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Virginians over 50 go for the gold A participant in Northern Virginia Senior Olympics gears up for the discus competition. Anyone over 50 can register this month for the games, which take place in September and October. See story on page 3.

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Fitness & Health

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Stronger together Since stepping into the role of pubFor 38 years, the Beacon covered D.C., lisher this year, I have had a lot on my Montgomery and Prince George’s counplate. Running a company is ties in Maryland, and Northentirely different from being ern Virginia together. one of its executives. Now we are separating The best part of ownerthem. The Beacon’s D.C./ ship is the autonomy — I no Suburban Maryland edition longer need clearance to will focus entirely on D.C., launch new ideas and initiaMontgomer y and Prince tives. The worst part, howGeorge’s counties, while ever, is the constant secNorthern Virginia will have its ond-guessing. While I am own dedicated paper. lucky to have an exceptional As an Arlington resident for team to strategize with and FROM THE more than 20 years, I have alour retired founders as a re- PUBLISHER ways believed NoVA deserved By Gordon Hasenei sourceful sounding board, its own publication. Just last the reality remains: “The month, we received a letter to buck stops here.” the editor expressing exactly that desire We’re working on some exciting (I promise I didn’t pay them to write it!). changes to better serve our readers. Traffic in the D.C. metro area is ranked Among all the ideas we are looking at, ex- among the worst in the country, mostly panding our editions is the easiest — and due to the gridlock crossing the Potomac. smartest — choice. As someone who has commuted over We are embracing “geotargeting” to those bridges two decades, I know eximprove the reader experience. Instead actly how frustrating it is. (I’m still waitof one massive edition, we are narrowing ing for that personal Uber helicopter.) our focus to bring you more local news. Splitting our paper at the Potomac just

The Beacon is a monthly newspaper dedicated to inform, serve and entertain the citizens of the Northern Virginia area, and is privately owned. Other editions serve D.C. & Suburban Maryland, and Baltimore & Howard County, Maryland. Subscriptions are available via first-class mail ($50) or third-class mail ($20), prepaid with order. D.C. and Maryland residents: add 6% 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. Gordon Hasenei, Publisher, CEO Steve Gurney, Associate Publisher Margaret Foster, Editor Kyle Gregor y, Art Director Roger King, Vice President of Operations Advertising Representatives: Jill Joseph, Steve Levin, M.K. Phillips Ana Preger Hart, Assistant Editor Tori Cleveland, Editorial Assistant Stuart & Judy Rosenthal, Founders

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makes sense. It allows us to provide content and resources that are relevant to where you live. While we’ve grown over the past 38 years, our roots remain on the east side of the Potomac, where we continue to have a strong allegiance. Being a successful newspaper in the 21st century is a challenge. We have more choices than ever for how, where and what type of information we consume. The explosion of the internet and AI has made it easier to find topics across multiple resources, putting increased pressure on printed publications. Yet, while other newspapers cut circulation or close, we continue to thrive, thanks to you. We currently print approximately 200,000 copies, and I expect our circulation to continue to grow. Thanks to your support, we remain one of the largest niche publications in the country and a valuable resource for older adults. Because we recognize how the internet and AI have changed information

consumption, we are enhancing our online presence. We are in the process of redesigning our website and merging content from the Positive Aging site. While we know a strong, compelling online presence is the future, I believe the Beacon’s print newspaper will be around for the foreseeable future. One of the benefits of a printed newspaper is the ability to take it with you, share it with a friend, read it anywhere, clip and save an interesting article or ad — or heck, even use to cover a table while you eat crabs. Have you ever tried to eat crabs on a computer monitor? We heard you, and we genuinely appreciate your feedback. I hope you enjoy the changes and know that we will always remain dedicated to serving you.

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 i ssues of the day. Mail your Letter to the Editor to The Beacon, 3720 Farragut Ave., Suite 501, Kensington, MD 20895, or email to info@thebeaconnewspapers.com. Please include your name, address and telephone number for verification. Dear Editor: I read Carolyn Ellis’s guest column, “Find Your Passion,” in the June Beacon, more than 10 times because it touched my heart. Her story about becoming an abstract artist reminded me of my own experience in 1990, when I took a basic painting class at the University of Maryland. On the first day of class, I noticed an older gentleman painting a beautiful picture. When I asked if he was a professional artist, he said no; he worked as an international lawyer. He explained that he had always dreamed of becoming an artist. However, he did not think he could earn a living through art, so he attended law school instead. At age 72, he was finally pursuing the dream he had postponed for decades. Back then, at age 32, my focus was simply surviving as an immigrant. Today, after 30 years working as a USPS letter carrier, earning a master’s degree, becoming a real estate broker, raising a family and serving my community, I have discovered my passion. Since retiring, I have become more involved in senior programs and community activities. I am grateful for the opportunities this country has given me, and I now enjoy sharing my experiences and

encouraging others to pursue their passions at any age. Eric Kuohwa Wang Rockville, Mar yland Dear Editor: The reason teenagers are acting out in Washington, D.C., and its suburbs is due to the attitudes of our politicians. If politicians and “influencers” lie, cheat, steal and scream at each other, children will continue to misbehave. Larr y Calhoun Capitol Heights, MD Dear Editor: Is Laura Stassi’s column “New Love After 50” really necessary? Who cares about people’s shallow and toxic love lives? I’m a widow, married 46 years to a committed, caring man who valued friendship above all. I don’t need a partner to feel valued or happy. I’m grown up. Women need to get out of the Dark Ages and be independent, accept their age and follow a higher road. Friendship between men and women is possible — much healthier and respectful. Try it. C. Huff Woodstock, MD

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COVER STORY

Senior Olympians cheer each other on

Many events for all abilities

More than 1,200 people from Northern Virginia competed in the games last year. Of the dozens of events to choose from, the most popular include pickleball (of course), swimming and indoor track. This year sees some changes: The organizing committee has brought back the weightlifting event and added rock climbing and darts. But you don’t have to be a triathlete to compete in the Northern Virginia Senior Olympics. Some of the events, like bocce, horseshoes and poker, are games of skill. Others, like Sudoku, cribbage and mahjong, fall into the intellectually strenuous category. There’s no upper age limit, so even nonagenarians can compete. Arlingtonian Alease Brooks, who is 93, has participated in as many as 10 events every year for the past 20 years, including pickleball, long jump and sprints. “People think I’m crazy, but I enjoy being old and being able to do the kinds of things that I can still do,” said Brooks, who plays pickleball four times a week in addition to bowling, golfing and teaching an exercise class. “It’s not about age,” she said. “It’s about doing what you can do at that age.”

Launched in 1982

The Northern Virginia Senior Olympics took shape 46 years ago. Back in 1980, both Fairfax County and Falls Church organized competitions for their older residents. Betsy Bailey, director of the Falls Church senior center, worked to join forces with other jurisdictions, and Del Wilson, a Burke school administrator, was an early organizer of the effort. “In the summer of 1982, Fairfax County and Falls Church got together with Loudoun County and decided to call themselves the Northern Virginia Senior Olympics,” explained Ray Kaminski, one of the 80 participants in the first games, in a 2022 interview. The inaugural events took place at George Mason University’s athletic facility in Fairfax. “We were very fortunate to have a bunch of very dedicated people who were committed and wanted to keep organizing the Senior Olympics,” Kaminski said. Volunteers are just as essential to the games today. They act as judges, timers and organizers for 90 events, held in 30 locations across Northern Virginia. Many volunteers are longtime participants in the games as well. That was the case for Michael Coleman, current chair and treasurer of the NVSO. In 2014 he signed up for the rowing event, won a gold medal, and asked then-chair Herb Levitan how he could help out. “I said, ‘Herb, this is just a really great idea. What more can I do, other than giving a contribution with my registration fee?’ He said, ‘Well, you could join the [organizing] committee,’ so I did,” Coleman said. Levitan himself got involved in the games two decades ago. After he retired in 2005, his wife spotted an article about the games and encouraged him to sign up for a swim race. “I really didn’t know what to expect,” Levitan recalled. He was pleasantly surprised by his time, he said, and even more impressed by his fellow swimmers, who congratulated him and suggested he swim at the state senior games. “This encouragement is typical of the spirit of the Senior Olympics at all levels,” said Levitan, who’s still active as a participant as well as NVSO’s registrar, fundraising and events chair. “Competitors cheer each other on.”

Camaraderie shines

At every event, from pickleball to canasta, it’s not uncommon for strangers to compliment each other, encourage each other or just strike up a conversation. “Meeting all the people was actually

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By Margaret Foster “You never know what you can do until you try.” —C.S. Lewis The Tobias family of Annandale, Virginia, wasn’t one to sit around. With seven children, all of whom played sports, parents Joyce and Thomas Tobias kept busy, shuttling kids to soccer games and gymnastics meets, coaching wrestling and leading family bike rides. In the late 1990s, when the kids were grown, the couple biked across the country together. “I guess you could call us athletic,” Joyce Tobias said. “Having seven children, that’s athletic itself.” So it wasn’t a stretch when they started participating in the Northern Virginia Senior Olympics (NVSO): first swimming, then cycling. For the past 25 years the games have been an annual ritual for the couple, now 88 and 93 and living in Sterling, Virginia. They’ve even passed the torch to their daughter Ann Chaney, 61. After watching her parents from the sidelines for years, Chaney, a triathlete, now joins them in the bike races (in a different age category). “Anybody should try it out,” Chaney said. “It’s perfect for somebody who wants to be competitive but also for someone who’s never even done a race. … There’s definitely a lot of camaraderie. People finish the race and go back and cheer on other people,” Chaney said.

Diver Madeline Fleckenstein, 63, won gold at last year’s Northern Virginia Senior Olympics. Registration for this fall’s events opens on July 6.

one of the things that has kept me coming back,” Coleman said. “You meet people from all different walks of life, and they have so many different stories. They have so many different takes on things — as well as different levels of ability and motivation. That has been the most rewarding thing for all the hours that I put in as a volunteer.” Stop by any event and you’ll see proud grandchildren, friends and volunteers snapping photos and hugging their family members afterward. The games are a mini-reunion for participants, too. Some people count on seeing each other at the games year after year. Coleman, for instance, looks forward to catching up with his rowing friends every September. “We’ve been doing it for a decade. We like to compete against each other, but at the same time you get to meet with them and talk to them afterward.”

Low price, unlimited events

The games are sponsored by local city and county governments, including Arlington, Fairfax, Fauquier, Loudoun and Prince William counties, as well as Alexandria and Falls Church. In addition, these companies provide support: AARP Virginia, The Beacon Newspapers, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, Erickson Senior Living, Falcons Landing, Johns Hopkins Health Plans,

The Mather Tysons, Seniors Helping Seniors, United Healthcare, Vinson Hall and the Woodlands Retirement Community. That sponsorship means the cost to sign up is just $20 — not a bad deal, considering you can sign up for as many events as you want, even if you aren’t an expert. “The ‘open enrollment’ policy and the enthusiastic support of fellow participants encourage people to sign up for multiple events and to try out events that they had never tried before,” Levitan said, who has done as many as 20 to 30 events in some years. Spectators are welcome at all events, and the diving competition usually draws a crowd. Some people just come to watch and cheer for intrepid older Virginians who give it their all. That’s how Ann Chaney of Bristoe got involved, watching her mother’s swim races for five years. Chaney would also drop off her parents at the start of the cycling racecourse and wait for them to cross the finish line. “They were there for me for many years,” she said, “so why not be there for them?” The 2026 Northern Virginia Senior Olympics will take place from September 9 through October 4, 2026. Registration opens on July 6 and closes August 24. For a list of events and to sign up, visit nvso.us.

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JULY 2026 — NOR THERN VIRGINIA BEACON

Health Fitness &

THE EYES HAVE IT Protect your eyes with sunglasses, regular exams and a healthy diet TICK ALERT In addition to Lyme disease, alpha-gal syndrome, an allergy to meat, can occur after a tick bite. To protect yourself, wear treated clothing or apply repellant TECH CAN HELP Despite Parkinson’s, a musician can still make music, with the help of AI

New pill promises hope for pancreatic cancer By Lauran Neergaard A novel pill helped people with advanced pancreatic cancer live longer, raising hopes of long-needed better treatments for one of the deadliest types of cancer. “While not curing the cancer, it is a very large step forward,” said Dr. Zev Wainberg, of the University of California, Los Angeles, who helped lead the study. The drug is called daraxonrasib, and it blocks a mutated protein that fuels tumor growth in more than 90% of pancreatic cancer cases — a target that had eluded treatment for decades. The daily pills nearly doubled survival time, with fewer severe side effects than continuing chemotherapy, in a study that randomly assigned the experimental drug or more chemotherapy to 500 patients whose metastatic, or spreading, cancer had quit responding to prior treatment. The findings were published in the New England Journal of Medicine and presented May 31 at the American Society for Clinical Oncology (ASCO) meeting in Chicago, prompting a standing ovation. Those taking daraxonrasib lived for a median of 13.2 months compared with 6.7 months for chemotherapy recipients. While that may seem like a small im-

provement, Wainberg said it marked the first drug to show a substantial advantage over chemotherapy. “Having treated pancreatic cancer for 16 years, I actually started crying” when first seeing the study results, Dr. Rachna Shroff of the University of Arizona Cancer Center, who wasn’t involved with the research, said from the ASCO meeting. She was struck by how “patients stayed on this treatment because it was providing durable and meaningful benefit to them.”

Better quality of life

The pills’ effects eventually wane, but recipients used them for significantly longer than the comparison group stayed on chemotherapy, reporting less pain and a better quality of life as their tumors shrank. Many still were using the drug after the data was analyzed, which Wainberg said means the survival gap may widen as researchers continue tracking them. Dr. Brian Wolpin, of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, presented the findings. He said the drug should become “a new standard of care” for previously treated metastatic pancreatic cancer, adding that researchers also will explore its use earlier in the disease, including to see if tumor shrinkage might let more patients qualify for surgery.

Side effects most likely to affect pill usage were a rash that can be severe and mouth sores, he said. Daraxonrasib’s developer, Revolution Medicines, funded the study, and the FDA plans to expedite review of the drug. Meanwhile, the agency is allowing what’s called “expanded access” to the experimental drug for patients who meet certain criteria. The drug garnered public attention in April, when former U.S. Sen. Ben Sasse described on “60 Minutes” how he’s had less pain while taking it. Oncologists are being flooded with requests as the special access program gets started.

A turning point

Pancreatic cancer is among the most deadly forms because it’s hard to detect before it starts spreading to other organs. The American Cancer Society estimates about 67,000 new cases will be diagnosed in the U.S. this year, and more than 52,000 people will die from the disease. The fiveyear overall survival rate is 13%. Unlike with other cancers that have benefitted from a variety of chemotherapy alternatives, pancreatic cancer has been harder to tackle. Cancer specialists not involved in the new research expressed optimism that

this may be a turning point in the quest for new options, with dozens of experimental drugs in development. The new drug targets mutations in the RAS gene family that normally regulates cell growth. So-called KRAS mutations are especially critical in fueling pancreatic cancer. But a structure that made it hard for drugs to stick to the mutated proteins meant this cancer driver was long considered “undruggable.” Revolution Medicines’ drug uses what’s essentially a molecular glue to bind with multiple KRAS subtypes. Wainberg said researchers next will probe whether the drug worked better in certain ones of those subtypes. The drug will change pancreatic cancer treatment, said Dr. Andrew Coveler of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, who wasn’t involved in the research. “This thing works drastically differently,” he said. Wainberg said other drugs in development target specific KRAS subtypes. Other approaches in earlier stages of testing include vaccines designed to prevent recurrence after pancreatic cancer surgery by teaching the immune system to recognize the mutated protein. —AP

How much calcium intake is too much? By Howard LeWine, M.D. Q: I take a 500 mg calcium supplement ever y morning. I drink about three glasses of milk daily, plus the milk on my breakfast cereal. Is this too much calcium? Is there any danger from taking in more calcium than you need? Can it cause calcium buildup in my heart? A: Yes, you are taking in more calcium than you need to keep your bones and the rest of your body healthy. The current recommendation in the United States is 1,000 milligrams (mg) of calcium per day from ages 19 to 50 and then 1,200 mg per day after age 50. However, these amounts are probably more than we actually need. For example, in the United Kingdom, the recommendation is only 700 mg per day. The

World Health Organization says that 500 mg daily is enough. I estimated your calcium intake based on the information you provided. Eight ounces of milk contains 300 mg. Three glasses of milk is 900 mg. You are getting additional calcium from other foods. Adding the 500 mg supplement each day, your total daily consumption of calcium including other food sources is probably more than 1,700 mg per day. Regarding your second question, does ingesting that much calcium adversely affect your health? No definitive answer on that one. Some studies have shown that men who take in very high amounts of calcium have an increased risk of dying from prostate cancer. Other studies suggest that women who ingest high doses of calcium might

have more heart disease and may have a slightly increased risk of ovarian cancer. But none of these studies are conclusive. The effect of calcium on the heart and circulatory system is a very interesting question. When fatty deposits build up in our arteries, they pull out calcium from the bloodstream. The calcium gets deposited inside the fatty deposits, and the calcium there makes arteries stiff. The calcium in our blood comes from our bones. There is no evidence that diets very rich in calcium harm the heart. The known danger of taking too much calcium is elevated levels of blood calcium called hypercalcemia. If untreated, this can lead to fatigue, kidney problems and mental confusion. But this is actually quite uncommon, and usually is the result of taking high dose supplements of

both calcium and vitamin D. Unless your doctor specifically recommended the calcium supplement, you probably don’t need it. But be sure you are getting enough vitamin D. I personally recommend a multiple vitamin or a 1,000 IU vitamin D supplement daily. Like calcium, more is not necessarily better. Vitamin D enhances the absorption of calcium from the intestine into the blood, so a moderate intake of both is best. 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, see health.harvard. edu. © 2026 Harvard University. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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NOR THERN VIRGINIA BEACON — JULY 2026

How to protect your vision right now By Feature Impact As you get older, your risk for some eye diseases may increase. However, there are steps you can take to keep your eyes healthy — and it starts with taking care of your overall health. Set yourself up for a lifetime of seeing your best with these eight tips from the experts at the National Eye Institute: 1. Find an eye doctor you trust: Many eye diseases don’t have any early symptoms, so you could have a problem and not know it. An eye doctor can help you stay on top of your eye health. Find an eye doctor you trust by asking friends and family if they like their doctors. You can also check with your health insurance plan to find eye doctors near you. 2. Ask how often you need a dilated eye exam: Getting a dilated eye exam is the single best thing you can do for your eye health. It’s the only way to find eye diseases early, when they’re easier to treat — and before they cause vision loss. Your eye doctor will decide how often you need an exam based on your risk for eye diseases. 3. Move more: Physical activity can lower your risk for health conditions that can affect your vision, like diabetes and high blood pressure. If you have trouble finding time for physical activity, try building it into other activities. Walk around while you’re on the phone, do push-ups or stretch while you watch TV or dance while you’re doing chores. Anything that gets your heart pumping counts. 4. Get your family talking about eye health histor y: Some eye diseases — like glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration — can run in families. The next time you’re chatting with relatives,

ask if anyone knows about eye problems in your family. Be sure to share what you learn with your eye doctor to see if you need to take steps to lower your risk. 5. Step up your healthy eating game: Eating healthy foods helps prevent health conditions — like diabetes or high blood pressure — that can put you at risk for eye problems. Eat right for your sight by adding more eye-healthy foods to your plate, such as dark, leafy greens like spinach, kale and collard greens, and fish high in omega-3 fatty acids like halibut, salmon or tuna. 6. Make a habit of wearing your sunglasses, even on cloudy days: The sun’s UV rays can harm your skin, and the same goes for your eyes. However, wearing sunglasses that block 99% to 100% of both UVA and UVB radiation can protect your eyes and lower your risk for cataracts. Look for ones labeled “UV400” or “100% UV Protection.” 7. Stay on top of long-term health conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure: Diabetes and high blood pressure can increase your risk for some eye diseases, like glaucoma. If you have diabetes or high blood pressure, ask your doctor about steps you can take to manage your condition and lower your risk of vision loss. 8. If you smoke, make a plan to quit: Quitting smoking is good for your entire body, including your eyes. Kicking the habit can help lower your risk for eye diseases like macular degeneration and cataracts. Quitting smoking is hard, but it’s possible — and a plan can help. Test your eye health knowledge with a quick quiz and find more vision resources at nei.nih.gov/hvm.

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What is tick-triggered alpha-gal syndrome? By Matthew Perrone It’s common knowledge that ticks can spread infections that cause serious illnesses, including Lyme disease. Now health officials are trying to raise awareness of a lesser-known problem: a life-threatening allergy to meat triggered by tick bites. The problem, known as alpha-gal syndrome, was first linked to a particular species of ticks about 15 years ago. But cases are on the rise as more people report symptoms such as hives, diarrhea and itchiness after eating as little as a mouthful of meat and — in some cases — dairy. (The allergy doesn’t impact consumption of seafood, eggs or poultry.)

For years, the standard treatment has involved avoiding foods that come from cows, pigs and lambs as well as carrying an epinephrine injector in case of medical emergency. But regulators recently approved the first drug for the condition, and more therapies may be on the way. Here’s what to know about alpha-gal syndrome:

What causes it?

Unlike other tick-borne illnesses, such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever, alpha-gal syndrome isn’t caused by a bacteria or a virus. Instead, it occurs when the human immune system triggers an allergic response to a type of sugar,

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known as alpha-gal. Alpha-gal is found in the meat of most mammals, but not in humans or other primates. It’s also found in the saliva of certain ticks. When eaten, the sugar is normally harmless. But when ticks bite through the skin, they can introduce the sugar directly into the bloodstream. That triggers the development of antibodies — immune system proteins that fight off foreign invaders — that quickly learn to identify and attack alpha-gal sugar molecules. People who develop the antibodies will often experience a strong allergic reaction a few hours after consuming meat or dairy. But it can take weeks or months for the problem to develop, with the severity of symptoms often increasing over time.

Why are more people being diagnosed?

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Experts point to increased awareness among health professionals and the public. “More people have learned about it and are on the watch for this syndrome,” said Maria Diuk-Wasser, a Columbia University researcher who studies tickborne diseases. But rising cases also reflect the expanding habitat range of the lone star tick, the primary source of the condition in the U.S. Often identifiable by a white dot on its back, the lone star tick is most common in the eastern and southern U.S. But in recent years it’s been reported in new parts of the country, including the Great Lakes region and as far north as Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts. Researchers worry that other types of ticks, including blacklegged ticks, may also increasingly spread the condition. Roughly 450,000 Americans are estimated to have developed the allergy, according to a 2023 CDC study.

When should someone get tested?

People usually seek medical attention after experiencing worrisome symptoms, including hives, dizziness, difficulty breathing and swelling of the lips, throat, tongue or eyelids. Some people may only experience digestive issues, including diarrhea, stomach pain, vomiting and nausea. Doctors diagnose the allergy based on

results from a blood test, symptoms and other details reported by the patient, including whether they recall any recent bug bites. The blood test detects the presence of alpha-gal antibodies, but not all patients with a positive result develop the condition. Sometimes the test can also be wrong. “The blood test in and of itself is great, but you can’t rely on that just for diagnosis. You need the actual symptoms too,” said Dr. Scott Commins, an alpha-gal syndrome researcher at the University of North Carolina. “In the allergy world, we have a lot of trouble with false positives on blood tests.”

Which foods are off limits?

Doctors generally advise patients to avoid beef, pork, lamb and other meats from mammals. Some people are still able to consume dairy products from these animals, including milk, cheese and butter. Those with particularly severe reactions may need to avoid foods made with other animal byproducts such as gelatin, which is found in marshmallows and gummy bears.

How long does it last?

The allergy can fade away in some people after several years. Commins has seen that happen in about 15% to 20% of his patients. But it’s critical to avoid new tick bites. As for treatments, in 2024, the FDA approved an injectable drug called Xolair for a variety of food allergies, including alpha-gal syndrome. The drug doesn’t reverse the condition but helps reduce severe allergic reactions after accidental exposure to meat. The drug was first approved more than 20 years ago for patients with hard-tocontrol asthma. It works by reducing the release of biological chemicals that cause inflammation and other allergic reactions. Commins and other researchers hope to study other previously approved drugs as new options for patients. “There are certain [biologic drugs] out there nowadays that interfere with the allergic signaling,” Commins said. “We think that if you were on one of those — or if you got one quickly enough after a tick bite — perhaps it could interfere with the entire allergic response process.” —AP

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How AI helped a musician with Parkinson’s By Mustakim Hasnath Samuel Smith spent years writing songs with a guitar in his hands. Now, the London-based singer-songwriter is using artificial intelligence (AI) tools to help him continue making music after Parkinson’s disease largely took away his ability to play guitar. Smith, who was diagnosed with the progressive neurological disorder in 2020, recently released his second album, The Art of Letting Go. For one of the eight tracks, an instrumental piece titled “Horizon,” he relied on platforms that use AI to generate music to create demo arrangements that would convey his vision to the musicians who then recorded the song. The demos he created by humming rough melodies into his phone and uploading the recordings into song generators like Suno and Udio weren’t for mixing into the final studio version of “Horizon,” Smith stressed. But tremors, stiffness and fatigue, which are common symptoms of Parkinson’s, caused his guitar skills to deteriorate during the more than a year he worked on the album, he said. “So then I’m faced with a question,” Smith, 49, said. “‘Don’t play, don’t be creative, or find a way out, find a route.’ And

for me, this was the route.”

Industry pushback

Generative AI has divided the music industry, whose artists and record labels have complained of their copyrighted work being used to train the models behind AI-powered music tools. Sony Music Entertainment, Universal Music Group and Warner Records sued Suno and Udio in June 2024, although Universal later reached a settlement and partnership deal with Udio, and Warner did the same with Suno. Less discussed is what those AI platforms can do when employed by a serious musician like Smith, whose disease affects the tools central to his songwriting and identity as a guitarist: his hands. He released his debut album, In the Springtime, in 2023, saying he wanted to give his two sons a way to remember when he could perform and record music himself. “I’d always written, I’d also played, I always sung,” he said. “And immediately it became clear to me that I was in trouble, that my music was going to be seriously compromised.”

The problem with AI

trained on large datasets of recorded music and audio. The platforms analyze patterns in melody, harmony and rhythm before generating new audio based on prompts or uploaded recordings. Users don’t need musical talent to end up with a serviceable song, or even a popular one. Smith uses AI a bit differently. He hums a song into his phone, uploads the recording, then prompts AI, describing instrumentation, mood and style. “AI is not replacing anything for me,” he said. “It’s unlocking; it’s enabling. It’s allowing me to keep writing. I upload my lyrics; AI doesn’t create my lyrics. I upload my music; AI does not create my music.” He added: “It then brings it to life in a way that I can play to session players and say, ‘Here, that’s what I’m thinking, that is what I’m hearing.’” Despite the progression of his disease,

Smith recently managed to play a guitar duet with his friend. “I hadn’t been able to play for months, but I kept telling myself that if I wrote something to take to the studio, perhaps the clouds would part for a few minutes,” Smith said. “That’s what happened. I had a window of about 10 minutes in the studio when my arm freed up. ... So in the end, I was able to capture the last breath of my guitar playing.” Smith said he thinks his experience demonstrated how AI could benefit society and expand creative access, if it’s developed responsibly. “If these companies want to show they’ve got a place, a role in society, then step up,” Smith said. “Engage with health professionals, engage with music therapists, engage with society — and show us what you can do.” —AP

BEACON BITS

July 12

GUIDED RELAXATION AND SOUND JOURNEY

Let go of stress during a free, 45-minute guided relaxation that includes a therapeutic sound journey on Sun., July 12 from 2 to 3 p.m. at Beatley Central Library, 5005 Duke St., Alexandria. To register, call the library at (703) 746-1702 or visit bit.ly/therapeuticsound.

AI music generators use systems

Smell Take the

Test Challenge Today

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

Your morning companion Join the listeners who make WAMU News the DMV’s top morning destination. From Morning Edition to 1A, thoughtful news meets calm, clear reporting. YOUR LOCAL NEWS AND NPR STATION Listen on air at WAMU 88.5, stream online at wamu.org, or ask your smart speaker to play WAMU.

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. 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.

Fitness & Health | Subscribe online! See how on p. 27

JULY 2026 — NOR THERN VIRGINIA BEACON

Older Adults, Adults with Disabilities, and Family Caregivers in Fairfax County

Need Help? Start with Us The Adult and Aging Division offers older adults, adults with disabilities, and family caregivers resources and programs: • • • • • • • •

Adult Protective Services Caregiver Support and Education Disability Resources Health and Wellness Workshops Home-Delivered Meals In-Home Care Medicare Counseling (VICAP) And much more!

A FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA. PUBLICATION — 6/2026

Questions? Give Us a Call. Aging, Disability, and Caregiver Resources Line:

703–324–7948, TTY 711

Where a TTY number is not indicated, use 711/Virginia Relay. Reasonable accommodations provided upon request, call 703-324-6877.

NOR THERN VIRGINIA BEACON — JULY 2026

Makes a great gift! | Fitness & Health

Springfield, Va.

Silver Spring, Md.

Springfield Town Center

Silver Spring Civic Building

Sunday, October 18 Noon to 4 p.m.

Sunday, November 8 Noon to 4 p.m.

At Both Locations:

Exhibitors and Resources • Health Screenings Flu/Covid Vaccines • Giveaways • Door Prizes For more info, visit beacon50expo.com To sponsor, exhibit or volunteer, call (301) 949-9766 or email info@theBeaconNewspapers.com

Subscribe online! See how on p. 27

JULY 2026 — NOR THERN VIRGINIA BEACON

July 2026

SeniorOptions Living Presented by

Enter our drawing to win two tickets to a show at Signature Theatre. See p. 18.

Inside Young and welcome

Downsizing tips from pros

No home, no worries

Long-term care insurance

And more!

Residents of Goodwin House Bailey’s Crossroads in Falls Church, Virginia, eat together in one of its restaurants. A young resident explains why he moved in at age 61. See story on page 11. PHOTO COURTESY OF GOODWIN LIVING

Makes a great gift!

NOR THERN VIRGINIA BEACON — JULY 2026

I’m young in my senior living community By James Vandeputte When I was a boy, I worked at an “old folks’ home” in Washington, D.C. The “old” people seemed fun and mellow. I liked that they didn’t have the cares and woes of the workaday world. I found that old people are young people who aged — some better than others. When I got older, I wanted to live like them. I moved into Goodwin House Bailey’s Crossroads, just three days shy of my 61st birthday. The average move-in age is 84. At the office, I was one of the old guys. Here I’m the youngest resident. I have certainly been the object of curiosity. At first, many people would ask me my age. Or if I worked here. But now, almost four years later, I am happier than I have ever been in all my life. Every day, at some point, I say to myself, “I can’t believe I live here” — and in a good way. I could not replicate on my own what I have here at Goodwin House. It’s not just the amenities: a library, indoor swimming pool, gym; it’s all the amazing people I’m surrounded by. In a retirement community, you don’t only get to know the residents; you come to know the employees — they are like

family, the family you want to be around. My home is not just my apartment; my home is this community.

Why I started planning early

I’m relieved to be here now, on my own terms, because I’ve seen what happens when other people don’t plan ahead. My grandmother, a great-aunt and a neighbor stayed in their houses too long and weren’t able to make their own decisions about where they moved. Ever since I was essentially orphaned at age 17, I learned to be self-sufficient. I’ve always wanted to be as prepared as possible; that gives me peace of mind. When I began planning for retirement about 10 years ago, I moved from my house to an apartment. That meant taking on the exhausting work of offloading many of my possessions. I told myself that if I had separation anxiety from “stuff,” I could buy more later, but that didn’t happen. I’ve learned that if you can’t eat it or wear it, don’t buy it. I have enough stuff — what I need is love, warmth and meaningful relationships. After the move to what I thought would be my “forever home,” I asked myself, “I have this much energy now, so how much energy would I conceivably have 10 years

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or more in the future?” I realized that another move could be even more difficult. So I started planning ahead. I looked around at nearby senior living communities and got on the waiting list for Goodwin House when I was 56. I hoped to move up the list by the time I was in my 60s, but I didn’t feel any pressure because I wasn’t obligated to move in at any particular time. During those waitlist years, I attended some events at the complex. At open houses and ice-cream socials, residents would ask me, “Are you looking for a place for your parents?” When I replied that I was looking for my own apartment, the typical reply was, “I should have moved in sooner.” I knew

I was doing the right thing. Retiring here has saved me from social isolation. If I had stayed in my apartment in Arlington, I would essentially be on my own during the weekdays, while most of my neighbors were at work. But I’m not on my own here at Goodwin House.

Life on the inside

There is a new Netflix series called “A Man on the Inside,” starring Ted Danson as a detective undercover at a senior living community, and the show, with its spunky and wise characters, is quite true to life. My next-door neighbor, for instance, See YOUNG, page 12

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Senior Living Options | Subscribe online! See how on p. 27

INDEPENDENT LIVING COMMUNITY

Woodleigh Chase 1-877-211-6968 4595 Burke Station Rd. Fairfax, VA 22032 WoodleighChase.com Woodleigh Chase Has Everything You Need for a Vibrant Retirement. For distinctive retirement living, look no further than Woodleigh Chase,® the premier senior living community in Fairfax. Enjoy a variety of stylish floor plans, exciting amenities, and services to enhance your health and well-being—all in a location you love! 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. Don’t wait to learn more! Call 1-877-211-6968 or visit WoodleighChase.com for your free brochure.

INDEPENDENT LIVING COMMUNITY

Ashby Ponds 877-664-5445 44795 Audubon Square Ashburn, VA 20147 AshbyPonds.com Why Choose Senior Living at Ashby Ponds? There are countless reasons why Ashby Ponds is ideal for your retirement. Enjoy exceptional value, worry-free living, and a community that prioritizes your well-being. Stay active and engaged with a variety of enriching amenities and activities. Plus, gain peace of mind knowing our on-site care is always available when you need it. Ashby Ponds is more than just a place to live; it’s a place to thrive. Discover why Ashburn’s premier senior living community is a great choice for you. Call 1-877-664-5445 to learn more with a free brochure.

INDEPENDENT LIVING COMMUNITY

Greenspring Retirement Community 877-589-9570 7440 Spring Village Drive • Springfield, VA 22150 GreenspringCommunity.com Greenspring. Everything You Need for Vibrant Senior Living For active living with peace of mind, all directions point to Springfield’s premier continuing care retirement community. Fun and Enrichment Every Day Choose from a variety of stylish residences—all just steps from amenities like a pool, fitness center, restaurants, and more. Outstanding Financial Value One convenient Monthly Service Package covers all utilities, property taxes, and maintenance in and around your home. Health and Well-Being Services Enjoy easy access to services like an on-site medical and multiple levels of care, should your needs ever change. Get your FREE brochure today! Call 877-589-9570 or visit GreenspringCommunity.com.

JULY 2026 — NOR THERN VIRGINIA BEACON

Young From page 11

who just turned 100 years old, told me to let her know if her music or football game is too loud so she can turn it down. Yet younger people like me can thrive in retirement communities and contribute to the culture. They can even inspire communities to evolve and add activities that cater to a wider age range. Then again, when you live here, you can do everything or nothing at all. Participation in group activities is not mandatory. Just because a person moves into a retirement community doesn’t mean that they’re an extrovert. Some are here primarily for the continuing care, not the social life, activities and amenities. Here, I’ve been given the luxury of free time. I haven’t cooked a meal since I moved into Goodwin House, and my apartment is cleaned once a week. Less to do, less worry. The 1989 song “Always Saturday” could be the theme song of where I live. Some of the lyrics are, “I want to live where it’s like today, I want to live where it’s always this way, I want to live where it’s always Saturday.”

How I spend my time

Now that I’m retired, I can choose how I want to live each day. I worked for 45 years, and some of it I found satisfying. But I am

finding another type of satisfaction now. I’ve found that in my own community. I never planned or imagined that I would be volunteering in the healthcare center, or in the nursing care and memory care departments in my community. Now I spend my days reading to a blind woman, a stroke survivor and a woman with Parkinson’s as well as visiting patients with dementia and Alzheimer’s. Today I have much more meaning in my life. I have made a difference in the lives of others, and vice versa. I can understand for some the choice and concept of aging in place — the sentimental attachment and memories associated with a place people want to hold onto. I have heard people say that they don’t want to live in “one of those places” or they don’t want to be in “dormitory-style living.” But I didn’t “give up my independence” or anything else to live here. On the contrary, I have gained a great deal. For me, the expression “Life is a journey, not a destination” isn’t quite true. I’ve found that there are many destinations along the way, even when you don’t expect them. Destinations, to me, spark delight and joy. I’m not looking for a fountain of youth. I can and do experience feelings of joy now. Although I’m still a planner, always looking to the future, I enjoy being in the moment and savoring it.

Downsizing tips from the pros

For empty nesters, older adults and people moving into a smaller space, downsizing can feel emotionally and physically overwhelming. But careful planning and perspective can make it easier. Don’t guess; calculate: Measure your new space to determine exactly what will fit (and what won’t), and precisely where each piece of furniture should go. Draw a floor chart onto graph paper, with furniture pieces cut out from Post-it notes and placed on the grid. Or use one of many available apps, like Sweet Home 3-D, to help. Know where to donate: Start paring down by making a list of everything you don’t love or need so that you can start selling or giving it away. Identify appropriate charities:

Schedule a pickup from Habitat for Humanity or donate to Project B Green in Annandale. Share of McLean picks up furniture from McLean, Falls Church and Arlington. Start small: Begin the process of discarding your possessions by tackling the least sentimental items first, so you don’t get bogged down. Start with the laundry room or pantry, for instance, and work your way up to things like photos or mementos, the toughest things to get rid of. Sort everything into three piles: Keep, Donate, Trash. Enlist help and remember to breathe: Ask for help from a moving company, professional relocating expert, friend, neighbor or family member. And give yourself a 10-minute break every 45 minutes or so. —Katharine Roth, AP

BEACON BITS

Ongoing

COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD SEEKS NOMINEES

AARP Virginia invites nominations for the 2026 Andrus Award for Community Service. Nominees must be 50 or older and a volunteer who has made an impact on the community, inspiring others to volunteer. For more information and to submit a nomination, visit aarp.org/ andrusaward.

Makes a great gift! | Senior Living Options

NOR THERN VIRGINIA BEACON — JULY 2026

Some retirees hit the road permanently By Alina Tugend Say you’ve lived in a lovely community for decades. You own your home; you have a great circle of friends and family not too far away. Then you retire — and blow it all up. You sell and give away everything: the house, the cars, the furniture, most of your clothes and items collected over a lifetime. And hit the road. That’s what Judy Hoctor, 61, and her husband, Kevin, 64, did in November 2022. They retired from their jobs in San Francisco, where Kevin worked for Apple and Judy for a cybersecurity start-up. At first they thought they might work remotely, but that wasn’t viable. Retiring in San Francisco and also traveling was just too expensive. “Pretty quickly we realized that it would be easier to just leave everything behind, not have responsibilities, like a house and a mortgage,” Judy Hoctor said. And rather than decide what to sell and what to keep, “we just said it would be easier to leave everything behind and live out of a suitcase and a backpack. We were looking for a different way of living.” Retirees choosing to live in an RV, camper or boat is not a new phenomenon.

Yet more retirees like the Hoctors are opting for a DIY global nomadic life. That usually consists of moving every few weeks or months with no established home base. These nomads learn from each other about how to navigate health plans, virtual mailboxes and other strategies. It’s not for everybody. But those who have lasted on the road for years often embrace the lifestyle with evangelical zeal.

Choosing to go

For Debbie Campbell, 70, and her husband, Michael, 80, it was their daughter who initially came up with the idea of spending their retirement moving from country to country. She was living in France, and they lived in Seattle. “We thought that was crazy. Had she looked in our checkbook?” Debbie Campbell said. But “the idea kind of just stuck. We were looking for another adventure,

and Michael started doing some budgets and spreadsheets, and we thought, ‘We can’t do this.’ And then, ‘Wait a minute, yes, we can.’” So they sold or gave away everything except for some items stashed in a storage space and took off in July 2013. “We were boatless, carless, homeless, and we just went,” Campbell said. “We returned every year for the holidays, just after Thanksgiving through the New Year, and then we took off again.” They ended their 12-year travel marathon in 2025, after visiting 95 countries, and now rent a place in Seattle. They have a website, SeniorNomads.com and a Facebook page, Senior Nomads. They even published a book, Your Keys, Our Home, about their experience.

Healthcare can be cheaper

for those traveling in their later years. Regular Medicare can’t be used overseas; some Medicare Advantage plans will cover treatment — typically only emergencies — in foreign countries. One option is to purchase global health insurance from companies like Allianz, AXA, Cigna and IMG; some plans also cover pre-existing and chronic illness. The Hoctors chose a Cigna Global Health mid-level plan. It cost $5,781 annually for both of them for $1 million coverage outside the U.S. and includes a $3,000 deductible. They most likely will also sign up for Medicare when they reach 65, to avoid late penalties if they don’t — even though they don’t plan to settle back in the U.S. Planning ahead is key to a healthy experience, Manisha Santosh Parulekar, a

Healthcare is one overarching concern

See NOMADS, page 14

BEACON BITS

Ongoing

CELEBRATE AMERICA AT MT. VERNON

Visit George Washington’s historic estate, Mount Vernon, during America’s 250th anniversary to see the newly restored first and second floors of the mansion and new immersive exhibition, “George Washington: A Revolutionary Life.” Mount Vernon is located at 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., with shuttle service available from near the King Street Metro station

M A K E YO U R R E TI R EM E N T EVEN MORE

Extraordinary

information, visit mountvernon.

Discover premier senior living at an Erickson Senior Living®-managed community.

org/250, call (703) 780-2000 or

• Gain time and freedom from house maintenance.

email tickets@mountvernon.org.

• Enjoy stylish residences and on-site amenities.

in Old Town Alexandria. For more

July 10

LEARN ABOUT META’S SMART GLASSES

The Low Vision Support Group’s discussion highlights how Meta’s smart glasses can assist with daily activities, including reading, making calls and describing your

• Benefit from a safety net of on-site support.

“Everything we need is here. Everything is taken care of.” —Gene and Jan M., Community Residents

Call 1-800-882-5318 or visit RetirementNoVa.com for your free brochure.

surroundings. The free event takes p.m. at the Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library, 5005 Duke St., Alexandria. For more information and to register, call (301) 951-4444.

ASHBY PONDS, Ashburn VA GREENSPRING, Springfield VA WOODLEIGH CHASE, Fairfax VA

2789400

place on Fri., July 10 from 1 to 2

Senior Living Options | Subscribe online! See how on p. 27

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.

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 INDEPENDENT LIVING LIVING COMMUNITY COMMUNITY

Brooke BrookeGrove Grove Retirement RetirementVillage Village 301-321-8707 301-321-8707 18100 18100Slade SladeSchool SchoolRoad Road Sandy SandySpring, Spring,MD MD20860 20860 www.bgf.org www.bgf.org You’ll You’llfeel feelititas assoon soonas asyou youdrive driveonto ontoour our220-acre 220-acrecampus campusof of lush lushpastures pasturesand andhardwood hardwoodforest—all forest—allthat thatmakes makesindependent independent living livingat atBrooke BrookeGrove Grovedifferent. different.Beautiful Beautifulcottages cottagesin inaatruly truly picturesque picturesquesetting. setting. Maintenance-free Maintenance-freeliving, living,with withmore moretime timefor for what whatyou youreally reallywant wantto todo. do.Personalized Personalizedfitness fitnessprograms, programs,meals meals prepared preparedby bytalented talentedchefs, chefs,clubs clubsand andsocial socialevents. events.Neighbors Neighbors who whoshare shareyour yourinterests interestsand andpassions. passions.Come Comefor foraavisit visitand andsee see why whyBrooke BrookeGrove GroveRetirement RetirementVillage Villageis isone oneof ofthe themost mostsoughtsoughtafter afterretirement retirementcommunities communitiesin inthe thestate. state.Living Livinghere hereis issimply simply different different… …because becausewhat whatsurrounds surroundsyou youreally reallymatters. matters.

JULY 2026 — NOR THERN VIRGINIA BEACON

Nomads From page 13

doctor of geriatric medicine, said: “Are you on top of your prevention and screening? Are you up to date with all your vaccinations?” That said, many nomads rave about the healthcare they receive locally. “Good healthcare exists everywhere, not just in the U.S., and it’s cheaper,” Hoctor said. Her husband had a hernia repair surgery in Serbia, and both have had checkups in Thailand as well as dental appointments everywhere. “We’ve felt very comfortable and gotten excellent care at meaningfully cheaper prices than the U.S.” In fact, nomads say they don’t spend a lot of money on the road. The Hoctors, for example, set a budget of $5,000 a month; they estimate they spent about $63,000 in 2024. One way to cut out the cost of accommodation: house-sit or pet-sit. Trusted Housesitters is one popular global site where people exchange pet-sitting for housing. Annual membership for pet-sitters starts at $129.

Taxes and other logistics

Nomads are still required to pay federal taxes on Social Security, investments and other income and state taxes depending on the state they live in. Some, who don’t own property and aren’t working, chose to “move” to a state that doesn’t charge income tax and declare that as their tax domicile — in the Hoctors’ case, South Dakota. They were required to show proof that they spent one night in the state before they could

apply for their driver’s licenses and register their cars. And how about mail? Numerous companies offer services such as forwarding or storing hard copies of mail, shredding, digitally scanning the outside of all mail for the traveler to see it online and then the contents if requested. The cost is typically $120 to $200 annually, sometimes with additional fees.

The downsides

While the photos make the nomad life look like nonstop fun, the lifestyle requires sacrifices. For the Campbells, one of the problems with living a 12-year-long adventure was being away from their six grandchildren for long periods of time — although they saw the three that live in France more frequently than they would have had they stayed in Seattle. One of the reasons they decided to end their wandering life — besides the feeling that they had essentially done all they wanted to do — was to be close to their four-year-old grandson, the youngest. But the couple has no regrets. “We knew that by traveling, we were giving up some time with grandchildren while they were growing up, but we felt like we were role models for our adult children and for our grandchildren,” Michael Campbell said. “In retirement, one doesn’t just have to sit in a rocking chair on their porch.” This item first appeared in Kiplinger Retirement Report. © 2026 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

BEACON BITS

Ongoing

CRISIS HELPLINE FOR EXTREME HEAT The Disaster Distress Helpline provides free, confidential,

24/7 crisis counseling for anyone affected by extreme heat or other disasters. Services include emotional support, referrals and coping resources. Operated by SAMHSA, the helpline connects callers with trained professionals at local crisis centers. Support is available in more than 100 languages, including Spanish and ASL. For more information, visit samhsa.gov/ddh or call the helpline at (800) 985-5990.

July 21+

FREE CONCERTS Every Tuesday through Sept. 8, visit the Harris Pavilion in historic downtown Manassas for a free acoustic concert.

The events start at 7 p.m. at 9201 Center St. Hear Zach Jones on July 21, Shane Gamble on July 28 and the Timmie Metz Duo on Aug. 11. Registration isn’t required. For more information, visit manassasva.gov/harrispavilion or call (703) 368-1873.

Ongoing

FIND LOST RETIREMENT BENEFITS Do you have unclaimed retirement benefits? A new U.S. Department of Labor database, the Retirement Savings Lost

and Found (RSLF), includes information submitted by plan administrators on participants age 65+ and potential survivor benefits. To search, visit login. gov and enter name, birth date, Social Security number and ID. For help, contact the Pension Rights Center at pensionrights.org or (202) 296-3776 or visit pensionhelp.org for free legal assistance.

Makes a great gift! | Senior Living Options

NOR THERN VIRGINIA BEACON — JULY 2026

june–september 2026

UPCOMING SEMINARS & CLASSES at Brooke Grove retirement village

As experts in senior care, Brooke Grove Retirement Village is pleased to offer seminars and classes that promote physical, spiritual and mental well-being. All programs will be held in-person in the Gathering Room at Brooke Grove Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, located at 18131 Slade School Road on the Sandy Spring, Maryland, campus of Brooke Grove Retirement Village. Register as indicated below or contact Toni Davis at tdavis@bgf.org with questions.

HEALTHY LIVING CLASS: “BALANCED BODY, BALANCED MIND”

HEALTHY LIVING CLASS: “YOGA FOR OLDER ADULTS”

Offered in partnership with Uplift Yoga July 20 through August 7

Offered in partnership with Uplift Yoga September 14 through October 2

MONDAYS & FRIDAYS, 1-1:45 P.M.

MONDAYS & FRIDAYS · 10:30-11:45 A.M.

This class, geared to older adults and beneficial to ALL, introduces simple and effective techniques to greatly improve your balance and agility while sneaking in a bit of simple strength training and energizing movement. Each class will begin and end with breathing and grounding techniques which, paired with class exercises, can help to reduce your risk of falls and leave you feeling strong, energized and balanced.

Yoga can benefit EVERYBODY! This gentle yoga class is geared for older adults and accessible for ALL as positions may be done from a yoga mat, sitting in a chair or standing with a chair/wall for support. Conducted at a slow pace, this class incorporates mindfulness and breathing techniques, while participants learn and practice poses that will increase strength, balance and flexibility. A regular yoga practice can also improve mobility, increase energy, boost physical function, help with pain and enrich your life!

$20 for entire three-week session To register, visit: bit.ly/BodyMindBG SMOOTH MOVE SEMINAR: “STRATEGIES FOR MANAGING A LIFETIME OF STUFF”

$20 for entire three-week session Register by September 13 at: bit.ly/YogaSeptBG

THURSDAY, JULY 30 • 10:30–11:45 A.M. Respected realtor and founder of the Seniors Solutions Team Eric Stewart will offer expert, compassionate guidance for those sorting and moving a lifetime of stuff. Learn heartfelt, practical ways to pass on your stories and legacy as you gain tools and insights to lighten the load for your rightsizing journey. You’ll leave this seminar feeling confident and assured that the process of letting go will open the door to more ease, joy and connection.

assisted living

Sandy Spring, MD 20860

301-388-7209 · www.bgf.org

FREE. Register by July 29 at: bit.ly/MoveMeBG

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JULY 2026 — NOR THERN VIRGINIA BEACON

Long-term care insurance: Buy or not? By Randy Swartwood Americans have a good chance of living well into old age these days, which is something to cheer about. But it also raises serious concerns for those who haven’t planned for the possi-

bility of long-term care needs. And the demand for those needs has never been greater. Take a trip back through the history of aging, and the numbers are startling. In 1900, when the 20th century was about to

INDEPENDENT LIVING COMMUNITY

Vinson Hall 571-556-4136 6251 Old Dominion Drive McLean, VA 22101 www.vinsonhall.org Vinson Hall Brings Generations Together Some of the most meaningful connections at Vinson Hall happen across generations. For years, we've partnered with The Potomac School, creating opportunities for students and residents to learn from one another. Students have interviewed residents for the Witnessing History project, hearing firsthand accounts of major historical events they've only read about in books. They've also joined residents for Earth Day projects, games and conversation. Each visit leaves a lasting impact. Students gain perspective and residents are reminded that their experiences still matter. It's just one more way life at Vinson Hall stays connected, engaging and full of purpose.

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start, just 100,000 Americans lived to be older than 85, according to the Institute on Aging. Fast-forward to the 21st century. In 2010, that number was 5.5 million. Projections are that by 2050, the 85-plus age group will number 19 million, making it 24% of older adults and 5% of the total population. This longevity is wonderful for those who manage to maintain good health in their later years. But an extraordinarily large percentage of people will need some form of long-term care, which could include in-home assistance, community and assisted living or nursing home care. Unfortunately, long-term care is not covered under Medicare, and too many Americans and their families aren’t prepared to pay for that care. Those bills can make a sizable dent in any retiree’s assets, possibly leaving little to nothing for the person’s heirs.

How expensive is long-term care?

The median cost in the United States for an assisted living facility in 2025 was $6,077 a month, according to Genworth and CareScout. A semi-private room in a nursing home was $9,555 a month. Money disappears fast at those rates. For a long time, one of the most popular ways to prepare was through a longterm care insurance policy. But those policies had a serious downside because they were a use-it-or-lose-it proposition. If you actually needed care, the policy was there, helping you avoid raiding the entirety of your savings. But if it turned out you never needed long-term care, then those monthly payments, in a sense, had been for naught. You or your beneficiaries didn’t receive any kind of refund. (In fairness, that’s much the way car insurance works; it’s there if you need it but provides no

benefit if you don’t.)

Hybrid policies

Fortunately, there are alternative longterm care insurance options that are more flexible, allowing you to avoid that use-it-or-lose-it approach. One option is a hybrid life insurance and long-term care insurance policy. With such a policy, if you end up needing long-term care, you can use the death benefit (the money your beneficiaries would have received when you die) to pay for it. But if you never need long-term care, then your beneficiaries receive the full death benefit payout when you die. Some policies also offer a cash benefit that allows you to take money out to use at your discretion for expenses other than long-term care. [Ed. Note: According to AARP, hybrid policies’ “life insurance payouts tend to be modest unless you attach long-term care to a larger, more expensive permanent life insurance policy.”]

The savings route

Another option is to self-fund by setting aside a portion of your savings to be specifically dedicated to paying for longterm care. This could be through a separate retirement account. With this approach, you don’t pay any premiums, and if you don’t need to use the money, it will be there for your beneficiaries. Something else to consider: Let’s say you buy a long-term care insurance policy using money from a tax-deferred account, such as an IRA, 401(k) or 403(b). You pay taxes when you withdraw money to pay the premium. But if you then draw on the policy to pay for long-term care, the portion used to pay for the long-term care is treated as an accelerated benefit and is tax-free.

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Opening in early 2027, The Reserve at Falls Church offers an elevated lifestyle to older adults who value culture and connection. The Reserve features resort-style amenities, inspiring wellness programs, and six different on-site restaurants, and is located in the vibrant new West Falls neighborhood, a walkable, urban setting filled with shops, restaurants, and open spaces. The Reserve provides a range of residential options in one location, including Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care, with concierge services, personalized transportation, and available 24-hour onsite medical care. Call 571-297-7233 to schedule your private tour.

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Money

Law &

Thinking about getting married again? See advice column below.

What this year’s Medicare changes mean By Liz Seegert If you’re among the roughly 70 million people who get health coverage through Medicare, the federal insurance program for people age 65 and older and some younger people with disabilities, you’re probably already aware of some of the big changes to the system in 2026 — changes that have hit budgets hard. This year’s 9.7% jump in premiums for Part B, which covers outpatient care, was the biggest increase in four years and eats up more than 25% of this year’s 2.8% annual inflation adjustment for Social Security benefits. Meanwhile, cost pressures have caused some Medicare Advantage plans sold by private insurers to scale back ex-

tra benefits, such as dental, vision and hearing coverage, or eliminate others, such as allowances for transportation and over-the-counter purchases. In some cases, private insurers have shut down plans or exited markets entirely. Those headline-grabbing shifts, however, aren’t the only big changes to Medicare this year — and not all of the developments hurt your bottom line. You may benefit from new policies regarding drug pricing and telehealth services. But the new requirements for prior authorization in some areas and possible further shake-ups to Advantage plans? Not so much. “There’s a lot to think about and a lot to compare, and it can just be really over-

whelming,” says Lindsey Copeland, director for federal policy at the Medicare Rights Center. Here’s the lowdown on this year’s Medicare changes.

Some drugs are getting cheaper

New, lower prices went into effect on Jan. 1 for 10 drugs covered under Medicare Part D, the first price reductions to be negotiated by Medicare directly with pharmaceutical companies under a landmark provision in the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act. The medications include blood thinners Eliquis and Xarelto, diabetes drugs Jardiance and Januvia, and heart-failure treatment Entresto.

The nearly 9 million Part D beneficiaries who take these drugs will pay about 50% less on average than in 2025, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). But individual savings will depend on the particular drug and drug plan, and could range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, says Gerard Anderson, a professor in the department of health policy and management at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Lower, negotiated prices on an additional 15 drugs, including the diabetes and weight-loss medications Ozempic and Wegovy, will go into effect in 2027. See MEDICARE, page 20

Calculating the true cost of marriage

Q: My boyfriend of four years has their ultimate expression of a romantic asked me to marr y him. I love him commitment or a spiritual, religious or moral imperative. Others, and want to be in this relike you, don’t see how marlationship with him forever, but I’m worried riage could change anything. about finances for each of Well, it may not have an us in the future. impact on your emotional It has taken me a long connection and relationship time to be financially stalongevity but it could, inble. I was married for 30 deed, have a significant impact on your finances, for years; my now ex-husband LOVE AFTER 50 better or worse. destroyed our credit, and By Laura Stassi On the plus side: Married we wound up losing our home to bankruptcy. couples enjoy more than My boyfriend and I live together in 1,100 tax breaks, benefits and proteca rental; we each make about the tions that unwed couples do not. (That’s same amount of money and split all according to the civil rights advocacy the bills. We’re completely transpar- group Human Rights Campaign.) For exent about finances. I don’t see how ample, only a spouse can claim survivor marriage would change anything in benefits on some types of pensions; an our already ver y strong relationship. unwed partner cannot. —Stacy, Wisconsin On the negative side: In communiA: Congratulations on getting out of a ty-property states (and Wisconsin is one difficult marriage and re-establishing of them) both spouses are equally reyour financial footing. Plus, you’ve found sponsible for debts accumulated during love again! the marriage. That means, among other You’ve asked about marriage, but I’d things, that an ailing spouse’s health, be remiss if I didn’t note that because medical and long-term care debt could you and your partner are living together, have a devastating financial impact on you should have a legally binding cohab- the healthy spouse. itation agreement. More on that later. Unfortunately, this happens often Some people don’t care whether mar- enough that there’s an expression for riage makes financial sense. Instead, it’s otherwise loving couples who split up to

protect the couple’s assets: “medical divorce.” (That way, the ailing spouse, with no assets or income, becomes eligible for Medicaid.) It might be a good idea to seek out the services of a fee-only certified financial planner. A CFP takes a deep dive into a couple’s respective tax brackets, retirement accounts, assets and obligations, among other factors, and then presents long-term strategies. Through this, you’ll get a clear understanding of what it means financially, now and into the future, to walk down the aisle. In the end, though, it’s a personal decision, which leads me to a cohabitation agreement. A cohab agreement puts protections in place while officially spelling out the financial living arrangements you and your partner have made. It also addresses the unexpected. If one of you decides to move out before the lease is up, for example, is there recompense for the other? Can’t imagine something like this ever happening in your current relationship? Consider what Alexandria, Virginiabased CFP Colette Kolanko told me for a Dating While Gray episode: “I think it’s fabulous that people can find each other after they’ve gone through trials and tribulations,” she said. “But to make sure

that it remains a strong relationship, you want to put in safeguards,” such as a cohabitation agreement. A CFP doesn’t write the agreement but works collaboratively with a family law attorney to establish one. The process might sound like a hassle, and that reminds me of a scene from one of my favorite TV shows, “Shrinking.” Harrison Ford’s character, Paul, has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. He’s fallen in love with his physician, Julie (Wendie Malick). Happily living together and with no plans to wed, Paul and Julie are working with an attorney to get all the necessary paperwork in place for medical decision-making and estate distribution. Their attorney remarks there’d be a lot less paperwork if they simply got married. (Spoiler alert: They do!) So maybe start with a cohabitation agreement, Stacy, and it can turn into a prenuptial agreement if you ever decide you really do want to put a ring on it. Speaking of prenups, that’s the subject of next month’s column. Laura Stassi is host of the podcast Dating While Gray: The Grown-Up’s Guide to Love, Sex and Relationships and author of Romance Redux: Finding Love in Your Later Years. Send your questions to newloveafter50@gmail.com.

Law & Money | Subscribe online! See how on p. 27

Medicare From page 19

A third round of negotiations, announced in January, will cover 15 more drugs, including Botox (to treat migraines and muscle conditions, not for cosmetic purposes), the GLP-1 diabetes drug Trulicity, and several cancer medications. Those prices will take effect in 2028. What to do: If you have diabetes or another condition commonly treated by drugs whose prices have been negotiated by Medicare, but your particular medication is not among them, ask your doctor if it would be appropriate for you to switch to one that is. You could save a bundle.

Telehealth is sticking around

During the pandemic, telehealth became more widely available, but those

benefits have been on the government’s chopping block recently. In February, Congress extended key provisions through 2027. These include allowing beneficiaries to receive services at home by video and audio, regardless of geographic location; audio-only visits for those who can’t use video; and expanded coverage for remote care by physical and occupational therapists and other health providers. What to do: Ask your doctor’s office which appointments can be handled through telehealth, such as test result reviews or medication check-ins.

Advantage plans could become more restrictive

In January, the Trump administration issued a proposal to keep reimbursement rates to Medicare Advantage insurers

JULY 2026 — NOR THERN VIRGINIA BEACON

nearly flat next year, compared with the 4% to 6% boost insurers had anticipated. The news prompted dire warnings about the possible impact on enrollees. “Flat program funding at a time of sharply rising medical costs and high utilization of care will impact seniors’ coverage,” said Chris Bond, a spokesperson for AHIP, the national health insurance trade organization, in a statement at the time. “If finalized, this proposal could result in benefit cuts and higher costs for 35 million seniors and people with disabilities when they renew their Medicare Advantage coverage in October 2026,” Bond said. In early April, CMS announced the reimbursement rate had been finalized at 2.48%, higher than the initial 0.09% pro-

posal, but probably not high enough to prevent changes in some plans for 2027. What to do: If you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, carefully review the “annual notice of change” you get this fall for any adjustments to premiums, deductibles, co-pays and benefits. That will give you time to consider alternatives before open enrollment, which runs from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7. If you sign up for an Advantage plan but then have second thoughts, you can switch to a different plan or to original Medicare during open enrollment period from Jan. 1 to March 31. © 2026 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. All rights reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

18 Medicare freebies Many Medicare enrollees are shocked to discover how many benefits come with zero, or almost zero, out-ofpocket cost, including: 1. Yearly wellness visit 2. Seasonal vaccines 3. Alcohol counseling 4. Treatment for opioid use 5. Colorectal screenings 6. Cardiovascular screenings 7. Depression screenings 8. Yearly mammograms 9. Diabetes screenings 10. Lung cancer screenings 11. Yearly prostate cancer screenings 12. Nutrition services 13. Bone density tests 14. Cervical cancer screening 15. Obesity screening and counseling 16. Sexually transmitted infection screening

17. Hepatitis C screening 18. Other services and items In specific cases, Medicare will also cover the costs of these services or items: • Home health services (Part A): If you’re homebound, periodic skilled nursing, physical therapy or other services can be performed at your home at no cost if medically necessary. • Hospice care (Part A): Hospice care is covered at no cost for terminal illness (6 months or less prognosis). You might have to pay small copays for drugs or respite care. • Clinical lab services: Certain lab tests, such as blood tests or urinalysis, if ordered by a doctor, are covered at no cost to you under Part B. — Kathryn Pomroy © 2026 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC

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Travel Leisure &

Camper vans are affordable to rent overseas. See story on page 22.

From roses to redwoods in the Pacific Northwest from the grandiflora, which grows six to eight feet high, to miniatures in petite rows. Across the street is the 12-acre Portland Japanese Garden, which was created in the 1960s as a symbol of cultural exchange and reconciliation following World War II. Today, it encompasses several distinct garden styles connected by winding paths, stone lanterns, wooden bridges and carefully composed views. In the Strolling Pond Garden, wander past koi-filled ponds, waterfalls and seasonal blooms, then linger in the meditative Sand and Stone Garden. Take some time to explore Portland’s neighborhoods, including the Pearl District, where industrial warehouses have been converted into galleries and cafés. The Alberta Arts District pulses with murals, galleries and locally owned shops. On Mississippi Avenue you’ll find live music venues, coffeehouses and inventive restaurants. Across the Willamette River, Hawthorne Boulevard is a haven for vintage stores and quirky independent businesses. Another highlight is Powell’s City of Books, a full city block devoted to new and used volumes. Visitors can easily spend hours wandering its color-coded rooms, discovering everything from rare first editions to obscure travel memoirs.

Exploring the city

Wonderful waterfalls

Portland was founded in 1845, and 60 years later held a world’s fair-like celebration of Lewis and Clark’s westward expedition from Missouri through what became Oregon. In the early 20th century, Portland was dubbed the City of Roses for the rosebushes planted for that event, which still bloom today. The city’s 410-acre Washington Park offers several of the city’s most popular sightseeing spots, attracting 3.5 million visitors a year. Start with the International Rose Test Garden, where more than 10,000 rose bushes burst into bloom from late May through October. As its name suggests, the garden, which opened in 1917, serves as a testing ground for new rose varieties. Roses, some of which are named after Shakespeare’s characters in a section of the garden devoted to the Bard, range

Just 30 miles east of downtown Portland, the Columbia River Gorge delivers some of the Pacific Northwest’s most dramatic natural scenery, stretching for more than 80 miles along the Columbia River through a canyon between Oregon and Washington. More than 90 tumble from the cliffs on the Oregon side alone. Take the scenic route, U.S. 30, also called the Historic Columbia River Highway, which winds past scenic overlooks and accessible waterfalls. You can glimpse some from the road, while others require just a short hike. The most famous waterfall is Multnomah Falls, which plunges 620 feet, making it one of the tallest year-round waterfalls in the country. The water cascading behind the Benson Bridge is one of Oregon’s most iconic images.

PHOTO BY HENRY FOSTER

By Barbara Ruben In Portland’s central Pearl District two summers ago, the hotel desk attendant showed me points of interest on a map of the city, including its internationally renowned rose garden and Powell’s, the world’s largest bookstore. When I asked if there were any areas to avoid after dark, he scribbled over an area of several square blocks behind the hotel. Fast forward to 2026, and violent crime has fallen sharply as the city turned around its reputation for a large unhoused population and illegal drug use. Now as safe as D.C., Portland is home to brew pubs, outdoor markets, intriguing neighborhoods and more than a dozen bridges crossing the Willamette River, which divides the city. A bonus: on a clear day you can see snow-capped 11,000-foot Mt. Hood in the distance. But this bounty of attractions doesn’t mean you should spend all your time in the city. Just half an hour to the east, waterfalls plunge into the picturesque Columbia River Gorge. Two hours to the west, Oregon’s coastline offers beaches that seem nearly deserted compared to the throngs crowding the sand back on the East Coast. And just over the state line in California, some of the tallest trees on the planet tower in Redwood National Park.

Hikers on Benson Bridge can feel the spray from Multnomah Falls, which drops 620 feet in the Columbia River Gorge. Oregon’s most famous waterfall is 30 miles from Portland.

Sand dunes and marine life

Then head back west, past Portland toward the Pacific Ocean. My daughter and I chose a diagonal southwesterly route to avoid some of the more crowded areas (like Cannon Beach) so we could explore Oregon’s more rugged central and southern coastlines. We headed toward Depoe Bay, where gray whales migrate north from March through May on their way to the Arctic with newborn calves. South from there, near Florence, massive dunes rise between the highway and the ocean. The Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area contains some of the largest coastal sand dunes in North America. Numerous lightly visited state parks dot the coastline, offering spectacular views and the chance to spot seals, sea lions and otters if you’re lucky. We stayed at the Overleaf Lodge in the small town of Yachats (pronounced yahots), about 130 miles from Portland. The lodge overlooks the rocky coast and the Smelt Sands State Recreation Site, which hugs the coastline. Three miles south, the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area towers 800 feet above the Pa-

cific and offers the highest viewpoint accessible by car on the Oregon Coast. At Thor’s Well, seawater surges into what appears to be a bottomless hole in the stone before exploding skyward. Depending on how much time you have, you can explore even more of the coast for 180 miles to the California state line with views of towering rock formations called sea stacks and windswept beaches around nearly every bend.

Redwood forests

Don’t stop at the state line because just 16 miles farther south, the Earth’s largest arboreal giants, coast redwoods, are protected in a conglomerate of parks collectively known as Redwood National and State Parks. These parks protect nearly half of the world’s remaining old-growth coastal redwood forest. Many of the trees are more than 1,000 years old and over 300 feet tall, having survived storms, fires and centuries of change. Sunlight filters through layers of branches hundreds of feet overhead, illuminating ferns and mosses below. See PACIFIC NORTHWEST, page 22

Leisure & Travel | Subscribe online! See how on p. 27

JULY 2026 — NOR THERN VIRGINIA BEACON

For an adventure abroad, rent a camper van By Cynthia Washam On my first trip to Australia, I didn’t expect to see koalas or kangaroos in the wild. I assumed the only odd Aussie critters I’d see would be in a zoo. I lucked out when I spotted a wallaby soon after arriving at a campground south of Sydney. Luck seemed to strike again hours later, when a brushtail possum put its cold, wet nose on my exposed toes. By the time I stepped out of our rental camper van the next morning, surrounded by a half dozen kangaroos, I knew my animal encounters had nothing to do with luck. They came from husband Bob’s and my choice to camp rather than stay in hotels. Bob and I were so hooked on camping abroad that we did it several more times — in Europe, New Zealand and on a sec-

ond trip to Australia. Not all countries can match Australia’s wildlife, but all campsites offer loads of other perks. Our favorite was simply the freedom to go where we wanted and stay as long as we liked. Because we traveled slightly before or after peak tourist season, we could pull into a campground late in the afternoon, without reservations, and always find a site. Another key benefit is the cost savings. The compact camper van we rented from Blacksheep Van in France recently listed for $69 a night. A roomier, off-road model with a shower and toilet from competitor Roadsurfer rents for $149. If you’re willing to tote your tent, campsites overseas also cost less than most in the United States. We paid just $27 per night for a site with electricity in the French village of Messanges on

the Atlantic Ocean. Another favorite of ours was in the foothills of the Pyrenees, just outside the historic, walled village of St. Jean-Pied-de-Port, at $20 a night. We also slashed our food costs by preparing meals in our camper vans’ compact but well-equipped kitchens. A European practice we appreciated was the placement of campgrounds near city centers and smaller towns that draw tourists. From our site at Spain’s Gran Camping Zarautz, for instance, we walked no more than 10 minutes down a scenic path to the beach and quaint town. We also made good use of Zarautz’s nearby train station, riding 30 minutes each way to San Sebastián, where we sampled the city’s famous Basque tapas bars. If we had driven, parking would have cost more than our train tickets.

Affordable Senior Apartments Most Communities Are 62 and Better

Anne Arundel County

Baltimore County (cont.)

The Greens at Hammonds Lane - 410-421-7223 Park View at Furnace Brance - 227-240-6288 Park View at Severna Park - 443-940-6735

Park View at Randallstown - 240-916-1522 Park View at Rosedale - 240-237-9903 Park View at Taylor - 443-419-6451 Park View at Towson - 443-870-4234 Park View at Woodlawn - 443-331-2914

Baltimore City Ednor Apartments 1 - 443-903-2847 Ednor Apartments 2 - 443-407-8882 The Greens at Irvington Mews 1 - 227-240-8179 The Greens at Irvington Mews 2 - 240-209-4809 Park Heights Place - 410-210-4889 Park View at Ashland Terrace - 443-233-0366 Park View at Coldspring - 443-238-0106

When choosing the size of a camper van to rent, consider local roads. The minivans we rented were tight on storage space but perfect for navigating Europe’s narrow streets. “For couples or first-time renters, compact camper vans are easier to handle and ideal for winding roads and cityadjacent campsites,” said Grace Sillano, marketing manager with Roadsurfer camper rentals. “Families may prefer larger RVs with a bathroom and shower.” You can get an idea of driving conditions by checking out recommended camping routes at Roadsurfer.com, indiecampers.com or other rental companies’ websites. Apps can help you find campgrounds. In Europe, Bob and I used Park4night, a free app with information about campsites in more than 100 countries. ACSI Campsites Europe and camping.info provide a similar service. Check country-specific regulations if you’re considering wilderness camping. Norway, Sweden, Scotland and some other countries allow it, though others limit camping to developed sites. Before leaving home, check with AAA or your rental provider on requirements for an International Driving Permit. Many foreign countries require one. AAA issues permits for $20 to holders of a valid U.S. driver’s license. For more information or to apply, visit aaa-idp.com.

Eastern Shore Park View at Easton - 443-329-9511

Harford County Park View at Bel Air - 240-929-8123 Park View at Box Hill - 443-363-5229

Howard County

Cove Point Apartments 1 - 227-240-8710 Cove Point Apartments 2 - 240-981-5172 Evergreen Senior Apartments - 443-232-0241 The Greens at English Consul - 443-241-7976 The Greens at Liberty Road - 443-241-5393 The Greens at Logan Field - 844-431-2949 The Greens at Rolling Road - 443-280-9913 Park View at Catonsville - 240-303-8481 Park View at Dundalk* - 443-296-5284 Park View at Fullerton - 240-732-1542

Park View at Colonial Landing - 443-398-3046 Park View at Columbia - 443-578-3548 Park View at Ellicott City 1 - 240-923-7396 Park View at Ellicott City 2 - 227-997-7416 Park View at Emerson - 443-396-2110 Park View at Snowden River - 443-806-8105

Prince George’s County Park View at Bladensburg* - 443-960-7019 Park View at Laurel - 443-332-7143 Park View at Laurel 2 - 443-648-9714

Ready to make the move? Our communities can’t wait to welcome you home!

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Pacific Northwest From page 21

Baltimore County

Park View at Miramar Landing - 443-278-2376

If you go

*Select Communities 55 & Better

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Scenic drives such as the Newton B. Drury Parkway pass directly through groves of immense redwoods, while trails like the Lady Bird Johnson Grove and Fern Canyon allow you to walk in their shadows and, in some cases, right inside their hollowing-out trunks. The closest California town to the trees near the Oregon border is the coastal Crescent City, where long sandy beaches flank redwood forests, creating a destination that offers the best of both of these dazzling, dramatic worlds.

If you go

Alaska, United and Southwest airlines have nonstop flights to Portland that take just under six hours from area airports. Round-trip tickets start at $350. Oregon has a reputation for rain, and rightly so. The primary rainy season stretches from November to May, and summer and early fall have long sunny periods. Summer in Portland has many temperate days with highs in the 70s and 80s, but heatwaves can bring spikes in temperatures to 100 or higher. The coast offers cooler temperatures, mainly in the 60s and 70s.

Makes a great gift! | Leisure & Travel

NOR THERN VIRGINIA BEACON — JULY 2026

Avoid these expensive travel mistakes By Daniel Bortz Even the most seasoned tourists can make travel mistakes when planning a vacation. Some blunders can be minor, but others can cost travelers a lot of money and heartache. Here are six steps you can take to save money on a trip:

1. Buy travel medical insurance

Nearly one in four Americans report they’ve experienced a medical issue while traveling abroad, according to a 2023 survey sponsored by GeoBlue, an international health insurance company. Unfortunately, most U.S. healthcare plans — including Medicare and Affordable Care Act plans — offer limited or no medical coverage outside the U.S. One solution is to purchase a travel medical insurance policy, which provides coverage for a range of medical emergencies while traveling abroad, from minor injuries to major events such as heart attacks and strokes, to medical evacuation and emergency transport in severe cases.

2. Check your bags in advance

Some airlines charge customers more if they check a bag at the airport, rather than paying to check a bag in advance. For instance, JetBlue customers flying within the U.S., Latin America, the Caribbean and Canada can save up to $20 on their first two checked bags ($10 savings per bag) when they add them to their flight reservation at least 24 hours before departure. Make sure to pay for bags before you arrive at the airport.

3. Check fees carefully

Wi-Fi fees, early check-in fees, gym

fees — hotels today charge guests no shortage of surcharges. Many hotels offer to reduce or, in some cases, waive certain fees for guests who join their loyalty program, which is free in most cases. Also, sometimes simply asking an employee at check-in to waive certain fees could do the trick. In general, hidden fees should now be less of a problem since the Federal Trade Commission instituted a rule last year prohibiting hidden “junk fees” for live events and short-term lodging. Book directly through the hotel or rental company, not through a thirdparty, to ensure you’re seeing the full costs (and because your trip is typically better secured that way).

mileage plans at a lower cost, which could be a good option for a short trip.

I would be driving, and they’ve told me honestly when it wasn’t,” she said.

5. Double-check your bill

6. Join the loyalty club

Stop at the front desk before you leave a hotel and ask to see a copy of the bill. This only takes a few minutes and could save you a hassle if you catch a mistaken charge after you’ve left. To avoid unnecessary fees when renting a car, always review the list of charges before you accept the keys. By doing that, Kiplinger editor Alexandra Svokos has caught and avoided tacked-on fees. She also recommends simply asking what services you really need. “I’ve asked the desk agent if the prepaid-toll fee was worth it, based on where

Most airlines and hotels have loyalty clubs where you earn miles or points from your bookings. You can then use those points towards future trips. Additionally, many of these loyalty clubs offer automatic discounts when booking. Sometimes you can get discounts and freebies such as upgrades and discounted checked-bag or change fees. Joining these loyalty clubs is typically free. © 2026 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

4. Shop around for car rentals

When you’re renting a car, keep an eye out for add-ons and extra fees. For example, as Kiplinger personal finance writer Rachael Green explained, “most people can safely decline supplemental coverage, since your regular car insurance likely applies to a rental car in the U.S., and many travel credit cards offer rental car protection through the card.” Stores such as Costco, BJ’s and Sam’s Club provide their members discounts on certain rental cars. In addition, several credit card companies offer discounts from specific companies. AARP members save up to 35% on base rates at Avis and Budget, and AAA members save up to 20% on Hertz rentals. Finally, check third-party sites such as Expedia or Booking.com for deals. You might also be able to nab a lower rate for your car rental by prepaying when you book a reser vation. Some rental car companies of fer limited-

ENJOY MUSIC?

A gift in your will.

Beacon founder Beacon founder Stuart Rosenthal Stuart Rosenthal

A promise for their future.

Listen to my original smooth-jazz-style compositions at StuartsMelodies.com or on YouTube, including:

Leave a legacy of exceptional children’s healthcare with a gift in your will or trust.

• Visit to a Museum — a Montage • Waltz of Joy • Latin Nocture and more! Share your favorites with friends and on social media, and click “subscribe” on my website or YouTube for free updates. Thank you!

Connect with Tamara Sperling to learn more. tsperling@childrensnational.org 301-244- 6242

ChildrensNational.org/KeepAPromise

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JULY 2026 — NOR THERN VIRGINIA BEACON

PHOTO COURTESY OF LOC

Style Arts &

The Library of Congress preserves veterans’ stories. See story on page 29.

Pippin shimmers at Signature Theatre dinary housewife and mother,” with a side of va-voom. The young prince finds wisdom that he’s not yet seasoned enough to accept in his grandmother Berthe, played by award-winning local favorite Naomi Jacobson. Although she has retreated to the country to defuse tension with her daughter-in-law, Berthe is not sitting on any tuffets. A woman alive to life’s sensual pleasures, she urges Pippin to partake of them. Interestingly, two of the main characters are not introduced until the second act, when Pippin has grown tired in his search. He’s exhausted by his efforts and in danger of becoming world-weary before he’s accomplished anything — until he meets the adorable Theo (Ellison Bihm) with his equally adorable (puppet) duck, and his mother, Catherine (Awa Sal Secka), who is running a manor. Are they the real life that can ground Pippin? Secka plays the widow as sensible and spunky, whether she’s battling Pippin’s apathy or the Lead Player’s demands that she stick to the script. And she’s well-equipped in this fight with her compelling, angelic voice. Let’s just say that in the vocal arena, Theo proves himself to be her child.

PHOTO BY DANIEL RADER

By Lynda Lantz In Signature Theatre’s current production of Pippin, the actors are so near that you can feel a breeze when they execute their death-defying choreography. Directed by Matthew Gardiner, Signature’s lauded artistic director, choreographed by Rachel Leigh Dolan, and set in Signature’s 99-person theater, the Tony Award-winning musical takes on a magical intimacy. The 1972 Broadway musical Pippin is a medieval play within a medieval play, with a distinctly contemporary twist. Lead Player (Cedric Neal) escorts the audience as young Pippin (Brayden Bambino), the eldest son of Charlemagne, seeks a path to a meaningful life. Neal, a semifinalist in “The Voice UK,” is no disinterested emcee. Confident and experienced, he exhibits control in his movements and his exultant, dexterous voice. Like any prince feeling his oats, Pippin struggles against a father and ruler, Charlemagne (Eric Hissom). Cynical and complacent, Charlemagne relies on his dumb but buff younger son, Lewis (Ryan Sellers), to fight battles. He expects his voluptuous, ambitious wife (Maria Rizzo) to coax their son and warm his bed. She delivers her classic lyric, “I’m just an or-

Brayden Bambino stars as Pippin, son of Charlemagne, who struggles to find his own path in Signature Theatre’s production of the 1972 Stephen Schwartz musical. Directed by Matthew Gardiner, Pippin is on stage through July 26.

Energetic cast, intimate setting

PHOTO BY CHRISVBTOPHER MUELLER

The multi-talented players — Alanna Sibrián, Jacob Taylor Starks, Emily Steinhardt, Hank von Kolnitz, Georgia Monroe, Candice Hatakeyama, Calvin L’mont Cooper and Ben Bogen — accompany Pippin in his explorations of war, sex and general mayhem. With their acting, singing and dancing, they bring a vivid and burlesque energy to every scene. It is rare that you get to see the details of actors’ costumes up close, but in the Signature’s black-box theater, The Ark, we can see Costume Designer Erik Teague’s sharp-beaked masks, creamy lace and opulent tapestry, creating a medieval aura. The audience is drawn into the action, too. We are invited to sing one song as tissue-paper leaves float down from above. The musicians, led by conductor and music director Jon Kalbfleisch, add to the sense of being envel-

oped in the performance. If there’s any downside to this dynamic, entertaining and sleek production, it’s that three verses are more than some songs need, even if their writer, Stephen Schwartz, also penned the songs in Wicked and Godspell. Pippin runs through July 26. With simulated violence, drug use and sexual content, this play is recommended for adults and older teens. The production, which contains some strobe flashes, runs two hours and 15 minutes, with an intermission. Ticket prices range from $47-$110 (including service fees). Box office rush tickets are often available for $30 an hour before showtime. Signature Theatre is located at 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington, VA. Free parking is available for Signature patrons in any of the six public lots in downtown Shirlington. The Randolph Square Garage (2850 S. Randolph St.) is closest.

BEACON BITS

July 10

Awa Sal Secka, as Pippin’s love interest, the widow Catherine, watches over Ellison Bihm, who plays her son, Theo, in Pippin.

PREVENTION OF BLINDNESS BOOK CLUB (VIRTUAL)

Join the POB Reads Book Club on Fri., July 10 from 11 a.m. to noon, to discuss Mailman: My Wild Ride Delivering the Mail in Appalachia and Finally Finding Home by Stephen Grant. This memoir is available on Audible. To register and receive the link to participate, call (301) 951-4444 or visit pobreads.org.

Makes a great gift! | Arts & Style

NOR THERN VIRGINIA BEACON — JULY 2026

Books illuminate America’s 250 years Joshua Z. Rokach Both by design and by accident, error and ignorance have skewed our understanding of America’s past. On our nation’s 250th anniversary, these books correct distortions, dispel myths and fill in gaps. A Terrible Intimacy: Interracial Life in the Slaveholding South, by Melvin Patrick Ely, MacMillan 2026, 368 pages For more than 100 years the Lost Cause myth of Civil War history prevailed: The war amounted to a dispute over federalism, and rebels surely lived by a Code of Honor, despite being slaveholders. Or perhaps the war was simply about states’ rights to govern themselves. Not until the 21st century did Yale University historian David Blight underscore the truth: Racists, seeking to entrench slavery, caused the war, according to the articles of secession. Melvin Patrick Ely, a 74-year-old professor at William & Mary and winner of the Bancroft Prize, unveils an even more fascinating discover y in his newest book. With just six court cases retrieved from Virginia archives, Ely reveals the double-standard justice system of the time. Magistrates, equivalent to citizen grand jurors, tried both races. White people received trials in circuit court, as do defendants today. Black defendants did not. Magistrates convicted Black people, despite entrapment or acting in self-defense. Seemingly just outcomes resulted from twisted motives. One white man’s conviction came about because his Black victims were the hidden family of a prominent white man. A Black man’s acquittal occurred because a lower-class white woman made the false accusation (predating To Kill a Mockingbird ). Prominent secessionist lawyers defended Black people merely to protect owners from “loss of property.” That motivated the policy of not executing enslaved people but cruelly reselling them. President Lincoln aptly declared, “In giving freedom to the slave, we assure freedom to the free.” Mark Twain, by Ron Chernow, Penguin Random House 2025, 1,200 pages Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Ron Chernow presents us with yet another comprehensive and thoughtful biography. In Grant Chernow fleshed out its subject’s talent as a military genius and his abhorrence of imperialism and slavery, along with naivete toward the unscrupulous people around him. This tome does the same for Mark Twain, presenting a complicated, conflicted man. Chernow shows how Samuel Clemens both did and did not overcome his roots of geography and family. Born and raised in the slaveholding

part of Missouri, Samuel Clemens participated in a Confederate militia and held racist views. He reexamined and overcame those views, then used his gift for satire to expose the absurdity of white supremacy. He advocated forcefully against antisemitism. In short, mostly through his comedic talents, he championed the underdog. His novel A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court punctured the pretensions of the aristocracy. Yet Twain himself harbored delusions. The Clemens family history includes some spectacular personal failures and an attraction to get-rich-quick schemes. That temptation caused Twain to fail in business. (However, his firm published Grant’s enduring memoirs.) He also had a taste for high living. Twain had his own insecurities and en-

gaged in conduct that mystifies modern readers. His wife suffered from cardiac illnesses and predeceased him. Twain, believing he had over whelmed her, blamed himself for her death. In old age, Twain interacted with a group of young women, whom he called his “Angel-Fish.” It’s puzzling that Chernow does not even hint that anything untoward happened. The Wounded Generation, by David Nasaw, Penguin Random House 2025, 496 pages Americans, particularly Boomers, praise Tom Brokaw’s book The Greatest Generation, which depicts the cohort who won World War II as uniquely heroic. Brokaw contends that after the war, they proceeded with their lives, seemingly unaffected, and rebuilt America. David Nasaw, 80, a history professor at

CUNY Graduate Center, digs deeper. He reviewed personal and government records to prove otherwise. Indeed, veterans did suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, although PTSD wouldn’t be officially diagnosed until decades later. Vets came home to wives newly assertive from their experience in the working world and children who didn’t recognize them. Many had difficulty adjusting. Government failures contributed to the problem. The military kept fighters engaged for the duration, rather than adopting annual rotation, as it did in future wars. Science did not know how to treat PTSD. And free cigarettes distributed to calm nerves overseas caused lung cancer back home. With this book, we admire those veterans even more.

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JULY 2026 — NOR THERN VIRGINIA BEACON

“I couldn’t afford retirement without Social Security.” Steve

I count on the Social Security I earned. And I vote. As prices for groceries, housing and health care soar, the Social Security millions of older Americans count on is more important than ever. It’s money they earned after a lifetime of hard work, and AARP will never stop fighting to protect it. Social Security is one of the most successful initiatives in America’s history. But it faces a funding gap that Congress must fix in the next few years to keep Social Security strong. Join us to stand up for Social Security in the upcoming election.

Be a Social Security voter. aarp.org/SocialSecurityVoter facebook.com/AARP | @AARP | aarp.org Paid for by AARP

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NOR THERN VIRGINIA BEACON — JULY 2026

Come on, were you really at Woodstock? You know what they say about death he lit up the night sky with a young lady and taxes, and they’re right. But two who found his charms irresistible. Call it implausible. Call it other things are inevitable bragging. Call it an attempt for we graybeards of today. to remain forever young. I’d We will meet someone vote for all three. who claims to have been at Yet it’s amazing how often Woodstock in 1969. we boomers and busters run And we will meet someone into people who play the I who claims to have attended the perfect game that Don Was There card. Larsen pitched in the 1956 Even if those claims are World Series. true — and even if they’re The other day, I notched a not — why the abiding lust two-fer — a guy with a badly HOW I SEE IT to demonstrate one’s coolreceding hairline and a badly By Bob Levey ness, even when the demonexpanding waistline who claimed to have attended both. He said he cut school as a 15-year-old on Larsen Day, rode the subway from Brooklyn to the Bronx, snuck into the game and witnessed baseball history. No Brooklyn Dodger reached base throughout nine innings — no hits, no walks, no errors. The Yankees won 2-0. And then, with a hint of smugness, this guy said he had hitchhiked to Bethel, New York, 13 years later, just in time for the legendary music festival. He snuck into that one, too, he said. He slept on a muddy patch of ground within earshot of the sound system. And in case you needed to know this,

strator is 80-plus? Because it’s patently competitive. I was there and you weren’t, sucker. Eat your heart out. Could we please revert to facts? Exactly 64,519 people paid to be inside Yankee Stadium on October 8, 1956. I lived in the Bronx then. I can report that it was darn near impossible to sneak into that August ballpark in those days. I once considered it. Men in blue were everywhere. They would have been delighted to correct the error of a kid’s ways with an arrest, or perhaps a clout upside the head. If my Larsen braggart really ducked into the stadium on that famous day, he

must have had a parachute or been good at digging tunnels. As for Woodstock, the numbers tilt a little more in my boaster’s direction. About 400,000 people attended that epic festival. I say “about” because the whole thing devolved into chaos, so accurate figures were never available. Roads were impassable. Port-a-potties were overrun. Ticket-takers gave up the ghost in the face of surly, drug-addled crowds. So it’s possible that my acquaintance got into the festival without paying. It’s also possible that he got within a mile of the sound system and gave up, as zillions did when they realized that they could get no further. If my guy heard the first licks of a Jimi Hendrix guitar solo, fine. But that doesn’t mean he has a souvenir ticket stub. As for his romantic luck at Woodstock, or somewhere near it, I can only say that mud wouldn’t be my preferred setting for up-close-and-personal. In my own case, I happened to hear the last two outs of the Larsen game on a transistor radio. My pal David had smuggled one into sixth-grade math class. He signaled me to request a bathroom visit.

There, beside the sinks, we listened as Larsen struck out Dale Mitchell for the final out. True-blue Yankee fans, we whooped. Of course, a teacher heard us, and we ended up in the principal’s office. As for Woodstock, I was a young newspaper reporter on that day, without much to do. Another reporter was on the scene in upstate New York. She had found the only working payphone. A line stretched behind her for many yards. People were getting angry and ugly. Hurriedly, she dictated her notes to me before someone yanked the phone away from her. I fashioned a story for the next day’s paper. It carried her byline, not mine. Because I wasn’t there. Just as I wasn’t there for Larsen’s still-unmatched feat. To all aging adventurers: You’ve lived a long time. That’s great. What isn’t great is trying to exaggerate your adventures. If you want to impress me, show me pictures of your grandchildren. At least they’re real. Bob Levey is a national award-winning columnist.

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JULY 2026 — NOR THERN VIRGINIA BEACON

Crossword Puzzle

Find a new crossword every day on our website at www.TheBeaconNewspapers.com/puzzles. This Type of Puzzle This Type of Puzzle 1

By Stephen Sherr By Stephen Sherr 7

27 31

36 40 45

1. SAT subscore 2. Like fireplace residue

1. Good place for a shopping spree 5. Brainstorming result 9. Fishmonger’s offering 13. Almost to Antarctica 14. Popcorn flick 15. Word before cow or Grail 16. “This is the type of puzzle ___” (start of a sensible claim) 19. Part of tip-off or tie-up 20. Civil legal action 22. “The best is ___ to come” 23. Wedding cake components 25. It was used to clone a T-Rex in Jurassic Park 26. Exasperation 28. Blood analysis 29. Brief brain scans 30. Second part of the claim 35. More able to play sports at the senior center 36. A crunch in Trader Joe’s Happy Trekking Trail Mix 40. Third part of the claim (very similar to the second) 44. Some more of the claim 47. The beginning of space 48. “Pick a card, ___ card” 49. The first two words in many movie trailers 50. Files on a Spotify playlist 52. Future flower 54. Send answers to your pen pal 56. Champing at the bit 59. The end of the claim 62. “Hit it where they ___” (Wee Willie Keeler) 63. Tidy 64. Rank above viscount 65. Longings 66. Residents of Olympus 67. Sturdy cart

56 60

Across

Jumble answers on p. 31

Down

Scrabble answers on p. 31

3. 1984 or 2000 4. Furniture making tool 5. Metal with atomic number 26 6. Cinco menos tres 7. CPR specialist 8. Streamer of Severance and Ted Lasso 9. Severance and Ted Lasso 10. Ingredient in Miller Lite 11. Suggest, indirectly 12. Changing up one’s hair color 17. Accomplished, as a goal 18. Side-sleeper’s contact point 21. Profs’ helpers 23. Rolodex no. 24. “Am ___ out of touch?” 26. Org. made possible by the 16th amendment 27. Workout unit 28. Model Banks 29. While lead-in 31. Old member of the string family 32. Writer Stan or Harper 33. She was cursed by 57 Down to only be able to repeat words 34. 1965’s Older Americans Act, in briefs 37. Brain protectors, for boxers and cyclists 38. A billion years, give or take 39. Like Steven Wright’s comedy 41. Break in a set of stairs 42. Trousers half 43. Soph. and jr. 44. Form letter recipient 45. Narrow street, often 46. Golf club that is an anagram for “he aims” 50. Puts loose papers into categories 51. ___ horse town 52. On the other hand 53. Single 55. Founder of Philadelphia 56. Becomes infected with 57. Zeus’ wife (and sister) 58. Child with no siblings 60. Keanu’s Matrix role 61. Disobedient, as a dog

Crossword answers on p. 31

Makes a great gift! | Arts & Style

NOR THERN VIRGINIA BEACON — JULY 2026

Veterans History Project collects stories

Oldest Pearl Harbor survivor

Military service makes a lasting impression on veterans, shaping the experiences and the values that guide them through life. Ray Chavez is one such example. He was the oldest known Pearl Harbor survivor before his death in 2018. For most of his life, he remained silent about his experiences, but in 1991, his daughter, Kathleen Chavez, who served in the U.S. Navy during Operation Desert Storm, convinced him to return to Pearl Harbor. That trip marked the first time he spoke openly about his service. Kathleen Chavez shared their family’s deep military legacy in her oral history for the Veterans History Project. Not all of the stories are from combatants. During the Cold War, Jennifer McNeill rose from Army dental assistant to Command Sergeant Major at the Army Eisenhower Medical Center in Fort Gordon, Georgia. Her collection includes a photograph of her mother sharing images of her four military daughters in uniform, underscoring how family identity and military service are closely connected.

Code Talkers

Serving in the military is a deeply per-

sonal journey, but for many veterans, it’s an experience that transcends generations. The late Bill Toledo enlisted in the Marine Corps in October 1942 at the age of 18. Along with his uncle, Frank Toledo, and cousin, Preston Toledo, he served as a Code Talker, transmitting military messages through secret codes based on the Navajo language, which they learned while growing up in New Mexico. In his oral history, Toledo recalled both the challenges of combat during the invasion of Iwo Jima in February 1945 and the treasured moments spent with his uncle. “The bunch I was with, we worked together — we were always working together, helping each other,” Toledo said. These and many other family stories of military service and remembrance are available to the public at loc.gov/vets. Contact the Veterans History Project by email at vohp@loc.gov.

PHOTO BY NARA

By Feature Impact Major historical events like war or military service make a lasting impact on family identity, values and traditions, often reverberating across multiple generations. Throughout the 20th century, entire families felt the effects of war firsthand, with multiple generations serving. Brothers enlisted together. A father’s military legacy inspired his children to join up. Sweethearts met and married while in uniform. All of these are examples of stories captured by the Veterans History Project, a program overseen by the Library of Congress. The project collects and preserves the firsthand remembrances of U.S. military veterans and makes them accessible for future generations to better understand veterans’ service and sacrifice. These personal stories encompass letters, memoirs, diaries, photographs and oral histor y inter views, all offering deeper insight into the long-term impact of military service. Volunteers also collect and record veterans’ narratives. Anyone who served from World War I to today can submit their personal stor y, regardless of whether they saw combat. The collections shed light on the importance of family in military experiences. Whether expressed through heartfelt letters home, enduring family legacies of service, or the experience of serving alongside loved ones, these stories reflect profound connections.

Pearl Harbor survivor Ray Chavez, above, died eight years ago at age 106. His daughter, Kathleen Chavez, who also served in the U.S. Navy, told her family’s story to the Library of Congress’ Veterans History Project.

ONE BIG HAPPY

By Rick Detorie

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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 ac cept obscene, offensive, harmful, or fraudulent advertising. However, we do not investigate any advertisers or their products and cannot accept re sponsibility 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 prohibit ing discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, familial status or handicap in connection with employment or the sale or rental of real estate.

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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! 1-844366-1003 www.dental50plus.com/320 #6258

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 301-337-0028. Available 24/7 Ask for Philip.

Home/Handyman Services

Miscellaneous THE MEDICAL PRACTICE OF KEVIN M GIL MD located at 15200 Shady Grove Road #207 Rockville, MD, has been transferred to Dr. Phyllis Acquah MD effective 1 June 2026. This is the date of his retirement from the practice of medicine. Patients will continue to access to their medical records and may request copies by contacting Dr. Acquah’s office at the same location, telephone number 301-610-0500. This notice will run once a month for 3 consecutive months. A copy of this notice will go to the Maryland Board of Physicians. 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. BECOME A PUBLISHED AUTHOR. We want to Read Your Book! Dorrance Publishing-Trusted 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

SLOWING DOWN AFTER 45 YEARS OF CONTRACTING. Small to medium jobs mainly residential but will do some commercial work. Will work all over the entire DC area. $45.00 from arrival on job. Andy 703-906-5429.

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LADY LOVES PRETTY AND INTERESTING THINGS: art, bric-a-brac, dishes, figurines, jewelry, pottery and silver. One item or entire estate. Personal favorites include Herend, Royal Copenhagen, Scandinavian pottery and glass and vintage Christmas and Halloween. Call Susan (301) 785-1129. MD PML 2753. 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). WE PURCHASE ESTATES — Large or small. House calls made seven days a week. Buying furniture, art, glassware, pottery, decorative arts, jewelry, silver, coins, etc. High-end vintage preferred. Call Tom, anytime, day or night. All calls returned. 301-654-8678. ALWAYS BUYING Comic Books (1930’s to 1990’s), costume jewelry (pre-1980’s), old coins & paper money....U.S. & Foreign and stamp collections.....hey.... almost anything before 1980 I can hold in my arms... Call or Text Me Now: Alex at 571-426-5363. 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 (240) 731-5353, please leave message & phone number. CASH FOR ESTATES; moving, downsizing, single item, or whole estate. I buy a wide range of items. Gary Roman, TheAtticLLC.com. 301520-0755.

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FROM PAGE 28 ANSWERS TO SCRABBLE

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

ANSWERS TO JUMBLE Jumbles: BONGO FUSSY UNSURE ADRIFT Answer: They returned to Rome from Vatican City, and now were back in their -- SURROUNDINGS

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 the Greater Baltimore edition; by the 20th for the D.C./Suburban Maryland Metro and Northern Virginia editions. 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.

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Senior Resources

AARP – Social Security Erickson..............12, 13 Woodleigh Chase/ Erickson..............12, 13 Voter........................ 26 Brooke Grove Retirement Village.. ...............14, 15

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of Family Services...... 8 Smell Test Study............ 7 Culpepper Garden.. ........ 5 Farr Law Firm............. 20 Positive Aging Enterprise Mobility/ Events Sourcebook.............. 25 Residential............... 22 Home-Care Beacon 50+Expos.......... 9 Greenspring/ Theatre/ Equipment Brooke Grove Erickson..............12, 13 EZMobility.. .................. 6 Entertainment Retirement Village.... 15 Harbor at Signature Theatre........ 27 Northern Virginia Senior Olympics......... 6

Quantico Creek.....1, 11

Inspī r Embassy Row.. .. 32 Reserve at Falls Church........16, 17

Real Estate Services

Kellie Ackerman/ Compass Real Estate.11

Stuart’s Melodies......... 23 WAMU/88.5.................. 7

Travel NV Rides.................... 20

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JULY 2026 — NOR THERN VIRGINIA BEACON

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