October 2026 | DC/Suburban Maryland Beacon by The Beacon Newspapers

The I N VOL.38, NO.10

F O C U S F O R

FREE

P E O P L E O V E R

5 0

More than 150,000 readers throughout Washington, D.C. and Suburban Maryland

OCTOBER 2026

See special section on page 17 TERESA CATRACANE PHOTOGRAPHY

Kojo Nnamdi, the voice of D.C.

Arts & Style Bach stands up to a king at the Shakespeare Theatre Co. | What’s onstage in the DMV now | Former CIA officer publishes new novel | Bob Levey on memorable coaches 39

Fitness & Health

7 k Why we wake up at 3 a.m.

The beloved Kojo Nnamdi, 81, is finishing his memoir about life before and after a 50-year career as radio and television host. He’s still on the air every Friday at WAMU 88.5. Nnamdi will be the keynote speaker at the Beacon 50+ Expo on Nov. 8 in Silver Spring, Maryland. See story on page 16. Photo by Tyrone Turner/WAMU

Law & Money k Travel scams to avoid

Living Boldly

Call 1-800-240-8491 or visit EricksonSeniorLiving.com.

Leisure & Travel 36 k Banff National Park k Charleston, S.C. RIDERWOOD, Silver Spring MD THE GRANDVIEW, Bethesda MD

Advertiser Index 47 3062951

Vibrant Senior Living at The Grandview℠ and Riderwood®

Plus Crossword, Beacon Bits, Classifieds & More

Subscribe online! See how on p. 43

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

Never Stop Learning: Lifelong Education & Curiosity at The Carnegie While students across the region have headed back to classrooms, there’s a senior living community in Gaithersburg where the spirit of learning is a year-round pursuit. At The Carnegie at Washingtonian Center, curiosity isn’t a phase of life, it’s a daily practice, woven into everything from morning lectures to evening book clubs. Tucked between Malcolm King Park and the shops and restaurants of Rio Lakefront and Downtown Crown, The Carnegie has built its reputation on resort-style amenities and fivestar service. But ask members what keeps them energized, and many will point to the packed calendar of classes, workshops and conversations that fill the community’s common spaces most days of the week. That calendar gets a serious boost from a unique on-site partnership. The Carnegie is home to a satellite campus of Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI), a national program built around the idea that education doesn’t stop at retirement; it gets better. Members have convenient, walkdownstairs access to OLLI’s rotating slate of lectures and courses, taught by working professionals, retired academics and passionate hobbyists on everything from world history to art appreciation to current events. The learning doesn’t just flow in one direction, either. Many of the lecturers standing at the front of the room are members themselves, sharing expertise from the careers they built or passions they’ve pursued for decades. A retired engineer might lead a talk on the history of flight, a former diplomat might unpack a current events topic from firsthand experience, or a lifelong gardener might teach a session on native plants. More recently, one member who serves as a director of AI and Data Analytics presented “AI – The Technology Disruptor,” exploring how artificial intelligence is reshaping industries, everyday life and the future of work. It’s a reminder that at The Carnegie, everyone in the room has something to teach as well as something to learn. “Curiosity helps make life richer and more meaningful,” said Ann Ruscoe, director of Life Enrichment at The Carnegie. “Whether someone wants to pick up a paintbrush for the first time in fifty years or finally read the classics they never got to, our job is to make sure that door is always open. We see members light up in these classes the same way they might have in their

The Carnegie at Washingtonian Center

very first semester of college, and that spark matters for the mind just as much as it did back then.” That philosophy shows up throughout The Carnegie’s programming, which extends well beyond the OLLI partnership. Weekly book clubs bring members together over coffee to debate everything from literary fiction to biography. Creative workshops in the community’s dedicated studio spaces invite members to try watercolor, pottery or writing, often for the first time. Guest lectures from local historians, scientists and cultural figures round out a calendar designed to appeal to a wide range of interests, because no two curious minds are alike. The benefits extend beyond an afternoon well spent. A growing body of research links continued learning and social engagement to better cognitive health and a stronger sense of purpose in later life, and Life Enrichment programming at The Carnegie is built with that connection at the forefront. Classes are designed to be social as much as intellectual, giving members regular reasons to gather, discuss and disagree amiably over ideas, the kind of engagement that keeps a mind, and a community, feeling young.

The Carnegie’s commitment to multigenerational learning also shows up in its dedicated Grandkids Lounge, where members can share their own love of discovery with visiting grandchildren, and in community partnerships that connect members with the broader intellectual life of the region. For prospective members considering a move to senior living, it’s a reminder that this chapter of life can be a new beginning. In many ways, it is a return to the best parts of being a student: discovery, debate, and the delight of learning something new alongside people who are just as excited to learn. To experience The Carnegie’s lifelong learning programs in person, schedule a tour by calling 240.798.3870 or visiting lifeatthecarnegie.com.

Makes a great gift!

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

A NEW LEVEL OF RETIREMENT LIVING

At The Carnegie at Washingtonian Center, discover refined living, exceptional dining, and thoughtfully curated experiences in a community designed for connection, culture, and purposeful living.

OPEN DAILY 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

RESERVE YOUR COMMUNITY EXPERIENCE TODAY

240.981.5096 LIFEAT THECARNEGIE.COM

1010 0 WA S H I N G T O N I A N B O U L E V A R D , G A I T H E R S B U R G M A R Y L A N D 2 0 878 | L I F E A T T H E C A R N E G I E . C O M

Subscribe online! See how on p. 43

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

FREE EVENT

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.

Photographing the Senior Olympics

Kojo Nnamdi

Join us for a conversation on crafting a news story with WAMU News Managing Director Naomi Starobin, WAMU photographer Tyrone Turner, and Senior Olympian Bernhard Stamm of Ashburn, VA

S PLU

Venture

into Volunteering Fair

HEADLINER

Offering more than 35 volunteer opportunities

Acclaimed journalist and broadcaster, familiar voice to listeners of WAMU 88.5 and host of the Young at Heart podcast

Dr. Ibrahim Homam Ibrahim, MD, is an interventional cardiologist with Adventist HealthCare who helps patients access innovative treatment options that may avoid the need for open-heart surgery

At both Expos: 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 GOLD SPONSORS

SILVER SPONSORS

BRONZE SPONSORS

Aging & Disabiliy

Makes a great gift!

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

What you’ll find at this year’s Silver Spring 50+Expo: HEADLINER:

Dr. Ibrahim

Kojo Nnamdi

Homam Ibrahim, MD, is an interventional cardiologist with Adventist HealthCare who helps patients access innovative treatment options that may avoid the need for openheart surgery

Acclaimed journalist and broadcaster, familiar voice to listeners of WAMU 88.5 and host of the Young at Heart podcast

Vaccines • Regular flu/ High-dose flu • Latest Covid Vaccine and New RSV Vaccine • Shingrix (shingles) (one of two shots)

Health Screenings • Pneumonia • Tetanus Bring your Medicare or insurance card. (Some vaccines may require a co-pay.)

Free • Blood pressure • Blood glucose • Cholesterol

Exhibitors AARP Driver Safety Adventist HealthCare B’nai B’rith Homecrest House Bethany House Bright Horizons Psychiatry Care Prepared, Inc CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Cherished Hands Home Care ClearCaptions Coakley Realty Columbus Property Management

Friends House Retirement Community Giant Pharmacy Housing Initiative Partnership, Inc. (HIP) Humana Johns Hopkins Health Plan Kaiser Permanente Medicare Health Plans Law Offices of Donny Knepper LeafGuard LoBiosciences Montgomery County Aging & Disability Montgomery County Recreation Montgomery Energy Connection NARFE - National Active and Retired Federal Employees Northern Virginia Jewish Funerals

Reflection Park Natural Burial Ground Sagel Bloomfield Danzansky Goldberg Funeral Care Sibley Senior Association The Junkluggers The Leggett Trinity Health PACE of Montgomery County United Healthcare Vamoose Bus WAMU 88.5 Windrose 55+ Active Adult Apartments/Greystar Wish of a Lifetime from AARP

Subscribe online! See how on p. 43

See you at the Expos I am excited to invite you to join us at health screenings, including blood presthe Beacon Newspapers’ 27th annual sure, blood glucose and cholesterol tests. Important vaccines will 50+Expos. We produce these also be available, including yearly events in both Marythe latest Covid booster, regland and Virginia to provide ular and high-dose flu shots, useful information and a RSV, Shingrix (shingles), great time to our readers and pneumonia and tetanus vactheir family members. cines. Don’t forget to bring In case you haven’t been before, I can share that our your Medicare and/or insurExpos attract thousands of ance card with you. area residents who come for In Springfield, Virginia, we health screenings, flu shots, are pleased to continue our vaccines, interesting speak- FROM THE partnership with the Fairfax PUBLISHER ers and valuable information County Area Agency on AgBy Gordon Hasenei from dozens of exhibitors ing to offer “Ventures in Voland sponsors — including unteering” — a collection of government agencies, nonprofits and more than 35 agencies and nonprofits ofbusinesses with products and services fering exciting volunteer opportunities. geared to older adults and their families. Our special program in Springfield will I hope you will consider joining us at include Naomi Starobin, managing direcone or both of this year’s events: tor of WAMU News 88.5, in conversation • Sunday, October 18, from noon to 4 with Tyrone Turner, WAMU 88.5’s visup.m., at Springfield Town Center in als editor, and Bernie Stamm, a recordbreaking senior Olympian. Springfield, Virginia • Sunday, November 8, from noon to 4 In Silver Spring, Mar yland, Kojo p.m., at the Silver Spring Civic Building Nnamdi, an acclaimed journalist and in Silver Spring, Maryland broadcaster on WAMU 88.5 and host of Prioritizing the health and well-being its Young at Heart podcast, will give a of attendees, both Expos will offer free special presentation (see page 16).

The Beacon is a monthly newspaper dedicated to inform, serve and entertain the citizens of the D.C. & Suburban Maryland area, and is privately owned. Other editions serve Northern Virginia, 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

The Beacon, 3720 Farragut Ave., Suite 501 Kensington, MD 20895 (301) 949-9766 • Email: info@thebeaconnewspapers.com Website: www.theBeaconNewspapers.com Submissions: The Beacon welcomes reader contributions. Deadline for editorial is the 10th of the month preceding the month of publication. Deadline for ads is the 15th of the month preceding the month of publication. See page 47 for classified advertising details. Please mail or email all submissions.

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

Also speaking in Silver Spring, Homam Ibrahim, MD, is an interventional cardiologist with Adventist HealthCare who specializes in minimally invasive treatments for complex heart and valve conditions. Dr. Ibrahim helps patients access innovative treatment options that may avoid the need for open-heart surgery. As always, our exhibitors will include hospitals and a variety of other healthcare providers, retirement communities, home improvement contractors, home care agencies, financial and legal advisors, insurance providers, travel, fitness and senior services and more. The Beacon 50+Expos are made possible through the generous support of our sponsors. Gold Sponsors are AARP Virginia and WAMU 88.5. Silver Sponsors are Adventist HealthCare, Johns Hopkins Health Plans and Giant Pharmacy. Bronze Sponsors include Cogir Potomac Senior Living, Housing Initiative Partnership, Torregrossa Insurance,

CareFirst Medicare Advantage, The Harbor at Quantico Creek, Montgomery County Recreation, Montgomery County Aging & Disability Services and the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging. For more information, or to exhibit, sponsor or volunteer, call us at (301) 949-9766, email info@thebeaconnewspapers.com or visit thebeaconnewspapers.com/50expos. While our staff will be out in full force at both events to help everyone find what they are looking for, we would love to have some volunteers. If you can spare an hour or so, please contact us. Also, there is still time for additional sponsors and exhibitors to sign up! Call or email us; we’d be happy to speak with you. I look forward to seeing you on October 18 and/or November 8! Please be sure to look for me and say hello.

Letters to the editor Readers are encouraged to share their opinions on any matter addressed in the Beacon as well as on social o r cultural issues 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: James Vandeputte and I must be kindred spirits! I’m also young living a senior living community (“I’m young in my senior community,” July 2026). I made this move at age 61. My community ranges from ages 60 to over 100. At first, residents thought I was a member of the staff. Having been widowed in my mid-50s, I did not want my children to pick my path. As Mr. Vandeputte pointed out, residents of senior living communities rarely face isolation. They are able to participate in a variety of activities. I’m a member of the theater group on campus, and I still craft off campus with friends. No one is sitting in a rocking chair on my campus unless they choose to do so. Most of the time they are enjoying the outdoors on a pleasant day and conversing with another resident. Your level of involvement is your choice. I suggest you visit several communities and find the one that fits your needs. Most importantly, don’t wait to enjoy the many amenities of the community. Some friends I met tell me, “I wish I hadn’t waited so long.” Mildred Alexander Catonsville, MD Dear Editor: Thank you for your informative article on the new blood test for Alzheimer’s (September 2026). In the article, paragraphs four and five

advise that testing now is not wise. But positive biomarker test results are helpful, even if there’s no cure at this time. They could spur Alzheimer’s-prone seniors to get our affairs in order, now, ahead of our later incapacitation and potential burden on others. Chief Donald E. White (Retired) Fairfax, Virginia Dear Editor: I implore your readers to complete an Advance Medical Directive (AMD). If you do not or your family is unaware of your directive, it could make a medical crisis even worse. State law can choose who will make critical medical decisions for you, not you. Although most of us would trust the people chosen, they may make medical decisions you would not have made for yourself. AARP.com has AMDs, listed by state, that you can complete. Your doctor should have them in their office, as they are required to discuss them at your annual appointment. Make sure the person or person(s) you select and your doctor have copies. Keep a copy at home in a bedside drawer for easy access in emergency. The future could be tomorrow. Julia Handy Via email

See LETTERS TO THE EDITOR, page 12

Makes a great gift!

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

Health Fitness &

MOBILITY TESTS Balance tests and other challenges don’t provide a full picture of health DANCE FOR PARKINSON’S The Washington Ballet teaches free classes for Parkinson’s patients PICK UP THE PACE Simply walking faster could significantly decrease the risk of frailty WHY THE WAKEUPS? Hormones, blood sugar, sleep apnea and alcohol can disturb sleep

Top doctors offer vaccine recommendations By Lauran Neergaard Leading U.S. medical groups are urging people to get updated flu and Covid-19 vaccinations this fall, banding together last month to issue shot guidelines — and highlight the science behind them — saying they hope to ease confusion caused by the current administration’s changing advice. Flu vaccinations are under way, and Covid-19 shots are arriving, after the Food and Drug Administration approved this year’s updated versions last month. Winter also brings another vaccine-preventable risk called RSV. Exactly who should get one or all of these vaccines, and when? That advice usually comes from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), with help from its independent advisers. The CDC didn’t respond to

questions about any new fall guidance but suggested on its website that doctors follow last year’s flu recommendations. Doctors’ groups are filling the gap: The American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Family Physicians, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the Infectious Diseases Society of America each released vaccination guidelines for their patient populations. “There’s been a lot of confusion and chaos regarding vaccine recommendations,” said Dr. Sandra Fryhofer, of the American Medical Association. All the groups’ recommendations plus evidence on shot safety and effectiveness are being posted on websites so “the public has clear, consistent, science-based guidance even while the federal process is in flux,” Fryhofer said.

Who should get a flu shot?

Just about everybody age 6 months and up needs a flu vaccination, the medical societies agree. But flu is particularly dangerous for people 65 and older, pregnant women, young children and people of any age who have chronic health problems, including asthma, diabetes, heart disease and weak immune systems. The last two flu seasons were especially harsh, with unusually high numbers of child deaths — the vast majority of them in unvaccinated kids. The vaccines don’t block all flu infections but they do help prevent the worst outcomes, decreasing older adults’ hospitalizations by 31%, according to the Vaccine Integrity Project, a public health group based at the University of Minnesota. Its analysis was published in September in the medical journal JAMA.

How to pick a flu vaccine

Three “enhanced” flu vaccines are designed to better protect seniors. The American Academy of Family Physicians urges them to choose one — “but do not delay your vaccination if that one’s not available,” said AAFP’s Dr. Sarah Nosal. There’s a new choice this year for people ages 50 and older, the first flu vaccine made with the same mRNA technology that was key to ending the Covid-19 pandemic. One study found Moderna’s mFlusiva was 27% more effective against symptomatic illness among 50- to 64-year-olds than a standard shot. The FDA just approved the new option, and the company expects some doses to be available soon at certain pharmacies. The shot-averse could choose a nasal See VACCINES, page 9

What happens when we ‘fall back’ an hour By Lauran Neergaard Plan on a glorious extra hour of sleep as most of America “falls back” into standard time in November. But make sure to get outside for some morning sun, too — it’ll help your body clock reset faster. Daylight saving time ends at 2 a.m. local time on November 1, which means you should set your clock back an hour before you go to bed. Standard time will last until March 14, 2027, when we will again “spring forward” with the return of daylight saving time. There’s a lot of grumbling about the twice-a-year time changes. The spring switch tends to be harder, losing that hour of sleep we allegedly recover in the fall. But many people also mourn fall’s end of daylight saving time, when days already are getting shorter and moving the clocks can mean less daylight after school or work for exercise or outdoor fun. Some health groups, including the American Medical Association and American Academy of Sleep Medicine, have long urged adopting standard time year-round. New research from Stanford University agrees, finding that switching back-andforth is the worst option for our health. The study showed sticking with either time option would be a bit healthier, but they found permanent standard time is

slightly better — because it aligns more with the sun and human biology, what’s called our circadian rhythm. “The best way to think about it is as if the central clock were like a conductor of an orchestra and each of the organs were a dif ferent instrument,” said Jamie Zeitzer, who co-directs Stanford’s Center for Sleep and Circadian Sciences. More light in the morning and less at night is key to keeping that rhythm on schedule — all the instruments in sync. When the clock is regularly disrupted by time changes or other reasons, he said each of the body’s organ systems, such as the immune system or metabolism, “just works a little less well.” Most countries do not observe daylight saving time. For those that do — mostly in North America and Europe — the date that clocks are changed varies. In the U.S., Arizona and Hawaii don’t change and stay on standard time. Here’s what to know about the twiceyearly ritual.

How the body reacts to light

The brain has a master clock that is set by exposure to sunlight and darkness. This circadian rhythm is a roughly 24hour cycle that determines when we become sleepy and when we’re more alert.

The patterns change with age, one reason that early-to-rise youngsters evolve into hard-to-wake teens. Morning light resets the rhythm. By evening, levels of a hormone called melatonin begin to surge, triggering drowsiness. Too much light in the evening — whether from later time outdoors doing daylight saving time or from artificial light like computer screens — delays that surge and the cycle gets out of sync. And that circadian clock affects more than sleep, also influencing things like heart rate, blood pressure, stress hormones and metabolism.

How time changes affect sleep

Even an hour change on the clock can throw off sleep schedules because even though the clocks change, work and school start times stay the same. The spring change to daylight saving time can be a little rougher as darker mornings and lighter evenings make it harder to fall asleep on time. Those first few days have been linked to increases in car crashes and even an uptick in heart attacks. Some people with seasonal affective disorder, a type of depression usually linked to the shorter days and less sunlight in fall and winter, may struggle too. Many people easily adjust, like how

they recover from jet lag after traveling. But a time change can add pressure on shift workers whose schedules already are out of sync with the sun, or those regularly sleep-deprived for other reasons. About 1 in 3 U.S. adults sleep less than the recommended seven-plus hours nightly, and more than half of U.S. teens don’t get the recommended eight-plus hours on weeknights. Chronic sleep deprivation is linked to heart disease, cognitive decline, obesity and numerous other problems.

How to prepare for the change

In both fall and spring, changing bedtimes by as little as 15 minutes a night in the days before the change can help ease into it. But sunshine in the morning is critical to helping reset your circadian rhythm for healthful sleep. If you can’t get outdoors, sit by windows. Some people use “light boxes” to help adjust to the time change and prevent seasonal affective disorder. Will the United States ever get rid of the time change? In Congress, a bill named the Sunshine Protection Act that proposes making daylight saving time permanent has cleared the House but is stalled in the Senate. —AP

Fitness & Health | Subscribe online! See how on p. 43

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

Mobility tests don’t show the whole picture By Devi Shastri Hand grip strength. Balance tests. Standing up from a seated position on the floor. These physical challenges are often touted as measurements of healthy aging and even predictors of longevity. They can provide valuable indications of your stamina and strength. They can estimate the risk of falls, which increase older adults’ risk of death. And they’re useful to doctors who work to address aging or people with injuries. But they’re no crystal ball. “A poor or declining result is a reason for a health professional to investigate why function is changing, rather than gauging how long someone will live,” said Auriel Willette, an expert on brain aging at Rutgers University.

Here’s a look at mobility tests and how to apply the results to your health.

The sit-to-stand test

“Sit-to-stand” tests come in several forms. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s 30-second chairstand test is designed for patients older than 60, to see how many times they can stand up in that time period. Another test, popularized on social media, asks someone to move from standing, to sitting cross-legged on the ground, and then back up to standing. Making your way down to the floor is worth 5 points, as is standing up, for a total score of 10. You lose a point for each support you use (such as a hand or knee) and half a point if you’re

Return to work with

Career Gateway Career Gateway features small, interactive, online classes with 30 hours of intensive training over two weeks and a long-term mentor for only $99. You will learn how to: enhance your resume hone your interviewing skills network effectively handle gaps in your work experience develop a personal job search plan sustain search momentum write compelling cover letters

These 5-class sessions are offered in November, January, March, April, and June

unsteady. The score is zero if you’re unable to sit or stand without external help. Researchers in Brazil published studies in 2020 and 2025 that concluded middle-aged people who scored higher were less likely to die within about a decade. Many American doctors use a test called “Timed Up and Go,” or TUG. It requires the patient to get up from a chair, walk 10 feet (3 meters) and come back to their seat. That allows doctors to evaluate a person’s balance, mobility and lower extremity strength all at once. Dr. George Hennawi, who treats older adults at MedStar Health in Baltimore, said all the tests are meant to pinpoint specific weaknesses and narrow down their underlying cause, whether that’s knee pain, slow reflexes, poor balance or feeling winded or dizzy because of cardiovascular issues. “The key to react to it is to understand where did we not do well,” he said.

Tests doctors actually use

Tests like the viral sit-to-stand one are what doctors call screening tools. They’re helpful in narrowing down issues, but they can’t lead to a full diagnosis. Other popular tests for a person’s “physiological age,” or how your body is aging, include tests of grip strength, walking speed, gait steadiness and balance. Such

tests look at how hard your hand can squeeze something, whether you favor one side while walking, how long and well can you stand on one leg and how far forward can you reach without becoming unsteady. Many doctors also use these challenges to understand a person’s risk for “frailty,” where the body is less able to handle strain from illness or injury. Doctors sometimes use a 10-minute assessment called the Short Physical Performance Battery, which includes several tests including gait, balance and strength. It was developed by the National Institute on Aging, and large clinical trials have shown it predicts mortality, disability and more. At the University of California, Los Angeles’ Multidisciplinary Falls Clinic, Dr. David Lee said it’s important to look across multiple tests in combination. Grip strength, for example, is predictive of many different things, but it can be affected by arthritis, stroke or even simply not conditioning those muscles. “It’s one measure of many,” Lee said.

Health is more than a score

Experts note that strength and mobility are just one part of healthy aging. Tests of cognition, memor y, hearing, See MOBILITY TESTS, page 10

Optional employment-related tech classes available.

The job you want is waiting for you

For session dates and for more information: jssa.org/career-gateway/ 301-255-4215 | Career.Gateway@jssa.org

JSSA Programs for Early-Stage Dementia connect | share | support Kesher Cafe for Young Onset Dementia and Care Partners Person-centered cognitive, physical, and social activities Wednesdays and first Sunday each month Care partner support and respite

Kensington Clubs for Early-Stage Dementia and Care Partners Socialization and meaningful cognitive and physical activity Three locations in Montgomery County Care partner support and respite

ckemp@jssa.org | 301-255-4204 jssa.org/kensington-clubs

A limited-run podcast exploring the new life stories that begin when careers end.

Air traffic controllers ushering at Madison Square Garden... A phone company repairman creating designer shoes... A Shakespeare scholar playing the banjo... Through personal stories and conversations, this sixpart podcast examines how people rethink purpose, community, and creativity in the years that follow full-time work. “ Retirement shouldn’t mean just sitting on the couch. It’s an opportunity to try new things, explore passions and hobbies, and engage.” —Host Kojo Nnamdi

Scan to listen now or stream at wamu.org, NPR.org, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify With support from Zuckerman Spaeder

Makes a great gift! | Fitness & Health

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

spray, FluMist, if they’re ages 2 to 49 and meet other health criteria.

Covid-19 vaccines are mild and temporary, such as sore arms, fatigue, headaches, muscle aches and mild fever. They occurred somewhat more often with the new mFlusiva than with standard flu shots.

The latest on Covid-19 vaccines

Where to get vaccinated

Vaccines From page 7

Covid-19 shots once were recommended for just about everyone by federal health agencies, but like last year, the FDA has only formally approved them for higher-risk people — those ages 65 and older or younger people with at least one health condition that increases their risk. Still, the family physicians recommend all adults get a Covid-19 vaccination, especially seniors and those with other risk factors. Adults 65 and older should get a fall dose and then a second dose six months later, as immunity wanes over time, Nosal said. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a Covid-19 shot for all children ages 6 months to 23 months, and for older kids with high-risk conditions. It also supports vaccination for any child whose parent wishes it. With millions of shots administered, there’s no evidence that coronavirus vaccination during pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage or other problems, “so please get the vaccine,” said Dr. Christina Davidson of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Depending on age, people can choose a shot from Moderna, Pfizer, or the only nonmRNA version from Novavax and Sanofi. Just like with flu vaccines, these shots are better at preventing severe disease than mild cases. The Vaccine Integrity Project said last fall’s Covid-19 shots cut the risk of hospitalization by 53% in seniors and slashed emergency room visits for very young children. Common side ef fects for flu and

While pediatricians and some clinics offer both flu and coronavirus shots, they’re most common in pharmacies. [Ed. Note: Many vaccines will be available at the Beacon 50+ Expos in Silver Spring, Maryland, and Springfield, Virginia. See pages 4-5.] For Covid-19 shots, states have more pharmacy rules. For example, Walgreens says it offers those shots without a prescription in all but two states, Arizona and Oregon, but can provide doses for children as young as 3 in some states while others have higher age limits. Medicare covers the fall shots, and most private health insurers say they plan to continue doing so through 2027.

How to time your vaccination

October is ideal for a flu vaccine, as influenza typically starts spreading in November. Covid-19 tends to rise in late summer and again after the winter holidays. Fryhofer says it’s fine to time the coronavirus shot a few weeks ahead of an event you wouldn’t want to miss because of illness, like a special trip or get-together.

RSV is deadly for older adults

RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, typically is a cold-like nuisance during the fall, winter and early spring. But it can be severe, even life-threatening, for infants and older adults. The family physicians recommend a one-time vaccination for adults 75 and older, people 50 to 74 who are at increased risk, or younger people with weak immune systems. —AP

CUT ALONG LINE

Get Free Housing Information For free materials about area housing communities, just complete and clip this coupon and mail, or take a picture and email, to the Beacon.

Housing Communities District of Columbia

o Chevy Chase House (See ads on pages 18, 19) o Inspīr Embassy Row (See ads on pages 22, 24) Maryland

o Carnegie at Washingtonian Center (See ads on pages 2, 3, 22)

o Bethany House (See ad on page 25) o Brooke Grove (See ads on pages 26, 27) o Churchill Senior Living (See ad on page 30) o Grandview, The/Erickson (See ads on pages 1, 22, 23)

o HIP Home Sharing (See ad on page 19) o Homecrest House (See ad on page 21) o Park View Bladensburg (See ad on page 32) o Park View Columbia (See ad on page 32) o Park View Emerson (See ad on page 32) o Park View Laurel (See ad on page 32) o Riderwood/Erickson (See ads on pages 1, 22, 23) o Ring House (See ads on pages 13, 20)

Clinical Health Studies o Smell Test Study (See ad on page 10) Name Address City Phone (day)

State

Zip

(evening)

E-mail

DC1026

Check the boxes you’re interested in and return this form to:

The Beacon, 3720 Farragut Ave., Suite 501 Kensington, MD 20895 or take a picture and email to housing@thebeaconnewspapers.com

Fitness & Health | Subscribe online! See how on p. 43

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

Washington Ballet offers Dance for PD By Margaret Foster When people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) walk into a dance class, they may have canes or even wheelchairs. By the end of the one-hour class, though, they’ve changed, according to longtime teacher Lucy Bowen. “You will see someone’s gait is like a shuffle, but by the end of the class, they’re lifting their feet like a Broadway dancer. It’s remarkable,” said Bowen, who has been teaching Dance for PD classes for 18 years. This fall, instructors from the Washington Ballet are offering the free classes at Inspīr Embassy Row, a luxury assisted living and memor y care community in Washington, D.C. The Washington Ballet has been offering free Dance for PD classes for several years, but this is the first time the company is bringing the classes directly to a senior living community. “We reached out to them about a partnership and decided to partner with them. It just fell into place in a beautiful way,” said Amanda Glendinning, general manager at Inspīr Embassy Row.

Washington Ballet’s mission

As the Washington Ballet celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, the organiza-

tion plans to “continue to have impact on our community through dance,” said Edwaard Liang, its artistic director. “What’s wonderful about this [Dance for PD] program is that it’s data-driven,” Liang said, noting that more than 40 studies have shown that these dance classes can slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease. “With regular classes, this incredibly difficult and cruel illness can at least be slowed down. For anybody who’s suffering, it brings hope, it brings pleasure, it brings community,” Liang said. Parkinson’s can be an isolating condition, he said, but the classes are an opportunity “to be acknowledged and seen.”

Dance for PD’s history

The program Dance for PD began in Brooklyn 25 years ago when a lifelong dancer, Olie Westheimer, walked into the Mark Morris Dance Group’s studio and suggested they offer a dance class for Parkinson’s patients. In October 2001, six students participated in the first class. Instructor David Leventhal created a syllabus, and the studio began expanding the program throughout the world, teaching and certifying instructors. Today Mark Morris Dance Group administers the program, which has 500 classes a week in 300 locations.

Bowen, a friend of Leventhal, got involved early on and to date has taught hundreds of instructors how to help Parkinson’s patients through dance. Bowen closed down her dance company five years ago to focus on Dance for PD and today is its Mid-Atlantic director. “It’s expanding rapidly,” Bowen said. “We have a broad reach. I’m one person and I’m getting old, so I don’t want to teach them all.”

The Monday morning classes are open to the public, not just residents of Inspīr Embassy Row. “You don’t even have to sign up in advance. Just show up. We try to remove all the barriers,” Bowen said. Of course, tights and leotards are not required. Everyone wears comfortable clothing and does their best, seated or standing. “You don’t have to have talent or skill to get the benefits,” Bowen said. “Amazingly enough, we have more men than women in the class. The men are as hooked as the women,” she said, noting that Parkinson’s affects more men than women. For an hour a week, people can overcome their limitations, she said. “People who come in and struggle to get there — their gait is terrible, and they’re hunched over, and life is hard — they respond to this,” Bowen said. “We overpower the disease while we’re there, and they don’t feel like patients. It’s a beautiful thing that happens.” For more information, see danceforpd. org, washingtonballet.org/dance-for-pd, inspirseniorliving.com or call (202) 2932100 or (202) 362-3606.

Free classes in our area

In the DMV, free Dance for PD classes are available at a dozen locations, including INOVA hospital, the REACH at the Kennedy Center, Maryland Youth Ballet and Washington Ballet’s Cathedral Commons in upper Northwest. The newest location at Inspīr Embassy Row enables residents and members of the public to access the life-changing program. “We want to be able to give people, whether they have Parkinson’s or other movement-based disorders, the tools that they need to keep their disease from progressing,” Glendinning said. “To help them feel as empowered as they can and stay dignified, stay independent.”

have recently fallen, talk to your doctor. The test results are the first step in determining if you need an assistive device, physical therapy, a change in medications or something else, said Emily Nabors, a falls prevention expert with the National Council on Aging. More than a quarter of older adults fall each year, Nabors said, but most of them don’t tell their doctor about it. “If you’ve fallen, you might feel fine,” she said, “but you might not be fine at all.” —AP

Mobility tests From page 8

Smell Take the

eyesight and many other measures are key to evaluating how someone is aging. Keep the big picture in mind. Exercise and eat nutritious meals. Address stress in a healthy way. Prioritize your sleep. Take care of your heart.

Consult with your doctor

If you score poorly on a mobility test and are concerned about your fall risk, or

PURE DENTAL CARE | DR.ERMIAS SEMAIE, DDS Healthy Teeth And Gums for Life! WELCOMING CHILDREN & ADULTS ! OUR DENTAL SERVICES:

Test Challenge Today

BRACES CROWNS CLEANING DENTURE EXTRACTION FILLINGS IMPLANTS ROOT CANALS VENEERS

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

MONTHLY SPECIAL !

15% OFF

FREE

WHITENING

INVISALIGN & BRACES CONSULT

VENEERS & IMPLANT CONSULT

NEW PATIENT SPECIAL !

MONTHLY SPECIAL !

$ 99

EXAM, X-RAYS & REGULAR CLEANING

KEMP MILL SHOPPING CENTER 1370 LAMBERTON DR, #18 SILVER SPRING, MD 20902 FREE PARKING

Se Habla Español

www.puredentalcaremd.com

(301) 681-8200 Accepting majority insurances including MEDICAID!

Makes a great gift! | Fitness & Health

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

Ways to lower your risk of dementia By Lauran Neergaard New blood tests that might predict Alzheimer’s years before symptoms begin may sound tantalizing for people who worry about later-in-life dementia. But doctors say the tests aren’t quite ready yet — and besides, you don’t need a test before trying to lower your risk. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has cleared four blood tests to help doctors diagnose whether Alzheimer’s — not another kind of dementia or something else — is behind someone’s memory problems or other cognitive symptoms. Some laboratories and online services offer their own tests. Faster diagnosis can help people with early-stage Alzheimer’s qualify for drugs that can modestly slow the worsening of their symptoms. Yet dementia specialists say people without symptoms also seek those tests even though they’re neither approved nor recommended for that population. For now, “the worried well should not be getting those tests” outside of a research study, stressed testing expert Nicholas Ashton, of Arizona’s Banner Health. Instead, focus on addressing potentially preventable brain risks. One large study found people who reached middle age without high blood pressure, diabetes or smoking lived dementia-free for a lot longer — nearly 13 years longer — than people with all three of those common health problems in their 50s. “Be aggressive,” advised Dr. Josef Coresh of NYU Langone Health, the study’s senior author. Even delaying those risky conditions “has a huge payoff.”

What blood tests reveal

It’s not clear what causes Alzheimer’s,

but its telltale markers are abnormal forms of two proteins. Sticky beta-amyloid can build into brain-clogging plaque over decades, eventually spurring neuron-killing tau tangles that lead to symptoms. Blood tests that measure a tau type called p-tau217 seem particularly good at reflecting amyloid buildup in people with symptoms. As for the symptom-free, a study led by Mass General Brigham researchers found older adults with very high p-tau217 levels had a 38% risk of developing cognitive impairment within five years, and a higher risk over 10 years. Here’s the rub: A “positive” test result is just a risk factor, not a guarantee someone will later develop Alzheimer’s, Ashton cautioned. Lots of older adults harbor high levels of amyloid but never show cognitive trouble. And while negative test results seem pretty reliable, a positive test sometimes is wrong, a so-called false positive.

Habits for brain health

A major trial last year found that healthier habits slowed age-related cognitive decline in older adults who were at increased risk of developing dementia. Among the steps: A half-hour of moderately intense exercise four times a week, twice-weekly resistance training and following the MIND diet, which stresses lots of leafy greens and berries, whole grains, poultry and fish. Dementia experts also advise getting enough sleep, avoiding social isolation, treating hearing loss and exercising your brain, not just your body. They say middle age is a key time to act. As for those extra 13 dementia-free years, the NYU study reinforces that what’s good for the heart is good for the brain.

Peace of Mind is Priceless

Coresh’s team analyzed health records of more than 12,000 people who had been tracked for decades since they were, on average, age 56. High blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes and smoking can damage blood vessels that feed the brain and fuel inflammation. Those who entered the study without any of those three problems fared best, but avoiding one or two was also helpful. Even people who carry the APOE4 gene still benefited from a healthier middle age.

Other studies also have shown that aggressively treating high blood pressure helps brain health. “Be very serious with your physician about the value of lowering it as early as possible for as many years as possible,” Coresh said. As for those Alzheimer’s blood tests, stay tuned. Clinical trials are underway to tell if drugs can help certain people before they develop symptoms — findings that could change testing advice. —AP

• Eye Care for All Ages • Specialists in Cataracts, Glaucoma, Diabetic Retinopathy and Macular Degeneration • Contact Lens Specialists • Plastic & Reconstructive Eye Surgery

Full In-House Optical Department Outpatient No-Stitch Cataract Surgery • Laser Surgery MEDICARE ASSIGNMENT ACCEPTED

LENARD H. HAMMER, M.D., F.A.C.S. GORDON LUI, M.D. SCOTT B. BECKER, M.D. YIYUN ZHOU, M.D.

VANESSA LIMA, M.D. CRISTINA F. ROUILLER, O.D..

410-997-9900

8860 Columbia 100 Parkway, Suite 101, Columbia, MD

G N I R A E H S ’ W O R R O M O T S PAC

ARIT L C E G E -A

Y A D O T

CHNOLOGY E T G N I R A HE S AHEAD! R A E Y T H G THAT’S LI

Join us at our

Since 1841 When you pre-plan your funeral, you give both yourself and your family a great gift. Your service will be exactly as you wish, and your family won’t be burdened with arrangements. Pre-planning also fixes the cost at today’s prices. Plus: We offer a price-match guarantee!

Call today to learn more. Ask for Jim or Maggie (410) 747-4770

HEAR SMARTER TECH EVENT October 12–16

— LIMITED S I E C A SP R SV P! O T Y A D C A L L TO

410.946.1535

CHESAPEAKE

HEARING NORTH BETHESDA • 5952 Hubbard Dr HelpYourHearing.com

$500 trade-up allowance or new-user credit toward new hearing devices. All trade-ins are accepted regardless of where they were purchased. Good toward the purchase of an AGX5, 7, or 9 two-device hearing system. Offer cannot be combined with any other promotional discount. Expires 10/31/26.

Fitness & Health | Subscribe online! See how on p. 43

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

I finally got screened for colon cancer By Susan Klein

For years, I told myself I would get screened for colorectal cancer. Ever y birthday seemed like another reminder that I should do it. But somehow there was always a reason to wait. I dreaded the preparation for a colonoscopy, and I was reluctant to ask my family to take time out of their day to drive me to and from the appointment. At 74, I had never been screened. Looking back, I’m sure I wasn’t alone. I cared about my health, but the barriers felt bigger than the benefits. It was simply easier to put it off and promise myself I’d do it next year. Then my primary care provider told me about another option: a blood test called Shield by Guardant Health, the first

Letters to the Editor From page 6

Dear Editor: Your puzzles page is a nice stop for readers. I run Armchair Puzzles (armchairpuzzles.com), a free word-search site. We have themed puzzles, say a 1950s or birds grid, and the large-print letters read easily. You can print it out, too. If you’d ever like to try one, it’s free.

FDA-approved blood test for primary colorectal cancer screening. Medicare covered it with no co-pay, and I could do it right in my doctor’s office. I decided it was finally time. Despite my slight fear of needles, the process was quick and easy. There was no special preparation, no arranging transportation, no disruption to my day. When the results came back negative, I felt an enormous sense of relief. More than anything, I wondered why I had waited so long.

Screening is part of healthy aging

September was National Healthy Aging Month, a reminder that taking care of ourselves doesn’t stop as we get older. In fact, healthy aging often means staying curThanks for keeping puzzles part of the paper. Sig Helason ArmchairPuzzles.com Dear Editor: I loved Glenda Booth’s article “For a peaceful drive, swap I-95 for 301” in the August issue of the Beacon. I can’t wait to visit several of the sites she suggested, especially Dr. Samuel Mudd’s farm. I was taken aback, however, by histo-

rent on the preventive screenings that can help us detect problems before they become serious. Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable cancers when it’s found early, yet millions of Americans remain behind on screening. In Maryland, colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of all cancer-related deaths, and the American Cancer Society estimates that in 2026, as many as 2,740 Marylanders will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer. About 45% of new colorectal cancer cases occur in people under 65. Earlier this year, the American Cancer Society updated its colorectal cancer screening guidelines to recommend the FDA-approved Shield blood test. Every person is different, and the best

screening test is the one that’s right for you. That’s a conversation to have with your healthcare provider. But if you’ve been delaying screening because of concerns about preparation, inconvenience or transportation, it’s worth asking what options are available. For me, taking that first step gave me something I hadn’t realized I was missing: peace of mind. Now I spend my time doing what I enjoy most — making quilts for my newest grandchild — with the confidence that I’m taking care of my health, too. Healthy aging isn’t about avoiding birthdays. It’s about giving ourselves every opportunity to enjoy them. Susan Klein is a patient advocate based in Reston, Virginia.

rian Alison Bode’s claim in the piece that “Baltimore was nothing” at the time of the Revolutionary War. As the seventh-largest city in colonial America, Baltimore had established public markets in 1763 (Lexington Market, founded in 1782, remains one of the oldest continuously operating public markets in the country). In 1774, Baltimore established the first post office system in what became the United States. Baltimore played a part in the Ameri-

can Revolution, according to Wikipedia. City leaders encouraged residents to resist British taxes, and merchants signed agreements refusing to trade with Britain. The Second Continental Congress met in Baltimore from December 1776 to February 1777, effectively making the city the capital of the U.S. during this period. That sounds like more than “nothing” to me! Steven Levine Bethesda, Mar yland

Johns Hopkins Advantage MD is a proud sponsor of this year’s

Beacon 50+ Expos Have Medicare questions?

Visit us at our booth and speak with a Medicare specialist. We make it easy to choose a Medicare Advantage plan that fits your life.

Call 833-315-1909 (TTY: 711)1 |

Visit HopkinsMedicare.com/Beacon

8 a.m. to 8 p.m., 7 days a week, October 1 to March 31, and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday, April 1 to September 30. Johns Hopkins Advantage MD is an HMO and PPO plan with a Medicare contract, and an HMO-DSNP plan with Medicare and State of Maryland Medicaid contracts. Enrollment in Johns Hopkins Advantage MD depends on contract renewal. 1

Makes a great gift! | Fitness & Health

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

A New Vision for Ring House Refreshing the Spaces That Bring Our Community Together Welcoming, modern common areas perfect for both intimate conversations and group gatherings. An expanded fitness center with new state-of-the-art equipment, to promote wellness.

New Rates 1-Bedroom Apartments Starting at $3,600 2-Bedroom Apartments Starting at $6,300 Pricing subject to change.

A reimagined kosher dining program offering more variety, greater choice, and a dining experience designed around your preferences.

Call Today to Schedule a Tour 301-816-5000 or scan the QR code

1801 East Jefferson Street Rockville, MD 20852 | www.SmithLifeCommunities.org

Fitness & Health | Subscribe online! See how on p. 43

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

Walking faster can help prevent frailty By Christy Bieber You may have heard the expression “old and frail.” It conveys a clear picture of a particular type of older person who tends to be weak, thin and easily injured. Frailty does not have to be synonymous with aging, although a significant number of people do develop this condition as they advance in years. In fact, between 12% to 24% of older adults worldwide experience health issues related to frailty, which put them at greater risk of fatigue, muscle weakness, falls, incontinence, depression and unexplained weight loss. Unfortunately, some factors, such as genetics, can make you more susceptible to frailty and are out of your control. However, the good news is, recent research shows there is one very simple thing that you can do as you get older to significantly reduce your risk. You just need to pick up your pace.

Add a little speed

According to research published last year in PLOS One, walking just slightly faster than your comfortable walking ca-

dence could significantly decrease the chance of frailty. Walking cadence refers to the number of steps that you take per minute. To determine its impact, researchers studied older adults who were classified as either frail or prefrail. These adults were asked to take part in structured walking programs with a device to measure cadence fitted to their thighs. Study participants were divided into two groups, with one group told to walk “as fast as safely possible,” and the other told to maintain a comfortable pace. Among the group told to go faster, those who walked 14 or more steps above their normal cadence experienced substantial improvements in functional capacity. With an additional 14 steps, the walkers ended up walking roughly 100 steps per minute. Picking up the pace, even just a bit, helped the retirees go for longer distances without getting tired or having to sit down, according to the study’s lead author, Dr. Daniel Rubin, associate professor of anesthesia and critical care at the

Tell them you saw it in the Beacon!

University of Chicago Medical Center. “This is a key finding because it shows that even modest increases in walking intensity can lead to meaningful improvements in physical function, even among frail or prefrail older adults,” Rubin explained to Medical News Today. “The 14-step threshold is important because it gives a clear target for older adults to increase their intensity.”

Apps and devices can help

Although walking is recommended to retirees who need to improve their health, it can be hard to know how fast to go. The new study is an important one because it provides an objective measure of how much faster retirees should try to walk in order to experience health improvements. “One of the challenges of prescribing walking is to convey to the patients how much intensity they should walk,” Rubin explained. Traditionally, a so-called “talk test” is recommended, which suggests you walk fast enough to make singing hard, but not so fast that you can no longer have a comfortable conversation. Some retirees are also advised to walk at a pace of three to four miles per hour. However, Rubin believes both of these ex-

isting tests are too subjective or too hard to measure. “Those are difficult for older adults to guide themselves,” Rubin said. “Here, we provide them with an objective measure that they can increase the number of steps per minute that they walk to increase their intensity.” Walking 14 more steps, on the other hand, is simple, objective, and can be easily measured with an app or pedometer. While Rubin doesn’t trust the analytics on phones, researchers built an app called Walk Test that ensures more accurate measurements. The app is not yet available, but researchers intend to release it after they further develop and scale it. In the meantime, a smartphone app may be good enough to give you a general picture of how fast you’re walking. Or you may want a smartwatch with a fitness tracker that works with your phone, providing heart rate and other helpful information. If you try to up your pace by just a few extra steps, that simple move could make all the difference in ensuring that you stay strong as you age. © 2026 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS

240-777-8500

777vote.org @777vote

2026 GENERAL ELECTION

EARLY VOTING CENTERS

EARLY VOTING: OCTOBER 22-29 (7AM - 8PM) For nearby Early Voting locations, driving directions and wait times, text EV + Zip Code to 77788 (example: EV 20879) or visit 777VOTE.ORG Activity Center at Bohrer Park 506 S. Frederick Avenue Gaithersburg, MD 20877

PACE-E12337-2509

Bauer Drive Community Recreation Center 14625 Bauer Drive Rockville, MD 20853

Healing with Heart We meet you where you are to help you feel better, live safer and stay connected to what you love. Healing powered by heart, backed by a team who knows you. Contact us to learn if you or a loved one qualifies. Call 240-690-3434 or visit thpace-moco.org.

Damascus Community Recreation Center 25520 Oak Drive Damascus, MD 2087 Germantown Community Recreation Center 18905 Kingsview Road Germantown, MD 20874 Jane E. Lawton Community Recreation Center 4301 Willow Lane Chevy Chase, MD 20815 Marilyn J. Praisner Community Recreation Center 14906 Old Columbia Pike Burtonsville, MD 20866 Mid-County Community Recreation Center 2004 Queensguard Road Silver Spring, MD 20906

ELECTION DAY

Isiah “Ike” Leggett Executive Office Building 101 Monroe Street Rockville, MD 20850 Nancy H. Dacek North Potomac Community Recreation Center 13850 Travilah Road Rockville, MD 20850 Potomac Community Recreation Center 11315 Falls Road Potomac, MD 20854 Sandy Spring Volunteer Fire Department 17921 Brooke Road Sandy Spring, MD 20860 Silver Spring Civic Building 1 Veterans Place Silver Spring, MD 20910 Wheaton Library and Community Recreation Center 11701 Georgia Avenue Wheaton, MD 20902 White Oak Community Recreation Center 1700 April Lane Silver Spring, MD 20904

VOTE 2026

NOVEMBER 3 (7AM - 8PM) • Avoid delays! Vote between 10AM - 3PM at your assigned polling place. • To obtain polling place information, text FIND to 77788 (Example: FIND 20879).

Makes a great gift! | Fitness & Health

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

Why you keep waking up at 3 a.m. It’s 3:17 a.m. Your eyes pop open. sert, can create blood-sugar swings that Again. may make it harder to sleep. You didn’t hear a noise. 3. Cortisol and stress: You don’t necessarily need Cortisol levels follow a circathe bathroom. Yet your brain dian rhythm, declining later in has apparently decided it’s the day and rising toward noon. If this happens regumorning. Stress disrupts circalarly, don’t automatically asdian rhythms and alters that sume you have insomnia. healthy bell-shaped curve. AdDon’t rush in for sleep aids. dressing your adrenal health Sometimes the problem and maintaining calm is a longisn’t sleeping. Something term fix compared to precould be waking you up. DEAR scribed sleepers. Here are some possibilities. PHARMACIST 4. Sleep apnea: Sleep ap1. Hormonal changes: By Suzy Cohen nea can cause repeated brief Women in perimenopause awakenings that you may not and menopause frequently experience even remember. Clues include snoring, fragmented sleep, sometimes even before gasping, morning headaches, dry mouth, a hot flash becomes obvious. nighttime urination and daytime exhausMen aren’t exempt, either. Declining tion. Remember, it can be dangerous to or fluctuating testosterone, estrogen and use sleeping pills when you have apnea. progesterone can affect serotonin, GABA 5. Reflux: Reflux doesn’t always proand the brain’s temperature-control cen- duce classic heartburn. Lying down soon ter. Correcting the hormone deficiencies after eating can allow stomach contents will fix the sleep problems better than a to travel upward, causing coughing, Z drug or benzo. throat clearing, burning, hoarseness or 2. Blood sugar fluctuations: Your unexplained early awakenings. No sleepbody continues regulating glucose while ing pill fixes this, but diet can. you sleep. If you awaken sweaty, shaky, 6. Alcohol: Wine may help you fall hungry or with a pounding heart, blood asleep, but sedation isn’t the same thing sugar is one possibility. A meal heavy in as restorative sleep. As alcohol is metabcarbohydrates, especially followed by des- olized, sleep can become more frag-

mented. It can also worsen snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. If you regularly enjoy an evening drink and then wake up early, try skipping the nightcap (or drinking it much earlier in the day), and see if things improve. Do not combine sleep aids with alcohol.

Investigate your habits

You’ll have to become your own sleep detective. For one week, keep a notepad beside your bed. When you awaken, write down the time and what you notice: hot, sweaty, hungry, heart pounding, cough-

Our experts offer advanced minimally invasive treatments that can help you feel better and get back to the things you love. Adventist HealthCare’s heart valve program offers: • Advanced heart valve treatment. • Trusted experts and nationally recognized outcomes. • Coordinated care for easier treatment from start to recovery. Make an appointment at 240-637-7060 or visit AdventistHealthCare.com/ValveCare for more information.

White Oak Medical Center • Silver Spring, MD

ing, reflux, pain, anxious, gasping or needing to go to the bathroom. Also record anything unusual from the evening: alcohol, dessert, late dinner, a new medication or an especially stressful day. You may discover a pattern. Occasional nighttime awakenings are normal. But if you’re awake at roughly the same time night after night, don’t focus only on sleep. This type of “insomnia” may not be a diagnosis; it may be a clue. Read the longer version of this article, which includes testing options, practical tips and important warnings, at suzycohen.com.

To subscribe, see page 43.

Life Changing Heart Care Can Mean New Beginnings

Fitness & Health | Subscribe online! See how on p. 43

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

COVER STORY

How Kojo Nnamdi became D.C.’s voice

Long journey to America

Nnamdi knows something about reinvention. He was born Rex Orville Montague Paul, but at age 26 changed his name to Kojo, a West African term for “boy born on a Monday,” and Nnamdi, after Nigeria’s first president, Nnamdi Azikiwe. He spent his first 22 years in Georgetown, Guyana, in a house “smack-dab in the middle of the city,” next to a busy bar and a winery. “From the moment I woke up in the morning, there was a great deal of street traffic and chatter I could hear from my window,” he recalled. “We were always entertained, daylong and night-long, by inebriated people. That was our form of television. We simply had to look out the window, and somebody was performing on the street outside our house.” A lifelong observer of these everyday performances, Nnamdi became interested in school plays. “My previous aspiration was to become an actor,” Nnamdi admitted. At his allboys’ high school, he once played not only Julius Caesar but also Portia, the female character in Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice. Nnamdi and his friends tended to gravitate to his house to hang out on his lively street. “One night, an argument developed about the Vietnam War,” he remembered. “The argument got pretty loud, and when my friends left and I went upstairs, my

mother said, ‘I noticed that when those guys were arguing, you were moderating the argument,’” Nnamdi said. From an early age, he “was able to see different points of view and reconcile them,” he said, which is, of course, a crucial skill for a TV and radio host. His mother, Gladys, also lit his path in a more practical way. Unimpressed with her son’s job selling insurance, she sent his application to McGill University in Montreal, Canada, which accepted him. Putting a plane ticket in his hand, she told him he was leaving for college in a week. At McGill, Nnamdi made fast friends with other students, thanks to his easygoing manner. “I’ve always considered myself a perfectly average person,” he said. “I cannot remember ever attempting to impose my will and my way on anyone else, and I’ve become convinced that maybe that’s why I was easy to get along with. I was never the most outstanding person in the group, but I was the one who all the other more quirky individuals could gather around.”

Ditching Brooklyn for D.C.

After just a year at McGill, the pull of New York City led Nnamdi to a job on Wall Street. He moved to Brooklyn in the mid-1960s during the rise of the Black Power movement. One day at lunch, a man invited him and his co-workers to join the Black Panthers. Long fascinated by activists Paul Robeson and James Baldwin, whom he read as a highschooler in Guyana, Nnamdi joined the group for several months. (Its Marxist direction eventually repelled him, he later said.) That’s when he heard that a new school had formed in Washington, D.C., called the Federal City College Center for Black Education. “That’s where you’ll find yourself,” a cousin told him. Sure enough, he did. “D.C. really helped me to settle down,” Nnamdi said. Compared to New York, D.C. was “sleepy,” as the city seemed to shut down at 9 p.m. “So I said, this is a town in which I have come to work,” not necessarily to have fun, he recalled. Slowly, though, he warmed to his somewhat rough neighborhood, Shaw. “It was summertime, so people were out, and I began to get the same sense of community I had when I was growing up in Guyana,” he remembered. With friends in every quadrant, he explored the city’s many areas. “I realized how vibrant a city it was, and that vibrancy showed itself fairly early.” Nnamdi took classes and got a job at the Drum and Spear, an independent Black bookstore founded by members of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). There he was apt to encounter famous Black writers like Amiri Baraka

TYRONE TURNER/WAMU

By Margaret Foster Perhaps the best part of writing a memoir is time travel. That’s what Kojo Nnamdi, 81, has discovered over the past several years as he wrote his memoir, which he expects will be published next year. The longtime WAMU 88.5 host, who will be the keynote speaker at the Beacon 50+ Expo on November 8, said the writing process took him back to his childhood in Guyana, then a British colony on the Caribbean coast of South America. “What was really pleasant for me while I was writing was to go back to the years in Guyana because those were the years that molded me into the person I am today — the influence of my parents, a gazillion relatives and the neighborhood I lived in, all combined,” he said. Today, of course, Nnamdi is a semiretired talk show host, on the air every Friday with “The Politics Hour with Kojo Nnamdi” on WAMU 88.5. Still in the game, Nnamdi also hosts a podcast called Young at Heart, in which he interviews older folks who have propelled to new careers — a telephone repairman, for instance, who became a shoe designer, plus several others who describe their detours.

Kojo Nnamdi has interviewed hundreds of politicians, authors and activists in his 50-plus years on the air. “I was fascinated by the power of radio as a child,” he told the Beacon. “There’s an intimate connection and a trust that develops between the listener and the broadcaster that is unique.”

and Gwendolyn Brooks. He also joined a group that aired children’s plays on weekend AM radio, his first radio gig. With that brief experience, in 1973, Nnamdi landed a “real job,” as he puts it, as news director of Howard University’s WHUR-FM station. His career blossomed from there, and from 1985 to 2011, he hosted the local TV program “Evening Exchange.” During those years as a TV host, he became well known in the local Black community. That came in handy in the 1990s at the White House. Nnamdi was in a reception line to meet President Clinton and decided against the long wait. On his way out, some Secret Service agents recognized him and said, “Where are you going, Kojo?” They promptly escorted him to the front of the line. White D.C. became familiar with Nnamdi in 1998, when he became WAMU host of “Public Interest,” a two-hour radio show that covered national and international topics. In 2002, that became “The Kojo Nnamdi Show,” which focused exclusively on D.C. He stepped back from his namesake show in 2021.

Hometown kids

Nnamdi raised three sons in a house on Chapin Street in Shaw. Tragically, he became a single parent after his wife died of an aneurysm when their youngest children, twin boys, were just 10 years old. His mother came from Guyana to help raise them.

He remarried in 1994, and he and his wife had two sons. All of his sons attended Howard University, not far from their home, and three of his eight grandchildren are students there now. An expert on the city and its political history, Nnamdi has a true love for the place he once dismissed as staid. He even has a tattoo of the city’s flag on his forearm. “D.C. truly grew on me,” he said.

Young at Heart podcast

During the pandemic, Nnamdi, at the urging of a friend, pitched a podcast to WAMU about older people who reinvented themselves after retirement. Six episodes have been released so far. As we age, Nnamdi likes to remind thelisteners of what’s now Young at Heart, “It’s not over. The world doesn’t end after retirement.” Not fully retired, Nnamdi is still in conversation with his guests, neighbors and anyone who happens to recognize him on the street, at the store, in a jazz club or on a bike trail. Everyone seems to know Kojo Nnamdi — or at least his voice, with its low, careful cadence, punctuated by frequent chuckles. Sometimes they recognize not his face but his voice. Either way, he said, “If you know me, I know you.” Nnamdi will be the keynote speaker at this year’s Beacon 50+ Expo on Nov. 8 at the Silver Spring Civic Building. For more information, visit beaconnewspapers.com/ expos or call (301) 949-9766.

Makes a great gift!

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

October 2026

SeniorOptions Living Presented by

r u o r e t En ra o f g n i draw o win t chance ASH! $100 C 8. e2 g a p e e S

Inside New 62+ building opens

What is bridge care?

How to fund care

Make your home safer

And more!

Neighbors in a “cottage cluster” in Port Townsend, Washington, live in small houses build around a central courtyard. Similar cottages will be built in Maryland, thanks to recent zoning approvals in Howard County. See story on page 19. Photo courtesy of Ross Chapin Architects

Senior Living Options | Subscribe online! See how on p. 43

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

BOUTIQUE SENIOR LIVING

Surrounded by familiar places, favorite local sites, and lifelong connections, you can enjoy the comfort of staying close to the community you cherish while discovering new opportunities to live better. At Chevy Chase House, experience the lifestyle you deserve in the area you’ve always loved. • Spacious Studio, One and Two-Bedroom Apartments • Personalized Care Services • Exceptional Chef-Prepared Dining Included • Social and Enrichment Programs Designed to Keep Residents Active, Connected, and Fulfilled • Integrative Wellness with On-Site Exercise Physiologist, PT/OT, and Road to 150 program • Parkinson’s Support Program

Call Our Team to Learn More (202) 905-0708 5420 Connecticut Avenue NW | Washington, DC 20015

chevychasehouse.com

Makes a great gift! | Senior Living Options

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

Older adults embrace cottage living By Susan Ahearn Like the rest of America, the D.C. metro area is going gray. And if you’re in that demographic group, you may wonder what’s the best thing to do about housing as you age. Some residents want to stay in their homes, but others may want to move to a smaller place that is not a high-rise or a townhome. So called “cottage clusters” could be the answer. A West Coast trend, cottage housing is currently available in several senior communities in Maryland, including Collington, a Life Plan community in Mitchellville, Maryland. About 375 of Collington’s 450 residents are in independent living, and just over half of them live in its cottages. The units range from 1,600 square feet to just 520 square feet. But the cottages aren’t isolated. Covered walkways connect them to the main community center, explained Cory Hall, associate director of sales and marketing at Collington Hall. On the contrary, he said, cottage housing helps foster a sense of community. “It’s the community dynamic that’s special. It’s not just the home proper; it’s the interaction with other residents in a cottage cluster,” Hall said. Cottage living is also among the hous-

ing options at Brooke Grove, a continuing care retirement community in Sandy Spring, Maryland, that offers skilled nursing, assisted living and independent living. Brooke Grove’s 40 independent living cottages, which are duplexes, are “fairly large,” said Patricia Gomez, vice president of operations, noting that they range from 2,000 to 4,000 square feet. “It’s ideal because there is the option for just one-level living, and [the cottages] are large enough that [residents] don’t have to give up all of their belongings [when] moving from the houses they currently live in.” Ultimately, what’s important is providing options for older people. “Aging in place doesn’t necessarily have to be that same home that you’ve lived in for 30 or 40-plus years,” said Ofelia Ross Ott, administrator of the Office on Aging and Independence in Howard County, Maryland. “It’s finding a home that meets your needs.”

Howard County greenlights cottage clusters

Officials in Howard County are taking steps to help provide more housing for its growing population of older adults. “By 2030, we’re going to have more individuals 60 and over than school-age children,” Ott pointed out.

BEACON BITS

Oct. 19

GENTLE PILATES CLASS This free, gentle Pilates mat class for adults 60 and older fo-

cuses on improving strength, flexibility, posture and balance. It takes place on Mon., Oct. 19, from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. at the Georgetown Library, 3260 R St. NW, Washington, DC. No prior experience or registration is required, but you must create a free account on aroundtowndc.org before attending. For more information, call (202) 727-0232 or visit tinyurl.com/gentlePilates.

ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNITY

Chevy Chase House 202-905-0708

In June, the Howard County Council unanimously approved the creation of cottage cluster housing, clearing the way for private developers to build cottages for people 55 and older within existing neighborhoods. The move was important because older residents want “to be able to downsize with dignity and age in place as much as they possibly can,” said Tim Lattimer, deputy chief of staff for Howard County Executive Calvin Ball. “This is one way for folks to be able to do that.” Isabella Shycoff, director of policy for the Maryland Department of Aging, applauded the efforts of Howard County officials. “They’re looking at their population. They’re hearing what their residents are looking for, and they’re doing something about it,” Shycoff said. Other Maryland communities, including Montgomery County and Anne Arundel County, are considering changing zoning laws to make it easier for developers to pursue these kinds of projects, according to Shycoff.

Plenty of room for cottages

Howard County has approximately 921 available parcels for age-restricted adult cottage clusters, according to L ynda

Eisenberg, director of planning and zoning for Howard County. “The intent of these cottage clusters was to really act as infill development and what we call that missing ‘middle housing,’ so they could blend seamlessly, if so desired, into an existing community,” she said. Middle housing, Eisenberg explained, are “duplexes, triplexes, quads, courtyard apartments, cottage clusters that really fit into existing neighborhoods.” Built around a central courtyard, each group of four or more cottages will be designed with a small footprint. “The homes have 1,200 square feet or less — a single story — and they’re oriented around a common land,” Eisenberg said. Cottages for older adults are gaining traction across the country. “Nationally, [the cottage trend] is becoming more prominent, with the national housing shortage,” Eisenberg said. “It’s something obviously brand new for our county and more innovative for the state of Maryland.” For more information, contact Brooke Grove at (301) 388-7209 or Collington, a Kendal Affiliate, at (301) 560-3601. Or visit howardcountymd.gov/planning-zoning/cottage-clusters.

THE HIP WAY TO HOME SHARE Home Sharing with HIP is a free matching service that helps make housing more affordable for homeowners and renters in Montgomery County!

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

Montgomery County Home Sharing offers a way to have a more comfortable life. HOMESHARE@HIPHOMES.ORG | 301-85-SHARE WWW.HIPHOMES.ORG/HOME-SHARING

Senior Living Options | Subscribe online! See how on p. 43

Senior Living News By Beacon Staff

The Reeds at 1910 to open A brand-new 62+ housing community is coming soon to Wheaton, Mar yland. Columbus Property Management plans to open The Reeds at 1910 in early October. “We are excited to welcome seniors 62 and older to The Reeds at 1910, our brandnew senior apartment building near downtown Wheaton,” said Sarah Constant, senior

vice president of the real estate development team at Mission First Housing Group, the developer and owner of the property. Managed by Columbus Property Management, the four-story building includes 90 affordable 1- and 2- bedroom units for rent at 30% to 70% of Area Median Income (AMI). Of those 90 apartments, 76 are currently available for lease, and the property is welcoming applications for new residents. “Allowing Montgomery County residents to age in place, the building provides both convenience and amenities —

REAL ESTATE SPECIALIST

Marc Hershkowitz, Coakley Realty 202-425-8885 (m) 301-340-8700 (o) 20 Courthouse Sq #107 Rockville, MD 20850 www.Coakleyrealty.com

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

just blocks to the Metro and Safeway, with a bus stop out front,” Constant said. The building will also include an onsite management office, fitness room, clubroom with a patio, a laundry lounge on each floor and outdoor terraces. The Reeds at 1910 is Columbus’ ninth property in Maryland, joining The Sanctuary in Silver Spring and The Lewis and The Belnor in Suitland. For more information, visit columbuspm.org/property or call (301) 973-3337.

Brightview named best Brightview Senior Living was recognized in the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Senior Living Ratings for 2026, a list rating independent living, assisted living, memory care and continuing care retirement communities. To compile the list, U.S. News & World Report evaluated more than 3,000 senior living communities, analyzing data from thousands of survey responses from residents and family. The sur vey covers value, care, safety, transportation, staff, management, food, enrichment and more.

U.S. News gave more than 90% of Brightview’s communities its “best” rating, which it awards to communities with a high score in multiple areas. About half of this year’s evaluated communities received a “best” rating. Each year Brightview has made the list, its properties have won Best in Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care. “At Brightview, we continue to drive the importance of maintaining happy, engaged associates, which in turn creates happy and engaged residents,” Brightview Senior Living President and CEO Doug Dollenberg Jr. said in a statement. “This remarkable recognition … is a testament to the unwavering dedication of our associates. Their commitment to supporting not only our residents but also one another is what truly sets Brightview apart.” Brightview Senior Living has nine locations in the DMV, including Rockville and North Bethesda. Its newest community is Brightview Columbia in Maryland. For more information or to schedule a visit, call (888) 566-8854 or visit brightviewseniorliving.com. To see all of U.S. News & World Report’s Best Senior Living ratings for 2025-2026, visit health.usnews.com/best-senior-living.

BEACON BITS

As you navigate complex life transitions – including downsizing, relocation, or later-in-life moves – you need a partner who looks beyond the transaction to protect your interests. Marc Hershkowitz brings a thoughtful, relationship-driven approach grounded in decades of community advocacy and education. As an expert certified as a Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES®), Marc provides steady guidance, clear communication, and genuine care to manage the financial and emotional complexities of major life changes. Call Marc at 202-425-8885 for a confidential consultation. Serving the DMV.

me Thinking about Meet Nov. 8 your next move? at the Count on the certified Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES®) expertise of Marc Hershkowitz of Coakley Realty for the steady guidance, clear communication, and genuine care you deserve to simplify your future. Licensed in DC, MD, and VA. Call for your complimentary consultation.

Marc Hershkowitz

Seniors Real Estate Specialist® / Mobile Notary Public

202-425-8885 (m) | 301-340-8700 (o) 20 Courthouse Sq. #107 | Rockville, MD 20850

www.Coakleyrealty.com

Oct.

SCULPTURE EXHIBITION AT SANDY SPRING

This free outdoor sculpture exhibit, organized in partnership with the Washington Sculptors Group, features multimedia sculptures by artists installed throughout Sandy Spring Museum’s 7-acre site. “Artina 2026: Ripples of Ten Years” runs through Sun., Nov. 8 at 17901 Bentley Rd., Sandy Spring. For more information, including hours, visit sandyspringmuseum.org, call (301) 774-0022 or email info@sandyspringmuseum.org.

Oct.

WOODY GUTHIRE MUSICAL

The international hit musical Woody Sez: The Life and Music of Woody Guthrie celebrates “America’s greatest ballad maker” through Sun., Oct. 25 at Dupont Underground, 19 Dupont Cir. NW, Washington, DC. Tickets cost $45 and are available at voicesfestivalproductions.com. For more information about the musical, email info@voicesfestivalproductions.com.

INDEPENDENT LIVING COMMUNITY

Ring House 301-816-5000 1801 East Jeﬀerson Street Rockville, MD 20852 www.smithlifecommunities.org/residences/ring-house/ Life at Ring House means enjoying the independence of your own apartment home, combined with the convenience of services and amenities designed to support an active, engaged lifestyle. At Ring House, our Kosher dining is more than a meal – it's a gathering where treasured family recipes can find their way to the table. Concerts, lectures, writing and creative art workshops, intergenerational programs and other experiences provide new opportunities to connect with others and live each day with purpose. Hirsh Health Center, the senior-focused medical practice at Charles E. Smith Life Communities, is conveniently located within the building, providing peace of mind that medical services can be steps away when needed.

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

Makes a great gift! | Senior Living Options

Ways to prepare for long-term care By Tony Drake Far too many people ignore the topic of long-term care because they are worried about whether they can afford it. But many, if not most of us, will need it at some point in our lives. Someone turning age 65 has about a 70% chance of needing some kind of longterm care service or support for the rest of their life. The cost of long-term care is continuing to rise, but there are ways you can start planning and preparing for higher costs now.

1. Understand long-term care options

Life expectancy in the United States has risen to 79, according to the CDC, increasing for the first time in two years. This is why it is important to research and understand all of the long-term care options available. Discuss your wishes with your spouse and family members so they know what you want, if and when the time comes. After you discuss your options with your family, consider talking with your financial adviser to see if long-term care insurance or a hybrid policy may be right for you. After all, neither regular health insurance nor Medicare covers long-term care. Long-term care insurance can help cover nursing-home costs and home

healthcare later in life. It can also help pay for any chronic medical issues, like Alzheimer’s or cancer. Hybrid policies combine life insurance and long-term care benefits.

2. Invest in a health savings account

If you are still working and saving for your retirement, consider a health savings account. An HSA is a tax-advantaged savings account that you can use at any age to pay for qualifying healthcare expenses. While an HSA can be used to fund current healthcare costs, the balance carries over each year, and that money can be invested to grow for the future. The IRS sets HSA contribution limits each year. In 2026, you can contribute up to $4,400 if you have health coverage just for yourself and $8,750 if you have coverage for your entire family. Those age 55 and older are eligible for an additional catch-up contribution of $1,000. Being able to pay for some of those expenses with tax-free money is more efficient than paying for them with money you have to pay taxes on first.

3. Strategize when to claim Social Security benefits

benefits right away. However, some people don’t understand how their benefit amount is calculated. Your monthly benefit is calculated by using your 35 highest-earning years. The earliest you can claim Social Security is age 62. While it may be tempting to turn on your Social Security benefits then, claiming benefits before full retirement age results in a permanent reduction by as much as 30% of your benefit. If you delay claiming, it can be a big bonus. Your benefit will grow by as much as 8% per year from your full retirement age through age 70. If you are married, Social Security spousal benefits are designed to provide additional retirement income for couples.

If you are divorced and have not remarried, you may be able to claim benefits based on your ex-spouse’s benefits if their benefits are higher than your own. And if you are a widow, you are eligible for your partner’s benefit if it is higher than yours. When saving for retirement, you should always plan for any unexpected medical bills. Healthcare expenses can take up a large amount of your retirement income. Working with a financial adviser is a great way to come up with a plan to boost your retirement savings and prepare for the cost of long-term care. © 2026 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. All rights reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Affordable Senior Living Options with

$ubsidies

We pay into Social Security throughout our career, and when we hit retirement age many are eager to start claiming those

BEACON BITS

Ongoing

FREE SHADE TREES Tree Montgomery, a free program that plants shade trees

throughout Montgomery County, is seeking private property owners interested in helping expand the county’s tree canopy. Tree Montgomery partners with you to select the right location and species for your property. They plant the trees and assist with their care. For more information, visit treemontgomery.org/how-it-works or call (240) 777-0311.

INDEPENDENT & PERSONAL CARE COMMUNITIES

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

Homecrest House offers: • Independent Living • Enhanced Care Options Newly Renovate • 24-hour Onsite Staffing d A p a r t ments • Daily Kosher Meals with Choices • Engaging Activities and Trips • Optional Medication Administration

For more information, call (301) 244-3579

Or email marketing@homecresthouse.org

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

Senior Living Options | Subscribe online! See how on p. 43

INDEPENDENT LIVING • ASSISTED LIVING • MEMORY CARE

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

INDEPENDENT LIVING COMMUNITY

Riderwood Retirement Community 877-742-4390 3140 Graceﬁeld Road Silver Spring, MD 20904 Riderwood.com Discover Riderwood, Silver Spring’s Favorite Senior Living Community Active seniors agree: Riderwood is Silver Spring’s premier continuing care retirement community, for so many reasons.

1. Maintenance-free Living

Residences are big on style, budget-friendly, and maintenance-free.

2. Resort-Style Amenities and Activities

Dine with friends, work out or swim, take a class, or watch a performance. It’s all just steps from your door.

3. Health and Well-Being Services

The on-site medical center is staffed by full-time providers. Should your needs ever change, multiple levels of care are available on-site. Get your FREE brochure today! Call 1-877-742-4390 or visit Riderwood.com.

INDEPENDENT LIVING COMMUNITY

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

Before the move: Home care, respite and other options By Cory Fosco In my 34 years in long-term care, the most consistent planning misstep I have seen is not a bad decision. It is a family who does not know there is anything between leaving things as they are and moving a loved one to a facility. There is meaningful space between living at home and moving into a community. These options include in-home caregiving, adult day ser vices and respite care. For most families, the path toward some form of residential care is real and will eventually need to be addressed. “Bridge” services are not a way to avoid that move. What they offer is time, support and a way to approach a major decision from a mindset of preparation rather than exhaustion. Carol found them by accident, which is how most families do. Her mother, Ruth, was 74 and living alone. (Names have been changed for privacy.) Ruth was still sharp in conversation, and insisted she was “fine” and did not need assistance. But “fine” had started to fray at the edges. Ruth was skipping meals. She had stopped going to her garden club. The house she had kept immaculate for 50 years had started to slip. Carol lived 40 minutes away. She was working, raising a teenager and worrying about her mother’s next steps. But she was not ready to talk about assisted living, and her mother was not ready to hear about it. A friend suggested Carol call a geriatric care manager. Carol had never heard the term. She made the call mostly because she did not know what else to do.

The geriatric care manager helped Carol understand that there were options to consider. They are called “bridge” options and can be one or a combination of the following: In-home care: Paid caregivers come to the home. In-home care ranges from companion care — someone to provide company, prepare meals and help with light tasks — to personal care that includes bathing, dressing and mobility. You can arrange in-home caregivers through an agency, which handles hiring, background checks and backup coverage, or privately, which is more flexible but puts more of the oversight on the family. At its best, in-home care preserves independence and routine while filling the gaps that have become safety concerns. It also gives you an outside set of eyes. A good aide notices a change in condition that a family, used to a slow shift at home, might not catch. Adult day programs: These provide structured care and activity in a community setting during daytime hours, usually on weekdays. Some are mainly social, with activities, meals and companionship. Others are health-focused, with nursing oversight, medication management, and programming designed for participants living with dementia. They address two needs at once. The person attending gets stimulation and connection. The caregiver gets predictable, reliable time off, which is a sustainability measure rather than a luxury. Respite care: This is short-term, temporary care designed to give a caregiver See BRIDGE CARE, page 25

INDEPENDENT LIVING • ASSISTED LIVING • MEMORY CARE

The Grandview 1-888-645-7516

Inspīr Embassy Row 202-293-2100

6701 Democracy Blvd., Suite 150-B Bethesda, MD 20817 TheGrandviewSeniorLiving.com

2100 Massachusetts Ave NW Washington, DC 20008 inspirseniorliving.com/senior-living-washington-dc

Experience an Extraordinary Retirement at The Grandview

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

What if your retirement gave you more freedom, more convenience, and more opportunities to enjoy every day? At The Grandview℠ in Bethesda, you'll discover vibrant senior living designed around your lifestyle. Choose from stylish residences featuring modern finishes and enjoy exceptional amenities right outside your door, including multiple dining venues, a fitness center, and an indoor pool. Best of all, you can leave home maintenance behind and spend more time doing what you love. Plus, an on-site medical center and continuum of support provide added peace of mind for the future. Call 1-888-645-7516 to learn more and get your free brochure.

Makes a great gift! | Senior Living Options

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

Protecting assets when Medicaid is needed

Ways to protect assets and still qualify for Medicaid

Middle-class older adults who are comfortable but not wealthy often fall into a trap. They have too many assets to qualify for Medicaid, but not enough money to pay for nursing home care without eventually going broke. As Evan Farr, a Certified Elder Law Attorney based in Fairfax, Virginia, explains, there’s a general $2,000 limit on spendable assets to qualify for Medicaid. However, he said, “experienced elder law attorneys help people protect assets every day” while qualifying for Medicaid. In fact, Farr said, married couples can often protect all of their assets in these situations. And there are numerous legal and ethical asset protection strategies that knowledgeable attorneys can use. In addition, Medicare provides some protections for the spouse of someone who needs nursing care, called the Community Spouse Resource Allowance.

The singles trap

The rules are different and, unfortu-

nately, less favorable for single people. “But we still have strategies,” Farr said, which can commonly protect 40% to 70% of a single person’s assets. “Some money will have to be spent down to pay for care, but not all,” he said. So if you’re in a situation where you have a parent who needs nursing home care, don’t just go on a spending spree. Instead, consult a professional to establish a trust. Michael Murray, AIF, CPFA, and president/financial planner at Peabody Wealth Advisors in Massachusetts, agrees. “As a single person, the best strategy would be to talk to an eldercare attorney about setting up an irrevocable trust,” he said, or discussing other strategies to protect assets.

How to spend down assets

What does spending down assets to

qualify for Medicaid look like? “You can’t just gift your money to a child,” Murray said. Instead, assets can be spent in helpful ways, such as prepaying for a funeral or making home improvements. So there are ways to get nursing home coverage through Medicaid without spending down every last penny you or a loved one worked hard to save. However, both Murray and Farr agree that strategic Medicaid planning is not a substitute for long-term care planning or long-term care insurance. In fact, Murray recommends prioritizing long-term care insurance and not waiting too long, since the underwriting requirements for these policies can be quite strict. Farr, meanwhile, explains that while Medicaid commonly covers the cost of

nursing home care, assisted living is a different story. “A huge percentage of people wind up needing the assisted living level of care, sometimes for five to 10 years before they ever need nursing home care,” he said. “That lower level of care won’t be paid for by Medicaid.”

Recent Medicaid cuts

In July of 2025, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) was signed into law. It included roughly $1 trillion in Medicaid cuts. While many of those cuts target younger Medicaid beneficiaries, nursing home residents are vulnerable too. One major consequence is that reduced Medicaid reimbursements may force nursing See ASSETS, page 25

Senior Living at The Grandview℠ and Riderwood® Gives You MORE.

1. MORE for your money with predictable monthly spending.

2. MORE amenities, like a pool, fitness center, and restaurants.

3. MORE peace of mind with on-site care should you need it. See ALL the reasons to discover the premier senior living communities in Bethesda and Silver Spring. Call 1-800-240-8491 for your free brochure.

RIDERWOOD, Silver Spring MD THE GRANDVIEW, Bethesda MD 3062951

By Maurie Backman Q: My mom suddenly needs to be in a nursing home. Should I spend down her assets so she qualifies for Medicaid? A: If you’re in a situation where your mother needs nursing home care, you may be thinking your only option is to spend down her assets so she can qualify for Medicaid. Unlike Medicare, Medicaid does pay for long-term care. But whittling an older parent’s money down to their last dime may not be the only solution. Of the various retirement costs you may know to plan for, healthcare is perhaps the trickiest. Fidelity estimates that the average 65-year-old retiring in 2025 could incur $172,500 in medical expenses throughout their later years. And that estimate doesn’t even account for long-term care. The Administration for Community Living reports that someone turning 65 today has an almost 70% chance of needing long-term care services in their lifetime. And not surprisingly, women tend to need care for a longer period than men (3.7 years on average, compared to 2.2 years for men). The problem, though, is that long-term care needs can arise suddenly. And if you think Medicare will pay for it, you’re sorely mistaken. Medicare will only cover the cost of care that’s medical in nature. Long-term care is generally custodial, which is a big distinction. Needing help with everyday activities like dressing and bathing is a common byproduct of aging. But unless it’s associated with a specific illness, injury or surgical procedure, Medicare is unlikely to pick up the tab. That’s why Medicaid has been the principal payer for 60% of people who need nursing home care.

Senior Living Options | Subscribe online! See how on p. 43

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

SEE HER HAPPY IN A NEW WAY AURA EARLY MEMORY SUPPORT & OCEANA MEMORY CARE ONLY AT INSPĪR

It’s hard to see your loved ones dealing with memory loss. And supporting

them by yourself is even harder. That’s why we created Aura Early Memory Support

and Oceana Memory Care, two exclusive programs at Inspīr, thoughtfully designed for evolving needs. Here, your loved ones benefit from an environment of vibrant, intentional living. With every detail designed to provide whole-person wellness.

See memory care in a new way at inspirseniorliving.com.

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

Makes a great gift! | Senior Living Options

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

Bridge care a break. It can be in the home, at an adult day program or a brief residential stay at a community — anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. It serves the caregiver first. After all, a caregiver who takes a planned break comes back with more capacity than one who pushes through to collapse. For a family thinking ahead, a respite stay also lets someone experience a community before any permanent move is on the table, and it tells the family more about a place than a tour ever will.

The cost of bridge services

Cost is worth understanding plainly. In-

Assets

From page 23

homes to cut staff and whittle down services. Today more than 570 nursing homes are at risk of cuts and closures, according to the nonprofit Protect Our Care. Following the OBBBA, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services also repealed the minimum staffing requirements for nursing homes. States have had some leeway to set the maximum home equity a Medicaid appli-

home care is mostly private pay and is billed by the hour, so it rises with the number of hours the person needs. Medicare covers skilled home health under specific conditions but not ongoing companion or personal care. Adult day is generally less expensive, and Medicaid or veterans’ benefits may apply for those who qualify. Most respite stays are private pay, though some long-term care insurance policies include a respite benefit. If a loved one resists the idea, and many do, starting small helps. A few hours a week, framed as “help around the house” rather than care, can land better than a direct conversation about needing assistance. With a day program, a trial visit framed as “trying something new” often

lands better than a conversation about need. Carol’s care manager recommended a home care aide three mornings a week and an adult day program two afternoons. Initially Ruth resisted the program, but within three weeks she was telling Carol about the friends she had made there. Although Ruth’s decline did not stop, it slowed and became more manageable. When Ruth moved to assisted living 18 months later, she arrived in better health, with a clearer medical picture. Those months gave Carol the time to research the options carefully rather than in a crisis. The transition was still hard, but it was a different kind of hard than it would have been.

Oct. 18

CONCERT WITH DANCING Trio Cécilia brings together many musical worlds, including

traditional Celtic and Quebecois music, as well as contemporary, classical, jazz and swing styles. Contradance caller (instructor) Chloe Levine leads a dance lesson at 7:30, with the music kicking off at 8 p.m. on Sun., Oct. 18 at the Spanish Ballroom at Glen Echo, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo. Tickets are $17, and no prior experience is required. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit imtfolk.org/10-18-cecilia-dance-concert or call (301) 960-3655.

Sign a lease by October 31, 2026 and get $500 OFF your second month’s rent, plus your application fee waived.

Inspired Apartment Living In The Heart Of Rockville O Bethany House is a perfect place to call home in Rockville!

Now accepting applications for smart studios, one- and two- bedroom apartments. Under New Management

Amenities

All Utilities Included

Laundry Facilities

Elevator

Tile Bathrooms

Landscaped Courtyard

Central Air Conditioning

On-Site Parking

Bus Stop One Block Away

Public Transportation

Near Twinbrook Metro

Spacious Closets

Rooftop Space

Large Windows

Walk-in Closets*

Convenient to Grocery

Pet-friendly**

and Drug Stores

Carol told me she wished she had made that call a year earlier — not because it would have changed the trajectory of her mother’s decline, but because having support in place enhanced the quality of the time they had. The space between home and a facility is wider than it may appear. You do not have to choose a single answer today. You only have to learn what is available for this stage, while you still have the time to put the right support in place. Cory Fosco is the author of The Question of When: A Practical Guide to Knowing When It’s Time for Assisted Living, Memory Care, or Skilled Nursing (Campion Hall Press, 2026). For more about the options described above, see chapter three of the book.

BEACON BITS

cant could have. But the new law stipulates that starting in 2028, applicants must have no more than $1 million in home equity, regardless of inflation. The OBBBA also reduced retroactive Medicaid coverage. Justice in Aging, an advocacy organization, called the change “unwelcome news for Medicaid applicants,” adding, “advocates should emphasize to their clients the importance of applying promptly.” © 2026 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. All rights reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

ur smart studio, one-, and two-bedroom apartment community is thoughtfully designed for adults 62 and better. Bethany House offers comfort, convenience, and connection.

*on select units **ask for details

Call for your personal tour

301-881-0700 TTY 711 199 Rollins Ave, Rockville, MD 20852

www.LiveBethanyHouse.com

Senior Living Options | Subscribe online! See how on p. 43

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 LIVING COMMUNITY

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

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

Make your home safer as you age

By Jim Miller Dear Savvy Senior, What simple tips can you recommend for making a home age-friendly? My husband and I are in our late 60s and want to remain living in our home for as long as possible. —Homebody Hanna Dear Hanna, Many older adults, like you and your husband, want to stay in their own home for as long as they can. But being able to do so will depend on how easy it is to maneuver your living space as you get older. There are dozens of simple adjustments and modifications to help make your home safer and more accessible for aging in place. Here’s a summary of tips from the National Institute on Aging and AARP, which offers a free room-by-room guide with practical suggestions for older adults living independently.

Entrance:

• Have at least one exterior doorway with step-free access. Consider a ramp. • Add a bench in the foyer to sit on when removing shoes or to set down items while locking or unlocking the door.

Bathroom:

• Install a walk-in shower or tub with a bench and non-skid decals or mats to prevent falls. • Add a hand-held nozzle to the shower head to facilitate rinsing off while seated. • Install grab bars on the shower wall and near the toilet. • Put in a taller toilet or add a toiletriser. • Consider plugging in a nightlight.

Bedroom:

• If stairs are too difficult to manage, create a bedroom on the main level by transforming a den or an office. • Make sure the bed is easy to get in and out of. Purchase inexpensive bed risers, if needed. • Invest in an adjustable bed for extra comfort.

Kitchen:

• Purchase a stove with safety features that alert the resident when a burner is

on or have automatic shutoffs. • Relocate major appliances to make them easier to reach. • Add slide-out drawers or trays to existing cabinets for better access. • Install a lever-style, light-touch or sensor faucet, which is easier to use than a faucet with turn-style knobs or handles.

Furniture and rugs:

• Get rid of furniture and clutter to make rooms easier to move around in. • Use chairs with armrests, which make sitting and standing easier. • Avoid furniture with sharp corners, which can cause bruises and cuts when bumped up against. • Hide cords out of pathways — but don’t put them under rugs. • Area rugs, if used, should be secured to the floor with a nonslip mat or anti-slip rug tape. For more tips, get a copy of AARP’s “HomeFit Guide,” a 36-page illustrated guide with more than 100 aging-in-place tips and suggestions that can be made to an existing house or apartment or incorporated into designs for a new residence. It explains how a smartly designed or modified home can meet the varied and changing needs of its older residents. It also features easy-to-do, low-cost and no-cost fixes that lessen the risk of trip hazards and increase the safety of high-use areas like the bathroom, kitchen and stairway. In addition, AARP also has videos and a HomeFit AR app (available for iPhone and iPad) that can scan a room and suggest improvements to help turn your house into a “lifelong home,” free from safety and mobility risks. Visit AARP.org/HomeFit to order or download a free copy of this guide, or to watch their videos. You don’t need to be an AARP member to access this content. If you’d like more hands-on help, you could also hire an occupational or physical therapist that works with older adults. He or she can come in, evaluate your home and recommend aging-in-place solutions. And if you get a referral from your doctor, Medicare will usually cover a walk-through evaluation of your home. Send your questions or comments to questions@savvysenior.org, or to Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.

BEACON BITS

Ongoing

HELP WITH PET ADOPTIONS The Partnership for Animal Welfare (PAW) regularly hosts

adoption events on Saturdays from noon to 2 p.m. at the Kensington PetSmart, 5145 Nicholson Ln., Kensington, and from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m at the Gaithersburg PetSmart, 218 Kentlands Blvd., Gaithersburg. The rescue organization is seeking volunteers to help at these events. For more information, visit paw-rescue.org/contact or call (301) 572-4PAW.

Makes a great gift! | Senior Living Options

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

october–november 2026

UPCOMING SEMINARS & CLASSES at Brooke Grove retirement village

LIVING WELL SEMINAR: “STRONG BONES, STRONGER YOU” Led by board-certified bilingual nutritionist Lisa Jo Finstrom of Common Sense Nutrition, LLC

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 or call 301-388-7209 with questions. THRIVING WITH PARKINSON’S: “EXERCISE FOR PARKINSON’S” Led by Paul Reavis, certified active aging specialist and certified personal trainer MONDAYS & WEDNESDAYS • 12 NOON–1 P.M. This ongoing class for those with Parkinson’s or other neurodegenerative disorders aims to improve posture, balance and circulation while also increasing strength, muscle control and mobility. Offered in partnership with the Parkinson Foundation of the National Capital Area.

FREE with $50 annual PFNCA administrative fee. To register visit: bit.ly/BGRVParkExercise

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22 • 1–2:15 P.M. This interactive program covers the foods that strengthen bone health and practical steps to protect what matters most: your mobility and your future. You’ll also learn how to sidestep common medication side effects, which supplements are actually worth taking and simple lifestyle shifts that add up over time. FREE. To register visit: bit.ly/StrongYou2026 LIVING WELL SEMINAR: “MEDICARE 2027: DEMYSTIFYING MEDICARE” Presented by Medicare Specialist Leta Blank THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5 • 10:30 A.M.–11:45 P.M. Find the answers to questions such as “What do Medicare A and B cover? How does Medicare Part D work? Do I need Part C? What state and federal programs am I eligible for? Medicare doesn’t pay for everything, so what else do I need?” FREE. To register, visit: bit.ly/2027Medicare HEALTHY LIVING CLASS: “GENTLE YOGA FOR A JOYFUL HOLIDAY HEART” Led by owner of Uplift Yoga Brenda Norris, E-RYT500, YACEP, and Certified Wellness Coach Carol Ames, MS, CPT, 500 RYT November 30 through December 18

HEALTHY LIVING CLASS: “STRONG AND MOBILE: FUNCTIONAL FITNESS FOR OLDER ADULTS” October 12 through November 20 MONDAYS & FRIDAYS • 2–2:45 P.M. Endurance, core strength and mobility can be improved with body weight exercises, which help us move with greater confidence in everyday activities such as climbing the stairs and carrying groceries. Join the same instructors each week in a supportive environment for exercises that build strength for everyday life as well as improve the range of motion in your joints. All fitness levels are welcome, but some standing is required.

MONDAYS & FRIDAYS • 1-1:45 P.M. Practicing mindfulness during the holiday season enhances overall well-being. You will be led in mindfulness exercises, calming breathwork, gratitude readings and gentle chair yoga exercises geared to ground the body and mind and help promote a sense of fulfillment and joy during this holiday season. Offered in partnership with Uplift Yoga. $20 for all six sessions Register by November 29 at: bit.ly/HolidayYogaBG

$40 for entire six-week session Register by October 11 at: bit.ly/Strong2BG

Independent living

assisted living

18100 Slade School Road Sandy Spring, MD 20860

301-388-7209 · www.bgf.org

rehabilitation

long-term care

memory support

Senior Living Options | Subscribe online! See how on p. 43

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

ONE LUCKY READER WILL WIN $100! Complete and return this coupon to be eligible for our drawing

READ LOCAL, WIN BIG!

FREE HOUSING AND OTHER INFORMATION Check off advertisers of interest and mail this coupon to the Beacon with your contact information. Or you may take a picture of your completed coupon and email it to housing@thebeaconnewspapers.com. All coupons received by November 15 will be entered into a random drawing to win $100. You need not request information to win. One entry per person.

Classes/Events ❑ Brooke Grove Retirement Village . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Housing ❑ Bethany House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

❑ Brooke Grove Retirement Village . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26, 27 ❑ Carnegie at Washingtonian Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 ❑ Chevy Chase House. . . . . . . . 18, 19 ❑ Grandview, The/Erickson. . . 22, 23 ❑ HIP Home Sharing. . . . . . . . . . . . 19

❑ Homecrest House. . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 ❑ Inspīr Embassy Row. . . . . . . 22, 24 ❑ Riderwood/Erickson . . . . . . . 22, 23 ❑ Ring House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Real Estate

❑ Marc Hershkowitz/ Coakley Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Check what you’re interested in and mail (or email a photo of) this coupon to: The Beacon, 3720 Farragut Ave., Suite 501, Kensington, MD 20895; email housing@thebeaconnewspapers.com You may return the free information form on page 9 with this coupon. Name ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address ________________________________________________

Email __________________________________________________

City ____________________________________________________

State _________________________ Zip ______________________

Phone _________________________________________________

WBH1026

Makes a great gift!

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

IMAGE BY BERNIE/PIXABAY

Money Law &

Beware of tricky travel scams. See story on page 30.

What should you do about Medigap? By Chris Taylor When we reach 65, that magic age of Medicare eligibility, we have some serious financial decisions to make about getting supplemental coverage. But there’s the alphabet soup of plan options, the complexity of what’s covered and what’s not, and the challenge of figuring out what Future You is going to need. “It is 100 percent overwhelming,” said Kevin Moss, senior editor at the nonprofit Consumers’ Checkbook. “It’s such a consequential decision: It forces you to think about what you need right now, what you will need in five or 10 years, and what you will need all the way to the end of your life.” Getting care through traditional or original Medicare can be expensive, which is why most beneficiaries who choose it over a private Medicare Advantage plan opt for an added private policy, known as

Medicare Supplement Insurance or, more colloquially, Medigap.

Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage

There are essentially two major paths you can take when you are choosing supplemental Medicare coverage. One is Medigap, and the good news is that most people like it. In one 2023 study, 93% of beneficiaries said they were happy with their choice, with 80% saying they were either “very” or “extremely” satisfied. The other is Medicare Advantage — not quite as beloved, with 73% saying they are satisfied with their current plan, according to an AARP survey. Medicare Advantage plans are a private insurance alternative to traditional Medicare that typically charge modest (or even no additional) premiums and include prescription drug coverage. They often have

extras, like coverage of vision and dental. Others go with traditional Medicare, which doesn’t have limits on providers and has fewer requirements for prior authorizations. However, out-of-pocket costs can be much higher, so many traditional Medicare beneficiaries add a Medigap plan, which you can think of as a wrapper around the traditional Medicare plan. For that, you pay additional premiums (which range from $50 to $300 a month, in addition to the standard 2026 $202 monthly Part B premium). Keep in mind traditional Medicare does not cover prescription drugs, for which you will need a standalone Part D policy at an added cost. Pairing Medigap with traditional Medicare means you get help with out-ofpocket costs and can see any of the 98% of doctors who accept Medicare.

“With Medigap you can start right away when you’re 65 with no underwriting, which is so important to people with underlying conditions,” said Sally Greenberg, CEO of the National Consumers League. “Basically you can go to whatever doctor you want and can sign up for any Medigap plan you choose. That’s pretty good.”

Alphabet soup

If you choose the Medigap path, that’s only the first step. Then you must choose from 10 standardized levels of plans: A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, N. These are administered at the state level, so the policies you are offered depend on your location; insurers might offer some, but not all. That’s a lot of letters, so to help narrow those down: Almost all Medigap enrollees See MEDIGAP, page 31

Easy ways to plan a simple, affordable funeral Dear Savvy Senior, a simple cardboard box called an “alternaI’d like to make my end-of-life ar- tive container” is used to hold the remains. rangements, but I want to Depending on where you keep things simple and aflive and which provider you fordable. What are my opchoose, direct cremation tions? typically costs $700 to —86-Year-Old $3,500. If you want extra Dear 86, services, ask for an itemized Smart thinking! Planning price list so you know ahead can save your loved exactly what you’re paying ones a lot of stress and money. for. Funeral homes are With a traditional burial averrequired by law to provide aging around $10,000 and a SAVVY SENIOR this. full-service cremation near By Jim Miller $6,500, it’s easy to see why Direct burial many people are looking for If burial is your preference, simpler, lower-cost ways to say goodbye. an immediate or direct burial is the most The good news is, there are plenty of basic option. The body is buried in a simoptions that are dignified, straightforward ple container soon after death, skipping and much easier on your wallet. Here’s a embalming, viewings and the use of fulook at some choices, depending on the neral facilities. Families can still hold a mekind of farewell you want. morial service at the graveside, at home or at a place of worship without the body Direct cremation present. If cremation appeals to you, a direct creThese services usually run $2,000 to mation is the simplest — and usually the $3,000, not counting cemetery fees, which least expensive — option. It includes pick- can add $1,000 to $3,000. Every funeral ing up the body, completing the required home offers direct burial. paperwork, the cremation itself, and reTo find local providers, you can search turning the ashes to your family. There’s online for “cremation” or “funeral” in your no embalming, formal viewing, or casket; city and state. You can also compare

prices on sites like Funeralocity.com or Parting.com. Another handy approach is to use Google or AI tools like ChatGPT. You can ask them to pull together lists of nearby funeral homes or cremation providers, see which ser vices they offer, check estimated costs and even compare options side by side, all in a matter of minutes. It’s a quick way to get a snapshot of what’s available without making a bunch of phone calls.

Green burial

For the environmentally minded, green burial is a simple, natural option. The body is buried in a biodegradable coffin or shroud, without embalming chemicals or a vault. Costs typically range from $2,000 to $5,000. The Green Burial Council (greenburialcouncil.org, 888-966-3330) maintains a state-by-state directory of cemeteries and funeral professionals who offer these services. [Ed Note: D.C.’s Historic Congressional Cemetery and Reflection Park in Silver Spring, Maryland, offer green burials.]

Water cremation

Also eco-friendly, water cremation (or alkaline hydrolysis) uses water, chemicals

and heat instead of fire. Costs range from $2,000 to $3,500, and it’s legal in more than 20 states, including Maryland.

Donate your body

If you want the lowest-cost option, consider donating your body to science. Medical schools use donated bodies for teaching and research, then return the cremated remains to your family or bury them in a local cemetery. The service is usually free, though some schools may charge a small transport fee. To find a program in your state, check the University of Florida’s U.S. program director y at Anatbd.acb.med.ufl.edu/ usprograms, or call the Whole-Body Donation Referral Ser vice at (800) 7270700. [Howard, Georgetown and GW Universities have this program, in addition to the State of Maryland.] Planning ahead gives you control, saves your family money and ensures your final wishes are honored. With these options, you can choose a farewell that’s simple, meaningful and within your budget. Doing a little homework now makes it easier for everyone later. Send your questions or comments to questions@savvysenior.org, or to Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.

Law & Money | Subscribe online! See how on p. 43

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

Travel scams are becoming more tricky By Adriana Morga Pickpockets were once the biggest worry for travelers heading to new destinations on vacation. But travel scams have become more sophisticated, and scammers using new artificial intelligence tools have become better at creating fake websites and using stolen data to their advantage, said Florent Silve, an executive at Engine, a corporate-travel management platform. “What used to look like a fake website now becomes much harder to spot by consumers,” Silve said. According to a Federal Trade Commission report published in June, Americans last year reported losing $3.5 billion to scams in which impostors contacted them through text, email, phone, social media and search engines, though those weren’t all travel scams. Nearly 1 in 3 fraud repor ts were about impostor scams, making it the most reported fraud category. Travel scams can happen before you even hop on a plane, with scammers posing as your hotel or airline to take advantage of the fact that you’re expecting to receive communications from those companies. “In the past, people were like ‘Oh, if I receive a [message] that is completely out

of place, that’s how I know it’s a scam.’ But now, the most dangerous scams don’t look suspicious; they look expected,” said Iskander Sanchez-Rola, a scam expert for Norton, a cybersecurity company. If you’re planning a trip soon, here are some expert recommendations to stay safe from travel scams:

Beware of reservation hijacking

A new common travel scam is reservation hijacking, Sanchez-Rola said. In this scam, imposters send you an email or text, posing as your hotel. They pretend that something went wrong, such as a failed payment, and say you need to take immediate action. What makes these scams particularly difficult to spot is that scammers often use real information to make you believe they are legit, Sanchez-Rola said. Scammers target hotel systems by phishing hotel staff to get login credentials and then accessing legitimate information from hotels or booking services. Using this information, scammers send you an email with your actual reservation dates or the exact cost of your hotel stay, hoping to convince you they’re with the company you used to make the reservation. “The main thing is that this isn’t a fake

What A Deal, At Churchill!

booking confirmation; it’s a real reservation that is weaponized against you,” Sanchez-Rola said. If you encounter this type of scam, don’t rush to make a payment through the provided link. Instead, call your hotel directly. Don’t call the number attached to the email or text you received because it might have come from the scammer. Instead, go to the official hotel website and call the number listed there.

Be wary of flight cancellation notifications

Another popular scam involves flight cancellations, Sanchez-Rola said. Scammers contact you with an urgent message saying your flight has been canceled or delayed, then pretend to help you rebook your flight for an additional cost. “You’re going to a place, and one day before that happens, they tell you that the flight was canceled,” Sanchez-Rola said. “So in that moment, there is an inherent urgency.” If you receive a text saying that your flight has been canceled, don’t panic. First, go directly to your airline’s portal and verify the information. If you need to rebook your flight, do so directly with the airline or third-party booking system you originally used. Above all, don’t click on any links sent to you through a text message, Sanchez-Rola said.

Beware of QR codes

In recent years, black-and-white, square, quick-response codes, or QR codes, have become a popular way to pay your bill at your restaurant table. This may be convenient, but it can also make you a target for scams, said Alissa Abdullah, Mastercard’s deputy chief security officer. Scammers paste a new code overlapping the restaurant’s code and direct customers to a fraudulent payment system. “You may be sitting at a coffee shop and have a real QR code with a fake one that’s a sticker laid right on top,” Abdullah said. If you’re suspicious of the payment page or notice a sticker laid on top of another at a restaurant, Abdullah recommends that you speak with a staff member and find a different way to pay, such as cash or a credit card.

Be careful when using public Wi-Fi

It’s very common to connect to a public Wi-Fi network to find your way around a new city or download your plane tickets at the airport. While free Wi-Fi can help during travel, it also carries some cybersecurity risks. If you need to use public Wi-Fi, stick to basic searches, like how to get to your hotel, rather than accessing websites such as your bank or email. —AP

BEACON BITS

Oct. 17

EXHIBITIONS AND ARTIST TALK Visit the Washington Glass School for two exhibitions in

October. “Color/Slash/Field” by Wayson R. Jones presents color as structure across painting and collage, while another celebrates the school’s 25th anniversary with sculpture, installation, public art and architectural glass by

OP SaturEN: 10am day & Sun-4pm 12 pm day -4pm

1 Month FREE* Rent!

• FREE – Shuttle Service • FREE – Fitness Center e Trusted Name in Senior Living • FREE – Computer Lounge Rare Two-Bedroom Openings! • FREE – Maintenance • Hassle-Free parking for residents and their visitors! • Front Entrance door controlled by key card • 2 Elevators per Building • Care-free living for Active Adults 62+

(24 Hour) • FREE – Social Activities • FREE – Washer/Dryer Hookup!

www.ChurchillSeniorLiving.com

301-528-4400

21000 & 20990 Father Hurley Blvd. Germantown, MD 20874

its founders, resident artists, instructors and alumni. Attend an Artist Talk to meet the artists and explore their work. Stop by on Sat., Oct. 17 from 2 to 4 p.m. at 3700 Otis St., Mt. Rainer. For more information, visit washingtonglassschool.com/school, call (202) 744-8222 or email erwin@washglass.com.

We’ve Built a Legacy Of Trust For 50 Years. Who Better To Trust With Your Legacy? For estate planning, probate, trust administration, contested estate litigation and so much more, knowing where to turn for the right advice can make all the diﬀerence in preserving your legacy. When you need us, we’re here.

Paul Riekhof

Rents from $1,425/mo. DON'T DELAY CALL TODAY! *Must apply and move in during October 2026; applies to two bedroom apt ONLY.

P: 240-399-7899 F: 240-553-1744 priekhof@jgllaw.com

MARYLAND | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON, D.C. | WWW.JGLLAW.COM

Makes a great gift! | Law & Money

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

Medigap From page 29

are in Plans F or G, which are the most comprehensive options. Each of those plans amounts to 41% of Medigap policyholders. Plan N (and its lower premiums) is the third most popular at 11%. Another thing to know: Different insurers charge different premiums for the same plan, which is why shopping around is critical. They also may raise rates differently. One analysis last year found, for example, that larger insurers implemented larger increases.

Timing is key

The timeline is to first get Medicare Part A (which covers hospital charges) and Part B (doctors), and then consider

a Medigap plan. There is a limited time window for getting Medigap done with no underwriting. This is known as “guaranteed issue,” and it applies for the first six months after you become eligible for Medicare (typically age 65). “This is a one-time opportunity that does not repeat,” said Nancy Ochieng, a senior policy analyst with KFF. “If you miss that window, you can be charged higher premiums or be denied a Medigap policy.” Do your research before turning 65 so you don’t get caught flat-footed — as much as 18 months beforehand.

Where to turn

Given the complexity of the subject and the volume of information about Medigap plans, how can you make sense of it all? A few places to start:

State Health Insurance Assistance Programs: When it comes to plan particulars, it’s state-level information you want, since that’s where programs are administered. For free advice in Maryland, call (410) 767-1100; in D.C., call (202) 727-8370; and in Virginia, call (800) 5523402. Medicare Plan Finder: This is a helpful federal site (medicare.gov/plan-compare) for walking you through supplemental coverage options. Enter your ZIP code and get an immediate display of Medigap plan options available, from A though N. MedPAC: MedPAC advises Congress on Medicare policy. To learn what plans are most popular, a breakdown of benefits, how premiums are set and so on, check out the “Preliminar y Work on Medigap” presentation at medpac.gov.

Independent reviews: Some financial information sites rate Medigap plans. NerdWallet recently outlined its picks for 2025 (Overall winner: AARP/United Healthcare). ValuePenguin makes suggestions based on plan type, rather than particular companies. Its selection for most people: Plan G. The annual Medicare Open Enrollment Period runs from October 15 to December 7. That’s when you can make changes to your coverage, such as switching to a Medicare Advantage plan, enrolling in or dropping a Part D plan or switching back to Original Medicare. This article first appeared in Kiplinger Retirement Report. © 2025 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

BEACON BITS

Oct. 28

OCT. 28 ALZHEIMER’S WEBINAR Do you know the 10 warning signs of Alzheimer’s? If you’re

not sure, attend the Alzheimer’s Association’s free webinar on Wed., Oct. 28 at 2 p.m. via Zoom. Learn how to recognize common signs of the disease; how to approach someone about memory concerns; why early detection is best; and how to find resources. Register at tinyurl.com/Alzheimerswebinar. For more information, call (800) 272-3900.

Nov. 17

MOCO 50+ VIRTUAL EMPLOYMENT EXPO If you are 50 or older, JCA invites you to attend a virtual Employment Expo for Montgomery County jobseekers on

Tue., Nov. 17 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. via Zoom. Whether you were affected by the layoffs or are looking for your next gig, you can register for free at virtualexpos.accessjca.org. For more information, call (301) 255-4209 or email employmentexpos@accessjca.org.

Give for Their Future. Plan for Yours. Support Children’s National and receive payments for life. A charitable gift annuity lets you make a lasting impact for the children and families in our care while supporting your own financial goals.

HOW IT WORKS You transfer assets to Children’s National to help advance world-class pediatric care. In return, you receive fixed payments for life.

TO LEARN MORE Contact our gift planning team at 301-244-6242, mylegacy@childrensnational.org or visit childrensnational.org/cga Ask us about using your IRA to establish a charitable gift annuity.

Law & Money | Subscribe online! See how on p. 43

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

Don’t forget to take your RMDs by year-end By Donna Fuscaldo Did you forget to take your Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) late last year? You’re not alone. Each year, nearly 7% — or 585,000 IRA holders — make that mistake, and that’s only at Vanguard. Many more retirees with traditional IRAs fail to take their RMDs every year. The reasons why vary. For some, it’s an oversight. For others, they don’t even know what RMDs are, let alone when to take them. Generally, they start the year you turn 73, with your first RMD due by April 1 of the following year. After that, the deadline is December 31 annually. Either way, it is costing retirees a lot of money in penalties. How much? Up to $1.7 billion a year at Vanguard alone, or between $1,160 and $2,900 per person based

on the average annual RMD of $11,600. For those with a larger RMD, say, $19,000, the penalty for missing the deadline jumps to between $1,900 and $4,750. The more your RMD, the bigger the tax hit you face if you blow it off. Don’t forget the tax implications if you’re forced to take several RMDs at once. Doubling up on distributions in a single year can easily push you into a higher income bracket, resulting in a significantly larger tax bill.

Huge fee for missed RMDs

The IRS imposes a 25% penalty for missing an RMD, which is much lower than the 50% it used to charge before the Secure Act 2.0 passed in 2023. You can reduce the 25% penalty to 10% by withdrawing the overdue distributions within two years of the missed RMD and

filing IRS Form 5329 showing you corrected the error. If you can prove a “reasonable cause” for why you missed the RMD, the penalty may be waived entirely. Still, the better move is to stay on top of your annual withdrawals and avoid this altogether. Even more worrisome, Vanguard’s research showed that missing one RMD often leads to missing more. Among the self-directed IRA holders Vanguard analyzed, 55% of those who missed an RMD one year made the same mistake the following year. “Most investors seem to make RMDs a routine, but rather than ‘set and forget,’ many simply ‘forget and forget,’” said Andy Reed, head of behavioral economics research at Vanguard. “Reducing the rate of missed RMDs by even a modest amount could save investors hundreds of

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

Baltimore City

Park View at Towson .................... 443-870-4234

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

Park View at Rosedale ................. 240-237-9903 Park View at Taylor .........................443-419-6451 Park View at Woodlawn .................443-331-2914

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

millions of dollars each year.”

Automate your RMD and never forget

There are ways to remember to take your annual RMD, and Reed argues the easiest is to automate the process. Sure, it requires a little effort up front, but after that, you won’t have to worry about it. “Automating it takes memory out of the equation,” said Reed, noting that more than one-third of Vanguard’s self-directed IRA customers have automated RMDs. “Among those clients, the odds of missing RMDs is zero percent. It’s the most surefire way to avoid forgetting, to avoid penalties and avoid a surprise tax bill if you have to take a bunch of RMDs at once.” At Vanguard and other companies, automating your RMDs is a free service. If you aren’t tech savvy, be on the lookout for reminders from your plan sponsor. IRA custodians are required to send RMD notices by January 31 of each year, while some providers send out a courtesy reminder letter in October. Many providers will also send follow-up reminders throughout the year ahead of the December 31 deadline. Typically, you can find RMD amounts in your quarterly or year-end statements. RMDs are like taxes; you can’t avoid them, but if you forget to take them, they can be expensive — to the tune of $3,000 or more a year. The good news is that with a little foresight and preparation, you don’t have to take the hit. Whether you automate the process or mark it on your calendar, staying on top of your RMDs is an easy way to keep more money in your pocket. © 2026 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Baltimore County

Howard County

BEACON BITS

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

Ongoing

Park View at Miramar Landing .... 443-278-2376

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!

Contact your preferred community to learn more.

*Select Communities 55 & Better

SING WITH A D.C. CHORUS

Whether you’re looking to sing for fun or to apply yourself seriously, there’s a place for you in the Washington, D.C., chapter of the Singing Capital Chorus, part of the Barbershop Harmony Society. Rehearsals are held on Mondays at 7 p.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 3601 Ellicott St. NW, with one Monday each month at Loiederman Middle School, 12701 Goodhill Rd., Silver Spring. For

EnterpriseResidential.org

more information and to discover where your voice fits in, email joinus@singingcapitalchorus.org, visit singingcapitalchorus.org/ join-us-2 or call (202) 505-3552.

Makes a great gift! | Law & Money

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

October is Fire Prevention Month Cheap charger? Don’t chance it. Use the cord and charger that came with your device or one approved by the manufacturer. Why it matters: The wrong charger can damage the battery and increase the risk of fire. Cheap or off-brand chargers may not meet important safety standards. Soft surface? Hard pass. Charge on a hard, flat surface like a table, desk or bare floor. Why it matters: Devices and chargers create heat during normal charging. Soft surfaces like beds, pillows or couches can trap heat and block airflow, which can cause a battery to overheat. Feels hot? Stop using it. Stop using your device if it feels very hot, swells, smells strange, leaks, smokes or makes popping or hissing sounds. Why it matters: A damaged battery can overheat and start a fire.

This year, because Montgomery Fire and Rescue has seen an increase in fires from lithium-ion batteries, the theme is “Charge Into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Is a Superpower.” This month’s focus is on everyday charging habits that can reduce the risk of lithium-ion battery fires and keep our homes and communities safer. Plug in. Power up. Stay safe.

Use Your Charging Superpowers Fully charged? Time to unplug. Unplug your device when it is fully charged. Why it matters: Leaving a device plugged in can increase heat and stress on the battery. For tools and rides, charge outside.

On a flight? Keep it in sight. When on a plane, keep devices where you can see them while charging. Do not charge e-cigarettes (vapes) on a plane. Tell a flight attendant if you notice a problem with your device, such as a high temperature, swelling, smoke or a strange odor. Why it matters: If a battery overheats or fails, the flight crew must be able to respond quickly. Working smoke alarms and a home fire-escape plan can make a lifesaving difference! To learn more or to request a free home safety check, visit mcfrs.org or call 311.

Call 311 for a FREE Home Safety Check mcfrs.org/mcsafe

Charge large items like e-bikes, scooters and power tools outdoors if possible. Do not block exits when charging. Why it matters: These batteries are larger and store more energy. Fires can spread quickly if the battery fails.

www.montgomerycountymd.gov/senior

zSubscribe online! See how on p. 43

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

DIRECTOR S MESSAGE By Charon P.W. Hines Dear Seniors, Fall is officially here! The temperatures are getting cooler, the leaves are beginning to change, and we are settling into a new season across the District. As we welcome all that autumn brings, it is also a wonderful time to reflect on how we closed out September, celebrating, connecting, and helping District seniors continue to live safely and boldly in the communities they call home. We ended last month by recognizing Falls Prevention Awareness Month. In partnership with Home Care Partners, Trinity Washington University, The George Washington University, and Howard University, District seniors participated in two days of Falls Prevention Awareness activities focused on helping older adults stay safe, healthy, and independent. More than 600 participants received screenings for balance, strength, vision, blood pressure, and medication management. Seniors also participated in educational sessions on fall recovery, prevention strategies, and other important topics. Programs like these give older adults practical tools and resources to help them remain active and continue aging in place in the homes and communities they know and love. Thank you to all who attended and helped make this event possible. September also gave us the opportunity to celebrate some of our city’s most treasured residents during Mayor Bowser’s 40th Annual Centenarian Salute. This year’s celebration honored more than 50 District centenarians ages 100 and older, alongside their families and loved ones. We were especially honored to recognize Ms. Evangeline Paredes, the District’s oldest resident at 110 years old. Our centenarians remind us of the strength, wisdom, resilience, and rich history that make Washington, DC, such a special place to call home. As we move into October, I also want to remind everyone of the importance of staying informed and prepared. October 3rd is World Romance Scam Prevention Day, and this year’s campaign centers on the theme “See. Hear. Understand.” The campaign encourages us to look beyond what happened to a victim and recognize how scammers deliberately build trust, manipulate emotions, and

exploit their targets. Scams can happen to anyone, and there should be no shame in asking for help. Take time to talk with your family, friends, and neighbors about the warning signs of fraud. For more information about romance scams, visit advocatingforu.com. If you believe you or a loved one may be experiencing financial exploitation, abuse, neglect, or another form of harm, please contact DACL’s Adult Protective Services 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 202-541-3950. October is also Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Breast Cancer Awareness Month, two important reminders that our health and safety

matter at every age. This month, I encourage you to check in with yourself and your loved ones, stay informed about available resources, keep up with recommended health screenings, and remember that seeking support, whether for yourself or someone you care about, is always important. As we enjoy the cooler weather and beauty of the season, let us continue looking out for ourselves and one another. Stay connected, stay informed, and most importantly, continue to Live Boldly. In Service, Charon P.W. Hines Director Department of Aging and Community Living

Makes a great gift!

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

Centenarian Salute DACL honored more than 50 DC seniors age 100 and over at Mayor Muriel Bowser’s 40th Annual Centenarian Salute. Centenarians were celebrated alongside their families and loved ones to mark this momentous occasion.

Fiesta DC

FPAW Recap Hundreds of DC seniors gathered to recognize Falls Prevention Awareness Week last month. Seniors learned how to reduce fall risk, accessed new resources, and gained practical skills that enhance healthy aging. Special thank you to our partner, Home Care Partners, for organizing another amazing Falls Prevention Awareness Week.

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

Director

Editor

Photographer

Charon P.W. Hines

Amanda Washington

Estefani Legge

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

Subscribe online! See how on p. 43

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

BLINKYGIN/PIXABAY

Travel Leisure &

Churches dot the city of Charleston. See opposite page.

Pristine forests and colorful lakes in Banff

Around town(s)

Most visitors base themselves in the town of Banff, which is in the national park itself, or Canmore, a slightly cheaper but no less picturesque town 15 miles away. Banff National Park encompasses more than 2,500 square miles of mountains, forests, rivers and glaciers. Together with neighboring Jasper, Yoho and Kootenay National Parks, it forms part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With just over 8,000 year-round residents, the town of Banff and surrounding area sees more than 4 million visitors each year. Banff Avenue, the main street, is lined with cafés, outfitters, galleries and restaurants, all framed by the towering

Cascade Mountain at its northern end. The peaks coax visitors to spend as much time outdoors as possible. Walking paths trace the Bow River through town, while nearby overlooks offer expansive views with relatively little effort. Canmore is also ringed by mountains with numerous hiking trails.

Lakes, waterfalls up close

By Barbara Ruben From the turquoise and emerald lakes to the aquamarine rushing rivers to the golden larches in October, the Canadian Rockies sparkle in more vibrant colors than Crayola could conjure. A trip to Banff and Jasper National Parks in the western province of Alberta gives travelers a glimpse of some of the most spectacular scenery in North America. My daughter and I spent a week there last summer, arriving in the city of Calgary, about an hour and a half drive from Banff. About halfway to Banff, we were thrilled when Calgary’s flat plains suddenly shifted to snow-capped peaks in the distance.

While many vividly hued lakes dot the region, the most famous is Lake Louise, whose turquoise waters shimmer even on cloudy days. Fed by melting glaciers, the lake (as with other nearby bodies of water) owes its remarkable color to tiny particles of finely ground rock suspended in the water. Sunlight reflects off these particles, creating shades of blue that appear digitally enhanced. Early mornings provide the calmest water and the fewest crowds. Canoes glide across the lake beneath the Victoria Glacier, while hikers can follow trails to a teahouse, pausing at panoramic overlooks. Walkers can take in the same incredible views on a lakeside trail with much flatter terrain. Visit Moraine Lake for even more stunning blue-green water. Climb a 10-minute trail called Rock Pile (mainly consisting of rocky steps) to take it in from above, framed by spruce trees and snowy peaks. The view is so iconic it was once featured on Canada’s $20 bill. But getting to both lakes takes advance PHOTO © NICVW | DREAMSTIME.COM

The pristine Johnston Creek skirts a massive rock formation in Johnston Canyon in Banff National Park. Suspended catwalks allow hikers to follow the creek to two waterfalls.

Sightseers can gaze down on the town of Banff from an overlook in Canada’s Banff National Park. A gondola whisks travelers to these viewing platforms at the summit of Sulphur Mountain in the Canadian Rockies.

planning and, in some cases, quick computer skills to nab a reservation on the shuttle bus. While visitors can drive to Lake Louise, its parking lot fills up by dawn in the summer. And no private cars are allowed at Moraine Lake. Parks Canada shuttles take visitors to both lakes, but reservations can be tricky to get and fill quickly when released. Rather than play shuttle roulette, we opted to take a day trip offered by a private tour company. A small bus took us not only to these lakes, but also to the aptly named Emerald Lake, just over the border in Yoho National Park in British Columbia, and to Johnston Canyon, back in Banff National Park. In the canyon we discovered one of Banff National Park’s most accessible hikes. Elevated catwalks hug sheer limestone walls above the rushing blue-green Bow River, leading to dramatic lower and upper waterfalls. The lower falls is about three-quarters of a mile (somewhat uphill) from the parking lot. A bridge leads to a cave where you can get an up-close view of the falls. Go early in the morning or evening to avoid waiting in a long line, since the cave only fits a few people at once. If you have time and stamina, continue another (moderately steep) mile to the upper falls. Another way to get a bird’s-eye view of the park is to take one of three gondolas

to the top of a peak. From the Lake Louise gondola some people spot grizzlies and other wildlife, although we only saw ground squirrels. The Banff gondola carries passengers up Sulphur Mountain on an eight-minute ride. At the summit, wooden boardwalks connect viewing platforms to take in the sweeping vistas across six mountain ranges. Exhibits explain the region’s geology and wildlife, while restaurants allow visitors to linger at sunset, when the peaks gradually fade from gold to purple.

Scenic Icefields Parkway

Some visitors end their trip through the Rockies at Lake Louise. But explore at least part of the 144-mile two-lane parkway that stretches between Lake Louise and Jasper National Park, as it is widely regarded as one of the world’s best drives. The Icefields Parkway winds past more than 100 glaciers, aquamarine lakes, waterfalls and towering peaks, with nearly ever y bend revealing another jawdropping view. Athabasca Falls is among the most impressive waterfalls here because of its force. The Athabasca River thunders through a narrow gorge, filling the air with mist. Nearby Sunwapta Falls makes a quieter but equally beautiful stop, where See BANFF, page 38

Makes a great gift! | Leisure & Travel

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

Step back in time in mellow Charleston Local crafts

In the old city market built in 1841, I scoured tables laden with locally made shell art, paintings, ironwork and unique sweetgrass baskets. Gullah-Geechee women, descended from enslaved people from West Africa, still weave them here with sweetgrass, bulrush and palmetto. As one weaver, Vickie Gentile, told me, “I learned from my grandma.” Distinctive deep-blue textiles and art made with dye from local indigo plants dotted every table. Indigo, cherished by Europeans, flourished here in the 1800s.

War stories

A port city, Charleston was a frequent target of pirates. In 1718 the city convicted two pirate captains and their crews, hanging as many as 49 sailors on the live oaks of White Point Park. Charlestonians like to recount famous battles, starting with the Revolutionary War. In 1776 colonists defeated the British Royal Navy at today’s seacoast defense installation, Fort Moultrie. Island-based Fort Sumter, visible from downtown, is the famous Civil War site where the Confederates fired the first shot of that war in 1861. The Georgian-Palladian-style Old See CHARLESTON, page 38

NYC DC

Electrical Outlets

Frequent traveler rewards

AND THE

BETWEEN

PREMIER COACH SERVICE

Free WiFi Onboard

By Glenda C. Booth On foot and by car, carriage and even an electric bike, I set out to find the soul of Charleston, South Carolina. In five days I discovered traces of the city’s nuanced history of war, plantations, civil rights and low-country traditions, thanks to its efforts to preserve and reckon with its past. Charleston’s longstanding preservation ethic, which dedicated locals started in the 1920s, defines the city visually. There are no skyscrapers because local laws bar buildings higher than the 270-foot-tall steeple of the 1872 St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church. Hundreds of Federal, Greek Revival and Georgian-style houses still stand, emblems of the city’s past as a center of affluence. Tucked-away gardens of camellias, live oaks, palmetto trees and dwarf palmettos soften the cityscape. Wrought-ironwork balconies and gates visually unify its streets. And ubiquitous pineapples symbolize hospitality. Water, too, is a defining feature. Located between the Ashley and Cooper Rivers seven miles from the Atlantic Ocean, the city has cobblestone streets made from ships’ discarded ballast. Salt marshes, thick with swaying grasses, press against city limits. Five white-sand beaches lie just a short drive away.

WASHINGTON

METRO AREA

Pick up Locations:

Lorton, Arlington and Bethesda VamooseBus.com 301-718-0036

E D Q Operated by DC Trails, Lorton, VA • MC# 40295

Charleston’s Broad Street, once known as its Wall Street, is among the cities oldest thoroughfares. Today the historic area is home to shops and restaurants.

JSSA's Heyman Interages Center is seeking volunteers aged 50+ Accepting applications for the ‘26-’27 school year Apply now Literacy & math tutoring In-classroom support Creative expression programs Dialogues with middle & high school students

301-949-3551 | interages@jssa.org jssa.org/interages/

Leisure & Travel | Subscribe online! See how on p. 43

Banff

From page 36 the river splits around a small island before plunging into a rugged canyon. Keep an eye out for wildlife, including mountain goats, bighorn sheep, moose — and occasional bears, both brown and grizzly. It’s best to carry bear spray, a kind of industrial-strength pepper spray, to deter them. The Icefields Parkway reaches its dramatic centerpiece at the Columbia Icefield. Covering more than 120 square miles, it is one of the largest accumulations of ice south of the Arctic Circle. From the parking area, visitors can walk to the edge of Athabasca Glacier in just a few minutes. Signs marking previous glacier boundaries show how the ice has retreated dra-

Charleston From page 37

Exchange and Provost Dungeon, completed in 1771, survived two cannonball attacks. In the dank basement dungeon, the British in 1780 held 50 to 60 colonials, who coped with fleas, ticks, dysentery, cholera, bucket toilets and one meal a day. This city is home to the H.L. Hunley, the first successful combat submarine in world history, which sank the Union Navy’s USS Housatonic in 1864. Divers discovered the Hunley, a three-foot by four-foot sub, in 1995. Visitors can admire her from a mez-

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

matically over the past century as global temperatures have risen. You can ride special vehicles onto the glacier itself and walk along the nearby Glacier Skywalk, whose glass-floored observation platform extends above the Sunwapta Valley. The parkway ends at the town of Jasper, a quieter counterpoint to Banff. It serves as an ideal base for exploring Canada’s largest Rocky Mountain national park. But be prepared for acres of charred trees for miles before you enter the town, a third of which was decimated by wildfires that scorched both the park and town in 2024. It’s a jarring juxtaposition with the beauty of the area. We drove past remnants of the fire on the way to Maligne Lake in Jasper National Park. Stretching more than 13 miles, this is the park’s largest natural lake and home to Spirit Island,

one of the most photographed locations in the Canadian Rockies. While you can rent canoes here and at most of the lakes, visitors also have the option to take Maligne boat cruises through the glacier-fed waters to view the tiny island, a microcosm of all that is remote and beautiful in the Rockies.

zanine above a 75,000-gallon tank. Artifacts from the submarine, including the captain’s gold pocket watch, a diamond broach and diamond ring, are on display nearby. For more modern warfare, visitors can spend a day at the one-million-square-foot Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum featuring the World War II aircraft carrier USS Yorktown, the destroyer USS Laffey, the Cold War Memorial, a Vietnam War exhibit and myriad honors for American servicemen and women. The Citadel, the Military College of South Carolina, has produced cadets and future military officers in its fortress-like

Romanesque buildings and on its parade grounds since 1842. For a glimpse of Citadel life, observe the Friday dress parades or take a student-led tour. Straightbacked students whisk around carrying their bookbags in their left hands, right hands ever ready to salute.

We’re growing and need Account Managers!

Full-time, Account Manager position, based in the DC Metro area, pays a base salary plus commissions and benefits. We’re looking for a hard-working, positive, assertive, detailoriented people person. Must be outgoing, love selling, be comfortable with computers, e-mail and contact management software and be willing to follow direction, complete required paperwork, and participate in weekly training and sales meetings. If you love the Beacon- and would be excited to call and meet with potential advertisers throughout the Metro area.

Send your resume and cover letter to Steve Gurney, Associate Publisher, at: Sales@TheBeaconNewspapers.com.

If you go

United Airlines has the region’s only nonstop flight, from Dulles to Calgary, about a 90-minute drive from Banff. It’s offered seasonally from late June through late September. Summer is peak season for tourists as well as prices — and for good reason. Snow covers the ground, and lake colors are obscured by heavy ice, often from October through May. Weather warms into

Scars of the past

I explored 19th-century rice-plantation life, starting in several city mansions built with wealth generated from the work of enslaved people. In the Federal-style antebellum Manigault House, built in 1803, mahogany bed posts are carved as rice plants. The Nathaniel Russell House, built in 1808, home of a slave trader, features elaborate plaster gesso made of horsehair and glue, gilded capitals and a free-flying staircase. “Charleston was built on slavery,” one guide told me, and I quickly learned that Charleston does not hide its scars. At Magnolia Plantation, once a 2,000acre expanse where enslaved people grew gold rice, my guide explained that the mansion, surrounded by towering live oaks with dangling Spanish moss, was built “after the war” because Union troops burned down the original home. Another guide led a “Slavery to Freedom” tour of Magnolia’s four slave cabins built in the 1850s and used through the Reconstruction era. When the U.S. in 1807 imposed a ban on importing people for enslavement, the “controlling class” encouraged reproduction. By the time the Civil War started, the United States had nearly four million people in bondage. Back in town, at the Old Slave Mart Museum I learned about the city’s history of selling people. Traders gussied up their “subjects” for auctions by bathing and shaving them so they would look “spry and smart” and divided them up by gender, skill and skin color. The International African American Museum traces centuries of struggle, perseverance, anguish and achievement by the 12.5 million people forced into servitude worldwide. Its exhibits address the African diaspora, the 2015 murders at Charleston’s Mother Emanuel Church and the Minneapolis George Floyd murder in 2020. My unease in absorbing the painful chap-

the 50s and 60s in June, but it’s also the region’s rainiest month. The weather forecast showed 60 to 100% chance of rain every day during our trip at the end of June, and it did indeed rain each day. But it was also dry much of the day. For these reasons, some think fall is the ideal time to visit, when the weather is often still in the 50s and 60s and drier. Autumn sees an uptick in visitors as the needles on the larch trees transform landscapes to a sea of gold. Be prepared for hotel sticker shock. During the summer, it’s rare to find a hotel room or Airbnb for under $400 per night. Staying at the iconic Fairmont on the shore of Lake Louise starts at about $1,400 a night in the peak summer season ($900 in the fall), with similar prices at the Fairmont in Jasper National Park. ters of our history was leavened by appreciating the talents and accomplishments of many African Americans, including Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman.

Cuisine and carriages

I exercised little restraint in my gustatory adventures, sampling Charleston’s many variations of fried green tomatoes, BLTs with pimento cheese, she-crab soup with sherry and roe of crab, shrimp and grits, red-pea succotash and local favorite, Frogmore stew. This soupy amalgam of shrimp, corn pieces and sausage is also called a “low-country boil.” Dishes with African roots pop up on many menus, enhanced with peanuts, sweet potatoes, okra, black-eyed peas and collard greens. I rarely had room for a benne wafer, a sweet and savory cookie with benne seeds introduced by Africans. “There are no bad restaurants in Charleston,” local carriage driver Richard Knoth told me, after showing me his horse’s “Air Jordans,” rubber horseshoes nailed onto iron shoes to absorb the impact. Rumbling around in a horse-drawn carriage offered a relaxed overview of the city. Charlestonians cherish their carriage horses — Belgians, French Percherons and American draft horses, all of the Clydesdale family — and locals brag that these steeds get three veterinary exams a year. If horse-drawn tours aren’t your thing, other tours focus on the harbor, African American culture, history, food, plantations and nature, including the barrier islands nearby.

If you go

United Airlines has direct round-trip flights from Reagan-Washington National Airport for as low as $200 this fall. The 45-room Ansonborough Inn, in a former warehouse and paint factory, is quiet and convenient. It has a rooftop lounge and a grocery across the street, plus a speakeasy poker room hidden behind a bookcase. Charleston has events year-round, like February’s Low Country Oyster Festival and the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition, which celebrates nature. For more ideas, see charlestoncvb.com.

Makes a great gift!

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

CLAIRE MCCORMACK HOGAN

Style

Arts &

A former CIA analyst published his fifth thriller last month. See story on page 45.

The Score scores big at Shakespeare Co.

Eight PErformancEs: Oct. 31-NOv. 15 Oct. 31 and Nov. 6*, 7, 13 and 14 at 7:30 p.m. | *Friday, Nov. 6 includes ASL interpretation.

ody composed by the king. The king and his three servile court composers bet against his doing so, with loyal Carl as the only one on his father’s side. Could, perhaps, a musical “score” emerge from this competition?

History lessons

In the playbill, theater critic Drew Lichtenberg suggests there is some historical evidence that the king challenged Bach to invent a fugue. A focal point of the play — which is less historically based but which the audience may find even more riveting — is Bach’s daring rebuke of the king for war crimes his soldiers have committed, which have gone unpunished. The play presents the dilemma of how the humanistic ideals of the artist are juxtaposed against the harsh nature of war, which even a king may (or may not) be powerless to control. Peter De Jersey gives a flamboyant portrayal of Voltaire, who seems at first to be a court flatterer but privately agrees with Bach and admires his courage to be so outspoken. Voltaire, endorsing Bach’s revulsion at the ruthlessness of war, quotes these insightful and relevant lines from Hamlet (this is, after all, the Shakespeare Theatre Company): To my shame I see The imminent death of 20,000 men That for a fantasy and trick of fame Go to their graves

PHOTO BY TERESA CASTRACANE

By Mark Dreisonstok Frederick II of Prussia was an Enlightenment king who composed music, invited the Age of Reason philosopher Voltaire to Potsdam, and guaranteed religious freedom for his subjects. Instead of Louis XIV’s declaration “I am the state,” Frederick the Great famously said, “I am the first servant of the state.” A rather different depiction of Frederick (portrayed with roguish autocratic arrogance by Stephen Hagan) takes the stage in Oliver Cotton’s drama The Score. The play, at the Shakespeare Theatre Company until October 25, is directed by no less than the famed English director Trevor Nunn and stars the charismatic Scottish actor Brian Cox. Johann Sebastian Bach arrives in Potsdam to visit the Prussian king and his son Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach (played sympathetically by Jamie Wilkes). The younger Bach works as a musician for the king, along with three sycophants: court composers Carl Graun (Matthew Romain), Johann Quantz (Christopher Staines), and Franz Benda (Tony Webster). The Baroque style of J.S. Bach is sliding out of fashion in 1747, and historically C.P.E. Bach is bridging the Baroque and Classical eras in a way some have termed as Mannerist (a historical achievement not brought out in the play). Yet the elder Bach nonetheless shows his genius as he strives to invent an impromptu three-part fugue based on a mel-

Stephen Hagan, playing King Frederick II, holds court with Christopher Staines, Toby Webster, Matthew Romain and Jordan Kilshaw in the U.S. premiere of The Score, at the Shakespeare Theatre Company through Oct. 25.

A musical delight

The music of J.S. Bach is played throughout the production, rendering it a musical as well as theatrical experience. The set and costume designer are

the same person, Robert Jones, whose costumes reflect in some cases the elegance of the 18th-centur y era and in See THE SCORE, page 41

No w O n Sta ge

ROCKVILLE MUS ICAL THEATRE P RES EN TS

ROCKVILLE MUSICAL THEATRE PRESENTS

Nov. 1, 8 and 15 at 2 p.m. $26 Adults • $23 Seniors and Students

Her Life. Her Music. Her Legacy.

Group pricing is available. Call the box office for more information.

Reserve your seats today!

Caroline or Change is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International. All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. Visit mtishows.com.

Rockville’s Civic Center Park • 603 Edmonston Drive Box Office: 240-314-8690 • rockvillemd.gov/theatre

Arts & Style | Subscribe online! See how on p. 43

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

Books reveal wrongs and how to right them By Joshua Z. Rokach We cannot avoid noticing that some institutions fail in their missions. The problem has existed since the dawn of civilization. Hopefully, individual and collective efforts arise to fix things. One recently published book reveals a huge systemic problem overlooked until now. Another details efforts to combat workplace injustices, while a third suggests a formula for identifying the right person to lead resistance. Catch the Devil: A True Story of Murder, Deception and Injustice on the Gulf Coast, by Pamela Colloff, Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group, 2026, 320 pages Since its founding in 1992, the Innocence Project has overturned multiple convictions obtained through “junk science.” The U.S. Supreme Court ended the abuse, but prosecutors’ temptation to cut corners remains. Pamela Colloff’s riveting book shines a light on the neglected problem of the “jailhouse snitch,” a prisoner who brings to the authorities fabricated confessions by fellow inmates in exchange for leniency or early release. Relying on such evidence often results in tragedy, as Colloff, Texas writer and National Magazine Award winner, reveals.

Paul Skalnik, the “devil” of this book, became a con-man extraordinaire, bilking his wives, friends and acquaintances out of their assets, writing bad checks and stealing property. The victim in Colloff’s investigation, Jim Dailey, a Vietnam vet who descended into alcoholism, had the misfortune of mixing with the wrong people. Whenever authorities imprisoned Skalnik, he wriggled out by becoming a snitch. Despite suspicions about him from some who knew him, authorities kept using Skalnik. When not lying, he embellished facts already in the public domain. Prosecutors ignored that, too. He told them what they wanted to hear. In 1984, Dailey watched his buddy kill. The murderer pointed at Dailey, but his claim lacked proof. Enter Skalnik, who concocted a confession. Dailey, now 80, remains on death row. Skalnik, meanwhile, graduated to a career sexually abusing girls as young as 12, while police covered up his crimes. Lifeguard: A Love Story, by Janet Fash and Clio Chang, Simon & Schuster, 2026, 240 pages This evocative memoir rekindled my memories of spending summers growing up in Rockaway Beach, Queens. Its first female chief lifeguard, Janet Fash, who al-

ways felt deep ties to the ocean, met her husband on the New York City beach. Now 66, she recounts the rescues and rambunctious behind-the-scenes camaraderie and hijinks among lifeguards. Fash’s co-author, Clio Chang, a writer and a surfer, also lives in Rockaway. Together they expose the discrimination, sexual harassment and assault Fash and her female colleagues endured, the corruption in the union and the indifference of city officials. The manipulative Peter Stein, who was the ultimate hiring authority for beaches, also served as union president. This illegal conflict of interest gave Stein almost dictatorial power. He hired loyal, if incompetent, lifeguards, while his paranoia led him to fail qualified candidates in the swimming test and exile those he feared. Worst of all, Stein understaffed busy outposts. Needless drownings resulted, which he then concealed. He rigged union elections and succeeded in currying favor with politicians, including mayors. Rebellious, Fash handled abuse with well-placed punches and insults. However, when it came to corruption, she was unable to fight it alone. Her colleagues stayed silent out of fear for their jobs. Decades later, when she organized collective resistance, the work environment

began to shift. Nevertheless, Stein retired without penalty, and the lifeguards his henchmen abused and raped never obtained redress. How to Be a Dissident, by Gal Beckerman, Crown, 2026, 208 pages Gal Beckerman, writer at The Atlantic and former book editor at the New York Times, has written a fascinating study analyzing the power to push back. Based on the lives of Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, Andrei Sakharov, Václav Havel and others, he formulates 10 requirements for success. “Dissident” literally means sitting apart, unlike people who succumb to conformity. Strict moral codes, including religion-based ones (which Beckerman, son of two Israelis, discounts), tend to compel dissent. But successful dissidents mock their world and question everything, remaining realistic but persistent. They must combine cautious recordkeeping with bold, goal-oriented risk-taking, audacity, solidarity with others in their group, love of humanity and forward-thinking. It comes down to exercising free will with clear eyes, Beckerman says. And remaining persistent. “The job of a dissident [is] to be vigilant,” he writes, “always ready with another ‘no.’”

WINDOW AND DOOR REPLACEMENT EVENT!

40% OFF Windows and Doors PLUS $ 200 OFF Your Entire Purchase

Buy One, Get One

MINIMUM PURCHASE OF 4

INSTALLATION IS ALWAYS INCLUDED!

PLUS NO Money Down, NO Monthly Payments, NO Interest for 12 Months

MINIMUM PURCHASE OF 4 – INTEREST ACCRUES DURING PROMOTIONAL PERIOD BUT IS WAIVED IF PAID IN FULL WITHIN 12 MONTHS

Call 1-855-686-4824 by Dec. 31 to schedule a FREE consultation! RENEWAL BY ANDERSEN DETAILS OF OFFER: Offer expires 12/31/2026. Not valid with other offers or prior purchases. Buy one (1) window or entry/patio door, get one (1) window or entry/patio door 40% off, and 12 months no money down, no monthly payments, no interest when you purchase four (4) or more windows or entry/patio doors between 10/1/2026 and 12/31/2026. 40% off windows and entry/patio doors are less than or equal to lowest cost window or entry/patio door in the order. Additional $200 off your purchase, minimum purchase of 4 required, taken after initial discount(s), when you purchase by 12/31/2026. Subject to credit approval. 12-month Promotional Period: when no payments are due, interest accrues but is waived if balance is paid in full before Promotional Period expires. Any unpaid balance owed after Promotional Period, plus accrued interest, will be paid in installments based on terms disclosed in the financing agreement. Financing is provided by various financial institutions without regard to age, race, color, religion, national origin, gender, or familial status. Savings comparison based on purchase of a single unit at list price. Available at participating locations and offer applies throughout the service area. See your local Renewal by Andersen location for details. License numbers available at renewalbyandersen.com/license. Some Renewal by Andersen locations are independently owned and operated. ©2026 Andersen Corporation. All rights reserved. RBA14301

Makes a great gift! | Arts & Style

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

What’s onstage in October in our area By Mark Edelman As fall rolls in, the beautiful foliage matches the impressive work now on view in theaters all across the DMV. If you want more local color, check out some of these multi-hued productions: The Donna Summer Musical Toby’s Dinner Theatre, now through Nov. 1 Born in Boston with a voice from heaven, Donna Summer rose from gospel choir to stardom, risking it all to break through barriers and inspire every pop chanteuse who followed. Her greatest hits, performed live, propel her complicated life story. Buy tickets at tobysdinnertheatre.com or call the box office at (410) 730-8311. Some Like It Hot Olney Theatre Center, now through Nov. 8 Based on Billy Wilder’s classic film, Broadway’s hit version breathes new life into the Academy Award-winning hit, thanks to music and lyrics from Hairspray creators Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman. Tony Award-winning playwright Matthew Lopez (The Inheritance) and “Late Night” star Amber Ruffin update the crazy story, in which two 1930s jazz musicians go on the run from the mob by disguising themselves as women and joining an all-female band headed to California.

This Prohibition-era dance spectacle even has seating available at a few cabaret tables inside the “club,” complete with champagne ser vice. Buy tickets at olneytheatre.org or call the box office at (301) 924-3400. Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom Round House Theatre, now through Oct. 18 Olney Theatre joins Round House to produce one of August Wilson’s 10 plays chronicling the African American experience across the decades of the 20th century, this one giving insight into the racial exploitation in the music industry and set to the rhythm of the blues. Tickets at roundhousetheatre.org or (240) 644-1100. Somewhere Over the Border Atlas Performing Arts Center, now through Oct. 18 Mexodus playwright and composer Brian Quijada offers up this riff on The Wizard of Oz tale, inspired by his mother’s escape from El Salvador to discover there’s someplace better than home: a better life. Buy tickets at mosaictheater. org or call (202) 399-7993 ext. 501. Come From Away Ford’s Theatre, now through Oct. 25 The heartwarming true story of how a small Canadian town cared for 6,579 airline passengers stranded after the 9/11 attacks became a Broadway hit. Now it’s

back at Ford’s for the 25th anniversary of 9/11, the day 38 planes were diverted to the town of Gander, Newfoundland. Offering food, shelter and comfort to these strangers, neighbors renewed hope and humanity in a time of darkness. Tickets at fords.org or (888) 616-0270. The Score Shakespeare Theatre Company, now through Oct. 25 Shakespeare Theatre Company kicks off its 2026-27 season with the kind of high-powered theater we’ve come to admire under artistic director Simon Godwin. Brian Cox, star of HBO’s “Succession,” plays Bach, a reluctant visitor to the court of Frederick II, an ambitious and dangerous leader. Trevor Nunn, who gave us Cats and Les Misérables, helms this production, its first and only stop on this side of the pond. Tickets available at shakespearetheatre.org and (202) 547-1122. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom Imagination Stage, now through Oct. 18 Based on the popular children’s books, this musical show celebrates letters, words and imagination with infectious rhythms, funny puppets, energetic dancing and audience interaction. Tickets at imaginationstage.org and (301) 280-1660. Merrily We Roll Along Signature Theatre, now through

Nov. 1 Those keepers of the Sondheim flame in Shirlington dig into his masterwork about friendship, ambition and the compromises that shape a life. Matthew Gardiner directs the show 20 years after its last Signature production. Tickets at sigtheatre.org and (703) 820-9771. Measure for Measure Folger Theatre, through Nov. 1 Psalmayene 24 is back to direct one of the Bard’s more obscure plays, in which human nature clashes with the law, with potentially life-threatening consequences. In a morally lax city, a corrupt official attempts to coerce a nun to submit to his desires. Can she stand her ground when her brother’s life may hang in the balance? It’s “Days of Our Lives” in 16thcentury Elizabethan England. Tickets at folger.edu and (202) 544-7077. Wish You Were Here Studio Theatre, now through Nov. 1 Five women in Iran prepare for a wedding on the eve of the Iranian Revolution. This witty, humorous play by Sanaz Toossi follows their lives over the next decade, contrasting the stories of those who remained at home with those who fled the country. Tickets at studiotheatre.org and (202) 332-3300.

The Score

within the palace walls of Potsdam, thereby giving greater focus to the themes of the play. The Score may remind some of the Mozart-based play and film Amadeus, which brings a composer and his political milieu from the distant past into modern

focus, humanizing and reimagining historical figures. The play thus has great interest beyond fans of classical music, the Baroque era and turbulent 18th-century history. The Score runs at the Shakespeare Theatre, 610 F St. NW, Washington, D.C., un-

til October 25. Audience members 60 years and older are eligible for a 10% discount on tickets or a 35% discount for weekday matinees. Rush tickets start at $40 and are available one hour before show time. For tickets and discounts, call the box office at (202) 547-1122.

From page 39

some cases its practicality. Frederick the Great is seen much as he appears in portraits. Meanwhile, the sets are conversely deliberately restrained, even

See ONSTAGE, page 42

Arts & Style | Subscribe online! See how on p. 43

Onstage From page 41

Beatrice Likes the Dark Adventure Theatre MTC, Oct. 2 Nov. 1 Beatrice casts a spell for endless darkness, then learns that even the things we fear can be beautiful when illuminated. From the acclaimed children’s book comes an imaginative blend of magic, music, shadow play and storytelling that celebrates curiosity, courage and connection. Buy tickets at adventuretheatre-mtc.org or call the box office at (301) 634-2270.

Maybe Happy Ending National Theatre, Oct. 6-11 Yes, it’s a show about South Korean robots. But it’s also about a chance meeting that sparks connection, adventure and maybe even love, and last year it won six Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Director Michael Arden helmed this original musical adventure that explores what it means to be human. Tickets at broadwayatthenational.com or (202) 628-6161. The Flying Lovers of Vitebsk Theatre J, Oct. 7 - Nov. 1 Russian painter Marc Chagall and his wife, the author Bella Chagall, were once

WDC FILMS

ENJOY MUSIC? Beacon founder Stuart Rosenthal

Listen to my original smooth-jazz-style compositions at StuartsMelodies.com or on YouTube, including: • Visit to a Museum • Latin Nocturne • Waltz of Joy and more! Share your favorites with friends and on social media, and click “subscribe” on my website or YouTube for free updates. Thank you!

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

two young dreamers in Belarus. This musical, based on Bella’s book about the couple’s courtship, describes their journey from Jewish shtetl to Europe. The show’s vivid landscape of imagination, devotion and resilience reminds us how art and love can lift us above everyday life, just like a Chagall painting. Tickets at edcjcc. org/theater-j or (202) 777-3210. Betrayal 1st Stage, Oct. 8-25 When Emma’s marriage ends, she reconnects with a former lover — her husband’s best friend. Domestic and dangerous, Harold Pinter’s startling play uncovers hidden truths, revealing how little we know about those we think we know so well. Tickets at 1ststage.org and (703) 854-1856. Frida, a Self-Portrait Klein Theatre, Oct. 8 - Nov. 8 Set on the eve of Frida Kahlo’s death, the pain and passion of her extraordinary life are laid bare, cracked open by Brazilian writer and performer Vanessa Severo. The powerful portal between Severo and the celebrated Mexican painter brings a sensual physicality and raw honesty to this portrait of one of the world’s most iconic artists. Tickets at shakespearetheatre.org and (202) 547-1122. Hundred Days Keegan Theatre, Oct. 10 - Nov. 15 What if you only had 100 days to live? This new musical by Sarah Gancher and

folk-punk darlings The Bengsons examines that rather unpleasant query with this heartrending true story about embracing uncertainty, taking a leap and loving as if your time was just about up. Tickets at keegantheatre.com or (202) 265-3767. Are You Now or Have You Ever Been? Arena Stage, Oct. 17 - Dec 6 Tony Award-winning director Anna D. Shapiro helms this revival of Eric Bentley’s distillation of the real-life tragedies visited upon a group of American artists facing an impossible choice: defend their integrity or protect their livelihoods by betraying friends and colleagues. Sadly, the self-righteous stain of the McCarthy hearings remains. Tickets at arenastage.org or (202) 488-3300. Mamma Mia Broadway at the National, Oct. 27 - Nov. 15 ABBA fans rejoice! The joyful jukebox musical returns to the DMV on its 25th anniversary. A 2008 film starring Meryl Streep followed the Broadway production. Will Sophie find out who her real father is before she does or doesn’t get married? Who cares? Tickets at broadwayatthenational.com and (202) 628-6161. Mark Edelman is a playwright, lifetime member of the Broadway League and Tony voter. He hosts a monthly podcast at onstagedmv.org.

Makes a great gift! | Arts & Style

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

Old coaches never die; they live in our minds ery few days, at practice, and later during games, one of us would do something good, or even great. Sal would be the first to hang a verbal garland around that neck. “Way to go, ballplayer,” he would say. In the locker room, we’d keep tabs. Five of us seniors had ascended to ballplayer-hood by the last week of preseason practice. By next week, that tally would need to be greater, if we were going to have a successful season.

Who would the additional ballplayers be? Would they rise to the challenge? Or would they be forever consigned to bip-istry? The good news: Sal’s ballplayer ranks kept swelling, because we were getting better at football. The better news: he helped us to an undefeated season. Today, his approach would be called “tough love.” Then, it was called Pure Sal. See BOB LEVEY, page 45

four performances: Friday, Nov. 6 and Saturday, Nov. 7 at 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7 and Sunday, Nov. 8 at 2 p.m. $40 Adults • $35 Seniors and Students +$30 Optional Buffet Matinees now featuring brunch! Group pricing available. Call the box office at 240-314-8690 for more information. Cash bar (beer, wine, soda) also available. Includes dessert. Patrons are encouraged to dress in Roaring Twenties-themed costumes for a chance to win a prize!

A TASTE FOR MURDER PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS

Funeral for a Gangster BY E I L E E N M O U S H E Y

We’re celebrating 100 years of Glenview Mansion the only way we know how: with a mob funeral and a missing fortune. Welcome to 1926. Glenview Mansion at Civic Center Park 603 Edmonston Drive, Rockville boxoffice@rockvillemd.gov • 240-314-8690

Rockville’s Civic Center Park • 603 Edmonston Drive Box Office: 240-314-8690 • rockvillemd.gov/theatre

WB1026

Sal died a few weeks ago, at the ripe old two classifications to his face. Although age of 96. Like many high school football he was only about 5-foot-6, he was one coaches, he was a no-nontough customer. sense, no-excuses, screamSal had fought in Korea first taskmaster. with the U.S. Marines. He But like no other coaches had played football for a Mathat I’ve ever met, he will be rine team at his basic training remembered for two words. base, and later for a team The first was bip. The secbased in Japan. ond was ballplayer. He had come under fire Sal divided his teenaged during the Korean War more charges into two camps. than once. He had never forThose who had not shown gotten it. huge promise on the gridiron HOW I SEE IT So when a bip complained were bips. Those who had, By Bob Levey one day at practice, after the and regularly did, rose to the mercury had dipped to about level of ballplayers. 50 degrees, Coach Sal said: “Hey, bip, on a day like this, in Korea, Those two words were more than a way to classify football players. They were we’d be wearing bathing suits.” When another bip told Sal that his helcover for the real story. Sal never learned any of our names. met didn’t fit properly, Sal withered him As far as I could tell, he never tried. with: He didn’t even call us by our uniform “What do you think this is, Brooks numbers. Bip and ballplayer were the Brothers?” only forms of address he ever used, for And when a bip complained to Sal that anyone and everyone. he wasn’t getting the playing time he Of course, behind Sal’s back, we would thought he deserved, Sal was right there imitate his tough-guy tone of voice and ac- with this: cuse each other of being bips. This usu“Come see me when you’ve gained 30 ally resulted in a brief, good-natured shov- pounds, bip.” ing match, followed by gales of laughter. Bip-hood was where most of us began, But no one ever dared to question Sal’s and where many of us remained. But ev-

Arts & Style | Subscribe online! See how on p. 43

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

Crossword Puzzle

Find a new crossword every day on our website at www.TheBeaconNewspapers.com/puzzles. Maybe Mick Maybe Mick 1

By Stephen Sherr By Stephen Sherr 4

21 24 29

52 59

53 60

62 66

Across

Jumble answers on p. 47

Scrabble answers on p. 47

73. Morning moisture

1. Much of a mojito 4. Most watched TV network of the late ‘70s 7. Golden Globe award hopeful 14. Ending for ban- or band15. Dessert choice 16. Cat that can accelerate to 60 faster than a Ferrari 17. Photog’s snaps 18. Sirius XM channel you might play in the sauna 19. Decree 20. Maybe Mick should consider this advice 23. Car used for test drives 24. Notes after dos 25. Educated guess 29. Put a round peg in a round hole 31. Crosswords’ most popular hockey Hall of Famer 34. Lunkhead 35. More of the advice 40. Middle third of CODENAMES 41. Dir. down the first base line at Busch Stadium 42. Airport code for Omidiyeh Air Base 43. Get on one’s nerves 44. Some more of the advice (be patient) 48. Once around the track 49. [We are contractually barred from giving a clue for this acronym] 50. Grp. that confiscates water bottles 51. Lustrous gown material 53. Springfield businessman 55. Wisest jar in the spice rack 59. Finally, the end of the advice 63. Piece often in the center of the living room 66. To’s partner 67. Get dragged through the ___ 68. Chief rivals 69. Slippery as an ___ 70. Sense of identity 71. Snippet 72. Animal in the Chinese zodiac

Down

1. Fast-moving 2. Turn 13 colonies into one country 3. Adage 4. Front-most part of a church 5. Supported by both sides 6. Will wonders never ___? 7. Common vendor on Wile E Coyote’s credit card statement 8. Burn food, intentionally 9. President John Tyler, or the letter J 10. Small protective fort 11. Anagram of TEA and ATE 12. Rightmost cal. column 13. Seashore seashell seller 21. Seating for two or more 22. “That ___ no interest to me” 26. Pitch a dominating game 27. Public policy leader 28. Show agreement with a bumper sticker 30. Agenda unit 32. Go on a rampage 33. The boonies 35. Software test phases 36. ___ Gay Superfortress bomber 37. Signer of a 1979 peace treaty 38. Fire off a text message 39. Searches for buried treasure 45. A New Hope or The Last Jedi 46. Creates a reservoir 47. American League division 52. Charles Schulz to Snoopy and Woodstock 54. Present a proposal 56. Looked through the scope 57. Overcharge 58. Provide permanent funding 60. Waterproof cover 61. Part of MIT or NIST 62. Young horse 63. Bauxite, basically 64. Extra line-item on a receipt 65. Text disclaimer, meaning “tongue in cheek”

Crossword answers on p. 47

Makes a great gift! | Arts & Style

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

Former CIA officer publishes new spy novel By Kim O’Connell At the Central Intelligence Agency headquarters in Langley, Virginia, veteran case officer Artemis Procter has been called in for a meeting with her superiors. One of them asks, “What do you think of the Brits?” In her typical, no-nonsense manner, she replies, “They’re pickpockets.” Next thing she knows, Procter is shuttled off to the U.K. as the newly appointed chief of the agency’s London bureau. This is the setup for novelist David McCloskey’s fifth spy thriller, London Station, published by W.W. Norton in September. A former CIA analyst, McCloskey worked at Langley and at field stations across the Middle East before turning to writing, publishing his first novel, Damascus Station, in 2021. McCloskey’s latest book explores what would happen if the longtime “special relationship” between the U.S. and Great Britain disintegrated. In the novel, a Texas businessman has been newly installed as the head of the CIA, just as the two countries’ intelligence operations have lost trust and are working against each other. A shadowy third party isn’t helping matters, leading to page-turning suspense and intrigue.

From his home in Dallas, McCloskey talked with the Beacon about his writing process. Usually, it starts with a “what if?” question, he said. With London Station, “I thought, ‘What if the spy services were working against each other? What would that look like?’”

Bob Levey From page 43

He never smiled. He never patted anyone on the back. All he would do — all he ever needed to do — was to hold a public linguistic graduation ceremony. After a touchdown: “Bip, you’re a ballplayer.” After an epic open-field tackle: “You’re not a bip anymore, ballplayer.” Could a ballplayer slip back into biphood? It happened a couple of times. But the door never closed. One could always re-ascend. When a sweaty bip jogged past him, after doing something wondrous, he would grab that person by the shoulder pads and announce: “Ballplayer, now you’re back to being a ballplayer.” Football is a hazy memory by now. But every once in a while, I find myself channeling Sal. Some creep runs a red light in front of me. “You’re a &%$#&* bip,” I will say, as he speeds off. Or if I’m summoning grandchildren, I

Write a letter to the editor. See page 6.

ally hear that voice fairly clearly.”

Researching spycraft

agency, the culture, the bureaucracy, the moral code, all that stuff. I’m trying to make it so that, if you were inside for 30 years and you read it, something resonates with you.”

With previous books set primarily in Syria, Russia, Iran and elsewhere, McCloskey likes to choose a central setting before sending his characters across the globe and back again. In London Station, scenes take place in Langley and London, naturally, but also in tropical locations that are far removed from the drizzle and mist of the U.K. “The way I write is I pick a setting, and then the characters come out of the setting, and then the plot comes out of the characters,” he said. One character McCloskey knows particularly well is Procter, a recurring figure in his novels who is cynical, tough and acerbically funny. “It’s fun to be around her and to write her,” McCloskey said. “I’m entertained as I’m hanging out with her and writing her scenes. I don’t always know what she’s going to do [until I write], but I can usu-

As he does with all his novels, McCloskey spends a lot of time researching the settings and action in his books so they feel authentic to the reader. For London Station, this included interviews with former CIA and British intelligence officers and learning about what McCloskey calls the “dark arts of disappearing.” It helped that McCloskey is the co-host of the podcast The Rest is Classified, along with BBC security and intelligence correspondent Gordon Corera. Produced in the U.K., the podcast ends up covering the “special relationship” quite a bit. “Even though the operations in the books are not exactly how operations go down in real life — I’m taking out a lot of the boring parts — I am trying to capture the characters in a way that, if you’re a case officer, you’d read Procter, you’d read the other characters, and you’d be like, ‘Okay, I know what these people are like. I’m seeing a reflection of what I did on the page,’” he said. Though he might goose up the drama, McCloskey said he is driven by a quest to get it right. “Hopefully I’m accurately rendering the

McCloskey adds that his novels hold a special interest for the 50+ population in particular. “People who have traveled, people who have lived overseas, are maybe more interested in this type of book, because even though it’s fiction, it helps to explain how the world works and the shape it might take in the future,” he said. “You’re more likely to be interested in those questions if you’ve actually seen a bit of the world.” McCloskey is now at work on his sixth novel, which will feature a return to the setting and characters of Damascus Station, due out in 2027. Traveling back to the nation’s capital will no doubt be part of the process. “I’m back three or four times a year, to meet with agency friends or do research for the books,” he said. “It’s still a place I love, and I love visiting.” For a list of all of McCloskey’s books, see davidmccloskeybooks.com.

will say: “Let’s go, ballplayers.” The grands are confused by this. The oldest will ask why I’m calling him a ballplayer when he isn’t playing a sport at that moment.

Someday I will explain, I tell him. Someday, I will tell you all about a Marine who made a big impression on me. Oh, yes. Almost forgot. Sal conferred ballplayer-hood on me.

He never revoked it. Rest easy, coach. If I was a ballplayer, you taught me how to be one. Bob Levey is a national award-winning columnist.

A favorite character

ONE BIG HAPPY

By Rick Detorie

Returning to D.C.

Subscribe online! See how on p. 43

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 47. 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.

Caregivers I’M A LICENSED NURSING ASSISTANT with years of experience. I’m seeking a full time private duty job. I will provide health care services, companionship, grooming, light house keeping, meal prep, errands. Call Bola 301-996-5180. A HOME HEALTHCARE - Experienced nurses, CNA, GNA are available 24/7. Cooking, companionship, personal care, housekeeping, driving. Full/Part-time or live-in care. 15 years’ experience. 240-533-6599. RELIABLE HANDS HOMECARE. Meal prep, light housekeeping, bathing, assistance with dressing, companionship. (302) 344-0823. A HOME HEALTHCARE - Experienced nurses, CNA, GNA are available 24/7. Cooking, companionship, personal care, housekeeping, driving. Full/Part-time or live-in care. 15 years’ experience. 240-533-6599. MOBILE HAIR & NAIL SERVICES — WE COME TO YOU. Senior Stylist provides licensed & insured professional hair and nail services in the comfort of your home. Women’s & Men’s Haircuts, Styling, Sets, Color, Manicures & more. Serving senior living communities and private homes throughout the region for over 10 years. Visit SeniorStylist.com or call 301-338-8251.

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.

Entertainment DEDE & THE DO-RIGHTS, acclaimed ‘50s rock ‘n’ roll and country honkytonk band, are available for parties and events at affordable rates. Dynamic entertainers, approved by Maryland State Arts Council. Videos upon request. Call Jack (240) 731-5353.

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

Events

Home/Handyman Services

Wanted

SHOP • MINGLE • EAT • Visit Vendor Members Group exclusively at the Markets of CRAFTS GALORE! 1st Saturdays (Sep 5, Oct 3, Nov 7, & Dec 5) 9:30AM – 2:30PM held at Timonium UMC 2300 Pot Spring Rd., Timonium, MD 21093. A juried showcase of artistic brilliance featuring affordable, one-of-a-kind homemade treasures for all ages (art, cozy textiles, personal goods, jewelry, whimsical decor, gourmet treats, holiday gift ideas, and more!) Bring the family. Savor tasty bites. Discover extraordinary artisan brands. Support local. Free Admission. Tour bus parking available. VendorMembersGroup. com #CraftsGalore! #MarylandCrafts #ShopLocalMD #VendorMembersGroup

SAFE STEP STAIRLIFTS. Enjoy greater independence and stay in the home you love. Feel safe on every level. $750 off plus FREE installation. Made in the U.S.A. Call today for a free quote. 1-866-413-4642. SAFE STEP. North America’s #1 Walk-In Tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-theline installation and service. Now featuring our FREE shower package and $1,600 off for a limited time! Call today! Financing available. Call Safe Step 1-855-343-6429. JACUZZI BATH REMODEL can install a new, custom bath or shower in as little as one day. For a limited time, waiving ALL installation costs! (Additional terms apply. Subject to change and vary by dealer. (Offer ends 12/27/26.) Call 1-877-264-7185. THE BATHROOM OF YOUR DREAMS in as little as 1 day. Limited Time Offer - $1000 off or No Payments and No Interest for 18 months for customers who qualify. BCI Bath & Shower. Many options available. Quality materials & professional installation. Senior & Military Discounts Available. Call Today! 1-855-653-0087.

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. COINS, STAMPS, PAPER MONEY, & AUTOGRAPHS WANTED. Paying top prices. Free estimates — Will travel. No collection too large or too small. 50 years of experience. Licensed. Member of major associations. Call Dirk at 301-704-5453 or email dirkkitchin@earthlink.net. WANTED: OLDER VIOLINS, GUITARS, BANJOS, MANDOLINS, UKULELES. Musician/collector will pay cash for older acoustic string instruments. Jack (240) 731-5353, 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. CASH FOR JEWELRY: Buying jewelry, diamonds, gold, platinum, silver, watches, coins, flatware, etc. Ask for Tom. Call anytime, 301654-8678 (Reg. 883). I BUY GUNS & MILITARY MEMORABILIA (Military/civilian firearms, medals, uniforms & insignia from all wars). Check out Mid-Atlantic Military Antiques positive reviews on Google. 301-201-0241. historian1975@gmail.com. www. midatlanticmilitaryantiques.com

Financial END YOUR TAX WORRIES TODAY. Let us make your tax problem our priority. Scared, stuck with high tax amounts? Our A+ tax professionals can help. Call for a FREE consultation. Call Priority Tax now 1-877-948-8289. UP TO $15,000.00 OF GUARANTEED LIFE INSURANCE! No medical exam or health questions. Cash to help pay funeral and other final expenses. Call Physicians Life Insurance Company - 866-212-1092 or visit www. Life55plus.info/beacon

For Sale BURIAL PROPERTY IN A PREMIUM LOCATION. Mausoleum at eye-level. Three spaces available to hold two each. $6,500 apiece. Contact Rufus at (646) 872-9512. CEMETERY PLOT / Double Depth / Two Person / Vault Included / Bronze Memorial & Polished Granite Base Included / Parklawn Memorial Park and Menorah Gardens, Rockville, Maryland (Jewish Faith Section). $10,000 or best offer. 301-910-4082 - MARC GLATT. NEW WINDOWS FROM WINDOW NATION. Special money saving offer zero down, zero payments, zero interest for TWO years AND buy 2 windows and get 2 FREE! Offer is valid for select models. Labor not included. Other restrictions apply. Call Window Nation today! 855-909-2278.

Health DENTAL INSURANCE from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for 400 plus procedures. Real dental insurance NOT just a discount plan. Do not wait! Call now! Get your FREE Dental Information Kit with all the details! 1-844-366-1003 www.dental50plus.com/320 #6258 MOBILEHELP, America’s Premier Mobile Medical Alert System. Whether You’re Home or Away. For Safety and Peace of Mind. No Long-Term Contracts! Free Brochure! Call Today! 1-855-519-0947.

Home/Handyman Services SETTLING AN ESTATE? Downsizing Specialists, LLC can help with the overwhelm. Our proven process helps you thoughtfully decide what to keep, gift, sell, donate, or discard with compassion and clarity at every step. Services include estate liquidation, downsizing, estate sales, storage unit clean-outs, junk removal. We buy estates, vehicles, & houses. Free estimates. Local. Family Owned. Licensed. Insured. Better Business Bureau A+ Certified Call/Text Philip 301-219-3600 DownsizingSpecialists.com DON’T LET THE STAIRS LIMIT YOUR MOBILITY! Discover the ideal solution for anyone who struggles on the stairs, is concerned about a fall or wants to regain access to their entire home. Call AmeriGlide today! 1-866-365-5170. NO MORE CLEANING OUT GUTTERS. Guaranteed! LeafFilter is the most advanced gutter protection for your home, backed by a no-clog guarantee and lifetime transferable warranty. Call today 1-855-977-6078 to schedule a FREE inspection and no obligation estimate. Plus get 20% off! Seniors and military save an additional 10%. Restrictions apply, see representative for warranty and offer details.

Miscellaneous CONSUMER CELLULAR - the same reliable, nationwide coverage as the largest carriers. No long-term contract, no hidden fees and activation is free. All plans feature unlimited talk and text, starting at just $20/month. For more information, call 1-833-742-1303.

Personal Services I CAN MAKE YOUR LIFE RUN MORE SMOOTHLY through professional organization. With over 25 years of experience as a project manager with scientifically backed methods, I can help you unclutter & get organized. For details see: LemonAideConsultingLLC. com

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

BEACON BITS

Ongoing

OPEN CALL FOR PG ARTISTS Visual artists who live, work, study or have a studio in Prince

George’s County are invited to submit work to this collective juried exhibition exploring transformation, from personal evolution to shifts in community, environment and technology. The submission deadline is Fri., Oct. 23, and the exhibition runs from Nov. 16 through Jan. 9 at the Brentwood Arts Exchange, 3901 Rhode Island Ave., Brentwood. For more information and complete guidelines, visit tinyurl.com/PGCountyexhibition.

Ongoing

FREE PORTRAIT EXHIBIT This exhibition of 2D and 3D works celebrates the art of portraiture while exploring how artists interpret identity, emotion

and human presence. Visit “In Their Image” through Jan. 2027 at the Arts Barn, 311 Kent Square Rd., Gaithersburg. For more information, visit gaithersburgmd.gov/ArtsBarn or call (301) 258-6394.

Ongoing

CREATIVE CLASSES FOR ADULTS 55+ Encore Creativity for Older Adults classes allow adults 55+ to explore new skills and creative interests. Fall 2026

semester classes begin in October via Zoom and feature visual art, memoir writing, and guitar and singing. Tuition is pay-what-you-will, with no minimum required. For more information and to register, visit encorecreativity.org/semester-sessions, call (301) 261-5747 or email info@encorecreativity.org.

Makes a great gift!

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

FROM PAGE 44 ANSWERS TO SCRABBLE

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

ANSWERS TO JUMBLE Jumbles: BRING VISOR DRESSY WIGGLE Answer: The meal eaten by the winner of the tennis tournament included -- BIG SERVINGS

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 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. •E ach real estate listing qualifies as one ad. • All ads are subject to publisher’s discretion. Payment will be refunded if unacceptable for any reason.

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

A D V E R T I S E R

I N D E X

We thank our advertisers, who make our publication possible. Please patronize them and let them know you saw their ad in the Beacon! Charitable Giving

Home Improvement

Ring House.....................13, 20

Children’s National.. ............. 31

Renewal by Andersen........... 40

Legal Services

Classes/Events

Housing

Law Offices of

Mont. Co. Age Friendly........ 33 Mont. Co. Aging & Disability...................... 31

Beacon 50+Expos. . ............. 4, 5

Bethany House..................... 25

Paul Riekhof.. .................... 30

Technology

Brooke Grove Retirement

Medical/Health/ Insurance

TechMedic4U......................... 9

Village............................... 27 Mervis – Estate Buying Event................................. 48

Clinical Health Studies Smell Test Study. . ................. 10

Employment/ Volunteer Opportunities Career Gateway...................... 8 Heyman Interages Center.. .... 37

Funeral Services

Village.. ........................26, 27

Chesapeake Hearing............. 11

Theatre/ Entertainment

Johns Hopkins Health Plans.. 12

Adam’s Fire.......................... 42

Chevy Chase House. . .......18, 19

Medical Eye Center.............. 11

F. Scott Fitzgerald

Churchill Senior Living........ 30

Pure Dental Care.................. 10

Theatre.........................39, 43

Enterprise Residential.......... 32

Trinity Health Pace. . ............. 14

Senior Zone Radio Show...... 42

Carnegie at Washingtonian Center........................2, 3, 22

Grandview, The/Erickson............1, 22, 23 HIP Home Sharing............... 19 Homecrest House................. 21 Inspīr Embassy Row........22, 24 Park View Bladensburg. . ....... 32

Adventist HealthCare........... 15

Real Estate Marc Hershkowitz/ Coakley Realty.................. 20

Senior Resources DC Living Boldly

Park View Columbia............. 32

Newsletter.................... 34-35

Maryland........................... 11

Park View Emerson.............. 32

GROWS............................... 43

Going Home Cremation.. ...... 15

Park View Laurel.. ................ 32

Kensington Clubs/

MacNabb Funeral Home.. ..... 11

Riderwood/Erickson....1, 22, 23

Cremation Society of

TheBeaconNewspapers.com... 41

Kesher Cafe. . ....................... 8

Stuart’s Melodies. . ................ 42 Toby’s Dinner Theatre.. ......... 39 WAMU/88.5........................... 8

Travel Vamoose Bus. . ...................... 37

Voting Info. Mont. Co. Board of Elections........................... 14

Subscribe online! See how on p. 43

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