FREE Tech Help Including Cyber-Seniors, Presentations Sponsored by FHNN and Other Villages, OLLI Classes, Send Us Your Ideas, and Opera Highlights!

Dear Members, Volunteers and Friends, This eblast focuses on learning and fun! We have something for everyone so please keep reading. If you need help with Zoom, don’t be shy, email or call us and we will try to help.

• We are leading off with Cyber-Seniors, a terrific way to learn the new technology, and two FHNN classes to kickstart the process.
• Be sure to register for FHNN’s Virtual May events including Coping with COVID Dialogue, Crafts and Chat, Meditation, and Men’s Meetup.
• You are invited to Virtual presentations organized by Little Falls Village and Bethesda Metro Village.
• Many of our members enjoy the OLLI classes which are reasonably priced and now virtual. The link to their June and July classes is below.
• We want YOUR IDEAS for presentations and new affinity groups.
• Our final section has a link to a wonderful New York Times article on opera with links to music that even non-opera fans will enjoy.

CYBER-SENIORS AND FHNN TECH HELP (FREE HELP WITH TECHNOLOGY)

FHNN has recently learned about a nonprofit that connects seniors with technology, with the aim of reducing tech worries and replace them with fun experiences! Cyber-Seniors (C-S), a Toronto-based non-profit, began in 2009 as a school project for two teens in Toronto who wanted to bridge the digital divide between generations. The project grew from there, developing a robust program that teaches seniors ways to improve and become more confident about their digital technology skills. Technologies like Zoom, Skype, Google Duo, music apps, how to explore the web and more are covered. Different and better than other alternatives, this is FREE, has frequent offerings, records sessions so they can be replayed, and offers one-one-one coaching.

MORE FUN THINGS TO DO AND TRY!

MORE FUN THINGS TO DO AND TRY!

FHNN’s events include Meditation, Men’s Meetup, our next Speaker Series, and Crafts and Chat. You only need to bring your enthusiasm. New folks are always welcome. Try something new in May! We will help you with Zoom if you call or email us.
Here are more ideas.

Watch Yale’s Free Happiness Course or Read a Summary!

Yale's massively popular 'happiness' course is available free online!

We have been reading articles about this course for some time. To sign up, open the article and click “Coursera” in the first paragraph.

Montgomery County Bulletin: Taking Care of Our Community’s Mental Health During COVID-19

 Montgomery County Maryland sent this bulletin at 04/04/2020 08:00 AM EDT

Update on April Evemts

Changes to Metro and Metro Bus Schedules

Metro to further reduce service hours starting Monday: Rail to close at 9 p.m. nightly, Bus service ends at 11 p.m.

As part of its ongoing efforts to limit frontline transit workers’ exposure to the public during the ongoing COVID-19 emergency, Metro’s Pandemic Task Force will further reduce rail and bus hours, starting Monday, April 6, 2020.

Metrorail will close at 9 p.m. every day:

Mon-Fri: Open 5AM Close 9PM

Sat-Sun: Open 8AM Close 9PM

Metrobus service also will end earlier each day, with the last trips departing at or before 11 p.m. Buses that enter service at or before 11 p.m. will continue to the end of the route before going out of service.

The decision to end service earlier reflects a significant drop-off in ridership since Metro began asking riders to limit use of the system to “essential trips only” to enhance safety for employees and individuals who must travel during the COVID-19 public health emergency. Earlier this week, the Mayor of Washington, D.C., Muriel Bowser, joined Maryland Governor Larry Hogan and Virginia Governor Ralph Northam in signing Executive Orders directing their residents to stay at home, except for essential travel.

Metro’s ridership drop-off has been particularly acute after 9 p.m. The shorter service hours will allow frontline transit workers—who have been serving the public without interruption— to spend more time with their families, all while reducing their exposure to the public.

As a reminder, the health and safety of our community depends on everyone doing their part by staying at home, limiting close contact and maintaining social distancing practices. Metro is encouraging anyone using the system to closely follow CDC guidance. Riders may use face masks, scarves, bandannas, or other material to cover their mouth and nose.

STAY-AT-HOME ORDERS IN EFFECT: Anyone using Metro should travel only if absolutely necessary for essential purposes as stipulated under stay-at-home Executive Orders in effect throughout the Metro service area. Essential travel includes first responders, hospital staff, critical government employees, grocery and pharmacy workers, and others who must work during the public health emergency. Unless traveling for an essential purpose, you are urged to stay at home.

If you are feeling sick, do not use Metro or any other form of public transportation. Instead, call your doctor before leaving your home to discuss appropriate transportation.

04/03/2020

Governor Hogan's Stay-At-Home Order

As many of you may have heard, Governor Hogan issued a Stay-At-Home executive order today that goes into effect March 30 @ 8:00 pm. As described below, the Stay-At-Home Order is not a full lockdown, and people are permitted to go out for essential services

Here is the text of the news release:

ANNAPOLIS, MD—As the COVID-19 crisis escalates in the National Capital Region, Governor Larry Hogan today issued a Stay at Home order to protect public health and safety. The order, which takes effect at 8:00 p.m. tonight, states that no Maryland resident should leave their home unless it is for an essential job or for an essential reason, such as obtaining food or medicine, seeking urgent medical attention, or for other necessary purposes.

“This is a deadly public health crisis—we are no longer asking or suggesting that Marylanders stay home, we are directing them to do so,” said Governor Hogan. “No Maryland resident should be leaving their home unless it is for an essential job or for an essential reason such as obtaining food or medicine, seeking urgent medical attention, or for other necessary purposes.”

To be clear: the stay-at-home order is not a full lockdown. Maryland has implemented a list of restrictions and enforcements to ensure everyone is safe but has deemed some activities as essential.

Here is a list of some activities that are considered essential, according to the order:

1. Going to the grocery store to buy groceries or supplies for you and/or your household. 
2. Engaging in activities that are essential for the health and safety of you and your family and pets, including such things as seeking medical services, and obtaining medication or medical supplies.
3. Caring for a family member, friend or pet in another household or location, including, transportation for essential health and safety activities and obtaining necessary supplies and services.
4. Engaging in outdoor exercises, such as walking, hiking, running, or biking, while abiding by CDC social distancing guidelines.

FHNN Updates Including Senior Center Without Walls, County Information, and Other Useful Links

Hello Members, Volunteers, and Friends,

This email covers the following topics:

1. Good News! Senior Center Without Walls available nationwide for telephone access and on-line access.
2. COVID-19 Facebook Live event sponsored by Consumer Reports on Tuesday, March 22 at 3:00 PM ET or view recorded session.
3. Important County Information from the Regional Service Center.
4. Link to centralized restaurant information and local options.   
5. Virtual Cherry Blossom enjoyment – WEBCAM on the Mall!
6. Free Home Exercise link that you can do solo or with a remote buddy – with FlexTogether.

1. Senior Center Without Walls

Food Safety Article from Serious Eats

Suburban Hospital

Suburban Hospital wants our neighbors to be informed and safe during these trying times. We understand that our older neighbors are particularly vulnerable to viruses, and COVD-19 is no exception. In some cases, frequent and thorough handwashing and personal hygiene, covering coughs, and reducing contact with others as much as possible may not prevent one from developing flu-like symptoms. In these cases, you may to be screened and tested for corona virus and influenza. Please follow the following guidance with regards to identifying a screening and testing location:

I have a primary care physician

· Call your primary care physician’s office first. Share your symptoms, including recent travel and exposure, and follow their guidance. It is important to initiate these inquiries by telephone first to reduce the amount of exposure to self and others.

· Suburban Hospital is NOT currently a testing site for community members or the public who want or need to be tested. Your primary physician can direct you best if you are ill. Urgent Care and Emergency Rooms are an option if you feel you need immediate care.

I have a primary care physician through Johns Hopkins Community Physicians or Potomac Physicians Associates

· Call your primary care physician’s office first. In most cases, you will be screened via telephone and given an order and appointment time to be tested at Suburban Hospital if it is deemed that you should be tested for influenza and COVID-19.

· No one without an order will be permitted to enter; bring a photo ID and verification of your appointment to the testing location. You will be tested while remaining in your vehicle.

· Your samples will be sent to the Johns Hopkins laboratory in Baltimore and results will be available in MyChart within 24 -48hours.

I do NOT have a primary care physician

· Call your local urgent care center to let them know to expect you before arriving. To reduce exposure of self and others, it is best to call to see about appointments or wait times.

Montgomery County Update on COVID-19

Local Grocery Stores Offering Dedicated Shopping Hours for Seniors and Those At-Risk

FHNN CARES ABOUT YOU, Part One of Two

Hello FHNN, Most of this email is about ways to stay busy at home for the next few weeks.  We also want you to know that some of the grocery stores are adjusting their hours.  As of the time of this message, our Whole Foods is now open for seniors every day from 7:00 am to 8:00 am. We were told since they stock at night, this is a good time to shop. We will continue to update you as we learn more.

FHNN Cares About You -- Additional Resources (Part 2)

This is a continuation of our previous posting. 

Governor Hogan’s Executive Order Pertaining to Bars, Restaurants, & Gatherings & Announcement of Public Health Surge

Governor Hogan has issued an amended executive order to close all bars and restaurants in the state effective at 5:00 p.m. on March 16, 2020.  The order allows for restaurants to continue carry-out, drive-thru, and delivery services, and allows for eateries in health care facilities to remain open. 

Governor Hogan also announced a public health surge to combat the COVID-19 crisis.

Special FHNN Message on COVID-19

The FHNN Board of Directors is concerned about members, friends, and all of us as we face the challenge of COVID-19 with the rest of the country and world. We believe in following the guidance issued by the WHO, CDC, and state and local health officials all of whom are recommending social distancing at this time, along with other measures.

COVID-19 Information from the County’s DHHS

All, We wanted to share with you information we have recently received from Montgomery County, MD.

For Immediate Release: Friday, February 28, 2020

As federal officials continue to monitor the outbreak of respiratory illnesses caused by a new form of coronavirus first detected in Wuhan, China, County Executive Marc Elrich and County health and emergency management officials are coordinating efforts across agencies as well as with state officials and healthcare providers to ensure we are prepared for the situation as it evolves.

Currently, there are no cases of COVID-19 in Maryland, Virginia, or the District of Columbia.

“While the risk to the general public still remains low in the United States, we are working closely with County agencies, schools and health-care providers to ensure that we are ready to respond to this evolving situation,” said County Health Officer Dr. Travis Gayles.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has advised state and local health departments to be prepared for community spread of COVID-19.  The County’s Department of Health and Human Services is working with partners, including the Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, public safety agencies, Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS), and hospitals to plan for a response should there be cases in Montgomery County.

“We want to make sure that residents have access to information, and I encourage everyone to visit our website, which has a great deal of information about the virus and precautionary measures that people can take,” said Elrich.  “Our primary focus is to ensure that people are educated and informed as this situation unfolds.”

County officials have taken the following steps to prepare:

FHNN Holiday Sing-Along and Member and Volunteer Recognition

FHNN’s Holiday Sing-Along with Ann Hoopes and Member and Volunteer Recognition was held on Tuesday, December 17, 2019 at 4701 Willard. FHNN Member and Volunteer Ann Hoopes led the group in favorite seasonal songs. We celebrated our wonderful members and volunteers, and everyone enjoyed the occasion. FHNN had special chocolate treats for members and volunteers and real food (not just cookies) for all attendees. Thank you to everyone who contributed to the success of this party.

12/17/2019

Summary of Iris Lav’s presentation on Income Inequality – What Should Be Done?

Summary of Iris Lav’s presentation on Income Inequality – What Should Be Done?

Iris J. Lav, former Deputy Director of the Center on Budget and Policy, spoke on Income Inequality - What Should be Done? at the December 2019 Forum. She first showed that income grew equally among all income levels prior to 1980, but growth has since been concentrated in the top 5 percent and particularly in the top 1 percent. There has been little comparative growth in the middle- and lower-income segments of the population – widening the income inequality gap. She also showed that wealth inequality was even greater than income inequality today.

She pointed out that Investments to increase or improve educational opportunities, improve skills, or facilitate access to work would be helpful in potentially increasing income of the working population in the long run. Ms. Lav then focused on two shorter-term strategies that could more immediately affect income and wealth inequality: increasing the minimum wage and revising several different tax policies—particularly increasing taxation at the top of the income and wealth distribution and using that to improve policies that help lower- and middle-income households.

Ms. Lav showed historic income tax rates which at one time were as high as 91% in contrast to present top rates of 37% after the 2017 tax changes. Increasing the income tax rate is an obvious way to redistribute income. Other taxation policies that should be considered are an increase in the capital gains tax and reducing the Estate Tax threshold and exemptions. The Estate Tax exempts the first $11.2 million of estates; only 1 in 1,000 estates owe estate tax. Other aspects of Estate taxation also could be altered to reduce intergenerational transfer of wealth. She also reviewed other ways of increasing taxation of the highest-income taxpayers by reducing or eliminating the lower tax rates for capital gains and dividends and closing certain loopholes. Focusing IRS audits on those of high net worth rather than those receiving government support could collect at least a trillion dollars over the next decade. Using some additional funds to improve policies such as the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit could bolster lower- and middle-income families.

The talk elicited many comments and questions about tax policy from the large, interested and engaged audience.

12/12/2019

Summary of Jim Jones’ Presentation on Views of Amazonian Indians

At the November 20, 2019 FHNN Forum event, James C. Jones, PhD showed photos from 45 years ago of two Bolivian Amazonian ethnic groups. After showing the Amazonian topography of Bolivia, which is its largest land mass, he identified two remote areas which he visited and where he worked. 

One of the areas, on the extensive savannas, had been part of an ancient civilization that had built raised fields for agriculture and constructed communication canals and causeways to connect settlements as early as 2,000 years ago. This area was the site of a Jesuit mission province during the 17^th and 18^th centuries. Indians living there today are descendants of Indians who settled in those missions. 

Dr. Jones took over 1,000 pictures while doing field work in the two areas. The other area, very remote, lies at the base of the eastern range of the Andes, and was home to the Chimán ethnic group whose members lived much as did the pre-Columbian ancestors of today’s savanna-dwelling mission Indians. These Chimán were in contact with the outside world through a trader who exchanged sundry wares for wild-animal skins. Dr. Jones showed pictures of adults and children in traditional body-length garb, of women weaving on looms, and of homes with palm-thatched roofs and open sides that accommodated extended families. He also showed fish dazed by toxic plants dropped in the water to stun them as they floated downstream to be shot by Indians with arrows. The fish were then cooked immediately over an open fire. 

Natives of both groups planted cassava and plantains (and the savanna dwellers rice) and consumed wild game, fish, and wild fruit. Because of seasonal rains alternating with dry periods, the Chimán moved seasonally between river and forest for food. After a brief intermission, Dr. Jones continued with photographs of the “Jesuitized” natives with whom he lived for 3 years. That group lived in small settlements around a town founded by the early Jesuits. These Indians had small farms or worked on numerous non-Indian ranches in the area. The savannas were grazed by cattle owned by ranchers who had pushed the Indians off their traditional lands and into nearby forests since the 1950s. He showed pictures of an airstrip slaughterhouse, where cattle were slaughtered and air-lifted to highland cities to supply them with beef. He traveled and took pictures on one of these flights, sitting around carcasses of fresh beef in an aging DC-4 as it rose above the savannas and threaded its way to La Paz through narrow Andean passes.

Dr. Jones also showed pictures of the small town of San Ignacio de Moxos, founded by the early Jesuits and where he lived while doing research in the area. These “Jesuitized” Indians practiced a medieval Catholicism, yet beneath which lay a strong patina of pre-Columbian beliefs in spirits of the rivers, lakes, savannas, and forests. The natives celebrated all of the Catholic feast days with elaborate fiestas and costumes, pictures of some of which Dr. Jones presented. These Catholic natives dressed mostly in Western attire, yet in religious ceremonies they often donned attire reminiscent of that of the Chimán.

Dr. Jones answered questions about the lives of the two groups and detailed some of the changes that had had occurred in the area over the 45 years since he had lived there. He noted that the town of San Ignacio is more heavily populated. The village is larger, there were some paved road and highways connecting villages, and people were more likely to work in a cash economy. Poverty and evidence of malnutrition were still very present. Dr. Jones also spoke briefly about the current contentious Bolivian political environment and tensions between native populations and their more-Western urban counterparts. 

11/20/2019

Speaker Series on October 15: The Clinical Trial is Open. The Elderly Need Not Apply.

Below is a summary of Dr. Jay Herson’s October 15, 2019 presentation including questions to ask doctors and links to useful sites.

 The clinical trials for new drugs whose results are necessary for FDA approval for marketing do not enroll patients representative of those who may take the drug once approved. This is especially true for seniors.

 Dr. Herson explained that patients who have chronic conditions other than the one for which the new drug is being tested and/or are taking drugs for other conditions are usually rejected from clinical trials. That is because of the difficulties in evaluating the efficacy (effectiveness) and safety of the new drug. He also pointed out that seniors, even if eligible, may not choose to be in a clinical trial due to the interruption in lifestyle caused by having to adhere to a rigid schedule, receiving care from unfamiliar doctors and nurses, and fear of being randomized to a placebo (a substance that has no therapeutic effect). 

Dr. Herson described the various phases of drug development: Phase I -safety in animal studies and small number of humans, Phase II - efficacy and safety in a larger human study group, and Phase III – the largest trial in humans that demonstrates to the FDA all that is known about efficacy and safety of the new drug. The Phase III trials are randomized, which means by chance half the patients will get the new drug and half will get a placebo that is also the control group. In cancer drug trials the control group would not be on a placebo but on an already approved drug for the particular cancer type. 

Addressing the issue of learning more about drug safety and the elderly, Dr. Herson had some good news—resources for physicians and patients. The Beers List of Medications, published annually since 1991 by the American Geriatric Society, provides expert opinion on drugs found not to be safe for seniors. FDA’s Drug Trial Snapshots is another resource; it indicates what percent of the data submitted to FDA supporting drug approval for a specific drug candidate involved patients over 65.

Dr. Herson closed with four questions seniors should ask their physician when prescribed a new drug: 1) What evidence does he/she have on the safety/efficacy of this drug for your age and health history? 2) Has he/she consulted the Beers List? 3) Has he/she consulted FDA Drug Trial Snapshots? and 4) Are there alternate drugs where more evidence has accumulated for use in the elderly? 

References:

FHNN Trip to Antietam

FHNN scheduled a trip to the Antietam battlefield, followed by lunch at the Bavarian Inn in Shepherdstown, on Wednesday, October 2, 2019. A bus (with a restroom and other amenities) was used for the drive there (1.6 hours). After a brief stop at the Antietam Visitors Center, the bus continued the well designed, roadway tour of the battlefield narrated by a local guide who provided interesting details about the battle. The bus stopped at important sites so that those interested in walking around important locations could do so. The 1862 battle ended the Confederacy’s first invasion of the North, blocked any formal recognition of the Confederacy by Great Britain and France, and gave Lincoln the opportunity to issue the Emancipation Proclamation. Many view the battle as an important turning point in American history. The cost was $20 per person, plus the charge for each person’s `lunch. It was a wonderful day for FHNN members and volunteers plus members of other nearby Villages. During the ride to the battlefield, a video was shown on the bus to provide background information.

10/02/2019

Friendship Happening

May 19 Friendship Happening – A Great Success!

FHNN members and volunteers, plus other Friendship Heights residents and guests, filled the Center’s Huntley Hall to hear our Congressman Jamie Raskin and our State representatives Marc Korman, Susan Lee and Sara Love.  Congressman Raskin spent half an hour answering questions on a wide range of national issues.  He dubbed the questions “better than NPR.”  After a break for refreshments and visiting with friends – new and old – our State representatives discussed the work of their last legislative session and answered questions about State issues.  Congressman Raskin and the State representatives received enthusiastic applause.  With a combination of sponsorships, donations and ticket sales, the Friendship Happening was a great fundraising success, which will help to support the work of FHNN in the coming months.

05/19/2019

FHNN Tour of Glenstone

On Friday, May 17, 2019, a group of FHNN members and volunteers enjoyed a wonderful visit to Glenstone Museum, the celebrated new art center in Montgomery County. This was a self-guided tour of the new addition (the Pavilions) as well as the original building and gardens. Tickets were available on a priority basis to full and social members. FHNN provided transportation to full members and assisted in arranging carpools for other people in the FHNN group. Since tickets to the museum are free and transportation was provided by volunteers, there was no cost to visit this wonderful museum.   

05/17/2019

Safety Issues for Seniors, Presentation by Officer Dana Stroman

If you missed the April 17 presentation, please see the excellent summary by Dr. David Rabin, the member of our Board who also coordinates the Speaker Series.

Officer Dana Stroman of the Bethesda Chevy Chase Area Police Department spoke about safety issues for seniors at our April Forum. She noted that Montgomery County with a large elderly population is overall a low-crime area. Nevertheless, there are many new forms of crime that relate to technologies that are particularly problematic for seniors. One is use of Bank credit card money withdrawal machines. Some have been tampered with so that credit card information can be recorded as it is entered into the card slot.  Check to see if the slot unit is loose - if so that indicates the unit may have been tampered with. Another is placement of a tiny camera the size of a pin head at the top of the unit which can photograph your card.  She suggested placing your hand or a piece of paper above your card as you insert it into the card reader slot so that the card number cannot be seen. Another emerging problem is use of small handheld devices that can record card information while a card transaction is occurring. This occurs in restaurants and retail establishments. Desirably these transactions should occur at your table or in front of you at a retail store.

Officer Stroman also discussed driving safety, encouraging seniors to respond to the evolving slower reaction times, diminished visual acuity and slower decision making occurring with aging. She suggested particular care at intersections, making left turns, entering highways or the beltway, and at traffic circles, by either by avoiding them or taking extra caution. 

She reviewed the many telephone and cell phone scams and how clever their operators are in deceiving people who pick up calls from unknown telephone numbers. She suggests caution on any requests for money or information, stressing the fact that government agencies like the Social Security Agency, Treasury Department and the police do not make soliciting or threatening calls. She suggests not revealing your name and querying a caller as to how they got your name, number and who they are.  Never reveal credit-card information or send money even for apparent emergency requests without further checking with family and friends about the legitimacy of requests for emergency funds. 

She encouraged people to notify police when there are concerns about possible bad behavior. It is through public reporting of incidents that authorities can understand the extent of problems and seek solutions. When there is a possible threat or suspicious behavior, please call 911 or if it is not an emergency, 301 279-8000.

04/17/2019

FHNN Volunteer Orientation and Training on February 9 Was A Great Success!

Volunteer leaders Linda Herson and Beth Warner trained new volunteers on February 9.  The group learned about FHNN and how volunteers can assist our Full Members with services such as driving to medical appointments, picking up groceries, reading for those with sight impairment, and making friendly calls. Volunteers learned about other opportunities to help FHNN grow in its mission to assist our senior neighbors. The training was an opportunity to meet neighbors, ask questions, and interact!  Volunteers are always needed.  Contact FHNN for more information. 

02/09/2019

Tax Exempt Status

Friendship Heights Neighbors Network has received official IRS recognition of its tax exempt status under Section 501(c)(3), which means that your donations to it will be tax deductible. See Support Us to make a contribution.

11/09/2016