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VOL.32, NO.1

Never too old to rock and roll

JANUARY 2020

I N S I D E …

PHOTO BY E. DAVID LURIA PHOTOGRAPHY

By Michael Doan On a recent autumn day in Alexandria, a group of singers belted out the 1966 Motown hit “You Keep Me Hanging On,” swaying to the rhythm, bobbing their heads, smiling and shouting loudly at the end of the song. Is this a reunion of the Supremes? Maybe a young tribute band mimicking these great singers? Well, no. In fact, you see a few canes, hearing aids and lots of white hair among the rockers, who are clearly having a blast. They’re the singers of “Alexandria Rocks,” one of 23 Encore Creativity Choruses filled with older adults from the Washington area. The choirs are open to anyone 55 and over — no audition and no prior experience or ability to read music required. “Let’s have the first altos and second sopranos sing ‘whoa-whoa-whoa, yeahyeah,’” said their director, David Lang. “Kind of tricky here.” He’s not kidding. All of this music takes a lot of practice. The score of “You Keep Me Hanging On” — in five parts, with lots of syncopation — is almost as challenging as a highbrow requiem. For many singers, the choruses reawaken a long-lost interest in music. One, Jerry Catron, said, “In the ‘50s and ‘60s I spent a lot of time in smoky bars around a piano, singing a little bit of everything. Later, I found myself mostly to be a back-pew singer in church.” At age 69, he took his first voice lessons and now sings with Alexandria Rocks. “It’s the highlight of my week. I love the music, camaraderie and the friendship,” he said. Jeanne Kelly, a longtime choral and orchestral conductor, began the nonprofit Encore Creativity for Older Adults in 2007. She continues to lead the organization, which has grown in size and stature under her leadership. “I love seeing people who have not sung for 40 years, or maybe ever, come back to it and learn about their voice,” she said. “They get so excited, they can’t get enough of it.” The numerous choral groups operate on a semester basis, with fees for attendees (and tuition assistance for those who need). Fees help cover the cost of directors, rehearsal spaces, publicity for free concerts and operational expenses of the nonprofit.

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Spring training games and grub in Fort Myers, Florida; plus, highlights of Virginia’s annual festivals in 2020, and Bob Levey’s parking lot revelation page 32 Singers 55-plus who join an Encore Chorale give a public performance after eight rehearsals with a professional conductor — no prior experience or audition required. There are nearly two dozen such choruses in the metro area, singing either traditional or rock music. In addition to fall and spring semesters, summer camps and international tours are offered by Encore Creativity for Older Adults, a nonprofit organization.

Documented health benefits Kelly began thinking about establishing the organization in 2001, when she took part in a study on the effects of singing on older adults. The late Dr. Gene Cohen, of George Washington University, led the Creativity and Aging study, the first to document health benefits in older adults involved in community arts programs. Although Kelly had conducted older adult chorales for years, she was startled by the study’s results. “We found these singers had fewer falls, fewer hospital visits, less need for longterm health care, much less depression

and higher morale,” Kelly said. Her singers “all just want to do something challenging and learn — and be respected.” It’s also clear that singers make friends at rehearsals. “There is a lot of isolation, especially among older adults, and Encore is quashing that,” she said. Seven of the current chorales sing rock and roll, but 16 sing more traditional music from the American songbook, classical pieces and spirituals, all in four-part harmony. While singers must be at least 55, some have been as old as 103. At the See ENCORE, page 39

TECHNOLOGY 4 k Protect your cell phone number FITNESS & HEALTH 8 k Food additive raises concerns k New uses for old drugs LAW & MONEY 25 k Good news on IRAs and RMDs k Ask these Qs before you invest SPOTLIGHT ON AGING k Newsletter for D.C. seniors

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Innovative solutions I recently attended a national confer- make use of artificial intelligence (AI). ence that highlighted some of the latest in- They apply algorithms to the data collected from millions of sources to novations in products and better understand what peoservices for older adults. ple are asking of the maAttendees represented chines. But they also apply companies large and small, them to better understand star t-ups and long-estabpeople themselves. You’ll see lished brands, as well as assowhat I mean below. ciations like AARP and the National Council on the Aging. Here is a brief selection of I came away excited about new products discussed at the what I learned, and energized conference. I expect we’ll have by the creative technologies more in-depth stories elaboratand solutions these new com- FROM THE ing on some of these (and othPUBLISHER panies are developing. ers) in upcoming issues. By Stuart P. Rosenthal Many of them build on the Preventing caregiver increasingly popular “voice burnout: Caregiving issues assistants,” such as Amazon’s Alexa, were one of the biggest areas addressed in Apple’s Siri and Google’s Assistant. These the conference. More than 40 million famicome as both smartphone apps and stand- ly members and other unpaid caregivers alone products (e.g., Amazon Echo, Apple currently provide caregiving in the U.S. HomePod, Google Home). Preventing burnout among these indiPersonally, I have not been a fan of these viduals is an important goal that can help due to privacy concerns. But it appears keep those being cared for from needing older adults are flocking to them, as the to enter a nursing home. products offer hands-free ways of using the The company TCare has developed a Internet without the technological confu- structured conversation (to be adminissions that can come with operating and tered by a trained social worker or healthcare professional) that has been shown to maintaining computers and smartphones. Some of the new software products also identify caregivers at risk of burnout. Fol-

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

The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915 (301) 949-9766 • Email: info@thebeaconnewspapers.com Website: www.theBeaconNewspapers.com Submissions: The Beacon welcomes reader contributions. Deadline for editorial is the 10th of the month preceding the month of publication. Deadline for ads is the 15th of the month preceding the month of publication. See page 47 for classified advertising details. Please mail or email all submissions.

lowing the conversation, an AI algorithm is applied that functions as a screening and assessment tool. This product has a proven track record, such that it is recognized by the Administration for Community Living, a federal agency, as “a consistent, objective and reliable process” to identify at-risk caregivers. See more at tailoredcare.com. Share your legacy: A start-up’s new website and app are designed to make it easy for users to share important stories about themselves with family and friends, and to leave a recorded legacy for the future — all at no cost, for the time being. Called Megilla, it currently offers more than 750 questions or prompts, such as “What were you like as a child?” and “What is one piece of advice that affected your life?” From a smartphone, laptop or computer with a camera, a user clicks on a question they want to answer and then has up to three minutes to video their answer. All answers are stored on the site, and can be easily emailed to anyone of your choosing, or just kept private, if users prefer. The service plans eventually to start charging a monthly fee ($5 or so, it’s said) to maintain the videos and services, but for now, it’s totally free. Visit megilla.com for more info or to start using. Improving hearing: Another start-up, called Audio Cardio, has developed a smartphone app that it claims can help preserve hearing and even recover some “lost” hearing ability.

The concept is based on studies that suggest regular audio therapy appears capable of improving the brain’s ability to process frequencies that have been lost due to aging and noise exposure. One study even suggested this type of therapy can help repair damaged hair cells in the inner ear that are essential for hearing. The app produces tones that are not audible. Users “listen” to these inaudible sounds for an hour a day through headphones or earphones while doing anything else they want (even listening to music at the same time). The claim is that this strengthens and stimulates the cells in the ear, and reconditions the brain to once again detect sound frequencies that had been inaudible before. It certainly seems like a great idea. Maybe too good to be true. More studies are underway, so stay tuned (no pun intended). For more information, see audiocardio.com. May the new year bring all of us new opportunities, as well as innovative products and services, that make life better. We’ll do our best to cover them here in the Beacon, so please keep reading and recommend us to your friends. Also, please share your opinion on topics of the day through letters to the editor. We love hearing from you.

Letters to the editor Readers are encouraged to share their opinion on any matter addressed in the Beacon as well as on political and social issues of the day. Mail your Letter to the Editor to The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915, or e-mail to info@thebeaconnewspapers.com. Please include your name, address and telephone number for verification. Dear Editor: My view of the United States differs from Argentine Deigh’s, expressed in a November letter to the editor. I see America as structured through its laws and liberty and able to make up for past mistakes. As a pin I often wear says, “America is young and unfinished.” America in 1619 inherited the institution of slavery, which was the worldwide norm. It took a Civil War to end American slavery, but we did it. In contrast, Yemen and Saudi Arabia did not end slavery until 1962. For Mauritania it was 1981. Jim Crow laws officially ended with the civil rights act of the 1960s. The cultural struggle against racism goes on, though. Terrible things done to the American Indians in the past are unforgivable, but that is no longer the case. Detention camps for Americans of Japanese descent are a stain on America’s history. But the Supreme Court ruled it unconstitutional, and it probably will not be repeated.

History suggests the past wrongs and current wrongs of our nation will be corrected. Gerald Schneider Kensington, Maryland Dear Editor: The only thing that has made America great is black music: Gospel, blues, rock and roll, jazz, funk, disco, hip hop, etc. It has made more people rich than “King Cotton” and industrialization combined. It has united people worldwide and may very well be the bridge to the great divide. It’s the foundation of modern music. Chris Harrison Kensington, Maryland Dear Editor: Bravo (re: Bob Levey’s November column on driving a stick shift car)! I’ve bought or driven stick shift cars since learning to drive them on my friend’s Porsche 914. It’s now nearly impossible to find new stick shift cars; manufacturers offer paddleSee LETTERS TO EDITOR, page 47

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Technology &

Innovations Congress acts to fight hated robocalls By Tali Arbel The Senate approved a bill on December 19 to crack down on robocalls, sending to President Donald Trump a measure meant to combat a persistent and costly problem for Americans. The bill, which Trump is expected to sign, would stiffen enforcement and require that phone companies offer free consumer tools to identify and block scam calls. It also calls for tougher fines when individuals intentionally violate the law. It echoes and builds on preventive measures that the Federal Communications Commission and state attorneys general have pushed for. It potentially speeds up steps the telecom industry is already taking to protect Americans from the billions of scam calls made each month.

Not a panacea Maureen Mahoney, policy analyst for Consumer Reports, said the measure was an important step, though “robocalls are not going to disappear overnight.” Robocalls have flooded Americans’ phones because technology makes it cheap and easy to call people. Enforcement is difficult, with many scammers overseas. Even with additional enforcement powers provided in the bill, that’s not likely to change, Mahoney said, which is why it’s important to give consumers free tools that can stop calls. The Senate passed the bill unanimously, on a voice vote, following House approval earlier in December. The bill, called the Traced Act, requires phone companies to offer free call-blocking apps and verify that the number calling you

is real. That’s an issue because fraudsters fake numbers to look as though they’re calling from the IRS or other places to trick you. The bill also gives the FCC more time to fine robocallers, and lets the agency fine offenders without warning them first.

More remains to be done The bill also pushes the agency to work with the Justice Department to go after criminals. Over the long term, that could act as a deterrent. However, the final bill leaves out some protections that were in a previous version of a House bill, Mahoney noted. That version would have broadened the definition of what a robocall is and made it harder for companies like banks and cruise-ship vacation sellers to reach consumers. The FCC has already told phone compa-

nies that they can block unwanted calls without getting customers’ permission first, which could help increase the use of phoneblocking apps. That order did not require the tools be made free, while the bill does. The agency has said it expected the deployment of a new phone-number system to begin last year. Many major phone companies have begun rolling it out, but to work well all carriers must adopt it. The phone industry trade group, US Telecom, applauded the bill’s passage, saying it “will supercharge” the fight against robocallers. But experts expect that as phone companies put more tools in place to combat robocalls, scammers will adapt and try different techniques to reach victims. Darlene Superville contributed to this report. —AP

Keep your cell number safe from hackers By Liz Weston If you’re not familiar with SIM swap fraud, prepare to be terrified. This scam, also known as port-out or SIM splitting fraud, allows criminals to hijack your cell phone number. Once they have your number, the bad guys can clean out your financial accounts, confiscate your email, delete your data and take over your social media profiles. Fraudsters can do all this because many companies — including banks, brokerages, email providers and social media platforms — verify your identity by texting a code to your cell phone. Intercepting those codes can give a criminal an allaccess pass to your financial and digital life. This kind of identify fraud has been around for years, but it’s getting more attention after a wave of cryptocurrency thefts and attacks on high-profile victims, including T witter CEO Jack Dorsey, who briefly lost control of his Twitter account.

Fraud the experts fear most The potential damage is so great that security expert Avivah Litan, vice president at research firm Gartner Inc., fears losing her phone number far more than having her Social Security number compromised. “I’d rather they took my Social, to tell

you the truth,” Litan said, “because I care about my retirement money, and I know some of it’s protected through phone number access.” What’s more, you can’t prevent this fraud — only your carrier can. And right now, criminals are finding it’s pretty easy to fool the phone companies. Sometimes the scam artists bribe or blackmail carrier employees; sometimes, the employees are the criminals. Other times, the fraudsters use identifying data they’ve stolen, bought on the dark web or gleaned from social media to convince carriers that they’re you. They pretend they want to change carriers or say they need a new SIM card — the module that identifies a phone’s owner and allows it to connect to a network. Once they persuade the carrier to transfer your number to a phone they control, they can attack your other accounts.

Help can be slow Even getting your cell phone carrier to recognize what’s happening, and help you stop it, can be a challenge, said security expert Bob Sullivan, host of the “So, Bob” technology podcast. Victims report being forced to educate phone company employees about the fraud and having their numbers stolen

more than once, even after protections were supposedly in place. “The real problem is when you call, are you going to get a person that you can talk to about this quickly and are they going to recognize what’s happening?” Sullivan asked. “Or are you going to be in voicemail hell for three hours while a criminal raids all your accounts?” Phone companies protest they’re doing all they can, and solutions that would make this theft harder also would inconvenience people who legitimately want to switch carriers or need their numbers transferred to new SIM cards because their phones have been lost or stolen.

Upgrade your security While you can’t prevent this fraud if you have a cell phone, you may be able to reduce the chances of being victimized, or at least limit the damage. First, ask your phone company to put a personal identification number on your account. Hopefully the carrier will require that to be produced before your phone number is “ported out” to a new carrier or assigned to a different SIM card. Then, investigate whether you can switch to more secure authentication on your sensitive accounts. Being texted a code is better than nothing, since this

“two-factor” authentication is harder to beat than just using a password. Better options would be to get the codes through a call to a landline or by using an authenticator app such as Authy, Google Authenticator or Duo Security on your smartphone.

Assume the worst If your phone stops working or you can’t send or receive texts, don’t assume it’s a glitch. Call using an alternate method or visit your carrier immediately to report phone takeover fraud. Sullivan recommends knowing a few alternate ways to contact your carrier, such as Wi-Fi calling, Skype or an easily accessed backup phone. If you do become a victim, you should: — Alert your financial institutions. — Change the email and password associated with all your financial and payment accounts. — Freeze your credit reports. — File identity theft reports with your local police department. The important thing is to move quickly because the bad guys won’t wait. “You need to have a plan in place because minutes are going to matter,” Sullivan said. —AP/NerdWallet

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Although many unofficial repair shops have been offering basic fixes such as screen replacements, they aren’t necessarily using Apple parts or qualified technicians. Now, thousands more shops will be able

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to buy parts directly from Apple, as long as they have a company-certified technician to make the repairs. The change represents a significant concession from Apple, which is known for trying to control everything, including the repair experience. Consumer groups and some state lawmakers have been pressuring Apple to give people more viable choices to seek repairs, as smartphones have become as conspicuous in daily life as cars — a product that typically can be taken to an independent mechanic instead of a dealership. Apple is pivoting just as antitrust regulators in the U.S. are examining whether it and other powerful technology companies such as Google, Amazon and Facebook have been stifling competition. “The last thing that Apple wants now is to be doing anything that might cast it in a negative light in Washington,” industry analyst Patrick Moorhead of Moor Insights said.

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Cracked iPhone screen? Where to fix it By Michael Liedtke Apple is loosening its grip on how its products are repaired to give customers more options for fixing cracked screens and other defects on their older iPhones. Under the new policy announced last summer, Apple will begin selling its tools and parts to more independent phone repair shops in the U.S. Apple will expand that to other countries later. Repairs at these shops, though, will be limited to iPhones already out of warranty. iPhones that remain under warranty must still be taken to an Apple store or one of more than 5,000 service providers that the company already has authorized worldwide. That includes all Best Buy stores in the U.S. Those who have other devices, such as the Apple Watch and Mac computer, or an iPhone requiring more complicated repairs will also have to go there.

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Best Buy invests in tech for older adults By Anne D’Innocenzio The nation’s largest consumer electronics chain, known for selling TV sets, cellphones and laptops, is looking to healthcare as a big source of its future growth. Best Buy Co. said last fall that in five years it hopes to provide five million seniors with health monitoring services, which can range from sensors placed throughout a home to a pendant worn around the neck. It currently provides the service to one million older adults. It’s part of the chain’s deeper push into the $3.5 trillion U.S. healthcare market and essential to its goal of reaching $50 billion

in annual revenue by 2025. The Minneapolis-based chain is tapping into an aging U.S. population, noting that two out of three seniors live with two or more chronic conditions, and many want to stay at home. Best Buy is also looking to dig deeper into healthcare at a time when it, like other retailers, faces uncertainty regarding an escalating trade war with China. Some of its core businesses, like TVs and phones sales, have been sluggish, although it said the consumer electronics business is stable. The strategy comes as Best Buy has succeeded in holding off increasing com-

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petition from Amazon and other players by speeding up deliveries and adding more services to deepen its relationship with customers. “This is an environment driven by constant innovation and people who need help with technology,” CEO Corie Barry said.

Recent acquisitions Best Buy has been on buying spree to boost its healthcare business. Last May, it acquired Critical Signal Technologies, a provider of personal emergency response systems and telehealth monitoring services for at-home seniors. In August, it acquired the predictive healthcare technology business of BioSensics, including hiring the company’s data science and engineering team. In 2018, it bought GreatCall, which provides cell phones and emergency response

iPhone screen fix From page 5

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lower prices for labor. In addition, easier repairs might prompt customers to hold onto their iPhones for even longer periods, a phenomenon that has already contributed to a slowdown in phone sales. This may also make customers more re-

devices for older adults. It also hired its own chief medical officer to push those efforts: Daniel Grossman, a physician, will report to Asheesh Saksena, head of Best Buy Health. Insurers have begun paying more for remote monitoring technology to help track chronic conditions and keep patients healthy and out of hospitals. That technology can include special wireless scales to monitor patients with congestive heart failure. Saksena told investors that pendants using certain algorithms can track how a person is walking and predict the risk of falling. He also noted that sensors on refrigerators detect how often it’s being used. That can trigger a call by a GreatCall agent to see whether that person has been eating. —AP luctant to pay extra for a repair program, Apple Care, which has been helping the company boost revenue in its rapidly growing services business. But Moorhead doubts Apple will be affected that badly. Apple Care is just a small part of a services business that includes commissions on app sales and music subscriptions. —AP

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Health Fitness &

OXYGEN TANK TROUBLES Not all doctors know the difference between two types of oxygen tanks EASILY LOWER CHOLESTEROL Add nuts, barley and healthy oils to your daily diet to lower bad cholesterol RAINY DAY ACHES Does arthritis flare up in bad weather? Doctors and patients disagree WINTER WARNINGS To avoid slips and falls this winter, try kitty litter, flashlights and new glasses

Common additive may raise health risks By Gale Malesky Some researchers have been speculating for years that certain commonly used food additives may be contributing to the uptick in obesity and diabetes. Now, research from Harvard University shows that a commonly-used food preservative, and one generally recognized as safe (GRAS), appears to contribute to both insulin resistance and high blood sugar. That has added new weight to suspicions that some food ingredients may have unforeseen impacts on our health. The findings were published online in Science Translational Medicine.

Concerns over proprionate The researchers looked at propionate, a short-chain fatty acid frequently used as a mold inhibitor and anti-browning agent in foods manufactured to have a fairly long shelf-life. These researchers found (in both mice and in humans) that propionate, when added to meals in amounts that might be

normally consumed, triggered a cascade of metabolic events that led to increased production of sugar by the liver, further leading to elevated levels of insulin. “So, these signals, which are usually activated during fasting to support the energetic demands of the body, are stimulated inappropriately during a meal that contains propionate,” said study lead author Amir Tirosh, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor of medicine at Tel Aviv University in Israel. “Chronic consumption of propionate leading to an increase in insulin levels might, in turn, lead to an increase in food intake, weight gain and insulin resistance.” Propionate has been assessed by the FDA for its potential to cause birth defects, cancer and weight loss, and found to be safe in those regards. Hence, its designation as GRAS. However, the FDA does not require GRAS-classified food additives to be tested for any metabolic effects, said Barbara Corkey, Ph.D., director of the Obesity Re-

search Center at Boston University School of Medicine. “None of them has been looked at as potential causes of obesity. Many of them have not been properly tested on any kind of metabolic disease,” she said.

Used in broad range of foods The foods most likely to contain propionate are breads, tortillas, pizza dough, pastries, breakfast cereals, pasta and noodles, dried and condensed milk, flavored milks, dairy-based spreads, cheese, some processed meats, certain processed fruit and vegetable products, and desserts such as puddings, frosting and confections. In addition, the ingredient can be found in sports drinks; diet foods and beverages; commercially prepared salads such as potato salad; condiments such as vinegar and mustard; soups and sauces; dried or otherwise processed mushrooms, beans or seaweeds; and nut butters. It’s also used in animal feed and grains. It’s important to note that if an ingredi-

ent is added to a food (not found naturally), it must be listed on the ingredients label. In the case of propionate, look for these names: calcium propionate, sodium propionate, propionic acid, calcium salt and calcium dipropionate. It’s true that propionate is found naturally in some foods, such as aged cheeses, where it helps to retard mold growth. However, the amounts are extremely low and unlikely to result in deleterious metabolic effects, Tirosh said. He believes these new findings warrant further investigation into propionate and potential alternatives that could be used in food preparation. But both he and Corkey agree that one way to eat healthier is to work to limit intake of processed foods. Reprinted with permission from Environmental Nutrition, a monthly publication of Belvoir Media Group, LLC. 1-800-8295384. EnvironmentalNutrition.com. © 2019 Belvoir Media Group. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Using new (and old) drugs to help hearts By Marilynn Marchione Novel drugs — and old ones as well — may offer fresh ways to reduce heart risks beyond the medicines typically used to lower cholesterol and blood pressure. One new study found that heart attack survivors benefited from a medicine long used to treat gout. Several experimental drugs also showed early promise for interfering with heart-harmful genes without modifying the genes themselves — in one case, with treatment just twice a year. The research was featured at an American Heart Association conference in Philadelphia in November. “There’s a lot of excitement” about the new gene-targeting medicines, especially because they seem to last so long, said Dr. Karol Watson of the University of California, Los Angeles. Scientists have been exploring gene therapy — altering DNA — to attack the root cause of many diseases. [See “Doctors safely edit genes to fight cancer,” in the December Beacon.] The new drugs essentially accomplish the same thing without tampering with

genes, said the University of Pennsylvania’s Dr. Daniel Rader, who has consulted for some makers of these drugs. The medicines work by silencing or blocking messages that genes give to cells to make proteins that can do harm, such as allowing cholesterol to accumulate. The first few of these “RNA interference” drugs recently were approved for other conditions, and research is also targeting heart disease.

Studies look promising Furthest along is inclisiran, tested in 1,561 people with heart disease from clogged arteries who still had high LDL, the bad form of cholesterol, despite taking standard drugs. They were given a shot of inclisiran or a dummy drug when they joined the study, three months later, and then every six months. The drug lowered LDL by 56% without serious side effects. More testing will show whether it also lowers heart attacks and other problems besides cholesterol. Inclisiran’s maker, the Medicines Company, plans to seek federal approval for it later this year. Two other RNA interference drugs aim

at a different target — triglycerides, another fat in the blood that’s elevated in one quarter of Americans. Treatments include very low-fat diets, weight loss, fish oil and drugs, but doctors say more and better therapies are needed. Each RNA interference drug was tested at various doses in 40 people. A single shot lowered triglycerides by 30% to 67%, and the benefit lasted for at least four months. The studies were just intended to show safety; Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals is developing both drugs.

Diabetes, gout cures help heart Other research found new benefits from older drugs. AstraZeneca’s Farxiga, originally developed to treat diabetes, also lowered the risk of heart problems in heart failure patients who did not have diabetes. Among 2,605 such patients treated for 18 months, about 9% of those on Farxiga had worsening heart failure or heart-related death versus nearly 13% of those not given the drug. That worked out to a 27% lower risk, without extra serious side effects. Surprising benefits also were seen in a

Canadian study of the decades-old gout drug. The anti-inflammatory drug colchicine — sold as Colcrys, Mitigare and in generic form — was tested in 4,745 people who recently had a heart attack. After about two years, colchicine users had a 23% lower risk of suffering a new heart attack, heart-related death, stroke, cardiac arrest or urgent need for an artery-opening procedure compared with a group given dummy pills. The benefit came mostly from preventing strokes and artery-opening procedures; some heart doctors would rather have seen more difference in heart attacks and deaths. Colchicine is being tested in several other studies, and more evidence is needed before using it routinely to lower heart risks, wrote Dr. L. Kristin Newby of Duke University in a commentary published with the study in the New England Journal of Medicine. Dr. Donald Lloyd-Jones, a Northwestern University cardiologist and program chief for the heart conference, was more supportive. “When you have a safe drug that’s easily available, it’s going to be hard to hold this one back,” he said. —AP

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Drug shown to curb dementia’s delusions By Marilynn Marchione A drug that curbs delusions in Parkinson’s patients did the same for people with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia in a study that was stopped early because the benefit seemed clear. If regulators agree, the drug could become the first treatment specifically for dementia-related psychosis and the first new medicine for Alzheimer’s in nearly two decades. It targets some of the most troubling symptoms that patients and caregivers face — hallucinations that often lead to anxiety, aggression and physical and verbal abuse. Results were disclosed in December at a conference in San Diego. “This would be a very important advance,” said one independent expert, Dr. Howard Fillit, chief science officer of the Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation. Although the field is focused on finding a cure for dementia and preventing future cases, “there is a huge unmet need for better treatment” for those who have it now, said Maria Carrillo, the Alzheimer’s Asso-

ciation’s chief science officer.

Daily pill could aid 3 in 10 The drug is pimavanserin, a daily pill sold as Nuplazid by Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc. It was approved for Parkinson’srelated psychosis in 2016 and is thought to work by blocking a brain chemical that seems to spur delusions. About eight million Americans have dementia, and studies suggest that up to 30% of them develop psychosis. “It’s terrifying,” said Dr. Jeffrey Cummings of the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health in Las Vegas. “You believe that people might be trying to hurt you. You believe that people are stealing from you. You believe that your spouse is unfaithful to you. Those are the three most common false beliefs.” He consults for Acadia and helped lead the study, which included about 400 people with dementia and psychosis. All were given a low dose of the drug for three months, and those who seemed to respond or benefit were then split into two groups.

Half continued on the drug, and the others were given dummy pills for six months or until they had a relapse or worsening of symptoms. Neither the patients nor their doctors knew who was getting what. Independent monitors stopped the study when they saw that those on dummy pills were more than twice as likely as those on the drug to relapse or worsen — 28% versus nearly 13%.

Side effects limited There were relatively few serious side effects — 5% in the drug group and 4% in the others. Headaches and urinary tract infections were more common. Two deaths occurred, but study leaders said neither

was related to the drug. Carrillo said the study was small, but the drug’s effect seemed large. It’s not known whether the federal Food and Drug Administration would want more evidence to approve a new use for pimavanserin. Current anti-psychotic medicines have some major drawbacks and are not approved for dementia patients. “They’re often used off-label because we have very few other options,” Fillit said. All carry warnings that they can raise the risk of death in elderly patients, as does Nuplazid. Cost could be an issue — about $3,000 a month. What patients pay can vary depending on insurance coverage. —AP

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Not all oxygen tanks work for everyone By Margaret Foster Here is a cautionary tale: A Maryland woman bought a portable oxygen concentrator for her mother, who suffered from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Somehow, though, the device didn’t seem to be helping. After several months, her mother became confused and lethargic. The family rushed her to an emergency room, where doctors successfully treated her for respiratory failure.

As it turned out, although the patient was using a portable oxygen device, she wasn’t getting enough oxygen. That’s because it was the wrong kind of oxygen concentrator for her condition.

Two types of oxygen tanks There are two types of oxygen concentrator: pulse-flow (or pulse-dose) oxygen devices and continuous flow delivery devices.

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Pulse flow, as the name indicates, provides a pulse or puff of oxygen through a nasal tube when the user inhales. That means if the user is breathing through his or her mouth, that puf f may not occur. A 2017 study by the National Institutes of Health found that pulse flow delivered less oxygen overall than continuous flow. The study of 15 artificial airways concluded that “pulse flow delivered similar, though consistently lower, volume-averaged fraction of inhaled oxygen than steady flow rates equivalent to nominal pulse flow settings.” Pulse oxygen “gives you about a third of the oxygen that it might normally give you, but it’s giving it to you a little bit smarter,” that is, when you inhale, said Dr. William Han, director of Pulmonary Medicine at Sinai Hospital in Glen Burnie. “Some patients do just fine on pulse [flow] because that’s all they need,” Han said. But “some patients need more oxygen than the portable oxygen concentrator is able to give them. So, they need to go back to tanks or continuous oxygen.” If you know someone with a portable oxygen device, make sure they keep track of their oxygen levels. They can do so with a pulse oximetry meter. These devices, which lightly clip on to

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the index finger, can detect changes in oxygen saturation levels. It will alert you if your levels are low, whether you’re breathing through your nose or mouth.

Not all doctors know difference Always check with your doctor about what type of device is right for you. But do your own research too, as not all doctors may know the difference between pulse vs. continuous flow. Continuous oxygen might be the best solution for people who require a lot, said Dr. Han. “Even people who are mouth breathers who are on continuous oxygen do get oxygen,” he said. Many people prefer a light, portable device. Unfortunately, most continuous flow devices tend to be heavier. If money permits, some patients may be able to use both types of devices — one at home and one out on the town. After her frightening trip to the emergency room, the woman has recovered, much to her daughter’s relief. “Many COPD patients — my mom included — are mouth breathers, and therefore a pulse unit further reduces the delivery of oxygen,” she wrote in an email to the Beacon. “If only I had known about the difference between pulsed and continuous flow oxygen.”

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J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 0 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Four ways to improve your cholesterol By Hallie Levine, EatingWell.com Every cell in your body contains cholesterol — it’s an important building block for tissues that make up your organs — but if your levels are out of whack, it can spell all kinds of health trouble. Too much LDL cholesterol gloms up the walls of your blood vessels and can lead to heart disease. HDL, on the other hand, is considered the “good” cholesterol because it transports LDL out of your body. So low HDL is actually an issue.

Try these simple strategies to bring your levels back into balance: —Go to seed. Oils made from seeds like safflower, canola and sunflower were shown to be most effective for lowering LDL cholesterol, especially as a replacement for butter, according to German researchers. Other plant-based oils have perks too. Soybean and corn oils were found to help reduce triglycerides — another type of fat in the blood, similar to LDL, that can cause heart disease.

—Crunch on this. A nut-rich diet can do wonders for your cholesterol. People who consume around 2½ ounces a day (about two big palmfuls) typically lower their LDL cholesterol by a substantial 7%, according to a meta-analysis published in the Archives of Internal Medicine. One reason nuts may improve cholesterol is because they act as prebiotics — meaning they feed the good bacteria in your gut. Prebiotics encourage these bugs to generate beneficial compounds, such as butyrate,

a substance that triggers enzymes that help tamp down your blood cholesterol. —Get down with grains. Oats always steal the spotlight for their cholesterol-lowering qualities, but barley is also worth digging into. Adults who added barley to their diets reduced LDL levels by 7%, on average, according to a scientific review published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition. See CHOLESTEROL, page 13

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To avoid winter falls, consider these tips By Dr. Levan Atanelov, M.D. Winter season can be a time of increased danger for everyone, but especially older adults. Fall-related deaths among people aged 75 and older have almost tripled since 2000, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Here are some suggestions for staying safely on your feet this winter: —If you use a cane, get an ice gripper cane tip. These metal-spike attachments cost less than $12 on Amazon.com. —Use kitty litter on slick surfaces. Carry a Ziploc bag filled with a lightweight kitty litter in your pocket and scatter it ahead of you on very slick surfaces. —Replace multifocal glasses with single-vision eyeglass lenses. According to a 2010 study in the British Medical Journal, the blurred field of vision caused by multifocal glasses impairs balance and increases the risk of falls. Researchers found that single-lens distance glasses were associated with 40% fewer falls for people approxi-

Cholesterol From page 12 Like oats, barley is rich in beta-glucan, a type of fiber that’s been shown to rein in levels of “bad” cholesterol. The researchers recommend getting about 3 grams of beta-glucan each day — ¾ cup cooked pearl barley has about 2½ grams, while cooked oatmeal offers just shy of 2 grams per cup. —Think beyond food. Research suggests that adding regular exercise may be more effective for healthy cholesterol levels than changing what you eat alone. Working out ramps up your muscles’ ability to burn fat as fuel, which helps clear cholesterol from the blood. Exercise may also activate enzymes that increase the production of HDL. For best results, the authors of a study published in the journal Sports Medicine recommend doing at least 30 minutes of cardio five times a week and incorporating light strength training into your routine. —What about eggs? While the research is mixed, eating foods that contain cholesterol, in moderation, is unlikely to make your numbers skyrocket. Having a large egg (186 mg. cholesterol) may temporarily nudge up your total blood cholesterol by an estimated 4-5 mg/dL. But only a small amount of cholesterol in the blood comes from the cholesterol in food; the majority is made by the liver. When most people eat too much of the stuff, their body compensates and makes less. In fact, saturated fat is a bigger culprit in spiking levels because it spurs the body to make more cholesterol. If you have heart disease risk factors, however, you may want to consult your doctor about dietary cholesterol. © 2019 Meredith Corporation. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

mately 80 years old. —When reaching for high placed objects, use step stools and/or a hand-held reacher. Never stand on chairs or other furniture. —Cover the entryway to your home and provide a table to set down bags while finding keys. —Shorter days mean more time in the dark, so carry a tiny flashlight to attach to keys, hats and coats. —Have daily necessities like food and medications delivered rather than making shopping trips in bad weather. Major grocery chains have delivery services (Giant’s Peapod; Safeway’s delivery service), and Instacart.com offers same-day delivery from many stores, including Costco. Some independent pharmacies such as Kensington Pharmacy in Kensington, Maryland, also deliver.

Older adults fall often because of biomechanical vulnerabilities, which cause balance and gait disorders. Consider obtaining a thorough biomechanical assessment from a physician trained to help diagnose and treat fall risk, balance and gait deficits.

Dr. Levan Atanelov, M.D., is director and CEO of Steady Strides Fall Prevention and Stroke Rehabilitation Medical Institute in Owings Mills, Maryland. For more information, visit steadystridesmd.com or call (443) 898-8160.

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Carpal tunnel recovery can take a year By Mary Jurisson, M.D., and Nicholas Pulos, M.D. Dear Mayo Clinic: Three months ago, I had surgery on my left wrist to treat carpal tunnel syndrome. Since then, I am in much more pain than before surgery, and two of my fingers are completely numb. I cannot even button my buttons, and tying my shoes is a chore. What would cause the pain to worsen after surgery? Could another sur-

gery remedy the problem, or is this my new normal? A: Your condition as it stands now shouldn’t be considered a new normal. It’s possible your symptoms are part of the recovery from surgery, and they may lessen with time. It would be a good idea, however, to meet with your surgeon now, so he or she can reassess your condition and decide if you need additional tests or treatment. Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by compression of the median nerve within

the carpal tunnel — a narrow passageway on the palm side of your wrist. The median nerve runs from your forearm through the carpal tunnel and into your hand. It controls the sensations you feel on the palm side of your thumb and fingers, except the little finger. Carpal tunnel syndrome often causes numbness and tingling in the hand and arm. Surgery to treat it involves relieving pressure on the median nerve by cutting the ligament that crosses over it. Research shows that symptoms improve for more than 90% of patients following carpal tunnel surgery. However, the number who experience complete relief of symptoms after surgery may be only 50%. Patients whose symptoms are severe before surgery show the most improvement afterward, but this group also tends to have the most residual symptoms after the procedure. At three months following carpal tunnel surgery, your numbness and pain still could be byproducts of the procedure. Many people find the incision causes pain and irritation as it heals. In addition, a condition called “pillar pain,” which is a localized reaction to the surgery, can lead to discomfort. Both generally improve over several months.

Consider physical therapy

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Working with a hand therapist can be particularly useful during this uncomfortable period of recovery. The therapist can follow your progress by measuring the strength and sensation in your fingers, hand and arm, as well as provide advice about how to make your hand and arm more comfortable. It’s helpful to note, too, that nerves typically improve after surgery at a rate of

about one inch per month. When sensation returns, it happens gradually. In general, full recovery after carpal tunnel syndrome may take up to a year. Whether your pain and numbness are part of the healing process or whether they signal the need for more intervention depends somewhat on how your current symptoms compare to the symptoms you had before surgery. For example, you mention that two of your fingers are completely numb. If the numbness is significantly worse than it was before surgery, or if it’s affecting different parts of your hand, then closer assessment is appropriate at this time. It is a possibility that another problem is playing a role here. Various diseases, such as inflammatory arthritis, can first appear as carpal tunnel syndrome before it becomes evident that another process actually is triggering the condition. An ultrasound may reveal a new or additional diagnosis at the wrist. The scan also can help your surgeon determine if decompression of the median nerve is complete. If not, then another procedure may be useful. In some cases, numbness following carpal tunnel surgery happens due to a problem farther up the arm, or in the shoulder, neck or brain. If your surgeon suspects that could be the case for you, you may be referred to another specialist, such as a neurologist, for further assessment. Mayo Clinic Q & A is an educational resource and doesn’t replace regular medical care. Email a question to MayoClinicQ&A@mayo.edu. For more information, visit mayoclinic.org. © 2019 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. All Rights Reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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What causes bad breath and what helps? By Alessandro Villa Almost everyone experiences bad breath once in a while. But for some people, bad breath is a daily problem, and they struggle to find a solution. Approximately 30% of the population complains of some sort of bad breath. Halitosis (Latin for “bad breath”) often occurs after a garlicky meal or in the morning after waking. Other causes of temporary halitosis include some beverages (including alcoholic drinks or coffee) and smoking tobacco. Some people may not be aware of their own halitosis and learn about it from a relative, friend or coworker, causing some degree of discomfort and distress. In severe cases, bad breath may negatively impact personal relationships and a person’s quality of life. What causes bad breath? And what can you do about it?

Many bodily conditions cause it Bad breath can originate inside the mouth or from elsewhere in the body. Bad breath is typically caused by bacteria present on the teeth and debris on the tongue. So, it’s no surprise that most cases of halitosis are associated with poor oral hygiene, gum diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis, and dry mouth, a condition in which the salivary glands cannot make enough saliva to keep your mouth moist. A visit with a dentist may help rule out periodontal disease and identify any mouth problem that could be contributing to bad breath. Tonsillitis, respiratory infections like sinusitis or bronchitis, and some gastrointestinal diseases may be responsible for a small number of cases of bad breath. Advanced liver or kidney disease and uncontrolled diabetes can also lead to unpleasant breath. In these cases, a person is likely to experience significant symptoms beyond bad breath and should seek medical attention. Sometimes people think they have bad breath even when their breath is objectively fine. This is called “pseudo-halitosis.” Halitophobia, or fear of bad breath, is real and may persist despite reassurance from a doctor. People with pseudo-halitosis respond well to reassurance and may benefit from speaking with a therapist or psychiatrist who has expertise in the field.

What a doctor can do A person can be initially evaluated by a primary care physician (PCP). The doctor will begin with a thorough medical and dental history and an oral exam. Tests may be done to confirm the presence of halitosis by measuring the strength of bad breath on a predefined scale, and by using instruments to detect specific compounds related to halitosis. Your PCP may refer you to a dentist if

there is evidence of dental or gum problems, which is the cause in the majority of people with bad breath. Visits with other medical specialists are warranted when an underlying medical problem requires attention.

Tips that can help Here are some helpful tips to improve bad breath: —Brush your teeth at least twice a day, after meals, with a fluoridated toothpaste. —Avoid smoking or chewing tobaccobased products. —Rinse and gargle with alcohol-free mouthwash before bed. —If you have dry mouth, make sure to drink enough fluids throughout the day, and use over-the-counter moisturizing agents, such as a dry-mouth spray, rinses or moisturizing gel. —Visit your dentist regularly. Remem-

ber, oral causes are responsible for most cases of bad breath. If you don’t see any improvement, schedule a visit with an oral medicine specialist. Oral medicine doctors provide comprehensive care for mucosal diseases, sali-

vary gland disorders, orofacial pain conditions and oral complications of cancer therapies, among other things. © 2019 President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Age-Friendly Montgomery “I invite you to take part in all the resources our County has to offer.” County Executive Marc Elrich

Resources for People Seeking Employment WorkSource Montgomery, Inc.

• Free services include one-on-one career coaching, resume and job-search workshops, recruitment events and access to computers and printers • Wheaton: 301-929-6880 • Germantown: 240-406-5485 • Online: worksourcemontgomery.com/ career-support/who-we-serve/50-plus

JCA Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)

• SCSEP provides on-the-job training for people age

55 and older who have low incomes • Trainees work at charities and government agencies • For information, call 240-395-0918 or email JCASCSEP@AccessJCA.org

JCA Senior Resources Guides

• Jewish Council for the Aging website offers helpful

JCA Career Gateway

• Job-search training program (5-day) for professionals age 50+ is available for a $75 fee • Classes are held at JCA®, the Jewish Council for the Aging®, 12320 Parklawn Drive, Rockville • For information, contact Jodie Rasch at 301-2554215 or jodie.rasch@accessjca.org JCA 50+ Employment Expo

• Jobseekers who attend can meet with employers,

attend workshops and get a photo for use on LinkedIn • May 4, 2020: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. (resume reviewing continues until 3 p.m.) • Bethesda North Marriott Conference Center, 5701 Marinelli Road, Rockville • For information, contact Micki Gordon at JCA, 301-255-4231 or mgordon@AccessJCA.org

tips for older jobseekers, “Older Workers are Here to Stay” and “A New Gig for Senior Adults,” at accessjca.org/publications/

Montgomery County Public Libraries

• Local libraries have books and other resources

regarding resume writing and networking • Access free classes online (with your library card) at montgomerycountymd.libguides.com/ jobhunting and montgomerycountymd. libguides.com/education/adult

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• The Office of Human Rights investigates

complaints of discrimination, including age discrimination in employment • For more information or to file a claim, call the office at 240-777-8450 or go online montgomerycountymd.gov/humanrights

Contact Us Today • Aging & Disability Resource Line 240-777-3000 (8:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. T, W, Th/5 p.m. M & F) • 3-1-1 or 240-777-0311 for County programs and services; 9-1-1 for emergency • www.montgomerycountymd.gov/senior • “Seniors Today” airs on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6 p.m. on Comcast/RCN 6, Verizon 30

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FDA endorses new low-nicotine cigarette By Matthew Perrone U.S. health officials recently endorsed a type of cigarette that could help ease the addictive grip of smoking by delivering very low levels of nicotine. The Food and Drug Administration will allow 22nd Century Group to begin selling the first low-nicotine cigarettes reviewed by federal health regulators. The products contain roughly 95% less nicotine than standard cigarettes, according to the FDA. Nicotine, which occurs naturally in tobacco plants, is the addictive chemical that makes cigarettes, chewing tobacco and related products so hard to quit. There are several techniques for reducing nicotine, including chemical extraction and crossbreeding plants. Past efforts to sell similar low-nicotine products have fallen flat.

Not safer, just less addictive Regulators stressed that their ruling does not mean the new products are safer than regular cigarettes. The agency noted there are no safe tobacco products. Cigarettes cause cancer, lung disease, stroke and a number of other deadly diseases. But the agency’s tobacco chief, Mitch

Zeller, noted in a statement that 22nd Century Group’s products are the first cigarettes to show the potential “to help reduce nicotine dependence among addicted smokers.” The FDA is continuing to review a separate application from the company on whether the cigarettes present a reduced risk to smokers. The U.S. smoking rate has fallen to an all-time low of 14% of adults, or roughly 34 million Americans. But smoking remains the leading cause of preventable disease and death in the U.S., responsible for some 480,000 deaths annually. The FDA began the process for regulating nicotine in cigarettes to make them minimally or non-addictive in 2018. But the agency recently dropped the nicotine plan from its list of regulatory priorities. And tobacco companies have signaled their opposition.

Shown to reduce smoking Low-nicotine cigarettes are not a new idea. Philip Morris experimented with selling a line of them in the U.S. in the late 1980s, without much success. Since then, most low-nicotine cigarettes

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account, browse the Internet or use Microsoft Word. Bring a flash drive if you have one and a library card. This free help takes place every Monday from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Aspen Hill Library, 4407 Aspen Hill Rd., Rockville, Md. Register for a time slot starting at 5:30 p.m. Spanish speakers welcome. For more information, call (240) 773-9410.

have been used for research purposes to study addiction in smokers. The FDA has sponsored several studies showing that when smokers switch to lownicotine cigarettes they smoke less and are more likely to try quitting. The research was considered pivotal to establishing that smokers won’t compensate by smoking more cigarettes or inhaling more deeply if nicotine levels are low. That was sometimes the case with “light” and “low tar” cigarettes marketed in decades

past. Those products were banned as misleading. Kenneth Warner, a tobacco expert at the University of Michigan’s school of public health, called the idea “good in concept” but said he would be “astonished if there’s much of a market for this.” Williamsville, New York-based 22nd Century Group plans to sell its cigarettes under the brand name Moonlight, in regular and menthol flavor. —AP

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J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 0 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Does weather really affect arthritis pain? By Robert H. Shmerling, M.D. Medical myths die hard. Maybe that’s because there’s no agreement on whether a common belief is indeed a myth. For example, there’s the longstanding belief that weather affects arthritis pain. Many of my patients notice a clear connection; some are so convinced of the link that they believe they can predict the weather better than the TV meteorologists. And maybe that’s true. But that’s not what the science says. A

recent study finds no connection between rainy weather and symptoms of back or joint pain. This conclusion was based on a staggering amount of data: more than 11 million medical visits occurring on more than 2 million rainy days and 9 million dry days. Not only was there no clear pattern linking rainy days with more aches and pains, but there were slightly more visits on dry days. Still not convinced? That’s understandable. Maybe it’s not rain or shine that mat-

Assisted Living and Memory Care with a whole lotta heart. In other words, The Landing of Silver Spring has a

ters — maybe it’s barometric pressure, changes in weather or humidity that matters most. Or maybe the study missed some key information, such as when symptoms began or got worse. After all, it can take days or even weeks after symptoms begin to see a doctor.

Long-studied question What does past research say about weather and arthritis pain? The question of whether there’s a link between weather and aches and pains has been studied extensively. While a definitive answer is nearly impossible to provide — because it’s hard to “prove a negative” (prove that something doesn’t exist) — researchers have been unable to make a strong case for a strong connection. For example, a 2014 study in Australia found no link between back pain and rain, temperature, humidity or air pressure. This study collected data regarding features of the weather at the time of first symptoms and compared it to the weather a week and a month before. But an earlier study found that among 200 patients followed for three months, knee pain increased modestly when temperature fell or barometric pressure rose. Does research matter when you have personal experience? That’s a fair question. And it’s something I’ve even heard in TV commercials about headache medicines: “I don’t care about the research. I

just know what works for me.”

A human foible? But it’s worth remembering that humans have a remarkable tendency to remember when two things occur or change together (such as wet, gloomy weather and joint pain), but remember less when things do not occur together. That rainy day when you felt no better or worse is unlikely to be so notable that you remember it. If you rely solely on memory rather than on more rigorous, data-based evidence, it’s easy to conclude a link exists where, in fact, none does. It’s true: Medical myths die hard. In fact, some seem immortal. One could argue that’s as it should be. After all, yesterday’s medical myth is only one discovery away from becoming tomorrow’s medical fact. Still, when the evidence is compelling, we’d be better off letting go of what’s been disproven, give more credence to evidence than folklore, and keep an open mind — just in case the evidence changes. When my patients tell me they can predict the weather by how their joints feel, I believe them. It’s hard to discount it when so many people notice a connection. They could represent an exception to what the studies show. But I also believe the science. Until I see evidence that’s even more compelling, I remain a skeptic about the weather/arthritis connection. © 2019 President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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whole bunch of heartfelt help and care. And, grammar aside, you’ll feel a whole lotta at home here, too. But don’t take our word for it. Come see for yourself at a complimentary lunch and tour. ¨ǼƺƏɀƺ‫ژ‬ƬƏǼǼ‫ژ‬٢‫׏׎ב‬٣ ‫ זאח׎ٮ׎׎א‬ȇȒɯ ɎȒ ɀƬǝƺƳɖǼƺِ And bring a friend. Or come meet a few new ones.

Caring for your aging parent or loved one? It’s nnot all up to you. Call us. 240 0-777-3000 ADS@ @ MontgomeryCountyMD.gov

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 0

Health Studies

INFORMATION ON AREA CLINICAL TRIALS

Study seeks to better understand asthma By Margaret Foster Asthma is a common lung condition that causes symptoms such as wheezing, chest tightness and shortness of breath. One in 13 Americans, or about 8% of the population, suffers from asthma, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). That means more than 25 million people suffer from asthma in the U.S. alone. Although generally thought of as a treatable disease, asthma killed 3,564 Americans in 2017, according to the CDC. While most asthmatics feel better with standard treatments — inhalers and steroids — some patients fail to respond to therapy. Researchers at the NIH Clinical Center want to find out why. They’re seeking adults with asthma, controlled or uncontrolled on medications, to participate in a study that may help develop new, targeted treatments for patients with severe asthma.

What the study entails Adults between 18 and 75 years old may be eligible for the study, which will compare healthy individuals to asthmatics. Enrolled subjects will be seen the NIH Clinical Center for a clinic visit (where researchers will record their medical history and perform a physical exam) and undergo tests such as lung function studies and a chest x-ray. They’ll also give blood and urine samples, and they may decide to undergo additional testing. Some research participants may be asked to return at regular intervals, once or twice a year, for more tests and eval-

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Ongoing

LEARN ALL ABOUT SOCIAL MEDIA

Connect with your grandchildren by better understanding social media, including Flickr, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and Skype. Get individual help every Friday from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Kings Park Library, 9000 Burke Lake Rd., Burke, Va. To register for the free assistance, call (703) 978-5600.

Jan. 14

DIGITAL MEMORIES

Do you have slides, negatives, photos, VHS tapes or audio cassettes that you want to transfer to your computer or phone? Learn about the Memory Depot station, where you can do it yourself. The free seminar will be held on Tues., Jan. 14 from 7 to 7:30 p.m. at the George Mason Regional Library, 7001 Little River Tnpk., Annandale, Va. To register, call (703) 256-3800.

uation to assess the progress of the disease. According to the study’s principal investigator, Dr. Amisha Barochia, “We now know that there are many subtypes of asthma, and learning more about the underlying disease pathways may help us to develop and choose better treatment options tailored to a specific patient, moving asthma care further toward a more personalized approach.”

cost to the research volunteers for study-related tests or procedures. Compensation is provided for participation, and travel costs may be reimbursed as per NIH policy. To find out more about this study, or to

volunteer, call the NIH Clinical Center Office of Patient Recruitment at 1-800-4111222. You can also visit www.cc.nih.gov/recruit/protocols/13_asthma.html for more information.

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FREE INTRO YOGA CLASS Have you always wanted to try yoga, or are you looking for just a

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Healthy volunteers also needed If you don’t have asthma but still want to participate in potentially lifesaving research, you can join the “healthy volunteers” arm of the study. As with other clinical trials, there is no

Monday at 10 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. The free classes take place at the Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Pkwy., Suite 133, Fairfax, Va. For more information, call (703) 222-8234.

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J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 0 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Rustic bean soup brings back memories By Wolfgang Puck I first learned to cook in a kitchen ruled by two strong, loving women: my mother and grandmother. They were both amazing cooks, and all these years later my mouth still waters when I think about the food they prepared. They weren’t fancy about our daily food. Though they both knew how to prepare the finest traditional Austrian dishes, they ran our home smartly and frugally. They grew most of their own vegetables, relying largely on fresh produce straight from our home garden along with smart pantry staples. Among their most reliable staples were dried beans. For such an inexpensive ingredient, dried beans provide generous flavor

and texture, not to mention abundant healthy nutrients such as B vitamins, potassium, complex carbohydrates and fiber, along with good amounts of protein but little fat and no cholesterol. More than just a great accompaniment, they’re robust and flavorful enough to serve as a main dish. Take, for example, my recipe for white bean soup with root vegetables. With generous quantities of vegetables, a little bacon for extra flavor (though vegetarians and vegans could leave that out) and optional garnishes of sausage or freshly grated Parmesan (also easy to omit), it’s definitely a soup that adds up to a meal in itself. Once you’ve made the soup a few times, feel free to start experimenting. Use differ-

ent kinds of beans, vegetables and seasonings. Add a smoked ham hock or turkey leg, if you like. Make the recipe your own, reflecting whatever you have available that’s in season. In other words, cook like my mother and grandmother did.

White Bean Soup with Root Vegetables Makes 12 cups Ingredients: 2 cups dried white beans (any type) ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil 2½ quarts store-bought good-quality low-sodium chicken stock or broth, or vegetable stock or broth 2 ounces smoked bacon, about 3 slices, cut crosswise into strips (optional) 2 medium yellow onions, peeled, trimmed and diced 2 large carrots, trimmed, peeled and diced 2 small celery stalks, trimmed and diced 1 small bulb celeriac, peeled and diced 6 large garlic cloves, peeled and chopped ¼ cup tomato paste 1 large tomato, about 8 ounces, peeled, seeded and chopped 2 or 3 large fresh basil leaves 2 or 3 sprigs fresh Italian parsley 1 sprig fresh thyme 1 sprig fresh rosemary 1/3 cup sherry wine vinegar 2 teaspoons sugar Kosher salt Freshly ground white pepper Sliced cooked sausage, for garnish, optional Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish, optional Directions: Start prepping the beans the night before. Little by little, spread them out on a

clean work surface, and sort out any grit, debris or malformed beans. Put the beans in a strainer and rinse thoroughly with cold running water. Then, transfer them to a bowl, add cold water to cover them by at least 2 inches and leave at room temperature to soak overnight. Start cooking the soup at least 3 hours before serving time, first draining the beans thoroughly. Heat a large stockpot over medium heat, and add the olive oil. Add the bacon strips and cook, stirring frequently, until they have browned lightly, several minutes. With a slotted spoon, remove and discard the bacon. In another pot, bring the stock or broth to a boil over medium-high heat; then, reduce the heat and keep warm. While the stock is heating, add the onions, carrots, celery and celeriac to the pot containing the oil and bacon fat, and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until they begin to turn tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the garlic, tomato paste, chopped tomato and drained beans. With kitchen string, securely tie together the basil, parsley, thyme and rosemary. Add the bundle to the pot, along with the vinegar and sugar. Pour in the hot stock or broth, and stir well. Season lightly with salt and white pepper. Raise the heat, and bring the liquid to a full boil. Then reduce the heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, and add more stock or water as needed to keep the beans fully covered. When the beans are tender, remove and discard the herb bundle. Ladle out 2 cups of the beans and vegetables, and puree them in a blender or food processor. Stir the puree back into the pot. Taste and adjust the seasonings with more salt and pepper. If you like, garnish serving bowls with sausage and Parmesan cheese.

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 0

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

Peppermint can be a cool solution for IBS Many people have lost their joy in eating etary supplement of peppermint oil, which because they have Irritable Bowel Syn- acts as a smooth muscle relaxant inside your drome (IBS), a condition that intestines, as well as an antiincludes many symptoms inspasmodic herb. It is also cluding bloating, abdominal known to help with gas, bloatpain, fatigue, sleep problems ing and minor cramping. and suppressed immunity. One hallmark symptom is a Study finds IBS benefit combination of diarrhea and The latest study, published constipation, or alternating bein the August 27, 2019 issue tween the two. of Gastroenterology, was conAn actual diagnosis of IBS is ducted in part to evaluate the based upon your duration of safety and efficacy for peppersymptoms (must be six months DEAR mint in people with IBS. They PHARMACIST or more). If you’re tired of the used two different formulaBy Suzy Cohen problem, maybe peppermint is tions designed to reach certain parts of the intestine. something you should try. They got about 190 patients to particiMany reasons for popularity pate from several hospitals in the NetherPeppermint is a beautiful plant that has lands. The study ran from 2016 to 2018. been medicinally treasured for centuries. The enteric coated (small intestine reKnown botanically as Mentha piperita, lease) preparation of peppermint proved to peppermint is actually a hybrid of water- help reduce abdominal pain, discomfort mint and spearmint. and general IBS severity. Many people know that applying pepA few words of caution: permint essential oil to your temples can The enteric coated form is ideal because help with a headache, and that peppermint plain peppermint oil can irritate the stomgum and candies freshen your breath. ach lining and make heartburn and ulcers Mint leaves can also be infused into a worse. The enteric coating keeps the peppitcher of ice water for instant freshness, not permint oil from breaking down in your to mention antibacterial and anti-fungal ef- stomach, enabling it to pass safely through fects. I think the latter is where mint excels: to your intestines. It has been proven to help with SIBO (Small Avoid peppermint if you have reflux Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) and IBS. (GERD), a disorder of the lower part of your Peppermint is available at any health esophagus. That’s because peppermint refood store (as soft gels and liquid extracts) laxes your esophageal sphincter and will and supermarket (usually as a tea). You allow acid to back up into your esophagus — can also buy it in the produce section of something you’re trying to avoid! So, antacids and peppermint supplesome supermarkets as fresh whole leaf. Supplements of enteric coated pepper- ments should not be combined. There are mint oil are considered a relatively safe, ef- other warnings to be aware of, so please fective traditional holistic remedy. I’m not re- ask your doctor if this type of herbal remeferring to essential oil. I’m referring to a di- dy is good for you.

This information is opinion only. It is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose your condition. Consult with your doctor before using any new drug or supplement.

Suzy Cohen is a registered pharmacist and the author of The 24-Hour Pharmacist and Real Solutions from Head to Toe. To contact her, visit SuzyCohen.com.

J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 0 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

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VOLUME XXXII, ISSUE 1

DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE By Laura Newland, Director D.C. Department of Aging and Community Living Happy New Year! It was so great to see everyone last month at the Mayor’s Annual Senior Holiday Celebration. As we ring in 2020 with a fresh start, it’s a great time to resolve to stay connected to our neighbors and our communities. Mayor Bowser reminded us at the celebration that for every individual who came to celebrate the holidays with us, there were several others who were home, without family, friends or neighbors to check in on them. This month, I’ve asked DACL’s

Clinical Director, Dr. Heather Stowe, to contribute some tips and advice on how you can stay connected and help someone else who may be feeling isolated this winter. Dr. Stowe oversees DACL’s direct services, including the Aging and Disability Resource Center and Adult Protective Services. As always, thanks for being a vital part of the community and helping us make D.C. a place where everyone — no matter their age or ability — can live boldly!

GUEST COLUMNIST

Dr. Heather Stowe, Ph. D., LICSW, Clinical Director, Department of Aging and Community Living Happy Holidays, Happy New Year, Good to see you! These greetings, and many like them are ringing out around us at this time of year. Joy is almost tangible in the air. Everyone seems a little more friendly, decorations and lights make homes and stores a little brighter and festive. We might be spending more time than usual connecting with others, whether it’s a lunchtime gathering, coffee with friends we don’t see as often, or an email just to say hello. Holidays tend to be a time when we cement our connection with family and friends — even those that we might not see that often during the year. Maybe it’s because the year is coming to an end, and we’re thinking about what has happened and what we meant to do this year. Maybe we’ve lost someone special to us during the year, and we want to hold those dear to us just a bit closer. I know that it will come as no surprise to anyone to know that science has discovered that connection — that human-to-human interaction — is good for our health. We’re social creatures! It’s our connection to other people (and to our pets) that enables us to survive and thrive People who engage in meaningful, productive activities with others tend to live longer, have a better mood and maintain a sense of purpose. Being with other people, connecting on some level, helps us to remain healthy, keeps our brain engaged and slows decline. For some folks, however, this can be a very lonely time of year — a time when they feel that lack of connection to others even more sharply than usual. Just as connection can improve our health and well-being, the lack of connection can actually make us ill.

A newsletter for D.C. Seniors

January 2020

Get Involved Monday, January 6 Noon Senior Association Monthly Meeting Presentation on 2020 Census provided by DACL Emery Heights Community Center 5701 Georgia Avenue, NW — Ward 4 Contact: Shirley Fields 202-746-6082 Tuesday, January 7 2 p.m. New Members Orientation Washington Seniors Wellness Center 3001 Alabama Avenue, SE Contact: 202-581-9355 Thursday, January 9 2 p.m. Pre-Application Workshop FY 2021 Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias Competitive Grant 500 K Street, NE To register, contact Eric Manuel, Program Manager, at 202-730-1745 or Jennifer Adu, Program Analyst, at 202-727-6601

Research has linked a lack of connection to others to a higher risk for depression, high blood pressure, heart disease, and a decline in mental sharpness. Isolation can make us sick! People who find themselves unexpectedly alone due to the death of a spouse or partner, separation from friends or family, retirement, loss of mobility, and lack of transportation are at particular risk. Amidst all of the business of our lives, let’s try to remember our friends, family and neighbors who might be alone, who might be lonely. Mayor Bowser has challenged each of us to connect with three people who might

Monday, January 13 10 a.m. Ward 8 Mini-Commission on Aging Meeting Congress Heights Senior Wellness Center 3500 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE Call 202-563-7225 for information Thursday, January 16 10 a.m. - noon Train to become a DACL Ambassador and help others in your community 500 K Street, NE To register, contact: dacl.communications@dc.gov or call 202-727-0374 Friday, January 24 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. Happy Hour at Model Cities Senior Wellness Center 1901 Evarts Street, NE Cost: $10 includes light meal, frozen non-alcoholic cocktails, DJ and dancing Contact: 202-635-1900 for more information

be in this situation. So, reach out to that friend, family member or neighbor and ask them if they need a ride to the grocery store or doctor’s appointment, or ask them to go to church with you. Slow down; sit down with them for a few minutes and chat. If you find yourself feeling alone, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at 202724-5626. We are here for you and can connect you to activities, programs and services to keep you engaged. Take the first step, and connect — it’s good for you, and it’s good for them! Best wishes for a prosperous New Year!

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 0

Spotlight on Aging

Say you saw it in the Beacon

Annual Senior Holiday Celebration Live Boldly was the theme for the Mayor’s 21st Annual Senior Holiday Celebration, held at the D.C. Armory. Mayor Bowser addressed more than 3,000 seniors at the event hosted annually to celebrate the holidays with the District’s oldest residents. With a backdrop and décor of shades of blue, green and white, seniors were welcomed into the venue by Eastern High School’s Choir singing carols, and a human tunnel led by Department of Aging and Community Living (DACL) Director Laura Newland, DACL staff, and Jr. ROTC Cadets. Seniors attending had the opportunity to enjoy the live music, senior entertainment, fitness demos, and photos from convenient photo booths. There were more than 100 exhibitors providing health screenings, information, giveaways and more from government, nonprofit and community-based organizations in the area. The headliner for the event was Johnnie Steele and the Steele4Real Band and Show. Robert “Captain Fly” Frye from WPFW 89.3 FM was the emcee and DJ Nate D Skate, also from WPFW, spun the oldies but goodies

and songs for the holidays. Entertainment also included the senior dance group from the API Senior Service Center and carols from Vida Senior Services. A special dance number from the MC Steppers was a highlight of the show, as DACL Director Laura Newland and staff members joined the steppers for Bruno Mars’ Uptown Funk. Staff practiced for a few weeks to learn the dance choreographed by Monica Carroll. Along with greetings from Mayor Muriel Bowser and DACL Director Laura Newland, Melissa Bird, executive director of the DC Census, shared a brief message about how important it was for all D.C. residents to be counted in the Census for 2020. Commissioner Guleford Bobo and Ms. Senior D.C. Trinette Chase also shared holiday greetings with seniors who represented all eight wards. A special thanks to the many volunteers who helped the seniors as they exited and entered their buses, who assisted with meal service, and ensured the seniors had a great time overall. The Executive Office of the Mayor staff and the Department of Aging and Community Living staff worked with volunteers

from PEPCO, D.C. Public Schools, Jr. ROTC Cadets, Members of the Armed Forces and individual volunteers from the community. Visit the DACL Facebook or Flickr page for more photos from the event. Director Laura Newland greets Ms. Senior D.C. Trinette Chase at the event that was attended by more than 3000 seniors.

Mayor Muriel Bowser, during her holiday greeting to seniors at the Mayor’s 21st Annual Senior Holiday Celebration, asked attendees to identify three seniors who need to be connected to senior services and programs in the city.

DEPARTMENT OF AGING AND COMMUNITY LIVING

NOTICE OF FUNDING AVAILABILITY ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE AND RELATED DEMENTIAS (ADRD) Competitive Grant In FY 2021, the Department of Aging and Community Living (DACL) plans to award $500,000 to design and implement proven programs, preferably evidence-based, for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD). Programs must include ADRD and caregiver education and support, ADRD prevention and intervention, and ADRD outreach, resource referral and linkages for caregivers and recipients. Any organization or institution is eligible to apply. The Eastern Senior High School Choir sang carols as part of the welcoming committee for the event as seniors entered the Armory.

Director Laura Newland

Editor Spotlight On Aging is published by the Information Office of the D.C. Department of Aging and Community Living for D.C. senior residents. Advertising contained in the Beacon is not endorsed by the D.C. Department of Aging and Community Living or by the publisher.

Darlene Nowlin

Photographer Richard Williams 500 K St. N.E., Washington, D.C. 20002 (202) 724-5626 | www.dcoa.dc.gov

The award period is October 1, 2020 through September 30, 2021. Program continuation is based on DACL’s determination of satisfactory progress during the initial period. A PRE-APPLICATION WORKSHOP FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2021 ALZHEIMER’S AND RELATED DEMENTIA DISEASE PROGRAM COMPETITIVE GRANT will be held on Thursday, January 9 at 2:00 p.m., 500 K Street, NE. For questions and registration, contact: Eric Manuel, Program Manager, 202-730-1745 or Jennifer Adu, Program Analyst, 202-727-6601.

Visit www.dcoa.dc.gov for the complete RFA and details for the grant opportunity.

J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 0 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

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This th Mon ! Only

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DETAILS OF OFFER: Offer expires 2/8/2020. You must set your appointment by 1/31/2020 and purchase by 2/8/2020. Not valid with other offers or prior purchases. Buy one (1) window or patio door, get one (1) window or patio door 40% off, and 12 months $0 down, 0 monthly payments, 0% interest when you purchase four (4) or more windows or patio doors between 12/29/2019 and 2/8/2020. 40% off windows and patio doors are less than or equal to lowest cost window or patio door in the order. Additional $50 off each window or patio door, no minimum purchase required, taken after initial discount(s), when you set your appointment by 1/31/2020 and purchase by 2/8/2020. Military discount applies to all active duty, veterans and retired military personnel. Military discount equals 3% off your entire purchase and applies after all other discounts, no minimum purchase required. Subject to credit approval. Interest is billed during the promotional period, but all interest is waived if the purchase amount is paid before the expiration of the promotional period. Financing for GreenSky® consumer loan programs is provided by federally insured, federal and state chartered ﬁnancial institutions without regard to age, race, color, religion, national origin, gender or familial status. Savings comparison based on purchase of a single unit at list price. Available at participating locations and offer applies throughout the service area. See your local Renewal by Andersen location for details. MHIC #121441. VA License #2705155684. DC License #420215000125. Some Renewal by Andersen locations are independently owned and operated. "Renewal by Andersen" and all other marks where denoted are trademarks of Andersen Corporation. ©2020 Andersen Corporation. All rights reserved. ©2020 Lead Surge LLC. All rights reserved.

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SPECIAL PULL-OUT SECTION

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J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 0 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Real-life Golden Girls? Co-living benefits By Sam Ruland On a chilly fall morning, Esther Courtney sat at her kitchen table, staring out the window overlooking the farmlands of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. It was day four of her retirement, and she still wasn’t quite used to sleeping in past 5 a.m. and not dedicating eight hours of her day to doing other people’s laundry. So instead, she was talking with a reporter about the high cost of senior housing and what it’s like to have three roommates at age 71. Then one of the women she lives with, Ruth Dunlap, 74, stepped into the room. “Do you want something to drink?” Dunlap asked. “We have coffee or tea?” “No,” Courtney said. “Not the way you make coffee.” Once her roommate turned away, Courtney leaned in and added, “This is going to be a very long morning.” As Dunlap sat down, a third roommate, Rose Marie Sheaffer, 78, made her way into the room, clutching a cane. “You better behave,” Courtney said. “You don’t want to cross the lady with the cane.” They could keep this back-and-forth, quick-witted banter going for hours — a connection that one would think took years to build. But a little over a year ago, these women were strangers.

Today, they call themselves the “Golden Pioneers,” part of a big co-living experiment to tackle issues of loneliness and access to affordable housing among older adults. The three women live in the Thistledown Co-living House, a 4,000-square-foot home in New Holland, Pennsylvania operated by Garden Spot Village, a nonprofit retirement community just down the road.

Connection is healthy Steve Lindsey, the CEO of Garden Spot Village, spent his whole adult life trying to foster environments for people to grow and learn from each other in any stage of their lives. “As a society, we’ve really begun to lose touch with that — of what it means to be connected with your neighbors,” Lindsey said, “to know the people who live around you, to be involved in people’s lives and to share healthy relationships and supportive relationships.” That’s what people get when they come to Garden Spot, he said. Residents of the community can choose to live in apartments, homes or assisted living spaces for an entrance fee ranging from $85,400 to $439,900. Monthly fees run from $1,301 to $2,200. Of course, not everyone can afford those fees, and Lindsey fears people are being forced to live in isolation as a result

— a thought that is very unsettling to him. “As a society, we reserve living in isolation for our worst criminals. We put them in solitary confinement,” Lindsey said. “Yet there are so many older adults that, just through the course of normal life, become sequestered away in isolation.” Lindsey wanted to create opportunities for people who couldn’t afford to live at Garden Spot Village. He considered alternative options, leading him to recall the popular television show, “The Golden Girls” — the late80s sitcom about four “mature” women living together in a home in Miami.

From sitcom to reality So, then he thought, what would it look like if Garden Spot Village owned a large house where people, for a reasonable price, could rent a bedroom, but share the kitchen and living room with others? “So we started to ask ourselves, ‘could five unrelated people actually enjoy life together? Could you really build a model that allows people to live [affordably], without having government subsidy? “And the answer to both those questions is absolutely yes,” Lindsey said. The house offers private bedrooms and bathrooms for five individuals, with a shared kitchen, dining room, living room and laundry areas.

The residents pay 30% of their income for rent: it’s a sliding-scale fee, which is the same used at government-sponsored or government-subsidized housing models. Utilities are included: Wi-Fi, cable, building and grounds maintenance — everything except food. Lindsey said there is priority placed on lower-income applicants and applicants who already live in the area and want to stay close to their communities. The Thistledown Co-living House won the award for best design from Senior Housing News in 2019, and architecture students from Kansas State University were recently given a grant to do a thorough review of the house.

Feeling safe in community Being part of any household — whether with a partner or spouse, family members or roommates — can ward off loneliness. And a social worker from Garden Spot Village serves as a moderator to assist if residents ever run in to points of tension as they learn to live together. “I’m 74 and I still have three roommates,” said Dunlap, who is divorced. “It’s out of economic necessity, but I also didn’t want to be alone anymore.” See GOLDEN GIRLS, page B-4

Learn about senior living at Ashby Ponds, Greenspring, and Riderwood. Request your FREE brochure from the premier retirement communities in Ashburn, VA; Springﬁeld, VA; and Silver Spring, MD. Get the facts about our vibrant lifestyle, stylish apartment homes, expert health care, and so much more!

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There’s no risk in learning more! Call 1-877-575-0231 or visit EricksonLiving.com.

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Horse therapy helps dementia patients By Ivey Noojin Some residents of a Maryland retirement community have had first-hand experience with the healing powers of a soft nose and gentle eyes. Each spring and fall, Broadmead, a Quaker Life Plan Community in Cockeysville, sends four to six of its residents with dementia to the Rose of Sharon Equestrian School (ROSES) in Glen Arm â&#x20AC;&#x201D; a therapeutic program built around horsemanship â&#x20AC;&#x201D; to spend time with some four-legged gentle giants. Prior to working with Broadmead, ROSES focused its â&#x20AC;&#x153;equine facilitated learning experiencesâ&#x20AC;? on children and young adults with disabilities. Stacey Young, Broadmeadâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s director of lifestyle and dementia programs, and Andy Switzer, director of health and wellness, were looking for a way to incorporate equine therapy into their residentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; lives.

They knew of potential benefits of being around horses from a 2014 study by researchers at Ohio State University. The first study of its kind, it found that grooming and touching horses helped ease the symptoms of Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dementia, including agitation, fidgeting and lack of physical activity. After searching the Internet, Young and Switzer found the ROSES program, located 30 minutes away. The 12-acre facility is home to two miniature ponies and three horses specially trained for therapeutic work. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We knew that we wanted [ROSES] to be a part of our programâ&#x20AC;? for residents, Young said. So, they reached out to Joan Marie Twining, the executive director and founder of the school. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The more we learned about how dementia affects not only an individual, but

his or her family and other caregivers as well, the more we realized how many similarities there are with our students,â&#x20AC;? Twining wrote in an email. After a year-long process filled with logistics, the school established a program in 2017 called Silver STEEDS â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Special Therapeutic Equine Experiences Designed for Seniors. It is now held twice a year, in the spring and fall, for a session of five once-a-week visits.

Benefits for all Around the horses, residents of the community become less anxious and are able to express themselves and communicate more.

Caryl Connor, whose 84-year-old mother has lived at Broadmead for four years, has nothing but good things to say about the program. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The moment I heard about it, I jumped on it,â&#x20AC;? Connor said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I knew this would be something my mother would really benefit from and enjoy.â&#x20AC;? Connorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mother had grown up around horses. Her father rode them competitively, and she even owned one as a child. She was one of the first residents to participate in the program in 2017. â&#x20AC;&#x153;She could be having a really rough day,â&#x20AC;? Connor said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;but when I would bring up See HORSE THERAPY, page B-5

PHOTO BY TOM Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;CONNOR PHOTOGRAPHY

Pointe View At Aspen Hill Affordable Apartments for Seniors 62 & Older

P: 410.701.3575 PointeViewatAspenHill.com 3136 Bel Pre Road, Silver Spring, MD 20906

Regardless of the Weather Outside,

It's Always Cozy Here. A resident of Broadmead retirement community greets a resident of the barn at Rose of Sharon Equestrian School, located in Glen Arm, Maryland. The school has begun providing older adults who suffer from dementia with â&#x20AC;&#x153;horse therapy,â&#x20AC;? which has been found to boost both mood and memory in those with the condition.

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Learn more about affordable, independent senior living! Call 202-244-7400 (TRS 711) to schedule a visit. FriendshipTerrace.org 1-800-643-3769 DC RELAY SERVICE â&#x20AC;˘ 1-800-643-3768 TTY 4201 Butterworth Place, NW, Washington, DC 20016 0U >HSRHISL ;LUSL`[V^U +*

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Housing Notes By Margaret Foster

Service adds limited in-home medical care Remember the house calls of yesterday? A new doctor-on-demand service called Primary Care at Home (PCH) launched in the area last month. Hoping to help reduce expensive trips to the emergency room, Capital Caring Health created PCH to provide primary care services, make urgent care visits, and help manage daily routines. To be eligible,

area residents must be least 65 years old and have a chronic illness and physical or cognitive disability. “Being home-limited shouldn’t stand in the way of receiving top-notch healthcare,” Dr. Eric De Jonge, chief of geriatrics at Capital Caring Health, said in an email. “By bringing full medical and social services to where people live, we help prevent the crises and instability that lead to more serious illness.” During the initial rollout of the program, services are limited to people living in several zip codes in Chevy Chase, Maryland, Falls Church, Virginia and Northwest D.C. Capital Caring Health bills Medicare or other insurance for all covered services. Its services not covered by Medicare include social work support, travel time and 24/7 on-

J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 0 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

call access, which will incur a monthly fee. For more information, call 1-800-8692136 or visit capitalcaringhealth/org/pch.

Seabury welcomes visitors from abroad In December, 15 delegates from the government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) visited Seabury at Springvale Terrace “to collaborate on affordable housing with services,” according to a statement from Seabury. They came to the independent living and personal care community in Silver

Golden Girls From page B-2 Dunlap was a corporate trainer at Auntie Anne’s Soft Pretzels for 15 years and now is a receptionist at a restaurant. She’s witty, and you can immediately tell that she’s a natural leader. She’s the one who reins the women in when it’s time for them to sit down for their game night — a new tradition they’ve started on Friday nights, complete with Scrabble and Bingo. There are moments when the women are not feeling super-social, and just go to

Spring, Md., “to gain more information about services and fundraising, about how Springvale Terrace offers affordable pricing and subsidies via the Congregate Housing Services Program, partnerships with healthcare organizations, sustainability practices, and also about personal care services that Springvale Terrace offers.” The visitors also learned how U.S. Social Security works, attended a questionand-answer session and took a tour of the community. Seabury at Springvale Terrace offers residential living, assisted living and enhanced personal care to its residents. For See HOUSING NOTES, page B-5

their room and shut the door. “But there’s something comforting about knowing that there’s someone possibly in the living room,” Dunlap said. Sheaffer, 78, is “the lady with the cane.” She’s a lot of fun, has a great laugh, and likes to cook. She never lived in a house like this before, but said since moving to Thistledown, she would be afraid to live alone now — something about it just feels safe. Courtney’s husband passed away in 2012, and she had been living alone since then. “It got lonely,” Courtney said. “And I just didn’t want to do it anymore, so this seemed like a good idea. And it’s worked out.” —AP

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 0

Horse therapy From page B-3 this activity of visiting the horses, she would calm down and smile.” Even though Connor’s mother cannot communicate well, her body language told Connor all she needed to know: The program was making a real difference in her mother’s life. “I can just see how meaningful it is to her because she would relax when you bring up the horses,” Connor said. “It gives me great joy to know she is having a good experience.” Her mother even placed a picture of one of the horses from the barn in her room.

Emotional, cognitive changes Young has seen other positive cognitive effects from the barn program. One man, who hardly speaks anymore,

Housing notes

was able to converse with his wife about the geological surveys he had conducted during his career. Another resident, who cries every afternoon and most mornings, quickly calmed down around the horses. Someone else, who typically can’t remember what she did that morning, was able to recollect the grooming procedure, according to Young. The partnership with ROSES hasn’t only benefited the residents with dementia. It has also helped the patients’ families and caregivers. “They can also struggle with what happens with dementia,” Young said. “Seeing their loved ones joyous and connected means a lot.” And the horses appear to like it as well, according to Young. They wait at their stalls, with their heads peeking out, and get excited when the residents arrive.

more information, call (301) 587-0190 or visit seaburyresources.org.

nets and designer appliances, washer and dryer in each unit, and different floor plans to contribute to an active, healthy lifestyle.” For more information, visit WillowManorAtFairland.com or call (301) 847-1000.

Affordable housing building planned for D.C.

Apartments for a range of incomes to open

In December, the D.C. Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) closed on a $13.8 million loan from the city’s Housing Production Trust Fund that will add 76 affordable housing units near Nationals Park in Southwest D.C. The 76-unit mixed-use apartment building, which will be LEED certified, will include 60 apartments for households with annual incomes between $42,500 to $60,650 and 16 apartments for households with annual incomes between $25,500 to $36,400. The building is scheduled to be completed by spring 2021. For more information about the Buzzard Point project, call (202) 442-7200 or email dhcd@dc.gov.

A new housing community will open this spring in Damascus, Maryland, across from the library and Damascus Senior Center. Victory Haven Senior Apartments will have 72 affordable and market-rate oneand two- bedroom apartments for older adults. It will include all the expected amenities plus a library with an adjacent computer center. The building will include 54 one-bedroom and 18 two-bedroom apartments for households with incomes at or below 30%, 40%, 50% and 60% of area median income. For details, visit seniorapartmentsdamascusmd.com or call (301) 368-3322.

Community will offer market and affordable apartments

New study finds staff is key to success

From page B-4

A 121-unit apartment community in Silver Spring is almost complete. Willow Manor at Fairland Senior Apartments, for residents 62-plus, is schedule to open in April. It is currently accepting leasing inquiries; 61 of its units will be affordable housing units based on household income, including six units for households at or below 30% of area median income. The building will include a fitness center, billiards room, library, arts-and-crafts studio, and a community room with a fireplace. According to a statement, the one- and two-bedroom units will have “walk-in closets, granite counter tops, upgraded kitchen cabi-

Retirement communities are judged not for their bells and whistles — or even the food — but for their employees. That’s according to the J.D. Power 2019 U.S. Senior Living Satisfaction Study. While more than half (54%) of residents said that location was a major factor in choosing their community, about half also said the quality of staff and services led to their decision. They want employees to offer help and greet residents in a friendly way. Industrywide, just 53% of residents say community staff deliver on these criteria. To read the study in its entirety, visit jdpower.com/business/resource/senior-living-study.

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Housing Options

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J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 0 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Moving? Consider renting vs. selling By Ruth Lyons So, you’re ready to downsize and move into a retirement community or closer to your grandkids. Should you sell, or consider renting out your home? Like many of life’s big decisions, the answer depends on your situation, goals and personal preferences. Both options offer advantages — and potential drawbacks — that you must weigh carefully. First things first: Determine if your home makes a good rental. Start by considering your home’s condition, layout, lot and location. Condition: Tenants need a safe place to live that is properly maintained. If your home’s roof or furnace is nearing the end of its useful life, you may need to fix those things or budget for these expenditures as a landlord, just like you would if you were continuing to live there. On the other hand, if you’ve already invested in a new roof or replaced the HVAC, renting may make more sense, as you’re not likely to get a corresponding bump in selling price to compensate for these large capital expenditures. Layout: Over the last few decades, living habits and tastes have changed. If your home is older and you haven’t invested in updates, it may be hard to sell, as buyers can be pretty picky.

Renters are more forgiving about property condition and outdated layouts. Lot: Does your yard require a lot of maintenance? You can’t count on tenants to meticulously maintain your landscaping. In general, a property that needs constant maintenance beyond lawn mowing does not make a good rental property. Location: Not all locations provide the market conditions ideal for renting. Here are just some of the location-related questions you need to consider: Will the average rent for your area cover your home’s monthly expenses? Do you live in an area convenient for commuting? Do you live near great schools that would be attractive to families? Is there adequate parking? Is there storage on site? If you’re governed by an HOA, is renting allowed by the association’s bylaws? These are the big considerations. A real estate agent with experience and knowledge of your local area can help you think through and analyze your home’s rental suitability.

Does it make financial sense? Next, figure out if it makes financial sense to rent your home. The biggest consideration is determining if the numbers work. To find that out, calculate your anticipated annual rent and deduct your total annu-

al expenses. You should include all fixed costs (such as taxes, HOA, insurance and mortgage payments if you still owe money on the property) and fair estimates of variable expenses (such as maintenance and vacancy costs). Only if you’re cash flow positive each month does renting make sense.

The pros If you’ve concluded that your home would indeed make a good rental, here are the pros and cons of owning a residential rental property instead of selling: —Monthly income from rental payments. Historically, rental real estate, when acquired and managed wisely, has been a powerful builder of wealth. Renting can provide you with a steady flow of extra monthly income. You can look at rental websites like Hotpads and Trulia to get an idea of what types of rental properties are available in your area. You can also find online rental calculators, like Rentometer, that will help you guestimate the rent you can charge. And don’t hesitate to consult with a local real estate agent who has access to real-time and historical rental data. —Tenants pay off your mortgage. If you still owe money on your home, your tenant is essentially paying down the mortgage for you. —Sell in a better market. Many housing markets are still recovering from the sub-prime lending bubble that burst a decade ago. If you bought at the height of the market frenzy between 2005 and 2008, your home may be worth less than you paid for it. Holding instead of selling — and collecting rental income in the meantime — can be a great strategy.

—Defer the expense of needed home improvements. Maybe your home is outdated or requires some home improvements that you don’t have the money for now. You can budget for the updates and upgrades from the rent you’re collecting each month, make the improvements later, and potentially get a higher sales price for your home in the future. —Rental real estate typically provides an inflation hedge and market appreciation. Residential property is a tangible asset that always has a value. It can’t really go to zero like other investments can. As inflation drives up the cost of other consumer products, rents typically rise. And modest annual rent increases can improve your monthly cash flow while the cost of owning stays the same each year. Some housing markets seem to be almost guaranteed to get stronger in the next few years. If you are in such a market, and you feel like there is a good chance your home will increase in value significantly, then renting now will grant a bigger payday later. —Rental property ownership offers some powerful tax deductions annually. Each year, you claim a depreciation write-off at the same time the value of your home is likely appreciating. And if you have a bad rental year, you can deduct up to $25,000 in rental property losses, which decreases your tax due on other income sources. —Renting allows you to postpone selling costs. Transfer taxes, title work, sales commissions and attorney fees can add up to an estimated 8% of your sales price. If you’re somewhat undecided about See RENT VS. SELL, page B-8

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 0

REHABILITATION

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Housing Options

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INDEPENDENT LIVING COMMUNITY

Brooke Grove Retirement Village 301-260-2320

Seabury at Friendship Terrace 202-244-7400

18100 Slade School Road Sandy Spring, MD 20860 www.bfg.org

4201 Butterworth Place NW Washington, DC 20016 www.friendshipterrace.org

Imagine an extraordinary staff and the best therapies and equipment—in a beautiful environment that rejuvenates and restores. Physical therapy spaces bathed in sunlight. The quiet comfort of a garden walk or relaxing massage. Imagine getting back to the activities that matter to you. Our new, state-of-the-art rehab addition at Brooke Grove Rehabilitation and Nursing Center offers innovative therapy services for seniors, including NeuroGym® Technologies mobility training, the Korebalance system and much more. Visit us to see why Brooke Grove Retirement Village is one of the most sought-after continuing-care retirement communities in the state. Rehab here is simply different… because what surrounds you really matters.

Active, affordable senior living close to stores, restaurants, transportation and entertainment can be found at Seabury at Friendship Terrace! Located in a quiet, tree-lined northwest Washington neighborhood, Friendship Terrace is just two blocks from the Tenleytown Metro station. The community offers affordable senior living with subsidy assistance to those who are eligible, as well as exciting onsite events including performances, lectures, holiday observances, socials, and more. A rooftop deck, greenhouse, library, lounges, and a dining room overlooking an outdoor courtyard are highlights of the community. Your new home awaits. Remarkable in-town value! Applications now being accepted. Call for your tour today!

INDEPENDENT LIVING COMMUNITY

PERSONAL CARE/ASSISTED LIVING

Covenant Village Senior Apartments 301-540-1162

Seabury at Springvale Terrace (301) 587-8717

18889 Waring Station Road Germantown, MD 20874 www.qpmgmt.com

8505 Springvale Road Silver Spring, MD 20910 www.seaburyresources.org/springvaleterrace

• Spacious 1 and 2 bedroom plans with washer/dryer in each apt. • Shuttle bus for shopping and local trips • On-site fitness, game, and craft rooms, movie theatre, library, beauty salon, and courtyard garden plots. It's about our residents, said management staff, Debra and Trisha. They always ensure that they have interesting and exciting things going on. Some of the fun includes: garden party cookouts, trips to Washington, DC to see the cherry blossoms, the Franciscan Monastery, and the National Zoo, Black Hills Pontoon Boat Ride, low-impact fitness classes, resident birthday celebrations, Craft classes and potlucks. Also, many guest speakers are invited to speak to our residents on topics that are relevant to them.

Discover Seabury at Springvale Terrace inside and out. Our Assisted Living offers a price and lifestyle you will love, with personal care subsidies for those who qualify. Affordable value that can only be found at our community, providing personal care, exercise, music, a host of daily activities and social events. Starting at only $2,294/month including private apartment with private bathroom, three nutritious meals a day, medication administration, nurse oversight, housekeeping and laundry services. Come take a look at Springvale Terrace. Assisted Living Apartments are available now (Medicaid accepted). Call Porche at (301) 587-0190 or email pelliott@seaburyresources.org to schedule your visit today.

INDEPENDENT LIVING COMMUNITY

ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNITY

Greenspring Retirement Community 877-589-9570

Chesterbrook Residences 703-531-0781

7410 Spring Village Drive, Springﬁeld, VA 22150 GreenspringCommunity.com

2030 Westmoreland Street Falls Church, VA www.chesterbrookres.org

For over 20 years, active seniors have chosen Greenspring in Fairfax County as their new address for vibrant, maintenance-free living. The community offers cozy one-bedroom floor plans, spacious twobedroom options, and deluxe apartments with special features like sunrooms, dens & extra storage. The 58-acre campus boasts a wide variety of stylish apartment homes; three amenity-packed clubhouses; and an unparalleled health and wellness program exclusively for older adults. Residents can age in place with confidence, knowing that assisted living, memory care, and nursing care are available right on campus if they need extra support in the years to come. Call 1-877-589-9570 today for your free Greenspring brochure.

Make the move to Chesterbrook Residences and enjoy all the freedom that comes with residing in a caring assisted living community! Comfortable one- or two-bedroom apartments feature great views of the wooded area surrounding our neighborhood. You'll enjoy chef-prepared meals, many on-site activities, outings to great DC area attractions, and relaxing community spaces that feel like home. On-site rehab services include physical, occupational, and speech therapy. Plus, an on-site wellness center, visiting physicians, and maintenance-free living offer convenience that you can't find at home. Call today to schedule your tour of our nonprofit community!

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Housing Options | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

Rent vs. sell From page B-6 your future plans, renting your home allows you to postpone the cost of selling and keep your options open.

The cons However, there are some downsides of renting rather than selling your home: — Being a landlord is not for everyone! Dealing with tenants and property management is not something everyone is cut out for. And that’s okay. If the prospect of being a landlord gives you the willies,

you might reconsider. Rental ownership is often stressful because you have no control over what tenants do in your home. You may get great tenants who pay on time and respect your property. Or you may get tenants who pay late and wreck the place. Even if your tenants are decent, you still need to manage the process, which might stress you out. Of course, you can hire a property management firm to take care of placing tenants, collecting rent, managing maintenance and repairs, and handle the rental for you. Just be sure to factor in the expense of a good prop-

J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 0 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

erty manager, which typically runs between 8 and 10% of your rental income. —Renting your home ties up a substantial amount of money. Real estate is not a liquid investment that you can quickly turn into cash if a financial emergency arises. If you decide to rent, you’ll want to make sure you have enough liquid assets from other sources that you can quickly and easily tap into for emergencies. —You may need additional insurance. As a landlord, you could be liable for accidents that occur on the property. You’ll need to make sure you’re adequately insured. An umbrella liability policy does the trick and is relatively inexpensive for a large amount of coverage. —You may miss out on taking advantage of today’s seller-friendly tax

laws. Selling your home now allows you take advantage of current tax laws that exclude your sale from capital gains tax up to $250,000 for an individual or $500,000 for married couples. For most homeowners, that means you can avoid a sizable tax on a huge sale. Of course, tax laws can always change, and this benefit might go away. You just never know what will happen in Washington! Few homeowners consider the benefits of renting their residence instead of simply selling it. It’s always good to look at all your options when making an important financial decision. Ruth Lyons is a Residential Realtor and Senior Real Estate Specialist with Sachs Realty. You can reach her at RL@sachsrealty.com or visit her website at www.ruthlyons1.com.

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Feb. 5

CAREGIVER CONNECTIONS

Are you helping to support a loved one? Join a supportive network of fellow caregivers with aging and dementia expert Anya Parpura. Learn how to stay positive, manage stress and preserve precious moments. The free workshop will be held on Wed., Feb. 5 from 7 to 8 p.m. at Kensington Falls Church, 700 West Broad St., Falls Church, Va. To register, call (703) 992-9868.

Jan. 30

Your keepsakes.. Their treasures. 703.532.0002

www.partnersestatesales.com

CAREER FAIR

You’re more than your paper resume. Come to a career fair to meet with multiple possible employers face-to-face. The career fair will be held on Thurs., Jan. 30 at the Holiday Inn Rosslyn at Key Bridge, 1900 North Fort Myer Dr., Arlington, Va. To register for the free event, visit http://bit.ly/CareerJan20.

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 0

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FREE HOUSING AND OTHER INFORMATION For free information from advertisers in this special section, check off those that interest you and mail this entire page to the Beacon. Please do not request info if you are not interested. All replies have an equal chance to win. To be eligible for Toby’s Dinner Theare tickets, your reply must arrive by Feb. 5, 2020.

HOUSING COMMUNITIES: WASHINGTON, DC ❑ Chevy Chase House B-11 & B-15 ❑ Friendship Terrace . . .B-3 & B-7

MARYLAND ❑ Brooke Grove Retirement Village . .B-7, B-13, B-15 & B-16 ❑ Covenant Village . . . .B-5 & B-7 ❑ Emerson House . . . .B-5 & B-15 ❑ Gardens of Traville, The . . . . .B-3 ❑ Homecrest House . . .B-6 & B-13 ❑ Homewood at Frederick . . . .B-8 ❑ Park View at Bladensburg . .B-10

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Park View at Columbia . . . .B-10 Park View at Emerson . . . . .B-10 Park View at Laurel . . . . . .B-10 Point View at Aspen Hill . . . .B-3 Riderwood . . . . . . . .B-2 & B-15 Springvale Terrace . . . .B-6, B-7, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-12 & B-15

VIRGINIA ❑ Arleigh Burke Pavilion . . . . .B-4 ❑ Ashby Ponds . . . . . .B-2 & B-13 ❑ Chesterbrook Residences . . . . . . . .B-7 & B-12 ❑ Greenspring . . . . . . . .B-2 & B-7 ❑ Gum Springs Glen . . . . . . . .B-5

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Herndon Harbor House . . . . .B-5 Lockwood House . . . . . . . . .B-5 Morris Glen . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-5 Sommerset Retirement . . . . . . . .B-4 & B-13 ❑ Vinson Hall . . . . . . . .B-4 & B-15 ❑ Wingler House . . . . .B-5 & B-15

HOME CARE SERVICES: ❑ Attenda Home Care . . . . . . .B-4 ❑ Best Senior Care . . . . . . . .B-11

BUILDING CONTRACTORS ❑ PG Builders, Inc. . . . . . . . . . .B-8

Check the boxes you’re interested in and return this entire coupon to: The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915-2227. You may also include the free info coupon on page 5. One entry per household please. Name __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address ____________________________________________________E-mail_______________________________________________ City _______________________________________________________ State ______________________ Zip ____________________ Phone (day) _______________________________________________ (eve) ________________________________________________ Please provide your telephone number and e-mail address so we may contact you promptly if you win the drawing.

WB120

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J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 0 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Is it worth relocating to trim your taxes? By Mary Kane Once retired, many people move to a state with low taxes or tax breaks that specifically benefit older residents. These days, people affected by tax reform’s squeeze on the federal deduction for state and local income taxes are feeling increased pressure to make such a move. No doubt moving from a high-tax state to a low-tax state can produce savings. For instance, a taxpayer in California who pays the top state income tax rate of 13.3% can move to Florida and cut that tax rate to zero. Yet a quick fix can be much more complicated than it seems. Yes, you’ll improve your bottom line, at least at first. But your overall tax savings may not be as great as you anticipated. And the tug of your old hometown may cost you, too. Will you end up with higher travel expenses as you visit family? If you

continue to earn an income in your old state, you’ll owe non-resident taxes, and you could be penalized if you don’t pay. In addition, high-tax states are making it more difficult to leave, imposing tax surcharges or tax prepayments on high-end homeowners who relocate. You need to document residency in your new low-tax home state; otherwise, you could face additional taxes or penalties from your old state. “Paying close to 10% in state taxes was bad enough when it could be deducted. Now it’s even worse,” said Lyle Benson, founder of LK Benson and Co., a Towson, Maryland CPA financial planning firm. “But you have to be really committed to changing your domicile, and it can’t just be done for tax purposes. You really have to cut ties with your home state.” Still, even for retirees in states with modest taxes who aren’t being hit as hard by the

state and local (SALT) tax deduction cap, moving can be financially beneficial.

Things to consider Financial planners say they’re not seeing an exodus of clients from high-tax states just yet, because the law’s impact has yet to be fully felt. Tax laws are also subject to change. There are several bills in the U.S. House that would raise or eliminate the SALT deduction cap, though it’s unclear what action could result. Also, the cap is scheduled to expire with other provisions of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act after 2025. Before you load up the moving van, here is a checklist of challenges to prepare for a move to a lower-tax state: 1. A high-tax state may make it difficult to leave. In some cases, you’ll have to deal with tax prepayments or you’ll for-

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BALTIMORE CITY Ednor Apartments I: 410-243-0180 Ednor Apartments II: 410-243-4301 The Greens at Irvington Mews: 410-644-4487 Park Heights Place: 410-578-3445 Park View at Ashland Terrace: 410-276-6440 Park View at Coldspring: 410-542-4400

BALTIMORE COUNTY Cove Point Apartments I: 410-288-2344 Cove Point Apartments II: 410-288-1660 Evergreen Senior Apartments: 410-780-4888 The Greens at English Consul: 410-789-3000 The Greens at Liberty Road: 410-655-1100 The Greens at Logan Field: 410-288-2000 The Greens at Rolling Road: 410-744-9988 Park View at Catonsville: 410-719-9464 Park View at Dundalk: 410-288-5483 • 55 & Better Park View at Fullerton: 410-663-0665 Park View at Miramar Landing: 410-391-8375

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PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY Park View at Bladensburg: 301-699-9785 • 55 & Better Park View at Laurel: 301-490-1526 Park View at Laurel II: 301-490-9730

Call the community of interest to you to inquire about eligibility requirements and to arrange a personal tour. www.rhomecommunities.com PET-FRIENDLY

feit a state tax credit if you move. Be sure to check your current state’s tax policies before considering a move, so you can be prepared for extra tax payments or extra paperwork. 2. Be willing to commit to your new state. “You can only have one domicile, and it’s where you consider your home,” Benson said. If you don’t want to spend enough time in your new location and you are reluctant to make it your home, “it’s hard to make it work from a tax standpoint,” he said. Besides needing to prove residency in your new location, living in two places can be costly. Let’s say you keep a house in Maryland and buy an inexpensive condo in Florida for a few months in the winter. You would rack up a lot of expenses with carrying costs on both the house and the condo, and the added travel expenses for going back and forth. Even if you sell your house and stay in hotels, returning to your home state to visit friends and family can get expensive. Before you move, spend time in the new location and consider whether you’ll be satisfied with the quality of healthcare and the culture and entertainment offerings. Visit outside of vacation season and stay for longer periods. 3. Be prepared to prove you really moved, particularly if you will have more than one home. Some states are particularly aggressive in making sure you cut your ties if you moved away for lower taxes but kept a second residence. You need to show you actually took up residence elsewhere. Register to vote, open a bank account, even keep receipts from your new hairdresser. Some high-tax states will consider you a resident if you spend more than half the year there. Be sure you understand how the rules work in both your old and new states. 4. Look at the whole tax picture. In addition to state taxes, check whether local taxes are high — and research whether taxes and other expenses are rising. Check if the new state has death taxes, and if so, its rules. You’ll need to re-do your estate planning documents for your new state. Also, if you are still earning income from a business based in your previous home state, you’ll need to file a nonresident tax return and pay taxes on the income. Income from partnerships and corporations can fall into a grey area, and you’ll need to find out what you might owe, Benson said. “This does trip people up,” he said. 5. Time your move carefully. Think in the long term so you only have to move once, Benson said. Your family members who live elsewhere are unpredictable — you could move to escape high taxes only to find you have grandchildren on the way in another state, which may lead you to move twice and spend far more than you saved. © 2019 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 0

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Tech to keep family with dementia safe Dear Savvy Senior, door alarms on the exterior doors that let My husband, who lives at home, has you know when they’re opened. dementia, and I worry about See AlzStore.com for a varihim wandering off and not ety of product solutions. And being able to get back. Can be sure to hide the car keys to you recommend some monkeep him from driving. itoring technology devices or You should also alert your any other solutions that can neighbors that your husband help me keep tabs on him? may wander so they can keep Exhausted Spouse an eye out. Have a recent picDear Exhausted, ture of him on hand to show This is a concern for millions around the neighborhood or to of Americans caring for a loved the police if he does get lost. SAVVY SENIOR one with dementia at home. By Jim Miller About 60 percent of people who Monitoring technology suffer from dementia wander at In terms of high-tech solusome point, according to the Alzheimer’s As- tions, there are a variety of wearable GPS sociation. tracking devices available today. Many of those who wander off end up Some top options to consider include confused and lost, even in their own neigh- AngelSense (AngelSense.com), which can borhood, and are unable to communicate be attached to clothing or worn around the who they are or where they live. waist; wristwatches like the Theora ConHere are some products and service so- nect (TheoraCare.com) or NurtureWatch lutions that may help. (NurtureWatch.com); and the GPS SmartSole (GPSSmartSole.com), which is a Simple solutions shoe insole tracker. For starters, there are a number of simAll of these products come with smartple home modifications you can do to keep phone apps that would alert you if your your husband from wandering away. husband were to wander beyond a preThese solutions include adding an extra established safe area, and would let you lock on the top or bottom of the exterior know where to find him if he did. doors out of the line of sight, or installing These products (except the GPS Smart-

Sole) also provide two-way voice communication and auto pickup speakerphone so you can talk to him if he does wander off.

Locating services There are also locating services that can help you if he wanders away. The MedicAlert + Safe Return program comes with a personalized ID bracelet that would have your husband’s medical information engraved on it, along with his membership number and the toll-free MedicAlert emergency phone number. If he goes missing, you would first call 911 and report it to the local police department, and then report it to MedicAlert. Or a Good Samaritan or police officer may find him and call the MedicAlert number

to get him back home. The Vitals Aware Service works a bit differently. This is a free app-based network system that comes with a small beacon that your husband would wear. If he did go missing, anyone in the Vitals app network community that came within 80 feet of him would receive an alert and information about him so they could contact you. Currently, this service is available in Minnesota, Ohio and North Carolina, but is looking to expand nationwide. An option that could help many in this area now is a radio frequency locater service called Project Lifesaver, which is offered by police departments in MontSee MONITORING, page B-12

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J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 0 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

A downsizing journey: Learning to let go By Rita Wilkins I spent an entire year of my life downsizing my big house. That yearlong journey was one of the most challenging, most revealing and most rewarding years of my life. During the process of decluttering and downsizing my home, I discovered the real me that was hiding underneath all of that beautiful stuff. To say it was easy would be a lie. I was confronted daily with one more drawer or cabinet that was crammed with things I didn’t even recall buying. One more useless gadget I thought would make life easier. One more closet filled with clothes that no longer fit or that I hadn’t worn in years. I was embarrassed, ashamed and guilty about the excess and overspending. At the end of a day’s effort, I was physically exhausted and emotionally drained. Downsizing is a rollercoaster of emotions: The thrill and excitement of a vision for a new lifestyle, versus the unsettling and confusing decision fatigue. The dream and promise of a simpler life with less, versus the daily struggle and exhaustion of letting go of years of excess accumulation.

Call in the troops At first, I tried to tackle this downsizing project on my own, thinking I could chip away at this overwhelming task day-by-day

in my spare time. After a month into my solo attempt to be superwoman, I picked up the phone to call my family and friends to say “Help!” Those calls generated one of my first big discoveries: I didn’t have to do this alone. I realized the importance of having a team for such a big undertaking. I decided to create a team and schedule one or two of them to meet with me for four hours on a Saturday or Sunday so I would garner the physical and emotional support required to downsize my life. Ultimately, I gave away 95% of what I owned to people who needed or wanted it.

Confronted by clothes, memories It was a dreary winter day. Perfect for attacking the first of my many closets, filled with beautiful dresses and suits, many of which had not been worn in years. Some still had tags on them. Touching each piece of clothing, I was filled with emotions ranging from guilt to shame to disgust. Weekend after weekend, I would fill my lonely days shopping, perhaps in search of “the perfect little black dress” for the someday perfect date. Then I counted four little black dresses that looked just like the others. I struggled to let go of the clothing that reminded me of special times in my life,

not wanting to let go of the memories. But why? They were just clothes — and way too many of them.

A change in perspective As I stood in the middle of the large walk-in closet surrounded on three sides by things I mostly no longer needed or wanted, I began to envision women who would be thrilled to have even one of these beautiful suits or dresses. First, I removed all the clothes I hadn’t worn in at least a year. Next, I tried on those that I wanted to keep. If they didn’t fit me when I tried them on, I put them in the “donate” pile. The clothes that remained hanging were still too many, but I realized I could do a second and perhaps a third edit on another day. Next, I folded the “donate” clothes into neat piles and then put them into boxes. I immediately loaded the boxes into my car so I wouldn’t have second thoughts. I pulled out of my driveway to drive to my favorite women’s shelter, which welcomed donations of professional clothing for job interviews. I rang the bell to the shelter. Within minutes, I was warmly greeted by three women who helped me unload all the

Monitoring From page B-11 gomery County, Maryland, and Arlington and Alexandria, Virginia. With this service, your husband would wear a wristband that contains a radio transmitter that emits tracking signals. If he goes missing, contact the local authorities, who will use their tracking equipment to locate him. Visit Projectlifesaver.org to learn when

boxes from my car. I wasn’t expecting their assistance, but it was definitely appreciated. That day, one of the women I met at the shelter said that she could hardly wait to get a good job so that she could get a nice apartment for herself and her children. I felt a warm glow knowing I was doing the right thing. This was just one woman of many who would benefit from the clothes that had been hanging uselessly in my closet. Driving home, I was overcome with gratitude. I realized that there was so much more that I could do and must do. By letting go of my excess stuff, I was gaining so much more in return. As I walked into my home, I suddenly felt lighter. I also realized I didn’t always have to be strong, and I didn’t have to do everything by myself. There were people in my life who cared for me and told me they were willing to help. I was finally willing to accept their assistance. Rita Wilkins is the author of Downsize Your Life, Upgrade Your Lifestyle, from which this essay was adapted. Watch her TEDx talk, “Downsize Your Life: Why Less Is More” at bitly.com/ritawilkins. Visit her website at designservicesltd.com. this service becomes available in other communities. A local company, BlueStar SeniorTech, also offers a variety of products with monitoring. See bluestarseniortech.com to learn more. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of The Savvy Senior book.

Choosing Chesterbrook Residences

Opens a Whole New World of Possibilities

Discover a community that not only provides the support you need, but also creates excitement for daily life! Delicious dining, on-site entertainment and activities, and new friendships and adventures await around each corner. Schedule your tour today! Call 703-531-0781.

A Caring Assisted Living Retirement Community

2030 Westmoreland St. | Falls Church 703-531-0781 | chesterbrookres.org Coordinated Services Management, Inc.—Professional Management of Retirement Communities since 1981.

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 0

The financial perks of going solar By Pat Mertz Esswein Ivica Bilich and Jennifer Twiggs, of Charlotte, North Carolina, love their house’s solar panels. “When I pull up to my house on a sunny day and see the panels, they look like a slot machine dropping money on my front porch,” Bilich said. The couple had been thinking about going solar for years, but in the fall of 2018, the numbers — a combination of falling costs and incentives — finally made sense. A local solar installer proposed a system that cost $20,000 before any incentives. The couple learned they would get a federal tax credit of $6,000 — 30% of the cost of the system — and a $4,320 rebate from Duke Energy. “It was a no-brainer for us,” Twiggs said.

The case for going solar Homeowners have been installing solar panels at a record pace, taking advantage of falling prices and the federal tax credit, which is slated to be phased out by 2022. Solar panels are getting more powerful, more efficient and cheaper every year, according to industry experts. The average household will recoup the cost of their system in just over seven years.

Consider your house’s site If you pay a high electric rate and live in a sunny location, there’s a compelling case for going solar. For an estimate of the cost and benefit of adding solar panels to your home, use the EnergySage Solar Calculator. It uses a combination of satellite imagery (to see your roof, its size and orientation to the sun), data you provide about your electricity bill, real-time cost data from solar firms in your area, and its own proprietary formulas. EnergySage recently launched a Buyer’s

Guide, which allows consumers to search, filter and compare solar equipment based on quality rating, aesthetics, performance and pricing. In most states, homeowners whose systems produce more electricity than they use can send the excess to the utility’s electric grid and receive credit on their electric bill. (To see what incentives your state offers, visit dsireusa.org.)

Ways to pay A decade ago, a residential system cost $40,000 to $60,000, according to Vikram Aggarwal, CEO of EnergySage.com, and solar financing wasn’t available. Today, with the cost of a typical system running $18,300 before the tax credit and incentives, two-thirds of homeowners have purchased their systems outright. Buying your system will maximize the financial benefit, but third-party ownership [where the installer owns the panels and you pay them monthly for using them or for the energy they generate] can still reduce your electric bills. With third-party ownership, the solar firm benefits directly from the tax credit, not you — though it may pass along a lower cost to you. If you don’t own your panels, you’ll see 15% to 30% lower utility bills, Aggarwal said. But if you pay for a system with cash, you’ll enjoy 100% of the savings — after you recoup the cost of the system. If you want to finance your system, tapping a home-equity line of credit is a good way to do it. The debt is deductible because it’s secured by your home and the panels are a substantial home improvement. In 2020, the federal tax credit drops from 30% down to 26%; in 2021, it falls to 22%. After that, it disappears. © 2019 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by TCA, LLC.

INDEPENDENT LIVING COMMUNITY

Ashby Ponds 877-664-5445 21170 Ashby Ponds Boulevard Ashburn, VA 20147 AshbyPonds.com Ashby Ponds is Loudoun County’s most popular retirement community—and for good reason! Few senior living destinations have such a wide variety of apartment home options. The community offers cozy one-bedroom floor plans, spacious twobedroom options, and deluxe apartments with special features like sunrooms, dens, and extra storage. Ashby Ponds boasts five restaurants, two fitness centers, a glorious all-season pool, a salon, day spa, and even a fully staffed on-site medical center. It's no wonder they're the area's most sought-after address for active retirement living. Call 1-877-664-5445 today for your free Ashby Ponds brochure.

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Housing Options

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INDEPENDENT LIVING COMMUNITY

Brooke Grove Retirement Village 301-260-2320 18100 Slade School Road Sandy Spring, MD 20860 www.bfg.org You’ll feel it as soon as you drive onto our 220-acre campus of lush pastures and hardwood forest—all that makes independent living at Brooke Grove different. Beautiful cottages in a truly picturesque setting. Maintenance-free living, with more time for what you really want to do. Personalized fitness programs, meals prepared by talented chefs, clubs and social events. Neighbors who share your interests and passions. Come for a visit and see why Brooke Grove Retirement Village is one of the most soughtafter retirement communities in the state. Living here is simply different … because what surrounds you really matters.

INDEPENDENT LIVING COMMUNITY

Sommerset Retirement 703-450-6411 22355 Providence Village Dr. Sterling, VA 20164 www.Sommersetretirement.com At Sommerset Retirement Community, located in the heart of Sterling, Virginia, you’ll experience exceptional independent living at its best, with a comfortable, fulfilling, secure and active lifestyle. Sommerset’s unique amenities include restaurant style dining, housekeeping, 24-hour front desk personnel and private transportation. Enjoy the convenience of being just minutes from medical services, shopping, banking and entertainment. Sommerset has been voted by the readers of Virginia Living Magazine as one of the best retirement communities in Northern Virginia! Call us or visit our website to request more information or to schedule your tour and complimentary lunch.

INDEPENDENT & PERSONAL CARE COMMUNITIES

B’nai B’rith Homecrest House 301-244-3579 14508 Homecrest Road Silver Spring, MD 20906 www.homecresthouse.org Homecrest House is a non-profit, affordable, subsidized community neighboring Leisure World. Our community offers 2 senior living options, and residents may qualify for rent & service subsidies based on eligibility. EDWARDS PERSONAL CARE BUILDING offers: on-site 24 hour staff, daily meals, weekly housekeeping & laundry services, assistance with bathing & optional medication administration. HOMECREST INDEPENDENT LIVING offers: dinner meals, full calendar of activities & scheduled trips. Our Computer Lab, Fitness Center, Salon & Convenience Store are just a few of the amenities our residents enjoy. Contact Princetta at 301-244-3579 or marketing@homecresthouse.org for a personalized tour or visit us at www.homecresthouse.org.

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J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 0 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Use construction loan to build new home By Rick Bechtel Retirement has finally arrived, and you’ve checked all the right boxes. Mortgage paid off, check. Loans to help kids through college paid off, check. Nest egg ready for the future, check. You’ve found a great spot to build your retirement dream home and you’re ready to bring your blueprints to life. But there’s one step you haven’t yet navigated: getting a construction loan to finance the project. Sure, you’ve borrowed from the bank before. But construction loans can be more nuanced than traditional mortgages. A common step for borrowers is to start the process by getting pre-qualified for a home construction loan.

Construction loan options There are two primary varieties of construction loans: construction-to-permanent and stand-alone. The distinction is important. There are benefits to each, depending on your financial situation. A construction-to-permanent loan, sometimes referred to as a single-close construction loan, converts into a permanent mortgage after the house is built. There is

just one closing at the start of construction, so you only pay closing costs once. What’s more, you can lock in your interest rate for the lifetime of the loan. Once your build is completed, your lender converts the construction loan into a permanent fixed- or adjustable-rate mortgage. By contrast, a stand-alone construction loan covers just the home build. Once the work is completed, you’ll need to secure a separate mortgage to pay off the construction debt, therefore requiring two closings and sets of fees. Another disadvantage of a stand-alone loan is that you can’t lock in a mortgage rate. That means you run the risk of rates rising before you are ready for that second loan. However, stand-alone construction loans tend to require lower down payments, and do allow borrowers to shop around for a mortgage once their home build is complete. Both construction-to-permanent and stand-alone loans only require you to make interest payments while your dream house is being built, and it’s typically a variable rate during construction. Your lender will pay funds directly to the

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contractor in installments at various predefined benchmarks, known as a “draw schedule.” Your lender and your builder will work closely to ensure your project and your payments stay on track.

Qualifying for a loan Even if you have a stellar credit score, it’s a good idea to get your ducks in a row before submitting a construction loan application. You’ll need to prepare all of the same documents required for securing a traditional mortgage, plus a comprehensive list of the construction details. Here’s a basic checklist of what you may need to supply to your lender as part of your construction loan application: Current financial statements covering debt, income and asset information A signed construction or purchase contract with your builder or developer that includes project plans, specs and budget details A timetable for construction that includes start and completion dates Your lender will closely review the project plans and contract to ensure your builder’s quoted costs are aligned with market costs. They will also consider factors like budget overrun and unanticipated upgrades — as it’s not uncommon to splurge on granite countertops once kitchen construction begins. Some lenders may also request financial

information from the builder to ensure they will be financially solvent throughout the project.

Getting started Because construction loans have higher underwriting standards, many people work with a bank they already have a relationship with. That said, you might want to comparison shop to ensure that your bank’s fees and interest rates are competitive. It’s important to remember that this will be a long-term relationship, so you should find a knowledgeable loan officer who will take the time to talk through your options, provide personalized guidance based on your financial situation, and do due diligence on your contractor’s plans. Building a retirement nest to your own specs requires a bit of legwork, but the result will be enjoyed for years to come. And it means you can whittle one more box off your list: Dream home ready to go, check. Rick Bechtel is head of U.S. Residential Lending at TD Bank. This article was written by and presents his views, not those of Kiplinger editorial staff. Check adviser records with the SEC or FINRA. © 2019 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Years of work by innovative engineers have resulted in a personal electric vehicle that’s truly unique. They created a battery that provides powerful energy at a fraction of the weight of most batteries. The Zinger features two steering levers, one on either side of the seat. The user pushes both levers down to go forward, pulls them both up to brake, and pushes one while pulling the other to turn to either side. This enables great mobility, the ability to turn on a dime and to pull right up to tables or desks. The controls are right on the steering lever so it’s simple to operate, and its exclusive footrest swings out of the way

when you stand up or sit down. With its rugged yet lightweight aluminum frame, the Zinger is sturdy and durable yet convenient and comfortable! What’s more, it easily folds up for storage in a car seat or trunk– you can even gate-check it at the airport like a stroller. Think about it, you can take your Zinger almost anywhere, so you don’t have to let mobility issues rule your life. It folds in seconds without tools and is safe and reliable. It holds up to 275 pounds, and it goes up to 6 mph and operates for up to 8 miles on a single charge. Why spend another day letting mobility issues hamper your independence and quality of life

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Just think of the places you can go: • Shopping • Air Travel • Bus Tours • Restaurants– ride right up to the table! • Around town or just around your house The Zinger Chair is a personal electric vehicle and is not a medical device nor a wheelchair. Zinger is not intended for medical purposes to provide mobility to persons restricted to a sitting position. It is not covered by Medicare nor Medicaid. © 2020 ﬁrstSTREET for Boomers and Beyond, Inc.

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More and more Americans are reaching the age where mobility is an everyday concern. Whether from an injury or from the aches and pains that come from getting older– getting around isn’t as easy as it used to be. You may have tried a power chair or a scooter. The Zinger is NOT a power chair or a scooter! The Zinger is quick and nimble, yet it is not prone to tipping like many scooters. Best of all, it weighs only 47.2 pounds and folds and unfolds with ease. You can take it almost anywhere, providing you with independence and freedom.

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Housing Options

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 0

ASSISTED LIVING

Chevy Chase House (202) 686-5504 5420 Connecticut Ave., NW Washington, DC 20015 www.meridiansenior.com/chevychasehouse

Come visit the newly renovated Chevy Chase House on Connecticut Avenue in a vibrant NW DC neighborhood. Enjoy all the city has to offer, while we provide the services and amenities you may want or need. Onsite physical and occupational therapy is provided by Legacy Healthcare Services. Select a spacious apartment starting at a base price of $4,499 for a studio. Join us for lunch and a tour by calling 202-686-5504. Everyone deserves a great life; continue your next chapter with us at the Chevy Chase House.

LIFE PLAN COMMUNITY

Vinson Hall Retirement Community 703-536-4344 6251 Old Dominion Drive McLean, VA 22101 www.vinsonhall.org We are an active, vibrant senior living community located on 20 acres in a suburban setting where residents are encouraged to live life “their way.” Vinson Hall Retirement Community is in McLean, Virginia, convenient to the theaters and restaurants of Washington, DC. Our community offers independent living, assisted living, memory support, nursing care, rehabilitative care, and respite care. Visit our website to learn more: www.vinsonhall.org.

ASSISTED LIVING & MEMORY CARE

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INDEPENDENT LIVING COMMUNITY

Riderwood Retirement Community 877-742-4390 3140 Graceﬁeld Road Silver Spring, MD 20904 Riderwood.com Riderwood is Silver Spring’s most popular retirement community— and for good reason! Few senior living destinations have such a wide variety of apartment home options. The community offers cozy onebedroom floor plans, spacious two-bedroom options, and deluxe apartments with special features like sunrooms, dens, and extra storage. Regardless of the home size and style you choose, your Riderwood apartment home includes quality fixtures and finishes, like granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. Our custom interiors team can also help you create your ideal living space with custom window treatments, closets, built-ins, and more. Call 1-877-742-4390 today for your free Riderwood brochure.

INDEPENDENT LIVING COMMUNITY

Emerson House 301-779-6196 5999 Emerson Street Bladensburg, MD 20710 Our community features bright onebedroom apartments in a nine-story elevator building for today’s active and independent seniors who are 62 or older. Emerson House is subsidized for low- to moderate-income households. Activities are yours to choose from: gardening, Bingo, Wii bowling league, movie night, parties, bus trips, exercise classes, learning to line dance — it’s all waiting for you and more! Emerson House offers an in-house Resident Service Coordinator to assist with finding helpful resources. Please call today for an appointment to tour our community or request an application; 301-779-6196 Monday-Friday from 8:30 to 5:00.

INDEPENDENT LIVING COMMUNITY

Brooke Grove Retirement Village 301-260-2320

Seabury at Springvale Terrace (301) 587-8717

18100 Slade School Road Sandy Spring, MD 20860 www.bfg.org

8505 Springvale Road Silver Spring, MD 20910 www.seaburyresources.org/springvaleterrace

This community hums with warm-hearted camaraderie and a zest for life shared by residents and staff alike. Experience all that makes assisted living at Brooke Grove extraordinary. Cozy, homelike dwellings with easy access to beautiful courtyards and walking paths. Caring staff trained in using memory support techniques, building independence and lifting self-esteem. Innovative LIFE® Enrichment Programming with meaningful activities and off-site adventures. Visit us to see why Brooke Grove Retirement Village is one of the most sought-after continuing care retirement communities in the state. Living here is simply different … because what surrounds you really matters.

Discover Seabury at Springvale Terrace, inside and out. Enjoy the benefits of Independent Living just steps away from downtown Silver Spring. Within blocks, you will have access to the Silver Spring Civic Center, pharmacies, movie theaters, library, shopping, & restaurants. Come join us to dine and experience one of our chef-inspired, delicious meals that are served restaurant style each and every single day. Enjoy a comfortable private studio apartment with care services available. Rents from as low as $1,190 per month with a signed lease before February 14th. A three-course dinner is included. Additional meals are available. Call Porche at (301) 587-0190 or email pelliott@seaburyresources.org for info and to schedule a tour.

B-16

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TIS THE SEASON FOR

Warmth & Cheer Assisted Living at Brooke Grove offers comforts that feel like home along with a vibrant lifestyle that encourages residents to remain physically and socially active throughout the cold winter months.

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18100 Slade School Road Sandy Spring, MD 20860 301-260-2320 or 301-924-2811

www.bgf.org

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Money Law &

OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS Defer or eliminate some capital gains taxes via new opportunity zone funds WARNING SIGNS A fiduciary stole your mom’s money? It happens. How to spot the signs IT TAKES TWO Don’t “spare” your spouse the financial details. You both need to know BEFORE YOU INVEST Be a smart consumer: ask this list of questions of any financial adviser

New law changes RMD and IRA rules By Rocky Mengle With the decline of traditional pensions, most of us are now responsible for squirrelling away money for our own retirement. In today’s do-it-yourself retirement savings world, we rely largely on 401(k) plans and IRAs. However, there are obviously flaws with the system because about one-fourth of working Americans have no retirement savings at all — including 13% of workers 60 and older. But help is on the way. In December, President Trump signed the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act. This new law does several things that will affect your ability to save money for retirement and influence how you use the funds over time. While some provisions are administrative in nature or intended to raise revenue, most of the changes are taxpayer-friendly measures designed to boost retirement savings.

Here is a description of some of the more important changes likely to affect you. (Unless otherwise noted, all changes apply starting in 2020.)

RMDs starting at age 72 Required minimum distributions (RMDs) from 401(k) plans and traditional IRAs are a thorn in the side of many retirees. Every year, my father grumbles about having to take money out of his IRA when he really doesn’t want to. [And the additional income can push people into higher tax brackets and increase taxes on Social Security income.] Right now, RMDs generally must begin in the year you turn 70½. (If you work past age 70½, RMDs from your current employer’s 401(k) aren’t required until after you leave your job, unless you own at least 5% of the company.) The SECURE Act pushes the age that triggers RMDs from 70½ to 72, which means you can let your retirement funds grow an extra 1½ years before tapping into them.

That can result in a significant boost to overall retirement savings for many seniors.

No more age limits on IRAs Americans are working and living longer. So why not let them contribute to an IRA longer? That’s the thinking behind the SECURE Act’s repeal of the rule that prohibited contributions to a traditional IRA by taxpayers age 70½ and older. Now you can continue to put away money in a traditional IRA if you work into your 70s and beyond. As before, there are no age-based restrictions on contributions to a Roth IRA.

Annuity info and options expanded Knowing how much you have in your 401(k) account is one thing. Knowing how long the money is going to last is another. Currently, 401(k) plan statements provide an account balance, but that really doesn’t tell you how much money you can expect to receive each month once you retire.

To help savers gain a better understanding of what their monthly income might look like when they stop working, the SECURE Act requires 401(k) plan administrators to provide annual “lifetime income disclosure statements” to participants. These statements will show how much money you could get each month if your total 401(k) account balance were used to purchase an annuity. (The estimated monthly payment amounts will be for illustrative purposes only.) The new disclosure statements aren’t required until one year after the IRS issues interim final rules, creates a model disclosure statement, or releases assumptions that plan administrators can use to convert account balances into annuity equivalents, whichever is latest. Speaking of annuities, the new retirement law also makes it easier for 401(k) plan sponsors to offer annuities and other “lifetime income” options to plan particiSee IRA RULES, page 27

Financial tasks to tackle at the new year By Liz Weston The beginning of the year is a good time to mark some items off your financial checklist, such as reviewing beneficiary designations, updating contact information and visiting your safe deposit box. A task without a deadline is just wishful thinking. Sometimes, you can get away with procrastinating. If you never get around to alphabetizing your spices, no one’s life will change. But putting off some tasks could have a huge impact on loved ones. The start of the year is a good time to set some firm deadlines to make sure you won’t leave a financial mess for people you love if you unexpectedly die or become incapacitated. Consider putting these items on your New Year’s to-do list: 1. Check your beneficiaries If you need convincing that updating beneficiaries is important, consider the case of David Egelhoff, a Washington state man who died two months after his divorce was final, in 1994. Because he had not changed his beneficiaries, his life insurance proceeds and pension plan were paid to his ex-wife rather than his children from a previous marriage. The children sued, and the case went all

the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, which ruled in 2001 that the beneficiary designations had to be honored. You’re typically prompted to name beneficiaries when you sign up for a 401(k) or other retirement account. Beneficiaries also are usually required when you buy annuities or life insurance. You often can check and change beneficiaries online, or you may need to call the company to request the appropriate form. 2. Review pay-on-death designations You may not have been required to name beneficiaries when you opened your checking account or a non-retirement investment account. Instead, financial institutions may offer a “pay on death’’ option. This allows you to name a beneficiary who can receive the money directly. Otherwise, the account typically has to go through probate, the legal procedure to distribute your property after you die. Some states also have “transfer on death’’ options for vehicles and even real estate. Like pay-on-death accounts, these options allow you to pass property directly to heirs without the potential delays and costs of probate. Beneficiaries can be added to vehicle

registrations in many states, including Maryland and Virginia but not Washington, D.C., according to self-help legal site Nolo. To add or change a beneficiary, you apply for a certificate of car ownership with the beneficiary form. Transfer-on-death deeds for real estate are available in Washington, D.C., and Virginia, but not Maryland, according to legal site Nolo. To add or change a beneficiary, the deed must be submitted to the appropriate county recorder. 3. Update insurers — and your heirs Insurers usually don’t pay out life insurance proceeds until someone files a claim. But far too often, heirs are unaware that the money exists. A Consumer Reports investigation in 2013 found about $1 billion in life insurance proceeds waiting to be claimed. Updating your contact information with your insurer also may help prevent policies from lapsing. I just heard from a reader who lost her long-term care coverage because she’d moved, forgotten to tell her insurer and failed to notice she hadn’t been billed. Many insurers will allow you to name someone who can be notified if a payment is overdue or they can’t find you. You’ll

want to keep the contact information for those back-up people updated with the company, as well. 4. Visit your safe deposit box If you forget to pay your annual fee and your bank can’t find you, after a few years your safe deposit box will be drilled and the contents turned over to the state. Photos and documents could be destroyed and family heirlooms sold at auction. Visit your box once a year to make sure your payments and contact details are current. Leave clear instructions with your executor or your heirs about where to find the box and its keys. 5. Create or revise powers of attorney Powers of attorney allow others to make financial or healthcare decisions for you if you become incapacitated. If you don’t have these documents or the designated people have died or are otherwise unavailable, your loved ones may have to go to court to take over. The expense and delay can add trauma at an already difficult time. Spare everyone that pain by naming a backup person or two, and reviewing the documents every year to make sure they can still serve. —AP/NerdWallet

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Tax reduction via opportunity zone funds By C. Grant Conness It’s tough to think of a highly appreciated asset as the problem child in a portfolio. The goal is to choose investments that will flourish, after all. And those strong performers are typically the ones you love best and hold onto the longest. But things can get complicated when it’s time to let go — when that stock stops growing and you’re ready to sell, or when you’re preparing to part with a valuable business or property. That’s because the federal government likes winners, too — and thanks to capital gains taxes, you could end up sharing a hefty portion of your profit with the IRS. But there are strategies that can help. I’ve written before about using a 1031 Ex-

change or a Deferred Sales Trust to defer capital gains taxes when selling real estate. Now a newer strategy is giving the 1031 and DST some competition: A Qualified Opportunity Zone Fund can be used with any investment that will trigger capital gains. Like any investment strategy, it comes with risks, and it’s not for everyone. But for those who feel trapped by capital gains, the tax savings and potential for profit make it worth looking into.

A new type of fund Opportunity Zone Funds became part of the tax code with the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. The funds are created by partnerships or corporations that invest in eli-

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gible properties within designated Opportunity Zones. The IRS defines an Opportunity Zone, or O-Zone, as an “economically-distressed community where new investments, under certain conditions, may be eligible for preferential tax treatment.” In other words, the communities on the receiving end of these funds hope to benefit from revitalization, while investors can reap tax benefits by putting their money toward those improvements. In order to qualify, an Opportunity Zone Fund must invest at least 90% of its capital in O-Zone property.

How does it work? When an investor sells an asset, he or she can roll any amount of the gain into an Opportunity Zone Fund within 180 days of the sale. The investor can then defer capital gains taxes on that amount until Dec. 31, 2026, or until the Opportunity Zone Fund investment is sold or exchanged (whichever comes first). An investor who keeps the money in the Opportunity Zone Fund for at least five years can defer payment of capital gains and exclude 10% of the taxable gains from the original amount invested. If the investor keeps the money in the fund for at least seven years, he or she can exclude another 5% (for a total of 15%) of the taxable gains from the original amount invested. Investors who hold the money in the fund for at least 10 years can exclude 15% of the original amount invested. In addition, any accrued capital gains generated from the investment are 100% tax exempt. So, let’s say an investor sells an asset and has a $100,000 tax liability. By holding the money in an Opportunity Zone Fund for 10

years, the investor would avoid paying capital gains taxes for a decade, reduce his liability to $85,000, and any gain on the money invested in the fund would be tax-free.

What are the risks? Because this is a new investment strategy, there are some uncertainties, including: The IRS and Treasury Department are still working on the specifics of how Opportunity Zone Funds will work over time — both for investors and those in charge of funds. So, you may enter into this investment with questions that can’t be answered just yet. (That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t ask, though.) Because the areas earmarked for improvement are distressed, recovery may not go as quickly as planned — and a fund won’t gain in value if the targeted community and its businesses aren’t gaining in value. So, like any investment, there’s no guarantee you’ll make money. The tax plan is currently set to sunset on Dec. 31, 2026. If it isn’t extended, investors would be required to begin paying taxes on accrued capital gains after this date, regardless of how long they hold on to the fund as an investment. Did I mention that this isn’t for everybody? In fact, you must be an “accredited” investor in order to participate, meaning investors who have a net worth exceeding $1 million and/or an annual income exceeding $200,000 individually or $300,000 for joint households. However, it can be an alternative for those who want to diversify, who might like the idea of an investment with social impact or are seeking a long-term investment with tax benefits. See ZONE FUNDS, page 27

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IRA rules From page 25 pants by taking away some of the associated legal risks. These annuities are now portable, too. So, for example, if you leave your job you can roll over the 401(k) annuity you had with your former employer to another 401(k) or IRA and avoid surrender charges and fees.

“Stretch” IRAs eliminated Now for some bad news: The SECURE Act eliminates the current rules that allow non-spouse IRA beneficiaries to “stretch” required minimum distributions (RMDs) from an inherited account over their own lifetime (and potentially allow the funds to grow tax-free for decades). Instead, all funds from an inherited IRA generally must now be distributed to nonspouse beneficiaries within 10 years of the IRA owner’s death. (The rule applies to inherited funds in a 401(k) account or other defined contribution plan, too.) There are some exceptions to the general rule, though. Distributions over the life

Zone funds From page 26 If you think it could fit with your overall financial plan, discuss the pros and cons with your tax or financial professional. Ask for a comparison of the benefits of investing in Opportunity Zones vs. a 1031 Exchange or Deferred Sales Trust. And talk about the funds available and how to choose the right one. Currently, the number of funds is limited, but once the Treasury Department finalizes its regulations, you can expect to see more — and more investor interest. C. Grant Conness is Investment Adviser Representative at Global Wealth Management. Kim Franke-Folstad contributed to this article. This article was written by and presents the views of the author, not Kiplinger editorial staff. Check adviser records with the SEC or FINRA. © 2019 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

BEACON BITS

Jan. 21

DRONES IN FLIGHT Learn more about the

piece of technology that is changing aviation: the drone. Drone expert Mark Blanks will discuss the sophistication of the new tech and potential regulations. The free talk will be held on Tues., Jan. 21 at 6:30 p.m. at the Port City Brewing Company, 3950 Wheeler Ave., Alexandria, Va. For more information, visit map.ictas.vt.edu.

or life expectancy of a non-spouse beneficiary are allowed if the beneficiary is a minor, disabled, chronically ill, or not more than 10 years younger than the deceased IRA owner. For minors, the exception only applies until the child reaches the age of majority. At that point, the 10-year rule kicks in. If the beneficiary is the IRA owner’s spouse, RMDs are still delayed until end of the year that the deceased IRA owner would have reached age 72 (age 70½ before the new retirement law).

Credit card access to 401(k) loans prohibited There are plenty of potential drawbacks to borrowing from your retirement funds, but loans from 401(k) plans are nevertheless allowed. Generally, you can borrow as much as 50% of your 401(k) account balance, up to $50,000. Most loans must be repaid within five years, although more time is sometimes given if the borrowed money

is used to buy a home. Some 401(k) administrators allow employees to access plan loans by using credit or debit cards. However, the SECURE Act puts a stop to this. The new law flatly prohibits 401(k) loans provided through a credit card, debit card or similar arrangement. This change, which takes effect immediately, is designed to prevent easy access to retirement funds to pay

for routine or small purchases. Over time, that could result in a total loan balance the account holder can’t repay. [In total, there are 29 new provisions or rule changes in the new law, so it’s a good idea to speak with an informed legal advisor or financial planner to see what, if any, changes you should consider to your estate plan.] —AP

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FREE HELP WITH YOUR TAXES Are you a low- to moderate-income Montgomery County resident?

If so, you can get free help preparing your upcoming taxes. To schedule an appointment for free help at locations throughout the county, call (240) 777-2577 or visit montgomerycountymd.gov/volunteercenter/tax-aide/. Trained volunteers will also be available on Thurs., Feb. 6 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Olney Library, 3500 Olney Laytonsville Rd., Olney, Md.

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Protect yourself from fraud by a fiduciary By Timothy Barrett One in 20 older adults is a victim of financial mistreatment, according to the National Adult Protective Services Association. Most fail to report their victimization, fearing a loss of independence. In part, that’s because the most common perpetrators of financial abuse are family members, unscrupulous caregivers and professional advisers, such as lawyers, accountants and financial advisers. Advocacy groups use the term “endangered person” to refer to anyone who is a target of abuse due to a cognitive or physical impairment or other susceptibility. Third-party scammers, unscrupulous vendors or service providers commonly prey on

the endangered, but let’s focus on another group that sometimes takes advantage of endangered persons despite legally owing them a heightened duty of care: fiduciaries.

Who are fiduciaries? A fiduciary is someone who has agreed to manage the affairs of another person with a duty to act always in the endangered person’s best interests, avoid conflicts of interest and self-dealing, and not exceed their authority. The most common fiduciaries are: • Guardians (appointed by a disability court); • Attorneys in fact, also known as agents (appointed under a power of attorney);

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• Relatives serving as trustee (appointed by the trust settlor); and • Professionals, such as trustees, attorneys, accountants and investment advisers (selected by the endangered person or a family member). Sadly, there isn’t much official oversight to identify and stop an abusive person acting in one of these roles. Guardians are usually monitored by a court that reviews annual reports. Agents have no court or regulatory oversight. Individual trustees usually have only the trust agreement requirement to provide an annual accounting — usually statement summaries. Professional trustees, attorneys, accountants and investment advisers are subject to rules, regulations, an internal audit and an independent disciplinary tribunal/agency that may audit them and acts on registered complaints. And yet, despite these measures, malfeasance still occurs with regularity. It is usually discovered well after the fact, and often results in great loss, with little or no recoverable funds. Of course, the services these fiduciaries provide are all necessary and highly beneficial. And the vast majority of fiduciaries take great pains to act always in the endangered person’s best interests. However, when a fiduciary abuses those powers, early detection is essential.

How fiduciaries defraud Common abuses include: • Writing checks from their account or cashing their pension or Social Security checks for the fiduciary’s own benefit; • Pressuring them to make gifts or personal loans to the fiduciary; • Taking out loans and reverse mortgages to transfer home equity to the fiduciary; • Purchasing long-term annuities for them that mature well after their life expectancy, leaving the remainder to the fiduciary; • Investing their funds in pyramid schemes and investments that pay the fiduciary commissions and bonuses; • Using their credit cards for the fidu-

ciary’s own expenses; • Selling or taking their personal possessons, such as autos, jewelry, etc. • Inducing them to change their wills to better favor the fiduciary.

Signs to look for Educate yourself and your family on the warning signs of financial abuse. Watch for these common signs, and be prepared to intervene if the endangered person: • Is purchasing numerous, repetitive or unnecessary costly home improvements, landscaping and repairs; • Has their utilities, services or coverages suspended for lack of payment; • Is isolated by a person who exerts a high degree of control over their finances, purchases and/or caregiving; or • Suddenly complains of having little or no money, of running out of medications, of a lack of suitable clothing, of losing valuable personal items, or that someone keeps asking for funds or personal items.

How to protect yourself Here are some tips for anyone who is at risk to help stop or discover financial abuse: • Enlist several members of your family, siblings and children, to monitor your fiduciaries. Don’t rely on just one relative as gatekeeper for your finances. You may need to sign releases so they can access the fiduciary’s records and receive periodic statements. Have them meet monthly to review your finances as a checks-and-balances measure. • Make sure all your estate planning documents are in order. Execute an advanced healthcare directive and a durable power of attorney for financial affairs. Authorize more than one relative to serve, and have them present when you discuss your plans with your attorney and accountant. • Engage more than one trustworthy person to assist you with day-to-day bill paying, receive and review your account statements, monitor bank accounts and credit requests. Introduce them to your financial advisers and investors, and sign releases so they can review your investments. See FINANCIAL ABUSE, page 30

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 0

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Law & Money

Questions to ask before investing money By T. Eric Reich Many people who ask me about investments or setting up an appointment often preface it by saying, “I’m sorry, this is probably a stupid question, but…” Most people are afraid to ask questions about their investments for fear of sounding ignorant or admitting in some way that they don’t have all of their “stuff together.” But there truly are no stupid questions when it comes to investments. Every question leads to more knowledge, and that’s a good thing. Here are some questions you should always ask before investing your money: First, let’s start with questions about the investment itself: Is this product registered with the SEC or my state agency? Does this investment match my investment goals? Why do you feel it is suitable for me? How does this investment make money? Dividends? Interest? Capital gains? What are the total fees to purchase it? Not just commissions but any underlying fees as well. Is this investment liquid? Are there any fees associated with accessing my money? Can you tell me about the management team? Many companies tout past performance, but that may have come from a team

that isn’t there anymore. What is a reasonable return to expect for this investment? How has it performed over the long run? Many managers who highlight performance do so after a great year. If you are a long-term investor, that might not be meaningful to you. What are the risks associated with this investment? What would cause it to lose money? Next is a list of questions you should ask about the adviser: How long have you been in business? What education or credentialing do you have? The credentials should match the advice you’re looking for. For example, if you need planning advice, the advisor should be a Certified Financial Planner professional. If you want investment advice, then they should hold designations such as Certified Investment Management Analyst® (CIMA®), or Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®). What is your investment philosophy? How do you get paid? Do you get paid more if I buy this vs. that? How often should we meet to discuss my investments? If I leave your firm, what fees will I be charged, if any? Most custodians charge a fee for outgoing transfers and/or closed accounts.

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Jan. 25

HEALTH INSURANCE HELP Become a smarter healthcare consumer in the New Year. Learn

more about your health insurance benefits at a free workshop on Sat., Jan. 25 from 3 to 4 p.m. at the Rockville Memorial Library, 21 Maryland Ave., Rockville, Md. To learn more, call (240) 777-0140.

These questions are not inclusive, and you may have more depending on your situation. Ask a question more than once if you don’t understand the answer the first time — or ask your adviser to rephrase the answer. Understanding your investments and doing your due diligence on the adviser you’re working with is similar to researching a physician and understanding your prescribed medications. You wouldn’t leave your health to

chance, and the same type of care should be taken with your money. T. Eric Reich, CIMA®, CFP®, CLU®, ChFC®, is president and founder of Reich Asset Management, LLC. This article was written by and presents the views of the author, not Kiplinger editorial staff. Check adviser records with the SEC or FINRA. © 2019 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Involve your spouse in financial decisions By Elliot Raphaelson When I taught courses in personal financial planning at the New School for Social Research in New York City for 18 years, most of my students were women. Periodically, I teach courses at local colleges and still find a large percentage of women in my courses. Many of them were widows who had not actively participated in basic personal financial decisions, such as investing and retirement issues. Based on the mail I receive from readers, I believe that many women are very active managing household finances. However, I’d like to address this column to all spouses, men and women, and urge them to play a more active role while their spouse is alive in investing, retirement planning and estate planning. Many authors with expertise in analyzing relationships in marriage point out that couples who share responsibilities regarding personal finance have much better chances of successful marriages. Money magazine conducted a poll in 2015 that compared the perceptions and behaviors of 500 millennials and 500 boomers when it comes to their relationships and money. The study found distinct differences between their approaches to financial matters. (I am confident that a study done today would show the same thing.) However, one theme crossed generations: Couples who agree on saving and budgeting feel more financially secure, argue less about money, and in general have more satisfaction in their marriages. The Money poll suggested that most of the couples interviewed (both boomers and millennials) felt that, before marriage, couples should discuss debt issues, savings goals and amounts saved. Unfortunately, other research shows that few married couples truly practice transparency. An American Express poll conducted a few years ago showed that 91% of people avoid conversations about money with their partner. Many important financial decisions require close working relationships between couples. For example, couples should be discussing issues such as how much to save,

where they should be investing their savings, what percentage of their investments should be in stocks vs. bonds, what their goal is regarding a nest egg before retiring, at what age each spouse should retire, how much life insurance is required and who should be covered, when each partner should apply for Social Security, retirement goals, what percentage of their income while working will be needed for retirement, whether each spouse should be the other’s sole beneficiary of their retirement plans, long-term care issues, and whether annuities should play a role in your planning. That’s quite a list, and couples may want to discuss many of these issues with a financial planner. However, these decisions should not be made by one spouse without input from the other. You may decide that one member of the couple should take a greater role in these decisions, but in meetings with a financial adviser regarding these issues, both spouses should participate. When one member of the family is the primary decision maker regarding financial decisions, it is critical to document everything for the surviving spouse. For example, the following information should be documented and organized well: life insurance policies and insurance contacts; list of all assets and liabilities and associated records; location of wills and trusts; a legal contact; mutual fund and brokerage contacts; information regarding recurring bills; records of all passwords related to computer information; beneficiary information; employer contacts; and contact information for friends and relatives. Unfortunately, many of the widows in my classes indicate that when their spouse died, they did not have immediate access to the information they needed. It may be an uncomfortable conversation, but if you have allowed your spouse to make most of the major financial decisions, make sure this information is documented for you. Elliot Raphaelson welcomes your questions and comments at raphelliot@gmail.com. © 2019 Elliot Raphaelson. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Financial abuse

posed to care for you the most, or from supposedly trustworthy professionals. However, we know that darkness often obscures hidden dangers, so isolation and secrecy provide the cover for fiduciary financial abuse. Timothy Barrett is trust counsel and senior vice president at Argent Trust Company. This article presents his views, not those of Kiplinger editorial staff. Check adviser records with the SEC or FINRA. © 2019 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

From page 28 • Have one of these trustworthy persons help you hire and monitor caregivers, lawn care and housekeeping services, and never hire a home improvement or maintenance contractor without their input. Invite these trustworthy persons to make unannounced visits, keep communication open and ensure against your isolation. • Volunteer to do the same for your friends, siblings and parents. It’s a shame to think that you have to protect yourself from those who are sup-

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Law & Money

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 0

Smart ways to choose a financial planner Dear Savvy Senior, Can you recommend some tips on finding and choosing a good financial planner? My wife and I are both in our late 50s and would like to get some professional advice to help us better prepare for our retirement years. Seeking Advice Dear Seeking, With all the different financial planners, advisers and services available today, finding and choosing a trusted professional that can help you meet your financial goals can be confusing. Here are a few suggestions to consider:

Where to look A good place to start your search is by asking friends or relatives for recommendations. If you don’t know anyone who can give you a referral, and you’re looking for broad-based financial advice, hire a Certified Financial Planner, or CFP. Advisers with this designation are considered the “gold standard” in the industry. CFPs must act as fiduciaries, putting their clients’ best interests above their own. [However, see “Protect yourself from fraud by a fiduciary” on page 28.] To get the CFP credential, they must have a college degree and be educated in a wide range of personal finance subjects,

pass a rigorous certification exam, have three years professional experience, meet continuing-education requirements and abide by a code of ethics. You’re also probably better off hiring a CFP that’s a fee-only planner, verses one who earns a commission by selling you financial products. Fee-only planners charge only for their services — for example, you might pay $150 to $350 an hour for a financial tune-up, a flat fee per project, or fee based on a percentage of your assets. To find a fee-only planner in your area, use the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA.org), which carefully vets all members. Or see the Garrett Planning Network (GarrettPlanningNetwork.com), a network of fee-only advisers. Or the Alliance of Comprehensive Planners (ACplanners.org), a community of fee-only advisors that charge annual retainers. If your needs are more specific, consider a Registered Investment Adviser (RIA) who is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission or a state securities regulator to manage investment portfolios; a Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC), who specializes in insurance and estate planning; and a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), who can help with tax planning. Be leery of many other financial advising

ophy; and how will they handle your ongoing questions or financial needs. Look for someone whose clients are in situations similar to yours and who is available as often as you need them. It’s also wise to do a background check on your potential advisor. At LetsMakeaPlan.org, you can verify a planner’s certification as a CFP. To vet a registered investment adviser, go to Investor.gov, where you can search an individual’s name. To check out a broker, visit Broker Check.finra.org to search an individual or firm’s name and to get details such as years of experience, licensing, exams passed and regulatory actions.

titles, designations and certifications that are out there, like the Certified Financial Consultant (CFC) or the Wealth Management Specialist (WMS). Many of these require no more than a few courses at a seminar or online, which means they’re not worth much. To research the different certifications or designations, visit FINRA.org/investors.

How to choose After you find a few candidates in your area, call them up and schedule an appointment to meet and interview them. Find out about their experience, expertise and the types of services they provide; if they’re a fiduciary; how they charge and how much; what is their investment philos-

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Travel Leisure &

The Urbanna Oyster Festival is an annual Virginia tradition. Learn about this and more festivals on p. 34.

For baseball fans and foodies: Ft. Myers

Red Sox & Minnesota Twins For some baseball lovers, meeting — or just seeing — a professional player in person ranks higher than a good meal. Fort Myers’ Daniels Parkway corridor leads to both JetBlue Stadium, where the Boston Red Sox play, and CenturyLink Sports Complex, home to the Minnesota Twins as well as minor-league teams. Red Sox fans might know that their team plays more than 20 games at JetBlue Park — a state-of-the-art ballpark that holds up to 11,000 people. Players acknowledged the success of their world

championship season in 2018 began right here in Fort Myers. Because my family’s trips began by early June (lodging prices were lower than in winter, though not as low as in August), we’ve missed the early January sports training camps open to the general public. (If you jump on a flight soon, you can make the January 12-26 men’s camp.) The next-best thing to training camp is a tour of JetBlue Park, which is available starting in early February — make a reservation at (239) 226-4783. Or take in an exhibition game at CenturyLink’s Hammond Stadium. From February 13 to March 21, fans can watch games and batting practice for free. According to Mark Weber, manager of Florida Business Operations, every game during spring training is a sell-out, so get your tickets early. But with games happening nearly every day during training, you can often grab tickets when you arrive. In addition to seeing the pros, watch college teams compete at these first-rate facilities — or follow your grandkids from the stands at one of many prominent baseball camps for youths. February 17 is this year’s big open house, which includes a health fair and a baseball clinic for kids out on the field. The latter offers an opportunity for young peo-

By Martha Steger Short phrases help jog the mind’s recall for trips. On my first trip to Fort Myers, Florida with my husband and two elementary-age children, in the 1980s, the key phrase was “banyan tree.” For our most recent trip there, after my husband and I had been retired for a decade, the key phrase was “baseball plus food” — beyond Cracker Jacks and hot dogs, that is. While we all eat whether or not we’re traveling, 35 percent of people specifically “travel to experience local delicacies,” according to the website Booking.com. Virtually every destination, including Fort Myers, seeks to attract food-lovers.

Tourists enjoy gallery hopping at an “art walk” in Downtown Fort Myers, Florida, two hours south of Tampa. In addition to a thriving arts scene, the city has many lively restaurants and breweries.

ple to mingle with some players and score some autographs — a highlight of any trip with grandchildren. Another optimum time to visit is the three-week fair held during November.

Minnesota Twins player Joe Mauer signs autographs at a spring training exhibition game in Fort Myers, Florida. The Red Sox’s spring training at nearby JetBlue Park spans February and March.

If you are traveling with grandkids, they’ll love Fine Folk Pizza at 11300 Lindbergh Blvd., where they can learn how to toss pizza dough into the perfect crust. Even though we didn’t have kids in tow, our server let us try for ourselves, and we managed to avoid having the growing circle of dough land on our heads. The vegan pizza, made with cashew mozzarella, is an excellent addition to the traditional menu. Lindbergh Boulevard is also one of the three Fort Myers locations for Norman Love Confections, a “chocolate and dessert salon” where sweets, including artisanal gelato, are works of art. Though we enjoyed a fine dinner at the Westin Cape Coral Resort, our most interesting evening meal was the comfort food at the 68-year-old Farmers Market Restaurant at 2736 Edison Ave. My husband’s crispy-but-juicy Southern fried chicken and my dinner of “sides,” (slow-simmered collards, pickled beets, cornmeal-crusted okra and stewed tomatoes) tasted like the

dishes my maternal grandmother prepared in her kitchen on Virginia’s Eastern Shore in the 1950s and ‘60s. Part of the appeal of dining on the site of Florida’s oldest farmers market was arriving there after driving through a neighborhood of well-kept 1940s and ‘50s white bungalows in a part of southwest Florida reflecting an earlier industrial period. To really get to know an area, we’ve always tried to see the real world of every destination — not just the world surrounding four- and five-star resort properties. We were welcomed to the Farmers Market Restaurant by smiling locals, including co-owner Betsy Barnwell. Part of the third family to own the restaurant, Barnwell told us that teachers, lawyers and law-enforcement officers represent a typical cross-section of diners that mingle there in the evenings. A great place to stop before or after dinner is the Fort Myers Brewing Company, 12811 Commerce Lakes Dr., which offers more than 20 of its brews on tap. In winter its Keg Nog stout, brewed with seasonal spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg, pays homage to spiced elixirs — though as one who leans toward India Pale Ales, I preSee FT. MYERS, page 33

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Leisure & Travel

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 0

Ft. Myers From page 32 ferred one called “Clean Shave.” Another winter specialty, Ambruana, is aged in Cypress wood from Brazil. The brewery has also tapped into the trendy hard seltzers (carbonated alcoholic drinks; basically spiked, flavored seltzer). Its lemon-lime and watermelon flavors are popular, served over ice.

Estates worth a visit If you haven’t visited Fort Myers since 1990, when Henry Ford’s winter home opened to the public adjacent to that of Thomas Edison, it’s worth another trip. These adjacent properties, situated beside the Caloosahatchee River, include a historical museum and 21-acre botanical garden. As I indicated before, for me, the central banyan tree that covers nearly an acre of ground is a strong visual memory. But the most striking memory left with

us was of two now-famous men responsible for the invention of much that makes up the modern world. At the Edison site, you’ll see some of the first phonographs and movie projectors, as well as a 75,000watt light bulb and a 1905 jukebox playing “It’s a Long Way to Tipperary.” At Ford’s home, a garage houses several original Ford cars. We enjoyed a guided tour replete with tales lending personality to these men and their families. Edison’s daughter Madeline, who wrote the irreverent “Rules for Guests at Seminole Lodge,” showed she had become tired of questions about the glamorous town east of Fort Myers. She wrote, “Don’t ask us about Palm Beach. We don’t want to know.” A round-trip flight from D.C. to Fort Myers in February costs $220 on United Airlines. For more information about the area, visit fortmyers-sanibel.com or read 100 Things to Do in Fort Myers & Sanibel Before You Die, by Nancy Hamilton.

BEACON BITS

Jan. 14

AVOID SCAMS Are you worried about Internet safety? Learn about common scams, how to protect yourself and how to report them at a work-

shop about fraud and abuse. The free event will be held on Tues., Jan. 14 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Iona Senior Services, 4125 Albemarle St. NW, Washington, D.C. To register, visit http://bit.ly/DCFraud2020.

Jan.16

HELP BEAUTIFY THE ARBORETUM Help take care of the Springhouse Run, a stream that runs through the U.S. National Arboretum into the Anacostia River.

Volunteers can pull weeds, plant shrubs or pick up trash. The volunteer event will be held on Thurs., Jan. 16 from 10 a.m. to noon at the U.S. National Arboretum, 2400 R St. NE, Washington, D.C. For more information, email volunteer@fona.org or call (202) 544-8733.

BEACON BITS

Feb. 1

VALENTINE’S CARDS

Do you want to show a special someone that you care about them? Make a Valentine’s Day card in celebration of the holiday of love. A free card-making class will be held on Sat., Feb. 1 from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Chevy Chase Library, 8005 Connecticut Ave., Chevy Chase, Md. To learn more, call (240) 773-9590.

Jan. 20

MLK DAY OF SERVICE

To honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life, volunteer with a mealpacking project with Rise Against Hunger. On the seventh annual MLK Day of Service, the group plans to provide 10,000 meals to people in need. The event takes place on Mon., Jan. 20 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Silver Spring Civic Center, 1 Veterans Pl., Silver Spring, Md. To volunteer, register at http://bit.ly/MLKSilverSpring.

Ongoing

TAI CHI

Strengthen your balance, posture, memory and patience with Tai Chi. The free class is held every Friday from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Palisades Neighborhood Library, 4901 V St. NW, Washington, D.C. To learn more, call (202) 895-9485.

EDWARD HOPPER EXHIBIT AT VMFA, Jan 31 – Feb 8 .............................................................$89 Includes guided tour of exhibit, free time to tour the museum at your leisure & motorcoach transportation.

NEW ORLEANS, Mar 21 – 29 ..........................................................................................$1449pp Highlights include Motorcoach, Guided tour of New Orleans, French Quarter, Houmas House Plantation, 12 meals & MORE!

Price based on double occupancy

QUEBEC – EASTERN TOWNSHIPS, CANADA, Aug 9 - 14 ................................................$1860pp A big collection of small cities nestled in nature in southeastern Quebec. Like a miniature version of New England! Travel by Motorcoach & tour Botanical Gardens, Lavender Farm, Vineyards Price based on double occupancy & SO MUCH MORE!

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J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 0 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Festivals to enjoy in Virginia during 2020 By Glenda C. Booth Sugary maple syrup, juicy red tomatoes, dainty pink apple blossoms, high-octane bluegrass — it’s all classic Virginia. From oysters to sand to fiddling, Virginia’s festivals showcase the singular assets of the state’s diversity and riches. Mark your 2020 calendar to attend these events: Maple Festival, Highland County, Mar. 14-22 Highland County, 3,000 feet above sea level, is Virginia’s “Little Switzerland.” In its Ruritan clubhouses, church basements and school cafeterias, “maple” is a noun, verb and adjective. Maple syrup is everywhere: on buckwheat pancakes, in sausage, chicken, barbecue, donuts, ice cream, mustard, sugar, butter, bread, pecans, candy, tea and candles. Festival-goers tour sugar camps and sniff through the steamy “sugar shacks” where veteran maplers boil down sap by the gallons after it has drained through plastic tubes snaking down the hills from 15,000 tree taps. Cloggers dance to rapid-fire bluegrass music, a leadup to the Maple Queen’s coronation. Monterey, the county seat, is a three-anda-half-hour drive from Washington, D.C. For more information, visit highlandcounty.org. Shad Planking, Wakefield, Apr. 15 When shad migrate up the James River to

spawn, people gather and gab at the Sportsmen’s Club amid aromas of smoked shad, baked beans and other mysterious scents wafting through the piney woods. On April 15 (presumably after filing their taxes), the Wakefield Ruritan Club serves 350 shad, gently smoked on oak planks since 6 a.m. The tasty fish are suffused with a secret sauce created by a local dentist whose locked-up recipe’s location is known only to a few Ruritanners. The Beans Committee stirs a 50-gallon, sluggish concoction of beans, bacon, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce and green peppers that has simmered for six hours in an apple butter kettle. Virginia politicians have been mainstays at this event for years, but it’s mostly all about hanging out in the woods, sipping spirits and eating shad, deep-fried shad roe and beans. Wakefield is three and a half hours south of Washington, D.C. For more information, visit wakefieldruritans.com. Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival, Winchester, Apr. 24-May 3 Winchester does not wait for ripening fall apples to celebrate the favorite local fruit. In late April to early May, the town turns pink and green to honor the apple blossom. Over 40 events explode, including band competitions, dances, dinners, orchard tours,

a firetruck rodeo and an apple pie contest. With great pageantry, Queen Shenandoah is crowned as “loyal subjects,” pages, princesses and maids fawn. Doors are festooned in the “Doors in Bloom” contest. Celebrities serving as past parade marshals include First Lady “Lady Bird” (Mrs. Lyndon B.) Johnson, Arthur Godfrey, Jim Belushi, Lucille Ball, Pat Boone, Willie Nelson and “Lefty” Driesell. Winchester is an hour and a half west of Washington, D.C. For more information, visit thebloom.com. Tinner Hill Blues Festival, Falls Church, June 13 Blues of every flavor permeate Falls Church in a daylong celebration of the area’s African-American legacy: boogiewoogie piano, old-time blues, acoustic, gospel, moanin’ blues, happy blues. The festival includes performances, brunch, art shows, films, lectures and an “instrument petting zoo,” where youngsters can try out instruments. The event organizers promote racial reconciliation. For more information or $25 tickets, check tinnerhill.org. Hanover Tomato Festival, Mechanicsville, July 10-11 Tomato cuisine stars every July when vendors hawk fried green tomato BLTs, tomato grilled cheese sandwiches, tomato

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pies, remoulade sauce and pies. Other highlights: tomato arts and crafts, music, and the Best Dressed Tomato Contest. Mechanicsville is two and a half hours west of Washington, D.C. For more information, visit hanovertomatofestival.com. Pony Swim, Chincoteague, July 25-30 Thousands descend on Chincoteague for the annual Pony Swim made famous by Marguerite Henry’s book Misty of Chincoteague. At slack tide, the Saltwater Cowboys swim the ponies across the channel from Assateague Island to Chincoteague Island. The first foal to come ashore is named King or Queen Neptune and given away in a raffle. After the swim, the ponies “parade” down Main Street to the carnival grounds for auction, with proceeds going to charity. The Fireman’s Carnival, a fundraiser for volunteer firefighters, features rides, raffles, corn dogs, cotton candy and games. Chincoteague is three and a half hours south of Washington, D.C. For a schedule of events, see chincoteague.com. Old Fiddlers’ Convention, Galax, Aug. 4-8 Since 1935, Galax’s Moose Lodge 733 has staged the biggest, oldest fiddlers’ convention in the country — a three-day festival of non-stop bluegrass and country music. See VA. FESTIVALS, page 35

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 0

Va. festivals From page 34 Hundreds of musicians compete for cash prizes in old-time fiddle, bluegrass fiddle, dobro, mandolin, dulcimer, bluegrass banjo, clawhammer banjo, autoharp, guitar, folk singing and flatfoot dancing. Bands with names like “Slim Pickins” and the “Whooping Holler String Band” rip tunes into the night as the crowd whoops. Festival-goers can buy handmade instruments and crafts and indulge in downhome cookin’ like country-fried steak sandwiches, Polish sausages, funnel cakes and deep-fried onion “blossoms.” Ticket prices are $7-$13 per day. Galax is five hours southwest of Washington, D.C. Visit oldfiddlersconvention.com for details. Neptune Boardwalk Weekend, Virginia Beach, Sept. 25-27 Virginia Beach’s end-of-summer bash features sporting events, a surfing competition, and arts and crafts, with 250 exhibitors running the length of the 34-block boardwalk. There’s the Royal Court of King Neptune with tritons and princesses, but the highlight is the International Sandsculpting Championship, which attracts artists from all over the world who make elaborate, arty sand creations up to 10 feet tall. Virginia Beach is a three-and-a-half-hour drive from Washington, D.C. Visit neptunefestival.com for pictures of past winners.

Taste of Br unswick Festival, Lawrenceville, Oct. 10 Around 10,000 ravenous adventurers head to southern Virginia for Civil War reenactments, bluegrass and gospel music, a car show and the culinary centerpiece: more than 4,000 quarts of Brunswick stew, a tasty mélange invented in Virginia in 1828. Aficionados swear by the critical ingredients: squirrel or rabbit meat (now often replaced by chicken), bacon, onions, bread, seasonings and butter. Stewmasters compete in a stew cook-off. Locals are so high on it that they formed the Brunswick Stewmasters Association to teach the next generation how to make the authentic concoction. Lawrenceville is three hours south of Washington, D.C. Visit tasteofbrunswickfestival.com. Peanut Fest, Suffolk, Oct. 8-11 You can smell peanuts a quarter-mile away at the Peanut Fest, which features a gleaming, eight-foot Mr. P-nutty. Since 1941, locals have venerated this all-purpose legume at their festival, attracting 125,000 people every year. The Ruritan Club hosts an all-you-can-eat shrimp fest, barbecue and live bands. There’s a demolition derby, truck and tractor pull, motorcycle rally, horseshoe competition, cornhole beanbag tournament, music, fireworks and peanut queen crowning. Creative types compete in the peanut butter sculpting contest using a five-pound block of this favored spread.

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Leisure & Travel

Suffolk is three and a half hours south of Washington, D.C. See suffolkpeanutfest.com. Oyster Festival, Urbanna, Nov. 6-7 Oysters breaded, deep fried, steamed, boiled, stewed, Rockefellered and frittered are wolfed down amid oyster lamps, crowns and jewelry at this annual festival. Around 125 food and craft booths line the streets, and marching bands and oyster floats parade through Urbanna. The climax of the two-day festival is “the official oyster shucking contest of Virginia,” where amateurs and professionals compete at breakneck speed to pry open recalcitrant bivalves, ending in a “shuck-off” between the top man and woman. Officials crown the Oyster Queen and Little Miss Spat. Urbanna is two and a half hours south of Washington, D.C. See urbannaoysterfestival.com for details.

50th Scottish Walk, Alexandria, Dec. 4-5 Bagpipes whine, Scottish clans strut their tartans, and dancers, Scottie dogs, classic cars, a Santa bagpiper and more bounce and roll through Old Town’s streets every December. At the Taste of Scotland, festival-goers sample spirits such as scotches from Scotland and Scottish ale and beer. Some Old Town homes, decorated for the holidays, are open. A holiday boat parade of lights brightens the night sky. Later in the month, Santa arrives on water skis. For photos of the event and others in Old Town Alexandria, go to visitalexandriava.com. For a list of some 2020 festivals in Maryland and the District of Columbia, visit thebeaconnewspapers.com/festivals.

Leisure & Travel | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 0 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

“I haven’t been this excited since I got my first bicycle!” Introducing ZOOMER!

The portable, folding, battery-powered chair that offers easy one-handed operation Sturdy & Lightweight Frame

One-touch Folding Comfortable Seating

Joystick Control (adaptable left or right)

Remember when you were a child and got your first bicycle? I do. It gave me a sense of independence… I felt like I could go anywhere, and it was so much easier and more enjoyable than walking. Well, at my age, that bike wouldn’t do me much good. Fortunately, there’s a new invention that gives me the freedom and independence to go wherever I want … safely and easily. It’s called the Zoomer, and it’s changed my life. If you are one of the countless Americans who need a little help getting around, there is a safe, simple and easy-to-use solution… the Zoomer. It is propelled by small yet powerful dual motors for speeds of 3.7 miles per hour over a variety of terrains, on up to a 10 degree incline. Its innovative airline-safe Lithium Ion battery enables you to go 8 miles on a single charge, and the automatic electromagnetic brakes let you stop on a dime.

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The secret to the Zoomer is its intuitive steering system. You operate it with a simple-to-use joystick, giving you precision maneuverability and the ability to navigate tight spaces easily with a 25” turning radius. It is designed to let you pull right up to a table or desk. You no longer have to move to another chair to work or eat at your table.

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 0

Insuring your trip and your health, too By Rachel L. Sheedy Packing your bags for a trip? Don’t forget travel insurance. It can protect you if unforeseen circumstances force you to cancel or interrupt a trip — or if you get sick while on the road. Retiree John Murtagh said health coverage was a key reason he purchased travel insurance last year. He knew Medicare wouldn’t provide coverage outside the U.S. So, before embarking on a two-week cruise in May from Miami to Southampton, England, the 66-year-old bought a WaveCare travel insurance policy from Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection for about $500. “I travel quite a bit,” Murtagh said. “It’s essential coverage.” To maximize a travel policy’s benefits, “the number-one thing to remember is to buy travel insurance right after making the first payment” for the trip, said Carol Mueller, vice president of Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection. Purchasing insurance within 14 days of that first payment typically ensures you will get coverage for preexisting conditions, experts say, and mitigates the risk of not being covered if a hurricane, terrorist attack or other disaster ruins your trip before it begins. Policy premiums depend on the travel-

er’s age and the length and cost of the trip. “You want to cover anything prepaid or not refundable,” said Erin Gavin, an insurance product analyst for InsureMyTrip.com. If you have nonrefundable transportation costs of $1,200 and a refundable hotel reservation for $2,000, buy coverage just for the transport costs. Generally, Gavin said, the premium will run 4% to 10% of the cost of the trip.

Comparison shopping helps You can shop policies at sites such as InsureMyTrip.com or SquareMouth.com, which let you compare the features and prices of policies from multiple carriers. “A higher price tag doesn’t mean more benefits or better service,” said Jenna Hummer, director of public relations for SquareMouth. You can buy standalone medical coverage, but in many cases, it makes sense to buy a comprehensive policy that includes trip cancellation, trip interruption and medical expenses. A policy that lets you cancel “for any reason” gives you the most flexibility but also costs more. Frequent travelers should weigh the costs of single-trip policies versus an annual travel policy. “You buy [annual insurance] once and have coverage for all the trips and travel emergencies you might

face in a year,” said Daniel Durazo, director of marketing and communications for Allianz Partners USA. Allianz offers annual policies that start at $135.

Medicare no, Medigap maybe Whether you have private health insurance or Medicare, check whether your insurance will cover you while traveling, particularly if you are headed overseas. Traditional Medicare typically doesn’t cover healthcare outside the U.S. and its territories. But some Medigap supplemental insurance plans offer coverage for foreign emergency healthcare. Medicare Advantage beneficiaries may run into coverage issues while traveling abroad — and even within the U.S. Advantage plans generally have limited service networks, and traveling outside your local area can throw you out of network, making needed care costlier. Make sure the activities on your trip agenda aren’t excluded from coverage. Active boomers seeking thrills on vacation by

rock climbing or heli-skiing can buy travel insurance policies that will specifically cover those riskier activities. Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection offers a policy called AdrenalineCare geared to active travelers, and SquareMouth.com recently launched an “Adventure & Sports Travel Insurance” section that lets you search policies specific to active travel. You can also buy travel insurance geared toward cruises, as Murtagh did. Such a policy could come in handy if you miss the boat at a port of call, or need healthcare beyond the scope of the ship’s doctor. Before buying a policy, check the coverage for medical evacuation. Without it, you could be on the hook for tens of thousands of dollars in transport costs if you have to be flown to the nearest hospital or back home because of a medical emergency. © 2019 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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New year, new calendar. See our favorites on p. 40

My Fair Lady hits all the right notes

Nods to tradition all around In the opening tableau, Eliza, played by Baltimore native Shereen Ahmed, walks onto an empty stage as faux painted London buildings drop down from above and street lamps and fences are wheeled in by the chorus. Ahmed, wearing what appears to be the same iconic hat and shawl worn by Julie An-

drews in the 1956 original Broadway production and Audrey Hepburn in the 1964 movie, entered on opening night to wild applause and hoots from some in the audience. I glanced at my program again, wondering if I somehow missed that tonightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lead was a famous actress, and not a recent sociology graduate from Towson University. I determined later that the cheering section must have been Ahmedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s friends. But itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also true that the standing ovation given the entire cast at the end of the show was in large part due to her beautiful singing and fine acting. She will continue to go far, fast. But itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the next scene, in Henry Higginsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; study, that brings home how truly Broadway-based this production is. Set designer Michael Yeargan has created a magnificent, dark-paneled, two-story study, complete with spiral staircase, multiple doors and a floor-to-ceiling arched window through which the light is constantly changing with the time of day. It gets even better. The study is actually part of a revolving set that depicts much of Higginsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; house, rotating through a bathroom where Eliza is bathed by the maids, to an entry foyer with another grand stair-

JANUARY 10 - MARCH 22

PHOTO BY ÂŠ JOAN MARCUS

By Stuart Rosenthal The Kennedy Center Opera House has become a time machine through January 19, with the Lincoln Center Theater production of Lerner and Loeweâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s My Fair Lady that will â&#x20AC;&#x153;take you backâ&#x20AC;? to the Broadway musicals of yesteryear. There is nothing edgy or contemporary about this production. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not meant to draw out new meaning or to highlight characters or actions that might be looked at differently in the #MeToo era. There is no softening of the misogynistic language used by Professor Higgins, or hardening of Elizaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attitude towards him. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;justâ&#x20AC;? a traditional, grand, opulent, beautifully acted, sung and costumed show with a set that will take your breath away.

Kevin Pariseau as Colonel Pickering, Laird Mackintosh as Professor Henry Higgins and Shereen Ahmed as Eliza Doolittle dance to â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Rain in Spainâ&#x20AC;? in the Lincoln Center Theater Production of Lerner & Loeweâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s My Fair Lady, now at the Kennedy Center through Jan. 19.

case. Actors move through the rooms as the set revolves. I recall such impressive sets from Broadway musicals I saw in childhood, but you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get to see this kind of thing very often in musicals today.

A Higgins to love and hate Laird Mackintosh plays Professor Henry Higgins, the phoneticist and speech teacher who, on a bet, takes up the chal-

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Encore From page 1 chorus at Goodwin House, a Life Plan Community in Alexandria, Virginia, the average age is 87. In September and January, at the start of each of two seasons, students get a packet of scores, CDs of the music, and 15 weeks of singing with a professional conductor at a cost ranging from $175 to $190. At the end of each season, singers perform in local concerts and on Dec. 26 at the Kennedy Center Concert Hall. Singers may also attend summer camps and go on international tours. Next year there will be singing camps in the Colorado Rockies (July 19 to 23), at Chautauqua, New York (Aug. 30 to Sept. 4), Chestertown, Maryland (June 21 to 25),

and in Cleveland for a visit to the Rock ‘N’ Roll Hall of Fame (Aug. 9 to 13). Most of these camps also include yoga classes, exercise programs, classes in voice technique, and concerts featuring professional musicians. A tour of Ireland is scheduled for next May, with a performance at the Bealtaine Festival. (Participants don’t need to be members of an Encore chorus to go on the trip.)

Rigorous rehearsals Kelly’s Capital Encore Chorale rehearsals in Washington sound like a practice session of a big-time auditioned chorus. At one point last fall, Kelly criticized the group for one passage, saying it “sounds like a typewriter. I don’t want it staccato. I want it smooth and legato.” Later, she said, “If you don’t have that rest

Smithsonian Boomers Chorus A new chorus for those 55 and over began two years ago and is based in the heart of Washington, D.C. The Smithsonian Boomers Chorus, a program of the Smithsonian Associates, rehearses and performs at the S. Dillon Ripley Center, near the Smithsonian Castle on the National Mall in downtown D.C. As with the Encore Chorales, members do not need to be able to read music or even to have past singing experience. Conductor Ernest Johnson leads the ensemble, which rehearses eight times before performing a free concert. The music for each season has a slightly different focus. Past themes have included Rock ‘n’ Roll and Singing

the ‘60s and ‘70s. The upcoming session is called Legends of Song, and includes music from the ‘60s to the ‘80s. The group will meet in the evenings for eight consecutive Tuesdays between January 14 and March 3, to prepare a performance featuring hits by such groups as the Beatles, Bee Gees, James Taylor, ABBA and Fleetwood Mac. On March 10, the ensemble will give its free performance. The Smithsonian’s S. Dillon Ripley Center is located at 1100 Jefferson Dr. SW, at the top of Metro’s Smithsonian station. Fee for the spring session is $100. Register by calling (202) 633-3030 or at SmithsonianAssociates.org.

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Arts & Style

circled in red, you are in big trouble!” Kelly will give out compliments, but she’s not about to let the singers off easily. “We can’t be afraid of hurting their feelings because they’re older. They want to sound great,” she said. Sight reading is not a prerequisite. Instead, professional conductors patiently teach singers how to interpret a music score if they haven’t done it before. “If there are mistakes, we let them know,” said Lang, Alexandria Rocks’ substitute director. Many singers are retired movers and shakers from Washington, D.C., he said, and “these singers want to be challenged.” For Anne Augusterfer, the Alexandria Rocks chorus is both a creative and a social outlet. “This was a great way to engage in things,” she said. One singer, who has Parkinson’s disease, said she took up the music because

she heard it was good for her condition. “When I went to a performance, I saw that those were my songs from the 60s, and I knew I had to join them.” Mark Croswell, who retired three years ago, sings in both a rock chorus and a traditional chorale. Despite the tricky rhythms of rock music, Croswell said, the chorale is more challenging. “It is easier to learn the rock music words because you may already know them,” he said. Croswell, who does not go to a summer program, said, “It’s always wrenching when the season ends.” What’s next for Encore? The programs have spread to Baltimore and New York City. “We want to see Encore in every major city in the country,” Kelly said. For details on Encore Creativity for Older Adults and a list of concerts, see encorecreativity.org, email info@encorecreativity.org or call (301) 261-5747.

Choral groups in the DMV In Maryland, Encore offers traditional choruses with daytime rehearsals at Anne Arundel Community College, and in Gaithersburg, Columbia, Frederick, Glen Echo, Silver Spring, and Towson. Maryland rock choruses meet in Annapolis, Columbia and Glen Echo. In Virginia, traditional choruses meet

in Alexandria, Fairfax, Bailey’s Crossroads, Arlington and Reston. Rock groups rehearse in Alexandria and Reston. Another group, the “Sentimental Journey Singers of Fairfax” at the Insight Memory Care Center, is for individuals with early to moderate stage Alzheimer’s or other memory impairment.

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J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 0 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Start 2020 with these books and calendars Begin the new year with a healthier a general and practical overview of the imlifestyle and an optimistic outportance of food in achieving look. Observe the world and maintaining physical around you while making well-being. each day count. Specific suggestions on how What to Eat When: A to modify eating habits are disStrategic Plan to Improve cussed in depth. Foods to Your Health and Life avoid and reasons why are deThrough Food, by Michael lineated. Read about research Roizen, M.D., Michael Cruon the best time of day to eat. pain, M.D., MPH, with Ted Drs. Roizen and Crupain Spiker, 352 pages, National maintain that we should conTHE Geographic paperback, 2019 BIBLIOPHILE sume 80% of our calories beThis book focuses on By Dinah Rokach fore 2 p.m. These recommenhealthy eating habits, but it is dations, and others in the not a diet book. What to Eat When provides book, are backed by research studies, all

of which are discussed and explained. Learn that the best method to approximate optimum body fat is to measure your waist, not BMI. You may be surprised to know that the ideal ratio is a waist size that is half your height or less. Dr. Roizen is affiliated with the renowned Cleveland Clinic. Co-author Dr. Crupain is on the faculty of Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore. Both are associated with The Dr. Oz Show. Suggestions are organized in easy-to-follow formats and charts. The authors identify foods to avoid or consume to ameliorate specific complaints such as insomnia, pain and hot flashes. They suggest healthy

foods that can be reasonably substituted for unhealthy ones. Home cooks will appreciate the list of multiple alternate cooking techniques to prepare foods in a more healthful manner. There is also a helpful glossary at the back of the book. Nature’s Calendar: A Year in the Life of a Wildlife Sanctuary, by Colin Rees, 320 pages, Johns Hopkins University Press, paperback 2019 If you’re contemplating writing a journal in 2020, here’s an excellent example of the genre. And if the stark wintery landscape

My Fair Lady

clude Kevin Pariseau as Higgins’ sidekick, Colonel Pickering, and Adam Grupper as Eliza’s scheming drunkard of a father, Alfred P. Doolittle. The bar scenes featuring Doolittle are highlights of the show, particularly in “Get Me to the Church on Time.” The exterior of the pub opens to reveal an active bar scene and nightclub show featuring not only a line of female can-can dancers, but a drag version that subtly replaces them as the number rises to a fever pitch. It’s the costumes that steal the scene at the “Ascot Gavotte.” A plain gray background, and a simple awning that hangs from above, are all that accompany the entire troupe dressed mostly in various shades of gray. Still, within that limited palette, costume designer Catherine Zuber manages to produce breathtaking hats and gowns for the ladies. All in all, it’s wonderful to not only recall, but once again experience the grand Broadway musical with such an iconic, well-produced show. And yet…I found myself slightly disap-

pointed that the folks at Lincoln Center Theater hadn’t “modernized” the production enough to at least be true to George Bernard Shaw’s original play, Pygmalion, on which the musical is based. In the last scene of the play, it is clear that Eliza is triumphantly leaving the Professor, refusing to continue to play his creation or his servant. The flower girl has become a woman who no longer needs or wants him. But the public desire for a happy ending — which to Shaw’s chagrin also forced a new conclusion on most productions of Pygmalion — wins out here again. Of course, with either ending, you’d still go home happily humming. My Fair Lady continues at the Kennedy Center Opera House through Sunday, January 19. Tickets range from $49 to $149 and can be purchased from the Kennedy Center box office, online at kennedy-center.org, or by calling (202) 467-4600. Discounted tickets for seniors are no longer available for the show. Groups may call (202) 416-8400.

From page 38 lenge of training poor Eliza, a Cockney-accented flower vendor, to pass for a proper English duchess. Tall and lanky, he cuts a very different figure from Rex Harrison, who played the role on Broadway and in the film. Less crusty than Harrison, he nonetheless does a masterful job at being the man you love to hate. Totally full of himself, he treats Eliza miserably, calls her names (“ungrateful guttersnipe” and worse), yet has a tender side he lets show on occasion.

He also moves very gracefully throughout the show, perhaps not surprising for an actor who began his career as a dancer in the National Ballet of Canada. Oh, and by the way, he actually sings very well, instead of talking his way through the clever musical numbers as Harrison did. Speaking of music, the 17-piece orchestra does fine work, from the masterful overture, which weaves together so many of the memorable melodies from the show, to the final bows.

Other memorable scenes Other noteworthy cast members in-

See BIBLIOPHILE, page 42

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Arts & Style

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 0

January/ February Events NSO Pops: Diana Ross— Music Book 2020 Legendary entertainer and Kennedy Center Honoree Diana Ross returns to perform hits from her remarkable career with the NSO conducted by Emil de Cou.

January 9–11 | Concert Hall

Bronfman plays Beethoven Holst’s The Planets Embark on a majestic journey through the solar system as the NSO conducted by Gemma New plays The Planets, Gustav Holst’s epic, sevenmovement orchestral ode to the heavens. The program also spotlights world-renowned pianist Yeﬁm Bronfman, who brings his lyrical brilliance to Beethoven’s sublime Piano Concerto No. 4.

January 16, 18 & 19 | Concert Hall Matinee at 3 p.m. on Sun., Jan. 19

Megan Hilty & Cheyenne Jackson The two multi-talented stars of the stage, screen, and music charts join forces with conductor and notable actor Damon Gupton and the NSO over Valentine’s Day weekend to celebrate songs from Broadway, ﬁlm, and the American Songbook.

February 13–15 | Concert Hall

Kennedy-Center.org

Dvořák’s exuberant Violin Concerto requires exceptional virtuosity and musicianship. Christian Tetzlaff, whom The New Yorker calls “the finest violinist performing before the public today,” displays both with elegance and depth. NSO Conductor Laureate Christoph Eschenbach returns to lead the internationally renowned violinist, bringing to life the work’s powerhouse opening, lyrical slow movement, and spirited finale infused with Slavic cheer.

January 24 & 25 | Concert Hall

Lugansky plays Mozart Honeck conducts Dvořák Manfred Honeck returns to conduct Resurrexit, a piece from Kennedy Center Composer-inResidence Mason Bates. Commissioned by Honeck, Resurrexit was written to celebrate the conductor’s 60th birthday. Nikolai Lugansky, praised by the New York Times for his “remarkable artistry,” performs Mozart’s stormy Piano Concerto No. 24. The program concludes with Dvořák’s joyous Eighth Symphony.

January 30–February 1 | Concert Hall Coﬀee Concert at 11:30 a.m. on Fri., Jan. 31

Groups call (202) 416-8400

For all other ticket-related customer service inquiries, call the Advance Sales Box Oﬃce at (202) 416-8540

AARP is the Presenting Sponsor of the NSO Pops Season.

The January 16–19 NSO concert week is generously sponsored by Ann B. and Thomas L. Friedman.

(202) 467-4600 The Blue Series is sponsored byUnited Technologies Corporation.

Eschenbach returns Tetzlaﬀ plays Dvořák

The January 24 & 25 NSO concert week is generously sponsored by The Dallas Morse Coors Foundation for the Performing Arts

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J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 0 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Please weigh in: Is this a good idea or not? The parking lot of a bank is an unlikely The first waiting car was being driven spot for either a huge argument or a nice by a woman who was at least 70. I could idea. But the other day, I was a tell that her blood was coming witness to the first and the auto a nice, crisp boil. thor of the second. She was drumming her finThe scene was a typical gers on the steering wheel. one: Eight parking spaces in She was massaging her temthe bank’s lot, including one ples. As I walked past, she clearly marked for those who shot me a look that can only have a handicapped hang tag. be described as ready to The traffic jam in the bank burst. lot was pretty typical, too. All Just then, a man ambled eight spaces were filled. Two HOW I SEE IT into the lot. He was at least 80 cars were waiting for cus- By Bob Levey — maybe more. tomers to emerge from the He walked up to the car bank so they could take the vacated parked in the handicapped space and unspaces. locked the door. He was about to get in

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and drive away when Ms. Ready to Burst rolled down her window and let him have it. “Sir!,” she screamed. “You parked in a handicapped space and you’re not handicapped!” The man looked surprised, then chastened. “Well, you’re right,” he said, sheepishly. “But I just had a very important errand to do. I was only gone a minute.” The woman blistered him with tabasco on top. What if someone who was really handicapped had needed the space? Why couldn’t you have found a spot on the street? What gave you the right to disregard the rules? And my gosh, mister, you

weren’t even doing business in the bank! She threatened to go inside and tell the bank’s officers what had happened. The man apologized, but didn’t seem to mean it. He switched into blame-the-blamer mode. What gave this lady the right to criticize him? Was she the police? She hadn’t been inconvenienced, so why did she care? Why didn’t she just leave him alone? Couldn’t she see that he was just an old man who wasn’t harming anyone? Senior Takes on Senior. Not a pretty picture.

Bibliophile

endar 2020: with an extra day for leap year!, by Merriam-Webster, Workman Publishing Company Great Quotes from Great Leaders, 2020 calendar: Words from the Leaders Who Shaped the World, Sourcebooks Peanuts 2020 Day-to-Day Calendar, by Peanuts Worldwide L.L.C. and Charles M. Schulz; Dilbert 2020 Dayto-Day Calendar, by Scott Adams, Andrew McMeel Publishing Start your day with one of these delightful desk calendars. Not only will you be able to keep track of your schedule in an organized format, but you’ll be enriched in the process. Expand your vocabulary, be inspired by a quotation, laugh along with the familiar Peanuts gang, or relish the hilarious office milieu that retirees have happily left behind. Whatever your inclination — to gain knowledge or be entertained — one of these desk calendars is sure to fill the bill. All four calendars are gift boxed and presented in a recyclable plastic tray with an easel backing that can be propped up. Welcome each day of 2020 with optimism and hope.

From page 40 gets you down, reading Nature’s Calendar is sure to bring you relief from the doldrums. Annapolis resident ornithologist Colin Rees has published his year-long diary of observations, commencing in January, of Maryland’s Jug Bay. Dr. Rees served on the faculty of the zoology department of the University of Maryland. Jug Bay, operated by Anne Arundel County, is a 1,700-acre wetlands sanctuary along the Patuxent River in Lothian. As the year progresses, follow Rees’ meticulous notations and lyrical descriptions of flora and fauna. Read the accompanying short essays explaining the findings of field researchers. Enjoy the 16 pages of photographs. To visit the sanctuary, check jugbay.org for trail maps and information on events, hours and entrance fees. Or be inspired to start your own journal. Record, like Thoreau in his day, the changing seasons from your favorite vantage point — be it your window, backyard, local park, path or trail. 365 Words-A-Year Page-A-Day Cal-

FROM PAGE 44 ANSWERS TO SCRABBLE

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ANSWERS TO CROSSWORD O R C S N O R H Y P E E X E S T D V D A I R D D I S A S I A M R P A G E B R O K L I N E E M M Y R Y E S

S E R L A S P O T U O P P S M M A E R G U E

A R T I S T E A S Y E R A

N T E O U X E X T L R I B A M E R P R E P A R I N S C O E D A N U S E E F S T F O R A L I S E G

S T O P S I G N R E T R O

T H P O S I T I V E

E A T U P

M I S T Y

I N O N

S K Y S

T Y K E

A L W S E D S

ANSWERS TO JUMBLE Jumbles: SALAD TWIRL POLISH SQUARE Answer: The owner of the failed laundromat was -WASHED UP

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J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 0 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Crossword Puzzle

Daily crosswords can be found on our website: www.TheBeaconNewspapers.com Click on Puzzles Plus Spy Stuff 1

Stephen Sherr 3

20 23 28

33 38

Jumble answers on p. 42.

Scrabble answers on p. 42.

9 15

46 49

Across

Down

1. Frodo’s foes 5. A white chip, often 9. It is shorter on a boutonniere than a bouquet 13. Be in need of a CPAP machine 14. Cajun sauce thickener 15. Bangkok language 16. Connect two web pages 18. Makes a choice 19. Madonna and Sean Penn, for example 20. Be on sick leave 21. Remove a page from a diary 23. Cough syrup qtys. 25. Emeril Lagasse’s catch-grunt 26. Any man from U.N.C.L.E. 27. Netflix mailer 30. Badger’s buddy 32. Penultimate Greek letter 34. The pilot and the co-pilot 36. Weight training unit 38. It’s the same as “it’s”, but not “its” 41. Spy tool used to conceal (and reveal) this puzzle’s theme 44. Kingdom of The King and I 45. Airline HQ’ed in Solna, Sweden 46. Row of trucks 47. 45 or 78, or a turntable 49. Family car 51. Half of “nine” 52. Obituary statistic 54. Let the chips fall where they ___ 56. ___ friendly 58. One who unites buyers and sellers 60. Failing grades 61. Like etc., but for people 65. Small piece of a screenplay 66. Nap, numerically 69. Julia Louis-Dreyfus won her 11th i in 2017 70. Rushin’ Russian river 71. Rubbed the wrong way 72. Deli breads 73. Simplicity 74. Pop ___ the weasel!

1. A July birthstone 2. It can be used to tie a damsel to the railroad tracks 3. Point of highest flood waters 4. Sun. speech 5. Monet or Manet 6. Christmas song 7. Formal ware, informally 8. Actor in crowd scene 9. Road warning with twice as many sides as letters (with 33 Down) 10. “Keep your spirits up!” 11. Consume thoroughly 12. Like a haunted forest 13. A case of he said, __ said 17. Portable computers 22. Little troublemaker 24. Thick as pea ___ 25. ___ Rabbit 27. Many tie for World’s Greatest each June 28. Leg count on a Roman octopus 29. “I’ve got the next round” 31. Remove an incorrect puzzle answer 33. See 9 down 35. Slightly wet 37. Painter of Girl With a Mandolin 39. Complicit with the conspiracy 40. “The ___ the limit!” 42. “No problemo” 43. ___ of the above 48. Toronto: Mrs. :: Montreal : ___ 50. Camper’s bag 52. More qualified 53. In bad need of a good scrubdown 55. Attempt to influence the court 57. Nostalgically fashionable 59. F major, C major, and D major sequentially in Come on Eileen 60. Guesses posted near the baggage carousel 62. Youngster 63. Aces the magic show finale 64. Flashback-inducing drug 67. Stat. on Jim Palmer’s baseball card 68. Preselect the winning lottery numbers

Answers on page 42.

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 0

Bob Levey From page 42 I heard all this and continued to loiter nearby, partly so I could see how the fracas ended, and partly because I felt that wonderful tickle of a solution forming in my head. The fracas ended with the proverbial whimper. The man got in his car and drove away. By then, another space had opened up and the woman parked there. As she got out of her car, she shook her head sadly. I could almost hear her thinking, “Wow! Such inconsiderate people out here these days!” She entered the bank. I entered after her. By now, the tickle in my head had become a Tickle. I waited until the woman had done her business at the teller’s window. Then I approached her. “Ma’am,” I said, “I saw the whole thing outside. You were absolutely right to say something to that man. Where would we be if we didn’t insist that people obey the rules?” The woman thanked me, and launched into a story about a neighbor of hers who really was handicapped (car accident three years earlier) and who really did need handicapped spaces. “You saw for yourself,” she said to me. “That man was walking just fine. He wasn’t handicapped at all! Selfish, selfish, selfish!” I pointed out that not every handicap is visible. What if he had just had major surgery and had been advised not to walk long distances? Fair enough, the woman said. But if that had been the case, he would have had a handicapped hang tag. No question that this man had not had one. I needed to get my banking done and get going. So, it was time for me to surface my brainstorm. “Ma’am,” I said, “what if businesses set aside a second kind of dedicated parking space? In addition to handicapped spaces, how about senior citizen spaces?” After all, I said, major groceries have had “stork spaces” (for expectant mothers) for decades. Same church, older pew. The woman smiled for the first time in the previous five minutes. She thanked me, and said that was a super-good idea.

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Arts & Style

ONE BIG HAPPY By Rick Detorie

She wondered if there was some way I could trot out the idea to a wider audience to see if I could get some traction underneath it. I think I just did. Bob Levey is a national award-winning columnist. Replies to this column may be sent to: Bob Levey, c/o The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915-2227.

BEACON BITS

Jan. 16

POETRY FROM BEHIND BARS

Join an emotional poetry reading on what it is like to be incarcerated. Several people will share poems they wrote while behind bars in an effort to reveal the psychological consequences of imprisonment. A reception will take place afterward to meet the poets. The free event will be held on Thurs., Jan. 16 from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at the Takoma Park Community Center, 7500 Maple Ave., Takoma Park, Md. To learn more, visit freemindsbookclub.org.

Jan. 22

FREE WATERCOLOR CLASS

Create a watercolor painting that shows the beauty of winter just after the holidays. All supplies will be provided. The free event will be held on Wed., Jan. 22 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Shirlington Branch Library, 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington, Va. To register, call (703) 228-6545.

WB120

J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 0 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

CLASSIFIEDS The Beacon prints classified advertising under the following headings: Business & Employment Opportunities; Caregivers; Computer Services; Entertainment; For Sale; For Sale/Rent: Real Estate; Free; Health; Home/ Handyman Services; Miscellaneous; Personals; Personal Services; Vacation Opportunities; and Wanted. For submission guidelines and deadlines, see the box on page 47. CAVEAT EMPTOR! The Beacon does not knowingly accept obscene, offensive, harmful, or fraudulent advertising. However, we do not investigate any advertisers or their products and cannot accept responsibility for the integrity of either. Respondents to classified advertising should always use caution and their best judgment. EMPLOYMENT & REAL ESTATE ADS: We will not knowingly or intentionally accept advertising in violation of federal, state, and local laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, familial status or handicap in connection with employment or the sale or rental of real estate. Business and Employment Opportunities CALVARY EPISCOPAL CHURCH, DC, is Seeking a Part Time Bookkeeper. This position of Bookkeeper performs a variety of duties directly related to data input, analysis and processing of accounts receivable an4d accounts payable for a religious organization in the District of Columbia. This position holds primary responsibility for recording and monitoring all financial transactions of the church. Email info@calvarydc.net, or call 301-273-5705, to apply.

Caregivers CAREGIVER, I WILL CARE FOR YOUR LOVE ONES night or day. Great references and own transportation. Willing to work immediately. If interested, please call 301-502-2258. A HOME HEALTHCARE- Experienced nurses, CNA, GNA are available 24/7. Cooking, companionship, personal care, housekeeping, driving. Full/part time or live-in care flat rate. 15 years’ experience. 240-533-6599

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

Events “REGENERATIVE MEDICINE SEMINAR! Would You Like To Be Pain Free? Join Our Workshop and Learn: What are stem cells? Are stem cells safe? How does your body regenerate? How much does it cost? Register Today For This Free Workshop. January 16th, 2019, Lunch 12:00 pm or Dinner 6:00 pm. Call 301-228-0155 or http://advancedregenmedicine.com/events. 5550 Friendship Blvd., Suite 360 Chevy Chase, Md. 20815. Light food and drinks served.”

For Sale PUT ON YOUR TV EARS and hear TV with unmatched clarity. TV Ears Original were originally $129.95 - NOW WITH THIS SPECIAL OFFER are only $59.95 with code MCB59! Call 1-833-934-0843.

For Sale/Rent: Real Estate

Personal Services

Wanted

FULLY FURNISHED ROOMS for rent in Clinton, MD 20735. $595-$695. Call/text: Dr. Walton: (240) 609-9172. Photo and proof of income (paycheck/retirement, etc.) required.

SELL YOUR SILVER AND OLD GOLD JEWELRY. Gold 4 Good (8241 Georgia Ave., Suite 100, Silver Spring, MD 20910) buys gold and silver jewelry, including broken pieces, all sterling silver and silver flatware, gold watches and gold and silver coins. I will come to your house and give you a free evaluation of what I can pay. If you decide to sell, I can buy your items at that time, but there is no obligation. Licensed with both Maryland and Montgomery County (lic. #2327). Call Bob, (240) 938-9694. Gold 4 Good pays an additional 5 percent to all military veterans (and their spouses). Gold 4 Good is a Maryland licensed precious metals dealership, not a pawnshop or private home based business.

PAYING CASH merchandise pre 1980. Old toys, silver, records, books, photographs, smoking pipes and lighters, fountain pens, movie posters. If you have old stuff to sell call Carl 312316-7553. Sorry no furniture or glassware. Located Silver Spring MD.

SEEKING A QUIET BUT FRIENDLY woman, age (55 - 70) to share my lovely home in Silver Spring, MD. Must be vegetarian, nonsmoker and easygoing. Please call Carol, early evenings at (301) 754-1289. FOR RENT - LEISURE WORLD. Vantage Point West-6th floor $1800.00 per month. 1035 Sq Ft 2 BEDROOM, 2 FULL BATH, Enclosed patio,, eat in kitchen, xtra large garage space included. Available Feb 1, 2020. Call Karen (301) 529-0900. Pets excepted with extra security. Deposit GARDEN TWO BEDROOM, two bath condo available for lease the first of January. Premier community of Leisure World for adults 55 plus! This condo features fresh paint, side-by-side washer/dryer and new quartz kitchen counter tops. Living room, small enclosed sunroom, and outdoor patio with a spectacular view. Call (301598-6451) to schedule an appointment to see this exceptional home. No smoking! Pets considered. A reserved parking space, utilities, basic cable and basic internet are included. A PLACE FOR MOM. The nation’s largest senior living referral service. Contact our trusted, local experts today! Our service is FREE/no obligation. CALL 1-855-502-4495 MID-ATLANTIC FUNDING GROUP — Pays cash for Owner Financed Mortgages. Professional Service / Fast Closing. Call Us Today! 1 (800) 641-9521 or visit midatlanticnotes.com

I AM A PROFESSIONAL HOME ORGANIZER, I Organize/declutter homes from paper work, bedroom closets to the entire home through sorting, purging and arranging/organizing the keeping pile. Text/call 304-320-5595. My website www.lavenderorganizes.com

Personals TIRED OF BEING ALONE? Reach out to meet your ideal companion through our special Companion Outreach Circle. Simply submit details describing yourself, and a recent photo to: CompanionOutreach@gmail.com

TV/Cable

Health

DISH NETWORK $59.99 For 190 Channels! Add High Speed Internet for ONLY $19.95/month. Call Today for $100k Gift Card! Best Value & Technology. FREE Installation. Call 1-844-560-5837 (some restrictions apply)

DENTAL INSURANCE from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. NOT just a discount plan, REAL coverage for [350] procedures. Call 1-844366-1003 for details. www.dental50plus.com/320. [6118-0219]

GET NFL SUNDAY TICKET FREE w/ DIRECTV Choice All-Included Package. $59.99/month for 12 months. 185 Channels PLUS Thousands of Shows/Movies On Demand. FREE Genie HD DVR Upgrade. Call 1-888-5724953 or satellitedealnow.com/TBN

PORTABLE OXYGEN CONCENTRATOR May Be Covered by Medicare! Reclaim independence and mobility with the compact design and long-lasting battery of Inogen One. Free information kit! Call 855-851-0949.

Wanted

ELIMINATE GUTTER CLEANING FOREVER! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule a FREE LeafFilter estimate today. 15% off and 0% financing for those who qualify. PLUS Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-844-359-6933.

TOP PRICES PAID for fine antiques, artwork and high quality decorative items including decorated crocks and jugs, rare antique clocks, music boxes and antique phonographs ,unusual lamps, slot machines, country store and advertising items, great old toys and dolls to name a few. I am 66 years old with over 40 years in the antique business, well educated and financially capable . Why pay expensive auction house , estate sale, or consignment store commissions when you can get a fair upfront price for your pieces immediately? If you have something unusual and interesting, rare and valuable and are prepared to sell it I would like to speak with you. Please call Jake Lenihan 301 279 8834 . No calls after 7 pm please. Thank you.

STAY IN YOUR HOME LONGER with an American Standard Walk-In Bathtub. Receive up to $1,500 off, including a free toilet, and a lifetime warranty on the tub and installation! Call us at 1-877-240-2061 or visit www.walkintubquote.com/beacon

COLLECTOR BUYING MILITARY ITEMS: Helmets, weapons, knives, swords, web gear, uniforms, etc. from all wars & countries. Also Lionel Trains, & slots/coin operated machines. Will pay top prices. Discreet consultations. Call Fred, 301-910-0783

Home/Handyman Services **STOP STRUGGLING ON THE STAIRS** Give your life a lift with an ACORN STAIRLIFT! Call now for $250 OFF your stairlift purchase and FREE DVD & brochure! 1-855-8503183.

Legal Services PARALEGAL/RESEARCHER: will run interference for your task, knowledgeable about federal and local government(s), trade and professional associations, public and private libraries. e-mail rushresearch@comcast.net, call 301-5652917. APPLYING FOR SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY or Appealing a Denied Claim? Call Bill Gordon & Assoc., Social Security Disability Attorneys, 1-866-970-0779! FREE Consultations. Local Attorneys Nationwide [Mail: 2420 N St NW, Washington DC. Office: Broward Co. FL (TX/NM Bar.)]

Personal Services PIANO TEACHER. Studied at U. of Md. and Washington Conservatory of Music. Specialize in beginners 9 to 90. No auditions, recitals or separate theory books. In my Kensington, Md. home. Patient. Reasonable rates. Call Geri at (301) 942-2589 or email blackandwhitekeys4U@gmail.com

SEEKING FULL/SEALED BOTTLES of Vintage Bourbon & Rye (Pre-1990). Examples include, but are not limited to: Old Grand Dad, Pikesville Rye, Wild Turkey, Old Fitzgerald, I.W. Harper, Old Forester and more! Inquiries are welcome. Call Alex 443-223-7669. I BUY MILITARY ANTIQUES. I have an MA in History and buy American and foreign military medals, documents, uniforms, insignia, books, swords, and historic firearms -Civil War, World War I, World War II, Korea and Vietnam. I offer fair prices for single items or collections especially items from generals. Trusted for over 30 years in the Washington, DC area. My biography and testimonials from veterans and their families are on my website. www.midatlanticmilitaryantiques.com Tim Frank 703447-7243. $$$ CASH $$$ FOR MILITARY USMC ARMY USAF USN ITEMS - Buying Military Uniforms, Patches, Medals, Insignia, Flight Jackets, Weapons etc. from the Civil War through Vietnam. Especially seeking U.S. Army Air Corps, USMC, Airborne, and German/Japanese/Italian items from WWII. Call or text Dan at 202-8413062 or email MILITBUFF@AOL.COM.

WILL BUY MILITARY, WWII, WWI, Civil War memorabilia items. Uniforms, weapons, helmets, photos, war souvenirs, medals, photos or any other items associated with U.S., German, Japanese or other military history. Call Dave (240-464-0958) or email (david.obal63@gmail.com). ESTATE LIQUIDATION/ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES: One call solves it all when you hire us to handle your estate liquidation, down-sizing and/or home cleanout. We sell your treasures, take care of charitable donations and provide junk removal. We also purchase partial estate contents/collections. Always buying antiques, jewelry, fine art, vintage toys, collectibles, advertising, sports memorabilia, military, vintage cars, Mid Century Modern furniture, vinyl records, gold and silver coins and more. Based in Silver Spring, we serve Montgomery, Howard and Baltimore Counties, Washington D.C., NOVA and beyond. Also provide appraisal services for insurance/estates. Friendly, conscientious staff. Call Chris on cell (202) 7319447. www.OrionsAttic.com. $$$ CASH $$$ FOR VINTAGE LIGHTERS Dunhill, Zippo, ST Dupont, Cartier, Tiffany, Nassau, Bulgari, Van Cleef, Gucci etc. Call or text Dan at 202-841-3062 or email MILITBUFF@AOL.COM. WANTED: OLDER VIOLINS, GUITARS, BANJOS, MANDOLINS, UKULELES, ETC. Musician/collector will pay cash for older string instruments. Jack (301) 279-2158. SELL YOUR SILVER AND OLD GOLD JEWELRY. Gold 4 Good (8241 Georgia Ave., Suite 100, Silver Spring, MD 20910) buys gold and silver jewelry, including broken pieces, all sterling silver and silver flatware, gold watches and gold and silver coins. I will come to your house and give you a free evaluation of what I can pay. If you decide to sell, I can buy your items at that time, but there is no obligation. Licensed with both Maryland and Montgomery County (lic. #2327). Call Bob, (240) 938-9694. Gold 4 Good pays an additional 5 percent to all military veterans (and their spouses). Gold 4 Good is a Maryland licensed precious metals dealership, not a pawnshop or private home based business. CASH FOR ESTATES, moving etc; I buy a wide range of items. Buy out/clean up. www.atticllc.com Gary Roman; 301-520-0755. CASH FOR JEWELRY; I buy a wide range of jewelry; gold, silver, costume, watches, turquoise, coins, school rings, etc. Gary Roman; 301-520-0755. I BUY CARS, SUVS, AND TRUCKS. I am a licensed dealer. I reside in Montgomery County. I will meet you or come to you to see the vehicle. I will buy as is. I have many years experience. I will only look in the Montgomery County area. I will look at almost any vehicle, with the reserve on age or condition. I can make your selling experience easy. Please call Tom at 301-806-8140. BOOK COLLECTIONS WANTED. Moving? Downsizing? Estate? Together the 2 Book Guys have over 85 years experience as professional buyers & sellers of quality books in the D. C. area. Best prices paid for good books. Examples: Easton Press, Folio Society, First Edition Science Fiction & Mysteries, Military, History, Scholarly & Academic Press publications. Call Nelson at 240-472-4615 to set up an appointment at your house. Also will consider DVDs & CDs. CASH FOR RECORDS, CDS AND DVDS. Best price guaranteed. No collection too large. Free appraisals. All types of music {33, 45, 78 & CDs.} Also buying turntables and stereo equipment. Will make house calls. Call or text Steve at 301-646-5403.

Classifieds cont. on p. 47

Say you saw it in the Beacon

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 0

Classifieds cont. from p. 46 Wanted LADY WHO LIKES CHINA and other pretty things would like to buy yours. Favorites include Coalport, Herend, Meissen, Royal Copenhagen, Shelley and Villeroy & Boch. Some Lenox and Johnson Brothers. I love English bone china cups and saucers. Paintings and pottery. I’ve collected antique Christmas and Halloween for thirty years and am always looking to add to my collection. Sterling and jewelry. MD license no. 2753. Call, 301-785-1129.

Letters to editor From page 2 shifter gadgets on steering wheels, but that’s ridiculous. An under-appreciated advantage of standard transmission: anti-theft device, since most people and especially young punks can’t drive them. There are funny videos of

Wanted CASH FOR JEWELRY: Buying jewelry, diamonds, gold, platinum, silver, watches, coins, flatware, etc. Ask for Tom. Call anytime, 301-654-8678 (Reg. 883). BUYING VINYL RECORDS from 1950 through 1990. Jazz, Rock-n-Roll, Soul, Rhythm & Blues, Reggae, Punk, Blues, and Disco. 33 1/3 LPs, 45s or 78s, Larger collections of at least 100 items wanted. Please call John, 301-596-6201.

them trying to steal or carjack stick shift cars, bucking and stalling, giving up and running away. I’m shopping for a car now and may have to abandon shifting. I’ll be at an auto show next month and will gripe to manufacturers! Gabriel Goldberg Falls Church, Virginia

HOW TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED AD All classifieds must be submitted and paid for online, via our website, www.thebeaconnewspapers.com/classifieds Deadlines and Payments: To appear in the next issue, your ad text and payment must be entered by the 5th of the preceding month (for Baltimore and Howard County editions); by the 20th (for Washington and Richmond editions). Cost will be based on the number of characters and spaces in your ad: • $25 for 1-250 • $35 for 251-500. • $50 for 501-750 (maximum length). The website will calculate this amount for you. Note: Maryland contractors must provide a valid MHIC number. • Each real estate listing qualifies as one ad. • All ads are subject to publisher’s discretion. Payment will be refunded if unacceptable for any reason.

To place your classified ad, visit www.thebeaconnewspapers.com/classifieds

ADVERTISERS IN THIS ISSUE Clinical Studies

Options for Senior America .39

Healthy Volunteer Study ......19

Home Improvement

Computer/ Technology TechMedic4U.........................5 TheBeaconNewspapers.com..48

Dental Services Friedman, Stephen, DDS .....20 Oh, Judy, DDS .....................15

Luxury Bath .........................36 PG Builders........................B-8 Renewal by Anderson ..........24 Safe at Home..........................6

Housing

AlfredHouse.........................17 Ashby Ponds ............B-2, B-13 Events Brooke Grove Retirement Celebration of the Arts...........3 Village ............12, B-7, B-13, Financial/Insurance ............................B-15, B-16 Services Chesterbrook Children’s National Hospital..26 Residences ............B-7, B-12 United of Omaha..................31 Chevy Chase HouseB-11, B-15 Funeral Services Churchill Senior Living .......14 Going Home Cremation.......42 Covenant Village................B-7 Government Culpepper Garden ..........10, 18 Services Emerson House ................B-15 DC Dept of Insurance ............6 Falcons Landing ....................7 DC Office on Aging .......22-23 Five Star Premier Residences14 Montgomery County Aging and Friendship Terrace......B-3, B-7 Disability Services ......16, 18 Gardens of Traville, The ....B-3 Montgomery County Greenspring................B-2, B-7 Public Library tax prep .....26 Harmony Chantilly ..............10 Wheaton Senior Center........13 Harmony Spring Hill ...........10 Home Health Homecrest House.....B-6, B-13 Care/Companion Homewood at Frederick.....B-8 Services Landing of Attenda Home Care . . . . .B-4 Silver Spring, The .............18 Best Senior Care . . . . . . .B-11 Quantum Property Mgmt .....B-5 Chesapeake Home Health . .17

Pointe View at Aspen Hill.....B-3 R Homes Communities ......B-10 Riderwood................B-2, B-15 Sommerset Retirement ..............................B-4, B-13 Springvale Terrace ......................B-6, B-7, B-12 Vinson Hall ..............B-4, B-15 Wilshire Estates .....................9

Legal Services Farr Law Firm ......................27 Law Offices of Lee Holdmann ..............31 Law Offices of Nancy Feldman .................29 Law Offices of Paul Riekhof28

Medical/Health

Real Estate Long & Foster/ Eric Stewart.................30, 35

Retail/Auction Cameo Coins & Collectibles..6 Cherry Blossom CBD............9 Oakridge Auction Gallery....26 Quinn’s Auction Galleries .............................B-8

Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Manor Care Health Services................................21

Subscriptions Beacon Newspaper ..............45

Theatre/ Entertainment

Acumedicine Health ............20 Allied Pharmaceutical Services.............................17 Health For Life Dispensary..21 I Hate Knee Pain ..................15 Lesner Hearing.....................14 Medical Eye Center .............12 MedStar Orthopaedic Institute .............................11 Silver Spring Medical Center................................21

Arena Stage..........................38 F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre ...40 Kennedy Center ...................41 Senior Zone..........................42 Smithsonian Associates .......39 Toby’s Dinner Theatre..........38

Miscellaneous

Beacon .................................29 Career Gateway....................28 Old Town Trolley .................33

City of Rockville Mansion...35 Green House H St. ...............13 JCA Senior HelpLine...........28

Tour & Travel Eyre Travel...........................33 Shillelaghs............................33

Volunteers & Careers

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J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 0 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N