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How older athletes stay active in winter SEE SPECIAL SECTION Housing & Homecare Options following page 16 PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER MUELLER

Arts & Style Fiddler on the Roof at Signature Theatre; plus, an arts group connects generations, and Bob Levey on air mail 24

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Leisure & Travel 20 Judy Aw, 74, climbs three times a week at Sportrock Alexandria, an indoor climbing gym. Aw, who started rock climbing 20 years ago on a whim, now teaches others who are 55 and over. “If you can walk, you can climb, because climbing is just walking vertically,” Aw said. See page 14. PHOTO BY OWEN CLARKE

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A nice pat on the back I am thrilled to share with you the kudos us before he retired. the Beacon received last fall at the annual An arts story written by our editorial asconference of the North Amersistant, Tori Cleveland, took ican Mature Publishers Associthird place for “Writer uses ation, whose journalism comfiction to express what’s true.” petition we enter every year. The Baltimore Beacon We like to submit articles brought home two first-place written by our staff as well as awards for cover articles by our regular freelancers to freelancers Laura Melamed help them get the national and Cathy Habas. Another recognition they deserve for cover by Melamed won a their high-quality writing. third-place award, while our That, in turn, gives me the opeditor Margaret Foster won portunity to praise them in FROM THE second place for her cover PUBLISHER my column each year. feature, “Free advice for enEach of our editions is en- By Stuart P. Rosenthal trepreneurs.” tered into a different division, We were especially thrilled based on circulation. And this year, all that our flagship edition, the Greater three reaped some top honors. Washington Beacon, took home a total of The Howard County Beacon won two 20 awards, including Best of Show overall first places along with a third-place award. and first place in the General Excellence Barbara Ruben, a past managing editor category for the largest-circulation publiof the Beacon, won first place for her cover cations (66,000+). story “Both dog and trainer are fast.” In the Profile category, Barbara Ruben Robert Friedman, who retired recent- won another first-place award with her ly at age 90 but had been writing for us for cover story, “A life of music and advenalmost 15 years, also won first place for ture,” while freelancer Laura Sturza won what the judges called a “phenomenal pro- second place for “Our own Golden Bachefile” titled “Poet teaches the art of heal- lorette.” ing.” That cover story was Robert’s last for In the Features category, which like our

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The Beacon is a monthly newspaper dedicated to inform, serve, and entertain the citizens of the Greater Washington DC area, and is privately owned. Other editions serve Greater Baltimore and Howard County, Md. Subscriptions are available via first-class mail ($50) or third-class mail ($20), prepaid with order. D.C. and Maryland residents: add 6 percent for sales tax. Send subscription order to the office listed below. Publication of advertising contained herein does not necessarily constitute endorsement. Signed columns represent the opinions of the writers, and not necessarily the opinion of the publisher. Publisher/Editor Emeritus – Stuart P. Rosenthal President/Associate Publisher – Judith K. Rosenthal Executive Vice President – Gordon Hasenei Editor – Margaret Foster Art Director – Kyle Gregory Vice President of Operations – Roger King Advertising Representatives – Jill Joseph, Steve Levin, M.K. Phillips, Alan Spiegel Assistant Editor – Ana Preger Hart Editorial Assistant – Tori Cleveland

The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915 (301) 949-9766 • Email: info@thebeaconnewspapers.com Website: www.theBeaconNewspapers.com Submissions: The Beacon welcomes reader contributions. Deadline for editorial is the 10th of the month preceding the month of publication. Deadline for ads is the 15th of the month preceding the month of publication. See page 31 for classified advertising details. Please mail or email all submissions. © Copyright 2026 The Beacon Newspapers, Inc.

profiles appear on our cover pages, Margaret Foster won first place for her story on family-run camps, while regular contributor Glenda Booth won second- and thirdplace honors for her stories on car enthusiasts and summer camps for grownups. In all three awards, the judges noted the “great interviews” the writers elicited from their subjects. Another category featuring cover stories is Topical Issues. Margaret Foster swept that whole category, with first, second and third place awards for cover stories about exchange student hosts, the story of AA, and “Searching for new love mid-life.” In the Do-It-Yourself category, Cathy Habas won another first-place award for her story, “Who you gonna call? How ‘solo agers’ do it.” In the Travel Column category, regular contributor Don Mankin won first place for his stories that “perfectly paint the scene” for travelers. In the Theater Review category, Lynda Lantz won first place for her reviews of two plays in Washington, D.C. Two of our special sections were also honored: our quarterly Housing & Homecare Options pull-out section and our Caregiver’s Guide. We have been proud to feature Bob Levey and his monthly column for many years now, and not surprisingly, he won first place in the Senior Issues category for

his “enjoyable and entertaining” columns. He also earned second place for his Personal Essay titled, “It’s not so easy to play Cupid anymore.” In the Editorial/Opinion category, my From the Publisher columns won first and second place for being “extremely topical, interesting and well-researched.” Another of my columns, entered in the Personal Essay category, won first place for “vulnerable writing [that] makes readers feel, perhaps, not so alone about fears.” Another vulnerable essay, “Is it dementia, or wasn’t I like this at 40?” was provided to us by local writer Leslie Milk, who won third place for “personalizing a frightening topic.” Of course, the most important honor we receive is from you, our readers, who pick up your copy of the Beacon each month from one of our thousands of free distribution sites, subscribe by mail, or read us online at thebeaconnewspapers.com. However you choose to do it, we thank you for reading the Beacon! By the way, you can look up and read any of the articles mentioned above on our website, thebeaconnewspapers.com. Wishing you a happy and healthy New Year!

Letters to the editor Readers are encouraged to share their opinions on any matter addressed in the Beacon as well as on political and social issues of the day. Mail your Letter to the Editor to The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915, or email to info@thebeaconnewspapers.com. Please include your name, address and telephone number for verification. Dear Editor: I read your column “How we learn to be afraid” (November 2025), and I couldn’t stop thinking about your toddler. It got me thinking not just about how we learn to be afraid, but how we learn to be fearless… because I wasn’t. One of the gifts of being a child is fearlessness. Children do things — jump, break things, cry and run around — without fear, because they know their big mummy or daddy is going to save them if anything goes wrong. They don’t need to worry about “ice packs” or where they come from; they just know they will show up regardless. This gives them the safety net to live and push the boundaries of their experience. They slowly carry that confidence into adulthood, and that is how they learn to be fearless. Kids who grow up without this safety net, without the liberty to break things and not worry about how their needs will be met, grow up afraid. They are scared to break things because they will get a scolding or experience the lack of that thing instead of a replacement. That is how fear is learned. I know this because I was one of those

kids. It’s taken years of adulthood to undo and unlearn the ability to see the fear in everything — to change from “what if it goes wrong” to “and so what if it goes wrong.” We learn to be afraid as kids. Miracle Roch Silver Spring, MD Dear Editor: I was absolutely shocked to read “Less butter, more plant oils, longer life?” (November 2025). What the author describes as “plant oils,” which, in most cases, are more accurately described as “seed oils,” are perhaps the biggest culprits of all in our diets. They are what have led to many decades of heart disease, cancer and chronic disease in general. Butter, lard and ghee are infinitely healthier choices to use in cooking and general food preparation than most oils. Saturated fat is not the culprit many have been led to believe it is. You need much better health reporting in the Beacon. Jane B. Todaro Annandale, VA See LETTERS TO THE EDITOR, page 11

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PICKLEBALL PERIL As pickleball’s popularity increases, so do visits to the emergency room BEST OLIVE OIL Extra virgin olive oil has more health benefits than regular olive oil DRUG DISCOUNTS Don’t pay full price at the pharmacy before checking for Patient Assistance Programs MEMORY TRICKS To refresh your memory, keep lists and recall events with photographs

Ways to find light in dark winter months By Stefanie Dazio The winter solstice was Dec. 21, marking the shortest day and longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. While sunlight increases daily after that, winter won’t be over for a while yet. The Associated Press spoke to experts in Norway, Sweden and Finland about how they cope with the winter blues. Here’s how they suggest looking for light, literally and figuratively, during the darkest months of the year:

Maintain sleep and social habits

The dark winter affects our circadian rhythm. With limited daylight, our internal body clocks cannot reset or synchronize properly, and it throws off our sleep. We may sleep longer in the winter, but we don’t wake up refreshed and can remain tired the rest of the day. Try a dawn simulator, sometimes known as a sunrise alarm clock, to gradually light up your bedroom and ease you awake, suggested Dr. Timo Partonen, a research professor at the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare. In addition to being more tired, we’re more likely to withdraw from others in the wintertime. We’re more irritable, Partonen said, and more prone to arguments. It’s important to maintain our relation-

ships, he said, because symptoms rarely improve in isolation. And since keeping up with exercise is also key to combating the winter blues, consider inviting a friend along for a workout. It could also help keep off the wintertime weight gain — typically 4 to 11 pounds a year, Partonen said — that’s fed by cravings for carbohydrates, especially in the evenings.

Light therapy

Millions of people worldwide are estimated to suffer from seasonal depression. Also known as seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, patients typically have episodes of depression that begin in the fall and ease in the spring or summer. Scientists are learning how specialized cells in our eyes turn the blue wavelength part of the light spectrum into neural signals affecting mood and alertness. Sunlight is loaded with blue light, so when the cells absorb it, our brains’ alertness centers are activated, and we feel more awake and possibly even happier. Researcher Kathryn Roecklein at the University of Pittsburgh tested people with and without SAD to see how their eyes reacted to blue light. As a group, people with SAD were less sensitive to blue light than others, especially during winter months.

That suggests a cause for wintertime depression. In severe cases, people need clinical support and antidepressant medications. Christian Benedict, a pharmacology professor at Uppsala University in Sweden, suggests light therapy for people with SAD as well as those who have a milder case of the winter blues. “It’s not like it’s a fate, an annual or a seasonal fate, and you cannot do anything about it,” Benedict said. A routine of morning light therapy, using devices that emit light about 20 times brighter than regular indoor light, can be beneficial for both people with and without SAD. Research supports using a light that’s about 10,000 lux, a measure of brightness, for 30 minutes every morning. Special lights run from $20 to $400, though some products marketed for SAD are not bright enough to be useful. Your insurance company might cover at least part of the cost if you’ve been diagnosed with SAD. Partonen recommended using both a dawn simulator and a light therapy device each day before noon. Yale has tested products and has a list of recommendations, and the nonprofit Center for Environmental Therapeutics has a consumer guide to selecting a light.

Prioritize a positive outlook

And don’t forget to, well, look on the bright side. It’s crucial to embrace winter instead of dreading it, according to Ida Solhaug, an associate professor in psychology at the University of Tromsø, also known as the Arctic University of Norway — the world’s northernmost university. Prioritize a positive outlook as a survival strategy and learn to appreciate the seasons. It’s a typical Norwegian way of thinking, she said, that can make all the difference when there’s very little daylight for months. “It’s part of the culture,” Solhaug said. And don’t forget to take advantage of both outdoor and indoor hobbies, she said. Inside, channel hygge — the Danish obsession with getting cozy — and snuggle up on the couch with blankets and a movie. But don’t hibernate all winter. After the film finishes, head outside. Even during cloudy days, a quick walk in the fresh air will help, she said. And if you’re brave enough, do a cold plunge. “Challenge yourself to look for light in the darkness,” she said. After all, as many Nordic people say, there’s no such thing as bad weather — only bad clothing. © 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

How to locate a good age-friendly doctor Dear Savvy Senior, primary care doctor with an age-friendly My husband and I are relocating to a philosophy may be all you need. Here’s nearby state to be closer to what you should know. our daughter and will need to find a new primary care Who needs a physician when we arrive. geriatrician? We are both in our late 70s Geriatricians are primary and are interested in getcare doctors that have additing a geriatrician to overtional specialized training in see our healthcare going treating older patients. forward. Any suggestions Those who can benefit the for finding someone? most from seeing a geriatri—Searching for Care SAVVY SENIOR cian are seniors age 75 and Dear Searching, older with multiple health and By Jim Miller Choosing a geriatrician as age-related problems such your primary care doctor in as cardiovascular disease, your 70s is a good idea, especially if you’re diabetes, hyper tension, incontinence, osteodealing with various age-related health porosis, cognitive decline, frailty, depresproblems. sion or trouble with balance and falls. But if you’re in relatively good health, Geriatricians are also particularly adept you may not need a geriatrician. A good at tackling medication problems. Because

many seniors take multiple medications at the same time for various health conditions, and because aging bodies often absorb and metabolize drugs differently than younger adults, unique side effects and drug interactions are not uncommon. A geriatrician will evaluate and monitor your medications to be sure they are not affecting you in a harmful way. Geriatricians can also help their patients and families determine their long-term care needs, like how long they can remain in their own homes safely without assistance, and what type of services may be necessary when they do need some extra help. Unfortunately, there’s a shortage of geriatricians in the U.S., so finding one may be difficult. To help you locate one in your new area, use Medicare’s online find and compare

search tool. Just go to Medicare.gov/carecompare and click on “Doctors & Clinicians” and type in your location, then type in “geriatric medicine” in the “Name & Keyword” box. You can also get this information by calling Medicare at 1-800633-4227. The American Geriatrics Society also has a geriatrician-finder tool on their website at HealthinAging.org. If you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, contact your plan for a list of network geriatricians in your new area. Keep in mind, though, that locating a geriatrician doesn’t guarantee you will be accepted as a patient. Many doctors already have a full patient roster and don’t accept any new patients. You’ll need to call the individual doctor’s office to find out. See DOCTORS, page 5

Sneak more fiber into your diet fast is to make an egg and veggie bake. “It is easy to make and can be prepared ahead so that your breakfast is ready to be warmed up in the microwave throughout the week. Add a variety of vegetables to get in more fiber,” said Kate Reeder, M.C.N., RDN, a registered dietitian. 2. Use fruits in desserts: Fruit is a sweet treat and an excellent source of fiber. That’s why Lilian Shepherd, RD, CDCES, suggests choosing dessert recipes packed with fruit. Berries with whipped cream are one dessert she recommends. You can also make a berry mix to serve over Greek yogurt. 3. Add almonds or nuts: One strategy to increase fiber intake is to add nuts to your meals, according to Patricia Kolesa, M.S., RDN, founder of Dietitian Dish. “Almonds can be easily added as part of a charcuterie board or cheese plate as an appetizer, blended into an almond butter spread, or used in desserts like cookies and clusters,”

Doctors

• What Matters (your goals and priorities) • Medication safety and appropriateness • Mentation (cognition and mood) • Mobility (ways to keep you moving). You can also research new doctors at sites like Healthgrades.com and Vitals.com. If you’re finding it hard to get into a new practice, you might even consider looking for a geriatric nurse practitioner or advanced practice registered nurse to serve as your PCP. Send your questions or comments to questions@savvysenior.org, or to Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.

Age-friendly PCPs

If you and your husband are in relatively good health or if you can’t find a geriatrician in your new area, a good primary care physician (PCP) that practices age-friendly care would also be a viable choice. To search for new PCPs, use the previously listed Medicare tools. Once you locate a few, call their office and ask if they’re accepting new patients and if they practice the 4Ms of age-friendly care, which include:

MAIL OR EMAIL FOR FREE INFORMATION For free materials about area housing communities, just complete and clip this coupon and mail, or take a picture and email, to the Beacon.

By Victoria Whittington How we eat during the holidays can be very different from the rest of the year. One big change during this season? Your fiber intake may have taken a hit. Consuming enough dietary fiber daily supports your health in many ways. After age 50, women should have around 22 grams of fiber per day, while men should aim for 28 grams per day. Check out these dietitian-approved tips for eating more fiber in the new year. 1. Start early in the day: Julia Stevens, M.P.H., RDN, CPT, registered dietitian with Active Nutrition, recommends starting the day with a fiber-packed breakfast. “It’s hard to catch up on your fiber later in the day,” she said. “I recommend adding a tablespoon of chia seeds to breakfast. Mix it into your oatmeal, overnight oats, yogurt or a smoothie to boost that fiber and get you started on the right foot,” Stevens added. One tablespoon of chia seeds has about 5 grams of fiber. Another idea for a fiber-packed break-

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Pickleball’s popularity brings more injuries By Dawn Fallik Terry Landers’ pickleball injuries include two concussions, a broken wrist, a shoulder injury, a torn thumb and a black eye. None of those disasters kept her from the court. In fact, she had both knees replaced so she could keep playing. The 69-year-old from Bridgton, Maine, was first drawn to pickleball about a decade ago because it was a sport she could play year-round, and the community she found on the courts kept her coming back. At one point, Landers taped her fractured wrist to her pickleball paddle to go to the emergency room. “I broke it pretty good. I’ve got a plate and screws and all kinds of stuff going on in there,” she said. Landers has a lot of company. Pickleball, a combination of tennis and ping-pong, has been the fastest growing sport in the country for three years in a row, according to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association. Although the highest number of players fall into the 25-34 age bracket, it’s the older players who tend to run into walls and problems.

Taking a toll on the over-50 crowd

A 2024 study in Health analyzed nearly 17,000 pickleball-related injuries and found that 87% of emergency room visits involved

people over 50. Orthopedic injuries were the most common, such as fractures, sprains and muscle tears, but cardiac incidents also stood out. Ches Jones, an injury researcher at the University of Arkansas and lead author of the study, said the smaller court makes pickleball seem approachable, but too often players don’t realize they need to prepare physically. “People think, ‘Oh, I can do this without getting proper doctor’s clearance,’” said Jones. “There’s a perception that pickleball is a less strenuous activity than other sports. But in actuality, pickleball can be very strenuous, especially on the cardiovascular system.”

‘Job security’ for surgeons

Frederick Azar is an orthopedic surgeon and director of the sports medicine fellowship at the University of Tennessee-Campbell Clinic. His clinic sees so many referrals to orthopedic surgeons from pickleball injuries that it became a joke that they invented the sport for job security, he said. Azar said he started noticing that his patients who had pickleball injuries fell into certain patterns and wanted more information to help with injury prevention. In a 2024 review in the Journal of the

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American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, he analyzed emergency room data from pickleball injuries from 2001 to 2017 and also surveyed clinic patients. Like the Arkansas study, Azar found that wrist fractures and ankle sprains were common, along with soft-tissue injuries like tears and tendinitis. Azar’s study also found that there were differences between genders — women were more likely to suffer fractures, often tied to bone health issues like osteoporosis, while men tended to sustain sprains and strains. Many issues stem from loss of balance as players move quickly front-toback and side-to-side, he said. Both studies highlighted another danger: the heart. In the Arkansas analysis of older players, one out of five injuries resulted in hospital admissions, with most admissions for cardiac arrest and 25% for fractures. Azar said the cardiac numbers highlighted the need for a good checkup before hitting the court, particularly for sedentary people. In addition to a cardiac checkup, new players should ask their doctors about bone health, balance issues and medication side effects, like dizziness, that might result in injury, he said. “It’s a new sport, so we’re trying to raise awareness and encourage people to take precautions because people can get hurt here,” he said.

Best to start slowly

Jon Herting, owner of Precision Performance Physical Therapy in Pennsylva-

nia, holds a doctorate in physical therapy. He said many of the injuries he sees come from people jumping from a sedentary lifestyle onto the pickleball court without a lot of preparation. One particular challenge with pickleball, Herting said, is that, like tennis, pickleball has a lot of sudden power-based movements, a skill that deteriorates as people age. Leaping suddenly for a ball or pushing off to run puts a lot of stress on the Achilles tendon, potentially causing tears. “Obviously, we recommend that people maintain their strength to be able to play pickleball and maintain tissue elasticity,” Herting said. “But on top of that, think about introducing power-based exercise. It doesn’t have to be these big-box jumps that you see NFL players doing, but like simply jumping rope, which is a great activity. That’s a low barrier of entry.” Start simply and build up, even if it’s starting with 10 repetitions, he said. People can start by holding onto a wall and practicing an explosive calf raise where the toes don’t leave the ground, building up to maintain balance. For Terry Landers in Maine, the risks are worth it. After concussions, surgeries and a wrist held together by metal, she has changed nothing about the way she plays — except for wearing new pickleball shoes. “No, no, I’m an idiot,” she said. “I play as aggressively as I always have.” © 2025 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. All rights reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Health News Extra virgin olive oil is best for heart Olive oil has a reputation as a hearthealthy fat. Now, new research suggests that one particular type of olive oil is most beneficial. Researchers focused on 7,102 people who were part of a trial looking at the effects of the Mediterranean diet (which includes generous amounts of olive oil) in people at high risk for cardiovascular problems. After a median follow-up of nearly five years, the researchers found that a high intake of extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) was linked to a lower risk of heart-related problems, while intake of common olive

Fiber From page 5

Kolesa said. A 1-ounce serving of almonds has about 3.5 grams of fiber. 4. Give vegetables a starring role: Instead of making vegetable side dishes, make them the star of the show. Shepherd suggests combining roasted Brussels sprouts and squash and roasting the vegetables in the same pan. Cranberries can add a sweet-tart edge. 5. Eat more chilis, stews and soups: Enjoying more soups, stews, and chilis during the winter is a simple and satisfying way to boost your fiber intake. “Packed with fiber-rich ingredients like beans, lentils, vegetables and whole grains, these hearty dishes help you stay fuller longer while supporting digestive

oil was not. EVOO is created by mechanically pressing ripe olives to extract the oil. As a result, it retains high levels of compounds called polyphenols that reduce inflammation, a known contributor to heart disease. Common olive oil is mostly refined. This process, which relies on heat and chemicals, gives the oil a neutral flavor and longer shelf life but destroys the polyphenols. According to the study authors, the high polyphenol content of EVOO likely explains its connection to better cardiovascular health. The study appears in the January 2026 issue of the American Heart Journal. —Julie Corliss © 2025 Harvard University. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Best foods for healthy aging Consuming more flavonoid-rich foods —

health,” Shepherd said. 6. Eat consistently throughout the day: Many people skip meals and snacks around the holidays to “save up” for the meals they’ll enjoy later, but this can be more harmful than helpful. Not only does it interfere with your fiber intake, but meal skipping may also lead to headaches, irritability and overeating. Eating consistently while consciously choosing high-fiber foods will help you eat more fiber. It also keeps blood sugar levels stable and increases feelings of fullness, helping to prevent overeating later in the day. EatingWell is a magazine and website devoted to healthy eating as a way of life; visit eatingwell.com. © 2025 Dotdash Meredith. All rights reserved. Used with permission. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

including berries, apples, oranges and black tea — may promote healthier aging, particularly in women, according to a Harvard-led analysis published in May 2025 in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Researchers evaluated data from more than 86,400 adults ages 60 and older (73% women), who were tracked for more than 24 years. Participants completed food frequency questionnaires at the study’s start and every subsequent four years, and also reported any experiences with frailty, impaired physical function or poor mental health. Women who consumed the highest amounts of flavonoids had a 15% lower risk of frailty, 12% lower risk of impaired physi

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cal function, and 12% lower risk of poor mental health compared with women with the lowest flavonoid intake. In men, higher flavonoid consumption was associated with only a lower risk of poor mental health. The findings add to earlier research indicating that people who consume higher amounts of flavonoids tend to live longer and are less likely to develop chronic diseases such as dementia, diabetes, or heart disease. Flavonoids are well recognized for reducing inflammation, supporting healthy blood vessels, and helping maintain muscle mass, the study authors said. —Maureen Salamon © 2025 Harvard University. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 6 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

January–M March 2026

UUP O INNGG SEMIN UPCOMIN EMIN M NARS R & CLASSES CL S ESS at t Bro oke o Grove G r etirement en vi v i llage g

As experts in seenior care, Brooke Grovee Retirement V Viillage is pleased to offer seminars and classes c that promote ph hyysical, y spiritual and menttal well-being. All prograams ms will be held in-perso so o in the Gathering Roo on om at Brooke Grov ove Reh ehabilitation h and Nursin rsi g Center, ho Roaad on the th Sandy Spring, Maryland, campus pu of B Brooke Grov G ove Retiremen located at 18131 181 Slade School nt Village. Register gis as indicate ated below or contact To Toni n Dav avis at tdav avis@bgf.orrg rg with questions. ion LIVING WELL CLASS: C “MOVEMENT AND A MINDFULNESS S FOR THE NEW YEAR” Offere ffered in partnership with Up Uplifftt Yo Yoga ga January 5 through Fe Februuary 13

MONDAY AYS & FRIDAY FR RIDAY AYS 1-1:45 P. P.M. New Ye Year, New YOU! Start this year off right Koin us for this chair-based fitness class geared for older adults that combines seated and standing exercises to improve balance and strengthen the core and body. Class ends with gentle stretching, mindffu ulness, inspiration and breath work practices to ease you into the year ahead. $40 fo for entire sixx-weeek session. To register, visit: To bit.llyy/New ewYearNew ewYouBG

HEAL LT T HY LIVING G SEMINAR: “HEARTY FLAV AVOR RS, HEAL LT THY ATIONS!” FOUNDAT

CAREGIVER SUPP ORT O GROUP FOR LOVED ONES LIVING WITH DEMENTIA

Presented by Chef Derrick Gregg G and Registered Dietician Grace Gehlhausen G

Oﬀered in partnership with MedStar Health’s Center for Successfu fo ful Aging & Ellis Hoouse

TUESDAY AY, FEBRUA ARY 17 10:30 11:45 A.M. AM 10:30-11:45

SECOND AND FOURTH FRIDAY AY MONTH OF EACH MO NTH • 11-2 2 P. P.M M.

Brooke Grove Retirem ment Village is pleased to announce an upcom ming Culinary Explorations Cooking Demonstration. This interactive session n will high ghlight culinary techniques paaired with expert nutrition guidance to promot p e en njjoyable, health-fo focused cookingg. All participants are in nvvited to observe, learrn, and engage with our culinary and nutrition proffeessionals as theeyy prepare a warm an nd seasonal vegetable soup and discuss its nu utritional beneﬁts.

Sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association, for fa family, friends this group is designed fo and others engaged in the care and saffeety of someone touched by dementia. In this saffee and conﬁdential en nvvironment, you can develop inffo ormal and mutualllyy supportive social relationships, gain understanding, share caregiving tips and discover other helpffu ul inffo ormaattion.

FREE. To To register, visitt: bit.llyy/HealthFoodBG

EXERCISE FOR PARKINSON’S

LIVING WELL SEMINAR: “SLEEP ISSUES IN PARKINSON’S: HOW TO GET A GOOD NIGHT’S REST”

LIVING WELL SE MINAR: “KEEPING SENIO ORS SAFE”

Presented by Nicholas Schorr,, MD, DF FAPA APA

THURSDAY AY, MARC CH 19 10:30-11:45 A.M.

MONDAY AY, FEBRUARY 16 10:30-11:45 A.M. Wee will look at the biological and W functional underpinnings of sleep fu d turbance dis b as it rellates a to Parkinson’s ’ Eisease as well as wh hat treatments and liffeestyle changes can n help. FREE. To To register, visit: v pW WellBG G bit.llyy/Sleep

To register, visit: FREE. To bit.llyy/BG GA AlzSupport

Prresented by Bill Peyser and the Montgo gomery County Department of Policce

In this interactive discu ussion, get an overvieew w of how scamss are perpetrated and in-depth guidance to help h spot and stop f db fraud befo fore it iis ttoo llaate. We We will fo focus on the manipulation techn niques scammers use and discuss some o of the most prevalent scams, phishing campaaigns and fraudulent text messages, and show w you how to identiffyy the red ﬂags.

Oﬀered in partnership with the Parkinson’s Foundation, NCA Fo

MONDAY AYS & WEDNESDAY AYS 12 NOON-1 P.M. This class ffo or those with Parkinson’s or other neurodegenerative diseases aims to improve posture, balance and circulation while also increasing strength, muscle control and mobility. FREE. To To register, visit: bit.llyy/BGR RV VParkExxeercise

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 6

How to save money on prescriptions Have you ever been standing at the pharStep 1: I Googled “Xifaxan copay card.” macy counter, minding your own business, Ten seconds. I see that the manufacturwhen the clerk says, “That’ll er has a savings program on be $958,” and you briefly exit their website. Many brandyour body? I used to be that name drugs do. I let her know. pharmacist delivering the Step 2: They filled out the sticker shock, though I always form, which requires name, tried to soften the blow. email, insurance info, and 30 I’ve seen people turn pale, seconds later — boom! The mutter words I can’t print site instantly generated a digihere, and leave the pharmacy tal “card” with four magic numcrying. Back in the 1990s, we bers: BIN, PCN, Group and ID. didn’t have Google at our fin- DEAR Step 3: She read those numgertips or smartphones in our PHARMACIST bers to the pharmacist. pockets, and patient assis- By Suzy Cohen The price dropped from tance programs (PAPs) were $2,448 to about $759. That’s a mostly reserved for people with no insur- 70% savings in under five minutes! Tell me ance at all. that isn’t sorcery. Today, I want to be your hero and explain Another quick example: A doctor premore about PAPs and how they can slash scribed a topical analgesic product called the cost of many brand-name prescriptions. Pennsaid for knee pain. The item is priced These programs are offered by the manu- at $1,500. (Just FYI, Pennsaid is just difacturer, not the pharmacy, and you can clofenac, what you probably know as save a small fortune if you know how. Voltaren Gel.) I found a PAP for Pennsaid Here’s an example: A friend’s husband itself, and the price dropped from $1,500 to was prescribed Xifaxan for stubborn stom- free for this particular patient! ach symptoms. His doctor prescribed 42 You might be wondering, why doesn’t tablets (a two-week supply). The pharma- the pharmacy tell me if there’s a PAP for a cy price comes up at $2,448. The poor guy medicine? Because they’re juggling internearly needed CPR. His wife (my friend) actions, insurance rejections, refills and texted me in a panic. I said, “Don’t pay that long lines. — give me a minute.” Besides, it’s always up to the consumer

to find the best price on things they want to buy. Just so you know, pharmacists are salaried, so it doesn’t affect their pay whether you’re charged a sky-high price or get your medication for nothing. So you have to become a savvy patient. Here’s how: 1. Google your medication name plus “savings program” or “copay card.” 2. Click ONLY the manufacturer’s website. 3. Fill out the quick form. 4. Screenshot the card with the BIN, PCN number, group number and ID.

5. Call the pharmacy and read the numbers. 6. Watch the price collapse. If you’d like the full, expanded version with even more money-saving examples and tips, just head over to suzycohen.com and sign up for my free newsletter. This information is opinion only. It is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose your condition. Consult with your doctor before using any new drug or supplement. Suzy Cohen is a registered pharmacist and author of The 24-Hour Pharmacist and Real Solutions from Head to Toe.

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Ongoing FREE HEARING SCREENING

Washington Hearing and Speech offers free hearing tests to anyone without hearing aids. Schedule a 15-minute appointment on Tuesdays between 1:30 and 2:45 p.m. by calling (202) 364-7602 at least two weeks in advance. The tests are held at the Sibley Rehabilitation Clinic, Building D, Floor 1, 5255 Loughboro Rd. NW, Washington, DC.

DECLUTTER YOUR HOME WEBINAR

Jan. 7

Learn how to thoughtfully organize your home in the new year to make it safer and more comfortable. This free webinar from AARP takes place on Wed., Jan 7 from 7 to 8 p.m. Sign in to your AARP.org account or create a free account to register at bit.ly/reorganizeyourhome (AARP membership not required).

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Fitness & Health | Subscribe online! See how on p. 26

J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 6 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Tips to help reduce age-related memory lapses By Howard LeWine, M.D. Q: As expected at my age, I am having more trouble quickly retrieving information and remembering names. What might help? A: At some point, most older adults experience “senior moments.” You misplace your phone or keys, lose your train of thought during a conversation, forget a person’s name, or walk into a room and don’t remember why. These moments of brain fogginess can be stressful and embarrassing. But if these are the only symptoms, they usually are not a cause for concern. People often notice memory lapses be-

ginning in their 50s or 60s. This is when age-related chemical and structural changes begin in brain regions devoted to memory, such as the hippocampus and frontal lobes. Yet age is not always to blame. Your doctor can help you sort out whether there are other problems contributing to your memory lapses. Here are some of the possibilities: Depression, anxiety or chronic stress can disrupt the brain’s ability to focus, process and access information. They can also cause negative and preoccupying thoughts that keep people from focusing and being present, which may con-

BEACON BITS

Jan. 18

DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. TRIBUTE

The Arlington community celebrates the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with dance, music and storytelling on Sun., Jan. 18 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the Wakefield High School auditorium, 1325 S. Dinwiddie St., Arlington, VA. No registration is required.

VOLUNTEER WITH YOUNG ADULTS

Ongoing Volunteers age 50 and older in the Maryland area are invited to help young adults ages 18 to 24 find meaningful employment. Mentors meet one-on-one with mentees in person in Rockville, MD. To volunteer, visit empoweringtheages.org/volunteer. For more information, call (301) 4760186 or email leah@empoweringtheages.com.

tribute to memory issues. Brain fogginess can be a common side effect of some medications. If you are taking a new prescription or over the counter drug, ask your doctor or pharmacist if it could be affecting your cognition. Sleep problems, such as sleeping less than the recommended seven to nine hours nightly, fragmented sleep and sleep disorders like insomnia and sleep apnea, also affect cognitive function.

What to do about it

Even though most memory lapses are normal, you can take measures to manage and improve your existing brain skills. Here are some memory obstacles people encounter and ways to deal with them. Absentmindedness: This happens when you take on too many tasks or get distracted. When faced with multiple tasks, make a list, put them in order of importance, and focus on only one at a time before moving on to the next. Setting up routines and reminders can also help. For example, put a “memory table” by your front door or in the bed-

room where you place vital objects, like your phone, medicines, keys and glasses. Blocking: A common example of blocking is remembering and recalling names. When you meet someone, try linking that person with something that may help trigger name recall, like their hobby, work, background or spouse. Another method is to associate the person with someone with the same name or a similar one, like a relative, celebrity or movie character. Transience: Transience is the loss over time of certain memories like facts and events. To help retain specific memories, keep the information active in your memory. For instance, share it in conversation whenever possible, record it for future reference or look at related photographs. Howard LeWine, M.D., is an internist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston and assistant professor at Harvard Medical School. For additional consumer health information, visit health.harvard.edu. © 2025 Harvard University. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

BEACON BITS

Jan. 20

FOSTER PARENT INFORMATION (VIRTUAL)

Are you interested in learning more about becoming a foster parent? Arlington County’s Foster Parent Services offers a free virtual information session on Tue., Jan. 20 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Learn about eligibility and training requirements, the certification process and support systems available to foster parents. To register and receive the session link, email openheartsopenhomes@arlingtonva.us.

SENIOR HELPLINE

Ongoing Connect with a Jewish Council for the Aging Information & Referral Specialist to find senior services in the greater Washington, D.C. area, including housing, home care, recreation and more. Call (240) 290-3311 or (703) 652-1515, or email SeniorHelpLine@accessjca.org.

Take the

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Ongoing smell loss may be one of the most important signals of brain health as we age.

Request Request your your test test at at 877-525-PPMI (7764) mysmelltest.org/beacon or scan the QR code. or scan the QR code.

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A new study from The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research is exploring this link. We’re calling on everyone with and without Parkinson’s to request a simple scratch-and-sniﬀ test and contribute to important research.

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Makes a great gift! | Fitness & Health

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 6

Make some comfort food for dinner this winter

Cheesy Spinach Chicken Bake Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy” Serves 4-6

Letters to the editor From page 2 Dear Editor: I generally enjoy the Washington Beacon and note some efforts to be inclusive and diverse in your coverage. This should always be mandatory, not an afterthought, since Washington itself is still 50% African American, and the DMV (your target audience) is over 25% Black. Thus, I must take issue with a statement in your recent piece on Panama (“From the Atlantic to the Pacific in a Day, December 2025): “Panama is a melting pot of 4.6 million people of Spanish, French, Mestizo and other backgrounds.” This statement omits the fact that around 30% of the population of Panama is of African descent. Only 10% identify as white, yet they got first billing. As is often the case, Black and Brown people are rendered invisible. Perhaps Beacon readers —- maybe you are catering to white people’s fears — might decline to visit Panama if they knew so many people in the country were non-white? Optics around race are important. Please view your content with the goal to always be truthful and accurate. (I’m pretty sure my letter won’t be the only one to bring your attention to this issue.) Jamilah Ali Silver Spring, MD Dear Editor: I also enjoyed a Road Scholar trip through the Panama Canal. But I noticed a number of technical errors in Glenda Booth’s article (December 2025): 1. The boats are not centered in the locks by tugboats, but (uniquely) by locomotives carrying winches running alongside the locks. 2. The ships do not go through 12 locks for an ocean-to-ocean passage, but by six, three up and three down. 3. The lock doors are pivoted, not sliding. The new locks used for the largest ships have sliding doors like elevators, but the picture you published is of the old locks. David Lindsay Silver Spring, MD

Ingredients 2 cups chopped rotisserie chicken 10 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and drained 15 ounces ricotta cheese 2 cups mozzarella cheese 1 cup Parmesan cheese 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning 1 tablespoon garlic powder 1 tablespoon onion powder 1 tablespoon lemon thyme Directions Heat oven to 375° F. Cut rotisserie chicken and spinach into bite-sized pieces. In a baking dish, mix chicken and spinach with ricotta cheese. Add mozzarella, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder and lemon thyme. Mix well, then bake 30 minutes. For more recipes, visit Culinary.net.

CULINARY.NET

By Family Features If the holiday season made you want to avoid the kitchen at all costs, a one-pan weeknight meal can help you spend less time at the kitchen counter. Turn to this Cheesy Spinach Chicken Bake for a casserole that’s equal parts filling, satisfying and simple. It can easily be adapted to your taste by swapping out spinach for broccoli or cauliflower.

Chicken, cheese and spinach make an easy one-pan dinner done in less than an hour.

MOST COMMUNITIES ARE 62 AND BETTER ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY

BALTIMORE COUNTY (CONT.)

The Greens at Hammonds Lane: 410-636-1141

Park View at Randallstown: 410-655-5673

Park View at Furnace Branch: 410-761-4150 Park View at Severna Park: 410-544-3411

BALTIMORE CITY

Park View at Rosedale: 410-866-1886 Park View at Taylor: 410-663-0363 Park View at Towson: 410-828-7185 Park View at Woodlawn: 410-281-1120

Ednor Apartments I: 410-243-0180

EASTERN SHORE

Ednor Apartments II: 410-243-4301 The Greens at Irvington Mews: 227-240-8179

Park View at Easton: 410-770-3070

The Greens at Irvington Mews II: 240-209-4809

HARFORD COUNTY

Park Heights Place: 410-578-3445 Park View at Ashland Terrace: 410-276-6440 Park View at Coldspring: 410-542-4400

BALTIMORE COUNTY Cove Point Apartments I: 410-288-2344 Cove Point Apartments II: 410-288-1660 Evergreen Senior Apartments: 410-780-4888 The Greens at English Consul: 410-789-3000 The Greens at Liberty Road: 410-655-1100 The Greens at Logan Field: 410-288-2000

Park View at Bel Air: 410-893-0064 Park View at Box Hill: 410-515-6115

HOWARD COUNTY Park View at Colonial Landing: 410-796-4399 Park View at Columbia: 410-381-1118 Park View at Ellicott City: 410-203-9501 Park View at Ellicott City II: 410-203-2096 Park View at Emerson: 301-483-3322 Park View at Snowden River: 410-290-0384

The Greens at Rolling Road: 410-744-9988

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY

Park View at Catonsville: 410-719-9464

Park View at Bladensburg: 301-699-9785 • 55 & Better

Park View at Dundalk: 410-288-5483 • 55 & Better Park View at Fullerton: 410-663-0665

Park View at Laurel: 301-490-1526 Park View at Laurel II: 301-490-9730

Park View at Miramar Landing: 410-391-8375

Call the community of interest to you to inquire about eligibility requirements and to arrange a personal tour.

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Fitness & Health | Subscribe online! See how on p. 26

DIRECTOR S MESSAGE By Charon P.W. Hines Dear Seniors, Happy New Year! As we welcome a new year and a fresh start, there is so much to look forward to. A new year invites renewed purpose, sharper focus, and exciting opportunities, and at the Department of Aging and Community Living (DACL), our commitment remains steadfast. We are dedicated to ensuring that every senior can live boldly and age comfortably in place, in every ward across the District. As we step into a new year, it is worth pausing to reflect on all that we accomplished together in the last year, and to look ahead with optimism and purpose. This past year was marked by programmatic growth, expanded services, and meaningful progress toward making Washington, DC, the best place to age. One of our signature programs, Safe at Home, has helped make nearly 7,500 homes safer over the past decade. Thanks to budget enhancements in the current fiscal year, an additional 45 households will now receive this vital support. We also strengthened community connections by opening new dining sites across the District and celebrating affordable senior housing developments with ribbon cuttings, ensuring residents can remain in the neighborhoods and communities they know and love. Nutrition continues to be a top priority for DACL and for District seniors. Last year, our advocacy efforts led to the expansion of home-delivered meal services, reaching an additional 150 seniors with nutritious meals brought directly to their doorsteps. With more than 40 dining sites already operating citywide, we were proud to further expand access in Ward 7. Two new dining sites, co-located with

DC Villages, are now open in Ward 7: Pennsylvania Avenue Baptist Church 3000 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Washington, DC 20020 Zion Baptist Church in Eastland Gardens 1234 Kenilworth Avenue NE, Washington, DC 20019 Staying active and connected can become more challenging with age, which is why creating opportunities to combat social isolation remains so important. Just last month, more than 2,000 seniors gathered for Mayor Muriel Bowser’s 27th Annual Senior Holiday Celebration. Sharing laughter, music, dancing, and a delicious meal with DC’s oldest residents was truly heartwarming, and I hope this amazing event brought you as much joy as it brought me. Life can present challenges at any age, whether it is rising costs, mobility concerns, or navigating new resources and technology. Please know that DACL is here to support you every step of the way, no matter the need. Our work is strengthened by the partnerships we share with DACL’s lead agencies, District Government agencies, community organizations, and our senior service network. Together, these partnerships allow us to stay connected with you, advocate on your behalf, and ensure you have access to the resources you deserve. If you are ever in need of support in your ward, I encourage you to reach out to your Lead Agency to begin the conversation. Ward 1, Ward 7, & Ward 8 East River Family Strengthening Collaborative Phone: (202) 397-7330 Website: www.erfsc.org Ward 2, Ward 3, & Ward 4

J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 6 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

10th Annual Cupid’s Kids As Valentine’s Day approaches, the District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) students are gearing up for the 10th Annual Cupid’s Kids Initiative. Organized by the Department of Aging and Community Living (DACL), Cupid’s Kids connects the younger generation with seniors who may feel isolated, especially during holidays. This effort makes a significant impact on the lives of homebound DC seniors, bringing love and joy through handmade Valentine’s Day cards, that will be distributed to seniors along with their homedelivered meals. These personal

IONA Senior Services Phone: (202) 895-9448 Website: www.iona.org Ward 5 & Ward 6 Seabury Resources for Aging Phone: (202) 289-5690 Website: www.seaburyresources.org Staying connected is essential. Please let us know how we can support you and consider participating in winter programming at one of our six senior wellness centers or seasonal activities at your local Department of

letters not only brighten the seniors’ Valentine’s Day but also reminds them that they are cherished and remembered by their community. For those interested in participating in making a difference, the process is as simple as contacting DACL’s External Affairs and Communications Team, at dacl.communications@dc.gov. Whether you are a student, a parent, or a community member, this is an opportunity to contribute to a meaningful cause. Join the Cupid’s Kids Initiative to make this Valentine’s Day special for our seniors.

Parks and Recreation (DPR) site. For more information, contact DACL at 202-724-5626. We want to ensure you are living your very best life every single day! Thank you for an incredible 2025. I look forward to an even brighter, healthier, and more fulfilling 2026 with DC seniors. In Service, Charon P.W. Hines Director, Department of Aging and Community Living

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 6

Living Boldly

Makes a great gift! | Fitness & Health

Mayor Bowser’s 27th Annual Senior Holiday Celebration

Mayor Muriel Bowser’s 27th Annual Senior Holiday Celebration was a joyful and memorable day for District seniors. More than 2,300 seniors gathered to enjoy resources from over 50 exhibitors, a delicious lunch, lively entertainment, and an afternoon filled with dancing and fellowship.

This signature event continues to bring seniors together during the holiday season and helps combat social isolation while spreading cheer across all eight wards. Thank you to our incredible partners and government agencies whose support and collaboration made this special day possible.

Tips on Waste Prevention During the Holidays Happy Holidays, DC! Did you know that household waste increases by more than 25% from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day? Choose to spread cheer, not waste. Here are some tips to reduce holiday waste being sent to landfills during the fall and winter seasons.

Holiday Reduce & Reuse Tips

Living Boldly is published by the Information Office of the DC Department of Aging and Community Living for DC senior residents. Advertising contained in the Beacon is not endorsed by the DC Department of Aging and Community Living or by the publisher.

Director Charon P.W. Hines

Editor

Amanda Washington

Photographer Estefani Legge

500 K St. NE, Washington, DC 20002 (202) 724-5626 | www.dacl.dc.gov

For Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and other holidays: 1. Use recyclable paper bags from grocery stores to wrap presents or reuse gift bags from last year. 2. Give experiences instead! Tickets to a show or a dinner date are great ideas that require little to no packaging. The only thing left behind is the memory of a great time. Think outside the gift box and give some fun this holiday season. 3. Bring a reusable tote when holiday

shopping. Reusable bags are not just for grocery shopping! Leave a reusable bag in your car or office for impromptu shopping trips. 4. Use recycling signs at home to inform your guests where to dispose of their waste and recyclables at your holiday party. 5. Bring your food waste bucket to holiday parties and offer the host the convenience of taking plate scrapings off their hands. Then, please drop them off at your neighborhood 24/7 Food Waste Smart Bin on your way home.

Fitness & Health | Subscribe online! See how on p. 26

J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 6 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

How older athletes stay active in winter By Margaret Foster Judy Aw tried rock climbing 25 years ago on a whim. Her gym had added an indoor climbing wall, and when she reached the top, she was hooked. “It was such a high,” said Aw, now 74. “It’s a full-body experience — It’s not just physical, it’s the mental part of it, too. I’ve been climbing ever since.” Last year Aw formed a group for climbers over age 55. They meet every Wednesday at Sportrock Alexandria to

cheer each other on, calling themselves The Golden Heights. “They can relate to me,” she said. “I’m not someone in my 20s teaching them to climb.” She also volunteers with a climbing group for people with Parkinson’s disease, Up Ending Parkinsons. Its members report that rock climbing improves their symptoms. “It’s amazing how they can make these big movements. They may be shaking, but when they’re on the wall, it’s like a mira-

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cle,” Aw said. Despite the cold temperatures, Aw and other athletes over 50 are committed to exercising through the winter. From indoor pickleball to swimming, local elders find that regular exercise with others enhances — and may extend — their lives.

What the science says

When we hit age 40, our metabolism slows down, and we begin to lose muscle mass at a rate of 3% to 8% each decade. “Not only do we lose muscle mass, but we lose it faster when we stop working out,” said Dr. Gary Kaplan, medical director of the Kaplan Center for Integrative Medicine and a professor at Georgetown University’s School of Medicine. “So, you have to be really religious about maintaining your exercises, both aerobic and strength training,” he said, even during the winter. Exercise is good for the brain, too, and may prevent neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s. “Aerobic exercise is probably one of the best anti-inflammatories for the brain,” Kaplan said. Most of all, a sport can give retirees a sense of camaraderie. “The number-one factor that predicts

longevity is community,” Kaplan said. “Being among others, having friends or being involved in team sports is a good thing.” That fellowship is what keeps Arlington rock climber Doug Chism, 54, coming back to the climbing gym. “Pretty much all my friends now are climbers, and I have more friends now than I’ve ever had in my whole life,” he said. “You don’t only want to go to the gym to exercise; you also want to go to hang out with your friends.”

Keeping strong with kettlebells

John Kalil, 84, of Gaithersburg, Maryland, discovered CrossFit and kettlebell workouts 20 years ago, thanks to his son. “We were jumping up on boxes, doing pull-ups. I was so sore I didn’t want to go back,” he said, “but I went back.” After he learned to swing kettlebells (round weights with handles) and follow the workouts (rowing, jumping and even crawling), Kalil went from 210 pounds to 165 pounds, and his blood pressure and A1C dropped. Although he had been athletic throughout See FIT OVER 50, page 15

BEACON BITS

Jan. 19

CONTEMPORARY BALLET PERFORMANCE The pre-professional dancers from the Metropolitan Ballet Theatre

perform “A Day of Service,” a contemporary ballet inspired by Dr. King’s words. This performance takes place on Mon., Jan. 19 at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. at the Arts Barn, 311 Kent Square Rd., Gaithersburg, MD. Tickets cost $12 for adults and $10 for children. For more information and to reserve seats, visit bit.ly/ADayofServiceBallet or call the Arts Barn box office at (301) 258-6394.

Peace of Mind is Priceless

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Fit over 50 From page 14 his life, this type of strength training transformed him. “I’m in better shape than I’ve ever been. This probably added 15 years to my life,” he said. Kalil started coaching others, and five years ago he retrofitted his garage into a fully equipped gym to launch his business, JB Fitness. Today he teaches 30-40 onehour sessions a week, one-on-one with his 25 clients, one of whom is 89 years old. One woman protested when it was time to do floor exercises. “She said, ‘John, I haven’t been on the floor in two years,’” he remembered. It didn’t take long for her to become stronger and more flexible. “I’m 84 years old, and I don’t sit on my butt. I stay in shape because I want them to see that it doesn’t take much for the body to recover,” he said. “I do the exercises myself, so I’m aware of how much they can do.”

Zumba Gold

Another teacher who exercises alongside

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her classes is Ruth Barnes, 51, a longtime Zumba and Zumba Gold instructor in Washington, D.C. Designed for beginners and older adults, Zumba Gold is a low-impact, cardiovascular dance class. The “Gold” classes are a little slower than regular Zumba, Barnes explained. There are no jumps and fewer turns, she said, “to avoid dizziness. But it’s still an active workout.” Her popular (and often free) classes, offered through the D.C. Public Library and Around Town DC, focus on balance, flexibility and strength. People in their 60s, 70s and 80s attend her classes. Dancing, which requires coordination and strength, may be a fountain of youth; after all, it helped Fred Astaire live to age 88. “The good thing about dance is it gives you a chance to move your whole body in a variety of ways,” Barnes said. “Keeping strong legs means you have a better chance of aging well and being able to care for yourself.” The peppy music keeps people moving, too, she said — “a little salsa, a little

BEACON BITS

Feb. 5

FOLGER BOOK CLUB (VIRTUAL)

This informal book club, hosted by the Folger Shakespeare Library, is free and open to everyone. The February selection is Well Met by Jen DeLuca, who will join participants to discuss the history of Renaissance Faires and their connection to her novel. The event takes place on Thu., Feb 5 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. online. For more information and to register, visit bit.ly/Folgerbookclub or call (202) 544-4600.

Whatever you choose to do, try to exercise 20 to 30 minutes a day, and don’t hurt yourself, he emphasized. “Pay attention to your own body. Start low, go slow and progressively build your capacity.”

merengue. We also mix in a little disco, flamenco, some line dance. It’s mostly international music, with a little bit of R&B.” Beginners are welcome, and classmates cheer them on, Barnes said. “It’s a very supportive, lighthearted group.” That supportive kinship shows up at the climbing gym, too, Aw said. “It’s the only activity [where] you are working with a partner, but you’re not competing against each other; you’re helping each other. You’re helping each other be better.” Of course, not everyone wants to climb, dance or swing kettlebells. Dr. Kaplan says that walking, particularly indoors in the winter months, is an effective way to stay active. “Walking is actually as good as many other forms of aerobics,” he said.

Where to find 55+ programs

Check local libraries, rec centers and senior centers for classes near you. People over 65 are eligible for SilverSneakers, which means Medicare partially pays for gym memberships. Like Sportrock Alexandria, which hosts The Golden Heights classes, other private gyms, such as Life Time in Fairfax, offer special programs and classes for people over 55. Life Time’s program, called ARORA, includes Pilates, yoga and dance classes that focus on balance and other age-specific concerns.

R% % # (& ! #% # & ( # & Persons 65+ or with disabilities ride far fare e-free with Senior e and Disabled SmarT Trrip cards

FOLK DANCE AT GLEN ECHO

Ongoing Learn dances from the countries of Southeastern Europe on Wednesdays starting at 7:30 p.m. International Folk Dancers meet at Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, MD, with an online option for those who can’t attend in person. The cost is $10 in person and free online. For more information, visit dancingplanetproductions.com/folkdance. Register by emailing dancingplanet@erols.com.

Caring for your aging parent or loved one? It’s not all up to you. Call us. 240-777-3000 ADS@ MontgomeryCountyMD.gov

Aging & Disability Services Mon and Fri: Tue, Wed, & Thur:

8:30am – 5:00pm 8:30am – 7:30pm

A free service of your County Government

% (# #% #" ((# #*$( ( Fare payment remains e s mandatory on Metrobus. Seniors 65 5+ years of ag ge and persons with disabilitties can continue to ride Me etrobus fare-free within Montgomery County, b but only with a valid Senior SmarTrip, Reduced Fare SmarTrip or Metro Access SmarTrip card. *)('&%$(#"(! # # # % # ' # &#& (# ( & # % # #!(# ''( &( # # (& ! # # #( '( &% #*$( (# &#& #& (% # ' # &#& (# (! # ( #! % These SmarT Trip cards are available at all a Montgomer g y County p pub blic libraries, Silver Spring TR RiPS Commuter Store, Mobile Commuter Store, and the Montgomery County Division of Treasury in Rockville. RIDE ON IS FREE!

FREE RIDE ON IS FREE!

Scan to learn more about these SmarTrip cards.

ATT THE FAREBOX TAP CARD A RIDE ON IS FREE! RIDE ON ISS FREE!

A valid Senior SmarrTTrip, Reduced Fare SmarTrip or Metro Access SmarTrip card is required for Metrobus.

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J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 6 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Escorted Transportation provides subsidized transportation for individuals 50+ who require an escort to attend medical and other appointments. The service is offered at reduced cost based on household income. Learn more at accessjca.org/ escorted-transportation or call (240) 395-0915. The Call-n-Ride (CNR) program is a County- and State-subsidized transportation program that allows residents 63+ and persons 18 to 62 with disabilities who meet certain eligibility requirements to purchase discounted taxicab service. The transportation provided is a curbto-curb service. For information, visit montgomerycountymd.gov/DOTTransit/call-n-ride or call (301) 9485409.

We can help you get around! When you need to find transportation in Montgomery County that fits your schedule and budget, here are the places to look: Connect-A-Ride (CAR), is a free referral service that provides information on transportation options for medical services, errands, and social activities for people 50+ and adults with disabilities. CAR’s mobility specialists will work directly with you to find solutions among the county’s public, private and volunteer transportation programs. CAR also offers free Travel Training, a hands-on workshop for adults 50+ who want to learn to use public transit. Participants practice loading money on a farecard, locating safety and accessibility features on buses

and trains, and using Metro’s Trip Planner program to create an itinerary. The three-hour workshops include classroom training, a Ride On bus ride, and a round-trip Metro train ride. For all the above, visit accessjca.org/ connect-a-ride or call (301) 738-3252. Village Rides promotes giving the “gift of a lift” by supporting volunteer driver programs through Villages and other neighborhood groups. Volunteer drivers give safe rides to nondriving seniors and to adults with disabilities. Village Rides is always working to help additional communities establish and grow their volunteer-driver programs. To learn more, visit accessjca.org/ villagerides or call (301) 255-4212.

Montgomery County residents over the age of 65 are eligible for the Senior SmarTrip fare card that entitles them to half-price rides on Metrorail, Metrobus and regional buses that accept SmarTrip. The County’s Ride On buses are free, as are some Metro buses. The card is available at county libraries with proof of age and County residency. Montgomery County provides a free Senior Center Shuttle to many senior centers and to several community centers. Call (240) 777-4925 for details. The cities of Rockville and Gaithersburg also provide limited transportation to their senior centers. In Rockville call (240) 314-8810; in Gaithersburg call (301) 258-6380. Connect-A-Ride, VillageRides, Escorted Transportation, and the Senior Center Shuttle are programs of the Jewish Council for the Aging (JCA).

www.montgomerycountymd.gov/senior

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SPECIAL PULL-OUT SECTION

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A Virginia community celebrates 30 years By Laura Sturza As they prepare to celebrate their 30th anniversary in May, employees, administrators and residents at Falcons Landing in Potomac Falls, Virginia, are reflecting on what makes their retirement community special, a place where staff and residents have stayed for decades. Retirement communities often experience high staff turnover. Senior Living News reported that “the turnover rate for all assisted living employees increased from 44.05% in 2019 to 53.11% in 2020.” Falcons Landing — which of fers independent and assisted living, shortterm rehabilitation and memory care — is an exception. Thirty-year employee and dining services

director Robert Besserer was Falcons Landing’s first executive chef, who launched the community’s dining program in 1996. He has several reasons for his long tenure at the job. “I have the best staff. I have always had the best staff,” Besserer said. “They make my job so much easier.” His staff’s resilience and dedication showed during the Covid-19 lockdown. “My staff showed up for work every day. They put their lives on the line to serve the 700 meals they delivered daily. The [residents] received a quality meal each day. We were all scared, but they kept showing up every day.” He calls that time his proudest moment. He’s proud of the home-cooked food he

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serves, too. “From day one, I’ve always prepared fresh stocks, soups — everything is homemade. We get deliveries daily of fresh food. We do everything like a top restaurant.” It’s not just his colleagues and the quality of the food, but also the residents who inspire Besserer’s loyalty to his job. As he sees it, he said, “I have 435 best friends here. I love the residents. I’m out all the time talking with them. We talk about dining. We talk about everything.”

Original residents

Sandra Motsinger, 85, is one of Falcons Landing’s original residents. She and her husband, who passed away last year, moved there when it first opened in 1996. At that time, her husband was nearing retirement and had grown tired of shoveling snow and handling other chores typical of single-family home ownership. Falcons Landing allowed them to travel the world without worrying about their house. “It’s a safe environment, and the people are friendly,” Motsinger said. “I feel very fortunate that we were able to afford to live here.” She and her husband were both active in clubs and volunteer work, and she emphasized that the sense of community and fellowship are major attractions. Although some friends have passed away, Motsinger said there are always opportunities to meet new people through activities, volunteer work and shared meals.

Originally for military families

Although the community was initially created for military families, who make up most of the 500 residents, it recently opened to the general public. Other military retirement homes have also made that change, according to CEO Gary Handley, who retired from the military and has worked in senior living for 25 years,

Homecrest House offers: • Independent Living Newly • Enhanced Care Options Renovate • 24-hour Onsite Staffing Apartmen d ts • Daily Kosher Meals with Choices • Engaging Activities and Trips • Optional Medication Administration

For more information, call (301) 244-3579

Or email marketing@homecresthouse.org

Visit HomecrestHouse.org 14508 Homecrest Rd. • Silver Spring, MD 20906

with the last five at Falcons Landing. “The staff is what makes it magical,” Handley said, adding that generations of people work there, including a college student who works at the desk at night whose grandmother also worked there. “It’s a community, and the residents treat staff like their family. You don’t see that nowadays.” Handley noted that even when outside contractors come to work on the buildings, they comment on the positive work environment. “I can’t even walk a few steps without people stopping me to talk. When you talk to contractors, they are blown away by how friendly the residents are.” Over the years, Falcons Landing has won several awards, including LeadingAge Virginia’s Workplace Excellence Award four years ago. In 2021, U.S. News & World Report named the Johnson Center, Falcons Landing’s skilled nursing facility, one of the best in the country, giving it five stars.

Honoring the past

Handley, Motsinger and Besserer admit that there’s a tough part of working in senior living: the passing of people they’ve grown to care about deeply. “The worst part is, we have to say goodbye oftentimes,” Handley said. Those living and working at Falcons Landing will honor those who have passed away as well as those still there, as they prepare for a year of celebrations marking their 30th anniversary in 2026. Reflecting the community’s military connections, the events will also celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday, featuring patriotic decorations and monthly activities that pay tribute to both the community and the country’s milestones. For more information about Falcons Landing, call Leah Daily at (703) 404-5155 or visit falconslanding.org.

INDEPENDENT & PERSONAL CARE COMMUNITIES

B’nai B’rith Homecrest House 301-598-4000 14508 Homecrest Road Silver Spring, MD 20906 www.homecresthouse.org Homecrest House is a non-profit, affordable, subsidized senior adult community nestled amidst 10 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds with its own lake, neighboring Leisure World. The three residential buildings on the B'nai B'rith Homecrest campus provide 235 apartments for Independent Living, some designed for adults with physical mobility challenges, and 42 apartments offering Enhanced Care Services. We invite you to come look at our elegant new appearance. Don't delay, call for a personalized tour now at 301-598-4000 ext. 79 or visit us at www.homecresthouse.org.

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Why move to a life plan community? By Amy Arnott Deciding where to live later in life isn’t an easy task. Many older adults prefer to stay in their own homes but may need help managing medical issues or day-to-day tasks. Others might move in with their adult children or family members. One potential solution is moving into a continuing care retirement community (CCRC), also known as a life plan community. A life plan community is a community living facility where retirees can access a spectrum of care as they age. Care levels typically include independent living, assisted living, nursing care and memory care. Most also offer a range of amenities and activities, such as on-site fitness centers and clubs for different hobbies. There’s evidence that people living in CCRCs enjoy better health outcomes and higher levels of social and emotional wellbeing. It can also be an attractive option for couples as they can continue living near each other even if one person eventually needs a higher level of care. Moving to a CCRC requires a substantial financial commitment, and it carries the sobering possibility that it might be the last time you get to choose where you live. Here are some key things to consider:

Fees and living arrangements

People entering a CCRC generally start in independent living, which means they have their own living quarters. In many cases, the cost of admission could be on par with buying a house in the same area. Based on data from U.S. News & World Report, entrance fees average about $400,000 but can range from $100,000 to more than $1 million. The hefty price tag doesn’t mean you’re buying the property you live in; instead, the money helps cover part of the costs

you may incur while living there. It may be partially refundable to your estate after death. Residents also pay monthly fees, which averaged about $4,200 for independent living as of the end of 2024. Monthly fees, which often increase about 4% per year due to inflation, generally cover housing, meals, housekeeping, maintenance, transportation and recreational activities. Depending on your contract, monthly fees may also cover certain healthcare costs.

Three types of contracts

Type A contracts are the costliest option. They have the steepest entrance fees and the highest starting monthly fees, which generally cover comprehensive long-term care services and remain the same (except for annual inflation increases) even if you need a higher level of care. Type B contracts have lower upfront costs than Type A contracts and lower monthly fees when you first move in. They provide the same access to housing and residential services as Type A contracts, but not the same level of access to healthcare services. If a resident needs a higher level of care, the monthly fee grows to cover the higher cost. In exchange for lower monthly fees at move-in, people in these contracts take the risk that their costs could significantly increase. Type C contracts generally have the lowest upfront costs and may not include any entrance fee. Instead, the monthly fee changes to reflect the market rate for the type of healthcare needed. Monthly fees start lower when a resident first enters independent living but can grow dramatically if they need higher-level care. As with Type B contracts, people in these contracts pay lower monthly fees when they move in but may end up paying significantly more over time.

INDEPENDENT LIVING • ASSISTED LIVING

Discovery Village Chevy Chase 301-637-2188 8100 Connecticut Ave. Chevy Chase, MD 20815 DiscoveryVillageChevyChase.com Located beside the Columbia Country Club and minutes from Rock Creek Park, Discovery Village Chevy Chase offers an ideal setting for vibrant senior living. This charming suburb blends tree-lined streets and elegant homes with easy access to worldclass museums, fine dining, and boutique shopping. Residents enjoy scheduled transportation to nearby parks, golf courses, and cultural attractions, all within a safe, welcoming community that values connection, lifelong learning, and an active, engaging lifestyle. Call 301-637-2188 to schedule your tour today!

Other factors to consider with contracts

The upfront payments included in Type A and Type B contracts are often partially refundable after you leave the facility or pass away. Taxes are another factor to consider. For Type A and Type B contracts, part of the entrance fee may be eligible for a onetime tax deduction as a prepaid medical expense. A portion of the monthly fees may also be eligible for annual deductions if they’re considered a prepaid medical expense. (In both cases, deductions are only allowed if the costs are more than 7.5% of adjusted gross income.) Facilities typically provide residents with specifics on the portion of

fees that may be deductible each year.

Finding the right fit

A CCRC can help seniors maintain a happy, healthy and rewarding life. Make sure the facility is not only a good fit for your needs, but financially strong before signing a contract. The National Continuing Care Residents Association (naccra.com) offers resources that include a Consumer Guide, a Handbook on CCRC Finance and a Model Bill of Rights. Amy C. Arnott, CFA, is a portfolio strategist for Morningstar. This article was provided to The Associated Press by Morningstar. For more personal finance content, go to morningstar.com/personal-finance.

I N T R O D U CI N G

24-Hour Professional Team A Avvailable

FORMERL LY Y FIVE ST TA AR PREMIER RESIDENCES OF CHEVY CHASE At Discover y Village Chevy Chase, we are thrilled to announce our new name, which reflects our unwavering commitment to providing exceptional Active Independent Living and Assisted Living in Chevy Chase. While our name may b be changing, our core values and ded h l dd dication to upholding high standards of care remain firmly intact. Our new name reflects our ongoing pursuit of excellence and our commitment to creating a haven where residents can thrive. Join us as we embark on this exciting new chapter, where tradition and excellence come together to create a truly exceptional senior living experience.

Indoor Pool

Outdoor Space with Walking Paths

301.637.2188 | Discove eryVillageChevyChase.com 8100 Connecticut Avenue n , Chevy Chase, MD 20815 Active Independen nt Living | Assisted Living ©2025 Discovery Management Group. All Rights Reserved. Prices, plans and programs are subject to change or withdrawal withoutt notice. Void where prohibited by law. Managed and Operated by Discovery Management M Group. DVCC-0025 12/25

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Housing News The Grandview opens in Bethesda, Maryland There’s a new Erickson Senior Livingmanaged community in Bethesda, Maryland. Residents started moving into The Grandview shortly before Thanksgiving and attended a ribbon-cutting on December 4. “Our vision for The Grandview has always been clear: create a place where residents feel supported, inspired and truly at home,” said Will Nance, executive director of Erickson Senior Living. “We look forward to watching this community grow and thrive.” The Grandview’s 33 acres include a fitness

center, pool, bocce court, game room, salon, spa, top-floor restaurant, wine bar and several other restaurants. The Grandview’s first tower includes 245 one- and two-bedroom residences. Its second building, with 243 homes, is scheduled to open later this year. Built on the site of the former Marriott headquarters, The Grandview is Erickson Senior Living’s fourth community in Maryland. It joins Charlestown in Catonsville, Oak Crest in Parkville and Riderwood in Silver Spring. —Margaret Foster For more information, visit TheGrandviewSeniorLiving.com.

MD ranks high on climate, health and healthcare Maryland ranks among the top states

Is Daily Life Getting Harder to Manage Alone? If doing laundry, grocery shopping, or getting to appointments has become overwhelming — Best Senior Care is here to help.

J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 6 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

for its protections against climate impacts on its healthcare system. In fact, the state ranked seventh in the country, according to a report from the Commonwealth Fund, which evaluated all 50 states for vulnerabilities their healthcare systems face from climate change and their contributions to climate change itself. Vermont achieved the best overall score, followed by New York, Washington, New Jersey and Maine. The lowest-ranked states overall are West Virginia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Florida and Mississippi. Researchers measured a variety of factors, including average air quality, greenhouse gas emissions from the health care sector and risks to health care facilities from natural hazards. Sara Collins, senior scholar for expanding coverage and access with the Commonwealth Fund, stressed that a main driver of a state’s higher ranking comes from its policies geared toward energy efficiency. Maryland ranks highly in that category. “A state’s overall efforts to improve en-

ergy efficiency really matters,” she said. “It affects their greenhouse gas emissions, which also affects air quality. So, states like Maryland that rank higher on these measures just have better overall health environments for the people in their states.” Maryland has passed a number of laws in the past few years aimed at energy efficiency. The Climate Solutions Now Act in 2022 established energy efficiency standards to help large buildings reach netzero emissions by 2040. But Maryland lags behind other states in the average emissions from the commute of its healthcare workers. Collins said the healthcare sector represents a sizable portion of the country’s emissions. “The health sector contributes about 8.5% of the nation’s overall emissions. The longer it takes people to commute, the more greenhouse gas emissions you are getting.” Read the full report at bit.ly/climateMD. — Zamone Perez, Maryland News Collection, a bureau of Public News Service

INDEPENDENT LIVING COMMUNITY

Woodleigh Chase 1-877-211-6968 4595 Burke Station Rd. Fairfax, VA 22032 WoodleighChase.com More Fun. More Value. More Peace of Mind. For distinctive retirement living, look no further than Woodleigh Chase®. The premier senior living community in Fairfax offers floor plans to fit your style and budget, exciting amenities, and services to enhance your health and well-being—all in a location you love!

Best Senior Care provides compassionate, reliable non-medical home care that helps you stay independent and safe in the comfort of your own home.

Stay active and enjoy countless opportunities to explore hobbies, entertainment, education, and more. The on-site medical center is just steps from your door and security staff trained in emergency response is just moments away.

Why choose Best Senior Care?

Call 1-877-211-6968 or visit WoodleighChase.com for your free brochure.

• Stay Independent, Longer – We make everyday tasks easier, so you can focus on what matters. • Trusted, Consistent Caregivers – We match you with someone who fits your needs and schedule. • Flexible Scheduling – Oﬀering you a daily visit to 24/7 support, so you can age at home.

Call Today for more details 301-717-2212

www.BestSeniorCare.us Serving MD since 2002 References available upon request

RSA License #R2041Licensed as a Residential Service Agency by the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Office of Health Care Quality.

Don’t wait to learn more!

INDEPENDENT LIVING COMMUNITY

Introducing The Grandview 1-888-645-7516 6701 Democracy Blvd., Suite 150-B Bethesda, MD 20817 TheGrandviewSeniorLiving.com Get to Know Vibrant Senior Living in Bethesda The Grandview℠, Bethesda’s brand-new senior living community, is now open! We’re managed by Erickson Senior Living®, an industry leader with over 40 years of experience. That means you get a premier retirement with a safety net of support. Enjoy state-of-the-art amenities like restaurants, a fitness and aquatics center, a medical center, and more. From maintenancefree living to a wide variety of stylish residences, you get everything you need all in one place. With over 90% of homes reserved, there’s never been a better time to learn about The Grandview. Call 1-888-645-7516 to receive your free brochure.

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Vibran ntt Living Close to Everytthing Yo You Love

Discover peace of mind, unmatched value, and so o much more at an Erickson Senior Living®-managed community nea ar you. We have ﬁve locations in the D.C. Metro M area. • Ashby Ponds® Ashburn, VA VA

• The Grandview Bethesda, MD

• Greenspring® Springﬁeld, VA

• Woodleigh Chase® Fairfax, VA

• Riderwood® Silver Spring, MD

Get G et your your FREE brochure!

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Five smart ways to age-proof your home By Family Features A home is more than four walls — it’s where birthdays are celebrated, holiday dinners shared, illnesses weathered and losses mourned. Home is, as the saying goes, where the heart is. It’s little wonder that most people want to remain in their homes as they age, based on AARP research. Yet, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, less than half of U.S. houses are equipped with accessibility features for older adults. It doesn’t take a full remodel to make a home safer. Updates like installing handrails or improving hallway lighting can go a long way. For those who need support in making these changes, programs like Helping

Homebound Heroes, a partnership between Meals on Wheels America and The Home Depot Foundation, provide senior veterans with essential home modifications and repairs. This year, the initiative marked a milestone: 4,000 homes modified for seniors’ safety. “By improving safety and accessibility, we’re helping senior veterans stay in the

places they love,” said Ellie Hollander, president and CEO of Meals on Wheels America. “Our work is about preserving independence and dignity — helping older adults live safely, confidently and with connection to their communities.” These practical tips show how small fixes can add up to big peace of mind:

sensor lights brighten bathrooms and hallways so it’s easier to move around safely. Lighting can also support overall wellbeing. Bulbs mimicking natural daylight help regulate the body’s circadian rhythm, boosting energy during the day. In the evening, switching to softer, warmer light signals the body to wind down.

1. Create a safer entryway

5. Keep essentials within reach

For older adults, steps to the front door can be an obstacle. A ramp or zero-step entry allows for easier coming and going, and a covered porch or awning keeps walkways dry. Path lights improve visibility at night, and a sturdy bench by the door provides a place to rest or put groceries.

2. Upgrade the bathroom

According to multiple studies, falls in the bathroom are more likely to cause injury than falls in other parts of the home. If you’re planning a bathroom project, start with small changes like raised toilet seats or toilet and shower grab bars. For a more extensive remodel, install non-slip flooring, replace traditional tubs with walkin showers and add handheld showerheads.

3. Improve flooring INTRODUCING

24-Hour Professional Team Available FORMERLY ASPENWOOD SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY

At Seaton Silver Spring, we are thrilled to announce our new name, which reflects our unwavering commitment to providing exceptional Active Independent Living and Assisted Living in Silver Spring. While our name may be changing, our core values and dedication to upholding high standards of care remain firmly intact. Our new name reflects our ongoing pursuit of excellence and our commitment to creating a haven where residents can thrive. Join us as we embark on this exciting new chapter, where tradition and excellence come together to create a truly exceptional senior living experience.

4. Brighten up rooms

Brighter overhead fixtures improve visibility, making it easier to spot steps, furniture and other obstacles. At night, motion-

Beauty Salon & Barber Shop

Outdoor Space with Walking Paths

14400 Homecrest Rd., Silver Spring, MD 20906

©2025 Seaton Senior Living. All Rights Reserved. Prices, plans and programs are subject to change or withdrawal without notice. Void where prohibited by law. Managed and Operated by Seaton Senior Living. STSS-0029 12/25

A milestone makeover

Juan Lopez, a 63-year-old U.S. Army and Air Force veteran, has always been a do-ityourselfer. When an ice storm sent a tree limb crashing through his roof, though, the damage was more than he could handle. Water seeped inside, and mold quickly affected his wife’s health. Through Helping Homebound Heroes, Lopez received critical support. Crews completed nearly $40,000 in upgrades, from replacing his roof to installing new windows, a furnace and walk-in showers with grab bars. “I don’t know what I would’ve done if they had not stepped in,” Lopez said. “It’s been such a blessing in our lives.” Since 2015, The Home Depot Foundation has contributed more than $21 million to Meals on Wheels programs, helping veterans like Lopez remain safely and comfortably in their homes as they age. For more resources and support for seniors, visit mealsonwheelsamerica.org.

INDEPENDENT LIVING • ASSISTED LIVING

Seaton Silver Spring 301-786-6112 14400 Homecrest Road Silver Spring, MD 20906 SeatonSilverSpring.com

301.786.6112 SeatonSilverSpring.com

Active Independent Living | Assisted Living

The flooring in your home can have a big impact on safety. If you have thick or loose carpet, consider replacing it with a low-pile option. Slip-resistant flooring, such as vinyl or cork, also provides good traction and can be more forgiving than hardwood or tile. Simple visual cues can help, too. Transition strips between rooms or on stair edges make changes in floor level easier to see.

Storing everyday items at waist or shoulder height reduces the need for stretching, bending and climbing, all of which can increase the likelihood of falls. Sometimes a simple cabinet reorganization is enough but features like pull-down shelving can make storage more accessible. Extender rods or remote controls let you adjust ceiling fans and lights from the ground, while motorized window shades can be raised or lowered with the push of a button.

Pet Friendly

Welcome to Seaton Silver Spring, where comfort, care, and community come together in perfect harmony. Located just outside Washington, D.C., our vibrant senior living community in Silver Spring, MD, offers personalized support, engaging programs, and modern amenities. As one of the most trusted Independent and Assisted Living communities in Silver Spring, MD, we provide dedicated staff, enriching activities, and a welcoming atmosphere. Our Senior Living Programs are designed with the purpose of improving the health of our residents, encouraging friendships, and introducing them to all our senior living community has to offer. There's always something exciting happening at Seaton Silver Spring!

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Old long-term care insurance falls short Consumers who purchased long-term panies have pleaded their cases with the care insurance (LTC) policies several state regulators, who all too often have been inclined to protect the years ago have discovered insurance companies rather that they did not have any prothan the consumers who purtection from increases in prechased the LTC policies. The miums. State insurance deinsurance companies can only partments in charge of reguincrease premiums with the lating the industry have by approval of the state insurand large allowed insurance ance department where the companies to increase premiinsurance company is regisums for existing policies. tered. In many cases, consumers’ premiums have more than I am not aware of any LTC policies issued several years doubled, and such trends THE SAVINGS ago that protected the conseem likely to continue into GAME the future. And when their in- By Elliot Raphaelson sumer and did not allow premium increases. creased premiums become unbearable, most consumers who purchased policies years ago only have access What options do LTC insurance policy holders have? to poor alternatives. In general, after a state insurance deAt the heart of this problem is that insurance companies largely mispriced partment approves a premium increase, these policies. They underestimated the the insurance company offers the confuture costs associated with nursing sumer three choices. First, the consumer can stop paying prehomes and assisted-living facilities. In addition, they made unrealistic assumptions miums and cancel the policy; in that case, regarding future interest rates, which in the consumer no longer has coverage and many years were much lower than they an- does not receive any refund for premiums ticipated, which lowered the income they already paid. A second option is to continue to pay the received from their investments. Rather than admit their mistakes in pric- same premium, but the coverage is reing and suffer losses, the insurance com- duced in proportion to the proposed in-

crease in premium. So, assuming the approved new premium is increased 50%, if the consumer agrees to maintain the policy at the pre-existing premium, he or she has lost approximately 33% of the coverage. The third option is accepting the full increase in premium. Unfortunately, in most

cases, to my knowledge, there is no guarantee that there cannot be additional premium increases. Long-term care policy holders have initiated many class action lawsuits, but to my See LTC INSURANCE, page B-8

ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNITY

Chevy Chase House 202-905-0708 5420 Connecticut Avenue NW Washington, DC 20015 www.chevychasehouse.com Chevy Chase House provides boutique assisted living for older adults looking for personalized care without compromising lifestyle and active living. In addition to 24-hour nursing available, the community features Life Inspired, the daily activities program that promotes overall wellness, socialization, and a Chef-prepared dining experience. Unique to the Chevy Chase House is its partnership with FOX Rehab to not only provide on-site physical, occupational and speech therapies, but also employs a full-time exercise physiologist to help residents with improving balance and mobility, strength training, and fall prevention programming. Conveniently located on Connecticut Avenue in D.C. Call 202-905-0708 to schedule a tour or stop by Chevy Chase House to learn more.

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INDEPENDENT LIVING • ASSISTED LIVING • MEMORY CARE

Inspīr Embassy Row 202-293-2100 2100 Massachusetts Ave NW Washington, DC 20008 inspirseniorliving.com/senior-living-washington-dc In the heart of Washington, D.C.’s prestigious Embassy Row neighborhood, a beacon of luxury senior living has emerged, setting a new standard in assisted living and memory care. Inspīr Embassy Row, formerly the historic Fairfax at Embassy Row hotel, has undergone a remarkable transformation, and at its core lies a commitment to providing an exceptional lifestyle for older adults. At Inspīr Embassy Row, residents experience a lifestyle that combines comfort, elegance, and the finest amenities. From the moment one steps through the doors, it’s evident that this is more than just a place to live; it is Senior Living redefined. Call 202-293-2100 to learn more or to schedule a private tour.

J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 6 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Keep a ‘File of Life’ on your fridge By Beacon staff When firefighters respond to an emergency in a home, they’re trained to check the refrigerator. That’s where many homeowners keep a “File of Life” — a list of their medications, emergency contacts and other important information. The typed or handwritten list can be posted to the front or side of refrigerator with a magnet or in a magnetic sleeve. The File of Life lists allergies, medical conditions, insurance information, emergency contacts and resuscitation orders —

anything you’d want a rescue team to know. Many communities offer free materials to make it easy to display this list. In Arlington, Virginia, the town website has a form to download, print out and attach to the refrigerator. In Montgomery County, Maryland, the fire department even offers free magnets designed to store this information. Although Washington, D.C.’s fire department doesn’t offer free magnets, they do install free smoke alarms. In D.C., request one by calling (202) 727-1614 or emailing fems.fireprevention@dc.gov. For more information, visit thefileoflife.org.

LTC insurance

ance companies will only guarantee the coverage for a limited time frame, such as six years. If you are interested in comparison pricing for new policies, you can go to the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance (aaltci.org). There is also a “hybrid” insurance option. Several insurance companies now offer policies that combine permanent life insurance with some LTC coverage. If LTC benefits are not paid during the life of the insured party, approximately the premiums paid for LTC coverage will be returned to the beneficiaries. You can obtain more information regarding hybrid policies, as well as traditional LTC policies, from Jack Lenenberg, who specializes in LTC policies (longtermcareinsurancepartner.com). Elliot Raphaelson welcomes your questions and comments at raphelliot@gmail.com. © 2025 Elliot Raphaelson. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

From page B-7

INDEPENDENT LIVING COMMUNITY

Greenspring Retirement Community 877-589-9570 7440 Spring Village Drive • Springﬁeld, VA 22150 GreenspringCommunity.com Greenspring. Vibrant Senior Living. Unmatched Peace of Mind. An active lifestyle with peace of mind awaits you at Springfield’s premier continuing care retirement community. Stylish Homes. A Wealth of Amenities. Choose from a variety of stylish floor plans to suit your needs and budget. You’re just steps from the fitness center, pool, clubhouses, and eight restaurants. Exceptional Financial Value We make life predictable and simple. Your Monthly Service Package covers all utilities, home maintenance, and amenities in a single bill. Health and Well-Being Services Receive convenient care when you need it at the on-site medical center. The community also includes higher levels of care if your needs ever change. Get your FREE brochure today! Call 877-589-9570 or visit GreenspringCommunity.com.

INDEPENDENT LIVING COMMUNITY

Riderwood Retirement Community 877-742-4390 3140 Graceﬁeld Road Silver Spring, MD 20904 Riderwood.com Discover Riderwood, Silver Spring’s Favorite Senior Living Community Active seniors agree: Riderwood is Silver Spring’s premier continuing care retirement community, for so many reasons. 1. Maintenance-Free Living Residences are big on style, budget-friendly, and maintenance-free. 2. Resort-Style Amenities and Activities Dine with friends, work out or swim, take a class, or watch a performance. It’s all just steps from your door. 3. Health and Well-Being Services The on-site medical center is staffed by full-time providers. Should your needs ever change, multiple levels of care are available on-site. Get your FREE brochure today! Call 877-742-4390 or visit Riderwood.com.

knowledge none has succeeded in forcing the insurance companies to continue the same coverage with the initial premiums. In a recent article in Barron’s, Elizabeth O’Brien cited the example of a New York couple who purchased a policy issued by Genworth Long Term Care Insurance Co., which is still actively selling LTC policies. In this case, after 16 years, the couple spent more than $94,600 in premiums. Genworth has asked regulators to approve a 143% increase in premiums, which would increase the annual cost to $25,800. Genworth would allow the couple to continue to pay the same premium, but their coverage would be decreased substantially, and their coverage would not cover even one year in a long-term facility. Consumers could purchase new LTC policies with current pricing, but insur-

To subscribe, see page 26 INDEPENDENT LIVING COMMUNITY

Brooke Grove Retirement Village 301-321-8707 18100 Slade School Road Sandy Spring, MD 20860 www.bgf.org You’ll feel it as soon as you drive onto our 220-acre campus of lush pastures and hardwood forest—all that makes independent living at Brooke Grove different. Beautiful cottages in a truly picturesque setting. Maintenance-free Maintenance-free living, living, with with more more time time for for what you really want to do. Personalized fitness programs, meals prepared by talented chefs, clubs and social events. Neighbors who share your interests and passions. Come for a visit and see why Brooke Grove Retirement Village is one of the most soughtafter retirement communities in the state. Living here is simply different … because what surrounds you really matters.

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Our Brand-New Community is Filling Quickly – Don’t Miss Your Chance to Row Home!

for an insider’s look. A SS I S T E D L I V I N G | M E M O RY C A R E 210/.1-,.+*+)(.,+'1&%.$#."-! ).2 1!!(. $ ./1!. ++-. thoughtfully designed to offer residents an unparalleled %&#+!'(%+ . )$ .& +)!&*+.+ +)&+-0+!.1-,.&-'+%%+0' 1%. )$ )1 &- .'$.- ')&'&$ !.0 %&-1)(.$##+)&- !.1-,.1-.+-'&)+. $$).,+,&01'+,.'$. +%%-+!! ."-! ).0)+1'+!.'/+. +)#+0'. landscape for residents to thrive on every level. &'/. +)!$-1%& +,.1!!&!'+,.%&*&- .1-,. + $)(.01)+ . +. /$-$).+10/.)+!&,+-' !.&-,&*&, 1%&'(. /&%+. )$*&,&- .'/+. ! $)'.'/+(.,+!+)*+ . $'.'$. +-'&$- . + )+.%$01'+,. !'. %$0 !.#)$ .'/+.-1'&$- !. +!'.'/+1')+! .)+!'1 )1-'! . $- +-'! .1-,. !+ ! &!0$*+)./$ .'/&!.+ 0+ '&$-1%.%&#+!'(%+.0$ +!.'$.%&#+ . $&-. !. #$).1-. 0$ &- . +-. $ !+.$). & -1' )+. +1 +). +)&+! .

RSVP by scanning the QR code. For more information, email embassyrowinfo@inspirsl.com or call 202.293.2100.

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JANUARY 7, 11, 24 & 28TH | 2:30 – 4:00 PM $&-. !.#$).$ ). 1- 1)(. +-. $ !+. +)&+! . $ ). $,+%. 1 1)' +-'! .+ %$)+.1 +-&'&+! .1-,.+ +)&+-0+.$ ). +)!$-1%& +,.1 )$10/.'$.1!!&!'+,.%&*&- .1-,. + $)(.01)+. &-. 1!/&- '$- . .2- $(.1.0 )1'+,.'1!'&- .$#.!& -1' )+. ,&!/+!. )+ 1)+,. (.2 +0 '&*+. /+#. &0/1),. 0 )+1,&+ . #$) +)%(.$#.'/+.$)& &-1%. $0 +(. % GIVING IT AWAY: STORIES & STRATEGIES ON PHILANTHROPY

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InspirSeniorLiving.com | 202.293.2100 2100 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008

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REHABILITATION

Brooke Grove Retirement Village 301-321-8707 18100 Slade School Road Sandy Spring, MD 20860 www.bgf.org Imagine an extraordinary staff and the best therapies and equipment—in a beautiful environment that rejuvenates and restores. Physical therapy spaces bathed in sunlight. The quiet comfort of a garden walk or relaxing massage. Imagine getting back to the activities that matter to you. Our new, state-of-the-art rehab addition at Brooke Grove Rehabilitation and Nursing Center offers innovative therapy services for seniors, including NeuroGym® Technologies mobility training, the Korebalance system and much more. Visit us to see why Brooke Grove Retirement Village is one of the most sought-after continuing-care retirement communities in the state. Rehab here is simply different… because what surrounds you really matters.

INDEPENDENT LIVING COMMUNITY

Ashby Ponds 877-664-5445 44795 Audubon Square Ashburn, VA 20147 AshbyPonds.com Ashby Ponds. More of What You Want in Senior Living. There’s more to love at Loudoun County’s premier continuing care retirement community: • More Amenities: Enjoy nine on-site dining venues, the fitness centers and pools, 100+ clubs and activities, a day spa, a gorgeous and gated 132-acre campus, and more. • More Value: Most of your regular expenses, plus amenities, are included in your Monthly Service Package. This predictable monthly bill covers utilities, property taxes, home maintenance, and more. • More Peace of Mind: In addition to an on-site medical center, the community offers higher levels of care should you ever need them. Get your FREE brochure today! Call 1-877-664-5445 or visit AshbyPonds.com

ASSISTED LIVING & MEMORY CARE

Brooke Grove Retirement Village 301-321-8707 18100 Slade School Road Sandy Spring, MD 20860 www.bgf.org This community hums with warm-hearted camaraderie and a zest for life shared by residents and staff alike. Experience all that makes assisted living at Brooke Grove extraordinary. Cozy, homelike dwellings with easy access to beautiful courtyards and walking paths. Caring staff trained in using memory support techniques, building independence and lifting self-esteem. Innovative LIFE® Enrichment Programming with meaningful activities and off-site adventures. Visit us to see why Brooke Grove Retirement Village is one of the most sought-after continuing care retirement communities in the state. Living here is simply different … because what surrounds you really matters.

J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 6 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Home equity in retirement: Should you sell? By Choncé Maddox For many retirees, the home they’ve lived in for decades isn’t just a place to live. It’s the single largest asset in their financial portfolio. If your retirement savings feel a little tight, your house might hold untapped potential. How and when you use that equity matters. Should you sell and downsize? Take out a loan? Rent part of it? Hold it for your heirs? Here’s how to turn that built-up equity into a retirement strategy that works for your lifestyle.

Equity is wealth you can use

Home equity is the difference between your home’s market value and what you owe on it. If your home is worth $400,000 and your mortgage balance is $100,000, you’ve got $300,000 in equity. This equity can be a source of financial flexibility. Whether you’re looking to supplement income, reduce monthly expenses or help your children with college or a down payment, your home can be more than just a place to live. It can help you live better in retirement.

Protect your home’s value

If you plan to age in place, using equity to preserve your home’s value should be a top priority. Preventative maintenance, such as addressing roof issues early or servicing heating and cooling systems, can help avoid costly repairs down the line. Energy-efficient upgrades such as modern windows or insulation improvements can lower utility bills while making the home more attractive to future buyers. Installing walk-in showers, adding handrails or improving lighting might not seem like value-boosting renovations, but they can make a big difference for aging homeowners.

Downsizing: Less can mean more

Selling a larger home and downsizing to something smaller can unlock a big chunk of equity while also cutting your monthly bills. A smaller, more affordable home may have lower property taxes, lower insurance and fewer maintenance headaches. Some retirees choose to move closer to family, downsize into a condo, or relocate to a state with lower taxes and living costs.

Tapping equity without selling

If selling doesn’t appeal to you, there are ways to tap into your equity without giving up your home. Home-equity loans provide a lump sum, usually with a fixed rate, which can be handy for one-time big expenses. HELOCs (Home-equity lines of credit) act more like a credit card, letting you draw money as you need it (though the rates are often variable).

Cash-out refinancing replaces your existing mortgage with a new, larger loan, giving you the difference in cash. Each of these options comes with pros and cons. They can be useful tools, but remember: Your house is on the line as collateral. It’s smart to run the numbers with a financial adviser.

Turning your home into income

Your house doesn’t just have to sit there; it can generate income. Renting out a spare bedroom, converting a basement into a small apartment, or even building an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) on your property can provide monthly cash flow (see hiphomes.org). Short-term rentals through platforms such as Airbnb might also be worth exploring. But be sure to check local regulations, factor in the extra wear and tear, and think about whether you’re comfortable hosting strangers in your home.

The next generation

For many people, leaving the family home to children or heirs is important. Know the rules so your heirs aren’t hit with an unexpected tax bill. When heirs inherit a home, they usually benefit from what’s called a “step-up in basis,” which adjusts the home’s value for tax purposes to its current market value. That means if they sell it right away, they might owe little to no capital gains tax. Other strategies, such as putting the home in a trust, can simplify the transfer and avoid probate. An estate planner can help you weigh the best path forward.

Is it time to sell?

Sometimes the best option is to sell your house. If you’re weighing that choice, here are a few questions to ask yourself: —Am I struggling to afford the upkeep, taxes or insurance? —Would selling give me more financial breathing room? —Do I still want to live in this neighborhood, or would I prefer to be closer to family or healthcare? —What’s the tax impact of selling now? —Do I have a plan for where I’ll go next? Answering honestly can help you see whether selling would bring relief, or if you’d rather keep your home.

The bottom line

Your home is more than just four walls and a roof; it’s a financial resource. Whatever path you choose, your home can give you options, peace of mind and a solid foundation for the next chapter. © 2025 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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How to help a loved one who hoards an older person is depressed, anxious or By Jim Miller showing early symptoms of dementia. Dear Savvy Senior, Common problems for senMy dad has always been a iors who live in excessive clutpack rat, but since mom ter are tripping, falling and died a few years ago, he’s bebreaking a bone; overlooking come more of a hoarder. bills and missing medications The clutter in his house has that are hidden in the clutter; gotten out of control and I suffering from the environmendon’t know what to do. Any tal effects of mold, mildew and suggestions? dust; and even living among in—Distraught in sects and rodents. Centerville [Ed. Note: Hoarding disorder Dear Distraught, Unfortunately, hoarding or SAVVY SENIOR is a mental illness that affects about 3% of the population. The clutter addiction is a problem By Jim Miller American Psychiatry Association that’s become increasingly common in the U.S. It affects approximate- included it in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders as a new diagly 6% of Americans age 65 or older. The problem can range anywhere from nostic entry in 2013.] To help you gauge your dad’s problem, moderate messiness to hoarding so severe it may be related to a mental health disor- the Institute for Challenging Disorganizader like obsessive-compulsive disorder. tion (ICD) offers a free “Clutter Hoarding Here’s what you should know, along with Scale” that you can download at Challengsome tips and resources that can help you ingDisorganization.org. help your dad.

Why people hoard

What to do

The reason most people hoard is because they have an extreme sentimental attachment to their possessions, or they believe they might need their items at a later date. Hoarding can also be a sign that

If you find that your dad has a moderate cluttering problem, there are a number of things you can do to help. Start by having a talk with him, expressing your concern for his health and safety, and offering your assistance to help him declutter.

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If he takes you up on it, most professional organizers recommend decluttering in small steps. Take one room at a time or even a portion of a room at a time. This will help prevent your dad from getting overwhelmed.

Before you start, designate three piles or boxes for your dad’s stuff: One pile is for items he wants to keep and put away, another is the donate pile, and the last is See HOARDING, page B-13

INDEPENDENT LIVING • ASSISTED LIVING • MEMORY CARE

The Reserve at Falls Church 571-297-7233 246 West Falls Station Blvd. Falls Church, VA 22046 ReserveAtFallsChurch.com Opening in early 2027, the Reserve at Falls Church will offer distinctive dining, inspiring programs, dedicated wellness spaces, and exceptional personalized care, all in a welcoming social environment that encourages connection and conversation. Located in the new West Falls Development, residents will enjoy a walkable, multigenerational lifestyle as an extension of a thoughtfully designed neighborhood. In addition to chef-curated culinary experiences, residents can enjoy intellectual and cultural events that foster connection and community. The Reserve at Falls Church is a continuation of each resident's distinguished lifestyle, where every day is an opportunity to live well. Call 571-297-7233 to schedule your private tour.

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GET T TOP DOLLAR WITH A PROVEN PLAN! Local Expertise. Proven Results. I’m a Seniors Real Estate Specialist® who is steeped in knowledge and experience. My unique marketing and master negotiating skills are wrapped up in kindness, honesty y, and ou in how to protective care. I guide yo pporting you sell for top dollar while sup es. with the very best resource e your home, When it’s time to Rightsize I am the Realtor® you wan nt to call.

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Hoarding From page B-11

the throwaway pile. You and your dad will need to determine which pile his things belong in as you work. If he struggles with sentimental items that he doesn’t use, suggest he keep only one item for memory’s sake and donate the rest to family members who will use them. You will also need to help him set up a system for organizing the kept items and new possessions.

Find help

If you need some help with the decluttering and organizing, consider hiring a professional organizer who can come to your dad’s home to help you prioritize, organize and remove the clutter.

The National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals (NAPO.net) and the ICD (ChallengingDisorganization.org) both offer directories on their websites to help you locate a professional in your area. If your dad has a bigger, more serious hoarding problem (if his daily functioning is impaired, or if he is having financial difficulties, health problems or other issues), you’ll need to seek professional help. Talk therapy and/or antidepressants can help address control issues, anxiety, depression and other feelings that may underline hoarding tendencies, and make it easier for him to confront his disorder. To locate help, contact Helping Elders Live Productively (H.E.L.P.). This is a free education, counseling and referral resource that connects older adults who hoard with legal services, mental health assistance and

INDEPENDENT LIVING • ASSISTED LIVING • MEMORY CARE

The Carnegie at Washingtonian Center 240-981-5083 10100 Washingtonian Center Gaithersburg, MD 20878 LifeAtTheCarnegie.com Experience a new standard in retirement living at The Carnegie. Tucked between Malcolm King Park and the vibrant shopping, dining, and entertainment of Rio Washingtonian, The Carnegie offers members a best-of-both-worlds lifestyle — where peaceful outdoor spaces meet the convenience of urban living. Designed with discerning seniors in mind, The Carnegie features an all-inclusive lifestyle with premium amenities, best-in-class hospitality, exclusive partnerships, and curated experiences. As a full-service community, The Carnegie provides a continuum of care, including Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care. Call 240-981-5083 today to reserve your community experience.

support groups. Call (310) 533-1996 for a referral or visit Help4srs.org/support-services-for-seniors-who-hoard. You can also find professional help through the International OCD Foundation, which provides a hoarding center on their website at Hoarding.iocdf.org. And to get help with challenging cleanup jobs, the biggest provider is Steri-

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Clean, Inc. (see Hoarders.com or call 800462-7337), a hoarding cleanup company that has franchises located throughout the country. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of The Savvy Senior book.

INDEPENDENT LIVING COMMUNITY

Vinson Hall 703-506-2133 6251 Old Dominion Drive McLean, VA 22101 www.vinsonhall.org Older adults wishing to continue their active lifestyle, meet new friends, and enjoy their favorite pursuits will discover that Vinson Hall is the perfect place to call home. This vibrant Life Plan Community in McLean, Virginia, just across the river from Washington, D.C., offers inviting dining venues, social, cultural, and educational opportunities, life-enriching amenities, and first-class hospitality services. As a Life Plan Community, Vinson Hall offers living options beyond Independent Living. Residents have access to a continuum of care in our highly rated Arleigh Burke Pavilion, and Memory Support in The Sylvestery. Don’t wait – schedule your tour today! Visit VinsonHall.org or call us at 703-506-2133.

Take the lead on your retirement at Vinson Hall

Our residents are active thinkers, doers d , explorers and crreators who value staying sociallyy engaged. From dinner annd dancing to an afternoon painting class or evenings att the theater, you will always have choices to live life well. Discover a one-of-a-kind com mmunity designed for o your one-of-a-kind life e. Call 571-556-4 7 136 or visit viinsonhall.org to get started.

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Selling a house ‘as is’ isn’t ‘no worries’ By Dennis Beaver Does this sound familiar? A longtime client, Dr. “G,” dropped by our legal office with a question: “I want to sell the home I inherited from my parents years ago ‘as is’ and by myself, without a real estate agent. Why pay a large commission? I’m educated. How complicated can it be?” He went on to say that the house had been a rental property for more than 20 years. He had “no idea of its condition, and the tenants never complained about a thing. Because we kept the rent low, they took care of all repairs themselves,” he said. “I read an online story that said putting ‘as is’ on the sale ads and the contract means that if anything goes wrong with the home, the seller can’t be successfully sued for anything. “Is that true? Or do you think I should have my own real estate agent?”

Know what you are getting into

When I ran this question by Southern California-based real estate attorney Luke Carlson, he said, “Your client is correct; it is possible to sell a home without having a seller’s agent. But should you? Do you know what you are getting yourself into?” He pointed out, “There are two issues here — selling a home yourself and selling it as is. Both have significant risks if you do not understand and meet your legal obligations.” To that, I would add there are enough moving parts to the sale of a house by the

owner (known as an FSBO) to give anyone unfamiliar with the complexity of this transaction motion sickness. Carlson listed some of the pitfalls of an FSBO: 1. You could overvalue or undervalue the home. Do you know how much homes in your area are actually selling for? Ask too much and the house just sits on the market. Underpricing may raise suspicions that there’s something wrong with the property. Or you could end up selling for far less than the market price. A real estate agent has the tools to establish a reasonable price for your neighborhood. 2. Lack of knowledge: You don’t know what you don’t know. Without the guidance of a real estate agent, you may not be aware of all the necessary legal documents or how to properly complete them. The closing process is complex, and it can involve a number of steps that are typically handled by lawyers or legal professionals, depending on the state where you reside. 3. You could waste valuable time dealing with unvetted buyers. When selling privately, folks often lack experience in sniffing out unvetted buyers and can wind up dealing with people who aren’t financially qualified to purchase the home. The result is frustration, disappointment and wasted time when the deal falls through.

Responsibility still applies

It’s a myth that selling your home “as is” frees you from all responsibility. Carlson highlighted a risky assumption some as-is buyers make. “One of the most dangerous beliefs floating around is that (some sellers think that) simply writing ‘as is’ on sales material, contracts — anything connected to the sale — is a get-out-of-jail-free card, and they are immune from being sued. The false message is that the seller can just walk away from any issues the house could have.” The legal requirement is transparency, he noted. “Using the words ‘as is’ when selling doesn’t mean you can sweep problems under the rug. Do so, and don’t be surprised if you find yourself in hot water, as there still is a legal obligation to disclose known issues with your property.” If after the sale, a buyer discovers an issue that they feel should have been disclosed, “You may be given a choice,” Carlson said. “‘Pay to repair the damage, or we go to court.’” So what would be considered “known issues”? Carlson pointed out, “This typically means revealing serious problems, such as water damage, structural issues or hazardous conditions like asbestos, lead paint, electrical problems, tendency to flood —

the list could go on for pages.” Carlson suggested a seller should invest in a home inspection and give the written findings to the buyer. “This would prove valuable in the event of a claim that you covered something up,” he noted.

What does selling your home ‘as is’ really mean, then?

“Listing your home ‘as is’ means that it is in its current condition, and you are not making repairs,” Carlson explained. “You are disclosing all the defects of which you are aware, and the buyer is accepting the house as it is.” Carlson had this caveat: “Sellers often choose to sell as is when they can’t or don’t want to invest in repairs. Common situations include inherited properties, estate sales or financial issues. Selling as is typically results in lower offers and fewer interested buyers.” Dennis Beaver welcomes comments and questions from readers, which may be faxed to him at (661) 323-7993, or emailed to Lagombeaver1@gmail.com. This article presents his views, not the Kiplinger editorial staff. You can check adviser records with the SEC or with FINRA. © 2025 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Ditch traditional retirement expectations By Richard P. Himmer In the mid-1800s, a young Hungarian doctor named Ignaz Semmelweis made a discovery that should have saved countless lives. While working at the Vienna General Hospital, he noticed that women giving birth in the doctors’ ward were dying from childbed fever at a staggering rate — five times higher than those in the midwives’ ward. After months of observation, Semmelweis realized the horrifying truth: Doctors were performing autopsies in the morning, then delivering babies immediately afterward without washing their hands. He proposed something radical — wash with a chlorine solution before touching a patient. The results were miraculous. Death rates dropped from nearly 30% to just 1% to 2%. But rather than celebrating him, his peers ridiculed and rejected him. Why? Because his discovery challenged tradition. The medical establishment believed that “a gentleman’s hands are clean,” and to suggest otherwise was an insult to their pride. Their refusal to adapt cost thousands of lives. Semmelweis’ story offers a parallel to another tradition — one that quietly claims lives today. It’s the way many people approach retirement.

A tradition that no longer works

For generations, the traditional mindset

about retirement has been singular: Accumulate enough money to stop working. Success was measured in account balances, not in the quality or purpose of one’s days. The goal was to retire “on time” with a full nest egg and spend your later years in comfort — or, at least, in security. That approach once made sense. In the industrial era, retirement was short. People retired around age 65 and lived, on average, less than 10 more years. But in the 21st century, that same model is fatally outdated. Today, many retirees will live 25 to 30 years after leaving the workforce. That’s an entire second adulthood. Yet most people still plan as if money alone will ensure fulfillment, health and longevity. It won’t. Research consistently shows the opposite: Those who retire without structure, purpose or social connection experience faster cognitive decline, higher rates of depression, even shortened life expectancy. It’s not that money doesn’t matter — it does. But money is not the goal; it’s the means to sustain the life you want to live.

The real risk: running out of meaning

Every financial planner has heard it: “I just want to make sure I don’t outlive my money.” But the data tells a deeper story. According to the study “Association Between Life Purpose and Mortality Among U.S. Adults Older Than 50 Years,” published on JAMA Network Open,

retirees who lack purpose are more likely to experience early mortality — even when they’re financially secure. Purpose, structure and social connection are as essential to health as nutrition or exercise. When work ends, so do many of the routines and relationships that define our days. Without something meaningful to replace them, the mind and body start to atrophy. This is where the “Semmelweis effect” creeps into modern retirement: People resist change not because they don’t know better, but because they’re trapped by tradition. The old formula — save, stop working, relax — is so deeply ingrained that questioning it feels almost heretical. Yet, clinging to it can be deadly.

Redefining retirement

The future of retirement planning must evolve beyond numbers on a page. The best advisers are starting to recognize this shift, helping clients design lives, not just portfolios. Financial security should serve a bigger purpose — to enable a lifestyle rich in meaning, relationships, health and contribution. This approach asks new questions: • What will give your days structure after work ends? • Who will you spend time with? • How will you stay mentally and

physically engaged? • What personal or community goals will drive you forward? Money becomes the supporting actor, not the star. It funds experiences, enables generosity, supports wellness and removes barriers to engagement. It’s the tool that gives life shape — but it’s not life itself.

A call to action

Today’s retirees — and the professionals who guide them — must admit that their old models of retirement are no longer healthy. A fulfilling retirement doesn’t begin with a balance sheet; it begins with a blueprint for living. Financial freedom is only meaningful when it supports a life of purpose, connection and vitality. Perhaps it’s time to do what Semmelweis urged his peers to do — wash our hands of outdated traditions and embrace the science of living well. The goal of retirement isn’t merely to avoid running out of money. It’s to avoid running out of life. To learn more, pick up my new book, Your Encore Years: The Psychology of Retirement. This article was written by and presents the views of our contributing adviser, not the Kiplinger editorial staff. You can check adviser records with the SEC or with FINRA. © 2025 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Your questions on trusts, taxes and QCDs By Elliot Raphaelson Q: I am confused by the advantages, if any, of using qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) to contribute to charity after I reach 70½, as I am not required yet to take minimum distributions from my IRA. I have read different conclusions. Some sources indicate that there are no tax advantages. In your columns, you have indicated that there are tax advantages. Which is correct? A: There are definite tax advantages. Slott points out that when you make a contribution to a qualified charity by way of a QCD, you are allowed to reduce your modified adjusted income by the amount of

your QCD contribution, so you are, in effect, reducing your taxes by the amount of your QCD multiplied by your marginal tax bracket. The IRS concurs with this. Q: In a recent column, you suggested that readers contact their congressional representatives to pass legislation that will provide more income to Social Security so that benefits will not have to be cut in the future. Isn’t it true that the recent legislation did not impact Social Security regulations? A: That is correct. However, the legislation that was passed at the end of 2024 to repeal the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) increased benefits for Social Secu-

rity recipients by hundreds of millions of dollars per year. Although the new legislation passed in 2025 did not provide additional benefits to Social Security participants, the legislation did not provide any new sources of income to the government regarding Social Security. Without significant changes to Social Security regulations in the next few years, it is highly likely that Social Security benefits will have to be reduced in the future. Q: I plan on purchasing gold coins for investment and possibly provide gifts to some relatives. What are the tax considerations if there are increases in value? A: An excellent source for this issue is

“Your Guide to Paying Taxes on Precious Metals” by Hero Bullion (herobullion.com; (214) 210-9948). If you hold the coins for longer than one year before you redeem them, then you can report the gains as long-term capital gains on your tax return. If you only hold the coins for less than a year, then you have to report the gains and pay tax based on your marginal tax rate. You are allowed to deduct any expenses such as sales tax or storage expenses on your return. Elliot Raphaelson welcomes your questions and comments at raphelliot@gmail.com. © 2025 Elliot Raphaelson. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Where to store your cash in 2026 By Sean Jackson Having a flexible plan is a wise way to handle an uncertain future for savers, especially with decreasing returns on some accounts. The Federal Reserve has cut rates at each of its last three meetings due to weak job growth. Will that continue into 2026? It’s hard to say. Inflation remains stubborn, and with a new Fed chair taking over in May, it’s anyone’s guess how things will unfold. Despite the uncertainty, there are plenty of viable options to help you achieve strong returns. Whether you’re working to reach your retirement or savings goals, here are smart solutions to consider.

Budgeting apps

Sometimes it helps to have a fresh per-

spective on your finances, as it clues you in on where your money is going, and it may present some savings opportunities you missed before. The best budgeting apps also make it easier to manage your finances, even if you have multiple accounts with different banks. Having this information at your fingertips is integral for ensuring you reach your goals. And if you want a new one to try out, here are some of our favorites: Empower: This is a great app for investors and savers alike. The platform is easy to use, and you can integrate your personal and investing accounts within minutes. What I like about it is that you can also add other financial accounts to gain a fuller picture, such as 529 accounts, mortgage and more. You can download

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the app for free on Google Play or the App Store. Honeydue: Staying on the same financial page as a spouse or loved one can be difficult with life’s hustle and bustle. With the Honeydue app, you can track all expenses on joint accounts, giving you both a complete overview of shared accounts. Best of all, it’s free.

Build a financial safety net

Life has a way of throwing financial surprises. An unexpected bill or job loss can seriously challenge even the savviest of budgets. It’s why having an emergency fund is a smart move. I built mine using a high-yield savings account (HYSA). Because the best highyield savings accounts offer a rate well above 4%, it made it easier to grow my balance quickly. I would set automatic transfers from my checking to my savings on payday and leave that money in savings alone. And if you go with an online bank, you won’t have to contend with monthly fees or minimum balance requirements. Explore options with the high-yield savings finder tool from Bankrate (bankrate.com). Meanwhile, what if you already have an emergency fund where you want it? A high-yield savings account is still a smart move for short-term goals. Another reason I like HYSAs is that you can withdraw your money whenever you need it. It means if the Fed continues to cut rates and APYs on these accounts dip to the point where inflation is eating your earnings, then you can pivot quickly to other investments that earn more.

CDs impervious to rate cuts

If you don’t want to worry about rate cuts and your emergency savings are at a comfortable level, another option to con-

sider is a certificate of deposit (CD). A CD differs from a high-yield savings account in that you receive a fixed interest rate. Say you sign up for a one-year CD today. Even if the Fed cuts rates twice over the next year, it won’t change your rate.

Good brokers

A broker might be a smart option to review your current investments, ensure your choices align with your risk profile and keep you on track to reach your goals. Here are two worth considering: Fidelity: Kiplinger ranked Fidelity the best overall online broker, thanks to its full advisory services, the lowest fees you’ll find from a brokerage, and a great mix of retirement-planning tools. Interactive Brokers: Kiplinger ranked them high thanks to a great mobile app, an ample array of investment choices, and educational resources. With more than 160 emerging markets, it’s perfect if you’re looking for international markets.

Setting yourself up for success in 2026

While 2026 offers some uncertainty for savers, there are steps you can take to help you reach your goals. The first of which is to receive a fresh perspective through budgeting apps to ensure your cash flow is where it needs to be. Next, build an emergency fund with high-yield savings and shelter some of your earnings from rate cuts while achieving short-term goals with CDs. Lastly, don’t forget to reevaluate your investments. Doing so ensures your contribution levels and your portfolio’s performance keep you on track to retire comfortably. © 2025 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Tips for job hunting during middle age By Jayashree Sitaraman Losing a job is stressful. Like many people in our area, I am a displaced federal employee. I worked as a scientist in the federal government for the past 20 years and was laid off last year. Needless to say, it is devastating. As I look for a job now, I realize how difficult and frustrating it is, as a person in my mid-50s, to find employment in this terrible job market. Here’s what works for me to reduce stress during my job search. I hope that it will help others in a similar situation. First, tell yourself it’s okay to feel frustration — and even a tinge of envy for those who still have jobs. Just don’t wallow in it. Acknowledge that we live in unprecedented times.

Accept help from young adults

The last time I had to look for a job, back in 2022, I asked for help from the younger generation. My college-age son helped me polish my resume and gave me tips to prepare for interviews. This time around, my younger son is helping me troubleshoot technical issues in the job application process. Ask for help from your young adult children, nephews, nieces, grandchildren or even neighbors. Most likely they are tech-

savvy and miles ahead of us in speed when it comes to tech-related matters.

Connect with fellow job seekers

Some of us are not that into networking. I get it. If you have been at the same job for several years, you may not have grown your network. Just try to connect with others at your own pace and do whatever is comfortable for you. In middle age, we measure connections by quality, not quantity. Reach out to others in your field to ask about available positions. Use LinkedIn to connect with others. Career fairs are good for networking and connections, as well as picking up goodies.

Volunteer your time

If you were a federal employee, you value public service. You can still give back to society. I volunteered at a career fair, and I enjoyed the experience of meeting people. Instead of staying at home, get out there and help. Who knows? Maybe the person next to you at the food pantry will lead you to your next job.

Apply for benefits

I filed for unemployment benefits, and I was happy to see my first check arrive. Though it isn’t much, it is still good to get something in the form of a check.

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Take a break from applying

Try to take a break from applying for jobs. Designate specific times or days to search for positions and apply for them. Even if you search and apply for jobs nonstop, 24/7, it doesn’t mean that you will get a job the next day. We may be unemployed, but we have other things to do, and our time is valuable.

Pursue your hobbies

Remember that hobby you shelved for lack of time while raising children or work-

ing 40 or more hours per week? Now is the perfect time to get back to it. Take a class, exercise, learn a language, join a book club or writing group — anything to get your mind off being unemployed. There are many YouTube videos that can teach you anything you want to do. Recently, I took a pottery workshop and enjoyed creating something with my hands. It opened up avenues for my creativity and made me feel productive.

Be mindful

Prioritize your health, both mental and physical. Jobs may come and go, but health is the foundation of life and our happiness. We will bounce back, stronger and better. Jayashree Sitaraman, Ph.D., is a scientist and writer living in Silver Spring, Maryland.

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Travel Leisure &

For a closer look at the Cayman Islands, see story on opposite page.

We missed the olive harvest but loved Greece While I had aimed for our trip to coincide with reaping, it turned out we had shown up about two to three weeks too early. A young hotel manager broke the news to us. “The harvest times vary. You never know,” he said, standing ramrod straight like a Spartan warrior. The olive industry, he went on, “has always been a part of my life here in Kalamata. My family has 43 trees. We have never bought olive oil from a store.” For the most part, he told us, olive growers are small, family-run enterprises. It’s not uncommon, though, for a farmer with thousands of trees to merge with another large grower. After all, the act of getting olives off the tree “is one of the hardest things you can do,” he said. “You spend eight hours under the sun, inside the trees.”

By Tony Glaros Less than an hour after my wife, Mary, and I arrived in Athens, we hit the road again, jet lag aside. We hopped aboard a bus for a twisty, three-hour ride to Kalamata. For my wife, seeing the renowned olivegrowing region in the southern Peloponnese, between the Gulf of Messenia and the foothills of the Taygetos Mountains, had been on her bucket list for years. Her late mother, misty-eyed and bursting with energy, would mesmerize us with tales about her hometown of Kalamata — how, as a young woman, she would walk an hour each way to school. This journey resonated with me, too. Both of us wanted to see the village where the nervous wartime bride set sail to a new world. We arrived in October, hoping to time our 150-mile excursion to the upcoming olive harvest. Greece, with as many as 170 million olive trees, ranks third in global olive production (after Spain and Italy). For years, I’d heard about the unique olive harvest in Kalamata and the surrounding region. These characteristic plump, purple, almond-shaped beauties hold power over me whenever I spot them at Whole Foods. For the most part, Kalamata farmers still harvest them in the ancient way, by beating branches with sticks until the olives freefall onto a tarpaulin on rocky soil. The harvest season typically runs from late November until late December, even into January, depending on the weather.

Olive groves surround the seaside city of Kalamata, situated on the Peloponnese peninsula in southern Greece.

Greece’s Fourth of July

Although missing the harvest was a disappointment, we realized that we were just in time for a grand celebration: Oxi Day. Growing up in Maryland, I had heard snatches of conversation from Greek immigrants about the significance of October 28. Based on the carnival atmosphere in the city, I had a moment of clarity: This holiday is tantamount to the Fourth of July. On October 28, 1940, during World War II, Italian dictator Benito Mussolini ordered Greece to relinquish control of portions of its land. Failure to do so would result in an attack by the Axis powers. PHOTO BY GREG MONTANI/PIXABAY

The Greek island of Corfu has hidden beaches, hiking trails and a historic Old Town, now a UNESCO Heritage Site.

Tiny and neutral as Greece was, however, it adamantly refused. That action set the stage for what would become a national holiday known as Oxi — “no” in Greek — Day. To celebrate, schools, offices, and many small businesses across the country shut down. There’s free admission to museums and archeological sites, including the Acropolis. On this crisp fall morning, my wife and I decided walk the three miles downtown to watch the parade, to be swept up in the glow. Flapping from every direction were blueand-white Greek flags, including those on weatherbeaten fishing boats chugging through the calm, turquoise water toward the harbor. Of course, restaurants and cafés, hoping to convert a slice of unfettered patriotism into euros, were open. On the way, we came across a neighborhood eatery. How could we resist an early lunch? “Excuse me,” I said to our server, trying to salvage the Greek I learned as a child. “Can you please bring butter?” The server, a woman in her 70s, cast a pitying look in my direction. “No butter,” came her terse reply. “Here, we only use olive oil on bread.” Embarrassed, I remembered that this was Kalamata. No wonder she reacted the way she did. In the far corner of the unadorned dining room, a worker sat snapping green

beans for a signature stew called fasolakia. Every few minutes, the wait staff, balancing trays of moussaka, pastitsio and avgolemono soup, would bump against each other in the narrow aisles. Flavoring the scene were the unfiltered sounds floating from the kitchen. Though they sounded like arguments, these squabbles had the lifespan of a dinner plate smashed at a Greek wedding: over and out. My mind jumped back to a T-shirt my sister bought me decades ago that read, “I’m Not Yelling. I’m Greek. This is How We Talk.” While awaiting our food, we chatted with another customer, who, it turned out, had lived in Kalamata his whole life. “I tell everyone if they really want to take a vacation, we have the best beaches, and we have the best Mediterranean food,” he said. “It’s like a small city. Not a lot of cars. Not a lot of people. Almost no crime.”

On to Corfu

While most discussions about visiting Greece inevitably pivot to the seductive Aegean islands, the Peloponnese offers more than olive groves. Buoyed by the loveliness of Kalamata, we decided to remain on the western side of the country to see Corfu. Unlike the parched Aegean landscape, Corfu is lush and green, reminiscent of Italy. See GREECE, page 23

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Escape the winter in the Cayman Islands and others seeking sanctuary. Each island offers its own attractions and activities. Grand Cayman, largest of the three (22 miles long, eight miles wide), is home to Stingray City, a group of shallow sandbars where those unusual creatures congregate. After receiving assurances that I could walk among and even pet the strange looking animals, I got close up and personal with several of them. Little Cayman lives up — or, rather, down — to its name. As one of the least developed islands in the Caribbean, it offers almost unspoiled natural beauty and relaxation. On Cayman Brac, I encountered rugged terrain and hidden caves, some of which were used by pirates to stash their treasure. This is a birdwatcher’s paradise, where more than 200 species of residents and migrators have been recorded. Touring the historic Cayman Brac Heritage House, I was introduced to snippets of the past. The building is an old Caymanian home, one of a number of examples of the local heritage.

Historic sites

Christopher Columbus came upon the three unpopulated islands in 1503, during his last journey. But there’s much more history to explore.

PHOTO BY HANS EISMANN/PIXABAY

By Victor Block When Mother Nature is battering us with winter’s chill, some of us dream of a Caribbean getaway. I recently visited the Cayman Islands and found that, along with typical sun, sand and surf attractions, these three islands have a wide choice of enticing things to see and do. Their name comes from the ArawakTaíno people, who visited the islands and called them “Caiman” (crocodile) after the semiaquatic reptiles there. Mention the word Caribbean, and beaches probably come to mind. Those on the Cayman Islands are varied, inviting and covered with postcard-perfect, soft, white sand. The now-misnamed Seven Mile Beach on Grand Cayman, where erosion has diminished the beach to about 5.5 miles long, has been declared one of the Caribbean’s “Ultimate Beaches” by Caribbean Travel & Life magazine. I found Cemetery Beach, nestled at the end of Seven Mile, to be much less crowded. It’s named for the adjacent burial ground, whose weathered headstones relate pages from the islands’ past. That antiquity is well worth recalling. Early settlers who found their way to the archipelago included shipwrecked pirates, deserters from English troops in Jamaica

Colorful George Town on Grand Cayman has a historic downtown with plenty of small museums, art galleries and shops to explore.

Other places also bring stories of the past to the present. The Cayman Islands National Museum keeps alive the islands’ seafaring history. Intricate ship models are displayed near relics recovered from shipwrecks that dot the surrounding reefs. Visitors to the Central Caribbean

Marine Institute learn about the life, and death, of coral; reef restoration; and other solutions to declining ocean health. I entered a very different setting at Pedro St. James, built in 1780 by people See CAYMAN ISLANDS, page 23

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Enjoy music? A note from the Beacon’s Publisher: You’re invited to listen to my original compositions and favorite piano pieces at StuartsMelodies.com You are also welcome to download the sheet music ng: for my compositions, including: • Visit to a Museum • Waltz of Joy und • Pensive Stroll by a Playground • Idyll Journey Please share my music videos on social media and with friends.

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 6

Greece From page 20

Its dominant architectural influence comes from its years as a Venetian stronghold. Other conquerors included the Byzantines, French and British. Given the islanders’ emphasis on building fortifications, the Turks never touched Corfu, unlike most of Greece. When we arrived on a rainy morning, we immediately set out for Corfu’s Old Town, named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007. Its cobblestone alleys were dotted with a variety of tavernas, or cafés. Bakeries displayed kumquat and sykomaida, a beloved fig cake and favorite among islanders. Several Greek Orthodox churches stood practically within the shadows of one another. As raindrops slid down the canopy outside a shop that sold coffee and kumquats,

Cayman Islands From page 21

enslaved by an English settler who established a cotton and mahogany plantation. That “Great House” has coralrock walls, wide verandas, shuttered windows and a slate roof brought from England. In December 1831, it hosted a meeting to form the Cayman Islands’ elected parliament, earning it the title “Birthplace of Caymanian Democracy.” Another Caymanian house, which is more than a century old, greeted me at Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park. It’s surrounded by wetlands, forested areas and manicured gardens that serve as a haven for blue iguanas, an endangered animal which is endemic to Grand Cayman.

Capital city sights

A very different scene awaits visitors to George Town, capital city of the Cayman Islands. Despite its relatively small size (population about 40,000), the metropolis plays a big role in the local tourism scene. Up to four cruise ships at a time may dock in the harbor, disgorging passengers eager to take advantage of tax-free shopping opportunities and experience a quick taste of what the islands have to offer. George Town is the quintessential Caribbean waterfront community, with Technicolor wooden buildings that vie for attention with the surrounding natural hues.

the owner spoke to us. “When people think of Greek islands,” he said, “they think of Mykonos, Santorini, Crete.” Forming a clockwise sweep with his thick arm, he added, “But they are too busy. We need tourists’ money. But we also like the peace.”

Back to Athens

With our time in Greece’s west at an end, we headed back up to Athens. We stayed in a sweet gem of a hotel in the historic center where the staff learned our names. The front desk served trays overflowing with confections called loukoumi. With the Parthenon beckoning from on high, we had to see it up close. Since it was Monday morning, we assumed the crowd would be thin. We thought wrong. Humanity crossing every conceivable demographic joined us in scaling level upon level of slippery rocks. Some trekkers won-

There’s no shortage of diversions to satisfy history buffs, from ruins of fortifications to a rum distillery to structures remaining from the 19th century. Shopping and sun worshipping, combined with a wide choice of other things to see and do, make the Cayman Islands an inviting destination, especially, especially during the winter months.

If you go

The Cayman Islands are the Caribbean’s self-proclaimed leading luxury lifestyle destination, so it’s not surprising to come upon a line of high-priced hotels along Seven Mile Beach. By contrast, The Locale offers budget-stretching accommodations, a pool, restaurant and included breakfast. Double room rates begin at $180 (staylocale.com). Grand Cayman also is the self-described Culinary Capital of the Caribbean, with more than 200 restaurants to support that claim. Dining options focus upon fresh seafood and traditional island specialties like grilled or broiled fish, oxtail stew and conch (pronounced conk), prepared many ways. Among factors that make visiting the Cayman Islands convenient are that you may use U.S. money. Public beaches are everywhere, and, for snorkelers, colorful reefs and marine life are just offshore. Although you must drive on the left, in the British tradition, the roads are wellpaved, and I found most Caymanians to be cautious and courteous motorists. For more information, see visitcaymanislands.com.

dered aloud where the elevator was located. Negatives aside, reaching the summit was well worth the pain involved. Later, our son, Andrew, joined us in Athens, and we all walked to the National Archaeological Museum of Athens. Inside, we marveled at its many pieces of ancient Greek art. Its most famous work is a Roman copy of a statue of Athena that used to stand in the Acropolis. One of our favorite displays wasn’t art at all: A device known as the Antikythera mechanism is an ancient analog computer used to calculate time and solar eclipses. While I gawked at this tool that didn’t run on bandwidth, my son checked out the statues, like the Jockey of Artemision, a stunning bronze statue of a galloping horse and child rider.

Most of the people we met in Greece shared an outspokenness that we loved. For instance, one cab driver admitted that he wasn’t a big fan of the Parthenon: “I understand seeing it once, but twice or three times? It’s just a pile of rocks.” Later, we chatted with a local woman about ways Greece could bolster its economy beyond tourism, noting that many visitors come away with glowing reports about the country’s easier, less complicated lifestyle. I asked her what the government’s plans were to make life better in the birthplace of western civilization. “There is no plan,’’ she asserted. “Here, people throw up their hands and say, ‘Opa! Let’s go out for lunch!’” Sounds like the right plan to me.

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PHOTO COURTESY OF MUSIC IN ME FOUNDATION

Style Arts &

Artists teach older adults and kids through the Music in Me Foundation. See story on page 27.

Signature’s Fiddler on the Roof hits new heights First, he finds a clever way to support his daughter Tzeitel (Beatrice Owens) and her poor tailor fiancé Motel (Jake Loewenthal) against a lucrative marriage that he himself has had a hand in arranging (“Tevye’s Dream”). He also defies tradition at a wedding by dancing with his wife; he is willing to listen to the radical Perchik’s challenges to the status quo. He even hires Perchik to teach his daughters, another break with tradition. Yet he is concerned about changing too much: “If I bend that far, I will break.” This resistance to modernity is common in many cultures, even today. (For those wishing to learn more, Signature’s playbill features a QR code which helps explain Jewish traditions, from the wearing of the tallit, or prayer shawl, to the breaking of a glass at a Jewish wedding.)

Memorable characters

Many colorful characters live in the village, including Lazar Wolf (well depicted by Jeremy Radin), the rejected suitor of Tevye’s daughter Tzeitel, who forms a lovehate friendship with Tevye; Yente the matchmaker (engagingly enacted by Susan Rome, who also plays Grandma Tzeitel in “Tevye’s Dream”); and Golde, Tevye’s wife, portrayed by Amie Bermowitz, who shines in a poignant duet “Do You Love Me?” with Mr. Sills. The top-notch acting, as well as sweet, tuneful melodies and the klezmer-influenced

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PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER MUELLER

By Mark Dreisonstok Fiddler on the Roof, the 1964 musical based on stories by Yiddish-language author Sholem Aleichem, is back. The theater-in-the-round revival at Arlington’s Signature Theatre, which runs through Jan. 25, is superb. Directed by Joe Calarco, Signature’s Fiddler on the Roof will win the admiration of those old fans as well as newcomers to this important staple of American musical theater. The familiar plot begins with the poor, hardworking milkman Tevye, who lives in the Jewish village of Anatevka. He has five daughters who have no dowry. Tevye (Douglas Sills, summoning up every human emotion possible in his well-rounded portrayal of the beloved character) is confronted by various challenges to his beloved “Tradition” (sung brilliantly by the cast in the opening number). His daughters are often at the center of these challenges to tradition, as they contemplate marrying without the consent of a matchmaker, marrying without their father’s permission, and, in one case, even marrying outside the faith. Outside pressures to tradition mount as well, with persecution by the tsar as well as political unrest, both of which threaten to disrupt the traditional ways of Anatevka. Tevye, especially in the portrayal of Mr. Sills, shows a surprising flexibility to change, within limits, and at times responds to it with openness and humor.

Ariel Neydavoud (as Perchik) dances with Lily Burka (as Hodel, his bride) in Fiddler on the Roof at Arlington’s Signature Theatre. The theater-in-the-round production runs through Jan. 25.

music of a coterie of musicians under the direction of Jon Kalbfleisch, never disappoint.

Theme of true wealth

The music is especially important to this production, as there are virtually no sets and limited props. With excellent music and character depiction, the production leads one to contemplate the play’s important questions. Respect and leadership in the village of Anatevka seem determined by learning (the Rabbi) and moderate wealth (Lazar Wolf). The poor milkman Tevye has neither. Why, then, is he seen as a leader in his community, commanding great respect? Partially this is due to his delicate, cordial relations with the constable (Davis Wood), representing tsarist authority. Yet

it may also be that his desire for wealth (expressed in “If I Were a Rich Man”) is based on his longing for leisure time to pursue learning. Or perhaps Tevye’s authority comes from his relative success in balancing tradition with change, much like the fiddler’s delicate balancing act while performing on a roof. Marc Chagall’s 1913 painting “The Fiddler” may have inspired the title of the play. The eponymous fiddler (portrayed by excellent violinist Jennifer Rickard), occasionally takes the spotlight; at times, Tevye waves and addresses her. Since the figure is an important character and metaphor in this play, perhaps she might have been better presented in period costume like the other characters on stage. Then again, maybe I am resisting change.

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JANUARY EVENTS The Rite of Spring Trifonov plaayys Brahms

First, Trifonov takes the stage g for Brahms’ mighty g y First Piano Concerto, known for its masterful blend of lyrical warmth and stormy grandeur. Strav avinsky’s The Rite of Springg follows—a work that famously scandalized aw, primal energy, audiences at its premiere with its raw changing the course of music forever. From Brahms’ heroic drama to Strav avinsky’s untamed power, this program is a force of nature. Gianandrea Noseda, conductor Daniil Trifonov, piano

Jan. 15–17 | Concert Hall

Songs of Destiny & Fate

The Washington Chorus joins Gianandrea Noseda and the NSO for three choral masterpieces by Brahms. Paarzen Schicksalslied (Song of Destiny) and Gesang der P (Song of the Fates) grapple with fate’s inescapable hand—one oﬀering celestial consolation, the other a foreboding omen. Nänie, named for the Roman goddess, is a powerful requiem set to the poem by Friedrich Schiller. These mesmeric works set the stage for Schumann’s Symphony No. 2, a testament to humanity’s resilience and renewal. Gianandrea Noseda, conductor The Washington Chorus Eugene Rogers, artistic director

The Washington Chorus

Jan. 22-24 | Concert Hall NSO Music for Yo Young Au Audiences

Musical Ta Tails Visit a fantastical land of stories, animals, and music! The young and young-at-heart are invited on a journey through the timeless tales of Rav avel’s Mother Goose Suite and the magical world of tails from Saint-Saëns’ The Carnival of the Animals. Featured NSO musicians include violinist Jae-Ye Yeon Kim, violist Andrew Eng, cellist Eugena Chang Riley, Riley bassist Charles Nilles, Nilles and pianist Natalia Kazaryan.

Le Poème Divin Brahms’ Double Concerto

Kennedy Center Chamber Plaayers: Winter Concert Comprising titled musicians of the NSO, the acclaimed ensemble presents an afternoon of chamber music masterworks. This winter, Principal Cellist Daavid Hardyy and Principal Keyboard Lambert Orkis bring Beethoven, Prokoﬁev, and Grieg to vivid life.

Scott Suchman

Daniil Trifonov

David Hardy

Lambert Orkis

Gianandrea Noseda conducts a program that moves from the rich interplaayy of Brahms’ Double Concerto— featuring NSO Concertmaster Nurit Bar-J Bar-Joseff and Principal Cello Daavid Hardy—to the cosmic vision of Scriabin’s Symphony No. 3, Le Poème Divin. In this passionate work, Scriabin creates a musical narrative of, as he puts it, “the evolution of the human spirit… a joyous and intoxicated aﬃrmation of unity with the universe.”

David Hardy, cello Lambert Orkis, keyboard

Gianandrea Noseda, conductor Nurit Bar-Josef, violin David Hardy, cello

Jan 18 | Terrace Theater Jan.

Jan. 29–31 | Concert Hall

Scott Suchman

Dario Acosta

Jan. 24 & 25 | Concert Hall

Scott Suchman

Most enjoyed by ages 5+

Nurit Bar-Josef THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS

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J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 6 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

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When looking for a partner, keep the faith Q: I’ve lived alone since August 2018 after a 30-year marriage. I’ve been actively seeking a partner since Covid and have been off and on the dating sites. I live in a very conservative farming area, and the men I found interesting were in the Philadelphia and NYC areas. I sent out dozens of short messages. They ignored me. I’m financially independent, own my own home, and am physically and politically active. I sing in two choirs. I

go to classical as well as rock ‘n’ roll concerts by myself. I go out to eat by myself. I go to Europe by myself. I have now been celibate for more than three years, and the thought of spending the rest of my life alone really upsets me. I am not ready to give up, but it has been extremely challenging to try to find a partner who can keep up with me. I am out all the time, always hoping that I’ll run into a lovely man who will look at me and say, ‘Wow, I want to get to know her.’

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in men in my life. In July 2021, I met the man I am still dating and with whom I hope to grow old. I believe it’s never too late to chase your vision.” Manifest destiny! Also, if you’re not already doing so, Lynn, initiate conversations with strangers. They need not be potential love matches, but A: Your email reflects an they may help you feel less anxiety, even despair, many of lonely. Plus, you never know us may be feeling. Despite who might know someone our best efforts, we’re strikwho knows someone. ing out in the love departLongtime “Dating While LOVE AFTER 50 ment. If it’s any consolation, Gray” listener John, 76, recBy Laura Stassi you’re not alone. ommends attending protests. “I’m only 51, but I complete“People of all ages turn out, ly understand the panicking feeling,” AH, there are lots of funny signs, and people in Alaska, told me. “I’ve spent the majority are open and friendly. As an added bonus, of the last 20 years as a single parent. Now you don’t have to try to figure out if somemy child is a grown-up. I strongly want to one is politically compatible,” he writes. have a partner, actually a husband, to John’s been where you are. He had been share and do life with. My desire is so on and off the dating sites since his distrong, and dating has been so hard. No vorce in 2013 with “no success finding matter how many pedicures, massages, someone I want to spend the rest of my life fancy meals, exercise classes, solo trips with,” he writes. Then, in late 2022, John and meditations I’ve done, these sad and connected with a widow, and they met for lonely feelings are here right inside me.” coffee. “She then sent me a text saying she One thing that eventually calms AH is didn’t want to pursue [a relationship] any to take “three deep breaths and really feel further. I didn’t object or ask her why.” what I’m feeling. I cry and ask the divine Months later, John sent her a text to being to help me through. I tell myself that thank her for recommending an estate atthe person who is looking for me is also torney. “She responded by inviting me to feeling it, and he is looking forward to her house to catch up over a glass of meeting me just around the corner.” wine,” John says — and they began dating. Another follower of my “Dating While By giving space and grace, they’ve spent Gray” podcast, Amy, told me this: “During almost three years now being “completely Covid, after decades of living as a content- in love,” he says. “I couldn’t be happier.” ed divorcee who dated off and on, I decidLaura Stassi is creator and host of the ed I would like to have a partner to age podcast “Dating While Gray: The Grownwith. I bought a piece of cardboard and Up’s Guide to Love, Sex, and Relationships” made three columns: love/life/relation- and author of Romance Redux: Finding ships. I focused on describing what I Love in Your Later Years. Send your queswould want in a future relationship by list- tions about new love after 50 to laura@dating the attributes I found most endearing ingwhilegray.com. But so far, it hasn’t happened. I feel almost like I have a biological clock, much like a woman who by age 40 is panicking she’ll never have children. At almost 72, I am panicking that I may never have another partner to love. —Lynn, Pennsylvania

Happy New Year from the Beacon!

FROM PAGE 28 ANSWERS TO SCRABBLE

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ANSWERS TO CROSSWORD A B L E W A R P P U B A L A R C A R G O C L E G C O C O A F O M O A L O H A U T E M E R I T E T H S T E P S Y O Y O B O G O S O S O T O T O E L I C I T R I D E U P O R S S P E N D S A P P A L L A H A H I L T O N L O N G E D P O L O N O N O L E P E R P O C O L O C O R O U G E E D U T A I R O M O P H O T O F I E N D E R A S E T A M E H U L L S T A R S T Y E Y E S

ANSWERS TO JUMBLE Jumbles: NIECE MODEM INWARD TARGET Answer: The mail was being delivered to California by the Pony Express in 1860 — “RIDE” ON TIME

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Music in Me Foundation unites people By Laura Sturza A local arts foundation’s tagline is “Unleash Your Superpowers.” From movement classes for older adults to art sessions for high schoolers, the Music in Me Foundation encourages us all to live our best lives, no matter our age. “We develop new superpowers as we get older. It could be friendship. You could be the person who makes others feel comfortable. It could be your strength, creativity, rhythm, motivation,” said Jane Pinczuk, 62, who founded The Music in Me Foundation in 2013. “They are your strengths and are deep inside of you. They never go away.” In addition to offering classes for older adults, the nonprofit foundation aims to end bullying and gun violence through afterschool programs for young people that include music, storytelling, literacy, STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) and the visual and performing arts.

dancing along with those onstage. The pep rally tries “to motivate and inspire students and to unite the school community,” Pinczuk said. “It demonstrates the importance of looking out for one another and the power each of us has to make a difference,” she said. The Music in Me Foundation President and Artistic Director Daniel Soto attests to the program’s effectiveness. “I’ve had students who became chefs after their senior year. They found themselves through this program. There are students I’ve taught who are now teachers,” Soto said. He described one student who had been on house arrest and went on to take on a major leadership role in his school’s final PeerPositivePOWER performance. Soto said that these creative interventions are transformative not only for the students but also for their families.

Artists teach kids, adults

Inspired by late daughter

The program’s “teaching artists,” including dancers, rappers, writers and visual artists, lead classes that use the arts to teach life skills and boost academic performance. For example, if a school district wants to improve literacy scores, Music in Me teachers implement strategies that support science, math, communication and social and emotional learning, Pinczuk said. The series of classes concludes with a schoolwide pep rally, PeerPositivePOWER. This interactive multimedia performance gets students drumming, singing and

Pinczuk’s daughter, Michele Amira, was a journalist and visual and performing artist who dared to challenge peers who bullied her. At the same time, her body was under attack by a rare illness that ultimately took her life in 2021 at age 27. Pinczuk and her colleagues were determined to keep Amira’s creative, adventurous spirit alive through the programs of Music in Me. The group offers classes for people of all abilities across the DMV. “Not only do we work with people of different physical abilities, but also people of

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different cognitive abilities,” Pinczuk said. “It’s so uplifting to have a mix because the seniors that have different cognitive abilities have no filters, and it makes for a more expressive environment. They’re freer, and it makes the rest of the community feel freer, and it’s so supportive.” While Pinczuk is the group’s founder and CEO, she, like Soto, is also a dedicated teaching artist. One of her students is Linda Curry, 69. Although Curry had never taken dance classes before, the retired social services worker began three years ago. She now attends several classes each week, including Pinczuk’s SuperPower Dance Hour at Wheaton Senior Center, one of the 10 classes Pinczuk teaches for older adults in the area. “The music is wonderful, the energy is great, and I enjoy seeing familiar faces,” Curry said. She has even shared some of the steps she’s learned with her daughter, who’s in her 30s. They turn up the music and dance together. Pinczuk brings as much energy to her classes as she does to running the foundation. “Her enthusiasm is wonderful,” Curry said. “She’s so sincere, and she wants everyone to have a good time. It doesn’t

matter if you know the steps…she’s so non-judgmental.”

‘The arts are the first to go’

Running a nonprofit of this scope requires significant fundraising, and Music is Me has successfully secured funds from organizations and businesses, including Chuck Levin’s Music Center, WPGC Radio, Trader Joe’s, Mayor Muriel Bowser’s 202Creates initiative, The Trevor Project, Children’s National Medical Center and more. However, like many arts organizations, they are experiencing the effects of budget cuts and freezes. “It’s caused me not to do some major projects in D.C.,” Pinczuk said. “Usually, when budgets are being cut, the arts are the first to go. Arts should be the last thing to go because it supports everything else. It’s what makes children come to school.” Despite those cutbacks, Music in Me remains dedicated to making the arts accessible to people of all ages. During the summer, they host intergenerational workshops, which are “so impactful for young people to see,” Pinczuk said. “I’ve actually had [the kids] say, ‘The seniors have all the fun.’” For more information about the nonprofit, visit themusicinme.org.

J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 6 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

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Crossword Puzzle Find a new crossword every day on our website at www.TheBeaconNewspapers.com/puzzles. Oh, Yes 1

By Stephen Sherr 4

42 45

54 56

58 63

1. More than just willing 5. Take the Enterprise to the Delta Quadrant 9. Good place to quaff some ale 12. Center of “CIRCLE GAME” 13. Banned apple spray 14. Items in a shipping container 16. Concern that the hot chocolate line is too long 18. “Welcome to Honolulu” 19. Suffix that King James likely used 20. Sport ___ (all-purpose vehicle) 21. Deserve 23. The cha-cha-cha has more than three 25. Deal that brings you back to the toy store 28. Ruff acting performance in The Wiz 31. Provoke 32. Cause a wedgie 34. Indecisive person’s drawn-out words 35. Uses allocated funds 37. Send a prude into a tizzy 41. Moment of fresh insight 42. DoubleTree or Home2Suites brand owner 44. Pined away for 48. Touching your opponent’s horse, for example 52. A bit crazy, south of the border 54. One shunned by society 55. It puts color in your cheeks 56. Part of a freshman’s email address 58. Mai ___ 59. Scoundrel 61. One appears near the end of Dallas Cowboys: The Complete Illustrated History 64. Reset magnetic tape 65. Raised in captivity 66. The Titanic’s was about one inch thick 67. Say ___ to the Dress 68. Puerto Rico’s flag has one 69. Eye sore

Down

Across

Jumble answers on p. 26

1. Lobbyist’s value proposition 2. Drunk as a skunk

25 29

Scrabble answers on p. 26

3. Tres ___ (Mexican cake) 4. Freudian agent 5. Drift out of a bakery 6. Medicinal plant 7. 1981 rebrand of the Dodge D series truck 8. Brief ad 9. Diplomatic system of rules 10. Yuck! 11. Part of a Hulkamania costume 14. Song on SeriusXM’s Holly channel 15. Excuse 17. Texas home of the SXSW festival 22. CBS logo feature since 1951 24. Dermatologist’s concern 25. “Are ___ kidding me?” 26. Cindy, Jan, or Marcia 27. Tiebreakers, briefly 29. Like Michael Jordan’s, Wayne Gretzky’s and Babe Ruth’s jersey numbers 30. New Age musician John 33. ___ Alto (Silicon Valley city) 35. “Get out of here!” 36. Insulin producer 38. Club hosted by Tammy Faye Bakker 39. Accumulate water 40. The last of Henry VIII’s wives to die 41. European peak 43. Nasdaq debut 45. Henchmen 46. Give the slip to 47. Snoopy or Scooby-Doo 49. Unsubscribe 50. With fastidious care 51. Black and orange bird 53. Proofs of on-line identity 56. Source material for the movie Clueless 57. One who takes the bull by the horns 59. Mark Twain Award winner, Tina 60. Hot temper 62. Source of popular non-dairy creamers 63. Fed dept. that oversees the FDA

Answers on page 26

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 6

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Air mail delivered more thrills than texts In case you doubt that oldsters and Pony Express began to get stale. Letters one — the seven-cent air mail stamp from youngsters inhabit separate planets, were suddenly getting from East Coast to the 1950s was a treasure. West in fewer than three days. You could buy it in stunning red or please walk a mile in my Normal time: at least five. bright blue. Either model showed a multishoes at a recent family In approximately the same engine jet, as viewed from the underside. I gathering. era, international mail was can recall being utterly captivated by the A 30-something dad was surging, much of it in the idea that these big birds covered the conticareening around the living form of aerograms. nent — with my thank-you notes to distant room, trying to catch up to his These were ultra-thin, relatives safely aboard. very young, newly mobile crinkly, fold-over-themselves Although passenger travel by jet had bekids. Grandpa Bob was blue sheets of paper. You come close to commonplace in the U.S. by exerting himself by slumping couldn’t enclose anything in 1965, the post office didn’t abandon air on the couch and watching. aerograms, but you could mail stamps — or surcharges — for anothYoung Dad deposited the HOW I SEE IT scrawl a whole bunch of er decade. As it did so, it promised that all kids with their mother and By Bob Levey words onto one 8-by-10 sur- mail would now travel for the lower, estabbegan to clean up scattered lished rate — even mail that traveled by dirty dishes. I noticed a child’s empty face. Aerograms, too, became more popular airplane. The postal people even promised bottle by my feet. I picked it up and tossed as they became more reliable. that mail sent for three cents might get it to him. When my mother lived in Africa in the there more quickly than seven-cent mail “Air mail!,” I shouted. 1960s, the choice was a zillion dollars for a once did. As he caught it, he replied: “Air mail?” Family gatherings can be difficult for He had never heard the expression. He scratchy phone call or a quarter for an many reasons. Political arguments. Kids had never known the distinction between aerogram. No choice at all. But air mail had another massive benefit who won’t stop whining. Dogs who desurface mail and mail that travelled much for former kids of my vintage. If we were mand to be walked just as dinner is comfaster through the skies. For him, all mail is air mail, because stamp collectors — and I was a passionate ing out of the oven. planes had long ago outperformed trains and trucks throughout his lifetime. But between 1925 and 1975, air mail was By Rick Detorie a gee-whiz product of innovation. The first mail shipped by air was handled by private companies. No less than Charles Lindbergh and Amelia Earhart were early pilots. But this effort was hampered by two severe problems. One, planes kept crashing. Two, customers were reluctant to use air mail because it cost somewhere between twice and three times as much. But once the U.S. Postal Service entered the air mail market, life got better for all concerned. By the 1950s, planes crashed less often, and citizen mailers began to see that seven cents for an air mail stamp was a much faster option than three cents for a truck or a train. Jokes about letters being delivered by

ONE BIG HAPPY

BEACON BITS

Jan. 18

HISTORY BOOK TALK

Beth Shalom Congregation hosts award-winning author Scott Seligman, who will discuss his new book, The Great Christmas Boycott of 1906: Antisemitism and the Battle Over Christianity in the Public Schools. The book details the history of Jewish immigrants fighting for the separation of church and state in public schools. This free event takes place on Sun., Jan 18 at 10 a.m. via Zoom. Register at bit.ly/Seligmanbooktalk. For more information, call (410) 531-5115 or email bethshalom@beth-shalom.net.

But I discovered a new way to be irritating. I expounded to the harried 30-something father about how air mail was windin-the-hair exciting, how it promised more efficiency in the same way that V-8 car engines did, that I can well recall my first stamp collecting book, which had a sevencenter right there on the first page. Young Dad blinked at me a couple of times and said: “I don’t know why you didn’t just send a text.” It took me several seconds, jaw dropped open, to realize that he was kidding. It was his way of wanting to change the subject. Fair enough. And yet … Memo to the younger generation: Go ahead. Try to put a text message in a leather-bound album that you’ll keep and admire for ages. I didn’t think so. Bob Levey is a national award-winning columnist.

J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 6 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

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CLASSIFIEDS The Beacon prints classified advertising under the following headings: Business & Employment Opportunities; Caregivers; Computer Services; Entertainment; For Sale; For Sale/Rent: Real Estate; Free; Health; Home/ Handyman Services; Miscellaneous; Obituaries; Personals; Personal Services; Vacation Opportunities; and Wanted. For submission guidelines and deadlines, see the box on page 31. CAVEAT EMPTOR! The Beacon does not knowingly accept obscene, offensive, harmful, or fraudulent advertising. However, we do not investigate any advertisers or their products and cannot accept responsibility for the integrity of either. Respondents to classified advertising should always use caution and their best judgment. EMPLOYMENT & REAL ESTATE ADS: We will not knowingly or intentionally accept advertising in violation of federal, state, and local laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, familial status or handicap in connection with employment or the sale or rental of real estate. Caregivers MOBILE HAIR & NAIL SERVICES - WE COME TO YOU. Professional Licensed Hair Stylist. Women and Men’s Services - All Hair Types. Cuts, Styles, Roller Sets, Color, Perms, Men’s Cuts & Facial Grooming, Manicures & more. Call 301-338-8251. A CARE AGENCY - Been in business for more than 10 years. Experienced nurses, CNAs, GNAs. Any hours you need. Flat rate for live-in. Duties include cooking, housekeeping, bathing, errands, etc. Tel: 667-231-8235. A HOME HEALTHCARE - Experienced nurses, CNA, GNA are available 24/7. Cooking, companionship, personal care, housekeeping, driving. Full/Part-time or live-in care. 15 years’ experience. 240-533-6599.

Computer Services COMPUTERS, TELEVISIONS, CELL PHONE Help For Seniors. We offer patient and thorough help for seniors with all matter of technology. We come to your home. We service MD, VA and DC. Call Senior Tech Pro at 301337-0028. Available 24/7 Ask for Philip.

Entertainment VALENTINE’S DAY BALLROOM DANCE. Saturday, February 14, 2026, 8 pm - 11 pm. Featuring Blue Moon Big Band, a 20-piece orchestra playing dance favorites. Refreshments, DJ fills between breaks, nonstop dancing! $30 at the door. Hollywood Ballroom Dance Center, Silver Spring. Visit www.hollywoodBallroom.com for details.

Financial UP TO $15,000.00 OF GUARANTEED LIFE INSURANCE! No medical exam or health questions. Cash to help pay funeral and other final expenses. Call Physicians Life Insurance Company - 866-212-1092 or visit www.Life55plus.info/beacon

For Sale

Home/Handyman Services

TV/Cable

NEW WINDOWS FROM WINDOW NATION. Special money saving offer zero down, zero payments, zero interest for TWO years AND buy 2 windows and get 2 FREE! Offer is valid for select models. Labor not included. Other restrictions apply. Call Window Nation today! 855-909-2278.

AMERICAN RESIDENTIAL HEATING & COOLING. As temps outside start to climb, the season for savings is now. $49 cooling or heating system tune up. Save up to $2000 on a new heating and cooling system (restrictions apply.) FREE estimates. Many payment options available. Licensed and insured professionals. Call today 1-877-691-0273.

DIRECTV - All your entertainment. Nothing on your roof! Sign up for Directv and get your first three months of Max, Paramount+, Showtime, Starz, MGM+ and Cinemax included. Choice package $84.99/mo. Some restrictions apply. Call DIRECTV 1-888-572-4953.

For Sale: Rent/Real Estate

JACUZZI BATH REMODEL can install a new, custom bath or shower in as little as one day. For a limited time, waiving ALL installation costs! (Additional terms apply. Subject to change and vary by dealer. (Offer ends 9/30/25.) Call 1833-994-0538.

NOW LEASING — Affordable 1-Bedroom Senior Apartment (62+) in Washington, DC. Friendship Area | Immediate Move-In Available. Discover comfortable, affordable living at our 62+ senior apartment community in the heart of Washington, DC’s Friendship neighborhood. 1-Bedroom Apartment Home. Starting at $1,384/month (50% AMI). Washer & Dryer in Unit. Residents Pay Electric & Water. Amenities Include: Fitness Center, Yoga Studio, Onsite Hair Salon, Hobby Room, And more! Income Requirements: Minimum Income: $38,161, Maximum Income: $54,150 (per 50% AMI guidelines). Affordable senior living in a vibrant, amenity-rich community! Contact us for open house dates and times. Call Today: 301-4534655.

Health IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO CHANGE YOUR MIND. At Mindcraft Hypnotherapy you can create the changes you want to live a life you love. Phobias - Grief - Habits - Pain - Limiting beliefs. Silver Spring, MD 20902. 301-7541236 mindcrafthypnotherapy.com DISCOVER NORTH STAR NAVIGATORS: Your Trusted Partner in Elder Support Services. At North Star Navigators, we are dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of our aging population. We understand the challenges that come with aging and are driven by a personal quest to enhance the well-being of seniors. Our telehealth services include: - Comprehensive Assessments & Recommendations - Golden Years Planning - Healthy Ship (Membership). Get Ready to Set Sail with North Star Navigators! Where YOU remain the Captain, and our Stars guide the way. Visit NorthStarNavigators.net or call 833-735-1983 for more information. Your Trusted Team: Anchored in Compassion, Driven by Passion. MOBILEHELP, America’s Premier Mobile Medical Alert System. Whether You’re Home or Away. For Safety and Peace of Mind. No Long Term Contracts! Free Brochure! Call Today! 1240-650-9189. PORTABLE OXYGEN CONCENTRATOR May Be Covered by Medicare! Reclaim independence and mobility with the compact design and long-lasting battery of Inogen One. Free information kit! Call 855-851-0949. DENTAL INSURANCE from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for 400 plus procedures. Real dental insurance - NOT just a discount plan. Do not wait! Call now! Get your FREE Dental Information Kit with all the details! 1-844-366-1003 www.dental50plus.com/320 #6258

Home/Handyman Services SLOWING DOWN AFTER 44 YEARS OF CONTRACTING. Small to medium jobs mainly residential but will do some commercial work. Will work all over the DC area. $45.00 from arrival on job. Andy Gigliotti 703-9065429.

GARDENS OF FAITH for sale 1 tandem vault asking $10,000 (2 occupants). Burial plot $2,000 each and 10% discount for multiple lots. Call Jim 443-425-4127.

SETTLING AN ESTATE? Downsizing Specialists, LLC can help with the overwhelm. Our proven process helps you thoughtfully decide what to keep, gift, sell, donate, or discard with compassion and clarity at every step. Services include estate liquidation, downsizing, estate sales, storage unit clean-outs, junk removal. We buy estates, vehicles, & houses. Free estimates. Local. Family Owned. Licensed. Insured. Better Business Bureau A+ Certified Call/Text Philip 301-219-3600 DownsizingSpecialists.com

CEMETERY PLOTS Fort Lincoln Cemetery. Brentwood, MD. 4 plots Section K-B Lot 30 Sites 1-4. Single depth. Monument privilege. Number of plots and PRICE NEGOTIABLE. Contact Steve Frank. stevefrank22@verizon.net. 301807-5645.

DON’T LET THE STAIRS LIMIT YOUR MOBILITY! Discover the ideal solution for anyone who struggles on the stairs, is concerned about a fall or wants to regain access to their entire home. Call AmeriGlide today! 1-866-3655170.

For Sale

NO MORE CLEANING OUT GUTTERS. Guaranteed! LeafFilter is the most advanced gutter protection for your home, backed by a noclog guarantee and lifetime transferable warranty. Call today 1-855-977-6078 to schedule a FREE inspection and no obligation estimate. Plus get 20% off! Seniors and military save an additional 10%. Restrictions apply, see representative for warranty and offer details. THE BATHROOM OF YOUR DREAMS in as little as 1 day. Limited Time Offer - $1000 off or No Payments and No Interest for 18 months for customers who qualify. BCI Bath & Shower. Many options available. Quality materials & professional installation. Senior & Military Discounts Available. Call Today! 1-855-653-0087.

Miscellaneous PET SITTING BY LEY has openings available to care for your pet while you’re away. We provide daily reports and photos of your pet, for peace of mind. Trained in administering insulin shots and oral medicine (if needed). Excellent references and reviews. We were voted Neighborhood Favorite on Nextdoor. Please feel to contact us at 202-681-1551 for more information or to set up appointment. BECOME A PUBLISHED AUTHOR. We want to Read Your Book! Dorrance PublishingTrusted by Authors Since 1920. Book manuscript submissions currently being reviewed. Comprehensive Services: Consultation, Production, Promotion and Distribution. Call for Your Free Author’s Guide 1-833-992-0110 or visit dorranceinfo.com/beacon CONSUMER CELLULAR - the same reliable, nationwide coverage as the largest carriers. No long-term contract, no hidden fees and activation is free. All plans feature unlimited talk and text, starting at just $20/month. For more information, call 1-833-742-1303.

Personal Services START OFF YOUR NEW YEAR right. Treat yourself to one-on-one Personal Training with a World Class Rehab Specialist. I come to you and help you reach your goals. Ask about our New Year specials. Call (410) 739-3318 to set up a free fitness evaluation.

Wanted WILL BUY MILITARY, WWII, WWI, Civil War memorabilia items. Uniforms, weapons, helmets, photos, war souvenirs, medals, photos or any other items associated with U.S., German, Japanese or other military history. Call Dave (240-464-0958) or email (david.obal63@gmail.com). COINS, STAMPS, PAPER MONEY, & AUTOGRAPHS WANTED. Paying top prices. Free estimates — Will travel. No collection too large or too small. 50 years of experience. Licensed. Member of major associations. Call Dirk at 301-7045453 or email dirkkitchin@earthlink.net. BOOKSHELVES OVERFLOWING? Boxes of books? Stacks of CDs? We’ll haul them off — FREE pickup, same day service available. Easy declutter, no stress. Call 703-980-7421 or mdbookpickup@gmail.com. PAYING TOP CASH FOR ANTIQUES AND COLLECTIBLES. Housecalls made with prompt, courteous service seven days a week and 25 years of experience! Buying toys, trains, militaria, glassware, advertising merchandise, paper items and much more! Contact Mason or Megan at: 443-306-8816. WANTED: OLDER VIOLINS, GUITARS, BANJOS, MANDOLINS, UKULELES. Musician/collector will pay cash for older string instruments. Jack (301) 279-2158, leave message & phone number (please speak slowly). CASH FOR ESTATES; moving, downsizing, single item, or whole estate. I buy a wide range of items. Gary Roman, TheAtticLLC.com. 301520-0755. CASH FOR RECORDS, CDS AND DVDS. Best price guaranteed. Free appraisals. All types of music {33, 45, 78 & CDs.} Also buying turntables and stereo equipment. Will make house calls with CURBSIDE PICKUPS. Call or text Steve at 301-646-5403. ALWAYS BUYING SILVER, gold-filled & gold jewelry, Old Silverware & holloware marked “Sterling,” old fountain pens, old tobacco pipes, dental gold, the old stuff... What do you have? Call or text Alex at 571-426-5363. DMW area I’ll pick up! I BUY GUNS: Military/Civilian & MILITARY MEMORABILIA. I am a licensed Firearms Dealer and can legally purchase from you. I also buy medals, uniforms & insignia. Tim Frank 301-201-0241. historian1975@gmail.com. www.midatlanticmilitaryantiques.com CASH FOR JEWELRY: Buying jewelry, diamonds, gold, platinum, silver, watches, coins, flatware, etc. Ask for Tom. Call anytime, 301654-8678 (Reg. 883).

BEACON BITS

Jan. 30

HYDROPONIC VEGETABLE GARDENING WEBINAR

Join Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia to learn about the benefits and drawbacks of growing vegetables in different hydroponic systems, and how to set up your own at home. This free webinar takes place on Fri., Jan. 30 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Zoom. Register at bit.ly/hydroponicveggiegardening. For more information, call (703) 228-6414 between 9 a.m. and noon, Monday through Friday.

Feb. 3

LUNAR NEW YEAR TOUR (VIRTUAL)

This free virtual tour features selected works from the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art. Discover the legends, fortunes and symbolism linked to the Lunar New Year: the Year of the Horse in 2026. This free event takes place on Tue., Feb. 3 from 1 to 2 p.m. on Zoom. For more information and to register, visit s.si.edu/4qtrMVr or call the museum at (202) 663-1000.

VISIT THE GLENSTONE MUSEUM

Ongoing Take the Ride On bus Route 301 for guaranteed walk-in entry to

the Glenstone Museum. The museum is located at 12100 Glen Rd., Potomac, MD, and is open Thursday through Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free. For the Route 301 schedule, visit bit.ly/Route301schedule. For more information about the museum, visit glenstone.org.

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 6

Makes a great gift

BEACON BITS

Jan. 28+ WINTER NATURE WALKING TOUR

A naturalist leads this free nature walk on the second and fourth

Wednesdays of each month. Meet at the Long Branch Nature Center for a walk to observe how the landscape changes with the seasons. Meet on Wed., Jan. 28 from noon to 1 p.m. at 625 S. Carlin Springs Rd., Arlington, VA. Registration isn’t necessary. For more information, contact Rob Barnovsky at (703) 228-6535 or rbarnovsky@arlingtonva.us.

Feb. 10

MEDICARE WEBINAR This free webinar, hosted by the Arlington County VICAP, covers enrollment periods, costs, benefits and what’s new in 2026 for

individuals soon to be eligible for Medicare or those already enrolled who want to learn more. Join the presentation on Tue., Feb. 10 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. online. For more information and to register (by Fri., Feb. 6), email Medicarehelp@arlingtonva.us or call (703) 228-1725.

HOW TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED AD All classified ads must be submitted and paid for online, via our website, www.thebeaconnewspapers.com/classifieds Deadlines and Payments: To appear in the next issue, your ad text and payment must be entered by the 5th of the preceding month (for Baltimore and Howard County editions); by the 20th (for Washington edition). Cost will be based on the number of characters and spaces in your ad: • $25 for 1-250 • $35 for 251-500. • $50 for 501-750 (maximum length). The website will calculate this amount for you. Note: Maryland contractors must provide a valid MHIC number. • Each real estate listing qualifies as one ad. • All ads are subject to publisher’s discretion. Payment will be refunded if unacceptable for any reason.

To place your classified ad, visit www.thebeaconnewspapers.com/classifieds

We thank our advertisers who make our publication possible. Please patronize them and let them know you saw their ad in the Beacon! Clinical Health Studies Smell Test Study . . . . . . .10

Employment/ Volunteer Opp. Career Gateway . . . . . . . .23 JCA Virtual 50+ Employment Expo . . . .18 Montgomery Serves . . . .19

Events Brooke Grove Retirement Village . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Funeral Services Cremation Society of Maryland . . . . . . . . . . .14 Going Home Cremation . .7 MacNabb Funeral Home . .14

Home Health Best Senior Care . . . . . . .B4

Home Improvement ARS Rescue Rooter . . .B14 Window Nation . . . . . . . .32

Housing Asbury Dwellings . . . . . . .6 Ashby Ponds/ Erickson . . . . . . .B5, B10 Brooke Grove Retirement Village . . . . . . .8, B8, B10 Carnegie at Washingtonian Center . . . . . . . . . .3, B13 Chevy Chase House . . . .B7 Churchill Senior Living . . .7 Culpepper Garden . . . . . . .5 Discovery Village Chevy Chase . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B3 Grandview, The/ Erickson . . . . . . . .B4, B5 Greenspring/ Erickson . . . . . . . .B5, B8 Hill House at Beechfield . .6 Homecrest House . . . . . .B2 Housing Inititive Partnership . . . . . . . . .B13 Inspīr Embassy Row . . . . . . . . . . . .B8, B9 Park View Bladensburg . .11 Park View Columbia . . . .11 Park View Emerson . . . . .11 Park View Laurel . . . . . . .11

Riderwood/ Erickson . . . . . . . .B5, B8 Reserve at Falls Church .B11 Seaton Silver Spring . . . .B6 Vinson Hall . . . . . . . . . .B13 Woodleigh Chase/ Erickson . . . . . . . .B4, B5

Legal Services Farr Law Firm . . . . . . . . .19 Law Offices of Paul Riekhof . . . . . . . . .18

Medical/Health/ Insurance Bluelene . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Chesapeake Hearing . . . . .7 Medical Eye Center . . . . .14 Physicians Life Insurance . . . . . . . . . . .22 Pure Dental Care . . . . . . .10

Real Estate Services Eric Stewart/ Long & Foster . . . . . .B12

Retail The 12 Days of Christmas Book . . . . . . . . . . . . .B15

Senior Resources DC Living Boldly Newsletter . . . . . . . .12-13 Getting Older/ Eric Stewart . . . . . . . .B12 GROWS . . . . . . . . . . . .B15 Kensington Clubs . . . . . .23 Mont. Co. Age Friendly . .16 Mont. Co. Aging & Disability . . . . . . . . . . .15

Theatre/ Entertainment F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 Kennedy Center . . . . . . . .25 Senior Zone Radio Show .21 Stuart’s Melodies . . . . . . .21 Toby’s Dinner Theatre . . .27 US Air Force Band . . . . .27

Transportation/ Travel Ride On . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 6 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

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