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Leisure & Travel Rodeos, riding and other horseplay at a historic dude range in Wyoming | Glitzy Palm Beach has a heart 26 of gold

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Arts & Style Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Andrew Sean Greer’s new book, Villa Coco, focuses on old friendships | Nonfiction thrillers | Secondhand stores 31 for artists

Power couple publishes bold new book Kai Bird and Susan Goldmark arrive at the premiere of Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey in New York in July. Nolan’s Oscar-winning film Oppenheimer was based on Bird’s Pulitzer Prize-winning biography, American Prometheus. The D.C. couple collaborated on a new biography published this month, American Scoundrel: Roy Cohn’s Dark Journey from Joe McCarthy to Donald Trump. See story on page 19. © Laurence Agron | Dreamstime.com

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A Woman of Inf luence: Living With Purpose at The Carnegie at Washingtonian Center At The Carnegie at Washingtonian Center, influence is not defined by age, job titles, or life stage; it is defined by presence. It lives in thoughtful conversations, lifelong curiosity, and the way members continue to show up with intention and purpose. Home to artists, engineers, physicians, executives, and creatives – many of whom are still actively working, The Carnegie is a community for people who are far from finished. Peggy is one of those individuals. Peggy and Louise moved to The Carnegie in December 2024. An engineer by training, she continues to work full-time as a government contractor program manager, leading highly technical programs involving satellite imaging and air traffic control. Originally from Pittsburgh, Peggy attended Drexel University in Philadelphia before a cooperative education experience brought her to Washington, DC, an opportunity that aligned with her open-minded, The Carnegie at Washingtonian Center forward-thinking outlook and ultimately shaped her career. describes as an immersive and inspiring lifestyle, Her professional journey mirrors the spirit of Peggy’s influence is felt in those moments The Carnegie itself: intellectually curious, globally one that supports both productivity and personal through generous listening, thoughtful enrichment. She’s an enthusiastic participant aware, and grounded in purpose. Peggy and engagement, and a genuine interest in others. In a in Osher Lifelong Learning Institute classes, Louise lived just six miles away before making community filled with accomplished individuals, the writing group, member talks, and curated the move, a decision shaped not by necessity, but her presence reflects a shared value: that purpose entertainment, from films to live music. The by intention. Their former single-family home doesn’t end with retirement, and curiosity doesn’t ability to step away from daily had served them well, yet over have an expiration date. cooking has been a welcome time the demands of home She’s equally appreciative of the associates who joy, and she looks forward to ownership, including yard bring The Carnegie experience to life. “They exploring the community’s maintenance, snow shoveling, are so warm and caring,” Peggy says. “It’s not an fitness amenities when her stairs, and unused space began exaggeration to say that we love them, and they work schedule slows. She also to outweigh its benefits. love us.” That culture of respect and five-star serves on the Carnegie Member “We wanted to make this hospitality foster a sense of belonging that defines Association Council, contributing daily life at The Carnegie. decision on our own terms,” her perspective to help shape the Peggy says. “Choosing a Through intention, engagement, and a member experience. community like this before commitment to living well, Peggy embodies What stands out most to Peggy, you’re forced to is a much better what it means to be a woman of influence at The however, is the people she lives experience.” Carnegie – a place where accomplished lives with at The Carnegie. That sense of living with continue to unfold with purpose. Learn more Peggy Burns “The members here are intention lies at the heart of at lifeatthecarnegie.com or call 240.929.1994. almost intimidatingly amazing. They have life at The Carnegie. While downsizing required contributed to the arts, sciences, law, technology, effort, Peggy was surprised by how manageable teaching, medicine, government and sports. the process felt. “We weren’t moving away from The conversations are incredible,” Peggy says. something, we were moving toward something,” “It’s not unusual for neighbors to share insights she explains. Their new two-bedroom apartment, drawn from decades of experience, whether complete with a dedicated office, allows Peggy that’s an impromptu conversation over coffee or a to remain fully engaged in her career while scheduled talk explaining the James Webb Space embracing the ease and freedom that come with Telescope. You’d pay for the kind of learning that community living. happens naturally just by living here,” she adds. At The Carnegie, Peggy has found what she

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Share your secrets

My Irish-American grandfather taught Then 40, and so on,” he said. Years later, he me a lot about aging well. While in his delivered this advice with a signature grin: 80s, he taught himself to play “Don’t get old.” the cello, closing his eyes In my seven years at the and smiling as he practiced. Beacon, I’ve had the priviAlways eager to learn somelege of interviewing folks thing new, whether about who have cheerfully ignored music or the world around that advice. They too have him, he traveled to Japan, Itbeen lighthouses, demonaly and India in his late 70s, strating how to live well, no and his photographs and stomatter what age. ries inspired my own travels. Earlier this year I spoke to Once, when I asked him FROM THE Alease Brooks, 93, of Arlingwhat it was like to be old, he EDITOR ton, for an article about the explained, “Well, when I By Margaret Foster Northern Virginia Senior turned 21, I couldn’t believe it. Olympics. I’ll never forget By the time I got over the shock, I was 30. her spunk when she told me she actually

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gets a kick out of getting older. “I enjoy being old and being able to do the kinds of things that I can still do,” she said, noting that she still golfs and plays pickleball several times a week. Then there was Bernie Relf, 88, who took my phone call from his hospital bed. Tenacious isn’t a strong enough word for the U.S. Air Force veteran who was driven to help others, showing up at a Silver Spring church week after week to oversee their food pantry. Hundreds of hungry families benefitted from Relf’s lifelong determination to help others. Carol Burnett, who spoke to me on her national tour in 2019, told me she was “raised thinking positively.” Then 86, she stood on stage night after night, often in high heels, chatting with her audience and still making us laugh. She told me, “Every night, think of three ‘gratefuls’ and three ‘did-wells,’” and that has stayed with me. Here at the Beacon we try to inspire our readers to live well, like Brooks, Relf and Carol Burnett. Like you, we want to seize the day. That means keeping up on the latest health advice, protecting our finances, traveling and engaging in some way with the arts, whether a new book or local play. In turn, we continue to be inspired by you. From every person I interview, I

gather a new piece of wisdom and try to pass it along. This month it was the charming Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Andrew Sean Greer, 55, who grew up in Maryland. His new book Villa Coco explores the theme of old friendships and aging well, delivered with the comedic flair he’s known for. Greer said he admires older people who “strive forward with a sort of beauty, elegance and a sense of humor.” We’re all in the same boat here, getting a little older every day. Along the way, we’re still learning how to live well, bit by bit. The good news is that we can continue to evolve. What’s the secret of life? No idea. And if I found out, I might forget, like I do my keys and my phone. Let’s just keep going for as long as we can. And maybe help out a little in some small way, every day. Feel free to reach out with a pearl of wisdom, a story idea about an older person who’s living well, or just your point of view. You can call us, write a letter (address below) or send us an email (info@ thebeaconnewspapers.com). We’d love to hear from you.

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

The Beacon, 3720 Farragut Ave., Suite 501 Kensington, MD 20895 (301) 949-9766 • Email: info@thebeaconnewspapers.com Website: www.theBeaconNewspapers.com Submissions: The Beacon welcomes reader contributions. Deadline for editorial is the 10th of the month preceding the month of publication. Deadline for ads is the 15th of the month preceding the month of publication. See page 39 for classified advertising details. Please mail or email all submissions.

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: Thank you for the Dear Pharmacist article on vestibular migraine in the June Beacon. I wanted to make readers aware of a phenomenal vestibular resource, the Vestibular Disorders Association, known as VeDA (vestibular.org). VeDA provides education and emotional support to people suffering from vestibular dysfunction. They also have a provider directory of clinics and clinicians who specialize in diagnosing and treating vestibular disorders, and advocate to raise awareness and improve health outcomes for people impacted by vestibular disorders. The website, vestibular.org, has information about a variety of vestibular disorders, including a comprehensive article on vestibular migraine. Jennifer Gittins-Harfst Annandale, VA

Dear Editor: Your August 2026 issue included an article, “Egg-based breakfasts can boost energy,” which encouraged readers to visit the American Heart Association

website. At Heart.org, I read that we should limit processed meats such as bacon and sausage, sugary drinks, highly processed food and fried food. This article reminded me of the breakfasts my father prepared for our family. For decades, my father ate three fried eggs, three or four pieces of bacon, three or four pieces of sausage and two slices of buttered toast. He also drank two pots of coffee. He cooked cereal for my mother, while my brother and I usually ate cereal with eggs, bacon and sausage. My father died of a heart attack in 2005. After his death, my mother later admitted, she was never happy again. Both of my parents are buried at Arlington National Cemetery. I do not criticize my father for the breakfast he prepared. He cooked for our family with love, following the traditions of his generation. Today, however, we have more information about hearthealthy eating. I hope readers can learn from my family’s experience. Eat smart, move more and take care of your heart. Kuohwa Eric Wang Rockville, MD

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Fitness &

Health

NIGHTTIME NUISANCE Some medications and vitamin deficiencies can trigger leg cramps at night HOPE FOR COLON CANCER Scientists are testing three vaccines that could prevent cancer in high-risk patients SHORT CHANGED To prevent height loss, eat more protein and do weight-bearing exercises COFFEE FOR THE WIN Caffeine can lower the risk of coronary heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes

Medicare covers some GLP-1 drugs By Ali Swenson Popular — and expensive — GLP-1 weight loss drugs just got a lot cheaper for many older Americans. Starting in July, the federal government began offering a selection of the brandname medications to certain Medicare and Medicare Advantage beneficiaries for $50 a month through a new trial called Medicare GLP-1 Bridge. The temporary program, which runs until the end of 2027, is the first opportunity for most older adults to get GLP-1s, short for glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, covered by insurance when used strictly for weight loss. But there are weight and health requirements, and those who already get GLP-1s covered for diseases like diabetes and sleep apnea won’t qualify. Dr. Mehmet Oz, the administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), said he hopes the program can help his agency collect data to potentially work toward longer-term coverage, while providing immediate relief to cashstrapped older Americans. “The sheer cost of these medications is a huge barrier to access,” he said in a call with reporters. “That ends today.”

Eligibility is based on BMI

Of the more than 70 million Americans enrolled in Medicare, at least 10 million are overweight or obese, said Juliette Cubanski, vice president and director of the program on Medicare policy at the healthcare research nonprofit KFF. But, she said, a narrower slice of that group will have access to this program. There’s no good data on how many people it can benefit, and Oz declined to speculate on the number. He said data from the program will reveal how many eligible beneficiaries choose to take the drugs, a number his team is keen to learn. To qualify, besides having Medicare drug coverage, you must have a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or higher alongside another health condition, such as a past heart attack or stroke, prediabetes or another from a list on the CMS website. BMI measurements are taken at the start of GLP-1 therapy — so even people who fall below the threshold now can qualify if they can show they had a high enough BMI when they began taking the drugs. Medicare beneficiaries who have sleep

apnea, diabetes or fatty liver disease can’t access the program, but their Medicare Part D insurance might cover their GLP-1s separately based on those diagnoses. If you think you might qualify, the first step is to contact your healthcare provider, CMS says on its website. The provider must send a prescription for one of the covered GLP-1 drugs to a pharmacy and fill out a prior authorization form.

Only some GLP-1s are included

The covered medications include drugmaker Eli Lilly’s Foundayo tablets and Zepbound KwikPens and Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy injections and tablets. Those GLP-1s have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for weight loss, Cubanski said. For those in the program, the cost is $50 per month, regardless of dosage. But those payments won’t contribute to their insurance deductibles or out-of-pocket maximums. That’s because Medicare, rather than the Part D insurer, is subsidizing the prescription. The program is scheduled to sunset after Dec. 31, 2027. And since Congress hasn’t authorized Medicare to cover

weight loss drugs permanently, the federal government is limited in its options to keep the access flowing. Congress could pass a law to allow the drugs to be covered. CMS also could move forward with a different, voluntary pilot program for covering the drugs called BALANCE, which the agency indefinitely delayed earlier this year when many Part D insurers were reluctant to sign up. Oz told reporters that CMS plans to “carefully track participation and outcomes” to see whether an extension of the Bridge program or another solution is the best way to move forward. A federal law permanently allowing the coverage is “not essential right now” but something “for Congress to debate amongst themselves,” he told the Associated Press. “We can’t decide what’s going to happen long term with Bridge until we see some of the data,” he said, noting that other negotiations with drug companies to lower costs are ongoing. GLP-1s have soared in popularity in recent years, and they’ve spurred dramatic weight loss in many patients. But their cost, sometimes hundreds of dollars a month, has been a barrier. —AP

Blood test may show risk for Alzheimer’s By Lauran Neergaard A blood test may predict if apparently healthy older adults are likely to develop Alzheimer’s symptoms in the next five or 10 years, researchers reported in July. That information could be reassuring or terrifying, but for now it’s a potential tool to speed drug development by helping to identify and enroll high-risk people in studies of possible Alzheimer’s treatments or preventive strategies. Already large clinical trials are testing if certain drugs could prevent or at least delay the disease — and if any of those pan out, doctors will need an easy way to tell who should try them. The scientists behind the new study stress that it’s too soon for healthy people to seek out the so-called p-tau217 test, which is currently used to help diagnose whether people experiencing cognitive problems have Alzheimer’s or another disorder. “Wait and get tested when you can po-

tentially do something about it,” stressed Dr. Reisa Sperling of the Mass General Brigham Neuroscience Institute, the study’s senior author. “At this point it wouldn’t change what I would tell someone to do. I’d still tell them to eat well, sleep well, exercise a lot and stay engaged.” The findings showed that symptom-free older adults who harbored ver y high levels of p-tau217 had a 38% risk of developing cognitive impairment over five years. That risk grew to 78% by 10 years. The research was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) and presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference. It’s not clear exactly what causes Alzheimer’s, but its telltale markers are brain-clogging amyloid plaques and neuron-killing tau tangles. The p-tau217 test measures a form of tau that correlates with how much plaque buildup someone

has and gives a hint about tangles, Sperling said.

How the study worked

The Mass General Brigham team analyzed data from 2,684 older adults who were healthy when they had joined some long-running Alzheimer’s studies, receiving the p-tau217 blood test at enrollment and yearly cognitive checkups. Between the earliest enrollment in 2004 and last year, about 478 had developed cognitive impairment. Study par ticipants with ver y low p-tau217 levels likewise had a low risk of developing cognitive impairment over the five- to 10-year period. There’s a conundrum in predicting Alzheimer’s: Lots of people harbor high levels of amyloid plaques yet never get dementia. A leading theory is that at some point amyloid buildup triggers an abnormal type of tau to form tangles, leading to

symptoms. Sperling said the blood test data offers some new clues. While different intermediate levels of p-tau217 signaled progressive risk, only the ver y highest level seemed to correlate with other evidence about that tipping point. “This is a gradual process where amyloid and tau build up in the brain and this blood-based biomarker is telling you how far you are in that process,” she said.

Cautiously optimistic

Scientists not involved in the study praised it but also offered some reasons to be cautious. One is that only a small fraction of study participants had been tracked for a full decade, so there’s less confidence in the 10-year risk estimate than the five-year risk estimate. Also, the predictions could be clouded See ALZHEIMER’S TEST, page 7

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Sulfites can trigger asthma, headaches By Jessica Bunch Sulfites are chemicals that are often added to food and drinks to help keep them fresh. They act as preservatives, which means they stop food from spoiling too quickly. Sulfites also help prevent foods from turning brown or changing color and can slow the growth of bacteria and mold. You’ll find sulfites in many common foods. They are often used in dried fruits like raisins, apricots and prunes to keep them looking bright and fresh. They are also found in wine and beer, where they help keep the taste stable. Some packaged foods like soups, sauces, pickles and processed meats may also contain sulfites. Bottled lemon and lime juice stay fresh for months due to the chemicals. On food labels, sulfites can be listed under different names, such as sulfur dioxide, sodium sulfite, sodium bisulfite or potassium metabisulfite. These aliases make sulfites hard to spot on ingredient lists. For most people, sulfites are safe to eat. Health experts have studied them for many years and allow them in foods in small, controlled amounts. Most people eat sulfites without any problems at all. However, some people are sensitive to sulfites. This is more common in people who have asthma. In these individuals, sulfites may cause breathing problems

such as coughing, wheezing or tightness in the chest. A small number of people without asthma may also have reactions like headaches, skin redness or stomach discomfort, but this is rare. Severe reactions are uncommon, but they can happen in sensitive individuals. Because of this, people who know they react to sulfites should try to avoid foods and drinks that contain them. For everyone else, there is usually no need to avoid sulfites. They help keep food safe, reduce waste and extend shelf life. Many everyday foods contain them, and most people can eat them without any issues. If you think sulfites might be causing symptoms for you, it can help to keep track of what you eat and how you feel afterward. This can make it easier to notice patterns and decide whether you should limit them. In short, sulfites are common food additives that are safe for most people. Only a small number of individuals need to be careful with them, especially those with asthma or known sensitivities. Reprinted with permission from Environmental Nutrition, a monthly publication of Belvoir Media Group, LLC, 1-800829-5384, EnvironmentalNutrition.com. © 2026 Belvoir Media Group. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Alzheimer’s test

p-tau217’s prognostic potential, and Wolk. Still, they said the new work has “provided a crucial piece of the puzzle.” Already “we have people coming saying, ‘I want this blood test. I have a family history of Alzheimer’s disease,’” said Jessica Langbaum of the Banner Alzheimer’s Institute in Phoenix. That is something she strongly discourages — for now. “These findings are quite strong,” Langbaum added, and a predictive blood test would be “really important” — but only if ongoing studies eventually find a drug that could help people before symptoms begin. —AP

From page 5

by other factors — older people may be at risk of dying from something else, or have heart-related problems that can cause vascular dementia rather than Alzheimer’s, noted Drs. Suzanne Schindler of Washington University in St. Louis and David Wolk of the University of Pennsylvania in a commentar y published in JAMA. The blood tests “are not yet precise enough to guide individualized prognosis,” wrote Schindler, who also studies

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Tips to prevent nighttime leg cramps By Mayo Clinic Staff You’re just drifting off — or maybe you’re already asleep — when a sudden, sharp cramp in your calf jolts you awake. Nighttime leg cramps are common and can make it hard to fall or stay asleep. But there’s good news: There are things you can do to prevent or reduce leg cramps.

Why leg cramps happen

A leg cramp is a sudden, painful tightening of muscle, usually in the calf. It can last a few seconds or several minutes. The pain can continue even after the muscle relaxes. It’s not always easy to identify the exact cause of a leg cramp, but common triggers include: • Tired or overworked muscles due to exercise or a long day of exertion • Not getting enough fluids (dehydration) • Low levels of certain nutrients, such as potassium or magnesium • Muscle stiffness from sitting or lying in one position too long Certain health conditions, such as diabetes, nerve issues or sleep apnea and some medicines, also can increase your risk.

How to prevent leg cramps

If leg cramps are affecting your sleep, these small habits can help:

Move and stretch your legs before bed. Sitting or lying still for long periods can make muscles more likely to cramp. A few minutes of gentle movement and stretching can help your muscles relax before you lie down. Take a short walk or bike ride in the evening. Lightly massage any tight areas. Stay hydrated during the day. Muscles need fluids to work properly. If you sweat a lot or exercise frequently — especially in the heat — drink more water than usual, and consider adding an electrolyte powder or drink. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, since both are diuretics. Adjust your bed covers. Avoid tightly tucked blankets that push your toes down. Instead, loosen the sheets and covers at the foot of your bed. Eat a healthy diet. Low levels of some minerals and vitamins can cause cramps. Include these in your diet: • Potassium: Bananas, potatoes and oranges are good sources. • Magnesium: Nuts, seeds and leafy greens can boost magnesium. Powdered supplements are also available. • Vitamin D: Fatty fish — such as trout, salmon and tuna — is rich in vitamin D. It’s also found in fortified foods like dairy milk, plant milk and breakfast cereal.

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Many people take vitamin D supplements. • B vitamins: B vitamins are found in a variety of vegetables, eggs, fish, meats, dairy products, nuts and legumes. They’re also in fortified foods such as breakfast cereals and grains. • Vitamin K: Early research suggests that vitamin K may reduce leg cramps. Good sources include green leafy vegetables like spinach and broccoli. Vitamin K also is found in vegetable oils, including soybean, canola and olive oils. Know your medicines. Some medicines can make cramps more likely, including: • Some blood pressure medicines. Cramps are especially common with water pills, also called diuretics. • Statins. Statins help manage cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. • Long-acting beta agonists. This type of medicine is used to treat asthma, COPD and other breathing conditions • Certain osteoporosis medicines used to treat bone thinning If leg cramps are new or getting worse, ask your pharmacist or care team to review your medicines. Team members may be able to make adjustments that help. Don’t stop taking prescribed medicines on your own.

When a cramp wakes you up

If you get a leg cramp in the middle of the night: • Gently stretch the muscle by pulling your foot up toward your face. • Massage the area gently. Try using ice. • Walk around the room or shake your leg. • Soak in a warm bath. Or take a hot shower and direct the water to the cramped muscle. Leg cramps are usually harmless and don’t need medical care. However, you should talk to your healthcare team if: • Cramps are affecting your daily life and aren’t getting better with these at-home remedies. • Cramps are regularly disrupting your sleep. • Your leg is swollen, warm or changing color. Reach out to your care team right away if you notice these changes. In some cases, cramps can be linked to an underlying condition, such as restless legs syndrome, obstructive sleep apnea, diabetes or Parkinson’s disease. Treating the condition can improve your symptoms and your sleep. © 2026 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. All rights reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency LLC.

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Scientists test vaccines for colon cancer By Lauran Neergaard Dr. Stacy Norton was only 7 years old when her mother died of colon cancer, one of several family members struck by aggressive tumors at unusually young ages. Decades later, Norton rolled up her sleeve to help researchers test a new kind of vaccine that might protect her and her own children from cancer. The Houston doctor is among an estimated 1 million Americans who have Lynch syndrome, a faulty gene passed from a parent that puts them at extremely high risk of colorectal cancer and more vulnerable to certain other cancers, too. They’re often urged to get yearly colonoscopies — far more often than usual — that can spot and remove precancerous growths called polyps. Now scientists are creating vaccines that aim to go further, teaching the immune system to intercept this type of brewing colon cancer before it turns into a full-fledged tumor. At least three potential L ynch syndrome vaccines are in development, including two in early clinical trials in the U.S. and a third beginning in Britain. The shot that Norton helped test appears promising enough that its lead researcher, Dr. Eduardo Vilar-Sanchez of the MD Anderson Cancer Center, expects

a larger study to begin early next year. “It gives me hope,” said Norton, 59, of Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital. She had already survived a different Lynch-caused cancer and has two children in their 20s who inherited her mutation. If a vaccine pans out, “perhaps they won’t have to have a colonoscopy ever y single year for the rest of their lives.”

Inherited genetic mutation

Ever yone has what are called mismatch-repair genes, which are essentially spellcheckers to help fix DNA mistakes that can occur when our cells multiply. With Lynch syndrome, one of those genes can’t do its job properly, making it harder for the body to stop a buildup of abnormalities that can lead to tumors, often before age 50. Colorectal cancer is the most common consequence. The average person has a 5% risk of developing it during their lifetime. A Lynch carrier’s risk can reach as high as 80% depending on which faulty gene they inherit, Vilar-Sanchez said. Another big risk is endometrial, or uterine, cancer. Lynch carriers also are more likely to get other cancers, including pancreatic, stomach, brain, ovarian and certain skin cancers.

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Today there are two cancer-preventing vaccines: the HPV and hepatitis B shots that block infection from those tumor-causing viruses. But developing vaccines to prevent gene-caused cancer is more challenging than alerting the body to foreign intruders like a virus. Lynch-fueled growths “tend to accumulate hundreds of mutations that are going to generate proteins that are novel, not made by our normal cells,” Vilar-Sanchez said. “You can train the immune system to recognize those proteins.” In a first-step study, Norton and 44 other L ynch carriers tested a vaccine made by Swiss biotech Nouscom that teaches the immune system to spot 209 of those abnormalities in Lynch-caused precancers. A year later, colonoscopies showed fewer precancerous growths and no advanced polyps, the MD Anderson team reported in Nature Medicine. “Can we even further stimulate the immune system” to keep up with Lynch syndrome-spurred tumor formation, asked Dr. John Marshall, a Georgetown University oncologist and adviser to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, who wasn’t involved with the study. “This early paper suggests that yeah, maybe we can.” Oxford University researchers are be-

ginning initial testing of a similar approach to attack Lynch-spurred precancers, a vaccine made by Massachusetts-based Moderna using the mRNA technology behind its Covid-19 shot. And scientists are awaiting results from a slightly larger study of California-based ImmunityBio’s Tri-Ad5 vaccine.

Rise in colon cancer

About 158,000 people are diagnosed with colorectal cancer in the U.S. each year, most of them over age 50. Cases in younger adults are increasing, though it isn’t clear why. Lynch syndrome affects about 1 in 279 people. While most don’t know they have it, more may be learning they have the inherited disorder, Vilar-Sanchez said, as genetic testing is increasingly discussed with people with Lynch-related cancer in the family. U.S. guidelines call for routine colorectal cancer screening — with a colonoscopy or other kinds of tests — to begin at age 45. But at any age, get a checkup for symptoms such as blood in stool or rectal bleeding; changes in bowel habits such as diarrhea, constipation or narrowing of stool that lasts more than a few days; unintended weight loss; and cramps or abdominal pain. —AP

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

Maryland converts waste into bus fuel

Inside the Piscataway Project

The $271 million Piscataway project, located in southern Prince George’s County, opened in October 2024. The facility began processing biosolids from all six of WSSC Water’s resource recovery facilities last April, according to Brian Mosby, the facility’s biosolids management division manager. The Piscataway facility also plans to get the certification to classify the leftovers from the treatment process as Class A biosolids to market as soil additives. Class A biosolids are the cleanest form and can be used to improve soil on public sites as well as residential lawns and gardens. Before the Piscataway Bioenergy Project, all six of WSSC Water’s resource recovery facilities had separate processes for treating biosolids. “It became obvious to us that we should try to narrow this down and deal with it as a whole, as a company, instead of having all of these different people doing different processes,” Mosby said. The company sent engineers to obser ve what some European countries were doing when it came to wastewater treatment, he added. One of the things

European experts were implementing was anaerobic digestion.

Step toward net-zero emissions

Limiting the amount of methane-generating waste that enters landfills serves as one part of the Maryland Department of the Environment’s climate pollution reduction plan, which aims for the state to achieve net-zero emissions by 2045. Methane causes more than a quarter of today’s global warming, according to the Environmental Defense Fund. Sewage is often processed in a way that releases methane into the air, but the Piscataway Project instead captures the methane, cleans it up and puts it into a natural gas pipeline. In July 2025, a five-year contract between WSSC Water and Montgomer y County went into effect. Under this deal,

renewable natural gas from the facility gets sent to Washington Gas, which ensures it meets its standards, Mosby said. The gas returns to power the wastewater treatment plant, which gives the facility renewable natural gas credit, Mosby said. Now, the Washington Gas pipeline does not have to power the plant and has more renewable natural gas to power buses. “It creates an environment where a waste product that is harmful to the environment is captured and reused for transportation,” said Calvin Jones, division chief of Fleet Management Services in Montgomery County. Approximately 95 Ride On buses in the county were already running on natural gas before this agreement, Jones said, but the deal allows the county to buy the renewable natural gas from the facility at a

cheaper rate. This contract is also what creates the market for the facility to create the renewable natural gas, he said. “If the county did not agree to offtake that renewable natural gas, it wouldn’t be economical for [WSSC Water] to produce it,” Jones said. “Therefore, it would just be waste methane going up into the atmosphere.”

Old hat in D.C.

While the Piscataway facility is new, other wastewater treatment plants have been using anaerobic digestion for years. A decade ago, DC Water’s Blue Plains Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant in Washington, the largest of its kind in the world, implemented anaerobic digestion. The plant’s process produces gas used to See ECO-BUSES, page 13

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By Anastasia Merkulova Just by flushing their toilets, almost 2 million residents across Montgomery and Prince George’s counties may reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to cleaner air in the national capital region. The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission’s Piscataway Bioenergy Project serves those counties. Its facility in Accokeek, Mar yland, turns “poop to power” by converting the methane gas from biosolids — the byproduct of wastewater treatment — into renewable natural gas that helps power Montgomery County’s Ride On public bus system. The facility uses anaerobic digestion, a process that breaks down organic materials in the absence of oxygen, to capture methane gas, which is then upgraded to renewable natural gas on site. Of the 16,000 U.S. wastewater treatment plants, more than 1,200 capture biogas from their wastewater sludge using anaerobic digestion. Only 4% of these plants upgrade the biogas to renewable natural gas, according to data from the American Biogas Council. Upgrading to renewable natural gas is the most expensive option. But renewable natural gas creates an economic incentive to do the right thing for the environment and create better waste handling, said Dylan Chase, spokesperson for the Renewable Natural Gas Coalition. “Out of literal human waste, out of poop, you are creating something that can power trucks or heat homes or power ships or other forms of vehicles,” Chase said.

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What are the different types of pacemakers? By Divya Korpu Dear Mayo Clinic: I have a slow heart rate, and my cardiologist has recommended that I have a pacemaker implanted. Can you tell me what a pacemaker does and what I should consider when I make this decision? A: Doctors usually recommend pacemakers to patients with bradycardia, or a heart rate slower than 50 beats per minute. When the heart beats too slowly, it may not pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. People may experience fatigue, tiredness, shortness of breath, weakness and difficulty exercising. Some causes of bradycardia are reversible. These include: • Athletic training, which strengthens and conditions the heart • Medications, such as beta blockers or calcium channel blockers

• Lyme disease, which can cause Lyme carditis and affect the heart • Electrolyte imbalances Once your heart team has identified and addressed any reversible causes, the most common irreversible cause is a problem with the heart’s electrical system — specifically, its ability to properly conduct electrical signals between the chambers. When this happens, a pacemaker — a small, battery-operated device — can regulate the heart rate by delivering carefully timed electrical impulses to the heart.

Types of pacemakers

There are two types of permanent pacemakers: transvenous and leadless. Your heart team will determine which type is best for you based on your medical condition and lifestyle. Transvenous pacemaker: To implant

a transvenous pacemaker, a cardiac electrophysiologist creates a small pocket just below the collarbone between the skin and chest muscle. Depending on your needs, up to three wires, called leads, are guided through a blood vessel into the heart. The leads are connected to the pacemaker, which is then placed into the pocket. Patients may go home the same day or the following day. The first four to six weeks after pacemaker implantation are especially important. You’ll need to avoid lifting anything heavier than five pounds and raising your left arm above your head to prevent the leads from getting dislodged. After this period, you can return to your usual activities without restrictions. It’s a myth that pacemakers are affected by cellphones, microwave ovens, x-rays or airport scanners. Most modern

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pacemakers are MRI compatible, but your heart team may need to reprogram the device before the scan. However, strong magnetic fields, such as those found in certain industrial settings or during arc welding, can interfere with pacemakers. Talk with your healthcare professional if you’re concerned about this type of exposure. Leadless pacemaker: This newer pacing technology allows the pacemaker to be implanted directly inside the heart. There is no surgical pocket or leads. The device is about the size of a large vitamin capsule or one-third the size of a standard AAA battery. A leadless pacemaker may be a good option for people on dialysis, who are at higher risk of infection, or those who rely heavily on their upper body for mobility, such as those who use a walker or wheelchair. To implant a leadless pacemaker, a small incision is made in the groin. The device is attached to the end of a delivery system, which is threaded through a vein in the leg and into the heart. Because there is no chest incision or leads to dislodge, recovery is often simpler. The main restriction is avoiding heavy lifting until the groin incision heals, typically within one to two weeks. Like transvenous pacemakers, leadless devices are safe around common household electronics, but they can be affected by strong magnetic fields. All pacemakers must be checked periodically to ensure they’re functioning properly. After implantation, you’ll be sent home with a monitor. Every three months, you will either transmit data remotely or visit your clinic for follow-up. The battery life of a pacemaker is typically eight to 12 years, depending on the device and how often it’s used. If you have a transvenous pacemaker, you’ll receive a notice, usually about six months in advance, that it’s time to replace the generator. Your electrophysiologist will remove the device from its pocket and replace it with a new one. A leadless pacemaker can be removed or left in the heart with a new one implanted alongside it. As patients with pacemakers approach the end of life, they may choose to have the device turned off or the settings adjusted so it doesn’t prolong life. This is an important discussion to have with your family and heart care team, and it should be included in your advance healthcare directive. If you’ve been diagnosed with bradycardia, talk with your heart team about your options. If a pacemaker is recommended, ask which one best fits your health and lifestyle goals. —Divya Korpu, M.B.B.S., Cardiology, Mayo Clinic Health System, Eau Claire, Wisconsin Mayo Clinic Q & A is an educational resource and doesn’t replace medical care. For more information, visit mayoclinic.org. © 2026 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. All Rights Reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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

How to maintain height in later years By Howard LeWine, M.D. Q: I have lost at least 1.5 inches of height in the last couple decades. Now that I am 66 years old, what can slow down my shrinking? A: Starting at about age 40, people typically lose about half an inch each decade. And the decline usually speeds up after the 70th birthday. Two of the most common causes are osteoporosis and bad posture. As we get older, our bones become less dense, and more brittle. And they are more likely to fracture. This loss of bone tissue is called osteoporosis. When a hip or wrist bone weakened by osteoporosis breaks, it’s usually the kind of crack we have in mind when we picture a broken bone. But fractures of the bones that make up our spine, or vertebrae, are different.

From page 11

generate more than a quarter of the electricity it needs to operate, said Chris Peot, director of resource recovery of DC Water. As a result, the facility saw more than a 40% reduction rate in greenhouse gas emissions by the end of 2023. The plant has also reduced its grid electricity purchase by about 30%. Anaerobic digestion has roughly cut the amount of solids leaving the plant in half since implementation. The facility exports Class A biosolids as a soil additive to farms in Maryland and Virginia. While the plant used to send out 65 to 70 waste-filled diesel-powered trucks a day, that number is down to 22 to 25 trucks of biosolids a day, Peot said. “We’re not pulling power off the grid, which is generally from fossil-fuel gas,” Peot said. “We have reduced the number of trucks on the road, and we’re bringing material out to farmers.” —Capital News Service

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Calcium, exercise

You can decrease the risk of losing more height the same way you prevent or treat osteoporosis. Eat a calcium-rich diet of leafy greens, dairy products, salmon, sardines, oatmeal, chia seeds, etc. Be sure you get enough vitamin D, perhaps by taking a 1,000 IU vitamin D supplement daily. Healthy bones require daily exercise such as walking and/or weight training.

Putting “pressure” stimulates new bone growth and prevents bone loss. If you haven’t had a bone density test, you need one. It’s an easy, painless test to see if you need treatment for thin bones. Believe it or not, bad posture may be even more of a factor in height loss associated with age. Some of us had a tendency to slouch in our teens that never quite went away. And if you spend a lot of time in front of a computer, you may notice how your back bends toward the video monitor and your shoulders roll forward.

Exercises to try

Weak back and abdominal muscles also contribute to poor posture. Two simple exercises that can strengthen these weak muscles and help you stand straighter are the Superman and plank poses.

To do the Superman, lie face-down with your arms extended overhead. Lift your legs, shoulders, and arms off the floor simultaneously and hold for two to three seconds. Rest and repeat the lift about five times. For the plank, lie face-down with your forearms on the floor, legs extended, and feet together. Push into your forearms as you raise your body, forming a line from your head and neck to your feet. Keep your gaze down and engage your abdominal muscles. Hold for up to 30 seconds, then lower your body. Rest and repeat three times. Howard LeWine, M.D., is an internist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston and assistant professor at Harvard Medical School. For additional consumer health information, see health.harvard.edu. © 2026 Harvard University. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Thin vertebrae get easily crushed, much like a cardboard box with too much weight put on it. Most compression fractures happen without any known trauma or injury. And usually there are no symptoms. Sometimes there can be a more sudden vertebral collapse. This can be very painful. All types of vertebral compression fractures result in loss of height.

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This free, family-friendly event features local vendors, food, music, children’s activities and free health screenings and resources. Visit Good Hope Union United Methodist Church, 14680 Good Hope Rd., Silver Spring, MD, on Sat., Sept. 19 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to partic-

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A masterful account of a key episode in American history – Harry Truman’s leadership of the key Senate committee investigating government expenditures for World War II.” — Kenneth T. Walsh, U.S. News & World Report White House correspondent, past president of the White House Correspondents’ Association, and author of ten books about the presidency.

An amazing job of research and the writing is clear and precise . . . scrupulous in not going beyond the evidence and avoiding idle speculation.” — James M. McPherson, Professor of History Emeritus, Princeton University; Pulitzer Prize for History for Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era (1989).

James Tyson Currie holds a Ph.D in History from the University of Virginia, and was the first Historian of the U.S. Department of Education. From 1991 to 2009 he was Professor of Political Science/National Security Studies at the Industrial College of the Armed Forces/National Defense University. Jim served thirty years in the U.S. Army, retiring with the rank of Colonel. Military awards include the Legion of Merit and the Army Parachutist Badge. Dr. Currie can be reached at JamesTysonCurrie@gmail.com.

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

Root canals can save your natural teeth By Feature Impact Nothing looks, feels or functions quite like your natural teeth. They’re designed to last a lifetime and, when properly cared for, they often do. Even in the event of an infection or disease that requires additional care, most Americans agree their natural teeth are worth protecting. In fact, a survey commissioned by the American Association of Endodontists found 61% of Americans would prefer a

treatment that saves their natural tooth, and about 78% would do almost anything to avoid losing one. Despite this strong preference, many people delay or avoid dental care altogether. Financial concerns frequently disrupt dental care, with 60% of survey respondents admitting they’ve put off going to the dentist even when they suspected something was wrong. When facing dental problems like severe tooth pain or infection, some may

BEACON BITS UKRAINIAN FESTIVAL Sept. 18+ WASHINGTON The Washington Ukrainian Festival features food, live music, kids’ activities, dance ensemble performances, Ukrainian exhibits and vendors and more. It takes place on Fri., Sept. 18 from 5 to 8 p.m.; on Sat., Sept. 19 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and on Sun., Sept. 20 from 11 a.m. to dusk at St. Andrew Ukrainian Cathedral, 15100 New Hampshire Ave., Silver Spring, MD. Admission is $20 for Saturday (includes Sunday admission) or $15 for Sunday only. Friday is free for food sales only. Those 21 and under get in for free. For more information, visit ukarainefestdc.com.

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Sept. 25+ Stroll through this vintage and artisan market to find great deals from your favorite shops. The market runs Fri., Sept. 25 through Sun., Sept. 27 at the Wildwood Shopping Center, 10241 Old Georgetown Rd., Bethesda, MD. There is no cover. For more information, visit bit.ly/Wildwoodmarket.

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consider asking a dentist to remove the tooth as a quick fix. Extraction isn’t always the best solution, though, and can have lasting consequences on both oral health and overall confidence. “When possible, you should always consider treatments to save your teeth,” said Dr. Craig Noblett, president of the American Association of Endodontists. “You may think, ‘Why not have a tooth pulled, especially if no one can see it?’ but you will know your tooth is missing, and it [can] negatively impact your quality of life. Missing teeth can cause other teeth to shift, affecting your ability to properly chew, and ruin your smile.” Another option exists: root canal treatment. While survey data reveals 39% of people are equally concerned about the procedure and losing a natural tooth, 33% worry more about the procedure itself. However, advancements in technology and anesthesia have made root canals — dental procedures to remove inflamed or infected pulp inside the tooth, then clean, fill and seal it — more comfortable than their reputation suggests, similar to getting a routine filling. A study published last year in the Journal of Translational Medicine suggests that successfully treating tooth infection and inflammation through root canal therapy may support broader health benefits, including improvements in markers related to blood sugar and cholesterol, reducing both the risk of diabetes and heart disease. To help maintain your smile for the long term, consider these tips from Noblett to protect your natural teeth and avoid unnecessary tooth loss: 1. Act immediately when you experi-

ence symptoms of swelling or pain. Pain, swelling or sensitivity shouldn’t be ignored. Acting fast is especially critical in urgent situations. For example, a knockedout tooth can often be saved if treated quickly by a dental specialist. Most endodontists can accommodate emergency cases, even on weekends. 2. Choose root canal treatment instead of extraction when possible. No denture, bridge or implant will look, feel and function as well as a natural tooth. In many cases, extraction is more painful than the infection itself, and replacing an extracted tooth with an artificial one requires additional dental visits that can quickly add up. On the other hand, a root canal completed by an endodontist is virtually painless and typically requires less follow up. In fact, patients who experience root canals are six times more likely to describe it as painless compared to those who have a tooth extracted. 3. Ask questions about your treatment options. If your dentist recommends tooth extraction, ask whether a root canal is an alternative. 4. Look for a specialist if needed. If you’re told root canal is not an option, ask why and get a second opinion. Since endodontists can offer solutions dentists cannot, asking for a referral to a local specialist may allow for more advanced care. You can also use the American Association of Endodontists’ Find an Endodontist search tool to find a practice near you. This article was sponsored by the American Association of Endodontists. Learn more about how endodontists can help protect your natural teeth for a lifetime by visiting aae.org/patients.

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

Good news about coffee and your heart

I should confess that I’m not exactly an However, this good news isn’t a preimpartial obser ver: I love coffee. For scription to start chugging coffee. Most years, my daily ritual was a long-term studies were obdouble-shot latte, sometimes ser vational, meaning they followed by a single shot later found associations but in the day. Cof fee didn’t couldn’t actually prove coffee merely wake me up; it felt caused the benefits. like my brain didn’t start Hear t rhythm findings working until my first cup. were especially interesting. Unfortunately, my acid reRegular coffee wasn’t associflux was less cooperative. I ated with a higher risk of gave up coffee completely for A-fib, and randomized data six months while my esophasuggest it might even reduce DEAR gus healed. These days, I can episodes in some people. PHARMACIST tolerate only a little decaf beHowever, coffee may inBy Suzy Cohen fore the burning returns. So crease premature ventricular yes, a new scientific statecontractions, or PVCs, so ment from the American Heart Associa- there’s also that. Extra heartbeats and tion (AHA) made me genuinely happy. fluttering are a little alarming. The AHA reviewed the latest research Brewing method matters, too. Coffee on caffeine and cardiovascular disease: contains natural oils called cafestol and For most healthy adults, up to 400 mg of kahweol that appear to raise LDL cholescaffeine daily, which is about three to five terol (the kind you don’t want). eight-ounce cups of ordinary brewed cofPaper-filtered drip and instant coffee fee, is safe. Moderate coffee consumption contain very little cafestol, while French has also been associated with a lower risk press, Turkish, boiled coffee and espresso of coronary heart disease, stroke, heart allow more into your cup. failure, type 2 diabetes and certain abnormal heart rhythms. Cognitive benefits The apparent sweet spot was someCaffeine is good for your thinking cap thing like two or three cups (possibly and brain. That isn’t breaking news; we’ve even four cups) per day, the organization seen it in cognitive studies before. said in July. Recently, a 2026 JAMA study found that

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age. There is an urgent need for platelet and type O blood donors, but donations of all blood types are welcome. To schedule an appointment or find upcoming blood drives, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS.

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higher caffeinated-coffee intake was associated with an 18% lower risk of dementia, with the strongest association around 2 to 3 cups daily. The study followed more than 131,000 adults for up to 43 years. Decaf did not show the same association. I’ve always thought coffee received an unfairly grim reputation. Why? If it gives you the jitters, worsens reflux, disrupts sleep, raises your blood pressure or makes your heart misbehave, don’t drink it. Your body has cast its vote. But coffee doesn’t affect ever yone that way, and moderate intake may offer some impressive benefits. Personally, I’d stick to two cups. Keep in mind that coffee’s chlorogenic acid binds to non-heme iron — iron from

sources like plants, eggs and fortified foods — thereby reducing its absorption (and decaf can do it, too). Caffeine may also temporarily increase calcium and magnesium losses through the kidneys — what I call the “drug mugging” effect. For a more detailed version of this article, including coffee’s effects on blood pressure, medications and energy drinks, visit suzycohen.com and type “coffee” into the search box. This information is opinion only. It is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose your condition. Consult with your doctor before using any new drug or supplement. Suzy Cohen is a registered pharmacist and author of The 24-Hour Pharmacist and Real Solutions from Head to Toe.

Housing Authority of the City of College Park will discuss the Annual Plans (FY 2026 & 2027), Five Year Agency Plan (FY’s 2026-2030), Capital Fund Program fixed 5-Year Action Plan (5YAP) for FYs 2024–2028, and Annual Statement for FY 2026, available for review at HACCPMD.AGENCY on August 29, 2026 and in the office. The 45-day period begins on August 29, 2026 and will conclude on October 14, 2026. The hearing is scheduled for 10 a.m. on October 15, 2026 at 9014 Rhode Island Ave., College Park, MD 20740.

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

To maintain muscle, eat protein and exercise By Andrew Jagim Dear Mayo Clinic: I’m thinking about using a weight-loss drug, but I’ve heard that muscle loss can be a side ef fect. I’m at the age where women should strive to maintain muscle mass and strength, rather than risk losing them. Can you tell me more? A: Medically assisted weight loss, whether through bariatric surgery or one of the GLP-1 drugs, helps people manage the amount of food they consume in a day, creating a caloric deficit and promoting weight loss. Surgery accomplishes this by making people feel full to avoid overeating, while GLP-1 drugs curb hunger and appetite. There are different types of body tissue that can be lost when people shed pounds. The goal is to reduce excess, nonessential body fat and lower overall body fat percent-

age. However, muscle or even bone can be lost, and neither is a desirable outcome. For most people, losing muscle can diminish strength and functionality and may worsen blood sugar management and metabolic health. The goal is to minimize muscle loss and maintain or even gain it. This is important because muscle is more metabolically active than fat, meaning it burns more calories, even at rest. Muscles also help maintain functionality and balance. The key to maintaining muscle is to increase your protein intake, since protein is the building block for muscle tissue. Combining regular strength or resistance training with eating more protein will also help.

Best sources of protein

For a person weighing 200 pounds

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(about 90-100 kilograms), 1.4 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight equals about 120-140 grams of protein per day. This is higher than the standard recommended daily allowance of 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight, but the added protein helps minimize muscle loss. High-quality protein sources include eggs, dairy, legumes, chicken and other lean meats. Whey protein powder also is effective. However, both types of medically assisted weight loss will likely decrease your desire to eat — not only extra protein, but also foods with the basic nutrients your body needs. Setting reminders or incorporating protein-rich foods — like Greek yogurt or protein shakes — in meals and snacks throughout the day can prompt you to eat more protein. Aim for about 20 to 30 grams of protein per meal.

Establishing an exercise routine

A full-body workout two to three times a week can help maintain muscle. Strength training should target the largest muscle groups — legs, chest and back. Try pull-downs, squats, leg presses, rows, bench presses and pushups. Resistance can be applied through water fitness, exercise bands, free weights or gym machines. The key is to progressively increase the difficulty over time to avoid plateaus and continue improving your strength. Once you’ve established an exercise routine, strive to maintain it, not only for weight management but also for the numerous health benefits it offers, including better cognitive function. Once you’ve reached your desired

weight, then comes the mental and physical challenge to keeping it off. For example, if a 200-pound person loses 80 pounds, bringing their weight down to 120 pounds, they require fewer calories to maintain their new, reduced body size. The key is to learn how to eat like a 120-pound person to stay at that weight. When people struggle to maintain their weight loss after stopping GLP-1 medications, they may be at risk of gaining more fat than muscle. That’s why keeping a strength-training routine and other healthy habits is crucial. Because muscle mass burns more calories at rest, preserving muscle decreases the likelihood of gaining back the weight. If you’re embarking on a weight-loss journey via GLP-1s or bariatric surgery, it’s a good idea to consult with a registered nutritionist to develop a meal plan that supports your body’s nutrient needs during weight loss and afterward. And consider working with a sports-medicine specialist or trainer to create an exercise routine for strength training to maintain and gain muscle mass to help keep pounds off. —Andrew Jagim, Ph.D., Sports Medicine, Mayo Clinic Health System, La Crosse and Onalaska, Wisconsin Mayo Clinic Q & A is an educational resource and doesn’t replace regular medical care. This Mayo Clinic Q&A represents inquiries this healthcare expert has received from patients. For more information, visit mayoclinic.org. © 2026 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. All Rights Reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Makes a great gift! | Fitness & Health

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

Chicken avocado salad makes a light meal

Grilled Chicken and Avocado Salad Recipe adapted from Delish Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes Servings: 4 Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (8

ounces each) 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon ground coriander kosher salt, to taste freshly ground black pepper, to taste 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 3 romaine hearts, chopped 3 cups fresh spinach 2 avocados, thinly sliced 2 cucumbers, thinly sliced 1 apple, thinly sliced 1 cup grapes, halved

Creamy Honey-Dijon Dressing ¾ cup plain Greek yogurt 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 ½ tablespoons honey 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar ¼ teaspoon garlic powder ¼ teaspoon salt pinch of black pepper

Directions: Preheat grill or pan to medium-high heat. In medium bowl, sprinkle chicken with oregano, coriander, salt and pepper. Add oil then toss to coat. Grill chicken, covered, about 8 minutes per side, until slightly charred and registering 165° F on thermometer inserted into thickest part. Transfer to cutting board, let rest 5 minutes then thinly slice. Divide romaine, spinach, avocados, cucumbers, apples and grapes among bowls. Top with chicken. To make dressing: Whisk Greek yogurt, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, garlic, salt and pepper. Drizzle over salad and serve. Find more light yet filling salad solutions by visiting Culinary.net.

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By Feature Impact On those days when you’re craving something fresh and don’t feel like doing a lot of cooking, salads are the ideal solution. They’re nutritious, easy to throw together and endlessly customizable so you can make them with the ingredients you have to suit the flavor profiles you prefer. This Grilled Chicken and Avocado Salad unites savor y, sweet, tangy and creamy flavors in a single bowl. Crisp lettuce and spinach bring leafy green nutrients to the base of each salad. The juicy, slightly charred grilled chicken is seasoned, smoky and a good source of lean protein. Avocado slices, Greek yogurt and olive oil add rich, creamy textures and healthy fats, while cucumbers make each bite refreshing. Apple slices and grapes lend natural sweetness that complement the tangy honey-mustard dressing. Light enough for lunch but filling enough for dinner, it’s a versatile salad packed with vegetables, fruits, fiber, vitamins and minerals. Make the recipe your own by switching to a different dressing or tossing in bonus toppings like walnuts, dried cranberries or cherry tomatoes. Plant-based home chefs can adapt by swapping to a different protein like tofu, tempeh or chickpeas and using non-dairy yogurt for the dressing.

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

september–OCTober 2026

UPCOMING SEMINARS & CLASSES at Brooke Grove retirement village As experts in senior care, Brooke Grove Retirement Village is pleased to offer seminars and classes that promote physical, spiritual and mental well-being. All programs will be held in person in the Gathering Room at Brooke Grove Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, located at 18131 Slade School Road on the Sandy Spring, Maryland, campus of Brooke Grove Retirement Village. Register as indicated below or contact Toni Davis at tdavis@bgf.org with questions. LIVING WELL SEMINAR: “NOW WHERE WAS I?” Presented by speech language pathologist Susan I. Wranik of SpeakSkill LLC THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 • 10:30 A.M.–11:45 A.M. Designed to help you protect your memory and your mind, this interactive program for healthy aging and better brain health is based on the clinical protocol for treating memory loss. Focusing on a seven-step approach, it includes memory strategies, self-help activities and easy-to-do enrichment exercises involving all five senses with an emphasis on the value of curiosity, socialization and community. Learn how what you say can affect memory and recall.

FREE. Register by September 16 at: bit.ly/Brainhealthy2026 LIVING WELL SEMINAR: “STRONG BONES, STRONGER YOU” Led by board-certified bilingual nutritionist Lisa Jo Finstrom of Common Sense Nutrition, LLC

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22 • 1–2:15 P.M. Your bones do more than hold you up. They carry your independence with them. This interactive program covers the foods that strengthen bone health, the ones to avoid and practical steps to protect what matters most: your mobility and your future. You’ll also learn how to sidestep common medication side affects, which supplements are actually worth taking and simple lifestyle shifts that add up over time.

FREE. Register by October 21 at: bit.ly/StrongYou2026

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HEALTHY LIVING CLASS: “STRONG AND MOBILE: FUNCTIONAL FITNESS FOR OLDER ADULTS” October 12 through November 20 MONDAYS & FRIDAYS • 1–1:45 P.M. Strong muscles are an important part of maintaining independence as we age. Endurance, core strength and mobility can be improved with body weight exercises, using simple props like a wall, chair, or a railing, to help us move with greater confidence in everyday activities such as climbing the stairs, carrying groceries and reaching overhead. Join the same instructors each week in a supportive and welcoming 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.

$40 for entire six-week session Register by October 11 at: bit.ly/BStrongBG CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP: “FOR LOVED ONES LIVING WITH DEMENTIA” Offered in partnership with Winter Growth Adult Day Care & Ellis House SECOND & FOURTH FRIDAY OF EACH MONTH 1-2 P.M. Sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association, this group is designed for family, friends and others engaged in the care and safety of someone touched by dementia. In this safe and confidential environment, you can develop informal and mutually supportive social relationships, gain understanding, share caregiving tips and discover other helpful information.

FREE. To register, visit: bit.ly/AlzSupportGroup

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Makes a great gift! | Fitness & Health

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

COVER STORY

Power couple forges bold new book

Citizens of the world

When they met as students at Carleton College in Minnesota in 1972, Bird thought Goldmark, in a tomato-stained apron, was adorable and witty, and she admired the worldly, “exotic” young Bird. Bird was indeed cosmopolitan. His parents, despite their small-town Oregon upbringings, raised Bird and his three sisters in the Middle East. They named him after a charming Chinese refugee they met at the University of Oregon. (Kai-Yu Hsu became a biographer, as Bird did.) Thanks to his father’s job at the U.S. State Department, Bird moved to Jerusalem when he was four years old. The family bounced from there to Cairo, Beirut and Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. Bird graduated from a high school in India. Consequently, college in America was a bit of a “shock,” he said. Bird didn’t know how to drive or use a payphone. “I suddenly realized I was sort of a foreigner in my own country. I think that’s what motivated both my journalism and my career as a biographer,” he said. At Carleton, Bird soon befriended antiVietnam War protesters and was arrested, along with 85 other students, for blocking the doors of a draft induction center in Minneapolis. He spent a day in prison and went to trial but graduated without a hitch with a degree in history. Goldmark majored in South Asian studies. After college and the stint overseas, the couple settled in Washington, D.C. Bird landed an associate editor position at The Nation when he was just 27. That’s where Bird met Martin J. Sher-

win, his future co-author. Bird edited his 1981 cover story on Hiroshima. Years later, the two became friends when they penned an op-ed together criticizing the Smithsonian’s glossed-over exhibit of the Enola Gay, the plane that dropped the first atomic bomb. Fourteen years older than Bird, Sherwin was a charismatic history professor. The two writers kept in touch as Bird began publishing books, first on Wall Street lawyer John McCloy, then on McGeorge “Mac” Bundy, Vietnam War proponent. “I was apparently good for nothing but biographies,” Bird once joked in an interview with his alma mater.

A modest proposal

Around the year 2000, Sherwin confessed to his younger friend that he had a dilemma: He had secured a book contract for a biography of Oppenheimer, but his manuscript was 20 years overdue. Drowning in research, he asked Bird to help him write the book. At first, Bird turned him down, saying, “I like you too much” (Bird had lost a friend after a litigious book project). But after a few persuasive dinners, he agreed. When their 784-page book, American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer, was published in 2005, reviewers praised its scholarship. The following year, it won the Pulitzer Prize for Biography. Pulitzers don’t pay the bills, though. As Goldmark labored as country director at the World Bank, Bird wrote three more books: his 2010 memoir of his childhood in the Middle East, a 2014 biography of CIA officer Robert Ames, then a 2021 biography of Jimmy Carter. They had a four-year assignment in Kathmandu for Goldmark’s job, where Bird wrote the memoir (at his wife’s urging), and their son attended high school. “I got a chance to inflict on my teenage son what my parents had inflicted on me,” Bird said with a laugh.

Sudden fame

Their lives swerved in September 2021, when movie director Christopher Nolan called. He had read American Prometheus, feverishly wrote a screenplay, and wanted to turn it into a film. Bird and Sherwin were thrilled. Sadly, Sherwin, 84, died just two weeks later, from nonsmokers’ lung cancer. In the spring, Bird flew to the New Mexico movie set to watch the filming. When he met Cillian Murphy, the actor who played “Oppie,” Bird blurted out, “Dr. Oppenheimer, I’ve been waiting decades to meet you.” Nolan arranged a private screening of the movie with just the two of them, and Bird was impressed.

“It was a Hollywood miracle. [Nolan] was very faithful to the story in the book, and when I saw the film for the first time, I could recognize paragraphs of dialogue that were straight out of the book,” Bird said. The movie went on to win seven Academy Awards, including one for Best Picture and Best Actor. From the stage, Nolan said, “Kai Bird and Martin Sherwin, thank you for the 25 years you put into the book that this film is based on.” That’s when the book suddenly became a New York Times bestseller, remaining on the list for eight months. “All this happened 18 years later. It was very delayed gratification, but it was fun,” Bird said.

The allure of a villain

COURTESY OF SCRIBNER

By Margaret Foster Sometimes great partnerships start in unlikely places. For Kai Bird and his wife, Susan Goldmark, it was their college cafeteria. Married three years later, the two traveled overseas, filing weekly stories from Bangladesh, India and Pakistan as a team. In their ensuing 50-year marriage, their careers rarely aligned. Bird published eight books, including a Pulitzer Prize-winning biography about J. Robert Oppenheimer, while Goldmark worked in 75 countries for the World Bank. Four years ago, however, they began collaborating on a new project. This month Bird and Goldmark published American Scoundrel: Roy Cohn’s Dark Journey from Joe McCarthy to Donald Trump. Bird wrote the book, while Goldmark was a “relentless” researcher and editor, as he puts it. Last month, the couple, who have lived in Adams Morgan for decades, appeared on a panel together at the National Book Festival to talk about their new and potentially controversial book.

Longtime Washingtonians Kai Bird and Susan Goldmark

Bird soon turned his eye collaborated on American Scoundrel: Roy Cohn’s Dark to Roy Cohn, the lawyer Journey from Joe McCarthy to Donald Trump. who advised Donald Trump from 1973 until his AIDS-related death in a sense of deep curiosity, she said. “I am 1986. Cohn, like a nefarious Forrest relentless. I would dig and dig and dig unGump, had made an appearance in nearly til I found the source.” With Goldmark’s help, Bird finished all Bird’s books, and Bird wanted to know more about the ruthless New York pros- the book in record time. “She really helped to speed up the proecutor who was chief counsel for Sen. Joseph McCarthy and worked for several cess. This is actually the fastest biography I’ve written — done in less than four Mafia families and Trump. “His life story is colorful and emblem- years,” he said. Bird and Goldmark spend their time in atic and will explain our current political situation,” Bird said, adding,“The seeds D.C. as well as their apartments in Miami Beach and New York City. At the City Uniof McCarthyism are still sprouting.” Goldmark, by then retired, dug into the versity of New York Bird is executive diresearch. She pored through 10,000 rector of the singular Leon Levy Center pages of FBI files and unearthed articles for Biography, the genre he considers from the New York Post, which she had of- “the best form of history.” Bird focuses on biography because he ten read during her childhood in Manhattan. The daughter of two Holocaust sur- wants to make sense of the world, he said. “I’ve used my biographies as a vehicle vivors from Austria, Goldmark admits to being naïve about how the city functioned to try to explain, to myself, America and its journey through the 20th century.” behind the scenes. With previously unknown information, “I was the child of immigrants, and they really thought America was an honest the new book is bound to generate conplace in comparison to where they came troversy. But the couple, who share a from,” she said. “I had no idea that any of sense of curiosity and adventure, will face this was going on, so it was a big revela- it together. Goldmark “always liked adventure,” tion to me that a lot of [New York officials] were connected to the Mob or in- she said, and as a child aspired to be a volved in things that were not entirely flight attendant just so she could travel. “Luckily, by the time I was older, other proper … these stories were unbelievopportunities opened up. I really wanted able.” Goldmark also tracked down a man to experience the world and see the way who said Cohn abused him when he was other people lived. I was lucky that I was able to make that a reality.” 16 years old. Kai Bird will appear at Politics & Prose, “Sue managed to find him and get him 5105 Connecticut Ave. NW, on Thurs., to talk on the record,” Bird said. Goldmark leaned into the research with Sept. 10 at 7 p.m. to discuss the book.

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

DIRECTOR S MESSAGE By Charon P.W. Hines Dear Seniors, Happy September! What a wonderful summer it has been! From parades and days at the pool, launches with the Villages, to engaging activities at our Senior Wellness Centers, we have truly made the most of the season. Across the District, older adults stayed active, connected with friends and neighbors, discovered new experiences, and embraced opportunities to thrive and Live Boldly. We hope this summer brought you joy, laughter, and wonderful memories to carry with you into the fall. As we welcome a new season, September gives us many opportunities to celebrate our community, prioritize our well-being and stay connected. From September 15 through October 15, we recognize National Hispanic Heritage Month, a time to honor the rich history, vibrant cultures, and many contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans. Here in Washington, DC, we are especially grateful for the Hispanic and Latino residents, families, caregivers, community leaders, and older adults who contribute to the diversity and strength of our city. This month, we celebrate your stories, traditions, accomplishments, and the many ways you continue to enrich our community. September is also National Preparedness Month, reminding us that taking steps to prepare for emergencies can help protect our safety, independence, and well-being. Emergencies can happen at any time, but a little preparation today can make a meaningful difference when it matters most. Take time this month to review your emergency plan, check your emergency supplies, make sure medications and important documents are easy to access, and stay connected with family, friends, and neighbors. Being prepared can provide greater peace of mind for you and those who care about you. For more information about emergency preparedness in the District, visit ready.dc.gov or call (202)727-6161. We also recognize Falls Prevention Awareness Week, taking place September 21–25. This national campaign raises awareness about falls and fallrelated injuries while highlighting simple ways to

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help older adults remain safe, active, and independent. I encourage you to join Home Care Partners for their annual Falls Prevention Awareness Week (FPAW). Events will take place on Monday, September 21, and Tuesday, September 22, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 899 North Capitol St. NE. Attendees can participate in free screenings and activities, including balance tests, medication reviews, and home safety education. Resources will be available for people of all ages, along with free snacks and giveaways. For registration and additional information, visit tinyurl.com/dcfpaw2026. Finally, September brings one of our most meaningful celebrations of the year, National Centenarian Day! On September 23, we will continue the tradition of honoring our centenarians at Mayor Bowser’s 40th Annual Centenarian Salute. This special celebration recognizes DC’s oldest

residents and honors the remarkable lives, accomplishments, and legacies they have shared with our city and generations of Washingtonians. Each centenarian will receive a commemorative medallion and personalized certificate from Mayor Bowser in recognition of this extraordinary milestone. As we welcome fall, stay prepared for what lies ahead and make the most of every opportunity to stay connected, healthy, active, and engaged. Thank you for all that you bring to Washington, DC, and for the many ways you continue to make our city stronger. In Service, Charon P.W. Hines Director Department of Aging and Community Living

Living Boldly

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

Makes a great gift!

Recognizing World Alzheimer’s Month 6. New problems with words in speaking or writing. 7. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps. 8. Decreased or poor judgment. 9. Withdrawal from work or social activities. 10. Changes in mood or personality. If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these signs or symptoms, it is important not to ignore them. Schedule an appointment with your physician or encourage the individual to see theirs. This can help to determine if the symptoms experienced are caused by dementia or something else. It is important to be able to recognize these signs and symptoms. The earlier detection occurs and a diagnosis is made, the earlier

Dementia is an umbrella term that describes a decline in cognitive functioning as well as changes in mood, personality and behavior that severely impacts one’s daily life. Dementia ranges from mild to severe and progresses over time. Although memory changes often occur as individuals age, it is important to note that dementia is NOT considered a normal part of aging. Here are 10 signs and symptoms to look out for: 1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life. 2. Challenges in planning or solving problems. 3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks. 4. Confusion with time or place. 5. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relations.

interventions can be implemented. For more information, see these resources below: • Alzheimer’s Association: 10

Warning Signs alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/10_signs • Alzheimer’s Association: 10 Steps alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/10-steps

FALLS PREVENTION AWARENESS WEEK

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

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PHOTO BY BRRT/PIXABAY

Money Law &

Retirement, like a vinyl record, has two sides. See story on page 25.

No, Social Security isn’t going bust — yet By Jill Schlesinger Amid the swirling news about annual inflation rising to a three-year high, a far more impactful story got buried. In June the Social Security Board of Trustees projected its trust fund would run dry a year earlier than it projected last year. This may seem like an old story, but the stakes and the timing are becoming more important. While the entire Social Security (SS) system is not going bust, it is facing important deadlines. To understand what is happening, here’s a refresher on how it works: Social Security is a pay-as-you-go system, which means that people who are currently employed pay for the benefits of those who are retired, via payroll taxes. Ever y paycheck, you and your em-

ployer each pay 6.2% of your wages (up to the SS wage base, which in 2026 is $184,500) into Social Security. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Congress enacted changes to bolster the program. The net result of the legislation, along with the massive Boomer generation paying into the system, was that the government took in more money from taxes than was necessary to fund its obligations. The excess money that accumulated in the SS trust fund was meant to act as a buffer when there were more people claiming benefits than money that working people were paying into the system. Eventually, the boomers who boosted the system started to claim their SS retirement benefits, and live longer than the previous generation, forcing the government to dip into the surplus.

This demographic wave was widely known and discussed. According to Sarah A. Binder, Jason Brown and Gopi Shah Goda at Brookings, “the Social Security Board of Trustees has been warning that the trust fund would be depleted over the 2030s for some time... since 2009 the Trustees have consistently projected depletion before 2040.” Since 2021, the trust fund began to shrink in absolute terms and, according to this year’s report, is likely to run dry in 2032.

What happens in 2032?

When the trust fund is “depleted,” the system does not halt (or “go broke”), rather payroll taxes keep coming in and benefits keep going out, meaning the money coming in will only cover about

78% of promised benefits. According to labor economist Teresa Ghilarducci, Social Security’s legal structure mandates that this scenario “would trigger across-the-board cuts to all retirees, regardless of income or need.” So, if a retiree had been receiving a $2,000 monthly check, she would receive only $1,560, a $440 reduction.

Potential fixes prior to 2032

There are several options any responsible Congress could pursue, either individually or in combination: Raise the payroll tax cap: Currently, Social Security taxes only apply to income up to $184,500 in 2026. Lifting this cap, say to $300,000, could solve a big chunk See SOCIAL SECURITY, page 24

How to find lost money after a loved one dies Dear Savvy Senior, moved, changed names or died. In many After my mom passed away, we dis- cases, heirs were never aware the money covered a few small acexisted or did not know counts and an old insurwhere to look. ance policy we didn’t These assets can include know she still had. savings or checking accounts, It made me wonder how uncashed dividend checks, often families uncover forutility security deposits, life gotten, unclaimed money insurance proceeds, pension like this after a parent benefits, tax refunds, madies. Is this common, and tured savings bonds and unwhere else should I start paid wages. looking? By law, banks, employers, —Searching Sarah SAVVY SENIOR insurance companies and By Jim Miller Dear Sarah, other institutions must turn Your situation is actually these assets over to the state quite common. After a parent or spouse if they cannot locate the owner or next of dies, families often come across small, for- kin after a set period, usually two to five gotten accounts, uncashed checks or old years. Once turned over, the money is insurance policies that slipped through held indefinitely, so there is no deadline the cracks over the years. In many cases, for families to file a claim. paperwork was misplaced or loved ones simply weren’t aware the assets existed. Where to start According to the National Association A good place to begin is MissingMoney. of Unclaimed Property Administrators, com, a free site endorsed by the National billions of dollars in unclaimed assets are Association of Unclaimed Property Adcurrently being held by state govern- ministrators and the National Association ments and federal agencies, waiting to be of State Treasurers. It allows users to claimed by rightful owners or heirs. search for unclaimed property simultaneUnclaimed property usually comes ously in 49 states, the District of Columfrom financial accounts or benefits that bia and Puerto Rico. (Hawaii is not inbecame inactive because the owner cluded but can be searched through a link

on the site.) When searching, check ever y state where your mother lived, worked or did business. Be sure to search under maiden names, married names and common misspellings. Using just a first initial and last name can also uncover accounts that do not appear under a full name search. Each state’s site will indicate whether property is listed and explain how to file a claim.

Other places to check

State treasuries are only part of the picture. Families should also check several other common sources of forgotten money. Pensions and 401(k)s: To search for lost or forgotten retirement benefits your mom may have left behind with an old employer, use the U.S. Department of Labor’s Retirement Savings Lost & Found Database at lostandfound.dol.gov and the National Registry of Unclaimed Retirement Benefits at unclaimedretirementbenefits.com. Or to search for unclaimed retirement benefits from private-sector plans that have closed down, use the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation search tool at pbgc.gov/workers-retirees. Savings bonds: It’s very common for

people to lose track of U.S. Saving Bonds because they are often given to children as gifts, then forgotten before the bonds reach maturity. To find out if your mom had a Savings Bond or other Treasury security, visit your state’s unclaimed property office using unclaimed.org. Search the state of residence at the time of the securities purchase or last known address. Lost life insurance: To track down a lost or forgotten life insurance policy, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, an insurance regulatory support organization, offers a free policy locator service at eapps.naic.org/life-policy-locator. Other refunds: To search for money left at a Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insured bank or credit union that has gone out of business, visit closedbanks.fdic.gov/funds. Federal tax refunds can be checked at irs.gov/refunds or by calling (800) 8291954. Federal Housing Administration (FHA) mortgage refunds can be checked at entp.hud.gov/dsrs/refunds. And unpaid wages are listed at dol.gov/agencies/whd/wow. Send your questions or comments to questions@savvysenior.org, or to Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.

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

Ways to generate retirement income By Maurie Backman Even retirees who budget carefully can find themselves needing extra cash. A good 49% say their expenses are higher than what they expected, according to Schroders’ 2026 US Retirement Survey. So it’s not surprising that many retirees are turning to part-time work or other solutions to earn more income. “Extra retirement income allows retirees the ability to more easily absorb financial surprises, which is important while our broader macroeconomic reality still looms,” said Amy Zamikovsky, JD, CFP and senior wealth adviser at Focus Partners. But earning extra money doesn’t have to mean retail work or a boring job. (It might not even mean working at all.) We asked financial pros for creative ways retirees are generating more income.

1. Sell your expertise

You may have spent many years in the workforce honing skills and learning your industry inside and out. In retirement, you can take advantage of that knowledge in a couple of ways. First, you can consult in your former field on a schedule that works for you. Brandy Barnes Marion, retirement plans education manager at BOK Financial, said you can also take the concept a step fur-

ther by selling your expertise. “Expert networks pay retired operators and executives by the hour for short calls with investors and researchers,” she said. “Medical schools pay standardized patients. Law firms pay mock jurors. Forty years of knowing how a distribution center actually runs is worth real money to somebody.” Other such jobs include acting as an expert witness, an industry mentor and a peer reviewer or grant reviewer. Tip: These gigs can be lucrative, and you can work them into your schedule around vacations or other plans. Some of these jobs can be done virtually, though they may command a lower hourly rate. Check expert networks like GLG, AlphaSights and Guidepoint.

sion or tickets for friends and family. You can check websites like Indeed for listings or ask in person.

3. Rent out space you don’t use

Renting out unoccupied space in your home, like a spare room, basement or finished garage, can generate income in retirement (see hiphomes.org). “I have seen interesting and creative things to get additional income,” Friedman said. “For example, this could include

2. Work a seasonal job

Committing to an ongoing part-time job or gig work may not be optimal in retirement, as it might too closely mimic the work schedule you’re trying to move on from. That’s why Elias Friedman, CFP and founder and senior wealth adviser at Kadima Wealth, suggests pursuing seasonal work. “Seasonal jobs at golf courses, museums, theaters or parks can be a fun, great way to make new friends and stay active,” he said. Tip: If you work in a museum or theater, your gig might include free admis-

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renting a garage, parking space, storage area, spare room or even an RV space.” Tip: Apps like Neighbor can help you rent out your driveway, shed, garage or other home space, providing you with $1 million insurance coverage and charging a processing fee of about 5%.

4. Turn clutter into income

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Retirement income as silverware and vintage stereos. From page 23

5. Launch a YouTube channel

of stuff in the course of your lifetime. Ernie Wingard, RFC and adviser at Capital Choice Financial Group, said you can turn unwanted items into a goldmine during retirement. “The most creative thing I’ve seen is a retiree who built a resale marketplace for her own friend group,” he said. “She takes pictures, posts them online, and takes a small commission for her efforts. After all is said and done, it brings in another $400 or $500 a month.” Tip: Learn about collectibles that are genuinely valuable and niche areas such

YouTube may not be the most popular app among retirees, but it of fers solid oppor tunities to make money. “Grandfluencers” also post short videos on Instagram. “I’ve also seen some really creative YouTubers in the retirement space,” Wingard said. They share “experiences from their previous field, passing those stories on to future generations, and even providing consulting for people trying to get a leg up in that same industry.” For instance, Wingard said, one man has a channel where he talks about golf

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from his perspective of being a caddy for several decades. “Talking about your life from that perspective can be a lucrative endeavor,” he said. Tip: Don’t expect to make money at this type of venture if you can’t grow an audience. Research the competition and various social media platforms first.

6. Do something you love

If you’re going to work in retirement for extra money, Zamikovsky said it pays to pursue something you enjoy. She knows a retired couple who didn’t have any experience in photography but went on to establish a lucrative wedding-photography business.

Social Security From page 22

of the problem. Increase payroll taxes slightly: Even a small bump in the rate workers and employers pay could make a significant difference over time. Adjust the benefit formula: This could mean slightly reducing benefits for higher earners while protecting those who depend most heavily on Social Security. Gradually raise the retirement age: This is the least favorite option, because it punishes those who work in physically demanding jobs.

“With their solid reputation, they booked regular weddings and created a fun and meaningful income stream.” The takeaway? “Don’t confine your search or ideas to the tasks and jobs you did pre-retirement,” Zamikovsky said. “Instead, be honest with yourself about what it is you’re good at, what you like to do, and what unique knowledge or product you can offer the world. If you’re going to work during retirement, the work should truly reflect who you are and be something you enjoy.” © 2026 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

What you can do right now

Use your voice! Political pressure might focus the minds of feckless legislators to act. Additionally, create an account at ssa.gov and review your projected benefits. If you are anxious, you could factor in a potential 20% reduction when planning your retirement, and, if possible, boost your other retirement savings. Jill Schlesinger, CFP, is a CBS News business analyst. A former options trader and CIO of an investment advisory firm, she welcomes comments and questions at askjill@jillonmoney.com. Check her website at jillonmoney.com. © 2026 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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

Plan for the two sides of your next act By Jacob Schroeder Much like a vinyl record, retirement for most has two distinct sides. It starts with high energy, then flips to something slower. Each phase has its own rhythm, needs and funding decisions. Plan to make the most of the active, high-energy early years while preparing for the slower, care-focused side.

Side A: Adventurous years

An Allianz survey found that the top aspirations for retirement are to “pursue new hobbies” and “find new adventures.” For many, that happens during the first decade. “This is when people check off the bucket-list items they’ve been dreaming about their whole lives,” said Jacob Martin, CFP and financial adviser at Keeler & Nadler Family Wealth. “I often see clients move to a new city, travel the world and generally make the most of their physical health while they still can.” Spending tends to reflect that burst of activity. JP Morgan research shows that Americans with $1-3 million in investable assets typically hit their peak spending years in midlife and into early retirement, but often see a dip before spending rises again later in life due to healthcare needs. That’s why Martin encourages clients to embrace this early phase. “Some retirees hold back, thinking they’ll spend more later. But this is the decade to really live. Spending more from 65 to 75 often works just fine, since costs usually drop later.” His recommendation? “Set up a regular withdrawal from your investments, like a paycheck, to create a sense of consistent cash flow so you feel confident spending on the things you care about.” Ralph White, principal and financial plan-

ner at Arrivity Financial Planning, suggests creating separate pools of money for different goals. The first is a traditional retirement portfolio invested in a diversified mix of stocks, bonds and two years’ worth of cash reserves for steady spending needs. Then, do something similar for your active retirement years. “Since this is such a finite period of time, I don’t want market downturns to impact this because you can’t get this time back,” he said. “I recommend setting aside funds that are available specifically for travel or other fun activities, ideally in a separate savings or a conservatively invested brokerage account.”

Flip to the next chapter

Eventually, the tempo slows. This transition can stem from changes in health, evolving priorities or the reality of a shrinking budget. According to Martin, this “slower phase” tends to emerge between ages 75 and 85. “This is when I start to see health become a limiting factor,” he said. “Big trips and active pursuits become harder to manage. Even if outside care isn’t yet needed, spending tends to drop and bottom out around age 80.” That shift is rooted in biology: After age 30, strength declines by 10% to 15% per decade until around age 70, when the loss accelerates to 25% to 40% per decade. Planning for “the flip” means making sure your assets can go the distance, especially with inflation eroding your spending power over time. Still, none of this means the music stops.

Side B: slower, quieter

The later years of retirement have a different tempo — slower, more reflective.

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Spending can rise again during this stage, largely due to increased healthcare and caregiving needs. A 65-year-old retiring in 2025 can expect to spend an average of $172,500 on health care over the course of retirement, Fidelity estimates. Genworth’s 2024 Cost of Care Survey pegs the national median annual cost of assisted living at $70,800. Not everyone will require long-term care, and there are different ways to fund it: with an IRA, 401(k), long-term care insurance or a hybrid life insurance/longterm care policy.

How to thrive on side B

Thriving on “side B” isn’t just about finances. Other kinds of preparation can also

make a big difference in your quality of life. People with a sense of purpose experience less cognitive decline. Staying mentally and socially engaged can stave off depression, loneliness and memory loss. Regular volunteering is linked to slower biological aging. And, of course, regular exercise remains one of the most effective tools for aging well. These are years worth looking forward to, as older adults tend to be happier than their younger counterparts. With age comes greater emotional resilience and contentment. Older adults tend to live more in the present, appreciating time rather than constantly planning for what’s next. © 2026 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by TCA, LLC.

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

RICK STEVES EUROPE

Travel Leisure &

Rick Steves’ memoir is based on his early journals. See story on page 29.

Wyoming dude ranch welcomes city slickers than the occasional ranch and picnic site. Located in the woods at the bottom of a red-rock canyon, Blackwater Creek Ranch can accommodate as many as 35 guests in 12 historic log cabins with private bathrooms. My wife, Katherine, and I stayed in a roomy, attractively decorated cabin immediately adjacent to the “stampede” trail. Other than the early wakeups, we slept soundly ever y night in a comfortable king-sized bed. Historic dude ranches sprouted up in the late 1800s, when cattle ranchers began renting rooms to urbanites, whom they referred to as “dudes.” Today about 300 dude ranches offer immersive Western vacations. Blackwater Creek Ranch includes areas for archery, cornhole, horseshoes, volleyball and axe throwing. The lodge, where all meals are served, features a fireplace, communal dining tables and a full bar. But the main activity, the reason everyone was there, was to ride one of the beautiful, sleek, well-groomed horses on the trails leading into the surrounding mountains. PHOTO COURTESY OF BLACKWATER CREEK LODGE AND GUEST RANCH

Tourists on horseback get a closer view of the landscape that Teddy Roosevelt called “the most scenic 50 miles in the U.S.”

Horseback rides

My horse-riding experience is limited, and the results have been mixed. My seminal experience was a horse-packing trip into the Sierra Nevada mountains more than 30 years ago. For the most part, that ride was mellow — and a lot easier than shlepping a 50-pound backpack up a rocky trail in the thin mountain air. But at one point, my horse lost its footing on a steep, muddy section and went down. With stories of hapless riders being crushed by fallen horses flashing through my mind, I scrambled on all fours like an agile teenager to get out of the way of the stricken steed. My old football coach would have been proud. The memory of that near disaster was front of mind when I considered signing up for this trip. The spirit of adventure, however, prevailed, not to mention the prospect of spending

PHOTO COURTESY OF BLACKWATER CREEK LODGE AND GUEST RANCH

By Don Mankin The stampeding horses galloped furiously past me, just a couple of feet away. If I had stepped off the porch of my cabin, I would have been trampled. It felt like a Western movie, except I was in it. This dramatic scene was repeated every morning at 6:30 during a six-day stay at Blackwater Creek Lodge and Guest Ranch, as the ranch’s 45 horses were moved from the upper corral, where they spend the night, to the lower corral near the stables, where they are saddled up every day for trail rides. Blackwater Creek Lodge and Guest Ranch is a historic dude ranch in the mountains of the Shoshone National Forest in northwest Wyoming, the first federally protected National Forest in the United States. At an elevation of 6,000 feet, the ranch is situated just 15 miles east of Yellowstone National Park and 45 miles west of the historic frontier town of Cody. Teddy Roosevelt once called the area “the most scenic 50 miles in the U.S.” Even today, there is nothing else around other

Horses gallop from one corral to another at Blackwater Creek Lodge and Guest Ranch near Cody, Wyoming. The ranch, which dates to 1915, is one of 26 historic dude ranches in the West.

several days away from summer heat in the city. On the first day at the ranch, I mounted my assigned horse, Cook, with trepidation. My fears soon vanished. Cook was steady, responsive to my hesitant, amateurish commands, and seemingly unconcerned by the weight of the elderly, overweight dude on his back. The trail rides took us into the mountains behind the ranch, where we took in some great views. To my relief, the horses just walked; there was no trotting, cantering or galloping. It was the perfect pace for me, if a bit frustrating for the more experienced riders.

Rafting, Yellowstone and rodeo

Riding wasn’t the only activity at the ranch. We also went on a short hike nearby and a whitewater rafting trip on the Shoshone River in Cody. We saw no one else on the river the entire day. The rafting was pretty peaceful, mostly Class I and II rapids with an occasional III, but I still got slapped in the face by several waves and ended the day soaking wet. Another day, we explored the central part of Yellowstone National Park. Shortly after we entered the park, we saw hundreds of bison, my spirit animal, large and shaggy like me. Then we visited the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone for one of the most scenic

views in the American West, followed by a walk through the rainbow wonderland of the thermal Grand Prismatic Spring. The day was capped, fittingly, by the climactic eruption of Old Faithful. The quintessential experience of the week, besides horseback riding and Old Faithful, was the Cody Nite Rodeo. The evening rodeo — after Yellowstone, the top tourist attraction in the area — was quite a “trip,” in the words of the Grateful Dead, for this urban, blue-state guy. In addition to the truly incredible feats of riding, roping, acrobatic trick riding and wrestling of hapless calves, we were immersed in twangy country music, patriotic displays and religious exhortations.

Museums in historic Cody

We also spent a day in Cody checking out its charming, historic downtown as well as its excellent museums. Our first stop was Old Trail Town, 28 historic buildings that were moved from their original sites, reconstructed and arranged like an old Western town. We peeked inside Butch Cassidy’s cabin and Rose William’s Roadhouse and Brothel. We also visited the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, a Smithsonian-affiliated museum, which, as you might have guessed, See WYOMING, page 28

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For real Palm Beach, go beyond mansions By Theresa Pickett With its signature shades of pink and green, Palm Beach, Florida, seemed made for mother-daughter getaways. As a mom of two daughters, ages 16 and 13, I booked a trip there to see if we could make a few memories. To be honest, Palm Beach’s marketing worked on me. I could picture us laughing over brunch at The Colony Hotel and lingering over dinner at Buccan in the kind of picture-perfect moments that filled my social media feeds. “Pack your polos and preppy clothes, girls,” I told them. “Palm Beach calls for pastels.” We arrived expecting the kind of place that looks ready for glossy travel magazines. Palm Beach delivered that and more — welcoming locals, crystal-clear waters and sunsets we’ll remember forever.

Flagler’s legacy

Our first afternoon began with a walking tour by Island Living Tours, which helped us understand the story behind Palm Beach Island, a 16-mile-long barrier island in the Atlantic. At the Flagler Museum, we stepped into the world of Gilded Age excess. Home to Henry Flagler, co-founder (with John D. Rockefeller) of the Standard Oil

Company, the 1902 mansion’s marble halls, ornate ceilings and lavish furnishings reflected unimaginable wealth. Yet the stories behind the splendor were just as compelling. We learned about Flagler’s three marriages and complicated personal history that unfolded inside his 75-room home. My daughters left the mansion with an understanding that wealth and happiness do not always coincide. Our home base was The Ben, a hotel in West Palm Beach on the mainland’s downtown waterfront. Inspired by writer and adventurer Byrd Spilman Dewey’s Ben Trovato Estate, the boutique hotel, part of Marriott’s luxury Autograph Collection, plays up its literary theme. Bookshelves line the lobby and guests can request a “book butler” experience to have books delivered to their room on a silver platter. My daughters noticed the bookshelves in the lobby right away, giving us a place to linger together. They were even more excited about the rooftop pool, where the morning sun illuminated the palm trees and boats drifted through the marina below.

personally, offered samples of every soup and salad dressing on the menu, and made us feel like regulars. He even added our Polaroid photo to the wall. My younger daughter couldn’t wait to order the clam chowder after sampling it, insisting on return trips just to have it again. My older daughter, who had considered a future in finance, surprised me by picturing herself owning a café someday. The owner’s kindness reminded us that success takes many forms, and that a meaningful life is often built around connection.

Unexpected memories

The Ben’s complimentary shuttle to the shore made beach days effortless. After years of crowds and waves in Ocean City, Maryland, my daughters found a new

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Wyoming From page 26

focuses on the man and his wildly popular show, “Buffalo Bill’s Wild West and Congress of Rough Riders of the World,” which toured the world from 1883 to 1913. The center also houses the Whitney Western Art Museum, which displays original paintings and sculptures from both traditional and contemporary artists, includ-

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

ing Frederic Remington and Charles Russell. Other wings house the Plains Indian Museum, the Draper Natural History Museum and the Cody Firearms Museum. On our drive back to the airport on our last day, we stopped at the Heart Mountain WWII Interpretive Center, just a few miles outside of Cody, where 14,000 Japanese American citizens were confined during WWII. The Interpretive Center, also a Smithsonian affiliate, includes so-

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One-stop, round-trip airfare to Cody on United is about $500. Blackwater Creek Ranch provides transportation to and from the airport. The cost for a six-day stay for two people starts at around $7,000. Three-day stays are also available. Don and Katherine were hosted by the Ranch and by Cody Yellowstone, the local tourism bureau. For other vacation ranches in the West and Canada, see duderanch.org.

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Beach for a sunset catamaran cruise, spotting turtles and watching the sun dip below the horizon. Palm Beach delivered the beauty I expected: historic estates, elegant shopping, beautiful hotels and scenery that looked ready for a camera roll. Yet when my daughters and I talk about the trip, those are not the moments we return to first. We remember the café owner who welcomed us. We remember the tour guide’s stories about Palm Beach’s hidden past. We remember the first time we stepped into the calm Atlantic Ocean and the colors of the sunset.

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bering exhibits about this difficult period in American history. I don’t know if I’ll get another opportunity to ride a horse on a scenic mountain trail. I’ll probably never see another trick rider standing on her head on a galloping steed. I doubt I’ll ever again witness dozens of these sleek, beautiful beasts stampeding past me from the safety of a comfy cabin porch. It’s not likely I’ll get back to Yellowstone or to Cody. So, I’m glad I didn’t let my horseback experience from 30 years ago deter me from spending several days exploring the natural wonders and history of this dra-

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Round-trip flights to Palm Beach cost around $250. If you book a flight with Southwest points, combined with Marriott points for a stay at The Ben, it can be an affordable getaway. Average high temperatures are 84 degrees in October, 79 degrees in November and a balmy 76 degrees in December. Most of the attractions within Palm Beach and West Palm Beach require a car, but The Ben has a free shuttle service, dubbed “Bruno,” to bring guests anywhere within two miles. Be sure to stop in Brighten Your Day Café as well as Elisabetta’s Ristorante and Sloan’s Ice Cream. Or visit Green’s, open since 1938, a favorite of John F. Kennedy.

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Keep a journal whenever you travel By Rick Steves My latest book, On the Hippie Trail, is an almost-too-intimate recount of my 1978 overland journey from Istanbul to Kathmandu. It’s also my oldest book, as it’s essentially my journal from that trip, which was packed away and ignored for 42 years. Then, stuck at home during Covid, I stumbled across it. The entries vividly captured moments, smells and emotions — flipping through the pages was like an anthropological dig into a 23-year-old version of myself. On the Hippie Trail is both a treasure — a documentation of that coming-ofage trip — and an ode to journaling itself. Travel can make you a poet. And travel can make you spiritual. Good travel rearranges your cultural furniture, challenging truths you just assumed were selfevident and God-given. You meet people on the road you’d never meet otherwise. By traveling, you learn not only about the people and places you visit; you learn about yourself. But without capturing your thoughts on paper, the lessons of travel are like shooting stars you just missed, butterflies you thought you saw. Collecting intimate details on the road — netting them as they flutter by — and then recording them into a journal sharpens your ability to observe and creates a souvenir you’ll always cherish.

The nitty gritty

Choosing your travel journal is important. I prefer a plain, simple, empty book — hard-bound, so it lasts and gives me something solid to write on. Avoid spiral notebooks; they feel unimportant and fall apart. A hard-bound book filled with your hand-written experiences will become a classic on your bookshelf. I like blank pages, not the ones featuring extra frills and verbose doodads. It’s my journal, not someone else’s chance to decorate my observations. I use black ink or a mechanical pencil. Nothing should compete with the simple words. The key to good journaling is being both observant and disciplined, to take the time to notice what you’re noticing and then jot down your thoughts. I use a tiny pocket-sized notepad to capture the moment right there. Then, when I have time, I pull out my actual journal and organize those notes into something vivid, fun to read and clearly written in the field, complete with squished bugs forever ornamenting the margins. Thinking back, it seems I’ve always wanted to capture my discoveries and eurekas in a journal. On my first trip (as a 14-year-old), I logged my experiences in a file of about 100 postcards, each numbered, packed with my notes, stained with

gelato drips, mailed home and surviving to this day. For every trip after — even back when I was simply a footloose, fancy-free vagabond with no intention of being a travel writer — my journal writing was like a ritual: The flight over came with an introspective inventory of where I was at, psychologically and emotionally. And the flight home came with a similar introspective wrap-up. Each night in between, I wouldn’t go to sleep without writing my day’s experiences, discoveries and thoughts. The book, which started empty, always came home full. Journaling helped me realize my career. As a teenage traveler, I hiked deep into a misty English moor and wrote: “Long-haired goats and sheep seem to gnaw on grass in their sleep. We were lost in a world of green, wind, rocks, and birds — singing, but not present. Then we found the stones. Standing in a circle, they’ve waited for 40 centuries, as if waiting for us to arrive. And in stillness, they entertained. After being alone with our private stone circle, Stonehenge — with

its barbed wire, tour buses, and port-aloos — won’t quite make it.” On the boat to France the next day, I worked on those rough notes and realized that finding such hidden bits of Europe and bringing them home through my writing was what I wanted to do for a living. I mark that as the day I became a “travel writer.” Five decades later, I still snare those magic moments as they flutter by, eager to see what I can build with them. That’s how each of my 50 or so guidebooks have begun. Discovering that 1978 journal was like stepping back into that long-forgotten trip. For the rest of my days, I can travel back to 1978, thanks to that great souvenir: my journal. Rick Steves (ricksteves.com) writes European guidebooks, hosts travel shows on public TV and radio, and organizes European tours. His columns revisit some of his favorite places over the past two decades. You can email Rick at rick@ricksteves.com and follow his blog on Facebook. © 2026 Rick Steves. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) will adjust 20 Ride On bus route schedules starting Sunday, Sept. 6, to improve efficiency, service delivery, and on-time performance. Changes also reflect the new US 29 Flash Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Blue line extension into Howard County, which will begin on Tuesday, Sept. 8. This partnership between Montgomery and Howard Counties will extend the current Flash BRT line along US 29/Colesville Road. The current Blue Route operates between the Silver Spring Transit Center and Burtonsville. The extension will provide another four Flash stops north into Howard County, connecting to the Mall at Columbia and Merriweather. The extension will follow the Blue Route schedule, operating every 15 minutes during weekday rush hours.

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Prevent Falls. Protect Your Independence. Are you concerned about your balance or worried about falling? A simple accident like tripping on a rug or slipping on a wet floor can change your life. Whether you call it a fall, a slip, or a tumble, falls can lead to serious injuries and loss of independence. Falls remain the leading cause of death due to injury for older Americans. While managing fall risk is a normal part of aging, falls themselves are not! Falling down is not inevitable. The best plan to reduce the risk of falls includes staying active, making our homes safe, checking our vision, and getting a medication check-up.

STAY ACTIVE Regular physical activity helps maintain and improve strength, balance, flexibility and coordination—all crucial factors in preventing falls. • Strength Training: Strong muscles help support and stabilize the body, making it easier to maintain balance. • Balance Exercises are key to reducing the risk of falls. Activities that focus on balance, such as tai chi, can make a significant difference. • Flexibility and Stretching: Flexibility exercises keep muscles and joints limber, making it easier to react and recover if you begin to fall.

MAKE YOUR HOME SAFER Creating a safe living environment is essential. Many falls occur at home due to hazards that can be easily addressed with thoughtful modifications. • Remove tripping hazards: Clear walkways of clutter, electrical cords and loose rugs. • Ensure all areas are well lit, especially staircases and hallways. Use nightlights to help navigate rooms when it’s dark. • Install grab bars and handrails in the bathroom near the toilet and inside and outside the bathtub or shower. • Rearrange furniture to provide clear, wide paths through the home. • Wear lightweight shoes with antislip soles.

VISION CHECK-UP Have your vision checked yearly and update your eyeglasses if needed. You may have a condition like glaucoma or cataracts that limits your vision. Poor vision can increase your chances of falling.

MEDICATION REVIEW Have your pharmacist review your medicines with a focus on fall prevention. Medicines that may increase fall risk include sleep

medications, painkillers, mood medications and blood pressure medications. Discuss all prescribed drugs, over-the-counter medications and supplements you are taking to ensure they do not interact in ways that could impair balance or coordination.

RESOURCES Here are a few more resources for Fall Prevention: AARP HomeFit Guide: A free publication (available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese) featuring smart ways to make a home comfortable, safe, and a great fit for older adults. www.aarp.org/livablecommunities/housing/ info-2020/homefit-guidedownload.html Stay Independent: The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) has a brochure called “Stay Independent,” which focuses on the main things you can do to prevent falls. www.cdc.gov/steadi/ pdf/STEADI-BrochureStayIndependent-508.pdf

www.montgomerycountymd.gov/senior

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

PHOTO BY MONTGOMERY HISTORY

Style Arts &

The new Montgomery History Center is taking shape in a historic Rockville bank. See story on p. 32.

Maryland Pulitzer Prize winner talks aging I was 16 was so helpful. Is it true that you were the worst employee [the D.C. bookstore] Politics and Prose ever had? Yes, I think they would say that. I was really chatty. I was one of those employees who, when someone would come in and ask for a book that I thought was not of the highest quality, I would be a jerk about it. That’s part of being a bookstore employee, to push people toward other books. But it was really wonderful because Carla Cohen, who is one of the original founders of Politics and Prose, was the mother of my oldest friend. Carla was like another mom to me, and that was my first job. Carla was a very straightforward person and would tell me when I was doing things wrong. She would give me advice, as years went on, about being a writer. She thought it was ridiculous for me to think that I could make a living as a writer. She told me that normal writers can’t make a living. She did not live to see me achieve my dreams, which is just a shame — she would have loved that. She would have just been out of her mind with happiness because she held writers in great esteem. What’s it like to go to Politics and Prose now for a reading and see teachers and other people from your past? It’s lovely to see people show up who were paying attention when I was a teenager, who kept their eye on me. They were looking out for me because they knew I was gay, although I didn’t know, and they were protective of me. I was a writer back then, too, and they were curious to watch me grow. I think that’s fun for a teacher, to know you contributed something to someone’s life. You published your first successful novel, The Confessions of Max Tivoli, in 2003. What was it like to have John Updike praise it? My agent called and left a message and said, “Call me back; I need to talk to you.” I didn’t know what it was about, and I called him up, and he read the review from The New Yorker by John Updike, and I just burst into tears. To be taken that seriously in the pages of The New Yorker by the greatest living man of letters of that time was so extraordinary. How do you see yourself in the

By Margaret Foster Andrew Sean Greer grew up in Rockville, Maryland, the son of two scientists. After writing five novels, he was as surprised as the rest of the literary community when, in 2018, he won the Pulitzer Prize for Literature for his sixth novel, Less. It was the first time a comedic novel had won the prize. This summer his latest novel, Villa Coco, was published. Set in Italy, where Greer lives part-time, the book highlights a friendship between a recent college graduate and a 92-year-old grand dame known as the Baronessa. We caught up with Greer by phone from his home in San Francisco two weeks before he came to Washington, D.C., for the National Book Festival. How often do you get back to Maryland? Are your parents still living? They are, but neither of them lives in Rockville. My mother lives near me in San Francisco, in Marin County, and my father lives in Winchester, Virginia. My dad is going to come into D.C. for the National Book Festival and be my date to the reception at the Library of Congress. He’ll like that kind of thing. Your parents were chemists. Were you good at chemistr y? I was not good at chemistry. I got a B minus, which was not acceptable in my house. My parents blamed the teacher, but let’s also blame me. Your character Arthur Less played baseball as child. Did you play baseball too? Not very effectively. I was so bad that the other dads tried to get me and my [twin] brother thrown off the team. We were 12 or something. ... I did catch the ball one time. I think that was one of the greatest moments of my mother’s life. How old were you when you discovered that you could write or loved to write? I mean, you can’t really write much when you’re 10, but I sure tried. I wrote a novel when I was 16. That was a really formative experience because I thought, well, I’ll just write two pages every night. It turns out, that is how you write a novel. I didn’t try to write it all in one weekend. I understood that it was a gradual process, and that habit that I set up when

Andrew Sean Greer, who grew up in Rockville, won the Pulitzer Prize for Literature in 2018 for his comedic novel, Less. His new book, Villa Coco, “is about friendships and growing old,” he said.

long tradition of comedic literature? Comedy is important for humans and literature. I find myself often having to gently defend comedy as part of literature. The tradition in literature goes back to Don Quixote, the first novel, to Voltaire and Jonathan Swift. It’s a little lofty to see myself as part of that. In England, they’re more aware of [comedy] being part of the tradition than in the United States. I don’t know why, but we recently forgot about this. Updike is a great example. Almost all of his books are comedies. Philip Roth’s first books were all comedies, and that was accepted as great literature. But we lost it sometime in the ‘80s, when we went to dirty realism and minimalism. Comedy is a great way for writers who feel like outsiders to comment on their lives. Roth is a great example of that because he was a new generation of Jewish writers. A lot of the old-generation Jewish writers hated him because he was making fun of something that they felt was serious. But it was a new expression of that feeling of being uncomfortable in the world that you want to be a part of. I’m definitely part of that tradition. What was it like to hear that you won the Pulitzer Prize? I was working in Italy, and it was nighttime. I had been training a pug to wear diapers. Margaret Atwood was coming to this writer’s residency where I worked, and I didn’t want the dog pooping all over

the dining room floor. I thought that would be unseemly. So I had ordered special diapers with suspenders, and I was training the dog. After I put the dog to bed, my boyfriend showed me his phone. This was hours and hours after it had been announced in New York, but I wasn’t aware of any of that. He showed me the headline of the San Francisco Chronicle that said, “Local author Andrew Sean Greer wins Pulitzer Prize in Literature,” and I just said, “That’s not true.” Then I looked at all my texts, and I had 100 texts. I called Michael Chabon, who had won the Pulitzer Prize in 2001, and I said, “What is going on?” If it was some sort of phony thing, I wanted to know that as soon as possible. He just said, “Am I the first person to tell you?” He was so excited. Why did you move to Italy? When I came to Italy in 2005 for the writer’s residency, it was really transformative. I was introduced to a world where it was taken for granted that you knew everything about art and world literature, old films, how to dress. You were supposed to be cultured. Not just because some of these people were aristocrats — there’s a depth and interest that isn’t about showing off; it’s just because the history is so deep there. That was stunning to me. I kept going back and learned how to have a sense of humor about things — and See ANDREW GREER, page 32

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New center will keep MoCo’s past present By Barbara Ruben Just off Rockville Pike, the grave marker of F. Scott Fitzgerald and his wife, Zelda, bears a quote from The Great Gatsby: “So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.” Less than a mile away, a new portal to the past, the Montgomery History Center, will open early next year. The nonprofit Montgomery History purchased the historic Farmer’s Banking and Trust building in downtown Rockville last year. Inside the 126-year-old Art Deco building, which most recently housed an M&T Bank, visitors will be able to view exhibits from the group’s collection more than 10,000 artifacts and attend lectures about county history. The center will also include a library and oral history recording studio where residents can tell their stories. “We want people to understand that this isn’t a history that exists outside of them, but that they’re part of that history — and they’re making history every day.” said Matthew Logan, Montgomer y Histor y’s executive director. “We want to be considered a resource and a destination for everyone who calls

Andrew Greer From page 31

how to deal with a crisis. [My husband and I lived in Milan.] Then I wanted a place to write, and we landed on an absurd solution: Venice. Everyone asks, “Isn’t it crowded and hot?” That’s what I thought. … Yet [my husband] is from outside of Venice, so he knew people who lived there. There’s another city that tourists don’t see, which is not crowded. It’s a sleepy little harbor town.

Montgomery County home.”

An 82-year-old organization

Since 1944 Montgomery History has been celebrating and archiving the county’s past at its current headquarters in Rockville. Located nearby in Beall-Dawson Historic Park, its campus includes a historic house, a small museum of 19th-century medicine and a medicinal herb garden. Logan said Montgomery History had hoped to open the center this fall to coincide with the county’s 250th anniversary. On Sept. 6, 1776, the Continental Congress created Montgomery County by lopping off the southern portion of Frederick County, naming it for General Richard Montgomery, a Revolutionary War hero who died in action in 1775 fighting for the Continental Army in Quebec. Although construction and permitting delays have pushed the opening back by a few months, Montgomery History plans to hold a 250th celebration on Oct. 10 at the Glen Echo Park Spanish ballroom with a fife and drum band, activities and re-enactors of historic figures such as Benjamin Franklin. How much is your new novel, Villa Coco, based on your own life? It is [autobiographical] in a way, but people often think that novels are ways that writers work through their own problems in a sort of costume drama of fiction. Actually, it’s the reverse. There’s something you’re thinking about, and you use all of the facts of your life to fill it out. Villa Coco is about old friendships and growing old and coming into yourself as a young person. That’s not what happened to me in Tuscany. When I was living and work-

No w On Stag e

Capturing oral histories

A facet of the new Montgomery History Center will be the Connie Chung Oral History Studio. Chung, the first woman to co-anchor the CBS Evening News and the first Asian-American to anchor any network news program, grew up in Silver Spring. “I was flabbergasted when I was told” about the name, Chung said in a Montgomery History video about the studio. “Not in my wildest dreams could I have imagined, as a kid going to Montgomery Blair High School, that this honor would be bestowed on me. Montgomery County meant a lot to our family, and I think it made a big difference to us because it was known for its diversity and community spirit.” The studio will record a variety of voices, adding to oral histories the nonprofit has already collected over the years. “Right now, we’re primarily identifying people who have a special story to tell, not just VIPs and elected officials, but people who have started important businesses or who represent an era in our county’s history. There may be people, for instance, who were early, say, Salva-

doran immigrants,” Logan said. “If any of your readers are interested and think they have something they’d like to share, they should reach out to us. We’d be happy to talk to them.” Montgomery History has also gathered some oral histories with the help of younger residents. In a partnership with Rockville High School, students interviewed their parents and grandparents about their lives. The organization hopes to start a program where people can drop in with their grandchildren or other family members to share their histories. “This intergenerational sharing is incredibly powerful as a way to bring people together. They see the things they hold in common, the values they share. They understand the struggles from where the other person came and the challenges that they’re facing,” Logan noted. “That, of course, develops empathy and caring and love. Those are the values that extend to the larger community. That, to me, is the most critical reason why we share history.” To learn more, visit montgomeryhistory.org.

ing in Tuscany, I was in my 40s, so I wasn’t particularly growing old. But I paid attention to everything around me, and I kept a diary. I realized that all these details could be used in this other story I was telling. What do you think of growing old? Italy has a basic idea that older generations are still part of the vibrant life of a city or a small town. They are out late. They are dancing; they are drinking. They are not put away in some other room. The older you get, the more dressed up you’re supposed to be. You strive forward with a sort of beauty, elegance and a sense of humor. That is something I kept picking up from the people around me. They had been through very painful times — war and loss and death. One of the reasons I was friends with them is that they had lost the friends who were their age.

I would challenge these much older people, and they thought that was pretty hilarious, but they would change. They listened. We’re able to change, and that desire to keep changing is important. I’m trying to keep that in mind. I need to make younger friends to keep challenging me and to keep life amusing. I’m only 55, but I’m still pretty far through my life. I’ve realized there’s a lot of things you can just let go of that are a great relief: all kinds of vanity and trying to impress people or hanging out with people who bore you. There’s no time for that at all. You realize who you are and you commit more to that and less to what you’re supposed to be, or what people expect, and you just don’t care anymore. I’m sure you’ve met people who are in their 80s, and they do not give a f***. I’m on an arc, aiming for that.

SIX PerformanceS: SEPT. 25-OCT. 4 Sept. 25, 26 and Oct. 2, 3 at 8 p.m.

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$24 Adults $22 Seniors (65+) $22 Students Group pricing available. Call the box office for more information.

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Nonfiction thrillers expose serious issues By Joshua Z. Rokach Traditionally, works of nonfiction convey facts, while fiction tells good stories. Yet each of these three creative nonfiction books tells as good a story as any novel, albeit within the framework of real-world situations. Neptune’s Fortune: The BillionDollar Shipwreck and the Ghosts of the Spanish Empire, by Julian Sancton, Crown 2026, 384 pages This epic story about a 1708 shipwreck off the coast of Cartagena, Colombia, then a Spanish colony, and the quest to salvage the vessel, encompasses vanished empires, the Cold War, competition between archaeology and plunder and the eccentric characters in those worlds. On top of that, Julian Sancton, a New York Times bestselling author and editor at the Hollywood Reporter, poses difficult questions. The declining cash-strapped Spanish Empire and the upstart British Empire vie for control of the seas. A battle pits complacent Spanish naval officers in obsolete galleons against daring British officers, who consign the galleon San Jose to a forgotten, watery grave. The colorful main character, Roger Dooley, is an Irish Brooklynite whose parents took him to Cuba, where he grew up under the unscrupulous Fidel Castro. Sancton describes the ups and downs of life under the mercurial dictator and the origins of Dooley’s obsession; the twists and turns of Dooley’s personal and professional life; his ultimate disillusionment with Communism; and his divorce and remarriage. The plot unfolds. After Dooley’s return to the States, his adventurous life leads to his obtaining backing from a British billionaire and three Colombian presidents for two expeditions that locate the wreck.

I won’t give away the ending. Sancton lays out the rivalries among UNESCO, which calls for leaving treasures undisturbed; Colombia, which wants to raise the wreck to teach history; and salvagers, who want to make money. He also illuminates the dispute between Colombia — the site of the wreck — and Spain over who owns the San Jose, a battle between preserving history and selling off its treasure. Torched: How a City Was Left to Burn, and the Olympic Rush to Rebuild LA, by Joseph Vigliotti, Atria/ One Signal Publishers 2026, 320 pages On New Year’s Day 2025, the Palisades Wildfire sparked, scorching large parts of Los Angeles and killing 31 people. In its aftermath, the city and state rushed to rebuild for the 2028 Olympics. Joseph Vigliotti, a Los Angeles-based CBS News correspondent who covered the inferno, vividly describes the fire’s origin (the jailed suspect in the arson case awaits his retrial) and the unfolding destruction. He details the history of the Palisades, including past fires, and the lessons the city and state should have learned from them. Vigliotti focuses on Mayor Karen Bass’ trip to Africa despite the fire’s imminence. Her office kept her destination, Ghana, a secret, while the acting mayor and other key officials remained timid. A key municipal office stood vacant, and even Governor Gavin Newsom failed to engage. We also learn what went right. The National Weather Service responded to a prior wildfire by creating an accurate predictive model, and the head of the local office sounded the alarm. The fire chief did all she could. The owner of a private

enclave knew what to do, coating flammable material and pre-positioning private fire companies. The fire spared that neighborhood. The tale illustrates a troubling big picture: With climate change and yearround windblown wildfires, houses need fire-resistant materials, and subdivisions require lower density and expensive backup services. Rushed construction invites catastrophe. Beyond the scope of Torched, we must learn how, within this framework, to build affordable neighborhoods for increasing populations. Our survival depends on it. When the Forest Breathes: Renewal and Resilience in the Natural World, by Suzanne Simard, Knopf 2026, 336 pages In her first bestselling book, Finding the Mother Tree, forest ecologist Suzanne

Simard showed how trees and vegetation in forests interact, creating a living organism. Her new book tells the story of coping with her mother’s Alzheimer’s disease and the death of her beloved Canadian woodlands. Logging old-growth trees, thought to be environmentally sound, has had the opposite effect. Replanting random trees, as opposed to native ones, and removing the top layer of the forest floor accelerate degradation. Simard reflects on the wisdom of Indigenous practices, which contradicted government policy. As professor of Forest Ecology at the University of British Columbia, she convinced authorities to allow her to prove her conclusions scientifically, with control groups and multiple experiments. The surprising results show how individuals must take control of the fight against climate change.

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2026 Guberna Gubernattoria oriall GENERAL ELECTION EARLY VOTING: OCTOBER 22-29 ELECTION DAY: NOVEMBER 3

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Request your Mail-in ballot. To apply, text VBM to 77788. For more information visit 777vote.org or call 240-777-8500. Poll workers needed! To apply, text SERVE + your email to 77788 (example: SERVE johndoe@email.com) or call 240-777-8533 TODAY!

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Art supplies get a new life at reuse centers By Adithi Ramakrishnan Charlene Catalano was looking for a ball of green-and-white yarn to crochet this year’s winter scarf. Instead of going to a big-box retail store, she found what she needed at Brooklyn Creative Reuse, along with gently used crochet kits, hooks, labels and other bits. It all cost just $6. “Nowadays, art is popping off, so things are more expensive,” Catalano said. “It has the perfect amount of what I need.” The Brooklyn store is one of hundreds of creative reuse centers across the U.S. and beyond that aim to keep art supplies out of landfills. They typically sell donated arts and crafts materials at steep discounts — like thrift stores for crafting. Art supplies typically come in bulk — like a pack of markers or a ream of construction paper — and outlast the kids’ project or at-home craft they’re intended for. When thrown away, they degrade in landfills, and certain items can release harmful chemicals and microplastics into the environment.

Reusing art supplies is one small step to avoid that, with some centers saving thousands of pounds of materials from reaching landfills each month. “Reducing waste is the first benefit. But also, you can be more creative when you’re in a large warehouse and looking at things that you could not source yourself,” said Julian Silverman, a materials scientist at New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology.

How reuse makes a difference

Art is an expensive hobby, so shopping secondhand can keep costs down. At reuse centers, crafters can collect a few ribbons and fabric scraps instead of entire spools or bolts. Brooklyn Creative Reuse prices most supplies at $3 a pound. Some centers also price items individually. Art supplies also require water and energy to make, pack and ship, so reusing them helps reduce the resources needed for new ones. For example, it takes about 13 gallons (49 liters) of water to make one gallon of paint, Silverman said.

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The supplies also tend to have a lot of packaging for their size, Silverman said, such as a marker sold in a plastic package with cardboard backing. Even more packaging also is needed to encase lightsensitive products like paint. In landfills, synthetic bristles on paintbrushes can take hundreds of years to degrade, while their plastic handles take up to a thousand years, Silverman said. When paints break down, they can release microplastics and heavy metals like cadmium and cobalt. “Basically, our paint is plastic,” said Zoie Diana, an environmental scientist at Barnard College. Diana said artists should focus on environmental factors that are within their control, but also not feel guilty about their pursuits. She noted that paint used for art is a smaller source of pollution than what flakes off roads, buildings and boats.

Buy only what you need

The principles of sustainable art include buying only what you need and donating what you don’t instead of throwing it away. How you clean your paintbrushes can also make a difference. Wipe used brushes with a rag and peel off old paint instead of washing it down the drain. This

step prevents microplastics in the paint from being pumped to wastewater treatment facilities, Diana said, where they can sneak through into lakes and rivers. Artists can also look into drop-off programs that recycle paints. Creative crafters can further repurpose household materials for art projects. Silverman, the materials scientist, boils down onion skins and beets into colorful inks that he uses for tie-dye projects. He also recommends upcycling old makeup into paints and inks. “You don’t need to spend any money to get walnut shells, for example, and play with those,” said Silverman. Picking up paint supplies at Brooklyn Creative Reuse inspired artist and teacher Rosina Morelli to fish through her own drawers and cabinets. “What I’m most happy for is my chance to donate stuff, not buy stuff,” Morelli said, “so that I can give it to other people that are going to be excited and use it, instead of me just throwing it out.” Creative reuse centers exist in the DMV. Check out Upcycle Creative Reuse Center at 2397 S. Dove St., Alexandria, VA, Scrap Happy at BlackRock Center for the Arts, 12901 Town Commons Dr., Germantown, MD, or go to shorturl.at/74Pby for a list of creative reuse centers. —AP

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Makes a great gift! | Arts & Style

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

When the past keeps you up at night try to keep a poker face. Suddenly, deliverance. A young man I barely knew raised his hand. “I did it,” he said. Off he went to the principal’s office. To this day, I have no idea what dreadful fate befell him there. All I knew is that the real soaper had escaped.

The weeks and months rolled along. I made vow after vow to ask the young man why he had fallen on his sword for The New Kid. But I never did. Had the Admitter gotten confused? Had he soaped the mirrors on some other day, and figured he was just now See BOB LEVEY, page 37

BEACON BITS

Sept. 22+ TEA AND JAZZ FOR F. SCOTT FITZGERALD

Celebrate F. Scott Fitzgerald’s 130th birthday in style: Enjoy

high tea with mimosas while listening to live jazz. This event takes place on Tue., Sept. 22 and Wed., Sept. 23 at 1 p.m. at Strathmore Mansion, 10701 Rockville Pike, North Bethesda, MD. The cost is $45 per person. To register, visit bit.ly/Fitzgeraldbirthday. For more information, visit fitzgeraldfestival.com, call (240) 389-2636 or email fscottfestival@gmail.com.

Sept. 24

FREE TALK AT THE FOLGER Visit the Folger Shakespeare Library every month for a free lecture from scholars. This month, learn about 18th-century

actresses, food pickling and recipes from early modern England. The talk takes place on Thu., Sept. 24 at 4:30 p.m. in the Great Hall of the Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 East Capitol St. SE, Washington, DC. Tickets are not required, and seating is first-come, first-served. For more information, visit folger.edu, call (202) 544-4600 or email folgerboxoffice@folger.edu.

WB0926

A girl in our class was reading aloud It’s 3:00 in the morning — again. Can’t sleep — again. Try counting sheep — and mispronounced a word. I exploded, disdainfully, with the correct again. Doesn’t work — again. version. I spent the rest of the So I decide to ask an old, day in the principal’s office. favorite middle-of-the-night A week later, on the playquestion. What have I done ground, my male classmates in my long life that I’ve never dared me to steal the dodgemade right? ball of a female classmate. I I flutter mentally across did the deed. She cried. I the loves and semi-loves that paid — before the principal I ended badly. I recall the once again. time I was nasty to a guy who cut me off in traffic. I land on And then one morning, still not having achieved cool the episode 50 years ago HOW I SEE IT status, I went into the boys’ when a car-rental agency un- By Bob Levey dercharged me by a whole bathroom. No one was there bunch of money, and I never uttered a other than me. An idea welled up. Why not, to attract peep. And then, at 3:10 a.m., The Soap Epi- some guffaws, soap all the mirrors? So I did. sode returned, as it always does. Great gobs of suds covered all the I recall it as clearly as if it had happened yesterday — which it didn’t, by a glass. No one saw me do it. I was a master criminal. factor of more than 70 years. Now I had to get back to class undeI had moved to a new school for the fourth grade. Cliques had already formed. tected and unblamed. Easier said than Desperate to make friends and to be done. About three minutes later, our teacher accepted, I tried extra hard at football and math. Neither worked very well. I stood before the entire class and demanded that the culprit confess. was the new kid, the outcast. So in my not-yet-shaving wisdom, I deHis eyes swept the room. Nervous titcided that misbehaving would make me ters broke out. So did sweat — on the popular. back of my neck. But I was determined to

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

Crossword Puzzle

Find a new crossword every day on our website at www.TheBeaconNewspapers.com/puzzles. This Puzzle is in is 3-D! This Puzzle in 3-D! 1

25 28

Jumble answers on p. 39

51 58

52 61

1. Speak at the awards ceremony 5. Tire indentations 10. Reservoir creators 14. Monster, usually with pointy teeth 15. Garlicky sauce 16. Ingredient in some formulas of Cortizone-10 17. End of a decision window (in 0-D) 20. Muse of love poetry 21. Part of “the best” and “the brightest” 22. Adam did it to all the animals 23. World’s largest hot desert 25. Ingredient in some hot desserts 27. Fund source (in 1-D) 33. First word in A Visit from St. Nicholas 36. Hotel, out in the country 37. Et ___ (“there are more, but you don’t need to know all of them”) 38. Shoemaker’s tool, entirely 39. Item at an amazingly low price 41. Clean a spill 42. Serve as a communication bridge 45. Ending for gond- and gran46. Easier said than ___ 47. Ecological balance (in 2-D) 50. Offspring 51. Plant that thrives in a marsh 55. Take another shot at an ascot 58. Boy, eventually 61. Make a picnic basket 62. Where to best focus your energy (in 3-D!) 65. Shapes for peace, victory, and waterfowl travel 66. One from Japan or Jordan 67. Like many Slytherins 68. First of the “agon” shapes 69. On edge 70. Little League coaches, usually 1. Bounds along 2. Greek marketplace

Down

Across

30 37

19 21

Scrabble answers on p. 39

10 16

By Stephen Sherr By Stephen Sherr

3. Dickens’ villain Heep (or a barber school, spelled backwards) 4. Some X-rays 5. Chinese “path” 6. Widespread 7. Many, many, many moons 8. Numerous 9. ESE or NNW 10. Rolodex, or Excel file 11. Univ. donor, most likely 12. Get ___ bang for the buck 13. Use the Pony (or Federal) Express 18. Piano-rocker, Amos 19. ___ nous 24. Sambuca suggestion 26. Standing ovation, for example 28. Hoarse doctor, briefly 29. “I’ll have ___ everything on the menu” 30. Early version to show the investors 31. Smooth out the wrinkles 32. One item in the Red Cross 40-Piece First Aid Kit 33. Softest known mineral 34. One of its 2,194 days was D-Day 35. Banned apple spray 40. Last word in the Pledge of Allegiance 43. Most gross 44. More like Bugs Bunny than Elmer Fudd 46. Removed cookies from the hard drive 48. Pass through a cell membrane 49. First-year deer 52. Caterpillar or grub 53. Like an oval, but In 3-D! 54. “The ___ Fargo Wagon is a-comin’ down the street!” 55. Acronym at the bottom of a wedding invite 56. Sword that may be held in a French or pistol grip 57. Partner of now 59. One terrifying visual in Jaws 60. Contracts that limit job mobility 63. Serve as a judge at a chili cook-off 64. Lowest product star rating, commonly

Crossword answers on p. 39

Makes a great gift! | Arts & Style

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

Bob Levey

ONE BIG HAPPY

From page 35

By Rick Detorie

being caught? Did he like the chair in the principal’s office? Years rolled by — many, many years. In 2014, classmates convened a reunion of that elementary school bunch. Sixty years had flown. About 16 people attended, all in surprisingly good shape. The Admitter was among them. I found a dose of courage, got him off to one side and asked him why he had copped to a crime that I had committed. He said he didn’t remember doing it. Nor did he remember the incident at all. Oh, come on, I insisted. You went to the principal’s office when I should have gone! I was guilty. You were innocent. Let me somehow make it right after all this time! Sorry, he said. I don’t remember. By now, it’s 3:15 a.m. I have mentally replayed both the original incident and the conversation at the reunion. I decide that I simply have to do something to right an old wrong. But what? The soaped mirror doesn’t care, if it ever did. The principal and his office chair are long gone. The Admitter hasn’t harbored a grudge against me all these years. In fact, we were (and still are) friends. The bottom line is uncomfortable, but clear. I’ve gotten away with one. It’s 3:18 a.m. I murmur softly to the far wall, “No one died. No one committed a felony. Get over it, old man.” The next thing I know, it’s 7:40 a.m. Sun is streaming through the curtains. If the Admitter has forgotten, maybe it’s time that I did, too. Bob Levey is a national award-winning columnist.

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CLASSIFIEDS The Beacon prints classified advertising under the following headings: Business & Employment Opportunities; Caregivers; Computer Services; Entertainment; For Sale; For Sale/Rent: Real Estate; Free; Health; Home/ Handyman Services; Miscellaneous; Obituaries; Personals; Personal Services; Vacation Opportunities; and Wanted. For submission guidelines and deadlines, see the box on page 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. I’M A LICENSED NURSING ASSISTANT with years of experience. I’m seeking a full time private duty job. I will provide health care services, companionship, grooming, light house keeping, meal prep, errands. Call Ola 301-9965180. A HOME HEALTHCARE - Experienced nurses, CNA, GNA are available 24/7. Cooking, companionship, personal care, housekeeping, driving. Full/Part-time or live-in care. 15 years’ experience. 240-533-6599. Computer Services COMPUTERS, TELEVISIONS, CELL PHONE Help For Seniors. We offer patient and thorough help for seniors with all matter of technology. We come to your home. We service MD, VA and DC. Call Senior Tech Pro at 301-337-0028. Available 24/7 Ask for Philip.

Events 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

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

For Sale

Miscellaneous

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CEMETERY PLOT / Double Depth / Two Person / Vault Included / Bronze Memorial & Polished Granite Base Included / Parklawn Memorial Park and Menorah Gardens, Rockville, Maryland (Jewish Faith Section). $10,000 or best offer. 301-910-4082 - MARC GLATT. BURIAL PLOTS FOR SALE - Three separate side-by-side burial plots available at Parklawn Memorial Park & Menorah Gardens in Rockville, Maryland. Located in Block 4, Lots 379-381, Sites 1 & 2. Six total spaces available. Ideal for individuals, couples, or family planning. $7,500 per plot. Will subdivide. Private owner. Call 240838-6334 or email hookadeeez@gmail.com for information. Serious inquiries only please. 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.

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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 (240-4640958) or email (david.obal63@gmail.com). WE PURCHASE ESTATES — Large or small. House calls made seven days a week. Buying furniture, art, glassware, pottery, decorative arts, jewelry, silver, coins, etc. High-end vintage preferred. Call Tom, anytime, day or night. All calls returned. 301-654-8678. ALWAYS BUYING Comic Books (1930’s to 1990’s), costume jewelry (pre-1980’s), old coins & paper money....U.S. & Foreign and stamp collections.....hey.... almost anything before 1980 I can hold in my arms... Call or Text Me Now: Alex at 571-426-5363. PAYING TOP CASH FOR ANTIQUES AND COLLECTIBLES. Housecalls made with prompt, courteous service seven days a week and 25 years of experience! Buying toys, trains, militaria, glassware, advertising merchandise, paper items and much more! Contact Mason or Megan at: 443-306-8816. COINS, STAMPS, PAPER MONEY, & AUTOGRAPHS WANTED. Paying top prices. Free estimates — Will travel. No collection too large or too small. 50 years of experience. Licensed. Member of major associations. Call Dirk at 301-7045453 or email dirkkitchin@earthlink.net. WANTED: OLDER VIOLINS, GUITARS, BANJOS, MANDOLINS, UKULELES. Musician/collector will pay cash for older string instruments. Jack (240) 731-5353, please leave message & phone number. CASH FOR RECORDS, CDS AND DVDS. Best price guaranteed. Free appraisals. All types of music {33, 45, 78 & CDs.} Also buying turntables and stereo equipment. Will make house calls with CURBSIDE PICKUPS. Call or text Steve at 301-646-5403. CASH FOR ESTATES; moving, downsizing, single item, or whole estate. I buy a wide range of items. Gary Roman, TheAtticLLC.com. 301520-0755. CASH FOR JEWELRY: Buying jewelry, diamonds, gold, platinum, silver, watches, coins, flatware, etc. Ask for Tom. Call anytime, 301654-8678 (Reg. 883). I BUY GUNS & MILITARY MEMORABILIA (Military/civilian firearms, medals, uniforms & insignia from all wars). Check out Mid-Atlantic Military Antiques positive reviews on Google. 301-201-0241. historian1975@gmail.com. www.midatlanticmilitaryantiques.com

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Miscellaneous THE MEDICAL PRACTICE OF KEVIN M GIL, MD located at 15200 SHADY GROVE ROAD #207 Rockville MD has been transferred to Dr. Phyllis Acquah, MD effective 1 June 2026. This is the date of his retirement from the practice of medicine. Patients will continue to have access to their medical records and may request copies by contacting Dr. Acquah’s office at the same location, telephone number 301610-0500. This notice will run once a month for three months. A copy of this notice will go to the Maryland Board of Physicians.

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BEACON BITS

Sept. 26

COMMUNITY FALL DANCE

Catch an evening of music, dancing and community under the night sky, along with dinner and dessert. Come to the outdoor pavilion at Olney Baptist Church, 17525 Georgia Ave., Olney, MD, on Sat., Sept. 26 from 6 to 8 p.m. Please bring a non-perishable food item to donate for families facing food insecurity. Free and open to all. For more information and to register, visit bit.ly/fallcommunitydance.

Oct. 8+

WATERMEDIA EXHIBIT AND RECEPTION

This free watermedia exhibit explores the possibilities of watercolor, gouache, acrylic and ink while showcasing color, texture and techniques across a range of artistic styles. The exhibit runs through Jan. 25, 2027, with a meet-the-artists reception on Thu., Oct. 8 from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Activity Center at Bohrer Park, 506 S. Frederick Ave., Gaithersburg, MD. For more information, call (301) 258-6394 or email artgalleries@gaithersburgmd.gov.

Ongoing

FOLK MUSIC OPEN MIC

The Institute of Musical Traditions hosts a listening-room-style open mic featuring weekly artists on Tuesdays at the School of Musical Traditions, 7112 Willow Ave., Takoma Park, MD. Sign-up begins at 6:30 p.m., and music starts at 7 p.m. This event is free, but donations for the featured artists are appreciated. For more information, visit imtfolk.org/home or call (301) 960-3655.

Makes a great gift!

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

FROM PAGE 36 ANSWERS TO SCRABBLE

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

ANSWERS TO JUMBLE Jumbles: HOUND FRUIT AFLOAT VERIFY Answer: The Big Bad Wolf couldn’t blow down the pig’s house made of bricks, so he -- LEFT IN A HUFF

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

INDEPENDENT LIVING

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