Gary Bennett

Federal Government Shutdown’s Effect on Housing

By Gary Bennett

This article appears as the featured December blog post on Frederick County Government’s Affordable Housing Council website.

The federal government shutdown recently and thankfully ended but could have long-lasting effects on the ability to provide affordable housing for those who need it most.

The reason is simple: an entity as large as the federal government cannot turn on a dime and cannot ramp up fast enough to reestablish the safety net programs that are so crucial to poor and working-class Americans.

Sadly, many of these crucial programs were under fire even before the shutdown began. The reduction or delay in government benefits will affect the decisions people have to make today about how they spend their available resources.

During the shutdown many young families burned through whatever savings they had trying to keep their head above water. Others maxed out credit cards to survive. The shutdown opened the door for financial overload for many. Many if not most, are now further from homeownership than they were prior to the shutdown.

Let’s look at some pocketbook facts.

According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average household’s monthly expenses were $6,440 ($77,280 over the entire year) in 2023. That’s up from $6,081 ($72,967 over the entire year) in 2022. The average annual income after taxes was $87,869 in 2023, up from $83,195 in 2022. Even under the best conditions, that leaves little room for error or an unexpected major expense.

Naturally, housing is the largest average expense for most Americans at $2,120 per month, making up 33% of typical spending. That is the absolute highest ratio Americans should spend for their housing to not be considered cost-burdened or “house poor.”

Housing costs are followed in order by transportation, food, personal insurance and healthcare. None of these costs can be looked at in a vacuum. All are interrelated. If, for example, your housing subsidy goes away, it would be extremely difficult to make up for that in other areas.

Food

On the food front, low-income families may have trouble buying food if safety-net programs stall.

The SNAP program, which some 42 million Americans rely on for food assistance, has been the subject of much uncertainty — and an escalating legal battle — in recent weeks. The Trump administration said last month that it would suspend SNAP funding in November due to the shutdown, prompting a wide outcry and a series of legal challenges.

At this point, beneficiaries in some states have gotten their full monthly allocations, while others have gotten partial payments or nothing at all. Reopening the government means restarting SNAP, but it’s not clear how quickly full payments will resume since that varies by state. And, many who rely on the program are worried that benefits could be cut again.

One lesson that both parties should take from the fight is this: You should not play politics with the food assistance program that 42 million people, including about 18,000 in Frederick County, depend on. In the future, SNAP benefits and other federal payments should be specifically exempt from cutoff during a shutdown. Congress should direct the government to continue paying these vital benefits.

Housing

On the housing front, the government shutdown created significant disruptions and delays for various housing services, like loan processing, rental assistance payments, and federal insurance programs.

For home buyers and sellers, significant delays are expected for government-backed loans from the FHA, VA and USDA. That means big delays for families waiting on mortgages and for developers and homeowners seeking refinancing or rehabilitation funding. First-time buyers that rely on federally backed loans would likely be hit hardest.

Lenders rely on the IRS for income and tax verification. The shutdown caused major backlogs in this process, delaying loan approvals for conventional loans and those backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac that can’t be reversed quickly.

For renters and homeowners who get federal assistance through programs like the Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and Project-Based Rental Assistance, the prolonged shutdown will almost certainly mean funding gaps when reserves are depleted, creating financial uncertainty for public housing agencies and participating landlords.

Public housing agencies may need to rely on limited operating reserves for daily operations and emergency repairs, potentially forcing them to limit services or delay critical capital improvement projects.

Homeless assistance grants recipients will almost certainly experience delays due to needing HUD staff approval that will be heavily backlogged thereby disrupting the continuity of services.

For federal workers, the State of Maryland has taken steps to protect against evictions and foreclosures. This means an involuntarily furloughed federal government employee at risk of eviction or foreclosure can ask the court to temporarily pause the eviction or foreclosure during the shutdown. Federal employees are protected even if they are required to work during a shutdown.

For everyone else, it has been reported that HUD has restored Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) funding for both November and December. But nothing is guaranteed for January because of the shutdown.

State Resources

The State of Maryland is doing its best to step in during the shutdown and during the time it takes federal programs to ramp up after the shutdown.

If any homeowners get behind on mortgages, they shouldconnect with a HUD-approved housing counseling agency for free and objective guidance on available options. If foreclosure action has been filed, they should act quickly and consider reaching out to a nonprofit legal services provider.

If evicted from a rental home, reach out to the Access to Counsel in Evictions Program for coordinated legal services. Maryland has recently passed several tenant protection laws.

Local Resources

Local Continuums of Care offer emergency rental assistance, street outreach, shelter, and permanent housing assistance for individuals at risk of or experiencing homelessness. Contact your community’s coordinated entry hotline or intake point for access to local services.

The city of Frederick recently announced it will provide rental assistance, flexible payments, and other services to federal workers affected by the government shutdown. About 3,500 federal workers live in the city according to the city’s website.

Frederick County has recently approved $2.5 million in aid to organizations helping county residents dealing with the impacts of the federal government shutdown. $1.5 million is allocated to provide grants to nonprofit organizations in the county and an additional $1 million for local food banks to help them meet demand. The county is home to about 12,000 federal workers.

Key West: Carefree in the ‘Conch Republic’

By Gary Bennett

Article appears in the November 20, 2025 issue of the Frederick News-Post’s “72 Hours” entertainment magazine.

They say Key West is for pirates, parrots and poets. I didn’t see any of those on a recent visit, but the phrase captures the island’s whimsical, creative and laid-back spirit. Like Las Vegas or New Orleans, it’s one of those places every American should experience at least once before they head off to that great overseas highway in the sky.

And speaking of highways, few routes are as memorable as the 113-mile Florida Keys Overseas Highway. Stretching from Key Largo to Key West across an astonishing 42 bridges, it hopscotches from island to island, each with its own personality. The drive delivers uninterrupted ocean views, glimpses of coral reefs, dolphins and endless boat traffic. Think dozens of Chesapeake Bay Bridges lined up end to end.

Yes, Key West has its own international airport with flights from across the U.S. and abroad, but I’m not sure why anyone uses it. Flying into Miami, renting a car, and driving the Keys offers a breezy, scenic adventure filled with quirky shops and water in every direction. It goes by quickly.

Key West is the southernmost city in the continental U.S. Surprisingly, it’s closer to Havana (90 miles) than to Miami (165 miles). Jutting far into the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico, the island has a tropical climate and is regularly hit by hurricanes and tropical storms.

The writer poses at Sloppy Joe’s Bar in Key West.

With weather similar to a Caribbean island, daytime and nighttime temperatures rarely vary by more than 15 degrees at any time of year. Prevailing easterly trade winds keep summer temperatures from climbing too high and winter temperatures from dropping too low. It’s rare for the thermometer to reach 95 degrees.

As you pull into town, you’ll notice palm-shaded streets, stately historic homes, salty air and nightly waterfront sunsets that are astonishingly beautiful. Only about 30,000 people live here full-time. Because the weather barely shifts from season to season, visitors come throughout the year, which helps disperse crowds. We’ve visited in both January and August; the weather felt almost identical, and the island never seemed like an overwhelming tourist trap — more like a homey escape.

Many early residents immigrated from the Bahamas and were known as “Conchs” (pronounced “conks”). In the 20th century, residents began embracing the term, and today it generally refers to full-time locals.

One of the island’s most beloved stories dates to 1982, when Key West symbolically declared independence as the “Conch Republic” in response to a U.S. Border Patrol blockade at the junction of U.S. Route 1 and the mainland. The blockade created major traffic delays and disrupted daily life. Although the secession was purely symbolic, the tale endures, and the Conch Republic Independence Celebration is marked annually on April 23.

Key West is compact in both population and size, but you’ll want at least three or four days to get a real feel for the place.

MUST-SEES

Start with a visit to the southernmost point in the continental U.S., marked by a giant, whimsically painted concrete buoy. Locals say the point was once indicated by a simple sign, but constant photo-seekers led to its upgrade. Here you’ll also find the “90 miles to Cuba” marking. It’s kitschy, but worth the photo (this is one of the most photographed spots in the country). The marker sits at 1400 Whitehead Street on the waterfront, and there’s no admission fee. When we visited, the line was short and we snapped our picture in minutes.

Next, grab a photo at Mile Marker 0, the literal and figurative end of the road in America. It marks the southern terminus of U.S. Route 1, the longest north-south road in the nation. For the dedicated road-tripper, its northern end is in Fort Kent, Maine, near the Canadian border. Driving it straight through would take more than 50 hours — and you’d likely hit every stoplight in every small town along the way.

Take a leisurely walk down Key West’s most iconic street, Duval Street, the island’s historical, entertainment, culinary and cultural center. It runs 14 blocks — about a mile — from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean. No one rushes here; you’re on island time.

Under the category of “only in Key West,” don’t be surprised if free-roaming chickens wander across your path. They strut around as if they own the place — and perhaps they do. Early Cuban settlers brought chickens for food and cockfighting. When supermarkets took over and cockfighting was outlawed, many birds were released. Today, locals often prefer the chickens to tourists, and attempts to control their population have sparked strong resistance.

One of the most photographed places in the U.S.

Once you’ve navigated the chickens, visit two historic landmarks: the Ernest Hemingway Home and the Harry S. Truman Little White House.

Hemingway lived in Key West from 1931 to 1939. His wife’s wealthy uncle purchased the home as a wedding gift. It features an impressive swimming pool that cost the equivalent of nearly $350,000 today. Here, Hemingway was introduced to deep-sea fishing by Joe Russell (the original “Sloppy Joe”) and acquired his lifelong nickname, “Papa.”

These were his most productive years. He wrote “For Whom the Bell Tolls,” “The Snows of Kilimanjaro,” “To Have and Have Not” and “Death in the Afternoon” in the mornings at his estate, reserving afternoons for his family. (“A Farewell to Arms” was completed before he arrived in Key West.)

President Harry S. Truman visited Key West 11 times during his presidency, spending a total of 175 days there, mostly during winter. At the Little White House, he conducted official business and worked on the Truman Doctrine, which pledged political, military and economic support to democratic nations threatened by authoritarian regimes. President Dwight Eisenhower later recuperated there after a heart attack, and Presidents John F. Kennedy and Jimmy Carter were also frequent visitors.

While in town, stop for a drink and a meal at Sloppy Joe’s Bar. The food and drinks themselves are nothing remarkable, but the history is. Founder Joe Russell, a rumrunner from Cuba, needed a place to sell his goods. With encouragement from Hemingway, he opened The Blind Pig, which became Hemingway’s favorite bar. Hemingway suggested renaming it “Sloppy Joe’s” in reference to the wet floors caused by melting ice used to sell seafood. The name stuck.

In one legendary episode, Russell — unhappy paying $4 a month in rent during the 1930s — moved the bar down the block, “lock, stock and barrel,” with help from his customers, who continued drinking as they carried furniture and supplies. The landlord was furious but could do little about it.

End your stay with the sunset celebration at Mallory Square, held nearly every night of the year. This waterfront event begins an hour before sunset and features artists, craftspeople, psychics, street performers, food vendors and crowds of locals and visitors who gather to watch the sun sink into the Gulf to cheers and live music.

Ocean in all directions as you navigate the Florida Keys Overseas Highway.

Gary Bennett is a longtime Frederick resident who spends his time hiking, biking, volunteering and providing childcare for grandchildren. He is married and retired from his career as a nonprofit marketing executive.

Bernard W. Brown: 95 years of serving and going strong

By Gary Bennett

Bernard Brown stands in front of the building named after him on N. Market Street in downtown Frederick. Staff photo by Ric Dugan

This article appears in the October 15, 2025 issue of the Frederick News-Post’s Prime Time Magazine.

There are not too many living Fredericktonians with their names on a building, but Bernard W. Brown of Thomas Avenue is one of them. He is, without a doubt, the epitome of a life well lived. He has accomplished much in his 95 years and is determined to remain active and vital for as long as he can.

At the current United Way of Frederick County offices at 629 North Market Street, the Bernard W. Brown Community Center proudly bears his name. The Center stands as a testament to his lifelong work advocating for affordable housing in Frederick.

“I’m very proud of the Bernard Brown Building,” he said recently. “The Housing Authority named it after me after serving as chairman [for the Housing Authority] for more than 20 years. I go way back. I first got involved with my daughter at some programs there.”

His building is no longer a community center but serves as the United Way’s main conference room, featuring prominent floor to ceiling windows. Seeing it still thriving and providing support to residents makes Brown proud.

“I’m really pleased with the way things worked out. It gave the United Way a good, central place to operate and tied in the Housing Authority and their properties with it in a way that is good for both.”

AN ELK AT HEART

Throughout his career, Brown has worked tirelessly behind the scenes, not only leading the Housing Authority but with a number of boards and committees.

Remarkably, he also served as exalted ruler of the Mountain City Elks Lodge for more than 50 years. Oct. 15 of every year is now Bernard W. Brown Day at the Elks. He was even presented a key to the lodge, so he can come and go as he pleases.

“What can I say? I love the world of ‘Elkdom,’” Brown said of his time and service with the Elks. “My brother Adrian and I joined up together. He got sick and passed at a young age, but he told me that’s a good organization so stay there as long as you can. I’ve been a member for 58 years now. I stepped down five or six years ago as exalted ruler.”

As for his special day at the Elks, Brown is characteristically humble.

“My brother and I saw that a lot of help was needed. We wanted to do as much as we could and didn’t want our efforts to fall away, so I pledged to carry on after my brother died as a tribute to him. Before I knew it, decades had passed,” Brown said.

Now he looks forward to his special day every year because friends near and far call to congratulate him on his life and legacy, typically ones he’s not heard from in years.

It wasn’t always hard work with the Elks.

“We’d go to the convention in whatever city, and then we’d stay an additional week,” he recalled. “That gave us a chance to travel, and most of the time we drove. My wife wouldn’t fly or take the train. These were some of our most enjoyable times. We’ve been to Vegas, Detroit and lots of trips to Atlanta. My wife was also a teacher, so we had summers off and took advantage of that for our trips.”

ORIGINAL POWER COUPLE

Brown lost his wife Ruth in 2023. They had been married for 68 years. Ruth Brown worked as a local teacher and coach and founded the Bernetta R. Brown Dance Troupe, named for their late daughter.

Brown credits Ruth as the person who kept him grounded. Together, they were a power couple to be reckoned with.

They both joined the NAACP and delighted in helping others solve problems. They didn’t always succeed but generally felt they made things a little better.

“I miss her a lot. We had a good life together. We were both Christians, and I just remember all the special things she did for the community and family. She was the backbone of the family. If I came to her with something I wanted to do, she never turned me down. She always said, ‘Give me one good reason why you can’t do this?’ I could never come up with anything. I took care of her at the end. That left me with a very special feeling. It gave me the opportunity to show her how much I loved her.”

LABORING SONS

Along with his passion for the Elks and his work at the Housing Authority, Brown was instrumental in the restoration of Laboring Sons Memorial Grounds on Chapel Alley between Fifth and Sixth streets. It was a Black cemetery when it was donated to Frederick in 1941. The city then converted the site to a whites-only playground in 1948, but after the original purpose for the site was discovered in 1999, the playground was dismantled and the site was re-dedicated as the Laboring Sons Memorial Grounds in 2003.

“I looked into the history of the cemetery and found they closed it and built a park over it,” Brown recalled. “The park at that time was segregated. I got together with Bill Lee and a couple of friends and said we need to restore it so people can remember it. We went to Mayor [Jennifer] Daugherty, at the time and she allowed us to restore it. So we got it restored and added the monument. It turned out to be something nice for the community.”

LEARNING AND SERVING

Brown credits a surprising career change for sparking his love for learning and serving.

He’d worked for Frederick Construction Company for 22 years as the concrete supervisor when a friend told him the school system was changing the way they hire teachers in the construction field.

“I interviewed and because of my time in construction, they hired me as a teacher. But I had to pick up 18 credits right away during the summer at the University of Maryland to get my teaching degree. I got my degree and then got my first teaching assignment at Brunswick High School teaching the building trades. I retired after being at Brunswick High and New Market Middle schools. It all came about because research showed that students learned better from people that had actual hands-on experience in the trades.”

Brown credits community service for his longevity and constantly working his mind to remain mentally fit and agile and recommends getting involved in the community as much as possible.

“I got involved in a lot of community stuff early because of my wife. She was involved in a lot of things, so I started going with her. I started volunteering under Ron Young. He appointed me to the first block grant committee. After that, everything took off.”

In his many decades, he has seen and contributed to more change than most of us can imagine.

“Things are better now than they were. Now, we’ve sort of come to a halt nationally, but we’re still doing alright compared to the old times.”

Brown was no stranger to discrimination, segregation and redlining. With a twinkle but slight hint of sorrow in his eyes, he told the story of how he came to be in his current home on Thomas Avenue in Frederick.

“My first home was on South Street. We bought that one. After 10 or 12 years there, we built this house. My realtor was a real nice Christian man and he had us a place lined up on Route 40 — the Golden Mile — up on the left [in the Hillcrest neighborhood]. But, at that time there were terrible racial problems. People up there found out we were Black and started talking. The owners took it off the market. My realtor was mad and said, ‘I’m going to get you a nice home if that’s the last thing I do.’ He found this lot on Thomas Avenue and we jumped on it. I got a contractor to set up the shell and we did the rest ourselves — me, my father and two brothers. We were all builder types.”

THE FUTURE

At 95 years old, Bernard Brown’s lifelong dedication to service continues to inspire everyone around him, and he is optimistic about the direction of the city.

“I think we’ve had good people as mayors and on the boards,” he said. “I believe we should support our leaders, not condemn them unless they’re really doing something terrible. I talk with Mayor O’Connor some, and he spoke at my 95th birthday. And Ron Young, too. I’ve been friends with them all. When I’ve had a problem, I go to them and they’ve never backed off.”

His impact is lasting, and his example reminds us of the power of service and community.

Gary Bennett is a longtime Frederick resident who spends his time hiking, biking, volunteering and providing childcare for grandchildren. He serves as a board member of Advocates for Homeless Families and is on the Affordable Housing Council for Frederick County.

One-hit wonderful: Celebrate these one-off hits on One-Hit Wonder Day

By Gary Bennett

Motion of the turntable of warm toned image with shallow depth of field

This article appears in the September 25, 2025, issue of Frederick News-Post’s “72 Hours” entertainment magazine.

I’ve always puzzled at the mockery directed toward pop artists who only manage one big hit song in their careers. In my mind, they’ve managed something that few others have: hit the jackpot in life by creating something that brings others entertainment and sometimes joy. That is one-hit “wonder-ful” in my book.

I’m not alone. These artists and their songs even have their own day. September 25 is officially “One-Hit Wonder Day.”

A one-hit wonder is any artist that achieves mainstream popularity, often for only one piece of work, and becomes known among the public solely for that momentary success. The term is mostly used for music performers with only one hit single that overshadows their other work.

Because of streaming services and the decline of broadcast radio, the line has been blurred as to what is a hit song now days and what is not. People listen to what they want and pay less attention to mainstream radio and Top 40 charts than they used to.

Still, the term ‘one-hit wonder’ lives on in popular culture. How many times have you heard the term directed at someone who (as far as you can tell) has only done one big thing in life? I tease my best friend all the time with this term because he obviously “married up.” Another gets the same ribbing because he is an only child.

Maybe one-hit wonders haven’t attained long-lasting success or public notoriety, but in many cases, they’ve earned a comfortable living with a little thing called “royalties.”

Case in point, back in my day, a fellow named Norman Greenbaum had one big hit, “Spirit in the Sky.” It reached No. 3 on the pop charts in 1970. I’m sure you’ve heard it. It has sort of a mystical vibe. It turns up in movies and commercials all the time. Even though he long-ago signed away the publishing rights, Greenbaum still receives a cut of the revenue as the song’s performer. Each time “Spirit in the Sky” appears in a movie or ad, he cashes a check for $10,000 or more.

“It’s not like it’s made me rich, as you can see,” said Greenbaum, 82, pointing at his modest two-bedroom home in Santa Rosa, California. “But because of ‘Spirit in the Sky,’ I’ve never had to work a real job. “

Then there are the hitmakers in bands who go off to become solo performers but don’t have the same success on their own.

There is a fellow named Dave Mason who had plenty of hits with a terrific band called Traffic in the 1960s but came up with just one big one as a solo performer, “We Just Disagree,” in 1977. He’s now 79 and still plays small clubs. Before he plays his one big solo hit, he tells the audience it’s his “mailbox song,” because every month he walks out to the mailbox and picks up his royalty check. He says he has no idea how much he’s made on that one song but agrees he could probably live off it.

English singer, songwriter and guitarist Dave Mason performs in 1974 in London, UK. (Photo by Chris Walter/Getty Images)

Consider, too, the successful artists that have been called one-hit wonders even though they’ve had other charting singles. In their cases, one mammoth song overshadowed everything else they’ve done. Think Grateful Dead’s “Touch of Grey,” Beck’s “Loser,” Frank Zappa’s “Valley Girl” and Simple Minds’ “Don’t You Forget About Me.”

I often joke with my wife that if I could just come up with one pop hit, we would be set (never mind the fact that I have no musical talent).

“Macarena” by Los Del Río in 1996 is often cited as the quintessential one-hit wonder. The song’s popularity, powered by the iconic dance, made it a global sensation in the mid-1990s. Afterwards, the band was never able to come anywhere close to the level of success achieved by that song.

So, settle in fellow music fans and take a trip with me through the decades on One-Hit Wonder Day on Sept. 25, and pull up some of these classic songs and terrific artists who never reached these heights again. But at least they did once!

1960s

• Teen Angel, Mark Dinning, 1960

• The Lions Sleeps Tonight, The Tokens, 1961

• Monster Mash, Bobby “Boris” Picket, 1962

• Rhythm of the Rain, The Cascades, 1963

• (Just Like) Romeo and Juliet, The Reflections, 1964

• Eve of Destruction, Barry McGuire, 1965

• Wild Thing, The Troggs, 1966

• A Whiter Shade of Pale, Procol Harum, 1967

• In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida, Iron Butterfly, 1968

• Get Together, The Youngbloods, 1969

1970s

• Ride Captain Ride, Blues Image, 1970

• One Toke Over the Line, Brewer & Shipley, 1971

• Brandy, You’re a Fine Girl, Looking Glass, 1972

• Dancing in the Moonlight, King Harvest, 1973

• Midnight at the Oasis, Maria Muldaur, 1974

• The Hustle, Van McCoy, 1975

• Play That Funky Music, Wild Cherry, 1976

• You Light Up My Life, Debby Boone, 1977

• Short People, Randy Newman, 1978

• My Sharona, The Knack, 1979

1980s

• Whip It, Devo, 1980

• Just the Two of Us, Grover Washington, Jr., 1981

• 867-5309/Jenny, Tommy Tutone, 1982

• There’s Always Something There to Remind Me, Naked Eyes, 1983

• We’re Not Gonna Take It, Twisted Sister, 1984

• Take on Me, a-ha, 1985

• Take My Breath Away, Berlin, 1986

• At This Moment, Billy Vera and the Beaters, 1987

• Don’t Worry, Be Happy, Bobby McFerrin, 1988

• Bust a Move, Young MC, 1989

1990s

• Ice Ice Baby, Vanilla Ice, 1990

• Walking in Memphis, Marc Cohn, 1991

• Life Is a Highway, Tom Cochrane, 1992

• I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles), The Proclaimers, 1993

• Loser, Beck, 1994

• I’ll Be There for You (Theme from Friends), The Rembrandts, 1995

• Macarena, Los Del Rio, 1996

• MMMBop, Hanson, 1997

• Torn, Natalie Imbuglia, 1998

• Mambo No. 5, Lou Bega, 1999

2000s

• Who Let the Dogs Out, Baha Men, 2000

• I Hope You Dance, Lee Ann Womack, 2001

• The Middle, Jimmy Eat World, 2002

• The Boys of Summer, The Ataris, 2003

• Heaven, Los Lonely Boys, 2004

• Bad Day, Daniel Powter, 2005

• Crazy, Gnarles Barkley, 2006

• Hey There Delilah, Plain White T’s, 2007

• All Summer Long, Kid Rock, 2008

• Goodbye, Kristinia DeBarge, 2009

2010s

• Call Me Maybe, Carly Rae Jepsen, 2010

• Somebody That I Used to Know, Goyte, 2011

• Let Her Go, Passenger, 2012

• Ho Hey, Lumineers, 2013

• Cheerleader, Omi, 2014

• Fight Song, Rachel Platten, 2015

• Ex’s and Oh’s, Elle King, 2016

• Feel It Still, Portugal. The Man, 2017

• Let You Down, NF, 2018

• Roxanne, Arizona Zervas, 2019

‘YIMBY’ analysis ignores reality

By Gary Bennett

The letter to the editor appears in the September 12, 2025, issue of the Frederick News-Post

The Sept. 5 column “Forget YIMBY. The housing shortage could disappear on its own.” is an example of a column from an outsider that really says nothing.

The word “could” in the title should be the tipoff. I “could” become a millionaire tomorrow. Sure, but not very likely.

The same can be said about the author’s opinion on a subject he apparently knows little about. He says the housing shortage will straighten itself out in five years due to demographic shifts and a surge in construction.

Five years sounds pretty good, but that is no solace to the 20- and 30-somethings who can’t find an affordable home for their growing families now.

Demographic shifts and a surge in construction also sound plausible, but I know from my time on the Affordable Housing Council of Frederick County that affordable housing simply cannot be built without incentives to do so.

The math just does not work because of the cost of land and other factors, including the price of materials, and, yes, zoning regulations.

I’m part of the demographic that would like to downsize, but downsize into what? Plus, we’re living longer than ever.

He goes on to say the housing issue is a local one and cannot be solved by national policies or national groups like YIMBY.

He is mostly right. Housing policy is a local issue, but national policies play a big part, especially federal tax credits and funding from HUD.

Frederick politicians say all the right things, especially at election time, but the problem is when push comes to shove in public meetings, the NIMBYS — the “Not In My Backyard” types — often win the day because they are organized and motivated, and they vote.

That is why national groups like YIMBY (“Yes In My Backyard”) have state and local chapters that work at the local level.

I’ve been in discussions with the national YIMBY group to start a Frederick chapter to hold politicians accountable and to push back at the NIMBYs. If you are interested in joining our cause for more affordable housing now, contact me at gabennett01@comcast.net.

Gary Bennett
Frederick

Editor’s note: Gary Bennett is a member of the Affordable Housing Council of Fredrick County, but is speaking on his own behalf.

‘Hogan’s Heroes’ turns 60

By Gary Bennett

John Banner, Bob Crane and Werner Klemperer star in the 1960’s hit series ‘Hogan’s Heroes.’

This article appears in the September 11, 2025, issue of the Frederick News-Post’s “72 Hours” entertainment magazine.

Imagine this: you’re a network executive and two Hollywood hangers-on come to you with an idea for a television comedy. It will be set in a POW camp in Nazi Germany at the height of World War II. You’d think they were crazy, right? Well, that’s exactly what Bernard Fine and Albert Ruddy did in 1964 when they pitched the idea for “Hogan’s Heroes” to CBS.

The two veteran but largely unknown actor/producer-types reportedly came up with the idea over lunch one day. And despite understandable misgivings from network executives about the humor in such a setting, they green-lit the project anyway. Actors, writers, directors and producers were hired, the pilot was shot, and “Hogan’s Heroes” was off and running. And to everyone’s surprise, it was a hit!

For folks of my generation, you’re probably smiling at the thought of this absurd, unique, but long-forgotten comedy that aired on Friday nights in the tumultuous ‘60s. For you younger folks, I urge you to give it a try. Two back-to-back episodes air every week night at 10 p.m. on Me TV. The entire series is available on DVD from Paramount Home Entertainment, Columbia House and CBS Home Entertainment.

I find it to be a perfectly mindless way to end to a busy day. Just be ready for preposterous story lines, a smug, carefree and debonair leading man and over-the-top comedic acting that make the Germans look like fools. But that’s precisely the point. And somehow, it all works.

In 2025, “Hogan’s Heroes” celebrates its 60th anniversary. Its first airing was Sept. 17, 1965, just 20 years after the end of World War II and at the very height of the Vietnam War. Against all odds, it was a commercial and critical success, running for six seasons (168 episodes) through April 1971 on CBS. It has been in reruns ever since. As a young boy during this time, I can tell you the show was hilarious. Now, as an adult, it seems like an amusing, back-slapping old friend. It is widely regarded as the most unique situation comedy ever produced. The premise was pure genius.

The show centers around a group of cheeky, smart-alecky Allied prisoners of war who use the POW camp as a base of operations for sabotage and espionage directed against Nazi Germany. They make sure the clueless, befuddled commandant of the camp maintains his spotless record of never allowing a successful escape from fictitious Stalag 13 to keep their operation afloat. A savvier leader would surely catch on to all the shenanigans. All the while, the POWs are plotting and carrying out all manner of mayhem in the surrounding countryside via their elaborate labyrinth of tunnels and passages.

Aside from an improbable and unmatched premise, I believe the biggest reason “Hogan’s Heroes” worked so well was pitch-perfect casting.

Bob Crane starred as U.S. Colonel Robert E. Hogan, the handsome mastermind of all manner of espionage and sabotage performed in the ‘underground” surrounding Stalag 13. He used wit, charm and ingenuity to subvert the Germans at every turn. He led an international crew of specialists in explosives, radio operations, gourmet cooking (very handy to butter up the Germans) and safe cracking. Crane was offered the role after appearing in Disney movies and other sitcoms as the clean cut, guy-next-door type. His story book career ended tragically in 1978 at age 50 when he was bludgeoned to death in a hotel room. His murderer was never captured.

Character actor Werner Klemperer co-starred as the vain, obtuse, bald but distinguished-looking Colonel Klink, the commandant of the camp, to comical perfection. So much so that he was nominated for outstanding supporting actor in a comedy series five times in the six years the show aired. He won twice in ’68 and ’69. Klink is completely unaware of Hogan’s operation and is unfailingly proud of his no escape record as he unceasingly reminds his befuddled superiors. In real life Klemperer was Jewish and only agreed to take the role after receiving assurances Klink would always play the fool. Klemperer remarked one time, “I had one qualification when I took the job: if they ever wrote a segment where Klink came out the hero, I would leave the show.” He never left the show.

John Banner co-starred as the gullible but affable Seargent-of-the-Guard Schultz (or “Schultzie,” as the prisoners called him), Klink’s right-hand man. He is rotund, clumsy and inept but has a heart of gold as we see in many episodes. He is quoted in one show as saying “I don’t like to take sides in war.” He is easily bribed with chocolates and gourmet cooking and has a penchant for talking too much. He exited many scenes by uttering his catch phrase, “I know (hear, see) nothing!” That phrase was on the lips of many people (not just kids) in the ‘60s who didn’t want to get involved in something nefarious. Like Klemperer, Banner was born to Jewish parents who fled Nazi Germany. He later served in the U.S. Army as a sergeant in World War II.

Despite a camp full of POWs, only four ever had speaking roles and comprised Colonel Hogan’s inner circle and saboteurs-in-arms.

Robert Clary played diminutive French Corporal Louis LeBeau, know as “cockroach” to Klink and Schultz. He was a gourmet chef, always able to delight the Germans with his cooking prowess, much to their detriment. Amazingly, Clary in real life was also Jewish and escaped three years in a German concentration camp in his teens by using his singing and dancing skills to survive. His parents and other family members were killed. He delighted in the show and the way it made the Germans look so foolish.

Richard Dawson played British Royal Air Force Corporal Peter Newkirk. His penchant for conning other people along with his ability to crack a safe, pick a lock or pocket, cheat at cards and forge documents made him a valuable compatriot. His best skill, however, was his fearsome German accent that he used to great effect to threaten Klink and other Germans on the phone or radio with a “transfer to the Russian front.” Dawson went on to be a game show Hall of Famer, first as the go-to panelist on Match Game and then as the first host of Family Feud.

Larry Hovis played explosives expert U.S. Technical Sergeant Andrew J. Carter. Smart, clumsy and affable, he played the absent-minded professor role to perfection. He delighted in blowing up any manner of German trains, planes, bridges, and munitions. His menacing, rapid-fire German accent and uncanny resemblance to Hitler proved invaluable in many episodes.

Ivan Dixon played U.S. Staff Sergeant James “Kinch” Kinchloe, the man responsible for radio communication. One running gag featured a radio antenna rising matter-of-factly from a German flagpole, but no one ever noticing. Dixon was African-American and casting him in this role was a major step forward for a television show in the mid-1960s. In fact, “Hogan’s Heroes” was honored with the NAACP Award in 1967 as a “TV program that improved the presentation of Negroes.” In real life Dixon was a Korean War flying ace and record setting test pilot. Dixon went on to become a hugely sought-after director in Hollywood.

The two actors who played the recurring roles of Klink’s superior officer and the perpetually irritated and suspicious Gestapo officer were also Jewish and extraordinary in their roles.

Character actor Leon Askin played fat, battle-scarred General Burkhalter to exasperating perfection. He knew Klink was a fool but knew to leave well enough alone. Even though he was played with savvy and intelligence, Burkhalter never caught on to Hogan’s escapades either.

Howard Caine as Gestapo Major Hochstetter was comedy gold. When Hogan would show up unexpectedly at a place he shouldn’t, Hochstetter would snarl “What is this man doing here?” He was constantly suspicious of all the sabotage swirling around Stalag 13 and knew that Klink was a fool but was never able to catch Hogan in the act.

Besides the five nominations and two Emmy wins for Klemperer as Colonel Klink, “Hogan’s Heroes” received seven other Emmy nominations including a total of five in the two most prestigious categories: best comedy series and best lead actor in a comedy series for Bob Crane. Most critics agree that the third star of the show, John Banner as Sgt. Schultz, should have been nominated, too, but was overshadowed by Klemperer. “Hogan’s Heroes” finished its six-year run as the number nine rated TV show in the land. Not bad for a hare-brained comedy premise.

Dog days at the movies: Top 10 best dog movies of all time

By Gary Bennett

Thus Jan. 9, 2019., photo shows a wall of movie posters celebrating canine stars on display at the American Kennel Club Museum of the Dog in New York.

This article appears in the August 21, 2025, issue of the Frederick News-Post’s “72 Hours” entertainment magazine.

The dog days of summer are upon us (or perhaps slightly behind us) and what better way to escape the heat and boredom of these last few summer days than to curl up in glorious air conditioning and watch a good dog-themed movie.

But before we consider what to watch, did you ever stop to wonder where the term “dog days” comes from?

According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, it turns out that dog days has nothing to do with our four-legged friends but everything to do with astrology! Dog days refers to the hottest time of year between July 3 and Aug. 11, with Aug. 11 just happening to coincide with the rising of the Dog Star, Sirius. For ancient Egyptians, Sirius appeared just before the annual flooding of the Nile in mid-August, so it became the “watch dog” for that event.

Today “dog days” are associated with hot, muggy days when you just can’t do anything but lie around like a dog. Dog days have come to be more associated with August than July. That is because by August, we have just about had it with summer. I know I have.

The term has even made its way into popular culture. Baseball has dog days when teams, most notably those out of contention, struggle to grind out game after game. Popular music has the 2010 top 10 song “Dog Days are Over,” by Florence and the Machine.

There’s also been more than a few movies with “dog days” in the title, including one great one, 1975’s “Dog Day Afternoon” starring Al Pacino and directed by Sidney Lumet. That one told the tale of a long, sweaty, daylong siege suffered by inept bank robber Pacino, his partner and nine frightened hostages. It was based on a true story. Unfortunately, there were no actual dogs in the movie.

But thankfully for us, there are lots of great movies about dogs — so many, in fact, it’s nearly impossible to settle on a list of the top 10. But settle, I did.

I’m partial to movies where dogs don’t die and are the heroes, but I did consider the alternative. One caveat: I didn’t include animated movies in my top 10, which took some admittedly great ones out of the mix like “101 Dalmatians” and “Lady and the Tramp.” But, I’m an adult now and I just can’t settle in with an animated movie unless I’m with my grandsons.

10. “The Shaggy Dog,” 1959

Young lad Wilby stumbles upon an ancient curse and begins turning into a sheepdog, little by little. As a dog, he helps to foil a plot to steal secret government information he overhears.

9. “Turner & Hootch,” 1989

Tom Hanks stars as a by-the-book police officer who inherits his friend’s unruly dog who has a knack for helping to solve cases. In an odd-couple pairing, Hanks reluctantly embraces the sloppy, destructive, but effective dog.

8. “Best in Show,” 2000

The talented Second City cast prepares to take part in the great Mayflower Dog Show in this quirky, dry comedy that features scores of hilarious canines.

7. “A Dog’s Way Home,” 2019

When big-hearted Bella becomes separated from her owner, she embarks on a 400-mile journey to reunite with him. Along the way she finds adventure and helps a host of strangers.

6. “Call of the Wild,” 2020

Harrison Ford stars in this Alaskan adventure as the new owner of Buck, a good-natured dog that was just added to his mail-delivery dog sled team. Buck enjoys the work and the adventurous lifestyle.

5. “Sounder,” 1972

A family of poor Black sharecroppers in the Depression-era South can’t find enough to eat, despite help from their hunting dog, Sounder. The dog eventually runs away, but the family never gives up hope of finding it. I won’t spoil the ending.

4. “A Dog’s Purpose,” 2017

Reincarnated many times over 50-plus years, a devoted dog learns about itself as it helps its owners to laugh and love — one of the best ideas for a dog movie ever.

3. “Benji,” 1974

When the two children that Benji loves are kidnapped, he springs into action to save them and captures the crooks. He even falls in love with a Maltese along the way.

2. “Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey,” 1993

Before the family leaves on vacation, they drop off their pets, including Chance, a wet-behind-the-ears American bulldog, at a friend’s ranch. Afraid they’ve been left forever, they start off on a harrowing journey to find their family. This movie features great voice work by Micheal J. Fox.

1. “Old Yeller,” 1957

A family in Texas tries to run off a runaway dog they call Old Yeller because he caused damage in their fields. Eventually they warm to him when he protects the family from a bear attack. As the dog and family grow closer, an outbreak of rabies threatens the bond.

Relax Frederick! How some notable locals unwind

By Gary Bennett

Michael O’Connor, Mayor of Frederick, 2025

This article appears in the August 13, 2025 issue of Frederick News-Post’s “72 Hours” entertainment magazine.

Proving there is a day for everything — even things that don’t need a special day — Aug. 15 is National Relaxation Day. How do I know this? I make it my business to keep up on all the newest trends, plus I consider myself a bit of a relaxation savant. Just ask my wife. No one can sit in one place longer than me.

Truth be told, I’ve waited all year for this day to arrive. It makes me look good.

National Relaxation Day encourages us to slow down and smell the roses. It’s a day to focus on taking care of yourself and taking a moment to relax. And it comes at the perfect time. August is the laziest time of year. It’s hot. There’s not much yard work to do since most things stopped growing weeks ago. There are no holidays to prepare for. And, for most of the world (notably large swaths of Europe), people don’t even work in August.

Inexplicably, a fourth-grader is credited with founding this day in 1985. Nine-year-old Sean Moeller from Michigan suggested to city leaders that we needed a day when people do nothing of real value. (Apparently, he was trying to get out of household chores.) He said that cleaning and real work are not relaxing. He said that too much work can make us sick, run-down, tired, “and that’s just wrong.” (Obviously, he’s heard me talking to my wife.)

With a wonderful idea like this, I’m sure he must have gone on to do many other great things in life.

You must admit he was right. It has been proven time and again that stress can be harmful to our health, both mentally and physically. Most doctors agree that finding ways to relax and reduce stress improve overall health. There is incontrovertible evidence that illness is significantly more common when you’re under stress.

American are well known for their hectic lifestyles and manic work schedules. It’s a double-edged sword because Americans want to be achievers, but burnout is always lurking around the corner. Europeans shake their heads at us when we recount all the late nights at work, vacations skipped, meetings attended and double- and triple-booked lifestyles.

National Relaxation Day gives us a chance to be mindful of all the things we’re trying to squeeze into a single day. It gives us a chance to just say no. No, I’m not doing any laundry today. No, I’m not fixing dinner tonight. No, I don’t need to vacuum. And no, I won’t be helping you with your homework. This day is about kicking back and focusing on yourself.

I am no stranger to mindful relaxation. My relaxation strategy includes several items that are not world-altering but provide me with the space I need to otherwise carry on with a busy life: a quiet, solo lunch in a not very busy sandwich shop, floating in a pool and drying off in the sun, and a leisurely country drive. Ahhh, I can almost feel the stress dropping away.

So, be sure to put “relax” on your to-do list. Hard as it may be to believe, a study reported that 45% of people just don’t know how to relax. Don’t be like those people.

Be like these notable Fredericktonians who told me their tactics for relaxation. Take your cue from them and find what works for you.

“I enjoy mowing my lawn, and I play in an online trivia league — with no cheating and no forfeits.” — Frederick mayor Michael O’Connor

“I enjoy working in my yard, particularly mowing the grass. It’s alone time with some music.” — Bob Smith, director of Parks & Recreation, City of Frederick

“I love to declutter and reorganize a closet, drawer or other small section of the house.” — Alison J. Bomba, licensed psychologist

“I declutter my closet and drawers while listening to podcasts. Also, jumping into my swim spa just changes my stress level immediately.” — Jodie Ostoich, president and CEO, Interfaith Housing Alliance

“I relax by turning on some music, pouring a glass of wine or having a cup of tea, and baking something delicious.” — Kelli Ackiewicz, program manager for Community Education at FCC

“I go crabbing and sometimes oystering in the winter for the same result.” — Eric Anderson, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Frederick County

“We find working in the garden and reading very relaxing.” — Darlene and John Aulls, president of FSK Lions Club

“Mine is finding and cooking complex meals. The hours it takes to prep and cook are relaxing, plus the payoff of an amazing meal at the end.” — Kris Fair, executive director of the Frederick Center and Maryland State Delegate

“I love to read comic books. I love that I can finish them relatively quickly, be entertained and sit comfortably while doing so.” — Malcolm Furgol, executive director of the Coalition for a Healthier Frederick

“I relax by mowing the grass and doing my farm chores.” — David Hawkins, proprietor, Hawkins Landscaping

“I do yard work, specifically weeding or mowing the grass. Maybe it is the sense of accomplishment that helps me relax.” — Rev. Chance Martinez-Colon, pastor at Grace United Church of Christ

“I am most relaxed when I travel. Whether it’s a week-long trek out of the country or a day trip to Annapolis, a change of scenery and environment does wonders for my sense of calm.” — Melissa Muntz, executive director, SHIP of Frederick County

“I enjoy picking up sticks in the woods across the street from me. It’s great exercise and then I get to celebrate with a great fire.” — Ron Wolfe, proprietor, The Wolfe Team Realtors

Love is in the air at Virginia Beach

By Gary Bennett

This article appears in the July 31, 2025 issue of the Frederick News-Posts “72 Hours” entertainment magazine.

If Virginia is for lovers, then Virginia Beach is like the warm, furtive glances that gets the romance started.

My (now) wife and I began visiting Virginia Beach in the 1980s to forgo the craziness of Ocean City and to enjoy slightly warmer and gentler waters. To us, it was just far enough away to be a getaway but not too far to take up all our time getting there. Plus, Virginia Beach is “down South.” There is just something special about Southern hospitality. (And make no mistake, this part of Virginia is definitely in the South.)

As a Marylander, it’s hard not to compare Virginia Beach to our Ocean City. In some ways, they are like long-lost cousins with not much in common.

A great Beatles-themed dinner and lunch spot in Virginia Beach.

VIRGINIA BEACH VS. OCEAN CITY

Virginia Beach is not glitzy and shlocky like Ocean City. It’s laid-back, less crowded, and with warm people helping you at every turn.

On the downside, Virginia Beach’s boardwalk is a utilitarian concrete, not the traditional wood of Ocean City’s. Virginia Beach’s touristy shops are set back one street from the boardwalk while Ocean City’s are right there in your face at every moment.

Virginia Beach beaches are wide, sandy and clean. Ocean City’s beaches are narrower, darker and not so clean. Virginia Beach is rugged and outdoorsy with hundreds of nearby bays, creeks and other waterways for fishing, boating, paddling and exploration. Ocean City has Assawoman Bay that is more of a lagoon and is not really used for recreation.

At Virginia Beach, you are met on the beach by an enormous statue of the mighty and heroic King Neptune. In Ocean City, you’re met by a giant Ferris wheel.

Neptune, King of the Sea, welcomes you to Virginia Beach.

What’s more, Virginia Beach is gigantic! You may not realize it, but Virginia Beach is Virginia’s most populous city, and that is year-round. Sure, Ocean City swells to about 350,000 in the summer, but the rest of the year it is not much more than a village. Virginia Beach’s year-round population of 450,000 makes it almost twice as large as Richmond, Arlington or Alexandria. There aren’t a lot of tall buildings, but the sheer size in area gives it an unmistakable cosmopolitan feel. When you combine Virginia Beach with nearby Norfolk, Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News and Portsmouth, you’ve got an immense urban landscape that is multicultural and exciting.

HISTORICALLY SPEAKING

There’s a lot to see and do in and around Virginia Beach, and its rich history is a good starting point. When not swimming in the ocean or sun bathing, I recommend a visit to the First Landing Cross at Cape Henry in the north end of the oceanfront. The cross bears witness to the location where the Colonists first set foot in the New World in 1607 before pushing up the James River to establish Jamestown. Nearby First Landing State Park is the largest state park in Virginia and is an absolute oasis for nature lovers. Located next to Chesapeake Bay, it features 20 miles of trails, two miles of tranquil beachfront and the most pristine habitats in Virginia, maritime forests and wetlands.

No trip to this part of Virginia is complete without stops in Jamestown, Yorktown or Williamsburg. Known as America’s Historic Triangle, these significant sites represent different eras in America’s story. Jamestown is the first permanent American settlement dating back to 1607, Yorktown is the site of America’s final victory of the Revolutionary War in 1781, and Williamsburg was the first capital of Virginia in the 1600s and 1700s. All are lovingly maintained and feature outdoor re-creations.

I highly recommend taking the Jamestown Ferry across the James River from Yorktown to Jamestown to arrive in style. With the 250th anniversary of American independence coming up in 2026, there is no better place to celebrate (other than perhaps Boston or Philadelphia).

GETTING THERE

When traveling to Virginia Beach, eschew I-95 South through highly congested Northern Virginia, Richmond and the Tidewater area (unless you have an EZ Pass) in favor of traveling to the Eastern Shore of Maryland, through Salisbury and over (and through) the amazing Bay Bridge-Tunnel. Going this way may take a bit longer, but you won’t have horrendous traffic spoiling your getaway.

We have gone to Virginia Beach both ways and the time difference is negligible. Both routes are officially listed at about 4 1/2 hours from Frederick, but the mileage is a bit less traveling through Northern Virginia.

The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel is an amazing engineering achievement. It straddles the Chesapeake Bay where it joins with the Atlantic Ocean. It totals 17 miles from Norfolk to the Eastern Shore of Virginia, which makes it about four times longer than Maryland’s own Chesapeake Bay Bridge. The marvel, though, is in the two 1-mile-long tunnels that take you below the bay and allow maritime and military ships to pass above. The views are breathtaking.

Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, 17 miles of amazing engineering achievement.

ENTERTAINMENT

Virginia Beach calls itself the “Event Capital of the East Coast.” This is hyperbole for sure, but there is no denying the presence of first-rate venues that attract world-class entertainment. The centerpiece of Virginia Beach’s entertainment scene is The Dome. It is a state-of-the-art concert venue that can flex from an indoor setting into an outdoor amphitheater-type setting. Think Major League Baseball stadiums with retractable roofs, but in this case, there are giant hangar doors that open. There is nothing like it up or down the East Coast. Upcoming shows at The Dome include Cody Jinks, Alison Krauss, Steve Martin and Martin Short, Ziggy Marley and Shaboozey.

For Orioles fans, Norfolk is home to their AAA minor league baseball team, the Norfolk Tides. The Tides play at Harbor Park in downtown Norfolk on the Elizabeth River and feature players just a step away from the big leagues like the Orioles best prospect, catcher Sam Basallo, who just won International League Player of the Month, proving there is hope for the Orioles yet.

LET’S EAT!

Virginia Beach and its environs are known for their “coastal cuisine,” which naturally centers around the freshest seafood available. I’m loyal to Maryland-style crab cakes, but I’ve learned that the tidewater area of Virginia has its own homegrown delicacy: Lynnhaven oysters. They are named after the deep-channel Lynnhaven River where they reside. They are served raw and on the half shell, steamed and loaded with spinach, cheese and bacon. It’s not for me, but I can see the pride in which this local favorite is served.

For breakfast, one of my favorites is Another Broken Egg, a restaurant we fell in love with in Sarasota, Florida, and it’s just as good in Virginia. They feature giant (and delicious) eggs and pancakes.

For lunch, I don’t think you can do better than Abbey Road Pub and Restaurant, located oceanfront at 22nd Street. Naturally the pub has a rock ‘n’ roll theme with plenty of live acts and musically inclined decor. But the real stars are the hand-cut steaks and fries, homemade soups and farm-to-table fruits and vegetables. Naturally there’s a “Lucy in the Sky” bar on the roof for taking in the warm ocean breezes.

One of our guilty pleasures is stopping at a local dive bar and cafe called The Raven. The Raven has the best burger I’ve had in Virginia Beach and is served with the freshest, tastiest broccoli ever. If you’re not a broccoli fan, try theirs anyway. I don’t know what they do, but it’s wonderful.

For dinner, we like The Butcher’s Son and their aged, hand-cut steaks; Aldo’s Ristorante, for casual elegant dining (it was voted best Italian restaurant at the beach) or my favorite, Rudee’s Restaurant and Cabana Bar. The Rudee Inlet views are unmatched in Virginia Beach and the food is delicious and fresh. You can watch the boats come and go during dinner for some free entertainment. The draw here is the fresh seafood, including steamed shrimp, the catch of the day (anything from grouper to yellow fin tuna and mahi mahi) and the overwhelmingly large raw bar. Even getting to the restaurant is fun. Take the Oceanfront Trolley or the 10-foot-wide Rudee Inlet Connector Walk.

Sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean in Virginia Beach.

The art of writing your own obit

By Gary Bennett

Writing your own obituary is starting to become a regular addition to end-of-life planning.

This article appears in the Summer 2025 edition of Frederick News-Post’s “Prime Time” magazine.

Let’s face it, we’re all going to die. And since we are readers of Prime Time, we all know that our time could come at any time.

(As much as we appreciate the editors giving this magazine a contemporary title, we readers know the magazine could be called Any Time Now or What Day Is It Again?)

Lest you think this topic is overly morbid, there is an upside. You can take it upon yourself to write your own obituary! More and more people are doing this as part of their end-of-life planning.

There are many positives to writing your own obit. First and foremost, you can save your survivors the time and trouble at a time they are overcome by grief. Secondly, who is the best spokesperson for your life? You, of course! Don’t leave it to a spouse, sibling, child or (gasp) the funeral home to put you in the best possible light when you can do it yourself. Plus, you can embellish! What is frowned upon in resumes can finally have its day in obituaries. Besides, who would dare print a correction after you’re gone?

The task is not as tough as you might think. There are obit writing classes offered online and at some colleges for the aspiring end-of-life writer. Personally, I am surprised my friends at the Institute for Learning in Retirement at FCC have not thought of this, but then again, their writing courses don’t do as well as Beer Making and Scrapbooking. Even The News-Post has online prompts to help you write your obit.

There are plenty of so-called experts who will tell you the things you should put in and leave out of your obit.

Things to put in include your name, dates of birth and death (you’ll have to trust someone else on this one), list of loved ones, education and career highlights, military service (if honorably discharged), memberships in organizations including houses of worship and Loyal Orders of Elks, Lions, Water Buffalo or any other civic-minded animal, and hobbies and special interests. Cause of death is optional but should be mandatory because nosy readers want to know.

I do take exception to the things experts say to leave out of your obit: personal grievances, political and religious points of view, family secrets and lists of people you appreciate because — get this — you might leave someone out.

On personal grievances, I say let ’em have it! Think George Costanza’s father in Seinfeld celebrating Festivus with the airing of the grievances. You’ll feel better about yourself if you get these things off your chest. Any good shrink will tell you that. Anyway, the objects of your ire can simply say that dementia got the best of you at the end or that you were a mean old cuss and everyone knew it. What do you care?

Experts and I do agree on one thing: you should let your personality shine through. I’ll venture that most of us in this demographic do more than just glance at obits. We read them thoroughly to make sure no one had a better life than ours. Just imagine how refreshing it would be to read an obit that is honest, maybe slightly self-deprecating and obviously sweated over.

In this vein, I would like to offer my own obituary for your consideration. Hopefully, my demise won’t come any time soon, but if it does, at least I’ll have this rough draft on paper that my personal editor (my wife) can punch up later as she waits for the insurance money to come in.

Be advised that obits are not free. They can be quite pricey and often charged by the line. My obit below could easily be over $1,000, but rightfully so.

Gary Alva Bennett
January 21, 1957 – _________

Gary Alva Bennett came into this world on the coldest day of the year — January 21, 1957. This may have been a precursor to his life and times. The first son of Rose and Howard Bennett, Gary (or “little Alvie” as his father delighted in calling him) somehow sprang to life in Keyser, West Virginia’s Potomac Valley Hospital, whose record of successful births, shall we say, is spotty.

Gary didn’t grow up in a town, city, farm or suburb. He grew up along the road; more specifically, Route 220 in Allegany County, Maryland.

Life was not easy. His first memories included playing with dirt in the backyard and hitting rocks with a baseball bat. He didn’t have many friends growing up but his best may have been his trusty “pitch back” machine, which made friends unnecessary.

Life was not all bad, though. Gary grew up beside a drive-in theater, rod and gun club, and horse show arena. This soon made him the toast of the road, and friends (at least two) came pouring in. Never able to read the room, Gary often stopped playing with friends to take in the original “Password” with Allen Ludden at 2:30 p.m. on summer weekdays. It was a surprisingly guilty pleasure for a pre-teen boy.

Gary was tall, smart-alecky and, some might say, handsome. Others might say “interesting looking.” He was always tallest in his class through elementary school except for one girl who could look him straight in his eye and whup him good if needed. For obvious reasons she became his first schoolboy crush. In those days there was no middle school or junior high. Gary and his cohort went directly to seventh grade in a high school with monstrously big and sophisticated near-adults from Westernport, Maryland (population 3,000). Gary thrived in high school and finished in the top 10 of his class of 37.

From there, Gary accepted admission to his dream school of Frostburg State College. He took three degrees at Frostburg but had to give two back. The highlight of college was meeting Ellen, his pretty but long-suffering wife. She married far below her station, as Gary was frequently reminded. She was from the faraway and exotic city of Cumberland.

Gary was reportedly a good dad of two and husband of one, keeping his numbers purposely small. He really found his niche as an outstanding grandad, or papa, as the grandkids called him. He even had a “World’s Best Grandad” T-shirt to prove it. As papa, he was playful and generous with his time and didn’t mind boorish behavior. He was pummeled by rubber sword-wielding waifs more times than he could count. His cavorting through the small play structures at MeLand and Urban Air is legendary and still talked about in some circles.

Gary’s 40 years in business is mostly a blur and not worth talking about. His noteworthy accomplishments will be published later if any are discovered. By all accounts he was a competent marketing/communications-type person who delighted in writing catchy phrases and staying out of trouble. The highlight of his career was the award he received from Metro for completing one million commuting miles on the subway. At least he thought it was an award.

Gary delighted in making a fool of himself at every opportunity because it was so easy. One of his life’s highlights was showing up in costume at the Tampa airport to loudly and publicly meet his wife on vacation. His goal was always to make her pee with laughter and embarrassment. She won’t admit it, but he believed he succeeded several times. He loved his family and friends more than anything else in the world, except maybe Jim Croce, the Orioles and Siesta Key.

There will be no wake, viewing or funeral. Interment will be at Camden Yards.