October 2026 | Northern Virginia Beacon by The Beacon Newspapers

The I N VOL.1, NO.4

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 Northern Virginia

OCTOBER 2026

See special section on page 14 TERESA CASTRACANE

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 31

All smiles at the Olympics

Fitness & Health

Ashburn, Virginia, retiree Bernhard Stamm, 87, smiles after breaking the world record in high jump at the Maryland Senior Olympics in August. He and WAMU photographer Tyrone Turner, who captured the moment, will speak at the Beacon 50+ Expo on Oct. 18. See story on page 5. Photo by Tyrone Turner/WAMU 88.5

k Fall back on Nov. 1 k Why we wake up at 3 a.m.

Law & Money

k Medigap options

Leisure & Travel 28

Get MORE from your retirement. ASHBY PONDS, Ashburn VA GREENSPRING, Springfield VA WOODLEIGH CHASE, Fairfax VA

Advertiser Index 39 3065150

Call 1-800-882-5318 or visit RetirementNoVa.com.

k Banff National Park k Charleston, S.C.

Plus Crossword, Beacon Bits, Classifieds & More

Subscribe online! See how on p. 33

OCTOBER 2026 — NOR THERN VIRGINIA BEACON

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!

NOR THERN VIRGINIA BEACON — OCTOBER 2026

What you’ll find at this year’s Springfield 50+Expo: Venture

SPECIAL PANEL

into Volunteering Fair

Photographing the Senior Olympics

Offering more than 35 volunteer opportunities. Meet representatives from nonprofit organizations and local government agencies who will tell you about ways to volunteer in the community and answer your questions.

Tyrone Turner, WAMU 88.5’s visuals editor, Bernie Stamm, high-jump record-breaking participant in the Northern Virginia Senior Olympics and Maryland Senior Olympics. Naomi Starobin, managing director of WAMU News 88.5, will host a conversation with the photographer and athlete at the Virginia 50+Expo, highlighting the inspiring stories behind the games.

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

Tyrone Turner Bernie Stamm Naomi Starobin

Health Screenings Free • Blood pressure • Cholesterol • Glaucoma • Blood glucose

Bring your Medicare or insurance card. (Some vaccines may require a co-pay.)

Exhibitors AARP Virginia Arlington County DPR/Northern Virginia Senior Olympics Blue Ridge Agents Insurance Cogir of West End Alexandria Fairfax County - 911 Fairfax County Consumer Affairs Fairfax County Department of Family Services Fairfax County Dept. of Family Services Adult & Aging Division

Venture into Volunteering 1st Stage Area Agency on Aging, DFS, Volunteer Solutions Assistance League of Northern Virginia Catholic Charities Diocese of Arlington (CCDA) Cook for Vets Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) CRI (Community Residences Inc.) Culpepper Garden Department of Family Services - Domestic and Sexual Violence Services (DSVS)

Fairfax County’s Department of Land Development Services Giant Pharmacy Hill Valley HC Humana Johns Hopkins Health Plans JSSA Kaiser Permanente Medicare LeafGuard LoBiosciences Mobility City of Fairfax County NARFE - National Active and Retired Federal Employees NeuralCare Ecumenical Community Helping Others (ECHO) Fairfax County Department of Neighborhood and Community Services Volunteer Office Fairfax County Government Department of Human Resources Fairfax County Parks Fairfax Pet on Wheels Good Shepherd Housing and Family Services Greater Springfield Volunteer Fire Department Harraseeket Foundation HomeAid NCR Ignatian Volunteer Corps Lifetime Learning Institute McLean Community Center Mt. Vernon at Home

Northern Virginia Jewish Funerals Sagel Bloomfield Danzansky Goldberg Funeral Care Senior Medicare Patrol Spot Check Cleaning The Harbor at Quantico Creek Torregrossa Insurance WAMU 88.5 Wayland Hearing Centers Wesley SecureCare Windrose 55+ Active Adult Apartments/Greystar Woodbine Rehab Xfinity

Northern Virginia Long Term Care Ombudsman Program NV Rides Public Assistance and Employment Services & Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Rebuilding Together Arlington/Fairfax/Falls Church Rising Home UMC Shelter House Shepherd’s Center of Annandale Springfield The Women’s Center United Community United Way of the National Capital Area Volunteer Fairfax/ RSVP of NOVA Wish of a Lifetime from AARP

Subscribe online! See how on p. 33

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, who will host a • Sunday, October 18, from noon to 4 panel with Tyrone Turner, WAMU 88.5’s p.m., at Springfield Town Center in visuals editor, and Bernie Stamm, a record-breaking 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.

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

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 39 for classified advertising details. Please mail or email all submissions.

OCTOBER 2026 — NOR THERN VIRGINIA BEACON

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 political and social i ssues of the day. Mail your Letter to the Editor to The Beacon, 3720 Farragut Ave., Suite 501, Kensington, MD 20895, or email to info@thebeaconnewspapers.com. Please include your name, address and telephone number for verification. Dear Editor: 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 26

Makes a great gift!

NOR THERN VIRGINIA BEACON — OCTOBER 2026

COVER STORY

Grit and glory at the Senior Olympics

History of the Senior Games

All 50 states have some form of senior games and send qualifiers to the National Senior Games, held every two years. The next one will be in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in June and July 2027. Here in Northern Virginia, athletes who are over age 50 have been competing in the Northern Virginia Senior Olympics since the games launched in 1982. In the early 80s, both Fairfax County and Falls Church held their own competitions. When a few more counties came on board, the first Northern Virginia Senior Olympics debuted at George Mason University’s athletic facility in Fairfax. Today the NVSO is sponsored by the counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Fauquier, Loudoun and Prince William and the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax and Falls Church. It costs only $20 to participate. This year, from April to October, 1,356 adults — some as old as 101 — will compete in more than 80 events at 30 venues all over Northern Virginia. That’s more than last year, according to registrar Herb Levitan, including rowing (entries spiked by 24%), miniature golf (50%) and line dancing (a 100% increase). Yes, miniature golf is a Senior Olympic sport. In addition to traditional events

like track and field, swimming and weightlifting, older adults can face off in bocce, Mexican Train dominoes and even poker. Despite some healthy competition, the best part of the annual games, according to participants, is the team spirit. It’s not unusual for competitors to cheer each other on. “Meeting all the people was actually one of the things that has kept me coming back,” said Michael Coleman, the volunteer chair and treasurer of the NVSO. Volunteers like Coleman serve as judges, timers and organizers of the events.

PHOTO BY TYRONE TURNER/WAMU 88.5

By Margaret Foster A marshmallow changed the trajectory of Bernie Stamm’s life. Stamm was just 6 years old when World War II ended and American soldiers visited his small Swiss village. The airmen, who had accidentally bombed the town on Christmas Day, arrived bearing gifts, including a novelty: marshmallows. Impressed by their swagger, Stamm began dreaming of America. He became a U.S. citizen when he was 35. Stamm, now 87 and a resident of Ashburn, Virginia, broke the world record for high jump in his age category last summer. A lifelong athlete, Stamm is a frequent participant in the Maryland Senior Olympics and Northern Virginia Senior Olympics (NVSO), where he has broken several records. The games are open to anyone over age 50 in Maryland and 55 in Virginia, even newbies to a sport. “Do what you can at whatever level you are in. You don’t have to be a world champion to do it,” Stamm said. When Stamm broke the high-jump record last summer, WAMU photographer Tyrone Turner was there to capture the moment. A seven-minute segment about Stamm and other participants aired on the radio station in August. This month Stamm, Turner and WAMU producer Naomi Starobin will speak at the Beacon 50+ Expo in Springfield to bring a piece of local news to life.

Panel at the Beacon 50+ Expo

Turner, a contributing photographer for National Geographic, said he was curious about the senior games because of his experience on the diving team at his New Orleans high school and at Georgetown University. Now based in Alexandria, Turner decided to check out the games for his “Photographer’s Notebook” series on WAMU. “As I get older, I’m trying to continue to either participate or compete. It’s humbling and fascinating at the same time,” Turner said. When he attended the Mar yland games in early August, Turner was “very inspired” by the athletes. He recorded one runner, Peggy Andrews, 82, who had been using a walker just months ago yet managed to complete an 800-meter run. “This is incredible, that she’s out there, sprinting,” he remembers thinking. “I was really blown away by some of the athletic performances.” He was also surprised by the warmth he witnessed — “the camaraderie, the social aspect of it,” he said. “People just come, and they try and have fun doing it.” Turner’s October 18 discussion with Stamm will be moderated by Starobin, managing director of WAMU News. A former National Park Service ranger, she teaches audio journalism at Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. Starobin hopes the presentation will encourage people of all skill levels to try the senior games. “You don’t have to show up knowing everything or being a great athlete,” Starobin said. “Some of these people have been athletes since they were young, and they just want to continue it as long as possible. Others just walked onto the field.”

Bernie Stamm hugs his wife, Carol, after breaking the world record for high jump in his age category at the Maryland Senior Olympics last August. Stamm and Tyrone Turner, the photographer at WAMU 88.5 who captured the moment, will speak at the Beacon 50+ Expo at the Springfield Town Center on Oct. 18.

In high school Stamm took up javelin, high jump and long jump — he remembers clearing 6 feet in the high jump and 21 feet in the long jump. When he was drafted to the Swiss Army, he was in tiptop condition, and sports remain a big part of his life, a reason to get out of bed. “The purpose of life is to live a life with purpose. That’s become one of my biggest mottos,” he said. After years of dreaming and “almost obsessive listening” to American radio broadcasts, Stamm finally came to the United States when he was 27, on a scholarship from Ohio State University for a master’s degree in city planning. After Stamm retired, he and his wife, Carol, moved from Ohio to Ashburn in 2009 to be near their grandchildren in Bethesda, Maryland. Looking for volunteer gigs, Stamm discovered the Northern Virginia Senior Olympics and took up competitive sports again at age 71. He also coaches other older adults, who have gone on to win

medals. He also speaks at high schools. “Falling into the Senior Olympics opened an entirely new world for me,” he said. Stamm has become a record-breaker, breaking 17 records in six disciplines in his age group. He won the world championship for javelin in 2020 and before his most recent high-jump record (of 4 feet, 2.5 inches) was named world champion in 2015 and 2019. Stamm admits he had to go to some lengths to practice. When he was 81, hoping to use the high-jump equipment at a local high school, he followed some teenagers through a hole in a fence and was stopped by a security guard. Now he practices at Broad Run High School with permission. “They gave me a key to the gates,” Stamm said. “I don’t have to sneak in.” For more information about the Beacon 50+ Expo at Springfield Town Center on Sunday, Oct. 18, see thebeaconnewspapers.com/50expos.

BEACON BITS

Oct. 24

MASON NECK STATE PARK BIRD WALK The Northern Virginia Bird Club hosts a free, informal walk

From Switzerland to Ashburn

Stamm has been athletic his whole life. He started skiing at age 6. “I ended up hugging a tree,” he remembered, but he kept skiing. “That’s been one of my secrets: Just never give up. And if you fall, you get up and try again,” he said.

through Mason Neck State Park for both beginners and experienced birders. Meet on Sat., Oct. 24 from 8 to 10 a.m. at 7301 High Point Rd., Lorton. Bring binoculars if you have them. For more information and to register, visit tinyurl.com/NoVabirdwalk.

Subscribe online! See how on p. 33

OCTOBER 2026 — NOR THERN VIRGINIA BEACON

Health Fitness &

DANCE FOR PARKINSON’S The Washington Ballet teaches free classes for Parkinson’s patients MOBILITY TESTS Balance tests and other challenges don’t provide a full picture of health 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 risk for older adults, RSV, which also has a vaccine. 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 7

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

Makes a great gift! | Fitness & Health

NOR THERN VIRGINIA BEACON — OCTOBER 2026

Vaccines From page 6

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

The latest on Covid-19 vaccines

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 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.

Where to get vaccinated

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 2-3.] 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.

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

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. Fr yhofer 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 o Brooke Grove (See ads on pages 20, 21) o Ashby Ponds (See ads on pages 1, 18, 19) o Cogir West End Alexandria (See ad on page 16) o Culpepper Garden (See ad on page 19) o Greenspring (See ads on pages 1, 18, 19) o Harbor at Quantico Creek (See ad on page 16) o Landing, The (See ads on pages 23, 24) o Reserve at Falls Church, The (See ads on pages 15, 23)

o Riviera, The (See ads on pages 23, 24) o Tribute at the Glen (See ad on page 18) o Vinson Hall (See ad on page 22) o Williamsburg Landing (See ads on pages 17, 23) o Woodleigh Chase (See ads on pages 1, 18, 19)

Clinical Health Studies o Smell Test Study (See ad on page 8) Name Address City Phone (day)

State

Zip

(evening)

E-mail

NVB1026

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. 33

OCTOBER 2026 — NOR THERN VIRGINIA BEACON

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.’s Dupont Circle. The Washington Ballet has been offer-

ing 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 organization 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

BEACON BITS

Oct. 18

SUMMER CAMP BENEFIT WALK

Help raise funds for Sunrise Day Camp, a free summer camp in Fairfax, Virginia, serving children with cancer and their siblings. This event features a warm-up led by the D.C. Divas women’s contact football team, a community walk, music and games, and prizes for top fundraisers. Come to the National Harbor, 165 Waterfront St., Oxon Hill, MD, on Sun., Oct. 18 and join the fun. Registration begins at 8 a.m., and the event starts at 9 a.m. For more information and to register, visit sunrise-walks.org/ GreaterWashington.

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 her dance company five years ago to focus on Dance for PD and today is the program’s 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.”

Free classes in our area

Smell Take the

In Northern Virginia, free Dance for PD classes are available at George Mason University, Ballet Arts in Fairfax, BalletNova Center for Dance in Falls Church,

VOLUNTEER DRIVERS NEEDED!

DRIVE. HELP. SMILE. www.NVRides.org

Test Challenge Today

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.

the REACH at the Kennedy Center and Mission Dance Project in Ashburn. 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.” 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 danceforpdmidatlantic.org, washingtonballet.org/ dance-for-pd, inspirseniorliving.com or call (703) 951-7687 or (202) 362-3606.

Help older neighbors get to: • Medical appointments • Groceries & errands Flexible time — no shifts Meaningful, local impact Serving area: • Fairfax • Loudoun • Arlington • Prince William

Scan to volunteer

703-537-3071 info@nvrides.org

Makes a great gift! | Fitness & Health

NOR THERN VIRGINIA BEACON — OCTOBER 2026

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 what mobility tests entail 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 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.

n o o S g n Comi D M , e l l Rockvi 6 2 0 2 l l Fa

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, memory, hearing, eyesight and many other measures are key to evaluating how someone is aging. They cautioned against training to pass a test. Instead, 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. Finally, experts said it’s important to know the context in which a test has been

studied and verified. If it’s shown to predict an outcome for one age group, the performance standards won’t necessarily apply to others.

Consult with your doctor

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

BEACON BITS

Oct. 17

MASTER GARDENERS FALL FESTIVAL This fall festival celebrates plants, gardening and nature. En-

joy guided walks, explore the nature and wildlife table, visit outside vendors and more. The free event takes place on Sat., Oct. 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Duncan Library Garden, 2501 Commonwealth Ave., Alexandria. For more information, visit mgnv.org or call (703) 228-6426.

Turning 65 or Already on Medicare? Get Local, Personalized Medicare Guidance From a Trusted Northern Virginia Specialist

Prices starting at $3495!

Proud Sponsor of the

at Springfield Town Center on October 18!

• Medicare Advantage Plans • Medicare Supplement Plans • Prescription Drug Coverage • Annual Plan Dallas Balla

Medicare & Health Insurance Specialist

703-592-9115

10505 Judicial Drive, Suite 300 #324 Fairfax, VA 22030 dallas@torregrossains.com

(571) 586-2017 NorthernVirginiaJewishFunerals.com

www.torregrossains.com/virginiaoffice

Fitness & Health | Subscribe online! See how on p. 33

OCTOBER 2026 — NOR THERN VIRGINIA BEACON

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.

Give for Their Future. Plan for Yours.

“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. 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, which increases the risk of later-in-life Alzheimer’s, 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 now used to treat Alzheimer’s might also help certain people before they develop symptoms — findings that could change testing advice. —AP

BEACON BITS

Support Children’s National and receive payments for life.

Oct. 17

A charitable gift annuity lets you make a lasting impact for the children and families in our care while supporting your own financial goals.

grout maintenance and repair fundamentals. Visit the Arlington Mill Com-

HOME MAINTENANCE WORKSHOP These free workshops, led by local experts, will help you

learn practical home maintenance and basic repair skills, including tile and munity Center, 909 S. Dinwiddie St., 4th floor, Arlington, on Sat., Oct. 17. Registration begins at 9:45 a.m., and the event runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, email housingdivision@arlingtonva.us or call (703) 228-3765.

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.

Traditional Burial

Jewish Burial

Makes a great gift! | Fitness & Health

NOR THERN VIRGINIA BEACON — OCTOBER 2026

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 cadence 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 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 14step threshold is important because it gives a clear target for older adults to increase their intensity.”

GIANT IS PROUD TO SPONSOR

THE BEACON 50+ EXPO

giantfood.com

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” with, 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 existing 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. [Ed. Note: Strength training is another way to stave off frailty.] © 2026 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Tell them you saw it in the Beacon!

Fitness & Health | Subscribe online! See how on p. 33

OCTOBER 2026 — NOR THERN VIRGINIA BEACON

For a protein-packed meal, bake a frittata

Vegetable Sausage Frittata Serves 4 to 6 Ingredients: 2 sweet Italian sausages (1/3 to ½ pound total) 2 hot Italian sausages (1/3 to ½ pound total) 12 large eggs Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 6 ounces) 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 1 tablespoon olive oil 2 medium shallots, finely chopped ½ pound fresh mushrooms, thinly sliced 2 small zucchinis, thinly sliced 1 medium garlic clove, minced 4 medium plum (Roma) tomatoes, sliced Optional garnish: ¼ cup sour cream 2 tablespoons fresh basil, diced Directions: 1. In a medium skillet over medium heat, cook the sausages, turning frequently until browned, about 10 minutes. Drain on paper towels and let cool. Cut into ¼-inch-thick slices and set aside. 2. Preheat the oven to 425° F. 3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs with salt and pepper. Stir in 1 ¼ cups of the cheese. Set aside. 4. In an ovenproof nonstick 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter with the olive oil. Add the shallots and sauté until softened but not brown, about 3 minutes. Add the mushrooms and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes. Add the zucchini and continue cooking for 2 minutes. Add the

garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Arrange the sausage slices around the vegetables and season with the remaining ¼ teaspoon salt and a dash of pepper. 5. Pour the egg mixture over the sausages and vegetables and cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned on the bottom, about 5 minutes. Arrange the sliced tomatoes around the edge of the skillet. Sprinkle with the remaining ¼ cup cheese. 6. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake until the frittata is puffed and brown, 10 to 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and serve so Frittatas can be served warm or at room temperature the tomato border faces for brunch, lunch or dinner. up, either directly from the pan or on a serving platter. Garnish with Diane Rossen Worthington is an authorthe sour cream and basil, if desired. Use a ity on new American cooking. She is the pizza cutter to serve. author of 18 cookbooks, including SeriAdvance preparation: Although it will ously Simple Parties, and a James Beard be completely different in texture and Award-winning radio show host. You can taste, the frittata may also be made one contact her at seriouslysimple.com. day ahead, refrigerated and served at © 2026 Diane Rossen Worthington. Disroom temperature. tributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. PHOTO BY MAURA MCEVOY/TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY

By Diane Rossen Worthington One of my favorite ways serve up something simple yet satisfying is to prepare a frittata with ingredients that are both seasonal and colorful. The classic Italian frittata is a flat, round omelet cooked over low heat until firm and finished in the oven. They can be eaten warm or at room temperature and served for brunch, lunch or supper. Frittatas can be simple or as multilayered as this version, which includes sausages, zucchini, mushrooms and plum tomatoes tucked inside. Use this recipe as a template for whatever ingredients you prefer. Meat sausage can be replaced with plant-based sausage or omitted. If you are just adding veggies, begin with Step 2. To round out the meal, ser ve with roasted baby potatoes.

50% OFF EXPERT INSTALLATION

• FREE no-obligation design consultation • CUSTOM-BUILT to ﬁt existing spaces • FAST, professional installation • LIFETIME WARRANTY* for peace of mind

SCHEDULE NOW: 1-855-408-7810

• • • •

FREE no-obligation design consultation Custom-built to ﬁt existing spaces Fast, professional installation Lifetime Warranty* for peace of mind

AS SEEN IN

©2026 ShelfGenie SPC LLC. All rights reserved. Locally owned and operated franchise. Offer valid at participating locations only. Limit one offer per household. *Applies to Classic and Designer line. EXP 12/31/26.

Makes a great gift! | Fitness & Health

NOR THERN VIRGINIA BEACON — OCTOBER 2026

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-

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.

BEACON BITS

Oct. 28

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

not sure, join 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; the importance of early detection and the benefits of a diagnosis; possible tests and assessments in the diagnostic process; and how to find resources. Register at tinyurl. com/Alzheimerswebinar. For more information, call (800) 272-3900.

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

Subscribe online! See how on p. 33

OCTOBER 2026 — NOR THERN VIRGINIA BEACON

October 2026

SeniorOptions Living Presented by

Enter o drawin ur chance g for a t $100 C o win ASH! See p age 25 .

Inside Home safety tips

New 55+ apartments

Ways to pay for care

What is bridge care?

When family caregivers need help, homecare companies are ready to step in. See story on page 15.

And more!

Photo © Ammentorp | Dreamstime.com

Makes a great gift! | Senior Living Options

NOR THERN VIRGINIA BEACON — OCTOBER 2026

When family caregivers need professional help By Tara Prakash Virginian Nicole Subryan Bailey considered herself a caregiver, she was bringing a blood pressure monitor on dates. Bailey was studying to be a nurse when she met her now-husband, who had severe hypertension. During dinners and walks in the park, she would check his blood pressure and urge him to take his medication. Over their 27 years together, Bailey’s caregiving increased. After her husband began dialysis, Bailey became what she called his “navigation health guru.” She scheduled his doctor appointments and coordinated deliveries of his medical supplies. For nearly two years, she served as his primary dialysis nurse. Bailey understands how quickly the responsibilities of caregiving can accumulate. The goal, she realized, is not to stop caring, but to recognize when caregiving can no longer be done alone.

called Bay Aging, she met with a case manager who assessed her situation. Soon after, Bailey started receiving compensation. “It is a job, so you should be paid,” she said, advising other family caregivers to find similar programs. A case manager later connected her with additional resources, including assistance with home modifications. Bailey recalled that it felt like “the heavens had opened up” when she spoke with the case manager. “Why didn’t anybody tell me that I had this available to me?” she remembers thinking. For families confronting caregiving for the first time, Bailey recommends starting with a primary care doctor and securing a case manager. Garber suggests seeking help from an aging-services organization such as Iona, where social workers can talk through a

family’s situation and determine the next steps.

Full-time job

Bailey eventually brought her personal experience to professional caregiving. She has worked in home care for more than 20 years. Professional caregiving is less stressful than caring for a family member, she said. “You still get very close to them,” Bailey said. “You also get to know the family very well.”

Steps to consider

Working with families has taught her what people should consider when hiring a professional caregiver themselves. First, check references. Because a caregiver spends hours alone with the family member, trust is essential. Confirm that the caregiver has reli-

able transportation. Bailey has met with patients whose caregivers arrived late or missed several days, leaving relatives scrambling. She suggests having a backup, whether another professional, family member, neighbor or trusted friend. Choose a good communicator. Erick Carr, who has been both a family and professional caregiver, recommends looking for someone who is patient, communicates clearly and views the family as a partner.

Caring for the caregiver

Even with professional help, family caregiving does not always end. Chlo’e Edwards learned that after her 66-year-old father moved to a nursing home. She still visits twice a week, schedules his medical appointments, folds his laundry and meets with his care team. See CAREGIVERS, page 16

When a relationship shifts

After all, intense caregiving can put pressure on a relationship, whether it’s between an aging parent and adult child or husband and wife. “He could not navigate me being a caregiver versus being a wife,” Bailey said. One of the hardest aspects of family caregiving, especially with spouses, is the shift Bailey faced, according to Katie Garber, program manager of mental health and support groups at Iona Senior Services in Washington, D.C. “You’re losing the person you would go to as your most trusted collaborator and, at the same time, making really important decisions on their behalf,” Garber said. This struggle, which caregivers frequently discuss at Iona’s caregiver support group, can make the decision to ask for help feel weighty. Admitting “I can’t do this by myself anymore” is part of grieving the relationship that changed, Garber explained. To make matters worse, the ailing person may resist outside help. Garber has seen patients agree to a caregiver one day and then, perhaps as a result of their cognitive decline, object when that individual arrives at their home several days later, a situation she calls “the shifting landscape of consent.”

Finding help without a roadmap

Bailey, who lives in Virginia, struggled to find support while caring for her husband. She pieced together resources herself, calling the 211 helpline and scouring government websites. “You feel pretty isolated,” she said. “I swear, if it wasn’t for the internet, I would have no idea what to do.” Her husband, a U.S. Marine veteran, received much of his healthcare through the Department of Veterans Affairs. Yet for years, Bailey said, no one told her about a program that could compensate her for some of the care she was providing. With support from a nonprofit agency

T H E R E S E R V E AT FA L L S C H U R C H

New Senior Living Connection, Cuisine & Community Located in the vibrant West Falls Neighborhood, The Reserve at Falls Church offers a luxury senior living experience where exceptional dining, shared experiences, and resort-inspired amenities foster meaningful connections and everyday moments become engaging.

REFINED SENIOR LIVING YO U E X P E C T A N D D E S E R V E .

NOW LEASING VISIT OUR SHOWROOM 7115 Leesburg Pike, #104 | Falls Church, VA 22043

S C A N TH E Q R C O DE TO L E A RN A BO UT O UR UP C O M IN G E V E N TS

571-297-7233 | ReserveAtFallsChurch.com Independent Living | Assisted Living | Memory Care

Senior Living Options | Subscribe online! See how on p. 33

Senior Living News By Beacon Staff

New 55+ apartments open

yoga room, lounge and even an indoor pet-washing station. “It’s absolutely beautiful. It sits up on a hillside, surrounded by nature,” said Jennifer Long, community manager at The Harbor at Quantico Creek, adding that it’s “just minutes away from the town of Dumfries.” Special pricing is available on some residences at The Harbor at Quantico Creek, Long noted. For a tour of The Harbor at Quantico Creek, visit harboratquanticocreek.com or call (571) 774-7773.

A new, modern apartment building for people 55 and older is now open in Dumfries, Virginia. Located near Potomac Mills, Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center and Leesylvania State Park, The Harbor at Quantico Creek has affordable one- and two-bedroom apartments available for rent. Each unit has its own washer and dryer. The building has a fitness center,

Refined Living For Your Best Years NOW OPEN! Limited-Time Pricing One bedroom $1438 Two bedroom $1715

OCTOBER 2026 — NOR THERN VIRGINIA BEACON

Palliative care center to reopen A 106-year-old grammar school in Arlington, Virginia, is being renovated as a state-of-the-art palliative care center. “Over time we’ve cared for people who went to school there. Talk about the full circle,” said Steve Cone, chief of communications, marketing and philanthropy at Capital Caring Health, which leases the building from Arlington County. Capital Caring Health has operated a hospice inpatient facility in the building since 1982 — one of the first in the country. After the renovation, it will rename the building the Guernsey Center for

Caregivers From page 15

When her siblings told her, “You did a good job taking care of Dad,” Edwards corrected them. “I’m still taking care of him,” she said. “It’s not over.” For Bailey, years of caregiving have taught her the importance of taking time for herself. While caring for her husband, she joined a YMCA and took water aerobics classes twice a week. For a few hours, she could prioritize her physical health, interact with other people and not

Caring, after David and Diane Guernsey, whose donation facilitated the project. In the past decade, 800 inpatient palliative care facilities have closed in America, leaving 6,500 remaining. Capital Caring Health operates three in the D.C. area: The Adler Center in Loudoun County, one at Sibley Memorial Hospital in D.C., and the seven-suite center in Arlington, which will reopen early next year. “For people at the end of life who need round-the-clock hospice care, it’s so important that these facilities are available,” said Cone, adding that donations are key. Located at 4715 15th Street North in Arlington, the Guernsey Center for Caring is scheduled to open by Feb. 1. For more information, call (703) 712-4680. talk about what was happening at home. Carr echoed this, recalling his experience caring for his mother, whose mobility was declining. Carr worked full-time but helped her at night. That period taught him how difficult caregiving can be and how critical it is to protect one’s stamina. “Take breaks and set boundaries. Small things add up,” he said. Nearly 1 in 5 Virginians serve in a family caregiving role. The Virginia Caregiver Coalition provides free resources and bimonthly Zoom check-ins. Email vlrvp@dars. virginia.gov. Shepherd’s Center also oversees a free support group; call (703) 821-6838.

ur modern 55+ senior apartment community in Dumfries, Virginia is Now Open. The Harbor at Quantico Creek offers spacious one and

two bedroom apartments in close proximity to shopping, hospitals,

and places of worship. Ideally situated near I-95, our community offers seamless access to everything the region has to offer. With amenities right outside your door and opportunities for social connection, The Harbor at Quantico Creek supports an active, engaging lifestyle in a place you’ll be proud to call home.

Offering Assisted Living and Memory Care in Alexandria, VA

Difference

EXPERIENCE THE Community Amenities

Apartment Amenities

• Fitness Center • Yoga & Stretching Room

• Washer & Dryer • Vinyl Plank Flooring

• Resident Lounge • Wellness Center

• Large Windows • Open Concept Kitchens

• Stainless Steel Appliances

Your pet will enjoy our Pet Spa.

For more info, call today

571-774-7773 TTY 711

www.harboratquanticocreek.com

Schedule a personal tour today!

(571) 520-6124 CogirofWestEnd.com 5550 Cardinal Place, Alexandria, VA 22304

Makes a great gift! | Senior Living Options

NOR THERN VIRGINIA BEACON — OCTOBER 2026

Make your home safer as you age By Jim Miller Dear Savvy Senior, What simple tips can you recommend for making a home agefriendly? 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.

ers, 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.

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 ris-

BEACON BITS

Ongoing

DIGITAL SKILLS TRAINING

The Alliance for Arlington Senior

The Best of Both in Senior Living City culture meets small-town charm.

Williamsburg Landing combines the intellectual energy of a university town with the amenities of a premier senior living destination. America’s history, culture, and connection, paired with a maintenance-free lifestyle and a full continuum of healthcare.

Our Life Plan Community features: Neighbors of Colonial Williamsburg, William & Mary, golf courses, and more A 153-acre wooded campus with eight distinct neighborhoods Community Center with a theater, art studios, bistro, and bar 25,000 sq. ft. Health Club & Spa Pickleball, bocce, outdoor/indoor pools, and walking trails Multiple dining venues with chef-prepared meals

Programs offers a variety of free digital skills classes designed for seniors who want to build confidence with technology while staying safe online. For more information and to

Come see for yourself! Call (757) 565-6505 to schedule a tour or visit williamsburglanding.org/Beacon

check your eligibility, visit friendsofthealliance.org or email friendsofthealliance@gmail.com.

5700 Williamsburg Landing Drive I Williamsburg, VA 23185

Senior Living Options | Subscribe online! See how on p. 33

OCTOBER 2026 — NOR THERN VIRGINIA BEACON

How to pay for your next chapter By Donna Fuscaldo Nobody wants to spend their golden years languishing in a nursing home. They want fun, social connections and endless activities whether they are a bookworm or social butterfly. They also want access to care if and when they

need it. But getting that doesn’t come cheap. The average cost for a retirement community is around $350,000, and that’s just the entry fee. The monthly service fee can add another $3,500 to $4,500 a month to the bill.

LIFE ON

Your

TERMS

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL

(571) 402-1870 Tributeattheglen.com 4151 Old Bridge Road, Woodbridge VA

Which type of retirement community is best?

Retirement communities typically come in two varieties: independent living retirement communities and Life Plan communities, formerly called continuing care retirement communities or CCRCs.

Independent living retirement communities, often referred to as 55+ communities, are house- and apartment-style planned developments for older adults who can live mostly independently — without requiring assistance with daily activities. Latitude Margaritaville in South Carolina and The Villages in Florida are two examples of independent living communities catering to active adults 55 and older. A Life Plan Community or CCRC often combines independent living with a full continuum of care, including skilled nursing and rehab care, all provided under a continuing care contract. Erickson Senior Living’s Woodleigh Chase in Fairfax and Ashby Ponds in Ashburn are local examples of Life Plan communities.

What you get in a retirement community

Retirees setting down roots in either an independent living community or Life Plan/CCRC typically get access to a range of amenities, including dining halls, fitness centers, swimming pools, recreation centers, transportation, housekeeping, entertainment and continuing education. Luxury retirement communities include all of the above plus wellness spas, high-end decor and upscale dining, among other perks. With an independent living community, you typically pay an “entrance fee” or buy-in payment and then a recurring monthly fee to cover the cost of your house, amenities, maintenance, meals and activities. The same is true of Life Plans/CCRCs, but the monthly fee will change when you begin to need care. Within a Life Plan community, the monthly payments can be: Fee-for-ser vice: When you need care your monthly fee increases to reflect the going price of healthcare. Modified: An offshoot of a fee-for-

Get MORE from your retirement. 1. MORE for your money

with our predictable Monthly Service Package

2. MORE amenities

including a pool, fitness center, and restaurants

See HOW TO PAY, page 19

3. MORE peace of mind

BEACON BITS

with services to enhance your well-being

Oct. 15

Get your free brochure!

50+ VIRTUAL EMPLOYMENT EXPO

If you are 50 or older, JCA invites you to attend a virtual Employ-

Call 1-800-882-5318 or visit RetirementNoVa.com.

ment Expo on Thu., Oct. 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., hosted on Zoom. Whether you were affected by the layoffs or are just looking for your next gig, you can register

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

for free at virtualexpos.accessjca. org. For more information, call (301) 255-4209 or email employ3065150

ENJOY A FREE MEAL WITH TOUR TODAY!

ASSISTED LIVING & MEMORY CARE IN WOODBRIDGE VA

“Some range well into the millions,” depending on the size of the home and if continuing care is included, said Brad Breeding, co-founder and managing partner at myLifeSite, a website dedicated to providing older adults with information about senior living. Nonetheless, retirement communities are gaining in popularity, for good reasons. Older adults are more active than previous generations and want communities that give them independence and access to care if necessary.

mentexpos@accessjca.org.

Makes a great gift! | Senior Living Options

NOR THERN VIRGINIA BEACON — OCTOBER 2026

How to pay From page 18

service model, but the cost of care is discounted. Typically your monthly fee is more to reflect that. Lifecare: Your monthly fee remains the same if you need healthcare services. If you opted for a Life Plan community and change your mind about living there, your refund amount will depend on the contract you signed.

Tax-smart ways to pay

Whether you choose independent living or a Life Plan community, how you elect to pay for it matters. After all, it can impact your cash flow and taxes. That’s particularly true for high-net-worth individuals. “The best way to pay for it is a welldiversified balance sheet of both taxdeferred and tax-free pools that you can draw from,” said Jeremiah Barlow, chief commercial officer at Mercer Advisors. That will enable you to spread the taxes out so you are not taking a big tax hit in year one. If you sell your longtime house, for instance, you’ll face capital gains tax. To lower your capital gains tax bill, deduct closing costs, fees and any major home improvements. “Tax loss harvesting” occurs when you sell investments at a loss to offset capital gains. If you are single and made $500,000 from the sale of your home but lost $250,000 by selling other assets, your tax bill would be much lower. Another option to access equity in a home without triggering a taxable event is to recast or refinance a larger mortgage or utilize a home equity line of credit, Barlow said. That could be particularly advantageous if there is a second generation who

wants to live in the home and inherit it. “They could take on the payments and expenses until the parents pass away. This would create a step up in cost basis upon death of the parent,” Barlow said. That would reduce the capital gains tax when the home is sold. Beyond selling your home to cover the cost of a retirement community, Barlow said combining funding sources can be a tax-smart way to pay for a retirement community. “Roth IRA withdrawals can be advantageous since qualified withdrawals from a Roth IRA are tax-free, helping to avoid additional tax liability,” he said. Roth distributions are tax-free, and because they are not considered investment income, they won’t raise your modified adjusted gross income. If you have money in a traditional IRA or 401(k) you can do a Roth conversion, which reduces required minimum distributions. “If there is time to plan, it would be advantageous to proactively navigate these accounts with Roth conversions, so more assets are tax-free in retirement,” Barlow said. A Health Savings Account (HSA) can be used for long-term care, which may include some retirement housing expenses. However, long-term care generally does not cover non-medical costs such as room and board expenses, Barlow noted.

4595 Burke Station Rd. Fairfax, VA 22032 WoodleighChase.com

Look before you leap

When the weather changes, your lifestyle doesn't have to.

Use caution when deciding which retirement community to buy into and how you’ll pay for it. You can employ many strategies, so it’s essential to seek help from a trusted financial adviser or tax professional before you plunk down your hard-earned cash. © 2025 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. All rights reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

INDEPENDENT LIVING COMMUNITY

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

INDEPENDENT LIVING COMMUNITY

Woodleigh Chase 1-877-211-6968

At Woodleigh Chase®, everything is conveniently located under one roof. Enjoy maintenance-free living, delicious dining at our on-site restaurants, a full calendar of clubs and activities, and amenities designed to keep you active and engaged year-round. Climate-controlled walkways make it easy to move comfortably throughout the community, no matter the forecast. For added peace of mind, you'll have access to on-site health services. Don’t wait to learn more!

Independent Senior Living Community in the Heart of Arlington

Call 1-877-211-6968 to learn more and get your free brochure.

INDEPENDENT LIVING COMMUNITY

Greenspring Retirement Community 877-589-9570 7440 Spring Village Drive • Springﬁeld, VA 22150 GreenspringCommunity.com

• Rents based on income for qualified individuals • Older Adults 62+ • Utilities included • Spacious, one-bedroom apartments • Bathrooms designed with seniors in mind • On-site community activities and amenities

4435 N. Pershing Dr. Arlington, VA 22203

Now Leasing!

Call or email today!

703-528-0162

VA Relay # 800-828-1120

admissions@culpeppergarden.org

culpeppergarden.org

CSM Senior Living Management Professional Management of Retirement Communities since 1981

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

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

OCTOBER 2026 — NOR THERN VIRGINIA BEACON

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

Makes a great gift! | Senior Living Options

NOR THERN VIRGINIA BEACON — OCTOBER 2026

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 services 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 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 See BRIDGE CARE, page 23

BEACON BITS

Oct. 23

KNIVES OUT MOVIE SCREENING Knives Out is a classic murder mystery with modern-day

twists, starring Daniel Craig with Christopher Plummer, Don Johnson, Jamie Lee Curtis and more. This free community screening of the film takes place on Fri., Oct. 23 at the Stacy C. Sherwood Center, 3740 Blenheim Blvd., Fairfax. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. — come early for free popcorn, refreshments and candy. The movie runs from 7 to 9:15 p.m. For more information, visit artsfairfax.org/event/artscreen-free-film-series.

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.

INDEPENDENT INDEPENDENT LIVING LIVING COMMUNITY COMMUNITY

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

Senior Living Options | Subscribe online! See how on p. 33

OCTOBER 2026 — NOR THERN VIRGINIA BEACON

Protecting assets when Medicaid is needed 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

Choose a Realtor with the expertise to guide you through your next chapter. ORIGINAL LOGO

Licensed Realtor® | Certified Senior Advisor (CSA)® Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES)® | Military Relocation Professional (MRP) | Former Occupational Therapist Call for a complimentary consultation 571-344-1760 (m) | 703-783-7485 (o)

11943 Democracy Drive | Reston, VA 20190

kellieackermanhomes.com

Raise Your

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.

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.

Ways to protect assets and still qualify for Medicaid

How to spend down assets

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.

SECONDARY

Expectations

FOR RETIREMENT

Imagine a retirement community investing in your future as thoughtfully as you have invested in your life. At Vinson Hall, life is designed to offer both comfort and possibility.

The singles trap

The rules are different and, unfortunately, 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,

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 See MEDICAID, page 23

An exciting expansion is on the horizon, introducing new residences, enhanced community spaces and modern amenities designed to elevate everyday living.

INDEPENDENT LIVING COMMUNITY

Vinson Hall 571-556-4136 6251 Old Dominion Drive McLean, VA 22101 www.vinsonhall.org Trends come and go, but there are certain things that are built to last. Vinson Hall’s ability to adapt and embrace change over its 56-year history is one of the reasons the community has endured and thrived.

READY TO START PLANNING YOUR FUTURE? Demand is high for our expansion and availability is limited. Scan or call 571-556-4136 to learn more.

As Vinson Hall embarks on an expansion of their community, Project RISE represents a bold reimagining of Vinson Hall: a thoughtfully planned expansion that will add 126 new independent living residences, enhance community spaces, and create the vibrant gathering places that define exceptional retirement living. Vinson Hall is a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) offering independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing providing safety and reassurance for any chapter of aging.

Makes a great gift! | Senior Living Options

NOR THERN VIRGINIA BEACON — OCTOBER 2026

Bridge care From page 21

about a place than a tour ever will.

The cost of bridge services

Cost is worth understanding plainly. In-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 pro-

Medicaid From page 22

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 could force nursing 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 require-

gram, 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. 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.

ments for nursing homes. States have had some leeway to set the maximum home equity a Medicaid applicant 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.

BEACON BITS

Ongoing

CREATIVE CLASSES FOR ADULTS 55+ Encore Creativity for Older Adults classes encourage adults

55+ to explore new skills and creative interests. Fall 2026 semester class-

INDEPENDENT LIVING • ASSISTED LIVING • MEMORY CARE

The Reserve at Falls Church 571-297-7233 Leasing Showroom 7115 Leesburg Pike, Unit 104 Falls Church, VA 22043 ReserveAtFallsChurch.com Opening in early 2027, The Reserve at Falls Church offers an elevated lifestyle to older adults who value culture, connection, and personal choice. Located in the vibrant West Falls neighborhood, The Reserve combines resort-style amenities, resident-driven wellness programs, and six distinct on-site restaurants, all in a walkable urban setting filled with shops, restaurants, and open spaces. Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care are thoughtfully integrated into one community. The Reserve is a true rental community with no large buy-in fee and the flexibility to leave with just 60 days' notice. Lease now to select the floor plan and location that is right for you. Call 571-297-7233 to schedule your private tour.

INDEPENDENT LIVING • ASSISTED LIVING • MEMORY CARE

The Riviera + The Landing 571-454-9798 2700 Main Line Blvd. Alexandria, VA 22301 RivieraAlexandria.com Experience a different kind of retirement living at The Riviera, where luxury Independent Living brings together beautifully designed residences, exceptional dining, engaging experiences and resort-style amenities in the heart of Alexandria. With no large entrance fee or long-term commitment, you have the freedom to enjoy retirement on your terms. And should your needs change, additional support is close at hand at The Landing, our sister community next door, offering Assisted Living and Memory Care for added peace of mind. Call 571-454-9798 to schedule your personal tour.

LIFE PLAN COMMUNITY

Williamsburg Landing 757-565-6505 5700 Williamsburg Landing Dr. Williamsburg, VA 23185 www.WilliamsburgLanding.org/Beacon

es 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.

Ongoing

FREE TREES FOR ARLINGTON RESIDENTS Help expand the tree canopy throughout Arlington by registering for your very own free native tree. The Arlington

County Department of Parks and Recreation will provide a tree at no cost to the first 500 residents. Depending on the species, the trees range from one to six feet tall and come in one- to three-gallon containers. For more information and to register, visit tinyurl.com/freetreeArlington.

The Best of Both in Senior Living – Nestled on 153 wooded acres, Williamsburg Landing combines the intellectual energy of a university town with the amenities of a premier senior living destination. Designed specifically for those 62 years or better, Williamsburg Landing offers a maintenance-free lifestyle and full continuum of healthcare. Our campus features 8 distinct neighborhoods with a variety of floor plans, so you can choose the best fit for your lifestyle. Enjoy our beautiful new Community Center, theater, Health Club & Spa, and multiple dining venues all just steps from your front door!

Senior Living Options | Subscribe online! See how on p. 33

OCTOBER 2026 — NOR THERN VIRGINIA BEACON

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

Please tell our advertisers, “I saw you in the Beacon!”

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

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

S E N I O R L I V I N G • P O T O M A C YA R D

Two distinctive communities. One thoughtfully connected campus.

THE RIVIERA

LUXURY INDEPENDENT LIVING 2 7 0 0 M A I N L I N E B LV D - 5 7 1 . 4 5 4 . 9 7 9 8 RIVIERAALEXANDRIA.COM

C ALL TODAY TO LE ARN MORE

THE LANDING

ASSISTED LIVING • MEMORY CARE • RESPITE 2 6 2 0 M A I N L I N E B LV D - 5 7 1 . 8 1 4 . 5 8 3 0 LANDINGALEXANDRIA.COM

Makes a great gift! | Senior Living Options

NOR THERN VIRGINIA BEACON — OCTOBER 2026

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.

Events

❑ Brooke Grove Retirement Village . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Housing

❑ Ashby Ponds/Erickson. . . . 1, 18, 19 ❑ Brooke Grove Retirement Village . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20, 21 ❑ Cogir West End Alexandria . . . . 16

❑ Culpepper Garden. . . . . . . . . . . . 19 ❑ Greenspring/Erickson. . . . 1, 18, 19 ❑ Harbor at Quantico Creek . . . . . 16 ❑ Landing, The. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23, 24 ❑ Reserve at Falls Church, The. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15, 23 ❑ Riviera, The. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23, 24 ❑ Tribute at the Glen. . . . . . . . . . . . 18 ❑ Vinson Hall. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

❑ Williamsburg Landing . . . . . 17, 23 ❑ Woodleigh Chase/ Erickson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1, 18, 19

Real Estate Services

❑ Kellie Ackerman/ Compass Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . 22

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 7 with this coupon. Name ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address ________________________________________________

Email __________________________________________________

City ____________________________________________________

State _________________________ Zip ______________________

Phone _________________________________________________

NVH1026

Subscribe online! See how on p. 33

OCTOBER 2026 — NOR THERN VIRGINIA BEACON

Money Law &

Confused about the alphabet soup of Medicare? VICAP gives free, unbiased advice. See story below.

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 this year’s standard $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 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?

ago. Dear Editor: Letters to the Editor years I was buying some unsulfured papaya I loved Glenda Booth’s article “For a From page 4

Dear Editor: I’m not allergic to sulfites but have always been concerned about food ingredients, so I appreciated the article about sulfite preservatives in the September Beacon (“Sulfites can trigger asthma, headaches.”) Sulfites give me the creeps, so I’ve tried for decades to avoid consuming them. I quit drinking wine as soon as I learned that these preservatives are added to it. The article reminded me of a conversation I had in a health-food store 25 or 30

spears, which, because they’re sulfite-free, vary in color. Next to them was a bin of sulfured papaya, all the same color of bright, Halloween orange. They looked artificial, not at all like food. At the register, the checker remarked that it’s smart to buy the unsulfured ones. “Whenever we have an ant problem,” he said, “it’s always in the unsulfured bin.” Even the insects know to keep away from food with sulfites. Jack Hogan Woodsboro, MD

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 historian 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, Balti-

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. The Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program (VICAP) is free; call (800) 552-3402. 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, for instance, chose its picks for 2026 (Overall winner: State Farm). 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. © 2026 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

more established the first post office system in what became the United States. Baltimore played a part in the American 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

NOR THERN VIRGINIA BEACON — OCTOBER 2026

Makes a great gift! | Law & Money

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

Be a Social Security voter.

aarp.org/SocialSecurityVoter

facebook.com/AARP | @AARP | aarp.org Paid for by AARP

Subscribe online! See how on p. 33

OCTOBER 2026 — NOR THERN VIRGINIA BEACON

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 resi-

dents, 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.

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 the 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.

Lakes, waterfalls up close

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

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 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 See BANFF, page 30

Makes a great gift! | Leisure & Travel

NOR THERN VIRGINIA BEACON — OCTOBER 2026

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 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 mezzanine 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.

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

BEACON BITS

Ongoing

ART SHOW AT LINCOLNIA SENIOR CENTER

“The Great Outdoors” art show features nine local artists in a mixed-media exhibition celebrating the green spaces of Fairfax County and the surrounding region. This free exhibition runs through Jan. 15, 2027, at 4710 N. Chambliss St., Alexandria. For more information, call the Lincolnia Senior Center at (703) 914-0330.

Oct. 18

FREE FLUTE CONCERT

Celebrate the Woodbridge Flute Choir’s 30th anniversary with a free concert marking the start of the 2026-2027 season. The choir will perform pieces that reflect the ensemble’s history, creativity and community. This event takes place on Sun., Oct. 18 from 4 to 5 p.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 5952 Franconia Rd., Alexandria. For more information, visit woodbridgeflutechoir.org.

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, Queen Anne 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.

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.

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 2,000-

acre 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 Civil War because Union troops burned down the original home. See CHARLESTON, page 30

Thinking of ways to increase your sales? Think Read by more than 150,000 Northern Virginia boomers and seniors Ask About Our New Advertiser Special! • 73% have a net worth over $250,000 • 65% have a household income over $50,00 • 46% of readers are 45-65 years old

call 301-949-9766 and ask for Sales

Leisure & Travel | Subscribe online! See how on p. 33

Banff

From page 28 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 every bend revealing another jaw-dropping 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 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.

Charleston From page 29

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” encour-

OCTOBER 2026 — NOR THERN VIRGINIA BEACON

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 dramatically 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 wild-

fires 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.

aged 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 gen-

der, 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 chapters of our history was leavened by appreciating the talents and accomplishments of many African Americans, including Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman.

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

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 Charles-

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 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.

ton,” 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 festivals, see charlestoncvb.com.

BEACON BITS

Nov. 1

NEW DOMINION CHORALE’S CONCERT The 140-member community choir based in McLean, Vir-

ginia, harnesses the power of music in this concert featuring Brahms’ Requiem, Vaughan Williams’ Serenade to Music, and new music by Jocelyn Hagen. This event takes place on Sun., Nov. 1 at 4 p.m. at Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center, 4915 East Campus Dr., Alexandria. Tickets are $42 for adults, $37 for ages 62 and older, and $22 for youth ages 12 to 18. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit newdominion.org.

Makes a great gift!

NOR THERN VIRGINIA BEACON — OCTOBER 2026

CLAIRE MCCORMACK HOGAN

Style

Arts &

A former CIA analyst published his fifth thriller last month. See story on page 34.

The Score scores big at Shakespeare Co. Yet the elder Bach nonetheless shows his genius as he strives to invent an impromptu three-part fugue based on a melody 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?

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).

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

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.

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

A musical delight

PHOTO BY TERESA CASTRACANE

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

BEACON BITS

Oct. 17

WORLD SINGING DAY SING-ALONG This free public sing-along plans to bring together more than

100 communities across 28 counties for a global celebration of song and music. You can join in song on Sat., Oct. 17 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at Fair Oaks Mall, 11750 Fair Oaks Mall, Fairfax. Individual singers and singing groups are welcome; songbooks will be provided. For more information, visit Jamie Wilkes and Brian Cox play father and son in The Score. Directed by Trevor Nunn, the play describes the elder Bach’s 1747 visit with King Frederick II.

artsfairfax.org/event/world-singing-day.

Arts & Style | Subscribe online! See how on p. 33

OCTOBER 2026 — NOR THERN VIRGINIA BEACON

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 dance-floor queen, 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 spectacle even has seating available at a few cabaret tables inside the “club,” complete with champagne service. Buy tickets at olneytheatre.org or call the box office at (301) 9243400. 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

Transform Your Bathroom and Change Your Life.

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. This time, Brian Cox, star of HBO’s “Suc-

Premium Quality, Style, & Innovation

Professional Installation Included

Lifetime Warranty

cession,” plays J.S. Bach, a reluctant visitor to the court of Frederick II, Europe’s most ambitious and dangerous leader (sound familiar?). Sir 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 production 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

Easy to Use

See ONSTAGE, page 33

Made in Tennessee

Bubbles, Massage Jets, & More

FREE TOILET + $2,000 OFF* For your FREE information kit and our Senior Discounts, Call Today Toll-Free

1-855-343-6429

*Free toilet with purchase and installation of a walk-in tub or walk-in shower only. Offer available while supplies last. No cash value. Must present offer at time of purchase. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Market restrictions may apply. Offer available in select markets only. CSLB 1082165 NSCB 0082999 0083445 13VH11096000

Makes a great gift! | Arts & Style

NOR THERN VIRGINIA BEACON — OCTOBER 2026

Onstage From page 32

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 16th-century 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. 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 encounter 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 two young dreamers in Belarus. In this new musical, their journey from Jewish shtetl to the 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 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.

WDC FILMS

ENJOY MUSIC? Beacon founder Beacon founder Stuart Rosenthal Stuart Rosenthal

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

Share your favorites with friends and on social media, and click “subscribe” on my website or YouTube for free updates. Thank you!

NVB1026

• Visit to a Museum — a Montage • Waltz of Joy • Latin Nocture and more!

Arts & Style | Subscribe online! See how on p. 33

OCTOBER 2026 — NOR THERN VIRGINIA BEACON

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?’”

A favorite character

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

To subscribe, see page 33.

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 usually hear that voice fairly clearly.”

Researching spycraft

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 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.”

Returning to D.C.

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.

Aging Independently. But Never Alone.

Whether you're single or simply navigating the future on your own terms — you're not as alone as you might think. The Solo Aging Club is a growing community of independent-minded adults sharing ideas, building connections, and planning ahead — together.

Monthly gatherings Learn about virtual & in-person events connecting solo agers across the region

Monthly newsletter Insights on solo aging delivered to your inbox

Start here:

soloagingclub.org

Expert guidance Curated resources on planning and living a purposeful connected lifestyle.

Real community

People who get it, because they're living it too

Makes a great gift! | Arts & Style

NOR THERN VIRGINIA BEACON — OCTOBER 2026

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

Arts & Style | Subscribe online! See how on p. 33

OCTOBER 2026 — NOR THERN VIRGINIA BEACON

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. 39

Scrabble answers on p. 39

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. 39

Makes a great gift! | Arts & Style

NOR THERN VIRGINIA BEACON — OCTOBER 2026

Old coaches never die; they live in our minds Sal died a few weeks ago, at the ripe old good, or even great. Today, his approach would be called every once in a while, I find myself chanage of 96. Like many high school football Sal would be the first to hang a verbal “tough love.” Then, it was called Pure Sal. neling Sal. coaches, he was a no-nonsense, no- garland around that neck. He never smiled. He never patted anySome creep runs a red light in front of excuses, scream-first task“Way to go, ballplayer,” he one on the back. All he would do — all he me. “You’re a &%$#&* bip,” I will say, as master. would say. ever needed to do — was to hold a public he speeds off. But like no other coaches In the locker room, we’d linguistic graduation ceremony. Or if I’m summoning grandchildren, I that I’ve ever met, he will be keep tabs. Five of us seniors After a touchdown: “Bip, you’re a ball- will say: “Let’s go, ballplayers.” remembered for two words. had ascended to ballplayer- player.” The grands are confused by this. The The first was bip. The sechood by the last week of preAfter an epic open-field tackle: “You’re oldest will ask why I’m calling him a ballond was ballplayer. season practice. By next not a bip anymore, ballplayer.” player when he isn’t playing a sport at that Sal divided his teenaged week, that tally would need to Could a ballplayer slip back into bip- moment. charges into two camps. be greater, if we were going hood? It happened a couple of times. But Someday I will explain, I tell him. SomeThose who had not shown to have a successful season. the door never closed. One could always day, I will tell you all about a Marine who huge promise on the gridiron HOW I SEE IT Who would the additional re-ascend. made a big impression on me. were bips. Those who had, By Bob Levey ballplayers be? Would they When a sweaty bip jogged past him, afOh, yes. Almost forgot. and regularly did, rose to the rise to the challenge? Or would ter doing something wondrous, he would Sal conferred ballplayer-hood on me. level of ballplayers. they be forever consigned to bip-istry? grab that person by the shoulder pads and He never revoked it. Those two words were more than a way The good news: Sal’s ballplayer ranks announce: Rest easy, coach. If I was a ballplayer, to classify football players. They were kept swelling, because we were getting “Ballplayer, now you’re back to being a you taught me how to be one. cover for the real story. better at football. The better news: he ballplayer.” Bob Levey is a national award-winning Sal never learned any of our names. helped us to an undefeated season. Football is a hazy memory by now. But columnist. As far as I could tell, he never tried. He didn’t even call us by our uniform numbers. Bip and ballplayer were the only forms of address he ever used, for anyone and everyone. Of course, behind Sal’s back, we would imitate his tough-guy tone of voice and accuse each other of being bips. This usually resulted in a brief, good-natured shoving match, followed by gales of laughter. But no one ever dared to question Sal’s two classifications to his face. Although he was only about 5-foot-6, he was one The Positive Aging Sourcebook has helped tough customer. Sal had fought in Korea with the U.S. thousands of individuals and families find the right Marines. He had played football for a Maanswers — whether planning for safe and accessible rine team at his basic training base, and later for a team based in Japan. living at home, exploring communities for the future, He had come under fire during the Koor navigating a loved one's health care crisis. rean War more than once. He had never forgotten it. So when a bip complained one day at practice, after the mercury had dipped to about 50 degrees, Coach Sal said: Your FREE 232-Page Resource “Hey, bip, on a day like this, in Korea, No matter where the journey takes you, start here. we’d be wearing bathing suits.” When another bip told Sal that his helmet didn’t fit properly, Sal withered him What’s inside: with: “What do you think this is, Brooks Complete listings of every senior living Brothers?” community in the region And when a bip complained to Sal that he wasn’t getting the playing time he In-depth articles on aging, health, and housing thought he deserved, Sal was right there Practical checklists for planning and decision-making with this: “Come see me when you’ve gained 30 Real-life stories from people navigating the same journey pounds, bip.” Aging in place solutions and home modification resources Bip-hood was where most of us began, Legal and financial guidance and solutions and where many of us remained. But every few days, at practice, and later during And much more across 232 information-packed pages games, one of us would do something

Trusted for over 35 years

Age in Place or

Find a New Space?

Tell them you saw it in the Beacon!

Order your free copy today

1-800-394-9990

or visit www.proaging.com

Subscribe online! See how on p. 33

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 39. 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 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.

OCTOBER 2026 — NOR THERN VIRGINIA BEACON

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

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

DON’T LET THE STAIRS LIMIT YOUR MOBILITY! Discover the ideal solution for anyone who struggles on the stairs, is concerned about a fall or wants to regain access to their entire home. Call AmeriGlide today! 1-866-3655170. 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. 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. 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! 1-855-6530087.

For Sale

Miscellaneous

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.

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.

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. CASH FOR ESTATES; moving, downsizing, single item, or whole estate. I buy a wide range of items. Gary Roman, TheAtticLLC.com. 301520-0755. 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. I BUY GUNS & MILITARY MEMORABILIA (Military/civilian firearms, medals, uniforms & insignia from all wars). Check out Mid-Atlantic Military Antiques positive reviews on Google. 703-447-7243. historian1975@gmail.com. www.midatlanticmilitaryantiques.com WILL BUY MILITARY, WWII, WWI, Civil War memorabilia items. Uniforms, weapons, helmets, photos, war souvenirs, medals, photos or any other items associated with U.S., German, Japanese or other military history. Call Dave (240-464-0958) or email (david.obal63@ gmail.com). COINS, STAMPS, PAPER MONEY, & AUTOGRAPHS WANTED. Paying top prices. Free estimates — Will travel. No collection too large or too small. 50 years of experience. Licensed. Member of major associations. Call Dirk at 301-704-5453 or email dirkkitchin@ earthlink.net. 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.

Financial

For Sale/Rent Real Estate THINKING ABOUT YOUR NEXT CHAPTER? Whether you’re ready to sell, downsize, relocate, or help a loved one make a move, you deserve patient guidance and a clear plan— not pressure. Call Dr. E. Crosby, REALTOR®, MRP and USAF Retired, for a complimentary home-value and options consultation. Impact Real Estate, LLC | VA License #0225278691 | 202-350-1863 | ecrosby@impactrealestatellc. com. Your vision. Our mission. Your keys.

Health 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. DENTAL INSURANCE from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for 400 plus procedures. Real dental insurance - NOT just a discount plan. Do not wait! Call now! Get your FREE Dental Information Kit with all the details! 1-844366-1003 www.dental50plus.com/320 #6258

Personal Services RELIABLE MEDICAL RIDES from People Who Care - Getting to medical appointments shouldn’t be stressful. Angels of Hope Transportation LLC specializes in safe, compassionate, and on-time non-emergency medical transportation. Whether it’s dialysis, physical therapy, or a routine check-up, our dedicated team treats you like family. • Serving: Northern Virginia (Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William, Stafford, Fauquier & Arlington Counties) • Our Fleet: Fully equipped, clean, and safe vehicles • Our Drivers: Professional, certified, and background-checked. Call 703 452 1665. Email: angelsfohopetransportion@gmail.com Visit: angelsofhopetransportaion.com • Angels of Hope Transportation—Driven by Care, Guided by Hope.

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

Oct. 17

POTOMAC MUSIC FALL FEST

Bring the whole family to the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton for live music, food trucks, local vendors, family-friendly activities and more. This free event takes place on Sat., Oct. 17 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 9518 Workhouse Way. For more information, visit workhousearts.org.

Makes a great gift!

NOR THERN VIRGINIA BEACON — OCTOBER 2026

ANSWERS TO SCRABBLE

HOW TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED AD

ANSWERS TO CROSSWORD

FROM PAGE 36

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

All classified ads must be submitted and paid for online, via our website, www.thebeaconnewspapers.com/classifieds. Deadlines and Payments: To appear in the next issue, your ad text and payment must be entered by the 5th of the preceding month for the Greater Baltimore edition; by the 20th for the D.C./Suburban Maryland Metro and Northern Virginia editions. Cost will be based on the number of characters and spaces in your ad: • $25 for 1-250 • $35 for 251-500 • $50 for 501-750 (maximum length). The website will calculate this amount for you. Note: Maryland contractors must provide a valid MHIC number. •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

Housing

Children’s National.........................10

Ashby Ponds/Erickson.......... 1, 18, 19

Clinical Health Studies Smell Test Study...............................8

Events Beacon 50+Expos.........................2, 3 Brooke Grove Retirement Village.. .......................................20

Funeral Services Northern Virginia Jewish Funerals.............................9 Sagel Bloomfield Danzansky

Brooke Grove Retirement Village.. ................................. 20, 21

Johns Hopkins Health Plans.. ..........13 Torregrossa Insurance.. .....................9

Real Estate Services Kellie Ackerman/

Cogir West End Alexandria. . ...........16

Compass Real Estate...................22

Culpepper Garden.. .........................19

Senior Resources

Greenspring/Erickson........... 1, 18, 19 Harbor at Quantico Creek...............16 Landing, The............................ 23, 24 Reserve at Falls Church, The.... 15, 23 Riviera, The. . ............................ 23, 24 Tribute at the Glen.........................18 Vinson Hall....................................22

Goldberg Funeral Care................10

Williamsburg Landing.............. 17, 23

Home Improvement

Woodleigh Chase/Erickson... 1, 18, 19

Renewal by Andersen.....................35 SafeStep.........................................32

Medical/Health/ Insurance

ShelfGenie.....................................12

Giant Pharmacy..............................11

AARP – Social Security Voter........27 Positive Aging Sourcebook.............37 Solo Aging Club.............................34

Theatre/ Entertainment Adam’s Fire....................................33 Stuart’s Melodies. . ..........................33 WAMU/88.5...............................7, 40

Travel NV Rides.........................................8

Subscribe online! See how on p. 33

OCTOBER 2026 — NOR THERN VIRGINIA BEACON

Your daily companion

Join the listeners who make WAMU the DMV’s top station. From our flagship programs like 1A and The Politics Hour with Kojo Nnamdi to NPR favorites Morning Edition and All Things Considered, WAMU is where thoughtful news meets calm, clear reporting.

PROGRAMMING SCHEDULE

Listen at WAMU 88.5 or stream online at wamu.org and the NPR app. MONDAY–FRIDAY 5 a.m. 10 a.m. 12 p.m. 12 p.m. 1 p.m. 2 p.m. 3:30 p.m. 4 p.m. 6 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 8 p.m. 9 p.m. 9:30 p.m. 10 p.m. 11 p.m.

Morning Edition 1A On Point (Mon.-Thu.) The Politics Hour (Fri. only) Fresh Air Here & Now The Daily All Things Considered Marketplace All Things Considered The World Today, Explained (Mon.-Thu.) Science Friday (Fri. only) Marketplace (Mon.-Thu.) 1A (Mon.-Thu.) The Politics Hour (Fri. only) As It Happens

SATURDAY 5 a.m. 6 a.m. 7 a.m. 8 a.m. 11 a.m. 12 p.m. 1 p.m. 2 p.m. 3 p.m. 4 p.m. 5 p.m. 6 p.m. 7 p.m. 10 p.m. 11 p.m.

SUNDAY With Good Reason Latino USA On the Media Weekend Edition Saturday Wait Wait... Don’t Tell Me! It’s Been a Minute Left, Right, and Center This American Life The Moth Radio Hour BBC Newshour All Things Considered Tiny Desk Radio Hot Jazz Saturday Night Jazz Night in America The Arts Hour

Go Behind the Scenes at WAMU! Join an engaging behind-the-scenes tour of WAMU in Washington, D.C. Visit our production studios, learn about the station’s history, and discover how award-winning news and programming are created. BOOK A TOUR Free guided tours monthly. Space is limited. Reserve your spot today!

5 a.m. 6 a.m. 7 a.m. 8 a.m. 11 a.m. 12 p.m. 1 p.m. 2 p.m. 3 p.m. 4 p.m. 5 p.m. 6 p.m. 7 p.m. 11 p.m.

Radiolab Code Switch/Life Kit Hidden Brain Weekend Edition Sunday Wait Wait... Don’t Tell Me! On the Media Fresh Air Weekend Tiny Desk Radio The Sam Sanders Show BBC Newshour All Things Considered Throughline The Big Broadcast Bullseye