WASH I NG TON B E A CON — D E C EMBER 2 0 1 5 31

VOLUME XXVI, ISSUE 12 A newsletter for D.C. Seniors December 2015

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA OFFICE ON AGING

Spotlight On Aging

I hope everyone had a wonder-ful Thanksgiving! Thanksgiving ismy favorite holiday because it’s adedicated time for gratitude. This year I was especially grate-

ful and humbled to have becomepart of the D.C. Office on Aging’sfamily. Mayor Muriel Bowserasked me in early November if Iwould be the agency’s Interim Di-rector. Having worked with DCOAfirst as a liaison in the DeputyMayor’s office and then as InterimGeneral Counsel, I am intimatelyfamiliar with the agency and thecommunity we serve. Deputy Mayor for Health and

Human Services Brenda Donald —who served as Interim Director forseveral months this year — re-turned to her full-time duties asDeputy Mayor. But she remainscommitted to DCOA’s mission andcontinues to be one of the agency’sstrongest supporters. When I was an attorney at AARP

Legal Counsel for the Elderly(LCE), I represented older home-owners who became delinquenton their real property taxes andwere at risk of losing their homesthrough real property tax foreclo-sure. None of my clients ever losttheir homes to tax sale, but thatexperience pushed me to look forsystemic changes. During my time at LCE, I recruit-

ed pro bono partners and commu-nity stakeholders to push the Dis-trict to change the real propertytax law so we could better protectour long-time District residents. Iam happy to say that sweepingchanges were made and imple-

mented last year, and the DeputyMayor’s office works closely withthe tax office to ensure that home-owners have every opportunity toprotect themselves from losingtheir homes due to unpaid taxes. I joined the District government

to continue the systems reformwork, but from the inside. Over thepast year and a half, I have workedwith District agencies in makingour long-term care services andsupports system better, and I con-tinue to be impressed with the ded-ication and passion of District gov-ernment employees. Serving as Interim Director of

DCOA is a great opportunity forme to continue implementing theMayor’s vision for DCOA. MayorBowser is committed to buildingan age-friendly city where all resi-dents can thrive. As you may haveheard me say at our senior well-ness centers, we are committed tolistening to you. We want to trulyunderstand your needs, wants, andhopes — now and in the future. We will continue providing the

core services you have come to ex-pect, but we also want to hear fromyou about how we can better serveyou where you live, work and play.We want to make sure that DCOAconnects with you — no matterwhere you live in the District. My professional roots are in ad-

vocacy, and I look forward to con-tinuing my advocacy for olderadults and people with disabilitiesin the District of Columbia asDCOA’s Interim Director. The

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

Celebrating 40 Years

Mayor Muriel Bows-er and senior membersof her Administration,along with partners atMi Casa, Inc. and Gen-erations of Hope, cele-brated the opening ofGenesis — an afford-able intergenerationalhousing community inwhich service-mindedseniors and young fami-lies with children transi-tioning out of fostercare live as neighbors.Based on an award-

winning model, Genesisis a 27-unit affordable buildingwhere residents mutually supportone another by meeting specific re-quirements for community participa-tion and service.The opening of Genesis under-

scores the Mayor’s commitment tocombating homelessness among vul-

nerable populations and transform-ing the District into an Age-FriendlyCity, where residents of all ages areable to grow up and grow older in di-verse, intergenerational, and sup-portive communities.“I have a lot of life, a lot of energy still

to give,” said Bonnie Duffy-Page, oneof the new senior residents.

It’s been four years since the opening of the Hayes Senior Wellness Center, located at 500 KSt. NE. For many seniors, Hayes has become a second home, and the recent anniversary cele-bration felt more like a birthday party for a dear friend. The event held outside, like a back-yard barbeque, featured food on the grill with healthy options, exercise, and music providedby the Sandra Y. Johnson Band.  If you haven’t already done so, stop by and take a look atwhat they have to offer.

See DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE, page 32

Mayor Bowser presents Bonnie Duffy-Page with a ceremo-nial key during the “Welcome Home” activities at Genesis.

IntergenerationalHousing Opens

Come to your nearest DC library tolearn about the Age-Friendly DC 2015Progress Report, and what you can doto help transform DC into a city whereit’s easier to grow up and older.The Age-Friendly DC 2015 Progress

Report is now available. Ask your li-brarian for a copy. This report high-lights some of the age-friendly workhappening in DC, and ways to get in-volved. You will want to spread theword about Age-Friendly DC to yourfriends, family and community. The Age-Friendly DC plan includes

75 strategies that DC agencies are im-plementing with support from commu-nity partners to make life easier for res-idents of all ages. The strategies are

based on listening to DC residents, par-ticularly those 50+ years old.Don’t miss these opportunities to

ask questions and get involved:

Age-Friendly DC LibraryPresentations

12/1 – 10 a.m. – Cleveland Park3310 Connecticut Ave. NW12/2 – 4 p.m. – Northeast 330 7th St. NE12/3 – 2 p.m. – Northwest One 155 L St. NW12/4 – 10 a.m. –Dorothy I.Height/Benning 3935 Benning Rd. NE

12/7 – noon – Southeast403 7th St. SE12/8 – 1 p.m. –Takoma Park416 Cedar St. NW12/9 – 10 a.m. –Mount Pleasant3160 16 St. NW12/11 – 10 a.m. –Georgetown 3260 R St. NW12/14 – 10 a.m. –Southwest900 Wesley Place SW12/15 – 1 p.m. – Francis Gregory3660 Alabama Ave. SE12/16 – 4 p.m. – Petworth 4200 Kansas Ave. NW

D.C. OFFICE ON AGING NEWSLETTER

32 DECEMBER 2 0 1 5 — WA SH I NG TON B E A CON

FACT SHEET• BenefitsCheckUp® is the most comprehensive, Web-based service of its kind in the nation that screens

for benefits programs for seniors with limited income and resources.

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

• More than 4 million people have been successfully screened through individual or agency use ofBenefitsCheckUp®.

• BenefitsCheckUp® screens for programs that can help with the cost of prescription drugs, heatingbills, housing and rent, food, legal services, medical costs, in-home services, tax relief, Veteransbenefits, employment, and volunteer opportunities.

• Screenings are confidential. Users are not required to enter their name, address, phone number, orany other personally identifiable information.

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

• More than 1,400 downloadable application forms are available for benefits programs. Users can alsoapply online for the Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage (Part D) Low Income Subsidy (LIS/ExtraHelp).

About the National Council on AgingThe National Council on Aging is a nonprofit service and advocacy organization headquartered inCrystal City, Virginia. NCOA is a national voice for millions of older adults-especially those who arevulnerable and disadvantaged-and the community organizations that serve them. NCOA works withthousands of organizations across the country to help seniors find jobs and benefits, improve their

health, live independently, and remain active in their communities.

www.BenefitsCheckUp.org/dcoa

DCOA team is staffed with hard-work-ing, creative and passionate people.Please continue holding us to the high-est standard — I know we are up to thechallenge. And stay tuned: We’re going to be an-

nouncing the beginning of a really fantasticgrants program, for up to $10,000 for acces-sible modifications to your home or apart-ment, in January. As we begin the holiday season,

please remember to check in on lovedones and neighbors who may be isolat-ed and want fellowship or need assis-tance. Have a joyous and safe New Year!

Director’s messageFrom page 31

Learn About Age-Friendly DC Progress

Seniors from the Bernice Fonteneau Senior WellnessCenter took advantage of a recent beautiful fall day inRock Creek Park. The group named itself the BFSWCRangers, and will make hiking an activity to demon-strate that they are “older and bolder,” as they say.The Rangers started at Miller’s Cabin in the park andhiked along a trail, chaperoned by the BFSWC fitnessinstructor Deborah Parker. The Bernice FonteneauSenior Wellness Center is located at 3531 GeorgiaAve. NW. Stop by or call them at 202-727-0338.

A deluxe motorcoach full of fans andmany others travelled from the Dis-trict of Columbia to the Ms. SeniorAmerica Pageant in Atlantic City, N.J.to support Ms. Senior D.C. WendyBridges as she competed with 34women from across the country. This year, the ladies were also

joined by three women from the Unit-ed Kingdom who competed for thetitle of Ms. Senior United Kingdomand another new title, Ms. SeniorTransatlantic. The pageant was held atthe Super Star Theatre at ResortsHotel on the boardwalk.Ms. Senior D.C. didn’t disappoint.

She was articulate and poised as sheintroduced herself as the representa-tive of the District of Columbia. All ofthe contestants performed the open-ing number to Whitney Houston’s “I’mEvery Woman,” all dressed in black.Bridges, a former majorette and aviddancer, was in step with all of her fel-low contestants. During the evening gown competi-

tion, Bridges was dressed in an ele-gant white satin gown with silk chiffonoverlay, one shoulder adorned withembroidered lace and Swarovski crys-tals. While describing her philosophyof life, Bridges eloquently shared thatshe was a lifelong learner. For her talent presentation, dressed

in the red fringe of a flapper, Bridgesdanced to a medley of songs, sharingwith the audience that she loved beinga girl and she feels good.Dr. Barbara Mauldin, from Missis-

sippi, was crowned Ms. Senior Ameri-ca. Mauldin is the 35th winner of thecontest, which crowns a woman whohas reached the “Age of Elegance” —60 or older. The Mississippi dentistcreatively performed a ballroom dancewith a jacket during the talent contest,and wore a beautiful sequined mintgreen mermaid skirt gown during theevening gown segment of the contest.The new Ms. Senior America has vol-unteered her dental expertise in Peru,Nicaragua and Honduras, as well as athome over the years.

Transatlantic contestDebbi Miller, a resident of Northern

Virginia who was representing herhome state of New Mexico during thecontest, was crowned Ms. Transat-lantic 2016 by a celebrity panel ofjudges. Miller was also awarded thetop Talent Award from among the 13finalists from the United States and theUnited Kingdom in a new BBC Inter-national contest. Miller has sung 16 opera roles, in-

cluding a world premiere, as well as sa-cred music, barbershop and Broadway.

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D.C. OFFICE ON AGING NEWSLETTER

Ms. Senior D.C. Wendy Bridges is shown with Fourth Runner-Up Sherri McGhie, Ms. New JerseySenior America, Ms. New York Senior America CJ Marie and Ms. Virginia Senior America JanisThomas at the Cameo Dinner Dance and Ball.

Ms. Senior D.C. recites her philosophy duringthe Evening Gown and Philosophy of Life seg-ment of the competition.

The MC Steppers dance to "Living in America."

The District of Columbia Makes its Markat the Ms. Senior America Pageant

SeeMS. SENIOR AMERICA, page 33

Ms. Senior D.C. Wendy Bridges performs with other contestants during the opening number ofthe Ms. Senior America Pageant 2015.

Ms. Senior D.C. Wendy Bridges takes a momentafter the pageant with Ms. Senior America Bar-bara Mauldin.

Sandra Bears, Ms. Senior D.C. 2005, after herperformance of "At Last" during the Ms. Sen-ior America Pageant Showcase.

Her special interests include teachingvoice and piano, and participating inJazzercise, softball, yoga, riding horses,playing bridge, gardening and travel.Miller’s volunteer work includes sup-porting Retired and Senior VolunteerPrograms and Feed the Homeless.Ms. Senior United Kingdom Pat

Watts, from Hove, England, was alsocrowned a winner. She entertained theaudience with a comedic monologue onhow to be fashionable at the age of 85.

Rita Wood, from Chelmsford, England,was named 1st runner-up, and LynneBennett, from Milton Keynes, England,was selected as 2nd runner-up.

Hometown entertainment For the first time, the District’s own

MC Steppers danced on the Ms. Sen-ior America Pageant stage during thepageant’s showcase. The group,dressed in various forms of the Ameri-can flag, white pants and sailor hats,performed a lively dance number tothe song made popular by JamesBrown, “Living in America.”

Just as they have been in the Dis-trict, Maryland and Virginia, the groupwas a hit during the showcase and re-ceived a standing ovation from those inattendance.Sandra Bears, Ms. Senior D.C. 2005,

and top 10 finalist during the Ms. Sen-ior America Pageant, returned to singher talent and crowd favorite, “AtLast.” After her performance, Show-case MC Helen Halpin McCarney, Ms.Senior America 2005, shared with theaudience that during her pageant herfamily thought that Bears should havebeen crowned the winner, much to theamusement of the audience. The District was also represented

during the events by Toni Jackson,Ms. Senior D.C. 2014, who was a mem-ber of the queens choir. The queensare former contestants, who represent-

ed many states as they sang a medleyof Gershwin tunes, including “Some-one to Watch Over Me,” The Man ILove,” and “I’ve Got a Crush on You.”Another treat during the pageant ac-

tivities: Members of the D.C. SeniorsCameo Club performed their versionof “Happy” by Pharrell Williams forthe Ms. Senior America Pageant Sec-ond Preliminary as well as the PageantFinals. During their performances, thegroup performed one day all dressedin white, and then all dressed in red ac-cented by American flag scarves dur-ing the finals. Each performance waswell received by all in attendance. During the events, a camera crew

from the BBC taped the events. It will airas a TV special during the holidays. TheDistrict dance groups hope to be fea-tured during the final show. Stay tuned!

December2nd, 7th, 16th • 11 a.m.Seabury Ward 5 Resources for Aging

will host an AIDS Awareness Presenta-tion by Terrific Inc. at three locations:Dec. 2, Gettysburg Apartments, 2855Bladensburg Rd. NE; Dec. 7, Edge-wood Terrace Apartments, 635 Edge-wood St. NE; and Dec. 16, Delta Tow-ers, 1400 Florida Ave. NE. For more in-formation, call Norma Hardie at 202-529-8701.

7th • 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.The Hattie Holmes Senior Wellness

Center will hold a Community Health,Wellness and Informational Fair. Thecenter is located at 324 Kennedy St.NW. For more information, call 202-291-6170.

7th • 11 a.m.Medstar will hold a Medicare semi-

nar at Petersburg (Ft. Lincoln III),3298 Ft. Lincoln Dr. NE. For more in-formation, call Norma Hardie at 202-529-8701.

8th • 11 a.m.Learn more about AARP’s Legal

Counseling for the Elderly services atVicksburg – Ft. Lincoln 4, 3005Bladensburg Rd. NE. For more infor-mation, call Norma Hardie at 202-529-8701.

9th • 3 to 5 p.m.Seabury Ward 5 Resources for Aging

holds its holiday open house at the cen-ter for the Blind and Visually Impaired,2900 Newton St. NE. For more infor-mation, call Norma Hardie at 202-529-8701.

9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th • 3:30to 5:30 p.m.“It’s OK to be Older — Self Empow-

erment for Older Adults in the LGBTCommunity” is a new interactivecourse at Iona Senior Services in part-nership with Whitman Walker to helpprepare older LGBT adults to effective-ly navigate the unique challenges andopportunities of aging. The classesmeet for four Wednesdays from Dec. 9to 30. The course fee is $85, and schol-arships are available. Iona is at 4125

Albemarle St. NW. For more informa-tion or to register, contact EmilyLootens at elootens@iona.org or 202-895-9420.

10thThe D.C. Office on Aging will pro-

vide an informational table on its re-sources and services at the SupremeCourt 2015 Health and Wellness Fair, 1First St. NW. For more information,call Alice Thompson at 202-535-1321.

10th • 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.The 2015 Mayor’s Annual Senior

Holiday Celebration will take place atthe D.C. Armory, 2001 E. Capitol St.NE. There will be live entertainment,dancing, health screenings, safety andhealth information, immunizations,food, giveaways and exhibits. For tick-et reservations, call 202-724-5626.

11th • noon to 2 p.m.The Howard University College of

Dentistry will hold its annual seniorluncheon at 600 W St. NW. For moreinformation, call Alice Thompson at202-535-1321.

14th • 7 p.m.Bring the grandchildren to a play

reading at Iona Senior Services. Theplay, Princess Georgie, is a about aprincess growing up in a restrictive en-vironment, who raises a baby dragonin secret. A $5 contribution is request-ed. Iona is located at 4125 AlbemarleSt. NW. See www.iona.org/education-and-events/special-events.html to reg-ister or call 202-895-9448.

15th • 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.A Delta Towers Town Hall Meeting

will take place at the apartments, 1400Florida Ave. NE. For more informa-tion, call Norma Hardie at 202-529-8701.

19th • 6 to 8 p.m.Councilmember Brandon Todd

hosts a Ward 4 holiday celebration atSt. John’s College High School, 2607Military Rd. NW. For more informa-tion, call Alice Thompson at 202-535-1321.

34 DECEMBER 2 0 1 5 — WA SH I NG TON B E A CON

D.C. OFFICE ON AGING NEWSLETTER

Spotlight On Aging is published by theInformation Office of the D.C. Office onAging for D.C. senior residents. Adver-tising contained in the Beacon is not en-dorsed by the D.C. Office on Aging or bythe publisher.

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

202-724-5622 • www.dcoa.dc.gov

Interim DirectorLaura Newland

EditorDarlene Nowlin PhotographerSelma Dillard

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

actual or perceived: race, color, reli-gion, national origin, sex, age, maritalstatus, personal appearance, sexual ori-entation, familial status, family respon-sibilities, matriculation, political affilia-tion, disability, source of income, andplace of residence or business.Sexual harassment is a form of sexdiscrimination which is prohibited bythe Act. In addition, harassment basedon any of the above protected cate-gories is prohibited by the Act. Dis-crimination in violation of the Act willnot be tolerated. Violators will be sub-jected to disciplinary action.

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

SPOTLIGHT ON AGING

Community Calendar

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Ms. Senior AmericaFrom page 33