Fairfaxseniors ffx012414

2 Fairfax County Times SENIORS | January 2014 FairfaxTimes.com

1883774

FairfaxTimes.com January 2014 | Fairfac County Times SENIORS 3

Fairfax County Times

SENIORSEditor

Graphic Design

Contributing Writers

Advertising Manager

Prepress Manager

Kimberly Bamber

Anna Joyce

Karen Finucan ClarksonMary Wade BurnsideEllen CohenScott HarrisJim Mahaffie

Marta Wallace

John Schmitz

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Fairfax County Times Seniors is produced by Post Community Media's SpecialSections and Advertising departments. It does not involve the company’s newsrooms.

COVER PHOTOS: BASKETBALL PHOTO BY CAROL GILCHRIST/JEANNI WINSTON, NO. 15, ANDMARY LOU D’ALESSANDRIS, NO. 39, HUSTLE AFTER A LOOSE BALL WHILE PLAYING AT THE U.S.

NAVAL ACADEMY IN ANNAPOLIS, MD. INSET PHOTO COURTESY OF SALLY HOTTLE

Do you know someone in Fairfax County 50 or older with aninteresting story to tell? Do you know of an organization that provides

entertainment, travel or arts opportunities for older adults?We want to know about it! Email us at [email protected]. 1883430

1908498


SIGN ME UP

BY JIM MAHAFFIE

Senior basketball is going strongacross the greater metro area. Rec-reation Specialist Patrick Sullivan es-timates there are 300 to 400 regular

players in the over-55 leagues in Montgom-ery County, Md., alone.

“Go watch them.They’re as competitiveas can be,” said Sullivan. “Once games areover, they go off and get something to eat.They all seem to enjoy each other’s company,and it’s both therapy and exercise for them.”

According to Sullivan, the county workswith Montgomery County Senior Sports As-sociation (MCSSA), a nonprofit that orga-nizes teams and league play. MCSSA offersa 65 and older basketball league that playson Sunday mornings.There is also a 70 andover league that plays on Friday afternoons,according to John Medford, 72, a player andbasketball commissioner for the MCSSA.

Both leagues cost $120 per player for theseason, plus $5 for MCSSA dues, accord-ing to the MCSSA website. Leagues are alsoavailable for 55-plus and 60-plus age groupsat different days and times. Players may reg-ister as individuals or as a team through theMontgomery County Recreation Depart-ment. Many practices and games are heldat the Bauer Drive Community RecreationCenter in Rockville, Md.

“All senior basketball league games arefive-on-five full court, played with profes-sional officials, a timekeeper and a score-keeper,” said Medford. Organized play, hesaid, is also available for seniors who just

want to walk in and play on TuesdaysandThursdays from 9 to 11 a.m. at theBauer Drive center. Another pickupprogram is played Mondays and Fri-days at Thomas Farm CommunityCenter in Rockville.

“Some of these guys compete invarious national senior events and go on tocompete in the Maryland Senior Olympics,”said Sullivan.

Steve Lawrence, 68, from Bowie,Md., has played for years in youngerMontgomery County leagues. Heparticipates in the 65-plus leaguethis season since he had a recentknee surgery and needs to “act hisage,” he said. “I hate gyms and jog-ging, and when I play two or threetimes a week, I can stay in shape.”

Fairfax resident Del Wilsonhas played for years all overthe area. At 78, he playspickup basketball from9:30 a.m. to noon onTuesdays and Fridays atthe James Lee CommunityCenter in Falls Church. “Acompetitive league practicesand plays at the center Wednes-days at 5:30 p.m. for 40-55, 56-69and 70-plus age groups,” he said.League play is three-on-threehalf-court, and pickup gamesare usually four-on-fourhalf-court, according to

k in and play on Tuesdaysays from 9 to 11 a.m. at thee center. Another pickupplayed Mondays and Fri-omas Farm Communityockville.of these guys compete inonal senior events and go on tohe Maryland Senior Olympics,”.wrence, 68, from Bowie,yed for years in younger

ry County leagues. Hein the 65-plus leaguesince he had a recenty and needs to “act hisd. “I hate gyms and jog-hen I play two or three

k, I can stay in shape.”esident Del Wilsonor years all overt 78, he playsketball fromto noon on

nd Fridays atee Communityalls Church. “Aleague practicesthe center Wednes-p.m. for 40-55, 56-69age groups,” he said.

y is three-on-threend pickup gamesfour-on-four

according to

You’re Never TooOld to Shoot Some

HOOPSu Seniors’ basketball takes off around metro area

COURTESY OF MONTGOMERYCOUNTY RECREATION ANDMARKETA EBBERT

Montgomery Countysenior residents playbasketball regularlyat the Bauer DriveCommunity RecreationCenter in Rockville, Md.

See HOOPS, 20


1908541


SIGN ME UP

BY KAREN FINUCAN CLARKSON

It didn’t take more than a few minutes beforeGayle Murphy’s hand shot up and she calledout, “Bingo!” Other voices quickly followedsuit. As a result, the $100 early-bird prize was

divided equally among four winners.Murphy, a Fairfax resident, has enjoyed bingo

for about 45 years. She’s been playing at Epiphanyof Our Lord Byzantine Catholic Church in An-nandale since 1982, when the Epiphany Men’sClub started running Tuesday night bingo gamesto raise money for the church’s building fund.

For Murphy, bingo is akin to therapy. “Here Ijust think about the numbers; at home I can thinkabout reality,” she said.While there are prizes foreach game, Murphy enjoys the social aspect. “If Iplayed bingo to win, I’d have quit 40 years ago.”

For the 10 early-bird games, Murphy played18 faces, or paper cards. She added more for theregular games and played 30 for what is knownas a coverall, where the objective is to cover everynumber on the card. As each new number ap-peared on the monitor—there were seven strate-gically placed throughout the hall—Murphy useda colorful dauber to highlight it on her cards. Shestayed a step ahead of the caller, who announcedthe number several seconds after it appeared onthe screen.

At the Rockville Senior Center in Maryland,Betty Ball has seen many people play 12, 15 ormore faces at a time. “Three is about my limit,”said Ball, who runs bingo at the center everyWednesday night for some 40 to 50 players.“Oursis mostly a night out for seniors to get together andnot spend a fortune. It’s a very congenial group.”

While the cost of cards and prize payouts—thelargest is $1,000—are lower at the senior centerthan many other places, according to Ball, bingoproceeds are not insignificant. “We give about$20,000 per year to [Rockville], which goes backinto the center,” she said.

Bingo, considered a form of gambling, is reg-ulated by the state in Virginia and by individualcounties in Maryland. Regulations dictate every-thing from the number of nights per week bingocan be sponsored by a specific organization to themaximum prize that can be offered.

B-I-N-G-O!

PHOTOS BY KAREN FINUCAN CLARKSON

TOP LEFT: GayleMurphy of Fairfax

keeps track of all hercards while playing

bingo at the Epiphanyof Our Lord Byzantine

Catholic Church inAnnandale.

ABOVE: Mary FrancesKicklighter, a 60-yearbingo fan, has played

at Epiphany of OurLord Byzantine CatholicChurch in Annandale

for 10 years.

RIGHT: The gamein action


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The largest prize awarded by theEpiphany Men’s Club was around$18,000, according to Ed Gubanich,bingo manager, and that was for a pro-gressive instant bingo game. “It goes up$500 every week if someone doesn’t hit,”he said. Instant bingo is a perforated cardwith several pull tabs. The object of thegame is to match the symbols or numbersunder the tabs to winning combinations,each worth a different amount, on thefront of the ticket.

Bingo night in both Annandale andRockville begins with games for the earlybirds. “Our first three games are shortand played while people are coming in,”said Ball. People purchase food—hotdogs, apple pie and soft drinks—find aseat and get settled in.

“Bingo players can be a bit territorial,”said Bob Kicklighter, noting that regularsoften prefer to sit in the same place anddon’t take kindly when newcomers ap-propriate their spot. Kicklighter sharedthe table with his wife, Mary Frances,who has played bingo for about 60 years,the last 10 at the Annandale church.

Bingo—second only to golf as Kicklight-er’s favorite pastime—is a bit of a chal-lenge for the gregarious Falls Church res-ident. “Everyone’s so focused; they don’tlike you to make a lot of noise.”

“O-63,” announced the caller into hismicrophone, waiting for someone to yell,“bingo.” About 10 seconds later came thenext call, “B-6.” The scoreboard abovethe caller displayed a wealth of informa-tion—everything from what game numberwas being played to what the prize was towhat pattern constituted bingo. In addi-tion to the straight horizontal, vertical ordiagonal lines associated with single bingo,winning patterns, depending on the game,included a postage stamp (four squaresthat come together in the corner of thebingo card), kite (a postage stamp witha three-square tail) or a small diamond(with no Bs or Os allowed).

Game No. 3 was a double postagestamp. Since there was no need to worryabout any numbers in the “N” column,Anitra Kroh of Centreville took her red

See BINGO, 22


SIGN ME UP

u Shepherd’s Centers takecounty seniors where theyneed to go, and more

BY MARY WADE BURNSIDE

W hen Sushama Rath of Oakton began treat-ment for chemotherapy, she experiencedneuropathy that left her with numbnessthat kept her from driving.

A cancer organization at first attempted to arrangerides for her to chemotherapy and doctor appointments,but, “They were not reliable,” said Rath.Then, she heardof the Shepherd’s Center of Oakton-Vienna, a volunteerorganization that provides rides, as well as other servicesand activities, to people 50 and older, mostly for free.

“I’ve had only positive experiences with Shepherd’sCenter,” Rath said. “The first time I called, I gave onlyone-day advance notice. They said, ‘We need three- orfour-days’ notice.’ But one of the directors came and tookme. Since then, I always try to give them three- or four-days’ notice; sometimes a little less, but I’ve always had aride.They never failed me.”

The Shepherd’s Center concept emerged in the1970s, created by the Rev. Elbert C. Cole in Kansas City,Mo., according to the organization’s national website,shepherdcenters.org. “Shepherd’s Centers of Americawas organized in 1975 to build and support a nationwidenetwork of interfaith community-based centers that pro-vide meaning and purpose for adults throughout theirmature years,” notes the website.

The Shepherd’s Center of Oakton-Vienna (SCOV)was the first one to be created in Northern Virginia,said Executive Director Michelle Scott.The center wasestablished in 1997 after a congregation member fromOakton United Methodist Church learned about the or-ganization. Other centers in the area include the Shep-herd’s Center of Fairfax-Burke, Shepherd’s Center ofMcLean-Arlington-Falls Church and Shepherd’s Centerof Annandale-Springfield.

“They are all independent of each other, but they areall offshoots of the original Shepherd’s Center,” Scottsaid. “And they all do the same thing—helping seniorsremain independent in their home.”

SCOV has about 220 volunteers who take membersto doctor or dentist appointments, the hairdresser, thepharmacy, or library. As Rath also noted, “We ask three-days’ notice,” said Scott.

A ride-scheduling software program installed in thesummer has made the process of finding drivers easierwhen someone calls in with a request. “The request goesto all my drivers and they can look at it on their iPads,iPhones and computer,” said Scott. “Then they canreply, ‘I can take this person on Friday,’ and the volunteerwould contact the client.”

SCOV also offers “friendly callers” who check in onpeople to make sure they are OK or just to chat with

them; minor home repairs and decluttering; and healthadvocates who visit members and give them blood pres-sure screenings, said Scott. Workshops and programsare also available, such as speakers who discuss currentevents. Caregivers also can attend a support group twicea month, Scott added.

“It’s basically a support group where you can let itall hang out,” Scott said. “Basically, if you’re frustrated,angry or sad, you’ve got other folks to share the challeng-es you have with the journey.”

Most of the services are free for members; some dohave small fees. Adventures in Learning, an eight-weekseries held three times a year that features speakers, aswell as instruction on activities such as bridge and taichi, costs $40, Scott said. She estimated that about 3,000local people take advantage of the various services thatSCOV offers each year.

KEITH BROFSKY/PHOTODISC/THINKSTOCK

NEED AHAND ...OR A LIFT?


1908507

The Shepherd’s Center of Fairfax-Burke’s Program Director Lisa Carrollestimated that the organization, whichhas about 140 volunteers, served between800 to 1,000 seniors in the Fairfax areain 2013. About half of the clients use thetransportation services, she said. In 2012,the center—established in 2006—provided1,068 rides.

“I would say we’re known for ourtransportation as a service, but we havemore people involved in what are our con-tinuing-education classes,” said Carroll.“We have a program called Adventures inLearning, and as a byproduct of that, wedo exercise classes twice a week geared forpeople of various physical abilities.”Theclass incorporates yoga and stretchingwith a focus on balance, strength and flex-ibility—which is important for memberswith the goal of remaining in their homes.

“Falls are the No. 1 thing that preventpeople from living independently becausethey fall and break a hip and have to moveinto a rehab center because they aren’table to walk up stairs or live alone for fearof falling. So building strength, balanceand flexibility are key,” said Carroll.“Thatis our mission—to keep people living in-dependently as long as possible.”

Steve Haracznak of Vienna has beena volunteer driver for SCOV for about ayear. He retired at the end of 2012 anddecided to volunteer when a friend sug-gested it and after his retirement gavehim some extra time. About two or threetimes a week, Haracznak said, he picks up

clients at their homes and takes them to adoctor’s appointment, usually remainingin the reception room until they are readyto go home.

“Several of my riders are regulars andthey ask about my family,” he said. “Theyare very interesting people to talk to and itgives me a very good feeling of giving backto my community by making a vital contri-bution to their independent lives, as manylive alone,but are unable to drive anymore.”

When Rath,of Oakton,has a short doc-tor’s appointment, generally the volunteerdriver will wait for her, she said. If she hasa longer chemotherapy treatment, she triesto schedule it for later in the day when avolunteer can take her, and her husband,Bhakta, can leave work a little early to pickher up. But when she needs a ride fromShepherd’s Center, Rath said, she knowsshe can rely on the organization.

“There is always 100-percent cover-age,” she said. “If someone has steppedaway from the phone, I leave a messageand they call back.They have never failed.They are exceptionally dependable. I can’tsay enough good things about them.”

For more information, contact:Shepherd’s Center of Oakton-Vienna

703-281-0538www.scov.org

Shepherd’s Center of Fairfax-Burke703-323-4788www.scfbva.org

(CAR) ISTOCKPHOTO/SILVIAJANSEN


After graduating from college, Hot-tle came to Fairfax County to teachfirst grade.Widowed twice, she has twodaughters and two very lucky grandchil-dren,Alex and Lizzie Day.Alex is now 15and Lizzie is 12; when they were each 10,Hottle gave the children a choice of fivedifferent adventures. She took each ofthem on their chosen trip, traveling withRoad Scholar, a nonprofit travel organi-zation whose mission is to inspire adultsto “learn, discover and travel,” accordingto its website, roadscholar.org.

“Both kids surprised me on the tripsthey chose,” she said. Hottle assumedAlex would pick the Grand Canyon,since he loves the outdoors, but he se-lected a whale-watching expedition ineastern Canada. “Alex has always beeninterested in whales and nature,” shesaid. “And we saw a lot of whales.”

Road Scholar provides “educationaladventures,” according to JoAnn Bell,vice president of programs at the orga-nization.Three days of whale-watchingboat trips left fromTadoussac, Quebec, atiny, French-speaking port located wherethe St. Lawrence and Saguenay riversmeet in Canada. A guide on the boattold passengers where to look for whales,and Alex and Hottle enjoyed every min-ute.They stayed together in a hotel andate in a different restaurant every night.“He was a great travel companion,” saidHottle. “Alex loves any kind of food, andhe doesn’t know a stranger.”

Lizzie chose an outdoor adventuretrip in Utah, where she and Hottle wentballooning, hiking, white-water raft-ing and caving. They also visited UtahOlympic Park, a sports venue duringthe 2002 Olympic Winter Games thatis now a training facility. The twosomealso attended a rehearsal of the Mormon

TRAVEL

PASSING ALONG THE

TRAVELBUG

u Sally Hottle explores with her grandchildren

Sally Hottle caught the travel bug long ago.A hiker and skier, shespent vacations enjoying the mountains in Vermont, Utah andColorado. She has done several cruises in Alaska and the Carib-bean, as well as the Black Sea, Panama Canal, and in and out ofvarious Scandinavian capital cities. She has explored the Cots-

wolds region in southern England, the Lake District in northern Englandand Tuscany in Italy. A few years ago, she hiked El Camino de Santiago,an ancient pilgrimage in northwestern Spain made famous by “TheWay,”a movie about hiking the route starring Martin Sheen.

BY JIM MAHAFFIE

“My grandson expressed it really well when he said,

‘Now we’re really buddies.’”

PHOTOS COURTESY OF SALLY HOTTLE

ABOVE: Sally Hottle and her granddaughter, Lizzie, shared a Road Scholaradventure in Utah. LEFT: Sally hiked in the desert in Moab, Utah.

Grandson Alex played on a200-foot sand dune.


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Road Scholarprograms forgrandparents andgrandchildren

Road Scholar Intergenera-tional programs are opportu-nities for grandchildren andgrandparents to share anadventure on their own, saidRoad Scholar’s Vice Presidentof Programs JoAnn Bell. Withapproximately 7,000 enroll-ments in Intergenerationalprograms each year, the not-for-profit organization offers180 programs with variousdepartures. Programs includeaccommodations, lectures,activities, most meals, trans-portation within the program,gratuities and taxes.For more information, visitwww.roadscholar.org/inter-generational or www.road-scholar.org/kids.

Tabernacle Choir. Road Scholarmade reservations for Hottle and hergranddaughter at a hotel in Park City,a ski resort just outside Salt LakeCity.The trip leaders were a motherand son from Utah, who were ter-rific, said Hottle.

“I had thought Lizzie would se-lect the Road Scholar trip to NewYork City,” she said. “I also offeredthe choice of a storytelling weekdown south and a couple of nationalparks. But she surprised me, and wehad a wonderful time.

“I loved being with the kids with-out their parents. I think they’re muchbetter behaved for me,” said Hottle.

Road Scholar programs arestructured to fit with the age rangeof young learners, said Bell. For in-stance, there were nine other 10-year-olds with grandparents on each ofHottle’s trips.There is a unique cur-riculum for adults and children, aswell as combined educational expe-riences. Children and grandparentsstay in the same room. “You reallyget to know each other,” said Hottle,“living with and traveling together forseveral days.

“My grandson expressed it reallywell when he said, ‘Now we’re reallybuddies.’”

A travel veteran,Hottle said it wasnice not to have to focus too muchon logistics on the guided trips withher grandchildren. “It takes the bur-den off.”

“Spending more time withgrandchildren and traveling top thelist of things people want to do whenthey have a little more free time,”said Bell. “The feedback we receivefrom grandparents and grandkidson intergenerational programs isoverwhelmingly positive—it’s sucha special opportunity to create orstrengthen that bond.”

What’s next? Hottle is on her wayto Antarctica this month with long-time travel friends. Over the rest of2014, she has trips planned to NewYork and a weeklong cruise to Ber-muda with her bridge group. She’sgoing with the grandchildren andtheir parents on a sailboat trip in theCaribbean, too. She’s also going to tryout another travel group, Grand Cir-cle Cruise Line, on a riverboat cruiseon the Danube river in Europe.

Hottle crossed a hanging bridge in the ArenalVolcano area of Costa Rica.

12 Fairfax County Times SENIORS | January 2014 FairfaxTimes.com FairfaxTimes.com January 2014 | FairfacCountyTimes SENIORS 13

BY ELLEN R. COHEN

The Naval Officers’Wives’ Club ofWashington established the NavyMarine Coast Guard ResidenceFoundation, a nonprofit created to

provide affordable housing for military offi-cers’widows, in 1961. In 1969,VinsonHallRetirement Community opened its doorsto commissioned military officers andtheir immediate family members. Later,in 1992, the Arleigh Burke Pavilion added49 licensed nursing beds, 21 assisted liv-ing apartments and rehabilitation servicesfor residents. Most recently, in 2002,TheSylvestery was created to provide 36 pri-vate suites for specialized memory support,long-term or respite care.“Assisted living and memory care resi-

dents are billed monthly for per diem dailycare, which includes all necessary care, allmeals, nursing services, activities (super-vised) and courtesy transportation.They liveon the lower level of Arleigh Burke, whichalso offers on-site physical, occupational andspeech therapy, as well as 24-hour healthcare and rehabilitation,” said David De-Clark, the community’smarketing director.Now a continuing care retirement com-

munity,Vinson Hall provides more than300 residents with upscale apartment living.“There are currently 168 independent livingapartments in a high-rise and an expansionprogram will soon provide 75 more,” saidDeClark. Independent living residents payan entrance fee andmonthly rental fees.Vinson Hall residents must have con-

nections to the U.S.military or government,either as commissioned officers or their fam-ily members or as GS-14 and above federalemployees from government agencies, suchas the Department of State,Department ofDefense and theCIA, saidDeClark.“Two apartments provided by the foun-

dationmakeVinsonHall the first retirementcommunity in America to offer transitionalhousing for wounded warriors,” said De-Clark. Residents must be at least 65, henoted, but the average independent living

age is 86.“The oldest resident, 102, is a ladywhostill teachesouryogaclass.”VinsonHallresidents consist of 30 to 40percent couples,saidDeClark,andmost residents come fromwithin 10miles ofMcLean.Originally, there were only one-bedroom

and efficiency apartments, but the high-risehas been retrofitted for larger apartments.The smallest apartment is 418 square feet,and the largest—with two bedrooms andtwo baths—is more than 1,254 square feet;the majority of the apartments are around800 to 1,000 square feet.The expansionwillfeature apartments up to 2,200 square feet.Independent living residences include all

utilities, an in-house phone systemwith lim-ited long distance, cableTV, weekly house-keeping service, maintenance and 24-hoursecurity. Residents also have access to thehobby shops; fitness center, pool and spa; alibrary; a chapel; and an auditorium.Thereis an on-site beauty and barber salon and aseamstress for additional costs.

Bus transportation toWalter Reed Na-tional Military Medical Center in Bethes-da, Md., is scheduled four days a week,and there is transportation to military

commissaries, exchanges and area shop-ping centers. A courtesy car can take resi-dents to medical appointments, museumsand theaters. Residents enjoy a variety of

LIVING

Vinson Hall Retirement Community

Upscale Living for Military, Other Government Folks

leisure activities, such as painting, woodcarving, gardening, quilting and knitting,card games, woodworking, electronics,framing, and computer-related activities.Retired Navy Capt. Robert Kaufman

has lived at Vinson Hall for more thanfive years. After serving both sea andshore duty on and off in theWashingtonarea for 25 years, “it was natural to comeback here to retire,” he said.Unfortunately, his wife passed away

after about a year and a half. Kaufmanremained and has served as president ofthe Residents Association for the pastfour years. Currently winding up hisfourth and final year with the group,he said his Vinson Hall neighbors are“a nice blend of interesting people who‘speak the same language.’ I knew noone when I came here.”

Retired Col. Glenn Bratcher was in theMarine Corps for 32 years. Born in Okla-homa,he grewup inTexas andNewMexicoand was stationed inWashington for fouryears.Bratcher said he“loved the capital cityandcamehere to live21/2years agobecauseI wanted to be in amilitary complex as a se-nior. I like having a common backgroundwith people.”He enjoys the “fun, food andfellowship”atVinsonHall.“Residents have elected not to have a

meal plan,” said DeClark, “because a largepercentage travel andmay be away for longperiods. All apartments have full kitchensand the Penthouse Dining Room oper-ates like a fine restaurant with an extensivemenu and offers food at cost, so there aremany options.”“I enjoy cooking for myself and appre-

ciate the wonderful kitchens in the apart-

ments,” said resident Ann Dietrich, whohelped raise money to buildVinson Hallwhen it was being planned.When her hus-band passed away, she sold her house andhas lived at Vinson Hall for five years. “Ilike knowing that I can eat with others afew times a week.” Dietrich also likes thecomfort of knowing that she can “age inplace, and if I need more help, it’s avail-able. I love the military flavor here.Youdon’t know who has had what rank and itdoesn’t matter.”Residents can take advantage of a well-

stocked library and a variety of classes andprograms from Himmelfarb Mobile Uni-versity andThe GeorgeWashington Uni-versity. Outings to concerts, theaters, mu-seums and tourist venues are also popular.Retired Lt. Col. Roger Kilton has

lived at Vinson Hall over a year and

a half. Originally from Montgomery,Ala., he relocated to be near his daugh-ter’s family when his wife, Peggy, hadmemory impairment issues. Now atTheSylvestery, his wife is happy in her newhome, he said.Retired from the Air Force, Kilton

taught in Alabama at Maxwell Air ForceBase and at the United States Air ForceAcademy in Colorado. He is a lector andreader at Vinson Hall, busy with chapelactivities, the Poetry Club and theMovieSelection Committee. “There’s plenty todo,” he said.

Vinson Hall Retirement Community6251 Old Dominion Drive, McLean 22101

703-536-4344, 800-451-5121www.vinsonhall.org

COURTESY OF VINSON HALL RETIREMENT COMMUNITY

Residents play water volleyball in the community’s indoor pool.

Residents walk in the McLean 5K Run with the Warriors, held everyfall by the Navy Marine Coast Guard Residence Foundation, which

supports the Vinson Hall Retirement Community.

A resident shares tea and cookies with retired Navy Rear Adm. KathleenMartin, CEO of Vinson Hall Retirement Community.

Vinson Hall Retirement Community in McLean offers 168 independent livingapartments, as well as assisted living and memory care.

Residents Ann Dietrich, left, and Luella Morgan enjoy time together.

12 Fairfax County Times SENIORS | January 2014 FairfaxTimes.com FairfaxTimes.com January 2014 | FairfacCountyTimes SENIORS 13

BY ELLEN R. COHEN

The Naval Officers’Wives’ Club ofWashington established the NavyMarine Coast Guard ResidenceFoundation, a nonprofit created to

provide affordable housing for military offi-cers’widows, in 1961. In 1969,VinsonHallRetirement Community opened its doorsto commissioned military officers andtheir immediate family members. Later,in 1992, the Arleigh Burke Pavilion added49 licensed nursing beds, 21 assisted liv-ing apartments and rehabilitation servicesfor residents. Most recently, in 2002,TheSylvestery was created to provide 36 pri-vate suites for specialized memory support,long-term or respite care.“Assisted living and memory care resi-

dents are billed monthly for per diem dailycare, which includes all necessary care, allmeals, nursing services, activities (super-vised) and courtesy transportation.They liveon the lower level of Arleigh Burke, whichalso offers on-site physical, occupational andspeech therapy, as well as 24-hour healthcare and rehabilitation,” said David De-Clark, the community’smarketing director.Now a continuing care retirement com-

munity,Vinson Hall provides more than300 residents with upscale apartment living.“There are currently 168 independent livingapartments in a high-rise and an expansionprogram will soon provide 75 more,” saidDeClark. Independent living residents payan entrance fee andmonthly rental fees.Vinson Hall residents must have con-

nections to the U.S.military or government,either as commissioned officers or their fam-ily members or as GS-14 and above federalemployees from government agencies, suchas the Department of State,Department ofDefense and theCIA, saidDeClark.“Two apartments provided by the foun-

dationmakeVinsonHall the first retirementcommunity in America to offer transitionalhousing for wounded warriors,” said De-Clark. Residents must be at least 65, henoted, but the average independent living

age is 86.“The oldest resident, 102, is a ladywhostill teachesouryogaclass.”VinsonHallresidents consist of 30 to 40percent couples,saidDeClark,andmost residents come fromwithin 10miles ofMcLean.Originally, there were only one-bedroom

and efficiency apartments, but the high-risehas been retrofitted for larger apartments.The smallest apartment is 418 square feet,and the largest—with two bedrooms andtwo baths—is more than 1,254 square feet;the majority of the apartments are around800 to 1,000 square feet.The expansionwillfeature apartments up to 2,200 square feet.Independent living residences include all

utilities, an in-house phone systemwith lim-ited long distance, cableTV, weekly house-keeping service, maintenance and 24-hoursecurity. Residents also have access to thehobby shops; fitness center, pool and spa; alibrary; a chapel; and an auditorium.Thereis an on-site beauty and barber salon and aseamstress for additional costs.

Bus transportation toWalter Reed Na-tional Military Medical Center in Bethes-da, Md., is scheduled four days a week,and there is transportation to military

commissaries, exchanges and area shop-ping centers. A courtesy car can take resi-dents to medical appointments, museumsand theaters. Residents enjoy a variety of

LIVING

Vinson Hall Retirement Community

Upscale Living for Military, Other Government Folks

leisure activities, such as painting, woodcarving, gardening, quilting and knitting,card games, woodworking, electronics,framing, and computer-related activities.Retired Navy Capt. Robert Kaufman

has lived at Vinson Hall for more thanfive years. After serving both sea andshore duty on and off in theWashingtonarea for 25 years, “it was natural to comeback here to retire,” he said.Unfortunately, his wife passed away

after about a year and a half. Kaufmanremained and has served as president ofthe Residents Association for the pastfour years. Currently winding up hisfourth and final year with the group,he said his Vinson Hall neighbors are“a nice blend of interesting people who‘speak the same language.’ I knew noone when I came here.”

Retired Col. Glenn Bratcher was in theMarine Corps for 32 years. Born in Okla-homa,he grewup inTexas andNewMexicoand was stationed inWashington for fouryears.Bratcher said he“loved the capital cityandcamehere to live21/2years agobecauseI wanted to be in amilitary complex as a se-nior. I like having a common backgroundwith people.”He enjoys the “fun, food andfellowship”atVinsonHall.“Residents have elected not to have a

meal plan,” said DeClark, “because a largepercentage travel andmay be away for longperiods. All apartments have full kitchensand the Penthouse Dining Room oper-ates like a fine restaurant with an extensivemenu and offers food at cost, so there aremany options.”“I enjoy cooking for myself and appre-

ciate the wonderful kitchens in the apart-

ments,” said resident Ann Dietrich, whohelped raise money to buildVinson Hallwhen it was being planned.When her hus-band passed away, she sold her house andhas lived at Vinson Hall for five years. “Ilike knowing that I can eat with others afew times a week.” Dietrich also likes thecomfort of knowing that she can “age inplace, and if I need more help, it’s avail-able. I love the military flavor here.Youdon’t know who has had what rank and itdoesn’t matter.”Residents can take advantage of a well-

stocked library and a variety of classes andprograms from Himmelfarb Mobile Uni-versity andThe GeorgeWashington Uni-versity. Outings to concerts, theaters, mu-seums and tourist venues are also popular.Retired Lt. Col. Roger Kilton has

lived at Vinson Hall over a year and

a half. Originally from Montgomery,Ala., he relocated to be near his daugh-ter’s family when his wife, Peggy, hadmemory impairment issues. Now atTheSylvestery, his wife is happy in her newhome, he said.Retired from the Air Force, Kilton

taught in Alabama at Maxwell Air ForceBase and at the United States Air ForceAcademy in Colorado. He is a lector andreader at Vinson Hall, busy with chapelactivities, the Poetry Club and theMovieSelection Committee. “There’s plenty todo,” he said.

Vinson Hall Retirement Community6251 Old Dominion Drive, McLean 22101

703-536-4344, 800-451-5121www.vinsonhall.org

COURTESY OF VINSON HALL RETIREMENT COMMUNITY

Residents play water volleyball in the community’s indoor pool.

Residents walk in the McLean 5K Run with the Warriors, held everyfall by the Navy Marine Coast Guard Residence Foundation, which

supports the Vinson Hall Retirement Community.

A resident shares tea and cookies with retired Navy Rear Adm. KathleenMartin, CEO of Vinson Hall Retirement Community.

Vinson Hall Retirement Community in McLean offers 168 independent livingapartments, as well as assisted living and memory care.

Residents Ann Dietrich, left, and Luella Morgan enjoy time together.


FINANCES


The intent of new rules governingHome Equity Conversion Mort-gages (HECM) is to encourage theuse of a reverse mortgage as a tool for

long-term financial planning as opposed toshort-term crisis management.The chang-es “simplify the process, add some protec-tions and help seniors plan their financesin a better way,” saidTony Miller, a reversemortgage specialist with Credit UnionMortgage Association in Fairfax.

To make the loans safer, the U.S.Department of Housing and Urban De-velopment (HUD), which oversees theHECM program, has lowered the sizeof loans; limited the amount of loan pro-ceeds that can be tapped during the firstyear; increased fees; and, in some cases,required escrow accounts for taxes, insur-ance and repairs. These changes couldput the loans out of reach for seniorswith more modest amounts of equity intheir homes, according to Song Hutchins,president and CEO of the HUD-sanc-tioned Asian-American HomeownershipCounseling Inc. in Rockville, Md.

Reverse mortgages have existed inone form or another for roughly 50 years,according to the National Reverse Mort-gage Lenders Association (NRMLA). Se-niors whose incomes are fixed may turnto reverse mortgages as their expensesand the cost of living increase.

“In my experience, most people usea reverse mortgage to improve their cashflow and eliminate their mortgage pay-ment,” said Hutchins. Then there arethose “who want to remain in their homebut need help and access the equity topay for a caregiver.”

An HECM, the most popular typeof reverse mortgage and the only one in-sured by the federal government, allowsborrowers 62 or older to cash in on a por-tion of the equity in their house withouthaving to sell the property, move out of

it or make monthly loan payments, ac-cording to NRMLA.The loan comes dueupon the death of the borrower or whenthe borrower sells the house or has notlived in it for a year.The final loan balanceincludes the amount borrowed, plus an-nual insurance premiums, servicing feesand interest. So, by the time the borrow-er sells or leaves the house, the amount

owed is more than what originally wasborrowed. But, no matter how large theloan balance grows, the total that mustbe repaid may not exceed the appraisedvalue of the home or sale price.Any loss isabsorbed by the federal government.

More than 800,000 HECMs havebeen made since the program began in1990. The number of loans peaked at

114,692 in 2009. That’s when the eco-nomic recession led to “demographic andbehavioral changes” among borrowersthat increased loan defaults and threat-ened the viability of the HECM pro-gram, according to HUD. As a result, theagency modified several of the program’sfinancial components in September andadded a financial assessment requirementas of Jan. 13.

The purpose of the financial assess-ment is to identify prospective borrowerswho may have difficulty paying propertytaxes and homeowners insurance (T&I),which can lead to default. “This is nota pass or fail test, the way I see it,” saidMiller. “What HUD is trying to do isfind borrowers who may need to set asidefunds to be able to make T&I paymentsduring the life of the loan.”

The amount of any mandated escrowis based on the life expectancy of theyoungest borrower and may come fromloan proceeds.While that would reducethe amount of cash available to the home-owner, said Hutchins, it protects againstdefault, helping the borrower remain inthe house as long as he is able.

Set-asides also may be required forhome repairs. “An FHA (Federal Hous-ing Administration) appraisal is requiredand the house must be safe, sanitary andsound,” said Miller. “If there’s somethingthat needs to be fixed, we’ll allow you togo to settlement but put funds in an es-crow account and give you a year fromclosing to make the repairs.”

The new, smaller loans and limits onthe amount that initially can be with-drawn stem from an HECM loan analy-sis. “HUD discovered that loans whereall, or a substantial portion, of the avail-able funds are disbursed at closing havea higher tendency to end in default,”reported NRMLA. The new rules limithow much a borrower can take at closing

NEW REVERSE MORTGAGE RULES

JUPITERIMAGES/STOCKBYTE/THINKSTOCK

A M I X E D B A G F O R S E N I O R S

See MORTGAGE, 21


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FINANCES


When seniors find themselveschallenged by credit card debt,it’s often due to using cards for

high medical and prescription expensesand to helping adult children, said JoanneKerstetter, a spokesperson for MoneyManagement International, a HUD-ap-proved,nonprofit credit counseling firm inRockville, Md. “Their financial problemsare so serious that the number of seniorsfiling for bankruptcy is growing faster thanany other age group.”

Credit card debt is driving this in-crease in bankruptcy filings by those 65and older. Two-thirds of elder debtorscite credit card interest and fees as thereason for declaring bankruptcy, accord-ing to 2010 study fromThe University ofMichigan Law School.The median creditcard debt for seniors filing for bankruptcywas $22,562, compared with $13,615 forthose under 65.While seniors comprisejust 7 percent of bankruptcy filers, theirnumbers have been growing, according tothe study. From 1991 to 2007, such filingsincreased 177.8 percent for those 65 to 74and 566.7 percent for those 75 and older.

The recent recession zapped the buy-ing power of consumers, especially thoseover 50, many of whom pulled theirmoney out of the stock market.“While themarket has come back around, many se-niors who took their money out didn’t putit back in and aren’t benefitting from therise,” said Kerstetter.

As a result, “Americans 50+ use creditcards as a high-interest ‘plastic safety net’to cope with contingencies such as emer-gency car and home repairs or unexpectedmedical bills,” noted a January 2013 re-port from AARP’s Public Policy Institute.Among middle-income Americans withcredit card debt, those 50 or older hadan average combined balance of $8,278in 2012, compared with $6,258 for thoseunder 50.

SOURCES OF THE PROBLEMMedical costs contribute heavily to

credit card debt.Half of all indebted elder

households carry debt—for prescriptions,dental work, doctor visits or hospitalstays—on their cards, averaging $893,according to AARP. “One hospitalizationcan have a devastating effect on finances,”saidVee Johnson, community outreach li-aison with Fairfax County’s Departmentof Cable and Consumer Services.

Older adults also are more likely totake on credit card debt to help familymembers.About 23 percent of seniors re-port using their cards to pay off the debtsof relatives, more than double the rate ofthose under 50, according to AARP.

Others, “caught in the desire to makesure their children—living at home or ontheir own—have more than they had, usetheir retirement to pay for a dream wed-ding or the finest college,” said Johnson.With their post-employment savings re-duced, they begin to rely on credit cards.

Another factor contributing to creditcard use is the increasing number of se-niors entering retirement with unretireddebt. Just 24 percent of homeowners 55or older had mortgage debt in 1992. By2010, that number had jumped to 42percent, according to a 2013 report bythe nonprofit Employee Benefit ResearchInstitute inWashington, D.C.

Use of a credit card constitutes a loan,with interest rates generally above thosefor mortgage and auto loans and homeequity lines of credit.“Credit card interestrates range from about 7 percent up to 30percent,” said Johnson.

FINDING SOLUTIONSWhen AARP asked indebted seniors

for the annual percentage rate (APR) ontheir credit card with the highest balance,the responses showed 21 percent withan APR of 10 percent or less, 25 percentwith an APR of 10.1 to 15 percent, 22percent with an APR of 15.1 to 20 per-cent, and 24 percent with an APR greaterthan 20 percent.

“Credit cards, if used appropriately,can be a good way of using someone else’smoney for a short period, up to 30 days,”said Johnson. But those who find them-selves carrying balances from one month

“If you only make the minimumpayment on your credit card,

you will find yourselfPAYING BACK DOUBLE OR MORE

of what you initially borrowed.”- Vee Johnson, community outreach liaison, Fairfax County

CREDIT CARDWhy the burden isgreatest for seniors

THOMAS NORTHCUT/PHOTODISC/THINKSTOCK

DEBT


18834311908506

Buckley Fricker, Owner

to the next need to explore ways to get outfrom under the debt.“If you only make theminimum payment on your credit card,you will find yourself paying back doubleor more of what you initially borrowed.”

Acknowledging and accepting one’spredicament is the first step toward diggingout of debt. “No one wants to admit theymade a bad decision or acknowledge theycan no longer live the lifestyle that they’vebecome accustomed to,” said Johnson.

While some older adults find it embar-rassing to talk about money matters, espe-cially debt, it’s important to do so, whetherwith an adult child or third party. “Every-one has financial difficulties from time totime.The best thing people can do is askfor assistance, sooner rather than later,”said Kerstetter, especially if debt is con-tinuing to mount. “We can intervene andset up a repayment program with a credi-tor, which can take the pressure off, allow-ing them to focus on a budget.”

A budget, or spending plan, is a roadmap to debt retirement. “You need toknow what money is coming in and goingout.That’s the first step to getting your fi-nancial house in order. If you’re not expe-rienced with or methodical about money

management, get help from a reputableagency,” said Johnson. Fairfax County’sConsumer Affairs division “can put youin touch with organizations that are faith-based, nonprofit or self-help.”

“It’s important for seniors to prioritizedebt,” said Kerstetter. “Mortgage or rentpayment is the top priority. Utilities, foodand insurance are other priorities. Un-secured debt, which includes credit carddebt, is lower.”

WAYS TO RELIEVE DEBTClimbing out from under credit card

debt takes time. “Forget the commer-cials that say, ‘Call us in the morningand we’ll wipe out your debt by night,’”said Johnson. “They’re playing on yourvulnerability.You’re already in debt.Youdon’t need to be spending more moneyto get out of it.”

There are many strategies that olderadults use to eliminate credit card debt,and they vary based on both financial cir-cumstance and personal comfort, accord-ing to Kerstetter. “If they have a wholelife insurance policy, they might cash out.Some seniors go back and get part-timejobs. Others might sell unneeded assets.”

Using a tax refund to retire creditcard debt is the most common strategy,employed by 43 percent of older adults,according to AARP. Nearly 40 percenttapped their savings and 29 percentworked extra hours or got another job.

Some chose to use their house as col-lateral. A home equity line of credit wasused by 9 percent of seniors to retire creditcard debt, according to AARP, while arefinanced or second mortgage was thechoice of 7 percent.Those contemplatinga reverse mortgage should consider “con-sulting with their heirs,” said Kerstetter.“When children realize the extent of theirparents’ financial situation, they might pre-fer to assist.”

About one-fifth of seniors reported en-tering into a settlement agreement with acredit card company, which simultaneouslyreduces one’s debt and credit score. An al-most equal number, at some point in theirlives, filed for bankruptcy,AARP reported.

Adding to the stress of credit card in-debtedness are calls from debt collectors.Just over half of all seniors have receiveda call from a debt collector at some pointin their lives. “It’s important to learn whatthe law is in terms of what debt collectors

can and cannot do,” said Johnson. “Thereare laws to protect us when abuses comeinto play.”

“You should understand your rightswhen it comes to unsecured debt,” saidKerstetter, “and don’t let someone talkyou into making a payment that you’reunsure or uncomfortable about.” Thosefeeling pressured should consult with areputable counseling agency.

Getting out of debt and staying out ofdebt requires both commitment and life-style changes, said Johnson. Beware of the“frenemy,” she said, “friends that act likeenemies when they say,‘Let’s go to the spa’or ‘Let’s go to the casino.’ Avoid hangingwith people who spend money on wantsand not just needs.”

With “advertisements, easy credit andcompanies trying to sell us an upgrade onsomething that’s working perfectly fine orwe don’t have enough of, our self-worthhas become tied to things and stuff,” saidJohnson. “We need to say that’s not whatwe’re about and get back to the basics.Money is a tool to help us live a satisfyinglife, not to impress others or keep up withthe Joneses—as the Joneses, I’ve been told,are broke.”


BY SCOTT HARRIS

Seniors and depression are a complicated pair-ing. Uncertain symptoms, nebulous warningsigns and family-member anxiety over difficultconversations about treatment can all hamper

seniors and their loved ones when it comes to gettingdepression diagnosed and treated.

While statistics show that seniors are significantlyless likely to suffer from depression compared withother age groups, experts said the risk is real because ofchallenges associated with getting help. Luckily, how-ever, help is available to those who reach out.

“Depression might feel hopeless, but hopeless-ness is a symptom,” saidThomasWise, M.D., chair ofpsychiatry for Inova Fairfax Hospital in Falls Church.“People can be helped.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control andPrevention (CDC), people 85 and older were the sec-ond most likely age group to commit suicide in 2010,the last year for which CDC data was available. At thesame time, the average age of depression onset is 32,according to the National Institute of Mental Health.And, adults between 30 and 44 years old are 120 per-cent more likely to have depression compared withadults over 60.

Seniors, said Terry Ullman, a Bethesda, Md.,-based licensed clinical social worker specializing insenior patients, often are more mentally healthy thantheir younger counterparts. But in cases where seniorsare susceptible to the condition, there are barriers thatcan make it harder to recognize and easier to manifest.Many of the symptoms of depression in older adults,Ullman said, present themselves much like the symp-toms of other conditions.

“A common myth is that older adults are all de-pressed. Many adults get more emotionally healthy asthey get older.They mature.They are more calm andthey have more perspective,” Ullman said. “But at thesame time,depression is often underdiagnosed in olderadults because it’s harder to detect. It coexists withother medical illnesses, so depression symptoms couldbe covered … And it works differently than it does inyounger people. It can mimic dementia because thereis difficulty making decisions, confusion, irritability oranger, especially in men. It can mean pain or digestiveproblems.Or maybe you’re more reckless than before.”

Adding further uncertainty is the fact that thesymptoms of depression in seniors can differ from thesymptoms of depression in younger people.

HEALTH

MEDIOIMAGES/PHOTODISC/THINKSTOCK

DEPRESSION Why it can be hard torecognize in older people


19084921908557

“If the first onset of depression is at 70,patients might not feel it as depression,”Wise said. “They can be apathetic, have atough time sleeping and have more aches.You can have a loss of interest in yourusual activities.”

One’s surroundings can sometimesplay a role in exacerbating the disease.Despite great strides in recent years to im-prove living conditions, nursing homes arestill, Ullman said, likely breeding groundsfor depression among their residents.

“There’s still a sense that a nursinghome is the end of the line, and that can bevery difficult,” Ullman said. “Some peoplein nursing homes are very disabled. Somepatients may not be able to talk or walk,and there are 24-hour nurses around. Itcan be frightening and overstimulating.”

The aging process itself also can con-tribute to a senior’s risk for the disease.

“Losing your memory can be verydepressing,” Wise said. “You lose yourmental edge and you are very aware of it...Family can be far away. Folks are isolated.How do you get around? In some com-munities, there are supports, but in others,there aren’t; and if you can’t drive, it canbe hard.”

What can be done if a family memberor another loved one suspects an olderperson might be depressed? Everyone feelsdown sometimes; how can one differenti-ate between depression and normal moodfluctuations, or another disease entirely?

According to Wise, apathy or a loss ofinterest in once-treasured things or activi-ties is one of the strongest giveaways of de-pression in seniors. Loved ones can tailordialogues around that symptom to gain astronger idea of whether depression maybe present.

“A family member can ask if they sawthe latest episode of their favoriteTV showor if they read the new copy of their favoritemagazine,”Wise said. “If they say they’renot interested, that they just don’t want todo it anymore, that’s a real red flag.”

Unusual weight gain or weight loss,Wise said, are other key signs. If these orother troubling trends emerge, the bestfirst step is the family doctor.

“Start with your primary care physi-cian,” Ullman said. “They can rule outany medical problems and they can try totreat with antidepressants. If that doesn’twork, they can make a referral or recom-mend therapy.”

The good news, according to Wiseand Ullman, is that typical treatments arevery effective in combating depression.Medication and psychotherapy—anotherterm for talking therapy—can both havegreat value.

“Talking therapy is important,”Wisesaid. “Often, people are very lonely andno one listens. Therapists and familymembers, too, can listen and acknowl-edge their accomplishments, their tri-umphs and their tragedies.”

Two other keys to getting better? Exer-cise and increased social interaction. Ull-man suggested low-impact, group-orient-ed activities like swimming, yoga and taichi.Wise said there were many means offinding social and intellectual stimulation,which can hold great benefits for thosewho are depressed.

“Many communities of faith have se-nior groups,” Wise said. “Many collegesand universities now have lifelong learn-ing institutes, where older adults can findinteresting classes to take and learn anew skill they’ve always wanted to learn.You can take part in a political campaign.There are plenty of options and you canget better.” GEORGE DOYLE/STOCKBYTE/THINKSTOCK


Wilson. “Many of us also compete at theVirginia Senior Games, as well as the Na-tional Senior Games and the NorthernVirginia Senior Olympics.” He said manyof the players also play in the summersoftball leagues in Fairfax County.

The James Lee Community Centerhas been a meeting place for senior bas-ketball in Fairfax County for the past sixyears, said GregWilliams, the senior cen-ter’s director. “Players join in by word ofmouth, and it seems like this is the oneplace they want to come,” said Williams,citing the new facilities, glass backboardsand quality wood floor in the center’s gym.

Basketball leagues are not just re-served for men. In the NOVA UnitedSenior Women’s Basketball Association,teams play with a slightly smaller ballthan the men. NOVA United has morethan 50 women players and seven officialteams for the 2013-2014 season, accord-ing to HelenWhite, 60, who organizes theleague play. “Our players range from 48

to 77 and live in Virginia, Maryland, theDistrict of Columbia and West Virginia,”she said. “Players have opportunities toplay on three-women teams and competein three-on-three games and tournamentsin five-year age groups.”

During the 2013 National SeniorGames basketball tournament, four NOVAUnited teams placed in the 70-plus, 65-plus, 60-plus and 55-plus age groups, saidWhite.“If you want to play or learn, there’sa spot for you, and we’ll find you a team ora program.”Teams practice Fridays at theJames Lee Community Center.

For more information on men’s seniorbasketball in Fairfax County, call theJames Lee Community Center at

703-534-3387.For more information on NOVA UnitedSenior Women’s Basketball Association,

contact Helen White [email protected].

For more information on senior basket-ball in Montgomery County, visit www.seniorhoops.com or www.mc-ssa.org.

HOOPS, continued from 4

PHOTO BY CAROL GILCHRIST

Jackie Stephens, founder of NOVA United Senior Women’s Basketball Association, drives past the opposition during a game at Old Dominion University in Norfolk.

PHOTO BY CAROL GILCHRIST

Barb Chadbourne shoots over Sue Shepard during a game at The GeorgeWashington University.


1883440

or in the first year to 60 percent of theamount eligible to be withdrawn.

There are exceptions, such as whenan existing mortgage or other lien onthe property exists. HUD requires thatborrowers get out from under thesedebts before obtaining an HECM loan.In such cases, borrowers can withdrawenough to pay off their mandatory obli-gations plus 10 percent of the principallimit. For example, assuming a principallimit of $200,000 and an existing loan of$120,000, a borrower would be allowedto take a total of $140,000 in the first yearor 70 percent of the principal limit.

Increased initial mortgage insurancepremiums are tied to the percent of prin-cipal accessed in the first year. By stay-ing within 60 percent, the borrower’supfront insurance payment is 0.5 per-cent of the maximum claim amount (thehouse’s appraised value, up to $625,000).If he exceeds the 60-percent threshold,the premium rises to 2.5 percent of themaximum claim amount. In either case,a borrower must pay an annual insurancepremium equal to 1.25 percent of themortgage balance over the life of the loan.

Under the new rules, a homeownermay borrow the full amount for whichhe qualifies or a portion of that amount.Should he choose the latter, he would notbe able to access any additional fundsin the future without refinancing, ac-cording to Miller. A borrower may takethe proceeds as a lump sum, draw onthem through a line of credit or receive amonthly payment.

Determining how to draw down theloan proceeds or whether to apply for areverse mortgage loan at all are coveredduring mandatory financial counseling,one component of the HECM programthat has not changed. “Counseling is agreat thing to do, even if you don’t takethe loan,” said Miller. “I am ultimatelytrying to sell you a product.While I’d loveto do your loan, you should go to counsel-ing and get educated.Then we can talk.”

MORTGAGE, continued from 14 Increased initial mortgageINSURANCE PREMIUMSare tied to the percent ofprincipal accessed in the

first year.

CREATAS/THINKSTOCK


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dauber and covered every numeral be-tween 31 and 45 on her nine cards. Hermother, Linda Kloo of Fairfax, did thesame.The two women have been playingbingo together for a decade. “It’s our onenight out together,” said Kroh.

While Kroh and Kloo view bingomore as a social opportunity, they arenot averse to winning. “I won $1,000 onetime, and mom won $1,300 one week. Infact, last week she had bingo four times,”said Kroh.

As shouts of “bingo,” emanated froma distant corner, Kroh ripped the greensheet off of her book to reveal a red onefor game No. 4. Cardboard and chips arethings of the past; today, bingo is playedwith paper and ink.

The Epiphany Men’s Club sells aregular bingo book with six faces—theminimum purchase—for $10. Discountsare offered to those buying additionalfaces. “If you play 24 faces, it will cost$37,” said Gubanich.

Bingo is, for the most part, a gameof chance, though it takes some skill tomonitor and process the numbers that are

called, said Ball. Some people, however,seem to have luck on their side. “I knowsome ladies who go out five nights a weekand they win; they win a lot,” she said.

There appears to be a correlationbetween luck and volume, according toMurphy. The more faces you play, thegreater your chance at bingo.

Creating that luck often requires alarger than average investment.

Still, whether you play six faces or24; whether the prize is $100 or $1,000,“there’s an excitement that comes withwinning,” said Ball, and some level ofsatisfaction in knowing that when yournumber is not called, a worthy cause isbenefitting.

BINGO, continued from 7 "I won $1,000 one time,and mom won $1,300 oneweek. In fact, last week

SHE HAD BINGOFOUR TIMES."-Anitra Kroh of Centreville

Mother and daughter Linda Kloo and Anitra Kroh have playedbingo together for a decade.


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