FPA November 2021

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Vol. 48 | No. 11 | November 2021

Tiny houses offer unique alternative to traditional homes page

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Many Roads Lead to Success Former TV traffic reporter Cindy Campbell is now communications director for AARP Massachusetts

By Kelley Walker Perry Contributing Writer BOSTON - Providing accurate and timely information to the public is nothing new for Cindy Campbell. She honed her communication skills as a traffic reporter for WCVB-TV between 1995 and 2010, during what she calls the most transformative time in Boston.

“We had a lot of information to get out to viewers. It’s about knowing your audience and knowing how to get that information to them,” she said.

Cindy Campbell | 7

Cindy Campbell was the traffic reporter for WCVB-TV from 1995 until 2010.

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New AARP Analysis: COVID Cases and Deaths Continue to Rise in Massachusetts Nursing Homes

By Mike Festa, State Director AARP Massachusetts

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ursing home residents and staff experienced an increase in coronavirus cases in the four weeks ending August 22, with resident cases increasing from .11 to .50 per 100 residents and staff cases increasing from .14 to .75 per 100 residents since the mid-July report, according to the latest data from AARP’s Nursing Home COVID-19 Dashboard. Deaths have also increased from 0 to .04 per 100 residents over the previous four-week period.

Cases are concentrated among the unvaccinated: nationally, those residents were three times as likely to contract COVID-19 last month compared to residents who are fully vaccinated.

AARP has called on long-term care facilities to require that staff and residents be vaccinated against Mike Festa coronavirus, and in Massachusetts, the Baker Administration has announced plans to require all staff at rest homes, assisted living residences, hospice programs, and thousands of home care workers, to get the COVID-19 vaccine by Oct. 31. There were modest increases in vaccination rates in this four-week period, with 91% of Massachusetts residents and 79% of staff fully vaccinated as of August 22. This is considerably higher than the national averages of 84% of residents and 64% of staff fully vaccinated.

This month’s dashboard underscores why all staff and residents in long-term care facilities must be vaccinated as quickly as possible. For unvaccinated nursing home residents, their risk of an infection is back up to the levels we saw a year ago. At least 4,686 people in Massachusetts who lived and worked in nursing facilities have died from COVID-19, and no one wants to see that tragedy repeated. Facilities should require that all staff and residents are vaccinated, so we can slow the spread of new variants and save lives.

The AARP Nursing Home COVID-19 Dashboard also found a .02% increase in staff shortages in the period ending August 22, with .07% of facilities in Massachusetts reporting they did not have sufficient staff. Nationally, staffing shortages increased month-to-month by the largest number since data collection began in the spring of 2020.

The AARP Nursing Home COVID-19 Dashboard analyzes federally reported data in four-week periods going back to June 1, 2020. Using this data, the AARP Public Policy Institute, in collaboration with the Scripps Gerontology Center at Miami University in Ohio, created the dashboard to provide snapshots of the virus’ infiltration into nursing homes and impact on nursing home residents and staff, with the goal of identifying specific areas of concern at the national and state levels in a timely manner.

The full Nursing Home COVID-19 Dashboard is available at www.aarp. org/nursinghomedashboard, and an AARP story about this month’s data is available here. For more information on how COVID is impacting nursing homes and AARP’s advocacy on this issue, visit www.aarp.org/nursinghomes.

For unvaccinated nursing home residents, their risk of an infection is back up to the levels we saw a year ago. At least 4,686 have died from COVID-19, and no one wants to see that tragedy repeated.

Mike Festa is the State Director for AARP Massachusetts. For more articles visit www.fiftyplusadvocate.com.

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Fiduciaries provide peace of mind with conflict-free investment advice

By Peg Lopata Contributing Writer REGION - You’ve some money to invest, but what do you do with it? It’s confusing. There’s brokers, financial planners, insurance agents, banks, fiduciaries and more. So, what are the advantages of a fiduciary?

What’s a fiduciary?

Generally speaking, a fiduciary is someone who acts on behalf of the best interests of someone else. But when applied to a financial advisor or planner, it describes someone who must buy and sell investments that are the best fit for you and avoid all conflicts of interest.

How do you know if a financial advisor is acting on behalf of your interests? Don’t all advisors do that? Bill O’Donnell, of Donal Fiduciaries in Boston, makes it clear and simple: “I’d say, overall, that objective, conflict-free investment advice from a fiduciary is the most significant benefit for clients.”

What’s conflict-free mean?

The difference lies in how each type of financial advisor invests your money and how they make their own money, that is their salary, for working for you.

Is the financial advisor tied to any products his or her company sells and thus

ment company or other kinds of financial services companies works differently. O’Donnell explained further, “Advisors employed by such companies as Schwab or Fidelity are constrained by their company to ‘approved’ investment options for clients.”

So, in O’Donnell’s opinion, such constraints mean these Anne Marie Towle of Conflict-free investment advisors are inherently Athena Capital Advisors advice from a fiduciary offering “conflicted” and Fiduciary Trust is the most significant investment advice besays she finds it very benefit for clients, says rewarding to help Bill O’Donnell of Donal cause they are required families ensure that their Fiduciaries. to invest at least a porgoals are met. tion of their client’s assets in funds managed by their company. suggests these? That’s not conflict-free.

To avoid any conflict, explained Keeping funds separate Anne Marie Towle, regional managing Another difference that makes fidudirector and trust counsel of Athena ciaries different is how they “keep” your Capital Advisors and Fiduciary Trust in money. At Athena, for example, your Lincoln, she buys stocks and bonds for money is not mixed with the firm’s asher clients directly from the marketsets. This could matter if your financial place. services company goes bankrupt.

“We do not hold our own invento“There could be a source of conry of securities for the purposes of sellflict over repayment of funds,” noted ing to clients on a commission basis,” Towle. “We saw this happen to some explained Towle. brokerage firms during the financial A broker who works for an invest-

crisis of 2008-9.”

The fiduciary standard Fiduciaries must give unbiased financial advice. “When you are receiving investment advice from Donal Fiduciaries, we are required to find the lowest cost and best performing options in any investment category for a client,” explained O’Donnell.

Therefore, the most important question to ask when seeking out financial advice is to ask the advisor not how they’ll make your money grow, but how they make their money.

So how do fiduciaries make money for themselves? They typically have a management fee usually based on the total value of your investments. Some have fees for annual reviews or initial set-up with advice.

Making clients happy Both O’Donnell and Towle enjoy developing close and lasting relationships with their clients―and of course, making money for their clients. Said O’Donnell, “I best enjoy witnessing people realize that my investment advice works.”

For Towle, she finds it very rewarding to help families ensure that their goals are met so that they can have peace of mind to sleep well at night.

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Tiny houses offer unique alternative to traditional homes

By Colin McCandless Contributing writer REGION - Tiny houses are a big thing these days.

You may have seen these diminutive dwellings featured on HGTV shows like “Tiny House, Big Living,” as homeowners seeking to minimalize their lifestyle hunt for the perfect tiny house.

While some enjoy watching programs about tiny houses as an escapist thrill or to live vicariously, others might be intrigued by the prospect of downsizing space and possessions and reducing their carbon footprint.

For Massachusetts’ residents interested in exploring this nascent industry as a potential housing option, it might help to know some of the basics first. What exactly qualifies as a tiny house and what types of designs are available in our state?

Tiny house categories A tiny house can be categorized as a tiny house on wheels or a tiny house on a foundation.

Tiny houses are defined in the 2018 International Residential Code, Tiny House Appendix Q, as a “dwell-

B&B Micro Manufacturing’s Silver Lake tiny house model.

ing that is 400 square feet or less in floor area excluding lofts.” Massachusetts officially adopted the Tiny House Appendix, which provides safety standards for houses on foundations 400 square feet and under, into its state building code in January 2020.

B&B Micro Manufacturing is a tiny house builder based in Adams.

Co-owner Jason Koperniak said the typical square footage of a tiny house is less than 250 square feet. His company primarily builds tiny houses on

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wheels that are certified by the RVIA (Recreational Vehicle Industry Association) to be legal recreational vehicles (RVs). Every tiny house manufactured through their shop is made to order and prospective tiny homeowners choose from one of their signature models at a base price or design a custom unit.

Brady-Built Sunrooms and Additions, located in Auburn, specializes in sunrooms, but about two years ago they decided to offer tiny house construction as well. “We saw that the

tiny house movement was growing,” recalled Brady-Built Sunroom design consultant Derek Szeto. They finished their first tiny house project in February, working with clients who own land in the town of Harwich on Cape Cod. The tiny house movement is still in its infancy in Massachusetts, so although Brady-Built provides three base models for tiny houses, if someone wants something different, they prefer to collaboratively design it with the homeowner, which requires a clear plan and project vision.

“The tiny house movement is so new, so we’re kind of learning with our customers,” explained Szeto.

Zoning laws in Massachusetts Because it’s a relatively new industry, towns are still adapting and zoning laws pertaining to tiny houses often vary by municipality, meaning you cannot just build a tiny house on a foundation wherever you want.

“Each Massachusetts municipality has its own unique set of zoning bylaws,” remarked Koperniak. “These bylaws will impact which zones of the municipality, if any, will allow the use of tiny homes.”

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B&B Micro Manufacturing’s Hoosic tiny house model interior.

This is why they work to educate any prospective tiny homeowner on what is allowed to be built on their plot of land, he added.

Utilities have presented one potential obstacle depending on a town’s zoning laws, particularly for tiny houses on foundations. For this reason, Szeto said some people try to categorize their tiny house projects as ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units), which are regulated differently than

tiny houses. Some landowners designing a tiny house on a foundation might aspire to live off-grid completely, utilizing solar and renewables, eliminating the need for municipal utility connections.

However, tiny houses on wheels can be treated like an RV at a campsite. “Our tiny house RVs are set up to be plug and play with a typical seasonal campsite hook-up,” asserted Koperniak. “This consists of a 50-

amp electrical supply, a frost-free hydrant and a sewer line.”

Pros and cons of the tiny house lifestyle Szeto said that many people in the fifty and over demographic are becoming interested in the tiny house movement because their kids have left home and as empty nesters they’re looking to downsize.

Tiny homes offer multiple ben-

efits including being environmentally friendly, low maintenance and providing utilities savings. “Tiny homes do have long-term energy savings and a reduced carbon footprint compared to a lot of traditional built homes,” explained Koperniak.

“There is also less space to maintain in a tiny home.”

For the environmentally conscious, tiny homes “offer immense flexibility on how to be sustainable and efficient structures,” added Koperniak, and can be constructed using solar panels, compostable toilets, green materials and building methods, efficient appliances and more.

But if you’re considering the market, just don’t expect the cost to be tiny as well. Koperniak and Szeto both echoed that tiny houses are not always economical in relation to traditional homes or apartments. B&B Micro Manufacturing’s wheeled models range from starting prices of $62,000 to $97,000, while foundation-built models can start as high as $199,000.

Tiny houses are not for everyone, observed Szeto, but for individuals subscribing to a minimalist lifestyle seeking to reduce their impact on the planet, it delivers strong appeal.

“With a tiny house, it’s all about minimalizing everything,” stated Szeto.

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Former TV traffic reporter Cindy Campbell is now communications director for AARP Massachusetts Cindy Campbell | from page 1

Live television without a script Relaying information was only part of her job. “All of my reports were live; I didn’t have a script. They had to be accurate,” she said. Reporting in real time meant she had to be well-versed in traffic patterns and could clearly communicate everything viewers needed to know – in 45 seconds to one minute.

“I carried around books of maps all the time. I really studied them, even though I was born and raised in Massachusetts. I studied so my audience would know I was a credible source of information,” she recalled.

Campbell reported on projected traffic patterns and transit information for drivers preparing for their morning commute. There were often live breaking news events; she utilized maps and cameras to give a dynamic report at noon and an update at five p.m.

Life after traffic reporting Campbell has experienced a few career transitions since her traffic reporting days.

Her passion for traffic safety increased after her sister sustained a

These days, Cindy Campbell is communications director for AARP Massachusetts.

traumatic brain injury as a pedestrian. Campbell became the Director of Volunteers at the Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts.

She lectured at Suffolk University and worked in safety, media relations and outreach, mainly with the state Department of Transportation. In 2014, AARP Massachusetts posted an opening for communications director; she’s been there ever since.

“I do miss live reporting,” she said. “But I also don’t have to get up

at three a.m.”

Campbell’s skills acquired as a traffic reporter are evident in her press releases and articles, earned and paid media campaigns, and occasional radio programs and video spots.

She loves keeping AARP Massachusetts’ 775,000 members informed, so she learns every detail about the topics that affect seniors, such as age discrimination toward older workers and job seekers.

“They’ve been completely upended by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Many are looking to change careers,” she said.

Since 2020, everything has changed – the types of information that is communicated, how information is relayed and how people receive it.

“One of my biggest areas of focus has been getting information out about how and where to get the vaccine and about stimulus payments issued during COVID-19,” she said.

AARP Massachusetts touts providing “news and information important to Bay State residents age 50-plus.” To that end, Campbell works tirelessly to update the official

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32 SOUTH STREET, WESTBOROUGH, MA 01581

Advocating for older adults Advocacy is central to AARP’s mission. The organization is currently working to establish the caregiving tax credit bill; protect and strengthen Medicare; and promote livable communities. Campbell contributes by writing op-eds, columns, speeches and statements.

“My job as director of communications is to support our advocacy team at AARP at the local and federal level – Mike Festa, state director of AARP, in particular,” she said.

There’s no doubt that 56-yearold Campbell knows her job; but her thirst for knowledge remains unquenched. She took up guitar not long ago.

“I’m terrible. I’ll never play in front of anybody,” she said, laughing.

“But it is something that I enjoy doing. As we age, it’s incumbent upon all of us to keep learning new things.

Learning keeps us young and gives us the ability to live our best lives.”

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Serving the fifty-plus community since 1975 www.fiftyplusadvocate.com

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Fifty Plus Advocate accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts or materials and does not return them to sender. Retractions for any inaccuracies will be printed when necessary.

Unsolicited letters to the editor become the property of this newspaper and can be reprinted in part or in whole unless otherwise stated. Fifty Plus Advocate columnists writing under a byline are expressing their personal opinions and not necessarily those of the newspaper.

For advertising or editorial inquiries, contact us at 508.366.5500 • 32 South St., Westborough, MA 01581

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Woburn’s Cummings Foundation supports older adults in a variety of ways

By Peg Lopata Contributing Writer WOBURN - Bill and Joyce Cummings of Winchester began making donations, many to organizations dedicated to elders, a long time ago. But they wanted to create a different kind of foundation.

So, for example, unlike most foundations, the majority of trustees here have no family or employment relationship with the entities and none of these non-family trustees have ever been asked to donate.

Joyce Vyriotes, deputy director of the Cummings Foundation, which was created in 1986, explained further. “Of the Cummings family members who do sit on the board, none has ever taken any salary or other monetary benefit from the Foundation,” she noted. “In addition, the decision-making process for grant awards sets Cummings apart from other foundations. In an effort to ‘democratize philanthropy,’ we currently have about one hundred and fifty enlisted volunteers who determine more than half of the Foundation’s grant awards.”

ate in Woburn.

In addition, these two communities had remarkably low incidences of COVID-19. Not surprisingly, Vyriotes feels her work is very rewarding.

“I feel so good about our work to provide warm, welcoming, engaging residential communities for elders,” said Vyriotes.

Grants for groups supporting elders For 2021, one of the groups who was awarded a grant was the Andover Senior Community Friends. Their grant will be used to provide adaptive equipment and more to ensure the newly renovated and expanded Andover Senior Center is fully accessible to everyone.

The Alliance Health at Marie Esther in Marlborough received a grant to purchase and operate a new van to drive elder residents wherever they need to go. The Bethany Health Care Center in Framingham will use its grant money to replace outdated kitchen appliances.

In prior years some of the recipients of Cummings Foundation grants that support elders were the Friends of Marlborough Seniors, Minuteman Senior Services in Bedford, which provides support services for elders and the disabled, and SeniorCare in Gloucester, which helps elders to live independently at home or in a setting of their choice while remaining part of their community.

Unusual among area senior living communities, New Horizons at Marlborough features a heated indoor lap swimming pool that residents and their families use for recreation and exercise, including “watercise” classes.

Helping elders keep things stable Keeping things democratized is part of the philosophy of two senior not-for-profits communities owned and operated by the Cummings Foun-

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dation: New Horizons at Marlborough and New Horizons at Choate in Woburn.

Because these communities are owned by a foundation, not benefitting any group of shareholders or individual, these facilities provide high quality living environments at affordable rates.

“The backing of such a large foundation provides a high degree of stability,” said Vyriotes, “for the community as a whole and for individual residents.

Even during the pandemic, residents and their families never had to worry about New Horizons’ long-term viability.”

Part of that stability comes from knowing the Cummings Foundation keeps the facilities in tip-top shape.

Though the communities have maintenance staff, major repairs, renovations and other such needs are taken care of pro-bono by the Foundation.

“They’re the support system,” explained Christine Coakely, executive director, New Horizons at Cho-

Being different is best Bill and Joyce were donating a substantial amount―ten percent of Cummings Properties profits every year to the Foundation, but they wanted to donate on an even bigger scale. They did so by donating actual buildings to the Foundation.

“The large majority of the elev-

Cummings Foundation | 14

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Update your job skills through free programs In the current job market, numerous positions are being offered to remote workers of any age.

By Michele Collins Contributing Writer REGION - The job search for people 55 and over doesn’t have to be as daunting as it seems, thanks to new programs by organizations like AARP and Encore Boston Network. There are even opportunities to be ready for the numerous positions that are being offered to remote workers of any age.

Getting started Those in the Greater Boston area can sign up for a free program that makes them remote-ready to work and offers tips on how to find and secure those positions. A recent Age-Friendly Employer Forum, sponsored by AARP and retirementjobs.com, gave step-by-step directions on how to update your skills, and crack the job market, even if you are over age 55.

Developed by Operation ABLE, in association with Massachusetts’ Executive Office of Elder Affairs, the MassHire Department of Career Services, and UMass-Boston, a unique new program is designed specifically to enable economically disadvantaged job seekers over the age of 55 to succeed in a remote work setting.

Those who are interested in learning to be successful as remote workers can sign up for the next Remote Employment Skills Training class, which begins on December 20.

This class teaches everything from basic computer skills to how to set up your remote work station at home.

To see if you are eligible, or to sign up for the class, visit https://operationable.net/.

According to Operation ABLE, the program is led by an instructor in a virtual classroom. Participants can choose their fields of study like customer service, accounting or office work, all which have remote jobs available today. Not having access to Wi-Fi or the technology needed to be a remote worker is not a barrier, as Operation ABLE even has a tech-

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nology loaner program for those who meet income requirements.

Another national program that offers help to older job seekers is Tech Goes Home. This program allows older and mature adults and seniors to attend computer classes where participants receive a free Chromebook, a bag to carry it in, six months to a year of free internet service and a mouse.

All this is provided free for seniors by Tech Goes Home. Visit www.techgoeshome.org for more information.

Conducting a job search Not interested in working remotely? Not a problem. AARP has developed a program which lets older job seekers find companies that actually value highly experienced employees, and those over 55. Called the AARP Employer Pledge, these companies have agreed to sign on as Age Friendly Employers. These companies are committing to “believing in equal opportunity for all workers; recognizing the value of experienced workers; recruiting across diverse age groups and considering all applicants on an equal basis, regardless of age and finally, believing that 50-plus workers should have a level playing field in their ability to compete and obtain jobs.”

One way to find jobs close by is to visit www.aarp.com/jobs. This site allows users to filter by limits such as distance from a city or a field they are interested in. For example, a search of jobs within 20 miles of Worcester in only employers with the Age Friendly designation, revealed 786 jobs. These jobs include companies as varied as TJX, Macy’s, several insurance carriers, Home Depot and Advance Auto Parts. Some jobs are part time, some remote and some full time professional. There is even an opportunity to work seasonally as a Santa Claus, no beard needed!

The job market right now is very open to all people interested in working. Why not do what you can to find and choose a job that meets your preferences?

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Pets have the power to improve our health and well-being

By R. R. Fletcher Contributing Writer REGION - Pets improve our lives.

Whether the family friend is a sweet tabby cat, an adventurous Sheltie, or a talkative macaw, studies have shown a strong bond between pet and owner contributes to a healthier and more positive home environment.

Some of the health benefits of having a pet can result from the increased opportunities for exercise and outdoor activities, since dogs need to be walked. Exercise helps with general health, weight control, decreased cholesterol, and even reduced blood pressure. In one study, elderly individuals with a dog or cat were better able to perform “activities of daily living”― climbing stairs, dressing, and taking daily medication.

ic serv

Supported by research Claims of better health are not just because we love our pets. Numerous science-based research shows that our furry friends are good for us.

Fewer trips to the doctor. A study of 1,000 Medicare patients (65 years or older) determined that dog

But who cares for a pet’s daily needs in a medical setting, at home, or in senior housing? Helping loved ones care for their pets often becomes one of the roles taken on by family caregivers.

At-home caregivers often assist a patient with the pet’s general care. And many home nursing programs now include small animals in care plans and programs.

Vets make house calls Recently, many Massachusetts veterinarians have begun to make house calls. Essential services vital to a pet’s health are now available at home. A simple web search for “mobile vets” will list full-service practices such A House Call Vets of MetroWest in Worcester or Boston Mobile Veterinary in Weston.

Local pet adoption programs For older adults looking to adopt a pet, there are several options. In addition to the state humane society, there are numerous private rescue non-profits throughout Massachusetts.

Worcester women founded the Worcester Animal Rescue League (WARL) in 1912 to help over-worked

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Pets | 13

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Most Americans have at least one pet The companionship of a pet can help cope with depression and loss.

Just talking to your pet has been shown to decrease blood pressure and reduce loneliness.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recognizes the significance of

animal-human interactions and has established the One Health program.

One Health focuses on the connection between people and animals in a shared environment. The CDC defines the connection as an essential bond for staying active, healthy, and happy.

owners had 21 percent fewer physician contacts than non-dog owners.

Sense of security.

Pets help seniors to feel that there is always a trusted friend nearby.

In a recent survey, 71 percent of pet owners thought of their pet as “a friend.”

Pets lower blood pressure. There have been numerous studies of pets’ effects on blood pressure. A 2002 study published in the journal Psychosomatic Medicine found pet owners over the age of 40 had lower blood pressure than non-owners. The study also concluded that having a dog or cat lowered the risk of heart disease and overall stress when performing simple tasks.

As a result of this growing recognition of the benefits of animals, nursing homes, cancer clinics, and rehabilitation centers use pets during treatment and care. And increasingly, many longterm care and senior housing facilities allow residents to keep small pets.

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• 11

Westborough ice cream fan lands sweet gig

Amy Dwyer is passionate about experience over things, such as taste-testing 50 Ben & Jerry’s ice cream flavors over the next year.

By Deborah Burke Henderson Contributing Writer WESTBOROUGH - If you want to know the scoop about ice cream, ask 50-year-old Westborough resident Amy Dwyer.

Dwyer was recently selected as the new FinanceBuzz Ice Cream Flavor Evaluation Specialist for 50 Ben & Jerry’s flavors produced by the iconic Vermont ice cream maker. Chosen from 8,000 applicants, ice cream is central to just about everything Dwyer does.

Beyond her latest endeavor, Dwyer is a real estate agent with Keller Williams Boston MetroWest and incorporates her passion for ice cream into her professional brand. Her motto is “Giving You the Scoop on Real Estate,” and her business logo features an ice cream cone front and center.

Her love of ice cream is integral to other areas of life, including a family tradition of “Ice Cream Wednesdays” and even her car’s identity.

Dwyer self-identifies as a planner. She takes this flavor evaluation work seriously. Upon accepting the gig, she called the frozen food managers at area grocery stores to determine what flavors each carries (including seasonal options) and developed a spreadsheet to capture that information along with her weekly rating.

“Week One, I tested Chocolate Fudge Brownie,” Dwyer said, “and added a comment on the electronic review form: This flavor pairs well with dropping off your child 2,000 miles away to start college.”

Origin of Ice Cream Wednesdays When Dwyer’s daughter was a tween, she pleaded with mom one day to go out for ice cream. Mom was too busy. Too tired working three part-time jobs while getting her master’s at Boston University. After further pleas from Abigail, Dwyer realized she needed to spend more quality time with her kids. The three walked to the local ice cream store.

Abigail mentioned it would be fun to go out for ice cream every Wednesday. A family tradition was born.

“We scooped out some quality time together,” Dwyer quipped, enjoying the pun. “The kids got excited each week about planning which shop we’d drive to, and we scrapbooked about our experience all summer. We’ve eaten ice cream in just about every creamery in New England.”

Taking this one step further, Dwyer set a personal goal of tasting ice cream in all 50 states. Currently up to 41, her latest adventure was a fall es-

PHOTO/ DEBORAH BURKE HENDERSON

cape to New Mexico’s hot air balloon festival where she ticked off another state as well as something on her bucket list.

How the passion began Dwyer recalls several childhood events that helped shape her love and passion for ice cream. Picture her grandfather, adding rock salt into his ice cream machine and letting young Amy, age five, crank away to her heart’s delight. There are also fond recollections of regularly eating a bowl of ice cream (not a dish, she admits) with her dad.

A bad day in high school? She and her best friend would go out for “ice cream therapy.” It worked every time.

“Everyone gets happy when they eat ice cream, don’t they?” Dwyer asked. “It brings joy. Pure joy.”

In 2011, Dwyer attended Ice Cream University in New Jersey, a three-day program. An entrepreneur at heart, Dwyer researched how to start a small business and purchased a $7,500 commercial ice cream-making machine which she housed in the garage. Dwyer’s Homemade Ice Cream was a hit with neighbors, friends, at fairs, and local events.

Beyond her side hustle Dwyer became a licensed realtor and in May 2013 started working full-time with Keller Williams Boston MetroWest in Framingham. She likes working with first-time homebuyers, as well as downsizers, investors, and others with a housing need.

“Home buying is the biggest financial transaction of your life and

often quite stressful,” Dwyer said. “I enjoy guiding clients through the process and helping make their future a reality.”

Dwyer is also a house flipper,

along with her long-time partner, a general contractor who has his own remodeling business. Dwyer’s children, Abigail and Matthew, and two dogs complete the family.

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10 important financial tips for caregivers

By R. R. Fletcher Contributing Writer

And 34% of caregivers spend between 21% and 100% of their monthly budget on caregiving expenses.

Caregivers sell homes, move, and quit jobs to “do the right thing.”

And these life changes and expenditures are rarely looked at as sacrifices. But, without a long-term plan, they can negatively affect the caregiver’s future.

Luckily, there are ways to protect assets and reduce out-of-pocket expenses―or eliminate them.

REGION - Americans spend roughly $190 billion per year on their care recipients for out-of-pocket expenses.

Closer to home, according to AARP, over 844,000 Massachusetts residents help their loved ones as parttime or permanent caregivers.

Unfortunately, 67% of those who’ve incurred expenses for caregiving have had to reduce living expenses to provide care.

The importance of planning Plan before your loved one gets sick. We all say it, and everyone agrees it’s necessary. And then life takes over, and planning falls by the wayside. In fact, 48% of us have not yet planned for the inevitable.

Review plans frequently―at least quarterly. Things change, and laws change. Even a change in medication or diagnosis can alter a loved one’s legal standing or ability to make sound financial decisions.

Consider long-term care insurance before it’s needed. Medicare does not pay for extended care or assisted living except in particular circumstances. Also, not all long-term

Common sacrifices by caregivers A Northwestern Mutual study found that the sacrifices made by family caregivers are comprehensive and complex: • 68% of family caregivers provided financial support.

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Sell or rent a dormant property.

At the very least, discuss a plan to make assets work harder for your loved one. Even a small amount of residual income can make a big difference later down the road.

Investigate in advance specialty income. Additional benefit income for all veterans is available and can be substantial. But applying for these stipends can take up to two years, depending on the individual and the need. Also, many private company pensions have additional benefits. Don’t wait until a loved one is in the emergency room to ask.

Advance research also applies to Medicare and state Medicaid.

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Document a caregiver’s identity in a loved one’s medical records.

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The gift of more…and less

10 important financial tips for caregivers Financial Tips | from page 12

Minimalism isn’t about removing the things you love. It’s about removing the things that distract you from the things you love.

— Joshua Becker

By Marianne Delorey, Ph.D. Executive Director, Colony Retirement Homes

B

oth in my personal life and in my professional life, I have had to help clean out apartments after someone passes on. My mother, to her credit, had been purging for years before she passed, so when it was time for us to clean out her house, well, let’s just say it could have been much worse.

The hard part about being emotionally invested in cleaning out someone’s stuff is that you tend to have a predisposition toward a sentimentality about the objects that can slow you down. I have found it far easier to empty a hoarder’s apartment who I barely knew than sort through one box of my mother’s items, special or not.

Minimalists believe in the mantra, “Sort, Sell, Donate, Discard.”

Wash. Rinse. Repeat. There are specialists, now, including Marie Kondo, a Japanese consultant who has a method for decluttering including the following steps: 1. Commit yourself to tidying up.

2. Imagine your ideal lifestyle.

3. Finish discarding first. Before getting rid of items, sincerely thank each item for serving its purpose.

4. Tidy by category, not location.

5. Follow the right order.

6. Ask yourself if it sparks joy.

Marie Kondo’s method does have a bit more teeth and gets us part way there. She wrote, “I was obsessed with what I could throw away. One day, I realized my mistake: I was only looking for things to throw out. What I should be doing is finding the things I want to keep. Identifying the things that make you happy.”

But even this method falls short and misses an important opportunity — an opportunity to reflect with others.

This holiday season, I suggest we give the gift of time together. Most of us do not need more stuff, but wouldn’t it be great to go through a closet with your daughter and give her that old lace tablecloth now instead of waiting for it to yellow?

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to tell your son the story behind the shoes even as they are being donated?

There are very few Americans that do not need to go through their closets and downsize. So many of us get sidetracked by better opportunities to spend our time. Why not do both and have a cleanout party where the whole point is to declutter together? Commit to helping them with one closet, one bookshelf, one room. Tell them your plan: My gift to you is time together to tackle a problem area of your house.

We all have problem areas, so this is not a judgment. I’d like to help you clean out a closet to give us the chance to talk and laugh as we relive your stories. The real intent is time together, but if you want me to box up and donate items, I can also help with that.

If ideas are needed and wanted about how to downsize, you can certainly suggest ideas.

Your mom hates to throw out 17 towels because they are all part of a set but she only needs 3? Maybe sending a few with grandchildren going to college might feel less like throwing them away. Your dad cannot part with dog tags from someone he barely knew? Maybe you can Google his family together and help him find closure and say goodbye.

Your aunt loves her hats? Maybe she would consider donating to a theatre troupe.

Maybe, in the quest to find the bottom of the closet you end up finding what really matters — togetherness.

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.

• 13

when acting in a financial capacity.

Keep financial records well-organized and current, including assets and debts, which streamlines all financial transactions.

All in the family Life is hectic, and families are complicated. Family members can be distant geographically, personally, or right on your doorstep in times of need. But ultimately, families need to be aware of and agree upon a caregiver’s role.

When caring for a loved one, keeping family members in the loop while respecting a loved one’s privacy is difficult. One suggestion is to schedule a quarterly family meeting, including your loved one. Discuss openly things like current care, financial issues, caregiver concerns, and end-of-life wishes. And if necessary, record everyone’s responses.

There is no easy or perfect way to care for a loved one. Whether for a child or a parent, caregivers make sacrifices. But with a bit of planning, these loving gestures do not have to create enduring financial hardship.

Pets have the power to improve our health and well-being Pets | from page 10

horses, stray cats, and dogs. With an understanding of the benefits of pets, WARL spearheaded the Senior for Senior Program, which waives adoption fees for older pets (over 10 years old) adopted by anyone over 60 years old.

The Massachusetts Humane Society (MHS) sponsors a similar program.

But some seniors are unable to care full time for a pet. Consequently, the MHS

developed the Sponsor Me adopt a pet program. A senior can support an animal financially, contributing to medication, food, or other special care. Pet sponsors keep up with their favorite animal through photos or by dropping by to say “hello.”

Pets have the power to enrich our lives ― keeping us healthy, showing us love, and reminding us that we are needed.

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viewpoint

Keep pedaling

By Janice Lindsay Contributing Writer

T

he summer I was 7, I was obsessed. I desperately wanted — no, I desperately needed — a bike.

Not that I knew how to ride, but I was so ready to learn. Whenever I visited a kid who owned a bike, I begged for a turn.

But these were older kids. I found their bikes too big and my turns too short. I could not achieve the necessary balance and coordination.

I needed a bike of my own, just my size. And I knew where it lived, dark blue and shining: in the window of the hardware store in our little country town.

I did not beg. My parents didn’t have money for bikes.

Our family of four — my sister is

two years younger than me — lived, at our paternal grandfather’s invitation, in the two-bedroom house he had built before our grandmother died. The first and only floor was ours. Grandpa had carved out a tiny room for himself in the attic. He was retired, with a small pension from the textile mill where our father still worked.

Morning classes at our summer Vacation Bible School provided a brief distraction from my bike obsession.

One noontime when we came home from church, Cheryl and I went to our room to change our clothes. To my astonishment, there sat my bike, leaning on the bureau between our beds: the blue one from the hardware store. Grandpa had bought it with his pension money.

Technically, it was our bike — Cheryl’s and mine — but the obsession belonged to me.

Now I must learn to ride.

Mom forbade practice on our barely-traveled road. I tried over and over, starting at the top of our dirt

driveway with its gentle downward slope that put gravity on my side, to the turnaround and back. By suppertime, I had mastered it.

The next day, Cheryl wanted turns, and of course she must have them, and I would help her learn to ride.

You can’t explain how to ride a bike. You can only advise.

She struggled. As she tried repeatedly to get the hang of it, I noticed that she hesitated. She started at the top of the driveway, pedaled, then stopped pedaling, and over she went. We devised a system. She pushed off, and I ran behind, calling, “Keep pedaling! Keep pedaling!” She did, and soon she had the knack.

Then we devised a system for taking turns.

Not long after that, we returned from Bible School to find a second bike awaiting us, a pale blue one, for Cheryl. Our taciturn Grandpa said only, “It won’t do to have one bike for two little girls.”

That experience taught me a

valuable lesson, and not just about obsession or persistence or the generosity of kind, perceptive grandfathers. I learned about pedaling.

We can ride through life smoothly for a while, then something happens to throw us off balance. We’ve all had the experience: a serious loss or a difficult change in circumstances.

We’re confused, uncertain. We don’t know what to do, or how to think, or where to turn, or how to reorder our lives to our new reality.

There’s only one thing we can do: Keep pedaling. Pedal with one little push at time, even if we wobble and don’t know where to steer. Do what we can, one small act, then another, then another. Keep pedaling, and gradually the way becomes clear.

No matter what problem we face, somebody is sure to say, “Things work out.” Indeed, they do. But if they work out for the best, or even for the good, it’s probably because somebody has kept pedaling.

Contact jlindsay@tidewater.net.

Woburn’s Cummings Foundation supports older adults in a variety of ways Cummings Foundation | from page 8

en million square feet of commercial buildings managed by Cummings Properties is now owned by ― and operated for the sole benefit of the Foundation,” explained Vyriotes. “These substantial real estate donations not only increased the Foundation’s assets, but also serve as an ongoing, stable source of income, which is generated by rental profits.”

The Cummings’ focus on what they know best ― not fundraising, but developing and managing commercial

real estate ― and keeping the whogets-what process as democratic as possible. The has made the Foundation into one the largest corporate charitable contributors in Massachusetts, donating some $29 million in 2020.

As noted on the Foundation’s website: “This place-based philanthropic initiative will annually support 140 Massachusetts nonprofits based in and primarily serving Essex, Middlesex, and Suffolk counties.”

For more information: https:// www.cummingsfoundation.org/ grants/index.html.

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Cummings Foundation deputy director Joyce Vyriotes (center), with Trish Pope, executive director of Marlborough Council on Aging, and the Honorable Arthur Vigeant, mayor of Marlborough. Pope and Vigeant recently participated alongside Bill and Joyce Cummings in a special Zoom event about the history of the 27-yearold New Horizons at Marlborough retirement community.

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• 15

Stay fit and have fun with doubles tennis

By Peg Lopata Contributing writer REGION - Feel like a bit of running around, hitting a ball, and want a partner to play a game with? Want some good exercise ― both mental and physical ― in a short period of time and not spend a ton of money?

Doubles tennis may be just the sport for you.

Don’t let your age or physical limitations deter you.

You can get a lot of exercise in a very short period of time and have a lot of fun.

— Ron Parlman

60-year-old Ron Parlman, tennis director, owner, and managing director of tennis programs at the Wayside Athletic Club in Marlborough.

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The benefits Tennis is good for both your body and mind.

“Doubles tennis for an hour and a half or so will give you a good workout.

It’s just what the doctor ordered,” said Ron Parlman, tennis director, owner, and managing director of tennis programs at the Wayside Athletic Club in Marlborough. “It’s good for your cardio system, it’s great for strengthening the core, back, and legs. It keeps your vision sharp, acts on your quickness, helps with your focus―you have to pay attention and concentrate.”

Even if you have some physical limitations, you can still play doubles tennis. Parlman himself, age 60,

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has osteoarthritis in both knees and he plays both singles and doubles. He has players at his club playing doubles who have heart conditions, COPD, are overweight or who have to go slow because their knees aren’t working so well.

A member at Parlman’s club with arthritic knees and an arthritic shoulder is just not going to stop playing tennis despite his various problems.

“He says if he doesn’t go out and do it, he will not keep loose and relaxed,” explained Parlman.

Yield to your limitations But Parlman’s club player with arthritis plays smart. No more diving for balls. Those with heart conditions don’t overdo it. With age you’ll have to accept a ball flying by that you just can’t get to. You might say to yourself, ten years ago I could get to that ball. But if you can let it go―the ball, the disappointment and your limitations and get ready for the next shot ― you’re training your mind too. With aging that’s a good mental state to strive for off the court too.

“That’s the beauty of it. You can push yourself as hard as you want or let up on your game,” added Parlman.

Working with what you’ve got To slow things down on the court you can play with balls that have less pressure than the typical yellow ones. If you don’t want to get very competitive about it, there are clubs that have social doubles. You just show up and play.

The United States Tennis Association (USTA) has recreational groups all over the country where you can sign up and play with others just at your level, from beginner to advanced; players are grouped by age too.

Age should not deter you “I have groups of guys in their seventies playing doubles―they can still cover enough court,” said Parlman.

The oldest guy playing doubles at Parlman’s club is 78. It’s a sport you can play for a long time.

Parlman admitted he was getting up at 6 a.m. the day after this interview with Fifty Plus Advocate to play doubles with eight guys who range in age from 55 to 74.

“It’s a great sport even if you’re not the most fit person in the world,” said Parlman. “You can get a lot of exercise in a very short period of time and have a lot of fun.”

Learn more about USTA at www.usta.com.

16 •

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The best places to visit in Massachusetts around Thanksgiving

You can also visit the newly restored Mayflower II, a full-scale reproduction of the original Mayflower. As you explore the ship, consider the arduous months her passengers endured before landing in Plymouth.

ton, set in a perfect location to explore the rich American history in charming Concord and Lexington.

The battlegrounds and historic buildings in Minuteman National Historical Park set the scene for your colonial exploration. Cross Concord’s Old North Bridge, the famed site of the beginning of the Revolutionary War and famous for the “shot heard ‘round the world.” Take a brisk, five-mile hike along the Battle Field Road Trail, enjoy a visit to Hartwell Tavern, and visit the grounds of The Wayside: Home of Authors (Louisa May Alcott, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Harriet Lothrop) while immersing yourself in the birth of our nation.

When you have a gang in town for a visit, book a private Boston, Concord, and Lexington tour where you have complete control over the itinerary. This customizable tour with your knowledgeable guide will be one of those memorable family events that you will treasure always; “Remember the Thanksgiving when we...”

Concord and Lexington There is so much to see and explore in these two historic towns, they are worth a getaway stay. You will find a cool, hip vibe at the ALoft Lexing-

Salem Historic Salem is filled with ghosts and intrigue. Visiting this hub of witch hunting is fun any time of year, but the crisp cool fall days give Salem a quint-

Plymouth Rock is where it all began, leading to the first Thanksgiving.

By Sandi Barrett Contributing Writer

PHOTOS/SANDI BARRETT

REGION - Thanksgiving Day is all about the amazing food, but before you sit down to the hefty holiday dinner and then spend time working off the post turkey dinner malaise, there are so many fun and interesting local destinations to be explored. Celebrate the season of thanks by experiencing the wonderful history of our colonial heritage around this great Commonwealth. We have assembled some of the best places to visit during the Thanksgiving season where you can explore our rich history of gratitude with friends and family.

We travel far and wide, but sometimes never discover what is right in our own backyard. Massachusetts is the birthplace of the Thanksgiving ritual, it is where the first Pilgrims landed, the first Harvest Feast was celebrated, where the colonial militia began the fight for independence, and home to many literary and political figures that shaped the history of our country. Time for a day trip!

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Plymouth The place where it all began, the historic Plimoth Patuxet Museums (aka Plimoth Plantation), provides guests an interesting peek into daily life in the 1600s when day-to-day life was hard.

To celebrate the 400th anniversary of the “1621 Harvest Feast,” also known as the First Thanksgiving, Plimoth Patuxet is premiering a new movie, Behind the Holiday: The First Thanksgiving, Saturday, November 20 at 6 p.m.

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www.fiftyplusadvocate.com + NOVEMBER 2021 + fiftyplus advocate Thanksgiving. The weather is crisp and clear, perfect for sightseeing, you may even catch a few trees still showing their fall colors in the Boston Common or Public Garden.

The Go Boston Pass, which includes admission into 40 different attractions is the best deal in town. It allows you to visit the Aquarium, Museum of Science, Museum of Fine Arts, hop on a Duck Tour, the Swan Boats, the City View Trolley Tour, go behind the scenes at Fenway Park, and many other interesting attractions. The ticket is also good for Old Sturbridge Village, Plimoth Patuxet, the Salem Witch Museum, and

The Boston Public Garden is just one of the many historic sites to visit in the state’s capital.

essential New England Thanksgiving appeal. For a fun alternative to driving, consider taking the ferry from Boston.

You can sit back and relax while enjoying the view of the Boston skyline as you sail your way up to Salem.

Once in Salem, the best way to learn about the history of the witch trials is with a knowledgeable guide. The History and Hauntings Walking Tour is under two hours, just the right amount

of time to get your bearings and activities that call for further exploration. If you want a creepier experience, try the Salem Night Tour, it will surely give you goosebumps.

Boston Boston, full of history, entertainment, amazing restaurants, and vibrant neighborhoods is a wonderful city to explore during the time around

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Thanksgiving is not just about the long weekend, Black Friday shopping, and the parade; it is about spending time with family and friends, counting your blessings, and enjoying the beginning of the holiday season. Get out and enjoy the gifts of freedom that began with the Pilgrims stepping on Plymouth’s coastal rock. Before you start baking pumpkin pies for your Thanksgiving dinner, explore some of the wonderful spots across Massachusetts that embody the Thanksgiving holiday season.

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fiftyplus advocate + NOVEMBER 2021 + www.fiftyplusadvocate.com

Celebrity performers started as ‘lookalikes’

By David Wilkening, Contributing Writer BOSTON - At least two of Boston’s bestknown celebrity performers―and almost certainly many more―began their acts because they looked like the people they portray. But don’t make the mistake of thinking that superficial resemblance was all they needed for being successful with their chosen side gig.

A long-time Boston public school teacher, Jay Gates, impersonates perhaps today’s most famous British pop singer and one of the most popular American singers-and-songwriters of all time, with a career spanning more than half a century.

Celebrity performer Jay Gates as Rod Stewart.

PHOTO/SETH DOMINICK

From Rod Stewart to Barry Manilow “People used to always tell me I looked just like Rod Stewart and then that I looked just like Barry Manilow. Hey, I never thought I looked like either of them at all,” Gates said. Laughingly, the 55-year-old adds, “It must have been my big nose.”

The two famous singers do not sound the same. Stewart, now 76, is recognized for his raspy voice. Manilow, 77, by contrast, is best described as a low tenor known for his dramatic notes at various levels.

Gates had to painstakingly study and learn both styles.

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‘Elvis from Boston’ Roland Julius, whose daytime job is driving a truck for the US Post Office, has been regularly billed since 1971 as “Elvis from Boston.”

As a teenager, he played in a band called The Golden Tear Drops, where all members agreed he looked just like youknow-who. One aspect of his appearance that helped has been the sideburns he has worn since age 13.

“Just about everyone still comments on that,” says Julius, now 65 years old. “Somebody did that just the other day while I was driving my truck.”

But in common with Gates, he has read “books after books” about the “King of Rock n’ Roll” and regularly practices his music with other musicians. He has spent hours viewing films and videos about the legendary singer and even attended some of his performances.

When he first saw the ‘king’ “I was dating a girl from Charlestown in 1970 and her sister was in the Boston

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www.fiftyplusadvocate.com + NOVEMBER 2021 + fiftyplus advocate Roland Julius, the “Boston Elvis,” performing as Elvis Presley

Elvis Fan Club,” Julius recalled. “In November of 1971 Elvis was going to perform at the Boston Garden. My girlfriend wanted to see Elvis in concert. So we got tickets to the show.”

“Our seats were on the side of the stage and Elvis would walk right up in front of us,” said Julius. “I couldn’t hear anything because of all the girls screaming and I myself was in a daze of how Elvis made the crowd go crazy.”

Many in his audiences are older

Elvis fans. But Julius has done performances at teenage birthday parties as well. “Elvis is liked by all generations,” he affirmed.

Songs he performs include such familiar ones as “Love Me Tender.”

Julius’s own favorites include “In the Ghetto” and “Kentucky Rain.”

Representatives of agencies that provide impersonators say it is common for them to start second careers ― often part-time ― after being told

repeatedly they looked like the celebrity. They also say there are three different types that sometimes overlap.

Three levels of impersonators The first level are simply lookalikes. They may be someone like Marilyn Monroe imitators who book appearances where all they do is stand around. They may only do photo ops.

The second level are dubbed tribute artists. They may not look like celebrities, but they pay homage through their songs.

The third level are the real impersonators who walk, talk, sing and act like their celebrity. In costume, they’re always in character.

Both Gates and Julius are part of the third group, dressing and acting their parts.

Julius, for example, often appears in white jumpsuits with gold embellishments, and the scarfs associated with the Elvis image of the 1970s. He also frequently wears white leather shoes.

Gates also dresses in full Stewart regalia and maintains an inventory of more than 40 songs, including such hits as “Forever Young,” “Tonight’s The Night,” and “Do Ya Think I’m Sexy.” While Julius thinks Elvis fans span generations, Gates’s own experience is somewhat different.

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old. They invariably recognize both Stewart and Manilow, whose popular songs include “Mandy,” “Copacabana,” “Can’t Smile Without You” and “I Write the Songs.”

But his own students in the Boston school system are seldom aware of either man’s accomplishments.

“Many younger people have no idea of who they are. It blows my mind because, to me, they are icons,” said Gates, whose musical education includes a master’s degree from the New England Conservatory.

So, what does he say to his students who have never heard of either Rod Stewart or Barry Manilow?

“I tell them to ask their grandfathers,” Gates replied with a laugh.

Answers to Super Crossword

Younger people often don’t know older icons Most of his work these days is for retirement communities and private parties of people over 50 years

SUPER CROSSWORD PUZZLE

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