WASH I NG TON B E A CON — J UNE 2 0 1 6 31

VOLUME XXVII, ISSUE 6 A newsletter for D.C. Seniors June 2016

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA OFFICE ON AGING

Spotlight On Aging

Happy summer! Every June, theDistrict of Columbia celebrates GayPride, and the Capital Pride Alliancehosts two weeks of events that in-clude the Capital Pride Festival andParade. The DC Office on Aging(DCOA) is proud (get it?) and excit-ed to participate in both of the mainPride events and celebrate theLGBT community with the rest ofthe District.The generation that established

DC’s first Pride celebration in 1972is now part of our aging community,and DCOA is committed to betterunderstanding the needs of ourLGBTQ seniors in the District andmaking sure that the hard-foughtgains to allow people to live freelyand openly don’t go away when theyage.Nearly 11 percent of District resi-

dents identify as lesbian, gay, bisexu-al, transgender or queer (LGBTQ)— the highest in the country. Noother state comes close. Vermontcomes in second, with 6 percent ofits residents identifying as LGBTQ.This June, the DC LGBTQ com-

munity has a lot to celebrate: gov-ernment workers no longer have tofear being fired for being gay or evenjust suspected of being gay, for one.And last year, the Supreme Courtrecognized marriage as a fundamen-tal right for everyone. But PrideMonth is also an opportunity toshine a light on the host of uniquechallenges still facing LGBTQ peo-ple in the District, particularly asthey age.We know that family and social

connections are the key to agingwell — relationships are what allowall of us, regardless of age, to livefull, meaningful lives. But LGBTQseniors are statistically less likely to

have a support system that wouldallow them to age in place. They’retwice as likely to live alone, twice aslikely to be single, and much lesslikely to have children than theirnon-LGBTQ counterparts.So how can we do a better job of

meeting the needs of LGBTQ sen-iors in our city? Being visible sup-porters (like in Capital Pride events)is a good start. But we’re committed to real work,

too. Earlier this year, Mayor Bowsersigned legislation passed by theCouncil requiring LGBTQ culturalcompetency training for all healthprofessionals who see patients in aclinical setting. This is a strikingcommitment to making sure thatpeople can receive healthcare, andthat partners/spouses can be a partof healthcare decisions, regardlessof how people identify.So DCOA has partnered with

Whitman Walker Health to providemandatory LGBTQ competencytrainings for our Senior Service Net-work (Network) and for DCOA staffover the next several months. Mostof our Network and DCOA staffaren’t considered health profession-als, but we all interact with seniorsas part of our jobs. This trainingwon’t just be for our front-line staff— executives and managers will berequired to attend as well, becausewe know that leadership withLGBTQ competency is critical.These are the easy things that we

can do. But to create a true commu-nity — one in which all seniors arerespected and valued — we’ll needyour input, advice and commitment.How can we better meet the needs ofthe LGBTQ community, and all un-

Celebrating 40 Years

See DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE, page 32

On Thursday, May 19, Mayor MurielBowser, with Deputy Mayor for Healthand Human Services Brenda Donald,Ward 4 Councilmember Brandon Todd,and private sector leaders, celebratedOlder Americans Month by recognizingthe work of 32 businesses that provideexceptional service to older adults.These businesses were officially desig-nated ‘Age-Friendly’ by the Washington,D.C. Economic Partnership. Eleven oth-ers were designated last year. The Age-Friendly Business initiative

is led by private sector leaders, includ-ing Mario Acosta-Velez, director ofVerizon’s State Government Affairs forthe Mid-Atlantic Region and Age-Friendly DC Task Force member.Businesses qualify for the designationby exhibiting a total of 10 best prac-tices across four categories: person-nel, physical facility, products andservices, and print and Web materials.Businesses can apply for the designa-tion or be nominated by DC residents.Those interested in applying to be des-

ignated as an Age-Friendly Business canapply at www.surveymonkey.com/r/AFBusiness. Residents can also nominatetheir favorite local business that exhibitsage - f r i end l y bes t p r a c t i c e s a t www.surveymonkey.com/r/AFNom.

Age-Friendly BusinessesAll N’ 1 Medical Supplies & Treasures, LLC5119 Nannie Helen Burroughs Ave.NE, Suite A Annie’s Ace Hardware1240 Upshur St. NWArtJamz1728 Connecticut Ave. NWBalance Gym - Glover Park2121 Wisconsin Ave. NWBene’ Millinery & Bridal Supplies6217 3rd St. NWBusboys and Poets – 4 locations14th & V, 2021 14th St. NW5th & K, 1025 5th St. NW

Brookland, 625 Monroe St. NETakoma, 235 Carroll St. NWCapitol Living LLC804 E St. NEC.A.T. Walk Boutique1000 H St. NECenter for Nonprofit Advancement 1666 K St. NW #440Crystal Insurance Agency1805 Belmont Rd. NW, Suite 105CVS Pharmacy110 Carroll St. NWDC Dragons Martial Arts TrainingCenter 1731 Rhode Island Ave. NEDenny’s4445 Benning Rd. NEEthio USA Tours1380 Monroe St. NW, #626Forest Hills of DC4901 Connecticut Ave. NWGeorgetown Long & Foster RealEstate1680 Wisconsin Ave. NWInstitutional Dental Care, Inc.3100 20th St. NELawrence Executive Alliance ofProfessionals1111 23rd St. NW, Suite 2GLedo’s Pizza7435 Georgia Ave. NWMint Dental329 Rhode Island Ave. NE, Suite AMr. & Mrs. Snider Real Estate5815 4th St. NWPepco701 9th St. NWPlush Beauty Box3617 12th St. NERenee by Boddie’s Unisex Salon3505 Georgia Ave. NWRockland’s Barbeque and GrillingCompany2418 Wisconsin Ave. NWRorschach Theater1333 H St. NESafeway6500 Piney Branch Rd. NW

Age-Friendly Businesses Recognized

See AGE-FRIENDLY, page 34

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S MESSAGEBy Laura Newland Executive Director, D.C. Office on Aging

32 J U N E 2 0 1 6 — WA SH I NG TON B E A CON

D.C. OFFICE ON AGING NEWSLETTER

Mayor Muriel Bowser honored 22centenarians at the 30th Annual Saluteto District of Columbia Centenarians.Eleanor Valentine, a poet and collegeprofessor, was the oldest honoreepresent at the luncheon. She will cele-brate her 108th birthday in October.

Foster Grandparent and longtimevolunteer Virginia McLaurin also at-tended the event. The only male hon-oree was Reuben Simmons, whoworked for the U.S. Department ofAgriculture and the Peace Corps,working in agriculture and economic

justice and providing assistance toother countries, including Libya, Viet-nam, India and Bangladesh. Honorees received medallions to

commemorate their longevity. MayorBowser was on hand to greet the cen-tenarians, and each honoree present

was given a medallion to celebratetheir milestone. There are estimatedto be more than 300 centenarians inthe District, and the oldest registeredwith the Office on Aging is Ward 4 res-ident Betsy Stanford, who was born in1903.

AGING WITH STYLEMMss.. SSeenniioorr DD..CC.. PPaaggeeaanntt 22001166

Sunday, June 26, 20162:30 p.m.

University of the District of Columbia4200 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Building 46, Main Auditorium

Washington, D.C. 20008

Donation $20.00 (proceeds will support Ms. Senior DC and her court’s travelto the Ms. Senior America Pageant in Atlantic City October 18-21, 2016)

Witness the selection of Ms. Senior D.C. as women age 60 and oldercompete for the title. Contestants will be judged on presentations of theirphilosophy of life, talent, evening gown, and their personal interview with

the judges.

Presented by the D.C. Office on Aging, the Senior Service Network and theD.C. Seniors Cameo Club

Visit www.dcoa.dc.gov or call 202-724-5622

GOVERNMENTOF THEDISTRICTOF COLUMBIAMURIEL BOWSER,MAYOR

Annual Salute to Centenarians

derserved seniors in the District? When Mayor Bowser asked me to

lead this agency, I knew that I agreedto a big job. What I didn’t know wasthat I’d find a new family. I’ve had thepleasure of meeting many of youthrough our work together, and I’vebeen surprised and humbled by howwelcoming you’ve been. My personallife hasn’t mattered to you. What mat-

ters is that I see you, and that my toppriority every day is making sure youknow that you matter — to thisagency, the larger community, and tothe District. How can we embrace every senior

and welcome them as warmly as you’vewelcomed me? I believe that when we do this —

when we uplift everyone and excludeno one — that we can make the Districtof Columbia the best place in the worldfor seniors to live. Just as they are.

Director’s messageFrom page 31

Mayor Bowser greets the 22 honorees and their guests at the 30th Annual Salute

to DC Centenarians.

Executive Director Laura Newland and DC Commission on AgingChairperson Romaine Thomas with Centenarian Velma Martin, 102.

Youngest Centenarian present Estelle Harrison,100, with Ms. Senior D.C. Wendy Bridges.

Ann Reeside, a member of the Women’s Army Corps.

The only male centenarian at the event,Reuben Simmons.

WASH I NG TON B E A CON — J UNE 2 0 1 6 33

D.C. OFFICE ON AGING NEWSLETTER

Seabury Resources for Aging recent-ly held its gala, where it awarded Ro-maine Thomas the Leadership inAging Award. The Chairperson of theD.C. Commission on Aging and a Ward5 resident, she spent most of her lifededicated to the community as an edu-cator and through community service. For more than 25 years, Chairper-

son Thomas served as the principal ofJohn Henry Ketchum ElementarySchool. During her tenure she wasawarded the National DistinguishedPrincipal’s award by the U.S. Secre-

tary of Education for her service.In the community, she served as

president of the Woodbridge Civic As-sociation and the 2nd Vice Presidentof the District of Columbia’s Federa-tion of Civic Associations, Inc. Mrs.Thomas also served as the first D.C.Democratic Convention Chairwoman,and was a delegate in 2012 to the Dem-ocratic National Convention. She hasalso served as the President of the Ex-ecutive Council of D.C’s AARP. Congratulations to Chairperson

Thomas!

Seabury Resources for Aging CEO Deborah Royster and Seabury Board PresidentGerry Perez flank honoree Romaine Thomas.

Seabury HonorsRomaine Thomas

According to the Alzheimer’s As-sociation, more than 5 million Amer-icans are living with Alzheimer’s dis-ease. The association also estimatesthat the disease is the sixth-leadingcause of death in the country, andmore people die from the diseasethan those that die from breast andprostate cancer combined.Figures like these are startling,

and the toll that providing care takeson the families and caregivers, aswell as the money that this nationspends on care for those with

Alzheimer’s, is even more startling.The Office on Aging has great

programs to assist residents withAlzheimer’s Disease and RelatedDementias (ADRD), including Sat-urday Respite, Money Manage-ment Program and Club Memory.There are also various adult daycare programs that operate daily,and allow working caregivers op-tions for care of their loved oneswhile they work. Visit our websiteat www.dcoa.dc.gov or call 202-724-5626 to find out more.

June is Brain Awareness Month

June is Men’sHealth Month!

Call a senior wellness center near you to find out what great activities arebeing held this month, and plan to participate. Share the information withthe older males in your community, and help them take a step towards lead-ing a healthier lifestyle.

Older Americans Month Events

East River Family Strengthening Collaborative Senior PromWard 8 Senior Fashion Show at the

Petey Greene Center

Bernice Fonteneau Senior Wellness Center 3531 Georgia Ave. NW • 202-727-0338Hattie Holmes Senior Wellness Center 324 Kennedy St. NW • 202-269-6170Model Cities Senior Wellness Center 1901 Evarts St. NE • 202-635-1900

Hayes Senior Wellness Center500 K St. NE • 202-727-0357Washington Seniors Wellness Center3001 Alabama Ave. SE • 202-581-9355Congress Heights Senior Wellness Center3500 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave. SE• 202-563-7225

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34 J U N E 2 0 1 6 — WA SH I NG TON B E A CON

June 20164th • 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.The 27th Annual Glover Park Day

will be held at the Guy Mason Recre-ation Center. 3600 Calvert St. NW. Tolearn more, call 202-727-7736.

7th and 21st • noonJoin the DC Caregivers Online

Chat at Noon on June 7 to discuss “Care-giving for someone with PTSD.” On June21, the topic will be “Tips and techniques for dealing with stress.” Visithttp://dcoa.dc.gov/page/caregiver-chatat noon, or visit at your convenience andhit replay to see the chat. For more infor-mation, contact linda.irizarry@dc.gov orcall 202-535-1442.

11th • 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.The Hospital for Sick Children will

hold its June Fair and Family & Com-munity Health Expo. The address is1731 Bunker Hill Rd. NE. For more in-formation, contact Cecil Doggette at202-580-6485 or cdoggette@hscsn.org.

11th • 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.The 8th Annual D.C. Housing Expo

& Home Show will be held at the Wash-ington Convention Center. 801 Mt. Ver-non Pl. For more information, seehttp://dhcd.dc.gov/node/1147421.

11th • 10 a.m. to noonA brain health conference will be held

at the D.C. Baptist Convention, 162816th St. NW. Parking is available in thegarage. To register, call 202-265-1626.

13th and 20th • 11:30 a.m.Seabury Resources for Aging Ward 5

presents a program on AARP legalcounseling. It will be held on May 13 atVicksburg nutrition site, 3005 Bladens-burg Rd. NE. On May 20, it will be pre-sented at North Capitol @ Plymouthnutrition site, 5233 N. Capitol St. NW.For more information, call NormaHardie at 202-529-8701.

14th • 2 to 4 p.m.Take part in a session about how the

D.C. Office of the Attorney General(OAG) helps District residents. There

will be a panel discussion with OAG at-torneys and investigators led by TonyTowns, community outreach directorfor the OAG, and Lateefah Williams, at-torney advisor, Community OutreachDivision. They will talk about housingcode enforcement, including howthe OAG investigates housing code vio-lations and holds landlords accountablefor their actions. They will also warnabout telemarketing scams and explainhow to file a complaint. They will de-scribe how the OAG NeighborhoodServices Section works closely withthe Police Department to assist crimevictims. There will be plenty of time forq u e s t i o n s a n d a n swe r s a b o u thow the OAG can help District resi-dents. It will take place at Iona SeniorServices, 4125 Albemarle St. NW. Regis-tration is appreciated. Call 202-895-9448.

16th • 10 a.m. to noon Train to become a DCOA Ambassa-

dor, an initiative to train community res-idents about the programs and servicesoffered by the D.C. Office on Aging andits Senior Service Network. The ambas-sadors serve as points of contact for dis-tributing information about the pro-grams and services available to seniors,people living with disabilities, and care-

givers in their wards and communities.To register, call 202-724-5622 or emailDarlene.nowlin@dc.gov.

16th • 11:30 a.m.United Healthcare will present a

workshop on preventing hypertension.It will be held at Fort Lincoln I nutritionsite, 2855 Bladensburg Rd. NE. Formore information, call Norma Hardieat 202-529-8701.

18th • 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.The 2016 Community Day will take

place at the Greater Fellowship BaptistChurch, located in the 3800 block of9th St. SE. Contact Gwen Brighthauptat 202-561-5594 for more information.

18th • noon to 4 p.m.The 22nd Annual North Michigan

Park Family & Fun Day will take placeat the North Michigan Park RecreationCenter, 1333 Emerson St. NE. ContactGrace Lewis at 202-526-7696 for moreinformation.

22nd • 11 a.m.United Healthcare will lead a work-

shop on prostate cancer prevention atKibar nutrition site, 1519 4th St. NW.For more information, call NormaHardie at 202-529-8701.

D.C. OFFICE ON AGING NEWSLETTER

Community Calendar

• BenefitsCheckUp® screens for more than 2,000 public and privatebenefits programs, from all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

• BenefitsCheckUp® screens for programs that can help with thecost of prescription drugs, heating bills, housing and rent, food,legal services, medical costs, in-home services, tax relief,Veterans benefits, employment, and volunteer opportunities.

• Screenings are confidential. Users are not required to entertheir name, address, phone number, or any other personallyidentifiable information.

• Reports can be printed that describe each benefit a person hasbeen found potentially eligible for, including information onwhere to apply locally and documentation required.

• More than 1,400 downloadable application forms are availablefor benefits programs. Users can also apply online for theMedicare Prescription Drug Coverage (Part D) Low IncomeSubsidy (LIS/Extra Help).

Visit www.BenefitsCheckUp.org/dcoa to find out what benefits you may be eligible to receive.

SPOTLIGHT ON AGINGSpotlight On Aging is published bythe Information Office of the D.C. Of-fice on Aging for D.C. senior resi-dents. Advertising contained in theBeacon is not endorsed by the D.C.Office on Aging or by the publisher.

500 K St. N.E., Washington, D.C. 20002

202-724-5622 • www.dcoa.dc.gov

Executive DirectorLaura Newland

EditorDarlene Nowlin

PhotographerSelma Dillard

The D.C. Office on Aging does notdiscriminate against anyone based

on actual or perceived: race, color, re-ligion, national origin, sex, age, mari-tal status, personal appearance, sexu-al orientation, familial status, familyresponsibilities, matriculation, politi-cal affiliation, disability, source of in-come, and place of residence or busi-ness.Sexual harassment is a form of sexdiscrimination which is prohibitedby the Act. In addition, harassmentbased on any of the above protectedcategories is prohibited by the Act.Discrimination in violation of the Actwill not be tolerated. Violators willbe subjected to disciplinary action.

The Office on Aging is in partnership with the District ofColumbia Recycling Program.

Secondi1702 Connecticut Ave. NWSmith & Sons LLC1801 Clydesdale Pl. NW, Suite 710Solar City840 First St. NEStoddard Baptist Nursing Home1818 Newton St. NWTaurus Renovation Consultants,Inc. 1341 H St. NETotal Healthcare Solutions38 Porter St. NE

Total Relaxation Store3124 12th St. NEUnion Town Bar & Grill2200 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave. SEUniversity Professional and Continuing Education Association 1 Dupont CircleWashington Center for AgingServices2601 18th St. NEVerizon1300 I St. NW, Suite 400 WestYoga Heights3506 Georgia Ave. NWZekes Coffee of DC2300 Rhode Island Ave. NE

Age-friendlyFrom page 31