Wednesday, March 19, 2025
The Gardening Connection, a group of experienced local gardeners, gathers to share ideas and gardening information for the article in this issue. Members are, from left: Joy Coakley, Janet Wendelken, Chris Chrisley, Diane Hirsch, Kim Landis-Hamner, Jennifer Cottrell, and Judy Linhoss.
By KATHY RUSMISEL Clutter Conversions, LLC
When we spend time inside, we look at our surroundings and realize we’ve got too much! We know if we can tackle the clutter, it will lead to mental clarity and less stress. Here are some simple ways to begin:
• Create a goal: Try to break that larger goal into smaller, more manageable projects. That will help bring calm.
• Set a timer: Start with 30 minutes. Begin in the area you want to declutter. Review one shelf or one section at a time. If it’s something you use, gather all like items together, then pare them down.
Ask yourself these questions about each item:
• When was the last time I used it or even saw it?
• Do I really need it?
• Is there someone else who could use it/love it?
If the item is something you would use, then swap it out for some item that is currently taking up space that you don’t use.
Try to “upcycle” the following items as much as possible.
• Personal hygiene items: Donate to homeless shelters, domestic abuse shelters, donation centers, or sites created to help those who have recently been affected by natural disasters.
• Sheets and towels: Please see above.
• “Well loved” sheets and towels: Donate to the SPCA or animal rescue centers.
• Large donation items such as furniture, appliances, building materials, sports equipment, etc.: Contact local nonprofits to ask if they can pick up your items.
• Books: Donate to libraries, retirement centers, assisted living, or nursing homes. There are also book resellers and book recyclers. Gift & Thrift, Booksavers of Virginia, and Valley Paper Recycling are a few in our area.
• Paperwork: Shred any documents with your social security number or related to an active account. Municipalities, retirement
centers, and banks may offer free shredding. There also are companies that can pick up shredding from you and shred onsite.
• Valuable or highly collectible items: Contact an auction company or try listing with a consignment store or on a local marketplace.
• Valuable jewelry and collectable coins: Take to an estate jewelry store or coin shop.
Overall, don’t become overwhelmed by the process! Remember to break your goal into smaller projects, set a date and time to work on each area, and schedule it on your calendar.
Additional helpful hints:
• Make it fun: Listen to your favorite music or have a friend help you.
• Be prepared: Have your designated areas, boxes, and bags ready. Use sticky notes or mark the boxes and bags for your designated piles. Have plenty of trash bags and have a way to discard the trash as soon as possible.
• Reward yourself: Be proud of what you’ve accomplished, even
if the project is not yet complete. Congratulations on starting the process of clearing out the clutter! Happy de-cluttering and enjoy your lessened stress!
If you have questions or feel you may need help with your de-cluttering process, there are companies that are available to assist you.
Leigh-Anne Lees, Chair Community Relations Director, Valley Program for Aging Services
Ashlie Heatwole, Communications Specialist, Bridgewater Retirement Community
Amy Homan DePoy, OT/L Owner/Director, Cardinal Care LLC
Jeanine Maddox, Executive Assistant, Sunnyside Retirement Community
Susan Ribelin, Program Coordinator, Sentara; RMH Safe at Home and Senior Advantage
Nancy Wayland, Executive Director, Sunnyside Retirement Community
By THE GARDENING CONNECTION
Spring brings a new opportunity to make or rework your garden to be beautiful.
We are the Gardening Connection, a group of experienced local gardeners. We love sharing horticultural practices and what works in our gardens. We teach workshops with the JMU Lifelong Learning Institute and at several local vineyards.
We are Chris Chrisley, Joy Coakley, Jennifer Cottrell, Diane Hirsch, Kim Landis-Hamner, Judy Linhoss, and Janet Wendelken. Our average age is 70 years old. Our suggestions:
• Keep an annual garden diary to refer to each year when planning.
• For the perennial garden, add a few annual blooming flowers for a pop of color.
• Avoid planting a lot of annuals as they are expensive and one-season-only.
• Potted begonias offer abundant color as they grow fast and tall; they are great in pots.
• Order bulbs early and plant before the ground freezes.
• When establishing a vegetable garden, rotate the plants.
Is it time to review your estate plan? The statutory law of Virginia changes annually. Courts review and reinterpret law every day. You should review your estate plan to benefit from changes in the law. Whether you are planning for the distribution of assets at your death, naming someone to act for you during periods of incapacity, needing guidance through the murky waters of applying for Medicaid, or handling the estate of a lost loved one, we are here to help.
Set your mind at ease by planning for you and your loved ones at our convenient wheelchair-accessible downtown Harrisonburg location.
KAREN L. ROWELL, ESQ.
CERTIFIED ELDER LAW ATTORNEY
Email: krowell@clark-bradshaw .com
MATTHEW C. SUNDERLIN, ESQ.
CERTIFIED ELDER LAW ATTORNEY
Email: sunderlin@clark-bradshaw .com
CLARK & BRADSHAW, P.C.
92 North Liberty Street , Harrisonburg
Telephone: (540) 433-2601
Web: clark-bradshaw.com
We are a proud member of
• Review your notes, photos from past seasons as you begin planning.
• Keep a list and take it with you when greenhouse and nursery shopping.
• Know environmental conditions where you are planting.
• Buy plants in multi-packs of 3, 5 and 7 to plant together.
• Never arrange your plants in a straight row.
• In our front yard, we’ve created a native meadow where 90% of the plants are indigenous to Virginia, while the remaining 10%
consists of lavender and hostas.
• This meadow attracts a variety of birds, insects, and wildlife, so I refrain from gardening clean-up until late spring. Then, I trim everything back, tackle weeds, and mulch.
• My new favorite tools are my 6-inch cordless chainsaw and 9-inch cordless hedge trimmer.
• Consider the changes you want to make, create drawings, take pictures, lay out a design.
• Get a soil test done by the Rockingham Cooperative Extension Office to make sure you give your plants a good start.
• When needed, seek advice from landscaper or a nursery.
• Remember, gardening is work, so take pride in what you do.
Kim’s tips
• Gardening in mountain shade can be challenging.
• We chose to create a terraced stone retaining wall for the sloped front yard, improving soil retention as well as ease of walking around the yard for cleanup and planting.
• We chose shade-tolerant shrubs that add structure and height to the slope. They are evergreen with blooms.
• We used selected perennials that thrive in indirect sunlight.
• We provided consistent moisture for shrubs in summer.
It gives wildlife hiding habitat.
• My garden is in full sun all day. The only shade is close to the house. This is great for the herb garden and sun-loving plants.
• Love your watering can! It should be large enough to handle comfortably but not overwhelm with its size or when filled with water.
Hometown Experts
• When choosing your tools, purchase something that fits and feels good in your hand and is made of quality materials.
Janet’s tips
• Walking paths should be 4 to 5 feet wide for people walking side-by-side.
• Choose a color theme. We chose blue as our color for flowers, structures and art.
• No straight lines for paths, garden edges, hardscape or plantings.
• Have a focal point like a garden bed, art, sitting area; we have a large blue ceramic vase as the focus in one of our beds.
• Add whimsy for fun. We have spinners, birdhouses, a metal bicycle planter and tinkling bells.
Our final collective advice is to enjoy the space you designed, planned, cultivated, planted, watered and gave some hard work. And share your garden with others, as we believe everyone loves a gardening connection!
For information on upcoming Gardening Connection workshops, call Judy Linhoss at (540) 820-1402.
By RYAN MIRACLE CFP®, AIF®, Vice President of Investments and Senior Financial Advisor, Wells Fargo Advisors
With tax season in full swing, now is a good time to explore ways to potentially reduce taxes, while at the same time supporting your community. Since being made permanent by the PATH Act of 2015, Qualified Charitable Distributions have become an increasingly effective retirement planning solution for senior retirees.
What is a Qualified Charitable Distribution? ‘QCD’s’ for short, are distributions made from Traditional (or ‘Rollover’ or ‘Pre-Tax’) Individual Retirement Accounts
(‘IRA’s’), payable directly to an IRS designated 501©3 non-profit.
Who is eligible? The taxpayer must be at least 70 ½ years of age at the time of the distribution.
What types of accounts are eligible?
Only distributions made from pre-tax IRA’s. Traditional, Rollover, Inherited IRA’s are potential candidates, but not 401k’s, 403b’s, ROTH IRA’s.
Are there any limits? Each taxpayer is limited to distributing an aggregate total of $108,000 for 2025 amongst (from) all of their Traditional IRA accounts.
Can I distribute $216,000 from my IRA for myself and my spouse? No. Each taxpayer’s QCD can only come from their own IRA’s and they must be at least 70 ½ years of age.
Can I make distributions to my Donor Advised Fund? No. Donor Advised Funds and private foundations are not acceptable payees. Only 501©3 designated non-profits are eligible.
How do I do a QCD? Contact your IRA custodian and follow their procedure. Not all IRA custodians You will typically need to have ready the amount you want to distribute, the charity’s name, tax ID and address. Contact the charity to ensure you obtain receipt of your contribution which is to be filed with your 1099-R from your custodian.
Julie Farrar-Hersch, PhD
Lauren Matsko, AuD, MPH
Alex Hersch, BA, HAS Ariana Morris, AuD
Distributions (‘RMD’s)? RMD’s are the main driver of the popularity of QCD’s. By directing the distribution to the charity, the RMD can be met while not increasing the adjusted gross income (‘AGI’). When you don’t increase your AGI, you don’t increase your social security
income taxation and you don’t increase your Medicare payment. The key is that the distribution goes to the charity directly, not to the taxpayer first. Inherited IRA’s are allowable, but again, only for taxpayers over 70 ½ years of age. For specific tax questions, see a licensed accountant.
Wells Fargo & Company and its affiliates do not provide legal or tax advice. This communication cannot be relied upon to avoid tax penalties. Please consult your tax and legal advisors to determine how this information may apply to your own situation. Whether any planned tax result is realized by you depends on the specific facts of your own situation at the time your tax return is filed.
Investment and Insurance Products are:
• Not Insured by the FDIC or Any Federal Government Agency
• Not a Deposit or Other Obligation of, or Guaranteed by, the Bank or Any Bank Affiliate
• Subject to Investment Risks, Including Possible Loss of the Principal Amount Invested
For more information, see irs.gov, specifically Publication 526 Charitable Contributions and Publication 590 – B , Distributions from Individual Term Arrangements. Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. ©2025 Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC.
Note: Tax preparation services availability and opening times vary by location site. Please contact the organization to make an appointment in advance.
MyFreeTaxes helps people who earn $84,000 or less file their federal and state taxes for free while getting the assistance they need. File your own taxes in 1-2 hours using this online selfpreparation software. Go to MyFreeTaxes.com Augusta Co. Government Center 18 Government Center Ln. Verona, Va. 24482 (540) 416-1399
Bridgewater Retirement Community 302 N. 2nd St., Bridgewater, Va. 22812 (540) 908-9294
James Madison University VITA Hartman Hall, 421 Bluestone Dr., Harrisonburg, Va. 22807 (540) 568-7776 or vita@jmu.edu
The IRS’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program offers free basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals. VITA sites offer free tax help to people who generally make $67,000 or less, persons with disabilities; and limited English-speaking taxpayers. Rockingham County Government Administration Building 20 E. Gay St., Harrisonburg, Va. 22802 (540) 212-9835
By ASHLIE HEATWOLE Communications Specialist at Bridgewater Retirement Community
By adopting targeted exercise routines, balanced nutrition, and preventive health strategies, older adults can enhance their quality of life and thrive in their later years.
A balanced approach
Cardiovascular exercise is essential for heart health, but strength training is equally important to maintain healthy bones and prevent muscle loss. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), muscle mass decreases approximately 3-8% per decade after the age of 30, with an even sharper decline after 60. This loss of muscle can impact mobility, function, and overall health.
Older adults can benefit from brief, accessible workouts. Try lifting small weights during TV commercials, taking a brisk 10-minute walk, or doing seated stretches while waiting at the doctor’s office.
Fueling a healthy body and mind
Many of today’s older adults were shaped by past trends emphasizing low-fat diets. However, science now shows the importance of including healthy fats, like those found in avocados, nuts, and olive oil, for maintaining brain and heart health.
The MIND diet — a blend of the Mediterranean and DASH diets—focuses on whole grains, lean proteins, and high-antioxidant foods, which may help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Dietitian Jessica Shickel, who works with residents
at Bridgewater Retirement Community (BRC), stresses the importance of personalized nutrition plans. She notes, “In independent living, we focus on wellness and prevention. In nursing care, it’s about maintaining quality and meeting immediate needs.”
Understanding nutrient needs by age
• In Your 50s: Protein intake remains vital to preserve muscle mass. The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) suggests 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight, but some experts recommend closer to 1-1.2 grams per kilogram to prevent muscle loss. Calcium and Vitamin D are also crucial at this stage to maintain bone density.
• In Your 60s: The body’s ability to absorb Vitamin B12 declines, making fortified foods or supplements a good option. Magnesium supports nerve and muscle function, while Omega-3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation and support brain health.
• In Your 70s and Beyond: Hydration becomes increasingly important as the sensation of thirst diminishes with age. Fiber intake should be prioritized to support digestion, and adequate potassium can help regulate blood pressure and prevent muscle cramps.
Source: AARP, “9 Essential Nutrients You Need More of As You Age”
One common misconception among older adults is the need to lose weight. However, losing weight without a medical need can lead to loss of muscle mass, which
in turn impacts mobility and function.
Jessica recommends focusing on maintaining function and preventing decline through tailored nutritional and wellness strategies.
Annual physicals, cholesterol and diabetes screenings, and cardiac and dermatology help catch issues early. In addition, technology like smartwatches can provide valuable data on heart rate, steps, and even fall detection.
Cognitive health: Keep learning, keep growing
Lifelong learning keeps the brain active and resilient. Brain games, reading, and engaging in stimulating conversations can help stave off cognitive decline. Jessica encourages seniors to “use their minds in valuable ways—whether learning something new or tackling a challenging task.”
Small, sustainable nutrition changes are more effective than drastic overhauls. If cooking nutritious meals for one is challenging, try swapping portions with a friend. Walk or attend checkups with others to build accountability.
Aging is a journey, and with the right tools, support, and mindset, it can be a fulfilling and vibrant stage of life.
BRC Dietitian, Jessica Shickel and BRC Vice President of Well-Being and Laura Spicer, MSEd, RD, contributed to this report.
By KATHLEEN A. CULBERTSON, AuD Audiologist/Owner of Meadowcrest Audiology
If you are between the ages of 60 and 80 (give or take a few years), you are part of the “greatest generation,” the “Vietnam generation,” or if you will, the “Woodstock generation.” Whatever the term you may identify with, we “boomers” are having to pay more attention to our health than ever before. Whether retired or still in the workforce, caring for our parents or grandchildren, slowing down or on the go, our bodies are telling us they aren’t the same anymore — including our sense of hearing. Yes, you heard it, our hearing! Hearing loss can affect every part of life — communication, relationships, socialization, recreation, physical and mental health.
The signs of hearing loss can be subtle at first. Perhaps you can hear, but you have trouble understanding people clearly. Maybe you’re not quite able to hear someone at a distance or from another room like you used to. Are you missing that sweet little whisper from a spouse, grandchild, or friend? And when you gather around the table with friends or family for a meal, are you finding it more and more difficult to keep up with the conversation? The more people in the group, the more dif
you choose not to even attend that party or lunch with friends because it’s just too hard to communicate! Now what? Now it’s time to have your hearing tested. Schedule an appointment with an audiologist — a health care professional with an advanced educational degree in all aspects of hearing, including prevention, diagnosis, management, and treatment. Your audiologist will walk you through the best options for management of any hearing loss that may be diagnosed. If hearing aids are what you need, the options are many ... too many to include here. Just know that today’s hearing aid technology is bet-
habits affect our hearing just like they affect every other part of our bodies. Research shows that hearing loss is related to diabetes, increased risk of falls, and dementia. Next, protect your ears from noise. Wear hearing protection when you might still be out there mowing the lawn, using a snow blower, or the like. Turn the volume down when you listen to music or TV, especially through headphones or air pods. And finally, please keep the bobby pins and pencils out of your ears! There are much safer options for cleaning your ears, including over-the-counter drops and better yet, having a professional clean them for you.
“Stop, hey, what’s that sound,” you say? Go schedule that hearing test today! Prevent the “sound of silence.” Instead, let’s “listen to the music” (pardon the baby boomer humor). After all, it’s not just about hearing. It’s about quality of life!
To contribute information to the Living Longer, Living Well Community Calendar, please email Leigh-Anne Lees at leighanne@vpas.info. All events are free and hosted by Valley Program for Aging Services (VPAS) unless otherwise noted.
No Senior Eats Alone
More than a quarter of older adults are socially isolated. We observe “No Senior Eats Alone” each March because we know that dining together improves health, happiness and social connection. VPAS Cafes provide an opportunity to enjoy a meal, new people, and educational programs. This month’s program will focus on your “Roadmap to Healthcare.” To reserve a seat at any of the following VPAS Cafes, call (540) 6155341.
VPAS Harrisonburg Cafe: March 17 | 10 a.m. to noon | Price Rotary Senior Center, Harrisonburg
VPAS Timberville Cafe: March 19 l 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. l Plains District Community Center
VPAS Grottoes Cafe: March 26 l 10 a.m. to noon l Grottoes Town Hall
VPAS Bridgewater Cafe: March 27 l 10 a.m. to noon l Bridgewater Retirement Community
Lunch Together: In recognition of “No Senior Eats Alone,” Har-
risonburg Downtown Renaissance is hosting a brand new series pairing activities with group lunches in downtown Harrisonburg. Visit downtownharrisonburg.org/lunch-together for the schedule and to register. Or, call (540) 432-8934.
Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group
First Friday of the month | 10:30 a.m. | Community Mennonite Church, Harrisonburg
Second Thursday of the month l 1 p.m. l Summit Square, Waynesboro
Register: vpas.info/caregiver-support or call VPAS at (540) 615-5341
Ongoing Caregiver Support Groups
Fourth Tuesday of the month | 3 to 4 p.m. | Sunnyside Retirement Community, Harrisonburg
Third Monday of the month l 3 to 4:30 p.m. l Bridgewater Retirement Community, Bridgewater
Third Tuesday of the month l 2 to 3 p.m. l Aviva Baldwin Park, Staunton
Register: vpas.info/caregiver-support or (540) 615-5341
Virtual Caregiver Support Groups
Mondays at 3 p.m. or Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.
Third Thursday of the month at 10:30 a.m. (Anticipatory Grief Support Group)
Register: vpas.info/caregiv-
er-support or (540) 615-5341
Memory Partners — A safe space for dementia care partners to attend together: First Thursday of the month |10 to 11:30 a.m. | Massanutten Regional Library, Harrisonburg Register: vpas.info/caregiver-dementia-support or call (540) 615-5341
Second Thursday of the month l 10 to 11:30 a.m. l VPAS Waynesboro Office, Waynesboro Register: vpas.info/caregiver-dementia-support or call (540) 615-5341
I’m Dead, Here’s the Deal: End of Life Planning Workshop: March 13 l 2 to 4 p.m. l Stuarts Draft Library, Stuarts Draft Register: vpas.info/educational-opportunities or call (540) 942-1838
Wine Bottle Painting Workshop: March 17 l 2 to 3 p.m. l Price Rotary Senior Center, Harrisonburg Register: vpas.info/educational-opportunities or call (540) 615-5341
Casks for a Cause to Benefit VPAS Meals on Wheels: March 21 l 5 p.m. l Brothers Craft Brewing, Harrisonburg
Opening Minds Through Art: April 2, 9, 16, 23 l 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. l VPAS Harrisonburg Office
Register: vpas.info/caregiver-dementia-support or call (540) 615-5341
Prepare to Care: Navigating a Dementia Diagnosis: April 8 l 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. l Sentara RMH Medical Center, Medical Office Building Register: vpas.info/caregiver-dementia-support or call (540) 615-5341
Reason to Ride: 10 and 25 mile Bike Ride: April 12 l 10 a.m. through lunchtime l Wilbur Pence Middle School, Dayton
$20 per rider to benefit VPAS Senior Transportation Register: vpas.info/form/reason-to-ride-2025 or call (540) 383-6855
Get Your Affairs in Order: Documents Everyone Should Have: April 14 l 10 to 11 a.m. l Sentara RMH Medical Center at the Medical Offices building Talking Matters: Let’s Have a Conversation About End of Life Choices: April 14 l 11 a.m. to noon l Sentara RMH Medicare Center at the Medical Offices building Both programs hosted by Sentara RMH Senior Services Register: (540) 564-7001
Watercolor Painting Workshop: May 19 l 2 to 3:30 p.m. l Price Rotary Senior Center, Harrisonburg Register: vpas.info/educational-opportunities or call (540) 615-5341.
