cuties, it’s a rau-
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The retreat Our all-inclusive goat yoga retreat included three sessions of yoga―two with the baby goats, beautifully crafted group dinners, hand-delivered breakfast and lunches, and lots of free time to roam the farm or nap in a hammock. The Gilbertsville Farmhouse in South New Berlin, New York, is a picturesque four-hour drive from Central Massachusetts. They offer an assortment of seasonal retreats including a Baby Goat & Me Retreat each spring where you “adopt” a baby―bottle feeding and lots of cuddles. Other getaways include a Summer Food & Wine Retreat; Beercation Retreat; Adult Summer Camp Retreat; Foliage, Food & Wine Retreat; and a Couples-Only Retreat. Relaxing into the beautiful scenery, crisp fresh air, and kickback attitude, you will love visiting Gilbertsville Farmhouse. Autumn is the perfect time to visit the hills of upstate New York. The foliage is breathtakingly beautiful. Enjoying a road trip destination at this country farm setting is a memorable getaway.
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cous, goat enhanced free-for-all. At the end of the hour-long session, we happily assisted the goat handlers in wrangling the little kids back to the barn. Pro tip: Baby goats eat everything, including hair. Keep your hair under a hood or ball cap and the treats handy.
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How to avoid mistakes in estate planning By David Wilkening Contributing Writer
Marcia Wagner, said apart from the issue of sometimes changing federal estate tax issues involving trusts and others, the most important factor may be a last will and testament.
REGION - If you’re considering estate planning, you might be putting it off until you’re older. Keep it simple, you also might be thinking. Both could be mistakes. A complicated issue Planning for what happens to your estate after you die is one of the most complicated issues of your life. Massachusetts-based attorneys offering their help invariably make that point. They also might mention those two situations when asked about some key elements for people aged 50-and-over considering their own plans. “I had a retired friend tell me today that his wife wants to do their planning only when they ‘get old.’ I warned him that it is impossible to guess when your estate planning will be needed. You could become incapacitated or die at any time,” said Patrick G. Curley. As for that sought-after “simple plan,” they only succeed when all goes according to what’s expected. “The problem is that life is full of curve balls,” said Curley, a Certified
Boston-based attorney Marcia Wagner says apart from changing federal estate tax laws, the most important factor in estate planning may be a last will and testament.
Elder Law Attorney. “A great example is that folks often sign simple Power of Attorney (POA) documents, which appoints an agent to pay their bills if they get sick. Yet nine times out of 10, those simple POAs fail to allow the agent to help better shield your income and nest egg against long-term care risks or estate taxes.” Another Boston-based attorney,
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Most Americans don’t have a last will and testament In that absence―and it’s a common one with one study showing more than half of Americans or 56% don’t have an up-to-date estate plan―disposition of assets are distributed by state intestacy laws. “And it’s unlikely that such disposition would conform to the distribution that you selected,” said Wagner, a Harvard Law School graduate, managing partner and founder of the Wagner Law group more than 25 years ago. That “up-to-date” reference in the study conducted by the National Association of Estate Planners and Councils is another key element. Curley says many clients do sign a simple will at some point in their lives. The timing or signing date may be critical. “But often it fails to keep up with current concerns and goals as they age,” he explained. “For example. I am age 49 and my wife and I have a nine-yearold and an 11-year-old. Our plan today is focused on protecting them in case we die while they are young (under 25 for instance). But when my wife and I are in our 60s and 70s, our plan may focus more on protecting assets against estate taxes, shielding assets against long-term care risks. A good estate plan evolves with a person’s circumstances and goals,” he concluded. Annuities are long-term investments issued by insurance companies that entitle investors to a series of annual sums and are popular in estate planning. They offer a steady stream of investment, tax and other advantages. In the event of death, annuities offer riders that allow remaining money to be allotted to beneficiaries. But they can have their own complicating issues. “As life expectancies
generally increase, plan participants who are receiving annuity or installment payments should prepare financial powers of attorney designating a party who can take action on their behalf if the individual becomes unable to do so because of mental or physical illness, or the infirmities of old age,” Wagner said. Major advantages of estate planning are that it allows you to choose what you leave behind to relatives and friends by naming your beneficiaries; allowing you to choose your children’s guardians in the event of an early death; and reducing taxes on what is left behind. One other objective is the possible minimizing of family strife and ugly legal battles. Vast wealth not a requirement Having wealth is not really a deciding factor in whether or not people need estate planning, according to Daniel Surprenant, managing partner of New Bedford-based Surprenant & Beneski. Personal assets can include anything of value owned by an individual such as a house, a car, cash, investments such as bank accounts or personal property or others. A major reason is to avoid probate. “Even if you just have a house, a car and a little bit of money in the bank, you’ll still want to avoid probate. If (individuals) lose mental capacity due to a stroke, a heart attack, a car accident or dementia, they’re going to want to name the person who will handle their house…and make their financial decisions…without having to go through probate court for that process,” he said. So what goes into a good estate plan? Comprehensiveness is important, because of the critical nature of planning for risks such as incapacity, longterm care costs and death, said Curley. “A comprehensive plan includes
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A comprehensive plan includes advance directives for health care and financial decision making plus a last will and testament. Certified Elder Law Attorney Patrick G. Curley
advance directives for health care and financial decision making plus a last will and testament. Often, our clients will also sign a revocable living trust and/or an irrevocable trust to achieve a variety of other objectives. This may include avoiding probate upon their death, reducing estate taxes owned upon their death, and/or shielding their home or other asset against the risk of nursing home and long-term care costs,” he said. Risks of not having an estate plan include a “costly, stressful guardian process” where the court can appoint an individual with the authority to make decisions not to your liking; “an unnecessary probate that could be avoided with a trust, loss of any ‘nest egg’ funds, and even a possible ‘failure to protect assets of family members with special needs or even
disabilities,’ ” according to Curley. Those are only a few examples, he said. The price for legal advice varies, of course. Some attorneys set specific fees while others charge by the hour. For those concerned about the cost, the state’s Senior Resource Center offers free legal advice that includes such topics as avoiding taxes, government benefits and how to avoid the probate process. Another reassuring source is to hire a Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA). They must be in good standing, have years of elder law practice, attend 15 hours of continuing legal education in elder law each year, and pass a comprehensive written exam. Currently, there are less than 1000 CELAs in the United States, with less than 30 of them in Massachusetts.
One of the oldest economic quips is — “a recession is when you lose your job, and a depression is when I lose mine.” But what about if you are a senior with no job, trying to live off of social security, maybe a small pension, and limited savings. That compounded with the highest inflation rates in 40 years and threats of more interest rate increases can lead to more than just depression. In fact, it can lead to the toughest financial choices of home, health, food, and peace of mind. If you are 62 years old or older and fortunate to own a home with some equity, then a government insured reverse mortgage may be the solution to not only withstanding the upcoming recession and potential downturn in real estate values but actually improving your quality of life. A Reverse Mortgage gives a qualified borrower the option to receive tax free cash up front, or a monthly check, or a line of credit to access cash when desired with NO minimum or required monthly mortgage payment.* Top Use of a Reverse Mortgage • Be able to afford your home • Increase your monthly cash flow • Pay off a current mortgage • Pay off credit cards • Access to tax free cash • Complete needed home repairs • Reserves for unforeseen emergency life events • Estate planning to protect a surviving spouse • Downsize and purchase a new home • Peace of mind knowing that cash is available if needed • And, the list goes on! What are your needs and desires? *Note - You are required to pay ongoing real estate taxes and property insurance and meet other loan guidelines. Take Action! A great place to start is get your free “How to Use Your Home to Stay at Home” 36page book. This is the official reverse mortgage consumer booklet approved by the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development and published by the National Council on Aging.
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Genetic genealogy has fueled surge in DNA testing By Colin McCandless Contributing Writer REGION - DNA testing as a means to learn more about your ancestry and family origins has been on the rise in recent years. Inquisitive individuals yearning to know more about their roots are turning to genetic genealogy and sites such as Ancestry, 23andMe and Family Tree DNA to help fill in the blanks on those branches. To what can we attribute this surge in popularity in DNA tests and what are the advantages and disadvantages of using a genetic genealogy approach to family research? Melanie McComb, a professional genealogist with American Ancestors & New England Historic Genealogical Society in Boston explained that there are three types of DNA tests utilized in genetic genealogy: autosomal, Y-DNA and mitochondrial. Autosomal is the primary DNA testing method and the one commonly seen in advertisements for the companies listed above. It allows a person to learn about both their mom and dad’s side. The Y-DNA test, as the name implies, researches only the Y chromosome or the male line. A mitochondrial
“I think it’s always been a part of genealogy where people want to know about themselves,” says professional genealogical researcher and heir search specialist Michael Brophy.
“I think DNA is a wonderful tool, but you uncover the good with the bad,” says Melanie McComb, a professional genealogist with American Ancestors – New England Historic Genealogical Society in Boston.
test explores a mother’s direct line and can be traced back thousands of years, according to McComb.
ward trend in genetic genealogy is affordability. “The cost is significantly lower than when they were first offered,” said McComb. What once was thousands of dollars can be purchased today for between $60 and $75.
Why genetic genealogy is trending A major factor spurring the up-
Michael Brophy, a professional genealogical researcher, heir search specialist and lecturer based in Abington, echoed those sentiments, maintaining that because testing is considerably less expensive now, that it’s expanded the interest in, and accessibility of, genealogy. “You can get a fairly high-quality DNA test for under a hundred dollars,” he said. Brophy noted that another big driver contributing to the surge in DNA testing has been the technological advances and the improvement in the accuracy of the science. But mostly it’s that burning curiosity that motivates us to delve into our past. “I think it’s always been a part of genealogy where people want to know about themselves,” remarked Brophy. “That’s the general driver I think. It heightens a sense of identity of oneself as well as it helps build connections with other people too. It builds family connections, which is very meaningful to people.” Genetic genealogy has also become more pervasive in our society, added McComb, and is frequently used or referenced in TV shows and movies. She cited examples such as “Long Lost
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www.fiftyplusadvocate.com + AUGUST 2022 + fiftyplus advocate Family” and “The Genetic Detective” that have brought DNA testing into our popular culture. It may in part be this mainstream appeal that has influenced the trend of people buying DNA tests as a holiday gift for family and friends. Additionally, more people are using genetic genealogy to determine their immigrant origins and trace their ethnicity, noted McComb.
ic serv
coming out of the closet,” cautioned McComb. “Don’t expect to have nothing come up.” You might discover that the father who raised you is not your biological father, or learn that you have half-brothers or sisters—a “non-paternal event” as it’s called, said Brophy, where you identify siblings you didn’t know you had. Affairs and adoptions that before lay hidden, might suddenly be revealed, he asserted. “Somebody doesn’t know that they’re adopted or something like that, and then they go into a genealogy database and find out they’re related to some people that they didn’t think they were related to.” McComb said DNA testing can also be beneficial for learning more about your family medical history.
However, she qualified that it’s important not to misinterpret the results. If you find out that you have a family history of a medical condition like diabetes or cancer, you should consult with medical professionals before taking any drastic steps. It might just require a simple lifestyle adjustment achieved through diet and exercise. One con of genetic genealogy is the concern over the potential loss of privacy. “Some people feel that that is a huge disadvantage,” said Brophy. “Because you’re basically giving away your genetic material to a commercial company. Which might have consequences for you down the road.” Use in forensics Genetic genealogy can also be used as a forensics tool. Brophy cited
the famous case of the Golden State Killer, in which preserved DNA was used to crack an unsolved cold case in California. A former police officer named Joseph James DeAngelo had committed more than 50 rapes and 12 murders between 1974 and 1986 and eluded capture for decades back before the advent of genetic genealogy. As technological advancements in genetic genealogy improved, investigators ultimately used DNA found at an old crime scene to trace the likely suspect through an online DNA database called GEDmatch that performs genealogical research. In 2020 DeAngelo was convicted of 11 counts of murder and kidnapping and sentenced to life in prison. Prior to DNA testing and online collections, researching one’s family history involved a much more labor-intensive, boots-on-the-ground approach including poring over documents and letters in courthouses, repositories and historical societies and scanning microfilm at libraries, said McComb. The proliferation of genetic genealogy sites and innovative breakthroughs that have driven down cost makes learning about our ancestry easier—just be careful not to approach it with rose-colored glasses. “I think DNA is a wonderful tool,” she mused. “But you uncover the good with the bad.”
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Pros and cons of DNA testing There is some overlap between the benefits and pitfalls of using genetic genealogy to research your family lineage, according to Brophy and McComb. Once you’ve exhausted other sources such as print archives and online collections, genetic genealogy can be a great tool to use, stated McComb. “It helps you go beyond the paper trail. It helps people come to terms with family mysteries.” Commented Brophy, “It can help you make new discoveries,” adding with a laugh, “Some of which you may not want to discover.” For example, DNA testing can be an asset for people who are adopted to find out about their birth parents. But unlocking family secrets can have its drawbacks depending on what is exposed in the process. “This is when the skeletons are
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This year’s US Open is just the latest chapter in Brookline golf club’s history The Country Club (TCC) in Brookline, the first country club in the western hemisphere, dates back to 1882.
By David Wilkening Contributing Writer BROOKLINE - The U.S. Open held at The Country Club (TCC) in Brookline in June is history now. But the tales about the iconic course live on after the event brought together the world’s greatest golfers and thousands of spectators. Eclectic beginning One of the most popular stories was how it all got started. The original six-hole course was laid out when Grover Cleveland was in the White House. The year was 1882. Three sports-minded Boston friends were behind it. Long gone: the original cinder race track where horses galloped to cheering crowds. Retired sportswriter Frederick Waterman recalled that history during an interview in 2013. The pompous-sounding name “The Country Club” was far more accurate than you might think. “When it was founded, it was the only ‘country club’ in the western hemisphere, so it didn’t need to distinguish itself from any other,” he told US Golf Atlas. One of the founders, J. Murray Forbes, was a China trader. He knew of
a night club in Shanghai. And gave it the name. At the time, there was far more interest in horse racing. It was started as a “sporting club.” Golf was not among the first sports there. The original clubhouse had an enormous viewing grandstand. And a steeplechase course, as well as lawn tennis and croquet. For things that visitors can only speculate about, there’s membership and costs at the country club. Both unknowns. Assorted writers have attempted
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20-year-old amateur golfer Francis Ouimet, and his 10-yearold caddie Eddie Lowery, made golf history when Ouimet won the 1913 US Open at The Country Club.
unsuccessfully to determine both issues. A perk of belonging is anonymity. So the names of the 1,300 or so members are kept strictly confidential. As far as costs go, the closest the public might know are from lists of the most expensive golf clubs in America. The Madison Club in La Quinta, Calif. has fees of $200,000, making it one of the most costly in the US. The Winged Foot Golf Club in New York costs the same.
Famous rejects But another story discussed are the well-known rejects of the TCC. In his 2011 memoir, “A Reason to Believe,” former governor Deval Patrick revealed that he and his wife, Diane, were rejected―“blackballed,” he wrote ―by TCC. More recently, former New England Patriots Quarterback Tom Brady and his wife, model Giselle Bundchen, applied for membership in 2015. Older members reportedly worried they might create a spectacle, according to news accounts. She was finally admitted a few years later, which meant that he also became a member. But even the NFL’s most famous quarterback had to wait a long time before ultimately being accepted. The father of amateur golf But perhaps the far more popular story involved Francis Ouimet. The 20-year-old former caddie and selftaught player lived next door to The Country Club and only had to carry his clubs across the street to win the 1913 US Open. His stunning triumph over two of Britain’s best golfers was dramatic enough to be the subject of a popular Hollywood movie, “The Greatest Game Ever Played,” starring Shia LaBeouf as the improbable victor. Francis Ouimet had a “secret weapon” to win the 1913 U.S. Open. It “wasn’t a particular set of clubs, nor his familiarity with the course at The Country Club, which he could see from his bedroom window,” wrote Golf Digest. When the amateur won the title in an upset against British veterans Harry Vardon and Ted Ray, he credited his caddie, Eddie Lowery, a 10-year-old Newton boy who was his loudest cheerleader. The stunning victory cemented a place for Ouimet and Lowery―and The Country Club―in golf history. A 20-year-old Brookline native US Open | 19
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Watch Out
“
Boston music critic changed the trajectory of Bruce Springsteen’s career
The patient’s autonomy always, always should be respected, even if it is absolutely contrary —the decision is contrary to best medical advice and what the physician wants. Jack Kevorkian
By Marianne Delorey, Ph.D. Executive Director Colony Retirement Homes
A
fter my mother suffered a stroke, she started asking to die. She was horribly uncomfortable and while she was a normally cooperative patient and easy-going person, she started fighting her medical team, refusing food, drink, meds and therapies designed to help her get back her functioning. The good news (if you can call it that) was that she had been 100% clear in her later years that she did not want to live if she was dependent. Her living will was clear, and she had had conversations with me and my brothers about what she wanted. Her instructions were solid when she was of sound mind, so when her thinking was impaired by the stroke, we were still clear on our mission—she wanted to die. After her stroke, there was nothing wrong with her per se. The medications had controlled her blood pressure making another stroke less likely. She was not imminently in danger of dying so we did not think she would be eligible for hospice, but with agreement from both brothers and I, we talked to her medical team about stopping all meds, therapies, and nourishment. Of course, they had seen it before. They may have even had a term for it – “failure to thrive” or something. They helped arrange transport to a hospice center and stopped all life sustaining care. They listed each item, one by one, making sure I knew what the medication or therapy did, checked the box to discontinue, and had me sign. Since she was not sick and was not
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terminal, I had no idea what to expect when she got to hospice. What would happen if she started feeling better and eating and drinking? How long could she stay in hospice if she wasn’t actively dying? What would happen from there? But there was no going back. She drank and ate less and slowly declined until she passed five weeks after her stroke. I think a lot about the morality of my mother’s choice and of our own choice to follow her directives. My mom was a very devout Catholic, and so I worried about how the Catholic church would view her choice. Even if she was clear on her decision, I wanted to make sure she would be “good with her God.” I consulted a nun about her autonomy, who reassured me that allowing herself to die would not interfere with her getting into heaven from the church’s perspective. I also think about how different things could have been. In this case, I had to allow her to die; what kind of situation would I be in if I actively had to refuse her treatment to stay consistent with her wishes? Could I refuse her a drink of water? Could I literally pull the plug? Could I set her up in a Dr. Kevorkian suicide machine and encourage her to push the button? The church believes this is a sin; the greater society is mixed at best on this issue. While these moral issues are certainly not decided, the right to autonomy of a dying patient has never been more at risk. After the Supreme Court overturned Roe v Wade, I realized that if the state can interfere with a person’s bodily autonomy for the purpose of supporting or maintaining life, older adults should be very worried about any overreach that threatens their right to refuse medical care or even choose a treatment that is less aggressive. If the court deems life the most important thing, people will not have the right to hasten their death and lessen their suffering. Elders and those that love them should be very careful about the next steps in this political quagmire.
Marianne Delorey, Ph.D. is the Executive Director of Colony Retirement Homes. She can be reached at 508-755-0444 or mdelorey@ colonyretirement.com and www.colonyretirementhomes.com.
Springsteen | from page 3
a superstar.
without reservations of any kind.” Of Springsteen’s concert in Harvard Square, he wrote: “On a night when I needed to feel young, he made me feel like I was hearing music for the very first time. When his two-hour set ended I could only think, can anyone really be this good, can anyone say this much to me, can rock and roll speak with this kind of power and glory? And then I felt the sores on my thighs where I had been pounding my hands in time for the entire concert and knew that the answer was Yes.” Landau called Springsteen a “truly great performer” in every way. There is no one I would rather watch on a stage today,” he wrote. Columbia Records took notice of Landau’s review. Rolling Stone and other papers were soon trumpeting Landau’s endorsement: “I have seen rock and roll’s future and its name is Bruce Springsteen,” declared fullpage ads. But the meeting between the two had even more far-reaching consequences. It marked the beginning of a relationship between Springsteen and Landau that would be key to transforming the singer into
Landau joins Springsteen’s team In October of 1974, Springsteen returned to Boston to play at the Music Hall. After the concert, he and Landau discussed how Springsteen could move forward. Landau joined Springsteen’s management team as co-producer. With Landau behind him, Bruce Springsteen recorded “Born to Run,” the first of his records to go platinum, selling over a million copies. “The Boss” went on to fame and fortune. And Landau became his manager and produced his records till 1992. At the singer’s induction into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame in 1999, he acknowledged the former rock critic and now a manager for other musicians. “What I hope to give my fans with my music―a greater sense of themselves, and greater freedom― he with his talents and abilities has done that for me,” Springsteen said of Landau. “There’s no ‘thank you’ tonight that’s gonna do the job, and it’s a debt that I can’t repay, and one that I treasure owing.”
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viewpoint
Crows know By Janice Lindsay Contributing Writer
I
didn’t mind finding a hamburger roll in my white bird bath, or a banana slice, raisin bread, or chokecherry pits. The cooked chicken, noodles, cheese wrapper, and the buttered bagel didn’t bother me much. But when I began to fish small-creature body parts out of the water, I did feel just a bit squeamish. One of the crows in our neighborhood had discovered— what? That food tastes better when wet? Or is more healthful when freshly washed? Or that snacks under water don’t attract flies? And here was a perfect source of clean water, conveniently serviced
by a human who scrubbed the birdbath daily and filled it with fresh water. This is not typical crow behavior. Most crows will eat anything under any circumstances. Apparently there are eccentric crows, just as there are eccentric humans. This all started the day I pulled what I thought was a large brown rag out of the birdbath. Mystified as to how it got there, I tossed the soggy mess on a nearby rock to dry. When I looked out the window later, the rag was back in the water and a crow was picking at it. When I inspected the rag the next day, I realized it was the skin and fur of a squirrel. I understood what was expected of me. When I cleaned the birdbath, I removed the “rag,” then carefully replaced it, covering it with fresh water. Eventually, it disappeared. On other days, I found bits of raw meat and fur, a mole skin (not the kind hikers wear to prevent blisters, but the kind that once held a mole), half a woodpecker beak with flesh
and feathers attached. Each time, I carefully removed these from the dirty water, then replaced them. I watched a crow (same crow?) dunk grubs in the water to get the dirt off before devouring them. Crows are clever and intelligent, so clever that as their favorite habitats—farmlands and open fields—disappear thanks to human expansion or reforestation, they’ve learned to tuck themselves in around us. They apparently view humans as a natural resource; furthermore, we are a creature that can be trained, as I was trained to store crow snacks in clean water. I wash food packaging that goes into the trash; crows are adept at pecking into trash bags for interesting leftovers. Humans provide carefully tended lawns that appeal to grubs, which in turn appeal to crows. Humans on highways carelessly provide roadside snacks. Crows understand that even an 18-wheeler is no threat to them if they stay in the breakdown lane. Cars whiz past
and they don’t flinch. But if they’re on the wrong side of that solid line, they scoot out of the way as a car approaches. On a corner of my driveway—I call it Crow Corner—I leave treats for my local crow family, usually cat kibble. I don’t offer something every day, but apparently often enough that the crows recognize me. One afternoon as I returned from my walk, I noticed a crow perched on the oak tree at the corner of the driveway. It was obviously watching me. By the time I reached the house, it had swooped ahead of me and was perched on another oak, still watching. “Alright,” I said, “I’ll get you a treat,” and I went in the house. I expected it to be gone when I returned, but it still sat, watching. I dropped the kibble at Crow Corner. As I returned to the house, it glided into the Corner. I am well trained. Contact jlindsay@tidewater.net.
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I bonds are an investment that benefits from inflation By David Wilkening Contributing Writer REGION - Inflation news is almost always grim. But I bonds, a low-risk investment that flies under the radar for many people, provides an opportunity in which high inflation is a positive thing. On Monday, May 1, I bonds were responsible for a rare good news inflation story. On that day, it was announced that I bonds would deliver a record 9.62% interest for the next six months. That was not a surprise to the founder of a Lexington-based financial advisory firm. He had not only recommended that his clients purchase I bonds several months before, he had brought it even closer to home by suggesting it for his own 92-year-old father. He is George Gagliardi, founder of Coromandel Wealth Management, a financial advisor and certified financial planner. How I bonds work Gagliardi has been repeatedly quoted in the media since I bonds in recent months have been identified as something of a Superman to help
meet the growing concerns of continuing inflation. And not that he has praised them without reservations. Among their downsides is that you can’t redeem them for at least one year. And if you cash them in within five years, you will lose the previous three months of interest directly before the sale, he has repeatedly said. “I think it’s decent, but just like anything else, nothing is free,” he said of those drawbacks. Gagliardi recommended the government issued bonds, technically known as Series I savings bonds, to his clients back in March in his quarterly letter to them. They can’t be purchased through a brokerage account, hence why brokerage companies don’t talk much about I bonds. You have to buy them directly from the U.S Treasury Department website at https://www.treasurydirect.gov/. As for his father, “He was looking for yield, and these have the additional benefit of safety,” he said. He had not recommended them in the past because inflation was not an issue before the later part of the year. “And with low overall interest rates and low inflation, they weren’t paying all that much,” he said.
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“I bond rates consist of a fixed base rate, currently 0%, and an inflation rate that changes every 6 months,” Gagliardi explained. “I bonds have very little risk because they are backed by the US Treasury, so really the only risk is currency risk (the value of the US dollar vs. other global currencies).” Who should buy them? So is this an obvious case where most people of various circumstances and situations might want to buy the bonds, particularly during these times of escalating inflation? “An I bond is not for short-term cash because it has limited liquidity,” said Gagliardi. “You have to hold it for a year, after which you can sell it back to the US Treasury though you would forego three months’ worth of interest payments.” What impact do I bonds have on seniors coping with inflation? “Given that one can only purchase $10,000 worth of I bonds a year ($20,000 for a couple), there is a limit as to how much they can help seniors combat inflation,” Gagliardi noted. “For midterm cash, they are a good investment. For example, if a couple is using what
is known as the ‘Bucket System’ for managing their retirement funds— money needed in the next one to three years in very low volatility assets, three to eight years in low to moderate volatility, and beyond eight years in higher volatility (such as stocks— I-bonds work well in the first and second ‘buckets.’” While I bonds are not a total answer to inflation, they can play a role in at least reducing it or helping to solve it. “I bonds give you the ability to at least have a portion of your low-risk assets keep up with inflation,” said Gagliardi, “certainly better than money market funds or savings accounts these days. Right now, you get low risk and high returns, but it is unlikely to persist. A lot depends upon what the Fed does or doesn’t do.” Are I bonds really, as some people say, nearly risk-free? “As long as the US dollar stays strong relative to other currencies and the US government doesn’t default on its debt, they are as close to risk free as you can get, Gagliardi affirmed. “There is risk in any asset, and with I bonds there is some interest rate risk, but that’s about it. They are a good investment for a small portion of your portfolio, at least right now.”
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COMMUNITY BUSINESS Hudson museum offers a unique, immersive historical experience By Liz Nolan Contributing Writer HUDSON - If you are looking for a genuine interaction with history, be sure to visit the American Heritage Museum in Hudson. Guests have the unique opportunity to see some of the world’s most rare aircraft, American classic automobiles, historic tanks, armored vehicles, and military artifacts. There is something for everyone to enjoy. “We just love when people come to visit the museum for the first time; it is such a surprise for them,” said Director of Marketing and Communications Hunter Chaney. He recommends giving yourself at least two hours at the museum, but notes most visitors stay for the day. Large building hosting an extensive collection “It’s a museum that is in a 64,000 square foot building with over 80 major artifacts, and hundreds of other ad-
The American Heritage Museum is uniquely laid out chronologically so as visitors take the tour, they are following history through a series of extraordinary exhibits and displays.
ditional accompanying artifacts,” he said. “There is a lot to see.” The American Heritage Museum opened in 2019, but due to COVID, was closed for most of 2020, and had limited operation in 2021. Chaney said it is very much still a new museum this year. It joined the Historic Aviation Hangar and Classic Automobile Barn museums, which are open during summer and fall special event weekends
and also based on the same premises. All three museums are run by the educational non-profit Collings Foundation, Inc. It highlights American history and world history from the Revolutionary War and Civil War, through World War I, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam, Gulf War, and the war in Afghanistan. The museum is uniquely laid out chronologically so as visitors take the
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www.fiftyplusadvocate.com + AUGUST 2022 + fiftyplus advocate A tank demonstration weekend will be held August 13-14 at the American Heritage Museum in Hudson.
A few of the vehicles that are part of the Classic Automobile Barn and Historic Aviation Hangar collections.
the museum’s first annual World War I Aviation Exhibition. It is anticipated that the fully restored 1917 Nieuport 28 will make its flying debut. In October, the largest living history weekend will be held. The Battle for the Airfield World War II reenactment will include a veterans round table. “Veterans come and talk about what they were doing during World War II, which is an increasing rarity to hear such a thing,” Chaney said. “When you add the human to the history, the history lesson becomes indelible. It’s a very important time in history that we all need to remember. It gives people a much better appreciation of what happened.” Veterans also play a key volunteer role in the museum’s operation. Visitors are able to really get a personal perspective on the history being represented. The museum also strives to be an invaluable resource to teachers in the area. It is aligned with the state education framework. “There is so much in the museum that can be applied to what educators are teaching in the classroom,” said Chaney. The museum is funded by constituents, memberships, donations, and admissions. Chaney said there is always something going on every week and the list
Estate planning may seem overwhelming and daunting, but it’s really a matter of getting your affairs in order. Of course, no two estate plans are alike. Some individuals may only require a will-based plan, while others may benefit from establishing trusts. The best way to plan for your future, protect your interests, and provide for your loved ones is to consult a qualified elder law & estate planning attorney. Partners, Dan Surprenant & Michelle Beneski, are Certified Elder Law Attorneys by the National Elder Law Foundation. This makes our team uniquely qualified to help you prepare for life’s unknowns and provide you with peace of mind.
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continues to expand with author talks, demonstrations, and exhibitions. Military vehicle collector origins The Collings Foundation was founded in 1979 and its mission has been the restoration and exhibition of major historical artifacts and to provide people living history style events and environments. Jacques Littlefield was a military tank collector and before he passed away in 2009, he had an astounding collection of over 200 tanks and military vehicles. His family and foundation selected the Collings Foundation to receive the entire collection now part of the American Heritage Museum. The main entrance for the museum is located at 568 Main Street in Hudson, and technically crosses into Stow. It is open Wednesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Standard admission is $20 Adults, $15 Seniors and Veterans and $10 for Children 12 years and younger. The rate increases for event weekends when all three museums are open. View www. americanheritagemuseum.org or Facebook for additional information and special events. Business Profiles are advertising features designed to provide information and background about Fifty Plus Advocate advertisers.
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Walking is the latest ‘wonder drug’ for good health By David Wilkening Contributing Writer REGION - On your next visit to your family doctor, would you be surprised if the hand-written prescription was this legible one: “Walk”? Free medical advice, of course. And not a drug with any after-effects. So a surprise, right? But this prescription is known as “the closest thing we have to a wonder drug,” in the words of Dr. Thomas Frieden, former director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Of course, you probably know that any physical activity, including walking, is a boon to your overall health. But walking in particular comes with a host of benefits. Many health benefits The simple activity of walking has so many powerful health benefits. That was confirmed by a recent study from Harvard Medical School that also cited other studies finding similar results. “Done correctly, it can be the key to losing weight, lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, and boosting your memory, as well as reducing your risk for heart disease, diabetes, cancer
Researchers call walking the “most perfect exercise,” with a wide variety of health benefits.
and more,” the Walking For Health study found. The report cited studies that showed a list of “surprising” specific benefits, ranging from protection from chronic inflammation to reducing risks from breast cancer. Researchers called it the “most perfect exercise.” And the perhaps facetious suggestion that MDs in the
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future might routinely prescribe it as medication (some already do). Walking can have a bigger impact on disease risk and various health conditions than just about any other remedy that’s readily available to you, according to the report. Added benefits, of course: It’s free. Without any negative side effects. So skeptics might ask: Just how far do you have to walk? You can do it anywhere with no equipment The Harvard paper cited various existing studies that found walking for 2.5 hours a week or just 21 minutes a day, can cut your risk of heart disease by 30 percent. In addition, this do-anywhere, no-equipment-required activity has also been shown to reduce the risk of diabetes and cancer, lower blood pressure and cholesterol, and keep you mentally sharp. “In fact, according to some estimates, walking regularly could save Americans over $100 billion a year in health care costs. Even a quick one-minute jaunt pays off,” the report found. A University of Utah study in 2014 found that for every minute of brisk walking that women did throughout the day, they lowered their risk of obesity by 5%. It’s hardly a surprise anymore that various studies have found just a 10-minute walk can help you reduce your chances of early death as well as maintain or lose weight. Yet other studies found that typically four in ten older adults fail to even manage that ten minutes. The Harvard study concludes: “No more ‘I don’t have time’ excuses!” Community gains and other benefits Start walking, and you’ll be help-
ing to make your community stronger, too, according to the Harvard study. Social scientists have found that as more people take to the streets, neighborhood crime rates fall and the local economy improves. “It’s also a wonderful way to meet new people and connect with neighbors. Take a walk with your children after dinner. It can promote better communication, reduce behavior problems, and improve academic performance,” it added. Walking can even help your mood. A number of studies have found that it’s as effective as drugs for decreasing depression. It can help relieve everyday stresses, too. Tension starts to ease as the road stretches out in front of you. Mood-elevating endorphin levels increase. Many people say that walking helps clear the mind, too—you may even find the solution to a problem that’s been bugging you. Still another study found it boosts immune function. Walking can help protect you during cold and flu season. A study of over 1,000 men and women found that those who walked at least 20 minutes a day, at least five days a week, had 43% fewer sick days than those who exercised once a week or less. And if they did get sick, it was for a shorter duration, and their symptoms were milder. The Boston Public Health Commission also cited various benefits from walking, including health benefits such as lower blood pressure and others. And they cited that it also “makes you feel good” and it costs little or no money. And “It’s easy. Anyone can do it.” The commission also cited some practical ways of encouraging walking habits such as adopting a dog (for walks of course) and taking short walks to stores and other destinations in lieu of driving your car.
Answers to Super Crossword Puzzle on page 14
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Find time to enjoy the charms of the ‘Watch City’ The Rose Museum at Brandeis University in Waltham is recognized as one of the largest art collections in New England.
By David Wilkening Contributing Writer WALTHAM - “Watch City” is a common nickname for Waltham. It can be traced to the industry that started here in 1854, when The Waltham Watch Company opened a factory. Later, it became the first to make watches on an assembly line. Today, the watch industry has wound down. Thirty-five million watch-related products were produced here in the century before the factory closed in 1957. But visitors come now for other reasons. “We’ve got 13 hotels. We’re also near Boston, with historical areas nearby, such as Walden Pond and many others. We’ve got a lot of history here and nearby. And with Moody Street, we’ve also got Restaurant Row with 100 restaurants of all types,” said Molyna S. Richards, executive director of the Waltham Chamber of Commerce. Like Boston, it is a city old enough to have its own rich history. Waltham was first settled in 1634 as part of Watertown. It was officially incorporated as a separate town in 1738. Several popular museums Museums are a popular draw in Waltham. The Charles River Museum of Industry & Innovation, near the intersection of Moody Street and the Charles River has exhibits focusing on
PHOTO/JOHN PHELAN
the American Industrial Revolution. Gore Place was the home of Rebecca and Christopher Gore, prominent members of Boston society in the early 1800s. It’s a grand country estate on 50 acres in the city. Stylistically, it’s a federal mansion built in 1806 with the help of Rebecca, who participated in the design― an unusual opportunity for a woman at that time. The Rose Museum at Brandeis University is recognized as one of the largest art collections in New England. It displays and houses 9,000 objects, including work by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Jasper Johns, Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol and Pablo Picasso. The museum, named after benefactors Edward and Bertha Rose, is located at 415 South St. It is only open to the public on Wednesdays through Sundays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free. Visitors should also know that a policy started in January requires proof of vaccination for all visitors aged 12 and over. The Waltham Philharmonic Or-
chestra, which began in 1985, is a non-auditioning ensemble with nearly 50 professional and amateur musicians. The award-winning music director is Michael Korn. The orchestra offers a variety of concerts throughout the year. Restaurant diversity The city has long been known for the great diversity of bars and restaurants at “Restaurant Row” on Moody Street. Numerous types of ethnic foods and American cuisine are represented and helped motivate the Phantom Gourmet Food Fest to leave its traditional event at Boston’s Fenway Park to move to Moody Street in September of 2021. The street’s restaurant collection was also recognized as one of the
“10 Small Cities With World-Class Food Scenes” list from website Thrillist. Those were all cities of less than 100,000 people. Restaurants run the gamut not only for taste but also atmosphere and price―from elegantly expensive to less formal. They include frequent Best of Boston award-winner La Campania, which is said to offer a “truly Neapolitan experience.” It features Southern Italian fare that includes hand cut potato gnocchi and can boast of an artisanal cook brought over from Italy to bake the pizzas. Solea is a casually elegant Spanish tapas restaurant where you can enjoy a plethora of small plates ranging from squid to lamb chops to roast duck, and a variety of paellas as well. Then, there’s the homey atmosphere of In A Pickle. It always serves breakfast and was featured in the popular television show “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives!” Expect to pay only $10 to $15 for a meal. One final note of optimism as pandemic restrictions are being lifted. The city’s “Tick Tock Trolley” downtown parking shuttle has resumed. It provides free rides to the city’s parking lots for downtown visitors on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 6 to 11 p.m.
This year’s US Open is just the latest chapter US Open | from page 12
who had caddied at TCC, Ouimet was fresh off a loss in the U.S. Amateur Championship when the president of the United States Golf Association asked if he would play in the Open. Though he initially declined, Ouimet joined after his boss gave him time off to play. Finding a caddie for him proved more difficult. Lowery and his brother, Jack, played hooky from school to watch the play at TCC, and Jack agreed to caddie for Ouimet after the golfer’s original man bailed. When a truant officer caught Jack, however, Eddie took three street cars over to TCC and pleaded with Ouimet to take his brother’s place. “I’ve never lost a ball,” he said, which was not really true. Ouimet (1893–1967) was an American amateur golfer who is frequently referred to as the “father of amateur golf” in the United States. He was the first non-Briton elected Captain of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews. He was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1974.
A thumbs up from Roger Ebert The famed late film critic Roger Ebert wrote of the 2005 movie: “’The Greatest Game Ever Played’” was a game of golf, in case you thought your team might have been involved. In 1913, a working-class American amateur named Francis Ouimet defeated the great British player Harry Vardon to win the US Open.” He views the movie as one that “tells that story and exactly that story, devoting a considerable amount of its running time to the final rounds and playing like one… a superb sports telecast.” “Because some of the opening scenes seem borrowed from other underdog movies, I was surprised to realize, toward the end, how gripping the movie had become,” he concluded. Despite The Country Club’s penchant for privacy, it’s been immortalized by Hollywood, even if a golf course in Quebec was the setting for the golf scenes, rather than Brookline.
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