January 2018 | Howard County Beacon by The Beacon Newspapers

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More than 30,000 readers throughout Howard County

TV to protect our fragile world

A concern for the future Nature and environmental documentaries are growing in popularity, English said. They are being screened at festivals all over the country, including at the annual Environmental Film Festival held each year in the Washington area. Universities have also inaugurated courses in environmental documentary making. English is an adjunct professor at American University in Washington, D.C., where he teaches at their Center for Environmental Filmmaking. According to a statement, the Center “was founded on the belief that powerful films, images and stories can play a key role in fostering conservation and bringing about change.” Moviegoers first started taking such documentaries box-office serious in 2006,

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PHOTO COURTESY OF MPT

By Robert Friedman From fly fishing in the hemlock-shaded tributaries of the Savage River in Garrett County, to exploring the marshes and woodlands of Dorchester County that Harriet Tubman traversed to lead slaves north, Mike English is an intrepid explorer of Maryland’s natural environment. His Maryland Public Television (MPT) show, “Outdoors Maryland,” has given viewers more than 700 vivid slices of the state’s environmental treasures since it started airing in 1987. English, who lives in Columbia, began his role as the show’s executive producer 26 years ago. The Emmy award-winning show’s 30th season began in November. “I like to tell stories about people, and showing people what’s going on out there. That’s where it’s at for me,” English said. He helped write, direct, edit and come up with ideas for hundreds of the segments. The weekly half-hour program is usually composed of three “mini-docs,” or vignettes, about Maryland’s people, animals, islands, waterways and other natural resources, many of which are fighting for survival. Aired on Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. on MPT, the show offers a break from 24/7 cable news shows, police procedurals and banal sitcoms. English is also the creator and executive producer of MPT’’s “Maryland Farm and Harvest” series, a weekly show now in its fifth season.

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Columbia resident Mike English has produced the Maryland Public Television show “Outdoors Maryland” for 30 seasons. The show, which he also helps write and direct, explores the state’s varied environments — from the mountain peaks of western Maryland to the waters of the Chesapeake Bay.

when former Vice President Al Gore’s climate change film, An Inconvenient Truth, grossed $24 million in the U.S. Older viewers may remember such pioneer environmental TV filmmakers as Marlin Perkins, whose “Wild Kingdom” series ran from 1963 to 1982, and Jacques-Yves Cousteau, whose “The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau” premiered in 1966. While those programs mostly concentrated on the outdoor adventures of wild animals and sea creatures, most of today’s environmental documentaries accent a concern for the future survival of the planet and its human and animal denizens.

Balancing perspectives English started his career writing for several publications about farming in

Maryland, as well as hearings held by congressional agriculture committees, and efforts to restore the Chesapeake Bay. He said this background in journalism has instilled in him the desire to always give a “balanced perspective” on whatever issues are being tackled in the documentaries he produces. “We listen to both sides,” he said, “and try to present a balanced view. I’m working for public television viewers. They are highly sophisticated viewers, and I try to give them what, at times, are many sides to a complex environmental issue so that they can reason out intelligent conclusions.” For example, a recent episode presented the complexities of protecting the Puritan See ENGLISH, page 28

ARTS & STYLE

A musical Miracle on 34th Street at Toby’s Dinner Theatre through Jan. 7 page 27

FITNESS & HEALTH 4 k Better diagnosis via mini-organs k What canine assistants can do THE 50+ CONNECTION 15 k Newsletter from Howard County Office on Aging and Independence LAW & MONEY 19 k Secure your Social Security k Are your bonds doing their job? ADVERTISER DIRECTORY

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J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 8 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

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Reasonable risks When I was growing up, I remember things in the world (and around the looking in my parents’ medicine cabinet, house) that one had to use very carefully, or on high garage shelves, and that reading labels was and seeing cans and bottles the most important thing to with various warnings printdo first. ed all over them. I think that lesson was a Indoors there was rubbing good one to learn as a kid. It set alcohol, something called me in good stead to be a mod“witch hazel” (which always ern consumer — attentive to piqued my interest), peroxthe warning inserts that come ide and other intriguing subwith drugs and other products stances. and the “fine print” on conSome said DANGER/POItracts. SON (usually with a skull FROM THE So I was surprised to hear a and crossbones), or Toxic: PUBLISHER report on the radio the other Do Not Ingest. And almost By Stuart P. Rosenthal day about efforts to take off all added in large letters: the market a product used to Keep Away from Children. strip wallpaper that had caused the death Outdoors there were cans of paint, tur- of several poorly trained workers due to inpentine, gasoline cans, and other items halation in a closed room. marked: WARNING: HIGHLY FLAMMAA reporter was asking a representative BLE, Do Not Use Near Flames. Or, USE from the manufacturer why they continue ONLY WITH ADEQUATE VENTILATION. to sell such a dangerous product. Their I liked to build models and do various conversation went something like this: arts and crafts projects as a kid. So I freThe rep replied, “Our labeling is clear. quently made use of glues, liquid plastics The product should only be used with adeand other products, all with similar “dan- quate ventilation; it’s important to open a ger” and “flammable” labels: Don’t use in- window if using it indoors.” doors; Don’t breathe fumes. (They never The reporter pushed back: “A person warned it could make you high; just dead.) can die in 30 minutes from inhaling this In short, probably like all of you, I grew product in a closed room. How many peoup being aware that there were plenty of ple have to die from this product before

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The Beacon is a monthly newspaper dedicated to inform, serve, and entertain the citizens of the Greater Baltimore area, and is privately owned. Other editions serve Howard County, Md., Greater Washington, DC and Richmond, Va. (Fifty Plus). Subscriptions are available via third-class mail ($12), prepaid with order. 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

you take it off the market?” The rep replied: “It’s the only product on the market that works as quickly and as well, so it should continue to be sold. All a person has to do is read the label and follow the instructions.” The reporter retorted: “But people don’t read labels! How are you going to make people read the label?” The rep weakly answered: “I guess we can’t make people read the label. That’s just something people are supposed to do.” Now I usually find myself on the side of reporters, even (or especially) when they are being aggressive. I don’t mind seeing interviewees squirm when they are trying to wiggle out of a situation for which they deserve to be nailed. But I felt very differently about this interview. Shouldn’t the reporter be blaming either the remodeling company that apparently failed to train its staff, or the employees who ignored what they were told? Removing the product from the market would seem in this case to penalize the wrong party and disappoint many users who rely on it. The reporter’s logic — that “people don’t read labels,” hence dangerous products should not be sold — could be applied to many, maybe even most, of the products we all use daily. What would our lives be like if every product that required a warning of some type were simply to become unavailable? In our country’s past, there were many years when manufacturers put assembly line employees, and many consumers, at great risk without a thought to the consequences.

But over the last 50 years or so, America’s regulators on the federal and state levels have made our lives progressively safer by ending manufacturing practices harmful to workers, forbidding the importation of dangerous toys, changing the way playground equipment is made and installed, adding safety features to all cars — and requiring safety warnings on products that can be misused. These efforts will continue to be important, as no doubt new risks will come to light that may need to be addressed through regulation. But that doesn’t mean consumers and workers bear no responsibility for the proper use of a product. People should be expected to read and follow instructions, and not blithely ignore clearly stated warnings. On the other hand, in a society where many different languages are spoken and where workers are often immigrants with a poor knowledge of English, we do need to be sure warning signs use universal symbols or are written in multiple languages. And companies need to be sure the people they hire understand these warnings. The truth is, we will never be able to regulate all risk out of our lives. (And if we were to try, I think most of us would rebel at the resulting infantilization.) There is a lot of room, however, between no risk and reasonable risk.

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.

BEACON BITS

Jan.6+

MINIMIZE YOUR TAXES

Roy Yenoli of MakingChange will discuss ways to minimize taxes and maximize refunds in a talk Saturday, Jan. 6 at 2 p.m. at the Central Branch Library, 10375 Little Pautuxent Pkwy., Columbia. He will repeat the program on Saturday, Jan. 20 at 2 p.m. at the Savage Branch Library, 9525 Durness Ln., Savage. Registration is required for each talk. Visit the host library or call (410) 313-7800 to register.

• Vice President, Operations........Gordon Hasenei • Vice President, Sales & Marketing ....Alan Spiegel • Managing Editor............................Barbara Ruben • Art Director ........................................Kyle Gregory • Assistant Operations Manager ..........Roger King • Contributing Editor ..........................Carol Sorgen • Advertising Representatives ......Rodney Harris, ........................................................................Steve Levin • Assistant Editor ..........................Rebekah Alcalde

The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915 (410) 248-9101 • Email: info@thebeaconnewspapers.com Submissions:

The Beacon welcomes reader contributions. Deadline for editorial is the 1st of the month preceding the month of publication. Deadline for ads is the 1st of the month preceding the month of publication. See page 31 for classified advertising details. Please mail or email all submissions.

Jan. 10+

COMMUNITY SPANISH COURSE

Howard County Community College is offering a non-credit course for English speakers to learn to speak and understand small amounts of Spanish for routine daily interactions with Spanish speakers. Classes are Wednesday, Jan. 10 through February 28 at Centennial High School, 4300 Centennial Ln., Ellicott City. The cost is $84 tuition (waived for 60+), plus $80 in fees that are not waived. For more information, visit howardcc.edu/ConEd or call (443) 518-1700.

Jan. 18

LEARN HOW TO SAVE LIVES

Learn how to administer naloxone, an antidote for opioid overdose, and how to perform rescue breathing until help arrives, in a free course on Thursday, Jan. 18 from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Howard County General Hospital Wellness Center, 10710 Charter Dr., Columbia. For more information and to register, call (410) 313-6274.

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 8

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J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 8 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

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Health Fitness &

FLEXIBLE FLAXSEED Add fiber-rich flaxseed to foods to improve digestion and lower cholesterol NOT JUST FEELING BLUE About 15% of seniors have depression. Medicare covers screenings and help DOGGED COMPANIONS Assistance dogs assist those with physical disabilities, hearing and vision loss WORTH REPEATING Leftovers from this lower-fat eggplant parmesan recipe freeze well

Mini-organs can help find best treatments By Maria Cheng Els van der Heijden, who has cystic fibrosis, was finding it ever harder to breathe as her lungs filled with thick, sticky mucus. Despite taking more than a dozen pills and inhalers a day, the 53-year-old had to stop working and scale back doing the thing she loved best, horseback riding. Doctors saw no sense in trying an expensive new drug because it hasn’t been proven to work in people with the rare type of cystic fibrosis that van der Heijden had. Instead, they scraped a few cells from van der Heijden and used them to grow a miniature version of her large intestine in a petri dish. When van der Heijden’s “minigut” responded to the treatment, doctors

knew it would help her too. “I really felt, physically, like a different person,” van der Heijden said after taking the drug. This experiment to help people with rare forms of cystic fibrosis in the Netherlands aims to grow mini-intestines for every Dutch patient with the disease to figure out, in part, what treatment might work for them. It’s an early application of a technique now being worked on in labs all over the world, as researchers learn to grow organs outside of the body for treatment — and maybe someday for transplants.

Organs grown in the lab So far, doctors have grown mini-guts —

just the size of a pencil point — for 450 of the Netherlands’ roughly 1,500 cystic fibrosis patients. “The mini-guts are small, but they are complete,” said Dr. Hans Clevers of the Hubrecht Institute, who pioneered the technique. Except for muscles and blood vessels, the tiny organs “have everything you would expect to see in a real gut, only on a really small scale.” These so-called organoids mimic features of full-size organs, but don’t function the same way. Although many of the tiny replicas are closer to undeveloped organs found in an embryo than adult ones, they are helping scientists unravel how organs mature, and providing clues on how cer-

tain diseases might be treated. In Australia, mini-kidneys are being grown that could be used to test drugs. Researchers in the U.S. are experimenting with tiny bits of livers that might be used to boost failing organs. At Cambridge University in England, scientists have created hundreds of minibrains to study how neurons form and better understand disorders like autism. During the height of the Zika epidemic last year, mini-brains were used to show the virus causes malformed brains in babies. In the Netherlands, the mini-guts are used as a stand-in for cystic fibrosis patients to see See MINI-ORGANS, page 5

FINALLY – Straight Talk About Sciatica Are you suffering from back pain or sciatica? Then it’s likely your biggest problem is pain. But there’s another major problem: bad information. To end sciatica misery you must have the right information. Pay close attention because I’m going to destroy sciatica myths and give you the facts. MYTH: Sciatica will just “go away” with some rest. FACT: If you are dealing with back pain, buttock pain or leg pain, then you must seek help from a sciatica specialist immediately. Left untreated, sciatica can lead to permanent nerve damage - and lifelong pain. MYTH: Pain is the only problem associated with sciatica. FACT: In severe cases, sciatica can lead to the inability to control your bowels or bladder. MYTH: You must take pain medications to deal with sciatica. FACT: Drugs like muscle relaxants, pain killers, narcotics, antidepressants, and anti-seizure medications have serious potential side-effects and do not cure the root cause of sciatica. MYTH: “I must have done something wrong to get sciatica.” FACT: Physical work or simply sitting at a desk for long periods can lead to sciatica. Accidents and trauma can also be the culprits. Pregnancy can cause sciatica. Sciatica can affect anyone - including superfit celebrities like Tiger Woods, and Sylvester Stallone. MYTH: Stop exercising and get several weeks of bed rest to overcome sciatica. FACT: Staying active can help to relieve sciatic pain and prevent the pain from getting worse. Staying inactive in bed could be the worst advice - based on a recent study in the Netherlands.

MYTH: Sciatica requires surgery. FACT: NO! There’s been a huge breakthrough in the treatment of sciatica and lower back pain. It’s a new procedure called Non-Surgical Re-Constructive Spinal Care. The excellent results from this treatment have been published in major medical journals. Success rates are up to 90%. MYTH: “There’s nothing anyone can really do. I’m just stuck with this for the rest of my life.” FACT: With the correct treatment from a healthcare professional who specialize in sciatica, you can find relief from the core cause - and the symptoms. MYTH: Getting sciatica properly diagnosed is expensive. FACT: Not true. Dr. Steve Silverston of World Class Chiropractic in Ellicott City, MD is currently offering an initial consultation and comprehensive examination for Just $49, this includes all tests and x-rays if necessary. Dr. Steve Silverston – In Ellicott City, MD has helped over the past 25 years thousands of patients find relief from agonizing back pain and sciatica. He uses Non-Surgical Re-Constructive Spinal Care. This procedure does not require a hospital stay, drugs or anything invasive. The focus is on finding - and correcting - the original cause of the back pain and sciatica. According to Dr. Silverston, “We use a combination of gentle, non-invasive, proven techniques, for precisely diagnosing and correcting the cause of your low back pain and sciatica. This means superior long-term results for most people.” Almost Immediate Relief from Pain! Because the treatment is non-surgical, safe, and easy, most patients report an almost immediate relief from their back pain. Patient Brad H. from Eldersburg, MD wrote, “For several years I saw numerous

doctors including chiropractors in an attempt to resolve unrelenting low back pain and sciatica from a serious motor vehicle injury. Nobody could help me resolve it and my work and life were suffering. Dr. Silverston was able to quickly identify my problem and within one week of beginning care, for the first time in years, I’m virtually pain free! Now, many years later, I am still better.” Take the Next Step - END the Suffering... Initial Consultation and Comprehensive Examination for Just $49. This includes all tests and x-rays if necessary. The first step is a thorough sciatic examination with Dr. Silverston. Call 410-461-3435 to schedule your appointment. Mention this article (CODE: 49TB0118) and Dr. Steve Silverston will happily reduce his usual consultation fee to just $49! Only 50 reader consultations are available at this exclusively discounted rate.

Call them now at 410-461-3435 (mention code: 49TB0118) and get a full and thorough examination to pinpoint the cause of your problem for just $49. The normal cost of such an exam is $345 so you will save $296! Call them now at 410-461-3435 and cut out or tear off this valuable article and take it to your appointment. You’ll be on your way to safe, lasting relief! You can even call on the weekend and leave a message on their answering machine to secure your spot and they promise to return all calls. During the week staff can be very busy helping patients so if they don’t pick up straight away, do leave a message. Call 410-461-3435 NOW. If it’s the weekend or they’re away from the phone the staff at World Class Chiropractic promise they will get back to you. So call now at 410-461-3435 and quote this special discount code: 49TB0118.

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Clevers made a discovery about a decade ago that got researchers on their way. They found pockets of stem cells, which can turn into many types of other cells, in the gut. They then homed in a growing environment in the lab that spurred these cells to reproduce rapidly and develop. “To our surprise, the stem cells started

Meanwhile, Clevers wants to one day make organs that are not so mini. “My dream would be to be able to custom-make organs,” he said, imagining a future where doctors might have a “freezer full of livers” to choose from when sick patients arrive. Others said while such a vision is theoretically possible, huge hurdles remain. “There are still enormous challenges in tissue engineering with regards to the size of the structure we’re able to grow,” said Jim Wells, a pediatrics professor at the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. He said the mini-organs are far smaller than what would be needed to transplant into people,

I N F O R M AT I O N

Stem cells are key

Growing transplants is harder

and it’s unclear if scientists can make a working, life-sized organ in the lab. There are other limitations to growing miniature organs in a dish, said Madeline Lancaster at Cambridge University. “We can study physical changes, and try to generate drugs that could prevent detrimental effects of disease. But we can’t look at the complex interplay between organs and the body,” she said. For patients like van der Heijden, who was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis as a toddler, the research has helped her regain her strength. Vertex agreed to supply her with the drug. “It was like somebody opened the curtains and said, ‘Sunshine, here I am, please come out and play.’” she said. “It’s strange to think this is all linked to some of my cells in a lab.” — AP

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if those with rare mutations might benefit from a number of pricey drugs, including Orkambi. Made by Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Orkambi costs about 100,000 euros per patient every year in some parts of Europe, and it’s more than double that in the U.S., which approved the drug in 2015. Making a single mini-gut and testing whether the patient would benefit from certain drugs costs a couple of thousand dollars. The program is paid for by groups, including health insurance companies, patient foundations and the government. The idea is to find a possible treatment for patients, and avoid putting them on expensive drugs that wouldn’t work for them. About 50 to 60 patients across the Netherlands have been treated after drugs were tested on organoids using their cells, said Dr. Kors van der Ent, a cystic fibrosis specialist at the Wilhelmina Children’s Hospital, who leads the research.

not connected to Clevers’ research. Also, growing the cells and testing them must happen faster for cancer patients who might not have much time to live, he said.

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From page 4

building a mini-version of the gut,” Clevers recalled. Cystic fibrosis is caused by mutations in a single gene that produces a protein called CFTR, responsible for balancing the salt content of cells lining the lungs and other organs. To see if certain drugs might help cystic fibrosis patients, the medicines are given to their custom-made organoids in the lab. If the mini-organs puff up, it’s a sign the cells are now correctly balancing salt and water. That means the drugs are working, and could help the patient from whom the mini-gut was made. Researchers are also using the miniguts to try another approach they hope will someday work in people — using a gene editing technique to repair the faulty cystic fibrosis gene in the organoid cells. Other experiments are underway in the Netherlands and the U.S. to test whether organoids might help pinpoint treatments for cancers involving lungs, ovaries and pancreas. While the idea sounds promising, some scientists said there are obstacles to using mini-organs to study cancer. Growing a mini-cancer tumor, for example, would be far more challenging because scientists have found it difficult to make tumors in the lab that behave like they do in real life, said Mathew Garnett of the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, who has studied cancer in mini-organs but is

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Mini-organs

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 8

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J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 8 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

Flaxseed can aid digestion, heart health Dear Mayo Clinic: I have heard that adding flaxseed to my diet could improve my health, but I know nothing about it. What’s the best way to take it? Answer: Flaxseed is a nutritional pow-

erhouse. Its health benefits come from the fact that it’s high in fiber, and is a rich source of a plant-based type of omega-3 fatty acid called alpha-linolenic acid. Flaxseed also contains an array of other beneficial nutrients, including soluble and

BEACON BITS

Jan. 17+

LEARN TO TAP DANCE Ever dream of dancing like Ginger Rogers or Fred Astaire? This be-

ginning-level tap class progresses slowly and is designed for older adults. Wear comfortable clothing, grab some tap shoes and join in on nine Wednesdays from 10:15 to 11:15 a.m. at the Kinetics Dance Theater, 3280 Pine Orchard Ln., Ellicott City. The class is sponsored by the Howard County Dept. of Recreation and

insoluble fiber, antioxidant phytochemicals called lignans, and numerous other vitamins and minerals. Flaxseed commonly is used to improve digestive health or relieve constipation. But it also may help lower total blood cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or “bad”) cholesterol levels, which may help reduce the risk of heart disease. The connection between dietary fiber in flaxseed and digestive health is fairly obvious. But when it comes to potential heart health benefits, it’s not clear which components of flaxseed are most beneficial. It’s possible that all components are beneficial, or that they may work together.

Parks. For more information on the class, which costs $90, contact Curtis Gore, (410) 313-7281 or cgore@howardcountymd.gov. To register, visit www.howard-

How to consume flaxseed

countymd.gov/rap or call (410) 313-7275.

Ground flaxseed is easier to digest than whole flaxseed. Whole flaxseed may pass through your intestine undigested, which

means you won’t get its full nutritional benefit. Flaxseed supplements are available, but usually contain only one element of flaxseed nutrition — such as the alpha-linolenic acidrich oil — thus limiting their benefit. Flaxseed oil is also available. It has more alpha-linolenic acid than ground flaxseed, but it doesn’t contain all the nutrients of ground flaxseed. The best way to incorporate flaxseed into your diet is by adding 1 to 4 tablespoons of ground flaxseed to your snacks and meals each day. Flaxseed has a light, nutty taste that can be added to any number of foods. Try mixing 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed into yogurt or hot or cold breakfast cereal. You could add 1 teaspoon to mayonnaise or mustard when making a sandwich. Or add ground flaxseed to a smoothie, pancake mix or baked goods. Unripe and raw flaxseed can have toxins that may be harmful in high doses. Consider toasting, cooking or baking the flaxseed to destroy those toxins. Flaxseed is available in bulk, whole or ground, at many grocery stores and health food stores. Whole seeds can be ground in a coffee grinder and then stored in an airtight container for several months. To preserve the taste and health benefits of flaxseed, keep it in the refrigerator or freezer, and grind it just before using. Like other sources of fiber, flaxseed should be taken with plenty of water or other fluids. Flaxseed shouldn’t be taken at the same time as oral medications or other dietary supplements. As always, talk with your doctor before trying any dietary supplements. — Katherine Zeratsky, R.D.N, L.D., Endocrinology/Nutrition, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Mayo Clinic Q & A is an educational resource and doesn’t replace regular medical care. E-mail a question to MayoClinicQ&A@mayo.edu. For more information, visit www.mayoclinic.org. © 2017 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. All Rights Reserved. Distributed By Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Jan. 25

FREE MEDICARE REFRESHER

The Howard County Office on Aging and Independence SHIP office will present a review of Medicare coverage options and other concerns on Thursday, Jan. 25 in a free program from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Howard County General Hospital Wellness Center, 10710 Charter Dr., Columbia. To register, visit hcgh.org/events or call (410)740-7601.

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 8

How to recognize and treat depression Dear Savvy Senior: that offers a variety of online mental health Since retiring a few years ago, my hus- screening tools at www.MentalHealthAmerband has become increasingly irritable ica.net. Click on “Take a Screen” in and apathetic. I’m concerned that he’s the menu bar. Or visit www.HelpYourdepressed, even though he selfHelpOthers.org, which is won’t admit it. offered by Screening for MenWhere can we turn to get tal Health, Inc. help with this? And what, if Both of these tests are anything, does Medicare pay anonymous and confidential, for? take less than 10 minutes to — Concerned Spouse complete, and can help you Dear Concerned: determine the severity of Depression is unfortunately your husband’s problem. a widespread problem among older Americans, affecting apGetting help SAVVY SENIOR proximately 15 percent of the If you find that your husBy Jim Miller 65-and-older population. Conband is suffering from detrary to what many people bepressive symptoms, he needs lieve, it’s not a normal part of aging or a to see his doctor for a medical evaluation personal weakness. to rule out possible medical causes. Here’s what you should know, along with For example, some medications can prosome tips and resources for screening and duce side effects that mimic depressive treatments, and how Medicare covers it. symptoms. Pain and sleeping meds are Everyone feels sad or gets the blues common culprits. now and then, but when these feelings It’s also important to distinguish belinger more than a few weeks, it may be tween depression and dementia, which depression. Depression is a real illness can share some of the same symptoms. that affects mood, feelings, behavior and If he’s diagnosed with depression, there physical health. are a variety of treatment options, includIt’s also important to know that depres- ing talk therapy, antidepressant medicasion is not just sadness. In many seniors, it tions or a combination. can manifest as apathy, irritability or probCognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a lems with memory or concentration, with- particularly effective type of talk therapy. It out the depressed mood. helps patients recognize and change deFortunately, it is very treatable. structive thinking patterns that lead to negative feelings. Online screening tests For help finding a therapist who’s trained To help you get a handle on the serious- in CBT, ask your doctor for a referral, check ness of your husband’s problem, a good your local yellow pages under “counseling” first step is for him to take an online de- or “psychologists,” or contact the Association pression-screening test. for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies He can do this for free at Mental Health (www.FindCBT.org), or the Academy of CogAmerica, a national nonprofit organization nitive Therapy (www.AcademyofCT.org).

To search for therapists that accept Medicare, use Medicare’s Physician Compare tool (www.Medicare.gov/physician compare). You’ll be happy to know that original Medicare currently covers 100 percent for annual depression screenings that are done in a doctor’s office or other primary care clinic. They also pay 80 percent of its approved amount for outpatient mental health services, such as counseling and therapy services, and will cover almost all

medications used to treat depression under the Part D prescription drug benefit. If you and your husband get your Medicare benefits through a private Medicare Advantage plan, they too must cover the same services as original Medicare, but they will likely require him to see an in-network provider. You’ll need to contact your plan directly for the details. Send your questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org.

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Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 8

Assistance dogs do more than you expect By Jim Miller Dear Savvy Senior: What can you tell me about assistance dogs for people with disabilities? My sister, who’s 58, has multiple sclerosis. I’m wondering if an assistance dog could help make her life a little easier. — Inquiring Sister Dear Sister: For people with disabilities and even medical conditions, assistant dogs can be fantastic help, not to mention they provide great companionship and an invaluable sense of security. While most people are familiar with guide dogs that help people who are blind or visually impaired, there are also a variety of assistance dogs trained to help people with physical disabilities, hearing loss and various medical conditions. Unlike most pets, assistance dogs are highly trained canine specialists — often Golden and Labrador Retrievers, and German Shepherds — that know approximately 40 to 50 commands, are amazingly wellbehaved and calm, and are permitted to go anywhere the public is allowed. Here’s a breakdown of the different types of assistance dogs and what they can help with. Service dogs: These dogs are specially trained to help people with physical disabilities due to multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, Parkinson’s disease, chronic arthri-

tis and many other disabling conditions. They help by performing tasks their owner cannot do or has trouble doing — including carrying or retrieving items, picking up dropped items, opening and closing doors, turning lights on and off, assisting with dressing and undressing, helping with balance, household chores and more. Guide dogs: For the blind and visually impaired, guide dogs help their owner get around safely by avoiding obstacles, stopping at curbs and steps, negotiating traffic and more. Hearing dogs: For those who are deaf or hearing impaired, hearing dogs can alert their owner to specific sounds — such as ringing telephones, doorbells, alarm clocks, microwave or oven timers, smoke alarms, approaching sirens, crying babies, or when someone calls out their name. Seizure alert/response dogs: For people with epilepsy or other seizure disorders, these dogs can recognize the signs that their owner is going to have a seizure and provide them with advance warning, so he or she can get to a safe place or take medication to prevent the seizure or lessen its severity. They are also trained to retrieve medications and use a pre-programmed phone to call for help. These dogs can also be trained to help people with diabetes, panic attacks and various other conditions.

BEACON BITS

Jan. 16+

BASIC COMPUTER KEYBOARDING CLASS

Howard Community College is offering a course in basic computer typing/keyboarding at two campuses beginning in January. “Introduction to Keyboarding” will be offered on Tuesdays from Jan. 16 through February 20, at the Laurel College Center, 312 Marshall Ave., Laurel, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., The same course will be offered Sundays from Jan. 28 through March 4 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Hickory Ridge Building on the main campus, 10901 Little Patuxent Pkwy., Columbia. Tuition is $44, plus a fee of $100. The tuition portion is waived for persons age 60 and over. To learn more, visit howardcc.edu/ConEd or call (443) 518-1700.

Ongoing

Finding a dog If your sister is interested in getting a service dog, contact some assistance dog training programs. To find them, Assistance Dogs International provides a listing of around 65 U.S. programs on their website that you can access at https://assistancedogsinternational.org. After you locate a few, you’ll need to either visit their website or call them to find out the types of training dogs they offer, the areas they serve, if they have a waiting list, and what upfront costs will be involved. Some groups offer dogs for free, some ask for donations, and some charge thousands of dollars. To get an assistance dog, your sister will

need to show proof of her disability, which her physician can provide, and she’ll have to complete an application and go through an interview process. She will also need to go and stay at the training facility for a week or two so she can get familiar with her dog and get training on how to handle it. It’s also important to understand that assistance dogs are not for everybody. They require time, money and care that your sister or some other friend or family member must be able and willing to provide. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.

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TECH THURSDAYS AT THE LIBRARY

Need help accessing eBooks, eAudiobooks, or streaming content on your laptop, phone or tablet? Savage Branch Library, 9525 Durness Ln., Savage, holds drop-in information sessions every Thursday from 7 to 8 p.m. For more information, call the library at (410) 313-0760.

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J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 8 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

Why you should care about magnesium The mineral magnesium participates as a cofactor in more than 300 enzymatic reactions in your body. This may come as a surprise to people who think that FDA-approved medications hold a clinical edge over nutrients. Medications tend to steal the show, but I can’t name one drug that functions in 300 metabolic processes in your body. Not one! The National Institutes of Health says magnesium is necessary to help maintain normal muscle and nerve function, keep

your heart rhythm steady, support a healthy immune and bronchial system, and keep your bones strong.

Why supplements? According to a survey by the U.S. government, 75 percent of American adults have a magnesium-deficient diet. That’s three out of four of you. It’s getting worse due to massive coffee consumption, because compounds in coffee help deplete the body of magnesium.

Human deficiencies are more common I quoted research to show how magnesium today because the soil in which much pro- can reduce headache frequency, while imduce is grown is very deficient proving mood and restorative in magnesium. The salad ingresleep. dients you buy at the store No surprise there. Magnearen’t soaking up as much mag sium is needed to create as they used to back in the day! dopamine, serotonin and When you eat it, it’s not as nuother happy brain chemicals. tritious. Take the right type Magnesium levels impact A very common mistake is one hugely important organ in taking the wrong form of the your body: your heart! Everymineral. You will need the one is so afraid of a heart at- DEAR kind of magnesium that actutack, and yet, I bet you don’t PHARMACIST ally gets into your brain, like know that a low level of magne- By Suzy Cohen the “threonate” form, as opsium is associated with an inposed to the laxative form of magnesium, creased level of C-reactive protein (CRP). CRP is a marker for type of inflamma- called “citrate,” which slides through your tion, and it can be a silent killer. High CRP colon. I have much more to share with you levels are associated with heart disease. Has anyone ever tested your RBC mag- about magnesium’s role in women’s health, nesium levels if you have asthma? The rea- bone integrity and cardiovascular disease, son I ask is because low magnesium levels so I’m inviting you to my website (suzycohave long been associated with several ad- hen.com) to sign up for my newsletter. When you do that, I’ll email you the longer verse, dangerous lung conditions. A recent study confirmed that low levels version of this article. This information is opinion only. It is not of magnesium and vitamin D are associated with an increased incidence of severe intended to treat, cure or diagnose your conbreathing difficulties. Sadly, most patients dition. Consult with your doctor before using are put on inhalers for their entire lifetime, any new drug or supplement. Suzy Cohen is a registered pharmacist without ever getting tested to see if low and the author of The 24-Hour Pharmacist mag is contributing. A low magnesium level can damage your and Real Solutions from Head to Toe. To brain and mood. In my book, Headache Free, contact her, visit www.SuzyCohen.com.

BEACON BITS

Jan. 31

RESOLVING TO EAT BETTER?

Karen Basinger from Family Consumer Sciences University of Maryland Extension will be at the Ellicott City 50+ Center at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 31 to discuss the latest on healthy eating — including foods to avoid, latest trends and tips. The 50+ Center is located at 9401 Frederick Rd., Ellicott City. For more information, call (410) 313-1421 or email vstahly@howardcountymd.gov.

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N â&#x20AC;&#x201D; J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 8

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

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J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 8 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

Healthier eggplant parmesan freezes well By Melissa D’Arabian Make-ahead meals and cooking for the freezer — once relegated to suburban supermoms who had it more together than the rest of us — are now trendy with the healthy-eating crowd. Sure, we call it “meal prep” but it’s pretty much the same thing: Make good food in advance, so that we can eat it sometime in the future. In the past, this was primarily to save meal-planning stress, dishwashing time, and money. Now, we are recognizing another implicit benefit: We are more likely to make healthy food choices if something tasty and nutritious is already prepared. “Cook once, but eat twice” has long been the battle cry of the make-ahead meal, with Italian comfort foods such as lasagna and eggplant parmesan perhaps being the poster-children of this eat-one-

freeze-one movement. So I overhauled these Italian casseroles into my Eggplant and Spinach Parmesan, a healthier veggie-filled version that is actually quite easy to pull together and freezes beautifully. To make my healthy tweaks, I focused on an eggplant Parmesan dish simply because I felt the pasta would be missed less. The eggplant, usually breaded and fried, was simply seasoned and roasted, and no one in my family missed the extra breadcrumbs or oil. I added in baby spinach, which contributed nutrients, but also added a nice layered lasagna-like element to the dish. Without actual pasta, though, I knew I needed to keep some serious cheese. Using part-skim ricotta as the main component worked well, and I boosted the flavor with just a little bit of nutty Parmesan, and a reasonable quantity of mozzarella for

melty-stretchy goodness. Luckily, marinara needs no makeover, as long as you buy or make one without extra sugar or preservatives. My version is vegetarian, but feel free to add a pound of lean browned ground turkey or beef if you want. The recipe makes enough for eight, so a small family can freeze half for a second meal, or divide up leftovers into individual servings for DIY single-serving frozen meals. You can also double the recipe and really load up that freezer. I buy a bunch of foil baking pans at a warehouse store, because just seeing a stack of those pans in my cupboard inspires me to cook double and stock up the freezer.

Eggplant and Spinach Parmesan Servings: 8 Start to finish: 1 1/2 hours 2 medium eggplants, about 1 1/2-2

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Colonial Landing 410-796-4399 Columbia 410-381-1118 Ellicott City 410-203-9501 Ellicott City II 410-203-2096 Emerson 301-483-3322 Snowden River 410-290-0384

pounds total 1 teaspoon granulated garlic olive oil mister (or nonstick spray) 1 15-ounce container part-skim ricotta cheese 1 egg white 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese 2 teaspoons dried Italian herb seasoning 5 cups baby spinach 1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese plus 1/4 cup additional for topping 4 cups prepared marinara sauce (no sugar added) 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper Preheat the oven to 375 F. Slice eggplant into 1/4-inch slices. Place on a baking rack set over a large baking sheet. Sprinkle with half the garlic and 1/4 teaspoon of the salt, and spray lightly with an olive oil mister. Bake for 10 minutes, and then flip over the slices. Season the second side with the remaining garlic, another 1/4 teaspoon of salt and spray with olive oil. Bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until slices are tender, but not falling apart. Allow to cool enough to handle. Lower the oven temperature to 350 F. Meanwhile, mix together in a small bowl the ricotta, egg white, Parmesan cheese, Italian herb seasoning, black pepper and remaining salt. Spray the inside of a medium-sized baking or casserole dish. Place 1/2 cup of the marinara sauce at the bottom of the pan. Layer in order: half the eggplant, half the ricotta cheese, half the spinach, half the 1 cup of mozzarella, half the (remaining) sauce. Repeat the layers, ending with sauce. Top with remaining 1/4 cup of mozzarella cheese. Cover with oven safe lid or with foil (spray lightly with oil to avoid sticking), and bake until hot and bubbly, about 45 minutes, removing cover halfway through the baking time. Let sit at least 10 minutes before serving. Chef’s tip: The dish will firm up as it cools, if you are trying to cut neater squares. Nutrition information per serving: 236 calories; 99 calories from fat; 11 g. fat (5 g. saturated; 0 g. trans fats); 28 mg. cholesterol; 855 mg. sodium; 19 g. carbohydrate; 6 g. fiber; 9 g. sugar; 16 g. protein. Food Network star Melissa d’Arabian is an expert on healthy eating on a budget. She is the author of the cookbook, “Supermarket Healthy.” — AP

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Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

Dealing with negativity from family, friends Dear Solutions: I’m the one who’s having trouble conMy nephew recently moved to my trolling my anger when people, casual accity from across the counquaintances, keep asking try at my recommendation. me what he’s doing, where Now all he does is comhe’s looking, how he’s copplain that he can’t find any ing, how awful I must feel interesting people here. and so forth — and even I want to convince him to make suggestions about how try joining groups I think I should help him cope. he might find interesting, They think they’re being but he keeps being negasympathetic, but I think tive. He says everyone he they’re just nosey. How do sees is a fool. How can I I answer them? I’m surSOLUTIONS change his attitude? prised at the degree of By Helen Oxenberg, — Millie anger I feel. MSW, ACSW Dear Aunt Millie: —M Tell him to stop looking in the mirror! Dear M: He is acting the fool by judging everyone The degree of your anger is directly rewithout giving himself a chance to know lated to their sudden degree as therapists. them. They masquerade as sympathetic supportDoes this make him feel superior? You ers who are giving you a chance to vent can’t control his need to look down on peo- your feelings, but what you’re sensing, esple in order to look up on himself. pecially from casual acquaintances, is a Just tell him you hope he’ll give people a smirking satisfaction about, “Oh, how the chance, and then step away. You’re not re- mighty have fallen.” sponsible for his sad attitude. If you stop When bad things happen to other peosympathizing with him, he’ll have to start ple, there is often a sense of relief that it making changes for himself. didn’t happen to them. Those who are sinDear Solutions: cerely sympathetic will ask no questions My son had a very big job and was but merely wish your son well. well known with a company that was As for the others, don’t waste your written about a lot in the papers. He anger on them. Rise above them and just was often interviewed on television and say, “He’s fine thank you,” and change the quoted about his expertise. Then, un- subject. fortunately, the company went out of Dear Solutions: business. I’m a recovering alcoholic, and I’ve He’s been out of a job for some time been sober for over six months. But I’m now, and he’s coping with it the best he having a hard time when I go out with can. new people.

BEACON BITS

Jan. 21

INDOOR TRACK 5K

A 5K run on a three-lane indoor track is planned for Sunday, Jan. 21 at the Gary J. Arthur Community Center, 2400 Rte. 97, Cooksville. Participants may include children 15 years and older. Organized by Howard County Recreation & Parks, the track opens at 7:30 a.m. and the last runner must start before 10 a.m. Fee is $15 for members, $20 for non-members, and includes a T-shirt. For more information and to register, call Sara Schwab at (410) 313-4840 or email sschwab@howardcountymd.gov.

My brother and I were with friends of his, and they were celebrating something and wanted to toast the occasion. When I ordered a soda, they said, “Oh, come on. You have to toast to wish us luck.” I don’t want to tell people my situation every time. What should I have said to them? — Molly Dear Molly: If it happens again, just say, “I don’t drink liquor, but my wishes are just as sin-

cere, and my glass clinks just as nicely with soda.” You don’t have to explain anything. But if you want to, do it with pride in your accomplishment and your on-going determination. © 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.

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J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 8 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

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H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 8

Say you saw it in the Beacon

A Publication from the Howard County Office on Aging and Independence

Volume 8, No. 1 • January 2018

Find Your Way to Better Health and Fitness in 2018 By Jeannie DeCray, Fitness Specialist, Office on Aging and Independence

as your fitness routine lapsed over the last few years (or even decades)? It’s never too late to get back into fitness — in fact, you are taking a positive step towards your overall wellness simply by entertaining the idea of exercising again. To get started, consider what type of movement or exercise appeals to you. Finding something you enjoy doing will help you stick with it. Ideally, choose activities that include all four elements of fitness: endurance, strength, balance and flexibility. Endurance (cardio) refers to activities that increase your heart rate and breathing, like walking, jogging, biking, dancing, or aerobics. At North Laurel and Glenwood, Zumba® is the most popular fitness class as it is both energetic and fun. Soul line dancing at the Bain 50+ Center is another high energy option to try. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to get fit — AgeWell Aerobics is a low-cost and effective aerobic workout offered at the Elkridge, North Laurel and Ellicott City 50+ Centers, and indoor walking tracks are available at both the North Laurel and Gary J. Arthur Community Centers. Howard County’s GO50+ membership offers affordable access ($75 a year for County residents) to fully-equipped fitness facilities at the Roger Carter Recreation Center, the North Laurel Community Center, the Gary J. Arthur Community Center in Glenwood, as well as the Ellicott City 50+ Fitness Center. “Our equipment room participants range in age from 50 to 94 years young,” says Michelle Rosenfeld, fitness coordinator at the Ellicott City 50+ Fitness Center, “Sometimes, getting to the gym is the most difficult part of the fitness journey… the rest is easy.” Available options at the 50+ Fitness Center include treadmills and ellipticals, recumbent bikes and steppers, dumbbells, stability balls, jump ropes, and a BOSU® balance trainer. Free equipment orientation sessions are offered twice a week; call 410-313-0727 for an appointment. To improve overall muscle strength, try resistance-training with weights or resistance bands. At the 50+ Fitness Center, strength classes draw men and women ranging in age from 50 to 82. Other popular group exercise classes include Zumba® and Zumba Gold®; Gentle Yoga; Cardio Kickboxing; Floor, Core & More; and Dance Fitness. Fees range from a drop-in rate of $5 per class to a $125 quarterly pass for unlimited classes for three months. Individual 50+ centers also offer a wide variety of group classes; many allow new members to try one class for free to be sure it’s a good fit. Visit www.howardcountymd.gov/50pluscenters for a current schedule of classes, and click on the center’s newsletter. Flexibility training improves range of motion and ease of continuous movement. Stretching after exercise, or participating in yoga or group fitness classes helps keep you limber. The Glenwood 50+ Center offers a variety of yoga and Pilates classes, while Mindful Mondays at the North Laurel 50+ Center combines

light yoga with guided meditation. To stimulate the mind/body/ spirit connection, Tai Chi and Qigong classes blend low-impact stretching with an atmosphere of calm relaxation. These lifetime disciplines are especially popular at the East Columbia 50+ Center. Lastly, we recognize that those with chronic illnesses or mobility challenges may be hesitant to jump back into a regular fitness regimen. While it is certainly a good idea to check with your doctor before beginning any new program, there are options for every age and fitness level, including programs designed specifically for those with arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, balance concerns and more. This information provides a basic overview of options available at Howard County’s 50+ Centers. The Office on Aging and Indepedence takes great pride in offering a broad spectrum of programs for everyone, and our knowledgeable staff can help you achieve your fitness goals. Enjoy the comraderie of others, or work out independently; it’s your choice. For more information, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/aging or call 410-313-6535.

Tips to Prevent

Winter Weight Gain Wednesday, January 31 • 1:00 p.m. Ellicott City 50+ Center 9401 Frederick Road, Ellicott City 21042

FREE / Sign Up TODAY at 410-313-1400 Karen Basinger, MS, CFCS, LDN, from Family Consumer Sciences University of Maryland Extension Howard County will discuss the latest tips, trends and reports on healthy eating, where to shop, what to stay away from, what you didn’t know and more!

Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HoCoCommunity Stay connected to the DCRS. Like us today!

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The 50+ Connection

J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 8 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

Dealing With Unwanted Telemarketing/Robocalls By Rebecca Bowman, Administrator, Howard County Office of Consumer Protection

Hate telemarketing calls? There are things you can do to reduce their frequency, and your risk of being scammed. Sign Up with the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) Do Not Call Registry (DNCR) at www.ftc.gov or call 888-382-1222 • Registering won’t stop all unwanted calls, but most reputable businesses honor the DNCR. Don’t do business with one that does not. • Charities, political campaigns and companies you’ve previously dealt with are not subject to the DNCR law, but when asked, many will take you off their call lists. • Once enrolled, report violations to the FTC. The FTC looks at complaints in deciding which DNCR violators to pursue.

Be Cautious About Sharing Your Phone Number • Don’t sign up for raffles or contests; your phone number will be used for solicitations and may be sold to other telemarketers. • Only provide your phone number to trusted online businesses. • Don’t have your phone number printed on your checks. • Request an unlisted phone number.

Hang Up On Suspicious Callers • Engaging in conversation encourages con artists to call back. Screen your calls using voicemail or your answering machine if you find it hard to hang up on unwanted calls. • Don’t give your credit card number, bank account information or other personal information to anyone you do not know. • Never agree to wire money or pay with a prepaid debit card or gift card.

Robocalls deliver a recorded message. Do not respond. Robocalls are illegal unless authorized by you (e.g., calls from your drugstore that a prescription is ready). Again, robocalls from charities, political campaigns and companies you’ve dealt with are not considered illegal, but can be blocked by request. • Screen out robocalls using your voicemail or answering machine. • If you answer a robocall, hang up immediately. Don’t press buttons or speak — even if the recording offers to remove your number from their call list. • Engaging with a robocall lets the program know it’s reached a live phone number and will send even more calls your way. • Look into robocall blocking technology. The phone technology you use (e.g. VOIP, copper, i-Phone, android) will dictate which blocking application will work and whether or not there is a fee. Many apps are free; visit www.ctia.org/consumer-tips/robocall for more information. • Report unauthorized calls to the FTC at www.ftc.gov or 888-382-1222.

COLLEGE COSTS LOOMING?

Howard County’s 2018

Children on Board Child Care and Preschool Information Fair

he annual Child Care and Preschool Information Fair provides parents, grandparents, guardians, and child care personnel with one-stop shopping for child care, pre-school and summer programs, as well as the opportunity for personal contact with teachers and program directors. Representatives from community organizations that offer programs and services to Howard County’s children will also be on site to speak with parents. Attendees are asked to bring a nonperishable food item or unopened diapers for the Howard County Food/Diaper Bank. Free informational sessions on “How to Choose an Early Childhood Program” will be offered throughout the afternoon at 12:30, 1:30 and 2:30. Be sure to pick up your FREE copy of the new 2018 Parent’s Guide to Howard County. For more information, contact the Howard County Office of Children and Families at 410-313-1940 (voice/relay) or children@howardcountymd.gov.

FREE ADMISSION! Saturday, January 20 1:00 - 4:00 pm

A panel of experts will answer questions about how to pay for college and shop for student loans. You’ll discover: ! The Best Ways to Pay for Higher Education ! How to Evaluate Loans and Repayment Obligations Ways to Identify and Avoid Scams Targeting Students

Wednesday, January 17 • 6:30 PM Howard Community College The Horowitz Center Smith Theatre 10901 Little Patuxent Parkway Columbia, MD 21044

Space is limited; register NOW to secure your seat! www.studentloanforum.eventbrite.com For Agenda, Presenters And Additional Details

www.howardcountymd.gov/knowbeforeyouowe A PARTNERSHIP PRESENTATION COURTESY OF

Ten Oaks Ballroom 5000 Signal Bell Lane, Clarksville, MD 21029 Don’t miss this annual event and the latest program info on: FAMILY CHILD CARE • CHILD CARE CENTERS • INFANT PROGRAMS • PLAY GROUPS • SUMMER CAMPS SCHOOL-AGE PROGRAMS • CO-OP NURSERY SCHOOLS • PRESCHOOLS and Much More!

www.howardcountymd.gov/consumer If you need this information in an alternate format, or need accommodations to attend, call 410-313-6420 (voice/relay) or email consumer@howardcountymd.gov by January 4.

The 50+ Connection

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N â&#x20AC;&#x201D; J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 8

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FITNESS PROGRAM GO50+ membership packages are designed to enhance the quality of life for the 50+ population that lives, works and plays in Howard County.

CENTERS Membership includes access to Gary J. Arthur and N. Laurel Community Centers and all Howard County 50+ Centers.

A JOINT PROGRAM OF

â&#x20AC;¢ Game Room Areas â&#x20AC;¢ Gymnasiums â&#x20AC;¢ Walking Tracks â&#x20AC;¢ Wellness Programs

FREE Sign up now for

LIVING WELL WITH HYPERTENSION Tuesday, February 13 â&#x20AC;¢ 1:00 to 3:30 PM Bain 50+ Center 5470 Ruth Keeton Way, Columbia 21044 Do you want to learn more about managing hypertension or high blood pressure? Join us for an interactive 2.5 hour workshop that has been designed to help you better manage your condition. Topics covered include high blood pressure risk factors; learning to read food labels; reviewing sodium content in common foods; and medication management tips.

FITNESS Membership includes access to Gary J. Arthur, N. Laurel and Roger Carter Community Centers and all Howard County 50+ Centers.

Â&#x2021; $OO &HQWHU %HQHÃ&#x20AC;WV â&#x20AC;¢ Dance/Aerobics Studio* â&#x20AC;¢ Fitness Rooms

Resident: $75 per year Nonresident: $100 per year

POOL Membership includes access to Gary J. Arthur, N. Laurel and Roger Carter Community Centers and all Howard County 50+ Centers.

Â&#x2021; $OO )LWQHVV %HQHÃ&#x20AC;WV â&#x20AC;¢ Pool Access During Open Swim Hours

Resident: $175 per year Nonresident: $225 per year

P4C Pet Evaluations Paws4Comfort fosters special bonds between pets, their owners and the County residents they visit. If you are interested in volunteering, or wish to receive a FREE evaluation for your pet, contact:

Ingrid Gleysteen, PROGRAM COORDINATOR 410-313-7461 â&#x20AC;¢ igleysteen@howardcountymd.gov

2018 PET EVALUATIONS JAN 4 â&#x20AC;¢ FEB 1 â&#x20AC;¢ MAR 1 â&#x20AC;¢ APR 5 â&#x20AC;¢ MAY 3 â&#x20AC;¢ JUN 7 JUL 5 â&#x20AC;¢ AUG 2 â&#x20AC;¢ SEPT 6 â&#x20AC;¢ OCT 4 â&#x20AC;¢ NOV 1 â&#x20AC;¢ DEC 6

$5 registration fee â&#x20AC;¢ To register, call: Carla Johnston

Evaluations are held at the Bain 50+ Center

Howard County Office on Aging and Independence Health and Wellness Coordinator cjohnston@howardcountymd.gov 410-313-3506 (VOICE/RELAY) WWW.howardcountymd.gov/livingwell

5470 Ruth Keeton Way Columbia 21044

INCLEMENT WEATHER NOTICE The 50+ Connection is published monthly by the Howard County Office on Aging and Independence. This publication is available in alternate formats upon request. To join our subscriber list, email kahenry@howardcountymd.gov 6751 Columbia Gateway Dr., Suite 200, Columbia, MD 21046 410-313-6410 (VOICE/RELAY) â&#x20AC;¢ www.howardcountymd.gov/aging Find us on

www.Facebook.com/HoCoCommunity

Kim Higdon Henry, Editor â&#x20AC;¢ Email: kahenry@howardcountymd.gov Advertising contained in the Beacon is not endorsed by the Office on Aging and Independence or by the publisher.

For information on closings and cancellations, call the Inclement Weather/Program Status at 410-313-7777 (VOICE/RELAY); or visit us online at www.howardcountymd.gov/aging, or www.Facebook.com/HoCoCommunity.

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The 50+ Connection

J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 8 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

Howard County 50+ Centers

SPOTLIGHT ON THE BAIN

50+CENTER

www.howardcountymd.gov/50pluscenters for all 50+ Center events

Celebrate Diversity at the Bain 50+ Center By Linda Ethridge, Director, Bain 50+ Center Originally known as the Florence Bain Center, the Bain 50+ Center embodies the essence of James Rouse’s original vision for Columbia as a community that celebrates diversity and is welcoming to all. The center was named for Florence L. Bain, a member of the County’s Commission on Aging and its first chairwoman, in honor of her determination to better the lives of older adults in Howard County through the development of senior citizen programs and a dedicated senior center. Florence Bain retired in 1983 at the age of 86; the center was named after her upon its completion in 1986. Today, as you walk down the halls of Bain, that spirit of diversity and community is alive and well. View the pictures of our members on the walls or peek into one of our classrooms and you might spot one of your neighbors, or experience a sense of ethnic or cultural familiarity. Recently, we welcomed new members — a couple from Iran — and they recognized another member from their community back home. I wish everyone could have witnessed that special encounter! Bain’s staff and volunteers take pride in providing a welcoming environment for all. We thank everyone coming in the door for sharing part of their day with us. We like to remind folks that they are welcome to take a class, visit with their neighbor, have a meal or simply sit in our beautiful and comfortable lobby and watch the fire glow. Offering everyone a sense of ease and the chance to relax without pressure is just as important as providing educational, recreational and physical activities to enhance and improve their quality of life. Of course, our wide array of affordable programs and activities is what attracts many older adults to join us in the first place. Popular fitness programs like yoga, HCC’s Better Health and Wellness program and Zumba® incorporate meditation, strengthening and/or aerobic exercises to boost energy, decrease stress and depression, and improve muscle strength. We also offer a chair yoga class for those with mobility concerns.

Creative arts and music appreciation programs, like our new Watercolor Art Class and ongoing opera series create opportunities for members to explore new interests. The monthly Brain Fitness program helps members maintain mental sharpness, and a daily lunch program helps them stay connected to the community and avoid social isolation. We also host a variety of support groups onsite, including the LGBT 50+ Support and Social Group, the first of its kind in Howard County, on the first Thursday of the month. The Bain 50+ Center also gives members a chance to give back to the community through engaging volunteer activities; events sponsored by the Korean Americans Senior Association and the Bain 50+ Center Council raise money for the Vivian L. Reid Community Fund and center programs. Our volunteers make new friends while having fun and helping others. Come join us to find out more about how the Bain 50+ Center can enhance your life! For more information on Bain 50+ Center programs and services, visit us at 5470 Ruth Keeton Way in Columbia, call 410-313-7213 or visit www.howardcountymd.gov/50pluscenters.

IN APPRECIATION OF KASA The Korean American Senior Association (KASA), pictured above, recently presented a check to the Vivian Reid Community Fund for Older Adults in the amount of $4,206. Each year, KASA donates the proceeds from fundraisers held at the Bain 50+ Center. Accepting on behalf of the Howard County Department of Community Resources and Services were Director, Jackie Scott, and Peggy Hoffman, Division Manager, Office on Aging and Independence.

23rd Annual Penguin Pace 5K: Enriching the Lives of Our Seniors Join the Bain 50+ Center Council and the Howard County Striders February 4, 2018 • 7:45 am Not only can you join the fun and burn off some calories before your Super Bowl party, you’ll also benefit a dynamic cause. Event proceeds will enable the 50+ Center Council to subsidize many Bain 50+ Center activities, which provide health, education, art and social activities to older adults throughout Howard County, truly “enriching the lives of our seniors.” Race participants will receive a Penguin Pace 5K t-shirt, post-race brunch and award ceremony at the Bain 50+ Center in Columbia. To register please visit https://register.chronotrack.com/r/34431. Registration is $35 (plus processing fee) and limited to 500 runners. There is no walk-in registration on race day. For more information, go to www.striders.net/penguin-pace. If you are unable to participate in the race itself, but would like to help, The Bain Center Council welcomes both sponsors and donors to support the event. For more information, email Peter Eisenhut, Bain 50+ Center Council at Bain.Council.comm@gmail.com or call 443-535-2250.

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 8

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Money Law &

BOND RISKS Not all bond funds protect against stock swings; learn which ones do what FREEZE OUT THIEVES Three steps (and phone calls) can help you freeze your credit reports DO WELL BY DOING GOOD With a gift annuity, you get an up-front tax deduction as well as ongoing payments for the rest of your life

More risks stemming from hack of Equifax By Liz Weston Long after the Equifax breach was announced, people were still struggling to freeze their credit reports as credit bureau websites failed, lured people to lookalike products, or even redirected visitors to download malicious software. [See “How to freeze your credit in three steps,” on page 21.] But that’s just the start of the gauntlet people may have to run to protect their financial lives. The Equifax hack exposed the names, addresses, birthdates and Social Security numbers of up to 145.5 million Americans. Drivers license information for 10.9 million

people was also exposed, according to a Wall Street Journal report. This is the type of sensitive, private information that’s used to establish your identity, which is why freezing your credit reports — as important as that is — won’t be enough. Credit freezes won’t prevent criminals from taking over credit, bank, retirement and investment accounts, said security expert Avivah Litan with Gartner Research. [See sidebar: “Secure your bank accounts, too,” below.] Thieves also could use the purloined information to snatch your tax refund or mess with your Social Security benefits.

Your email, phone, shopping and cloudbased storage accounts aren’t safe, either. Here are some cybersecurity steps you should take now: Make sure all of your freezes are in place You need to set up credit freezes separately at each of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion), as well as with Innovis, a lesserknown bureau, and ChexSystems, a database that banks use to track people who mishandle their accounts. When your accounts are frozen, banks and lenders can’t access your reports, so they are much less likely to allow criminals

Secure your bank accounts, too By Lisa Gerstner The huge Equifax data breach has made consumers hyper aware of how vulnerable they are to identity theft. But the major credit-reporting bureaus aren’t the only ones that track your data. Several other specialty reporting agencies also collect consumer information. Among them is ChexSystems. When you apply for a checking or savings account, the bank or credit union may look up ChexSystems’ report on you. You can retrieve it, too, to look for errors or fraudulently opened accounts. A ChexSystems report usually includes

only negative information associated with accounts you’ve held. So if you have a good record, the report should be clean. But if, say, you overdrew an account and failed to pay back the debt and resulting fees promptly, a black mark may appear. Such information remains on your report for five years. ChexSystems also lists inquiries from banks that have viewed your report. You can request a free ChexSystems report every 12 months at www.chexsystems.com, and you’ll receive your report in the mail. If you find a problem, you have the right to dispute it.

And just as with your credit reports, you can set up a security freeze (you may have to pay a fee), which blocks new institutions from viewing your report, or a security alert, which is similar to a fraud alert. Doing so may prevent an identity thief from opening accounts in your name. If you want to go the extra mile, you can also check your free annual reports from other bank-account screening agencies, including Early Warning (www.earlywarning.com), TeleCheck (www.firstdata.com/telecheck) and Certegy (www.askcertegy.com). © 2017 The Kiplinger Washington Editors

to set up phony accounts in your name. Keep track of the personal identification numbers you’re issued, since you’ll need those to lift the freezes if you need to apply for credit or financial accounts. Set up two-factor authentication wherever you can Two-factor security requires both something you know, typically a password, along with something you have, such as a code texted to your phone or generated by an authentication app. Security experts including Litan recommend using an app, since criminals have started taking over cell phone accounts to circumvent two-factor verification by text. Yes, two-factor authentication is a hassle, and no, it’s not foolproof. But it creates another barrier between your accounts and the criminally inclined. Typically, once you set it up, you’ll have to use it only if you try to sign in with an unrecognized device or after a set amount of time. Two-factor security is a must for your password manager (if you have one), your email, and any cloud-based storage account, including DropBox and Evernote. Consider setting it up for shopping sites, such as Amazon, and your social media accounts, too. Incredibly, not all financial institutions offer this (though they should). Consider whether you want to continue doing business with a company that refuses to take your security seriously. See EQUIFAX HACK, page 20

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J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 8 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

Are your bonds lowering or raising risk? By Eleanor Laise Most retirees hold a mix of stocks and bonds, assuming that their bonds will not only generate income but also cushion the fall if stocks crash. But are your bonds really taming your portfolio’s risk — or amping it up? For much of the past two decades, bonds could be depended on to zig when stocks zag. But now, some analysts and money managers are warning that the correlation between stocks and bonds is headed higher — meaning they’re more likely to rise and fall in sync. At the same time, many bond funds that form the core of retirees’ portfolios have sought juicier income in bond-market sectors, such as high yield, that behave even more like stocks. “Your bond funds are meant to be defensive when equity markets melt down,” said Craig Israelsen, financial-planning professor at Utah Valley University. But investors can no longer take that for granted. To be sure your bonds are bringing sta-

Equifax hack From page 19 The four big cell phone carriers don’t offer it, either, which is pretty horrifying. Phone numbers are often used as a security

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bility to your portfolio, rather than rocking the boat, you need to keep a close eye on your fixed-income funds’ holdings as well as on the performance of those funds when the stock market takes a dive.

How stocks, bonds correlate While many investors assume that bonds will tame their portfolios’ stock-market risk, that hasn’t always been the case historically. From the 1980s to 2000, correlations were positive, according to fund firm BlackRock — meaning stocks and bonds were likely to rise and fall in sync. Since 2000, correlations have tended to be negative, meaning stocks and bonds have generally moved in opposite directions. That’s because most stock-market declines during that period have been driven by economic or geopolitical worries, and in those situations, bonds tend to do well, said Russ Koesterich, portfolio manager for BlackRock’s global allocation team. With the Fed now raising rates, stockbond correlations are drawing more backup, so a criminal controlling yours could reset passwords on many of your accounts. File your taxes early It’s pretty lame that the only thing you can do to thwart thieves from ginning up a

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PenFed.org To receive any advertised product, you must become a member of PenFed Credit Union. 1. PenFed Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is current as of November 8, 2017, and is subject to change. Minimum opening deposit is $1,000. A penalty will be imposed for early withdrawal. This will reduce earnings on the account. For all certificates funded by ACH, funds cannot be withdrawn within the first 60 days of the account opening. 2. Account is a variable rate account. APY is valid as of last dividend declaration date of November 1, 2017. APY and tiers are subject to change at any time. Fees may reduce earnings on account. Minimum deposit of $25 required to open account. When an account is terminated prior to the end of a statement cycle, dividends will be paid if the aggregate direct deposit requirement is met on the date of account termination. Dividends are compounded daily and paid monthly. Earn dividends with monthly direct deposits of $500 or more and a daily balance of up to $50,000 per statement cycle. © 2017 Pentagon Federal Credit Union

scrutiny. Over the past 25 years, BlackRock found, the correlation has tended to move higher when the Fed is hiking rates. (When interest rates rise, bond prices fall.) Analysts aren’t predicting that stocks and bonds will start moving in lockstep — after all, the market isn’t expecting many more Fed rate increases in the near term. But if the stock-bond correlation does move into positive territory, cash will become a more effective way to hedge stock risk than bonds, Koesterich said.

Check out the prospectus Another factor introducing stock-like risk to bond holdings: fund managers thirsting for yield. During a long stretch of low rates, many bond funds have dipped into highyield bonds, emerging-markets bonds and bank loans — three fixed-income segments that have shown the highest correlation with Standard & Poor’s 500-stock index over the past three and five years, according to investment-research firm Morningstar. Check a bond fund’s prospectus to find out phony tax return is to file your legitimate one as soon as possible after the IRS begins accepting them. Right now, that’s all you can do. People who have already been victims of such a scam are issued a special code they can use in the future. But a pilot program offering codes to other taxpayers hasn’t been extended. The IRS will start processing returns Jan. 22, 2018. (However, employers don’t have to send out the W-2 forms most of us need to prepare our returns until Jan. 31.) Create a “my Social Security” account Again, you’re trying to get there before the evildoers. Setting up online access to your Social Security records will help you

how much leeway it has to invest in lowercredit-quality holdings — or even stocks. The Loomis Sayles Bond Fund (symbol LSBRX), for example, can invest up to 35 percent of the portfolio in non-investmentgrade holdings, and up to 10 percent in common stock. The aggressive approach has helped the fund build a strong track record, beating roughly 85 percent of its peers in the multisector bond category over the past 15 years. But its three-year correlation with the S&P 500 is also one of the highest in the category, according to Morningstar. Many bond funds launched in recent years are “unconstrained” or “go anywhere” funds, which typically means that they don’t need to stick closely to a benchmark or maintain any minimum average credit quality. In many cases, managers have used that flexibility to load up on high-yield or emerging-markets bonds. In a study of 10 large unconstrained bond funds, Israelsen found that all but one had See BONDS, page 23

monitor activity, such as attempts to take over your account or apply for benefits. If your credit files are frozen, you’ll need to lift the freeze with Equifax before you can set up the account. Yes, Equifax is the bureau Social Security uses to verify your identity. Or, you can set it up in person at a Social Security office. Equifax is waiving the fees to set up and lift freezes until January. You can’t make your identity hack-proof, unfortunately, any more than you can keep a determined burglar from breaking into your home. Your goal is to make the bad guys work hard enough that they’ll decide to move on to an easier target — Nerdwallet via AP

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Law & Money

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 8

How to freeze your credit in three steps By Lisa Gerstner Not so long ago, a credit freeze was a tool usually reserved for people who had suffered identity theft. But as data breaches have piled up — culminating with the massive data breach at credit agency Equifax announced in September — the freeze has become more widely recognized as the most effective way to protect your credit, even if a thief hasn’t yet made fraudulent use of your personal information. The reason: When you place a credit freeze (also known as a security freeze) on your credit reports, new creditors can’t review them to judge whether you’re eligible for a credit card or loan — and in turn, lenders are unlikely to grant credit to fraudsters posing as you. When you need to shop for credit, you can temporarily lift the freeze. What’s the downside? Unless you have a police report proving you were a victim of ID theft, in most states you’ll have to pay (at each bureau) to impose a freeze, as well as when you need to lift it. (Equifax is waiving fees to add and lift freezes until the end of January.) To set up a credit freeze, take these three steps. 1. Gather your information. At a minimum, you’ll have to supply identifying information such as your Social Security number, birth date and address. If you haven’t lived at your current home for more than a

couple of years, you may need to have your previous address on hand, too. You must provide a PIN when you want to temporarily lift or permanently remove a freeze. Equifax formulates the PIN for you whether you go online or call to place a freeze. Experian generates the PIN and mails it to you if you set up a freeze by phone, but you have the option to create a PIN of your choice if you place the freeze on its website. TransUnion requires you to create your own PIN whether you place a freeze by phone or online. Think about the number you’d like to use — and don’t pick something obvious, such as your birth date. Keep a pen and paper handy to jot down your PINs. Have your credit-card number at the ready. In many states, you’ll pay a fee of $5 to $10 to place a credit freeze if you have not been an identity-theft victim (and you’ll often be charged to lift the freeze, too). If you are a victim of identity theft, you don’t have to pay for the freeze. But you will have to send each agency a police report or other valid documentation of fraud, plus proof of your identity, such as copies of your driver’s license, birth certificate or bills displaying your current address. 2. Contact each credit agency. The web pages or phone numbers below are the quickest avenues to imposing a freeze. To submit your request by mail, use these addresses (identity-theft victims may have

BEACON BITS

Jan. 4

MENTOR SCHOOL-AGE KIDS

On Thursday, Jan. 4, A-OK Mentoring-Tutoring, Inc. will hold a meeting for persons interested in volunteering for the organization that serves elementary and middle school youth in Howard County schools and in community after-school programs. The meeting will be held on Thursday, Jan. 4 at 1 p.m. at the Hawthorn Center, 6175 Sunny Spring, Columbia. To learn more about the organization and to register intent to attend, call (443) 895-2457.

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to use snail mail to send documentation).

Freeze your credit with Equifax Equifax Security Freeze P.O. Box 105788, Atlanta, GA 30348 800-685-1111.

Freeze your credit with Experian Experian Security Freeze P.O. Box 9554 Allen, TX 75013 888-397-3742

Freeze your credit with TransUnion TransUnion LLC P.O. Box 2000 Chester, PA 19016 888-909-8872 3. Save your PINs. Write down the PINs, and keep them in a safe place at home. When you’re ready to shop for a loan or lift the freeze for any other reason, you can call the phone numbers or visit the websites listed above. © 2017 The Kiplinger Washington Editors

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Say you saw it in the Beacon | Law & Money

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 8

With gift annuities, do well by doing good By Eileen Ambrose Question: My alma mater is offering a charitable gift annuity. Is that a good way to generate income? Answer: If you want to give money to your school as well as receive an income stream, a charitable gift annuity can make sense. A charitable gift annuity is a contract between you and a charity; in this case, your alma mater. You donate cash, securities or other assets to the school and get a charitable tax deduction up front. The institution invests the money, and returns some of it to you in fixed payments for the rest of your life. Thousands of colleges and charities raise money using gift annuities, and policies vary among institutions. Many require donors to contribute a minimum of $10,000 to $25,000, and to be at least age 65 to begin receiving payments, according to Laurie Valentine, of the American Council on Gift Annuities. Payout rates may differ, too, although most institutions use rates set by the American Council. You can elect to start payments immediately or later. The older you are, the higher

Bonds From page 20 a high correlation with the S&P 500. “A portfolio is like a go kart: You have an engine and brakes,” Israelsen said. “The brakes have traditionally been bond funds.” But if unconstrained or other, more aggressive bond funds form the bulk of your fixed-income holdings, “good luck,” he said. “You’ve chosen a brake that looks a lot like an engine.”

Some defensive bond funds So where can you find some brakes that will keep your portfolio from running off a

the payout rate. For example, the American Council’s maximum immediate payout rate for someone making a donation at 65 is currently 4.7 percent. Based on the average $50,000 gift, the donor would receive an annual payment of $2,350. The payout rate is 5.1 percent for those age 70, 6.8 percent at age 80, and 9 percent at age 90 and older. You can also choose a reduced payment over two lives instead of one, so the income stream would continue until the second person died. For example, the payout rate for a couple who are both age 65 is 4.2 percent, or $2,100 a year on a $50,000 donation, instead of 4.7 percent on a single life.

But with a gift annuity, you also get a tax break. You can deduct upfront the part of your donation that won’t be returned to you in annuity payments. The deduction is calculated by taking the full amount of your gift and subtracting the present value of all the payments you’re expected to receive during your lifetime. So, age is a factor in the size of your deduction. For example, the deduction on a $50,000 donation with quarterly payments is $17,449 for a 65-year-old donor, $22,886 for a 75-year-old, and $28,300 for an 85year-old.

If you’re donating cash, part of your payments each year will be a tax-free return of principal, and the rest will be subject to ordinary income tax. In the example above, $1,636 of the 65-year-old’s $2,350 annual payment would be tax-free each year for the donor’s expected lifetime, which is about 20 more years. A good way to fund a charitable annuity is with appreciated securities: You will

avoid paying tax on all of the built-up capital gains because a portion of your gift goes to the charity. You will pay tax on the long-term capital gains income returned to you in annuity payments, but the tax will be spread out over your expected lifetime. Each year, the institution will tell you the portion of your payments that is tax-free, and the portion that’s subject to capital gains or regular income taxes. After making a charitable gift annuity, you will continue to receive payments no matter how long you live. But once you pass the age of your life expectancy (based on an annuity mortality table), all payments to you will be subject to ordinary income tax — whether you gave cash or appreciated securities. One caveat: Your payments are only as secure as the financial health of the school or charity you donate to. So you should research an institution’s finances before donating. © 2017 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by TCA, LLC.

retirees’ portfolios. Some good options, Anderson said, include Baird Aggregate Bond (BAGSX), Fidelity Intermediate Bond (FTHRX), Fidelity Investment Grade Bond (FBNDX), and

Some annuity income is taxed Less income, but tax breaks Gift annuities aren’t for everyone. If your goal is to receive as much income as possible, you’re better off buying an immediate annuity from an insurance company. For instance, a 65-year-old man investing $50,000 in an immediate annuity would receive an estimated $3,264 a year, according to www.immediateannuities.com, versus $2,350 from a gift annuity. cliff? Focus on bond funds that keep most of their assets in investment-grade government and corporate bonds. And if the managers venture into highyield or emerging-markets bonds at all, check that they use caution to avoid overpaying for those holdings. If a fund has a significant stake in international bonds, which expose investors to foreign currency swings, read the prospectus to find out whether the fund is hedging away that risk. In unhedged funds, currency fluctuations can make for a bumpy ride. Bond funds that take a more conservative approach should truly behave like bonds — and they should form the core of

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J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 8 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

Travel Leisure &

Should you buy trip insurance to protect against nonrefundable vacation costs? See story on page 26.

Albuquerque basks in its place in the sun today’s high tech gurus.

Pueblo influences The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center chronicles the Pueblo people’s reliance on the sun’s sustenance for their land-based culture, as well as their respect for the Earth, and their undaunted perseverance through three uninvited, colonizing forces aimed at suppressing the native culture: Spain, Mexico and the United States. The Spanish conquest brought horses, livestock, disease, missions and a new religion. Franciscan Catholics tried to squelch Pueblo customs, leading to a full-scale revolt in 1680 that killed 400 Spaniards and drove 2,000 would-be settlers away. In another not-so-sunny chapter, the U.S. government forcibly removed native children from their families and plunked them into boarding schools. The U.S. government also usurped native water and mineral rights. Pottery, baskets, weaving and farming exhibits in the Center’s museum symbolize the Pueblo peoples’ strong survival spirit. New Mexico has 19 Pueblos or tribal nations today. “Our struggle for existence has not ended,” says one sign.

PHOTO BY RON BEHRMANN

By Glenda C. Booth Albuquerque license plates sport New Mexico’s symbol — an ancient red sun on a bright yellow background, an image borrowed from the indigenous Zias for whom the sun was sacred. Maybe that’s because the sun shines on Albuquerque 310 days a year. Sunlight dapples across the high desert, and sunsets turn the Sandia Mountains watermelon pink. The sun inspired early inhabitants, who chipped images on rock formations, as well as the Pueblo Indians, who built thick adobe walls to retain the sun’s warmth. The sun helped heal thousands of tuberculosis patients, known as “lungers,” who basked in the warmth and low humidity between 1880 and 1940, giving Albuquerque the title, “Health City of the U.S.” With 559,000 people, Albuquerque is the largest city in the state dubbed “Land of Enchantment.” Visitors can explore petroglyphs of 13,000 years ago, the native Pueblo culture of yore and today, the area’s Spanish heritage, the town’s 1706 roots, the coming of the railroad in 1880, the famous Route 66, and even some of

Each October, Albuquerque hosts the world’s largest balloon festival, with 600 hotair balloons taking to the sky over the city and the Rio Grande River.

PHOTO BY GLENDA BOOTH

Pueblo influences are threaded like a tapestry throughout Albuquerque, like the University of New Mexico’s pueblo-style buildings. The city’s original Old Town is a tight cluster of 150 flat-roofed, Pueblo-Spanishstyle, adobe buildings with soft contours connected by brick sidewalks, some leading to tucked-away courtyards dating to the early 1700s. Many buildings have long portals or porches offering shade from the sun. Thick walls help cool interiors on hot days and absorb heat for chilly nights. The oldest building in Old Town is the San Felipe de Neri Church, built in 1793 on a Spanishstyle plaza. Old Town today is a warren of art galleries, crafts boutiques and souvenir emporiums hawking cowboy hats, chili pepper key chains, and Route 66 T-shirts. One curious anomaly is the largest collection of live rattlesnakes in the world, the American International Rattlesnake Museum, home to western diamondbacks, twin-spotted, Arizona black rattlesnakes and more.

Varied museums The Pueblo Deco style KiMo Theatre, which opened in 1927, is an Albuquerque landmark. It continues to host a variety of entertainments, including film, theater and musical performances, today.

At the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History, visitors learn how a Native American language helped the United States win World War II. Chester Nez, one of the 20

Navajo code talkers, was fluent in both Navajo and English, and used this language as a tool for victory in the South Pacific. Another exhibit, highlighting Albuquerque’s ethnic diversity, touts, “We’ve all been blended. We embrace the differences.” The museum’s 10,000-works collection focuses on the art and history of the southwest U.S., from Native Americans to contemporary artists. The history wing spans four centuries, displaying items from the Spanish military invasion, Mexican cowboys, and the town’s early railroad years. For more modern history, the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science sings the praises of two hometown boys who made good: Bill Gates and Paul Allen, the entrepreneurs who in 1971 started MITS, Micro Instrumentation and Telemetry Systems, a business that morphed into today’s computer giant, Microsoft. The “Start-up” exhibit relates the history of the microcomputer — “electronic brains” created by the U.S. military in World War II. In 1953, this computer cost $1 million and required seven staffers to operate it. In the 1970s, Gates, a Harvard University dropout, and Allen envisioned “a computer on every desk and in every home.” Imagine that. Downtown or “new town” is spread along Central Avenue, a.k.a. Route 66. See ALBUQUERQUE, page 25

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H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 8

Albuquerque From page 24 That’s the well-known “Mother Road” and 2,000-mile highway from Chicago to Los Angeles made famous by Nat King Cole as “the highway that’s the best.” Urban renewal demolished many of the original neon signs, motels and other icons once there, but brown signs note its path. You can still “get your kicks,” as Nat crooned, at the no-frills Dog House Drive In, and scarf up green chili tater tots, chili cheese fries, chili burgers and chili dogs. Downtown’s KiMo Theatre may be Albuquerque’s most distinctive building, built in a flamboyant, Pueblo Deco style and decorated with southwestern motifs and Native American iconography.

Mountains and petroglyphs Atop the looming, black Sandia Mountains east of Albuquerque the sun is closer at the highest peak, 10,678 feet, and the temperature 15 degrees cooler than in town 5,300 feet below. The end reward of a climb up by car or via the Sandia Peak Tramway (2.7 miles) — through varied landscapes and life zones to the top — is a panoramic view of the Rio Grande Valley and a line of extinct volcanoes. The Sandias are “a place for reverence,” home of ancient gods revered by the Puebloans, wrote James A. Morris, a local. Along the west mesa, the sun bears

down on the 7,500-acre Petroglyph National Monument, decorated with more than 24,000 images — one of the largest petroglyph sites in North America. Boiling volcanoes erupted 150,000 years ago and left behind five cones along a jagged escarpment. Basalt boulders are coated with a dark, natural varnish, conducive to scraping with stone tools to reach the paler, grayer stone beneath. Scratched in the rocks are hands, feet, lizards, birds, snakes, spirals, geometric patterns, and many more mysterious images from 400 to 700 years ago. Ancient graffiti? Art? Messages? “Each of these rocks is alive, keeper of a message left by the ancestors,” wrote William F. Weahkee, a Pueblo elder. On the way up to the crest of the Sandia Mountains is quirky Tinkertown, where the late Ross Ward, a certified circusmodel builder and master whittler, created the Old West in miniature with hundreds of thousands of wood-carved figures and displays, some animated with tiny levers and pulleys. This 22-room cabin is crammed with a mishmash of folk art and objects such as swords, wedding cake toppers, ice tongs, wrenches, corn grinders, a hand-cranked horse, and a World War I-era mule clipper. Over 55,000 glass bottles wedged into the walls suggest some phantasmagoria. Ward once said, “I did this whole thing while you were watching television.”

Go Topes! How could a baseball team get a cumbersome name like Isotopes? A clue: Life-size, fiberglass statues of Homer, Marge, Bart and Lisa Simpson, from the fictional television series “The Simpsons,” proudly stand in the town’s baseball stadium. They were hauled 800 miles from Los Angeles, washed and refurbished with shiny new paint. Homer holds an Isotopes ticket, and Marge a bucket of popcorn. What’s the connection? Local newspaper readers chose the name Isotopes over the Road Runners and the 66ers because in a 2001 episode of “the Simpsons,” the manager of fictional Springfield’s team, the Isotopes, threatened to move the team to Albuquerque. This Triple A affiliate of the Colorado Rockies plays in 11,124-seat Isotopes Park.

Gustatory Albuquerque While the sun heats up the outdoors, Albuquerque cuisine heats up “the innards.” “It’s all about the chili,” promotes Cocina Azul, a popular eatery. Another favorite, Monroe’s, uses 150,000 pounds of chilis every year. Servers routinely query customers, “Red or green?” Chefs blend chilis with Mexican, Native American and Spanish dishes, using local ingredients like corn, beans and squash. Chilis go into tamales, eggs, chicken soup, stews, ribs and cheeseburgers. Joyce, age 80 and a Kansas transplant, said, “After you’ve been here for awhile, I

don’t know what you’d do without green chilies. You can get them mild to hot and roasted. I put them in eggs and gravy.” Other staples include enchiladas and sopaipillas, the latter being puffed-up, fried pastry filled with savory ingredients. Locals stress that New Mexican food is not Mexican food. The city’s zingy specialties are front and center at the National Fiery Foods and Barbecue Show, dubbed “the hottest show on earth.” It features hot sauces, hot rubs, hot ribs, hot BBQ, hot jerky, hot salsas, and a “cool down booth” for ice cream to ease the burn of the hot and spicy foods. The 30th annual show will be held March 2 to 4, 2018. Visit www.fieryfoodsshow.com.

If you go Start your planning at www.visitabq.org. Once in Albuquerque, get oriented and see the major attractions on the ABQ Trolley, www.abqtrolley.com. The Spanish-colonial-style Hotel Albuquerque, steps away from Old Town’s attractions, has a Southwest feel. Visit www.hotelabq.com. Throughout the year, Albuquerque hosts events that feature, among other things, bull riding, flamenco dancing, powwows, fiestas, wool dyeing, salsa, arts and crafts. Oh, and every October, throngs gather for the world’s largest hot air balloon fiesta. United Airlines has the lowest rountrip fare at $326 in early January from BWI.

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J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 8 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

Nonrefundable fares vs. trip insurance If you look at the many consumer complaints about the travel industry, one issue clearly rises to the top: nonrefundability. In exchange for giving you a price break, airlines, hotels, car rental companies, tour operators and others make your payment nonrefundable. Airlines allow you to alter a nonrefundable ticket, but only after a very stiff change fee, and only by spending the remainder with the airline. And other nonrefundable

services are completely nonrefundable: You can cancel, but you get nothing back. Requests to refund nonrefundable prepayments are sometimes wrenching: A spouse dies, a parent develops cancer. Consumers often think, “Yes, I know it’s nonrefundable, but in this special case, the supplier should obviously take pity and refund my payment.” And then they condemn the supplier as being heartless for not bending.

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What options do you have?

Each policy specifies what contingencies it Legally, when a supplier says “nonre- covers as a “named reason” — and it won’t cover anything else. fundable,” it is on firm ground Most TCI is very good about when it refuses to refund your all sorts of sudden sickness or payment: The contract you acaccident, not only if something cept when you buy clearly happens to you as a traveler but specifies the nonrefundability also to your travel companion. and the penalties. And it usually covers you if The suppliers’ position is something happens to a close straightforward: If you don’t family member, or even to a like the idea of nonrefundabilbusiness partner at home who ity and penalties, don’t buy isn’t even traveling. nonrefundable, or buy insurTRAVEL TIPS It typically also covers a ance. And those are exactly By Ed Perkins laundry list of other contingenyour options. Overall, my primary rule is to avoid non- cies, such as being called to jury duty or to refundables whenever you can. When you active duty in the armed forces, or damage book a hotel on a site such as Booking.com, to your home, or a natural disaster at your for example, you often get to choose either destination. And, these days, most policies a nonrefundable rate or a slightly higher re- allow you to cancel if your destination area fundable rate that you can cancel up to 24 suffers a terrorist attack. TCI isn’t perfect, and I’ve seen cases hours in advance without penalty. In my trip planning, I always take the re- where an insurer has denied what looks like fundable option. Yes, it costs more, but it a legitimate claim. But for the most part, it’s leaves me free to change either my itinerary a good protection for money you have at risk. or my choice of hotels. I recommend buying from an independBut not all travel arrangements are as easy as hotels. With airfares, a fully refundable fare ent third-party travel insurance agency can be more than double the nonrefundable such as g1g.com, insuremytrip.com, rate. Cruises and vacation rentals are often to- quotewright.com, squaremouth.com, totaltally or at least partially nonrefundable, no travelinsurance.com, travelinsurancecenter.com and tripinsurancestore.com. matter what. In those cases, I buy insurance. You should avoid any “insurance” that is really just a supplier’s waiver of its own canBuying travel insurance My position on travel insurance has re- cellation policies. Those waivers offer a lot mained consistent ever since I’ve been doing less protection, and, in some cases, the benthis: If you have more money at risk in non- efit is limited to a credit toward future travel refundables or cancellation penalties than rather than a cash refund. My suggestion is you are willing to walk away from if some- to bypass the supplier’s link and buy from an thing happens, buy trip-cancellation/inter- independent insurance agency. Send e-mail to Ed Perkins at ruption insurance (TCI). It costs 5 to 10 percent of what you have at risk, and it usually eperkins@mind.net. Also, check out Ed’s new includes medical and other benefits, as well. rail travel website at www.rail-guru.com. © 2017 Tribune Content Agency, LLC TCI is a “named peril” form of insurance:

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H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N â&#x20AC;&#x201D; J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 8

Say you saw it in the Beacon

Style

Arts &

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Outdoors Marylandâ&#x20AC;? recently focused on the â&#x20AC;&#x153;water womenâ&#x20AC;? who make their living on the Chesapeake Bay. See our cover story, continued on page 28.

34th Street retains its miraculous charm

Musical highs and lows The show itself is a little disjointed, though Tobyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s does its best to smooth out all the lumps. The music borrows ele-

ments from other shows, especially Willsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own Music Man, and canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t seem to figure out what kind of show it wants to be. There are boisterous, fun numbers, like â&#x20AC;&#x153;Big Ca-Lown Balloonsâ&#x20AC;? during the Thanksgiving Parade, but then things quickly turn dark with â&#x20AC;&#x153;You Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Know,â&#x20AC;? in which Doris croons a cautionary tale to her daughter about how disappointing life is. By the next song, the moodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s back up, and so the rest of the show goes on. You will get to hear a familiar tune in act one by the ensemble, though â&#x20AC;&#x201D; holiday favorite â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas,â&#x20AC;? penned by Willson before he wrote the musical. Perhaps the most perplexing thing about the show is that it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need to be a musical at all. The filmâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s story is so solid on its own that the songs appear to be injected at odd times, conveying feelings that are sometimes better spoken â&#x20AC;&#x201D; not sung (and danced).

Outstanding cast What is always reliably excellent at Tobyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s is the talented cast, and Miracleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s runs the gamut of age and experience. The ensemble of child actors is especially wonderful and sweet. Hannah Dash steals a scene as an orphan from the Netherlands named Henrika, who wants to meet Santa. His response back to her in Dutch is partly why Susan believes in him. And who can forget our showâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Susan, played splendidly by Camden Lippert, the

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PHOTO BY JERI TIDWELL

By Rebekah Alcalde No doubt youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re familiar with the 1947 film, Miracle on 34th Street â&#x20AC;&#x201D; a classic featuring a young Natalie Wood that challenges you to suspend disbelief and embrace the idea that Santa Claus is real. But you probably didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a musical theater version, penned by Meredith Willson, composer of The Music Man. The show debuted to mixed reviews in 1963 and was originally billed as Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Love. Since then, productions have changed the name, sometimes calling it Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas. Now, Tobyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dinner Theatre is presenting the musical, renaming it to match the film. The showâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plot primarily follows the movie, with a focus on embittered and pragmatic divorcee Doris Walker, who hires an old man named Kris Kringle to play Santa Claus at Macyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s flagship store in NYC. The twist? He thinks heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the real deal, and manages to convince Walkerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s young daughter Susan (and everyone else but Doris). Their neighbor and marine-turnedlawyer Fred Gaily also charms them, and does his best to loosen up and open their hearts. When Mr. Kringle is wrongly sent to jail on an assault charge that turns into an insanity hearing, Fred is the lawyer who does his best to free him.

An entertaining musical version of the 1947 classic film Miracle on 34th Street is now onstage at Tobyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dinner Theatre. Tobyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s veteran Robert Biedermann plays jolly Kris Kringle, shown here with the full cast.

ideal balance between wide-eyed and shrewd â&#x20AC;&#x201D; with a great singing voice to boot. The adult cast is just as entertaining. Heather Beck, as Doris, is the perfect pic-

ture (and pitch) of a strong woman living in a manâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s world, trying to protect her See 34TH STREET, page 29

JANUARY NUARY UARY 11 - MARC MARCH C H 11 1

+,-./-01 %$'% ()

January 27, 2018, 7:30pm Jim Rouse Theatre

Michael Sheppard

Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 3 Michael Sheppard, piano Brahms: Symphony No. 2 Ruby Fulton: Deadlock Shodekeh, vocal percussionist and beatboxer

Shodekeh

Tickets range from $10-$28 ($3 service fee may apply) Call 410-465-8777 or visit www.columbiaorchestra.org

410-730-8311

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J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 8 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

English

BEACON BITS

Ongoing

From page 1

KNITTING AND CROCHET GROUP The Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks hosts a

non-instructional gathering of volunteer knitters on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month from 1 to 3 p.m. at Kiwanis-Wallas Hall, 3300 Norberts Way in Ellicott City. The sessions are free, and offer opportunities to knit or crochet scarves, hat and blankets for a variety of community service projects. Preregistration is required. For further information call Linda DiPanfilo at (410) 3134704 or email her at ldipanfilo@howardcountymd.gov.

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tiger beetle, an endangered species concentrated in Southern Maryland along the Chesapeake Bay. The beetle particularly breeds within the eroding cliffs of Calvert, Cecil and Kent counties. That erosion has put houses there at risk, and homeowners want to shore up the cliffs to save their family homes. But the beetles are federally protected, and any construction could hasten the tiger beetle’s extinction. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service considers the beetle a key part of the area’s ecosystem. Protecting its cliff habitat means protecting such waterside birds as kingfishers and bank swallows, as well as many insect species.

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A more well-known example of conflicting interests is presented by the Chesapeake Bay itself. It’s the nation’s largest estuary. That, English said, “makes it one of the most environmentally sensitive areas in the country.” Algae in the water feeds on phosphorous and nitrogen, much of which comes from sewage treatment plants, factories, farms and lawn run-off. The algae consume the oxygen that the fish, crabs and

other underwater species need in order to survive. While nitrogen and phosphorus have always been a part of the Bay’s ecosystem, they have increased to excessive levels over the last few decades. English has explored the competing interests not only in “Outdoors Maryland” but also during “Chesapeake Bay Week,” a special week of MPT programming each April. Though English works to give a wellrounded account of the issues, he most definitely has views of his own: “If we don’t continue to pull out all the stops trying to save the Bay, what we have now will not be there for long,” he said. English said he once adorned his car with the bumper sticker: “Nature Bats Last.” That is to say, nature is the “home team” and has the last word on how the Earth will, or will not, survive. “That’s what I believe, and it guides my interest in the natural world,” English said. “There’s a lot we know, but a lot we don’t know, too,” he added. “And so we have to tread carefully, erring on the side of caution so that we don’t do damage to things we don’t understand — like many of the world’s hidden intricacies.” Many episodes of “Outdoors Maryland” can be viewed online at http://video.mpt.tv/ show/outdoors-maryland.

BEACON BITS

Jan. 4+

SEEKING ARTWORK FOR SHOW The Howard County Arts Council is opening its doors to new

artists at its headquarters, 8510 High Ridge Rd., on Thursday, Jan. 4 for submission to its HoCoOpen 2018 to be held Jan. 12 through February 23. Each artist may bring one submission between the hours of 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 4. For more information, visit hocoarts.org or call (410) 313-2787.

Jan. 29

LEARN TO USE MEDCARE PLAN FINDER TOOL The Howard County Office on Aging and Independence SHIP office will offer instructions on using the Plan Finder tool on

medicare.gov in a free program on Monday, Jan. 29 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Howard County General Hospital Wellness Center, 10710 Charter Dr., Columbia. To register or for more information, call (410) 313-6274.

ANSWERS TO CROSSWORD

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ANSWERS TO JUMBLE Jumbles: CLOVE WHEEL DEFACE SECEDE Answer: When the con man pulled the wool over their eyes, the couple was – FLEECED

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 8

daughter. When she tells Susan not to believe in anything she can’t “see, taste, touch or smell,” you truly believe she means well. Beck also belts out all the right notes, effectively leaning into a few of the songs’ strange minor-chord endings. Always-funny Jeffrey Shankle (Fred) plays a different kind of character as the ex-marine who’s just as disillusioned with love as Doris is. He definitely has the fasttalking New York attitude down pat, and his few moments of vulnerability stand out — as in “My Wish,” when he sings to little Susan while they’re alone at the playground (clearly a different era, when this was acceptable). Fred does repeatedly talk down to Doris as a “little girl,” which is a bit unnerving, but Shankle does his best to make Fred roguish rather than repulsive. The strongest performance from the main cast belongs to Toby’s veteran Robert Biedermann as Kris Kringle. He brings a slightly more youthful, energetic and sweet portrayal of the classic figure, which feels fresh. He also has great chemistry with everyone, especially Susan. Though he doesn’t do much singing, he’s spot-on in every other aspect.

tions, the side characters are particularly memorable. Doris’ assistant Marvin Shellhammer (Tommy Malek) is fantastic in every scene he’s in, especially the amusing number “Plastic Alligator,” where he convinces the new clerks to use a silly jingle to push the toys he accidentally bought in surplus. His energy is infectious. My favorite performance of the night was, to my surprise, Russell Sunday, who brought the character of Macy’s CEO William H. Macy to life. He may be in and out of the show, but he commands every scene he’s in. Sunday’s booming deep voice and excellent vocals really help elevate the second act. He shines particularly brightly in the show’s strongest number, “My State, My Kansas,” in which he tries to convince the judge on Kringle’s case that sending Santa to prison would be bad for his career. He’s joined on the number by Shellhammer, the hilarious David Bosley Reynolds as the judge, and a very good David James as Tammany, a local political figure. From the creative set design for the Big Apple, to the dazzling costumes and effects like mock snowfall (spoiler alert!), Miracle is the perfect show for your grandchildren (and inner child). It may be a little saccharine for some, but it’s the holidays, after all.

Supporting actors shine

Seeing the show

34th Street From page 27

As is the case in many of Toby’s produc-

Miracle on 34th Street continues through

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Say you saw it in the Beacon | Arts & Style

Sunday, Jan. 7 at Toby’s Dinner Theatre, located at 5900 Symphony Woods Rd. in Columbia. The show runs seven days a week, with evening and matinee performances. Doors open at 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday, for dinner prior to the evening performances, which begin at 8 p.m. For Sunday evening performances, which begin at 7 p.m., doors open at 5 p.m. for dinner. On Wednesdays and Sundays, there are matinee performances, which open for brunch at 10:30 a.m., with shows beginning at 12:30 p.m. Reservations are required. Ticket prices range from $45.50 (for children under 12) to $64, depending on the performance. Ticket prices include buffet dinner or brunch, tea and coffee. Specialty alcoholic

drinks — like this show’s strawberry-flavored “The Kringle,” which my husband topped with optional Pinnacle whipped crème vodka — are priced separately. While not five-star cuisine, Toby’s buffet-style meals offer something for everyone. Our meal featured prime rib, roast potatoes, cocktail shrimp, a variety of vegetables and salads, and more. Cake and unlimited ice cream are also included. You can also arrange to have coffee or alcohol brought to you during intermission. At Toby’s, the show’s actors also wait on tables. Their tips constitute much of their pay for their performances, so be sure to tip well. For more information or to reserve tickets, call (410) 730-8311 or visit www.tobysdinnertheatre.com.

Please patronize our advertisers.

J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 8 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

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Crossword Puzzle Daily crosswords can be found on our website: www.TheBeaconNewspapers.com Click on Puzzles Plus Beans and Cornbread 1

43 46

2. Investment plan addressed by IRS Pub 590-A 3. Temper tantrum 1. Tells lies to 4. “Must ___” (90’s NBC slogan) 7. Fall birthstone 5. Completely mistaken 11. Solemn promise 6. Muggle org. that uses powerful wands 14. Those named after the Little Mermaid 7. Poet Nash, who said “Progress might have 15. Ridicule been all right once, but it’s gone on too long” 16. Shrinking Arctic feature 17. Partners referenced in the 1949 Jump Jive 8. Organized cannonballs 9. “Only ___ buddy will tell you the truth” song Beans and Cornbread (Mame) 19. Family room 10. Metropolis businessman, Luther 20. Sched. notation for two Tuesdays and a 11. Wi-fi bandwidth hog Wednesday 12. The Indian is the youngest 21. Widely-used shoebox stickers 13. Takes the scenic route 22. ___ on arrival 18. Coming into view 23. See 17 Across 22. Restaurant reviewed by The Food Network’s 26. Tavern Guy Fieri 27. AL East foe of BAL and BOS 23. Tall migrant from Minneapolis to LA 28. Vasectomy patients in 1960 29. Letters before a bandit’s nickname 24. First line of data in a spreadsheet 30. Ghostbusters star, Kristen 25. Anthony Michael Hall, in several 80’s 33. The Sword of Gryffindor, for example movies 37. See 23 Across 26. Fishhook’s end 41. Start a game of 8-ball 31. “Art ___; science is we” (Claude Bernard) 42. Nile river city 32. Garden shade makers 43. Voodoo doll piercer 34. Cocktail party spy, perhaps 44. The 1st state 35. Less friendly 46. There were 7 in nineteen ninety-nine 36. Word on the reverse of all Lincoln pennies 48. On Soc. Sec. 38. No better then 49. See 37 Across 39. Squeaked out 55. Massages 40. Mork and Mindy greeting 56. Underdog at a bullfight 45. Next born after Tito and Jermaine 57. Are mixed-up 47. Walked boldly 58. Rite answer 49. Succinct 59. Writer and singer of the song, and a 1987 inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 50. More like Goofus than Gallant 51. Chess board wood 63. Poetic dusk 52. There are two each in 17, 23, 37, and 49 64. Unit of force across 65. “Life is not ___ rehearsal” 53. Hangs out on a clothesline 66. Prepare a blooming onion 54. Latin lead-in to -cotta or -firma 67. Backtalk 59. Mormons, initially 68. ___ cape (dresses as a super-hero) 60. Trash talk Down 61. Beast of burden 1. Descriptive of John or Ringo 62. It is said to stand for “No Such Agency”

Across

Scrabble answers on p. 28.

Jumble answers on p. 28.

41 44

28 30

18 20

Stephen Sherr

Answers on page 28.

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 8

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 the right. 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.

Home/Handyman Services BORN AGAIN REFINISHING c/o Vernon E. Madairy Sr. Because your antique and fine furniture is an investment. Photographs at www.bornagainrefinishing.com. Furniture refinishing & repairs. All pieces hand stripped. Restorations. Missing pieces hand-carved. Veneer repair and replaced. Upholstery. Kitchen cabinets refinished. Hand-woven natural cane. Cane webbing. Natural rush. Fiber rush. Wood splint. Residential and commercial. Since 1973 (43 years). 410-323-0467.

Personal Services SANFORD & SON JUNK REMOVAL. Trash + Junk removal, house & estate cleanouts, garage + basement cleanouts. Demolition – Shed, deck fence + pool removal. Licensed + insured. Free estimates over the phone. Call 7 days a week, 7 am to 7 pm. 410-746-5090. YOUR CAR AGENT — I will facilitate the sale or trade of your car from advertising to delivery. All facets of the process with integrity, knowledge and experience. Very reasonable rates. Paul Maloni, 301-385-4919. MUSIC FOR YOUR SERVICE — Beautiful, uplifting, comforting music for end of life services, including graveside, and other special events, weddings. Professional. Experienced. Affordable. www.MusicForYourService.com. 410-788-6442.

Home/Handyman Services I WILL MOVE YOUR POSSESIONS OR HAUL them away. No job too small. Don’t pay hefty delivery fees. Call Tim, 410-889-3795 or 443-6906525. Senior and military discounts. www.tshaulingandmoving.com, also like us on Facebook.

TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED Deadlines and Payments: Ad text and payment is due by the 5th 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 $10 for 25 words, 25 cents for each additional word. Business Text Ads: For parties engaged in an ongoing business enterprise. Each ad is $25 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, Baltimore Classified Dept. P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915-2227 BEACON BITS

Dec. 30

ANNUAL KWANZAA CELEBRATION Celebrate Kwanzaa, an annual African American holiday, with lec-

turer and Kwanzaa founder Dr. Malauna Karenga, followed by African dance, storytelling, drumming performances and workshops on Saturday, Dec. 30, from noon to 4 p.m. The event is free to the public and will take place at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, at 830 E. Pratt St. in Baltimore. Special admission is $5. For

Wanted

For Sale D2 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.

Say you saw it in the Beacon

more information, visit www.lewismuseum.org or call (443) 263-1800. 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.717-658-7954. 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.

Ongoing

LAWYER IN THE LIBRARY Maryland Legal Aid is offering free legal advice in libraries throughout the state through Wednesday, Jan. 31. Attendees will be

helped on a first-come, first-served basis. To find out when the project is coming to your neighborhood, visit www.mdlab.org or contact Ashley Cheatham at acheatham@mdlab.org.

ADVERTISERS IN THIS ISSUE Events COGS Meeting . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

Financial Services First Maryland Disability Trust .21 PENFED Financial Services . . . .20

Charlestown/Erickson Living . . . .5 Heartlands Senior Living . . . . . . .3 Homecrest House . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Olney Assisted Living . . . . . . . . .7 Park View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Somerford Place . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Vantage House . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Funeral Services

Legal Services

Going Home Cremations . . . . . .28 Harry H. Witzke’s Family Funeral Home, Inc. . . . . . . . . .13 Sol Levinson & Bros., Inc. . . . . .26

Angels of Eldercare Planning . . .20 Felinton Elder Law . . . . . . . . . . .23 Frank, Frank & Scherr, LLC . . . .21 Joseph, Greenwald & Laake . . . .23 Lifson Law . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Hearing Services Chesapeake Hearing Centers . . . .9 Miracle-Ear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Home Health Care

Medical/Health Medical Eye Center . . . . . . . . . .13 World Class Chiropractic . . . . . . .4

Moving Services

A-1 Action Nursing Care . . . . . . .9 Options for Senior America . . . .26

Stress Free Solutions . . . . . . . . . .7

Housing

Real Estate Services

Alta at Regency Crest . . . . . . . . .13 Brooke Grove . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

EXIT Spivey Professional Realty .21 Long & Foster-Nellie Arrington .19

Retail/Services Budget Bath . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Columbia’s Village Centers . . . .10 Dan Kugler’s Design Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14, 22

Senior Services Senior Connection . . . . . . . . .15-18

Subscriptions Beacon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

Theatre/Entertainment Candlelight Concert Society . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 Celebration of the Arts . . . . . . . . .8 Columbia Orchestra . . . . . . . . . .27 Toby’s Dinner Theatre . . . . . . . . .27

Tour & Travel Eyre Tour & Travel . . . . . . . . . . .25 Nexus Holidays . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

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J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 8 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

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