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

Being More Secure Using Technology Devices

January 11, 2018.

Pong Ruangpanyapot, FHNN volunteer and computer consultant, led a lively discussion at the Village Center on ways to make technical devices more secure and less vulnerable to malicious viruses and hackers. The attendees technical knowledge ranged from beginner to more advanced. Pong reviewed a “Secure Your Device” handout that he and Linda Herson developed. He discussed technical terms such as “firewall,” “cookies,” “phishing” and ways to use computers more securely as well as options for purchasing anti-virus software. Pong noted that while it’s not possible to be completely “safe” from the “black hats,” (hackers) there are ways to be more aware and alert to scams.

01/11/2018

Sing-along

December 18, 2017

A crowd of 30 folks gathered in the 4701 Willard party room on Dec. 18 to join in a festive evening of song and good cheer. Ann Hoopes, a talented musician and member of FHNN, led us on keyboard and accordion. David Cohen put together song books with the words to favorite carols, show tunes and other holiday songs so we all could join in. It was a time for all of us to relax, enjoy the season, catch up with friends, and welcome many newcomers to the Network.

12/18/2017

Wakling Group grows

November 05,2017

The Walking Group is growing and enjoying the exercise and the camaraderie on these lovely crisp fall days! Weather permitting, they meet Mondays at 10 at the park on the corner of Willard and Friendship Boulevard. 

11/05/2017

Wine Tasting in Friendship Heights Enjoyed by All.

October 12, 2017

The free wine tasting event held at the Friendship Heights Gourmet Market could satisfy the taste buds of anyone’s wine palate…tastings of 2 whites, 2 reds and a rose allowed time to mingle with Board members and to visit with old friends and neighbors and new, one who just moved to FH only a month ago!  

10/12/2017

Villages Anniversary Celebration with Atul Gawande

September 25, 2017

The FHNN speakers program featured a webcast interview with Atul Gawande MD, noted author and surgeon, about the needs of the elderly and innovative ways in which they can be met. The occasion was the celebration of the 15th anniversary of the first Village founded in Beacon Hill, Boston. Gawande discussed the importance of autonomy, care decision making, and respecting individual values and preferences. Following the interview there was a discussion about personal preferences and challenges discussing them with family.

09/25/2017

Social Media: What It’s All About

September 13, 2017

Kathleen McGuiness, neighbor, expert on marketing and event planning, President, KMM Consulting and FHNN volunteer presented a well-attended introduction to Social Media. She gave an overview of Facebook, Twitter, Skype, and Instagram, illustrating some of their benefits and limitations.  She included advice about privacy settings and personal security.

09/19/2017

Meditating Neighbors

August 16, 2017

Twelve neighbors met in Rachel Gur-Arie’s apartment for their first meditation practice. Leader Andy Streich explained that the “art” of meditation is simply to focus on breath, staying in the present, and observing one’s thoughts. During the hour, Andy guided a 1 minute meditation, then a silent 3 minute meditation, and finally silence for 5 minutes. Andy emphasized the need to practice meditation, at least 5 min. each day. The meditation series continues thru Sept. 27 (no session Sept. 20). Next series will begin in mid-late Oct. If interested but not already on our waiting list, email FHNN at the address above.

08/16/2017

Crafts and Chat

August 3, 2017

A group of creative members gathered in an apartment at 4701 Willard to share their enthusiasm for crafts and to get acquainted. Some members had been to the first session in June; others came for the first time. People agreed on a monthly meeting. Anyone interested in knitting, crochet, quilting, or other crafts should come on September 28. Go to Event Calendar, click on September 28 to respond.

08/03/2017

Ice Cream Social

July 23, 2017 

More than 25 full and social members, volunteers and guests gathered in the Elizabeth Party Room to enjoy sundaes with an array of ice creams and toppings.  The occasion was an opportunity for all to get better acquainted. Many spoke enthusiastically of the one to one connections and sense of community FHNN was creating with such events.

07/23/2017

Volunteer Training

July 18 and 22, 2017

Jackie Lapidus and Linda Herson led two groups, totaling 18 volunteers, in a 2 1/2 hour training session. Each trainee received a Volunteer Handbook for guidance on best practices for direct services to our Full Members.Trainees watched and critiqued a member-volunteer role play, then responded to possible situations a volunteer might encounter. Future volunteer trainings are set for late September and early October. If interested, please RSVP at the email address above.

07/18/2017

Soft Launch

July 1, 2017

FHNN is in the "Soft Launch" phase during July and August, having reached the first year goals of one year's worth of membership and funding. During the "Soft Launch" phase, part-time Executive Director Jackie Lapidus and volunteer Board members are training and vetting volunteers, arranging social and educational programs for the fall, and getting insurance and the computer-based management system up and running. We plan to start services for full members in September, with full operation expected by October 1. New members and donations are welcome as start-up funds will expire in about one year. See the Membership tab on the home page of this website for information about joining and the Support Us tab to make a donation. Also see the Events Calendar tab for upcoming programs.

07/01/2017

Creativity and Chat

June 26, 2017

Several neighbors met in a volunteer's apartment to get acquainted and share their love of stitching and crafts. By the end of the afternoon all had some new friends, ideas for projects, and enough enthusiasm to want to meet again, perhaps on a regular basis.  If you have an interest in crafts, plan on Aug. 3, watch the FHNN calendar and emails for details. 

06/26/2017

Swing Dancing: Friday June 2 7-9PM

The Friendship Heights Village Center is hosting its first swing dance party. Champion dancers Tom Koerner and Debra Sternberg will treat us to a demonstration and a lesson and stay to DJ an hour of dancing. Tom and Debra are the founders of Gottaswing LLC and have been teaching at Glen Echo among other places and performing for nearly 25 years. You don’t need a partner or experience swing dancing.

Wear comfortable clothing and flat, smooth-soled shoes that will stay on your feet securely. The cost of admission is $10 per person: register at the Center or $15 at the door. Children 7 to 14 are free, but must be accompanied by an adult. Light refreshments will be served.

05/26/2017

First Friendship Fling Success

On May 21, at the Village Center, over 100 people gathered for food, music, a fabulous silent auction, to raise money to support FHNN membership as we prepare to launch services. There was a great sense of community as people enjoyed themselves. Promoting community is an FHNN goal and we are starting to see that take shape. Come join us for our June events and bring a friend or meet a new one.

05/25/2017

Program Rescheduled

Please note that the video and discussion with Dr. David Rabin has been rescheduled from May 17 to June 13 in the Elizabeth Party Room from 7-8:30 PM. See our calendar for more details. We hope you will join us for this important discussion.

05/17/2017

Sunderland event a big success!

On Wednesday, March 22, in the Elizabeth Party Room, leading geriatric expert, Dr. Trey Sunderland, spoke to a capacity crowd from around the neighborhood about ways we can age in place more successfully. The program was lively and interactive, with attendees reacting to Dr. Sunderland's presentation by talking about their own experiences. The program ended with all who were there wanting more, including Dr. Sunderland!

03/22/2017

Let's Talk Tech success

On Sunday, March 19, people gathered in the Elizabeth Party Room to get hands' on help with their electronic devices - phones, tablets, iPads from volunteers willing to teach. It was fun and informative and it is just the beginning. We plan Let's Talk Tech, Part 2 - take it up a notch. More questions; more answers.

03/19/2017

Strategic Planning Meeting

Board members, building representatives, and interested neighbors met for an extended planning meeting mapping out the route to launching the Network.

11/30/2016

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

Election day table a success!

From 7AM to 6PM, 20 FHNN volunteers took turns staffing our Election Day table. FHNN volunteers distributed information about the national Village movement in general and about the FHNN progress in forming our own village. The volunteers met with community members and exchanged ideas with 16th district delegates Marc Korman and Bill Frick.

11/09/2016