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Massachusetts is reimagining aging in its communities
Eastern Edition
Vol. 48 | No. 10 | October 2021
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Voices from the Past: Lessons for the Future Holocaust survivor has made a lifelong impact Right: Israel Arbeiter holds up a “Jude” badge, a star of David that Jewish people were forced to wear under the Nazi regime. “Jude” is German for Jew. PHOTO COURTESY OF FRIENDS OF MARCH OF THE LIVING
By Kelley Walker Perry Contributing Writer
Israel Arbeiter, center, with his brothers in Poland before World War II.
NEWTON – There are those who wish to rewrite history or to simply erase it, as if the past is just a bad dream. Israel “Izzy” Arbeiter is unable to do that. History is written — literally and indelibly — on his left arm. He has spent an entire lifetime telling anyone who will listen about the horrors he endured during the Holocaust, in the hope that such a thing will never happen again.
Holocaust | 4
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New AARP Analysis Shows Nursing Home Vaccination Rates in Massachusetts Still Short of Benchmark Calls for Nursing Homes to Require COVID Vaccines for Staff and Residents By Mike Festa, State Director AARP Massachusetts
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ases of COVID-19 decreased among Massachusetts nursing home residents and staff over the four weeks ending July 18, according to the latest release of AARP’s Nursing Home COVID-19 Dashboard. Any number of cases is concerning given the rise of new variants, the gaps in vaccinations among those in nursing homes, and the disproportionate numbers of deaths due to COVID-19 and high risk in nursing homes throughout the pandemic. More than 9,000 residents and staff of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities in the Bay State have died from COVID-19 — representing around 50% of deaths, even though less than 1% of the population lives in these facilities. Nationally, 60% of health care workers in nursing Mike Festa homes were fully vaccinated and about 82% of residents were fully vaccinated as of the week ending July 18. Here in Massachusetts, 90.6% of residents have been fully vaccinated and 75.6% of staff. The high COVID-19 death rates of residents and staff in nursing homes has been a national disgrace. As the new variants are emerging, facilities cannot let preventable problems be repeated. The key is to increase vaccinations, and do it now. AARP supports the Commonwealth’s decision to require nursing home vaccinations for staff. The lower levels of staff vaccinations in particular create an unacceptable level of risk, since the disease spreads so easily in these environments. Also, AARP believes that facilities must ensure all residents are vaccinated. Facilities must be open and transparent with how they are progressing toward the vital goal of vaccination for all staff and residents. In Massachusetts, shortages of staff and personal protective equipment (PPE) decreased slightly from the last AARP dashboard, with 5% of nursing homes reporting a staff shortage and 1.7% noting an urgent need for more PPE. 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 http://www. aarp.org/nursinghomedashboard. AARP is providing information and resources about COVID-19 to help older Bay State residents and has developed key questions for families to ask if a loved one is in a nursing home. For more information on how COVID is impacting nursing homes and AARP’s advocacy on this issue, visit www.aarp.org/nursinghomes.
More than 9,000 residents and staff of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities in the Bay State have died from COVID-19 — representing around 50% of deaths …
Mike Festa is the State Director for AARP Massachusetts. For more articles visit www.fiftyplusadvocate.com.
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77-year-old powerlifter marks major milestone Harmesh Sharma stands near downtown Westborough wearing his powerlifting medals.
By Dakota Antelman Contributing Writer WESTBOROUGH - Westborough resident Harmesh Sharma is 77 years old and a power lifting champion. Indeed, Sharma recently won his age division in the 2021 Massachusetts/Rhode Island USA Power Lifting Championship, deadlifting more than twice his own weight for what was his personal record (PR). A milestone for any athlete, that achievement carries extra weight for Sharma. “At my age, it’s not just linear,” he said in a recent interview. “The effort needed [to maintain a level of performance] is tenfold.” Career intertwines with distance running, weight lifting story Sharma led a long career in biochemistry before retiring in 2018. That included nearly a decade spent on the faculty of SUNY Buffalo as well as time with the companies Bayer and Genzyme. “I’ve always been a hard worker whether it was in my work as a scientist or in my fitness. I want to work hard and earn everything I have,” he
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said in a previous conversation with the Fifty Plus Advocate in 2019. Championship marks return to competition after COVID-19 Over the years, Sharma spent decades in the world of distance running, completing marathons and tracking his progress towards a goal of qualifying for the Boston Marathon.
He eventually changed course, however, joining a gym to improve his weight lifting chops. Sharma connected with established powerlifter and mentor Mark Knowles, who recognized a unique intensity and helped Sharma optimize his training regime for maximum growth. Such work paid dividends as Sharma earned a ticket to the nation-
al powerlifting championships back in 2019. Success in that competition then had Sharma destined for the international championships in South Africa before COVID-19 disrupted plans. There were no state championships in 2020 due to the pandemic, making Sharma’s recent performance a return to form of sorts. “There were not many people competing in my [age] class,” Sharma said. Sharma deadlifted 260 pounds, setting his PR. He recorded a 121.3 pound lift on the bench press and topped off the showing with a 182 pound squat. All this came after scheduling confusion led Sharma to miss his first lift of the day. “That had me rattled,” he said. Weightlifter looks to continue inspiring others Sharma is pushing forward, wearing his powerlifting medals with pride as he eyes future success. Along the way, he’s meticulously tracking everything from his food and Powerlifter | 13
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Holocaust survivor has made a lifelong impact Israel Arbeiter as a young man in Europe after World War II, after surviving nearly three years in several concentration camps.
Holocaust | from page 1
On October 6, the Greater Boston community will honor Arbeiter for 75 years of Holocaust education at the second annual tribute event, “Voices from the Past: Lessons for the Future” hosted by New England Friends of March of the Living. Arbeiter, now 96 years old, will receive the Stephan Ross Excellence in Holocaust Education Award for the enduring impact of his efforts, both nationally and internationally. This award was named in honor of New England Holocaust Memorial Founder, Stephan Ross, who was also a lifelong friend of Arbeiter’s. The war years “I was born in Poland, in a little town called Plock,” he began. “When I was 14 years old, World War II broke out, and you know what happened to the Jews. I was with all the Jewish people of the city. Me, my family – my parents, my brothers, had to leave everything behind and go live in the ghetto.” One fateful day in October 1942, Nazi soldiers came to liquidate the Starachowice Ghetto. They formed two lines, sending elderly people and small children — those unable
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to work — to one; older youth and strong adults, to another. Arbeiter and three of his brothers belonged to the latter. Arbeiter attempted to go with his parents at first, but his father knew what standing in that queue meant. He told him to return to his own line, with a final admonition: “Survive. Remember to carry on with the Jewish life, and Jewish tradition.” The teenage boy soon learned what happened to his family. “They took my father, mother and seven-year-old brother to Treblinka,” he said. “My family was murdered. There were six murder camps that were specifically built for killing Jews.” He spent the next five years in various concentration camps, including Auschwitz-Birkenau. As Allied forces closed in, SS troops retreated; Arbeiter’s journey to freedom began on April 25, 1945, when his captors fled in the middle of a death march through the Black Forest. It was his 20th birthday; he couldn’t have asked for a greater gift. “After the war, when the Americans came, we learned that there is another world. People can live in peace,” he said.
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www.fiftyplusadvocate.com + OCTOBER 2021 + fiftyplus advocate Israel Arbeiter with his wife Anna, who he met in a labor camp during World War II, in their Newton home.
PHOTO/COURTESY OF THE WORLD WAR II FOUNDATION
Post-war life Family members in the United States immediately started to work on bringing the surviving boys to America. Arbeiter arrived in 1949 with his wife Anna and their baby girl, Harriet, in tow. He and Anna met at a labor camp in Poland while she was working in a kitchen and he was working in an ammunition factory. They settled outside of Boston and became naturalized citizens in 1955. Arbeiter and his surviving brother, Mack, began a tailoring and dry cleaning business. Meanwhile,
he and Anna had two more children, Frances and Jack. But, while he has enjoyed a happy, fulfilling life in America, Arbeiter never forgot his promise to his father. For 15 years, the German government invited Arbeiter to speak in schools, and he went. “They wanted the young people to know what the Nazis did,” he said. “It is difficult, but somebody has to talk about it.” Questions, then and now Arbeiter has been involved in several educational projects, includ-
They took my father, mother and seven-year-old brother to Treblinka. My family was murdered. There were six murder camps that were specifically built for killing Jews. — Israel “Izzy” Arbeiter ing a World War II Foundation documentary film entitled, “A Promise to my Father.” Though less often, he continues to speak publicly about his experiences. “Many times, I wake up at night and I ask myself, Is it true? Did it really happen?” he said. But then he looks at the tattoo on his arm and remembers what he went through as Prisoner A-18651. “People want to think it is impossible for human beings to do this to other human beings,” he said. Despite his horrific experiences at the hands of the Nazis, Arbeiter has not become embittered. “If you let yourself get bitter, you’d turn into the same thing as they were,” he said. Instead, he remembers his prom-
ise, made long ago. When his three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren come to visit, he passes on his experiences and his faith. As the founder and former president of the American Association of Jewish Holocaust Survivors of Greater Boston, Arbeiter created a legacy – not only for his own family, but also for the families of other survivors. He’s ready for the younger generation to pick up the mantle of leadership and responsibility now. These days, Arbeiter leads a simple, quiet life. He reads, spends time with his wife, sees his family often and is grateful to be alive. He knows firsthand that every day brings a chance to die, yet offers an opportunity to live. And that, he says, is enough.
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Estate planning for pets ensures your wishes are honored By R. R. Fletcher Contributing Writer REGION - Most people just want peace of mind ― to know that the family pet will be loved and cared for after their death. In the United States, all 50 states and the District of Columbia have statutes that allow estate planning to provide care for pets. Massachusetts has a few odd laws that enable family members and even judges to change the decedent’s wishes regarding their pets. But there are ways to ensure a pet’s care. Dying without a pet trust Keep in mind in Massachusetts, pets, no matter the species or breed, are considered property. As such, you can leave them to a particular person in your will. So, if someone in your life will love your pet, then establishing a pet trust is probably unnecessary. However, any provisions in the will for animal care or maintenance are not considered enforceable. You may also bequeath money to that person, so your beloved pet does not become a financial burden, but legally, that person can do what they wish ― and spend the money however they want.
Under current Massachusetts law, only a pet trust ensures that your final wishes will be honored.
A power of attorney for your pet While you are alive, if something happens that prevents you from caring for your pet, a provision in your revocable power of attorney will allow someone to make decisions regarding the health, care, training and maintenance of your pets. While most people think of emergencies as health-related ― such as heart attacks or strokes, they can include accidents, quarantines, disasters or even being stuck away from home. An emergency can be any circumstance that prevents you from being there for your pet. For example, a volcano eruption stranded a friend traveling in Europe for business. The disaster grounded all air traffic for over a week.
Luckily, he had made arrangements for his kitten and had a power of attorney in place. But most powers of attorney are limited. So, what about something more permanent? Have you ever heard of a pet trust? What is a pet trust? Despite a few quirky laws, Massachusetts leads many states in trust reform. And recently, the state passed a comprehensive trust reform bill that revised pet trusts. The law clarifies that in a pet trust, the pet is the beneficiary. The pet trust lasts an animal’s lifetime, and after death, the remaining funds (if any) go to a named beneficiary. The pet trust
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must also designate a trustee to handle the money and a caregiver to take care of the pet. All very clear and straightforward. This type of planning may seem unnecessary when it comes to the family puppy. But, when it comes to animals requiring more complex care or significant investment to house and feed, such as show dogs or horses, a pet trust makes sense. As with other estate plans, attorneys can easily set up a separate pet trust ― which ranges from $500 to $1000. However, if asked, many attorneys will include a pet trust provision in a larger estate plan. Pros and Cons of DIY Do-it-yourself online products for pet planning, such as Rocket Lawyer or LegalZoom, are available to establish a quick power of attorney for a pet’s care. But a power of attorney stops working at an individual’s death, after which a pet becomes an asset of the probated estate. Once part of probate, animals are subject to the whims of family and judges. Under current Massachusetts law, only a pet trust ensures that your final wishes will be honored. A pet trust survives you ― after you die, the pet trust endures and can be enforced.
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Credit unions offer an alternative to big banks for consumers DCU customer George Mullen of Norton is pleased with the interest rate reduction he received by getting an auto loan from a credit union.
By Debbie Spingarn Contributing Writer REGION - If you’re tired of high banking fees, long telephone hold times and poor customer service, maybe your current “big” bank isn’t meeting your needs. Older consumers who remember the days of a more personalized banking experience may be particularly interested in the approach and services offered by one of the Bay State’s 150 credit unions. Massachusetts credit unions have a total of 3.16 million members with over $46.95 billion in assets. Non-profit financial cooperatives owned and operated by members According to Ed Niser, assistant public relations manager at DCU (Digital Federal Credit Union), which has its headquarters in Marlborough, credit unions were founded on the “people helping people” principle. They are able to offer higher interest deposit accounts, loans with better rates, and services for free or at a reduced cost. “DCU understands that every member’s goals are unique regardless of what
age they may be,” he said. “That’s why we take the time to get to know our members and understand what their short-and-long-term financial goals are so we can help them reach those goals.” Another credit union manager, Andrew Minton of Members Plus Credit Union, with offices in Norwood and around Greater Boston, believes that in a sense, members do help shape the credit union’s policies. “All of our policies must be approved by the board of directors, which is made of existing members who volunteer their time,” he said. George Mullen, 63, of Norton, just amended an auto loan at DCU for an interest rate of 1.99 percent, down from 4.24 percent. This saved him $42 a month in interest fees, he
noted. “DCU also pays 6.17 percent interest on the first $1,000 in a savings account,” he added. “As well, your employer deposits get credited to your account a day earlier than the big banks.” Emphasis on customer service Credit unions pride themselves on excellent customer service and offer in-person appointments and a focus on people rather than profit-making goals of the competitor big banks. “As non-profits, we put our emphasis on people, understanding that our members are why we are here,” said Minton. “When I worked for larger banks the focus was very much on product goals and maximizing profits.” Older consumers may also be less tech-savvy or prefer face-to-face interaction and find a credit union a better fit for them. Consumers who need help with credit In addition to great customer service, credit unions offer novel ways to gain access to credit or improve poor credit. One product, the secured credit card, is offered as a good way for an individual to establish or build
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Big banks or credit unions? The decision to try a credit union might be simply knowing that they exist and doing research to figure out your financial needs. Big banks often don’t offer secured credit cards, some types of loans or interest on savings accounts. Standard credit cards have specific income and employment requirements. Credit unions have their own ATMs, but customers can access their accounts in non-credit-union ATMs for a fee. Despite big banks’ advertising, the many other advantages of a credit union can often outweigh location.
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their credit. “DCU’s Visa Platinum secured credit card was recognized by CNBC as the ‘Best Secured Credit Card with Low Interest,’” noted Niser. “CNBC Select lauded the card for having one of the lowest interest rates in the country as compared to other secured credit cards that often have interest rates upwards of 20 percent. The way the card works is it borrows against the member-described savings account, not primary savings,” he explained. “The funds deposited into the account will equal that of the credit line agreed upon at the time of application.”
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Massachusetts is reimagining aging in its communities At MIT AgeLab in Cambridge, Governor Charlie Baker signs an Executive Order on April 17, 2017, establishing the state’s first Governor’s Council to Address Aging in Massachusetts.
By Debra Roberts Contributing Writer REGION - The state of Massachusetts is trying to change the approach to aging in its 351 towns and cities. “We need to think differently about aging in Massachusetts,” said Governor Charlie Baker during his 2018 State of the Commonwealth address. “This isn’t just about acknowledging a shift in demographics. It’s about being intentional in our planning to ensure that those who grew up here, raised families and built communities, can continue to contribute their energy, experience and talents where they live and make Massachusetts the most age-friendly state.” Governor’s Council to Address Aging in Massachusetts Baker’s Council to Address Aging was launched in 2017. Consisting of 24 members from government, business, non-profit, health and education sectors, the council was tasked with creating an actionable blueprint for promoting healthy aging in Massachusetts. It held meetings throughout the state, receiving input from expert panels. Nora Moreno Cargie, President of Tufts Health Foundation, an organiza-
tion that provides funding and support for age-friendly policies and practices, is a member of the council. She traveled with council members throughout the state to conduct listening sessions. They heard from over 500 Massachusetts residents who provided input for the council’s action plan. “To be able to make a plan that was reflective of all of those various voices was very rewarding to me as a council member,” Cargie said. ReiMAgine Aging – the Age-Friendly Massachusetts Action Plan The multiyear plan, called ReiMAgine Aging, was designed to build on the momentum of the already growing age-friendly and dementia-friendly movement across the Commonwealth. Baker presented the initial blueprint for ReiMAgine Aging to AARP Massachusetts Director Mike Festa in 2018.
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At the council’s recommendation, he committed to joining AARP’s Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities. This network is a worldwide effort initiated by the World Health Organization to address the world’s population growth of those over 60. AARP became the US affiliate in 2012. Though cities and towns across the US had joined this network, Massachusetts was only the second state to join, after New York. Age-Friendly impacts on communities So, what exactly does it mean to be age-friendly? Well, it depends on who you ask. “What’s needed in the Berkshires is very different from what’s needed in Boston,” Cargie said. “It’s approaching communities with inquiry and curiosity and not a bunch of assumptions. We have the opportunity to support what communities really want and we want to do it in a way that reflects that,” she explained. The AARP age-friendly designation lists eight domains of livability to make a community more livable for people of all ages: outdoor spaces and buildings, transportation, housing, social participation, respect and social inclusion, work and civic engagement, communication and information, and community and health services. But this is just a framework. Communities are free to come up with their own plan. The designation is a commitment, within two years, to complete a community assessment and establish an action plan based on community needs identified within the eight domains of livability. Antron Watson, who is the Age-Friendly Director for AARP Massachusetts, helps with the process of designating a town or city in AARP’s age-friendly network. He has seen the positive changes across the state with the age-friendly movement, noting that Massachusetts has the most AARP age-friendly communities. “What I’ve seen is communities
taking more time to listen to their residents’ needs,” he said. “When we look at how our communities are built — the older voice sometimes gets ignored. This initiative has brought to light that their concerns are real, and that what they are saying not only benefits them but everyone else in the community.” Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative James Fuccione, director of the Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative (MHAC), has also been encouraged by the movement, which he said has led to about 150 age-friendly designated towns in the state. “State funding opportunities can put an age- and dementia-friendly lens on funding,” said Fuccione. “So that when communities think about how to make their community more walkable or redo an intersection, they’re thinking about infrastructure. The physical environment around councils on aging, around senior housing and even the downtown district — how is it accessible to everybody and inclusive?” MHAC, which is made up of over 100 agencies and organizations that are involved in the age-friendly movement, has a comprehensive website with tools that can be used to educate other organizations or the public. It also indicates whether your town or city has begun an age-friendly initiative. If it hasn’t, the site has a tool kit on how to get one going. “People have an opportunity to get involved in their communities to kickstart something that might not be around,” Fuccione explained. To explore data about your individual city or town or aging- and dementia- related topics in the Commonwealth, visit https://mahealthyagingcollaborative.org/. Visit https://www.mass.gov/doc/ reimagine-aging-2021-progress-report/download to view the ReiMAgine Aging 2021 progress report. To inquire about any age-related services, visit MassOptions.org or call 1-800-243-4636.
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Cambridge woman is spinning sweet nightmares By Peg Lopata, Contributing Writer CAMBRIDGE - Napoleon derogatively called England a “nation of shopkeepers.” It might be more apt to call this small island a nation of agriculturalists, since they seem to have animal husbandry, gardening and farming in their blood. Right in the midst of a city locale, for example, there’s native of England Helen Palmer, 75, raising bees ― 50,000 of them on her back deck, in Cambridge, to be specific.
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Early years Palmer is from a small English town. After eight years at a girl’s boarding school and then getting her degree in English and drama at the University of Bristol, she worked as a reporter at the BBC. At 38 she moved to Berlin. “West Berlin was still a fascinating capitalist island marooned in East Germany,” explained Palmer. Career in US media Palmer emigrated to the United States when she was 41. She’s hard put even today to decide if it was the biggest or worst decision she ever made. “Leaving my home country may have been the biggest mistake I’ve made so far in life,” she admitted, “but it could also be the best decision I ever made!” Palmer’s background of fifteen years with the BBC doing practically every job there is in radio well prepared her for work in American media. When she moved here, she worked freelance for the BBC and NPR, then joined WGBH’s Marketplace and after that produced their environmental program, “Living on Earth.” She was also a mom ― Palmer considers this her greatest Helen Palmer with her bees accomplishment, alongside making radio documentaries about the Fall of Berlin in 1945 and the 50th anniversary of the 1936 Berlin Olympics. In 2017 she retired. An active retirement Palmer wasn’t the type to sip endless cups of tea, listen to bees hum, and jar honey. Because she believes in the importance of doing a good turn, volunteering is now a big part of her life ― in fact, a favorite part of her life, especially working for the Boston Area Gleaners. Perhaps that propensity towards gardening strikes again in her very British soul. And then there’s the bees, which despite being allergic to their bites and stings ― she says she swells up like the Elephant Man ― she avidly enjoys, even though for Palmer it involves dressing up in something akin to an astronaut suit. She doesn’t find bees much work at all, needing only to check on them for diseases or to see if they have enough space. “They’re so wonderfully self-organizing that you can happily leave them alone,” she said. However, there is some messy work when you harvest their honey. “You load the frames into a centrifuge which you spin furiously to extract all the honey,” Palmer related. “Honey drips everywhere ― on your hands, your clothes, the floor, the door handles ― it’s a nightmare, if a very sweet one.” The bounty of beekeeping After the nightmare, comes the best part. “I love to give people honey ― it’s a truly personal Christmas present,” she said. “And also, one has to hope it’s helping nature in some way. After all, bees pollinate at least a third of all the food we eat, particularly fruits and vegetables.” If she’s got a surplus of honey, Palmer sells it, giving the proceeds to various food charities, such as Food for Free in Cambridge, and the Greater Boston Food Bank.
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Milford woman cleans her way into love for teaching yoga By Sherri Coner Contributing Writer MILFORD - Fifteen years ago, Marsha Mancuso never predicted that cleaning supplies and curiosity would result in her becoming a yoga instructor. “At the time, I had two sons at home,” Mancuso explained. “I needed extra money. So I took a job cleaning businesses in the middle of the night.” Yoga shows up in part-time job When a potential new client, Kathy Mann, offered an unusual payment suggestion, Mancuso’s curiosity made her happily nod. “I agreed to clean Kathy’s studio once a month for free yoga lessons and a little money,” she said. Entering the studio that first time, dressed for yoga instead of mopping, was mesmerizing. “I loved being there,” said Mancuso. “I loved learning yoga. I loved the atmosphere. And I loved my teacher.” Yoga class chases away stress While perfecting the downward dog pose and the tree pose, Mancuso realized that worries and stress vanished during yoga classes. This devoted wife, mom and employee had a lot
on her shoulders. Her youngest child, Mark, was born with Down Syndrome and needed extra attention and guidance. She was also the family glue for husband Paul and their three older children. Whenever possible, Mancuso squeezed yoga classes into her hectic calendar. It was a positive asset to her life.
Fate brings a twist Six years into this payment arrangement for cleaning the studio, Mann offered her loyal student a life-changing opportunity. “Kathy approached me about teacher training,” Mancuso explained. Mancuso didn’t care how difficult life would likely be while she completed the initial 200 grueling For Marsha Mancuso, a training hours. This moment in the lotus position yoga-loving warrior Embracing yoga’s is always a great idea. health benefits juggled a lot of kids As the Mancuso and schedules. And children got older and more involved she passed yoga training with flying with extracurricular activities, their colors. “At the end of the first training, mom had more time to tie back her I was just thinking, ‘There is so much hair and don a pair of leggings. “I began more I want to know,’” Mancuso said. to go to yoga classes more and more,” Participating in an additional 300Mancuso recalled. When life got in the hour training requirement helped way of yoga, she realized changes in quench her curiosity. herself, and none of them were good. “Around that time, I was in my early A yoga instructor is born 50s,” she said. “When I hadn’t gone to After passionately soaking up classes for a while, I noticed a change in all 500 training hours, Mancuso was my posture. I was leaning forward.” delighted to teach breathing exercis-
es, various yoga positions and poses. Through it all, she grew even more grateful about the unusual way she discovered one of the oldest physical disciplines. She was also proud of the perseverance required to get there. New level of yoga benefits mom and son When a cable TV station came to the small city in 2013, this resourceful woman decided to take yoga to a new level. But this time, she included her son Mark. “Mark has always been interested in photography,” said Mancuso. When she confidently pitched her idea to the cable station producers, the result was her own monthly yoga class on cable, called Marshashana Yoga. Also, Mark was provided with an internship, to learn new skills while acting as his mom’s producer. “We have done about 53 yoga classes on the cable channel since we started about seven years ago,” she noted. Like his mom’s love of yoga, it seems that Mark, now 23, has found a niche to enjoy. “I do the lights and the camera,” Mark said proudly. “I’m the director and I love it.”
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Beautiful Spots for Fall Foliage Viewing in New England By Sandi Barrett Contributing Writer
I
t’s time for a perfect fall getaway. With gorgeous foliage just a short road trip away, New England has the best places to visit for autumn color. From late September to late October, the quaint towns and scenic byways open their arms to travelers searching for breathtaking views, quaint country stores, historic covered bridges, and peak foliage leaf peeping. We have assembled a few choice spots in each New England state where you will find gorgeous autumn color and fun activities. We’ve added trusted, name brand hotel options to extend your getaway minication with a relaxed, home-away-from-home feel. Bangor, Maine Beautiful Bangor has a wonderful kick-back vibe and a perfect anchor location to explore Maine’s fall colors. The Bangor area’s peak foliage season is early to mid October. As an alternative to foliage driving, a hike through the woods or a paddle on the lake are wonderful ways to view the best fall scenery. The Hirundo Wildlife Refuge in Bangor offers seven miles of scenic hiking trails and a free canoe rental program on Saturdays. Dine at Novio’s Bistro in Bangor’s historic downtown area. The chef-driven prix fixe menu with an optional wine pairing is the perfect way to unwind after a day of enjoying Maine’s fall foliage. If the Trio of Chocolate Ravioli with Raspberry Sauce is on the menu, order it. It is a sumptuously crafted dessert. Other gorgeous leaf peeping Maine destinations includes Bar Harbor, Mount Katahdin, and Acadia National Park. Where to Stay: TownePlace Suites Bangor, Maine Lenox, Massachusetts Lenox, in the heart of the Berkshires, is the perfect spot for an early October leaf-peeping adventure in Massachusetts. The turning birch and maple trees create a colorful patchwork everywhere you look. Plan a scenic drive along Route 7 and other backcountry roads in search of the perfect fall foliage photo. To enjoy the colorful scenery on foot, traverse the Bluebird Trail in the Pleasant Valley Sanctuary. The easy trek through forested trails will get you up close with Mother Nature. A tour of The Mount, Edith Wharton’s home, is a lovely way to enjoy the history of this Western Massachusetts estate. The evening Ghost Tour will entertain you with hair raising tales of eerie happenings, perfect for a chilly
From late September to late October, Massachusetts and the other New England states offer beautiful fall foliage for visitors to enjoy.
October night in the Berkshires. Where to Stay: Courtyard Lenox Berkshires Burlington, Vermont Vermont’s Green Mountains are home to the beautiful city of Burlington. Here you can experience one of the prettiest foliage scenes, Lake Champlain in autumn. A panoramic view of the fall colors dancing off the crystal waters is a quintessential New England autumn foliage Instagrammable moment. In a city known for its breweries, Zero Gravity Craft Brewery is a great spot for a delicious specialty brew and some yummy pub grub. Try the Green State Lager or the Conehead IPA with their Dirty Fries to satisfy the hangries after your small-towns scenic drive. Other great foliage viewing options in the Vermont area are Stowe and Woodstock. In Stowe, hop on the gondola for a glorious aerial view of the mountains displaying their gorgeous fall colors. In Woodstock, visit Billings Farm for the Sunflower House display (ends September 30). Where to Stay: Courtyard Burlington Harbor Plymouth, New Hampshire Plymouth, New Hampshire, is a small town in the White Mountains where the Pemigewasset and Baker Rivers converge, creating a nature lover’s playground. To explore the area on foot, hike the easy-moderate Walter/Newton Natural Area Trail. It is a 1.6 mile loop with a small waterfall reward along the way. A road trip down the Kancamagus Highway is a classic New England fall getaway. A drive through the White Mountain National Forest, with its breathtaking views, is one of the best places to enjoy New England’s autumn foliage.
Mount Washington is another stunning fall New Hampshire vista. You can drive the Mount Washington Auto Road or book a guided tour and let someone else take the wheel. Where to Stay: Fairfield Inn & Suites Plymouth White Mountains Farmington, Connecticut You don’t have to drive north to
find great fall recreation. In Farmington, there are hills to climb and rivers to cross while you enjoy the beautiful vistas and autumn colors. Try a moderately difficult hike up Rattlesnake Mountain via the Metacomet Trail. The 2.5 mile out and back hiking trail will get your heart pumping. Pack a picnic lunch and munch away while enjoying the beautiful scenic views from the top. Alternatively, you can walk the Farmington River Trail. Sections of the trail follow along the banks of the Farmington River, local farms, quaint neighborhoods, and wooded areas. The First and Last Tavern restaurant in Avon offers guests delicious Italian fare. Their gourmet pizzas served with your favorite beverage is a fun treat to wrap up a day of brisk October adventures. Where to Stay: Residence Inn Hartford Avon Newport, Rhode Island Newport is all about luxury and great food. In October it is no different. A crisp fall sail on the America’s Cup yacht offers a unique ocean view of the coastline dressed in beautiful fall foliage.
Beautiful Spots | 17
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Sleep loss puts family caregivers at risk for health problems of their own By R. R. Fletcher Contributing Writer
Unfortunately, staying asleep is difficult for caregivers. Sleep-wake cycles are often interrupted — up to several times nightly — when caring for people with chronic pain, infection, or dementia.
REGION - Nicknamed the “sandwich generation,” many older adults over 50 care for both aging parents and children. Caregivers are typically female — some 75 percent. And 17 percent of all adults over 65 help someone, according to the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). And with 40 percent of caregivers juggling full-time work and families — stress is constant — leading to sleep deprivation. It is no wonder that most caregivers lack sleep. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says 37 percent of all caregivers report insufficient sleep. But caregiver sleep loss goes beyond missing a few hours to binge-watch a favorite show. It is a constant decline in sleep quantity and quality. And sleep deprivation causes serious health issues.
Risks of sleep deprivation Lack of sleep can cause daytime dysfunction, accidents, and mistakes. Known as “sleep debt,” sleep deprivation is cumulative. And many caregivers quickly reach the point where a “good night’s sleep” cannot restore health. The CDC found that 53 percent of caregivers over 45 report multiple chronic health conditions, including coronary heart disease (angina, myocardial infarction), stroke, asthma, cancer, COPD, arthritis, kidney disease, and diabetes. Sleep deprivation causes a variety of other problems, including sleep disorders, cognitive dysfunction leading to forgetfulness, inability to think or speak, and mood disorders, including depression, anxiety, and irritability, and imbalances, which the National Sleep Foundation (NSF) says contributes to sweet and salty food cravings. Severe sleep loss symptoms include Post Caregiver Stress Disorder
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(PCSD) similar to PTSD. Symptoms include audio and visual hallucinations, significant weight change — more than five percent within six months, and organ failure. Many caregivers are bombarded with advice from family and friends — urging them to use respite care or take time for themselves. But it is never that simple. Financial or insurance constraints, distrust of strangers, or misplaced guilt often prevents caregivers from seeking assistance. Massachusetts caregiver resources The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics reported 40.4 million caregivers providing uncompensated care valued at over $449 billion in 2015. Furthermore, current respite assistance programs vary by state — often with extensive restrictions. But with an estimated 844,000 caregivers in the Commonwealth, Massachusetts has numerous resources. MassCareLink pays caregivers through the state adult foster care program. Additional resources can be found at mass.gov, including the Family Caregiver Support Program (EOEA) and the Massachusetts Caregiver Coalition. And a Lexington non-profit, Family Voices, specializes in caregiver
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Solutions for caregivers Coping with stress is complicated, with or without help. Common suggestions to reduce stress and maximize sleep include meditation or limiting caffeine and alcohol. These tips may work for some. But caretakers also need to prioritize themselves – and give “permission” for self-care. And that is not always easy. Caregivers should be present in their care. An easy way to create health awareness is to keep a log. Wearable trackers record food intake, sleep, and regular exercise — which can be as simple as moving or stretching. Exercise produces serotonin, affecting sleep, cycles, and mood.
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We are all one and one person can make a difference The youth walk faster but the elderly know the road.
— African Ubuntu Proverb
By Marianne Delorey, Ph.D. Executive Director, Colony Retirement Homes
T
here is a philosophy in many African countries that transcends borders called Ubuntu. The primary philosophy of Ubuntu is “I am because we are” and it generally means that an individual has humanity because they belong to a community. Never before has this been so apparent as it has during this pandemic. Our society values individualism and freedom to its detriment. States with mask mandates have done so much better than states without mandates and yet we struggle to put life over liberty and to put individual wants over community needs. My fear is
that as we face our next major societal problem of climate change, we are going to continue to make this mistake. We are starting to see the influence of climate change, and the increased fires, hurricanes, and other potentially catastrophic events leave most of us feeling powerless and depressed. But my message is that our elders can help create the future we want by focusing on all the things they have historically done and focusing on a few new ideas. First, everyone knows to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. What our elders may not yet know is that technology can help them this coming holiday season create meaningful, well received gifts that embrace these ideals. Instead of buying new gifts that contribute to pollution, elders can: 1. Reduce – record your voice, create a virtual album, write your life story for the next generation. If you are talented, make them
77-year-old powerlifter Harmesh Sharma has attained power lifting success in his 70s. Along the way, he’s kept meticulous notes on everything from the amount of weight he lifts, to the foods he eats. Powerlifter | from page 3
drink to his blood pressure and lifts. He etches that information into a well worn composition notebook which he carries with him, cracking open its ink-stained pages to reveal precise handwritten notes on every line. His current notebook dates back to 2017. Ever the scientist, though, he said he’s always been doing this. Sharma has notebooks in his possession full of data from his college days.
Sharma is honored and driven by the way his personal fitness inspires those close to him. He does not plan on stopping soon. “The competitions are wonderful,” he said in 2019. “But my ultimate goal is to inspire others to reach for their fitness goals. If someone sees that an athlete of my size and age can reach their goals, then they should know it’s possible for them as well.”
music, a quilt, or write a poem for them. 2. Reuse – give away gifts that mean something to you, there is no reason to wait until you die for loved ones to have family heirlooms. 3. Recycle – find crafty ways to upcycle soda bottles or whatever you have into holiday decorations and treasures. The internet is full of ideas. Our elders can also teach us about how to be more self-sustaining. Victory gardens of years past can and should be revived. Growing our own food, in any small amount, helps defray the emissions required to bring food to our tables. Even something as simple as having an aloe plant in your apartment means you won’t have to buy a plastic bottle of aloe next time you need some. Our elders remember that meat was not always in every meal. Foregoing animal protein for vegetable proteins, even on occasion, reduces our emissions and helps keep everyone healthy. And here is an environmental idea that is new to me — move. Re-
search indicates that single family suburban homes are the worst for the environment. Moving to a more densely populated area and/ or a multifamily apartment significantly reduces our carbon footprint. About a third of all greenhouse gasses are from our living environments. It stands to reason that living in a house that is too big is one of the biggest problems. Reducing the size of the space a single person (or a couple) has to heat would benefit everyone, including the elder’s wallet! Density of housing also means that people also don’t have to commute as far to places like stores. All the efforts our elders can take will benefit the world they leave their grandchildren. And it is incumbent on our seniors to show the youth the road, and then the younger generation can walk faster in the right direction. 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.
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viewpoint
Coincidence? Or not? By Janice Lindsay Contributing Writer
I
haven’t studied the saints and I don’t spend much time thinking about them. But I know that October 4 is the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, and that reminds me of an odd little event that established a peculiar personal connection between St. Francis and me. St. Francis, who died in October of 1226, is the patron saint of animals and the environment. He’s often pictured in an outdoor setting surrounded by birds that perch, unafraid, on trees and bushes close by, and sometimes on his shoulders and uplifted hands. Early one sunny spring Satur-
day, I was taking a walk in a neat, quiet Marlborough neighborhood, enjoying the sights of other people’s houses, lawns, and gardens, and listening to birdsong. As I turned a corner, I saw, on the sidewalk a few yards ahead of me, a male robin wrestling with an enormous worm. The worm was fat, and about as long as the robin himself. I stopped walking so as not to interrupt the fellow’s work. If I startled him and he flew away, he might lose his morning catch. He had found a satisfying breakfast for his little ones. I didn’t want to interfere with that. But he was having trouble figuring out how to cart the slippery giant away. He tried to pick it up, holding it in loops as a person might hold a garden hose. But that was awkward: too much worm dragged on the ground and the robin couldn’t achieve lift-off. As I watched, motionless and hardly daring to breathe, it oc-
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curred to him to use his beak as a pair of scissors. He sliced the worm into five or fix pieces, collected them in his beak, and off he went. Only then did I resume my walk. As I did, I noticed a discarded pamphlet lying nearby on an otherwise pristine lawn. The pamphlet was a brochure about St. Francis. It was almost as if the saint were saying, “Thank you for not interrupting our little friend’s struggle.” Of course, it wasn’t St. Francis saying anything at all. It was just an old piece of paper, crumpled and damp. But what a coincidence. There should have been no paper on the well-tended lawn at all. It might have been a supermarket circular or a cable company ad. But there it lay, seeming like a message from that saintly fellow bird-lover. Was this really a coincidence? Some people say there’s no such thing as coincidence. You’re doing housework and realize that you haven’t talked with
your sister in a while. The phone rings. It’s your sister. Or as you have lunch with a friend, the two of you wonder about the well-being of another friend whom neither of you has seen for a while. On your way home, you scoot into the supermarket for a few things, and there she is. Coincidence? Are we all bouncing around making random contacts, like the balls in a pinball machine, with no meaning except what we imagine after the fact? Or are there really unseen forces — our own subconscious intentions or as writer Joseph Campbell says, “a thousand unseen helping hands” — guiding us to where we need to be, when we need to be there? Albert Einstein wrote, “There are two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” We all get to choose. Contact jlindsay@tidewater.net
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Pickleball is winning over many active older adults By David Wilkening Contributing Writer
Rapid growth of courts available In Hanover, there’s a new indoor, first-of-its-kind, climate-controlled pickleball-only complex that opened last spring. And even more recently, the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation broke ground in
PHOTO/STEVE TAYLOR
REGION - What has been termed the fastest growing sport in the US was founded outside Seattle. But its growth in New England as an activity, particularly popular for older adults, can be traced to Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School. “We were called the pickleball capital of Massachusetts because we were the first school to have it,” the retired physical education teacher Jay Schofield told the New York Times, where he was instrumental in offering the class in the 1980s. The history of the curiously named racket game goes back only to 1965. But Massachusetts was not far behind. The Andover/North Andover YMCA had been an early promoter of the sport. It’s called the “birthplace of pickleball in the Merrimack Valley.”
Pickleball has become a very popular sport with active older adults.
May for the state’s first official pickleball court. It’s at Fort Phoenix State Reservation in Fairhaven. So, what is pickleball? It has nothing to do with pickles. It’s a cross between tennis and badminton. It uses a lighter racket than tennis and a ball with holes in it much like a wiffle ball. The courts are smaller than tennis and the games are shorter. All of that makes it easier for older people.
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Almost a third of players are over 55 At least one study found that almost one-third of players, 30 percent, were 55 and older. All of this has led to its rapid growth. It grew in 2020 to 4.2 million players, an incredible rate of 21.3 percent from the year before, according to this year’s Sports and Fitness Industry Association’s Topline Participation Report. It’s an easy sport for beginners.
Anyone can pick it up in minutes. An added advantages for it is good exercise, burning up about the same number of calories as playing tennis. But since the courts are smaller, badminton-size, they are much easier to navigate. And that’s even more the case with doubles or two-person pickleball. YMCAs across the country have been increasingly receptive to providing both indoor and outdoor courts, which are present in every state of the US. Courts can be found at parks, schools, community and senior centers. All of this helped some communities, such as the Boston suburb of Randolph, to embrace it. A headline about the town of Randolph on the communitypreservation.org website proclaimed, “Massachusetts has Pickleball Fever ― and CPA is the Cure.” The reference was to CPA (Community Preservation Act) funds to build three new outdoor pickleball courts at the Randall Intergenerational Community Center (RICC). Taking recreation world by storm The sport termed “quirky” by the site has also been highly popular. “It’s taking the outdoor recreation world by Pickleball | 17
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Shrewsbury singer-songwriter, guitarist enjoys busy work schedule By Ed Karvoski Jr. Culture Editor SHREWSBURY - Many musicians were challenged by restrictions at performance venues from 2020 into 2021. Yet, singer-songwriter and guitarist Bob Moon of Shrewsbury continued working with increased bookings. First, he adapted when musicians were allowed to perform only outdoors. “I’m mostly a lead guitar player for bands, but I can also sing songs and play acoustic guitar,” he noted. “When COVID hit, all the band gigs dried up, but acoustic music could be played outside. I can do that, too. Suddenly, I was working more than I ever did.” Next, he got additional work when musicians could perform inside venues without singing. “I started playing guitar against backing tracks because we couldn’t sing inside,” he explained. Now he’s once again entertaining as lead electric guitarist with the bands Comanchero and Nasty Habits. Concurrently, he’s performing his solo acoustic act.
When COVID hit, all the band gigs dried up, but acoustic music could be played outside. I can do that, too. Suddenly, I was working more than I ever did. — Bob Moon Bob Moon performs onstage.
PHOTO/ARTROCITY, TED THEODORE
“I went from busy to out-of-control busy,” he declared. From jazz, to funk jam, to Americana Moon started playing guitar with jazz bands while attending St. John’s
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Appearing at a 2017 community event at Banyan Bar + Refuge in Boston are then-Mayor Marty Walsh (second from right) with Comanchero bandmates (l to r) Bob Moon, Sam Margolis and Greg Moon.
Answers to Super Crossword (puzzle on page 19)
High School, where he graduated in 1983. Soon after graduating from Syracuse University in 1987, he began playing with the funk jam band Free Lunch. They debuted at O’Brien’s Pub in Allston. “It was great,” Moon said of the debut experience. “I never stopped gigging since 1988 to now.” Free Lunch appeared throughout Boston’s club circuit including nowclosed venues The Channel and The Ratskeller. When Free Lunch disbanded in 2003, Moon began and continues to perform with the Americana jam band Comanchero. He describes Comanchero’s music as “all original, a funky hybrid of western and southern.”
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Pickleball is winning over many active older adults Pickleball | from page 15
storm,” it said. The Randolph courts were completed in 2019. Since then, a half dozen regular players expanded to almost 100, said Elizabeth LaRosee, the town’s director of library, recreation and community programs. You might have expected the sport to have originated in a retirement state like Florida. And in some places, such as The Villages in central Florida, it is so popular the over 55-community has 46 dedicated courts. But pickleball got its start at Bainbridge Island near Seattle. Three local golfers, irritated by Posing onstage at Worcester MCL during a 2021 gig are Nasty Habits bandmates (l to r) Deke Kenderian, Chris Houston, Mike Sanpietro, Jody Ryan, Bob Moon and Jay Whitehurst.
Comanchero has become a popular act at Boston clubs, festivals and the Hatch Shell on the Esplanade. Traveling beyond Boston, Comanchero performed at Meadowbrook U.S. Cellular Pavilion (now known as Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion) in Gilford N.H. At the nearly 9,000-seat outdoor amphitheater, they shared the bill with ZZ Top and Crosby, Stills and Nash. As his favorite Comanchero gig, Moon cites opening for the British blues/rock band The Yardbirds at Showcase Live at Patriots Place in Foxborough. During the pandemic, Comanchero recorded and individually released songs from its fifth album. Paying tribute musically Along the way, Comanchero was the house band for a Linda Ronstadt tribute show. In recent years, Moon also performed with tribute bands: Gov’t Surplus for the Allman Brothers, Fellowship of the King for Elvis Presley, and Let It Bleed for the Rolling Stones. “People love hearing songs that they know,” Moon relayed.
Beginning in 2020, most of the musicians of Let It Bleed including Moon became known as Nasty Habits. They brought Rolling Stones’ songs to shows in New Hampshire and Rhode Island where restrictions were more relaxed at the time. A self-described big Stones fan, Moon is excited that Nasty Habits’ performance venues have now expanded geographically — and increased in volume. “We’ve been booking gigs left and right,” he proclaimed of the Stones tribute group. Scheduling solo and band gigs Moon includes original and cover songs in his solo acoustic act. He expects to continue working both solo and with bands. “I can do a lot of the solo acoustic gigs during the week, and then the band gigs Friday to Sunday,” he said. “I love performing solo acoustic and I will continue to do it, but my love is playing lead electric guitar in bands – it’s what I do best.” Follow “Bob Moon Acoustic” on Facebook.
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their families saying there was nothing to do there, took ping pong paddles to a badminton court and played a paddle game. Soon, others took it up as well. There are two major contradictory stories of how it got its name. The first and most likely account is that one of the wives of the three originators was a competitive rower in college. The sport reminded her of a pickle boat. It’s a derogatory term used for weaker, mismatched crew boat teams: pickle boats. The other story is that it was named after a local dog named “Pickles” who loved to play catch. Whatever the origin of the name, it’s clear that pickleball is here to stay.
Beautiful Spots for Fall Foliage Viewing in NE Beautiful Spots | from page 11
Be sure to stop at Bannister’s Wharf and dine at the Black Pearl. If it’s a beautiful fall day, dine on the outdoor patio and breathe in the salty ocean air. Where to Stay: Newport Marriott New England fall foliage at its peak Local state websites offer insight
into when the peak foliage for each area of their state is anticipated. Balancing your autumn New England road trip to view the mountains’ new colors can take some skill and a certain amount of luck. Some information in this piece was obtained during a sponsored press trip, but all recommendations are my own.
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Stepping into the past at the homes of two famous writers
The Orchard, Louisa May Alcott’s home in Concord, was the setting for her beloved novel “Little Women.”
The Mount, author Edith Wharton’s Lenox estate, was completed in 1902.
By David Wilkening Contributing Writer
ed age and there are a lot of parallels today, such as inequality. Her stories were about restrictions placed on women of all classes and are similar to events of now like the ‘Me Too Movement’ and others,” observed McDougall.
REGION - Many of the 50,000 visitors a year to what has been termed the “glorious, Gilded Age estate” of famed writer Edith Wharton in Lenox never read any of her 40 books. “I’d guess it’s about 50-50, for the bookish and non-readers who visit The Mount,” said Rebecka McDougall, director of communications and community outreach. The estate of the Pulitzer Prize-winning author includes her
home, as well as the author’s original library and a pair of European-inspired gardens. “Even if they haven’t read her books, they find the home of interest and they can stroll through the extensive gardens,” added McDougall, who admits she has not read all the novelist’s books, which include non-fiction work as well. One interesting element is that Wharton’s best-known book, set in the 1920s — “The Age of Innocence” — still has relevance to today’s readers and non-readers. “She wrote about her own gild-
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European influence on house and gardens The parking area is about a quarter mile from the house but golf cartstyle transportation is available to chauffeur visitors to the home and grounds. “Every room in the house also has chairs where visitors can sit for a rest,” McDougall added. Wharton’s life at the Mount for a decade was not a happy one. She was trapped in a loveless marriage. Wharton grew up in a wealthy New York City family with old Dutch and English ancestry. She spent her youth traveling Europe. She was strongly influenced by its art, landscape design, and architecture. Fifteen years into her marriage to Teddy Wharton, she designed the home and gardens in Lenox that she dubbed The Mount, which was completed in 1902. She “lived and gardened and wrote contentedly there,” for ten years, McDougall explained. Advanced tickets for touring the house, a National Historic Landmark, are recommended. But visiting the grounds is free and they are open daily for all visitors from dawn to dusk. The Mount is one of two monuments to the state’s most famous women writers that are currently open for tours. The other is Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House in Concord. The setting for “Little Women” Alcott’s more modest two-story family home in Concord is far older than Wharton’s and has the advantage of having more original objects used by the family. Orchard House, built in 1650, is most noted as the model where the author wrote and
PHOTO/JOHN SEAKWOOD
set her famous novel “Little Women” in 1868. The Alcott family moved into Orchard House in 1857. The novelist’s father, educator and philosopher Amos Bronson Alcott, bought the manor house for $945. The property was named after a 40-tree apple orchard. A highlight for visitors is the shelf desk built by her father where Louisa May wrote “Little Women.” Another highlight is that the home furnishings are about 80 percent authentic, looking much as they did when the book was written. Walking through the book Modern-day visitors often comment that a trip here is “like a walk through ‘Little Women.’” Guided tours introduce visitors to the family members themselves, the household items that held meaning for them and their influence on the beloved novel and later movies. One example is found in the downstairs parlor with a pillow where the author warned of her tempestuous moods, turning it one way when she was good tempered and another when she was not. The significance of the home in her book was evident in this passage: “I’m not ambitious for a splendid fortune but I know how much genuine happiness can be had in a plain little house, where the daily bread is earned, and some privations give sweetness to the few pleasures.” Not open to the public earlier in the COVID-19 pandemic, it recently began visitation with a timed-entry admission. Similar to many other places, it has a face mask requirement for visitors and staff. “Please note that due to capacity limitations, we cannot guarantee ticket availability for ‘walk-ins’ but will make every effort to accommodate safely for as many visitors as possible,” the website noted. For more information, visit edithwharton.org and louisamayalcott. org.
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Rehab hospitals help patients reclaim independence after serious injury or illness By Colin McCandless Contributing Writer BRAINTREE - When Ralph was first accepted into Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Braintree, he had just been released from a nearby hospital’s ICU where he had spent more than a month on a ventilator battling a severe case of COVID-19. Being bedridden that long had left him weak and unable to walk or care for himself. He didn’t envision his life ever returning to normal. Patients recovering from COVID-19 are one of the many life-changing illnesses and injuries that a rehabilitation hospital can help with. At Encompass, the most common patient groups include persons affected by stroke, brain injury, and neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, as well as pulmonary and cardiac patients, according to business development director Dan Parkinson. Interdisciplinary approach to care Encompass, like all rehab hospitals, evaluates a set of criteria to determine if a patient meets medical necessity. Most patients are referrals coming from assisted living, home care or acute care hospital settings, but they do occasionally receive referrals from home. If accepted into a rehab program, individuals are assigned a physi-
cian-led interdisciplinary team, typically consisting of CRRNs (Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurses), case managers and dieticians, and physical, occupational, speech and respiratory therapists. At Encompass, internists, neurologists and physiatrists are also on staff. “We are a hospital level of care,” explained Parkinson. “It’s skilled intervention.” The team develops personalized care plans that are communicated to the patient and their family. Every patient receives three hours of therapy per day, five days a week, spread throughout each day. Depending on the person’s diagnosis, this could entail occupational therapy, to assist with activities of daily living (ADL) such as bathing, dressing and feeding, and/or speech therapy, to help with swallowing, cognition, memory and communication (verbal and written). While physical therapy is part of recovery, “it’s not three hours straight of arm curls and leg lifts,” clarified Parkinson. When Ralph began therapy, he couldn’t even lift a fork and required a mechanical lift to get out of bed. His clinical care team continued pushing him and within a few weeks, he started making strides. Ralph’s son, Mike, said his care team “put no limits on his recovery.” The average length of stay at Encompass Health is two weeks, but
tient and their support system for a safe transition home,” noted Parkinson. Along with Ralph’s unending motivation, and the extensive work with therapist, physician and nursing teams, he progressed further. One day, while working with his physical therapist on standing using parallel bars, he stood and walked right out of the parallel bars, transitioning to a walker.
Ralph got a celebratory red carpet treatment as he left rehab for the ride home in a limo his family arranged for.
upon patient release, a rehab can arrange continued services such as home care and follow-up appointments. “Our ultimate goal is to get people to return home and maximize their independence,” said Parkinson. “We’re not a nursing home. You’re going to work really hard, along with your family, to prepare to make it home safely.” The interdisciplinary team ensures that the patient’s family is educated on their “level of need,” and participates in patient activities along with nurses and therapists. “We want to prepare the pa-
Transitioning back to daily life Another way rehab hospitals help with transitioning back to daily life is through the use of ADL apartments, a simulated home environment typically featuring a kitchen, a bathroom with a tub and a bedroom. When a patient is ultimately discharged, the care team meets with the family to determine their needs and coordinates with the rehab hospital’s partners to ensure the patient can obtain any equipment they might require, like hospital beds, oxygen tanks or walkers. “Families are then trained on how to safely and effectively use the equipment,” stated Parkinson. After recuperating in rehab for two months, Ralph now has a positive outlook on his recovery and looks forward to riding his motorcycle by year’s end. His discharge celebration included receiving a celebratory red-carpet treatment. “His family rented him a limo for the ride home,” recalled Parkinson.
SUPER CROSSWORD PUZZLE
“COLOSSAL COINAGE” (answers on page 16)
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