January 2024 | Howard County Beacon by The Beacon Newspapers

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Tutors help students succeed

AOK began in 2003 as a grassroots group, entirely volunteer-driven. In 2009 the group incorporated, and recently it has hired a small part-time staff. Kaplan had to step down due to medical issues but remains a “wonderful inspira-

TRIPS & TOURS

Howard County Recreation & Parks is offering several day trips in January, including to the Shen Yun Chinese cultural experience at the Kennedy Center page 13 PHOTO BY BRYAN LEDGARD

Volunteers are the key

PHOTO COURTESY OF AOK

By Barbara Trainin Blank Six years ago, retiree Marilyn Garcia moved to Columbia. Hoping to get more engaged with her new community, she heard about a local tutoring program called AOK Mentoring and Tutoring. “In my previous residence, I had been involved with a school and public library that paired volunteers with reluctant students,” Garcia said. “I absolutely loved working with the kids and seeing their progress. AOK seemed like a good replacement for that experience,” she said. So AOK matched Garcia with three students, and she helped them with their schoolwork — while making them laugh once in a while, too. “There are few things as rewarding as watching a child smile at their own accomplishments, especially when you have had a hand in getting them there,” she said. The name of the nonprofit stands for “Assist Our Kids,” summing up its mission to help Howard County public school elementary and middle-school students succeed in school and life. But it also spells out the more precise of goal of a-okay students who are academically and socially strengthened. AOK was co-founded two decades ago at Oakland Mills Interfaith Center by Chaya Kaplan, a retired pediatrics social worker, and Joseph Willmott, the organization’s current treasurer.

A tutor from Assist Our Kids, known as AOK, mentors a student enrolled in Howard County public schools. The nonprofit pairs up volunteers with students, who meet on a weekly basis to laugh and learn.

tion” for the nonprofit, according to its current executive director, Amanda Mummert. Despite the existence now of a part-time professional staff, “volunteerism is the foundation on which the organization is built,” Mummert said. “It is the consistency of an adult relationship that the volunteers bring that is

the crucial ingredient to helping the students served succeed in school.” Primarily, the students in the program benefit from reliable adult attention to improve their academics, behavior, social development and self-esteem.

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FITNESS & HEALTH 4 k Detecting “silent” heart attacks k Ways to overcome loneliness

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J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 4 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

Up for the challenge As editor of the Beacon, and an advocate of compensating family members for the for older adults throughout the area, I care of other family members. spend a good part of my day You might think, “But if I’m reading and thinking about caring for my spouse/parthe short- and long-term chalent/child, that’s because it’s lenges that face us as individwhat I should do. Why would I uals and confront our rapidly want to turn that loving care aging society as a whole. into a paid job?” Sometimes these can feel Well, for one thing, it’s problike intractable problems, and ably one of the most challengwhen that happens, it can get ing jobs that exists! And those dispiriting. who offer caregiving often F o r t u n a t e l y, I g e t t o don’t take the time to care recharge my enthusiasm FROM THE enough for themselves, leadevery December by attending PUBLISHER ing to burnout and, all too frethe “What’s Next Longevity In- By Stuart P. Rosenthal quently, serious illness of the novation Summit” in Washingcaregiver. And that, of course, ton, D.C., where more than 200 of the coun- is not very helpful to the one being cared for. try’s brightest and most creative entreprePerhaps giving caregivers some extra neurs come to share the technology and money that they could use to hire respite business ideas they are developing to im- care or take advantage of adult day care prove the lives of older adults. centers — services that would give them a Here’s a quick overview of some of the break now and then — would actually remost interesting statistics, technologies sult in more and better care overall. and insights I heard there. While most of Government insurance (Medicare and these don’t qualify as news, it was good to Medicaid), as well as private insurance comhear that creative minds are using this panies, are very interested in this model beknowledge to generate a better future. cause keeping the insured out of long-term A number of speakers (and others in the care institutions and staying as healthy as audience I met and spoke with) are work- possible at home results in long-term cost ing to address the acute caregiver short- savings for them (and us taxpayers). age. One of the most intriguing solutions In addition, technologies are out there that came up again and again was the idea today that utilize sensors and artificial intel-

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The Beacon is a monthly newspaper dedicated to inform, serve, and entertain the citizens of the Howard County area, and is privately owned. Other editions serve Greater Baltimore, 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 – Stuart P. Rosenthal President/Associate Publisher – Judith K. Rosenthal Executive Vice President – Gordon Hasenei Managing Editor – Margaret Foster Art Director – Kyle Gregory Vice President of Operations – Roger King Advertising Representatives – Steve Levin, M.K. Phillips, Alan Spiegel Marketing & Operations Manager – Ashley Griffin Assistant Editor – Ana Preger Hart Editorial Intern – Margaret Scala

The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915 (410) 248-9101 • Email: info@thebeaconnewspapers.com Submissions: The Beacon welcomes reader contributions. Deadline for editorial is the 1st of the month preceding the month of publication. Deadline for ads is the 1st of the month preceding the month of publication. See page 23 for classified advertising details. Please mail or email all submissions.

ligence (AI) — sometimes aided by roundthe-clock human oversight — to help educate family (and professional) caregivers, answer their questions on the spot, enable health practitioners to track the condition of their loved ones and intervene when necessary, and even predict if someone is likely to fall soon or is heading for a heart attack. One hopes that the more such products we have, and the more affordable they become as competition heats up, the better off we’ll be despite the rising need for and serious dearth of professional caregivers today. For those ready to move to an older adult community, this may be pertinent. Though it may seem that construction on new senior housing is going nonstop, nationally it turns out that “availability is shrinking faster than new buildout,” according to Lisa McCracken, head of research and analytics at the National Investment Center for Seniors Housing and Care. Occupancy of senior housing units is now at record highs, she reported. Across all senior housing, she estimates an additional 100,000 units will be needed each year starting in 2024 to keep pace with the need. Some of the builders and housing communities at the event spoke about ways they are blending new technology with hands-on care to address the needs of their current residents and build new, state-of-the-art communities. Several speakers addressed the growing needs of those at the margins of society. Ryan Elza of the U.S. Administration for Community Living, a part of HHS, said that half of today’s unhoused people are older adults. And that their number is expected to triple between now and 2030 to 2.4 million. He further noted that the shelters offered to the unhoused are not designed for older adults and often can’t accommodate them. Meanwhile, Jean Accius, the CEO of Creating Healthier Communities, shared the shocking statistic that the current life expectancy of a typical resident of the affluent Washington neighborhood of Georgetown is 97, while the life expectancy of those living just a few miles away in the Anacostia neighborhood is only 65.

He touched on several ways to help close the gap, including such simple steps as meeting the people where they are by bringing mobile health services into the neighborhoods that currently lack sufficient medical care facilities. What about robots? You’ve probably read about the wide variety of robotic products on the market, including here in the Beacon. There are animatronic pets (cats that meow, turn their head, turn over for you to scratch their belly and more) that dementia patients, in particular, find deeply comforting. Other robot-like or tablet-based products engage their owners in conversation, check on them periodically during the day, remind them to take their meds or turn off the stove, etc. You and I might think such items would drive us insane, especially if we found ourselves looking forward to a nice “chat” with our robot. But long-term studies are seeing incredibly positive results with older adults. One robot called ElliQ produced improved health and a reduction in perceived isolation in more than 90% of users. The robotic pets from Joy for All were found to reduce not only their owners’ loneliness but even their pain. No doubt the explosive popularity of ChatGPT over the last few months will prove the point as more and more of us become comfortable with AI interlocutors. I’m just getting started, and I’m already out of space. But I think you get the idea. People are aware of the serious problems we face with insufficient caregivers, far too few geriatricians, rising homelessness and an “epidemic of loneliness,” to quote the Surgeon General. But others are working hard to tackle these challenges, drawing attention from governments and investors who want to reduce costs and improve lives. If you met and heard some of these (usually, but not always) young inventors and entrepreneurs talk, you would probably feel a lot better about the future. I know I do.

Letters to the editor Readers are encouraged to share their opinions on any matter addressed in the Beacon as well as on political and social issues of the day. Mail your Letter to the Editor to The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915, or email info@thebeaconnewspapers.com. Please include your name, address and telephone number for verification. Dear Editor: I enjoyed reading your cover story about teaching prisoners [“A second chance behind bars,” December 2023]. You open the mind of readers with hope for those who have been crushed but made whole again. Margaret McDermott Silver Spring, MD Dear Editor: My friend started trying different Alzheimer’s medications four years ago at

the age of 69. He continued to slide downwards until a year ago, when the doctor told us that there are no more new drugs to try. Without outside influence, he started improving. He started thanking me for taking him around and feeding him, for example. I would estimate that after dropping medications, he went from [the speaking skills of] a 3-year-old to a 6-year-old. Ed Hsu Via email

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H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 4

Ask the Ho H me Care Exper xpert Tom Smith, To th, Bu Business Dev Business ve elopm nt Man elopment Manag ager, Family & Nursin in ng Carre e

ince 1968, Family & Nu Nursing Care has helped tens of thousands of families by providing g p older access to caregivers who help adults wit with accttiv ivit ities of dai aily ly liivving — incl cluding bat athing, dressing, mobiliitty assistance, errands, meal prep, ligght

Q: For a client or a family who is looking for a caregiver for a loved one, what advice would you give? A: It’s a learning process. When looking fo for a caregiverr,, make sure it fe feels right, that a this person is someone who you get along with very well and who you ffeeel understands you or your loved one right fr from the start. Of course, you will want

houseke keepingg, medicat aattion remin i d ders, compan m anionsh hiip and more. Now serving Howard County, y, Fam amily ly & N Nu u g Care ursing a is a leadingg resource ffo or privat ivate dut uty home care a services, provi viding clients and their t faamilies wit ith access to compassionat ate

and expert-level caregiv ca ivers to hellp help p older older ad a ults mainta ain in their t independence aan nd q qu ualiitty of liffee as tthey aagge. N Ninettyyy-eigggh ht percent p of surveyed ccllients hav ave said they woul uld recommend these services v to a friend or faam mily ly member.

This month, we asked T To om Smiitth, Busin ness Development Managerr,, Fam mily & Nu Nursing Care to ut the importance p tell us more about of finding the rigght caregiv iver fo for yourself or a loved one and building a strong bond together.

someone who has the skills to provide the care that is needed. It’s a very personal relationship, but the bottom line is that it is like hiring anyone ffo or something you need: you want to be on the same wavelength. Great communication and understanding go a long way. y. Don’t accept the first person, or the second, if you feel that they are not the right match fo for you and your needs. Don’t settle if you don’t think it is the right match.

and families can benefit from them when they respect the caregiver’s experience and develop a trust in them.

Taking an in nterest in your caregiver’s’ life and offe ffering a listening earr to them can go a long waayy as well. w

Q: Based on your experience, what’s ecret to e se eatiing a strong ond with your areg giver? : Creaating a strong bond quires great a communicat ation d trustt from both parties. For caregivver, it is important to racticee active listening when tendin ng to client’s needs and questss. The main thing is that lients and caregivers an bu uild a strong elatio onship with the abilityy to maintain an open d dialogue, hear each other, and talk things throu ugh. Caregivers can havee ideas, and clients

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Health Fitness &

DON’T BE LONELY Take classes, volunteer, join a club or meet with friends this holiday season EYEDROP RECALL Check your medicine cabinet for potentially dangerous eyedrops HEARTBURN HINTS Try eating dinner earlier, among other tips, to help prevent heartburn DEALING WITH DEMENTIA Learn about the best ways to communicate with dementia patients

Know the signs of a ‘silent’ heart attack By Julie Corliss Most people don’t know that you can have a heart attack without realizing it. In fact, these so-called silent heart attacks account for an estimated 30% to 60% of all heart attacks. Recognizing and responding to a silent heart attack is important, as it can be a harbinger of a more serious, potentially deadly heart attack. “Heart attacks can be silent for a variety of reasons,” said cardiologist Dr. Peter Stone, professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School. Just like a regular heart attack, a silent one occurs when the heart muscle doesn’t receive enough blood — usually when a clot blocks blood flow inside a narrowed heart artery. The quality, duration and intensity of the resulting pain can vary quite a bit. Some people describe the sensation as a dull

ache or crushing pressure, which may be mild or short-lived and, therefore, unnoticed or ignored. Typically, the reduced blood flow must last about 15 to 30 minutes to result in a detectable heart attack (that is, part of the heart muscle becomes damaged or dies). Sometimes, symptoms come and go, which doctors refer to as stuttering symptoms. “When a clot obstructs an artery, the body’s natural clot-busting process is instantly set in motion,” Stone explained. If the clot dissolves, symptoms may abate — but then return if the clot-forming forces win.

Radiating and referred pain Various quirks related to pain perception may also play a role in a heart attack going unrecognized. “People often think the discomfort has

to be on the left side of the chest because that’s where the heart is located,” Stone said. But nerves within the heart can send signals to the surrounding nerves, causing pain that may radiate to the stomach, back, neck, arm or jaw. For example, if an artery blockage occurs near the bottom of the heart, it may affect nerves in the diaphragm — the muscular membrane that separates the chest from the abdominal cavity. This can be perceived as abdominal discomfort or nausea. Or people may experience shoulder pain, a classic example of referred pain. This phenomenon — when pain is felt in a location other than the actual source — happens because of overlaps in the network of nerves in the spinal cord.

agus are sometimes mistaken for a heart attack, but the opposite can also occur. Sometimes, people assume their chest pain is caused by a respiratory infection or other lung disease when they’re actually having a heart attack. Another possible misattribution is heartburn, which happens when stomach acid rises up into the esophagus. [See “Ways to overcome heartburn discomfort” on page 8.] If you have diabetes, you’re more likely to have a silent heart attack. Over time, high blood sugar can damage your nerves and the small blood vessels supplying those nerves — including those that transmit pain signals. While pain tolerance may be physiological, emotional and cultural factors can come

Mistaken attributions Problems with the lungs and the esoph-

See HEART ATTACK, page 5

Who can benefit from a cochlear implant? By Joseph Breen, M.D. Dear Mayo Clinic: I’m 70 years old and have worn hearing aids for about a decade. Over the past several years, my hearing seems to be getting worse. Although I have tried several different kinds of hearing aids, I feel as if they are not effective any longer. A friend suggested I ask an audiologist about cochlear implants. I thought those were just for people who are deaf. Could a cochlear implant help someone like me? How does it work? A: A cochlear implant could be a good alternative to hearing aids in your situation. It’s true that when they were introduced in the 1980s, cochlear implants mainly were used for people who had complete hearing loss. Today, however, they often are used to help people who have more advanced hearing loss that cannot be corrected with hearing aids. Our ears have three areas: the outer, middle and inner ear. Sound waves pass through the outer ear and cause the eardrum to vibrate. The eardrum and three small bones of the middle ear transmit the vibrations as they travel to the inner ear. Within the inner ear, the vibrations pass through fluid in a snail-shaped structure, called the cochlea.

Inside the cochlea are thousands of tiny sensors, called hair cells, that turn the vibrations into electrical signals that are sent to your brain through your auditory nerve. The vibrations of different sounds affect these tiny hairs in different ways, causing the nerve cells to send different signals to your brain. That’s how you distinguish one sound from another. In most people who develop hearing loss, the hair cells in the cochlea are damaged or missing, usually due to aging, exposure to loud noise, or for genetic reasons. That means the electrical signals can’t be transmitted efficiently to the brain, and the result is hearing loss. A cochlear implant replaces the function of the hair cells by sending electrical signals directly to the hearing nerve and giving the brain the ability to perceive sound once again.

How cochlear implants work The implant has two main pieces: an external processor that fits behind your ear and an internal receiver implanted under the skin behind your ear. The processor captures and processes sound signals and then sends those signals to the receiver. The receiver sends the signals to tiny electrodes that are placed directly into

the cochlea when the device is implanted. Those signals are received by the auditory nerve and directed to your brain, and your brain interprets those signals as sound. All parts of a cochlear implant are small, and the processor that fits behind your ear looks similar to a hearing aid. Because of the small size of these devices, they are relatively inconspicuous, particularly for people with long hair.

Simple outpatient procedure Cochlear implantation requires a consultation with an otolaryngology surgeon who would perform a relatively short outpatient surgical procedure. A small incision is made behind the ear to insert the device. Most people experience little discomfort from the surgery, and its overall risk is low. Once a patient has had a chance to heal — usually several weeks after surgery — an audiologist connects the processor to the implant for the first time. The patient should be able to hear immediately, but many cochlear implant users report that they needed to adjust to the sounds that they hear with their implant. This adjustment process often takes at least six months, with many patients reporting that the sound quality and their ability to understand speech continue to

improve for a year or more. Cochlear implants are a well-established technology. At first, physicians and researchers only recommended them for people who had total hearing loss. Over the years, though, research has shown that cochlear implants can be useful for people who still have some hearing or who have useful hearing in only one ear. They can be particularly helpful for people who have difficulty understanding speech in everyday listening situations, despite using good hearing aids. Talk to a healthcare professional who specializes in hearing loss to find out if you would be a good candidate for a cochlear implant. Most people who receive a cochlear implant find that they can communicate better with the people around them, and more fully participate in conversations and other daily activities that require the ability to hear clearly. Mayo Clinic Q & A is an educational resource and doesn’t replace regular medical care. Email a question to MayoClinicQ&A@mayo.edu. For more information, visit mayoclinic.org. © 2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. All rights reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Heart attack From page 4 into play as well, said Dr. Stone. For instance, people may dismiss or ignore pain because they don’t want to appear weak.

Diagnosing a silent heart attack Heart muscle damage from a heart attack creates a distinct signature on an electrocardiogram (ECG), a recording of

the heart’s electrical activity. A heart ultrasound (echocardiogram) can also detect a prior heart attack. If either test suggests heart damage, it should be a wakeup call to prioritize efforts to avoid more damage. Follow healthy lifestyle habits (and take medications, if necessary) to make sure your weight, blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar are within normal ranges. © 2023 by Harvard University.

Varied heart attack symptoms During a heart attack, about threequarters of both men and women experience the classic symptom of chest discomfort that spreads through the upper body. But some people experience other symptoms. These less-common symptoms might be slightly more frequent in women and in older people, but they can also happen in men and younger people. Classic symptoms: • Pressure, aching or tightness in

the center of the chest • Pain or discomfort that radiates to the upper body, especially shoulders or neck and arms • Sweating Other symptoms: • Shortness of breath • Weakness • Nausea or vomiting • Dizziness • Back or jaw pain • Unexplained fatigue

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Practicing the ancient Chinese martial art of tai chi can increase muscle strength, flexibility and balance, and reduce joint pain and stress. Try it for free on Fri., Dec. 29 at 6 p.m. on Zoom. Create an account at AARP.org to register for the event. AARP membership is not required. You will be emailed a link prior to the event. Contact AARP Alaska at akaarp@aarp.org for more information.

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Ongoing NEW MENTAL HEALTH LIFELINE Maryland has a new way to connect with behavioral health crisis services in your area. Dial 988 to reach the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which can assist with all behavioral crisis services, including mental health and problems with drugs and alcohol.

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ARTHRITIS EXERCISE CLASS

Exercise can help ease arthritis pain. Howard County offers a lowimpact class on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 3 p.m. at the Elkridge 50+ Center, 6540 Washington Blvd., Elkridge. Specialized exercises have been proven to help manage joint pain, discomfort and stiffness. Individuals 60 and over are encouraged to make a suggested donation. For more information or to register, call (410) 313-5192.

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Feeling lonely? You’re not alone in that! Here are some ways to move beyond it By Julie Corliss That old Hank Williams song “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” evokes the wistful sadness of loneliness that everyone feels at times. But this emotion is far more prevalent — and potentially detrimental to heart health — than most people recognize. Earlier this year, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy released an 82-page advisory about the country’s epidemic of loneliness, which he called an underappreciated health crisis. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, about half of adults reported feeling lonely. Being lonely or socially isolated has been linked to a 29% higher risk of heart disease and a 32% higher risk of stroke. In terms of mortality, the repercussions are

similar to smoking up to 15 cigarettes per day — and are even greater than the risks associated with obesity and physical inactivity, according to the report. The underlying mechanism is believed to be similar to what happens when people feel depressed or stressed. Nervous system changes activate hormones that boost blood pressure and trigger an outpouring of inflammatory substances in the blood that lead to a buildup of fatty plaque inside arteries.

Social connections are key Social isolation and loneliness certainly increased during the pandemic, but this trend had a small silver lining: a heightened awareness and appreciation of the

importance of human connection. “Covid’s consequences sharpened our focus on loneliness, and the isolation we felt was a reminder of how precious it is to see people in person,” said Dr. Jacqueline Olds, a psychiatrist at Harvard-affiliated McLean Hospital and the co-author of two books on loneliness. Not only did people long to see their friends and families, but they also missed small everyday interactions with neighbors, their mail carrier, and people at their local coffee shop. Loneliness tends to be more common in older people, especially those who are widowed or divorced. The winter holidays sometimes heighten feelings of loneliness, Dr. Olds noted.

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“People often imagine idealized holiday scenes with lots of happy faces around the table,” she said. Seeing photos on social media sites of people having fun can also exacerbate feelings of isolation. But keep in mind that these curated images aren’t the everyday reality for most people.

Simple steps to take Initiating and keeping social plans can be challenging, especially if you live alone, Dr. Olds acknowledged. “It’s true that it’s much harder to do things by yourself, but it’s not impossible,” she said. Maybe you feel a little shy or anxious, or you’re concerned about issues like coping with unpredictable weather, traffic or staying out too late. Try to push yourself outside your comfort zone, and know that you’ll be fine if you get a little wet in the rain or don’t wear the right shoes, she added. Start by reconnecting with an old friend or acquaintance, Dr. Olds suggested. Spending time with familiar people can shore up your social skills, which can help you feel more confident about creating new connections. Say yes to social invitations, and make sure to take turns initiating and following through with plans to get together with people.

Ways to make new friends Being around people who have similar interests is a good way to make new friends since you already have something in common. Look online or at your local library for classes, in-person clubs, or volunteer opportunities that match your interests — or maybe something new you’d like to try. One helpful source is Meetup, an online social community that coordinates both inperson and virtual activities of all kinds, including many targeted to seniors (see meetup.com). There are hundreds of meetup groups, including those focused on outdoor activities (for example, hiking, canoeing or mini-golf) or hobbies (photography, Vietnamese cooking, motorcycle riding, music), as well as groups that meet to discuss books, movies or just share a meal. Volunteering in your local community is another nice way to connect with new people, with the added potential bonus of giving you a sense of purpose and satisfaction. Volunteer Match (volunteermatch.org) connects people with local volunteer opportunities that suit their interests and expertise, with such choices as fighting climate change, tutoring children, assisting immigrants and refugees, working with computers and technology, and numerous others. Having a pet — especially a dog — can give you company at home, and also help you meet people when you’re out on walks or at the dog park. Animal lovers might also consider volunteering at an animal shelter or joining a bird-watching group. © 2023 by Harvard University.

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 4

Health Shorts Several eyedrop products recalled U.S. health regulators are warning consumers to set aside more than two dozen varieties of over-the-counter eyedrops because of the risk of infections that could lead to blindness. The Food and Drug Administration advisory applies to a limited group of lubricating eye drops, gel drops and artificial tears sold by six companies, including CVS Health, Target, Rite Aid and Cardinal Health. [Ed Note: The affected products’ expiration dates range from November 2023 to September 2025.] For a complete list of recalled products, many of which contain carboxymethylcellulose sodium, propylene glycol and/or polyethylene glycol, visit FDA.gov or go directly to the list at bit.ly/eydroprecall. [Ed Note: The manufacturer in India has issued a voluntary recall, so the affected products should no longer be on pharmacy shelves.] Consumers who have already purchased the affected products should stop using them immediately and return them to the place of purchase. No injuries related to the products had been reported as of November 15, 2023. © 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Marijuana raises heart and stroke risk A pair of studies have found that older adults who use marijuana have more risk of heart attack or stroke when hospitalized than non-users, and are more likely to develop heart failure if they are daily users. The two studies, which have not been published, were presented in November at the American Heart Association Scientific

Tell them you saw it in the Beacon!

Sessions in Philadelphia. Both studies excluded cannabis users who also smoke tobacco in order to focus solely on the cardiovascular effects of marijuana consumption. The AHA recommends against smoking tobacco or marijuana because of the potentially damaging effects on the heart, lungs and blood vessels.

Makes a great gift! | Fitness & Health

“The latest research about cannabis use indicates that smoking and inhaling cannabis increases concentrations of blood carboxyhemoglobin (carbon monoxide, a poisonous gas) and tar (partly burned combustible matter), similar to the effects of inhaling a tobacco cigarette, both of which have been linked to heart

muscle disease, chest pain, heart rhythm disturbances, heart attacks and other serious conditions,” University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences professor Robert Page II said in a statement. —New York Daily News © 2023 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 4 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

Ways to overcome heartburn discomfort Dear Savvy Senior, ety of ways: as a burning pain behind the Is regular heartburn or acid reflux breastbone, indigestion, or a sour or burnanything to worr y about? ing taste in the back of the I chew a lot of Rolaids throat. Other symptoms may throughout the day to include chest pain, excessive help manage it, but it’s belching, a long-term cough, gotten worse with age and sore throat or hoarseness. keeps me up at night, too. If you’re plagued by heart—Belching Bob bur n two or more times Dear Bob, a week, and it’s not respondAlmost ever yone experiing well to over-the-counter ences heartburn or acid reantacids, you need to see flux from time to time, but your doctor, who may refer frequent episodes can signal SAVVY SENIOR you to a gastroenterologist. a much more serious prob- By Jim Miller Frequent bouts may mean lem. It’s estimated that more you have gastroesophageal than 60 million Americans experience reflux disease, or GERD, which can seheartburn at least once a month, with verely irritate and damage the lining of around 15 million people who suffer from your esophagus, putting you at risk of Barit daily. rett’s esophagus and esophageal cancer if Heartburn symptoms show up in a vari- it’s not treated.

Season’s Greetings

Lifestyle adjustments Depending on the frequency and severity of your heartburn, there are a number of lifestyle adjustments you can make that can provide relief and avoid a more serious problem down the road. These include: • Avoid trigger foods: Some foods can trigger heartburn symptoms, including citrus fruits, tomatoes, fatty foods, chocolate, garlic, onions, spicy foods, mints, alcohol, coffee and sodas. You should keep a food diary to track which foods cause you the most problems and avoid them. • Eat smaller, slower and earlier: Smaller portions at mealtime and eating more slowly can help reduce heartburn symptoms. You should also wait at least three hours after eating before lying down or going to bed. • Lose weight: Having excess weight

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around the midsection puts pressure on the abdomen, pushing up the stomach and causing acid to back up into the esophagus. • Quit smoking: Smoking can increase stomach acid and weaken the valve that prevents acid from entering the esophagus. • Sleep elevated: To help keep the acid down while sleeping, get a wedge-shaped pillow to prop yourself up a few inches. If that’s not enough, try elevating the head of your bed six to eight inches by placing blocks under the bedposts or inserting a wedge between your mattress and box spring. Wedges are available at drugstores and medical supply stores. Sleeping on your left side may also help keep the acid down.

Treatment options If the lifestyle adjustments don’t solve the problem, or if antacids (Tums, Rolaids, Maalox, Mylanta or Alka-Seltzer) aren’t doing the trick, there are a variety of overthe-counter (OTC) and prescription medications that can help, including: H-2 Blockers: Available as both OTC and prescription strength, these drugs (Pepcid, Tagamet, Axid and Zantac) reduce how much acid your stomach makes, but may not be strong enough for serious symptoms. Proton-Pump Inhibitors (PPI): If you have frequent and severe heartburn symptoms, PPIs are long-acting prescription medications that block acid production and allow time for damaged esophageal tissue to heal. They include Nexium, Prevacid, Prilosec, Zegerid, Protonix, Aciphex and Dexilant. Prevacid, Nexium, Prilosec and Zegerid are also available OTC. But be aware that long-term use of PPIs can increase your risk for osteoporosis and chronic kidney disease. If the medications aren’t enough, there are also surgical procedures that can tighten or strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter so gastric fluids can’t wash back up into the esophagus. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of The Savvy Senior book.

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Ongoing MARYLAND ACCESS POINT

Call us today at (410) 461-2055 to schedule a free consultation.

Maryland Access Point of Howard County is a free service that offers information about resources available for older adults and people with disabilities. It also runs a loan closet in Columbia for people over 60. For more information, call (410) 313-1234 or email map@howardcountymd.gov or

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make an appointment at the loan closet by calling (410) 313-0363.

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Makes a great gift! | Fitness & Health

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 4

Lifestyle choices reduce vision loss risk By Howard LeWine, M.D. Q: My mother has macular degeneration. How can I avoid getting it myself? A: Scientists have made progress in understanding what causes age-related macular degeneration (AMD) — the leading cause of vision loss for people ages 50 or older in the United States. We’ve learned that certain genes and lifestyle factors increase the risk for developing AMD, and we’ve discovered treatments that often slow the disease’s progression. Yet for all our advances, we still don’t have a guaranteed way to prevent AMD. You are at greater risk if one of your parents had the condition, but it doesn’t mean you’re destined to get it. AMD destroys the macula — the central part of the retina, the layer of tissue in the back of the eye that changes light into electrical signals. The signals are sent to the brain, which converts them into images. There are two types of AMD. Both types reduce the clarity of central vision, blurring or even erasing the image in the center of a person’s vision. In dry AMD, the most common form, deposits of fat and protein called drusen slowly accumulate behind the retina, causing it to thin and leading to the destruction

of the macula’s light-sensitive (photoreceptor) cells. The result is vision loss. As AMD progresses, drusen can cause new, abnormal blood vessels to grow under and into the macula. The blood vessels leak and bleed, rapidly causing photoreceptor cell damage, scarring and vision loss. This is called wet AMD. For now, the only advice to ward off AMD is to follow healthy lifestyle habits that help reduce your risk for the eye disease — and for many other health problems as well. These include the following: Don’t smoke. Smoking has many damaging effects on the body, including increased oxidative stress in the retina. Oxidative stress may affect the way the blood vessels respond, and there seems to be some interaction between smoking and genes that can increase your risk for developing AMD. Control your blood pressure. High blood pressure damages the blood vessels that feed oxygen and nutrients to the retina and increases the risk for AMD. Exercise. Exercise keeps your blood vessels healthy. Aim for at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity exercise, such as cycling, swimming or brisk walking. Eat a heart-healthy diet. Coronary artery disease, high cholesterol and obe-

sity all increase your risk for developing AMD. Eat a heart-healthy Mediterranean-style diet that includes lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds and olive oil; moderate amounts of fish and poultry; and a little bit of low-fat dairy. Make sure you include green, leafy vegetables in your diet. They’re rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, which have antioxidant

properties and have been shown to improve pigment density in the macula, which protects the cells from free radicals. 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. © 2023 Harvard University. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Ongoing FREE MORNING MEDITATION The Yoga Center of Columbia offers free 20-minute morning meditation via Zoom. The sessions take place at 9 a.m. every day except Tuesday and Saturday. For the link, sign up at ColumbiaYoga.com or call (410) 720-4340.

Jan. 17

SEPTIC SYSTEM WEBINAR University of Maryland Extension presents this free webinar about

septic system maintenance, with tips to keep your system functioning properly and help you save money in the long run. This event takes place on Zoom on Wed., Jan. 17 from noon to 12:45 p.m. Register at bit.ly/SepticSystemClass and receive the webinar link via email. For more information, contact Andrew Lazur at Lazur@umd.edu or (301) 789-5256.

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J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 4 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

Tips for coping with a dementia patient By Heidi Godman Dementia poses many challenges both for people struggling with it and for those close to them. It can be hard to witness and cope with common behaviors that arise from illnesses like Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia or frontotemporal dementia. Caring for a person who has dementia may be frustrating, confusing or upsetting at times. Understanding why certain behaviors occur and learning ways to handle a variety of situations can help smooth the path ahead.

Some common behaviors People with dementia often exhibit a combination of unusual behaviors, such as:

• Making odd statements or using the wrong words for certain items • Not realizing they need to bathe or forgetting how to maintain good hygiene • Repeating themselves or asking the same question over and over • Misplacing objects or taking others’ belongings • Not recognizing you or remembering who they themselves are • Being convinced that a deceased loved one is still alive • Hoarding objects, such as mail or even garbage • Exhibiting paranoid behavior • Becoming easily confused or agitated • Leaving the house without telling you and getting lost

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Jan. 9+

MAH JONGG MEET-UP Join a game of Mah Jongg. Newcomers and anyone with any level

of experience are welcome. A group meets at the Miller Branch of the library twice a month on the second and fourth Tuesday from 6:30 to 8 p.m. The Miller Branch is located at 9421 Frederick Rd. No need to register; just stop by. For more information, call (410) 313-1950.

Why do these behaviors occur? Inside the brain of a loved one with dementia, picture a wildfire shifting course, damaging or destroying brain cells (neurons) and neural networks that regulate our behavior. What drives this damage depends on the underlying cause, or causes, of dementia. For example, while the exact cause of Alzheimer’s disease is not known, it is strongly linked to proteins that are either gunking up or strangling brain cells. In contrast, someone with vascular dementia has experienced periodic insufficient blood flow to certain areas of the brain, causing neurons to die. “As dementia progresses, the person loses brain cells associated with memory, planning, judgment and controlling mood. You lose your filters,” said Dr. Stephanie Collier, a psychiatrist at Harvard-affiliated McLean Hospital.

Six coping strategies Dealing with dementia-related behavior can require the type of tack you’d take with a youngster. “Due to declines, older adults with dementia can seem like children. But people are generally more patient with children. You should consider using that approach with older adults,” suggested Lydia Cho, a McLean Hospital neuropsychologist. • Don’t point out inaccurate or

strange statements. “It can make people with dementia feel foolish or belittled. They may not remember details but hold onto those emotions, feel isolated, and withdraw. Instead, put them at ease. Just go with what they’re saying. Keep things light,” Cho recommended. • Don’t tr y to reason with the person. Dementia has damaged your loved one’s comprehension. Attempting to reason might be frustrating for both of you. • Use distraction. This helps when the person makes unreasonable requests or is moderately agitated. “Acknowledge what the person is saying, and change the activity. You could say, ‘I see that you’re upset. Let’s go over here for a minute.’ And then do an activity that engages the senses and relaxes them, such as sitting outside together, listening to music, folding socks, or eating a piece of fruit,” Collier said. • Keep unsafe items out of sight. Put away or lock up belongings the loved one shouldn’t have — especially potentially dangerous items like car keys or cleaning fluids. Consider installing cabinet locks. • Super vise hygiene routines. The person with dementia might need a reminder to bathe or might need to have the day’s clothes laid out on the bed. Or you might need to assist them with bathing, See DEMENTIA, page 11

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H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 4

Makes a great gift! | Fitness & Health

Sauce for chewy, savory-sweet noodles By Kelly Song Scallion oil noodles, a popular Shanghainese dish, are springy wheat noodles dressed with scallion-infused oil, savory soy sauce, and sugar for balance. We slowly simmered scallion whites and thinly sliced shallot in peanut oil to draw out their aromas, with thin strips of ginger added for freshness. Dark soy sauce, light soy sauce and sugar added to the scallion mixture helped form a glossy, savory-sweet sauce. Fresh wheat noodles, which have a tender, chewy texture, were tossed to coat in the sauce. The dish can be served plain or enhanced with a range of toppings, including blanched bok choy, stir-fried ground pork, or crispy fried eggs. We opted for the traditional route of garnishing with crispy scallion greens, which are shallow-fried until nearly blackened and shatteringly crisp.

Shanghai Scallion Oil Noodles

Dementia

For example, if the person frequently tries to leave home, you might need to add child-proof covers to doorknobs, install additional door locks or a security system in your home, or get the person a GPS tracker bracelet. If the person is frequently upset or even violent, call the doctor. It could be that a new medical problem (such as a urinary tract infection) is causing agitation. “If the agitated behavior isn’t due to a new health problem and is predictable and severe, we might prescribe a medication to help regulate mood,“ Collier said.

From page 10 shaving, brushing teeth or dressing. • Spend time together. You don’t have to convince your loved one of your identity or engage in fascinating conversation. Just listen to music or do some simple activities together. It will help keep the person from withdrawing further.

Safety should come first Sometimes, simple strategies aren’t enough when a loved one has dementia.

Serves 4 to 6 Ingredients: 1/4 cup light soy sauce 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce 5 teaspoons sugar 15-18 scallions (6 ounces), white and green parts separated 1-inch piece of ginger, peeled 1 pound fresh Chinese wheat noodles 2/3 cup peanut or vegetable oil 1/8 teaspoon table salt 1 shallot, halved and sliced thin Directions: 1. Combine light soy sauce, dark soy sauce and sugar in a small bowl; set aside. Halve scallion whites lengthwise, then slice into 1½-inch segments. Slice green parts into 1½-inch segments; reserve white and green parts separately. Slice gin-

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ger crosswise into thin rounds. Stack rounds and slice into thin matchsticks. 2. Bring 4 quarts water to boil in a large pot. Add noodles and cook, stirring often, until just tender. Drain noodles, rinse well, and drain again; set aside. 3. Meanwhile, heat oil and scallion greens in a 14-inch wok or 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and cook, stirring constantly, until most scallions are browned and crispy, 8 to 10 minutes. Off heat, use a slotted spoon to transfer scallion greens to a small bowl; sprinkle with salt and set aside. 4. Add shallot, scallion whites and ginger to oil remaining in wok and cook over medium-low heat, stirring often, until scallion whites and shallot are golden and wilted, 11 to 13 minutes. 5. Stir soy sauce mixture to recombine

Seek help and support for yourself No one expects you to know how to interact with someone who has dementia. There’s a learning curve for all of us, and it continues even after you get a feel for the situation. “The process keeps changing,” Cho noted. “What works today may not work next week or the week after that for your

and add to scallion mixture in wok. Cook, stirring often, until sugar is dissolved and sauce is rapidly bubbling, 1 to 2 minutes. Add noodles and toss until evenly coated in sauce and heated through, 2 to 3 minutes. Top with scallion greens to serve. © 2023 America’s Test Kitchen. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. loved one. So, keep trying different strategies.” And get support for yourself, such as group therapy for caregivers and their families. You can also find information at the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org) or Family Caregiver Alliance (caregiver.org). © 2023 Harvard University. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Recreation & Parks

J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 4 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

Upcoming Programs for 55 Years +

To view all of our programs and activities, visit www.HowardCountyMD.gov/rap.

Dance • Info: Tessa Hurd, 410-313-7311 or thurd@howardcountymd.gov.

Dance on Broadway

Crafts & Fine Arts • Info: Tracy Adkins, 410-313-7279 or tadkins@howardcountymd.gov.

You Can Draw & Paint with Carol Zika Instructor provides fun and supportive atmosphere for artists and experienced dabblers who wish to work on self-chosen activities among other creatives. Participants bring their own materials and projects to work on with an art educator experienced in a wide variety of media. Occasional demos given. Personal feedback and guidance given to each student in this open studio format. Bring a table cover. 55 yrs + E. Columbia 50+ Ctr Classes: 8 RP0304.601 Jan 5 1-3pm F $119

Beginning Drawing and Intermediate to Advanced Watercolor Paintingwith Zina Poliszuk Join this foundational drawing course with step-by-step demonstrations, visual aids and discussions to improve hand-eye coordination and visual skills. Learn to draw with right brain techniques using contour drawing, value studies and practice with spatial relationships. Develop skills in composition with positive- negative space, balance and cropping. Great on its own or as a forerunner to beginning watercolor painting. Experienced painters work from an advanced syllabus with slides, demos, and individual critiques for specific techniques and design. 55 yrs + Gary J Arthur CC Classes: 7 RP0302.601 Jan 8 1:15-3:15pm M $145

Learn musical theater choreography that challenges your mind and body while you get a workout. Appropriate for all levels. Wear clothing you can move in and bring a water bottle. No shoes are required, but a jazz shoe/sneaker may be worn for ankle support if desired. 55 yrs + Kinetics Dance Thtr Classes: 11 RP3504.601 Jan 9 10-11am Tu $135

Beginner/Intermediate Soul Line Dance This beginner/intermediate level line dance class is fun for all. Line up and learn the step-by-step choreography taught by instructor, Jessie Barnes. Multiple dances performed to great pop and rhythm and blues music. 55 yrs + Instructor: Jessie Barnes Classes: 6 $59 RP3511.601 N Laurel CC Jan 16 6-7pm Tu RP3511.602 Harriet Tubman Ctr Jan 17 11am-noon W

NEW! Dancing in the Water Take the first steps to increased strength, better coordination and better balance. Learn to dance without the need of a partner, and allow the water to help you get back to dancing! 55 yrs + Roger Carter CC Classes: 5 RP3574.601 Jan 16 7-7:45am Tu $68

Beginner Ballet for Active Aging Adults with Carol Asher This adult beginner ballet dance class is filled with graceful and fluid movements that help build strength and flexibility. Beautiful classical music is added to this light and enjoyable class. No equipment is needed. 55 yrs + Online Classes: 10 RP3508.601 Jan 17 12:30-1:30pm W $99

Scan the QR code or visit tinyurl.com/activeaging55 for more 55 yrs + programs!

Makes a great gift!

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 4

Fitness • Info: Tessa Hurd, 410-313-7311or thurd@howardcountymd.gov.

• Info: Tracy Adkins, 410-313-7279 or tadkins@howardcountymd.gov.

NEW! Age Strong, Age Well! with Lori Nowicki, ACE

The Smithsonian’s Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden

Are you an active 50 + individual? Then this is a class designed for you! Interval workouts at your pace. Strengthen your muscles and improve your endurance, coordination, balance, flexibility and mobility. This class works on all the things to help keep you active and strong. All equipment provided. 50 yrs + Roger Carter CC Classes: 8 No class 1/15, 2/19, 2/26 RP8481.601 Jan 8 9:15-10am M $56 50 yrs + Roger Carter CC Classes: 10 No class 2/21 RP8481.602 Jan 10 9:15-10am W $ 70 50 yrs + Roger Carter CC Classes: 18 No class 1/15, 2/19, 2/21, 2/26 RP8481.603 Jan 8 9:15-10am M,W $126

NEW! Yin Yoga with Kathy Greisman During the Yin yoga practice, learn to hold gentle stretches for two to four minutes, allowing yourself to release deeper into poses. This facilitates tissue lengthening, hydrating, and pliability. Yin yoga is a powerful tool to activate the parasympathetic nervous system and lower stress levels while increasing immune function. Bring a yoga mat. 55 yrs + Belmont Classes 10 RP3584.601 Jan 11 11am-noon Th $89

Balance for Active Aging with Freedom Fitness With the help of light weights and a chair, you are guided through exercises that support and improve balance, flexibility, posture, and strength to reduce your risk of falling and increase your confidence! Please bring light weights (2-5 lbs) with you to class. 55 yrs + Kiwanis-Wallas Hall Classes: 10 RP3587.601 Jan 16 10:10-11:10am Tu $85

Sports & Leagues • For info, visit www.hcrpsports.org. • Sign up for the following programs has begun! Aquatics Badminton Baseball Basketball Billiards Cricket

Fencing Field Hockey Football Golf Jump Rope Kickball

Lacrosse Martial Arts Pickleball Soccer Softball

Spikeball Squash Tennis Therapeutic Rec Volleyball

As one of the country’s most visited modern art museums, the Hirshhorn shares the transformative power of modern and contemporary art by creating meaningful, personal experiences in which art, artists, audiences, and ideas converge. Through groundbreaking exhibitions, events, research, and acquisitions, the Smithsonian creates a space where people encounter the important artists of the 21st century! Lunch is on your own at the onsite Dolcezza Café. 18 yrs + Bus provided A lot of walking/standing, chances to sit RP4580.601 Jan 11 9am-4pm Th $79

Meet You There! Toby’s Dinner Theater – A Chorus Line “One Singular Sensation” and a true celebration of musical theatre. A Chorus Line is one of the longest-running shows in Broadway history! Featuring one powerhouse musical number after another, enjoy listening to “One,” “I Can Do That,” “At The Ballet,” and “What I Did For Love.” A full and delicious buffet is included! 18 yrs + Toby’s Dinner Theater Walking from bus to seat RP4583.601 Jan 17 10:30am-3:30pm W $95

The Kennedy Center – Shen Yun Unique artistic vision expands the theatrical experience into a multi-dimensional, inspiring journey through one of humanity’s greatest treasures – the ﬁve millennia of Chinese culture. This epic production immerses you in stories about the most distant past. Featuring one of the world’s oldest art forms – classical Chinese dance – along with patented scenographic effects and all-original orchestral works, Lunch is onsite, on your own, before the show. 18 yrs + Bus provided Walking from bus to seat RP4547.601 Jan 27 9am-5pm Sa $199

Scan the QR code or visit tinyurl.com/RPtrips for more trips & tours!

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J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 4 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

A Publication of the Department of Community Resources and Services

Find common ground at 50+ Centers

ffective brand ambassadors are reliable, possess a positive attitude, are skilled at conversation, enjoy talking to strangers, and can think on their feet. Longtime North Laurel 50+ Center members Barbara Hughes and Lorraine McKinney check ALL the boxes! “Lorraine and Barbara are such North Laurel's 50+ Center "ambassadors" Barbara Hughes, left, and Lorraine McKinney. assets to our center – they are true ambassadors – always working to introduce and include members in our programs or helping to implement programs themselves,” says Lucky Sohi, North Laurel 50+ Center Director . “They always have a ready smile and a kind or encouraging word for us all.” Barbara remembers being there on opening day (June 6, 2011) and says it’s been like a second home to her ever since. “It’s a beautiful center with beautiful people.” “If the center is open, I can’t stay home,” says Lorraine. “I’m on the walking track at 8 a.m., and I love to encourage others to join me.” Both women know the value of staying connected to others, and they keep a lookout for those who may be new to the center, are sitting alone or just need help. “We show them the building, ask if they get the newsletter and introduce them to other members,” she says. Barbara just recently introduced two women she knows to each other, only to find out both were originally from Egypt. Older adults can find common ground at North Laurel and Howard County’s other five 50+ Centers and will discover they offer something for everybody. Lifelong learning and education opportunities are readily available; both Lorraine and Barbara take advantage of the onsite nutrition sessions offered by Karen Basinger from the University of Maryland Extension Service. “She is A1,” says Barbara, “You can ask her anything and chances are she has the answer.” Lorraine also appreciates the wide range of exercise options which help strengthen her core and legs. “So you don’t fall,” she laughs. “It’s important to me because I love to dance – I hear music and I am the first one to get up and dance. I want to keep dancing for as long as I can!” Whether you want to make friends, maintain your physical and mental well-being, or just learn something new, 50+ Centers can help. Visit our YouTube channel to meet Barbara and Lorraine and visit www.howardcountymd.gov/50pluscenters to find your home away from home.

Volume 14, No. 1 • January 2024

A message from Howard County Executive

Calvin Ball

appy New Year! January is Mental Wellness Month, a perfect time to focus on your mental well-being. According to the National Institute on Aging, our connection to others enables us to survive and thrive. Yet, as we age, many older adults experience social isolation and loneliness, which can lead to cognitive decline and depression. In 2022, the highest rate of suicide was documented in adults 75 and over, with 21.3 deaths per 100,000 people, reports a Time magazine article, citing evidence from The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The highest rate of increase of any age group was seen in those aged 55 through 64, with 18.5 deaths per 100,000. A strong social support network can reduce the negative effects of social isolation. Our Office on Aging and Independence (OAI) can help you maintain meaningful social interactions, stay physically active and mentally connected through its network of 50+ Centers. OAI’s SeniorsTogether peer outreach groups offer mental health benefits, as well. Joining a discussion group with other older adults can support a positive outlook on aging and offer intellectual stimulation from meaningful conversation. To find a 50+ Center or view the SeniorsTogether schedule, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/aging-independence/emotional-wellness-resources. Even with strong community support, older adults may find themselves facing a mental health crisis. In Howard County, Grassroots and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offer crisis and support resources, including support groups for individuals and families. Behavioral health navigators at the Howard County Health Department’s Bureau of Behavioral Health can also help identify mental health resources and providers. And remember, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones. You are never alone.

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 4

The 50+ Connection

Makes a great gift!

Martin Luther King, Jr.'s (MLK) visit to Baltimore ELKRIDGE 50+ CENTER

Connect during Mental Wellness Month

January 10 • 1 to 2 p.m.

Emo onal wellness resources from the Oﬃce on Aging and Independence (OAI) include peer discussion and support groups, behavioral health programs and educa onal sessions, and sharing resources to engage the community. Discussions center on topics like depression, grief, stress management, and maintaining a posi ve outlook on aging.

Learn about Dr. King's visit to Bal more in 1964, and how it aﬀected the Civil Rights Movement and the 1964 presiden al elec on. Free; register on Ac veNet (A05632.600).

MLK day of service: Community cleanup EAST COLUMBIA 50+ CENTER January 12 • 9 to 11 a.m. Join the East Columbia 50+ center and library staﬀ for a community cleanup to mark the MLK Day of Service. We will spruce up the parking lot and grounds in prepara on for the unveiling of the new East Columbia 50+ Center! Refreshments will be provided. Free; register on Ac veNet (A04799.600).

MLK day of service & luncheon

SeniorsTogether in-person or virtual peer groups oﬀer engaging discussions on a wide variety of topics - current events and challenges, hobbies and life experiences, aging with grace and more. In-person groups meet at 50+ Centers and community loca ons around the county. To learn more about OAI’s emo onal support resources or view the peer group schedule, visit h ps://bit.ly/Emo onalWellnessHoCo.

BAIN 50+ CENTER January 12 • noon Join us for a day of service, luncheon and a food drive. All collected nonperishable food items will be donated to Harper’s Choice Middle School’s food pantry. Register at front desk; lunch dona ons due at registra on.

Infinite hope: MLK and the civil rights movement NORTH LAUREL 50+ CENTER January 26 • 10 a.m. The Oﬃce of Human Rights & Equity presents a documentary on Dr. King’s life, leadership and legacy. Hear interviews with historians and other freedom ﬁghters who par cipated in events of the civil rights movement. Free; no registra on required.

Nutrition for a healthy heart GLENWOOD 50+ CENTER January 10 • 11 a.m. Join Carmen Roberts, RD, to discuss what to eat for a healthy heart. Learn how nutri on plays a vital role to lower your risk of heart disease. Free; register on Ac veNet (A03160.60).

Get back to doing the things you love: Make the most of discharge plans ELLICOTT CITY 50+ CENTER January 25 • 11 a.m. Learn the importance of following your hospital or rehab discharge plan to return home safely. Discuss things to consider, checklists, best prac ces, and communica ng with friends/family about needed supports. Free; register on Ac veNet (A02614.601).

Living Well in 2024 The Living Well Chronic Disease Self-Management program oﬀers ways to be er handle chronic health condi ons resul ng from cardiovascular disease, stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, arthri s, and more. The next six-week session runs Tuesday, January 2 through February 6, 4 to 6:30 p.m. at the Elkridge 50+ Center, 6540 Washington Boulevard, Elkridge, 21075. To register, email Heather Sites, hsites@howardcountymd.gov or call 410-313-3507.

Embrace OAI’s Winter Wellness Challenge Are you ready to conquer your new year ﬁtness goals? OAI’s new eight-week Winter Wellness challenge can help you get started. Designed exclusively for older adults, this is your cket to staying ac ve, engaged, and commi ed to your personal health goals throughout the new year. The challenge kicks oﬀ February 1 and runs through March 28, giving you plenty of me to make posi ve progress. Don't miss out on this opportunity to boost your well-being and make this winter season truly rewarding. Learn more at bit.ly/HoCoHealthandNutri on.

Tech support group NORTH LAUREL 50+ CENTER January 9 • 1 p.m. A Senior Planet trained facilitator will host this group on the second Tuesday of each month. Bring your smartphone to explore your device, ask tech ques ons and develop new digital skills. Free; register at h ps://bit.ly/SPTechSupport or call 410-313-0380.

To register or find more events, visit bit.ly/HoCoRegistration

9830 Patuxent Woods Drive, Columbia, MD 21046 410-313-6410 (VOICE/RELAY) • www.howardcountymd.gov/aging Find us @HoCoCommunity on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, and Nextdoor Kim Higdon Henry, Editor • EMAIL: kahenry@howardcountymd.gov AVAILABLE IN ALTERNATE FORMATS UPON REQUEST

Join the subscriber list https://bit.ly/HoCosubscribe Listen to the HoCo Community Chat podcast on Buzzsprout Advertising in the Beacon is not endorsed by the Office on Aging and Independence or by the publisher.

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J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 4 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

Money Law &

Plan a meaningful retirement focused on wellbeing. See story on facing page.

No, your Social Security isn’t going away By Jamie Feldman The Social Security Administration (SSA) is making a concerted effort to quell fears over dwindling reserves in the trust fund. In a new episode of the SSA Talks podcast, SSA chief actuary Steve Goss offered some much-welcomed reassurance that, while there is still a risk that benefits will lessen as the reserves are depleted, there’s no need to believe Social Security will run dry. “People should not worry about the trust fund ‘running out of money,’ as is sometimes said, and (SSA) having an inability to pay any benefits,” he said. “Sort of the probably worst-case scenario here is that we, within 10 years, reach a point where we can only pay about 80% of the level of benefits that are scheduled or intended into law by Congress as of that point in time and going forward.” Goss concedes that while that number

is obviously not 100%, “it’s a long way from not having any money to pay for any benefits.” His commentary follows the SSA’s announced cost-of-living adjustment last month that increased benefits for recipients by 3.2% — or on average about $54 per month — starting in January. Many Americans fear that the program faces financing shortfalls, however. A recent Harris Poll of 1,806 adults on behalf of Nationwide shows that three-fourths (75%) of those over the age of 50 worry that Social Security will run out of funding in their lifetime. One in five of these adults (21%) said they have no other source of retirement income.

Congress is stalemated Congress has not been much help on the reassurance front, either. While there are usually numerous bills circulating on various aspects of Social Security, the fate of

benefits seems to lie stagnant between congressional Republicans and Democrats. Though both parties have denied that cuts to benefits are on the table, they have yet to offer any clear, bi-partisan reassurance that there is a path forward to prevent a crisis for future retirees. Lawmakers’ proposals on potential remedies to the program include increasing payroll taxes, raising the retirement age (last raised from 65 to 67 in 1983), and increasing taxation on Social Security benefits. Among the bills fairly recently introduced is one from Rep. John Larson (DCT), ranking member of the House Social Security Subcommittee. Introduced in May, Larson’s Social Security 2100 bill seeks to increase Social Security payroll taxes, as well as add an additional net investment income tax for people earning more than $400,000. The bill, which has companion legisla-

tion in the Senate, has received widespread support from Democrats but has been met with criticism by Republicans. Like most bills this session of Congress, it is unlikely to move out of committee.

What you can do As for taking action yourself, there are steps you can take, including delaying applying for Social Security so that you increase your payments. [Ed. Note: The closer you get to the age of 70 to claim benefits, the more you will earn per month for the rest of your life.] You can also write to your Congressional representatives to urge action. For help in planning for retirement and figuring out your personal retirement Social Security payments, Goss recommends visiting the SSA’s website, ssa.gov. © 2023 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Consider gifting stock to grandchildren By Dan Burrows If you have never given a child shares in a publicly traded company as a holiday present, that’s probably just as well. Presents are supposed to be fun. Investing in equities — as remunerative over the long haul as they have proven to be —isn’t fun a lot of the time. That said, the impulse to give stocks as a gift to a youngster is understandable, even noble. We want children to develop critical life skills around money as early as possible. The more they learn about saving and investing — to say nothing of compound interest, dividends, the economic cycle — the better. We know how important this stuff is going to be for them in ways they can’t yet imagine. Stocks even have a singular appealing quality as a gift. They’re dynamic. A child can follow a company and its stock. Hopefully, the stock will appreciate in value. Perhaps you and your grandchild will bond as you follow corporate developments and stock charts together. A gift that allows the two of you to spend time together, while learning something and maybe even making a little money, too? Sounds lovely.

Consider indexing The vast majority of full-time professional investors can’t do it, so why should you? The simple fact is that most investors can’t beat the market because most stocks can’t beat the market. Between 1990 and 2020, more than 55% of all U.S. stocks underperformed risk-free one-month U.S. Treasury bills, according to Hendrik Bessembinder, a finance professor at Arizona State University. These stocks didn’t just fail to beat the market, they failed to beat cash. Even more damning, the professor found that the entirety of the $76 trillion in net global stock market wealth created between 1990 and 2020 was generated solely by the topperforming 2.4% of stocks. Finding winning stocks is like finding needles in haystacks. That’s why Vanguard founder and indexing evangelist Jack Bogle always advised clients to “buy the haystack.” So, if part of the purpose of giving stocks as a gift is to teach your grandkids about investing, you should probably start by discussing the advantages of indexing and the miracle of compounding. If you can achieve an annualized return

— also known as a compound annual growth rate — of 7.18%, your initial investment will double every 10 years. Happily for all of us, the S&P 500 has generated an annualized return of at least 7.1% over the past 30, 20, 15 and 10 years — and that’s after inflation. The market has basically been doubling our money or better in real terms for decades. You could explain these facts to your grandchildren as you give them some S&P 500 ETFs, such as the SPDR S&P 500 (SPY, about $455 per share) or the Vanguard S&P 500 (VOO, $418). An ETF is probably an even more disappointing present for a kid than stock (or underwear), so it’s bound to make an impression. The important part is that the child learns that indexing is generally the best way to go for most retail investors.

Best stocks to buy for children If the point of this holiday gift isn’t to teach your grandchild about the wonders of indexing, then here are some general guidelines for picking individual equities. If you give shares in some company to your grandkids as a gift, they probably don’t care about dividend yields, or

price/earnings multiples, or trailing-12months levered free cash flow. Rather, if you feel you must buy individual stocks as a gift, be sure to invest in high-quality companies your grandchild recognizes and maybe cares about. High-quality blue chip stocks with fortress-like balance sheets and a decent chance of beating the market over the next, say, five to 10 years, are easy enough to screen for. Have a look at what industry analysts believe are buy-rated blue chips with interesting businesses. Apple (AAPL, $190), Microsoft (MSFT, $379) and Walt Disney (DIS, $95) are all buy-rated components of the Dow Jones Industrial Average with excellent longterm track records — and they can all be fun to follow. Nike (NKE, $108) is another buy-rated Dow stock that likely holds relevance for your grandkid. Wall Street also happens to be bullish on Dow stock McDonald’s (MCD, $282) these days. Perhaps your grandchild would like a side of fries with her shares in the Golden Arches? If you really want to teach your grandSee STOCKS, page 18

Makes a great gift! | Law & Money

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 4

How to make retirement more meaningful By Heidi Ardis A purpose-driven retirement is all about finding meaning and fulfillment in your postwork years. It is more than just relaxing and enjoying leisure time; instead, it involves actively seeking activities and interests that align with your values and passions. Much of our identity in life is tied to work, but retirement gives us the opportunity to rethink our purpose and to rediscover who we are, using the extra time to focus on who and what is most important to us. Retirement, in many ways, can be a new age of discovery for us as we find new pursuits that interest us. Or we can view retirement as an opportunity to make up for lost time, doing the things we’ve long wanted to do but didn’t have time for. Many retirees take on new roles and responsibilities, such as providing childcare for grandchildren, shopping for higher-

risk neighbors, and providing emotional comfort to family and friends. In return, these stepped-up roles have given retirees a greater sense of purpose and connection. There are even health benefits associated with having purpose: Studies show that those with a higher sense of purpose have greater cognitive functioning, better overall health, higher life satisfaction and longer lifespans. The possibilities are endless. Let’s explore different ways to infuse purpose into your retirement and make it truly extraordinary: • Find your passion. Start by exploring activities that bring you joy and fulfillment. Try new hobbies and join clubs or groups. Reflect on your past experiences and think about what made you feel most alive and fulfilled. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try new things. Remember,

BEACON BITS

Dec. 19

WHEN TO CLAIM SOCIAL SECURITY? AARP presents a free information session on Zoom about taking

full, early or delayed Social Security benefits. Sign up for a free account on AARP.org to register for the session on Dec. 19 at 11 a.m. AARP membership is not required. You will be emailed a link to join the class via Zoom prior to the event. Contact AARP Florida at flaarp@aarp.org for more information.

retirement is a time to discover and pursue what truly makes you happy. • Volunteer or give back. This is a fulfilling way to make a positive impact in your community. One of the most meaningful aspects of life is making a difference in the lives of others. Retirement is a chance to use your skills, knowledge and time to help someone. That could mean mentoring, assisting at a local charity or participating in community events. The joy and fulfillment you

receive from giving back is truly priceless. So go ahead — lend a helping hand and spread kindness wherever you can. • Set goals. Setting goals helps you stay motivated and make the most out of this new chapter in your life. Start by reflecting on what you want to achieve and what brings you joy: learning a new skill, traveling to new places, or spending more time with loved ones, for See RETIREMENT, page 18

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J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 4 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

Stocks

Send a letter to the editor. See p. 2.

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kids about investing, start with indexing. If you want to have fun playing around with individual stocks, go ahead. Just know that you’re going to have lots of ups and downs. Of course, it’s true that unless you plonk down a serious chunk of starting capital, a small gift of stocks is unlikely to make anyone a member of the 1% one day. If 20 years ago you had invested $1,000 in Apple, pretty much the best stock of the past couple of decades, it would today be worth about $500,000. (To be fair, adjusted for inflation, $1,000 in 1993 equals $2,153 today.) That’s a fabulous return, but it’s

Retirement From page 17 instance. Break big goals down into smaller milestones to keep yourself motivated along the way. Dream big and go after

ENTERPRISE RESIDENTIAL MOST COMMUNITIES ARE 62 AND BETTER ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY

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The Greens at Hammonds Lane: 410-636-1141 Park View at Furnace Branch: 410-761-4150 Park View at Severna Park: 410-544-3411

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

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

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

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

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

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hardly Mega Millions money. The same amount invested in the S&P 500 would be worth about $6,300 today. If you can find the next Apple, go for it. Most importantly, make sure the stocks you pick are relevant to the person receiving the gift. If you want this present to hold the recipient’s attention longer than most, that’s the only hope you’ve got. Note: This item first appeared in Kiplinger Retirement Report, Kiplinger’s monthly periodical that covers key concerns of affluent older Americans who are retired or preparing for retirement. © 2023 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. what makes you happy. • Focus on continuous learning. Embrace the joy of learning without the pressure of grades or exams. Keep intellectually engaged by taking classes, attending workshops, or even pursuing online courses. Dive into subjects that have always intrigued you, or explore new areas of interest. • Consider a part-time job. Just because you’re retiring doesn’t necessarily mean you’re ruling out working. Along with the financial benefits of having a parttime job in retirement, other plusses include social interaction, a renewed sense of purpose and identity, physical activity and mental engagement. By aligning your retirement with your passions and values, you can create a meaningful and purposeful life that continues to inspire and motivate you. Start with what makes you happy, be open to new possibilities, and embrace the blessing of being able to live each day to the fullest. Dan Dunkin contributed to this article. This article was written by and presents the views of our contributing adviser, not the Kiplinger editorial staff. © 2023 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency LLC.

BEACON BITS

Jan. 9

SSA DISABILITY BENEFITS INFORMATION

Learn about Social Security Administration disability benefits, eligibility requirements and the application process during this virtual presentation with a Q & A session afterward. This free event takes place on Tue., Jan. 9, from 1 to 2 p.m. on Zoom. Register at bit.ly/DisabilityBenefitsZoom.

AARP FRIENDLY

Ongoing VOICE PROGRAM Hearing a friendly voice on the phone helps us feel less isolated. AARP’s free Friendly Voice Program volunteers are standing by to chat with you or to listen. Request a call by dialing 1-888-281-0145 for English or 1-888-497-4108 for Spanish, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Makes a great gift!

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 4

Style

Arts &

Joan Baez opens up about her life in a new documentary. See story below.

Joan Baez shares secrets in documentary

Public fame, private shame The film begins with novelist Gabriel Gar-

cía Márquez’s quote about how everyone has three lives: public, private and secret. Well, this is certainly apt for Baez, who emerged as a sudden star in 1959, an 18year-old with a guitar and that bell-like voice, and went on to make some 40 albums, with a 2017 induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. As we see from her own anguished drawings and letters beginning in youth, her intensely public life masked both a difficult private one and some dark secrets as well. And then there was Dylan, the same age as Baez, that inscrutable genius who stole her heart and then broke it. It was intoxicating being together, recounts Baez, who introduced him lovingly to her audiences, until a painful UK tour when his fame blossomed, and “it was horrible.” Then, staring into the camera, she said: “Hi, Bob!” It’s a welcome and rare opportunity to laugh with her. But back to the beginning, where Baez, on the cusp of 80, is preparing for the tour, rehearsing at home in northern California. Her hair is fully gray; her face has not changed much. “I know I look good for my age, but there is a limit,” she quips of upcoming retirement. As for her voice, it’s there, but definitely lower and more ragged. Gabriel, her son, plays drums in his mother’s band on the farewell tour. Amid concert footage, we toggle to scenes of Baez’s youth. We also hear, on

and off, a strange (and rather distracting) male voice sounding like a hypnotist. It turns out to be her therapist. The story begins with lovely, black-and-white footage of Joan as a child, dancing in a field with her parents and sisters. Her Mexican-born father was dashing. The scenes look idyllic, but there are signs of trouble ahead when, in an interview from the present, Joan notes mysteriously: “I’m way too conflicted to just have a bunch of happy memories.”

Low self-esteem

By Jocelyn Noveck Bob Dylan called it her “heart-stopping soprano,” and it’s true that when Joan Baez unleashed that pure, angelic voice on the protest song “We Shall Overcome,” you could believe we would, indeed, overcome. The celebrated folk singer and activist was singing about civil rights, of course. But what we learn in the thoughtful, thorough and sometimes harrowingly intimate documentary “Joan Baez: I Am a Noise” is that Baez was also seeking to overcome much on a personal scale: anxiety, depression, loneliness and, late in life, troubling repressed memories about her own father. If that sounds like a lot to cover in 113 minutes, it is — especially because the new documentary, directed by Maeve O’Boyle, Miri Navasky and Karen O’Connor, also recaps a 60-year performing career, with the singer telling her story through interviews and an incredible wealth of archival material. We see Baez entering for the very first time a storage unit filled to the ceiling by her late mother with photos, home films, audio recordings, letters, drawings and even tapes of therapy sessions. And she gave her directors the key. The film was originally intended simply to cover Baez’s last, 2018 “Fare Thee Well” tour, but Baez decided to leave a more thorough legacy.

Joan Baez grew up singing in choirs in New York and

We see pages from Los Angeles and famously performed at Woodstock. young Joan’s journal, its Now 82, she reflects on her life in “I Am a Noise,” a new documentary that appeared in theaters last fall. copious sketches brought to life by wonderfully inschool. Panic attacks and anxiety set in. ventive animation, and hear how white See JOAN BAEZ, page 21 kids called her “the dumb Mexican” in

12 M

TobysDinnerTheatre.com

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Tutors From page 1 Beyond that, volunteer tutors can give assistance if kids encounter a stressful life situation, such as the illness of a parent or caregiver. In the 2022-23 school year alone, the group sent 75 volunteers to assist more

than 375 students, according to Mummert. “Hundreds of volunteers have served AOK during its 20-year history,” Mummert said, and “thousands [of students] have been served by AOK.”

What volunteers do No experience is necessary to become a tutor-mentor. Interested adults are screened,

BEACON BITS TO MEDICARE QUESTIONS Ongoing ANSWERS Do you have questions about Medicare A and B, Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplemental Insurance (Medigap), Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (Part D), Medicaid or Medicare frauds? Call (410) 8872059 to get answers from trained professionals, and to get assessed for eligibility to receive financial assistance to help with Medicare and prescription costs.

WONDERLAND OF ART

Jan. 12+ Check out a winter Wonderland of Art show at the Artists’ Gallery. The show opens Fri., Jan. 12, and all are welcome to a reception on Sun., February 4 from 2 to 5 p.m. The Artists’ Gallery is located at 8197 Main St., Ellicott City, and is open Wednesday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, visit artistsgalleryec.com or call (443) 325-5936.

FREE FILMS THIRD THURSDAYS

Dec. 21+ Watch films for free every third Thursday at 6:30 p.m. Stop by the county library’s East Columbia Branch and 50+ Center, 6600 Cradlerock Way, Columbia. The next showing, on Thu., Dec. 21, is Lethal Weapon (1987), starring Danny Glover and Mel Gibson. Doors open at 6:15 p.m. Registration is appreciated but not required. For more information, call (410) 313-7700.

J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 4 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

trained and paired with elementary and middle-school students in need. Most tutors and mentors are retirees who must commit to working with students for at least one school year for an hour a week. They meet their mentees in school buildings during school hours, after school or during the summer. Volunteers are expected to be flexible, friendly and positive. They’re expected to give “100 percent of their attention” to students, Mummert said. During the two years Garcia has been meeting with Jeongmin Lee, an elementary-school student, she has formed a “great bond, and [he] is a super-kid,” Garcia said. Lee, who first learned English in kindergarten, said Garcia helps him with his language arts assignments. The two have established a routine of sorts. “I read a book of my choice, and Ms. Garcia does the same,” Lee recounted. “When Ms. Garcia and I read together, we often ask questions, and sometimes we laugh at the parts of the book that are funny. Also, we play some games at the end of the tutoring.” Lee said he finds Garcia “very friendly. She makes tutoring much more fun, and she is very, very helpful” to him. Garcia said her tutoring focuses on reading and English assistance. “However, depending on the child and his or her situation, my more important role has been as

a trusted adult they could talk to,” she added.

Benefits flow both ways Another AOK mentor is Natalie Rock, who has spent several years with the organization. She’s been a classroom aide in English language arts at Guilford Elementary School in Howard County for two years and plans to continue the work. “Mentoring and tutoring have brought me much joy and satisfaction,” Rock said. “The children are always happy to see me, and I have been impressed with the teachers, school counselors and office staff in Howard County.” Another tutor, Renu Nath, found her position with AOK through a Google search. After being a stay-at-home mom for years, she was motivated to volunteer after her children started college. Nath mentors one student, assisting her with social skills. “We come to think of our mentees like our own children. We want to help them as much as possible,” she said. “All children need something like this — an opportunity for someone to just listen to them.” And the benefits work both ways. As Mummert put it, “Working with children keeps us young.” For more information, visit AOKMentor.org or call (443) 895-2457.

Makes a great gift! | Arts & Style

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 4

From page 19 Even when she becomes a star, breaking out at the Newport Folk Festival in 1959, her self-image doesn’t seem to thrive. Nestled among the many letters to her parents is a drawing of a very small girl: “This is how I felt on the Carnegie Hall stage.” And then a charismatic singer-songwriter invades her life. “I was just stoned on that talent,” she said of Dylan. One of the best moments of the film has Baez at the mic, during good times, imitating Dylan imitating her. But later, on that tour to Britain, he leaves her in his wake. “Dylan broke my heart,” she said.

Years of protest A new phase sees Baez deeply engaged in protests against the Vietnam War — even going to jail. There, young activist David Harris visits her. The two will marry, she’ll become pregnant, and then HE will go to jail. When he comes out, the marriage is troubled and doesn’t last. “He was too young and I was too crazy,” she said. Later scenes have Baez discussing a

phase of reliance on quaaludes, which cause her to make some questionable decisions, including posing for an album cover in huge aviator goggles. The final act deals with accusations against her father of inappropriate sexual behavior with Joan and one of her sisters, Mimi. Her parents, both deceased, denied it, and Joan’s own memories lack detail. She has said she could not have told this story while her parents were still alive. There’s an excruciating tape of a phone message from her accused dad, and then a tender scene where Baez comforts her aging and dying mother. And then, after footage of a final concert at New York’s Beacon Theater, we see the now-retired Baez dancing in a field near her home. A nod perhaps to the childhood scenes — but also maybe a statement that while she hasn’t overcome it all, she’s overcome a heckuva lot. “Joan Baez: I Am a Noise,” a Magnolia Pictures release, is no longer in movie theaters, but you can purchase it on Apple TV or other streaming services for $7. © The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

Joan Baez

Joan Baez is shown marching with James Baldwin and James Forman in 1965 in this image from “Joan Baez: I Am a Noise,” a Magnolia Pictures release.

FROM PAGE 22 ANSWERS TO SCRABBLE

BEACON BITS

Jan. 20

JANE AUSTEN TALK (LIVE/VIRTUAL)

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

Join the Enoch Pratt Free Library and Juliette Wells, professor of literary studies at Goucher College, to discuss Jane Austen and her novels’ enduring appeal. Wells will also talk about her new book, A New Jane Austen. This free event is presented in person and virtually on Sat., Jan. 20, from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Poe Reading Room, Central Library, 400 Cathedral St., Baltimore, and on EPFL’s Facebook and YouTube pages. To attend in person, register at bit.ly/AustenBookTalk. For more information, call (410) 396-5430.

A Network of Professionals Dedicated to Serving Older Adults Our members enjoy: • Monthly Networking Meetings • Social Gatherings

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To review our complete menu of marketing opportunities, visit cogsmd.org. Prospective members are welcome to attend one meeting as our guest.

Crematory on premises

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J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 4 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

Crossword Puzzle Find a new crossword every day on our website at www.TheBeaconNewspapers.com/puzzles. Write Right 1

By Stephen Sherr

13 16 19

44 48

53 58

50 54

Across 1. Standard, half the world from the intl. date line 4. Puts in the secret ingredient 8. Friends’ Central Perk, and Seinfeld’s Monk’s 13. “Go, team, go” 14. River fish 15. Place to shout 13 Across or 49 Down 16. Cracker spread 17. Mideast ruler 18. Like Anthony Michael Hall in 80’s movies 19. A literal flea market, for example 22. Show a need for a CPAP machine 23. ___ of the Roses 24. Piehole 27. It brings to mind some of Ringo Starr’s instruments 32. Second player on Family Feud, perhaps 35. Oracle 36. Recipient of 2,912,523 votes in Florida in 2000 37. Green and abundant 39. Adagio and allegro 42. Spy ___ Hari 43. Gambling term that sounds like your mom’s sister 44. 1977 film with subtitle The Killer Whale 46. Nickname for some Theodores 47. A good place to show off your ass 52. Bodycare boutique 53. Neither hide ___ hair 54. NFL’er who participates in “The Brotherly Shove” 58. Officer in Mr. Peanut’s army 63. “I wasn’t even there,” for example 65. It is infused into Kleenex Soothing Lotion tissues 66. Half a ___ is better than none 67. Bakers often make it 13 68. Three tsps. 69. “Mommy” has them; “Daddy” doesn’t 70. Daisy that appears to be looking at you 71. Best coast to see sunrises 72. “You ain’t seen nothing ___”

Down

1. Silo contents

43 47

36 39

HB124

23 27

Scrabble answers on p. 21.

2. Flat bread 3. “___ of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice” (ML King) 4. Powerful tennis server 5. Knight’s widow 6. Small amount 7. Result of poor urban planning 8. Songbird 9. 1.32 acres (on a football field) 10. Transport to San Francisco Giants home games 11. Epilogue 12. ___ Yes to the Dress 16. Network of Carl Sagan’s Cosmos 20. Jedi, later than Obi-Wan K or Mace W 21. Little Caesars offerings, colloquially 25. Largest blood vessel 26. Say “not guilty” 28. “A stranger’s just a friend you haven’t ___” 29. Honey producer 30. There is a lot of it in Camelot closets 31. One of the “big five” of film’s studio era 32. Lets the cat out of the bag 33. The time before the big event 34. Kick one out of the cool kids’ table 38. “Behind every great man is a woman rolling __ eyes” (Jim Carrey) 40. One in a pay-to-play scheme 41. Scene loc. in Nurse Jackie 45. Pulitzer-winning writer James 48. Connected to the ‘net 49. Greet the visiting team 50. Lavish 51. Engineer, and member of the Motorcycle Hall of Fame 55. Garden protector 56. “If you can’t make it good, at ___ make it look good” (Bill Gates) 57. One of Santa’s neighbors 59. Toe the line 60. Island 10 kilometers from Italy 61. Decrease in net income 62. Didn’t share 63. Commotion 64. Smoked salmon

Answers on page 21.

Makes a great gift!

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 4

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; Legal 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.

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We thank our advertisers who make our publication possible. Please patronize them and let them know you saw their ad in the Beacon. Classes/Events Howard Co. Recreation & Parks . . . . . . . . . . . . .12-13 Howard Co. 50+ Connection . . . . . . . . .14-15

Funeral Services Cremation Society of Maryland . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Going Home Cremation . . .18 Harry H. Witzke’s Family Funeral Home, Inc. . . . . .11 MacNabb Funeral Home . . .21

Sol Levinson . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Home Healthcare/ Companions A-1 Action Nursing Care . . .7 Family & Nursing Care . . . . .3 Right at Home . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Housing Brooke Grove . . . . . . . . . . .24 Charlestown/Erickson . . . . . .9 Enterprise Residential . . . . .18 Heartlands Senior Living . . .7 Oasis Senior Advisors . . . . . .6

Park View Apartments . . . .18 Residences at Vantage Point . .1 Shriner Court . . . . . . . . . . .11

Oasis Senior Advisors . . . . . .6 RTA/Transportation . . . . . .17

Medical/Health

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Ikon Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Medical Eye Center . . . . . . .5

Columbia Orchestra . . . . . .19 Toby’s Dinner Theatre . . . . .19

Senior/Government Travel Services Howard Co. Recreation & COGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Howard Co. 50+ Connection . . . . . . . . .14-15 Howard Co. Recycles . . . . .10

Parks . . . . . . . . . . . . .12-13

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J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 4 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

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