January 2023 | Baltimore Beacon

Funky art museum’s new leader

By Robert Friedman

If you have ever asked, “What is the meaning of art and why should I care?” then Jenenne Whitfield, the new executive director of Baltimore’s popular American Visionary Art Museum (AVAM), has the answers for you.

Whitfield believes that the creation and appreciation of art can lead to a fuller life.

“The key for me,” Whitfield told the Beacon in a recent interview, “is the variety of ways that artistic expression can ignite the senses. Art for art’s sake, and art for the sake of humanity — both are important.”

Whitfield took over as AVAM director in September after a 27-year run by founding director Rebecca Alban Hoffberger, who has said of her successor: “Her personal passion for visionary art mirrors my own.”

The museum displays art by untrained artists of varied backgrounds: ordinary people from all walks of life, from farmers and mechanics to the imprisoned and homeless.

Located at the foot of Federal Hill, the AVAM complex consists of a striking museum building, plus sculpture gardens and an outdoor movie theater, as well as a former whisky warehouse converted to classroom space.

AVAM is congressionally designated (thanks to Sen. Barbara Mikulski) as a national museum “dedicated to intuitive, selftaught artistry.”

Since its founding 30 years ago, the museum has gained national attention from the likes of Oprah and John Oliver. CNN dubbed it “one of the most fantastic museums anywhere in America,” National Geographic praised it as “an exuberant haven for self-taught artists,” and USA Today deemed it “a temple of outsider art.”

AVAM receives more than 100,000 visitors a year, from art school students to nursery school students to politicians.

Maryland Congressman Jamie Raskin,

at a gala last month with the mu-

ARTS & STYLE

honored

seum’s Grand Visionary Award, told the Beacon that Whitfield’s arrival at the AVAM is “exciting, promising and right on time.” See VISIONARY

PHOTO BY LARRY CANNER

Jenenne Whitfield, the new director of Baltimore’s American Visionary Art Museum, comes to the area from Detroit, where she and her husband converted a run-down street into an outdoor art project. Baltimore’s museum, located in Federal Hill, showcases the creative works of self-taught artists and emphasizes intuition and creativity.

What “Silent Generation?”

Everyone knows about the Baby Boom Generation, born from 1946 to 1964. Likewise, we all know “The Greatest Generation,” who were born 1901-1925 and fought World War II. Those two iconic cohorts loom large as we recount American history over the last century.

But what about the generation born from 1926 to 1945? What do we call them, the Americans who grew up during the Great Depression and World War II?

pejorative for those who failed to speak against McCarthyism, and it took permanent root, even though most of the cohort were only children and teens when Senator Joseph McCarthy held sway. The Pew Research Center’s website notes, “their ‘Silent’ label refers to their image as conformist and civic-minded.”

GUEST COLUMN

By Robert Tiller

Some writers and analysts overlook them completely. A 2014 article and accompanying chart in the Atlantic totally ignored this generation, detecting no break between Greatest and Boomers.

For journalists and researchers who know that the Boomers did not come immediately after the Greatest, one designation is “Traditionalist.” But the label used most often is the “Silent Generation.” Many newspapers employ it, and Wikipedia has a lengthy entry with that heading.

The label arose in the early 1950s as a

Wide usage does not, however, assure accuracy, and the characterization “Silent Generation” is laughably inappropriate. Consider the stunning array of leaders that emerged from that generation across the broad spectrum of our common life — people who were anything but silent.

In civil rights: Martin Luther King Jr., Jesse Jackson Sr., John Lewis. Business: Warren Buffett, Ted Turner, Martha Stewart. Government: Colin Powell, Madeleine Albright, John McCain, John Kerry, Newt Gingrich, Ted Kennedy, Bernie Sanders. Journalism and books: Maya Angelou, Bob Woodward, Harper Lee. Entertainment and music: Mari-

lyn Monroe, Hugh Hefner, Berry Gordy, Aretha Franklin, George Lucas, Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan, Clint Eastwood, Bill Cosby, Barbra Streisand. Sports: Muhammad Ali, Billie Jean King, Wilt Chamberlain, Joe Namath, Arthur Ashe, Pete Rose, Jack Nicklaus.

The list goes on, from every component of American life: Gloria Steinem, Jane Fonda, Jerry Falwell Sr., Cesar Chavez, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Jim Jones, Harvey Milk, Ralph Nader, Rudy Giuliani, Daniel Ellsberg, Neil Armstrong, Andy Warhol. These people were not silent in any sense of the word.

This list includes several who will be revered for decades to come, as well as a few whose lamentable legacy we would prefer to erase from our memories. Whatever we think of them, individually and together, they did not represent a silent generation.

Beyond the leaders, the 1926-1945 generation also produced a stunning pool of “followers” who were equally not silent. They were ordinary folks doing extraordinary things, especially by the norms received from their parents. Their names will never appear in bold type, nor will they rate Wikipedia pages, but they were truly a generation bent on transforming society.

work force. As the “Silent Generation” came of age, millions of women surged into every type of job, and by 2000 the proportion had leaped to 60 percent.

Finally, this generation should never again be called “Silent” because the changes it wrought were far-reaching, undeniable and permanent. Not only is rockand-roll here to stay (as one song from this generation put it), so are many other innovations that were developed and widely embraced by this group: no-fault divorce, the Pill, the proliferation of nonprofit organizations, frequent protest marches, feminism as fundamental, an active life in retirement.

The “Silents” flexed their muscle to insist on changing the minimum voting age to 18, as well as equal treatment of women and minorities in every American institution.

Family, work, education, sex, race, politics, movies, music — this generation altered every aspect of our common life, and those changes carried over to the lives of every subsequent generation.

The Beacon is a monthly newspaper dedicated to inform, serve, and entertain the citizens of the Greater Baltimore area, and is privately owned. Other editions serve Howard County, Md. and Greater Washington, D.C. Subscriptions are available via third-class mail ($12), prepaid with order. Maryland residents add 6 percent for sales tax. Send subscription order to the office listed below.

Publication of advertising contained herein does not necessarily constitute endorsement. Signed columns represent the opinions of the writers, and not necessarily the opinion of the publisher. Publisher/Editor

Freedom rides, sit-ins, women’s consciousness-raising groups, Stonewall, gays challenging the stay-in-the-closet norm, Black kids desegregating all-White schools, organizers of Woodstock, boycotts in support of farm workers, experiments with LSD, wide use of marijuana, launching the environmental movement, protesters of both the nuclear arms race and the Vietnam War — the quotidian folks of this generation were always about making changes. This is the generation that made Habitat for Humanity and MADD into household names almost overnight.

The women, most of whose mothers had been “homemakers,” realized that working outside the home was desirable as both a means and an end. In 1950, only 34 percent of American women were in the

One surprising facet of life today is the outsize role that some from this generation still play in the American body politic: Joe Biden, Mitch McConnell, Nancy Pelosi and Anthony Fauci are all from the socalled “Silent Generation.” While many of their cohort have moved to the wings, this quartet occupied center stage for a long time; the first two are still there, while the other two stepped away from the bulls-eye in recent weeks.

At its peak this generation in America numbered about 50 million. The majority have now passed away, and the youngest will be turning 78 this year. We are well beyond the appropriate time to find a suitable appellation for them. So, what is a more apt moniker than “Silent Generation?” Perhaps Pioneer or Trailblazer or Hinge or Transformative? All of those work, but my preference is the “Change Generation.” That’s the best way to characterize what they, leaders and followers alike, did for America: they wrought change.

Robert “Bob” Tiller lives at Riderwood in Silver Spring, Md. He was born in 1941.

Dear Editor:

Through a series of unusual consonances, I received, via eBay, a DVD wrapped in pages from the Beacon and found your September “From the Publisher” column, “Music Lessons.” I was delighted by what I read, for I just now was practicing singing intervals at the piano, a result of an online course I am taking.

I missed the sex/drugs/rock-and-roll era by quite a few years. I am now 87 and a retired physician/pathologist and life-long pianist who keeps trying to get better at every-

thing, including music. I worked my way through medical school playing piano in a bar and for fraternity parties, despite inadequate lessons during my early years from a teacher who taught straight from a book.

So now I am trying to catch up. The ear training I just worked on at the piano revealed that I still have a long way to go. If only I had these kinds of lessons when I was susceptible to them!

Great article and good advice.

Jack Leissring Santa Rosa, CA

Health Fitness & Health Fitness &

SENIOR MOMENTS

Is it normal forgetfulness or something else? When to call your doctor

ITS NOT JUST YOUR AGE

Pain while walking can be a sign of arterial disease and should be checked MESS OF POTTAGE

Lentils are full of protein, nutrients; try this great recipe for a winter soup

TOO MUCH CONTROL?

Older diabetics may do better with less blood-sugar control than too much

Meditation can be as good as medication

By Lindsey Tanner

Mindfulness meditation worked as well as a standard drug for treating anxiety in the first head-to-head comparison.

The study tested a widely used mindfulness program that includes 2½ hours of classes weekly and 45 minutes of daily practice at home. Participants were randomly assigned to either the program or daily use of a generic drug sold under the brand name Lexapro for depression and anxiety.

After two months, anxiety as measured on a severity scale declined by about 30% in both groups and continued to decrease during the following four months.

Study results, published last month in the journal JAMA Psychiatry, are timely. Numerous reports suggest global anxiety rates have increased recently, related to worries over the pandemic, political and racial unrest, climate change and financial uncertainties.

In September, an influential U.S. health task force recommended routine anxiety screening for adults. Anxiety disorders include social anxiety, generalized anxiety and panic attacks.

Affected people are troubled by persistent and intrusive worries that interfere with their lives and relationships. In the U.S., anxiety disorders affect 40% of women at some point in their lives and

more than 1 in 4 men, according to data cited in the Preventive Services Task Force screening recommendations.

What is mindfulness?

Mindfulness is a form of meditation that emphasizes focusing only on what’s happening at the moment and dismissing intrusive thoughts.

Sessions often start with breathing exercises. Next might be mental “body scans” — thinking about each body part systematically, head to toe. When worried thoughts intrude, participants learn to briefly acknowledge them but then dismiss them.

Instead of ruminating over the troubling thought, “you say, ‘I’m having this thought; let that go for now,’” said lead author Elizabeth Hoge, director of Georgetown University’s Anxiety Disorders Research Program. With practice, “It changes the relationship people have with their own thoughts [even] when not meditating.”

Previous studies have shown mindfulness works better than no treatment, or at least as well as education or more formal behavior therapy, in reducing anxiety, depression and other mental woes.

But this is the first study to test it against a psychiatric drug, Hoge said, and

the results could make insurers more likely to cover costs, which can run $300 to $500 for an 8-week session.

How the study worked

The results were based on about 200 adults who completed the six-month study at medical centers in Washington, Boston and New York. Researchers used a psychiatric scale of 1 to 7, with the top number reflecting severe anxiety.

The average score was about 4.5 for participants before starting treatment. It dropped to about 3 after two months, then dipped slightly in both groups at three months and six months. Hoge said the change was clinically meaningful, resulting in noticeable improvement in symptoms.

Ten patients on the drug dropped out because of troublesome side effects possibly related to treatment, which included insomnia, nausea and fatigue. There were no dropouts for that reason in the mindfulness group, although 13 patients reported increased anxiety.

The study “is reaffirming about how useful mindfulness can be when practiced effectively,” said psychologist Sheehan Fisher, an associate professor at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, who was not involved in the study.

Works best for mild anxiety

Dr. Scott Krakower, a psychiatrist at Zucker Hillside Hospital in New York, said mindfulness treatments often work best for mildly anxious patients. He prescribes medication for patients with more severe anxiety.

He noted that many people feel they don’t have time for mindfulness meditation, especially the time it takes to participate in in-person sessions like those studied. Whether similar results would be found with online training or phone apps is unknown, said Krakower, who also had no role in the study.

Olga Cannistraro, a freelance writer in Keene, New Hampshire, participated in an earlier mindfulness study led by Hoge and says it taught her “to intervene in my own state of mind.” During a session, just acknowledging that she was feeling tension anywhere in her body helped calm her, she said.

Cannistraro, 52, has generalized anxiety disorder and has never taken medication for it. She was a single mom working in sales during that earlier study — circumstances that made life particularly stressful, she said.

She has since married, switched jobs, and feels less anxious, though she still uses mindfulness techniques. —AP

How meds and supplements can interact

By Michael Schuh

Dear

Mayo Clinic:

As I have gotten older, doctors have placed me on more medications, such as for high blood pressure and cholesterol.

Also, as I age, I have chosen to take some supplements that are supposed to improve my memory, reduce cholesterol and prevent cancer. Should I worry about these supplements interacting with one another or my medications?

A: With age come more chronic health conditions. Also, some people may develop deficiencies in certain vitamins as they age. Thankfully, an array of prescription and over-the-counter medications, as well as dietary supplements and vitamins, are available to alleviate symptoms, slow the advancement of many age-related chronic health conditions, and help people maintain good health.

Over the years, though, store shelves have become crowded with hundreds of herbal supplements and other nutritional enhancers that make various claims about supporting physical and mental health and function.

The word used by many to describe taking multiple prescription and over-thecounter medications, as well as dietary and herbal supplements, is “polypharmacy.” Although it has many definitions, the broadest definition of polypharmacy is the simultaneous use of multiple medications or supplements to treat one or more medical conditions in one patient.

As people take more and more medications and supplements, the chances for interactions increase.

The challenge is that having more medical conditions requires having more healthcare providers to treat them. Unless patients ensure each of their providers has an up-to-

date medication and supplement list, providers may not accurately know what patients take or communicate about risks related to those medications and supplements.

Inadvertent over- or underdosing

For example, consider a patient who was prescribed a statin to lower cholesterol. However, after seeing an advertisement that promotes red yeast rice as being good for managing cholesterol, she began taking it as well.

Red yeast rice naturally contains lovastatin, a naturally occurring statin. Without realizing it, this patient began duplicating the therapy her healthcare provider had prescribed via the drug atorvastatin. She began experiencing leg cramping, muscle soreness and elevated liver function tests from this drug interaction.

While it is important to talk with your provider and pharmacist about what you

take to avoid too much medication, it is also important to avoid a deficit.

Consider vegetarian or vegan patients who are newly diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. Often these people take a B-12 supplement because they do not eat meat and need this nutrient.

However, standard therapy for a Type 2 diabetic is a medication known as metformin, which can deplete B-12 in some patients. So now having started the metformin, these people require more B-12 supplementation than before.

To complicate matters, if they were already taking or start an anti-reflux, antiulcer medication such as omeprazole, which lowers stomach acid production, B-12 deficiency can further worsen, since B-12 depends on stomach acid to assist absorption.

Questions about memory, using weights

By Howard LeWine, M.D.

Q: When should a person start worrying about becoming more forgetful? How can you tell if it’s normal memory loss, or something more serious?

mentia. The key is in how often these slips occur. You really need to figure out the pattern.

depression.

a good way to get started?

A

: For many of us, memory blips become more common as we get older. Our brains form fewer connections now, so our memory is not as strong as it used to be.

As we get older, the processing speed of our brain slows down, so we can’t recall information as quickly as we used to. It may take us longer to remember basic information, such as names, dates, or where we left our car keys.

Memory lapses are unsettling, but they don’t necessarily herald impending de-

Is it happening several times a week, or is it happening once or twice a month? Is it a change compared to five or 10 years ago? Is it getting gradually worse?

Forgetfulness can be a normal part of growing older. Memory lapses can also stem from several other conditions, including lack of sleep, stress, medications, alcohol or depression.

Any of these conditions can be treated. For example, you can adjust your sleep schedule, try deep breathing or other techniques to reduce stress, change the dose or type of medications you take, cut down on your drinking, or get treated for

Don’t be alarmed by everyday forgetfulness. The time to call your doctor is when you have more persistent or worsening memory loss that’s interfering with your daily activities and routine and starting to affect your daily functioning.

There are three things you can start doing right now to preserve mental function as you age:

1. Exercise. Exercise promotes the release of a powerful molecule called brain-derived neurotrophic factor, which repairs brain cells, strengthens their connections, promotes new brain cell growth, and enlarges the size of your hippocampus (a part of the brain involved in the storage and retrieval of memories).

Exercise also increases blood flow to your brain and may protect the brain’s system for flushing out toxins.

2. Eat a healthy diet. To protect yourself, generally avoid processed and sugary foods and animal fats (other than from fish). They’re associated with poor cardiovascular health.

Opt instead for a Mediterranean-style diet, which is tied to lower risks for cardiovascular disease and cognitive decline. The diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, beans, whole grains, nuts, seeds, olive oil and fish, as well as moderate amounts of poultry and dairy.

3. Get more sleep. We should aim for seven to eight hours of sleep each night to help the body rest and the brain conduct important duties. During sleep, the brain’s glymphatic system flushes out waste produced by the brain, including Alzheimer’s disease-related toxins (such as the protein amyloid-beta).

Q: For a person in his 70s who never did resistance training, what’s

A: Old-fashioned resistance training — lifting heavy weights multiple times — is the best way for people to slow and even reverse age-related muscle loss, known as sarcopenia. It can also increase your strength, protect against falls, and help you live a more independent life.

Resistance training (also known as strength training) consists of doing upperand lower-body exercises using free weights (like dumbbells, kettlebells or barbells), weight machines, resistance bands, or just your own body weight.

The constant challenge with resistance training is finding the Goldilocks zone between doing too little and too much. You want to stress your muscles enough to see and feel a difference, but not overdo it, where you risk injury.

Ideally, see a certified trainer before you embark on a resistance training program. It’s worth the time and investment, as he or she can create a routine unique to your needs, and more importantly, teach you proper form and speed.

However, if you want to get started on your own, here are some resistance exercise basics:

Type: Do one to two multi-joint exercises per major muscle group. There are six main muscle groups: chest, back, arms, shoulders, legs and calves. So, this means doing six to 12 exercises per workout.

Weight: Use enough weight or resistance so you can perform 10 repetitions (or reps) with good form. The last two should be tough to complete. Alternatively, start with 70% of your maximum one rep. Maximum one rep is the amount of weight you can safely lift just once.

Drug interactions

From page 3

Potentially serious side effects

There are other examples of supplement or prescription interactions. For instance, taking calcium with a vitamin D supplement for osteoporosis, along with a multivitamin containing vitamin D, may raise calcium in the urine enough to increase the risk of forming kidney stones.

Taking a narcotic pain reliever for acute or chronic pain when already taking an anti-anxiety medication like alprazolam can result in a loss of consciousness. Even worse would be if people drink an alcoholic beverage having both alprazolam and a narcotic in their system.

Herbals also can interact

Herbal supplements can pose a risk in polypharmacy patients because they also may affect the metabolism of a medication or other supplements.

Resveratrol, which is found in grape skins, is often taken as an antioxidant supplement. Some evidence suggests that it can slow the metabolism of certain common medications and cause side effects.

Gingko biloba, which is taken for mem-

Using weights

From page 4

Reps: Do anywhere from six to 12 reps per exercise. I suggest beginning with 10 to 12 reps. Then as you progress, you should aim for six to eight reps with increased weight or resistance.

Sets: Start with two sets per exercise. Always rest in between each set for 30 to 60 seconds to help you recover.

Frequency: More is not always better when it comes to resistance training. Two or three workouts per week can produce the desired muscle tone and strength.

ory, can have an anti-platelet effect, increasing the risk of severe bleeding in those patients already taking anticoagulants such as warfarin or apixaban.

When taking multiple prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs, as well as supplements, review them at least annually. Seeking out a specialty pharmacy or a polypharmacy pharmacist is ideal, as they can identify possible drug interactions or adverse drug reactions caused by the various components and can partner with your healthcare providers to avoid future issues.

Also, speak to your pharmacist any time you are prescribed a new medication so you can identify any potential interactions with other things you are taking.

Michael Schuh, Pharm.D., Department of Pharmacy, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida

Mayo Clinic Q & A is an educational resource and doesn’t replace regular medical care. E-mail a question to MayoClinicQ&A@mayo.edu. For more information, visit mayoclinic.org.

© 2022 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. All rights reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Keep in mind that it can take time to see increased muscle mass and feel stronger. Consistency is essential, but if you don’t notice changes after about eight weeks, you are not training hard enough and need to mix up your routine by increasing your weight or sets or the number of exercises.

Howard LeWine, M.D., is an internist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston and assistant professor at Harvard Medical School. For additional consumer health information, visit health.harvard.edu.

© 2022 Harvard University. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

GENTLE YOGA

A gentle yoga class suitable for all ages and fitness levels meets on Tuesdays from 10 to 11 a.m. at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 37th St. and Roland Ave., Baltimore. The fee is $3 per class, and there is no need to sign up in advance. For more information, call Action in Maturity at (410) 889-7915.

HOW TO MANAGE CHRONIC DISEASE

The Chronic Disease Self-Management Program is an online workshop for adults with at least one chronic health condition, which may include arthritis. It focuses on medication, nutrition, exercise, managing frustration, communicating with doctors, planning and ways to relax. This online class takes place on Wednesdays, Jan. 11 to Feb. 22, from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Suggested donation is $15. For more information, email Donna Bilz at dbilz@baltimorecountymd.gov or call (410) 887-3423.

MAKE GIFTS FOR CANCER PATIENTS

Kits to Heart is seeking remote volunteers to support families affected by cancer. Some items needed for the cancer care kits include inspirational letters, crocheted or knitted bags, face masks and no-sew fleece blankets. For more information, visit kitstoheart.org/pages/volunteers.

MAIL OR EMAIL FOR FREE INFORMATION

For free materials on housing communities and health studies, just complete this coupon and mail it — or take a picture and email it -- to the Beacon.

Housing Communities

Catholic Charities (see ad on page 13)

Charlestown/Erickson (see ads on pages 11, 12)

Christ Church Harbor Apts (see ad on page 13)

Harmony at Enterprise (see ads on pages 1, 11, 20)

Inspirations Memory Care (see ad on page 6)

Oak Crest/Erickson (see ads on pages 12, 14)

Park View Laurel (see ad on page 18)

Park View Towson (see ad on page 18)

Park View Fullerton (see ad on page 18)

Park View Rosedale (see ad on page 18)

Pickersgill (see ad on page 13)

St. Mary’s Roland View Towers (see ad on page 8)

Virginia Towers (see ad on page 6)

Warren Place Senior Apartments (see ad on page 21)

Clinical Research Studies

Cognition/Pre-Diabetes Study (CAMPS) (see ad on page 9)

Diabetes Prevention Program (see ad on page 9)

HIPS Fall Prevention Study (see ad on page 9)

Shingles/Flu

Check the boxes you’re interested in and return this form to: The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915 or take a picture and email to housing@thebeaconnewspapers.com. You may return this form together with the prize drawing form on page 14.

Get tested if your legs hurt while walking

Dear Savvy Senior,

I started a walking program a few months ago to help me lose weight. I’ve been having problems with my legs and hips hurting during my walk, although they feel better once I stop.

I thought it was just because I’m getting old, but my neighbor was telling me about a leg vein disease she has called PAD and thinks I may have something similar. What can you tell me about this?

ly 8 to 12 million Americans.

It happens when the arteries that carry blood to the legs and feet become narrowed or clogged over the years with fatty deposits or plaque, causing poor circulation.

what you’re experiencing: pain and cramping in the hip, thigh or calf muscles, especially when walking or exercising, but it usually disappears after resting for a few minutes.

pressure in your ankle as well as your arm and comparing the two numbers.

By Jim Miller

—Limping Linda Dear Linda,

The health condition your neighbor is telling you about is known as peripheral arterial disease (or PAD), which is an underthe-radar disease that affects approximate-

But you also need to be aware that because PAD is a systemic disease, people that have it are also much more likely to have clogged arteries in other areas of the body, such as the heart, neck and brain, which greatly increases the risk of heart attack or stroke.

Few symptoms

Unfortunately, PAD goes undiagnosed and untreated way too often because most people that have it experience few, if any, symptoms.

The most common symptom is similar to

Another reason PAD is under-diagnosed is because many people assume that aches and pains go along with aging, so they simply live with it instead of reporting it to their doctor.

Other possible symptoms to be aware of include leg numbness or weakness, coldness or skin color changes in the lower legs and feet, or ulcers or sores on the legs or feet that don’t heal.

Are you at risk?

Like most other health conditions, the risk of developing PAD increases with age. Those most vulnerable are people over the age of 50 who smoke or used to smoke, have elevated cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, are overweight, or have a family history of PAD, heart attack or stroke. African Americans are also twice as likely to have PAD as Caucasians.

If you’re experiencing any symptoms or if you’re at increased risk of PAD, you need to be tested by your doctor or a vascular specialist.

He or she will probably perform a quick and painless ankle-brachial index test, which is done by measuring the blood

Your doctor may also do imaging tests such as ultrasound, magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), and computed tomographic (CT) angiography.

Options for treatment

With early detection, many cases of PAD can be treated with lifestyle modifications including an improved diet, increased physical activity and smoking cessation.

If lifestyle changes aren’t enough, your doctor may also prescribe medicine to prevent blood clots, lower blood pressure and cholesterol, and control pain and other symptoms.

And for severe PAD, the treatment options are angioplasty (inflating a tiny balloon in the artery to restore blood flow), the insertion of a stent to reopen the artery, or a graft bypass to reroute blood around the blockage.

To learn more about PAD, visit the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute website at NHLBI.NIH.gov/health-topics/ peripheral-artery-disease.

Send your 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

SAVVY SENIOR

Olive oil lowers one’s risk of early death

By Katherine D. McManus

For many years we have heard that olive oil helps lower the risk of heart disease, but its connection to decreasing risk of death has been less clear.

A recent study of approximately 92,000 Americans examined whether olive oil is associated with total and cause-specific mortality (death from a particular illness).

During 28 years of follow-up, the research showed that participants who consumed the highest amount of olive oil (greater than ½ tablespoon, or 7 grams, per day) had a 19% lower risk of early death compared to people who never or rarely used olive oil.

For cause-specific death, those with higher olive oil intake had a 19% lower risk of heart disease death, 17% lower risk of can-

BEACON BITS

Ongoing

cer death, 29% lower risk of dying from neurodegenerative disease (such as Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s), and an 18% lower risk of dying from respiratory disease.

When the study authors looked at using olive oil to substitute for certain fats, results showed that, by replacing 10 g. (about 2 teaspoons) of margarine, butter, mayonnaise or dairy fat with the same amount of olive oil, there was an 8% to 34% lower risk of total and cause-specific death.

Reduces cholesterol, inflammation

Why does olive oil work to reduce the risk of many diseases? One reason is that it’s high in monounsaturated fatty acids. When substituted for saturated fat, monounsaturated fats help lower your “bad”

ESTATE & ADVANCE PLANNING SERVICES

The Maryland Pro Bono Resource Center offers free estate and advance planning services to assist Baltimore City homeowners. Register to attend a legal clinic and meet with an attorney to complete a will, an advance medical directive, and financial power of attorney at 1500 Union Ave., Suite 2400, Baltimore. Remote consultations are also available. For more information, call (443) 703-3052.

Jan. 11

FREE BOOK CLUB

A historical novel inspired by true events, Kelli Estes’s The Girl

Who Wrote in Silk: A Novel of Chinese Immigration to the Pacific Northwest, describes two women determined to do the right thing. Join a free book club to discuss the book on Wed., Jan. 11 at 10:30 a.m. at Senior Box Office, 1801 Glen Keith Blvd. #105, Baltimore. Registration is not necessary. For more information, call (410) 887-5399

BRIDGE CLUB

Ongoing

Join other older adults for weekly bridge games on Mondays and Wednesdays from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. at 3101 Fallstaff Rd., Baltimore. The fee is $10 per game day with the annual $65 Myerberg Center membership, or $15 for non-members. Initial registration and game day reservations are required. For more information, visit myerberg.org/bridgeclub.

LDL cholesterol.

Extra-virgin olive oil can also reduce inflammation, which may be one of the main reasons for its health benefits. Olive oil’s main anti-inflammatory effects are from its antioxidants, one of which is oleocanthal. This antioxidant has been shown to work like ibuprofen, an anti-inflammatory drug.

Research has also shown that oleic acid, which is the main fatty acid in olive oil, can reduce levels of inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP).

In addition, the antioxidants in olive oil can reduce oxidative damage due to free radicals, believed to be one driver of cancer.

Will olive oil cause weight gain?

No, fat itself does not make you fat. Eat-

ing or drinking more calories than you need from any source, whether it’s fat, protein or carbohydrates, can result in weight gain.

Data over the past 40 years has shown that the percentage of calories that Americans eat from fat has decreased, while overweight and obesity rates have significantly increased. Sugary soft drinks don’t contain any fat, but they have been associated with the obesity epidemic in our country.

Tips for using olive oil

• Extra-virgin olive oil can be expensive. So, for cooking and baking, use virgin olive oil. Save the extra-virgin olive oil to use in making a salad dressing, dipping

Caring for Baltimore

Tasty lentils contain fiber, protein, vitamins

By Lisa Milbrand

If you’re looking to eat healthier, lentils — whether black, brown, yellow, green or red — should be among the top foods in your meal plan. Fortunately, learning how to cook lentils isn’t too complicated.

Lentils have nutritional benefits to cover all of your bases:

Lentils are rich in fiber: One of the biggest benefits of legumes like lentils is their high levels of fiber, which most people don’t get enough of in their diets.

“Lentils are a complex carbohydrate

that are super high in fiber, especially soluble fiber,” said Jennifer Hanway, a nutritionist and certified personal trainer. “Soluble fiber dissolves in water to form a gellike substance that moves through the GI system and can help remove some substances related to high cholesterol.”

For example, brown lentils can provide nearly a day’s worth of fiber (26 grams) in just a single half-cup serving, according to Hanway.

Lentils can help regulate blood sugar: The fiber in lentils can do more than help

Lisa’s Monastery Stew (Lentil Soup)

Serves 12 (freezes well)

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons olive oil

4 carrots, sliced

3 onions, chopped

1 tablespoon dried marjoram

1 tablespoon dried thyme

2 28-oz cans tomatoes

2 cups dried brown or green lentils

6 chicken bouillon cubes

6 cups water

Garlic powder, to taste

½ cup chopped fresh parsley

½ cup sherry or cooking sherry

Swiss cheese for topping (optional)

Directions:

Sauté carrots and onions in oil until tender. Add dried herbs and sauté briefly.

Chop up the canned tomatoes slightly, retaining juice, and add to pot. Add other ingredients except parsley and sherry.

Bring to a boil and simmer covered for at least 90 minutes, adding the parsley and sherry about 20 minutes before serving.

Top with grated Swiss cheese before serving, if you like.

Leftovers can be frozen in individual or multiple portions.

— Courtesy of the Beacon’s president

with digestion. “The soluble fiber in lentils can help balance blood sugar by slowing the glucose release into the bloodstream and preventing spikes in insulin,” Hanway said. That’s one of the big benefits of lentils for people with diabetes, as it helps keep blood sugar levels on an even keel.

Lentils are a good source of protein: Lentils pack in more than 20 grams of protein per half-cup serving — about the same amount as 4 ounces of salmon. That makes them a perfect addition to any meatless meal.

Lentils have plenty of vitamins and minerals: One of the health benefits of lentils is that they’re like a very tasty multivitamin: you can get calcium, potassium, zinc and iron by eating them, along with plenty of B vitamins.

Here are ways to enjoy more lentils (and their many benefits):

1. Swap your starches for lentils.

“I might replace starchy carbs — like rice or pasta or potato — with lentils,” Hanway said. “You still get the complex carbs, but a ton more fiber and protein.”

Alternatively, consider getting the best of both worlds by enjoying the many health benefits of red lentil pasta or other

BEACON BITS Ongoing

lentil-based pastas.

2. Get colorful with your lentils.

Each type of lentil has a slightly different protein, fiber and vitamin profile, so to get the full benefits of eating lentils, mix it up a little.

For instance, black lentils are packed with potent antioxidants. “Black lentils are full of anthocyanin, an antioxidant usually found in purple and blue foods, such as berries and red cabbage,” Hanway said.

Also, lentils have different textures — yellow and red lentils are more likely to break down and are great for soups, while black lentils hold their shape and are great for lentil burgers.

3. Don’t overcook them.

Hanway recommends turning off the stove a few minutes early when you’re making lentils. “You don’t want to boil them within an inch of their life,” she said. “Cook two or three minutes less than you think, turn the heat off, leave the lid on, and let steam help cook them through.”

Real Simple magazine provides smart, realistic solutions to everyday challenges. Online at realsimple.com.

© 2022 Meredith Corporation. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

HARRIET TUBMAN EXHIBITION

On the bicentennial of Harriet Tubman’s birth, visit a free exhibit highlighting Tubman’s daring exploits on the Underground Railroad and lesser-known details of her life, including her service to the Union as a nurse and military scout during the Civil War as well as her activities in support of women’s suffrage. Harriet Tubman: The Life & Legacy of a 19th-Century Freedom Fighter is on view through the end of February, Monday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Central Library’s Annex, 400 Cathedral St., Baltimore. For more information, email info@prattlibrary.org or call (410) 396-5430.

Peace of Mind is Priceless

Advice for diabetics’ blood sugar control

By Howard LeWine, M.D.

Q: I have had Type 2 diabetes for almost 25 years. I am now 81 years old. I still take both pills and insulin for my diabetes, but I think my doses are too high.

What’s a good blood sugar level for me to avoid low blood sugar?

A : The American Diabetes Association recommends striving for a hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) blood level of less than 7% in most people with diabetes.

But that might not be best for you.

HbA1C reflects a person’s average blood sugar during the last two to three months. A 7% HbA1C translates to an average blood sugar of 154 milligrams per

Olive oil

From page 7

bread or preparing a sauce.

• Serve olive oil at the table. Instead of using butter or margarine on your bread, dip it in plain or seasoned olive oil.

• Use olive oil as your base in salad dressings. Try this recipe: ¾ cup extra-virgin olive oil, ¼ cup red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp. grainy mustard, 1 crushed garlic clove, 1 tsp. honey, ¼ tsp. salt, ¼ tsp. pepper. Combine all ingredients in a small jar and shake well.

• Use olive oil in stir-frying, pan-frying, and roasting vegetables, fish and chicken.

• Use olive oil as a finishing oil: drizzle into

BEACON BITS

Jan. 21

deciliter. Doctors call achieving the goal of 7% or less “tight control.”

For people with Type 1 diabetes, tight control clearly improves health outcomes. Aiming for tight blood sugar control also makes sense for almost everyone when they are first diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. Tight control early on can often be achieved with diet and exercise and minimal drug treatment. However, for some people with Type 2 diabetes, tight control might cause more harm than benefit. According to a recent report, that’s especially true for many older people. So, your concern is well founded.

Tight control greatly increases the risk of low blood sugars (hypoglycemia).

creamy soups, mix into homemade hummus, add to whole-grain bowls or wholegrain dishes.

• Make a pesto sauce with it to enjoy with whole-grain pasta or to spread on whole-grain crackers or bread.

The bottom line: There’s strong research to demonstrate the health benefits of olive oil — but most importantly, it tastes delicious and can enhance the flavor of many family dishes.

Katherine D. McManus, MS, RD, LDN, is a contributor to Harvard Health Publications.

© 2022 Harvard Health Blog and Harvard University. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

INVESTING CLASS (VIRTUAL)

This

Episodes of hypoglycemia can lead to falls, fractures, seizures, head injuries, and problems with memory and thinking if hypoglycemia happens often.

Talk with your doctor about the best blood sugar goal for you. For example, he or she may now advise moderate control, keeping an HbA1C level between 7.1% and 8.5%. This translates to average blood sugars that are still less than 200 milligrams per deciliter.

Also ask your doctor what you should do to avoid hypoglycemia if you get sick

BEACON BITS

Jan. 12

and cannot eat. You may need to lower or skip doses of your medications.

A blood sugar that is a bit high generally is less dangerous than a very low blood sugar, especially in older people with longstanding Type 2 diabetes.

Howard LeWine, M.D., is an internist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston and assistant professor at Harvard Medical School. For additional consumer health information, visit health.harvard.edu.

© 2022 Harvard University. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Cognition And Metabolism in Prediabetes (CAMPS) Study

Are you 50 years or older?

Are you relatively healthy, without a diabetes diagnosis?

If so, you may be eligible for a new research study in which you learn about your daily blood sugar fluctuations and cognitive abilities. Receive $100 for participating. For information call 410-605-7179.

Mention “CAMPS”

Tight blood sugar control might cause more harm than benefit, especially for older people.

REMEMBERING DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. Local historian R. Harry Karp discusses the heroic leader who changed history, as well as Coretta Scott King, Booker T. Washington and A. Phillip Randolph. Karp’s free presentation takes place on Thu., Jan. 12 from 1 to 2 p.m. at Seven Oaks Senior Center, 9210 Seven Courts Dr., Nottingham. For more information, email sevenoakssc@baltimorecountymd.gov or call (410) 887-5192.

Foods that do best when not refrigerated

By Hilary Meyer

One of the best ways to eat a healthier diet is to eat more fruits and vegetables. And one of the worst things about buying fresh fruits and vegetables is watching them go bad in your produce drawer and throwing them away. No one wants to throw their food and money in the garbage.

One way to help ensure you’re eating your produce is to make a plan. Having a few meals and snacks planned out means you’re more likely to eat up.

Another key is to store your fruits and

BEACON BITS

Ongoing

vegetables the right way to keep them fresh. As it turns out, the refrigerator is not the go-to storage unit for all your produce. Below are four types of produce you shouldn’t keep in your fridge.

Tomatoes

If you’ve ever grown tomatoes, then you know that they love the heat and hate the cold. Turns out even after they’re plucked from the vine, they still hold their aversion to cold.

The fridge is not the ideal place to store tomatoes. Store them there and your per-

RETIRED AND SENIOR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) of Baltimore County is looking for active volunteers 55 or older who are dedicated to making a difference in their communities by supporting local government agencies, nonprofit organizations, faith-based community services and healthcare organizations. RSVP volunteers are matched with volunteer opportunities based on areas of interest and skill. For more information, email volunteers@baltimorecountymd.gov or call (410) 887-3101.

VOLUNTEER WITH MARYLAND LEGAL AID

Ongoing

MLA is a nonprofit law firm committed to providing access to justice for low-income Marylanders with civil legal issues. Volunteer attorneys are needed in various legal areas to offer brief advice, case management and full representation. There are also opportunities to volunteer for noncase handling activities. For more information, contact Angus Derbyshire at aderbyshire@mdlab.org or (410) 951-7624.

fect tomatoes turn into a mealy disappointment. They’ll still be good for cooking, but not the best for eating fresh.

Instead store them on your counter (not in direct sunlight) and enjoy them when they’re ripe.

Fresh herbs

Fresh herbs like basil, parsley and cilantro actually don’t belong in the fridge. Spending extended periods of time in a cold environment like a refrigerator causes them to wilt prematurely.

Fresh herbs do best when stored on your counter and treated as you would fresh cut-flowers. A fresh bunch of basil can be stored in a cup of water (change it every day or two) away from direct sunlight. Covering it loosely with a plastic bag will help keep it moist, but make sure the bag has an opening to allow for some fresh air to seep in.

Potatoes

Potatoes like cool, not cold temperatures. They do best at around 45 degrees Fahrenheit, which is about 10 degrees warmer than the average refrigerator.

Most of us don’t have a root cellar (a cool, dark place to store root vegetables like potatoes), so keeping them in a paper bag in a coolish spot (like a pantry) is best.

Why paper? It’s more breathable than plastic, so the potatoes won’t succumb to rot as easily.

And why not the fridge? Storing potatoes at cold temperatures converts their starch to sugar more quickly, which can affect their flavor, texture and the way they cook.

Onions

Onions don’t come out of the ground with that protective papery skin. To develop and keep that dry outer layer, they need to be cured and then kept in a dry environment like a pantry, which is not as damp as the refrigerator.

Also, lack of air circulation will cause onions to spoil, as will storing them near potatoes, which give off moisture and gas that can cause onions to spoil quickly.

Store onions in a cool, dry, dark, wellventilated place. (Light can cause the onions to become bitter.)

Scallions and chives, however, have a higher water content, bruise more easily and have a shorter shelf life, so store these alliums in the fridge.

EatingWell is a magazine and website devoted to healthy eating as a way of life. Online at eatingwell.com.

© 2022 Meredith Corporation. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Understanding ‘activities of daily living’

By Chris Harper

When looking into what senior living options are available and their different levels of care, it is important to empower yourself by getting to know different key words and phrases used in the field.

For example, in senior living communities, caregivers need to know what types of assistance a resident might need to stay healthy and safe. One way to identify needs and challenges is by assessing what are known as “activities of daily living,” or ADLs.

Activities of daily living, in general terms, are the daily tasks we all complete to care for ourselves. [See detailed descriptions below.]

As we get older, we might need some support with these tasks due to mobility challenges, cognitive decline, pain issues or other conditions. Senior living communities often base their type of care on how many activities of daily living the potential new resident needs assistance with.

Let’s review more about ADLs, which are sometimes called basic activities of daily living, domestic activities of daily living, or instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) — and how these activities can help senior living communities assess what living option might be best for a new resident.

Why ADLs and IADLs are important

When a senior living community determines if it can provide the support and services a potential new resident needs to stay healthy and safe, a team member will use certain markers during their assessment.

ADLs and IADLs are universal sets of tasks that help to measure if an adult can manage basic self-care tasks on their own or if they could use a little extra support.

But it’s not just senior living communities that use these tasks as a measuring tool. Sometimes, a family member can evaluate if there are certain tasks or chores their loved one is not able to complete safely or thoroughly. Then, they can seek out assistance with those specific activities. [Ed note: Such assessments are also helpful for those caring for older adults at home, whether family members or hired aides.]

Insurance and government reimbursement programs, such as Medicare and Medicaid, also use ADLs to determine eligibility. By looking at what type of ADLs and IADLs require support, insurance companies can determine what type of caregiving assistance is needed and pay for those services accordingly.

However, seniors’ abilities to complete

ADLs and IADLs change over time as they age and conditions progress. This means that monitoring those activities can give senior living communities, family caregivers and insurance agencies a heads-up that more support is needed.

What are the activities of daily living?

Activities of daily living are defined as specific tasks that are necessary for independent living at home or within a community.

For a senior living community, the level of independence with ADL tasks is based on whether someone can perform the activities on their own. If they need help from a professional or family caregiver, they likely need a higher level of care.

What do activities of daily living measure?

In general, ADLs are used as indicators of a person’s functional status. Depending on how many ADLs the adult can perform on their own, they might be considered totally independent, requiring minimal or moderate assistance, or completely dependent. This information assists caregivers as they prepare to provide personalized support throughout the day and evening.

Knowing more about ADLs can also help caregivers determine the living option that will best meet the resident’s needs, and develop a care plan that addresses their specific challenges and abilities.

What are some basic activities of daily living? (ADLs)

Generally speaking, six ADLs are used in senior living assessments:

Dressing , which includes the physical task of dressing and undressing. This includes effectively using zippers, buttons and clasps, as well as pulling on socks and shoes. The dressing task also includes choosing seasonally appropriate clothing.

Eating, which includes the physical task of feeding themselves independently. This includes using a fork and other utensils while eating, but does not necessarily include meal preparation, which is considered an IADL (see more below).

Continence management, which includes the ability to understand when they need to go to the bathroom, to get to the restroom on time, and to control their bladder and bowel movements.

Toileting, which includes the ability to get

of Everything is at

finest in maintenance-free senior living at

beautiful 110-acre campus. You’ll enjoy resort-style amenities, clubs and activities, delicious dining, and services that promote your health and well-being, including on-site medical care for every stage of your life. Our stylish apartment homes feature modern finishes and floorplans to suit every need. Our predictable Monthly Service Package takes the guesswork out of managing your expenses, because almost everything is included. And our 90% Refundable Entrance Fee* means your legacy is protected. Call 1-800-222-9651 to request your free brochure or to arrange an in-person or virtual tour. *Carefully read the Residence and Care Agreement for the conditions that must be satisfied before the Provider is required to pay the Entrance Fee Refund.

Combine comfort, elegance, irresistible cuisine, with friends and family for an unparalleled senior living experience. These are the elements that make a person feel at home, and they are the very essence of everyday senior living at Harmony at Enterprise. Located in Bowie, Maryland, our senior living community offers spacious apartments and a rich menu of services and amenities. Harmony at Enterprise will open in early 2023 and is now accepting deposits. Choose from Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care to get the right level of support from our caring, expert team. We are committed to serving our residents in a way that provides comfort and care. Live life enriched at Harmony at Enterprise.

on and off the toilet on their own and to perform hygiene care after using the restroom.

Personal hygiene and grooming , which includes bathing or showering, nail care and oral care.

Ambulating or mobility , which is sometimes referred to as transferring. This means that the person can stand from a sitting position, get in and out of bed, and

walk safely from one place to another.

Instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs)

Instrumental activities of daily living, or IADLs, also give insight into how someone is living at home. However, instead of covering basic care tasks, these tasks often require more complex planning or thinking.

What are instrumental activities of daily living? IADLs are self-care tasks that are more complex than simple ADLs. These

tasks require more critical thinking, organization and communication skills. They include:

Transportation, which includes either driving themselves places or coordinating transportation by arranging rides or using public transportation services.

Communication skills , which includes safely using cell phones and computers.

Meal preparation , which includes meal planning, grocery shopping, cooking, cleaning up, safely storing food, and using kitchen equipment and utensils.

Shopping, which includes the ability to use good judgment and make good purchasing decisions.

Housework , which includes keeping up with household tasks such as doing laundry, tidying up, dusting, or washing dishes.

Managing medications , which includes taking the correct medications in the correct dose and at the correct time of day. This task also includes managing any medication refills or follow-ups.

professional caregiver can assist with the tasks without physically touching the person who needs assistance. In contrast, ADLs require “hands-on” assistance or more thorough verbal cueing.

It’s also important to note that IADLs are often the first tasks that seniors can no longer do — especially in the face of early cognitive decline — but family members might not notice.

In contrast, when a senior can no longer independently complete ADLs, family members tend to observe that change in condition quickly.

Domestic activities of daily living (DADLs)

Domestic activities of daily living, sometimes referred to as DADLs, refer to a set of activities that contribute to quality of life. DADLs are sometimes the first activities people lose the ability to perform as they age because they may not know different ways to adapt their favorite activities to suit their changing abilities and needs.

A FOSTER GRANDPARENT

Managing personal finances, which entails operating within a budget, writing checks, paying bills on time and avoiding scams.

What is the difference between ADLs and IADLs?

Whereas both IADLs and ADLs are related to tasks, IADLs are considered “hands-off” care tasks because a family or

What are domestic activities of daily living? Domestic activities of daily living include any type of activity that falls into the following categories:

Physical exercise, such as walking, jogging, hiking or swimming.

Cognitive exercise, such as working on a crossword puzzle, completing a trivia contest, or trying out Wordle.

Fine motor skill work, such as gardening, knitting or playing a musical instrument.

Art, which can include playing music, writing poetry, painting, sculpting or making pottery.

Caring for others, which can include a pet, plant or grandchild.

Assessments

In most senior living communities, including long-term care and assisted living, clinicians perform an ADL assessment to gauge the potential resident’s needs. There isn’t a standard ADL test that every senior living community uses; most use their own assessment process.

But it’s not just clinicians who can per-

form an assessment of ADLs (sometimes referred to as a geriatric assessment).

Family members can assess their loved one’s ability to function independently by using online tools or by simply observing their loved one’s ability to complete the six major activities of daily living.

For a more formal ADL assessment, families can choose to enlist the assistance of their family doctor or an occupational therapist.

Having this information about their loved one can help family members choose the right next step as well as seek out insurance or government assistance to offset costs of care.

Who is qualified to perform an ADL assessment?

For a more formal assessment of ability, certified clinicians can utilize the Katz

Index of Independence, a commonly used tool to measure functional status and detect challenges. The tool ranks performance in the six major ADLs: bathing/hygiene, dressing, toileting, transferring/mobility, continence management and eating.

Additionally, physiotherapists can assess ADLs and IADLs as a part of their initial assessment.

How often should ADLs be evaluated?

ADLs should be evaluated regularly to ensure that the adult is receiving the support they need. As conditions progress, challenges might increase, which means

the senior might require additional personalized assistance to stay healthy and well.

Is there an informal tool caregivers can use at home?

Family caregivers can detect minor changes in their loved one’s functional abilities by performing an informal ADL assessment.

A checklist format can help family members and friends observe changes in their loved one’s abilities, giving them time to find assistance before those slight changes become major obstacles. Early interven-

A place of independence

Pickersgill assisted living residents are rarely in l their rooms! Instead, , theyy’re out and about— participating in a community activity or event or dining with friends.

A place of beauty

Living in n this community—ttucked d into a beautiful West Towson neighborhood —you or your loved one beau enjoy a warm welcome and daily activities, and they’ll appreciate the will enjo paths, beautifully landscaped grounds, lovely gardens and more. walking path

A place of caring

Each assisted liv g resident enjoys three chef-prepared meals per day, ing re y services, medication administration, help with daily housekeeping and laundry se quest, and all included in a reasonable monthly tasks and more—always by reques o all of the fee. Each h resi s dent also has access to all Pickersgill ameni l ties.

private, full bath, and residents are

Our assisted living g residences include a priv wish. This is a lifestyle dedicated to encouraged to decoraate their homes as they al staff. independence and assured by a caring, professionalfessionalstasttaff.

Activities

From page 13

Oak Crest

1-800-333-5693 8820 Walther Boulevard Parkville, MD 21234 www.OakCrestCommunity.com

Experience Vibrant Living at Oak Crest A warm, welcoming environment. Modern apartment homes with contemporary finishes. Resort-style amenities. Clubs and activities for engaged living. All of this and more awaits you at Oak Crest, a beautiful 87-acre senior community nestled in Baltimore County. You’ll enjoy maintenance-free living with a predictable Monthly Service Package that includes virtually all services. Our 90% Refundable Entrance Fee* provides peace of mind for you and your loved ones. And should you ever need them, advanced care options are available right on campus. We’d love to send you a free brochure and answer your questions. Please call 1-800-333-5693 today. *Carefully read the Residence and Care Agreement for the conditions that must be satisfied before the Provider is required to pay the entrance fee refund

Assistive technology

Older adults can adapt their habits and routines to have more independence with their ADLs. Using adaptive tools and technology is one way an adult can preserve energy and time while independently performing ADL tasks.

Adaptive equipment for dressing assistance can include reachers, long-handled shoehorns, button hooks, Velcro, sock aids, leg straps and dressing sticks.

Adaptive equipment for bathing can include transfer boards, grab bars, shower chairs or seats, long-handled sponges and handheld showerheads.

Adaptive equipment for toileting can include bedside commodes and bidets.

Adaptive equipment for eating can include wrist splints, non-skid bowls, plate guards, utensil cuffs, long straws and adaptive utensils.

Adaptive equipment for basic mobility can include a walker, cane, crutch, rollator, wheelchair or lift. Your physician or therapist can recommend the best mobility aid for your specific situation.

ADL support in senior living

Activities of daily living can be a good indication of how an adult is doing at home. If they are unable to safely and confidently keep up with their ADLs, it is time to find them the assistance they need.

In many cases, a senior living community can provide the right amount of personalized support. Learn more about what senior living can offer by downloading “The Journey to Senior Living: A Step-by-Step Guide for Seniors” at bit.ly/SeniorLivingJourney.

This article from The Arbor Company is edited and reprinted with permission.

Travel Leisure &

Visiting Switzerland via Grand Train Tour

By Don Mankin

Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “It’s not the destination; it’s the journey.” On the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland, it’s both.

This past October, my wife and I had the opportunity to enjoy both the ride and the country on a train tour through Switzerland.

Our trip started in Lugano, where I was attending the Adventure Travel World Summit — the first in-person summit since the pandemic began. I can’t think of a better place to break out of a pandemic: a beautiful lake, historic hotel, and a lovely lakeside promenade linking our hotel and the modern convention center, where the summit was held.

For variety during the weeklong stay, I sometimes walked down the winding pedestrian streets through town, lined with ritzy shops and restaurants and leading into hidden plazas. You could also catch a funicular up a steep hill to reach the shops near the lake, where most residences are located.

Lugano is very close to the Italian border, so the language and food is Italian. The pasta was a revelation. Unlike the robust, chewy pasta I am used to eating here, it was silken, delicate, velvety. All in all, southern Switzerland is like Italy with more efficient trains and less graffiti.

A World Heritage Site on rails

At the conclusion of the summit, we boarded a bus for a three-hour scenic ride along Lake Lugano, then past Lake Como (I peered through the bus windows for a glimpse of George Clooney, but to no avail) to Tirano, where we boarded the Bernina Express to St. Moritz. That was the first of three iconic train rides over the next few days.

The Bernina Express is listed as a World Heritage Site, one of the few railroads to be so designated. It is also the steepest narrow-gauge railway — and provides one of the most scenic train journeys — on the planet.

The train sure beats Amtrak. It is comfortable and roomy with huge windows, the better to gawk at the jagged peaks, plunging waterfalls and gleaming glaciers of the southern Alps, with farms, tiny villages and church steeples nestled in the broad valleys.

The color palette was wide and vivid: blue skies, green fields and trees tinged with the reds and yellows of autumn. Everywhere you looked was a postcard. Think of The Sound of Music and Heidi and you get the idea.

Our first destination, St. Moritz, is known for its skiing as well as for the beautiful, rich and limber people who populate

the slopes and shop in its expensive stores. It wasn’t ski season, so we spent our one evening wandering among stores selling products we couldn’t afford.

Glacier Express to Zermatt

The next day we boarded an even posher train, the Glacier Express, to Zermatt. During the seven-hour train ride, we were served a three-course meal on white linen with fancier glass and silverware than we use at home for special guests.

Zermatt is best known for its crosscountry skiing, hiking and mountaineering, as well as the Matterhorn, which looms over this rustic but upscale town.

The weather was mostly overcast for our two-night stay, precluding a gondola or cogwheel train ride up the slopes for a closer look at the Matterhorn and the usually breathtaking views of the surrounding 13,000-foot-tall mountains.

But it cleared enough on our second morning for some stunning photos of the rays of the rising sun shining off the slopes and the peak of the mountain.

Montreux, masterpiece on a lake

From Zermatt, we took two trains to Montreux. Neither of them was luxurious or iconic, just the usual comfortable, clean,

punctual and efficient components of the deservedly famous Swiss rail system.

Montreux was my favorite stop on our train tour. I first heard about Montreux when I was a teenage jazz fan and fantasized about attending the Montreux Jazz Festival, then one of the premier jazz festivals in one of the most beautiful settings in Europe.

Now, the festival leans heavily toward pop music, but the town is still incredibly beautiful, sitting on a huge, sparkling lake ringed by mountains.

We were only there for one night, just enough time to take a long walk on the wide lakeside promenade, dotted with whimsical sculptures, colorful patches of flowers, and grand old Belle Époque homes and hotels.

We stayed in one of these grand old hotels, the Suisse Majestic, in a room overlooking the lake. If we didn’t have a train to catch, we would have stayed there for days.

The Golden Pass to Lucerne

From Montreux, we headed to Lucerne on the Golden Pass, a Belle Époque-era train with red-velvet seat cushions, wood paneling and bronze fixtures. It was oldworld, regal and elegant, a leftover from the

Switzerland’s Bernina Express whisks passengers through 55 tunnels and 90 miles of Alpine countryside. The 800-mile Swiss Grand Train Tour provides panoramic views of turquoise lakes, glaciers, waterfalls and famous mountains.

PHOTO © AZURECHINA | DREAMSTIME.COM

On the Bernina Express, one of the eight railroads on the Swiss Grand Train Tour, people can eat, talk or just watch the spectacular scenery on the four-hour journey between Switzerland and Italy.

PHOTO BY DON MANKIN

Hillwalking is part of Ireland’s culture. See why it’s so popular on page 16.

A cultural adventure: Ireland hillwalking

By Ashley Stimpson

To the American eye, hillwalking and hiking have a lot in common. Both involve lacing up a pair of boots and heading somewhere on foot.

But in Ireland, hillwalking is more than an aerobic activity; it’s a cultural tradition. Hillwalking may involve few trails and no particular destination. The focus is on wandering — and wonder. That said, there are plenty of hillwalks where the trail has already been blazed.

On a recent trip to Ireland, I tried my hand (er, feet) at hillwalking and found no shortage of places to practice.

A day on the Mournes

A two-hour drive from Dublin, the Mourne Mountains are a Northern Ireland-designated “Area of Outstanding Beauty.” Under the tutelage of tour guide Peter Rafferty from Walk the Mournes, I completed my first hillwalk to the peak of Wee Binnian, just 1,500 feet high. It’s the little sibling of sorts to Slieve Binnian, one of the tallest peaks in the Mournes, at 2,450 feet. (“Slieve” is a Gaelic word that means mountain.)

Along the way, Rafferty pointed out native flowers, expounded on local history, and paused often to let me take in the seemingly endless views of Ireland’s fa-

mous green hills below.

Nestled between the Mournes and the Irish Sea — with a stunning view of both — Slieve Donard Resort and Spa was an ideal place to rest after a long and windy walk in the hills.

Glenveagh National Park

After fewer than three hours in the car, I arrived at Glenveagh National Park on the northwest side of the island in County Donegal.

To fuel up for my hillwalk, I stopped for lunch at the visitors center, which offers a more sophisticated take on typical park concessions — and, of course, tea. After a falafel wrap and fries, I was ready for Glenveagh’s most popular walk, a two-mile trek from the visitors center to the park’s eponymous castle.

The paved, flat trail winded through peat bog and wetlands before emerging into a more open landscape where the park’s moody blue lake, Lough Beagh, reflected the steep, green mountains that rise above it.

The 19th-century Glenveagh castle, located at the end of the walk, looks like something out of Beauty and the Beast. But it’s all beauty here, especially the castle’s carefully-tended gardens, where plants like dahlias and rhododendrons grow.

A seaside saunter on Cruit Island

Another County Donegal gem, Cruit Island (pronounced “Critch”) offers the hillwalker a chance to take a windswept, seaside walk and explore endless rocky coastlines, fields of wildflowers, and busy tidepools.

Only about 85 residents live on this four-

square-mile island, and their charming, thatched-roofed cottages are mostly built behind grassy dunes to protect them from the elements.

Although there aren’t any official trails on Cruit Island, per se, it’s easy to find

PHOTO 16 Leisure & Travel | Subscribe online! See how on p. 22 JANUARY 2023 — BALTIMORE BEACON See IRELAND, page 18

days when train travel was the thing to do.

The Golden Pass was only the first of four trains we had to take that day, illustrating the precise choreography of the Swiss rail system. Switching trains was literally like clockwork. I knew exactly where to go, how much time I had between trains, and when the train would pull out of the station.

Like Lugano and Montreux, Lucerne is a charming town located on a large, scenic lake surrounded by mountains. Besides its stunning setting, Lucerne is also known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, including a wooden bridge built in the 14th century.

Our plan was to ride the gondola to the top of Mt. Pilatus just outside town, ride the cog railroad down and take a boat back to town, but the skies were leaden with clouds. Since we figured the views wouldn’t be great, we opted instead for a round-trip, six-hour boat ride to the opposite end of the lake.

A cruise back in time

Because the shape of the lake is irregular, with many bends and turns, the boat trip is more like cruising down a winding, scenic fjord than crossing a large, open body of water. The lake is surrounded by steep mountains, so the views throughout

the trip were magnificent, at first silvery and moody from the low clouds, then sparkling and bright when the clouds and mist lifted in the afternoon.

The boat, a classic paddle wheeler built in 1926, stopped in several picturesque and historic lakeside villages and towns along the way. Stops included where the Swiss Confederation was established in 1291, the site of Wilhelm Tell’s heroic exploits in the 14th century, and a town where Mark Twain lived for several months in 1897.

We disembarked at Flüelen, the town at the far end of the lake, took a short walk, and stopped at a café for a takeaway lunch. We found a place to sit and eat our lunch while admiring one of the best views of the trip, toward a mountain across the water while a lone sailboat floated in the light breeze in the distance.

Before heading back to Lucerne on the next boat, we tried to absorb the scene and burn it into our memories. It will have to do until our next trip to a destination as beautiful as Switzerland and as easy to get to via the most efficient and comfortable transportation system in the world.

If you go

Economy round-trip flights from BWI to Zurich range from less than $1,000 for connecting flights to around $2,000 for nonstop flights. Check Kayak.com for current

fares.

A Swiss Travel Pass, which is good for travel on trains, buses and boats, plus access to many museums and other attractions, costs about $700 for a first-class, 15day pass. Seats on the Bernina Express, the Glacier Express, and the Golden Pass are extra. Go to bit.ly/SwissTravelPass for more information or to purchase.

Contact The Swiss Travel Centre at switzerlandtravelcentre.com to arrange a tour. For general information, go to MySwitzerland.com.

In Lugano, we stayed at the Hotel International au Lac (hotel-international.ch/

en/home). Rooms are about $200/night, including breakfast. In St. Moritz, try the Hotel Steffani (steffani.ch/en) for about $300/night with breakfast.

A Zermatt splurge is the Hotel Julen (julen.ch/en/romantik-hotel-julen) at about $350/night. And in Montreux, try the Marriott’s Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic for about $250/night.

In Lucerne, Hotel Continental Park (continental.ch/en) is about $200/night.

Don and Katherine’s trip was organized and hosted by the Switzerland Travel Centre. For more photos, go to Don’s blog on his website, adventuretransformations.com.

BY DON MANKIN

MOVIE MATINEE: ELVIS

Author Don Mankin caught this beautiful sunrise over the iconic Matterhorn mountain on his visit to Switzerland.

PHOTO

From page 16

recognizable foot paths made by hillwalkers who have come before. They traverse stretches of heather and thistle — and many of the island’s 12 sandy beaches.

As I wandered about, I couldn’t help but wish I’d brought a picnic, an excuse to stay even longer to marvel at the foamy sea.

For a completely different kind of walking adventure, Cruit Island is also home to one of Ireland’s most scenic golf courses.

Rails to trails

The next day I woke up in a well-appointed room at the Sandhouse Hotel in Rossnowlagh, a dignified estate that overlooks the gray Atlantic Ocean. After a hearty breakfast in the hotel’s Glasshouse Restaurant, I headed south to Achill Sound in County Mayo to check out the Great Western Greenway — Ireland’s version of a rail trail.

ENTERPRISE RESIDENTIAL

MOST COMMUNITIES ARE 62 AND BETTER

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY

The Greens at Hammonds Lane: 410-636-1141

Park View at Furnace Branch: 410-761-4150

Park View at Severna Park: 410-544-3411

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

Park View at Randallstown: 410-655-5673

BALTIMORE COUNTY (CONT.)

Park View at Rosedale: 410-866-1886

Park View at Taylor: 410-663-0363

Park View at Towson: 410-828-7185

Park View at Woodlawn: 410-281-1120

EASTERN SHORE

Park View at Easton: 410-770-3070

HARFORD COUNTY

Park View at Bel Air: 410-893-0064

Park View at Box Hill: 410-515-6115

HOWARD COUNTY

Park View at Colonial Landing: 410-796-4399 Park View at Columbia: 410-381-1118

Park View at Ellicott City: 410-203-9501 Park View at Ellicott City II: 410-203-2096 Park View at Emerson: 301-483-3322 Park View at Snowden River: 410-290-0384

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

The Great Western Greenway — which follows the right-of-way of the old Midlands Great Western Railway — runs for 27 miles, from Achill Sound to the bustling village of Westport.

I opted to try about eight of those miles from Achill Sound to Mulranny, where I would reward myself with lunch. The paved trail offered gentle gradients and breathtaking views. Soaring cliffs towered above spongey peat bogs and sparkling estuaries.

While the Great Western Greenway is an ideal walking path, many choose to see it by bike. Clew Bay Bike Hire offers regular and e-bikes for those looking for more wind in their hair.

At the end of the trail, Mulranny Park Hotel served up enough Irish food to keep me sated until my next journey to the Emerald Isle: brown bread, black pudding, and, of course, fish and chips.

If you go

Aer Lingus offers two daily direct flights from Dulles to Dublin — a breezy six-hour (or two-movie) trip.

On the way home, travelers will appreciate Dublin International Airport’s U.S. preclearance facility, allowing all U.S.-bound passengers to clear immigration and customs prior to departure. Upon landing stateside, you’ll get to skip the passport line.

It’s a great perk, but do plan ahead; arrive at the airport three hours early to ensure enough time to make it through check-in, security and immigration control.

For more information about Ireland’s hillwalks, visit walkthemournes.com or hillwalktours.com.

BEACON BITS Jan. 9+ Jan. 12

SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY SINGERS

Sentimental Journey

Singers is a free program for individuals with early to mid-stage cognitive change. Participants, along with their care partners, learn vocal techniques and three-part harmony while singing familiar songs and new pieces under the leadership of a professional conductor. The group meets on Tuesdays, Jan. 9 to May 28 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at the Pascal Senior Center, 125 Dorsey Rd., Glen Burnie. For more information and to register, visit encorecreativity.org/arts-for-life or call (301) 261-5747.

DELAWARE PARK CASINO TRIP

Hop on a bus to the Delaware Park Casino for some fun on Thu., Jan. 12, with the Ateaze Senior Center, 7401 Holabird Ave., Baltimore. The cost is $35. For more information and to register, call the center at (410) 285-0481.

Along parts of the scenic Irish coast, sheep are more plentiful than people.

Arts & Style

Sherlock Holmes spoof now at Everyman

By Dan Collins

Believe it or not, not everyone is a fan of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s creation, Sherlock Holmes. There’s a certain reproach for a man who seems to have all the answers, is ever in command, and whose lifelong companion, Dr. Watson, seems specifically designed to make him look superior.

That’s why such a character makes a wonderful target for comedy.

Fortunately for theater audiences everywhere, playwright Ken Ludwig has taken just such aim at the man in the deerstalker hat in his hilarious work, Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery, now at the Everyman Theatre in downtown Baltimore.

Even non-fans may be aware of the 1902 tale of The Hound of the Baskervilles, the third of four crime novels Doyle wrote (it was considered the best of the four in a poll of “Sherlockians”).

Like the Doyle novel, Ludwig’s play introduces us to the legend of the hellhound of dark and dismal moors: a fierce dog with an apparent penchant for killing — in this case, anyone with the last name Baskerville.

The play opens with the un-comedic death of Sir Charles Baskerville, leaving one to think they are in for a purely dramatic stage adaptation of Doyle’s work. But let’s not jump to simple Watsonian conclusions.

As one scene melts into the next, we are carried via Everyman set designer Paige Hathaway’s multifarious modular and me-

chanical set to 22B Baker Street where we first meet Sherlock Holmes (Danny Gavigan), Dr. Watson (Tony Nam) and landlady Mrs. Hudson (Megan Anderson).

And the game is quickly afoot.

Five actors, 40 roles

Directed by Laura Kepley, the emphasis in this production is on the foot, as in fleet of, as the mere five members of the cast play 40 separate roles, making 69 quick changes of not merely costume, but accent, age, gender and ethnicity.

The comedy bursts forth with Anderson’s turn as Mrs. Hudson, who is loud, effusive and rather enamored of her tenants, with emphasis on the amour. This is not the elderly woman of “queenly tread” as Doyle describes her.

Ludwig has fashioned a funhouse-mirror version of Doyle’s characters: Holmes, manic and conceited; Drew Kopas’ Sir Henry, a rambunctious Texan (vs. the worn and shell-shocked Canadian of the novel); and the Baskerville Hall wait staff, John (Bruce Randolph Nelson) and Eliza (Anderson) Barrymore, two who would be more at home serving the Addams Family (kudos to wig designer Denise O’Brien for Eliza’s “Bride of Frankenstein” hair).

All have effusive energy not seen outside of a classic Marx Brothers movie. Except one: Nam’s Watson is the play’s straight man, serving as the grounding foil to all the fanciful funny folks darting and dashing around him.

Creative costumes, sets Costume designer David Burdick’s colorful and layered designs (more than 100) facilitate the actors in their comedic turns. The Unsung Hero Award goes to

whomever is overseeing Kopas, Anderson and Nelson’s personal fitness, as their ability to transform themselves in seconds —

Drew Kopas and Bruce Randolph Nelson take on multiple roles, sometimes just moments apart, in Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery, a fast-moving spoof by Ken Ludwig, now on stage at Everyman Theatre through Jan. 1, 2023.

PHOTO BY TERESA CASTRACANE

See SPOOF, page 21

The American Visionary Art Museum has two outdoor sculpture gardens. Our cover story continues on page 20.

PHOTO BY JACK HOFFBERGER

Raskin added that Whitfield “is an artistic visionary born with the quirky, funky outrageous and resilient spirit of Baltimore in her heart.”

Director comes with experience

Whitfield comes to Baltimore from her hometown of Detroit, where for 28 years she worked with and became president of what is known as the Heidelberg Project — an outdoors art environment on a rundown city street.

Founded by artist Tyree Guyton (whom Whitfield married in 2001), the project has drawn hundreds of thousands of yearly visitors, as well as high critical praise.

“An artist had taken over an entire street of mostly abandoned buildings and transformed it into a giant work of art,” Whitfield said of the project. “Even the street was painted.”

Whitfield, a former banker, taught classes at the University of Michigan and Wayne State University, serving as a mentor for many artists.

She also co-founded an art collective in Detroit called United Artists of Detroit (UAD), an “online platform for artists and creatives in various disciplines that bring artists and resources together in one place,” according to its website.

Whitfield is only the second director of AVAM. “Rebecca [Hoffberger] has done an extraordinary job of embracing, advancing and providing a place for the intuitive creative spirit to flourish and grow,” Whitfield said.

“I look forward to building upon her strong foundation by increasing AVAM’s visibility, building greater alliances and taking AVAM to its next level.

“Rebecca and I are like sisters. We are united by the shared goal of bringing the work of visionaries to life,” Whitfield added.

Permanent and new exhibits

AVAM’s permanent collection includes paintings, sketches and indoor and outdoor sculptures. Each spring, it hosts a “kinetic sculpture race,” in which people design all-terrain human-powered floats that they bike or paddle in a parade starting at the museum.

The museum, according to its marketing department, “champions the role intuition plays in creative invention and evolutionary innovation of all sorts — be it in the field of art, science, health/wellbeing, engineering, humor, philosophy, and especially in inspiring compassionate and creative acts of social justice and betterment.”

There’s both creative invention and humor in the current group show, “Abundance: Too much, too little, just right.”

The show, which opened in October and runs through September 3, 2023, encompasses the vision and goals of the museum and its new director, Whitfield said. Most

of the artists are local, and they include a former coal miner, teachers, construction workers, a boxer and a carpenter.

The exhibition “takes a look at consumption and how many people have way more than they need, while others struggle to merely survive,” Whitfield said.

“The artists in this exhibition demonstrate how everyday things, often referred to as discards, can be used in the creative process.”

The “discards” being used in the exhibit include tinfoil (fashioned into an exquisite elephant), buttons, bottlecaps, pins, pennies, shells, ceramic plates, broken glass, used clothing, broken TV tubes and batteries, driftwood, paper cups and plates, old magazines, Styrofoam and scrap metal.

Whitfield recalled that in the Heidelberg Project in Detroit an old, abandoned car was “turned into a sculpture, into a work of art. The creation of art does not have to start with conventional material,” she said.

Outreach being planned

The new director, who has taught courses on “art as a social practice” at two universities, expressed special interest in “strengthening the educational arm of the museum.”

Among other ways of doing so, Whitfield hopes to take the museum’s art and philosophy into Maryland classrooms — from colleges to public schools.

“Art programs in most public schools have been cut,” she pointed out. “That’s why it is important for us to develop programs for the schools, to teach that art is a vehicle, a tool that helps you to tap into your own creativity.”

That creativity does not only apply to the visual arts, “but helps us to find what we are good at in life,” Whitfield said. “It’s also exploration to expand the definition of a worthwhile life.”

A program for the schools is “in the development stages,” she said, adding, “Stay tuned.”

Visitors from the 50-and-older crowd may be pleased that the museum has a leader of education who creates interesting art programs for older adults and children alike.

Whitfield also pointed out the role older artists have played and continue to play. “Much of the art in AVAM was created by people after they retired,” Whitfield noted.

As she put it in in a statement announcing her appointment last March, “What excites me most is that AVAM’s philosophy and visual aesthetics are beautifully aligned with what it means to be human. And what we should strive for as a human race.”

Whitfield sees her current role as looking for artists “who are trained or not,” but who can express through their art “a hopeful feeling…for a better world for humanity.”

The American Visionary Art Museum, located at 800 Key Highway, is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays. Admission costs $15.95 ($13.95 for people 60 and over). For more information, visit avam.org or call (410) 244-1900.

From page 19

from cockney urchin to butterfly-net-flying Mr. Stapleton to a Corsican hotel concierge to a half-deaf lady messenger to butler Barrymore (Nelson), from Hugo to Charles to Henry Barrymore to Inspector Lestrade (Kopas), from Mrs. Hudson to a wailing infant to a cab driver — is a superb and sweaty sight to behold.

Perhaps stage manager Cat Wallis had a few oxygen tanks on hand.

Set designer Hathaway deserves kudos as well for creating a set that can, with the pull of a few drawers or prop placement, transform from an opera house to Baskerville Hall to assorted offices and homes, with use of video screens to transform the stage into the Grimpen Mire bog or the heart of London.

As for the hound? Yes, he does make an appearance, as do several horses (well, stick ponies), all thanks to the efforts of

BEACON BITS

Ongoing

puppet designer Dan Jones (so rest easy, no animals were harmed in the making of this play!).

The mystery is solved — though in the final scene, the stage is set (literally) for Holmes and Watson’s next adventure, which might be called “Dagger of Death: A Night at the Opera.”

And let us not forget the mystery of how actor Drew Kopas successfully appears on stage as two different characters simultaneously!

Want more clues? Check out this rollicking farce at the Everyman, a fun way to kick off your holiday season.

Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery runs just over two hours with a 15minute intermission, with performances now through January 1, 2023. Tickets range from $29 to $63, depending on date of performance and seat location.

To purchase tickets, visit everymantheatre.org or call (410) 752-2208. Box office hours are weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“WOMEN OF THE BOOK” EXHIBIT

BEACON BITS Jan. 14 Jan. 22

WRITERS LIVE: BEN JEALOUS

Civil

ARMY CONCERT BAND

FROM PAGE 22

ANSWERS TO SCRABBLE

TO CROSSWORD

This free exhibition, drawn from the collection of rare books, manuscripts and ephemera, details the spiritual lives of early modern women from the Renaissance to the Enlightenment. Visit the Peabody Library at 17 E. Mt. Vernon Pl., Baltimore, through Tue., Jan. 31. For library hours, check library.jhu.edu/library-hours/george-peabody-library.

Conclusions

Stephen Sherr

CLASSIFIEDS

The Beacon prints classified advertising under the following headings: Business & Employment Opportunities; Caregivers; Computer Services; Entertainment; For Sale; For Sale/Rent: Real Estate; Free; Health; Home/ Handyman Services; Miscellaneous; Personals; Personal Services; Vacation Opportunities; and Wanted. For submission guidelines and deadlines, see the box on the right.

CAVEAT EMPTOR!

The Beacon does not knowingly accept obscene, offensive, harmful, or fraudulent advertising. However, we do not investigate any advertisers or their products and cannot accept responsibility for the integrity of either. Respondents to classified advertising should always use caution and their best judgment.

EMPLOYMENT & REAL ESTATE ADS:

We will not knowingly or intentionally accept advertising in violation of federal, state, and local laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, familial status or handicap in connection with employment or the sale or rental of real estate.

WESLEY FINANCIAL GROUP, LLC Timeshare Cancellation Experts. Over $50,000,000 in timeshare debt and fees cancelled in 2019. Get free informational package and learn how to get rid of your timeshare! Free consultations. Over 450 positive reviews. Call 855-626-8703.

HOW TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED AD

All classified ads 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 edition).

ETHAN ALLEN DINING ROOM SET, large table w/2 leaves and pads, 6 chairs, china closet, server, and matching chandelier. Circa 1970. Perfect condition. $2500.00 410-877-7843

PREPARE FOR POWER OUTAGES

TODAY with a GENERAC home standby generator $0 Money Down + Low Monthly Payment Options. Request a FREE Quote. Call now before the next power outage: 1-866-964-8106.

VIVINT. SMART SECURITY. Professionally installed. One connected system for total peace of mind. FREE professional installation! Four FREE months of monitoring! Call now to customize your system. 1-844-758-7925.

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.

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 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.

THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME! Jamhuri Healthcare Services recognizes the importance of keeping seniors or adults with special needs, in their homes, rather than sending them to a skilled nursing facility. Our personal in-home care program is designed to implement nonmedical tasks to meet the clients’ physical needs. Our home care aides provide a multitude of services for our clients, ranging from meal preparation & house cleaning to personal assistance & running errands. We are diligent in our staff & client pairings. We won’t put just anyone in your home or the home of your loved ones. Senior transportation services available 24/7. Call us toll-free at 1-800-547-2851.send text to the same number. visit us on the web: www.jamhuricares.com.

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.

DENTAL INSURANCE from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for 350 plus procedures. Real dental insurance - NOT just a discount plan. Do not wait! Call now! Get your FREE Dental Information Kit with all the details! 1-844366-1003 www.dental50plus.com/320 #6258.

STROKE AND CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE are leading causes of death, according to the American Heart Association. Screenings can provide peace of mind or early detection! Contact Life Line Screening to schedule your screening. Special offer - 5 screenings for just $149. Call 1-844-485-7035.

THE BATHROOM OF YOUR DREAMS for as little as $149/month! BCI Bath & Shower. Many options available. Quality materials & professional installation. Senior & Military Discounts Available. Limited Time Offer - FREE virtual in-home consultation now and SAVE 15%! Call Today! 1-855-653-0087.

DON’T LET THE STAIRS LIMIT YOUR MOBILITY! Discover the ideal solution for anyone who struggles on the stairs, is concerned about a fall or wants to regain access to their entire home. Call AmeriGlide today! 1866-365-5170.

SAFE STEP. North America’s #1 Walk-In Tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-theline installation and service. Now featuring our FREE shower package and $1600 Off for a limited time! Call today! Financing available. Call Safe Step 1-866-478-2363.

I WILL BUY YOUR UNWANTED REAL ESTATE for CASH! AS IS! No repairs, inspections and no Realtors Fees or Closing Fees! No need to clean the house out, take what you want and leave the rest! You can have your MONEY in 14 DAYS! CALL NEAL for your cash offer now! 410-419-1289.

DWM IN SEARCH OF HOUSEMAID parttime 410-242-2249

DISH NETWORK. $64.99 for 190 Channels! Blazing Fast Internet, $19.99/mo. (where available.) Switch & Get a FREE $100 Visa Gift Card. FREE Voice Remote. FREE HD DVR. FREE Streaming on ALL Devices. Call today! 1-844-560-5837.

PATIENT, PRACTICAL, PERSONAL. I can help you feel comfortable and confident with your smartphone, tablet, laptop, printer, TV, etc. Over 20 years experience, reasonable rates at your location: Julia 443-436-2612, computercoachbaltimore.weebly.com

VENDOR MEMBERS GROUP annually organizes multiple craft shows in Baltimore County, MD. Shop with us! For more information: www.vendormembersgroup.com

MOBILEHELP, America’s Premier Mobile Medical Alert System. Whether You’re Home or Away. For Safety and Peace of Mind. No Long Term Contracts! Free Brochure! Call Today! 1240-650-9189.

THE GENERAC PWRCELL, a solar plus battery storage system. SAVE money, reduce your reliance on the grid, prepare for power outages and power your home. Full installation services available. $0 Down Financing Option. Request a FREE, no obligation, quote today. Call 1-866944-0699

DIRECTV for $79.99/mo for 12 months with CHOICE Package. Watch your favorite live sports, news & entertainment anywhere. First 3 months of HBO Max, Cinemax, Showtime, Starz and Epix included! Directv is #1 in Customer Satisfaction (JD Power & Assoc.) Some restrictions apply. Call 1-888-572-4953.

UP TO $15,000.00 OF GUARANTEED LIFE INSURANCE! No medical exam or health questions. Cash to help pay funeral and other final expenses. Call Physicians Life Insurance Company866-212-1092 or visit www.Life55plus.info/beacon

NEED MOVERS? Contact the Pro’s today and get your FREE MOVING QUOTE. 443.506.7905 www.FocusMovers.info We have the Trucks and the manpower to care for all of your moving needs.

WE CAN FIX ANYTHING. 3 generations of builders, cabinet makers, remodelers and crafters completing kitchens, baths and additions got us to this point. If it’s broken, disassembled, ugly, out of date, needs replacement or renewal: please call Bob at R. W. Wood Improvements 410.294.2800, MHIC 92322. If it’s electronics or computers, we suggest you contact your grandchildren.

CIRCLE OF LIFE ESTATE PLANNING WORKBOOK (188 pages) removes the stress and anxiety of Will and Trust preparation. All you need to do is to fill in the blanks that relate to you. When completed, you will have a complete inventory of your estate. Order by credit card to: Workbook, PO BOX 169, Kensington, MD 20895. All major credit cards accepted. (301)565-2917. Cost: $59.99 plus tax, s/h free APPLYING FOR SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY or Appealing a Denied Claim? Call Bill Gordon & Assoc. Our case managers simplify the process & work hard to help with your case. Call 1-866-970-0779 FREE Consultation. Local Attorneys Nationwide [Mail: 2420 N St NW, Washington DC. Office: Broward Co. FL (TX/NM Bar.)]

PAYING CASH FOR MERCHANDISE PRE 1980S Old toys, silver, records, smoking pipes, photographs. If you old stuff for sale Call Carl 312-316-7553 located Silver Spring

PAYING TOP CASH FOR ANTIQUES AND COLLECTIBLES. Housecalls made with prompt, courteous service seven days a week and 25 years of experience! Buying jewelry, toys, trains, militaria, glassware, advertising merchandise, paper items and much more! Contact Mason or Megan at: 443-306-8816

CASH FOR ESTATES; I buy a wide range of items; jewelry, silver, art, rugs, furniture, cultural items, collections, etc. Buy out/clean up. I have trucks, a crew & insurance. Website; theatticllc.com. Gary Roman; 301-520-0755

Cognition/Pre-Diabetes

. . . . . . . . . . . .24

Education

CCBC Classes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Funeral Services

Cremation Society of Maryland . . .8

MacNabb Funeral Home . . . . . . . .8

Health

Apex Neuropathy . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Home Health Care/ Companion Services

Family & Nursing Care . . . . . . . . .7

Housing

Catholic Charities . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Charlestown/Erickson . . . . . .11, 12

Christ Church Harbor Apts . . . . .13

Enterprise Residential . . . . . . . . .18

Harmony at Enterprise . . . .1, 11, 20

Inspirations Memory Care . . . . . . .6

Oak Crest/Erickson . . . . . . . .12, 14

Park View Apartments . . . . . . . . .18

Pickersgill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

St. Mary’s Roland View Towers . . .8

Virginia Towers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Warren Place Apts. . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Retail

Radio Flea Market . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Senior Resources

Beacon Silver Pages . . . . . . . . . . .16

Maryland Relay . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation

Catholic Charities . . . . . . . . . . . .13

ProMedica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Subscriptions

Beacon Newspapers . . . . . . . . . . .22

Technology

Computer Doctors . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Theater/Entertainment

Lyric Theatre . . . . . . . . . . . . .14, 21

Toby’s Dinner Theatre . . . . . . . . .19

Travel

Superior Tours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Who

is