The Beacon/DC Edition - September 2017 by RP MEDIA ARCHIVE

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Inside PBS’s ‘Antiques Roadshow’ PHOTO BY MEREDITH NIERMAN FOR WGBH, © WGBH 2017

By Barbara Ruben A few years ago, a coin shop owner in Vienna, Va., had a customer who coveted a few of the coins in the store. In exchange, the customer offered a set of 15 posters made for the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles. Each poster was signed by the artist, including such modernist luminaries as Roy Lichtenstein and Robert Rauschenberg. The shop owner figured the coins he exchanged were worth about $1,000. Curious about the limited edition posters’ actual worth — only 750 sets were made — he carted them down to a taping of the PBS hit show “Antiques Roadshow” in Virginia Beach, Va., last year. Out of thousands of people who brought their treasures for appraisal and possible inclusion on the long-running show, Saif (the show’s policy is not to use last names) was one of just a few dozen chosen to be filmed for the show. When the appraiser pronounced the collection worth $7,000 to $10,000 Saif’s eyes widened in surprise, “Wow,” he said a few times, collecting himself. “That is more than I was expecting.” That unexpected value of a treasure that might be lurking in your basement or attic is the hook that lures viewers to tune into “Antiques Roadshow” year after year. “Antiques Roadshow” is PBS’s mostwatched ongoing series, and is now in the midst of filming its 22nd season. One of the reasons for “Antiques Roadshow’s” continuing popularity is that “we’re smart reality television,” said Executive Producer Marsha Bemko in an interview with the Beacon. “You’re not going to watch “Antiques Roadshow” and not learn when the Civil War happened. You’re going to learn something in every show you watch. But you don’t notice you’re learning. How fun is that?” The show is not just a history lesson, but also part treasure hunt, she said. Each piece has had a journey, Bemko said. “We’re very interested in that journey. Whether you’re 8 or 80, you’re curious. What is that thing? Where has it been? And, let’s face it, we’re all human — how much is it worth?” she said.

5 0 SEPTEMBER 2017

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LEISURE & TRAVEL

Exploring Beijing and some of its many attractions; plus, where and how to enjoy fall foliage, and Bob Levey on getting carded at 70-something page 46

ARTS & STYLE

On an episode of “Antiques Roadshow,” appraiser Matthew Quinn (right) discusses a sculpture of a mother dog and puppies carved by Black Forest artisans around 1900. Quinn, who is executive vice president of Quinn’s Auction Galleries in Falls Church, Va., is now taping his eighth season on the PBS television show that sometimes surprises viewers with the value of items in their attics. This carving, for example, is worth $20,000.

Appraisals at Beacon expos Attendees of the Beacon’s 50+Expos on Sept. 10 in Silver Spring, Md., and on Sept. 17 in Springfield, Va., will get a chance to find out how much their own treasures are worth from appraisers from Quinn’s Auction Galleries, based in Fall’s Church, Va. Matthew Quinn, the executive vice president of the company, is also an appraiser on “Antiques Roadshow.” He will be the keynote speaker at both expo locations, talking about “What’s of value in your attic or basement?” Quinn recently returned after taping “Antiques Roadshow” in several of the cities for next year’s shows, including New Orleans, Harrisburg, Pa., Green Bay, Wisc. and St. Louis. On Sept. 19, the show will be taped out-

doors for the first time, in Newport, R.I. Bemko said she is keeping her fingers crossed that it won’t rain, but noted that there will be tents and indoor areas if needed. As for the cities that the appraisers will visit next year for the 2019 shows, that’s top secret, Bemko said. The show was last taped in Washington in 2011 and in Baltimore in 2008. Quinn, who specializes in appraising decorative arts, pottery and porcelain, has appeared on eight seasons of “Antiques Roadshow.” But he came close to never being on the show at all. Almost a decade ago, he told the person sitting next to him on an airplane that he See ROADSHOW, page 27

Sondheim’s A Little Night Music at Signature is pure magic; plus, 1960s musical icons at Strathmore this fall, and new books about baseball page 61 TECHNOLOGY k Sleep gadgets

FITNESS & HEALTH 10 k Help for really hard of hearing k Weight training fights fat LAW & MONEY k Avoid car repair rip-offs k How you can buy happiness

SPOTLIGHT ON AGING k Newsletter for D.C. seniors

LIFETIMES 53 k Newsletter of the Charles E. Smith Life Communities ADVERTISER DIRECTORY

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Will a free press survive? I think it’s fair to say that America’s edit a paper, to print and distribute or disbedrock commitment to a free press has seminate it to readers, and even to retrieve and recycle the waste. never been under heavier asThe more we get used to obsault than it is today. taining our news in the quickDo we have a sound, indeest, easiest, cheapest way, the pendent, even fierce press less that news will be worth corps that digs out the truth at reading. any cost and spares no one? Or Present company exceptare we surrounded by faux news outlets, “bot” reporters, ed, that is. and marketing pieces masAfter all, you now have in querading as legitimate reyour hand, or on your screen, a views? free publication. At the Beacon, Do we look to the press to FROM THE we do our best to provide vetinform us and enlighten us? PUBLISHER ted, timely, trustworthy inforBy Stuart P. Rosenthal Or do we read only those outmation without watering it lets that confirm our precondown or aiming above everyceived notions? one’s head. These questions go to the heart of our We comb through hundreds of stories democracy, and truly should be asked by each month from a wide variety of reputable every American, of whatever political news sources and bring you what we feel is stripe or belief. the best and most pertinent, always keeping And asked not only of those producing in mind our mission: to inform, educate and the news sources we choose to read, but entertain people over the age of 50. And yet, we are free. Literally. You can also of ourselves: We need to look in the mirror and decide what we truly want, and not only read everything we publish (and what we’re willing to pay for. have published) online at any time without For a free press is certainly never free. charge, but you can pick up a real newspaIt takes money to hire and train reporters, per, usually within a short distance of to cover their expenses, to produce and where you live or work, at no cost.

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The Beacon is a monthly newspaper dedicated to inform, serve, and entertain the citizens of the Greater Washington DC area, and is privately owned. Other editions serve Greater Baltimore, Howard County, Md. and Greater Palm Springs, Calif. Readership exceeds 400,000. Subscriptions are available via first-class mail ($36) or third-class mail ($12), prepaid with order. D.C. and Maryland residents: add 6 percent for sales tax. Send subscription order to the office listed below. Publication of advertising contained herein does not necessarily constitute endorsement. Signed columns represent the opinions of the writers, and not necessarily the opinion of the publisher. • Publisher/Editor ....................Stuart P. Rosenthal • Associate Publisher ..............Judith K. Rosenthal • Vice President of Operations ....Gordon Hasenei • Director of Sales ................................Alan Spiegel • Managing Editor............................Barbara Ruben • Art Director ........................................Kyle Gregory • Assistant Operations Manager ..........Roger King • Advertising Representatives ........Doug Hallock, ............................................Rodney Harris, Dan Kelly • Assistant Editor ..........................Rebekah Alcalde • Intern ....................................................Alexis Bentz

The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915 (301) 949-9766 • Email: info@thebeaconnewspapers.com Website: www.theBeaconNewspapers.com Submissions: The Beacon welcomes reader contributions. Deadline for editorial is the 10th of the month preceding the month of publication. Deadline for ads is the 15th of the month preceding the month of publication. See page 71 for classified advertising details. Please mail or email all submissions.

No cost to you, that is. But maintaining a staff of 15 professionals, printing more than 220,000 copies of four monthly publications, mailing copies to our subscribers and distributing the rest to more than 2,750 free distribution sites over an area exceeding 4,000 square miles — these things cost real money. That’s where advertisers enter the picture. Since Benjamin Franklin bought the Pennsylvania Gazette in 1729, America’s community newspapers have relied on the revenue provided by advertisers to keep the paper’s cost low, or free, to readers. The model worked well for about 275 years. Since about 2005, however, the growing world of digital communications and Internet advertising have steadily eaten into the revenues of newspapers of all types and sizes. Daily newspapers have been most affected: Draconian staff cuts, fewer pages of news, reduced readership, and rapidly declining revenues have decimated many dailies. Yet so-called niche publications — those targeting particular readers or markets, whether by neighborhood, culture, religion, nationality or other characteristic (such as being over 50) — have continued to survive and, in some cases, thrive. In our case, we benefit from the fact that there are still enough publications like ours to support well-run and legitimate wire services — such as the Associated Press, Tribune News Service, and the like — enabling them to continue to hire and support topnotch journalists producing stories printed by dozens or even hundreds of papers. Through such syndication services we are also able to bring you pertinent articles from reliable sources such as Kiplinger’s, Harvard Medical School and the Mayo Clinic. We purchase stories we feel will be of most interest and use to our readers. And we supplement these with our own writing, including local human interest stories, theatre and art reviews, and announcements about local events and programs. Our sales team, for its part, scours the local business community for potential advertisers who provide services or products particularly needed by our readers — who, by the way, range in age from their 40s to their 90s, and thus have a wide variety of needs indeed. Why am I telling you all this, you ask? Because it’s important that you know

how essential this engine of ad revenue is to the survival of the Beacon and other free papers you may read. When you visit or call on Beacon advertisers that interest you, you can have a direct effect on our ability to continue publishing. But this will only be true if you take a moment to mention — at some point in the process — that you saw their ad in the Beacon. That’s the only way our advertisers really know that their Beacon ad is successful. And what if you see an ad in the Beacon and then visit their website to learn more or to make a purchase? Unfortunately for us, that’s basically impossible for advertisers to track unless you make a point of mentioning the Beacon in some fashion during the transaction. This is difficult, I grant you, when there’s no human contact. But perhaps you can say something in a comment box, or write a review of the transaction, or even send an email to customer service: anything to let the seller know that you learned of them through the Beacon. You will also find useful information in the Beacon provided by nonprofits and government agencies in the area, such as the monthly “Spotlight on Aging” newsletter from the D.C. Office on Aging, and the monthly “Age-Friendly” page from Montgomery County. These agencies also need to know you look to the Beacon to obtain this information, so please be sure to mention that when the opportunity arises. Some readers find it easier to simply write or email us at the Beacon now and then with a quick testimonial: telling us how an article, insert or advertisement saved them money, improved their health, taught their doctor something, or just made their day. Any or all of these efforts can help us retain our advertisers, who truly keep the Beacon free. Or almost free, for it turns out that I am asking something in return from you and from every other reader of our paper. Patronize those advertisers who have something to offer you. And please take a moment to mention the Beacon when you do. It can make all the difference. We thank you.

Letters to the editor Readers are encouraged to share their opinion on any matter addressed in the Beacon as well as on political and social issues of the day. Mail your Letter to the Editor to The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915, or e-mail to barbara@thebeaconnewspapers.com. Please include your name, address and telephone number for verification. Dear Editor: In his August editorial, “Can you relate?”, Beacon publisher Stuart P. Rosenthal askes, “Why was Charlie’s (Gard) case such a lightning rod for attention and money” compared with the plight of masses of children due to wars and other tragedies?

It is a worthy question, but not the key issue here. The main debate is who has the ultimate right to decide what further medical help, if any, Charlie should get: his parents, doctors or the government? See LETTERS TO EDITOR, page 69

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Our 50+ Expo Exhibitors to date: Fairfax County Police Department Fairfax/Falls Church Community Services Board 40Plus of Greater Washington AAA Club Alliance (Mid Atlantic Region) Fairmont, The Fidelity Direct Mortgage AARP Virginia Advanced Nursing and Home Support Five Star Home Health Care Arlington Aging and Disability Services Friendship Terrace Garden of Remembrance Arlington County Office of Senior Memorial Park Adult Programs GeriatriCare Management, Inc. Bath Fitter Habitat America, LLC Bankers Life Hearing Health USA Building Bridges Partners/Planning Healthy Back Store for Senior Life Help Unlimited CapTel Outreach High’s Chimney Service, Inc. CareFirst MedPlus Home Care Assistance Center for Interventional Medicine Homefix Custom Remodeling Center for Vein Restoration Holy Cross Health Century 21 New Millennium Inderjeet Jumani, Long and Foster ClearCaptions Realtors Conflict Resolution Center of Jewish Council for the Aging Montgomery County Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School CVS/pharmacy of Public Health Department of Cable and Consumer Kaiser Permanente Services Kennedy Center, The Dignity Memorial Network Kitchen Saver Edward Jones Estate Planning & Elder Law Firm, PC, The LeafFilter Gutter Protection Legacy Navigator Eversafe Leisure World of Maryland Dignity Memorial Network Eric Stewart Group of Long & Foster / Lesner Hearing Center Live Better Hearing Widow Care Long and Foster Realtors EveryMind ManorCare Fairfax Area Agency on Aging / VA Insurance Counseling & Assistance Maryland Insurance Administration Fairfax County Consumer Affairs

Exhibitors

Community Partners Allegiance Homecare Andrew Kim House Arcola Towers Arden Courts of Annandale Arden Courts of Fair Oaks Arlington Agency on Aging Arlington Commission on Aging Arlington Employment Center Arlington Mill Community Center Arlington Public Library Aurora Hills Community & Senior Center B'nai B'rith Homecrest House Bailey's Senior Center Brookdale (Emeritus) at Arlington Brooke Grove Retirement Village Burke/West Springfield Senior Center Care for You Charles E. Smith Life Community Charter House Chevy Chase House

City of Alexandria DCHS City of Fairfax Senior Center City of Gaithersburg Senior Center Claridge House Arlington Comfort Keepers Culpepper Garden Senior Center Damascus Senior Center Diamond Home Health Care, Inc Dupont Park Adventist Apartments Fairfax County Area Agency on Aging Fairfax County Department of Neighborhood and Community and Services Goodwin House Bailey's Crossroads Grace Presbyterian Church Gum Springs Glen Herndon Harbor House I & II Herndon Senior Center Holiday Park Senior Center Hollin Hall Senior Center Holy Cross Health Home Care Assistance James Lee Community Center

Metropolitan Washington Ear Montgomery County 311 Montgomery County Aging & Disability Services Montgomery County Cancer Crusade Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection Montgomery County Dept of Recreation Montgomery County Long-Term Care Ombudsman Montgomery County Office of Consumer Protection Montgomery County Permitting Services Montgomery County Police Montgomery County Police/Keeping People Safe Montgomery County State's Attorney's Office Montgomery County Stroke Association Montgomery County Volunteer Center/RSVP Montgomery Hospice Morgan Stanley New Beginnings Nexus Holidays Overture Fair Ridge Prevention of Blindness Society Rainier Manor II Sagel Bloomfield Danzansky Goldberg Funeral Care Savvy Rest Natural Bedroom Schifter, Carol R. Esq.

Seabury Resources for Aging Sears Home Improvements Senior Connections Sibley Senior Association Silver Diner Sleep Number Bed Springvale Terrace Sunrise of Bethesda/Chevy Chase Synergy Home Care The Village at Rockville Thompson Creek Tip ‘n Split TTR Southeby’s International Realty U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Vamoose Bus Values Based Patient Advocates Virginia Cancer Specialists Virginia Relay Virtual Physical Waltonwood Ashburn W3Dynasty Travel Weichert Realty Xfinity

Kentlands Manor Langston Brown Senior Center Lee Community Center Leisure World Lewinsville Senior Center Lincolnia Senior Center Little River Glen Senior Center Lockwood/Elmwood House Long Branch Senior Center Lorton Senior Center Loudoun Senior Center/Cascades Madison Senior Center Margaret Schweinhaut Senior Center McLean Community Center Metropolitan Washington Ear Montgomery County Police Montgomery County Volunteer Center/RSVP Oaks at Four Corners Oaks at Olde Towne Oaks at Wellington OASIS Providence Senior Center

Ring House South County Senior Center Sully Senior Center The Carlin The Jefferson The Original Pancake House The Virginian Victory Forest Virginia Hospital Center Wakefield Senior Center Walter Reed Senior Center White Oak Senior Center Willow Manor at Colesville

Limited space remains. To exhibit, call Alan at 301-949-9766

Ask your community to bring a bus to the Expo! Call 301-949-9766

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Technology &

Innovations Sleep gadgets promise better night’s rest By Anne D’Innocenzio Pillows that track your snoozing patterns? A bed that adjusts based on how much you twist and turn? Companies are adding more technology into their products, hoping to lure customers craving a better night’s sleep. Some specialized businesses are making gadgets that promise to measure and improve the quality of slumber, while mass-market retailers like Best Buy are offering simpler ideas — like the effect different lighting can have on falling sleep. But with ever-growing options, people may find items are getting more sophisticated, but may not yet be proven. The interest in sleep has intensified. The

number of sleep centers accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine nearly tripled from 2000 to 2015, the group said. People are more likely to brag about how much they spent for a mattress than on their clothes, according to Marian Salzman, CEO of Havas PR North America. “Sleep is the new status symbol,’’ she said.

Smart beds and pillows It’s a big business. One of the more expensive products is Sleep Number’s 360 Smart Bed, which runs from $3,449 to $4,999. It makes adjustments based on how restless people are while they’re sleeping. The Zeeq pillow, which sells for $299 and is from bedding brand REM-Fit, monitors

snoring, and can gently vibrate to nudge someone into a different sleep position. “I’m willing to spend more on sleep technology because it will hopefully help me fall asleep quicker, stay asleep longer, and be more rested when I wake up,’’ said Frank Ribitch, a self-described gadget junkie from Martinez, Calif., who tracks his sleep with apps connected to a Sleep Number bed and the Zeeq pillow. Insufficient sleep is a public health concern, federal officials say, with more than one-third of American adults not getting enough on a regular basis. That can contribute to problems like obesity and diabetes. And a study published by the Rand Corp. put the financial loss to U.S. compa-

nies at up to $411 billion a year. Finding solutions could be a lucrative enterprise. Earlier this year Apple Inc. bought Finland-based Beddit, which was making an app and sleep monitoring device that’s placed under the sheet on top of the mattress. The $150 sensor begins tracking when a person lies down, and analyzes data such as the portion of time someone is in bed asleep before waking up. It also monitors heart rate, temperature, movement — and even snoring. “Previously, it was about the sleeping pill, and people didn’t want to talk about sleep apnea,’’ Lasse Leppäkorpi, coSee SLEEP GADGETS, page 8

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In this digital age, while some of the rare music on old 78 rpm records has been

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★

In addition to cute cat videos and cooking demonstrations, YouTube offers hundreds of fitness videos on its BeFit channel, which you can watch any time at no cost. Pick from basics like strength training, ab routines, Pilates, beach body or barre workouts. Or try something new like belly dance cardio, surfer girl workout, Krav Maga defense, ballet, or channel your inner aerialist at Cirque School. There are options for working out if you only have 10 or 15 minutes, as well as longer workout sessions of up to an hour. The channel includes big name trainers like Denise Austin, Jillian Michaels and yoga guru Kino MacGregor. www.youtube.com/user/BeFit/videos

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threatening diseases or conditions that currently have no treatments can gain access to information on potentially life-saving investigational drugs through a new online tool called the Expanded Access Navigator. The development of the Navigator was a team effort led by the nonprofit ReaganUdall Foundation for the FDA, in collaboration with patient advocacy groups, the pharmaceutical industry, FDA, and others in the federal government. Expanded Access permits the product’s manufacturer, with the authorization of FDA, to provide an investigational drug for a patient, even though the drug is still in development or under review for FDA approval. The patient side of the site explains the process to obtain drugs under Expanded Access, as well as how clinical trials work. The area for physicians goes into more detail about how they can obtain permission to try investigational drugs and the contacts they need. This part can be helpful for patients to show their doctors and understand the process. http://navigator.reaganudall.org/

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Say you saw it in the Beacon | Technology & Innovations

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Sleep gadgets From page 6 founder and now former CEO of Beddit, said before Apple bought the company. “Snoring is embarrassing. But this has been an untapped opportunity.’’ Apple, whose own Apple Watch tracks activity and offers sleep-tracking experiences through third-party apps, declined to talk about the future of Beddit. Leppäkorpi noted before the acquisition that Beddit had been working with sleep labs like the MIT Lab, which used the devices to collect data on patients. At the Stanford Sleep Medicine Center, neurologist and medical director Clete A. Kushida tests new therapies and medications. Over the past two years, the analysis has expanded to wearable devices. The scientists assess how well the devices match the center’s own overnight sleep studies, which use measures such as heart rate and brain wave activity to determine the length and the stages of sleep. Kushida’s conclusion? “Consumer wearable devices are not there in accurately detecting the stages of sleep,’’ he said. The problem: They focus on motion, which can be deceptive, since a person could be lying in bed awake. In fact, San Francisco-based startup Hello, the maker of a product aimed at tracking sleep via a clip attached to a per-

son’s bedsheet, recently announced it was shutting down amid reports the device didn’t correctly track sleep patterns. Still, Kushida believes that consumer products are getting better and will be able to accurately monitor and solve sleep issues in the next five to 10 years.

Sensory sleep products Separate from gadgets, some stores are highlighting sounds and smells they say can help people sleep better. Longtime insomniac favorite HSN Inc. offers a $299 Nightingale Sleep System that masks indoor and outdoor noises. Best Buy has a Philips Lighting’s system that works with devices like Nest and Amazon Alexa to let people choose the colors and brightness of lights, and program them to turn off at certain times or respond to the sun. And a company called Sensorwake is launching a product in the U.S. that releases smells like fresh linen that it says can help you sleep better. If nothing worked and you’ve had a fitful night, you can at least be woken up more gently. The same company makes a $99 olfactory alarm clock, with scent options that include a strong espresso. But if you let it go for three minutes without shutting it off or hitting snooze, it’ll start making noise — good if you have a stuffy nose. — AP

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Say you saw it in the Beacon | Technology & Innovations

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 7

Links & Apps From page 7 remastered onto LPs or CDs, there is still a large percentage that the general public has no way of hearing. This is exactly what The Great 78 Project aims to rectify. The community project attempts to preserve the records as well as to digitalize and collect recordings of underrepresented musicians and genres so that they can be electronically accessed and researched without harm to the originals. Visitors to the site can listen to more than 25,000 records that have been digitized, including ones by luminaries such as Lena Horn and Judy Garland, as well as lesser known musicians, such as Butterball Brown and his Orchestra. http://great78.archive.org/

Apps Preserve each day Invented by University of Mar yland junior Benjamin Taragin, Line A Day is a journal-like app that allows users to write the highlights of their days, and jot down their experiences, memories, and feelings. Line A Day gives users the opportu-

nity to look back to see what their recorded memory, thought or feeling was on any given day. Users can set a daily reminder to prompt them to write their line of the day. All entries are linked to the cloud, so they can’t be lost. With the group feature, users can view other user’s entries, while they can see what you are up to. While the basic app is free, a premium version costs $1.99, which removes ads and the character limit, while allowing users to add three photos each day, as well as audio. Line A Day, free in the Apple App store

Share your travel stories For those who love to travel, share stories and read about places far away, Lonely Planet’s free app, Trips, is for you. The app gives travel inspiration sorted into the categories adventure, wildlife and nature, coasts and islands ruins, road trips, festivals and events, and hiking and cities.

Tell them you saw it in the Beacon!

There’s no need to head out to the bank or search for a notary in the neighborhood. The Notarize app connects you with licensed notary agents who can confirm your identity, witness your signature via live video, and apply an electronic seal. Then they’ll send the notarized document to your computer, where you can print it out. This convenience comes at a cost: $25, versus $10 or less to get something notarized in person. In addition, some documents, including wills, are excluded. Notarize, free in the Apple App store

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Health Fitness &

RESTORING HEARING When hearing aids aren’t enough, cochlear implants may do the trick DEMENTIA CLUES Certain speech patterns may offer the first signs of mental decline TREAT SEPSIS STAT Aggressive treatment of sometimesdeadly sepsis can save lives BEYOND PAIN PILLS Hospitals can treat pain without opioids, such as with nerve blocks

What’s behind all the talk about turmeric? By Judith Thalheimer, R.D. The turmeric plant (Curcuma longa or Curcuma domestica) is a relative of ginger grown in India and Indonesia. This yelloworange spice not only gives curries their rich color, it also has been used as a medicinal herb for thousands of years. Research on some of the chemical compounds in turmeric is finding a wealth of potential health benefits, but does turmeric itself live up to the hype?

The benefits Cooking with turmeric can increase the healthfulness of your foods. Adding turmeric when cooking yellow, orange and green leafy vegetables, for example, may minimize the loss of beta-carotene. Betacarotene is a precursor to vitamin A, which is good for vision and eye health, a strong immune system, and healthy skin and mucous membranes. And using turmeric when marinating

meats could help reduce cancer risk: Studies show that including turmeric in your marinade can reduce the level of potential cancer-causing compounds created when meat is cooked at high temperature, such as when grilling, broiling or deep-frying. But most of the buzz around turmeric is centered on that fact that it’s the best food source of a compound called curcumin. “Curcumin is the compound in turmeric that gives it its bright yellow hue,” said Rachael Hartley, R.D., L.D., C.D.E. It has been shown to block enzymes in the inflammatory pathways, potentially fighting inflammation at the molecular level, and it’s being actively studied for relief of swelling and pain in both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Curcumin is also a powerful antioxidant, and lab and animal studies have reported that curcumin inhibits cancer at multiple stages of development, although we don’t yet know how that might work in the body.

The anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects could help reduce heart disease risk, and this potent turmeric component also may help keep the lining of veins and arteries healthy and reduce cholesterol levels.

The limits Most research has been done using curcumin, not turmeric itself. But turmeric is only two to six percent curcumin by weight, so the levels of curcumin in turmeric are not nearly as high as the doses tested in most studies. Plus, curcumin is poorly absorbed and metabolized. Supplements, in the form of liquid extracts, capsules and teas, provide higher doses of curcumin, and appear to be safe. But there have been a limited number of good studies done in humans to date, so the jury is still out on how all of these potential benefits will really impact our health.

Upping intake While we wait for more conclusive research, one thing is sure: You can’t go wrong by adding turmeric to your diet. “The spice’s earthy, almost gingery flavor is not overpowering, and you’ll find you can work it into a lot more than just curry,” said Hartley. “I mix it into tomato sauce, creamy pasta sauces, smoothies and soups.” To maximize the curcumin you get from eating turmeric, be sure to add some black pepper: Piperine, a natural substance in black pepper, enhances the absorption of curcumin by 2000 percent. You can find turmeric powder in the spice aisle of any market, and it’s increasingly available as whole rhizomes and in teas. While it may not be the cure-all some say it is, turmeric definitely has health benefits, and it’s delicious! See TURMERIC, page 13

Hospitals focus on needs of older patients By Susan B. Garland The emergency room was packed one night a couple of years ago when Marilyn Riffkin visited Holy Cross Hospital, in Silver Spring, Md., suffering from diverticulitis. She expected to wait for hours. But five minutes later, Riffkin was taken to an ER designed for non-trauma patients ages 65 and older. Riffkin, 71, was the only patient. The nurse gave her a hot water bottle to ease the pain, and hooked her up to an intravenous antibiotic. After Riffkin returned home, the ER called to see how she was doing. “They treated me like a gem,” she said. Older adults account for 15 percent of all ER visits, and that share is sure to grow as the population ages. A study at one hospital found its geriatric ER reduced admissions of older persons, who federal data show are much more likely than younger patients to be admitted.

The first ER for seniors Holy Cross Hospital’s senior emergency room opened in 2009, the first of about 90 hospitals to build a geriatric ER. During a recent tour, Dr. James Del Vecchio, medical director and chairman of emergency

services for Holy Cross Health, showed off the ER’s features. The eight treatment bays are separated by walls rather than curtains, to provide quiet and privacy. Mattresses are thick, and the phones have large numbers. The walls are painted a calming cream and soft brown — Del Vecchio said he learned the pale blue he originally wanted tends to look dirty to aging retinas. Del Vecchio pointed to the floor, made of a non-slick wood alternative. “Hospital floors are usually white and shiny,” he said. “But shiny looks wet, and when patients think the floor is wet, they’re more likely to fall.” For design help, Holy Cross and other hospitals turned to the Erickson School, which offers programs in aging services at the University of Maryland, Baltimore. Using the latest research in geriatrics, Erickson focused in part on fostering communication between the staff, who are trained in geriatric care, and patients, who are often disoriented, said Judah Ronch, Erickson’s dean. The soothing environment helps reduce anxiety. “Stress can impair memory, and anything that promotes comfort improves rapport and the accuracy of information,”

such as a patient remembering when she last took medication, Ronch said.

Taking a holistic approach All patients are screened for cognitive impairment and abuse. They’re also tested for fall risk: Broken bones or a poor gait could be signs of an undiagnosed physical condition or obstacles at home. And if someone is taking many medications, the hospital pharmacist will check for harmful interactions. Del Vecchio recalls one female patient whose daughter was about to place her mother in a nursing home because she was always groggy. The ER ruled out a stroke and sepsis when the pharmacist found the woman’s physician had increased a medication for nerve pain. The hospital cut back the dosage. “The great news was that she woke up,” Del Vecchio said, though her pain notched up a bit. The medical staff recognizes that older patients often show different symptoms than younger patients for the same disease. For example, a person older than age 80 who is having a heart attack may not have chest pains but instead appear weak or fatigued. “Ill-defined symptoms could represent a

more serious issue,” said Del Vecchio. Over the years, Holy Cross’s geriatric ER has reduced the number of older patients who return within 72 hours. Del Vecchio said a big reason is the discharge process. Marcy Smith, the ER’s geriatric social worker, calls each patient the day after discharge to make sure prescriptions have been filled and an appointment with a doctor scheduled. If not, Smith will arrange to have the medication delivered or call the doctor herself. Smith will also coordinate home care, the delivery of supplies to the patient, or admission to a nursing facility. And for patients who have fallen at home, Smith may call on an expert to check for loose extension cords or other hazards. “We can set up whatever services that are appropriate, even before they are out of the ER,” Smith said.

Acute care units Here’s a sobering statistic: One-third to one-half of patients older than age 70 who land in the hospital with an acute illness or injury leave more disabled than when they See EMERGENCY ROOM, page 13

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 7

Avoid spinning out of control with vertigo By Dr. Paul G. Mathew Vertigo isn’t just a catchy song by the band U2, or a famous movie by Alfred Hitchcock. It’s also a common symptom that has multiple potential causes. Although most people think that vertigo has to involve a spinning sensation, vertigo is actually the sensation that one is moving or that one’s surroundings are moving in the absence of any actual movement.

A balancing act To understand vertigo, one must understand that our sense of balance comes from multiple different systems in the body. There is your visual system, which tells you where your body is in space and time in relation to your surroundings. There is the sensory system, which allows your feet to send information to your brain about the terrain you are walking on. A third system, the vestibular system, often goes unappreciated in day-to-day life, but can cause havoc when not working properly. The vestibular system is composed of structures in your inner ear that function like a carpenter’s level. With a level, when the device is tilted in one direction or another, the bubble moves indicating imbalance. Similarly, during head and body movements, the inner ear transmits information regarding

movement or balance to the brain. When there is a mismatch between the visual, sensory or vestibular systems, people can at times have balance issues. Those balance issues can include vertigo. Medications for the treatment of vertigo are used to target structures in the brain that process these signals, which at times can conflict. Antihistamines like dimenhydrinate (Dramamine), diphenhydramine (Benadryl), and meclizine (Antivert) can be useful treatments for vertigo. Anticholinergic medications like scopolamine can be particularly useful, as it comes in a patch form, which can be applied just prior to entering a situation where motion sickness can be anticipated.

of the brain is registering no movement. This mismatch leads to vertigo, nausea and sometimes vomiting, which together are commonly known as seasickness. Unfortunately, when people feel seasick, many go below deck to lie down, which makes the problem worse. The best remedy for seasickness is actually to go above the deck and look at the motion of the water, or off at the horizon. By doing this, the visual system perceives the motion that the vestibular system perceives,

which can alleviate the sense of imbalance. For many who have experienced seasickness, the symptoms can persist for hours to days after getting off the boat. Another place where such balance mismatches frequently occur is when transitioning onto or off of an escalator. Paul G. Mathew, M.D., is a contributor to Harvard Health Publications. © 2017 President and Fellows of Harvard College. All Rights Reserved. Distributed By Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Common on ships One of the most common manifestations of vertigo occurs when someone travels on a boat. While on a boat, particularly when not standing on the deck, your visual system indicates that there is not much movement, and your surroundings appear still. The vestibular system (inner ear), on the other hand, is telling your brain that there is back and forth rocking movement, which naturally occurs with sea travel. The result is that one part of the brain is registering movement, while the other part

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S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 7 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Age-Friendly Montgomery A Community for a Lifetime

“I’m inviting you to enjoy our County’s resources and programs.” County Executive Ike Leggett

Getting Around Montgomery County May Be Easier Than You Think! To help residents stay active, Montgomery County offers a range of transportation and mobility options. Here are some programs for people who are older or have disabilities. Connect-a-Ride serves people age 50 and over and adults with disabilities. Mobility specialists inform callers about transportation options available in the County--both public and private. Some are low-cost or even free! In addition, Connect-A-Ride offers free “travel training” workshops to show residents how to use public transportation. Call 301738-3252 for more information, M – F, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Montgomery County Recreation Department offers free rides to its senior centers, and to senior programs available at some of the community centers. This is possible through partnerships with Jewish Council for the Aging and Ride On. For information, call 240-777-4925; messages are returned M – F, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Call-n-Ride provides discounted curb-to-curb taxi service to low-income residents age 65 and older and people with disabilities. Trips may be for any purpose within Montgomery County or to medical facilities throughout the region. For information call 301-948-5409, M – F, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Ride On bus and Metrobus offer free rides to people age 65 and older and people with disabilities, M – F, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. And, beginning September 2, 2017, hours for free rides on Saturdays will expand to 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. For information, call 3-1-1 or 240-777-0311 or go to www.mc311.com. Volunteer drivers provide vital transportation. Some residents need help getting to medical appointments, grocery stores and other destinations. Thanks to a growing number of nonprofit organizations in the County, they may be able to get a free ride from a volunteer. The Transportation Network Directory contains detailed information about various providers of volunteer transportation. Go to www.montgomerycountymd.gov/tnd and explore the section called “Escorted Transportation.” If you are interested in being a volunteer driver, please call a sponsoring organization, or call Shawn Brennan, Mobility Manager, Montgomery County Aging and Disability Services at 240-777-1350.

• Aging & Disability Resource Line 240-777-3000

• 3-1-1 or 240-777-0311 for County programs and services; 9-1-1 for emergency • www.montgomerycountymd.gov/senior

• “Seniors Today” airs on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:00 p.m. on Comcast/RCN 6, Verizon 30

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 7

Emergency room From page 10 arrived. This is true even if they recover from the medical condition that sent them there, research shows. Many patients who may have been independent before will need help with walking, dressing and other activities when they go home. Older patients are less likely than younger ones to bounce back from a stint in the hospital, in part because they may suffer from several chronic conditions. To help prevent the functional decline of geriatric patients, between 100 and 200

Turmeric From page 10

Turmeric supplements Turmeric supplements are available as capsules, teas or liquid extracts. While there have not been enough human studies to prove these supplements are effective, they are considered safe for most adults.

Dosage Dosage of turmeric extract or curcumin supplements used in studies varies widely. For those interested in trying supple-

hospitals nationwide have opened Acute Care for Elders (ACE) units. The ACE unit at the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s hospital is typical. Patients are treated by an interdisciplinary team that includes a geriatrician, nurse, social worker, dietitian, physical therapist, pharmacist and psychologist. All new patients are tested for physical function and cognitive impairment. Even a mild cognition issue can lead to confusion and agitation after the addition of new medications, interrupted sleep, poor eating habits and days in bed. The delirium that may follow can result in permanent decline, said Dr. Kellie Flood, a geriatriments, the Arthritis Foundation suggests 400-600 milligram (mg.) capsules three times a day (or one-half to one gram of powdered root, up to 3 grams per day) for osteoarthritis, and 500 mg. twice daily for rheumatoid arthritis.

At UAB’s unit, all the rooms are private, promoting a peaceful environment. The staff monitors medications for debilitating interactions. If they can, patients eat their meals in a chair, not in bed. Volunteers help with range-of-motion exercises. A “move and groove” music program, as well as card games and Sudoku, keep patients physically and mentally active. Patients also do a lot of walking. “If a person was walking before coming in, the

patient needs to be walking as much as possible in the hospital,” said Flood, director of clinical programs at the UAB’s Division of Gerontology, Geriatrics and Palliative Care. A 2010 study found that patients who stayed in the Birmingham hospital’s ACE unit had lower 30-day readmission rates than older patients treated in the hospital’s regular acute-care unit. A study of another hospital’s ACE unit showed that its patients had shorter hospital stays than other older patients. © 2017, Kiplinger. All Rights Reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

about to have surgery, are pregnant, or have gallbladder disease. Reprinted with permission from Environmental Nutrition, a monthly publication of

cian who directed the establishment of the 26-bed ACE unit at UAB in 2008.

Improving outcomes

Safety High doses or long-term use of turmeric may cause indigestion, nausea or diarrhea. In animals, high doses of turmeric have caused liver problems. No cases of liver problems have been reported in people. Avoid turmeric if you take blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin), are

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S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 7 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

When normal hearing aids aren’t enough Dear Mayo Clinic: I’m 72, and have worn hearing aids for about a decade. Over the past several years, my hearing seems to be getting worse. Although I’ve tried several different kinds of hearing aids, I can’t hear well with them anymore. A friend suggested I ask my doctor about a cochlear implant. I thought those were just for people who are deaf. Could a cochlear implant help someone like me? How does it work? Answer: It’s possible that a cochlear implant could be a good alternative to hearing aids in your situation. When they were introduced in the 1980s, it’s true that cochlear implants mainly were used for people who had com-

plete hearing loss. Today, however, they often are used to help people who have more advanced hearing loss that cannot be corrected with hearing aids. Your ear has three areas: the outer, middle and inner ear. Sound waves pass through the outer ear and cause vibrations at the eardrum. The eardrum and three small bones of the middle ear transmit the vibrations as they travel to the inner ear. Within the inner ear, the vibrations pass through fluid in a snail-shaped structure, called the cochlea. Attached to nerve cells in the cochlea are thousands of tiny hairs that help translate sound vibrations into electrical signals that are sent to your brain through your auditory nerve. The vibrations of different

sounds affect these tiny hairs in different ways, causing the nerve cells to send different signals to your brain. That’s how you distinguish one sound from another.

How implants work In most people who develop hearing loss, the hairs in the cochlea are damaged or missing, usually as a result of aging and exposure to loud noise, or for genetic reasons. That means the electrical signals can’t be transmitted efficiently to the brain, and the result is hearing loss. A cochlear implant bypasses hair cells that don’t work anymore and gives the brain the ability to perceive sound once again. The implant has two main pieces: an external processor that fits behind your ear,

and an internal receiver implanted under the skin behind your ear. The processor captures and processes sound signals and then sends those signals to the receiver. The receiver sends the signals to tiny electrodes that are placed directly into the cochlea when the device is implanted. Those signals are received by the auditory nerve and directed to your brain. Your brain interprets those signals as sounds.

Small, easily implanted All of the parts of a cochlear implant are small, and the processor that fits behind your ear looks somewhat similar to a hearing aid. Because of the small size of these See COCHLEAR IMPLANT, page 17

BEACON BITS

Sept. 28

FALLS SUPPORT GROUP Friendship Heights Village Vision Support Group will celebrate

National Fall Prevention Month on Thursday, Sept. 28 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Village Center, located at 4433 South Park Ave. in Chevy Chase, Md. Join Tanya Walton, a certified Brains & Balance Past-60 specialist, who has been teaching exercise classes at the center for more than 10 years. This free event includes bagels and coffee. For more information or to register, call the center at (301) 656-2797.

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 7

Holy Cross Health’s Early Lung Cancer Treatments Are Saving Lives, Like Joseph’s Joseph Kapusnick and his wife, Virginia, recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary—and they both enjoy good health and an active lifestyle. Just over a year ago, however, all of this was in question when Joseph underwent robotic lung surgery.

Early Detection and Research Virginia, 73, was inspired by her husband’s experience and decided to seek early detection for lung cancer herself. She joined the International Early Lung Cancer Action Program (I-ELCAP) research study, part of a global clinical trial at Holy Cross Health to screen for earlystage lung cancer using low-dose CT scans to detect tiny spots on the lungs.

For Joseph, 74, early detection of lung nodules several years ago led to close monitoring of these pre-cancerous nodules—until last year, when things took a turn for the worse. After consulting with Bryan Steinberg, MD, Thoracic Surgery, Holy Cross Health, they knew that Joseph’s best option was surgery. Dr. Steinberg, who practices at Holy Cross Hospital and Holy Cross Germantown Hospital, performed minimally invasive surgery to remove the affected tissue last August. Life-saving Technologies Holy Cross Health is an early adopter of advanced technologies for lung cancer diagnosis and the only health system in Montgomery County that offers both endobronchial ultrasound and electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy for early detection of lung nodules. “These advanced technologies are helping us to find patients with early-stage lung cancer,” explains Dr. Steinberg. “And for those patients, surgery is the best way to eradicate it.” The Holy Cross Lung Cancer program stands out, regionally, for its commitment to cuttingedge robotic surgery, as well as a mission to stop cancer before it begins with early detection protocols and community outreach to raise awareness of risk factors and prevention.

“I never had any symptoms at all, so I feel incredibly fortunate,” says Joseph Kapusnick. “I don’t know how fast the disease would have progressed. I could have gone a long time not knowing this was happening to me, until it was too late.” “The diagnosis of lung cancer used to be a death sentence,” explains Dr. Steinberg. “It’s a very different story now. We’re actually saving many people’s lives.” Joseph’s surgery was successful—with no need for a total lobectomy (removal of a lobe of the lung), chemotherapy or radiation treatment, which are all available at Holy Cross Health, if needed. “Every single thing that could go right for me went right—from early detection five years ago, to constant monitoring and to this treatment,” says Joseph.

“It took just a few minutes and was absolutely painless,” Virginia explains. “When I originally had the scan done, I did it for selfish reasons. As a former smoker, I wanted to know if I had any lung issues. But when I learned more about the research study, I felt like I had also done something really important for others as well.” Virginia is immensely relieved at the good results of the scan, and is celebrating Holy Cross Health along with all of her other blessings this year. “I believe Joe is alive today because of his surgery at Holy Cross Hospital, and we are so grateful for that gift,” she says. Complete Cancer Care Holy Cross Health’s cancer services provide comprehensive, innovative and personalized treatment for lung, breast, colorectal, prostate, gynecologic and other cancers. It also includes access to clinical trials and support services like counseling, home care and support groups.

To find a physician, call 301-754-8800 or visit HolyCrossHealth.org. To learn more about Holy Cross Health’s lung services, visit HolyCrossHealth.org/lungcancer.

U P C O M I N G E V E N T S AT H O LY C R O S S G E R M A N T O W N H O S P I TA L Our “Ask the Doctors” events are FREE and held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at 19801 Observation Dr., Germantown, MD 20876. To register, call 301-754-8800 or visit HolyCrossHealth.org/AskTheDoctors. September 13

October 26

November 9

December 7

JOINTS: REPAIRS AND REPLACEMENTS

BREAST HEALTH AND DISEASE

IMPROVING LUNG HEALTH

HELP FOR HERNIAS

Return to a full and active life by learning about the risks and benefits of various treatment options for joint pain, including joint replacement. Panelists include orthopedic surgeons: • Korboi Evans, MD • Douglas Murphy, MD • Gabriel Petruccelli, MD

Learn about the importance of maintaining breast health, screening mammography recommendations, and the latest breast cancer news and treatments. Panelists include: • Ali Al-Attar, MD, Plastic Surgery • Christopher Boyd, MD, General Surgery • George Conrad, MD, General Surgery • Anu Gupta, MD, Radiation Oncology • Ram Trehan, MD, Oncology

Bryan Steinberg, MD, Thoracic Surgery, discusses the latest advances in the diagnosis and treatment of lung conditions.

Get the facts on hernia pain, types of hernias, symptoms, treatments and surgical options. Panelists include: • Christopher Boyd, MD, General Surgery • George Conrad, MD, General Surgery • Stephen McKenna, MD, General Surgery • Alex Sailon, MD, Plastic Surgery

HolyCrossHealth.org

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S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 7 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Many benefits come from strength training By Dr. Howard LeWine Q: I walk for at least 45 minutes every day. Recently I read that strength training may be more important for overall health. Should I change my routine? A: I wouldn’t say that strength training with weights or machines provides more health benefits than brisk walking or other aerobic exercise. But for too long, strength training has not received the emphasis that it should. Strength training maintains and may even increase muscle mass, which people tend to lose as they age. Boosting your muscle mass speeds up your metabolic rate, so you burn more calories — even when you’re not exercising. Burning more calories helps you avoid

weight gain, which keeps your heart healthier than if you pack on pounds. And strength training may be especially important for keeping off belly fat. This socalled visceral fat, which surrounds your internal organs, is particularly unhealthy. Abdominal fat is linked to heart disease, diabetes, bone loss, and decreased bone strength. A study done by researchers at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that healthy men who did 20 minutes of daily weight training had less of an age-related increase in abdominal fat compared with men who spent the same amount of time doing aerobic activities. Changes within muscles seem to promote these benefits. Muscles store glycogen, a

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molecule that breaks down into glucose (sugar) to fuel strenuous activity like weight lifting. After a workout, your body gets busy restoring that glycogen and has to rely on fat as an energy source. Strength training also increases the number of mitochondria, the energy-burning structures inside cells. Strength training can help control blood sugar levels by drawing glucose from the bloodstream to power muscles. High blood sugar is the hallmark of type 2 diabetes. Building more muscle mass also makes the body more sensitive to the effects of insulin, the hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. For my patients, I still recommend at least 150 minutes of aerobic exercise per week and an additional 60 minutes of strength training. If possible, divide the strength training into two separate 30-minute sessions. You can use resistance bands, small hand weights, or weight machines. A well-rounded program works all major muscle groups: legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders and arms. Start by warming up for a few minutes by moving your muscles without weights, and don’t forget to stretch at the end. Q: I recently developed cramps that wake me from sleep. When it affects my leg, it aches for the next day or

two. What causes this? How can I prevent them? A: Leg cramps at night (also called nocturnal leg cramps) are very common. An estimated one in three adults has had a nocturnal leg cramp, and for many it regularly interrupts sleep. Like you, the affected leg can ache for a day or two after a bad cramp. Leg cramps are muscle spasms caused by overactive nerve fibers supplying the involved muscles. Why this happens is not clear, but the persistent nerve firing impairs the ability of the muscles to relax. Nighttime leg cramps are more likely to occur in people with musculoskeletal problems like flat feet or high arches, diabetes, thyroid disorders, low blood calcium or magnesium levels, or neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease or neuropathy (nerve damage). A number of medications, especially diuretics, can provoke cramping. However, most cramps strike people who are otherwise healthy. Usually the cramp hits the calf or foot. Often the trigger is the involuntary movement of the foot downward from the ankle (plantarflexion). There is no easy way to avoid this from happening. But if you do See STRENGTH TRAINING, page 17

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Sept. 28

PARKINSON’S FALL PREVENTION “Watch Your Step!” a program on how to navigate fall prevention

with Parkinson’s, will take place on Thursday, Sept. 28 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Kensington Park, located at 3620 Littledale Rd. in Kensington, Md. Presenter will be John Vine, author of A Parkinson’s Primer: An indispensable Guide to

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N â&#x20AC;&#x201D; S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 7

Cochlear implant From page 14 devices, they are relatively inconspicuous, particularly in people with long hair. Cochlear implantation requires a relatively short outpatient surgical procedure. A small incision is made behind the ear to insert the device. Most people experience little discomfort from the surgery, and its overall risk is low. The device usually is turned on several

Strength training From page 16 feel the foot start moving downward and the start of a cramp, you might be able to abort the cramp by firmly pulling your toes upward without jerking your foot. All kinds of remedies have been proposed to prevent muscle cramps. When many therapies are proposed for a condition, it usually means none are highly successful. This is

weeks following surgery. After the device is turned on, you will be able to hear; however, hearing improvement continues for six months to a year after surgery. Cochlear implants are a well-established technology. At first, physicians and researchers only recommended them for people who had total hearing loss. Over the years, though, research has shown that cochlear implants can be useful for people who still have some hearing. They can be particularly helpful for peo-

ple who have difficulty understanding speech in everyday listening situations, despite using good hearing aids. Talk to your doctor or a medical professional who specializes in hearing loss to find out if you would be a good candidate for a cochlear implant. The great majority of people who receive a cochlear implant find that they are able to communicate better with the people around them, and more fully participate in conversations and other daily activ-

ities that require the ability to hear clearly. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Matthew Carlson, M.D., Otorhinolaryngology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Mayo Clinic Q & A is an educational resource and doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t replace regular medical care. E-mail a question to MayoClinic Q&A@mayo.edu. For more information, visit www.mayoclinic.org. ÂŠ 2017 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. All rights reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

certainly true for muscle cramps. Safe things you can try to prevent muscle cramps include foot wear that provides both cushion and arch support, taking vitamin B complex, taking low dose magnesium supplements (as long as your kidney function is normal), eating lots of fruits and vegetables, and avoiding dehydration. While stretching is often recommended for people with leg cramps, the evidence that this helps is mixed. Since it is totally

safe, I recommend frequent gentle stretching during the day and especially before bed. For example, you might try gently pulling back on your toes and fingers (if you also get hand cramps) a few times per day and when you first get into bed at night. Howard LeWine, M.D., is an internist at

Brigham and Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hospital in Boston and assistant professor at Harvard Medical School. For additional consumer health information, please visit www.health.harvard.edu. ÂŠ 2017 President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Sept. 13

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

VISION WORKSHOP

The Low Vision Center of Bethesda, Md. is offering a free Vision Enrichment Workshop at the Long Branch Senior Center, 8700 Piney Branch Rd., Silver Spring, Md., from 11 a.m. to noon. Topics discussed will be lighting, magnification, technology, driving and more. Future presentations will be held at other Senior Centers in Montgomery County. For more information and a complete list of events, call the Low Vision Center at (301) 951-4444.

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S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 7 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Driving can be risky for teens and seniors This summer, I took what I consider to of driving — many of which are caused by be one of my first steps into adulthood — members of my age-group and by older driving lessons. This rite of adults, something that both of passage was liberating, and althe generations can discuss. though I haven’t yet gotten behind the wheel, learning about Who causes most accidents? how a car operates has increased my excitement to get It is often said that teenagers my learner’s permit. and seniors are the most danStill, it is slightly intimidatgerous age groups on the road. ing to know that you will be in In fact, according to a study control of a vehicle after you done by the National Highway have been so used to sitting in Traffic Safety Administration GENERATIONS the passenger seat. and Insurance Institute for TOGETHER After all, along with all of By Alexis Bentz Highway Safety, teens aged 16the meanings of various street 18 and seniors 65 and older do signs, rules of the road, and car part vo- have the highest accident rates. As a result, both teens and seniors are cabulary, I also learned about the dangers HOLY CROSS HOME CARE AND HOSPICE

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often pressured to give up the keys and let their parents or children take the wheel. Teenagers are the riskiest drivers and are the age group most commonly associated with accidents. This is most likely because teens have little driving experience, the lowest seat belt usage of any age group, and (because their brains are not fully matured), poor judgment. Also, whether it is because of texting while driving, singing to music, or interact-

ing with a friend in the back seat, distractions cause teens to get into a large number of accidents as well. Tighter drivers’ license restrictions and better education have led to a decrease in accidents, but they are still common and are a severe problem. My driving classes are taught by police officers, and each cop brings different stories of the terrible car crashes they have See DRIVING, page 21

New book for older drivers A new book, Safe Driving 4 Seniors: Enjoyment from Better Knowledge and Skills, offers driving tips and information specifically intended for experienced, older drivers. Author Dale McCormick has been a driving instructor and has an MS in traffic safety. The book discusses physical changes that occur with age, such as changes in distance perception and visual acuity, as well as driving with a disability. The author reviews skills and strategies to use when turning, changing lanes, approach-

ing traffic lights and parking. It also includes a 22-point check list of “warning signs” that indicate it may be time to stop driving. Readers can also learn more about new safety innovations, and what the future may hold for self-driving cars and new roadways. Call (630) 430-5701 or visit www.theinstitute4trafficsafety.com for more information. The book can be purchased on Amazon for $14.95 in paperback; $9.95 for Kindle. — Alexis Bentz

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 7

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

Do you know what a Life Plan Community is? Are you a planner? We invite you to explore the benefits of a Life Plan Community (CCRC). {å±Ïå Ņü ĵĜĹÚ Ï±Ĺ Æå ŅųÏĘåŸƋų±ƋåÚţ eƋ 8±ĬÏŅĹŸ X±ĹÚĜĹčØ ƼŅƚ ƵĜĬĬ ĀĹÚ åƴåųƼƋĘĜĹč ƼŅƚ ĹååÚ ƋŅ åĹģŅƼ ±Ĺ ±ÏƋĜƴå ±ĹÚ åĹč±čåÚ ĬĜüåŸƋƼĬåţ ĜƋĘ åƻƋų±ŅųÚĜĹ±ųƼ ŸåųƴĜÏåŸØ Ņƚų ųåŸĜÚåĹƋŸ ÚåŸÏųĜÆå 8±ĬÏŅĹŸ X±ĹÚĜĹč ±Ÿ ± ĬƚƻƚųƼ ÏųƚĜŸå ŸĘĜŞ ƋĘ±Ƌ Ĺåƴåų Ĭå±ƴåŸ ŞŅųƋţ eŸ ± XĜüå {Ĭ±Ĺ ŅĵĵƚĹĜƋƼ Š š Ƶå üŅÏƚŸ ŅĹ ƵåĬĬĹåŸŸ ±ĹÚ ŞųŅƴĜÚå ±ĬĬ ĬåƴåĬŸ Ņü Ęå±ĬƋĘ ŸåųƴĜÏåŸ ųĜčĘƋ ŅĹ Ņƚų Ï±ĵŞƚŸţ 8ųŅĵ Ņƚų ÏŅĹƴåĹĜåĹƋ ÏĬĜĹĜÏ ±ĹÚ ŸĘŅųƋěƋåųĵ ųåĘ±Æ ƋŅ ŸĩĜĬĬåÚ ĹƚųŸĜĹč ±ĹÚ ĬŅĹčěƋåųĵ Ï±ųåØ Ņƚų ÚåÚĜÏ±ƋåÚ ŸƋ±ý ƵĜĬĬ ŞųŅƴĜÚå ƋĘå ŸƚŞŞŅųƋ ƼŅƚ ĹååÚØ ƵĘåĹ ƼŅƚ ĹååÚ ĜƋţ

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S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 7 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Speech may be first clue to mental decline By Marilynn Marchione Your speech may, um, help reveal if you’re, uh...developing thinking problems. More pauses, filler words and other verbal changes might be an early sign of mental decline, which can lead to Alzheimer’s disease, a study suggests. Researchers had people describe a picture they were shown in taped sessions two years apart. Those with early-stage mild cognitive impairment slid much faster on certain verbal skills than those who didn’t develop thinking problems. “What we’ve discovered here is there are aspects of language that are affected earlier than we thought’’ — before or at the same time that memory problems emerge, said one study leader, Sterling Johnson of

the University of Wisconsin-Madison. This was the largest study ever done of speech analysis for this purpose, and if more testing confirms its value, it might offer a simple, cheap way to help screen people for very early signs of mental decline.

Different from normal aging Don’t panic: Lots of people say “um’’ and have trouble quickly recalling names as they age, and that doesn’t mean trouble is on the way. “In normal aging, it’s something that may come back to you later, and it’s not going to disrupt the whole conversation,’’ another study leader, Kimberly Mueller, explained. “The difference here is, it is more fre-

quent in a short period,’’ interferes with communication, and gets worse over time. About 47 million people worldwide have dementia, and Alzheimer’s is the most common type. In the U.S., about 5.5 million people have the disease. Current drugs can’t slow or reverse it, just ease symptoms. Doctors think treatment might need to start sooner to do any good, so there’s a push to find early signs. Mild cognitive impairment causes changes that are noticeable to the person or others, but not enough to interfere with daily life. It doesn’t mean these folks will necessarily develop Alzheimer’s. But 15 to 20 percent of them do each year.

How the study worked To see if speech analysis can find early signs, researchers first did the picture-description test on 400 people without cognitive problems and saw no change over time in verbal skills. Next, they tested 264 participants in the Wisconsin Registry for Alzheimer’s Prevention — a long-running study of people in their 50s and 60s, most of whom have a parent with Alzheimer’s and might be at higher risk for the disease themselves. Of those, 64 already had signs of early decline or developed it over the next two years, according to other neurological tests they took. In the second round of tests, these participants declined faster on content (ideas they expressed) and fluency (the flow of speech and how many pauses and filler words they used). They used more pronouns such as “it’’ or “they’’ instead of specific names for things, spoke in shorter sentences, and took longer to convey what they had to say. “Those are all indicators of struggling with that computational load that the brain

has to conduct,” and supports the role of this test to detect decline, said Julie Liss, a speech expert at Arizona State University with no role in the work. Liss helped lead a study in 2015 that analyzed dozens of press conferences by former President Ronald Reagan and found evidence of speech changes more than a decade before he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. She also co-founded a company that analyzes speech for many neurological problems, including dementia, traumatic brain injury and Parkinson’s disease. Researchers could not estimate the cost of testing for a single patient, but for a doctor to offer it requires only a digital tape recorder and a computer program or app to analyze results. Alan Sweet, 72, a retired state of Wisconsin worker who lives in Madison, is taking part in the study and had the speech test this summer. His father had Alzheimer’s and his mother had a different type of dementia, Lewy body. “Watching my parents decline into the awful world of dementia, and being responsible for their medical care, was the best and worst experience of my life,’’ he said. “I want to help the researchers learn, furthering medical knowledge of treatment and, ultimately, cure.’’ Participants don’t get individual results — it just aids science.

Hearing loss may be a factor Another study at the conference, led by doctoral student Taylor Fields, hints that hearing loss may be another clue to possible mental decline. It involved 783 people from the same Wisconsin registry project. Those who See MENTAL DECLINE, page 21

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 7

Driving From page 18 witnessed, most of which were caused by teenagers. It has definitely caused me to acknowledge the responsibility that comes with taking the wheel. Seniors are also considered to be a danger on the road. Unlike with teens, seniors tend to have a great deal of driving experience. However, age-related conditions can interfere with their ability to make decisions and to drive safely. For example, reaction time slows with age, and muscle pain can make it harder to look over one’s shoulder or press down on the brake. These age-related conditions can cause damage to be much more severe should an accident occur. There were more than 40 million licensed older drivers in 2015, which is a 50 percent in-

Mental decline From page 20 said at the start of the study that they had been diagnosed with hearing loss were more than twice as likely to develop mild cognitive impairment over the next five years as those who did not start out with a hearing problem. That sort of information is not strong evidence, but it fits with earlier work along those lines.

crease from 1999, according to the Federal Highway Administration. Involvement in fatal crashes per mile traveled begins increasing among drivers ages 70 to 74, and are highest among drivers 85 and older, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

An intergenerational suggestion Regardless of what studies show, however, you and your younger buddy can work to become better, safer drivers on the road. As cliché as it may sound, practice makes perfect, so working with and being supervised by a skilled driver can help each of you to develop your driving skills. You can also discuss simple ways to avoid accidents — such as removing all sources of distraction from your car, playing a no-talking game to discourage each other from becoming distracted by a conversation, making sure to stay healthy, get

Family doctors “can do a lot to help us if they knew what to look for’’ to catch early signs of decline, said Maria Carrillo, the Alzheimer’s Association’s chief science officer. Hearing loss, verbal changes and other known risks such as sleep problems might warrant a referral to a neurologist for a dementia check, she said. An audio example of someone doing the test two years apart can be heard at http://bit.ly/AlzheimersHearingTest. — AP

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rest, and stay alcohol-free in order to perform your best on the road and more. You might also try experimenting with different types of cars that have specific safety features that could assist you with driving. Or if all else fails, you can use public transportation together.

Driving is exciting and, in this country, essential for getting around. Make sure that you and your teenage friend are doing it safely. Alexis Bentz is a 10th grade student at Wootton High School, and a summer intern at the Beacon.

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S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 7 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Aggressive treatment of sepsis saves lives By Lauran Neergaard Minutes matter when it comes to treating sepsis — the killer condition that most Americans probably have never heard of. And new research shows it’s time they learn. Sepsis is the body’s out-of-control reaction to an infection. By the time patients realize they’re in trouble, their organs could be shutting down. New York became the first state to require that hospitals follow aggressive steps when they suspect sepsis is brewing. Researchers examined patients treated there in the past two years and reported recently that faster care really is better. Every additional hour it takes to give antibiotics and perform other key steps increases the odds of death by 4 percent, ac-

cording to the study reported at an American Thoracic Society meeting and in the New England Journal of Medicine. That’s not just news for doctors or for other states considering similar rules. Patients also have to reach the hospital in time. “Know when to ask for help,” said Dr. Christopher Seymour, a critical care specialist at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine who led the study. “If they’re not aware of sepsis or know they need help, we can’t save lives.” The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention last year began a major campaign to teach people that while sepsis starts with vague symptoms, it’s a medical emergency. To make sure the doctor doesn’t overlook

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the possibility, “Ask, ‘Could this be sepsis?’” advised the CDC’s Dr. Lauren Epstein.

More than an infection Once misleadingly called blood poisoning or a bloodstream infection, sepsis occurs when the body goes into overdrive while fighting an infection, injuring its own tissue. The cascade of inflammation and other damage can lead to shock, amputations, organ failure or death. Sepsis strikes more than 1.5 million people in the United States a year and kills more than 250,000. Even a minor infection can be the trigger. A recent CDC study found nearly 80 percent of sepsis cases began outside of the hospital — not in patients already hospitalized because they were super-sick or recovering from surgery. In addition to symptoms of infection, worrisome signs can include shivering, a fever or feeling very cold; clammy or sweaty skin; confusion or disorientation; a rapid heartbeat or pulse; confusion or disorientation; shortness of breath; or simply extreme pain or discomfort. If you think you have an infection that’s getting worse, seek care immediately, Epstein said.

Recommended care Doctors have long known that rapidly treating sepsis is important. But there’s been debate over how fast. New York mandated in 2013 that hospitals follow “protocols,” or checklists, of certain steps within three hours — including performing a blood test for infection,

checking blood levels of a sepsis marker called lactate, and beginning antibiotics. Do the steps make a difference? Seymour’s team examined records of nearly 50,000 patients treated at New York hospitals over two years. About 8 in 10 hospitals met the three-hour deadline; some got them done in about an hour. Having those three main steps performed faster was better — a finding that families could use in asking what care a loved one is receiving for suspected sepsis.

Who’s at risk? Sepsis is most common among people 65 and older, babies, and people with chronic health problems. But even healthy people can get sepsis, even from minor infections. New York’s rules, known as “Rory’s Regulations,” were enacted after the death of a healthy 12-yearold, Rory Staunton, whose sepsis stemmed from an infected scrape and was initially dismissed by one hospital as a virus.

What’s next? Illinois last year enacted a similar sepsis mandate. Hospitals in other states, including Ohio and Wisconsin, have formed sepsis care collaborations. Nationally, hospitals are supposed to report to Medicare certain sepsis care steps. In New York, Rory’s parents set up a foundation to push for standard sepsis care in all states. “Every family or loved one who goes into a hospital, no matter what state, needs to know it’s not the luck of the draw” whether they’ll receive evidence-based care, said Rory’s father, Ciaran Staunton. — AP

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 7

Three reasons to leave earwax alone By Dr. Robert H. Shmerling Can you think of something you do that’s nearly irresistible, widely popular, but a bad idea that’s based on a health myth? I’m talking about inserting cottontipped swabs into your ears. According to guidelines from the American Academy of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery Foundation, experts strongly discourage twirling cotton-tipped swabs in the ears. Here’s why. 1. It’s unnecessary The ear is self-cleaning. No routine maintenance is required. If you’re inserting swabs into your ears to remove earwax or prevent its buildup, think again. Earwax is produced within the ear canal and naturally migrates from deeper inside to outside. There are exceptions, of course. Some people make more than the average amount of earwax, and for others (especially older adults) it becomes harder and drier than usual. Even in these situations,

inserting a swab inside the ear is not the answer. More on this in a moment. 2. It may be harmful Inserting a cotton tipped swab (or anything else) into the ear can damage the ear canal or eardrum, or push earwax farther into the canal, making it harder to remove. This may cause a feeling of pressure in the ear and diminished hearing. Even worse, clumps of earwax pushed down near the eardrum can lead to painful ear infections. 3. Earwax is not a sign of poor hygiene Here’s where there seems to be some misunderstanding. Earwax — the medical term is “cerumen” — is there for good reasons. Among other things, cerumen is a natural moisturizer, preventing the skin inside the ear from becoming too dry; traps dirt and dust before they can reach deep into the canal; absorbs dead skin cells and debris, and prevents bacteria and other infectious organisms from reaching the inner ear. The makeup of earwax varies depend-

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ing on ethnicity, age, environment and even diet. While there seems to be a certain “ick” factor associated with earwax, it’s not a reflection of uncleanliness. In fact, it’s a sign of normal, healthy ears.

When to do something Buildup of earwax can cause symptoms. When it does, doctors call it “cerumenosis” and recommend over-the-counter ear drops that can soften earwax and allow it to exit the ear more easily (with gentle irrigation, such as during a shower). Or, a healthcare provider can look inside your ear and use instruments specifically designed to remove earwax. There’s a reason the makers of cottontipped swabs put this warning on their

packaging: “Do not insert swab into ear canal. Entering the ear canal could cause injury.” But it still happens. Perhaps it’s just too tempting or satisfying. Perhaps no one reads the labels of the products they use. Or maybe the myths about earwax are too ingrained to be easily dispelled by facts. Whatever the reasons, now you know to stop putting cotton-tipped swabs into your ears. And that also goes for unfolded paper clips, pen caps, or whatever else you’ve been using! Robert H. Shmerling, M.D., is faculty editor of Harvard Health Publications. © 2017. President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Hospitals can treat pain without opioids By Lauran Neergaard A car crash shattered Stuart Anders’ thigh, leaving pieces of bone sticking through his skin. Yet Anders begged emergency room doctors not to give him powerful opioid painkillers. He’d been addicted once before and panicked at the thought of relapsing. “I can’t lose what I worked for,” he said. The nation’s opioid crisis is forcing hospitals to begin rolling out non-addictive alternatives to treatments that have long been the mainstay for the severe pain of trauma and surgery, so they don’t save patients’ lives or limbs only to have them fall under the grip of addiction.

Nerve block instead of pills Anders, 53, from Essex, Md., was lucky to land in a Baltimore emergency room offering an option that dramatically cut his

need for opioids: An ultrasound-guided nerve block bathed a key nerve in local anesthetic, keeping his upper leg numb for several days. “It has really changed the dynamics of how we care for these patients,” said trauma anesthesiologist Dr. Ron Samet, who treated Anders. An estimated 2 million people in the U.S. are addicted to prescription opioids, and an average of 91 Americans die every day from an overdose of those painkillers or their illicit cousin, heroin. This grim spiral often starts in the hospital. A Harvard study published in the New England Journal of Medicine in February raised the troubling prospect that for every 48 patients newly prescribed an opioid in the emergency room, one will use the pills for at least six months over the next year. And the longer they’re used, the higher the

risk for becoming dependent. Doctors and hospitals around the country are searching for ways to relieve extreme pain while at the same time sharply limiting what was long considered their most effective tool. It’s a critical part of the effort to overcome the worst addiction crisis in U.S. history but, as Anders’ experience shows, their options are neither simple nor perfect. Anders’ excruciating injury eventually did require a low opioid dose when the nerve block wore off but, Samet said, far less than normal. “Provide them with good pain relief initially, for the first 24 to 48 hours after surgery, and the pain that comes back after that isn’t necessarily as hard and as strong,” said Samet, an assistant anesthesiology professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.

Faster recovery And some doctors are discovering an added benefit of cutting back or even eliminating opioids. At the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, a program called “enhanced recovery after surgery” is getting some patients home two to four days faster following major abdominal operations, using non-opioid painkillers that are gentler on the digestive tract. “Our patients are very afraid of pain, especially the patients with a history of opioid addiction,” said Dr. Jennifer HolderMurray, a UPMC colorectal surgeon who helped start the program. “When they come back to me and tell me they didn’t even fill their opioid prescription, that’s a remarkable experience.” In trauma centers and surgery suites, there are no one-size-fits-all replacements for prescription opioids — narcotic painkillers that range from intravenous morphine and Dilaudid, to pills including Percocet, Vicodin and OxyContin. These so rapidly dull severe pain that they’ve become a default in hospital care, to the point where it’s not uncommon for patients to have an opioid dripping through an IV before they wake from surgery, whether they’ll really need it or not. Now, amid surging deaths from drug overdoses, some hospitals and emergency rooms are rethinking their own dependence on the painkillers, taking steps to make them a last resort rather than a starting reflex.

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The new approach: Mixing a variety of different medications, along with techniques like nerve blocks, spinal anesthesia and numbing lidocaine, to attack pain from multiple directions, rather than depending solely on opioids to dampen brain signals that scream “ouch.” It’s known by the wonky name “multimodal analgesia.” Consider colorectal surgery, so painful that standard practice is to administer IV opioids in the operating room and switch to a patient-activated morphine pump right afterward. The University of Pittsburgh program ended that opioid-first mentality. Instead, doctors choose from a wide mix of options including IV acetaminophen and prescription-strength anti-inflammatory painkillers known as NSAIDs, anti-seizure medications such as gabapentin that calm nerve pain, muscle-relaxing drugs, and others. Without the opioid side effects of nausea, vomiting and constipation, patients may find it easier to start eating solid food and walking around hours after surgery. Some do still need a low opioid dose, Holder-Murray cautioned, but few require a morphine pump. And for those who go home earlier, the approach can save hundreds, even thousands, of dollars. “It’s not just changing a medication or two. It’s a whole culture change,” she said. At MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, anesthesiologist Dr. Joseph See OPIOIDS, page 25

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 7

Opioids Myers is adding to his non-opioid cocktail a long-acting version of the numbing agent bupivacaine that’s squirted into wounds before they’re stitched closed. Called Exparel, it’s controversial because it costs more than standard painkillers. But Myers said it lasts so many hours longer that he recently used it for a cancer patient who had both breasts removed, without resorting to opioids. Hours after surgery, she was “eating crackers and drinking ginger ale, and she said she’s fine,” he recalled. At Stanford University, pain psychologist Beth Darnall said it’s not just about using different medications. Patients who are overly anxious about surgical pain wind up feeling worse, so doctors also need to address psychological factors if they’re to succeed in cutting the opioids.

amount of opioids he’d otherwise have received for his latest injury. Samet wheeled over a portable ultrasound machine, placed a probe over Anders’ pelvis and searched the black-andwhite screen for the dots that mark key nerves. He threaded a tiny tube directly to Anders’ femoral nerve, allowing for repeated infusions of a non-addictive numbing medication for three days. “It’s like a godsend. If you can have something like this, why would you want to take anything else?” Anders said a day after surgeons implanted a rod in his femur to fix the break. “I can wiggle my toes, I can move my foot, there’s feeling right above the ankle,” but in that damaged thigh, “I can’t feel anything.” Patients need to ask about these kinds of alternatives, Samet said, but they’re not available at all hospitals. Nerve blocks are becoming more common for elective bone surgery than in fast-paced trauma care, for example.

How nerve block works

Pain pill refills a concern

In Baltimore, Anders remembers waking up in the University of Maryland’s Shock Trauma Center and telling doctors and nurses, “I am a recovering addict.” Years earlier, another car crash had led him to a pain clinic that prescribed Percocet “just like candy,” Anders said. Before getting addiction treatment, he said, “I came close to losing my job, losing my wife.” Samet, the anesthesiologist, estimates that Anders’ nerve block cut by tenfold the

What Samet calls a lingering weak link: Even if patients go home with only a small supply of an opioid for lingering post-surgical pain, too often they get a refill from another doctor who assumes that prescription must be OK if a hospital chose it. Not Anders. Sent home with some lowdose oxycodone, he carefully disposed of the last 20 pills. “I didn’t want them,” he said, “and I didn’t want nobody else getting their hands on them.” — AP

From page 24

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Interages brings the generations together Bradley explained, “The exact programs have changed, but that idea that there is a need to connect the generations in a way that allows members of all generations to really thrive and connect with one another has stayed the same.”

Students of all ages Current programs include Dialogues Across the Ages, in which high school students discuss topics of their choice with older adults; Grand Readers, where elders help second graders develop reading skills; and Intergenerational Bridges, in which older participants work with immigrant students to increase their knowledge of the English language and American customs. Conversely, in many of the organization’s programs, the younger generation helps seniors. An example of this would be Interages’ technology program, in which

teenagers answer older adults’ questions about electronic devices. What has also stayed the same over 30plus years is the passion that the more than 250 Interages volunteers feel for the organization’s programs. Volunteer Matt Rother is involved in the Dialogues, Grand Readers and Bridges programs. Regarding Dialogues, Rother said, “It gives [kids] a chance to lead a group, to interact with adults who they don’t know and have never met before, and build confidence in that.”

Instilling a love of reading Volunteer Joan Joseph has been volunteering at Interages in the Grand Readers program for more than four years. “We are working with second graders, and [for] many of these children, English is not spoken at home,” she explained.

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“I think it really helps the kids with language. Many of these children do not have access to somebody who speaks English a lot to them after school....So that’s why the program is so important. It keeps their momentum up.” Joseph recounted a story of a time when a child she had been working with fell in love with reading — and with her — so much, that he asked his mother if he could have a play-date with Ms. Joan so they could continue to read together. “Volunteering is a two-way street,” she noted. “I think it’s mutually beneficial.” “You know, you sometimes hear about ‘poor old folks,’” mused volunteer Bill Torrey, 72. “Those of us at Interages are anything but! We are continually engaged with young folks who keep us young. “Four or five of us, maybe more, will serve as really old models,” he said with a chuckle. “I’m thoroughly involved in Interages; it’s one of the most rewarding things I could have found in retirement.” Assistant Director Bradley added, “The benefits are the opportunity to be engaged in a meaningful volunteer experience, an opportunity to give back to the larger community, an opportunity to learn what’s happening with younger generations.” Heyman described a moment that validated all his work. A simple question was asked to students involved in a program before it began: What do you think of seniors? “Before the program, [their replies] had all been negative: crotchety, cranky, sick and so on. After the program, we asked again [and they said], ‘Well, they’re just like us only they’ve lived longer.’” A similar question was asked to particiSee INTERAGES, page 27

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By Alexis Bentz In the 1980s, Austin Heyman knew that something had to be done to improve the sometimes rocky relationship between the older and younger generations. “Somebody brought to my attention an article about intergenerational connections,” Heyman recalled. “Since I’d worked a lot with schools and kids’ issues, I thought that it would be beneficial to have those connections on a personal level. ‘Maybe this is something we could do in Montgomery County,’ I thought.” Since it began, 45,000 children, teens and seniors throughout the county have been touched by the intergenerational programs of Interages. This nonprofit organization, founded by Heyman and later adopted by the Jewish Center for the Aging, has been serving the community since 1986. Interages’ Assistant Director Leah

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 7

Roadshow From page 1 was discussing whether an older employee at Quinn’s should audition for “Antiques Roadshow” — someone who had gravitas and looked more mature than Quinn, who was in his 30s at the time. “My seatmate turned to me and said, ‘No one wants to see another gray-haired professorial guy. They want to see you!’” Matt’s brother, David Quinn, president of Quinn’s Auction Galleries, also appeared on the show for several seasons.

Assigning value: up or down For Quinn, there’s always an element of anticipation before the 5,000 to 6,000 people pour in for each taping. “You never know what’s going to come in the door,” he said. One of his all-time-favorite items was a collection of items from NASA’s Apollo missions owned by an engineer who worked there. He had bought a jacket with NASA and Apollo logos at work in 1960 for $40. Today, it’s worth $3,000 to $5,000 because it’s so rare, Quinn said. Even rarer are the stickers that emblazoned Apollo 11. A worker was scraping them off the spacecraft following touchdown and was going to throw them away. They are now worth $30,000 to $50,000 each. And an early ‘60s model of a spacecraft signed by 15 astronauts could go for $20,000 to $30,000 today. While some things gain value over time,

Interages From page 26 pating older adults: What do you think of kids? Before the program, the seniors had replied, “Oh, they’re preoccupied with sex and drugs, and wouldn’t be interested in talking to us.”

others can fall out of favor with collectors and plummet, Quinn said. For example, last year at the taping in Virginia Beach a woman brought in a large round green vase decorated with ceramic dogwood flowers. Quinn estimated it was made in 1930 and today is worth $600 to $800. But if she had sold it in 1995, it would have been worth $3,000 to $5,000. “Kids today are not collecting the way [their parents] used to,” Quinn said. “Nostalgia drives our buying. You’ll find people today that are collecting guitars, comic books, things of pop culture in the ‘60s and ‘70s when they were growing up. “So you’re finding more and more of that, and less and less of the curio cabinet, the Hummel figurines, the collectors’ plates. Most of those things have next to no value, or they’re fallen off precipitously,” he said.

the most lovable geeks,” Bemko said of the appraisers. “They don’t just get jazzed by something because it’s worth a lot of money. They get jazzed because they are lovers of art, lovers of things they are experts in.” Even getting those select pieces on the air can be challenging. “It’s not an easy process, because most of what they pitch is tape worthy. But is it another Tiffany dragonfly lamp? Well, it’s worth a lot of money, but we’re probably not going to pick it,” Bemko said. When he first started, Quinn and other appraisers were sent to “TV school” — basically a crash course in appearing in front of the camera. One thing they work on is calming nerves, as most appraisers haven’t been on TV often. One tip: When using a pointer, your hand may be shaking, making the pointer shake as well. Steady it by resting your arm on the table.

Quinn has some advice for those who are working to downsize or sell pieces in an estate. “What we see all the time is families who come in with things they think are valuable, but aren’t very. While the things they almost threw away are valuable,” he said. For example, 15 years ago, a Quinn’s Auction Gallery customer contacted Quinn, wanting him to sell his parents’ extensive collection of National Geographics. “I’m thinking, ‘Who cares?’” Quinn said. “But then he said, ‘You don’t want this old Goofy toy, do you? And he throws this rusted toy in the trash. I pull it out and say, ‘I want this. I don’t want those.’” He sold a few of the National Geographics for a couple bucks. The Goofy toy went for $150. “Value lies in the places you least expect,” Quinn said. “Memories are important when it comes to stuff.”

Getting on camera At each “Antiques Roadshow” taping, thousands of attendees bring in about 10,000 items to show the assembled appraisers, hoping theirs will get chosen to appear on the television show. Prior to the taping, each appraiser pitches to the show’s producers a few select items for inclusion on the show. Once approved, the appraisers are given anywhere from 20 minutes to a couple of hours to research the items and assess their value as accurately as possible before their segment is filmed. How do the appraisers select their preferred items? “It’s not always about the money. They’re “Afterwards,” Heyman remembered, “one gentleman said, ‘Well...I feel good about the future.’ “I just thought that was such a confirmation of the program,” Heyman said. To learn more about Interages programs or to volunteer, call (301) 255-4234 or visit www.accessjca.org/programs/interages.

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Health Studies Page

THE PLACE TO LOOK FOR INFORMATION ON AREA CLINICAL TRIALS

NIA studying resveratrol for heart health By Carol Sorgen Resveratrol is a compound found in the leaves and skin of grapes, as well as in peanuts and in the roots of the plant Japanese knotweed. Although resveratrol has long been used in Indian Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine, it became popularly known in the 1990s when researchers began to suspect that resveratrol may be the major reason for the positive effect of wine on cardiovascular health. Since then, studies have found that resveratrol has a number of biological effects on blood vessels, cancer, blood clotting, blood sugar control, muscle activity and inflammation. Studies are also being conducted to explore whether resveratrol, through its action on a molecule in the body called sirtuin, may produce some of the same beneficial effects as decreased food intake, which may slow the aging process and improve longevity.

Study in humans needed Though resveratrol has been extensively studied in test tubes, cells and animals, it is only now being explored fully in peo-

ple. The National Institute of Aging is currently conducting a study at Baltimore’s Harbor Hospital to test the effects of different dose levels of resVida (a commercially available resveratrol supplement) on heart and blood vessel health. In a prior animal study conducted by NIA in monkeys, there was a reduction in the stiffness of blood vessels over several weeks. Earlier studies in healthy human volunteers and in patients with type II diabetes mellitus have also begun to identify possible roles for resveratrol as a nutritional supplement. The compound appears to have no harmful effects at doses up to 5 grams per day.

will also be given a list of foods to avoid eating while on the study. Those taking part in the study will be separated into three groups. Two groups will take different dose levels of the study drug. The third group will take a placebo. At the first study visit, participants will stay in the clinical center overnight for two days of tests. They will provide blood and urine samples and undergo body scans to measure fat and muscle mass. They will also have exercise tests and a muscle biopsy. At this visit, they will receive their dose of

the study drug. They will continue to take this dose for as long as they are in the study. The second visit will take place 16 weeks later. This will take only two hours, during which most of the tests from the screening visit will be repeated. The third visit will take place 16 weeks later, and will involve an overnight stay. The fourth and final visit will take place in another 16 weeks and will also involve an overnight stay. Most of the tests from See RESVERATROL, page 31

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S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 7 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

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Rosé-marinated grilled chicken breasts By Melissa D’Arabian Boneless skinless chicken breasts are a convenient go-to for so many cooks, from paleo-followers to budget-shoppers to busy moms. The mild flavor makes it incredibly versatile, so it’s easy to slip this cut of chicken into almost any recipe or flavor profile. It’s one of the leanest cuts of meat available, with a quarter pound boasting 34 grams of protein, and only 4 grams of fat. The challenge with such low fat is, of course, keeping the meat tender and juicy. Even a minute or two extra of cook time can take dinner from succulent to stringy and tough. Grilling breasts brings extra risk since cooking temperatures are high, narrowing the timing window, so it’s even more important to get it just right. A few tips will help tremendously here. The biggest challenge is getting the inside meat to cook before the outside meat gets tough, so the best move you can make is to use smaller chicken cutlets. Organic or free-range chicken breasts solve this problem completely, or if you have larger conventional cutlets, trim them in half or thirds before cooking. Next, avoid cooking the meat when it’s super cold, by allowing it to sit at room temperature for a half hour before grilling. And heat the grill only to medium high, or if using charcoal, avoid putting breasts on the hottest part of the grill.

Resveratrol From page 29 the initial study visit (including the scans and the exercise tests) will be repeated. Harbor Hospital is located at 3001 Hanover St. in Baltimore. Participants will be compensated for their

Chicken breast meat is usually done a minute or two before I suspect it will be, so I always rely on an inexpensive meat thermometer. I’m sure to remove the chicken right at 160 degrees, and let it rest for five minutes to keep the meat at maximum juiciness. This recipe for Chicken Breast Provencal is inspired by ingredients typical of the region of Provence in the south of France, but easily found in a well-stocked American supermarket. Rosé wine is the secret behind the simple marinade that imparts a lightly sweet flavor, but if you have a floral white wine at home, it will do the trick nicely, too. Olives — try to grab a handful of interesting ones at the salad bar — and roasted red peppers from a jar add Mediterranean color, and a tiny bit of balsamic syrup brings a bit of welcomed acidity. Your family will enjoy this dish because of its flavors, while you’ll know how healthy it actually is.

Chicken Breasts Provençal Start to Finish: 15 minutes, plus marinating Yield: 4 servings 4 chicken breasts cutlets, about 5 ounces each 1/3 cup rosé wine (or fruity white wine) 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon dried herbes de Provence time: $30 for the screening visit, $250 for each of the next three study visits, and $500 for the fifth and final visit (a total of $1,280 if all visits are completed). For more information, contact Denise L Melvin, R.N. at (410) 350-3924 or dm381j@nih.gov, or Luigi Ferrucci, M.D. at (410) 558-8110 or ferruccilu@grc.nia.nih.gov.

Tall Oaks Assisted Living’s

Creating Estate Plans for Living Wills, Trusts, and the Legal Documents You Should Have Tuesday, September 12 at 10:30 a.m. Presented by Attorney William Fralin of the Estate Planning and Elder Law Firm. Elvis is in the House! Wednesday, September 13 at 3 p.m. Lionel Ward recreates the Vegas Elvis Era! Beating Breast Cancer: Detection and Education Day Friday, September 29, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sentara Mobile Mammography Coach; program by Dr. Tammy Lamb, Radiologist (10:30 a.m.)

Call 704-834-9800 for more information on these or other engaging senior programs you can attend at Tall Oaks!

703.834.9800 12052 N Shore Drive Reston, VA 20190 www.TallOaksAL.com Coordinated Services Management, Inc. - Professional Management of Retirement Communities since 1981

(or mix of oregano, marjoram and thyme) 1/4 cup jarred roasted sweet red peppers, sliced, oil drained 1/4 cup high-quality olives 1 tablespoon balsamic syrup* Kosher salt Black pepper In a bowl or resealable plastic bag, place the chicken, wine, olive oil, herbes de Provence, salt and pepper and mix well to coat the chicken breasts. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or up to 8 hours refrigerated, allowing the final 30 minutes to be at room temperature. When ready to cook, heat the grill (or a grill pan, if indoors) to medium high and lightly oil the grates. Lightly blot excess marinade off the chicken breasts and grill until

cooked through and meat is 160 degrees, about 4-5 minutes per side. (Using a meat thermometer will help avoid overcooking.) Remove the chicken from the grill and place directly on warmed dish or platter. Top with the roasted red peppers and olives, and drizzle with the balsamic syrup. Let chicken rest a few minutes, and serve. *For a quick homemade balsamic syrup: boil about 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar with 1/2 teaspoon of brown sugar in a small saucepan until reduced by half. Nutrition information per serving: 241 calories; 91 calories from fat; 10 g. fat (2 g. saturated; 0 g. trans fats); 86 mg. cholesterol; 436 mg. sodium; 5 g. carbohydrate; 1 g. fiber; 2 g. sugar; 27 g. protein. — AP

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S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 7 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Your skin reveals the state of your health Your skin reveals a secret about your People with cancer sometimes have health. It will expose you, even if you say grey or blue-tinged skin or lips, due to the you’re feeling “okay” to everylack of oxygenated blood. one. Asthma requires the use of I’m not referring to a tan. steroids (i.e., prednisone) I’m referring to skin tone, texwhich can cause easy bruisture and color. ing. This problem also occurs If you are pale, you may be from aspirin, ginkgo and fish anemic and deficient in oil, as well as prescription aniron. It shows up on your skin ticoagulants taken to prevent even if you mask the accoma stroke or heart attack. panying fatigue with NoDoz If you are alcohol- or nicoor coffee. tine-dependent, you will look DEAR Pale skin that is also dry older than you should, and PHARMACIST may be a clue to your hyhave saggy skin because these By Suzy Cohen pothyroidism, which also lifestyle factors attack your colcauses fatigue and hair loss. lagen and elastin. Drinking Healthy folks have a good supply of and smoking age you inside and out. blood flow and oxygen throughout their Sun worshippers and smokers often have body, so their skin appears rosy and pink, age spots and an uneven skin tone, which is as opposed to people with heart disease, from the ultraviolet light. But this oxidation high cholesterol or circulatory disorder. isn’t only happening on your skin surface,

it’s also happening to every single organ of your body, including your brain, heart, blood vessels and reproductive organs. People who suddenly take on a yellow tone may have liver compromise from a drug they’re taking, or from alcohol use. If severe, it’s called jaundice and requires medical attention. Perhaps you think beauty is only skin deep, but as I’ve shown you, it clearly isn’t. It is a reflection of your body’s general physical health. Radiant youthful-looking skin, hair and nails is actually an inside job.

Consider these supplements Reducing your exposure to free radicals can help you obtain gorgeous skin. But of course, you also need to make sure that you eat right and drink enough water to nourish your body. You’ll also want to minimize the amount of synthetic chemicals (including prescription drugs) that you take.

There are a only a handful of supplements that I recommend to help with cell protection, collagen formation and general good health. Among the best we have are biotin, collagen (but only high quality), silica, hyaluronic acid and/or lipoic acid. What you’re going for is a healthy glow to your skin, which — at the end of day — translates to a healthy body. I have a more comprehensive version of this article available at my website. To receive it, sign up for my free newsletter at suzycohen.com and I will email it to you. This information is opinion only. It is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose your condition. Consult with your doctor before using any new drug or supplement. Suzy Cohen is a registered pharmacist and the author of The 24-Hour Pharmacist and Real Solutions from Head to Toe. To contact her, visit www.SuzyCohen.com.

BEACON BITS

Ongoing

HELP RECENT WIDOWS

The Widowed Persons Outreach (WPO) is looking for volunteers to help identify potential widows who need grief support. Volunteers will check the Washington Post obituary section to check for names of local deceased and their survivors, clip notices and file them, and conduct research for contact information. The group will then mail grief support program information out to them by mail. For more information on this opportunity, send an email to Marti Bailey at mbailey@sibley.org.

Our Mission: To secure the well-being of Montgomery County Seniors through the shared strength of diverse organizations and individuals.

Professionals working with seniors are invited to our Monthly GROWS meetings on the first Thursday of the month at 8:15 a.m. usually at Holiday Park Senior Center, 3950 Ferrara Dr., Wheaton, Md.

FALL NETWORKING EXTRAVAGANZA Thursday, October 5 • 8 to 11 a.m. Potomac United Methodist Church, 9908 S. Glen Rd., Potomac, MD 20854 Pre-register for $40 ($60 at door). Visit growsmc.org or call (301) 765-3325

Ongoing

MEDICAL MUSEUM TOURS

The National Museum of Health and Medicine in Silver Spring, Md., is looking for volunteers who are passionate about museums, medicine and the military to lead tours, support public programs and promote NMHM’s mission of inspiring interest in the history of military medicine. Interested individuals are encouraged to learn more online at www.medicalmuseum.mil or call (301) 319-3312. Candidates must have a flexible schedule.

Sept. 28

BRING YOUR DOG TO “YAPPY” HOUR

Vinson Hall, the Navy Marine Coast Guard Residence Foundation, and Veterans Moving Forward is holding a “Yappy Hour,” a happy hour with dogs, on Thursday, Sept. 28 from 5 to 7 p.m. on the back lawn at Vinson Hall, located at 6251 Old Dominion Dr. in McLean, Va. Proceeds from the event will benefit Wounded Warrior Transitional Housing at Vinson Hall and the mission of Veterans Moving Forward. There will also be a special appearance by canines from Veterans Moving Forward. Tickets cost $25. For more information, visit http://bit.ly/VinsonHallYappyHour.

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Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 7

The point of hospitality isn’t the food My wife says I should stop pushing Dear Solutions: There is a lovely couple that I want to to buy something for him and just thank him and let it go. I’m invite to a dinner party at my uncomfortable with this. house. I’ve been told that Any suggestions? the husband is a gourmet — Charles cook, and my food, well, it’s Dear Charles: edible. So I feel intimidated. You took his favor, and now The other people I’m invityou want to take away his gening are all interesting people erosity and make it an even who have lively discussions exchange. That’s how it feels at every gathering, and I beto him. lieve that this couple would fit in very well. However, if you want to make yourself feel better, Should I say something SOLUTIONS don’t take him to a restaurant first so they won’t expect By Helen Oxenberg, MSW, ACSW some fabulous food? where there’s an obvious exchange of money. Invite him — Anita to your home for a nice dinner, preferably Dear Anita: Tell them that the main course of this with a couple of other family members so lively dinner will be food for thought, and he won’t see it as payback. If you or your wife don’t cook, bring in you’re sure everyone would enjoy each other’s company. Don’t apologize for your some simple food. The feeling you want to cooking, Anita. “Edible” is not regrettable. project is that you enjoy his company — favors or no favors. Dear Solutions: My cousin, who makes a lot more Dear Solutions: My daughter has just broken off a money than I do, spent a lot of time helping me to learn how to use my long relationship with her boyfriend. I computer. We went out to dinner re- think she’s right to do this, because cently, and I wanted to pay for him, no matter how much she cares for him but he wouldn’t let me. He says he as a friend, she just never has had the doesn’t have to be repaid for doing a kind of feeling she wants for someone favor. she would marry.

Now the boyfriend, who’s devastated, has called me and wants to meet with me. I know he thinks I can talk her into staying with him. How should I handle this? I don’t want to turn him down coldly. — Her Mom Dear Her Mom: “Her Mom” really says it all. As her mom, you’re not going to go against her wishes. So ask her first how she would feel about your meeting with him just to be nice and understanding of his hurt. If she says OK, then agree to have lunch with him. But make it clear that you can’t — and won’t — interfere with her decisions. Dear Solutions: A pet peeve — people who take a mouthful of food and then talk while

they’re chewing. I’d like to really tell them off. Should I? I can’t stand to look at them when they’re doing this. — Peeved Dear Peeved: Can’t swallow that, huh? Don’t chew them out. Instead try saying nicely, “Hold that thought. I don’t want you to choke on your food. “I’ll wait until you finish. I am anxious to hear what you say.” That should help them close their mouth then and open it later. © Helen Oxenberg, 2017. Questions to be considered for this column may be sent to: The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915. You may also email the author at helox72@comcast.net. To inquire about reprint rights, call (609) 655-3684.

BEACON BITS

Sept.

FREE FALL PREVENTION PROGRAMS

The following programs are offered at Holy Cross Senior Source, 8580 2nd Ave., Silver Spring, Md. 1) Matter of Balance: 8-week class on fall prevention. Tuesdays starting Sept. 19, from 1 to 3 p.m. 2) Falls Risk Assessments: Wednesday, Sept. 20, from 11:45 a.m. to 2 p.m. 3) BioSway Balance Screenings: Thursday, Sept. 21, from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. 4) Falls Prevention Education: Thursday, Sept. 21 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. All programs are free, but registration is required. Call (301) 754-8800.

PARKINSON’S POINTERS “Beyond the prescription: Understanding PD medications” a free, livestream event followed by a question-and-answer session

Speaker: Dr. Pritha Ghosh, co-director, Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Program, George Washington University

Tuesday, september 19, 2017 • 6:30-8 p.m. BROOKE GROVE REHABILITATION AND NURSING CENTER 18131 SLADE SCHOOL ROAD • SANDY SPRING, MD 20860

During this seminar, sponsored by Brooke Grove Retirement Village in partnership with the Parkinson Foundation, you’ll learn about medications commonly prescribed for Parkinson’s patients, gain an understanding of medication management and discover how to create a practical plan to keep your medication regimen on track should you be hospitalized. For more information or to register, contact Toni Davis at 301-388-7209 or tdavis@bgf.org by September 17.

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S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 7 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Money Law &

STOCK MARKET ADVICE Vanguard discusses trends in the stock market and the role of bonds CAR REPAIR TIPS How to make sure you’re not overcharged when you take your car into the shop YOU CAN BUY HAPPINESS Spending money to save time, such as on house cleaning, makes people happier FOUND MONEY More websites can help you track down forgotten cash and savings bonds

FAQs about Medicare: Filling the gaps By Kimberly Lankford Every day, my in-box is filled with questions from readers about the nuances of Medicare. The following frequently asked questions concerning signing up or changing your coverage will help you navigate the system and deal with tricky issues. Q: Why do I need Medigap insurance? A: Even with Medicare, you still have to pay deductibles and co-payments. Most people buy a Medicare supplement (Medigap) policy to pay those costs, plus Part D prescription-drug coverage because Medicare generally doesn’t cover drugs. Or you can sign up for a private Medicare Advantage plan, which provides both medical and drug coverage. Medigap policies are sold by private insurers and come in 10 standardized versions (A through D; F; G; and K through N). With the coverage, you can use any doctor or facility that accepts Medicare. Every Medigap plan with the same letter designation must provide the same coverage, even though different insurers may, and often do, charge varying prices for the same coverage. Many state insurance departments have Medigap price lists by insurer (go to www.naic.org and click “map”

for links). Part D prescription-drug plans are sold by private insurers, and have average premiums of $34 per month. You can compare premiums and out-of-pocket costs for your drugs under each Part D plan available in your area at www.medicare.gov/find-a-plan. Medicare Advantage plans combine medical and drug coverage, and may also provide coverage that isn’t available through Medicare, such as for some dental and vision care. Premiums for Advantage plans average $38 per month, which tends to be lower than for Medigap plus Part D, but you may have more out-ofpocket costs. Also, the plans usually have a limited network of doctors and hospitals, and you may have higher costs (or no coverage) if you choose to go out of network. You may also need a referral to see a specialist. You can shop for a Medicare Advantage plan at www.medicare.gov/find-aplan. For an analysis of the best values based on typical costs for people in good, fair and poor health, go to www.medicarenewswatch.com. Q: I’ve been paying high premiums for my Medigap Plan F. Can I switch

to another policy to save money? A: Maybe. There’s a huge price range for Medigap policies, and you may be able to save by switching. But depending on your health and the state where you live, your options may be limited. Insurers cannot reject you or charge more because of preexisting conditions if you buy a Medigap policy within six months of signing up for Medicare Part B. But after that, your health can affect your costs and coverage options. If you’re still healthy, you may qualify for a better deal with another insurer. Some insurers will let you switch to a less-comprehensive policy without medical underwriting — for example, your current insurer may let you switch to a highdeductible Plan F, for which you pay a $2,200 deductible in 2017 before Medigap coverage kicks in. Median premiums are $610 per year for a 65-year-old man, compared with $2,184 for the standard Plan F, according to Weiss Ratings. Plan N has coverage similar to that of standard Plan F, but you pay the Part B deductible ($183 in 2017) and a $20 co-payment for each physician visit, as well as $50 for emergency-room visits. Median

premiums are $1,448 per year. Your state may offer special opportunities to switch, regardless of preexisting conditions. However, Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia do not have additional switching rules. (Learn more from your state health insurance assistance program at www.shiptacenter.org, or call 1-800-633-4227 for contacts.) Q: The doctor I want to use isn’t covered by my Medicare Advantage plan. When can I switch to a different plan? A: You generally can’t switch to another Medicare Advantage plan until open enrollment in the fall, which runs from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, 2017, for 2018 coverage. There are a few exceptions: You can switch plans if you qualify for a special enrollment period, such as if you move to an address that isn’t in your plan’s service area. You can also switch to a Medicare Advantage plan with a five-star quality rating anytime during the year. But there are only 17 five-star plans in the U.S. in 2017. Locally, these include Kaiser Permanente Medicare Plus and Erickson Advantage Freedom (available only to residents of ErSee MEDICARE FAQs, page 35

Assistance for long-term care of veterans It is no secret that a significant percent- vide financial aid to veterans who have age of older adults require some form of served on active duty during war-time — long-term care. Unfortunately, because of even if only one day was served during the significant expense, many their time of duty — to help individuals don’t obtain this offset the cost of long-term care because they believe care. other necessary needs have a Specifically, veterans who higher priority. need assistance with activities Many veterans who need such as bathing, dressing, eatthis care don’t realize that ing, toileting and other activithey may be eligible for veterties may be eligible. Veterans an’s benefits that will help who are bed-ridden, or have them pay for long-term care. limited eyesight may also be The spouses of veterans and eligible, as well as veterans their widows may also be cov- THE SAVINGS who are patients in a nursing ered. home and/or assisted living GAME According to the VA, many By Elliot Raphaelson facility for either physical or veterans and their spouses mental conditions. who would be eligible for these benefits, known as “Aid and Atten- Benefit amounts and conditions Surviving spouse: $1,153 per month dance Pension,” have not applied for them. Single veteran: $1,794 The objective of this pension is to pro-

Married veteran: $2,127 Two veterans, married: $2,846 These benefits are not subject to income taxes. Veterans are eligible to file for this benefit if they served on active duty for at least 90 days, and received an honorable discharge, provided that they served at least one day beginning or ending during a period of war. Their spouses are also eligible. A surviving spouse is eligible to file for this benefit if he/she was married to a veteran at the time of their death. Benefits are also based on the financial status of the veterans’ family, taking into consideration both income and asset considerations. The general rule regarding assets is that there should be less than $80,000 in assets, excluding home and vehicles. There are exceptions, however, so a veter-

an should apply even if assets are above the $80,000 limit. For a single veteran, the income limit is less than $15,773/year. For a married veteran, the countable income should be less than $19,770. Again, there are exceptions, and your eligibility will also depend on your age, life expectancy, and the costs you are incurring for healthcare.

Help with filing for benefits There are three steps required to request this benefit: gathering the required documents; filling out the correct application forms; and mailing the forms to the state Pension Management Center. There are multiple ways to file. You can use the resources of the VA, a veterans service organization, a VA-accredited claim agent, or an attorney. See VETERAN CARE, page 35

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 7

Medicare FAQs From page 34 ickson retirement communities). You can look up “Medicare health plans” by zip code at www.medicare.gov/find-a-plan. If you join a Medicare Advantage plan when you are first eligible for Medicare and switch back to traditional Medicare within 12 months, you can buy a Medigap policy and a

Veteran care From page 34 By law, no one is allowed to charge a veteran or spouse for completing or expediting the VA pension paperwork. However, you can incur fees from a claim agent or attorney if you request other services. Filling out the forms properly is a complex job, so you should consider using assistance from one of these sources. If you apply, and your application is rejected, you will have to wait a year to reapply. Accordingly, you should be very careful when you file your initial application. It will take approximately six to eight months for your application to be reviewed. Benefits will be retroactive to your initial filing date. An excellent source for assistance is American Veterans Aid (www.americanveteransaid.com), a VA-accredited claim

Part D plan within 63 days of the change. Each year from Jan. 1 to Feb. 14, you can switch from Medicare Advantage back to traditional Medicare and get a Part D drug plan. But you could be rejected or charged more for Medigap because of a preexisting condition. For more about the rules, see Medicare Interactive at www.medicareinteractive.org. © 2017, Kiplinger. All Rights Reserved. Distributed By Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

agent that specializes in this pension. They will help you determine your eligibility, assist you in filling out the forms, and follow through after the application is filed. In addition, there are Veteran Service Officers (VSOs) throughout the U.S. who can help. These individuals are compensated by state and local organizations. They are well-trained, and they can assist you. Don’t assume you are better off filling out the forms by yourself. VSOs are trained to assist you not only regarding the Aid and Attendance Pension program, but other veteran benefits as well. Contact the local Department of Veteran Affairs to identify the VSOs in your area, or visit www.va.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation/inde x.asp. Elliot Raphaelson welcomes your questions and comments at raphelliot@gmail.com. © 2017 Elliot Raphaelson. Distributed By Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

BEACON BITS

Sept. 6+

FORECLOSURE CLINIC IN D.C.

Housing Counseling Services is holding a series of foreclosure prevention clinics on Wednesdays, Sept. 6, 13, and 20 at 6 p.m. and on Sept. 27 at 6 p.m. Housing counselors can help D.C. residents who are behind on mortgages, being sued by lenders, behind on property taxes, or when confronting a potential mortgage scam. Appointments at the clinic are required and take place at Housing Counseling Services, Inc., located in Suite 100 at 2410 17th St. NW in Washington, D.C. Schedule your appointment by calling the DC Foreclosure Prevention Hotline at (202) 265-2255 or 1-855-449-2255.

Ongoing

DOWNSIZING FAIR

Before making a decision about downsizing, consider ways to simplify your living situation now. Experts will be on hand to answer questions at a downsizing fair on Saturday, Sept. 16 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Arlington Mill Senior Center, located at 909 S. Dinwiddie St. in Arlington, Va. The fair will answer questions about making a move, conquering the clutter, donating goods to charity, getting organized, selling antiques at an auction, and having an estate sale. For more information, call (703) 228-7369.

BEACON BITS

Sept. 9+

NOVA SENIOR OLYMPICS

The 2017 Northern Virginia Senior Olympics opens Saturday, Sept. 9 at 9 a.m. at the Thomas Jefferson Community Center, located at 3501 2nd St. S, Arlington, Va. Following the opening ceremonies, participants will compete in eight track events and 2K rowing. Diving competition will be held at 3 p.m. at the Yorktown High School Pool in Arlington. Over 60 events will continue through Sept. 20 at 28 venues throughout Northern Virginia. All events are open to the public and have free admission. For more information and for a complete schedule, visit www.nvso.us, call (703) 228-4721 or email nvso1982@gmail.com.

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Law & Money | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

Money Shorts Easier ways to send cash fast Zapping money to your coworker or cousin with a click of a button is nothing new. But over the next year, more than 30 credit unions and banks will be rolling out a new service, Zelle, which provides an even faster way to transfer cash. If you have a checking account at one of

the participating banks — which include Bank of America, Chase, Citibank, TD Bank and Wells Fargo — you can use the bank’s mobile app to send money to and receive money from customers of other innetwork banks in minutes, rather than waiting a day or more for the funds to clear. What’s more, no major institutions are charging fees at this point. Zelle is also working on a stand-alone app that will allow almost anyone with a MasterCard or Visa debit card to send money instantly. Other apps are on the instant-transfer bandwagon, too. Google Wallet typically sends money to your bank account in min-

S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 7 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

utes if a debit card is your default payment method, with no fee. PayPal and Venmo are introducing instant transfers to your bank account with a debit card for a 25-cent fee. If speed is not your primary concern, for large payments, consider using PayPal (up to $10,000 per transaction if you verify your identity) or Google Wallet (up to $9,999). If your recipient is wary of logging in to a payment app, try Square Cash: He or she must provide only a debit card number to accept payment through a PC browser. Social media aficionados should check out Venmo, which shows interactions among your friends on Venmo’s feed (secure details, including payment amounts, are not visible). Apple devotees will be able to make peer-to-peer payments through iMessage later this year.

Extra security for online Social Security accounts The Social Security Administration is adding an extra layer of protection to online accounts. Anyone signing in to an online Social Security account, or signing up for the first time, must provide either a cell-phone number or an email address to receive a unique, onetime code by text or email. The Social Security Administration rolled out a similar two-step

process in 2016, but it restricted the extra layer of protection to text message only. It’s smart to set up an online account even if you’re years from retirement. Once you’ve done so, identity thieves will be unable to create a fraudulent account in your name and use it to apply for benefits. In addition, you can check your earnings history against your W-2 forms or tax returns to make sure there are no gaps in your earnings record that could reduce your Social Security benefits. You can also look up estimated retirement, disability and survivor benefits and, in certain cases, request a replacement Social Security card. To set up an account, go to www.ssa.gov/ myaccount. You’ll need to enter some personal details, answer questions to confirm your identity, and choose a unique user name and a complex password.

Protect assets with umbrella insurance Most people with income, property and some savings should consider getting an umbrella policy of at least $1 million, which can protect your assets and future earnings from lawsuits. See MONEY SHORTS, page 37

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CONTACT ME Call or email for your free Community Booklet. Meet me by appointment at our Leisure World Plaza Office or the office inside the community.

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 7

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Law & Money

Vanguard looks ahead at the stock market By Stan Choe It’s easy to get lulled by the gentle and seemingly unstoppable ride higher that investors have been enjoying with almost all their funds. But it can’t last forever. Greg Davis, the new chief investment officer at investing giant Vanguard, isn’t predicting when the next downturn for stocks will happen, but he says investors need to be ready for it given how expensive the market has become. So if swelling stock prices mean they make up a much bigger part of your portfolio than before, and you wouldn’t be able to stomach a 10 percent drop without panicking, consider paring back on them. The largest mutual fund by assets, Vanguard’s Total Stock Market Index fund, has

already returned 11.4 percent so far in 2017, for example. That’s close to its best performance for any of the past three full years. In his role, Davis oversees more than $3.8 trillion in assets, including the stock index funds that made Vanguard famous and bond funds run by managers looking to beat the market. That’s close to the size of Germany’s economy. Davis is no stranger at Vanguard. He previously oversaw its bond investments. He recently talked about his outlook for markets and fund investing. Answers have been edited for clarity and length. Q: Nearly every investment is going up, from stocks in the U.S,. to bonds from emerging markets, to stocks in Europe. Is it worrisome that everything is

Money shorts

and no other major risks, according to Sarah Brown, an independent insurance agent in Shrewsbury, Pa. “The more exposures you have — more cars, a motorcycle, a boat, young drivers, etc. — the higher your premium,” Brown said. Before you can add an umbrella, you must usually have at least $500,000 in liability coverage on your home and car insurance, which will pay out first. If you have more than $1 million in assets, consider a larger policy. Doubling the coverage generally won’t double the premiums, Brown said. — Kiplinger’s

From page 36 “An umbrella liability policy is one of the most overlooked but important ways to limit your financial risk,” said Mari Adam, a certified financial planner in Boca Raton, Fla. The coverage kicks in if you injure someone or cause property damage and are sued for more than the liability limits on your homeowners or car insurance. A $1 million policy can cost as little as $150 per year if you have a home, two cars

doing so well at the same time? A: I don’t see that as worrisome, those things being in sync. The bigger concern is that valuations have gotten a bit stretched, on the equity side as well as the fixed-income side. That’s a bigger concern to me than all these things moving in tandem. Much of that can be attributed to the very loose monetary policy from central banks around the world. That’s put a very strong bid across these markets. So it’s not a surprise, but there is a need for caution and a need for customers to be comfortable with the amount of risk in their portfolios. It’s something they should be looking at. You can never predict when a downturn

will come, but it will eventually come, and investors need to make sure they’re not too far ahead of their skis. Q: Conventional wisdom says that the U.S. stock market is more overvalued than in Europe and other countries. Do you agree? A: If you look at Europe, those markets look a bit more attractive than the U.S. market. The way we would talk to investors is: You want to be diversified around the globe. You want to have the diversification so that if there is a downturn in the market, you don’t do inappropriate things at inappropriate times. Q: “Inappropriate things” means See VANGUARD, page 39

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S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 7 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

How not to get ripped off for car repairs By Tom Krisher It’s the moment every car owner dreads. The mechanic comes out of the garage to say your ride needs repairs costing hundreds of dollars. Then two big questions pop into your brain: Are the fixes really needed? Am I being overcharged? There might not be a way around getting the car fixed, but there are ways to stay in control of the situation. But it takes some work and planning both before and after

the big repairs come. Here are some tips:

Get to know a mechanic Establish a relationship and find a repair shop you can trust — or risk big problems. Good old word-of-mouth still is probably the best way to pick a garage, said George Geropoulos, service adviser at Ted’s Auto Clinic in northwest Chicago. Ask like-minded friends and neighbors where they go. With or without a recommendation, check online and find shops in your area

that have mechanics with Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification. Also look for AAA-certified garages and other training for technicians. Check online reviews. Shops that rely heavily on a particular neighborhood for their customers will take extra care to make sure people are happy. When you find a garage, take your car in for an oil change and inspection. See if the people seem honest and are willing to take time to explain a problem. “It’s like a dating relationship,” said Jill Trotta, director of the automotive group at RepairPal.com, an online service that provides price estimates for auto repairs. The oil change is like having coffee with someone. Getting a small repair done is like going to dinner. A major repair can establish a long-term relationship. “If you do your due diligence up front, when something bad goes wrong, you can feel more comfortable,” Trotta said.

Getting to the truth

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Say the mechanic said that grinding noise in your front end signals your brake pads need to be replaced. How do you know he’s telling the truth? Brake pad replacement is almost always accompanied by resurfacing or replacing the rotors, the round things that brake pads grab onto. That can drive the price up more. A good mechanic will take you into the garage, show you worn-out parts, and explain the problems if you ask. If you’re not there, ask the shop to send you cellphone pictures of the worn pads and other parts. Make note of exactly what parts are being replaced. If it’s an expensive repair and you’re still a little skeptical, tell the mechanic you need to wait for your next paycheck to get the repair done, or you’re just not ready to

do it now. Then get a second opinion, even if the next shop charges you for it, said Ron Montoya, senior consumer advice editor for the Edmunds.com automotive website. A simple Google search also will tell you if the problem the garage pointed out is common for your car, Geropoulos said.

Don’t overpay Once you’ve determined that the repair is needed, there are ways to make sure the price is right. There are several websites such as RepairPal that have data on what prices you should be charged. Costs can vary widely across the country, so in addition to make, model and model year, the sites ask for your ZIP Code. RepairPal even has a mobile app for smartphones, so you could do the price check right inside the shop. Some sites give you estimates from several nearby shops. RepairPal uses the same database that garages use to figure out how long a repair should take. The site shows you the hourly labor rate and part cost data that comes from repair garages. It’ll give you a price range for what the repair should cost. You can also call another shop or two and ask what they’d normally charge for the same repair on your model. Trotta, whose service makes money by certifying garages and charging them $199 per month to be a recommended shop on the RepairPal site, said the site calculates a fair price for quality repairs done with quality parts. The lowest price may not be the best deal. Trotta said some garages will sell inferior, less-expensive parts that won’t last as long. “The cheapest thing to do when getting your car repaired is to fix it right the first time,” she said. — AP

BEACON BITS

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ARLINGTON COMMUNITY DAY

Hundreds of citizens, residents, friends and family, businesses and community partners will come together an annual community day in Arlington, Va. on Saturday, Sep. 16, from noon to 6 p.m. at Drew Model School and Community Center, located at 3500 S. 23rd St. There will be historical moments reflected in photos, oral histories captured, and opportunities for networking with those from the past. There will be health screenings, community exhibits, live gospel, R&B and go-go music and dance, as well as a concession stand, children’s pavilion, game truck and community basketball game. There will also be a fish fry and other refreshments. For more information, visit www.ncaarlington.org or call (703) 486-0058.

Ongoing

HOW TO LISTEN TO THE BEACON

Starting this month, those with visual and physical disabilities may hear the Beacon read aloud — any time of day or night, seven days a week — through their touch-tone telephone thanks to the Metropolitan Washington Ear dial-in service. The Beacon is among the dozens of newspapers and magazines available through the service. Access is free, but membership is required. For an online application, visit www.washear.org, or call (301) 681-6636 to have one mailed. Once you have access, the monthly Beacon will be available as publication #7 in category #20. Please tell your low-vision friends.

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Law & Money

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N â&#x20AC;&#x201D; S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 7

Buy happiness with time-saving services By Seth Borenstein Yes, you can buy happiness â&#x20AC;&#x201D; especially if the money saves you time. People who dole out cash to save time on things like housekeeping, delivery services and taxis are a little bit happier than those who donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t, new research finds. Researchers surveyed more than 6,000 people in four countries, and also ran an experiment, giving people $40 for two weeks. One week, they had to buy something material, like a shirt. The next week, they paid to save themselves time. People said they felt happier after saving time than buying stuff. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Money can buy happiness if you spend it right,â&#x20AC;? said University of British Colum-

Vanguard From page 37 selling low whenever stocks take their next tumble? A: Absolutely. Q: And when youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re telling people to â&#x20AC;&#x153;stay diversified,â&#x20AC;? that sounds like shorthand for making sure you have enough bonds in your portfolio to ease the sting of any downturn for stocks. Can bonds still be that stabilizer if yields are so low? A: If you go back and look at the worst months for the equity markets, high-quality bonds provided a strong ballast to an investorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s portfolio. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re in one of those environments where U.S. stocks go down 6 percent, you typically have high-quality bonds showing slightly positive returns. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an asset class thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not expected to go down, even in a low-rate environment. After the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Brexitâ&#x20AC;? vote, even when yields (on European bonds) were negative, high-quality bonds still held up even as equities sold off.

bia psychology professor Elizabeth Dunn, co-author of a study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Jettison the drudge work The right way is paying someone else to do the time-consuming drudge work that you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t like, said study lead author Ashley Whillans at the Harvard Business School. When people do that, they report feeling greater life satisfaction in general and happier that day. But when they buy material objects, it tends not to bring people the happiness they expect, she said. Lynda Jones, a retired critical care nurse in Indianapolis, has been hiring a housekeeper since she got out of college, Bonds have historically done their job, even when theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re yielding low amounts or even negative yields. Q: Investors seem to be throwing in the towel on funds run by stock pickers, and theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re choosing index funds instead. Do you think index funds will continue to be the overwhelming favorite for where investors put their new dollars? A: Our view is that investors are clearly voting that paying high costs in an environment where returns are expected to be muted is not the best option for them, and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re seeing them move to lower-cost funds. If you have a higher cost structure, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s harder for you to outperform your market. And if you do, you have to take on substantially more risk to achieve those returns. Q: Do you think the industry could ever get to a point where someone offers a fund with zero fees, to be a loss leader and bring in customers for their other funds? A: You already have people doing lossleader strategies now. You have companies

Enhanced Mobility Program The Transportation Planning Board at COG is soliciting grant applications for FTAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities (Section 5310) Program. $5.5 million in Federal matching funds are available for eligible activities that improve mobility for older adults and people with disabilities for non-profit organizations, private providers, transit agencies, and local governments. Applicants must provide matching funds (50% for operating and 20% for capital grants).

LEARN MORE AT WWW.TPBCOORDINATION.ORG Applications will be accepted Monday, Aug. 14 through 2:00 P.M. Friday, Nov. 3, 2017. Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) fully complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and related statutes and regulations prohibiting discrimination in all programs and activities. For more information, to file a Title VI related complaint, or to obtain information in another language, visit the www.mwcog.org or call (202) 962-3300.

and said itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the one thing that kept her from burning out in the high stress job. Now she also has a grocery delivery service. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s really not that expensive when you think about what my time costs,â&#x20AC;? Jones said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You can always get money. You canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t buy back time.â&#x20AC;? Earlier research found that using money to help others or have good experiences â&#x20AC;&#x201D; like a spa day or travel â&#x20AC;&#x201D; also make people happier than buying things, Dunn and Whillans said. The survey was done in the United States, Canada, Denmark and the Netherlands. Except for the U.S., the countries rank near the top of global happiness re-

ports. In general, buying time increases Americans happiness about 0.77 on a 10point scale, with similar increases in the other countries, Dunn said. That may not seem like much but it is statistically significant, Whillans said. Income doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t matter. Rich or poor, spending money to save time seems to make people happier, Whillans said. And if anything, the data suggested that people with less money were able to get a bigger happiness boost from time-saving purchases than those with more, she said. Yet, only 28 percent of the people surveyed said they spent money to save time

adding new funds that are clones of existing funds that are at a lower price to try to be a loss leader. The reality is you have to look at the entire complex and ask if itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

enduring. The industry broadly is still too-high cost, across the board. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s still opportunity for many prices to go down. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; AP

See BUY HAPPINESS, page 41

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S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 7 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Making the leap to be an entrepreneur By Jackie Zimmermann After two decades in the workforce, Ohio businesswoman Deborah Wasylko found herself faced with the prospect of having to move to keep her job while dealing with challenges in her family life. Wasylko concluded that she had a choice: continue her corporate career or become an entrepreneur. “I decided to start a corporate gift company, because that’s what I love to do,” said Wasylko, the founder and president of Baskets Galore, which creates gift baskets for corporate clients. She had long been enthusiastic about visual design and making people feel cared for, she said, and her new venture touched on both interests. “It was my opportunity to re-engineer my career and follow my passion.” The allure of becoming your own boss

seems strong: As of 2014, there were more than 29 million small businesses in the U.S, up 6 percent from 2010, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). But excelling in an office doesn’t mean you’re bound for entrepreneurial success. In addition to many logistical and financial challenges, the transition from employee to entrepreneur involves a distinct shift in mentality. Before you make the leap, take these steps to make sure you’re ready beyond the numbers. 1. Talk with other entrepreneurs The best way to prepare for the jump from a corporate job to calling the shots is to talk with those who have already made the transition. “You don’t want to reinvent the wheel every single time,” said Cathy Posner, a

small-business coach in Ohio. “You don’t have to do it alone.” Ask other entrepreneurs how their roles in corporate America prepared — or failed to prepare — them to run a small business. What do they wish they had done differently? What do they wish they had known ahead of time? And, most importantly, would they do it again? 2. Identify your resources A small-business mentor from SCORE is invaluable to entrepreneurs, Posner said. This free program, which is supported by the SBA, connects seasoned professionals with small-business owners. A mentor can help you turn your understanding of corporate goals into a business strategy by clarifying your vision. They can also help you define your services, determine the fees you’ll charge, and give ad-

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vice on daily business tasks you may not have handled before, such as marketing and managing employees, Posner said. Ultimately, you are your best resource. The skills you developed in a corporate environment — project management, organizational skills, employee management — will be even more important, said Posner. “Everything that you do starts to be magnified.” Wasylko particularly appreciates having learned in the corporate arena how to remain calm in the spotlight, giving presentations in front of executives or large crowds. As a fledgling business owner, “I wasn’t intimidated, and I had more poise as a result of doing all those things: being clear, being decisive, being organized,” she said. 3. Prepare yourself for uncertainty Being an entrepreneur involves higher highs and lower lows than working in an office, Posner said. “In many corporate environments, your responsibilities can be pretty segmented,” she said. But when you’re a small-business owner, “the buck stops 100 percent at you.” Brainstorm ways to keep yourself grounded in the face of uncertainty. After JJ DiGeronimo transitioned from Silicon Valley startups to running a consulting firm for women in tech fields, she found she had to redefine what success looked like. “I think entrepreneurship brings out your own deficiencies, and for me, a lot of that was around self-identity,” DiGeronimo said. After years of identifying with her title and salary, she found herself in a role that emphasized the significantly less concrete objective of personal and professional growth. “Our society often aligns success to See ENTREPRENEUR, page 41

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BEACON BITS

Sept. 20

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Say you saw it in the Beacon | Law & Money

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 7

Buy happiness From page 39 — an average of $148 per month.

Things bring less happiness In the $40 experiment, the researchers picked 60 people at a Canadian science museum. When the people spent the money on things, their average happiness score was 3.7 on a five-point scale. But when they spent it to pay a neighbor’s kids to do yardwork or get lunch delivered or take a taxi rather than a bus, their score averaged 4, a small but statistically significant difference, said Dunn, co-author of the book, Happy Money: The Science of Happier Spending. Not only is the phrase “money can’t buy happiness” wrong, but so is “time is money,” Dunn said. Earlier studies show people are less likely to volunteer their time or help the environment when they think of time as money, she said.

Entrepreneur From page 40 money, but as an entrepreneur, it can take time to make money,” she said. “Finding ways to align to the goodwill of your work is important.” DiGeronimo turned her focus inward. She found support from fellow entrepreneurs, blogs and books. A favorite was The Soul of Money: Reclaiming the Wealth of Our Inner Resources, which she said changed her notion of what success looks like. 4. Network, collaborate, repeat In a corporate environment, you’ve likely already dipped your toes in the networking pool. Take advantage of those connec-

Outside researchers in happiness praised the research. “Research shows that people in rich nations are more stressed than people in poor ones, which at first does not seem to make sense. But part of the stress is this time pressure — too much to do, and one cannot get everything done,” said happiness researcher Edward Diener at the University of Illinois. “So buying time through purchases makes a lot of sense.” Whillans put her findings to the test when she moved from Vancouver to the Boston area. She paid for someone to get rid of all of the boxes from her new house, and hired housekeeping and grocery delivery services — a change from graduate student life. “I was surprised,” Whillans said. “Wow, this really does feel great.” Similarly, Dunn had been fighting with her husband about getting a housekeeper. Now, she said, “I win” and they are getting a housekeeper. — AP

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tions before you leave your 9-to-5. Contacts and resources may prove invaluable; plus, you never know who may become a client. Networking events are also a good place to meet other business owners with whom you can collaborate, Posner said. For example, wedding photographers and florists often cross-promote services. And networking groups provide a partial replacement for one of the major benefits you’ll lose after leaving your job: colleagues. “When you go off and work by yourself, sometimes you need that energy,” DiGeronimo said. “You need that soundboard.” — AP

BEACON BITS

Sept. 19

MYSTERY WRITER TALK

Hooray for Books! and the Martha Washington Mystery Book Discussion Group present a meet and greet and book sale with popular historical mystery writer David O. Stewart on Tuesday, Sept. 19 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Martha Washington Library, located at 6614 Fort Hunt Rd. in Alexandria, Va. Stewart is the writer of the Fraser and Cook book series. For more information, call (703) 768-6700 or visit http://bit.ly/DavidOStewartTalk.

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 7

How to track down your forgotten cash By Sandra Block If you’ve ever pulled a $20 bill out of the pocket of an old pair of pants or a mothballed winter overcoat, you know the pure joy of finding money you didn’t know you had. But many of us have much larger sums languishing in old bank accounts, forgotten insurance policies, uncashed paychecks, and other relics of our financial lives. When an account is inactive for a certain period of time — which varies, depending on the state — the financial institution or company is required to turn the unclaimed assets over to the state. State treasury departments and other agencies hold more than $40 billion in unclaimed property, and there’s a good chance that some of it may belong to you or someone in your family. A number of companies will conduct a search for a fee, but don’t waste your money. If you have access to the Internet, you can search free.

Two places to look A good place to search for unclaimed propZa, a consumer website that offers

free credit scores and tax preparation, recently launched a tool that lets you search for unclaimed property in 14 states, including Maryland, but not Virginia or Washington, D.C. The company plans to add more states; if you click on one that’s not included in the program, you’ll be directed to that state’s own unclaimed-property website. You don’t have to be a member of Credit Karma to use the tool. However, if you become a member, Credit Karma will notify you of future unclaimed-property reports that match your profile. Membership is free. Credit Karma makes money when you sign up for recommended products, such as credit cards and car loans.

cause they’re undeliverable. You can search for information on series EE and series E bonds at TreasuryHunt.gov. (Unfortunately, the database doesn’t include records of bonds issued before 1974.) The IRS also has about $1 billion in unclaimed refunds for people who failed to file a tax return. This year, the average unclaimed refund was $763. You have three years after the return should have been filed to claim your refund; after that, it belongs to Uncle Sam. If you failed to file your 2014 federal tax return, for example, you have until April 17, 2018, to file and claim your refund. Once you file your tax return, you can track the status of your refund by using the “Where’s My Refund?” tool at www.irs.gov.

Although finding money you didn’t know you had is a lot of fun, remember that those dollars could have been working for you instead of gathering dust in state or federal coffers. To keep track of your hard-earned cash, keep good records of bank and brokerage accounts, and prepare a checklist of all accounts at institutions you need to notify when you change your address. Don’t forget to notify your financial institutions, as well as your employer, if you change your name because of a marriage or divorce. And it never hurts to check your pockets before doing the laundry. © 2017 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC

Savings bonds, tax refunds Don’t forget the feds. The U.S. Treasury Department has billions of dollars in U.S. savings bonds that have matured and aren’t earning interest. In addition, more than 15,000 savings bonds are returned to the Treasury department each year be-

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DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA OFFICE ON AGING

Spotlight On Aging VOLUME XXVIII, ISSUE 9

A newsletter for D.C. Seniors

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE By Laura Newland Executive Director, D.C. Office on Aging September is National Emergency Preparedness Month. Like many of you, I’ve been thinking a lot about my own preparation in case disaster strikes, especially after seeing the devastation from Hurricane Harvey last month. I encourage everyone to visit www.ready.dc.gov for tips on developing an emergency preparedness plan. Remember to reach out to your neighbors and friends in the community, identify homes where homebound or frail seniors reside, and make sure your plans include keeping them safe as well. Community is the key to ensuring our neighborhoods are resilient when disaster strikes. But we know how important community is all the time, not just during crises. One of the ways the D.C. Office on Aging is supporting community is through our Ambassador program. DCOA’s Ambassador Program is a free, interactive, educational program for District residents who are interested in helping us spread the word about services available to help District residents age in place. Since we launched the program in 2012, we have trained more than 400 District residents on services available from DCOA. But our Ambassadors are eager to learn more and eager to engage more with our network and within their own communities. I’m excited to share with you how we are planning to grow the program this year. Here’s what you can expect: Continuing Education: In addition to the two-hour Ambassador Orientation course, we are now providing continued training on a variety of topics important to seniors, people with disabilities and caregivers. We’ve already held sessions on Elder Abuse Prevention as well as Community Resilience & Emergency Preparedness, and we are planning more. Workshops on technology and digital literacy, Money Smarts, and many more

are currently in the works. Volunteer Opportunities: We are also connecting our Ambassadors with community-based organizations where you can volunteer your time and maybe even apply some of the things you’ve learned through our programs. Ambassadors On-the-Road: If you can’t make it to our office for the training, we will be holding training sessions in various locations throughout the city. We’re holding a training at Fort Stanton Recreation Center this month in addition to our monthly training at DCOA headquarters. Give us a call at 202-724-5626 to hear about a training near you. Membership Levels: Whether you’re interested in just learning more about our programs, or you’re looking to expand your network and become more active in your community, we now have different levels of membership based on how much or how little you choose to be involved. Our Ambassadors can advance to higher levels of membership by attending more courses and volunteering. Since we launched this program, our Ambassadors have done fantastic work connecting with their communities, and helping to connect our agency with isolated seniors. With our expanded program, we are providing you with more information, tools and resources to help you better serve your communities. I want to acknowledge all of our Ambassadors who have taken our training and those of you who have worked hard on behalf of the Office on Aging in getting the word out about the work that we do every day to support seniors, adults with disabilities, and caregivers. To learn more about our Ambassador program, give us a call at 202724-5626, or visit our website at www.dcoa.dc.gov. We look forward to seeing you at an Ambassador training! Be well.

September 2017

‘Ask Rayceen’ Comes to Wellness Centers The Ask Rayceen Team will be at a senior wellness center near you during the month of September. The Ask Rayceen Show is a free community festival and live entertainment event hosted by Rayceen Pendarvis that includes music acts, dancers, poets, dramatic performances, comedy, and Q&A with the audience. To catch the show, check with the center directly or call 202-724-5626 or visit www.dcoa.dc.gov. Upcoming show dates: 9/11 — Hattie Holmes Senior Wellness Center 9/14 — Bernice Fonteneau 9/18 — Congress Heights 9/21 — Model Cities Senior Wellness Center 9/25 — Washington Seniors Wellness Center 9/29 — Hayes Senior Wellness Center

DCOA Hosts Elder Abuse Prevention and Information Workshop The DCOA Ambassador Program held an Elder Abuse Prevention and Information Workshop as part of its workshop series. More than 50 seniors attended the training, which was conducted by U.S. Assistant Attorney Doug Klein and Judith Collister from the D.C. Office of the Attorney General. The audience included DCOA Ambassadors who were seniors, caregivers and concerned D.C. residents in the community. Seniors were given vital statistics and tips on how to notice and prevent elder abuse. According to the Victim Connect Resource Center, elder abuse includes: physical, sexual, psychological/emotional abuse, caregiver neglect, or financial exploitation against a person, typically age 60 or older. Attendees

were very passionate in sharing their experiences and stories about elder abuse in their families and communities. Information was also shared about D.C. Law 21-166 “Financial Exploitation of Vulnerable Adults and the Elderly.” The law: 1. Redefines vulnerable adult to include all persons aged 65 and above. 2. Creates the crime of “financial exploitation of vulnerable adults” in the criminal code, and defines the term “undue influence.” 3. Creates strong penalties for people found guilty of financial exploitation, and enables the victim a chance to recover their assets. For more information on how to become a DCOA Ambassador, contact 202-724-5626 or visit www.dcoa.dc.gov.

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 7

Say you saw it in the Beacon

D.C. OFFICE

AGING NEWSLETTER

Community Calendar September events 9th • 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Kidney Action Day will include entertainment by Big Tony & Trouble Funk, free health screenings, food samples and a Kidneynation fund raising walk at noon. The event takes place at the Yards Park, 355 Water St. SE. For more information, call Patricia Bonsu at 301-984-6673.

11th The D.C .Office on Aging will sponsor a Walgreens Flu Clinic open to the public at the Asian/Pacific Islander Senior Service Center, 417 G Place, NW. For hours and more information, contact Kenneth So at 202-842-4376.

15th • 5 to 7 p.m.

18th • 8 a.m. to noon

Iona’s Memory Cafés – for individuals with memory loss and their caregivers, family members and friends – offer a way to get together in a safe and supportive environment for fun and entertainment each month. This month, the event includes live cabaret by the Sapphires, a singing and piano group. The cost is $20 for two people. The event takes place at Iona, 4125 Albemarle St. NW. To learn more, contact Sharon O’Connor at 202-895-9469. To sign up, email registration@iona.org.

Entrée DC, offerred to inspire culinary entrepreneurs, will be held by the D.C. Dept. of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs at the Washington Convention Center, 801 Mt. Vernon Pl. To learn more and register, go to https://nvite.com /EntreeDC/owzy7o.

16th • 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The 10th Annual Tenant and Tenant Association Summit will take place at the Kellogg Conference Center at Gallaudet University, 800 Florida Ave NE. To learn more, email delores.anderson@dc.gov.

12th and 26th • noon Join the D.C. Caregivers online chat at noon to discuss “Fall Prevention Tips” on Sept. 12 and on Sept. 26 to discuss “10 Tips for Family Caregivers of Persons with Low Vision.” To participate, visit http://dcoa.dc.gov/page/caregiver-chat at noon or visit at your convenience and hit replay to see the chat. For more information, contact linda.irizarry@dc.gov or call 202-535-1442.

13th The D.C .Office on Aging will sponsor a Walgreens Flu Clinic open to the public at the Model Cities Senior Wellness Center, 1901 Evarts St. NE. For hours and more information, contact Stacie Mack at 202-635-1900.

15th • 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. VIDA Senior Centers at Brightwood will hold its 4th Annual Seniors Health Fair at 1330 Missouri Ave. NW. To learn more, call Natasha Sabade at 202-503-2681.

15th • 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Family Matters of Greater Washington will have its 3rd Annual End of Summer Cookout at Fort Stanton Recreation Center at 1812 Erie St. SE. To learn more, email cfennell@familymattersdc.org.

16th • noon to 1:30 p.m. Iona will hold a seminar called “Stay or Move: How to Find and Pay for the Best Living Arrangement.” The free workshop will discuss how to know if moving is the right choice, and how to have a family conversation about moving. It will also review the best way to find community resources and the right senior living community, as well as how to pay for care and services. It will be held at Brighton Gardens of Friendship Heights, 5555 Friendship Blvd., Chevy Chase, Md. Register by emailing registration@iona.org or calling 202-895-9409.

16th • noon to 7 p.m. The 2017 H Street Festival will be held on H street between 4th Street NE and 14th Street, NE. The D.C. Office on Aging will showcase an informational table and provide body mass index screening.

18th • 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The D.C. Office on Aging and its collaborating partners will support the Hattie Holmes Senior Wellness Center Community Health and Resource Fair at 324 Kennedy Street, NW. The event includes a Walgreens flu clinic. Contact Teresa Moore at 202-291-6170 for more information.

SPOTLIGHT ON AGING Spotlight On Aging is published by the Information Office of the D.C. Office on Aging for D.C. senior residents. Advertising contained in the Beacon is not endorsed by the D.C. Office on Aging or by the publisher.

500 K St. N.E., Washington, D.C. 20002 202-724-5622 www.dcoa.dc.gov Executive Director Laura Newland Editor Darlene Nowlin Photographer Selma Dillard

The D.C. Office on Aging does not discriminate against anyone based on actual or perceived: race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, familial status, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, disability, source of income, and place of residence or business. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination which is prohibited by the Act. In addition, harassment based on any of the above protected categories is prohibited by the Act. Discrimination in violation of the Act will not be tolerated. Violators will be subjected to disciplinary action.

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

20th • 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The D.C .Office on Aging will sponsor a Walgreens Flu Clinic open to the public at the Congress Heights Senior Wellness Center, 3531 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave. SE. For more information, call 202- 563-7225.

21st • 10 a.m. Want to make a difference in your community? Train to become a DCOA Ambassador with the Office on Aging. Learn information about our programs and ser vices for persons age 60 and older and adults with disabilities and their caregivers, and help us connect to persons that need our help. For more information or to register, call (202) 7245626 or visit dcoa.dc.gov.

22nd • 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The D.C. Office on Aging and its collaborating partners will support the Guy Mason Senior Program’s 3rd Annual

Health & Resource Fair at 3600 Calvert St. NW. Contact Ralph Wright at 202-7277703 to learn more.

23rd • noon to 4 p.m. The First Love Community Collaboration sponsors Bloomingdale & Truxton Circle Day in the Park at the Florida Avenue Park, 1st Street and Florida Ave. NW. Contact Miles Holloman at flovecc7 @gmail.com for more information.

25th • 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The D.C .Office on Aging will sponsor a Walgreens Flu Clinic open to the public at its office at at 500 K Street, NE. Contact Sherelle Briscoe at 202-727-0357 for more information.

28th • 6 to 8 p.m. “Bridging the Gap” round table discussion with the D.C. Office on Aging, Dept. of Health, D.C. Health Committee and Dept. of Behavioral Health will be held. For more details, contact Charles Eaves at ceaves18@hotmail.com.

30th • 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Hillcrest Community Day will take place at the Hillcrest Recreation Center, 3100 Denver St. SE. Call Alice Thompson at 202-535-1321 for more information.

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S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 7 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Travel Leisure &

Where and how to best view fall foliage. See story on page 48.

Exploring Beijing and its many attractions

Wandering on your own If your time is limited, do what I and my 14-year-old traveling companion — a friend’s daughter — did. Take to the streets of Beijing to soak up the atmosphere. Though we booked a tour with car, driver and guide for two, we had some pre-

tour time on our arrival day. Based at a hotel in the Chaoyang District, we visited a nearby outdoor market where we browsed for souvenir gifts for friends back home. Among the items we saw was a little book with a red plastic cover, Quotations from Chairman Mao Tse-Tung, ready for purchase. At more than 10 acres sprawling along streets and in pavilions, the Panjiayuan Market is the largest in China, selling secondhand goods as well an array of curios. Jade jewelry, ceramics, calligraphy, teapots, Buddha statues, paper lanterns, Cultural Revolution memorabilia, Ming- and Qing-style furniture — and even opium scales — are laid out on blankets on the ground. Be prepared to do a lot of crouching if you want to examine goods up close. Hundreds of bicycles crammed the bike “parking” area near the outdoor market. Local residents made their way on foot amid colorful banners donning Chinese characters, which lined a plaza. Tourists and locals alike swarmed the market.

PHOTO BY ESB PROFESSIONAL

By Harriet Edleson If you’ve never been to China, maybe it’s time. First-time travelers will be intrigued by the ancient culture interspersed with an enormous landscape, where modern and ancient mix. Of course, to really see China, you’ll need a lot of time or more than one trip. But if you think you’re only going to travel to the ancient land once, plan carefully so you get the most out of your travels. If you have enough time and resources, consider including Shanghai, China’s largest city and its financial center, in your itinerary. You can take one of China’s high-speed trains, the Jinghu High Speed Railway, between Beijing and Shanghai. You’ll need just five hours to make the 800-mile journey! In my case, I visited only Beijing, and due to business considerations did not extend my trip to Shanghai and Hong Kong. Certainly, if you can take the time to see all three in one trip, that would be appealing. But even on a trip limited to Beijing and its immediate environs, you’ll find plenty to do and see. Here are among the best ways to experience Beijing.

Beijing’s ultra-modern cityscape, including the angular headquarters for China Central Television at the back left of the photo, contrasts with the more than 900 traditional, pagoda-like buildings of the Forbidden City, which dates back to the 14th century. Beijing, with a population of more than 21 million, is China’s second-largest city.

Tiananmen Square The July sun basked the streets the next morning as we headed to Tiananmen Square, the first stop of the day. The well-known 109-acre square in the center of Beijing is named for the Tiananmen, which means “Gate of Heavenly Peace” in Chinese. Ironically, we are reminded of the Tiananmen Square protests in 1989 at PHOTO BY APHOTOSTORY

Visitors to Beijing are only an hour or two away from the Great Wall of China. Tourists are welcome to walk along five sections of the 5,500-mile-long wall that once had as many as 25,000 watchtowers.

this site. Student-led demonstrations propelled the government to declare martial law, and government soldiers killed hundreds and possibly thousands of demonstrators. The exact number was never released by Chinese authorities. The day we were there, we watched kites soaring in the sky. Kite making and flying are among the oldest traditions in China, going back thousands of years. Nearby, a young boy carried the same little book of Mao’s quotations with the red plastic cover we’d seen at the outdoor market. Chairman Mao, who ruled until he passed away in 1976, is buried in a mausoleum located in the middle of Tiananmen Square, which draws crowds. Inside of the memorial hall, visitors can observe a large marble statue of Mao, and beautifully carved clay figures, murals and engravings. Halls on the second floor of the mausoleum house memorial rooms for six leaders from the Communist era, as well as a movie room where guests can view a documentary film called Huainian, which loosely translates “to cherish the memory of.” If you’re an early bird, don’t miss the flag-raising ceremony, in which a group of soldiers march through Tiananmen Tower to the Chinese national anthem. The flagraising is timed to be at the precise moment of sunrise. There is also a flag-lower-

ing ceremony towards sunset.

The Forbidden City There’s a lot to see nearby, and we visited the Forbidden City next, the imperial palace during the Ming and Qing dynasties. With 980 buildings and total of 9,999 rooms, it is one of the largest, if not the largest, palace complexes in the world. The seat of imperial power for five centuries, it was home to the royal family. One of the most prominent buildings is the Hall of Supreme Harmony. Built as a symbol of imperial power in 1406, it was the highest building in the empire. No other structure was allowed to be higher than its 88 feet, including the decorative roof elements. The poetically named Palace of Earthly Tranquility housed most of the empresses of the Ming dynasty through 1644. Chairman Mao’s portrait hangs at the Tiananmen gate of the Forbidden City, a reminder of more recent times past. Allow at least three to four hours for a visit to the Forbidden City, and it probably goes without saying that comfortable walking shoes are a must. One of the most beautiful places I saw in my short time in China was the Summer Palace. No wonder the imperial family reSee BEIJING, page 47

Beijing From page 46 treated here from the summer heat, which can soar into the middle to upper 90s in July and August. Just six miles northwest of the city, it’s worth a visit. The palace is right on the water and is painted in vibrant shades of red and yellow. There, one can see the beautiful palace gardens, take a boat ride to view an island temple, go into the palace’s theater to witness traditional performances, or wander through the recreated shops lining the river’s edge. Incorporating both manmade structures and natural elements, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) heritage site is considered a “masterpiece of Chinese landscape design,” according to UNESCO. Natural hills and open water combine with pavilions, halls, palaces, temples and bridges “to form a harmonious ensemble of outstanding aesthetic value,” according to UNESCO. While there, my traveling companion and I rode one of the dragon boats across Kunming Lake, watching the 17-Arch Bridge on the horizon. The striking vista left an indelible impression. The dragon boats themselves are intriguing, with a dragon tail at the back and a dragon head at the front. Painted in hues of cantaloupe, green and terra cotta, they whisk travelers across the lake. Another option is to stroll around the lake, luxuriating under the weeping willow trees. Be sure to see the Marble Boat. Situated in the northwest corner of Kunming Lake, it dates to 1755. Eighty-feet long and two-stories high, it was destroyed during the Second Opium War in 1860. Empress Dowager Cixi rebuilt it in approximately1886 with diverted funds intended to build a modern Chinese Navy.

Scaling the Great Wall

Don’t miss a visit to the Great Wall of China. Some of the best and most-restored sections are just north of Beijing, within a one- to two-hour drive. On a July day when the mercury hit at least 90 degrees, we drove with our tour guide to the Great Wall at Badaling, one of the most visited sections of the wall, about 50 miles from the center of Beijing. This is the section of the wall that Richard and Pat Nixon visited on their historic visit to China in 1972. Margaret Thatcher, Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev have also walked along this 500year-old section of the wall. Cyclists in the 2008 Olympics passed through its gates. Our visit there was one of the highlights of our trip. The sheer size of this portion of the wall — wide enough for five or six horses to be ridden across it — stuns travelers. Winding up and down the Jundu Mountains, it was a sight to behold against the blue sky with scattered cumulus clouds. Climbing to the top was my traveling companion’s goal, and I wasn’t going to be left behind. As we wound to the top, we took periodic stops where artists painted, and watched other travelers who climbed carrying umbrellas to shield themselves from the unrelenting sun. I wondered if I was going to make it. At the top, there were certificates that read, “I have ascended the Badaling Great Wall.” We each bought one, of course, and I have kept mine as a reminder of how perseverance pays — or at least rewards with the satisfaction of knowing you can finish what you start!

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Leisure & Travel

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 7

of the treats of the trip. Located in the Chaoyang District at 36 North East Third Ring Road, near our hotel, the Chaoyang Theater seats approximately 1,400 spectators. It’s located near the Hujialou station of the Beijing Subway. Colorful costumes and athletic moves characterized the performances. Acrobatic performances are among the oldest Chinese arts, dating back at least 2,000 years. They performed in the Imperial court. In later periods, opera replaced acrobatic shows as the preferred form of entertainment for royalty. If you have the time and interest, visit one of the pearl markets, a jade factory, and tour a hutong, where networks of courtyards and narrow streets and alleys in the Xuanwu District date back at least 700 years. A visit to Beijing immerses you in the history and culture of this giant land. Even for a short visit, it’s worth the journey. But beware of the intense heat in summer and, if time is limited, consider a tour that will ensure your trip captures the highlights of China’s capital city.

If you go July is typically the warmest month in Beijing with January the coldest. September to October is considered the best time to travel to Beijing, with sunshine and cooler temperatures than summer. According to weather.com, temperatures range from approximately 58 degrees Fahrenheit to 78 degrees in September and 45 degrees Fahrenheit to 66 degrees in October. We had a package very similar to the current United Airlines’ Hello Beijing package — a five day/four night trip that costs $449 per person double occupancy at a five-star hotel. The package includes an English-speaking tour guide, four breakfasts and three lunches. See http://unitedvacationsasia.com/tour2017/cn01.html. American Airlines and Air Canada offer the lowest roundtrip fares to Beijing in early October, starting at about $600 from BWI Airport. Get more information about travel to China from the China National Tourism Office at www.cnto.org or call (212) 7608218.

Cultural attractions I was intent on seeing the Chinese opera, which we did. But I was prevailed upon to consider an acrobatics show as well. I never would have thought of that myself, but I listened to my traveling companion. We headed on our own to the Acrobatics Macrocosm for what turned out to be one

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Where and how to enjoy fall foliage’s peak By Ed Perkins It’s time to plan and reserve fall foliage trip accommodations and tours. And not just to New England — you can find good fall foliage viewing throughout much of the U.S. and Canada. Peak viewing dates move gradually from North to South between mid-September and mid-November. And you can view foliage displays in your car, on a bus tour, or on a train. Where to go. Start by checking TripSavvy’s annual “Top spots in the USA for

fall foliage” page, which rounds up the usual suspects, from New England to Yosemite to Alaska, with links to local sources throughout the country. See the page at www.tripsavvy.com/top-spots-forfall-foliage-united-states-3301223. Also check the National Park Service at www.nps.gov, which touts foliage opportunities at dozens of parks. Log on for details, including best times to visit each park. When to go. Several sources post fall foliage calendars or maps to help you decide

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when to hit each area. Start with the Foliage Network (www.foliagenetwork.com), with separate regional reports for the Northeast, Midwest and Southeast. Also good: Stormfax, (www.stormfax.com/ foliagemap.htm), with both a national map and links to state and regional fall foliage websites and hotlines. The online weather channels also typically post fall foliage calendars. How to see it. Most people think of fall foliage as a road trip. Fall foliage websites typically include driving directions, many with links to local visitor activities. Lock in your accommodations as early as you can, and be sure to avoid football weekends at any prominent university towns. For several years, Amtrak has added its only full-length dome car to one trainset used for the daily New York-Montreal Adirondack day train, which passes through good leaf scenery, but, as usual, Amtrak announces its plans quite late. Last year, the dome car was on the route from Sept. 29 to Nov. 1. Other Amtrak options passing through good foliage areas during daylight hours include the daily daytime Vermonter between St Alban’s, Vermont and New York; and the daily Ethan Allen Express, between Rutland and New York. In both cases, southbound trips offer the best viewing. Other possible foliage opportunities include the Pennsylvanian between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, and the California Zephyr daytime segment from Denver to Green River. In 2015, SmarterTravel.com listed “Best Fall Foliage Train Rides in North America.” Among them: The Mount Washington Cog Railway, New Hampshire (www.thecog.com); the Durango & Silverton, Colorado (vdurangotrain.com); the Essex Steam Train, Connecticut (www.essexsteamtrain.com); Adiron-

dack Scenic Railroad, New York (www.adirondackrr.com/); Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, Georgia (www.brscenic.com); Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, Ohio (www.cvsr.com); and the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad (www.gsmr.com). But dozens of other tourist railways around the country also feature fall foliage packages. In most cases, these are short one-day, out-and-back excursions. The Collis P. Huntington Railroad Historical Society is running a series of all-day “New River” foliage excursions (www.newrivertrain.com/nrt.shtml) using vintage mainline railcars in West Virginia on two October weekends. While dome cars are sold out, coach seats are still available on the Oct. 29 excursion as of press time. Vacations by Rail (www.vacationsbyrail.com) run several foliage excursions with at least some travel by rail, and Rail Travel Tours (www.railtraveltours.com) runs several tours with rail travel on VIA Rail Canada. Uncommon Jour neys (www.uncommonjourneys.com/) features several rail and cruise combos. The agency FallFoliageCruise (www.fallfoliagecruise.com), a division of Vacations to Go, lists a diverse set of foliage cruises in New England and Canada. Dozens of local and national operators run bus tours, many including accommodations. Just Google “fall foliage tours” or see a travel agent. Where to stay. You know how to locate whatever accommodations you prefer: hotel, motel, resort, B&B, campground. The prime locations fill quickly, so book sooner rather than later. Often, an inclusive tour package is the best way to make sure you’ll get accommodations where you want them. © 2017 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Tips for getting around China on your own I took advantage of an introductory brid that is part of the new airport complex can’t-turn-it-down business-class airfare — and immediately crashed. Coping with getting to a downtown hotel after not a freebie — to take a look that marathon would have at some of the current chalbeen a backbreaker. lenges of traveling in China, a Many of China’s major cities, huge, fascinating destination. including Shenzhen, boast Given my age, my experihuge new airports. And most of ences must necessarily reflect them require lots of walking, my unavoidable senior status. even when some have a few The flight was on Xiamen people-movers. Immigration Airlines, an established Chiand baggage claim were relanese line that recently started flying to the United States. Xitively painless. TRAVEL TIPS amen flies new 787s. Both business and econo- By Ed Perkins Transportation tips my classes are competitive with current Signage in big airports is in Chinese and standards: lie-flat bed seats and lots of English, and you can pretty well figure service in business, tight conventional where to go for an airport train, bus, metro seats and service in economy. I wouldn’t or taxi. On arrival, you face a constant barrage go out of my way to fly Xiamen again, but I wouldn’t avoid it, either, if the schedule of aggressive pitches for private, non-metered taxis. It starts as soon as you get out and price were right. I have a rule on any long intercontinen- of the controlled area, and the sixth person tal flight: Stay two nights at an airport to accost you isn’t discouraged even after hotel the day/night you arrive to avoid any seeing you refuse the first five. The guidebooks all recommend against additional post-flight schlepping at your destination, and allow you to adjust to the using these non-taxi taxis, with their obvifatigue and time zone changes. ous scam potential. And the constant asThat rule stood me in good stead when sault, even when you’re headed to a hotel my flight from Seattle arrived in Shenzhen at the airport, gets very old very quickly. at midnight, a full six hours late. I walked Legitimate cabs are incredibly cheap in directly to the Park Hyatt/Hyatt Place hy- China. The trip from the very remote Xia-

men station to a downtown hotel costs about $12 (with no tip required or solicited) — a distance that would cost around $50 or $60 in a big U.S. city. Taxi lines at rail stations are orderly and organized: The queues can be long but they move quickly. But I strongly recommend that, if you plan on taking a taxi from airport or train station to a hotel, you print out the name of the hotel and a Google map of its location to show to a taxi driver. Or load the info into your phone or tablet. The driver might not understand a spoken “Bates Hotel,” but a dot on a city map is foolproof. Another alternative is to take a train/metro from the airport to your destination. Many big Chinese airports provide rail access to the city center.

In some cases, as in Beijing and Shanghai, you find a dedicated rail system geared to air travelers: It may not get you exactly where you want to go, but you can catch a cab from the city terminal for that final leg to your hotel. Other big cities operate metros that stop at the city’s main airport(s), usually right in the terminal. With connections, you can get almost anywhere, but you have to fight for space with locals, of whom there are a great many at all times of the day. All the big-city metro systems I’ve used featured station and route signage and prerecorded train announcements in English, as well as Chinese. They’ve also been modSee CHINA TIPS, page 50

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Chicago helped give us national anthem By Don Babwin Before every baseball game the crowd is asked to stand and “gentlemen” are reminded to remove their caps for the playing of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Fans who can recite the words as easily as the alphabet will sing or listen to the story of a

flag that continued to wave throughout one of the most famous battles in American history. What they may not know is that Francis Scott Key, apparently better at lyrics than melody, put his description of the battle of Fort McHenry to an old English tune that

had a lot less to do with patriotism than it did with booze and women. Or that this year marks the 100th season since the song was played for the first time at a World Series game — an event that helped cement it in the national consciousness and to become the national an-

them that is now simply assumed to be part of game day in American sports — from Little League to the Super Bowl to medal ceremonies at the Olympics.

China tips

Fortunately, public signs throughout the city do show English names along with Chinese.

Train travel is not quite as easy as you might think. In many cities, the high-speed stations are a long way out of the center, requiring a lot of schlepping to/from your hotel. Also, you have to go through two lines entering the station: one to verify that you have a ticket, another perfunctory security screening with baggage X-ray. Because Chinese trains enjoy very high occupancy, the guidebooks recommend arranging tickets and seat reservations in advance. I did so through China Highlights, one of several recommended specialist agencies. The process is simple: You check schedules and prices through the agency’s website, place your order and pay online, and in due time the agency forwards you the details, with a “ticket number” for each trip. Once in China, you go to the ticket office in the main rail station in your first destination city to have actual tickets issued. You don’t know specific seat assignments until you get the ticket, and — as far as I can tell — you can’t negotiate for a specific seat.

tential problems. I did it independently, with no assistance from anyone — specifically, nobody in either the tourist office or the railroad system. As an independent traveler, your main concern is language. Agents in upscale hotels and restaurants usually have enough English to cope with your requirements, but beyond that, you can’t rely on asking questions or understanding answers. Neither the spoken nor printed names bear any phonetic relationship to English, so you have to figure out how to get around communicating in other ways. Getting to local attractions on your own can be a problem, especially if there are no nearby metro stations. So consider local sightseeing tours — either an all-day, onoff system, or a half- or full-day program. For some attractions, such as a river cruise in Guilin, you pretty much have to take an all-day tour. China is one place even a confirmed independent traveler might want to take a tour. The tour company relieves you of the tedium of making all those local arrangements, and it solves the problem of getting to the main visitor centers in any city. But, of course, you have to accept the regimentation. And if you’re traveling solo, as I did, you have to put up with the stiff single supplements. However you do it, I can recommend China. The experience is unique — and great. © 2017 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

From page 49 ern, fast and air-conditioned. They’re also inexpensive: fares vary by distance, from less than a dollar to several dollars per ride. Many systems offer allday passes: Even if they don’t cut your costs much, they’re extremely convenient. At least when I’ve used them, the metros always seem to be crowded, although the locals often offered a seat to the visiting senior. Younger travelers have to tough it out. Other than at airports and major hotels, you’ll find very few folks who speak English.

Riding the high-speed rails One of my main objectives on this trip was to check out China’s huge high-speed rail network. China operates more miles of high-speed rail lines than the rest of the world put together. The two fast train classes are “G” — which operate up to 186 miles per hour, and “D” — which operate up to 124 miles per hour. First-class seating is two-by-two, with lots of legroom; economy is two-by-three with limited legroom. I recommend first.

Do you need a package tour? Traveling around China on your own is easier than you might expect. Although the faint of heart may still prefer a package tour, an individual traveler can get around pretty well. Yes, the language/alphabet barrier makes China tougher than Europe for the independent traveler. But the helpfulness of the Chinese people overcomes a lot of po-

See BASEBALL, page 52

stor yteller.

I’M NOT A SENIOR. I’M A

At Integrace, we know that your age does not define you. So we’ve created a family of life plan communities where you can connect with your passions and discover new paths every day. Live the life that’s most meaningful to you. Visit Integrace.org to discover all the possibilities that await you.

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Take me out to the movies — any time And then I cantered over to my wife and Ordinarily, I’m a calm, collected fellow. Ordinarily, when I go to the movies with blurted: “Hecardedmehecardedmehecardedme!” my wife, it’s a passive experi“I told you that you look ence. We sit, we munch popyoung for your age,” she said. corn, we watch. That’s it. No mystery as to why this So why was I cantering woman is on top of my hit pathrough the lobby of a theater rade, right? one recent afternoon, calling Then she asked if this had out to my wife as if I’d just seen ever happened to me before. I a meteor shower? scoured my memory. I took a Because I had just been sip of the chardonnay to see if asked to prove that I was 21 that would grease my brain years old before I could buy a HOW I SEE IT cells. glass of wine. By Bob Levey Finally, I said no, I couldn’t Yes, dear friends, a young man behind the concessions counter had remember a single time I had been “cardtaken my order for a glass of chardonnay. ed” in the last 50 years. Was the wine-seller citing the law accuHe couldn’t have been much more than 21 rately? Is every vendor of alcoholic beverhimself. But then, with a straight face, he looked ages required to ask for an ID, even when at my white locks and my somewhat wrin- the buyer is obviously in the grandpa zone? Or is it simply a matter of super-careful polikled face and asked to see my ID. I could have said many things at this cy? I checked with lawyers in several govmoment. I could have said, “You’ve got to be kidding.” I could have said, “I’ve been ernment agencies, and with executives at drinking wine legally for more than 50 several movie chains. They unanimously years, sonny boy.” I could have said, “I’m told me what I expected to hear: The law says that no establishment can old enough to be your grandfather.” But I was so shocked that all I could say sell booze to anyone under 21. It does not explicitly require 70-umpties to show their IDs. was: But businesses are so fretful about los“Seriously?” The man behind the counter said, yes, he ing their liquor licenses that some err on was serious. He said management insists on the side of caution. Way, way on the side of “carding” everyone who orders wine, even caution. As one executive explained to me, law when it’s obvious that the orderer is far enforcement is getting sneaky in this day north of 21. He apologized profusely. I reached for and age. They will test establishments with my driver’s license. He had the good grace guinea pigs, to see if the pigs are asked for to say that I looked pretty good for a guy IDs. “Most of the guinea pigs are in their late who’s 70-umpty-ump. I paid. I thanked him.

20s or so, where they might be 21 and they might not,” this executive said. “But once in a while, the guinea pigs are 30 or 35 or even 40.” Are they ever 70-umpty? “Not to my knowledge,” the executive said. “But it wouldn’t amaze me.” In one way, I’m very sympathetic to businesses that “card” everyone. Wine by the glass is extremely profitable. I spent $9 for my plastic cup of chardonnay. That was probably $7 of pure profit. My executive backed me up. “At many movie theaters, we make more on selling wine than we do on tickets to the movie,” he said. Why wouldn’t these businesses want such a golden goose to live on? Caution

makes perfect sense. But so would this tweak: When I bought my movie ticket, I paid a reduced senior citizen fee. Not only did I pay less than full freight, but my ticket was yellow instead of the usual blue. What if I had slapped my yellow ticket on the concession counter and asked for a glass of chardonnay? No question about my being older than 21. No embarrassing requests for an ID. No delays. No old guys cantering across the lobby and babbling about being carded. Movie theaters are welcome to thank me, and pay me for my brilliance. I’ll look for the check in the mail. Bob Levey is a national award-winning columnist.

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“Certainly the outpouring of sentiment, enthusiasm and patriotism at the 1918 World Series went a long way to making the (song) the national anthem,” said John Thorn, Major League Baseball’s official historian. On Sept. 5, 1918, newspapers were dominated by news of World War I, including the latest American dead. In Chicago, one of the headlines read, “Chicagoans on the List,” and it was a particularly harrowing moment in the city for another reason: Someone, possibly self-proclaimed anarchists and labor activists, had the day before tossed a bomb into a downtown federal building and post office, killing four people and injuring dozens more. The World Series was in town, with the Cubs hosting Babe Ruth and the Boston Red Sox. The Chicago games were played at Comiskey Park, the home of the White Sox, instead of their new home at Wrigley Field, which was called Weeghman Park at the time, because it held more fans. But in a city jittery over the bombing and weary from the war, Game 1 that day attracted fewer than 20,000 fans, the smallest World Series crowd in years. When they got there, they didn’t make much noise, though that could have had something to do with the 1-0 masterpiece Ruth was pitching — yes, pitching — for the Red Sox. “There was no cheering during the contest, nor was there anything like the usual umpire baiting,” reported one Boston newspaper. Then, in the seventh inning, a band from the Navy training station north of Chicago started to play “The Star-Spangled Banner.” The song had been played before at major league games, from at least 1862 and on opening day in 1897, in Philadelphia, Thorn said. But this time, reported the New York Times, something happened that was “far different from any incident that has ever occurred in the history of baseball.” Players took off their caps as they faced a flag that fluttered atop a pole in right field as the 12-piece band began to play. All of them except Red Sox infielder Fred Thomas. Thomas was in the Navy during the series — he played on the team fielded by the Great Lakes station that was also home to the band — but was granted furlough so he could play. When the Wisconsin native heard the music, “he turned toward the flag, kept his hat on and gave a military salute,” said Jim Leeke, author of From the Dugouts to the Trenches: Baseball During the Great War. A few fans began to sing. Then others joined in “and when the final notes came, a great volume of melody rolled across the field,” the Times reported. And when it ended, “onlookers exploded into thunderous applause and rent the air with a cheer that marked the highest point of the day’s enthusiasm.” The Red Sox went on to win the game and the series, part of a Cubs’ championship drought that ended up lasting 108

years but was a mere decade old in 1918. Not everyone thought what happened was a big deal. Chicago sportswriter Ring Lardner mentioned it, but only as a punch line as he reported that Thomas had stood at attention three times during the game — once during the anthem, and twice when the umpire was calling him out on strikes.

Arrangement by Sousa The leader of the Navy band at the time was conductor and composer John Philip Sousa. He was not at the game, but had recently arranged the standardized version of the song that is still played today The 1918 World Series would have been one of the first times the band could test drive the new version, according to Mike Bayes, senior chief musician for the Navy Band in Washington. “It was a very important thing for him to put the anthem on a national stage in its new form,” Bayes said. It wasn’t until 1931 that Congress and President Herbert Hoover officially designated the song as the national anthem. Still, it was clear the song was on its way after that day in Chicago. For one thing, it was played when the series got back to Boston. And as one story goes, Red Sox owner Harry Frazee was so impressed with the way the song quieted rowdy fans that the next season that he ordered the band to play it while the flag was presented on the field. “It was a turning point, and from then on it was played at all opening days and World Series games,” Leeke said. The song was played just on holidays or special occasions for years, in part because ballparks didn’t have the kind of sound systems they do today, and owners were loath to pay for a band more than they had to. It wasn’t until the 1940s, during World War II, that major league teams started playing it every day. Ironically, Cubs owner P.K. Wrigley decided the song would be played only on major holidays and for special events. “Wrigley thought it cheapened the anthem to play it every day,” said Marc Ferris, author of Star-Spangled Banner: The Unlikely Story of America’s National Anthem. In 1967, the Cubs put the song on the daily playlist, a patriotic gesture during yet another war, this one in Vietnam.

Continued respect for the song On a recent day at Wrigley, fans stood as one for the anthem. “It still sends a chill down my back,” said 90-year-old Victor Holliday of Champaign, Illinois, his time as a Marine during World War II written right there on his red cap. The respect for the song was not lost on his son, who recalled the Vietnam war era, when the anthem was not always warmly received. “It changed radically after 9/11,” said Shawn Holliday, 58. “And even today, with so many differences in the country, so much division, I think we again are falling back for comfort on these kinds of symbols.” — AP

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 7

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Experiencing Improvement After a Fall Last Halloween while resting at home, Jerry McClam noticed a sudden dizziness. Unsure of the cause, he sat up on the edge of the bed before falling over and hitting the nightstand. He couldn’t move. “I lost all feeling in my extremities,” said McClam. “I was literally paralyzed.” He was taken to Prince George’s County Hospital where doctors performed emergency surgery and diagnosed him with Central Cord Syndrome (CCS), an acute, cervical spinal cord injury. This syndrome affects patients age 50 and older who have sustained a cervical hyperextension injury or who have fallen. After his surgery in November, he was taken to the National Rehabilitation Hospital (NRH) in Washington, D.C. where he began intense acute rehabilitation. He was not able to use his upper or lower extremities. He was not able to stand, walk, or use his arms or hands to perform even the simplest tasks such as feeding himself. He also suffered severe pain. Fortunately, his family was able to find a post-acute rehabilitation center that had the necessary equipment and expertise to continue the intense rehabilitation that he had received at NRH. “We chose Charles E. Smith Life Communities (CESLC) because of the environment, professionalism and care,” said McClam. In December 2016, he was transferred from NRH acute rehabilitation to CESLC’s Post- Acute Care Center at the Hebrew Home of Greater Washington.

Physical Therapist Neeraj Todankar, left, was key to Jerry McClam’s recovery.

Jerry McClam with Physical Therapist Richard Testo

Under the supervision of Program Director Ann Matesi and the direct care of Physical Therapist Neeraj Todankar and Occupational Therapist Scott Fernandez, an aggressive therapy plan was implemented. “I had to relearn many of the movements that others take for granted,” said McClam. According to Matesi, many patients with CCS make spontaneous recovery of motor function while others experience considerable recovery in the first six weeks post injury. McClam had to fight to regain every bit of movement in his extremities. He began with neuro-reeducation techniques to re-build his core strength, progressing to a focus on upper and lower extremity motor control. According to his current Physical Therapist Richard Testo and Occupational Therapist Vidhi Shaw, McClam has shown tremendous motor skills improvement. He is now able to stand, walk and use his upper extremities to feed himself and perform daily living activities. “He has progressed a lot further in this time span than we imagined possible. His improvement is amazing,” said Testo. McClam said that his experience at CESLC has changed his entire outlook on life. A Buffalo, New York native and private investigator for nearly thirty years, McClam walked a lot while working and was fairly active. “As a private investigator, I was so busy that I didn’t do much talking and listening. I have learned to take time with people, speak to them, be around them, and bring a smile to someone’s face,” he said. “I have more time to read and discuss the Bible and meet some really great people.” As a father of five and grand-father of seven, McClam acknowledges his family’s role in his progress and shares that “without their support and help, I would not have made it.” McClam is expected to be released soon and looks forward to taking up his old hobbies of playing drums with his jazz band and returning to his profession. “Stories like Jerry’s make our work more meaningful,” said Matesi. n

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At the beginning of a new year, we resolve to do acts of teshuva (repentance), tefillah (prayer) and tzedakah (giving) as opportunities to make it a better year. In this season, I find myself thinking of tzedakah, our mission and our core values at Charles E. Smith Life Communities and how they resonate with all of us as we enter the Jewish New Year of 5778. We are fortunate that our community experiences tzedakah every day on campus - when a volunteer Bruce J. Lederman offers time to enrich the living experience of our residents and when a team member finds the opportunity to do tzedakah when performing their job and fulfilling our mission. A shining example of this is reflected by our colleague, Nancy Grossman. Prior to joining our team at Smith-Kogod Residence 10 years ago as a recreational therapist, Nancy was an active volunteer at the Hebrew Home. “When I was asked to join the CESLC team I couldn’t believe that I was not only given the opportunity to have a job that I love, but to also enjoy the ability to do tzedakah every day I come to work,” she says. As part of her job, Nancy often spends the High Holidays on campus assisting with residents who attend services. She recalls how a Rosh Hashanah sermon given by Rabbi Michaels several years ago, inspired her to think of additional ways to incorporate the act of tzedakah into her job. Together, with residents from the ‘Ladies Night Group,’ who also attended that same service and were inspired by that sermon, they took action that year by distributing tzedakah boxes to residents of Smith-Kogod who wished to have one. By providing residents with tzedakah boxes, each individual was given an opportunity to fulfill the obligation of tzedakah and be part of the larger community. As the leader of this organization, I am always humbled by these examples of tzedakah that capture the spirit of our team members and volunteers who are committed to positively impact the lives of those we serve. Thank you for your unwavering support of our mission and essential services and programs we provide. Our commitment to you in this new year is to continue to live our values and fulfill your expectations as we work in partnership to provide quality services and meaningful experiences to our residents. I hope this new year is filled with health, happiness and sweet moments for you and your family. Shanah Tovah.

CESLC Wins 2017 Bronze National Quality Awards The Hebrew Home of Greater Washington, Landow House and Cohen-Rosen House have been recognized as 2017 recipients of the Bronze-Commitment to Quality Award by the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL). This honor is one of three progressive award levels given by the National Quality Award Program, presented by AHCA/NCAL. The program acknowledges association members across the nation that have demonstrated their commitment to improving quality of care for older adults and persons with disabilities. “We are guided by our mission to ensure that we provide quality care to older adults in our community,” said Deanna Enlow, Senior Vice President, Operations and Chief Operating Officer of Charles E. Smith Life Communities. “It is an honor to be acknowledged for our commitment to meet and exceed the expectations of the residents and family members we serve.” n

Legislative Victory to Protect Victims of Violence and Abuse On May 25, 2017, Governor Hogan signed the Health Care Decisions Act into law. This law prohibits an individual from serving as a surrogate decision maker or health care agent for a patient if that individual is the subject of a protective order for that patient, or if that individual is the spouse of a patient who has a separation agreement or has filed for divorce. This legislative victory was, in part, the result of a strong collaboration between the ElderSAFE™ Center and several key community partners, including the Jewish

Community Relations Council of Greater Washington (JCRC), Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence (MNADV), the Women’s Law Center and the Sexual Assault /Spouse Abuse Resource Center (SARC). “This law is an important achievement in helping to protect the rights of abused older adults,” said Tovah Kasdin, director of the ElderSAFE Center. “We will continue to create awareness of elder abuse and advocate for laws that better protect survivors of violence so that they can live a life free of abuse.” n

Bruce J. Lederman, President/CEO

LifeTimes is published quarterly by the Hebrew Home of Greater Washington, Inc., dba Charles E. Smith Life Communities. The Hebrew Home is a registered charity in Maryland and Virginia. A copy of the Home’s financial statement is available from the Maryland Secretary of State or the Virginia State Office of Consumer Affairs.

Alan M. Freeman, Chair Bruce J. Lederman, President/CEO Lisa S. Friedman, I nterim Director of Development Liliana Lopez, D irector of Communications © 2017 by Hebrew Home of Greater Washington 6121 Montrose Road, Rockville, MD 20852

Page 2 | September 2017

Governor Hogan signed the Health Care Decisions Act into law which helps protect individuals from abuse at every age.

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 7

Say you saw it in the Beacon

Sunday, October 15, 2017 | Rockville, MD • N ew course, fewer hills! • Course starts and ends at Federal Plaza on East Jefferson Street. • DJ, moon bounce, prizes, and great food at our post race party!

Sponsored by:

10K, 5K, and Fun Run

www.smithlifecommunities.org

Sharing our expertise Offering Convenience to the Larger Community: Hirsh Health Center “The Hirsh Health Center team have exceeded my expectations,” said Howard Niederman, a Ring House resident of almost two years. After suffering multiple heart failures, Niederman has had ten surgeries including two open heart surgeries and now has a pacemaker. He visits the Hirsh Health Center every six weeks to have his medication and vitals checked and to monitor his overall health. Niederman relocated to the area from Florida to be closer to his son and grandchildren. Two of his close relatives are in the medical profession and as one would expect, they have high expectations for the medical care that he receives. According to Niederman, they are very pleased. “Dr. Singer has taken great care of me, I am fortunate that he is here,” he said. Dr. Robert E. Singer, board-certified in geriatrics and family medicine, is one of four physicians who comprise the medical team at the Hirsh Health Center. Dr. Loren Wilkerson, board certified in geriatric medicine and internal medicine and Dr. Richard Jacobs, board certified in podiatric surgery and wound care, are part of the Hirsh Health Center medical team under the leadership of Dr. Elisa Gil-Pires, Vice President, Medical Affairs/Medical Director of Charles E. Smith Life Communities (CESLC). Dr. Gil-Pires is board certified in internal medicine, geriatric medicine and hospice and palliative care. “It is rare for a practice of this size to have three geriatric specialists - that sets us apart,” said Dr. Gil-Pires. National Health Center Week is recognized in mid-August across the country. Howard Niederman, Ring House resident This year’s theme was “Celebrating America’s Health Centers: The Key to Healthier Communities.” The Hirsh Health Center offers convenient access to healthcare for CESLC residents and it is also open to adults ages 65 and older in the D.C. Metropolitan area. The medical team currently provides care to some patients outside of CESLC from Rockville and Bethesda. The practice hopes that this number will increase. “Since we are one large entity, there is a perception that we only care for those who live here. I want people to know that we are open to the public and function just like any other practice,” said Dr. Gil-Pires. “Our practice is focused on the care of all older adults in this community.” To remain healthy and independent, older adults require convenient access to quality medical care and rehabilitative services uniquely focused on their needs. Hirsh Health Center delivers high quality, cost effective, and most importantly, accessible care. Living in one of the CESLC residences offers access to our medical staff. Eighty four percent of Ring House residents are patients of the health center. Revitz House residents visit the health center to receive care in a clinical setting and also have the opportunity to receive “house calls” from Dr. Singer. CESLC residents may transition from one care setting to the next. For example, one may receive treatment at the Hebrew Home of Greater Washington before moving to Ring House. The medical team at the Hirsh Health Center works with other providers on campus to ensure that the transition is as smooth and seamless as possible. Another unique aspect of the Hirsh Health Center is that it can link patients to

The medical team at Hirsh Health Center

specialists outside of the practice. Appointments with visiting specialists can include gynecology, dermatology, cardiology, ophthalmology and more. Leah Furst is another Ring House resident who has benefitted from the convenience of the Hirsh Health Center. As a resident for the last ten years, Furst has visited the practice from the time she moved in. In late June, she suffered a fall in her bathroom and scraped her foot and bruised her face and arm. She went to the Hirsh Health Center to see Dr. Jacobs, a podiatrist and wound specialist. Furst said, “He has taken great care of me. I can’t get better treatment any place else.” If you are in Rockville, Bethesda or the surrounding Montgomery County area, the team at Hirsh Health Center is here to be your primary geriatric care provider. To learn more about the Hirsh Health Center or to schedule an appointment, call 301.816.5004 Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. n

ElderSAFE™ Center Conducts Awareness Training at Rockville Internal Medicine Group ElderSAFE™ Center Director Tovah Kasdin recently spoke with a group of doctors at the Rockville Internal Medicine Group practice. The discussion was centered on the warning signs of elder abuse and the importance of doctors as first responders in identifying and reporting elder abuse. Kasdin explained the proper reporting methods as many of the members of the practice believed that they had seen warning signs of abuse but were unsure of the appropriate steps to take. The ElderSAFE Center at Charles E. Smith Life Communities provides temporary shelter and advocacy for victims of elder abuse. n

ElderSAFE™ Center Director Tovah Kasdin (left) speaks to group during awareness training

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Ring House… Independent, yet so connected. Ring House blends convenience with comfort and style. Our freshly appointed apartments invite residents’ distinctive touches. Available home care services and a medical practice in the building assure an extra measure of independence. To inquire about availability or to schedule a personal tour, please call 301.816.5012. Ring House resident Mollee Kruger, author of The Swift Seasons

On our campus Builders of the Future Society Annual Luncheon

Supporting our Team’s Experience

In June, Charles E. Smith Life Communities hosted the Builders of the Future Society annual luncheon, honoring its members for their contributions and planned gifts. President and CEO Bruce Lederman thanked members of the society for their commitment and shared how their support helps CESLC continue to fulfill its mission for many years to come. “We believe that through strategic planning and support from the community, we will maintain our financial stability, excellence in living options and the quality care that residents and their families expect,” said Lederman. The event was also an opportunity to showcase the West Campus Music Project. Lauren Latessa, musician in residence and director of the West Campus Music Project, spoke briefly about the purpose of the project and how it improves the lives of residents at Cohen-Rosen House, Landow House and Ring House. Sara Matayoshi and Jessica McKee, the other members of the trio, joined Latessa to perform two classical pieces for attendees. Ring House resident Marjorie Wilde spoke during the program. She shared how thankful she is for the project and talked about the impact that this program has had on her life. She faced a number of challenges and losses before moving to Ring House and adjusting to a new life was difficult. Meeting Latessa and attending the trio’s rehearsals made a difference in Wilde’s life. She started listening to recordings and even began to play the piano again. “At first I was lost,” she said. ”It isn’t easy to learn something new. But it took all of my attention, concentration, and after two hours I actually could follow it. I cannot describe how this changed my life, not only because rehearsals are my favorite things, but I discovered that the sun hadn’t set. The arc of my life began to go up again.” n

Charles E. Smith Life Communities (CESLC) cares not only for the well-being of our residents and patients but also for the success of our 1,000 team members. In keeping with our value of limud-commitment to growth and learning through quality, competence, personal and professional growth, we recognize the recent promotion of two Hebrew Home of Greater Washington nurses. Mathilda Fultang was promoted to clinical team manager. Fultang came to Charles E. Smith Life Communities nearly six years ago as a geriatric nursing assistant, later becoming a registered nurse in the post-acute care unit. She began her nursing career in her native country of Cameroon and describes herself as loving, punctual and a person who loves to learn. When asked which of our core values she identifies with most, she says “Tikkun Olam – reparing the world through acts of kindness, compassion and caring. I try to be compassionate.” Fultang said “I believe that it is very important to take time to listen to the patients and residents under our care. I also listen to their feedback and find ways to support them in any way that I can.” “Mathilda has shown strength as a charge nurse, working diligently with the residents, their families, the physicians and the staff on the skilled nursing unit,” said Director of Nursing Olivia Kitcher-Yamikeh. “She remains professional and focuses on the needs of our residents and families.” Clinical Team Manager Mathilda Fultang Jennifer Sosa was also promoted to clinical team manager. She joined CESLC last summer as a float nurse on the same floor and quickly became familiar with the patients. She was referred to CESLC by one of our physicians with whom she worked with at an acute care nursing center. “Once I looked at the background, culture and history of the organization, I knew it would be a good fit,” Sosa said. In her new role, her daily goals are to ensure that everything on her floor is flowing correctly and helping the patients improve. She guides her practice by the value of Tzedek. “Honesty and integrity are crucial when dealing with patients and their families,” she said. Sosa thoroughly enjoys her work and finds it to be fulfilling. “I enjoy getting to interact more with patients and actually witness their progression,” she said. “It’s nice to see your work come to life.” She said she believes her work here has also helped her grow as a person and nursing professional while expanding her knowledge of interdisciplinary care. “Jennifer portrays our vision and values in her everyday work. She is very kind, compassionate, caring and committed to our organization,” said KitcherYamikeh. “She is loved by residents, families, and by her colleagues.” n

Frances Garfinkle and Anna Yuter attend the Builders of the Future Society Annual Luncheon.

West Campus trio performs this summer for Ring House residents.

Page 4 | September 2017

W A S H I N G T O N

BEACON — SEPTEMBER 2017

Say you saw it in the Beacon

At Landow House and Cohen-Rosen House, the right assistance makes a big difference in life. Landow House features gracious one- and two-bedroom apartments, an exceptional package of personal services, Kosher dining, leisure programs, and 24-hour nursing supervision and individual attention. “It is the best assisted-living place around,” says one grateful family member. Cohen-Rosen House for memory care is unique, with 18 studio apartments that thoughtfully combine elegance and memory-care design. Call 301.816.5050 for details.

Gift Planning with Impact

DEFERRED-PAYMENT GIFT ANNUITY: In the case of a deferred-payment gift

annuity, the payment begins at least one year from the original gift date.

Charitable Gift Annuities: Leaving a Legacy

DEFERRED PAYMENT GIFT ANNUITY

Charitable gift annuities allow adults aged 60 or older to supplement retirement income and provide future support of Charles E. Smith Life Communities (CESLC). The partially taxfree gift annuity payments continue for the life of the annuitants. Donors qualify to receive an income tax deduction for 30 to 50 percent of their contribution in the year they establish the gift. The tax deduction can be claimed for up to six years. CESLC subscribes to annuity rates published and endorsed by the American Council on Gift Annuities. These rates are calculated with the intent to leave 30 to 50 percent of the Elana Lippa, original gift amount to CESLC after the annuitant has passed director of Gift Planning away. There are three types of charitable gift annuities: immediate-payment, deferredpayment, and flexible deferred-payment, and they can benefit up to two people. CESLC requires a minimum gift of $10,000 to establish a gift annuity. The charitable deduction can be claimed immediately. Payment start date and annuity rate differs for each of the three types of gift annuities. IMMEDIATE-PAYMENT GIFT ANNUITY: A charitable gift annuity can be funded with cash or appreciated stock. If stock is used, the donor receives two additional capital gains tax benefits – paying less in capital gains taxes and distributing the tax payments over the lifetime of the annuitant - if he or she is also the annuitant.

CHARITABLE GIFT ANNUITY $50,000 stock Esther Age 80

$100,000 appreciated, jointly held stock

5.2%

Deferred Payment Gift Annuity Joel, Payments distributed Debra, in seven years Age 60

REMAINDER TO

CESLC

• Charitable tax deduction of $27,174 • Annual payments of $5,200 • Capital gains tax liability of $54,619.50 distributed over 24 years

FLEXIBLE DEFERRED-PAYMENT GIFT ANNUITY: A flexible deferred-payment gift annuity offers the donor an option each year to defer their annuity payments to the next year.

FLEXIBLE DEFERRED PAYMENT GIFT ANNUITY $100,000 appreciated, jointly held stock Flexible deferred payment based on selected payment year Joel, Debra, Age 60

Payments begin at least one year from gift date, with an annual option to defer payments to the following year.

6.8%

Charitable Gift Annuity

REMAINDER TO

CESLC

• Charitable tax deduction of $24,214 • Annual payments based on start date • Capital gains tax liability of $54,472.20 distributed over 24 years

CESLC

• Charitable tax deduction of $25,102 • Annual payments of $3,400 • Capital gains tax liability of $19,918 distributed over 9.4 years

To learn more about charitable gift annuities or to receive a no-obligation personalized charitable gift annuity illustration, please contact Elana Lippa, director of Gift Planning at lippa@ceslc.org or 301.770.8342. n

DONOR SPOTLIGHT — Shulamith Weisman “I am grateful for the care my mother-in-law and her two sisters received at the Hebrew Home, part of Charles E. Smith Life Communities. My mother-in-law lived in long-term care, and her sisters both went home after effective rehabilitation at the Post-Acute Center. We felt we wanted to give something back, and the charitable gift annuity is a great way to support Charles E. Smith Life Communities while ensuring payments for the rest of my life.” —Shulamith Weisman

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NOW OPEN: The new rehabilitation center at the Hebrew Home’s Smith-Kogod Residence Occupational, physical, and speech therapy services have relocated into one sun-filled space designed for maximum functionality, efficiency, and motivational appeal. Program Director of Campus Rehabilitation Services Ann Matesi, right, and Sneha Laheri, Rehab Coordinator for Long-Term Care, say opportunities for residents to achieve wellness goals are greatly enhanced. Call 301.816.7724.

In our mailbox Dear Lauren, Tuesday night gave me the glorious experience of hearing you, Jessica, and Sara underscore the resilience of Beethoven and Brahms with youthful skill and enthusiasm. Having enjoyed last year’s Dvorak program, I was hoping to be moved and delighted by the work of you and your colleagues. You did not disappoint me; your efforts exceeded expectations. Thank you for bringing such beauty and grace to Ring House. — Mollee Kruger to Lauren Latessa, Musician-in-Residence, West Campus

Mr. Lederman & Ms. Enlow, I want to personally send a note of appreciation for the assistance by your team members during an incident in the Hebrew Home on Wednesday, April 26th. As you may be aware, we had just picked up our family dog (Finn) from the groomer just prior to visiting my father-in-law, Mr. Raymond Sexton. As we entered the Hebrew Home, we were not aware of the trail of blood Finn caused from the outside entry into the lobby. Your entire staff were so incredibly helpful and prompt to deal with the mess. Never once did anyone show any frustration to us during the cleanup. It is evident your entire staff are incredibly busy and dedicated to the quality of care to

your patients. I also wanted to thank Elaine Gebell for coming to Finn’s rescue with socks to bandage Finn’s paw. My father-in-law has just started his stay at the Hebrew Home and is making good progress on his recovery. We feel very blessed that my father-in-law is in such a caring and nurturing environment. Thank you again for your strong leadership of the Hebrew Home team, you both have created a culture of caring and respect in your interactions with the patients and their families.

Residents Attend Annual Greenberg Luncheon “I look forward to this event every year,” said Bob Davis. “It is a great outing with great food and the chance to talk with great people.” Davis, a Hebrew Home of Greater Washington resident, and residents from the entire Charles E. Smith Life Communities (CESLC) campus attended the Greenberg Luncheon at Woodmont Country Club this July. The event is sponsored by Sylvia Greenberg and her family. The tradition began more than 60 years ago when Greenberg’s parents, Minnie and Abe Kay, hosted residents of the Hebrew Home for the Aged for lunch at the Indian Springs Country Club. “Minnie and Abe Kay’s tradition of hosting this event is carried on by their daughter Sylvia and her children, who exemplify the value of Tikkun Olam repairing the world through acts of kindness, compassion, and caring,” said Bruce Lederman, CESLC’s President and CEO. “We thank Sylvia, her son Ken, and the entire Greenberg family for their generous support and their commitment to our mission and values.” “It is our pleasure to host and celebrate residents from Charles E. Smith Life Communities,” said Kenneth Greenberg. “We are happy to give back to an organization that has given so much to this community.”

—From Steve Cobourn, son-in-law of resident to Bruce Lederman, President and CEO and Deanna Enlow, Senior Vice President, Operations and Chief Operating Officer

High Holidays 5778 Volunteer Opportunities Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are a time for introspection, making amends and setting goals for the New Year. We invite you to be a part of our community during the High Holidays by volunteering your time. Charles E. Smith Life Communities will hold several religious services across campus during the High Holiday season. Assistance is needed in helping residents get to and from the services and with turning prayer book pages. No knowledge or experience is necessary and training will be provided. Individuals who are interested in volunteering at CESLC over the High Holidays should contact Monica Mayer at mayer@ceslc.org or 301.770.8333. n

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT! Charles E. Smith Life Communities is committed to providing service excellence to older adults. We appreciate the support of the community as we strive to remain a provider of choice.

Donate today at www.smithlifecommunities.org.

Page 6 | September 2017

W A S H I N G T O N

BEACON — SEPTEMBER 2017

Say you saw it in the Beacon

As a Senior Living Community, Charles E. Smith Life Communities has the votes. A full-time, on-site medical staff contributes to our expertise in the field of aging. Our programs and services are open to all; respect for the dignity of each individual is an integral part of our mission. Please visit www.smithlifecommunities to learn about the full range of our outstanding living options.

People in the News

Guardian Campaign Guardian Campaign Volunteers Continue to Raise Support and Awareness Charles E. Smith Life Communities (CESLC) kicked off its 59th annual Guardian Campaign this year. The Guardian Campaign is a volunteer-led effort that raises charitable contributions to help fulfill CESLC’s mission in specific ways: • P rovide services to the most vulnerable and needy older adults in our area and offering advocacy and temporary shelter to victims of elder abuse. • D eliver programs and services that make CESLC uniquely Jewish and superior in quality. • Offer older adults the dignity of choice in residential living and care.

Left to right: Tracy Strong, Health Facilities Association of Maryland, Deanna Enlow, Senior Vice President, Operations & Chief Operating Officer, Delegate Ariana Kelly, Bruce Lederman, President & CEO, Terri Tanner-Hill, Chief Financial Officer

Legislative Visit Maryland Delegate Ariana Kelly, a member of the Health and Government Operations Committee (HGO), visited our campus in June to meet with leadership and learn more about how changes to Medicaid might affect Maryland, specifically Montgomery County, residents in skilled nursing home facilities. As Chair of the Health Occupations and Long-Term Care Subcommittee, Kelly is also an advocate for health facilities and issues related to health care and health insurance. n

Amity Club Visits the Hebrew Home Members of The Amity Club of Washington visited campus to present their annual contribution to the Hebrew Home of Greater Washington and to take a tour to learn more about our services and programs. President Jeffrey B. Rosen and Treasurer Mitchell L. Glassman met with Board of Governors member Jacki Rams, who is also Vice Chair of the Development Committee and Lauren Fielding, director of Annual Giving. The Amity Club of Washington is a private, Jewish social club made up of local Washingtonians that value charity and community. The organization has supported the Hebrew Home of Greater Washington for over thirty years. n

Left to right: Jeffrey Rosen, Jacki Rams, and Mitchell Glassman tour the Wasserman Residence

A group of 28 volunteers dedicate their time to reach out to their professional and personal networks, educating them about the importance of Charles E. Smith Life Communities in the community. “I have been involved with Charles E. Smith Life Communities for almost ten years, and the Guardian Campaign has allowed me to reach out and educate family and friends about the significant impact their generosity can have on our organization,” said Guardian Campaign Co-chair Paula Robinson. “Every contribution makes a difference in enhancing the lives of the residents and members of our community.” Guardian Campaign contributions have an overall impact on the whole community at CESLC and specifically at the Hebrew Home of Greater Washington helping to offset the $1 million in undercompensated and uncompensated care the Hebrew Home provides each year. Community support of the Guardian Campaign enables the organization to maintain critical services for older adults in our community. The demand for high quality care and superior services for older adults will increase Every contribution makes in the coming years: by 2025, the 75 and older population is a difference in enhancing the projected to grow 41 percent lives of the residents and in Montgomery County. “These are not just statistics,” members of our community. said Director of Annual Giving — Paula Robinson, Guardian Campaign Co-chair Lauren Fielding. “These are people who will benefit from the generous contributions that come in thanks to the enduring work of our Guardian Campaign volunteers. We are incredibly grateful for their commitment and can’t thank them enough for all their efforts.”

‘‘

’’

TO LEARN HOW TO MAKE A DONATION OR BECOME INVOLVED with the Guardian Campaign, contact Lauren Fielding, director, Annual Giving at 301.816.7746. n

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Our calendar SEPTEMBER

29 – 30 Yom Kippur

20 – 22 Rosh Hashanah

NOVEMBER continued Leaders Luncheon Seminar 15 Faith Walking Together: Strategies for Faith

OCTOBER

Leaders, Allied Professionals and Community Partners to assist Older Victims of Abuse 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Wasserman Residence, Social Hall Information 301.770.8329 www. smithlifecommunities.org

15 Bring family and friends to support CESLC by registering to participate or volunteer. 8:30 a.m. Federal Plaza, Rockville Registration: www.smithlifecommunities.org Brunch 29 Bagel Topic: Retire Your Way: Plan Now for Success

Speakers: Lizabeth Wagger, Financial Advisor, First Financial Group and Amy K. Harbison, CPCC, ACC, Certified Transition Coach, Open Window Coaching 9:30 a.m. Brunch | 9:45 a.m. Discussion Wasserman Residence 6121 Montrose Road, Rockville, MD Registration: www.smithlifecommunities.org

Lizabeth Wagger

DECEMBER

Remember This Lecture Series How Heart Health Affects Brain Health Speaker: Rebecca Gottesman, MD, PhD

Open House at Ring House 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. Tour our independent living residence RSVP: 301.816.5052

Remember This: Lecture Series Alzheimer’s Disease: What does age have to do with it? Speaker: Marie A. Bernard, MD, Deputy Director of the National Institute

Amy Harbison

Associate Professor of Neurology, with a joint appointment in Epidemiology at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health 5:30 p.m. Registration and Buffet Dinner | 6 p.m. Program | Free event Landow House Theater | 1799 E. Jefferson Street, Rockville RSVP required to berkman@ceslc.org | 301.816.5052

U.S. Navy Memorial Museum 701 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC The President’s Circle Dinner is generously hosted by the Jonathan S. and Patricia G. England Foundation Complimentary valet parking Dietary laws observed. Info: 301.816.7746

on Aging (NIA) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). 5:30 p.m. Registration and Light Supper| 6 p.m. Program | Free event Landow House Theater | 1799 E. Jefferson Street, Rockville RSVP required to berkman@ceslc.org | 301.816.5052

NOVEMBER

President’s Circle Dinner 19 6:30 p.m.

Game Day at Ring House 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Lunch at noon, $5 1801 E. Jefferson Street, Rockville Free transportation from Leisure World, 9:30 a.m. RSVP: 301.816.5052

Donor Thank You!

Join us for an evening with Cory Kahaney, one of America’s premiere stand up comediennes. She recently appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, was a hit on the 2016 season of America’s Got Talent and was featured in Catskills on Broadway. Cory has performed a record 7 times on The Late, Late Show with Craig Ferguson and is also a regular on The View, Fox & Friends and The Moms. Cory is best known as a grand finalist on NBC’s Last Comic Standing and was named Best Comedian in NYC by Backstage and Best Female Comedian NYC by the Manhattan Association of Cabarets. 6:30 p.m. | AMP at Pike and Rose This event is complimentary for households with 2017 gifts of $500 or more to Charles E. Smith Life Communities. Cocktails and dinner are included. For more information contact 301.770.8329

Community Movie Night If You’re Not in the Obit, Eat Breakfast | Movie screening and panel discussion In this heartwarming documentary, Carl Reiner tracks down celebrated nonagenarians and centenarians including Mel Brooks, 90, Dick Van Dyke, 91, Norman Lear, 94 and Betty White, 95, who show that the later years can be the happiest and most rewarding. 6:45 p.m. | VisArts of Rockville | Information 301-770-8329

Online now at www.smithlifecommunities.org: Registration for all events Volunteer and career opportunities

Rosh Hashanah services at the Hebrew Home, 1935.

Contact us: 301.770.8448 | www.smithlifecommunities.org n H ebrew Home Post-Acute Care Center and Long-Term Care 301.770.8476

Page 8 | September 2017

House n Cohen-Rosen 301.816.5050

™ Center n ElderSAFE n H irsh Health Center 301.816.5099 301.816.5004

n L andow House 301.816.5050

n R evitz House 301.770.8450

n Ring House 301.816.5012

To register and learn more about community events, resident programs, and news for families, visit www.smithlifecommunities.org. Follow CESLC on:

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N â&#x20AC;&#x201D; S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 7

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Style

Arts &

The Simon and Garfunkel Story, coming to Strathmore, traces the rise of the iconic duo. See story on page 64.

Sondheim at Signature is musical magic Here we are especially rewarded because Schaeffer has pared away the pretensions that can so easily be attached to this musical, apparently due to the rigors of the music, with its occasionally operatic singing demands. He gets to the heart of what Sondheim and Wheeler created for us: exceedingly sublime music, to be sure (much of it in waltzes of various rhythms), and really funny farce. But the farce comes out of unusually layered characters, even as they often engage in sharp-tongued and clever repartee. So itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all quite tricky.

PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER MUELLER

By Michael Toscano The best theater creates a sort of airtight chamber in which you are totally isolated from the world of reality. Indeed, your only â&#x20AC;&#x153;realityâ&#x20AC;? for a time is the world conjured up before you, enveloping you with words, the music, in this case, and the physical aura of the actors. Those elements combine with the skill and technical expertise of artists and craftspeople to release you from the mundane and let you soar on imagination. Everything else drops away. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what is achieved at some point early in the second act of the transcendent production of Sondheimâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s A Little Night Music, now onstage at Signature Theatre through October 8. We go to see a show by Stephen Sondheim because we love â&#x20AC;&#x201D; we need â&#x20AC;&#x201D; his music and his lyrics. (Book here by Hugh Wheeler.) We go to see a Sondheim show at Signature Theatre because we know it will be staged about as well as it can be staged. And we go to Signature Theatre to see a Sondheim show directed by Eric Schaeffer because we just have to, thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all.

Casting a spell A Little Night Music is a Tony Awardwinner with one of Sondheimâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most singular hit songs, the poignant â&#x20AC;&#x153;Send in the Clowns,â&#x20AC;? along with the popular-amongBroadway-fans thematic anthem â&#x20AC;&#x153;A Weekend in the Countryâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Liaisons.â&#x20AC;? Because this musical is â&#x20AC;&#x153;suggested by a film by Ingmar Bergman,â&#x20AC;? as the credits always officiously announce, the story of a disparate group of people remembering love, mourning love, looking for love and finding love takes place in 1900 Sweden.

OPEN NING AUGUS T 31

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Longtime Washington actress Holly Twyford makes her musical debut in Signature Theatreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s production of Stephen Sondheimâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s A Little Night Music. She plays Desiree Armfeldt, whose love life and career are fading.

It begins to cast the early stages of its spell as early as the second number of act one â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Night Waltz,â&#x20AC;? with choreographer Karma Campâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s graceful pairings in

dance moving to the frictionless orchestration. See NIGHT MUSIC, page 62

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Familiar faces

Night Music From page 61 That the spell takes so long to achieve its full measure (the second act, remember?), its power slowly building, is a tribute to Schaeffer’s discipline and trust in his audience. It might be a bit disconcerting to see the characters so broadly played for laughs when the package they are presented in is so elegant. But slowly, subtly, we see the valiant effort to accept the passage of time by a former femme fatale (Signature stalwart Florence Lacy) now at the point where she is planning her funeral with dark pleasure. We see the inner turmoil and intense sexual frustration of the young preacher-to-be (Sam Ludwig). And we sympathize with the actress (Holly Twyford), whose fading career coincides with a sliding in the quality of her love life. Her former flame (Bobby Smith) is now trapped in an unconsummated marriage with an 18-year-old vivacious bubblehead. It’s funny. They play it funny. But first they make the characters real, as do the supporting cast members with their roles — too numerous to mention here.

So this is a good place to address one of the central questions of this production, a question that can be summed up with two words and a question mark: Holly Twyford? She is, quite simply, one of Washington’s best actors and has been for a long time. We fans love her ability to breathe life into roles, not infrequently in smallish, intimate plays. She can play mean; she can play sweet; she can play beguiling, and she can play a manipulative, amoral bitch. But she has never before, as far as I know, sung a note in musical theater. So, you want to know, how does she do? Here’s your answer: well enough. She will never be mistaken for Julie Andrews. In fact, when she sings she sounds an awful lot like Bette Davis singing. But because Twyford is such a talented actor, it sounds as if the character, a somewhat coarsened character after a few decades descending in second-rate tours, is supposed to sound like Bette Davis singing. And I’m fine with that. Moving on… It’s also fun to see Will Gartshore back at Signature, transforming himself from leading-man type to character actor as a ridiculous dragoon who is the Twyford character’s current convenient lover. It’s

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one of several roles meant just for buffoonery, and he fully buffoons to great audience delight. I mentioned that all the work building characters while also being funny in act one reaches its artistic climax conveniently enough in act two. Shortly after Gartshore and the vibrant Bobby Smith face off with “It Would Have Been Wonderful” as more duel than duet, something quite magical happens that kicks the enterprise up into another dimension, where it stays until the end. It sounds ridiculous, I know. But the moment is a scenic transition that is the most beautiful, sublime transition I have ever seen. As we wait for a dinner scene to begin, a long table begins to fly in from above. The lights are dim, except for a striking, blue-tinged light (lighting by Colin K. Bills) seemingly emanating from within the unique panels (set by Paul Tate Depoo III) that grace the rear of the stage and suggest a variety of settings. The table slowly descends, faux candles flickering as light piano notes tinkle in an oh-so-Sondheim-ish manner. (There needs to be an award category for this.) From then until the end, your local reviewer is totally caught up in that magnificent chamber of imagination, transported. And by this point, the audience is so caught up in all of it, it only takes the very first hints of notes of “Send in the Clowns” for the tears to flow all around. Twyford and Smith give us a fully real-

ized “Clowns.” It’s a farewell to what was, a farewell to what might have been, and a clear-eyed look at what is, all wrapped in the sentimental song. That’s more than a little night music. That’s quite a lot. A Little Night Music continues through Oct. 8 at Signature Theatre’s MAX Theatre, 4200 Campbell Avenue, in Arlington. Discussion Nights: Wednesday, Sept. 13 and Tuesday, Sept. 19. Pride Night is Sept. 15, and there is an open-captioned performance Sunday, Sept. 17 at 2 p.m. Tickets range from $40 to $99. There are no discounts for seniors, but a limited amount of $40 tickets (typically in the sides and rear) are available for every performance at Signature. Rush tickets for $30 are available at the box office beginning one hour prior to show and are subject to availability on a first-come, first served basis. Tickets may be purchased online at www.signature-theatre.org, by calling Ticketmaster at (703) 573-SEAT, or by visiting the box office during business hours, weekdays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and weekends from noon to 6 p.m. The theater is accessible for people with disabilities, and it is recommended that special seating needs be mentioned when tickets are purchased. Free listening devices are available. Free parking is available in nearby public garages. For general information, contact Signature at (703) 820-9771 or visit www.signature-theatre.org.

THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE BAND WA S H I N G T O N , D . C . Colonel Larry H. Lang, Commander and Conductor

AMERICA’S NAVY: CELEBRATING 242 YEARS OF SERVICE

U.S. AIR FORCE

THURSDAY, OCT. 5 AT 7:30 P.M.

Birthday Concerts

The Music Center at Strathmore For free tickets and information visit www.strathmore.org or call 301-581-5100

Friday, September 15 at 7 p.m. Air Force Memorial Saturday, September 16 at 7 p.m. National Harbor

FREE! No tickets needed. Celebrate the Air Force’s Birthday with concerts presented by The U.S. Air Force Concert Band and Singing Sergeants! Outdoor concerts subject to cancellation. For more info, please visit our website.

www.usafband.af.mil

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 7

Aida

Photo by Cory Weaver

Nothing could hold her captive… except his heart.

September 9–23 | Opera House Music by Giuseppe Verdi / Libretto by Antonio Ghislanzoni TICKETS ON SALE NOW! KENNEDY-CENTER.ORG | (202) 467-4600 Tickets also available at the Box Office. Groups call (202) 416-8400. For all other ticket-related customer service inquiries, call the Advance Sales Box Office at (202) 416-8540. Major support for WNO is provided by Jacqueline Badger Mars. David and Alice Rubenstein are the Presenting Underwriters of WNO.

WNO acknowledges the longstanding generosity of Life Chairman Mrs. Eugene B. Casey. WNO’s Presenting Sponsor

Generous support for WNO Italian Opera is provided by Daniel and Gayle D’Aniello.

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1960s musical icons portrayed in shows By Barbara Ruben Fifty years ago, Janis Joplin exploded into the 1960s musical scene, her raw, bluesy voice belting out hits like â&#x20AC;&#x153;Me and Bobby McGeeâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Piece of My Heart.â&#x20AC;? Just three years later, she was dead, succumbing to a heroin overdose at age 27. By contrast, Paul Simon and Art Garfunkelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s softer folk-rock duo began 60 years ago, bringing their sublime harmonies to some of the best-known hits of the 1960s, such as â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Sound of Silenceâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bridge Over Troubled Water.â&#x20AC;? Like Joplin, however, the duo was gone by 1970, although both still perform as solo singers. The sounds and stories of both musical icons will be recounted at Strathmore

Music Center in N. Bethesda, Md., this fall. A Night with Janis Joplin, which had its world premiere at Arena Stage in Washington, D.C. before heading to Broadway four years ago, will have a revival on Nov. 19. The Simon and Garfunkel Story, which traces the duoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s formative years, will be performed on Sept. 22.

Channeling S&G The showâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s creator, Dean Elliott, says he has always been a fan of Simon and Garfunkel. He played the lead role in the musical Buddy â&#x20AC;&#x201D; The Buddy Holly Story and decided the duo would be a great next project. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I went through my personal music collection and found all my S&G records. I lis-

tened through them and thought there was a lot of material to work with,â&#x20AC;? he told the Beacon in an interview. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I then started to look into their story and found it fascinating, and needed to tell it. I thought the show would last a few months, and four years later we are bigger and better than ever,â&#x20AC;? said Elliott, who also played Simon in the show during its first years. The Simon and Garfunkel Story opened in London and has been performed in most of Europe and countries as far flung as South Africa, Singapore, Israel and Australia. Strathmore is among the first U.S. venues for the show as it starts its tour this month. The show combines actors/singers who portray the duo with video of 1960s America, giving audiences a feel for the atmosphere in which the artists were creating their music. The pair began their musical careers as Tom and Jerry (yes, after the cartoon cat and mouse) in high school in 1957. As Simon and Garfunkel, they released five albums as a duo before breaking up acrimoniously in 1970. In 1981, their reunion concert in New Yorkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Central Park attracted more than 500,000 people, at that time the largest-ever live concert attendance. The show â&#x20AC;&#x153;tells their story from child-

hood, right up to them splitting up in 1970. We then talk briefly about their solo careers, and end with a recreation of the 1981 Central Park reformation concert. We have video footage behind [them that] really takes our audience on a nostalgic trip through the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;60s,â&#x20AC;? Elliott said. Two young, relatively unknown singers play the parts â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Taylor Bloom as Paul Simon and Ryan Hunt as Art Garfunkel. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They are both exceptionally talented and do look like them,â&#x20AC;? Elliott said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is easy to find great singers, but to find two great singers with voices that blend as well as Paul and Art, thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the real challenge.â&#x20AC;? Many performances of The Simon and Garfunkel Story have sold out in tours elsewhere, and Elliott says that shows about musical icons, from the story of Carole King in Beautiful to A Night with Janis Joplin, are a trend. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;60s and â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;70s were the real heyday of recorded consumable popular music. It seems only natural that people want to look back and hear the personal stories behind those classic songs in that classic era,â&#x20AC;? Elliott said.

Joplin and her muses Mary Bridget Davies reprises her See STRATHMORE, page 65

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Books about baseball beckon to readers It’s the final month of the regular base- reached the pinnacle of his long baseball ball season; the pennant races are heating career starting at age 59, when he began up; post-season and the Fall managing the New York YanClassic are close at hand. kees to the first of seven The stories of our national World Series victories and 10 pastime and its history make pennants over 12 years. (“You great reading. Books commitcould look it up!” as he was ting to prose the tales of wont to remark.) unique — almost mythologiThis well-written account, cal — characters and their Casey Stengel, about the anclutch performances create a tics and accomplishment of permanent legacy and a Stengel’s long and fun-filled life, repository of the collective is a pleasure to read. You’ll find memory of days gone by. THE something to chuckle over Watching history unfold be- BIBLIOPHILE every few pages. By Dinah Rokach fore our eyes as the 2017 seaMining additional material son wraps is a good time to available since Robert Creamread about seasons past. er’s iconic 1984 biography, former YanCasey Stengel serves as a model for per- kees PR director Marty Appel brings to severance, staying active, and achieving light the many well-known players, sports high attainments in life’s golden years. He reporters, and management officials who

Strathmore From page 64 Broadway role as the Southern Comfortswigging, hard-partying Joplin. This show is less a biography, though, than a musical journey celebrating Joplin’s music as well as her biggest musical influences, including Aretha Franklin, Etta James, Odetta and Nina Simone. Exposure to the musical talents of blues artists Leadbelly, Bessie Smith and Big Mama Thornton in her teens influenced Texas-born Joplin’s decision to become a singer. She rose to fame after she appeared at 1967’s Monterey Pop Festival as lead singer of Big Brother and the Holding

Company. She also sang at Woodstock. But throughout the 1960s, Joplin battled addictions to methamphetamines, alcohol and heroin, passing away just days after her last recording, “Mercedes Benz,” in October 1970. She was inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995, and posthumously given a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005. Tickets for The Simon and Garfunkel Story range from $38 to $48, and those for A Night with Janis Joplin are $45 to $95. Strathmore is located at 5301 Tuckerman Lane, N. Bethesda, Md. To learn more or make reservations, see www.strathmore.org or call (301) 581-5800.

BEACON BITS

Sept. 24

POETRY TALK

The Library of Congress presents Tracy K. Smith, a Pulitzer Prizewinning poet and a professor at Princeton University, who will give her inaugural reading as the 22nd Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry at the Library of Congress on Wednesday, Sept. 13 at 7 p.m. The reading will be held in the Coolidge Auditorium on the ground floor of the Thomas Jefferson Building, at 10 First St. SE in Washington, D.C. A book signing and reception will follow. The event is free and open to the public, but tickets are required. For more information and to secure tickets, visit http://bit.ly/TracyKSmithTalk. The event also will be livestreamed on the Library’s Facebook page at facebook.com/libraryofcongress and its YouTube site (with captions) at youtube.com/LibraryOfCongress.

Onging

tirement, he lived to see his Amazin’s win the World Series in 1969 and the National League pennant in 1973. Casey Stengel: Baseball’s Greatest Character by Marty Appel, 432 pages, Doubleday hardcover, 2017. Baseball fans will be enchanted by Almost Perfect, the retelling of all the games in baseball history that missed being perfect at the 27th at bat or in extra innings. Joe Cox devotes a chapter to each of those 16 games, describing the contests See BOOKS, page 67

Do you have what it takes to inspire young minds?

wisdom

knowledge

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PIANO CONCERT

The Washington Piano Society presents a free concert on Sunday, Sept. 24 at 3 p.m. at Calvary Lutheran Church, located at 9545 Georgia Ave. in Silver Spring, Md., featuring works by Beethoven, Brahms, Chopin and Schumann. A reception catered by Sydney’s Market will follow. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated. For more information, visit www.dcpianosociety.org or call (301) 793-1863.

Sept. 13

intersected with Stengel through all the stages of his baseball career. Fans will enjoy remembering familiar tales, and learn new details of the life and times of the “Ol’ Perfessor.” Relive the pennant races and World Series games in which Stengel’s Yankees played. Stengel was fired as Yankees manager after his team lost to the Pirates in game seven of the 1960 World Series. He famously said, “I’ll never make the mistake of being 70 again.” He was subsequently hired to manage the New York Mets for their first four hapless seasons. During his years in active re-

If you’re age 50 or better, we invite you to learn about volunteering with the JCA® Heyman Interages® Center. We offer a variety of opportunities throughout Montgomery County to fit your passions and preferences.

Be a tutor. Be a mentor. Be a leader. Be a hero! To learn more, contact Leah Bradley at 301.255.4234 or lbradley@AccessJCA.org, or visit AccessJCA.org/Interages

CALLING SINGERS AGE 55+

Register to sing with Capital Encore Chorale, which rehearses on Wednesdays, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at First Congregational UCC, on the ground floor of an office building at 945 G St. NW in Washington, D.C. (at the corner of 10th and G Sts.). Auditions are not required. For information about fees and registration, visit www.EncoreCreativity.org, email info@EncoreCreativity.org or call (301) 261-5747.

JCA is a community partner of The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington and is a beneficiary of the United Way and Combined Federal Campaign.

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S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 7 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

AIDA

FREE SIMULCAST at Nationals Park

Saturday, September 23, 2017 at 7 p.m. Arrive early for family fun! Gates open at 5 p.m. for pre-opera activities M&M’S Ms. Brown s Photo Ops for kids of all ages Costume Dress-up Trunk s Face Painting & Craft Table The Warner Bros. cartoon “What’s Opera, Doc?” Performances by local artists s Chances to win amazing prizes Open Playground s And much more! ®

For more info, visit OperaintheOutfield.org

Major support for WNO is provided by Jacqueline Badger Mars. David and Alice Rubenstein are the Presenting Underwriters of WNO.

WNO acknowledges the longstanding generosity of Life Chairman Mrs. Eugene B. Casey. WNO’s Presenting Sponsor

Generous support for WNO Italian Opera is provided by Daniel and Gayle D’Aniello. Mars Incorporated Opera in the Outfield is brought to you by the M&M’S® Chocolate Candies and AMERICAN HERITAGE® Chocolate Brands; Louise Austin Remmey Trust, by JD Katz, P.C.; and the Washington Nationals.

Books From page 65 within the context of the baseball season, the rosters of the opposing teams, and the backgrounds of the starting pitchers. He recounts the later careers and post-baseball lives of the near-perfect pitchers, many of whom are obscure. The differing reactions to their brushes with history are telling. The book begins with an account of the Giants-Phillies game on July 4, 1908, and ends with the Nationals’ Max Scherzer’s complete game victory against the Pirates in June 2015. Both winning pitchers failed to reach perfection when they hit the batter, who would have been the 27th out. However, both games were no-hitters — the former in 10 innings, the latter in nine. Many near-perfect games were one-hitters; thereby keeping the pitchers out of the record books entirely. A few were perfect through the regulation nine, but, alas, eluded perfection as the tie games continued into extra innings. All but the first three of the near-perfect games occurred beginning in the late 1950’s. Readers will therefore enjoy being reacquainted with familiar players and teams and the plotlines of past campaigns. Since life is not perfect, the games become metaphors for the vicissitudes we have all faced. It’s the way adversity is handled by the different hurlers that is so fascinating and makes this book worth reading.

Almost Perfect: The Heartbreaking Pursuit of Pitching’s Holy G r a i l b y Jo e Cox, 280 pages, Lyons Press hardcover, 2017. In his book, Papi, David Ortiz, the Red Sox All-Star Designated Hitter and future Hall-ofFamer, covers all the bases of his controversial career. He richly evokes his youth in the Dominican Republic. His lighthearted reminiscences confronting minor league small town USA with only a modicum of English make great storytelling. His insights into the business of baseball, the front office, his own contract negotiations, and frank descriptions of his managers are all told with charm laced with just a tinge of tartness and a few fourletter words thrown in for authenticity. He puts his success in perspective by describing his early struggles in the major leagues. He retells the championship seasons with gusto and flourish. Fans will get an insider’s take on the BoSox’s transformation from repeated heartbreak and failure to their first championship in 86 years. Ortiz’s insights into the building blocks that create a championship team are incisive as you learn about the elements that

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Arts & Style

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 7

brought the team to repeat successes. When Big Papi confronts, toward the end of his book, the issue of his alleged steroid use, he has already shared much about his life. The reader has become engrossed in this man’s remarkable journey and perhaps mesmerized by the man himself. Ortiz provides an exculpatory explanation that will certainly satisfy his fans but may not convince the skeptics. A man who stayed close to his roots, righted a shaky marriage, and became a civic hero in the wake of the

Boston Marathon bombing — his story is one for the books. Papi: My Story by David Ortiz with Michael Holley, 272 pages, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt hardcover, 2017.

ANSWERS TO CROSSWORD

FROM PAGE 68 ANSWERS TO SCRABBLE

L I C I T

L O O T S

M A I L

O S T E O

W W E A D R

A T R I P

M A G S

A S I N I T N V I E S N I S H U G N E S W H I I R N A G

S A N O T M A N I S E O W P S I A T T I E D S E

P L O W S

O A T H

T R E A T O T A B O L I I T S P S O A I T S N T G E E R

P L E T A U T T U T O A B R E R A B N I G E E R

O S H U A U T C H T A B O O

I S U Z U

S T E T

H O N O R

O U T D O

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ANSWERS TO JUMBLE Jumbles: AGUE CUBIT FABLED JIGGER Answer: Even when the brothers got mad at each other, their anger was -- "RELATIVE"

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1 11558922

Stephen Sherr 5

25 29

47 49

Across 1 Ppetting zzoo pparticipant 6 Ladybug’s feature 10 Stylish 14 Greek letters that look like “I”‘s 15 Apple spray 16 Oahu to-to 17 Dog bred to herd cattle 18 Octave component 19 ___ A Sketch (1998 entry into the Toy Hall of Fame) 20 Start of a Roger Ebert quote (slightly edited to fit your screen) 23 Children’s Tylenol dosage unit 24 “___ corny as Kansas in August” 25 ___-frutti (Italian for “all fruits”) 28 It launched two days after Country Music Television (CMT) in 1983a 29 Hall-of-Famer Mel 30 Obnoxious jerk 32 Second part of quote 38 The A in NBA, but not MBA 39 Yale student 40 Move like The Blob 41 Third part of quote 46 Table holder 47 Push and pull 48 Start to -law or -med 49 “The real secrets are not the ___ tell” (Mason Cooley) 51 Ride in a hot air balloon 53 Owl’s question 56 Conclusion of quote 59 Global conflict that led to the Baby Boom 62 Darken a car window 63 Last inning, usually 64 Get what you deserve 65 A quarter’s has 119 ridges 66 Crystal-lined stone 67 Some Like It Hot costumes 68 Tarot card dealer 69 Screw-up

58 63

56 59

Jumble answers on p. 67.

Scrabble answers on p. 67.

Down 1 Culturally acceptable 2 Takes during the riot 3 ___ to the Moon (Groundbreaking 1902 moving picture) 4 GQ and SI 5 Senseless 6 Mr. Claus, to pals 7 John Deere’s were made of steel 8 ___ of Office 9 Pick up the tab 10 Skirt fold 11 Like last year’s styles 12 ___ fly (run-scoring out in baseball) 13 “Can you say that again?” 21 Prefix for -potent or -present 22 Item in a ballerina’s wardrobe 26 Culturally unacceptable 27 Japanese car maker 28 Fancy popcorn holders 29 Brief newspaper bio. 31 Proofer’s second thought 32 Pony Express delivery 33 Bone: Prefix 34 Hand-gesture of peace 35 Uses needles and thread 36 Heavyweight champion during the US bicentennial 37 One of Hamlet’s options 42 Quiet down, please 43 Poppy products 44 Fitness centers 45 Select the bride and groom 50 “Dallas” family name 51 Burn slightly 52 Cousin to a weasel or badger 53 Present a Lifetime Achievement Award 54 Perform better than 55 “It’s always one thing or the ___” 57 Top selling liquid laundry detergent 58 German beer 59 Walk down the aisle 60 ___ and Peace 61 Gold fund, reserved for one’s golden years

Answers on page 67.

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 7

Letters to editor From page 2 This is something to ponder as well when mulling over government-provided healthcare. Gerald Schneider Kensington, Md. Dear Editor: I always read the Beacon editorials and find them well done, but this latest one prompts me to respond. It focuses on the Charlie Gard story of recent months. Your editorial implies that few care about those suffering in refugee camps and in lives of extreme poverty as much as they do about this one child. We of this generation are the ones supporting privately with millions of dollars a year those very victims. Our private citizens are off the charts in their donations to causes like Doctors Without Borders, Mercy Corps, Operation Smile, etc. Otherwise, those agencies could not function. Americans are by far the most generous private donors in the world community of nations, but it’s seldom acknowledged because it’s good news. I believe that the donations to help Charlie’s family to get him here for treatment had multiple reasons for the giving. Many gave in protest because of the government controls over this family’s decision-making process. I would want my child to help other children by being part of research. Years ago, NIH contacted my parents because they had learned from our veterinarian that Schatzie had lived longer with leukemia than any dog they knew of. My parents donated Schatzie in the hope of finding a cure, and within months the Washington Post reported NIH having a significant breakthrough in childhood leukemia. And Schatzie was just a beloved dachshund. We will now never know what Charlie’s care might have led to for other children, and Charlie’s parents will not have the consolation of knowing their sacrifice was worth their pain. Dorie Ranaghan Laurel, Md. Dear Editor: The [“Spotlight on Aging”] Executive Director’s Message by Laura Newland in the August issue is excellent. Ms. Newland’s message about learning her family’s traits and skills should be spread to all the people raising the next generations. The statement, “And I think I wanted to remind them, and myself, that no matter where I live, I carry their gifts, and their parents’ gifts, with me.” sums up the whole message. Ellen-Jane Pairo Wheaton, Md.

Say you saw it in the Beacon

ONE BIG HAPPY By Rick Detorie

Dear Editor: The Beacon really brings in many audience members and their friends and family [to Piano Society concerts]. People tell me they heard about the concert from the Beacon. On July 23, more than 100 people came, and partly it was because of the Beacon! Ellen Tenenbaum The Washington Piano Society Dear Editor: In your Money Shorts segment in August, you mention phony IRS agents. Please also inform your readers about phony Social Security personnel. This information was brought up to me by a financial planner. Ahmed Omar Rockville, Md.

BEACON BITS

Ongoing

MARYLAND SENIOR OLYMPICS

Competitions in the Maryland Senior Olympics continue through Oct. 2, including billiards, basketball, golf, racquetball and other sports scheduled in Montgomery County. Registration for some activities is still available, and fans are welcome to cheer on competitors. To learn more, email info@mdseniorolympics.org or see http://www.mdseniorolympics.org.

WB 9/17

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CLASSIFIEDS The Beacon prints classified advertising under the following headings: Business & Employment Opportunities; Caregivers; Computer Services; Entertainment; For Sale; For Sale/Rent: Real Estate; Free; Health; Home/ Handyman Services; Miscellaneous; Personals; Personal Services; Vacation Opportunities; and Wanted. For submission guidelines and deadlines, see the box on page 71. CAVEAT EMPTOR! The Beacon does not knowingly accept obscene, offensive, harmful, or fraudulent advertising. However, we do not investigate any advertisers or their products and cannot accept responsibility for the integrity of either. Respondents to classified advertising should always use caution and their best judgment. EMPLOYMENT & REAL ESTATE ADS: We will not knowingly or intentionally accept advertising in violation of federal, state, and local laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, familial status or handicap in connection with employment or the sale or rental of real estate.

Business and Employment Opportunities FULL-TIME CPA POSITION in Rockville, MD. Must have knowledge of individual taxes, corporate, personal property, payroll. No auditing. Email Marylandcpa1@gmail.com. Harriot, 301-706-5836.

Caregivers CHEVY CHASE HOME CARE – reliable certified caregivers at time of illness, infirmity, loneliness. Personal assistance, ALL AGES, 4- to 24-hour shifts, homes, hospitals, nursing homes. MD, DC, No. VA. Tel.: 202-374-1240. www.ChChHomecare.com. “A” HOME HEALTH CARE – Experienced nurses, CNA, GNA are available 24/7. Cooking, companionship, personal care, housekeeping, driving. Full/Part-time or live-in. Flat rate for live-in care. 15 years’ experience. 240-533-6599. DO YOU NEED A PRIVATE CAREGIVER? After years of experience in adult care through reputable agencies, I have now decided to go private. If you need a compassionate, knowledgeable and experienced caregiver, please call Royal, 301-339-3469. References available. Thanks. LICENSED CAREGIVER/NURSE seeks position immediately — 25 years experience. Available for 6-8 hours per day, 5 days per week. Call Ms. Stamford. Cell, 240-351-7295. ELDERLY CARE — MALE PROVIDER, English speaking, with car. I’m experienced in caring for people with MS, Alzheimer’s and other health issues. Excellent references. 301633-1150. “CARE YOU CAN TRUST AND AFFORD.” Loving, experienced caregiver for companionship, medication reminders, hygiene care, meal preparation, housekeeping, errands, Dr. appointments. Full/part-time, flat rate for day or live-in care. One week free. Call 301-490-1146. A LOVING, CARING, COMPASSIONATE, dependable and reliable caregiver with years of experience and references for your loved ones. Has experience with MS, Alzheimer’s, diabetics and other health problems. Please call 301-9089134.

Computer Services PROBLEM WITH YOUR PC/MAC OR NETWORK? Computer Systems Engineer will come to you with help. Call: David G at 301-642-4526.

For Sale/Rent: Real Estate ROOMS MONTPELIER/LAUREL: Female, non-smoker, no pets, upstairs, drug free and quiet. Kitchen (own refrigerator), laundry, patio. Full-time employed, own auto. Pool/tennis access. 1-301-676-3996.

S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 7 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

For Sale/Rent: Real Estate

For Sale

Wanted

CONDO FOR SALE, 1010 sq. ft, living room, dining area, kitchen with glass top range, refrigerator/freezer, cherry wood cabinets throughout condo, large bedroom, walk-in closet, 2 full baths, den, in retirement community, located in Salisbury, MD, ½ hour from Ocean City, MD. Call 410-618-2400.

DISCOUNTED PRICES FOR stony table, set of 6 chairs, wall unit 4 sections, bedroom set (king size bed), coffee tables (set of 3), floor lamp, crystal night lamps (set of 2), light leafdrop dinner table, rug 7x10 ft., clock in woodcut, a few oil paintings. Munjia, 301-622-3691.

TIRED OF POLISHING YOUR SILVER? Turn it into cash, which does not tarnish. I will come to your home and give you a free evaluation of what I can pay. I buy all gold and silver jewelry, including broken pieces, all sterling silver, gold and silver coins, gold watches, etc. I am licensed with both Maryland and Montgomery County (lic. #2327). If you decide to sell, I can buy your items at that time, but there is no obligation. Call Bob, Gold 4 Good, (240) 938-9694.

TWO-BEDROOM, 2 ½ BATH, two-story Leisure World townhome. New paint and carpeting. Updated kitchen, outdoor rear balcony. $1,650, includes all utilities and basic cable. 301-873-7654. RENTING FURNISHED ONE-BEDROOM, one full bath for $750 per month, including utilities. Also selling three-piece living room set $800. If interested, please call 240-350-9392. FURNISHED ROOM AVAILABLE from Oct. 1st in Takoma Park. No smoking, no pets or drugs. $650 a month, utilities included. $300 deposit. Senior preferred. Call 301-439-8017 and leave message. Note: will be back from vacation Sept. 28, 2017. HOME & ESTATE MANAGEMENT SERVICES. Declutter, clean, coordinate estate sale, repair, paint, beautify. Make home safer to live in or ready to sell. Liz Jessup, 202-965-4369. MATURE LADY WOULD LIKE TO RENT your basement. Can afford $800 a month and can provide help with animals, garden or running errands. 25-year resident of DC. Great references. Linda, 202-243-9542. LEISURE WORLD® — $289,000. 2BR 2FB “QQ” in Vantage Point East. Open table space kitchen, new paint, master bath with separate tub and shower. 1335 sq ft. Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors. 301-928-3463. LEISURE WORLD® — $425,000. 2 BR + Den, 2FB, “Q” in Overlook. Wood floors, golf course view, granite and stainless TS kitchen, separate dining room, custom closets. 1520 sq ft. Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors. 301-928-3463. LEISURE WORLD® — $380,000. 3 BR 2 FB “JJ” in Overlook. 1st floor, open kitchen, enclosed balcony + open terrace, new paint, wood Floors. 1560 sq ft. Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors. 301-928-3463. LEISURE WORLD® — $290,000. 3 BR 2 FB “L” with garage in Greens, golf course view, new paint and carpet. 1610 sq ft. Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors. 301-928-3463. LEISURE WORLD® — $TBD. 2BR 2FB “E” model in Greens. New paint and carpet, enclosed balcony, 990 sq ft. Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors. 301-928-3463. LEISURE WORLD® — $219,000. 2 BR 2 FB “C” in Vantage West, new paint, new carpet, golf course view. 1090 sq ft. Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors. 301-928-3463. LEISURE WORLD® — $ 195,000. 2 BR, 2-1/2 Baths. Berkeley townhouse, updated kitchen and baths, wood floors, great views. 1600 sq ft. Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors. 301-928-3463. LEISURE WORLD® — $ 265,000. 2BR 2FB “FF” in Overlook. Open kitchen, separate dining room, new paint, enclosed balcony. 1320 sq ft. Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors. 301-928-3463. LOOKING TO TAKE THE LEAP? I’ll take you on a tour of the community, show you floor plans, discuss campus amenities, & offer how to best coordinate your move. I will set up an automated online search for you, preview units, and contact you to arrange a showing when there is a match. I also offer exceptional service selling your home. I’m a Seniors Specialist, Buyer Broker, Top 1% of Agents Nationwide, and a Leisure World resident! You can see my current listings in this issue. Contact me: 301-580-5556, SueHeyman@aol.com, www.SueHeyman.com, Weichert Realtors.

2 SALVADOR DALI woodblock prints from Dante’s Divine Comedy. Signed and framed. Asking $900 for the pair. Can email pictures if desired. Call Steve, 410-913-1653.

Miscellaneous STOP AND READ — SAVE MONEY ON YOUR CABLE cost. Get all your major network channels! All your sports, including NFL, MLB, NBA, NCA. Soccer, PPV etc. Get your premium channels too! This is awesome — must-see TV — Several languages! But wait there’s more… this is a new advanced technology WIFI in HD. Can view on multiple devices simultaneously. Access on your computer, Smart TV, Tablet, Smartphone, PS4, Xbox, etc. great on media boxes, Amazon sticks, soon for HULU too. You get it all — the premiere price is only $39, no contracts! For more information, call Sale at 1804-539-3840. Subscribe today at www.orderyourviptv.com.

Personals AN UNCLAIMED SENSUAL TREASURE — Sixties, female, creative, self-assured, romantic and attractive! Seeking a confident, honest, romantic and adventuresome, communicative male. Prefer someone who loves children and animals, and with a compassionate heart of gold! Hope to form a friendship to build a deeper relationship. No SCAMS please. Contact, WomenofValors3471@gmail.com. NO ONE DESERVES TO BE LONELY! Find your lifemate through our nationwide listings of single Christian seniors of all ages seeking lifetime companionship. For complete details, call 1-800-879-4258.

Personal Services TURN YOUR SILVER AND OLD GOLD jewelry into cash and do something good for yourself. Gold 4 Good buys gold and silver jewelry, including broken pieces, all sterling silver, gold watches and gold and silver coins. I will come to your house and give you a free evaluation of what I can pay. If you decide to sell, I can buy your items at that time, but there is no obligation. Licensed with both Maryland and Montgomery County (lic. #2327). Call Bob, (240) 9389694. CLEANING SERVICES. Reasonable rates. Friendly service. Reliable, responsible and experienced. Call “Lu,” 240-593-7829. HOUSE CLEANING SERVICE — Looking to clean houses. Good references and experienced. Please call Vio, 301-706-6317.

BURIAL RIGHTS, 4-157A-4. GROUND BURIAL sites, $2,200. Parklawn Memorial Park, Rockville, MD. Call Jim, 301-881-4148.

BUYING MILITARY MEMORABILIA WW2, WW1, Civil War uniforms, weapons, photos and items associated with US, German, Japanese or items of other Military History. DAVE, 240-4640958. HIGHEST CASH PAID FOR ANTIQUES, JEWELRY, ESTATES. I have been advertising in the Beacon for 20 years. Montgomery County resident – will travel to D.C., MD, VA. Buying following items: Furniture, art, jewelry, gold, sterling silver, old coins, vintage pocket and wrist watches, old tools, books, camera, military items – guns, rifles, knives, pocket knives, swords etc. Also buying: old toys, dolls, trains, comic books, photographs, autographs, musical instruments, guitars, violins, etc. Also old sports memorabilia and equipment – baseball, golf, football, fishing etc. Please call Tom at 240-4763441. FINE ANTIQUES, PAINTINGS AND QUALITY VINTAGE FURNISHINGS wanted by a serious, capable buyer. I am very well educated [law degree], knowledgeable [over 40 years in the antique business] and have the finances and wherewithal to handle virtually any situation. If you have a special item, collection or important estate, I would like to hear from you. I pay great prices for great things in all categories from Oriental rugs to Tiffany objects, from rare clocks to firearms, from silver and gold to classic cars. If it is wonderful, I am interested. No phony promises or messy consignments. References gladly furnished. Please call Jake Lenihan, 301-2798834. Thank you. STAMP COLLECTIONS, AUTOGRAPHS purchased/appraised – U.S., worldwide, covers, paper memorabilia. Stamps are my specialty – highest price paid! Appraisals. Phone Alex, 301309-3622. Stampex1@gmail.com. MILITARY ITEMS WANTED: Collector seeks to purchase military uniforms; flight jackets, patches, insignia, medals, etc. from the Civil War through Vietnam. Especially seeking U.S. Army Air Corps, USMC, Airborne, and German/Japanese/Italian items from WWII. ALSO BUYING old Boy Scout, Airline Items, Toys, Lighters. Call Dan, 202-841-3062.

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZER: Everything from photos to paperwork to pesky clutter. Downsizing, setting up a new home, and time management! Liz, 228-332-0961. FINE CLEANING AND ORGANIZING of apartment, house or office. 20 years experience with solid references. Free estimate. Candida, 301-367-6566.

WANTED: OLDER VIOLINS, Guitars, Banjos, Mandolins, etc. Musician/collector will pay cash for older string instruments. Jack, 301- 2792158.

READY TO DE-CLUTTER? Sort, donate, discard. Reasonable rates. Call Jan, 301-933-7570.

BUYING VINYL RECORDS from 1950 through 1985. Jazz, Rock-n-Roll, Soul, Rhythm & Blues, Reggae and Disco. 33 1/3 LPs, 45s or 78s, Larger collections of at least 100 items wanted. Please call John, 301-596-6201.

Wanted

STAIRLIFT ELETRONICALLY OPERATED, recently serviced, provides a safe lift up a flight of stairs. $500 (new price $3,500). 301873-7654 for more information.

CASH FOR JEWELRY: gold, silver, costume, diamonds, watches, scrap gold, coins. Call Gary, 301-520-0755. www.atticllc.com.

LADY WHO LOVES FINE CHINA and crystal would like to buy yours. Especially interested in figurines and dishes by the following makers: Herend, Johnson Brothers, Lenox, Lladro, Meissen, Rosenthal, Royal Copenhagen, Shelley, Spode, Wedgwood, Baccarat, Lalique and Waterford stemware and miscellaneous. Bone china cups and saucers, quality dog and cat figurines and sterling silver flatware and hollowware also. 301-785-1129.

YOUR CAR CONCIERGE. Facilitate the sale, trade, maintenance, repairs for your car, pickup and return. Experienced, excellent service, very reasonable rates. Paul Maloni, 301-385-4919, pjm20904@yahoo.com.

For Sale KING DAVID CEMETERY internment properties for sale. Two sites adjacent, stackable, premium location. $9,000. $1,200 below cemetery list price. If interested, H: 301-530-8112, C: 301-641-0131.

CASH FOR ESTATES: jewelry to furniture, rugs, tribal/cultural items, large range of items considered. Buy-out/cleanup. Call Gary, 301520-0755. www.atticllc.com.

MONEY, TIME TO SELL! Make the right choice. Call Greg, 717-658-7954. We buy jewelry, coins, silver, antiques, watches, gold, art, paper money, toys, bottles, etc. No middleman, no fees, no overhead means more money for your stuff. Give me a call, and let’s do business.717-6587954. CASH FOR RECORDS, CDs, DVDs AND TAPES. Best price guaranteed. Free appraisals. All types of music, 33, 45, 78 & CDs. Call Steve 301-646-5403. Will make house calls.

CASH FOR JEWELRY: Buying jewelry, diamonds, gold, platinum, silver, watches, coins, flatware, etc. We make house calls. Ask for Tom. Call anytime 301-654-8678 or 301-654-0838. GOLD, SILVER, ANTIQUES — Private collector buying what you have for over 40 years! Wanted: Jewelry, Flatware, Holloware, Antiques, Men’s Magazines (pre-1971), Playboys (1953-1959), Comic Books, Coins, Stamps and other old stuff. Call or Text Alex Now. 571-4265363.

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 7

Wanted COLLECTOR BUYING MILITARY ITEMS: Helmets, weapons, knives, swords, bayonets, web gear, uniforms, etc. from all wars and countries. Also Lionel Toy Trains, and coin operated machines. Will pay top prices for my personal collection. Discreet consultations. Call Fred, 301-910-0783.

Say you saw it in the Beacon

Wanted WE PAY CASH for antique furniture, quality used furniture, early American art, pottery, silver, glassware, paintings, etc. Single items to entire estates. Call Reggie or Phyllis at DC 202-726-4427, MD 301-332-4697.

Thanks for reading!

BEACON BITS

Sept. 13

JEWISH CELLO & PIANO CONCERT

Fairfax Symphony Orchestra and the Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia present “My Journey with Jewishness” on Wednesday, Sept. 13 at 7 p.m. with Amit Peled on cello and Stefan Petrov on piano. This program follows renowned cellist Amit Peled’s personal, musical and spiritual journey — from his childhood growing up on a small kibbutz in Israel listening to his mother singing the traditional tune “Eli Eli,” to playing Max Bruch’s Kol Nidrei as a young cellist and personally connecting with the Yom Kippur message. Regular tickets cost $25; $22 for members and $35 for premium reserved. The concert will take place at the center, located at 8900 Little River Turnpike in Fairfax, Va. For more information, call (703) 537-3036.

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING RATES Deadlines and Payments: Ad text and payment is due by the 20th of each month. Note: Only ads received and prepaid by the deadline will be included in the next month’s issue. Please type or print your ad carefully. Include a number where you can be reached in the event of a question. Payment is due with ad. We do not accept ads by phone or fax, nor do we accept credit cards. Private Party Text Ads: For individuals seeking to buy or sell particular items, or place a personal ad. Each ad is $15 for 25 words, 25 cents for each additional word. Business Text Ads: For parties engaged in an ongoing business enterprise. Each ad is $35 for 25 words, 50 cents for each additional word. Note: Each real estate listing counts as one business text ad. Send your classified ad with check or money order, payable to the Beacon, to:

The Beacon, D.C. Classified Dept. P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915-2227 For information about display advertising, or to request a media kit, call (301) 949-9766.

ADVERTISERS IN THIS ISSUE Clinical Studies Hearing Study ..........................29

Computer/ Technology Help TechMedic4u..............................9

Dental Services Cavallo, Joseph P., DDS...........32 Friedman, Stephen, DDS .........22 Oh, Judy, DDS .........................21

Events Beacon 50+Expo ....................3-5 Falls Prevention Month ............30 GROWS Networking................32 Opera in the Outfield ...............66

Financial Services Capital Bank...............................6 Children’s National Hospital....39 Mortgage Network Solutions ...35 PENFED Credit Union ............36

Funeral Services Going Home Cremation...........52

Government Services DC Office on Aging ...........44-45 Enhanced Mobility Programs ..39 MC311 .....................................32 Montgomery County Aging and Disability Services ..........12, 27 Montgomery County Senior Nutrition Line........................16

Home Health Care/ Companion Services Ameristar Healthcare Services 21

A Second Me . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50 Best Senior Care . . . . . . . . . . .47 Holy Cross Home Care . . . . . .18 Options for Senior America .....50

Housing Ashby Ponds...............................9 Aspenwood Senior Living........22 Atrium Assisted Living ............11 Bayleigh Chase ........................50 Brooke Grove Retirement Village. .........33, 72 Buckingham’s Choice ..............50 Chesterbrook Residences .........48 Churchill Senior Living ...........14 Crossings at Spring Hill, The ...17 Culpepper Garden ....................41 Fairhaven ..................................50 Falcons Landing .......................19 Friendship Terrace....................23 Gardens of Traville, The...........20 Greenspring................................9 Homecrest House .....................51 Kentlands Manor Senior Apartments.................25 Olney Assisted Living..............20 Overture Fair Ridge..................11 Park View .................................40 Paul Spring Retirement Community.........13 Quantum Property Mgmt..............8 Rainier Manor..............................14 Residences at Thomas Circle, The ..............8, 29 Riderwood..................................9 Springvale Terrace....................23 Tall Oaks ..................................31 Victory Terrace.........................25 Village at Rockville, The .........18

Vinson Hall Retirement Community.........29 Waltonwood .............................16

Legal Services Law Firm of Evan Farr.............37 Law Offices of Paul Riekhof ...39

Medical/Health CareFirst...................................26 Holy Cross Germantown Hospital ...........15 Low Vision Center ...................17 Medical Eye Center..................52 Philips Lifeline.........................13 Silver Spring Medical Center...31 Virginia Hospital Center ..........13

Miscellaneous Career Gateway ........................43 LifeTimes Newsletter...............53 Oasis Senior Advisors ..............25 Sales Consultant Wanted..........38 Senior Zone..............................67

Real Estate

Healthy Back Store ....................7 Perfect Sleep Chair...................28 Quingo Scooter ........................42 Quinn’s Auction Galleries ........36 SAS Shoes................................26

Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Brooke Grove Rehab..........33, 72 Communicare Health ...............21 Manor Care Health Services.................................27 Village at Rockville, The .........31

Subscriptions Beacon Newspaper...................69 Washington Jewish Week.........52

Theatre/ Entertainment Ford’s Theatre...........................61 Kennedy Center .......................63 Toby’s Dinner Theatre ..............61 US Air Force Band ...................62 US Navy Band .........................62

Tour & Travel

Jim Miller.................................23 Long & Foster/Eric Stewart .41,64 Long & Foster/ Inderjeet Jumani....................38 Long & Foster/ Walter Johnson ......................48 Retiree Real Estate Course.......35 Weichert/Sue Heyman..............36

Eyre Travel ...............................47 Nexus Holidays ........................49 Shillelaghs, The Travel Club ....51 Travel West Virginia.................48 Tripper Bus ..............................51 US Navy Memorial ..................47 Vamoose...................................49

Restaurants

Volunteers

Original Pancake House...........64

AARP Virginia .........................24 EveryMind ...............................17 JCA Heyman Interages Center. ...................65

Retail/Pawn/Auction CIRCA .....................................37

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S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 7 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

September 2017

UPCOMING SEMINARS & EVENTS at Brooke Grove retirement village

As experts in senior care and memory support, Brooke Grove Retirement Village is pleased to offer seminars and events that promote physical, spiritual and mental well-being. All seminars and events will be held at Brooke Grove Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, located at 18131 Slade School Road on the Brooke Grove Retirement Village campus, unless otherwise noted. Please register with Toni Davis at 301-388-7209 or tdavis@bgf.org.

healthy living class: Everyday Balance September 11 through October 18 MONDAYS & WEDNESDAYS 10-10:30 A.M.

Learn techniques and exercises to improve balance and reduce your risk of falls. Six-week Session Fee: $30 Register by September 8

living well seminar: “Walking: The Miracle Exercise”

Alzheimer’s Support Group WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 3:30-4:30 P.M.

support for the caregiver seminar: “Understanding and Responding to Dementia-related Behavior”

MONDAYS & WEDNESDAYS 3:30-4:30 P.M.

Improve posture, balance and circulation while also increasing strength, muscle control and mobility.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 • 2-3 P.M.

Learn how to decode behavioral messages, identify common behavior triggers and explore strategies to intervene appropriately. FREE Register by September 24

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 1-2:15 P.M.

Motivate yourself! Learn the health benefits of walking and explore the research behind them. FREE Register by September 18

Parkinson’s Exercise Classes

Parkinson’s Support Group 2ND WEDNESDAY OF EACH MONTH 2 P.M.

Healthy Living Class: Walking Club September 27 through November 1 WEDNESDAYS • 11-11:30 A.M.

A weekly stroll through Brooke Grove’s beautiful, 220-acre campus. Six-week Session Fee: $20 Register by September 24

18100 Slade School Road, Sandy Spring, MD 20860

301-260-2320 · www.bgf.org

Independent living

assisted living

rehabilitation

long-term care

memory support