Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh is the featured speaker at FHNN’s Fundraiser. He is the highest-ranking Democratic official in Maryland and strongly opposes Governor Hogan’s plan of mailing applications (not ballots) to registered voters. He will talk about that and other election issues, as well as an extension of the moratorium on evictions, consumer protection, and other key state and national issues. It will be a great chance to ask him your questions. Later you can hear what’s happening at FHNN. Suggested donations are $25 per person. All donations are tax-deductible. Donations may be made online on the “Support Us” page on the www.fhneighbors.org website or by sending a check to FHNN, 4601 North Park Avenue, #1719, Chevy Chase, MD 20815. When registering online or by check, please specify the names and email addresses of the attendees for receiving the Zoom link. For more information, please email us at information.fhnn@gmail.com or call 240.620.3285.

SPECIAL VILLAGE ZOOM EVENTS 

The next two events are on topics several of you suggested in your surveys.   

Two-Part, Village Anti-Racism Workshop, Tuesday, September 8 and Monday, September 14, 1:00-2:30 p.m. Learn how to develop your own response from Montgomery County experts. The event is sponsored by our County Villages Coordinator, Pazit Aviv, in partnership with IMPACT of Silver Spring. You will be introduced to a framework called Block-Build-Be. You will explore different pathways to effectively work towards anti-racist efforts in your community. This workshop is intended for those who want to slow down and take a more holistic approach in addressing racism with an emphasis on the inner awareness needed for outwards action. There is limited capacity; the event is for people who are currently active in their village. Please RSVP by September 1, 2020.

Register

Mini Conference on Villages in the Time of COVID, Tuesday, September 15, 1:00-4:30 pm. The keynote speaker will be nationally known geriatrician Dr. K. Eric DeJonge, MD, Chief of Geriatrics at Capital Caring Health. From 1:00-2:00 pm, Dr. DeJonge will make practical recommendations to seniors and Villages about managing risks at this time and answer questions. The Discussion Groups (which will occur after Dr. DeJonge’s presentation) are safety practices, new perspectives on programming, volunteer recruitment strategies, leadership sustainability and recruitment, financial concerns, and communicating and connecting with people who are not online. The Mini Conference is free and open to anyone.

Register

MORE FHNN EVENTS

Susan Gluck Mezey Presentation, Tuesday, September 22, 2:00 pm. Susan Gluck Mezey’s talk is focused on the Supreme Court and Women's Reproductive Rights. Dr. Mezey is an Emeritus Professor of Political Science at Loyola University in Chicago. She has a Ph.D. from Syracuse University and a J.D. from DePaul University. She has published about the rights of minority groups and the federal courts. Her recent books are Transgender Rights: From Obama to Trump (2020); Beyond Marriage: Continuing Battles for LGBT Rights (2017); Elusive Equality: Women’s Rights, Public Policy, and the Law, 2d Ed. (2011); Gay Families and the Courts: The Quest for Equal Rights (2009); Queers in Court: Gay Rights Law and Public Policy (2007); and Disabling Interpretations: Judicial Implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (2005). Most recently she is working on the third edition of In Pursuit of Equality: Women, Public Policy and the Federal Courts. RSVP to information.fhnn@gmail.com.

Highlights Tour of the American Art Museum, Wednesday, September 30, 2:00 pm. Join us for a virtual art experience with the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Witness an array of artworks from prominent artists, in a multitude of mediums and unique art styles. Highlighting pieces reminiscent of America's history, the docent will lead an engaging discussion, welcoming comments and questions about the artwork and the artists. Since space is limited, registration preference initially will be given to FHNN members and volunteers. To register please email information.fhnn@gmail.com. If you are not an FHNN member or volunteer, we will place your name on a wait list and confirm your registration closer to the event.  

Walkers Group, Mondays, 9:30-10:30 am in August. Starting September 7, the walkers meet at 10:00 am. RSVP to Ethel Pacheco with your phone number, ethelpacheco@me.com. Meet the walkers at the Community Park, corner of Willard Avenue and Friendship Boulevard. We need to wear masks and maintain appropriate distance from each other.

Meditation, every Wednesday, 10:30-12:00. Zoom drop-in meditation group led by our rotating guides, as we'll continue to reinforce mindfulness meditation practice. RSVP to volunteer.fhnn@gmail.com.

Men’s Meetup, most Thursdays at 2:00 pm. The fourth Thursday of each month the Meetup starts at 1:30. Other weeks it starts at 2:00. All men in Friendship Heights are welcome to participate via Zoom. If you are not on the Meetup list, email information.fhnn@gmail.com to be added. You will then receive the link each week.

Virtual Crafts and Chat, Thursday, August 27, 3:00-5:00 pm. Calling all knitters, crocheters, quilters, embroiderers, sketchers, and others. Join us for Virtual Crafts and Chat. This event is held monthly including on Thursday, September 24. Newcomers and beginners are welcome! RSVP to information.fhnn@gmail.com.

MARYLAND AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY UPDATES

Text 911!

Maryland residents and visitors now can text 911 in the event of an emergency. This enhancement will benefit everyone-especially the hearing/speech impaired. Please note calling remains the best option if you are able to speak.

Way to Donate Durable Medical Equipment

The State Department of Aging has a new program to assist communities with additional support services. The Maryland Statewide Durable Medical Equipment (DME)-Reuse program will pick up and provide drop off sites (including some recycling centers) for gently used DME including wheelchairs, walkers, pediatric equipment, hospital beds, scooters, shower aids, and more. All donated Durable Medical Equipment will be used to support older adults, children, and the disabled who are in need. Donors will be assisting recycling efforts and keeping this equipment out of our landfills. All donations are tax deductible. Call 240-230-8000 or email DME.MDOA@maryland.gov for more information.

Significant Traffic Disruption in Downtown Bethesda

Construction activities around 7272 Wisconsin Avenue are expected to cause significant traffic disruption from August 24-28. Southbound traffic will be reduced to a single travel lane between Elm Street and Bethesda Avenue from 9 am to 5 pm daily. The west sidewalk and right lane of southbound Wisconsin Avenue between Elm Street and Bethesda Avenue will remain closed at all times while construction access and staging continue. More.

Free Food Distribution at B-CC Rescue Squad

For the next six months, there will be free food distributed to those in need every Friday, 1-3 pm, in the parking lot of the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad, 5020 Battery Lane, Bethesda. This distribution program is a partnership of Nourish Now, St. John's Norwood Episcopal Church, the B-CC Rescue Squad, Hyatt Regency Bethesda, Greater Bethesda Chamber of Commerce and Councilmember Andrew Friedson.

Nourish Now is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit food bank working to end hunger in Montgomery County. It specializes in food recovery, providing donations from grocers, caterers, restaurants, hotels, bakeries, and other food donors for the benefit of children, families, and the elderly, as well as shelters, food pantries and other organizations. See the video for details.

ADDITIONAL EVENTS AND LINKS INCLUDING PANDA CAM 

Everything You Wanted to Know about the FTC But Were Afraid to Ask, Wednesday August 26, 1:00-2:30 pm. The Speaker Barry Cutler, former Director of the FTC’s Consumer Protection Bureau. The FTC, along with the SEC and CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission), is one of several alphabet soup agencies that are called” Independent Agencies.” What makes these agencies “independent” while others like the EPA, CDC, FDA, & FEMA are part of the Administration? Part of this presentation will include audience participation. Please click www.littlefallsvillage.org/FTC to register and for more information on the presentation.

Villages Town Hall on COVID-19, Tuesday, September 1 from 7:00-8:30 pm. Join Councilmember Evan Glass (At-Large) and County Health Officer Dr. Travis Gayles for a virtual Town Hall to hear about Montgomery County’s ongoing COVID-19 efforts. Dr. Gayles will provide more information about the County’s plans and criteria for the safe reopening of libraries, recreation centers, and schools. Hear from Councilmember Glass about the latest news from the County Council and other issues of importance in the community.

This will be an interactive event and you will have the opportunity to share your thoughts and concerns.

• JOIN BY COMPUTER: bit.ly/seniortownhall
• SUBMIT YOUR QUESTIONS: bit.ly/askevan

• JOIN BY PHONE: (301) 715-8592
  • Meeting ID: 865 2692 1808
  • Passcode: 732249

Reimagining Policing in Montgomery County Town Hall

On Thursday, September 10 at 7:00 PM, Councilmember Will Jawando will host a town hall about policing in Montgomery County. To register for this event please visit: https://bit.ly/signup910. Once registered, a link will be forwarded to your email the day prior to the event. Here is more information.

Councilmember Will Jawando invites you to his “Reimagining Policing in Montgomery County” virtual Town Hall. Last year, at Councilmember Jawando’s request, the Montgomery County Office of Legislative Oversight researched and wrote a report on Policing Data, published on July 21, 2020. The Town Hall will examine the report and other best practices related to policing data and how that relates to public policy. As part of the Town Hall, discussion will be facilitated through a panel that includes:

Dr. Elaine Bonner-Tompkins and Natalia Carrizosa, analysts with the Office of Legislative Oversight;

Dr. Rashawn Ray, Professor of Sociology at the University of Maryland, College Park, and the David M. Rubenstein Fellow in Governance Studies at the Brookings Institution;

Danielle Blocker, President, Young People for Progress; and

Will Jawando, At-Large Councilmember, Montgomery County Council.

Adapting Your Coping Skills, Wednesday, September 16, 2:00–3:00 pm. The senior stage of life with its unique challenges often requires new or not often used coping skills. And now, as a high-risk population, seniors coping with the risks of Covid-19 is a huge stressor. Frederika Granger, LCSW-C (Program Manager of the Positive Aging Program at Aspire Counseling) will help us get perspective on how experience and wisdom serve us and help us develop a revised tool kit of coping skills. RSVP to director@bmavillage.org by the day before the program for a Zoom link. Please include “Coping Skills” in the subject line. Friends, family, and neighbors are welcome.   

Library Events

The Montgomery County Public Libraries have daily events for all ages.  https://mcpl.libnet.info/events

Panda Cam

 The National Zoo is excited about the newest panda. You might want to take a look. https://nationalzoo.si.edu/webcams/panda-cam

Cyber-Seniors Reminder

Technologies like Zoom, Skype, Google Duo, music apps, how to explore the web and more are covered by Cyber-Seniors. Different than other alternatives, this is FREE, has frequent offerings, records offerings so they can be replayed, and provides one-one-one coaching.

You can sign up directly by going to www.cyberseniors.org. FHNN tech volunteers can help YOU get connected to Zoom and other technologies. Our help includes answering your questions and explaining the features of Cyber-Seniors which provides coaching. If you want a follow up call, email information.fhnn@gmail.com and let us know if you are a beginner or intermediate. Preference for this help will be given to FHNN members and volunteers, but we will do our best to ensure everyone gets connected.

Nonprofit FHNN helps seniors age in place. See www.fhneighbors.org. Visitors are welcome.  Donations from non-Village members are gratefully accepted. To donate, visit our website and go to the “Support Us” tab. For more information, email or call us. 

Phone: 240.620.3285    information.fhnn@gmail.com

08/25/2020

Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh is the featured speaker at FHNN’s Fundraiser. He is the highest-ranking Democratic official in Maryland and strongly opposes Governor Hogan’s plan of mailing applications (not ballots) to registered voters. He will talk about that and other election issues, as well as an extension of the moratorium on evictions, consumer protection, and other key state and national issues. It will be a great chance to ask him your questions. Later you can hear what’s happening at FHNN. Suggested donations are $25 per person. All donations are tax-deductible. Donations may be made online on the “Support Us” page on the www.fhneighbors.org website or by sending a check to FHNN, 4601 North Park Avenue, #1719, Chevy Chase, MD 20815. When registering online or by check, please specify the names and email addresses of the attendees for receiving the Zoom link. For more information, please email us at information.fhnn@gmail.com or call 240.620.3285.

08/20/2020

August FHNN Newsletter

By Connie Row, President, FHNN and

Louise Smoak, Operations Manager

Dear Members, Volunteers, and Friends: Our August Newsletter is full of information including our exciting Fundraiser; reminders; new, virtual events; and Maryland and Montgomery County updates.

• Save the Date! Sunday, September 13, Virtual FHNN Fundraiser featuring Attorney General Brian Frosh.
• Reminder to Return Your FHNN Survey.
• FHNN Events Including Speaker Series, Hillwood Virtual Tour, and Monet & More Presentation.
• Help with Getting Your Absentee Ballot Application.
• Free, Individual Tech Help in August Through Senior Planet Covid Corps.
• Maryland and Montgomery County Updates.
• Virtual Events Sponsored by Other Villages.

FHNN SEPTEMBER 13 FUNDRAISER

SAVE THE DATE:  Please mark your calendar now for our FHNN Virtual Fundraiser on Sunday, September 13 at 3:00 pm! 

Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh is the featured speaker at FHNN’s Fundraiser. On the agenda is the Attorney General’s opposition to Governor Hogan’s current plan of mailing applications (not ballots) to registered voters. Other issues include an extension of the moratorium on evictions, consumer protection, fraud and abuse, and other key state and national issues. Tickets are $25. You may pay online on the “Support Us” page on our website or send a check to FHNN, 4601 North Park Avenue, #1719, Chevy Chase, MD 20815. When you register online or mail a check, please specify the names and email addresses of the people attending so that we can send the Zoom link.  Our website is at

https://www.fhneighbors.org/

If you need help registering for this event, please email us at information.fhnn@gmail.com or call 240.620.3285. Tickets are treated as a donation and are tax deductible.

LET US HEAR FROM YOU! COMPLETE THE FHNN SURVEY BY AUGUST 14! 

COVID-19 has made all of us adapt and has caused organizations like FHNN to discontinue some services such as transportation, and change the way we offer others, like presenting programs on Zoom. COVID-19 is still with us, and we at FHNN need to make a plan for the coming year. To that end, we need to know from you what’s important, and what needs to be changed. Many Montgomery County Villages are in this same planning process, looking for feedback from their members and volunteers. The survey is brief, and it can be returned in the enclosed envelope which can be mailed or walked over to the Elizabeth and put in the folder for #1719. If you can’t find your survey, please email us. If you need help returning your survey to the Elizabeth, email us and we will arrange for someone to assist you.

HELP WITH GETTING YOUR ABSENTEE BALLOT APPLICATION

Governor Hogan has announced that the General Election will take place as scheduled on November 3, 2020, with early voting centers and all polling locations open. In addition, he directed the State Board of Elections to send an absentee ballot request application to every registered voter.  

If you have questions about this process or want a copy of the ballot request application, please email us and we will try to assist you. General information was sent out last Thursday. If you need it again, email us at information.fhnn@gmail.com.  

AUGUST FHNN EVENTS

Speaker Series: Crossing Borders, A Foreign Correspondent’s Experience in Journalism and Fiction, Tuesday, August 11, 2:00 pm. Our speaker is Sebastian Rotella, an award-winning journalist and novelist. For the past ten years, he has covered international security issues as a senior reporter for ProPublica, a newsroom dedicated to investigative journalism in the public interest. His projects have appeared in The New York Times, Washington Post, Frontline PBS, and other media outlets. He has also been a Pulitzer finalist for international reporting. He is the author of four books, including the novels Triple Crossing, which The New York Times’ Sunday Book Review named top debut crime novel and action thriller of 2011; The Convert’s Song (2014); and Rip Crew, which was named one of the best crime novels of 2018 by Kirkus reviews. RSVP to information.fhnn@gmail.com and include “Rotella” in the subject line.

Virtual Tour of Hillwood, Tuesday, August 18, 2:00 pm. This docent tour is for FHNN members and volunteers only. Marjorie Post purchased Hillwood with the intent to leave it as a museum that would inspire and educate the public, and we are so excited to bring the mansion to you. Gather with friends and join a trained volunteer docent to learn about Post, her rich collections, and how they are experienced today very much as they were in Post’s time. View photos, collection highlights, archival images, and videos, while asking questions in real time. Space is limited. Members and volunteers RSVP to information.fhnn@gmail.com and include “Hillwood” in the subject line.

Monet & More, Monday, August 24, 2:00 pm. France was the center of the art world in the 18^th and 19^th centuries. The National Gallery has some of its finest works. Estelle Quain, a National Gallery docent and FHNN member, will lead us on a Zoom tour of some of the best from that collection. It will be Estelle’s encore after her American Stories presentation – which received rave reviews. RSVP to information.fhnn@gmail.com and include “Monet” in the subject line.

Walkers Group, NEW TIME THROUGH THE END OF AUGUST, Monday, 9:30-10:30 am. RSVP to Ethel Pacheco with your phone number, ethelpacheco@me.com. Meet the walkers at the Community Park, corner of Willard Avenue and Friendship Boulevard. We need to wear masks and maintain appropriate distance from each other.

Meditation, every Wednesday, 10:30-12:00. Zoom drop-in meditation group led by our rotating guides, as we'll continue to reinforce mindfulness meditation practice. RSVP to volunteer.fhnn@gmail.com.

Men’s Meetup, most Thursdays at 2:00 pm. The fourth Thursday of each month the Meetup starts at 1:30. Other weeks it starts at 2:00. All men in Friendship Heights are welcome to participate via Zoom. If you are not on the Meetup list, email information.fhnn@gmail.com to be added. You will then receive the link each week.

Virtual Crafts and Chat, Thursday, August 27, 3:00-5:00 pm. Calling all knitters, crocheters, quilters, embroiderers, sketchers, and others. Join us for Virtual Crafts and Chat. This event is held monthly. Newcomers and beginners are welcome! RSVP to information.fhnn@gmail.com. 

FREE, INDIVIDUAL TECH HELP IN AUGUST THROUGH SR. PLANET COVID CORPS

During the month of August, Senior Planet Covid Corps members will provide one-on-one technology help over the phone and through video conference appointments. Covid Corps members are high school juniors to college sophomores working for Montgomery County to make a difference this summer.

Senior Planet Covid Corps members can assist residents with questions or problems with smart phones, computers, tablets, printers, email, using the Internet or applications, and more. They can also assist in finding MC Public Library, Recreation, and Senior Planet classes and other virtual programming. Covid Corps members can also help low-income individuals sign up for $9.95 per month home Internet access.

30-minute appointments are available Monday through Friday at 10 am, 10:45 am, 11:15 am, 1 pm, 1:45  pm, and 2:30 pm in English, Spanish, Chinese (Mandarin), Amharic, Farsi, Hindi, Nepali, Russian, Tigrinya, Krio, and ASL (by Internet video). 

For more information, email information.fhnn@gmail.com and FHNN will assist you in accessing this free service. As a reminder, FHNN full members are always eligible to receive virtual tech support through FHNN.

MARYLAND AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY UPDATES

Governor Hogan Curtails Power of Local Health Officers to Order Blanket School Closures 

By executive order, on August 3 Governor Larry Hogan curtailed the authority of local health officials to order blanket closures of schools. This undoes County Public Health Officer Travis Gayles' July 31 decision to require all private schools to operate entirely online through October 1. Under Hogan's order, local health officials may shut down schools only on a case-by-case basis for health reasons. More.   

County Executive Marc Elrich said in response, "Our decision to restrict nonpublic schools from in-person instruction was made with one concern in mind - protecting the public health of our residents. It was not an easy decision. As we have done throughout this pandemic, we used data and science to guide us - not politics." 

Maryland's COVID-19 Positivity Rate Declines, Testing Increases    

The State of Maryland on August 3 reported a drop in the seven-day average COVID-19 positivity rate to 4.36%, the second-lowest level during the pandemic. The state's positivity rate has been under 5% since June 25.and a slight drop in hospitalizations. In addition, 15.9%, or nearly 1.3 million, COVID-19 tests have been completed. More.

As of the time this was written, Montgomery County has had 84 new cases since August 2, a 0.5% increase. The number of cases in the county has risen by less than 1% for 27 consecutive days, and for all but one day since June 13. More.

County Council Approves $31M+ To Address Pandemic Needs  

The County Council approved more than $31 million in local and federal funds for responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Of that, $20 million will be used to help renters who haven't been able to pay all or part of their rent because of financial impacts of COVID-19. An average of $4,000 will be provided to each household with income up to 60% of the area median income.

Some $5.6 million will be used for a new program, Por Nuestra Salud y Bienestar (For Our Health and Wellbeing), to serve the county's Latino community. Hispanic residents have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic. In July, 73% of the positive coronavirus tests in the county were from Latino residents.

Other funds approved are for personal protective equipment and related materials and services for the Department of Police, Department of Corrections, the Sheriff's Office and the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service; the county's EveryMind hotline (mental health support, crisis intervention, suicide assessments); and mental health services for Montgomery County Public School students. More.

Governor Issues Travel Advisory, Expands Face Covering Requirement 

Governor Larry Hogan on July 29 directed the Maryland Department of Health to issue a travel advisory regarding states with a test positivity rate of 10% or greater. The advisory says that anyone traveling to Maryland from those states should get tested and self-quarantine until they receive results.

He also expanded the state's mandate for face coverings, requiring all Maryland residents over the age of 5 to wear face masks while indoors in public spaces and outdoors when social distancing is not possible. (The new state regulation is in line with County health order on masks, which requires masks for children two and older.)

Under the state order, face masks are required at all businesses, commercial office buildings and locations that have public areas, including places of worship, casinos, gyms and indoor recreation and personal service establishments. This goes beyond his previous order requiring masks inside grocery stories, pharmacies, retail stores, restaurants and when riding public transportation.

Storm Preparations

In preparation for storms, the county urges you to sign up for Alert Montgomery to get timely weather updates on cell phones, smart phones and/or email accounts.

Other storm preparedness tips include keeping flashlights, battery-powered radios, extra batteries, a basic first aid kit, medicines and emergency non-perishable food and water on hand to last each member of your family approximately 72 hours. You also should keep your portable devices charged.

OTHER  VILLAGES’ ZOOM EVENTS 

Five Key Aspects of Fitness Central to Optimal Aging, Thursday August 13, 1:00-2:30 pm. Are you 50 years or older? Are you unsure of where you stand physically versus normative date for age related peers? Have you been putting off exercise or doing the same exercise routine for years? Are you interested in identifying potential early warning signs and addressing issues before they become major health limitations and problems? Are you interested in where to start or how to establish a more targeted exercise program for specific deficits? Please join Andrew Singer, a Physical Therapist at Sumner Fitness, to learn more about the Adult Fitness Independence Test (AFIT) and how it can help you to evaluate the five key aspects of fitness central to optimal aging: posture, flexibility, balance, endurance and strength. Andrew Singer, PT, DPT, MHS graduated from Bowdoin College with a Bachelor of Art in Biology, Johns Hopkins School of Hygiene and Public Health with a Master of Health Science in Epidemiology, and University of Maryland School of Medicine Department of Physical Therapy with a Doctorate of Physical Therapy.. Registration Link: www.littlefallsvillage.org/Fitness

Everything You Wanted to Know about the FTC But Were Afraid to Ask, Wednesday August 26, 1:00-2:30 pm. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) along with the SEC and CPSC, is one of several alphabet soup agencies that are called” Independent Agencies.” Why are some of these agencies” independent” while others like the EPA, CDC, FDA, & FEMA are not “independent”? Is it truly independent, as its classification implies, or does it work with other independent agencies and/or non-independent agencies? Who provides oversight over the FTC?  How does the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection help the consumer?  What are some of their most challenging issues? The speaker is Barry Cutler, former supervising attorney with the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection and Assistant General Counsel. Registration Link: www.littlefallsvillage.org/FTC

Adapting Your Coping Skills, Wednesday, September 16, 2:00–3:00 pm. The senior stage of life with its unique challenges often requires new or not often used coping skills. These unique challenges are retirement, chronic and/or episodic health issues, generational conflict in families, significant loss, financial changes, downsizing, and caregiving.  And now, as a high-risk population, seniors coping with the risks of Covid-19 is a huge stressor. Frederika Granger, LCSW-C (Program Manager of the Positive Aging Program at Aspire Counseling) will help us get perspective on how experience and wisdom serve us and help us develop a revised tool kit of coping skills. Participants will learn about Erik Erikson's Psychosocial Stages of Development and how we can adapt or modify our life skills in order to enjoy this stage and tolerate the uncertainty that comes with the pandemic. Ms. Granger has over 20 years of experience as a social worker in program development and administration, public policy, and individual and group counseling. She practices with a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy perspective and specializes in the senior citizen age group, addressing health anxiety, depression, adjustment to retirement, self-advocacy, family conflict, grief and loss, brain fitness, and fear of aging. RSVP to director@bmavillage.org by the day before the program for a Zoom link. Please include “Coping Skills” in the subject line. Friends, family, and neighbors are welcome.

08/05/2020

Several of us at FHNN have done a “test drive” of C-S and think this is very useful and perfectly tuned to our generation. You can sign up directly by going to www.cyberseniors.org.

But If you’d like to learn more about the features and how to use C-S, FHNN is setting up for members and volunteers two Zoom sessions, led by FHNN volunteers. One session will be geared to any member/volunteer who prefers that the presentation is given at a slower pace with plenty of detail.  For those who feel fairly comfortable with tech, we’ll offer a separate Zoom session at a somewhat faster pace. And anyone ready to dive right now can go to www.cyberseniors.org.  Note: If you’re not familiar with using Zoom, just let us know when you RSVP, and we’ll have someone contact you by phone to get you started. RSVP is required to attend either FHNN C-S session information.fhnn@gmail.org.  Please note if you are registering for Session One (beginners) or Session Two (intermediate) and if you need help with connecting to Zoom.  Each session is limited to 6 attendees and dates for them will be announced soon. Preference for the sessions will be given to FHNN members and volunteers, but everyone interested should register, and we will try to help you get connected and be able to participate in the many virtual events currently being offered.

FHNN EVENTS

• Coping with COVID-19: Strategies and a Dialogue, Monday, May 18, 2 pm. Linda Gordon Kuzmack, PhD, MSW, LICSW, FHNN member and psychotherapist, invites you to learn coping with COVID strategies that can keep us emotionally connected to family,  friends, and the outside world  – and to energize ourselves. Our lives have been disrupted, and many of the ways we previously used to reduce stress are no longer available to us. Those who wish may voice their concerns about how COVID is affecting their lives. After this first meeting, we will see if we want to continue the conversation beyond May 18. RSVP to  information.fhnn@gmail.com .
• Virtual Crafts and Chat, Thursday, May 28, 3:00-5:00 pm (NEW TIME). Calling all knitters, crocheters, quilters, embroiderers, sketchers, and others. We want to see what you are working on. Join us for Virtual Crafts and Chat. This event is held monthly. Newcomers and beginners are welcome! RSVP to information.fhnn@gmail.com.
• Virtual Meditation, every Wednesday, 10:30-12:00. Zoom drop-in meditation group led by our rotating guides, as we'll continue to reinforce mindfulness meditation practice. RSVP volunteer.fhnn@gmail.com. 
• Men’s Meetup, every Thursday at 2:00 pm. All men in Friendship Heights are welcome to participate via Zoom.  If you are not on the Meetup list, email information.fhnn@gmail.com to be added. You will then receive the link each week.

LITTLE FALLS VILLAGE EVENTS

You may want to register for these Little Falls Village Zoom events in May. Register by emailing info@littlefallsvillage.org and include the name of the presentation in the subject. We suggest you email LFV promptly since these events may fill up.

Planet Word, Thursday, May 14, 1:00-2:30 pm. Rebecca Roberts, journalist and former Programming Coordinator with the Smithsonian Institution, is currently the Curator of Programming for the upcoming Planet Word Museum, the new languages arts museum slated to open in D.C.'s Franklin Square in fall of 2020. Ms. Roberts will provide details on Planet Word, where visitors will be introduced to the power, fun, and beauty of words. Through the many immersive experiences Planet Word will offer, visitors will discover the richness of the world's languages and words which shape our lives, our decisions, and our relationships. This presentation is also scheduled for Wednesday, October 28 at the Little Falls Library. Email info@littlefallsvillage.org to receive Zoom information.

What is the Outlook for U.S.-China Relations? Wednesday, May 27, 1:00-2:30 pm. The speaker is Stapleton Roy, former Ambassador to China. In the space of a few short decades, China has emerged as a principal rival of the United States as a global leader. The United States faces a fundamental policy choice in dealing with China. Should the goal of our policy be to preserve our traditional air and sea dominance in the Western Pacific? Or should the goal be the encouragement of responsible behavior by a more powerful and influential China? We are not addressing this choice in a serious manner. Complicating this issue is the question of what is going on in China, where President Xi Jinping is heading a campaign against western influences and increasingly resorting to fear and repression to maintain stability. The suppression of Uighurs in Xinjiang, the demonstrations in Hong Kong, and the reelection of President Tsai Ing-wen in Taiwan suggests that all is not well in China's domestic affairs. The trade war between China and the United States is an additional complicating factor. Ambassador Roy will look at these issues from the perspective of his long experience in dealing with China. Email info@littlefallsvillage.org to receive Zoom information.

BETHESDA METRO VILLAGE VIRTUAL EVENTS

The Art Theft of the (last) Century!, on Saturday, May 16, 3 pm. On August 21, 1911, Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa was stolen from the Louvre in Paris. Someone entered the Salon Carré, lifted it off the wall and simply walked out with it. The painting was stolen on a Monday morning, and baffling as it may be now, it wasn't until Tuesday at noon before anyone noticed that the masterpiece was missing. Join us for a richly illustrated presentation by Barbara Evans about the theft of the most famous painting in the world.
Team of Five: the Presidents Club in the Age of Trump, Tuesday, June 9, 10 am.  BMAV hosts Kate Andersen Brower, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Residence and First Women, who will be talking about her newest book, Team of Five: the Presidents Club in the Age of Trump - a poignant, news-making look at the lives of the five former presidents in the wake of their White House years, including the surprising friendships they have formed through shared perspective and empathy.

RSVP to director@bmavillage.org for Zoom login for the Art Theft and Team of Five events.

OLLI CLASSES IN JUNE AND JULY --- FROM YOUR HOME!

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at American University (OLLI at AU) is like a small liberal arts college with academic classes in every subject area. There are two upcoming sessions:

June Minis with 90-minute study groups held once-a-week for 4 weeks, June 1-26. Minis will be held via Zoom. The membership fee for Minis is $100 to take up to 3 classes. View OLLI Minis courses. For June sessions, register BEFORE Lottery Day, Monday, May 18.

July Shorts with 3-, 4-, and 5-day, 90-minute immersion study groups, July 13-17. The membership fee for July Shorts is $75 to take up to 3 study groups. Shorts will be held via Zoom unless there is a change in circumstances closer to that time. View July Shorts courses. For July shorts, register BEFORE Lottery Day, Friday, June 26.

For more information, visit https://olli-dc.org, email olli@american.edu, or call 202-895-4860.

WE WANT TO ADD MORE VIRTUAL AFFINITY GROUPS AND SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS

FHNN is always looking for new ideas. Please let us know if you are interested in or could help lead a new program. Our ideas include:

• Photography (including a presentation on taking better photos and information on how to organize your photos),
• Toastmasters (FUN meetings where you practice public speaking),
• Conversational Spanish or conversations in other languages,
• Book club: fiction or non-fiction,
• Poetry Group,
• Memoir writing, and
• Getting started with Genealogy research.

We know you have ideas, so please send them to us including the types of presentations which interest you and regular meetings you would enjoy. Possible topics include health, financial, history, and current events.

If there is enough interest in a new affinity group, we will get it organized. We will publicize the activity, send out the Zoom information, and make sure the group leader can comfortably run the meeting.

5 MINUTES THAT WILL MAKE YOU LOVE OPERA

Even those who do not usually enjoy opera will love the featured selections. Click the link for some beautiful music (which may also make your smarter!).

The New York Times asked Patti Smith, John Turturro, Renée Fleming and others to pick the music that moves them. Listen to their choices.

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/28/arts/music/classical-music-opera.html?campaign_id=57&emc=edit_ne_20200429&instance_id=18079&nl=evening-briefing&regi_id=54123148&segment_id=26249&te=1&user_id=8059ee6350a0cccbaafe235f38b8888c

05/13/2020

Several of us at FHNN have done a “test drive” of C-S and think this is very useful and perfectly tuned to our generation. You can sign up directly by going to www.cyberseniors.org.

But If you’d like to learn more about the features and how to use C-S, FHNN is setting up for members and volunteers two Zoom sessions, led by FHNN volunteers. One session will be geared to any member/volunteer who prefers that the presentation is given at a slower pace with plenty of detail.  For those who feel fairly comfortable with tech, we’ll offer a separate Zoom session at a somewhat faster pace. And anyone ready to dive right now can go to www.cyberseniors.org.  Note: If you’re not familiar with using Zoom, just let us know when you RSVP, and we’ll have someone contact you by phone to get you started. RSVP is required to attend either FHNN C-S session information.fhnn@gmail.org.  Please note if you are registering for Session One (beginners) or Session Two (intermediate) and if you need help with connecting to Zoom.  Each session is limited to 6 attendees and dates for them will be announced soon. Preference for the sessions will be given to FHNN members and volunteers, but everyone interested should register, and we will try to help you get connected and be able to participate in the many virtual events currently being offered.

FHNN EVENTS

• Coping with COVID-19: Strategies and a Dialogue, Monday, May 18, 2 pm. Linda Gordon Kuzmack, PhD, MSW, LICSW, FHNN member and psychotherapist, invites you to learn coping with COVID strategies that can keep us emotionally connected to family,  friends, and the outside world  – and to energize ourselves. Our lives have been disrupted, and many of the ways we previously used to reduce stress are no longer available to us. Those who wish may voice their concerns about how COVID is affecting their lives. After this first meeting, we will see if we want to continue the conversation beyond May 18. RSVP to  information.fhnn@gmail.com .

• Virtual Crafts and Chat, Thursday, May 28, 3:00-5:00 pm (NEW TIME). Calling all knitters, crocheters, quilters, embroiderers, sketchers, and others. We want to see what you are working on. Join us for Virtual Crafts and Chat. This event is held monthly. Newcomers and beginners are welcome! RSVP to information.fhnn@gmail.com.

• Virtual Meditation, every Wednesday, 10:30-12:00. Zoom drop-in meditation group led by our rotating guides, as we'll continue to reinforce mindfulness meditation practice. RSVP volunteer.fhnn@gmail.com. 

• Men’s Meetup, every Thursday at 2:00 pm. All men in Friendship Heights are welcome to participate via Zoom.  If you are not on the Meetup list, email information.fhnn@gmail.com to be added. You will then receive the link each week.

LITTLE FALLS VILLAGE EVENTS

You may want to register for these Little Falls Village Zoom events in May. Register by emailing info@littlefallsvillage.org and include the name of the presentation in the subject. We suggest you email LFV promptly since these events may fill up. 

Planet Word, Thursday, May 14, 1:00-2:30 pm. Rebecca Roberts, journalist and former Programming Coordinator with the Smithsonian Institution, is currently the Curator of Programming for the upcoming Planet Word Museum, the new languages arts museum slated to open in D.C.'s Franklin Square in fall of 2020. Ms. Roberts will provide details on Planet Word, where visitors will be introduced to the power, fun, and beauty of words. Through the many immersive experiences Planet Word will offer, visitors will discover the richness of the world's languages and words which shape our lives, our decisions, and our relationships. This presentation is also scheduled for Wednesday, October 28 at the Little Falls Library. Email info@littlefallsvillage.org to receive Zoom information.

What is the Outlook for U.S.-China Relations? Wednesday, May 27, 1:00-2:30 pm. The speaker is Stapleton Roy, former Ambassador to China. In the space of a few short decades, China has emerged as a principal rival of the United States as a global leader. The United States faces a fundamental policy choice in dealing with China. Should the goal of our policy be to preserve our traditional air and sea dominance in the Western Pacific? Or should the goal be the encouragement of responsible behavior by a more powerful and influential China? We are not addressing this choice in a serious manner. Complicating this issue is the question of what is going on in China, where President Xi Jinping is heading a campaign against western influences and increasingly resorting to fear and repression to maintain stability. The suppression of Uighurs in Xinjiang, the demonstrations in Hong Kong, and the reelection of President Tsai Ing-wen in Taiwan suggests that all is not well in China's domestic affairs. The trade war between China and the United States is an additional complicating factor. Ambassador Roy will look at these issues from the perspective of his long experience in dealing with China. Email info@littlefallsvillage.org to receive Zoom information.

BETHESDA METRO VILLAGE VIRTUAL EVENTS

The Art Theft of the (last) Century!, on Saturday, May 16, 3 pm. On August 21, 1911, Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa was stolen from the Louvre in Paris. Someone entered the Salon Carré, lifted it off the wall and simply walked out with it. The painting was stolen on a Monday morning, and baffling as it may be now, it wasn't until Tuesday at noon before anyone noticed that the masterpiece was missing. Join us for a richly illustrated presentation by Barbara Evans about the theft of the most famous painting in the world. 

Team of Five: the Presidents Club in the Age of Trump, Tuesday, June 9, 10 am.  BMAV hosts Kate Andersen Brower, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Residence and First Women, who will be talking about her newest book, Team of Five: the Presidents Club in the Age of Trump - a poignant, news-making look at the lives of the five former presidents in the wake of their White House years, including the surprising friendships they have formed through shared perspective and empathy.

RSVP to director@bmavillage.org for Zoom login for the Art Theft and Team of Five events.

OLLI CLASSES IN JUNE AND JULY --- FROM YOUR HOME!

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at American University (OLLI at AU) is like a small liberal arts college with academic classes in every subject area. There are two upcoming sessions:

June Minis with 90-minute study groups held once-a-week for 4 weeks, June 1-26. Minis will be held via Zoom. The membership fee for Minis is $100 to take up to 3 classes. View OLLI Minis courses. For June sessions, register BEFORE Lottery Day, Monday, May 18.

July Shorts with 3-, 4-, and 5-day, 90-minute immersion study groups, July 13-17. The membership fee for July Shorts is $75 to take up to 3 study groups. Shorts will be held via Zoom unless there is a change in circumstances closer to that time. View July Shorts courses. For July shorts, register BEFORE Lottery Day, Friday, June 26.

For more information, visit https://olli-dc.org, email olli@american.edu, or call 202-895-4860.

WE WANT TO ADD MORE VIRTUAL AFFINITY GROUPS AND SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS

FHNN is always looking for new ideas. Please let us know if you are interested in or could help lead a new program. Our ideas include:

• Photography (including a presentation on taking better photos and information on how to organize your photos),
• Toastmasters (FUN meetings where you practice public speaking),
• Conversational Spanish or conversations in other languages,
• Book club: fiction or non-fiction,
• Poetry Group,
• Memoir writing, and
• Getting started with Genealogy research.

We know you have ideas, so please send them to us including the types of presentations which interest you and regular meetings you would enjoy. Possible topics include health, financial, history, and current events.

If there is enough interest in a new affinity group, we will get it organized. We will publicize the activity, send out the Zoom information, and make sure the group leader can comfortably run the meeting.

5 MINUTES THAT WILL MAKE YOU LOVE OPERA

Even those who do not usually enjoy opera will love the featured selections. Click the link for some beautiful music (which may also make your smarter!).

The New York Times asked Patti Smith, John Turturro, Renée Fleming and others to pick the music that moves them. Listen to their choices.

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/28/arts/music/classical-music-opera.html?campaign_id=57&emc=edit_ne_20200429&instance_id=18079&nl=evening-briefing&regi_id=54123148&segment_id=26249&te=1&user_id=8059ee6350a0cccbaafe235f38b8888c

05/13/2020

https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/23/health/yale-happiness-course-wellness/index.html

If you do not have time for the course videos, you may want to read this article about the key takeaways from the class!

https://bestlifeonline.com/yale-happiness-course/

The best (virtual) things to do while quarantined at home in the D.C. area from The Washington Post. 

There are lots of ideas in this article including cooking demonstrations, concerts, virtual trivia, and the European Union open house! 

https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2020/04/02/things-to-do-dc-quarantine-coronavirus/

MCPL Introduces Hoopla! No Waiting for eBooks, audiobooks, and more

MCPL (Montgomery County Public Libraries) has been working hard to bring you digital resources. Using Hoopla, you can borrow movies, music, audiobooks, ebooks, comics and TV shows to enjoy on your computer, tablet, or phone – and even your TV! With no waiting, titles can be streamed immediately, or downloaded to phones or tablets for offline enjoyment. Click Hoopla - https://mcpl.link/hoopla. You need a library card, but if you don't have one, don't worry. You can grab a digital library card at https://mcpl.link/DigitalCard. If you any questions about materials or services, check out Ask-A-Librarian service. You can submit questions via phone (240-777-0001) or online at https://mcpl.link/ask-a-librarian. And finally, check out the virtual programs the library is holding. Virtual Storytimes - https://mcpl.events/VirtualStorytime All Virtual Events - https://mcpl.events/VirtualPrograms.

Visit the US Botanical Gardens!

Take a virtual tour, learn from home, and try activities for families.

https://www.usbg.gov/athome

Experience Bethesda

Downtown Bethesda's arts organizations, local businesses and the Bethesda Urban Partnership offers virtual and online events and classes for you to enjoy.

Missing D.C.? Here is an article on 100 ways to enjoy it.

https://www.washingtonian.com/2020/04/15/100-ways-to-virtually-experience-dc-during-the-coronavirus-pandemic/#AROUND-TOWN

YouTube Tribute to Sondheim

Another great YouTube to view is Sondheim at 90, a recent virtual birthday celebration by over 40 musical performers.  Each gave tribute (from their homes due to covid19) to this iconic songwriter/lyricist, whose first collaboration at 20 years old was with Leonard Bernstein as lyricist for "West Side Story.” Sondheim followed with “Gypsy,” “Sunday in the Park,” “A Little Night Music,” and “Sweeney Todd” to name only a few.  Putting together this 2 1/2 hr. YouTube tribute to Sondheim was a masterful technical feat, much deserved for this beloved American musical icon.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A92wZIvEUAw

Join IN Series Friday, May 8, at 5:00 pm on Facebook Live for their next online musical happy hour with IN Series favorites Frank Conlon and Brian Thorne. Be delighted and comforted by favorite tunes old and new right from the home of these spectacular artists! Hosted and curated by the performers themselves, this series celebrates the power of music and the arts to transcend circumstances and unite creators and audiences in spite of distance.

Experience Art from Home

How to get your art and design fix from your couch

Finding Great Art While in Isolation (Washington Post)

Learn about the Gardner Museum theft

Tired of looking at art and want to create it yourself?

Grab paper and pen, pencil or crayon and create your own art with Mo Willems’ Lunch Doodle. Learners worldwide can draw, doodle, and explore new ways of writing by visiting Mo’s studio virtually once a day for the next few weeks. You can see a new video each weekday at 1 p.m. ET.

Stuck at home? Take free drawing classes from famous illustrators

Genealogy

Family Search is the largest genealogy society in the world, with billions of records searchable online. Can create your family tree, search their extensive database for historical records, or check out their Family History Activities page for resources to teach you more about your family history.

National Museum of Women in the Arts

NMWA is now a digital museum! See their website for more details.

https://nmwa.org/

Women’s History

The National Archives Foundation filmed a series of interviews with Cokie Roberts, Speaker Pelosi and many other women trailblazers last year in celebration of the Women's Suffrage Centennial and in support of the National Archives exhibit, Rightfully Hers.

05/09/2020

04/05/2020

ALL MEMBER ZOOM CHECK IN CALL. Thursday, April 9, 11:00 am. RSVP to information.fhnn@gmail.com and we will send you the log-in information. Remember you can call in!

How are you doing? Adapting? See and talk to your fellow members via Zoom!  

 We hope you will register for other Zoom events in April, too. You can call into any of these events or use your computer or other device.

• Aging Well at Home and COVID 19 and Our Elders, Wednesday, April 8, 12:30-1:30 pm. The speaker is renowned local geriatrician and home care medicine physician Dr. Eric DeJonge. Please register in advance to receive Zoom call-in information. Participants for this event will be muted. People using computers can ask questions using the chat function. People who call in will hear everything Dr. DeJonge says. For more information and to register, see  http://bit.ly/AgingWellAtHome.

• Virtual Meditation, Every Wednesday, 10:30-noon. Next session Wednesday, April 8. Everyone is welcome to join the ongoing, weekly, drop-in meditation group led by our rotating guides, as we'll continue to reinforce mindfulness meditation practice. RSVP at volunteer.fhnn@gmail.com. 

• Aging Well at Home and COVID 19 and Our Elders, Wednesday, April 8, 12:30-1:30 pm. The speaker is renowned local geriatrician and home care medicine physician Dr. Eric DeJonge. Please register in advance to receive Zoom call-in information. Participants for this event will be muted. People using computers can ask questions using the chat function. People who call in will hear everything Dr. DeJonge says. For more information and to register, see  http://bit.ly/AgingWellAtHome.

• Men’s Meetup, every Thursday at 2:00 pm. Next Meetup Thursday, April 9. RSVP by emailing information.fhnn@gmail.com.

• Creating an On-Line Music Playlist on Your Devices, Friday, April 10, 10:30-11:30 am. Healing Harmonies-How to create your own music playlist. (Music #101 - Amazon music, Spotify.) Our speaker is FHNN Member Kathleen McGuinness/SmithLife Homecare. RSVP by emailing information.fhnn@gmail.com.

• Virtual Crafts and Chat, Thursday, April 23, 2:00 – 4:00 pm. Calling all knitters, crocheters, quilters, embroiderers, sketchers, and others. We want to see what you are working on.  Join us for Virtual Crafts and Chat.  RSVP to information.fhnn@gmail.com. 

How to Order Food On-Line, Friday, April 24, 10:30-11:30 am. Groceries & Dinner delivery Apps #101. Never ordered groceries online? Never ordered meals delivered from your favorite restaurant? This seminar is for you! (Peapod, Instacart, Uber Eats, Door Dash.) Our speaker is FHNN Member Kathleen McGuinness/SmithLife Homecare.  RSVP by emailing information.fhnn@gmail.com

04/03/2020

For the full executive order: https://www.baltimoresun.com/coronavirus/bs-md-stay-at-home-document-20200330-54bdwlwzgbeanly54akhuzsyf4-htmlstory.html.

03/31/2020

 Senior Center Without Walls, the award-winning California-based program of the Episcopal Senior Communities, is available nationwide for telephone access as well as on-line access. The courses, covering a range of topics, are free. For more information and to register call 877-797-7299. Staff is working from home and answering calls as they can, so expect delays in getting return calls. http://www.seniorcenterwithoutwalls.org/

        2. Consumer Reports Facebook Live Event

Consumer Reports is hosting a Facebook Live event on Tuesday, March 24 with its experts to help you navigate this crisis. You do not need to be on Facebook to see the event which will also be available afterwards. 

The event has tips and advice on how best to protect yourself from catching the virus, what to do if you think you have symptoms, and how to cope with self-quarantines and community lockdowns.

By joining the event at 3 p.m. ET, you’ll have the opportunity to participate and ask questions. If you can’t join in real-time, you can still watch the event afterward at this link. (You can view the event even if you’re not on Facebook).

     3. Important Update from the Montgomery County Regional      Services Center.

On March 23, Governor Hogan ordered all non-essential businesses to close. Businesses exempt from the shutdown include those in the following fields: health care, food, liquor, agriculture, energy, public works, community government, public safety, law enforcement, critical manufacturing, financial services, water and wastewater industries. Please see the link for more information on this as well as grant and loan programs for small business, emergency relief package for businesses and vulnerable residents, parking restrictions update, Metrobus information and other updates. Here is the link:  http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?m=1103963123997&ca=c1760ae6-81e9-4449-8533-b8ad115f9ada

The above link also includes a very useful resource list (see below). 

County Councilmember Craig Rice has a useful list of resources for the community during the COVID-19 emergency. Here's a sampling:

• how to get help (food, utilities, housing, mental health, domestic violence)
• how to help others (volunteer, food donations, blood donations)
• health and safety
• business resources
• education and children

     4. Centralized Restaurant Information.

There is an online restaurant directory – MoCo Eats – dedicated to promoting food and drink establishments looking to communicate their pick up, delivery, and beer and wine offerings to Montgomery County residents. This interactive website and map via www.MocoEats.com enables a consumer to search for a listing, filter by type of category and city, and view any special promotions a restaurant is offering.

Some local restaurants are open for pick up including Friendship Heights

Gourmet Market 301 951-0951. As of when we wrote this, Potbelly 301 818-6333, Lia’s 240 223-5427, Chipolte 301 654-6661, Meiwah 301 652-9882, Alfio’s 301 657-9133, and Clyde’s 301 951-9600 are also open for takeout. Potbelly, Lia’s, Meiwah, Alfio’s, and Clyde’s have delivery options but call to confirm.

     5. VIRTUAL CHERRY BLOSSOMS

Click on the Cherry Blossom 24/7 webcam to enjoy our beautiful cherry blossoms – virtually! https://nationalmall.org/bloomcam Here’s another webcamlink https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wk3czL8OR70 (maybe it’s me, but there seem to be a whole lot of people walking the path among the blossoms, and they’re not 6-feet apart!)

     6. FREE ONLINE EXERCISE WITH LIVE VIDEOS THROUGH FlexTogether.

During the COVID situation, FlexTogether is offering a free, online fitness studio for older adults (or anyone, really!). You can do it solo or with a buddy if you have a camera on your smartphone or computer.

Login to this site & register. No credit card information is needed, and no password needed, as your computer/device will remember you the next time you login. Here’s the link: https://flex2.co If you want to ask questions, call (424) 269-2000.

 __________________________________________________

Nonprofit FHNN helps seniors age in place.  See www.fhneighbors.org.

Visitors are welcome.  Donations from visitors are gratefully accepted.  Phone: 240.620.3285 or information.fhnn@gmail.com.  The News portion of our website has FHNN updates.

03/24/2020

 Serious Eats article on Food Safety and the Coronavirus: https://www.seriouseats.com/2020/03/food-safety-and-coronavirus-a-comprehensive-guide.html

03/23/2020

· If you do not have health insurance: Maryland Health Benefit Exchange has announced a Special Enrollment Period during Maryland’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) State of Emergency. Starting March 16, 2020, uninsured Maryland residents now have an additional opportunity to sign up for health coverage through Maryland Health Connection (MHC), the state-based health insurance Marketplace

When should I come to the hospital?

· You should only come in to the hospital if you are experiencing severe breathing difficulties or potentially life-threatening symptoms.

· Prior to being aware of COVID-19, would your symptoms have prompted you to seek medical attention? If “No…”, then please stay home and call your primary care physician. If “Yes…”, or if you are instructed by your care provider, please go to your nearest Urgent Care, Emergency Provider, or dial 911.

· All 6 Montgomery County hospitals have expanded their triage capabilities

· If you are sick with flu-like symptoms and go to an emergency room, you may be screened for COVID-19 and testing will be performed only if risk factors have been met.

· If your symptoms are mild, please stay home if you feel sick. To help reduce the spread of COVID-19, it is best to practice social distancing

What are other resources available to me?

· Hotline #211- The State of Maryland has set up a public hotline for questions about testing and potential exposure to COVID-19

· Hotline #240-777-1755- The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services hotline

· The Maryland Department of Aging is issuing additional information on the Senior Call Check program as a free resource to MD residents over 65+ and recommending all seniors use the program as a resource during the COVID-19 global pandemic. Senior Call Check phone lines are open Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm and Saturday 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. During these hours, seniors can call toll-free 1-866-50-CHECK (1-866-502-0560) and register. Registration is also available online at aging.maryland.gov. * more information at the bottom of this email

Why am I seeing tents outside of hospitals?

· Hospitals in Montgomery County Prepare for COVID-19 Virus Spread

About the Senior Call Check Program

The Senior Call Check participants receive an automated call every day. These calls will take place within a time frame chosen by the participant. If the participant does not answer their first call, they will be called two additional times in the same day. If those calls go unanswered, an alternate person, selected by the participant, will be notified. This alternate could be an adult child, a neighbor, or anyone designated as a reliable contact. The alternate will then be asked to check on the participant. For those who do not have an alternate or whose alternate is unresponsive, the state will call local law enforcement to conduct a wellness check.

This situation is changing rapidly. We will continue to collect and share information with you as becomes available.

03/20/2020

Update on tents at hospitals to screen COVID-19 patients

The six county hospitals below now have tents installed outside to triage patients who have symptoms that are concerning for COVID-19. The tents not only create a larger space to triage, screen and test those individuals, they protect other patients and staff from exposure and free up capacity in the emergency rooms for other patients.
• Adventist HealthCare White Oak Medical Center, Silver Spring
• Suburban Hospital, Bethesda
• Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center, Rockville
• Holy Cross Hospital, Silver Spring
• Holy Cross Hospital, Germantown
• Medstar Montgomery Medical Center, Olney
Tents for the hospitals were supplied and erected by Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service, with support from the National Guard.

"Seniors-Only" grocery store shopping hours
Target and Whole Foods are each offering “seniors-only” shopping hours in all of their Montgomery County stores and four local stores are also participating in this special program. The hours vary from store to store.

Check the list located at https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/HHS/Resources/Files/COVID19GroceryStores.pdf for participating stores:
• Global Food, Silver Spring
• Grosvenor Market, Rockville
• Dawson's Market, Rockville
• Roots Market, Olney
• Whole Foods, Kentlands
• Whole Foods, Rockville
• Whole Foods, Silver Spring
• Whole Foods, Bethesda
• Whole Foods, Friendship Heights
• Target, Gaithersburg
• Target, Rockville

Curbside parking changes to support restaurants
The county Department of Transportation (MCDOT) has established "No Parking" zones in areas with high concentrations of restaurants - Bethesda and Silver Spring - and converted them to "curbside food pickup" zones. They are in front of restaurants that have suspended full service under Gov. Hogan's statewide order and now offer take-out service. 

Drivers may park in these new "curbside food pickup" zones for up to 15 minutes. 

The areas designated as "No Parking" to allow curbside restaurant access are subject to change. MCDOT is open to consideration of expanding the changes to support other areas currently controlled by curbside parking meters. To request additional locations, contact Jeremy.Souders@montgomerycountymd.gov
 
Free parking at two county garages in Bethesda and Silver Spring

The Auburn/Del Ray garage in Bethesda and the Bonifant/Dixon garage in Silver Spring will temporarily not require payment, in an effort to minimize the financial impacts of the COVID-19 emergency on county residents. 

Visit the County's COVID-19 Closures website for a comprehensive list of County closures. For more information, including COVID-19 videos and more, visit the County's COVID-19 website and monitor the County's social media for breaking news and other updates.

 

03/19/2020

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich announced a list of stores that have created senior/immune-compromised hours:  https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/HHS/Resources/Files/COVID19GroceryStores.pdf

03/19/2020

Please keep reading for some ways to help remedy cabin fever. Please send your suggestions to information.fhnn@gmail.com so we can share your ideas in updates.  

Catch up on reading. While the libraries are closed, you can take advantage of the electronic resources provided by Montgomery County. A full list of available E/Audiobooks, streaming media, online learning platforms, library apps and research databases is available 24/7, https://mcpl.link/DigitalResources  You also can support your local bookstores, including Politics and Prose, at https://www.politics-prose.com/ and have items delivered to your home. The store also offers curbside pick up and has an online speakers’ series.

Looking for more reading options?  Free eBooks through Project Gutenberg

Are you missing trips to museums?  Museums with online tours

Want to explore online learning options, some of which you could do with your younger relatives and friends?

Open Culture - free resources and courses for almost anything

Do you want to register to vote absentee in Maryland? The primary is now on June 2.

https://voterservices.elections.maryland.gov/OnlineVoterRegistration/InstructionsStep1

This is a good time to stay connected. Pick up the phone and talk to your friends and family. Video conferencing apps like FaceTime https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204380  or Skype enable you to connect with your friends and family in a meaningful way.   

Please see our second post for more information.  What are you doing to keep busy?  Please email us at information.fhnn@gmail.com.  

03/18/2020

Relax with meditation. There is a free, upcoming 5- day seminar (March 25-29) with Thich Nhat Hahn teachings that looks interesting, "In the Footstep of Thich Nhat Hahn:  https://promo.lionsroar.com/free-summit-thich-nhat-hanh/

You may want to read an article from Tricycle Magazine (an excellent Buddhist magazine):   https://tricycle.org/trikedaily/coronavirus-meditations/

Looking for yoga resources?

Seated yoga for seniors: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KEjiXtb2hRg (25 min)

Chair yoga mindfulness https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fkl88Nq3BiU (25 min)

Mindful chair yoga with meditation https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XMps5-PIJHA (10 min)

Get organized.  Use this time to clean out your closets and drawers. Start small, organize just one drawer.

Is free opera something you would enjoy? Make a date with the  Metropolitan Opera which is offering free streaming nightly at 7:30 pm, and the music remains on the website for 20 hours if that time does not work for you.

Try something new.  WAMU's DCist outlines ways to stream movies, magazines, exercise classes, even strolling through Smithsonian archives!

Do you enjoy games?  How long has it been since you played board games like chess?  For a new experience try online board games. 

Learn a New Skill. You can go to YouTube and type "How to..." in the search box to learn how to do almost anything.

Listen to a podcast. There are so many interesting podcasts out there.  Check out Time Magazine's recommendations of the 50 Best Podcasts to find something that meets your interests.

Keep laughing.  Try the U-Tube videos of the great comedians below to get you smiling and laughing again. We featured these links in our January Newsletter.

Nature of Humor Playlist

Nat Hum A

Nat Hum B

Take Yale classes for free!  https://oyc.yale.edu/  Many universities have open, free classes for all. You do not need to have any connection to the school. The Yale ones have been recommended to us.

Try the TED talks! TED Talks are videos from expert speakers on education, business, science, tech and creativity, with subtitles in 100+ languages, free to stream and download.

https://www.ted.com/

We will keep adding to this list.  What are you doing to keep busy?  Please email us at information.fhnn@gmail.com

03/18/2020

To view the statement, please click here.

03/17/2020

As a result, FHNN will be temporarily cancelling or postponing events based on the latest guidance. For the month of March, we will be cancelling the birthday party scheduled for March 17, the Elizabeth Building Briefing, and Crafts and Chat scheduled for March 26. We also are cancelling the Men’s Lunch for April 2 and postponing the FHNN Annual Happening fund-raiser for April 19 to a later time. Meditation and Walking Groups will continue meeting, and participants will make their own choice about attending these meet ups. Any questions about participating in the Meditation Group, please contact Linda Herson (volunteer.fhnn@gmail.com); Walking Group participants, please contact Ethel Pacheco at ethelpacheco@me.com. We will re-evaluate the overall situation at the end of March and make an announcement about April at that time.

We are aware that all members—both full and social—may want to interact, and some may need greater support at this time. Thus:

• If you are a member who would like regular telephone contact from a volunteer for a friendly check-in,please let us know by emailing information.fhnn@gmail.com.
• If you are not yet a volunteer, but now have some extra time, please email information.fhnn@gmail.com. We want to talk with you about options you might enjoy such as telephone calls, or a time-limited special project.
• Donate supplies. There has been a global run on personal hygiene and household items like toilet paper and disinfectant cleaners, disposable gloves, and thermometers. If you have extras, an in-kind donation is appreciated to be shared, especially with Full members who may not have easy access to the grocery stores. Again, email information.fhnn@gmail.com.

We will continue to offer Full members volunteer support including grocery shopping, and transportation to important appointments with workarounds as necessary. We are exploring other added assistance including web conferencing to host programs, friendly phone calls (see above), and assistance with on-line orders for groceries. We also will continue to forward pertinent information about COVID-19 from Federal, state and local officials as that becomes available.

For more information about FHNN, please see our website at www.fhneighbors.org, email us at information.fhnn@gmail.com, or call us at 240-620-3285.

Our best to all and be well.

Constance Row, President, for the Board of Directors
Friendship Heights Neighbors Network  

03/15/2020

• Launched an internal emergency management group for coordination, enhanced monitoring and planning with partners and other local agencies.
• Developed an action plan for incident management and surveillance for individuals at risk of infection.
• Communicated with hospitals and health-care providers to provide the latest information and guidance from the CDC.
• Communicated and coordinated with MCPS to provide guidance to parents, teachers and staff.
• Launched a COVID-19 website to update Montgomery County residents on the current situation.

While the immediate health risk from COVID-19 is low, residents should take simple steps to prepare:

• Stay informed by using trusted sources for up-to-date information. The County’s website includes information on prevention techniques as well as links to the CDC and other resources.
• Wash hands frequently throughout the day. Use warm water and soap.  If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Cough or sneeze into your elbow. Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Keep surfaces (especially bathroom surfaces and children’s toys) clean by wiping them down with a household disinfectant.
• Stay home from work or school if you are sick.

Residents are encouraged to visit the website and sign up for Public Health and Environmental Alerts for critical updates.  Sign up for alerts (listed under Montgomery County Government Alerts) through the County’s Alert Montgomery notification system.

02/28/2020

A complete list of clinical trials can be found at https://clinicaltrials.gov/.

Beer’s List of Do Not Use Medications: https://www.pharmacist.com/beers-revised-drugs-not-use-older-adults

A recording of Dr. Herson’s presentation can be found on Youtube.com by searching for Clinical Trials Elderly or just go straight to

https://youtu.be/jYWN6x7zabk

10/15/2019