February 2016 | DC Beacon

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VOL.28, NO.2

County seeks friendlier aging

Planning regionwide Montgomery County is one of many ju-

PHOTO COURTESY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY EXECUTIVE’S OFFICE

By Barbara Ruben Silver Spring resident Beverly Blakey, 64, doesn’t drive, and says it can take her two hours to get to some destinations via circuitous routes on public transportation.

On the other hand, one of Rosemary Arkoian’s main concerns is too much traffic and not enough roads in the northern part of Montgomery County. The 75-year-old Gaithersburg-area resident, who has lived in Montgomery County for 50 years and calls herself “a bit of a community volunteer, civic activist and general noodge,” says that while she is growing older with relatively few problems, she is concerned about affordable housing and healthcare for other aging residents.

And at 72, Geraldine Hogans, who lives in Silver Spring and is visually impaired, wishes there were more part-time employment opportunities.

All three women attended December’s Summit on Aging, called by Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett, in which more than 400 government officials, older adults and community stakeholders exchanged views on what’s working well in helping residents grow older, and what issues need more attention in a county where the proportion of aging adults is escalating.

According to the Maryland Department of Aging, people 60 and older comprised 19 percent of the population of Montgomery County in 2013, but that will rise to 25 percent by 2025.

To better understand the needs that will arise from this surge in older adults, Montgomery County has held focus groups and surveyed residents 55 and older about their concerns and priorities. In addition, it is now the first jurisdiction in Maryland to pursue an Age-Friendly Community designation from the World Health Organization.

Becoming an Age-Friendly Community involves a rigorous five-year or longer process that helps ensure every aspect of an area’s government, business and academia is focused on helping an area’s population age comfortably and safely. More than 70 other communities in the U.S. have already signed on.

5 0 FEBRUARY 2016

I N S I D E …

LEISURE & TRAVEL

Exploring Key West’s wildlife and wild life, as well as a national park nearby; plus, where not to go — and when — this year page 34

ARTS & STYLE

Attendees at Montgomery County's recent Summit on Aging pose with County Executive Isiah Leggett, right, who convened the event to gather input and recommendations to help make the county more aging-friendly. Shown from left: Samnang Wu, Terry Clark, Ann Andonian and Rosemary Arkoian, who were among the more than 400 older adults, government officials and professionals in aging services who shared their views at the summit.

risdictions in this area drawing up a blueprint to address the needs of its growing older population.

The District of Columbia has been in the process of qualifying as an Age-Friendly Community since 2013. Howard County just finalized a “framework” for becoming Age-Friendly. Arlington County has an Elder Readiness Plan, and Fairfax County has its 50+ Community Action Plan. All find that including public input is key.

“I’m very pleased with how the county is focusing on our seniors and aging,” said Gaithersburg resident Hettie Fleming, who attended the recent summit. “It’s very good to know that, as a resident of Montgomery County, my voice is being heard.”

And that’s exactly what Montgomery

County Executive Ike Leggett was hoping for when he convened the summit, which was patterned on a similar event he put together in 2008.

“I believe in bringing people together. It gets us engaged,” Leggett said in his remarks. “You feel the energy and the drive.

We are fortunate to have here the people who have invested: the people who have engaged in the past, the people who pay the taxes and build the infrastructure.

“We stand on the shoulders of the elders who have helped us get where we are today. And we can do an even better job for our children and grandchildren in the future.”

See FRIENDLY AGING, page 16

Songs still carry the show in South Pacific; plus, why WWII WASPs are barred from Arlington National Cemetery, and Bob Levey douses an old flame page 39

TECHNOLOGY k Technology/privacy trade-off

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FITNESS & HEALTH 11 k What is (and isn’t) normal aging? k Get paid for a peek into your brain SPOTLIGHT ON AGING k Newsletter for D.C. seniors

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LAW & MONEY 27 k A 2016 stock market game plan k What’s required for RMDs? ADVERTISER DIRECTORY

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F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Out of pocket, Part II Last month, I wrote about rising pre- goes to the heart of the matter, so I would scription drug costs, and made the point like to devote this month’s column to it.

First, I do believe it’s fair to that a considerable portion of say Medicare is prohibited the cost of new drug developfrom purchasing drugs from ment is borne by taxpayers foreign countries. In fact, all (from the U.S. and other deAmericans are prohibited veloped nations). from doing so, under current I also noted that many law, though very little is spent drugs, including some of the newest “breakthrough” drugs, on enforcing the provision. are available in other counThe chief justification used tries for a small fraction of the for this rule is that it protects cost charged U.S. patients and Americans from unsafe and insurance companies. counterfeit drugs. In truth, FROM THE I raised concerns about PUBLISHER counterfeits are rife in much of By Stuart P. Rosenthal this state of affairs and asked the world’s prescription drugsome questions that I felt we supply chain, and they can be should be discussing as a country. Then notoriously difficult to detect. The easiest we received the following email from a way to keep them out is to forbid all imported Beacon reader, raising a different one: drugs.

“In January’s Beacon, Stuart Rosenthal But that’s not to say we couldn’t come mentions that Gilead Sciences has an up with ways to ensure that we are import$84,000 treatment for hepatitis C that is ing only safe, properly manufactured available in India for $300. I don’t know if drugs from select countries (such as Canaanyone can answer this, but is Medicare da) if we wanted to. It’s been proposed prohibited by law to get this treatment many times as a way to save money, but from India? And if Medicare does [so], has been shot down repeatedly. would that influence Gilead Sciences to Why has it been so difficult to change the law? For one thing, U.S. drug manufaclower their price?”

This question raises a broader set of is- turers have lobbied hard against it.

Pharmaceutical company manufactursues than I addressed last month. But it

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ers say that it costs $2.6 billion and more than 10 years of development to bring each new drug to market. They also note that the profits from successful new drugs must cover the development costs of many other potential new drugs that end up failing during clinical trials.

While that’s true, others note that drug companies spend much more on marketing than they do on drug development.

Furthermore, between paying high prices to support those development costs and underwriting most basic research through government grants, U.S. taxpayers end up footing most of the bill for the new drugs and treatments that are used to save and extend lives throughout the world.

But is that necessarily unfair? Americans’ standard of living is among the highest in the world. Our Gross Domestic Product per person is over $50,000 a year.

The GDP per person in the 30 poorest nations is under $3,000 a year. (India’s is less than $6,000.) Would it make sense to expect people whose income is so far below the average American’s to pay the same price for life-saving drugs as we do?

Furthermore, we engage in, and pay for, this research for our own benefit. If we stop supporting this research, who will take our place? Do we want these breakthroughs or not?

The question is whether Americans need to be paying as much as we do for new and existing drugs to keep drug companies doing necessary R&D. [See “Rising numbers of new drugs pass muster,” on page 21.]

After all, Americans pay considerably higher prices for drugs than do patients in Canada, Germany and many other developed countries whose GDP per person is not significantly below ours.

This is partly due to the fact that U.S. law also prohibits Medicare from negotiating drug prices directly with manufacturers. Those other countries have national healthcare systems or mandatory insurance programs that can and do negotiate prices, resulting in considerably lower prices than Medicare pays.

U.S. law does permit the Veterans Administration and Medicaid (the healthcare program for poor Americans) to negotiate drug prices for their patients, and those programs typically pay 10 to 20 percent less for drugs than does Medicare. So we know negotiation works to bring down drug prices.

Why is Medicare treated differently?

Until 2006, Medicare didn’t even cover prescription drugs. When the Bush Administration proposed adding Part D (prescription drug coverage) to Medicare, it specifically forbade Medicare from negotiating prices directly with drug companies in order to secure necessary support from Congress (and the pharmaceutical industry).

Instead, the program was built around private insurance companies which, it was argued, would do an even better job negotiating with drug manufacturers, and would produce a wider variety of options for consumers.

It has apparently not been true that drug prices have come down as much as they would have through program-wide negotiations. We continue to pay more for drugs in this country than we have to.

But the latter benefit — wider choice — has been achieved, and that’s not insignificant. As anyone who shops for a Part D plan knows, there are a plethora of choices in most markets, and different plans cover different drugs at different prices.

Were Medicare to negotiate as a whole for drug prices, we’d pay less, but there would be one national formulary, as in countries with national health plans.

In those countries, it is common for only certain brand-name drugs to be available, for their use to be limited to certain circumstances, and for generic drugs to be mandated whenever available. Patients who want or need a specific brand-name drug because other options don’t work for them may not be able to obtain coverage for those drugs at all.

For now, Americans can generally get the drugs they want if they choose the right Part D plan (though this may not be true if they get their medications through the VA or Medicaid, which have single formularies).

Candidates now running for national office are raising important questions about this subject, and it’s about time. Are drug companies profiting excessively at U.S. taxpayers’ expense? If so, what should be done about it?

Whatever we decide, we need to remind ourselves that our choices will have consequences. We can’t get something for nothing. Changing the current system will lower prices, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be other costs to bear.

Correction The correct web address for Brookeville House, printed incorrectly in "Group homes offer individualized care" in the January Beacon, is www.brookevillehouse.com. We apologize for any confusion.

Letters to the editor Readers are encouraged to share their opinion on any matter addressed in the Beacon as well as on political and social issues of the day. Mail your Letter to the Editor to The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915, or email to barbara@thebeaconnewspapers.com. Please include your name, address and telephone number for verification.

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6

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Technology &

Innovations Technology’s benefits vs. (privacy) costs

By Anick Jesdanun and David Hamilton This year, consumers will be entrusting even more of our lives and intimate details to our technologically advanced cars, homes, appliances and even toys — and to the companies that build them.

Are we ready for that?

You might, for instance, like the idea of turning on your TV with a spoken command — no more fumbling for the remote!

But for that to work, the TV needs to be listening all the time, even when you’re not watching. That means even when you’re discussing something extremely personal, or engaged in some other activity to which you’d rather not invite eavesdroppers.

How much should you worry? Maybe your

TV never records any of your casual conversations. Or maybe its manufacturer is recording all that, but just to find ways to make the TV better at understanding what you want it to do. Or maybe it retains everything it hears for some other hidden purpose?

You may never know for sure. At best, you can hope the company keeps its promises on privacy. More important, you have to trust that its computer systems are really secure, or even those promises can suddenly become worthless. That part is increasingly difficult to guarantee — or believe — as hacking becomes routine.

comes with a cost in the form of a threat to privacy. Yet not paying that price has its own cost: an inability to participate in some

of technology’s helpful achievements.

See TECHNOLOGY, page 4

Technology pros and cons Indeed, every technological benefit

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F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

How to block telemarketing calls and texts

By Kaitlin Pitsker If you’d rather not get another offer to fix you up with a “free” cruise, a few simple steps can eliminate most such annoying calls and text messages.

Start by adding your landline and cell-

phone numbers to the Federal Trade Commission’s Do Not Call Registry (www.donotcall.gov). Your number should appear on the list the next day, and most sales calls will stop after your number has been on the registry for 31 days.

Registration does not expire, but it’s a good idea to occasionally verify that your number is still listed on the website.

Unfortunately, political organizations, charities and companies with which you have done business within the past 18

months are exempt from the do-not-call restrictions. And robocalls, which use automated dialers to place calls (and which are generally illegal if they’re trying to sell you

Technology

• Kids will be able to talk to more toys and get personalized, computer-generated responses. Does the “don’t talk to strangers” rule apply if the stranger is the Hello Barbie talking doll or Dino, the dinosaur powered by IBM’s Watson artificial-intelligence system?

• Cars will work with GPS technology and sensors in parking meters, roads and home appliances to help route you around traffic and turn on your living-room lights as you approach the driveway. But that can also generate a detailed record of your whereabouts.

• Thermostats from Nest and other

companies will get smarter at conserving energy when you’re away. Potential burglars might find that information handy.

• Home security cameras are getting cheaper and more plentiful, but they’re sometimes insecure themselves, especially if you set them up without care. There’s already a website that streams video from cameras that have no passwords.

• Wearable health devices will track your heart rate, fitness levels and more — and share achievements with friends and family. But slacking off may carry a heavier cost than those extra holiday pounds if

your insurance company yanks discounts for not meeting fitness goals.

From page 3 Because smart gadgets thrive on data — data about you and your habits, data about what large numbers of people do or say or appear to want in particular situations — it’s difficult not to share pretty much everything with them. Doing otherwise would be like turning off your phone’s location services, which disables many of its most useful features.

The consequences aren’t restricted to phones and TVs:

See BLOCK CALLS, page 5

Incremental loss of privacy The pending onslaught of privacy tradeoffs might seem trivial when it comes to a talking — and listening — Barbie doll. But maybe it’s less so when your phone knows enough about you to remind you it’s time to leave for an important interview (if the alternative would be losing a shot at that job) or your smart home can really tell you if you turned off the oven before leaving for an international trip.

“The encroachments on our privacy are often self-inflicted, in the sense that we will accept the trade-off one bit at a time,” said John Palfrey, co-author of Interop: The Promise and Perils of Highly Interconnected Systems.

And these trade-offs can be quite subtle.

Technological advances typically offer immediate, tangible benefits that, once you’ve put enough of them together, can indeed revolutionize daily life. Can you imagine living your life without a smartphone?

In contrast, the risks tend to be diffuse, abstract and often difficult to ascertain even if you’re paying attention. In a recent study, the Pew Research Center said about half of American adults have no confidence that they understand what’s being done with their data, and about a third are discouraged by the amount of effort needed to get that understanding.

In short, convenience usually wins.

Shiny new things are inherently attractive, and it takes a while for some of us to get uneasy about the extent to which we may be enabling our own surveillance.

Humans have made this bargain with technology for some time. When cameras were invented, legal scholars debated how far you can go snapping pictures of people in public. That’s no longer an issue — although the camera on a drone in your backyard is.

Step One in managing interactions with our newly smart digital companions comes down to simple attentiveness. Grandparents, for instance, can be actively involved in what their grandkids are doing — in this case, by taking the time to review and delete conversations from ToyTalk’s website.

Step Two might be learning to say no.

Many services ask for birth dates, phone numbers and even income levels just because they can — and few people resist.

If enough people rise up, companies will stop. There’s precedent: So many people fed up with online ads have turned to ad blockers that websites are taking steps to make ads less annoying.

There will always be a trade-off, but the balance can shift.

— AP

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So what else can you do? If you have either a landline or a VoIP phone (which uses an Internet connection rather than a phone line), ask your phone company about anonymous-call rejection. This service weeds out calls from companies that have withheld their names and numbers from caller ID — a common tactic among robocallers.

For more control over incoming calls, consider a device such as Digitone Call Blocker Plus (about $100). The box plugs into your phone line, allowing you to approve welcome callers and banish others to a blacklist.

If you have a VoIP-based phone service, Nomorobo offers a simple solution. The free service, which works with Frontier, Verizon FiOS and Vonage, among others, compares incoming calls with a list of known robocallers. When a blacklisted call comes in, your phone rings, then drops the call.

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From page 4

noying or suspicious calls and texts.

Most smartphones have built-in features to screen out unwanted calls. To block a number that has contacted your iPhone once from calling or texting you again, tap the info icon next to the number and select “Block this caller” at the bottom of the screen.

Most Android users can do the same by selecting the nuisance call or text, clicking on the three-dot menu icon, and choosing “Add to auto reject list.”

Apple’s latest iOS update cleared the way for content-blocking apps, such as 1Blocker and Adblock Browser (also available for Android phones), to knock out ads that make it difficult to load or read content in your phone’s browser. (Note: Some Web sites that are supported by ad revenue are beginning to block access to content by devices that block ads.)

If an unwanted call or message gets through and you find yourself talking with a live person, firmly tell him or her to add you to the company’s do-not-call list. If it’s a robocall, just hang up —even if the recording invites you to press a number to opt out.

You can file a complaint against illegal robocallers anytime, and against telemarketers once your number has been registered at www.donotcall.gov for 31 days.

All contents © 2016 the Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Block calls

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Say you saw it in the Beacon | Technology & Innovations

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6

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Technology & Innovations | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

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F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6

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AN INTRODUCTION PART 2

Prerequisite: Bring fully charged iPhone to class Fee: $20 1 session Limit: 8 # 460 Wed Mar 9 10:00am-12:00pm

Learn about mail, settings (including privacy and security settings), iCloud find my iPhone, and organizing favorite apps.

IPHONE®,

PHOTOGRAPHY

Prerequisite: Bring fully charged iPhone to class Fee: $20 1 session Limit: 8 # 461 Wed Feb 3 10:00am-12:00pm

Learn how to use your iPhone to take, edit and share great photos.

SMART PHONES AND TABLETS USING THE ANDROID OPERATING SYSTEM WORKSHOP

Prerequisite: Computer Basics or equivalent Fee: $ 20 1 session Limit: 8 # 463 Mon Apr 11 10:00am-12:00pm

Learn what the Android operating system is and how to work with its direct manipulation interface and see demonstrations of popular applications (apps) that run on Android.

BROWSING AND SEARCHING THE WEB **NEW**NEW**

Prerequisite: Computer Basics or equivalent Fee: $ 20 1 session Limit: 8 # 464 Thurs Mar 17 10:00am-12:00pm

Using Internet Explorer®, Google Chrome®, and Google® search to teach how to more effectively use the World Wide Web. We will teach the basics but go beyond including setting up favorites and bookmarks, creating a bookmark bar, opening multiple tabs, and adding extensions to the browser. Learn many techniques to more precisely find the information you want.

MEET THE TECHNOLOGY GURUS! BRING US YOUR PROBLEMS!

Fee: $30 per individual session Limit: 8 # 465 Date and time to be determined by Tech Guru

Have a 1:1 lesson with our Tech Gurus. Experts are available to help individuals with hardware or software issues. Topics: Windows® 10, buying a new computer, securing your computer, backing up the cloud, laptop/desktop Issues, photos/videos, PowerPoint® and more. Your session will last 2 hours. After you register, you will be contacted to select a date and time for your session and to discuss the questions or issues you will be working on with one of our Tech Gurus.

8 7

Technology & Innovations

JCA SENIORTECH

 NEW  NEW  NEW 

MEET THE MACTECHNOLOGY GURUS! BRING US YOUR PROBLEMS! Fee: $30 per individual session

Limit: 8

Have a 1:1 lesson with our MacTech Gurus. Experts are available to help individuals with hardware or software issues. Topics: iPhone®, iPad®, Apple® Laptops/computers. # 470 Tue Feb 9 1:00pm-3:00pm # 471 Tue Feb16 1:00pm-3:00pm # 472 Tue Feb 23 1:00pm-3:00pm # 473 Tue Mar 1 1:00pm-3:00pm # 474 Tue Mar 8 1:00pm-3:00pm # 475 Tue Mar 15 1:00pm-3:00pm # 476 Wed Apr 6 10:00am-12:00pm # 477 Wed Apr 13 10:00am-12:00pm # 478 Wed Apr 20 10:00am-12:00pm # 479 Wed Apr 27 10:00am-12:00pm

 NEW  NEW  NEW 

TECH TUESDAY

PRESENTATIONS AND DISCUSSIONS ON HOT TOPICS IN TECHNOLOGY

WINDOWS® 10: WHAT’S NEW Fee: $20 #516 Wed #517 Tue

1 session Feb 17 Apr 12

Limit: 25 10:00am-12:00pm 10:00am-12:00 pm

Microsoft is offering free upgrades to existing Windows users to go to the new Windows 10 OS. In this 2 hour lecture and demonstration we will examine the new features that you will see in Windows 10 including: The new Start Menu and Desktop, Microsoft App Store,Tablet Mode, Using Multiple Desktops, Looking at the Upgrade process, New Windows Apps included in Windows 10.

CUTTING THE CABLE – TV WITHOUT THE PRICE OF CABLE Fee: $20 # 481 Tues

1 session Feb 9

Limit: 25 1:30pm-3:30pm

With the availability of high-speed broadband internet, it is possible to enjoy television without the high price of cable TV. Learn about programs that are available online and how to watch on a standard HDTV set.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS WEBSITES Fee: $20 # 482 Tues

1 session Feb 23

Limit: 25 10:00am-12:00pm

This class will introduce Websites that provide trustworthy information on a wide range of health, wellness and medical topics. A mix of Federal Government agency sites, and sites sponsored by prominent medical societies will be demonstrated and described. You will also learn how to begin to evaluate Websites for the quality, reliability and credibility of their content.

INTRODUCTION THE THE CLOUD Fee: $20 # 483 Tues

1 session Mar 15

Limit: 25 1:30pm-3:30pm

There has been a lot of talk about “the cloud” recently.

Learn what the cloud is and how to use it for storage, backup and sharing of files, pictures and music.

continued next page

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Technology & Innovations

JCA SENIORTECH

Crystal City

1750 Crystal Drive Shops, Crystal Square Arcade, Arlington, VA 703-941-1007 COMPUTER BASICS: INTRODUCTION TO THE PERSONAL COMPUTER USING WINDOWS© 10

Prerequisite: Bring a flash drive to class Fee: $85 6 sessions Limit: 8 # 485 Tues Mar 1 — Apr 5 10:30am-12:30pm

This course is intended for people seeking to refresh or expand their computer skills. It covers the start menu and taskbar, files and folders, the World Wide Web, and use of applications such as the word processor.

EXCEL—BEYOND BASICS

Prerequisite: Excel Basics or equivalent Fee: $50 3 sessions Limit: 8 # 487 Thurs Mar 3 — Mar 17 10:30am-12:30pm

Develop and format pie charts and columns charts.

Use Excel as a database. Explore other subjects of interest.

FACEBOOK IS EASY WORKSHOP

Prerequisite: Bring a picture of yourself and a picture you’d like to share in digital form (jpg).

Fee: $20 1 session Limit: 8 # 488 Thurs Feb 18 10:30am-12:30pm # 489 Thurs Apr 21 10:30am-12:30pm

Find out how set up a Facebook account and keep it as private or public as you want. Share pictures, thoughts, or quotations with chosen friends.

FILE MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP

Prerequisite: Basic computer skills Fee: $20 1 session Limit: 8 # 490 Wed Feb 17 10:30am-12:30pm # 491 Wed Apr 14 10:30am-12:30pm

Learn how to manage your files—documents you’ve created or copied or downloaded, pictures, and everything else.

GRAPHICS EXPLORERS

Prerequisite: Knowledge of Photoshop® Elements software Elements 10 or 11 software Fee: $40 ongoing sessions Limit: 8 #493 Mon Mar 7-Apr 25 10:30am-12:30pm

Graphics Explorers is a series of meetings with no fixed agenda or syllabus. There is no instructor. Students use Photoshop Elements 10 or 11 to enhance photographs, using several workbooks. Students provide their own copies of Photoshop Elements and workbooks.

GUIDE TO BUYING A PERSONAL COMPUTER (WORKSHOP) Fee: $20 # 495 Thurs

1 session Apr 7

Limit: 8 10:30am-12:30pm

Learn about important issues to consider and features to look for when purchasing your next personal computer.

SECURING YOUR COMPUTER Fee: $20 # 497 Thurs

1 session Mar 10

Limit: 8 1:00pm-3:00pm

Learn about important security issues, including how hackers choose computers, phishing, spam email, website drive-by, botnets, passwords, administrative accounts, keeping applications updated, keeping the operating system updated, and malware protection.

ORGANIZING, EDITING, AND SHARING PHOTOS WORKSHOP

Prerequisite: Basic computer and mouse skills Fee: $50 3 sessions Limit: 8 # 499 Wed Mar 2, 9, 16 10:30am-12:30pm

Learn to import digital photos from cameras, phones, and tablets and use Picasa, a free photo-editing program.

TAMING WORD (WORKSHOP)

Prerequisite: Basic computer knowledge and mouse skills Fee: $35 2 sessions Limit: 8 # 500 Tues Feb 3-10 10:30am-12:30pm

Learn how to make Microsoft Word your personal tool for word processing.

TOURING THE INTERNET

Prerequisite: Computer Basics or equivalent Fee: $85 6 sessions Limit: 8 # 502 Mon Mar 7 — Apr 11 1:00pm-3:00pm

This course introduces important Internet resources, which include sending and receiving email with or without attachments, using address books, browsers, Internet and email security, search, shopping, travel, entertainment, and utilizing government web-based resources.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR APPLE IPAD® (WORKSHOP)

Prerequisite: Bring a fully charged Apple iPad to class Fee: $50 3 sessions Limit: 8 # 504 Wed Apr 6-20 1:00pm-3:00pm

This course demystifies the iPad, starting with the hand gestures used to operate the device and the purpose of external buttons and switches, and progressing to hands-on use of a variety of standard iPad applications.

USING YOUR APPLE IPHONE® (WORKSHOP)

Prerequisite: Bring fully charged iPhone to class Fee: $20 1 session Limit: 8 # 505 Mon Feb 29 1:00pm-3:00pm # 506 Mon Apr 18 1:00pm-3:00pm

Learn how to use your iPhone to surf the Internet, take and share photos, play games, read books – and much more.

USING SKYPE® TO MAKE VIDEO OR AUDIO CALLS (WORKSHOP) Fee: $20 # 507 Thurs # 508 Tues

1 session Feb 25 Apr 19

Limit: 8 10:30am-12:30pm 10:30am-12:30pm

Learn how to use the free Skype application to communicate with relatives and friends.

F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

VIEWING MOVIES ON YOUR PC (WORKSHOP) Prerequisite: Basic computer skills Fee: $20 1 session # 509 Wed Feb 3 # 510 Wed Apr 27

Limit: 8 1:00pm-3:00pm 1:00pm-3:00pm

This is your chance to find out how to view movies in your home and pay little or nothing for viewing.

WINDOWS® 10 HOW TO INSTALL IT WORKSHOP

Prerequisite: Ownership of a computer with Windows 7 installed and desire to update to Windows 10 Fee: $20 1 session Limit: 8 # 512 Thurs Apr 28 10:30am-12:30pm

An update to Windows 10 is available free for a limited time to anyone now using Windows 7 as their operating system. Students will learn how to download and install Windows 10.

WINDOWS® 10 HOW TO USE IT WORKSHOP

Prerequisite: Basic Computer Skills Fee: $20 1 session Limit: 8 # 513 Thurs Mar 24 10:30am-12:30pm

Students will learn how to use Windows 10, the latest Microsoft operating system, including comparisons with Windows 7 and Windows 8.1; how to customize Edge, the new Internet provider replacing Internet Explorer; and file management.

ASSISTED PRACTICE No Fee

Limit: 5

FREE sessions: an integral part of your learning. You must be registered for at least one class to participate. When no classes are being offered, volunteers are available to help registered students practice what they learn in classes and workshops. Speak with your instructor for details.

VOLUNTEER TO TEACH OR COACH We are looking for volunteers who are computer savvy, willing to share their knowledge, and would like to help people age 50+ learn new computer skills.

REFUND POLICY:

Students who wish to withdrawl and receive a full refund must notify JCA at least 48 hours before the first class begins.

A 50% refund is given after the first class.

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6

DESCRIPTION AND GUIDELINES

The Microsoft operating systems vary by site and include Windows® 7 and Windows® 10.

Classes are designed to help adults, 50+, refresh or advance their computer skills and learn to use social media. Courses are taught by volunteer instructors and coaches. Courses are almost always “hands on” in which students practice skills and techniques on a computer during class.

Notice: Within the limits of its resources, JCA serves people of all faiths and from all walks of life. Indeed, we try to be as inclusive as possible in all that we do. Sometimes, however, JCA may deny a person or group the option to enroll or to continue to participate in all or particular programs and services.

We reserve the right to do so, at our sole discretion, should we believe that our action is in the best interest of the individual or program or for any other reason not precluded by applicable law.

INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY

SENIORTECH REGISTRATION FORM

COMPUTER TRAINING

WAYS TO REGISTER:

BY MAIL:

Include your payment with form to JCA SeniorTech 12320 Parklawn Drive Rockville, MD 20852-1726

BY PHONE: Call 240-395-0916 with your credit card information

NOTE: ALL REGISTRATIONS ARE DUE 7 DAYS PRIOR TO START OF CLASS. Name: _________________________________________________________________________________________ Address: _______________________________________________________________________________________ City: ____________________________________________________ State: _______ Zip Code: _______________ Phone#: ______________________________ Email: __________________________________________________ I have taken a JCA SeniorTech class before: ____ Yes ____ No

Student ID (Office use only)_______________

I WOULD LIKE TO REGISTER FOR: Class #

Class Title

Location

Start Date

Start Time

Fee

#

$

#

$

#

$

#

$

#

$

#

$

10% DISCOUNT WHEN BILL IS PAID IN FULL 2 WEEKS PRIOR TO THE START OF CLASS

-

TOTAL $ _________

PAYMENT METHOD:

WB2/16

❒ Master Card ❒ VISA ❒ American Express ❒ Check (Make Checks payable to JCA SeniorTech.)

Name as it appears on card: ____________________________________________________________

Each JCA SeniorTech center follows the weather-related decisions of the public school system in its jurisdiction, except that if a school system is closed for even part of the day, the center will be closed the entire day. As soon as possible, your instructor will arrange to make up any classes cancelled due to inclement weather.

For more information, call 240-395-0916.

Email seniortech@accessjca.org Website www.accessjca.org

-

-

Card Number

-

____________ ____________ ____________ _____________

Exp. Date

______ /______

Sec. Code

__________

OFFICE USE ONLY Course #_____ Paid_____ Registration #_______ Date________

Course #_____ Paid_____ Registration #_______ Date________

Course #_____ Paid_____ Registration #_______ Date________

Course #_____ Paid_____ Registration #_______ Date________

Course #_____ Paid_____ Registration #_______ Date________

Course #_____ Paid_____ Registration #_______ Date________

NOTICE: WITHIN THE LIMITS OF ITS RESOURCES, JCA SERVES PEOPLE OF ALL FAITHS AND FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE. INDEED, WE TRY TO BE AS INCLUSIVE AS POSSIBLE IN ALL THAT WE DO. SOMETIMES, HOWEVER, JCA MAY DENY A PERSON OR GROUP THE OPTION TO ENROLL OR TO CONTINUE TO PARTICIPATE IN ALL OR PARTICULAR PROGRAMS AND SERVICES. WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO DO SO, AT OUR SOLE DISCRETION, SHOULD WE BELIEVE THAT OUR ACTION IS IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE INDIVIDUAL OR PROGRAM OR FOR ANY OTHER REASON NOT PRECLUDED BY APPLICABLE LAW. Each contribution or remittance of payment by check is considered authorization to convert that particular check into an electronic fund transfer. If your check is unable to be converted, it may be processed as a Check Replacement Document drawn against your account. When we use information from your check to make an electronic fund transfer, funds may be withdrawn from your account as soon as the same day you make your payment, and you will not receive your check back from your financial institution. You have the right to opt out of Electronic Conversion. If you choose to exercise this right, write the words ‘Opt Out’ in the memo field of your check and JCA will process it as a draft against your account.

✃

SeniorTech

9

Technology & Innovations

JCA SENIORTECH

10

Technology & Innovations | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

Beacon Links & Apps

By Barbara Ruben

LINKS

of moving to, or want to know about the new shopping center being built down the road, robust forums for each area provide a way to ask questions and read discussions on dozens of subjects organized by metropolitan area. www.city-data.com

The grand(parent) life

All about town If you’re moving to a new city, or just want to get to know your own domicile better, the City Data website can put facts about neighborhoods, restaurants, real estate and more at your fingertips. The site is organized by state, with information about most major metropolitan areas, as well as some smaller ones.

Whether you have a question about safety in a neighborhood you’re thinking

Launched in 2015, website Camp Nana Papa offers articles on grandparenting, a section to share photos and memories of your grandchildren, and a marketplace of products and gifts for grandparents and their grandchildren.

The site takes its name from the picture book, The Adventures of Camp Nana Papa, about two children who enjoy a weekend of fun with their grandparents. The book is written by website founder Donnie Cranfill. www.campnanapapa.com

ALL JOB SEEKERS REGISTER ONSITE

F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

There is nothing like a...Digidame?

Four years ago, Lois Whitman-Hess decided to start a daily blog called Digidame to help the 55+ crowd better understand the “ever changing digital world. The real challenge is just not understanding what these technologies do, but how to use them,” she says on the site.

Her blog posts encompass much more than technology, and include travel, politics and art. But she regularly comments on such topics as new gadgets from the recent Consumer Electronics Show. https://digidame.wordpress.com

APPS Lots of lists What were you planning to do after you

FREE ADMISSION & PARKING!

50+ EMPLOYMENT EXPO RETOOL, RECHARGE, REINVENT

Monday, April 4, 2016, 10am-3pm Bethesda North Marriott Hotel & Conference Center 5701 Marinelli Road, Bethesda, Maryland Easy access via the Metro Red Line – White Flint Metro stop.

Over 50 & Looking for a New Job?

Be sure not to miss Keynote Speaker:

Recruiters from dozens of employers, including nonprofits, government, healthcare, retail, technology and more!

PAT LAWSON MUSE

SEMINARS: Online Applications Changing Careers

Pat Lawson Muse anchors News4 at 4 with Chris Lawrence and hosts Reporter’s Notebook, a weekly public affairs show seen Sunday mornings.

Résumé Writing, Interviewing Skills, Surfing the Net for Jobs, Changing Careers, OnlineApplications, and much more!

PLUS MANY:

COMMUNITY RESOURCES!

CONTINUING EDUCATION: Job Training Information

RÉSUMÉ HELP: Résumé Assistance and Critiques INTERNET SEARCHES: How to Surf the Net for a Job Website Lists

figured out where you set down the TV remote? What was that third item besides paper towels and toothpaste you need on your next Target trip?

Instead of trying to retrieve all the minutiae of life from the recesses of your brain, you might want to try the Wonderlist app to help jog your memory. It allows you to create as many lists as you need, share them, check them off, prioritize items, get reminders and more. In addition, you can sync the lists across platforms, accessing them on your desktop, phone or tablet.

Wonderlist is free for Apple and Android devices, and is also available online at www.wunderlist.com.

Easy ebook borrowing Get recent bestsellers to read right on your tablet or computer. The 3M Cloud Library app and website allow those who have library cards from Baltimore and Montgomery Counties and the District of Columbia to browse hundreds of recent books and download the ones they want to read.

Books automatically disappear from your device after three weeks, but if you’re not done, you can take them out again.

Some of the most popular books have a waiting list, and the app will tell you exactly how many days it will take to get your hands on that new John Grisham or Gillian Flynn novel.

3M Cloud Library is free for both Apple and Android devices, and is also available online at www.3m.com/us/library/eBook.

Follow your heart If you want to track how quickly your heart is beating, Instant Heart Rate can help — almost instantly. Place your index finger on the camera lens of your device, and learn your heart rate in fewer than 10 seconds. A premium version allows users to track and graph their heart rate.

Instant Heart Rate starts at $2.99 for Apple and Android devices. Learn more online at www.azumio.com/s/instantheartrate/index.html.

BEACON BITS Looking for experienced, responsible employees?

Montgomery County is home to one of the most educated and experienced workforces in the country. Filling your vacancies with these mature workers can raise your productivity and reduce expenses.

•Free recruiter registration and table •Free employer name listed in the Beacon Newspaper •Free employer name listed in program •Potential employees with resumes in hand •Great employer exposure for your organization

For more information or accommodations, e-mail mgordon@AccessJCA.org or call 301-255-4209 JCA® – The Jewish Council for the Aging® – thanks our sponsors:

Ongoing

FREE TECH TRAINING

Arlington County Public Libraries offer free one-on-one technology training in half-hour increments by appointment. Tech assistants can assist with basic computer tasks, using Microsoft office programs, troubleshooting issues, downloading e-book or audiobooks, creating email accounts and more. For more information or to schedule a session, call your area branch or visit http://arlingtonva.libcal.com/booking/techhelp.

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6

Say you saw it in the Beacon

Health Fitness &

11

TREATMENT AT ANY AGE Those in their 90s can still benefit from heart surgery and cancer therapy FIGHT THE FLU NATURALLY Try probiotics, oil of oregano, green tea and vitamin D to battle germs A BRAINY STUDY Healthy volunteers are needed to better understand how brains work MORE INNOVATIVE DRUGS Many first-of-their kind drugs were approved last year, but are expensive

What’s normal for aging and what’s not?

As we age, we all notice changes in our bodies, from our reflexes to our libido.

But some physical changes aren’t a normal part of the aging process. “It’s important to know about them, so we can do all we can to keep ourselves as healthy and active as possible,” said Suzanne Salamon, M.D., a geriatrician and assistant professor at Harvard Medical School.

Check out these common age-related health changes to see what’s normal and what’s not.

1. Normal vision changes: The lenses in the eyes become cloudy in later years. “As a result, older people need much more light to be able to see, read and avoid falling,” Salamon said. Also normal: impaired closeup vision and an increase in “floaters.”

Not normal: Loss of peripheral vision, which is a possible symptom of glaucoma, or a sudden increase in floaters accompanied by flashes — a sign of problems with the retina.

Next step: Schedule a comprehensive eye exam with an ophthalmologist.

2. Normal hearing changes: It may be harder to hear someone speaking, especially with background noise.

Not normal: When it sounds like everyone is mumbling, and you don’t hear the phone or the doorbell ring. Don’t ignore it.

“Hearing loss can cause social isolation when people avoid gatherings because they can’t hear the conversations,” Salamon said.

Next step: Report symptoms to your primary care physician. A simple earwax buildup may be causing the problem. If not, the next step is a hearing evaluation with an audiologist or a visit to a hearing aid specialist.

3. Normal thinking-skills changes: You may misplace keys, forget someone’s name, or take longer to learn something new.

Not normal: Forgetting how to drive, cook, do your finances, or find your way home, especially when accompanied by mood swings and agitation. The cause could be as simple as a lack of sleep or a side effect from a medication. Or it could be an early sign of a disease that causes dementia.

Next step: Report symptoms to your primary care physician, or make an appointment with a neurologist or a geriatrician for a memory screening.

4. Normal urinar y changes: The bladder muscles get weaker, causing more

Just Press Play!

If you can’t visit us in person, take a virtual tour!

Explore FriendshipTerrace.org and discover all that our community has to offer, including testimonial videos from residents, interviews with our staff, and much more.

When you’re ready to stop by, call us at 202-244-7400 (TRS 711) to schedule your in-person visit.

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frequent and more urgent need to urinate.

In men, prostate enlargement may require nighttime bathroom visits.

Not normal: Frequent bathroom breaks that interfere with normal daily function or normal sleep patterns. “This needs to be checked out to make sure it’s not a bladder infection or an overactive bladder,” Salamon said.

Next step: Report symptoms to your primary care physician, or make an appointment with a urologist.

5. Normal sleep changes: We spend less time in the deepest stages of sleep as we age. As a result, you may wake up feeling less rested.

Not normal: Trouble falling asleep, stay-

ing asleep, or falling back to sleep after you’ve been awake in the middle of the night.

Next step: Talk to your doctor or go to a sleep specialist. Get a physical exam to make sure there isn’t an underlying cause of sleep problems, such as a medication side effect.

Go to bed and get up at the same time each day to improve your sleep-wake pattern.

6. Normal taste and smell changes: Some diminishment may make it harder to taste food or detect strong odors.

Not normal: Diminishment that leaves food tasteless. “This can lead to less enjoyment of food, and as a result, poor nutrition and weight loss,” Salamon said.

See WHAT’S NORMAL, page 12

12

Fitness & Health | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Complex treatments can work at any age

By Lindsey Tanner Irwin Weiner felt so good after heart surgery a few weeks before turning 90 that he stopped for a pastrami sandwich on the way home from the hospital. Dorothy Lipkin danced after getting a new hip at age 91. And at 94, William Gandin drives himself to the hospital for cancer treatments.

Jimmy Carter isn’t the only nonagenarian to withstand rigorous medical treatment.

Very old age is no longer an automatic barrier for aggressive therapies — from cancer

care like the former president has received, to major heart procedures, joint replacements and even some organ transplants.

In many cases, the nation’s most senior citizens are getting the same treatments given to people their grandchildren’s age — but with different goals.

“Many elderly patients don’t necessarily want a lot of years. What they want is quality of life,” said Dr. Clifford Kavinsky, a heart specialist at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. “They want whatever time is

left for them to be high quality. They don’t want to be dependent on their family. They don’t want to end up in a nursing home.”

Treatment for Carter, 91, has included surgery, radiation and a new cancer drug with fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapy. It seems to be working — Carter announced in December that brain scans show no signs of the melanoma that was found in August.

An individual decision The nation’s 90-and-up population, about 2 million people, nearly tripled in recent decades, and the pace is expected to continue.

Many are struggling with more than one agerelated illness that make them poor candidates for aggressive and often costly care. But plenty remain robust enough to give it a try.

What’s normal From page 11 Next step: Talk to your primary care doctor, or make an appointment with a neurologist or an ear, nose and throat specialist. Often, loss of taste and smell is caused by sinus blockages, but it may signal a neurological condition.

7. Normal fatigue: You may have less energy or endurance than you did when

Lipkin, now 93, had hip replacement surgery two years ago in the Philadelphia area.

Arthritis made walking difficult and painful.

She’d been a good dancer in her younger days, and had tried to remain active, so her doctor recommended the operation.

“Otherwise I was going to be in a wheelchair the rest of my life,” Lipkin said. Soon after, she made a video doing a line dance to show how well she was healing. In the winter, she lives in Florida, walks at least half an hour daily, and leads “a normal life.”

Lipkin says having such major surgery at her age should be an individual decision.

Doctors agree. Some 90-year-olds are fitter than some 60-year-olds, but they say other considerations need to be in the mix.

See TREATMENTS, page 14

you were younger.

Not normal: A constant feeling of exhaustion. “This often is the result of diseases, such as heart problems or anemia, or a side effect of medications,” Salamon said.

Next step: Report your symptoms to your primary care physician. © 2015. President and Fellows of Harvard College. All Rights Reserved. Distributed By Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Mom gave you warmth and comfort.

Now you can return her gift.

Choose Greenspring in Fairfax County for compassionate assisted living and nursing care. Here, Mom enjoys the comfort of a private room, plus benefits like a customized care plan and 24/7 attention from a dedicated staff. We keep her safe and happy—no matter what the weather holds.

Call 703-349-7747 for your free brochure and bonus Winter Safety Checklist for Seniors.

Your loved one doesn’t have to be a Greenspring resident to receive care here.

Springfield

11269846

Independent Living | Inpatient and Outpatient Rehabilitation Assisted Living | Memory Care | Nursing Care | Respite Care

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6

February 2016

UPCOMING SEMINARS & EVENTS at Brooke Grove retirement village

As experts in senior care and memory support, Brooke Grove Retirement Village is pleased to offer seminars and events that promote physical, spiritual and mental well-being.

All seminars and events will be held at Brooke Grove Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, located at 18131 Slade School Road on the Brooke Grove Retirement Village Campus.

Please register with Toni Davis at 301-388-7209 or tdavis@bgf.org.

Support for the Caregiver Seminar: Stress and the caregiver How to take care of yourself February 16, 2-3 p.m.

Join professional care manager Susy Elder Murphy for a discussion on dealing with the stress of caregiving and how to practice good self-care.

FREE. Register by February 14.

Living Well Seminar: Tackle the paperwork pileup February 17, 7-8:15 p.m.

Get your paperwork in order for tax season, learn maintenance strategies and clarify what you should keep or toss. Light complimentary dinner at 6:30 p.m. FREE. Register by February 15.

Alzheimer’s support group February 17, 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association, this confidential group provides an opportunity for individuals and families to find support, gain understanding and share caregiving tips.

FREE. Register by February 15.

18100 Slade School Road Sandy Spring, MD 20860 301-260-2320 www.bgf.org

Independent living assisted living rehabilitation long-term care memory support

13

14

Fitness & Health | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

Treatments From page 12 At MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, the oldest patients are evaluated by geriatricians — specialists in medical care of the elderly — to make sure they’re

able to tolerate harsh treatments. Physical and mental health are assessed. So is social support — whether there are family members or friends available to help during treatment and recovery.

“We do believe that cancer care should not be limited by age,” said Dr. Beatrice Edwards.

H O LY C R O S S H O M E C A R E & H O S P I C E

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F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Less invasive treatments

Even transplants

While many elderly patients are healthy enough to tolerate conventional treatments, advances including more targeted, less toxic drugs and minimally invasive surgery techniques are opening the door to others.

Gandin, the 94-year-old, was diagnosed more than 10 years ago with prostate cancer.

Treatment with radiation and chemotherapy failed to stop cancer from spreading to his lungs and bones. He’s now on hormone treatment that he said is controlling the disease.

A retired Exxon Mobil auditor, Gandin helps take care of his wife of 74 years in their assisted living home in Houston, and is not ready to give up on treatment. “I’m an eternal optimist — that’s what has carried me through,” he said.

Weiner, a retired furniture manufacturer representative, had a hardened, leaky aortic valve — a common condition in late life that can lead to disability and death.

Open-heart surgery is a common option for heart-valve surgery, but some doctors hesitate to perform it in aged patients, said Kavinsky, the Chicago heart specialist.

Dr. Joseph Lamelas, Weiner’s surgeon at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach, Florida, used a newer approach, implanting a new valve through a small incision on the right side of the chest.

After four days in the hospital last January, Weiner was back home in Boca Raton, Florida, and was well enough to have two big 90th birthday celebrations less than a month later.

Organ transplants are less common but not unheard of in the very old. Since 2013, there have been more than 100 kidney transplants in patients aged at least 80, including one in an 88-year-old, according to the United Network for Organ Sharing. Its records show that since 1987, the nation’s oldest kidney transplant recipient was a 96-year-old.

There are generally no strict age limits on transplants. Dr. Dorry Segev, a Johns Hopkins Medicine transplant specialist, said frailty is a more important factor, and his center measures it rigorously, including assessing patients’ grip strength, walking speed and muscle mass.

Ethical and financial issues complicate decisions on providing costly treatments to the very old, and life expectancy has to be considered, Kavinsky said.

“When you start doing procedures on a 90-year old, you have someone who has already exceeded the average lifespan in America,” he said. “How far should we go to keep them going?”

Dr. Joseph Dearani, chairman of cardiac surgery at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, said a good gauge is whether treatment would likely help patients live well for at least another two years.

He said costs to the patient, their family and society also should be weighed, so that treatment is given to the right patients, and “for the most part, that happens.”

— AP

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6

15

Some effective ways to fight colds and flu I think I am a real germaphobe because drink it.

I get very conscious when someone sitting It will not taste pleasant. You will probanext to me starts coughing, bly curse me. But it’s going to especially when they don’t help you. Squeeze some cover their mouth. I’ll let the lemon and honey into it, both first one slide, but if it hapfor flavor and health effects. pens again, I am apt to leave The key ingredients in or hand them a Kleenex. oregano are carvacrol and thyIs it just me or are you that mol, both of which inhibit the way, too? If you feel like you’re growth of hundreds of micoming down with something, croorganisms. here are five things that may 2. Probiotics should be help: taken daily for proper immuDEAR 1. Oil of oregano is a super PHARMACIST nity, but when you feel cold or strong germ fighter. Essential By Suzy Cohen flu symptoms coming on, I feel oil of oregano is sold at health like you should at least double food stores and online in a little up on the dose. I am not afraid dropper bottle. Put one or two drops in your of taking probiotics throughout the day. own “medicinal herb tea” (wink) and then I’m more afraid of feeling miserable and

sick.

High-quality probiotics will improve the quality and count of your healthy disease-

fighting bacteria. Some strains will even inSee FIGHT COLDS & FLU, page 17

BEACON BITS

Feb. 28

MACULAR DEGENERATION SEMINAR

Prevention of Blindness Society of Metropolitan Washington presents a seminar on dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), led by Dr. Emily Chew, deputy clinical director at the National Eye Institute and the lead investigator in the landmark AREDS2 vitamin study. She will discuss current dry AMD research initiatives to protect existing sight. It will take place on Sunday, Feb. 28 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. in conference room 2 at the Sibley Medical Building, 5215 Loughboro Rd. NW, Washington, D.C. For more information, visit youreyes.org/events or call (202) 234-1010.

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Friendly aging From page 1

Affordability is an issue Since the 2008 summit, which produced a raft of recommendations and ongoing committees, the county has made strides in a number of areas, according to Austin Heyman, who focuses on senior issues in the county’s Office of Community Partnerships.

“We’ve made progress in transportation,” Heyman starts to recount. “We now have a mobility and transportation coordinator. RideOn bus service is free [for seniors] during some hours. The Jewish Council for the Aging (JCA) is coordinating Senior Connection rides.”

But he acknowledges issues remain.

Housing was a big concern at the summit seven years ago and continues to be a

worry for many older adults. One-third of county seniors pay more than 30 percent of their income on housing costs, which have risen faster than general inflation.

To help combat some of the problems, the county created partnerships to acquire or preserve thousands of units of affordable housing, and is now partnering with developers to build nearly 1,000 new units of affordable housing for seniors.

Still, “affordable housing remains a work in progress,” Heyman said. “It’s a challenge. We need to devote more resources.”

The more than 2,000 respondents to the Age-Friendly Community Survey agreed, even though the majority rated the overall quality of life in Montgomery County as good or excellent. Surveys were collected between September and November to help shape the Summit on Aging.

F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Just 23 percent of respondents rated affordable housing as a good or excellent feature of Montgomery County, and 70 percent reported that they are at least somewhat concerned about their ability to afford a good quality of life in retirement here.

On the other hand, when asked whether they would recommend Montgomery County as a place to retire, 58 percent overall rated the county as excellent or good in this regard.

And, perhaps surprisingly, members of the largest ethnic groups were even more likely to recommend the county as a good or excellent place to retire, including 77 percent of Asian respondents, 73 percent of Hispanic respondents, and 65 percent of African American respondents.

Emerging concerns While the final recommendations from December’s summit have not yet been compiled, Uma Ahluwalia, director of the county’s Department of Health and Human Services, has identified some emerging issues that weren’t as prominent during the 2008 summit.

“Not only are the numbers [of older adults] growing, they’re also getting more diverse, which means things like language access and comfort in getting services from government, as opposed to [from] nonprofits, are issues,” she said.

In particular, the close family units many older immigrants were able to rely on in their home countries are less typical here in the U.S. “Our natural networks are beginning to fray. Often [people’s] children live far away, and seniors are left on their own and isolated,” Ahluwalia said.

Ahluwalia also said that seniors need

better access to jobs because they are working longer, in part because of the high cost of living here. The survey found that 41 percent of residents plan to work full or part time after age 65.

“That is a very, very big issue for seniors. It keeps coming up,” she said.

Over the last few years, the county has helped promote employment for older residents by supporting the annual 50+ Employment Expo presented by the JCA, and starting an awards program to recognize the best employers of older adults in the county.

Related to the fact that more older adults are working longer, fewer are able to take advantage of senior centers and their extensive programming, most of which takes place during the day, according to Gabe Albornoz, director of Montgomery County Recreation.

His department is starting to look at how senior centers can be open longer hours, and for ways to offer programs and classes in the evening and on weekends.

Together, Ahluwalia and Albornoz chair the County Executive’s Subcabinet on Senior Vital Living — an interdepartmental group of county officials that focuses on ways to promote successful aging.

“The spirit of cooperation and collaboration in our county, which has really been facilitated by our county executive, not merely encourages, but creates time and space for all of us in county agencies to work together and with the public,” Albornoz said.

“I think we have a really strong roadmap, a really strong infrastructure,” he added.

“We didn’t want to just make sure the next couple years were going to be set. We wanted to make sure the decades beyond that are set as well.”

Times have changed, but our mission to provide personalized, affordable services and housing to seniors has remained constant.

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6

Fight colds & flu From page 15 duce IL-10-producing regulatory T-cells, which is a scientific way of saying they reduce inflammation, and can help improve immune function as well as inflammatory disorders of the gut, like painful Crohn’s.

3. FluNada. This is a natural over-thecounter spray that I typically squirt into my throat. You can also spray this product into your nose, because that is the point of entry for germs.

FluNada contains a homeopathic blend of wintergreen, eucalyptus and elderberry essential oils. It is available at Walgreens and other pharmacies. When you feel like you’re coming down with something, that is the time to use it.

This product was tested by two independent labs and found to be effective against multiple cold and flu strains, including

swine, bird and seasonal flu. FluNada provides non-drowsy relief from multiple symptoms, including runny or blocked nose, sore throat, cough, and body aches and pains.

4. Green tea. If you keep rummaging around in my purse, you will find teabags of flavored green tea. It is common for me to ask the waitress at a restaurant for a little cup of hot water “because I have my own medicinal herbs.” Sam affectionately scolded me once saying, “Do you realize we live in Colorado? She thinks your little ‘medicinal herbs’ are a different kind of green tea!”

The epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) in green tea (its most abundant catechin or antioxidant) was shown in numerous studies, including a 2005 article in Antiviral Research, to have antiviral effects by unraveling the viral membrane.

5. Vitamin D is a strong immune modulator and reduces susceptibility to all

BEACON BITS

Feb. 16

CAREGIVER SEMINAR Brooke Grove Retirement Village presents a free caregiving semi-

nar on Tuesday, Feb. 16 at 2 p.m., led by Susy Elder Murphy of Debra Levy Eldercare Associates. The discussion will focus on the importance of self-care by caregivers, and will take place at Brooke Grove Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, 18131 Slade School Rd., Sandy Spring, Md. For more information or to register, email tdavis@bgf.org or call (301) 388-7209.

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Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

sorts of infections. Also, vitamin D controls the expression of more than 900 genes involved in hundreds of physiological functions.

This information is opinion only. It is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose your con-

17

dition. Consult with your doctor before using any new drug or supplement.

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

18

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F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Vegetarian cutlets with marinara sauce

By Sara Moulton Let’s say that one of your New Year’s resolutions is to eat healthier and lose some weight. Join the crowd, right?

In practice, what we probably mean — among other things — is that we plan to eat more vegetables and less meat. It’s a challenge.

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But if you try this dish — a wonderful vegetarian version of breaded veal or chicken cutlets draped with a marina sauce — you will see how easy and satisfying it can be to turn a resolution into reality.

You start by slicing a whole head of cauliflower into thick slabs. One easy method for doing this is to cut the head in half down the center, then turn each half on its cut side and cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices. There will be a few loose bits from the ends, but those also can be breaded and cooked as described below.

You’ll want to take care with the breading, too. It’s a three-step process: dust the steaks lightly with cornstarch, coat them well with an egg mixture, then finish them with a layer of breadcrumbs. This is standard operating procedure among culinary pros. The three layers provide a more substantial crust than a single coating or combo of coatings would.

Now it’s time to brown your vegetable cutlets. You could do it in a skillet — just as you would a breaded meat cutlet — but that would require a ton of oil (those breadcrumbs just soak it up). So we bake them instead, which is simpler and requires much less oil.

The key is to place the cutlets fairly close to the heat source. In my electric oven that’s the top of the stove. If they’re not properly browned at the end of the prescribed cooking time, just leave them in the oven a little longer.

Then dig in. The biggest flavor is going to come from the marinara sauce. Your brain likely won’t care at all whether the cutlet is veal or vegetable. But your body will thank you.

Breaded cauliflower cutlets with marinara Start to finish: 1 hour 15 minutes (45 minutes active) Servings: 4 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil 2 teaspoons minced garlic 1 large head cauliflower, rinsed 3 large eggs, lightly beaten 1/2 cup fat-free plain Greek yogurt 1 teaspoon salt, divided 1/2 cup cornstarch

1 3/4 cups panko breadcrumbs 1 ounce grated Parmesan cheese 1 1/2 cups store-bought marinara sauce, heated Heat the oven to 400 F. In a small bowl, combine the oil and the garlic. Set aside.

Pull off any leaves from the stem end of the cauliflower and trim off just enough of the stem so the cauliflower stands flat on the counter. Slice the cauliflower head in half down the center top to bottom.

One at a time, set each half onto its cut side. Slice crosswise to create 1/2-inch-thick slices. This will yield 3 to 4 cutlets from the center of each half, with the small ends being chunks. The chunks can be prepared the same way as the cutlets, or reserved for another use (e.g., used raw in a salad, microwaved as a side vegetable, etc.).

In a shallow bowl or pie plate, whisk together the eggs, yogurt, 3 tablespoons of water and 1/2 teaspoon of the salt.

On a sheet of waxed paper or kitchen parchment, combine the cornstarch with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt, stirring the mixture with a fork to combine. On a second sheet, combine the panko with the cheese, stirring with a fork.

One at a time, coat the cauliflower cutlets (and trimmings, if using) on both sides with the cornstarch, knocking off the excess. Next, dip each in the egg mixture, coating them on both sides and letting the excess drip off. Finally, coat them with the panko mixture, patting the crumbs on well. Set aside.

Strain the garlic oil through a mesh strainer, pressing hard on the garlic to get out all the oil. Discard the garlic (or reserve for another use).

On a rimmed baking sheet, spread half of the oil in an even coating. Set the baking sheet on the oven’s top shelf and heat for 5 minutes. Carefully remove the pan from the oven and quickly arrange the prepared cauliflower on it in a single layer. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 15 minutes.

Remove the pan from the oven, drizzle the tops of the cauliflower evenly with the See VEGETARIAN ENTRÉE, page 19

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6

19

Don’t parent an adult child, and vice versa

By Helen Oxenberg Dear Solutions: I used to be able to correct my children when they were younger. Even when they got older and were adults, when I saw them making some really bad mistakes, and especially if they did something wrong, I could still give them a good tongue lashing.

Now my son is in the middle of a tough conflict that he brought on himself. I thought a good tongue lashing would help straighten him out. But as soon as I opened my mouth I got clobbered. He doesn’t want to hear me.

Doesn’t experience and knowing better count anymore? What am I supposed to do?

— Old Dad Dear Old Dad: You’re supposed to take the tongue that did the lashing and bite it! When he was younger, that tongue did its job. Now that he’s an adult, you have to move your ears onto center stage and just listen!

Tell him how bad you feel that he’s having trouble, and ask if there’s anything you can do to help.

Memorize my adult children/mature parents golden rule: “Do not advise without their consent.” Stop interfering with his mistakes.

They’re his, and he has a right to them!

Knowing better is no excuse. So, do all those wonderful things you were taught years ago: button your lip, bite your tongue, etc. Got it? Just nod.

Dear Solutions: My daughter treats me like a doddering old fool. Although I’m past 80, I’m not doddering, and I’m not a fool.

She doesn’t live too close, but every time she visits she starts to direct me.

If we go shopping, she tells me what to

buy and actually puts things back that I’ve chosen, saying, “Oh, you don’t really need that.”

If I’m babysitting my grandson (my other daughter’s child), when she’s there she takes over completely, telling him what to do and what not to do.

I love her, and I don’t see her too often. So I don’t want to alienate her.

But I want to say to her what my mother used to say to me when I was young and tried to boss people around: “Who died and left you in charge?”

— Still With It Dear With It: Say it! Then tell her very nicely that you’re still here, you can still make decisions. You’re both adults now, and you’re each in charge of yourself.

Soften it (since you’re afraid of alienating her) by telling her lovingly that she makes you feel secure, and that some day if you can’t make decisions for yourself anymore she is the kind of caring person who can take charge and help you.

Meanwhile, tell her you value her opinion, you’d like her advice, and then you’ll make your own decisions. Since your mother had to say this to you also, you and your daughter probably share a “takeover gene.”

Sometimes it’s the child who is most like you that is the hardest to get along with.

Dear Solutions: I have a nephew I’m very fond of, except that he has never learned to live within his means, so he’s always asking me for help financially. I’ve been helping him, but what would you suggest to change this without alienating him?

— Aunt Dear Aunt: You’d better start making this a definite, written-down payback agreement. Other-

Vegetarian entrée

your favorite marinara sauce.

Nutrition information per serving: 490 calories; 190 calories from fat (39 percent of total calories); 21 g. fat (4.5 g. saturated; no trans fats); 170 mg. cholesterol; 1110 mg. sodium; 58 g. carbohydrate; 6 g. fiber; 8 g. sugar; 17 g. protein.

— AP

From page 18 remaining oil, turn them over, then bake for another 15 minutes.

Divide the cooked cauliflower among 4 serving plates, then serve topped with

wise, since he can’t seem to live within his means, he’ll just continue to live within your means. You can help him by being nice, but firm.

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© Helen Oxenberg, 2016. Send questions to: The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915. To inquire about reprint rights, call (609) 655-3684.

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Health Studies Page

F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

THE PLACE TO LOOK FOR INFORMATION ON AREA CLINICAL TRIALS

Brain study pays for healthy volunteers

By Barbara Ruben While researchers continually make discoveries about the ways our brains work, they still have much to learn. Doctors at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, Md., are now investigating the energy spent by the brain when performing certain tasks as well as when resting.

They want to better understand the function patterns and connections between brain regions in healthy people in hopes that this information may help people with brain diseases in the future.

They are seeking healthy participants for a study that uses MRIs and PET scans to help map the brain’s function during thought processes. The study is also investigating how noise, gender and aging affect brain function while resting, and while engaging in a task, such as working on a computer.

Three study visits The study involves three visits. Participants will wear a device for one week between each visit to measure activity and sleep.

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On the first visit, participants will be screened with a medical history, physical exam, and an interview about drug and alcohol use and psychiatric history. They will also give blood and urine samples, and their breath will be tested for alcohol and smoking.

During the second visit, more samples will be collected. Participants will also have MRI scans, some while resting and some while doing tasks on a computer. During the scan, participants will lie on a table that slides in and out of the MRI machine. Participants will get earplugs for the loud noise the machine makes during the test.

On the third visit, they have a PET scan, which is similar to the MRI, but isn’t noisy and will include a small amount of a contrast agent given by IV. During the study, participants may have tests of memory, attention, concentration and thinking. They may complete interviews, questionnaires, tests on paper or computer, and simple actions.

Who can take part To take part in the study, participants

must be 18 or older and in good health. Because researchers need to understand how brains work optimally, there are several criteria that exclude people from taking part.

Those in the study cannot have had a head trauma with a loss of consciousness for more than 30 minutes. People who use certain drugs, such as marijuana or cocaine, cannot participate, nor can those who have engaged in binge drinking in the past 10 years.

They cannot have taken psychoactive medications or medication that can affect brain function, such as anti-depressants, in the last two weeks. A history of certain psychiatric disorders also disqualifies someone from taking part.

And those with some major medical problems, such as HIV and cardiovascular disease, are also excluded from the study.

Compensation is provided to those accepted into the study. There is no charge for study-related tests and procedures.

For more information, or to volunteer, call the NIH Clinical Center at 1-800-4111222. Refer to study: 14-AA-0144.

BEACON BITS

Feb. 9

STRESS, DIET AND THE BRAIN Norton Beckerman, author of A User’s Guide to a Healthy Brain,

will explain how stress and diet play an important role in how we function cognitively, particularly as we age. His talk will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 9 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Walter Reed Community Center, located at 2909 16th St. S, Arlington, Va. For more information, call (703) 228-0955.

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Call us.

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Aging & Disability Services Mon and Fri: Tue, Wed, & Thur:

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6

21

Rising numbers of new drugs pass muster

By Matthew Perrone Approvals for first-of-a-kind drugs climbed last year, pushing the annual tally of new U.S. drugs to its highest level in 19 years.

The rising figures reflect an industrywide focus on drugs for rare and hard-totreat diseases, which often come with

streamlined reviews, extra patent protections — and higher price tags.

The Food and Drug Administration approved 45 drugs with never-before-sold ingredients in 2015, edging past the previous year’s tally of 41, which had been the highest number since 1996.

Some of 2015’s new medications Among the many interesting medications recently approved by the FDA are the following: Kybella (Deoxycholic Acid) — This is known as the “double chin” drug, because once injected, due to the fat-busting bile acids that make up the drug, it improves the appearance of unwanted fat under the jawline. It’s like a chin tuck without the knife!

Addyi (Flibanserin) — This pill supposedly puts women “in the mood,” but sales are less than desirable for Sprout Pharmaceuticals, the makers of the new female lust drug.

Why do I think that? Consider that over half a million men filled Viagra prescriptions its first month out, back in 1998. Addyi is clearly not overwhelming women, because it was prescribed only 227 times during the first month.

Addyi targets dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain and it’s taken daily, so it’s really more like an expensive antidepressant than a sex pill: it costs about $800 a month!

Lenvima (Lenvatinib) — Taken by

mouth, this drug is used to treat tough cases of thyroid cancer. It was tested in 392 participants with progressive thyroid cancer that was unresponsive to radioactive treatments. About 65 percent of the participants saw a reduction in tumor size, compared to two percent in those who received a placebo.

Lenvima’s side effects included heart problems, hypertension, fatigue and body aches, as well as swelling and problems with your voice.

Aristada (Aripiprazole lauroxil) — This new injectable drug treats schizophrenia, severe depression and bipolar disease.

The FDA’s approval of this powerful antipsychotic was based, in part, on the efficacy data of a highly popular drug in this class called Abilify. Americans spent over $7.5 billion dollars for Abilify between October 2013 and September 2014!

Aristada is a long-acting drug that ultimately becomes Abilify, after a few chemical reactions inside your body. So Aristada could be thought of as the parent drug.

— Suzy Cohen

FDA drug approvals are considered a barometer of industry innovation and the government’s efficiency in reviewing new therapies.

While the trend toward specialty medicines is good news for industry and patients, it is likely to fuel the ongoing debate over rising prescription drug prices.

That issue has become a top concern for consumers, a subject of congressional scrutiny, and even an issue on the presidential campaign trail. Democratic candidates Hillary

Clinton and Bernie Sanders have both outlined proposals designed to curb drug costs.

Many new drugs are pricey The FDA is not allowed to consider prices when approving medicines, though some experts argue it should.

One of the most expensive drugs of the year was Vertex Pharmaceuticals’ Orkambi for cystic fibrosis, priced at $259,000 for See NEW DRUGS, page 22

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22

Fitness & Health | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

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F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

New drugs

But development takes longer

From page 21 a year’s supply. The drug improves lung function in patients with the deadly inheritable disease, which causes the buildup of sticky mucus in the lungs, pancreas and other internal organs.

Pfizer’s breast cancer drug, Ibrance, was priced at $118,200 per year, which was typical of new cancer drugs. Even some drugs for more prevalent diseases came with high price-tags: Bristol-Myers Squibb’s hepatitis C pill, Daklinza, costs $63,000 for a 12-week regimen.

Analysts say drugmakers are getting better at picking the most promising drugs in their research and development pipelines. Between 2007 and 2011, only one in 19 drugs entering early-stage testing actually reached the market, according to industry data analyzed by Bernstein’s Tim Anderson. Today, one in 13 early-stage drugs make it to market.

“These improvements hopefully reflect the pay-off from the industry’s conscious decade-long efforts to ‘turn around’ R&D,” Anderson told investors in a research note last year.

Still, drugmakers continue to face R&D challenges. Anderson notes that the overall time to discover and develop one new drug has been rising for more than a decade, currently averaging about 14 years. The figure was about 11 years in the late 1990s. The increased development time has been driven by the growing complexity of drug trials, and demands for more data from health insurers.

A separate report from Deloitte suggests the largest pharma companies could learn from the R&D strategy of their midsize competitors, who tend to focus on a particular family of diseases or conditions.

These smaller companies tend to have lower R&D costs and higher sales per product, according to Deloitte.

“Our analysis indicates that companies who maintain a consistent therapy area footprint are projected to deliver higher R&D returns,” the company stated.

Despite the difficulties of drug development, experts expect the approvals trend to continue. IMS Health predicts 225 new drugs will be approved worldwide between 2016 and 2020.

— AP

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6

Celebrating 40 Years

23

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA OFFICE ON AGING

Spotlight On Aging VOLUME XXVII, ISSUE 2

A newsletter for D.C. Seniors

ACTING EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S MESSAGE

By Laura Newland Acting Executive Director, D.C. Office on Aging We survived Winter Storm Jonas! More than 20 inches of snow fell in the District, but we didn’t let that stop us from making sure seniors and people with disabilities were safe. This was my first emergency event as Acting Executive Director of the D.C. Office on Aging, and I am proud to be a part of such a strong, committed District government team that is so responsive to those who need us the most.

Before the storm, the Bowser Administration prepared extensively to minimize the disruption to the District. Under Mayor Bowser’s leadership, the District’s Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency (HSEMA) worked around the clock to coordinate the District’s emergency response across District agencies, including the D.C. Office on Aging.

DCOA relies on its sister agencies to do our work effectively, and this storm was no different. Prior to the storm, DCOA helped advertise the services of the D.C. Resident Snow Team coordinated by Serve D.C., which deployed hundreds of volunteers after the storm to shovel sidewalks for District seniors and people with disabilities.

During the storm, 311 and the Office of Unified Communications fielded thousands of calls from District residents, and were able to route them to the appropriate agencies as needed. DCOA received several calls about heating and food access concerns, and I’m proud to say that our agency stepped up to the challenge and assisted as needed.

When we were concerned about whether or not our vehicles would be able to navigate the streets to deliver meals to seniors who are enrolled in our home-delivered meals program, HSEMA immediately connected with the Office of Contracting and Procurement to help us get an emergency contract in place that would allow us to maintain continuity of services.

The Department of Public Works (DPW) also worked with us to ensure that we could access streets for people who needed transportation to life-sustaining medical appoint-

ments. DPW worked tirelessly to make sure our most vulnerable seniors and people with disabilities had uninterrupted emergency transportation services.

When there were concerns about home health aides leaving early, or not being able to get to the homes of seniors and people with disabilities who rely on assistance for daily activities, we worked closely with the Department of Health Care Finance (DHCF), which ensured that all of their contracting home health agencies had emergency plans and followed through in providing the services that District residents who are most at risk need.

Mayor Bowser coordinated a city-wide effort, #DCDigOut, to ensure streets were cleared as quickly as possible, and after the snow finally stopped, she continued to encourage residents to clear sidewalks to accommodate wheelchairs and strollers.

We’re proud to say that the District was the first local government in the District/Maryland/Virginia area to dig out and open its doors — Mayor Bowser knows that many people rely on District government being open to receive much-needed services. Not everyone needed it, but for those who did, it was worth it for us at DCOA to dig out and make our way in.

Through all of this, I was in constant touch with the Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services, Brenda Donald, to ensure DCOA had everything we needed to take care of our seniors and people with disabilities.

All of this coordination is just a glimpse of the coordination it took to weather Winter Storm Jonas. I want to personally thank my sister agencies, essential and emergency personnel, volunteers, National Guard and Mayor Bowser for helping us ensure the health and safety of District seniors and disabled residents. I’ve seen enough snow this winter, but I know that if we get another storm, we’ll be ready to be there for our District residents, just like we were during Winter Storm Jonas.

February 2016

Helping Homeless Women The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program and members of the D.C. Seniors Cameo Club participated in a Martin Luther King, Jr. “Day of Service” at New Endeavors by Women (NEW), a home for homeless women in the District.

The groups performed for the women with inspirational dance, poetry and song, and provided them with words of encouragements and gifts. Both the participants and the groups themselves benefitted from the interaction.

NEW transforms lives by providing housing, fostering the development of life skills, and promoting education and employment to end the cycle of homelessness.

24

F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

D.C. OFFICE

ON

AGING NEWSLETTER

Heart attacks in women undertreated, experts say

By American Heart Association News

Heart attacks in women can have different causes and risks than in men, according to a new scientific statement. But most concerning to experts is that women are being undertreated.

Nearly 50,000 women died from heart attacks in 2014, according to the National Center for Health Statistics at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Heart attacks occur when arteries that supply blood to the heart become partially or totally blocked, reducing blood flow and damaging the heart muscle.

The new statement from the American Heart Association is its first to address heart attacks in women.

Plaque, the gunky substance that clogs arteries and contributes to blood clots, forms differently in some women, said Laxmi Mehta, M.D., the statement’s lead author and director of the women’s cardiovascular health program at the Ohio State University Medical Center in Columbus.

In certain women, especially younger ones, the plaque doesn’t bulge as much into the artery, making it less conspicuous and more difficult for doctors to diagnose on routine tests. But it can still form

a blood clot and lead to a heart attack. vive a heart attack are more likely to tions or bypass surgery — important Stents may not be as effective in have complications in the hospital treatments for restoring blood flow to treating this type of less-obstructive such as shock, bleeding or heart fail- coronary arteries. plaque, according to the statement. Al- ure. Mehta said some physicians do Plus, black and Hispanic women are ternative treatments — such as suc- not follow medical guidelines, and more likely to have heart-related risk tioning out a clot or delivering clot- some women do not take prescribed factors such as diabetes, obesity and busting medication directly to it — re- medications or participate in cardiac high blood pressure. quire more research, the authors said. rehabilitation, which can result in longMore research is needed to better Even after a heart attack, women with- term complications. understand heart attacks in women, out significant obstructions in their ar• Depressed women have a 50 per- Mehta said. Women represent only teries may not receive the medications cent higher risk of heart attack. It’s un- about one in five participants in cardioand treatments they need, Mehta said. clear how depression raises risk, but vascular disease clinical trials, accordSome other differences between Mehta said depressed patients are more ing to the statement. Considerable men and women include: likely to not follow a healthy lifestyle. knowledge gaps remain, and poor out• During a heart attack, women and The statement also addresses racial comes for women “likely reflect both men often feel chest pain, but women dif ferences among women. Black bias and biology,” the authors said. may experience uncommon symptoms women, for example, have more heart “Research is power,” said Mehta. such as back, arm, neck or jaw pain, or attacks than whites and are less likely “It’s the only way for us to better unhave nausea, weakness and a sense of to be referred for cardiac catheteriza- derstand heart attacks in women.” dread.

• Women wait longer to get treated — the median delay is about 54 hours in women and 16 hours in men.

Program Overview • Both sexes share The D.C. Of/ice on Aging (DCOA) is happy to announce DCOA’s Saturday Respite program dates heart attack risk factors, for 2016! This program gives a 4-hour break to caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer’s disbut Type 2 diabetes and ease, and related disorders. Participants engage in interactive stimulating activities promoting high blood pressure are social interaction. Please see scheduled program dates, program site, contact information, and more potent for women. hours of operation below.

• Women who sur-

2016 Saturday Respite Program

Program Opera on Dates

Dry AMD Research Initiatives 2016 Macular Degeneration Awareness Month is celebrated in February, and education is the very first, and arguably the most important, step in fighting this disease. “Dry” age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects 80 to 90 percent of people with AMD. Celebrate “Macular Degeneration Awareness Month” with Emily Chew, M.D., lead investigator at the National Eye Institute of the landmark AREDS2 Vitamin Study, as she discusses current dry AMD research initiatives to protect existing sight.

Everyone is welcome!

Light refreshments and validated garage parking adjacent to the Sibley Medical Building are included at this free event,

presented in partnership with the Prevention of Blindness Society of Metropolitan Washington and Sibley Senior Association.

Guest Speaker: Emily Chew, M.D., National Eye Institute at National Institutes of Health Deputy Director, Epidemiology/Clinical Applications and Deputy Clinical Director, NEI/NIH Sunday, Feb. 28 1:30 to 3 p.m.

Sibley Medical Building, Conference Room 2 5215 Loughboro Road NW, Washington, DC For more information and to register, call Sibley Senior Association at 202-364-7602.

January 2, 2016

June 11, 2016

January 9, 2016

June 25, 2016

January 23, 2016

July 9, 2016

February 6, 2016

July 23, 2016

February 20, 2016

August 6, 2016

March 5, 2016

August 20, 2016

March 19, 2016

September 3, 2016

March 26, 2016

September 17, 2016

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Program Coordinator: Aisha Bailey Email: aisha.bailey@dc.gov Phone: (202) 341-5883

For questions or to make a referral, please contact DCOA’s Aging and Disability Resource Center at: (202) 724-5626. We look forward to hearing from you!

Snow Safety Tips

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6

D.C. OFFICE

Shoveling Safely

Are you elderly or disabled and need help shoveling snow? Call 311 for help from the Mayor’s Resident Snow Team.

Clear snow and ice from sidewalks and steps next to your home and/or business. DC law requires residents to remove snow from sidewalks and steps within eight hours of daylight after the snow stops.

Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow. Overexertion can bring on a heart attack — a major cause of death during the winter.

Give yourself a break. Take frequent rest breaks during shoveling so you don’t overstress your heart. Pay attention to how your body feels during those breaks.

Don’t eat a heavy meal prior or soon after shoveling. Eating a large meal can put an extra load on your heart.

Use a small shovel or consider a snow thrower. The act of lifting heavy snow can raise blood pressure acutely during the lift. It is safer to lift smaller amounts more times, than to lug a few huge shovelfuls of snow. When possible, simply push the snow.

Learn the heart attack warning signs and listen to your body, but remember this: Even if you’re not sure it’s a heart attack, have it checked out (tell a doctor about your symptoms).

Minutes matter! Fast action can save

ON

AGING NEWSLETTER

lives — maybe your own. Don’t wait more than five minutes to call 9-1-1.

Don’t drink alcoholic beverages before or immediately after shoveling. Alcohol may increase a person’s sensation of warmth, and may cause them to underestimate the extra strain their body is under in the cold.

Winter Storm Tips for Pedestrians • Dress properly for the weather, including a hat, scarf, coat, gloves, socks and water-resistant shoes or boots.

• Walk slowly and carefully.

• When walking at night, wear outer clothing that contrasts with the white snow.

• When walking during the day, wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from glare.

• Give yourself plenty of time to get where you are going.

Tips to Prevent Cold-Related Illness The best way to prevent hypothermia and frostbite is to stay inside. If you must go outside, here are some tips to stay warm and frostbite-free: • Wear layers of loose, warm clothes; wool is best.

• Wear mittens (they are better than gloves),a hat that covers your ears, and well-fitting, waterproof boots.

• If you are outside, cover your mouth to protect your lungs from the extreme cold. Do your best to stay

out of the wind.

• Keep dry. Change wet clothing frequently to prevent a loss of body heat. Wet clothing loses all of its insulating value and transmits heat rapidly.

• Do not put dry feet and socks into wet boots. If dry boots are not available, put on clean, dry socks, then slip a plastic grocery or trash bag over socks before placing feet into wet boots.

• Don’t drink alcohol or caffeinated beverages or smoke cigarettes.

• Avoid taking the young and old outside in extreme cold. They are most susceptible to the cold.

• At least a three-day supply of water (one gallon per person per day).

Store in sealed, unbreakable containers.

• A three-to-five-day supply of nonperishable canned food and a non-electric can opener.

• Working fire extinguisher and smoke detector.

• Change batteries in all your equipment at least once a year. An easy way to remember is to do it when you turn your clocks back in the fall.

• Have rock salt to melt ice on walkways.

• Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment.

Supplies You Should Have Before a Snow Storm: • NOAA Weather Radio or batterypowered or hand-crank radio to receive weather reports and emergency information.

• Flashlight and extra batteries.

• Extra food and water. High-energy food, such as dried fruit or candy, and food requiring no cooking or refrigeration are best.

• Special supplies (such as medications) for seniors, family members with disabilities, infants, young children and pets.

• First-aid supplies.

• Emergency heating source, such as a fireplace, wood stove, space heater, etc.

Snow shoveling tips The National Safety Council recommends the following tips to shovel safely:

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Do not shovel after eating or while smoking.

Take it slow and stretch out before you begin.

Shovel only fresh, powdery snow; it’s lighter.

Push the snow rather than lifting it.

If you do lift it, use a small shovel or only partially fill the shovel.

25

6.

7.

8.

Lift with your legs, not your back.

Do not work to the point of exhaustion.

Don’t pick up the shovel without a doctor’s permission if you have a history of heart disease. If you feel tightness in the chest or dizziness, stop immediately.

26

F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

D.C. OFFICE

ON

AGING NEWSLETTER

Community Calendar February 2nd • 6:30 p.m.

Iona Senior Services presents “Opera Gems” in collaboration with Washington Concert Opera (WCO).

Led by WCO co-founder Peter Russell, join an engaging and insightful lecture on Donizetti’s La Favorite and the French grand opera tradition. Tickets are $10 (refreshments included). Iona is located at 4125 Albemarle St. NW. Call 202-895-9407 to reserve your seat.

3rd • 6 to 8 p.m.

Iona hosts a workshop titled “Health and Fitness: Developing Healthy Habits,” facilitated by physical therapist Dr. Jason Dring. There is a suggested donation of $10. Iona is located at 4125 Albemarle St. NW. RSVP to community@iona.org.

5th • noon to 2 p.m.

LeadingAge presents a free lunch & learn workshop, “What is Mixed Media?” There will be a discussion and a collage project by four artists. Bring your own lunch. It will take place at 2519 Connecticut Ave. NW. For more information, call 202-895-9407.

6th • 10:30 a.m. to noon The nondenominational Christian group D.C. Women Aglow will meet at Providence Hospital, 1150 Varnum St. NE. For more information, contact Alice Thompson at 202 535-1321.

8th • 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

16th • 11:30 a.m.

22nd • 12:15 p.m.

Alpha Kappa Alpha, Xi Omega Chapter presents Ward 4 Go Red Day for Heart Health at 4411 14th St. NW. For more information, contact Alice Thompson at 202-535-1321.

Seabury Resources for Aging is holding a town hall meeting at Gettysburg (Ft. Lincoln I), 2855 Bladensburg Rd. NE. For more information, call Norma Hardie at 202-529-8701.

Bruce Rathbun of AARP’s Legal Services for Older Adults will make a presentation at Petersburg (Ft. Lincoln III), 3298 Bladensburg Rd. NE. For more information, call Norma Hardie at 202-529-8701.

9th and 17th • 12:30 to 2 p.m.

17th • 10:30 a.m.

Iona’s Lunch & Learn program will be held on Feb. 9 and 17. Feb. 9 features printmaker Lila Oliver Asher, artist in residence. Special guest artist Maureen Moore, who makes jewelry, will speak on Feb. 17. Receive a free boxed lunch and hear about the artistic process, tour the gallery and more. Iona is located at 4125 Albemarle St. NW. RSVP to 202895-9407.

There will be a Ward 5 Mini Commission meeting at the Seabury Ward 5 Office, 2900 Newton St. NE. For more information, call Norma Hardie at 202529-8701.

10th • noon to 2 p.m.

The D.C. Office on Aging will make a brief presentation at a meeting of the Washington Highlands AARP Chapter.

It will take place at Covenant Baptist Church, 3845 S. Capitol St. SW. For more information, contact Alice Thompson at 202-535-1321.

10th • 6 to 8 p.m.

Iona presents a workshop titled “Keep It All Square, Down There: Pelvic Floor and Sexual Health for Women, facilitated by Medstar physical therapist Lauren Wohl. There is a suggested donation of $10. Iona is located at 4125 Albemarle St. NW. RSVP to community@iona.org.

12th • 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.

6th and 13th • 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Senior Sensations Life Skills Course will be held at the Community Church of Washington, D.C., 1610 T St. SE. For more information, contact Alice Thompson at 202-535-1321.

Registered dietitian/licensed nutritionist Rose Clifford presents “Healthy Food Demonstration: What’s on the Menu for 2016?” at Iona, 4125 Albemarle St. NW. There is a suggested donation of $10. RSVP to community@iona.org.

17th, 18th, 23rd and 24th • 11 a.m.

Seabury Resources for Aging presents “Senior Financial Fraud Prevention: Money Smart for Older Adults” on four dates. On Feb. 17 it will be held at the Vicksburg Apartments (Ft. Lincoln IV), 3005 Bladensburg Rd. NE; on Feb. 18 it will be at Petersburg Apartments (Ft. Lincoln III), 3298 Bladensburg Rd. NE; on Feb 23 the program will take place at Senior Village 1 (Ft. Lincoln II), 3001 Bladensburg Rd. NE; and on Feb. 24 it will be held at Gettysburg Apartments (Ft. Lincoln I), 2855 Bladensburg Rd. NE. For more information, call Norma Hardie at 202-529-8701.

17th • 6 to 8 p.m.

The Take Charge/Age Well Academy at Iona presents “Cyber Security: Tips and Tricks to Stay Protected,” facilitated by Pam Holland of TechMoxie.com. Iona is located at 4125 Albemarle St. NW. There is a suggested donation of $10. RSVP to community@iona.org.

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

500 K St. N.E., Washington, D.C. 20002 202-724-5622 • www.dcoa.dc.gov Acting Executive Director Laura Newland

Editor Darlene Nowlin Photographer Selma Dillard The D.C. Office on Aging does not discriminate against anyone based on actual or perceived: race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, familial status, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, disability, source of income, and place

24 • 10:30 a.m.

The Model Cities Senior Wellness Center, located at 1901 Evarts St. NE, will present “African American Clowns and Comedians.” Take a look at these forms of entertainment in history. For more information, call Monica Carroll at 202-635-1900.

25th • 10:30 a.m.

A black history celebration will be held at the Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired, 2900 Newton St. NE. For more information, call Norma Hardie at 202-529-8701.

25th • 7 to 8:30 p.m.

At a Neighborhood Advisory Committee (ANC) meeting held by Commissioner Theresa Jones, there will be a brief presentation by the D.C. Office on Aging. The meeting will be held at Hadley Hospital, 4611 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave. SE. For more information, contact Alice Thompson at 202535-1321.

26th • 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.

Iona’s Director of Community Engagement Lylie Fisher presents the program, “Put Your Skills to Good Use: Finding Engaging Volunteer Opportunities.” There is a suggested donation of $10. Iona is located at 4125 Albemarle St. NW. RSVP to community@iona.org.

Join Congress Heights Senior Wellness Center

of residence or business.

Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination which is prohibited by the Act. In addition, harassment based on any of the above protected categories is prohibited by the Act. Discrimination in violation of the Act will not be tolerated. Violators will be subjected to disciplinary action.

Begin living a healthier lifestyle by becoming more active. Start participating in a wellness program near you, and begin an exercise program that fits your needs and abilities — whether chair exercise, aerobics, tai chi, weight and strength training, and much more.

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

Congress Heights Senior Wellness Center 3500 Martin Luther King, Jr., Ave., SE 202-563-7225

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6

Say you saw it in the Beacon

Money Law &

27

WHETHER YOU LIKE IT OR NOT What you need to know about required minimum distributions from IRAs MAKING IRAs LESS TAXING You may pay less tax on IRA withdrawals if you start taking them sooner DIVIDEND DOWNSIZING Energy sector stocks and others are cutting dividends; how to reduce your risk PRESERVE YOUR NEST EGG Jane Bryant Quinn’s new book offers advice on making your money last

How to react to the stock market selloff

By Anne Kates Smith There’s nothing like a market rout to remind investors of the importance of following the tenets of sound investing. The declines during January were doozies, making the start of 2016 a baptism by fire. In the first four trading days of the year, the Dow Jones industrial average racked up a loss of nearly 1,000 points, or more than 5 percent. Selling continued to accelerate, and by Jan. 20 was down nearly 10 percent for the year.

The impetus for the selloff here is a freefall in Chinese share prices, as investors fret over just how sharply the world’s second largest economy is slowing.

Add to that concerns about the course of Federal Reserve action, saber-rattling between Iran and Saudi Arabia, North Korean’s claim that it has tested a hydrogen bomb, plunging oil prices, and the fact that the current bull market is nearly seven years old (making it the third-longest since the Great Depression), and you have all the ingredients for a significant downturn.

The market mayhem is particularly worrisome for retirees, who have less time to make up for big market declines.

Here are some tips for how to survive the current turmoil:

Don’t panic China’s worries, strictly speaking, aren’t ours, although what’s happening in China has a ripple effect throughout the world economy. China accounts for just 7 percent

of U.S. exports, representing less than 1 percent of our gross domestic product.

Kiplinger’s expects the U.S. economy to expand by 2.7 percent this year, and analysts expect earnings for U.S. companies to rise by about 6 percent from 2015.

Those are not the conditions for a severe and protracted bear market.

Still, if what looks like a correction today turns into a bear market tomorrow, don’t forget one of the important lessons from the devastating 2007-09 downturn, said financial planner Cicily Maton, of Aequus Wealth Management Resources, in Chicago: “Even in the worst of times, recoveries happen within a reasonable period.”

Remember, the headlines are not about you. “What’s happening in the headlines is probably not what’s happening in your personal account,” said T. Rowe Price senior financial planner Judith Ward.

Retirees, especially, are likely to have a healthy mix of bonds and cash in their accounts to temper stock-market declines.

The market is not a monolith, and some of your stock holdings may buck the downtrend as well.

Check your withdrawals Fight the urge to cut and run, and avoid selling your depreciated stocks, if you can.

Cut back on withdrawals from your portfolio to meet living expenses, especially if you’re taking out more than 4 to 5 percent annually, and consider deferring gifts, trips and other discretionary expenditures until the market stabilizes, said Anthony Ogorek, of Ogorek Wealth Management,

in Williamsville, N.Y. “You want to take as little from your assets as possible,” said T. Rowe’s Ward.

“This is a good time of year to plan your budget,” she said. “Maybe this year you don’t have to treat for a family-reunion cruise.” Recall that you have until the end of the year to take required minimum distributions from your retirement account if you are 70½ or older.

See STOCK MARKET, page 28

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F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

All about required minimum distributions

By Kevin McCormally It’s a watershed year for the baby boom generation. In 2016, the first of the boomers — those born in the first half of 1946 — will reach age 70 1/2. Their present from Uncle Sam is a demand that they begin withdrawing funds from their traditional individual retirement accounts (IRAs) and employer-sponsored retirement plans, such as 401(k)s.

If you’re among those at the head of this parade, you need to know the ins and outs of required minimum distributions (RMDs). If your parents or grandparents are the ones moving into RMDland, do them a favor and share this with them.

The RMD calendar If your 70th birthday falls between Jan. 1 and June 30, you’ll turn 70 1/2 in 2016, and you must take your first required distribution from your traditional IRAs. If your birthday is July 1 or later, your first RMD will come in 2017.

Generally, you must take RMDs by Dec. 31, but first-timers can wait to take their initial payout until as late as April 1 of the following year. So if you reach 70 1/2 in 2016, you can postpone your first withdrawal until 2017. But doing so means you’ll have to take two distributions in 2017.

Be sure to check whether that could push you into a higher tax bracket, cause

more of your Social Security benefits to be taxed, or subject you to the Medicare high-income surcharge a couple of years later.

Note: The RMD rules do not apply to original owners of Roth IRAs. Because the government doesn’t get to tax Roth withdrawals, it doesn’t care whether you ever withdraw that money (although your heirs must take withdrawals).

Pinpoint how much to withdraw

Stock market

domestic and foreign bonds, U.S. and overseas stocks, and within the stock allocation, a variety of market sectors. No one sector should claim more than 5 to 10 percent of your holdings, said Ward.

From page 27

Review your allocation If you’ve been regularly rebalancing your portfolio, you’ve already been cutting back on stocks periodically over the past few years.

Now is a particularly good time to revisit your investment mix and make sure that it is consistent with your tolerance for risk.

“We always tell clients to use downturns like this as a bellwether,” said Maton. “No one should lose sleep over what’s happening in the stock market. If they are, then they’re over-exposed.”

Make sure you’re diversified. Investors who’d planned to dump bond holdings in anticipation of higher interest rates just got a good lesson in how bonds, especially high-quality government issues, can provide ballast in a portfolio.

Since the start of the year, the yield on the benchmark 10-year Treasury bond dropped from 2.27 percent to 2.02 percent in the first 20 days of the year. Because bond prices and interest rates move in opposite directions, iShares 7-10 Year Treasury Bond ETF (IEF, $108.58), an exchange-traded fund that tracks intermediate-term Treasuries, has climbed 1.3 percent.

In general, investors should own a mix of

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You don’t need a computer or a degree in accounting to figure out how much you must withdraw from your IRAs. First, find the 2015 year-end balance of every traditional IRA you own. Second, add them together. Third, divide the total by a factor provided by an IRS table that’s based on See RMDs, page 29

Stick with high-quality holdings This is no time to speculate. Look for companies with dependable earnings, impeccable balance sheets and healthy dividends, or funds that invest in such companies.

Vanguard Dividend Growth (VDIGX), a member of the Kiplinger 25 list of great noload mutual funds, delivers steady returns with below-average volatility by focusing on companies with low debt, high profitability and a consistent history of raising dividends. PowerShares S&P 500 High Quality Portfolio (SPHQ, $21.55) is a good choice for ETF investors.

Opportunistic investors can use market volatility to think about buying quality stocks on the cheap. One such stock is Apple (AAPL, $99.85), which has dropped 24 percent from its record high because of worries about slowing iPhone sales. Apple’s shares sell for just 10 times estimated earnings for the fiscal year that ends in September.

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RMDs From page 28 your age and life expectancy.

For most IRA owners who turn 70 1/2 in 2016, the divisor is 27.4. So, for example, if your IRAs held a total of $500,000 at the end of 2015, your RMD for 2016 is $18,248.

An IRA owner whose spouse is more than 10 years younger and the sole beneficiary of the account must use a different, larger factor. [See sidebar, “When you spouse is much younger.”]

Once you know how much you must withdraw from your IRAs, you can choose which accounts to tap. You can withdraw the total RMD from a single IRA, or spread the withdrawal over several accounts.

Slightly different 401(k) rules Reaching age 70 1/2 also triggers re-

29

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6

quired distributions for most 401(k) owners. But the rules aren’t exactly the same as for IRAs. First, if you have more than one workplace retirement plan, you must figure the RMD for each account (based on the same life-expectancy factor that applies to IRAs), then withdraw separate RMDs from each account.

You can’t pick and choose which account to tap, as you can with IRAs. If you’re still working at 70 1/2 (and you don’t own 5 percent or more of the company), you can delay your first RMD until the year you stop working.

Most RMDs are taken in cash, but they don’t have to be. If you own stock or mutual fund shares you’d like to hold on to, for example, you can have the shares transferred to a taxable account. As long as the value of this in-kind distribution equals

your RMD, you’ll be square with the IRS. You’ll owe tax on the shares you transfer, just as if you had withdrawn cash. But your tax basis in the transferred securities — the amount you’ll use to determine the gain or loss when you ultimately sell them — will be the market value on the date of the transfer.

An in-kind distribution might make sense if, say, you own shares that have fallen in value but that you expect to recover. If you keep the shares in an IRA, any increase in value will be taxed in your top tax bracket when you ultimately pull the money out of the IRA. But if you move the shares to a taxable account and hold them for more than a year, any post-transfer appreciation will be treated as a tax-favored long-term capital gain, with a tax rate as low as 0 percent, depending on your other income.

Tax considerations Most payouts from traditional IRAs are fully taxed in the year you withdraw them.

But it’s clear from the tax form that that’s not always the case. If you have ever made a nondeductible contribution to your IRA, then part of every withdrawal will be taxfree.

That’s the good news. The bad news is that it’s up to you — not the IRS or the IRA sponsor — to know what’s what. You should have filed a Form 8606 with your tax return for each year you made a nondeductible contribution, and the most recent version should show the total of all your nondeductible contributions (minus any part that has been withdrawn).

That amount is your basis in your IRA, See RMDs, page 30

When your spouse is much younger Q: My wife is 17 years younger than I am. I recall reading that I need to take special steps when I calculate my required minimum distributions from my IRA. Is that true?

A: Yes. Most people use life-expectancy table III, the Uniform Lifetime Table, in Appendix B of IRS Publication 590 to calculate their RMDs (required minimum distributions).

But if your sole beneficiary is a spouse who is more than 10 years younger than you, then you need to use life-expectancy table II, the Joint Life and Last Survivor Expectancy, to determine your RMD. You won’t be required to withdraw as much money each year as you would if your spouse were older.

For example, if you turn 70½ in 2016 and need to take your first RMD, you would divide your account balance as of the end of 2015 by 27.4. If you had $100,000 in your account, you’d need to withdraw $3,649.64. But if your sole beneficiary is your spouse and she is age 53, you’d divide your account bal-

ance by 32.6 and would need to withdraw only $3,067.48.

Make sure your IRA administrator knows your spouse’s birthdate, so it will use the correct table when calculating your RMDs, especially if you’ve signed up for automatic RMD withdrawals.

This is also a good time to make sure your beneficiary designations are up-todate, according to Judith Ward, a certified financial planner with T. Rowe Price.

“If this is a second marriage, make sure the ex-spouse is no longer the beneficiary on your accounts,” she said.

The beneficiary designations on your retirement accounts and life insurance supersede the information in your will. Even if you have updated your will, your IRA will go to your designated beneficiary; that’s true even if you have been divorced, married or wanted to change your beneficiary for any reason since you set it but neglected to make the change.

— Kimberly Lankford, the Kiplinger Washington Editors

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F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

How to minimize taxes on IRA withdrawals

By Elliot Raphaelson Many readers are concerned about tax issues, specifically the impact of the required minimum distribution (RMD) and what tools are available to mitigate it.

Under current regulations, at 70 1/2, when you will be required to make minimum withdrawals from your traditional IRA, you should project what your taxable income is likely to be at that milestone.

Consider additional taxable income from non-retirement assets, pensions and/or Social Security. Take these projections into account to estimate the minimum distribution you will have to make starting at 70 1/2.

You may project that your tax bracket will be higher then than it is now. Moreover, as you get older, and the percentage you have to withdraw increases (because your life expectancy decreases), your marginal tax rate may become higher as you age. Is there a way you can avoid paying more tax than you have to?

RMDs From page 29 and you need to figure the ratio of the basis to the total in all your traditional IRAs. If your basis is 5 percent of the total, for example, then 5 percent of your withdrawal will be tax-free.

As a general rule, an IRA sponsor will withhold 10 percent of your payout as taxes to be sent to the IRS. But, unlike tax withholding on wages, this payment is com-

Start taking withdrawals now One strategy is initiating a withdrawal plan from your IRAs before you reach 70 1/2, even if you don’t need the funds now.

This could make sense if you know your marginal tax rate will be higher.

For example, many readers have indicated that they intend to wait until 70 before they start receiving Social Security payments. For many recipients, much of this extra income will be taxable, so many individuals will be facing a higher marginal tax rate even without counting the required IRA withdrawal.

Another option is converting some of your IRA funds into a Roth IRA. One advantage is that those funds will no longer be included in your traditional IRA when you reach 70 1/2.

Accordingly, the amount you have to withdraw because of RMD will be less.

Another advantage is that income from (and appreciation of) the securities in the Roth account will not be taxable. More-

pletely voluntary. If you want to block withholding — or have more than 10 percent withheld — simply tell your IRA sponsor at the time you request the distribution.

Withholding tax on your RMD may simplify your life if it permits you to avoid making quarterly estimated tax payments during the year. Some IRA owners, in fact, use large withholdings from late-in-theyear RMDs to cover their tax bill on both the IRA payout and investment earnings.

Such withholding can protect you from an

have to start at a specified date no later than at age 85. This alternative makes sense if you are concerned about ensuring future income and you want to minimize your taxes starting when you reach 70 1/2.

An excellent source for QLACs is Stan Haithcock (website: www.stantheannuityman.com).

Vanguard has put together an excellent webcast with a transcript on its website, vanguard.com. It’s called “Managing your IRA assets before and throughout retirement.” In this webcast, specialists from Vanguard answer questions from callers on a wide variety of topics, including the impact of RMDs, use of Roth IRAs, effective tax policy, use of charitable deductions, and a wide variety of other topics that will help you manage your IRAs. Elliot Raphaelson welcomes your questions and comments at elliotraph@gmail.com. © 2016 Elliot Raphaelson. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Consider a special annuity Another option is the use of a qualified longevity annuity contract (QLAC).

QLACs can be used in traditional IRAs for lifetime income starting at a future date. If you have a traditional IRA, you can defer 25 percent of the total of all your IRAs or $125,000, whichever is less.

The only requirement is that payments

coming seriously ill just before year-end when you had planned to make the required withdrawal.

If you think you have a good excuse, the IRS will review your case before making you pay the penalty. First, though, get the required amount out of your IRA as soon as possible, to show good faith. Then, figure the penalty on Form 5329, but don’t send a check. Instead, attach a statement to the form explaining why you failed to meet the deadline. If the IRS agrees that your request for a waiver is reasonable, you’re okay. Otherwise, you’ll get a bill.

Remember, the M in RMD stands for minimum. You can always take more out of your IRA than the RMD demands (although you’re probably best off leaving the money in the tax shelter until you need it).

And there is no requirement that you spend the money once it comes out of the account. You have to pay tax on the distribution, yes, but you can immediately reinvest it in a taxable investment account.

All contents © 2016 the Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

underpayment penalty because withholding is considered paid evenly through the year, even if it comes in late December.

If you are withdrawing your RMD via monthly or quarterly payments from the IRA, you may need to file a Form W-4P with the sponsor to either block withholding or determine the amount to be withheld. If your state has an income tax, be sure to check on your state’s rules about tax withholding on IRA payouts.

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31

Ways to reduce the risk of a dividend cut

By Anne Kates Smith When investors think of dividends, they often think “safety.” Checks that arrive like clockwork come to mind.

But a recent round of dividend cuts has given some income-seekers a rude awakening. Among the rudest: Kinder Morgan (symbol KMI), the energy pipeline giant, slashed its dividend 75 percent in December, cutting the quarterly payout from 51 cents a share to 12.5 cents. A day later, Freeport McMoRan (FCX), a copper and gold producer with an ill-timed expansion into oil and gas production in 2013, suspended its dividend.

Dividend cuts are still rare. In fact, 337 companies in Standard & Poor’s 500-stock index increased their payouts last year.

But the average increase is running at 13 percent — below the 18 percent average increase in 2014 and 20 percent in 2013.

And 15 companies in the S&P decreased their dividends, while three, including the aforementioned Freeport, suspended them altogether, up from just eight cuts and no suspensions in 2014.

Companies in the struggling energy sector cut dividends by $6.2 billion. For context, consider that from 2010 through 2014, cuts in the energy sector totaled $1.3 billion.

How to spot a risky dividend Ironically, an indication that a cut is immi-

nent is a spiking yield, which is a stock’s annual dividend rate divided by its share price.

What’s “high” in terms of yield depends on the industry — 4 percent for a utility stock is fine, but it invites skepticism in a fastergrowing tech company or a more-economysensitive industrial company, for instance.

But if a stock that usually yields 4 percent all of a sudden yields 6 percent, and the cause of that burgeoning yield is a falling share price, it could be an indication that Wall Street doesn’t believe the dividend is sustainable and thinks a reduction is in the offing.

It’s best to be on the lookout for warning signs of a dividend cut early on, because by the time it’s finally announced, much of the damage to a stock has already been done. Keep a close eye on a stock’s payout ratio, or the amount of a company’s earnings paid out in dividends. The average payout ratio for S&P 500 stocks is currently 37 percent.

Again, what constitutes a high ratio depends on the business. Tobacco stocks can pay out the majority of their earnings in dividends because a long-term decline in demand for their product means they’re not spending a lot on factories and equipment, yet the business remains profitable and generates tons of cash.

But in general, anything above 70 to 75

percent should raise eyebrows — or at least initiate some research. Get to know the company’s cash flow situation. While earnings can be subject to various adjustments, a positive free cash flow means a company has invested what it needs to maintain its business and has money left over to spend on dividends.

Look at how much debt the company is carrying, and whether it needs to tap capital markets to meet its commitments. Companies forced to choose between protecting their credit rating and protecting their dividend will cut the payout every time.

Who’s next to cut?

Reality Shares Advisors, a sponsor of exchange-traded funds, ranks dividend-paying stocks based on historic dividend trends, cash flow, earnings, buybacks and other data, with an eye toward determining the prospects for dividend hikes or cuts. Stocks with the company’s lowest rating have about a 40 percent chance of cutting their dividends within the next 12 months. (You can find the ratings at www.realitysharesadvisors.com/divcon.)

Whether a dividend cut is a reason to sell depends on why you own the stock in the first place. What a bargain-hunter sees as a smart fiscal move to deal with a temporary setback could be a deal-killer for an

income investor.

But we think the five stocks below, many of which land in Reality Shares’ bottom two dividend buckets, merit watching. Share prices and yields are as of January 20.

Mattel (MAT; price, $25.69; yield, 5.93 percent) Mattel’s payout ratio for the 12 months that ended September 30 was a whopping 171 percent. Analysts’ estimates for both dividends and earnings imply a 145 percent payout ratio for the 2015 calendar year and 114 percent for 2016. Meanwhile, cash on Mattel’s balance sheet has steadily declined from $1.3 billion at the end of 2012 to $290 million at the end of the third quarter of 2015. The company’s toy lineup is in desperate need of a hit.

CenturyLink (CTL, $22.24, 9.52 percent) The country’s third-largest telecommunications company has been trying to move from last century’s landlines to this century’s cloud, but the company lost four senior cloud executives in 2015. For the 12-month period that ended September 30, the company paid out 168 percent of what it earned. “They’ve been paying out well in excess of what they’re taking in for many quarters,” said Eric Ervin, Reality Shares’ See DIVIDENDS, page 33

32

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F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Quinn on how to preserve your nest egg Making your money last through retirement is harder than it used to be. We are living much longer, the rate of return for conservative investments is very low, and there is a great deal of volatility in the stock and bond markets.

An excellent guide to help you reach your objectives is Jane Bryant Quinn’s new book, How to Make Your Money Last (Simon and Schuster). Like her other books, this one is up to date, well researched, comprehensive and understandable.

Quinn assembles the wisdom of many reliable sources: Ed Slott (retirement plans), Michael Kitces (investment withdrawals), Moshe Milevsky (annuities), James Hunt (insurance), William Bernstein (investments), and the authors of Get

What’s Yours (Social Security).

Here are some highlights: • Social Security: Quinn discusses optimal claiming strategies for individuals, spouses, ex-spouses, widow(er)s and disabled workers — including the pros and cons of filing early and waiting until 70 to file for benefits. These are among the most confusing choices facing retirees, and Quinn gives a solid grounding.

• Health insurance: Quinn covers the fundamentals of Medicare, and offers sound advice. For example, if you use Part D (drug plan), you should shop for a new plan at every open enrollment period. Plans continually raise and lower their drug prices. By checking the prices of the drugs you expect to use in the next year, you can

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comparison shop. Some lenders offer determine which plan is best for you.

There is an excellent section on long- them with low or no closing costs.)

• Retirement spending: term care (LTC) insurance.

Is a 4 percent withdrawal rate Quinn points out that one of safe? In order to maintain the problems in this industry even a relatively low withis that some companies somedrawal rate, you need to detimes raise premiums by 10 to vote a significant percentage 20 percent. However, she of your portfolio to equities. identified three companies — Quinn lists a wide variety of Mass Mutual, New York Life excellent sources you can use and Northwestern Mutual — to help you structure a workthat have never raised prices able portfolio of equities and to existing policyholders. She bonds in retirement, as well as recommends that you don’t THE SAVINGS tools to determine when to spend more than 5 percent of GAME modify your withdrawal rate so your retirement income on By Elliot Raphaelson your assets will last through reLTC premiums.

• Your home: Quinn discusses many tirement.

• Annuities: Quinn points out, as I options, such as downsizing, renting rather than buying a house, and continu- have in many of my columns, that immediate-pay annuities (aka SPIAs), which guaring-care retirement communities.

On reverse mortgages, a controversial antee lifetime income, are easy to undertopic among personal finance writers, she stand and are cost-effective. Her excellent admits she’s changed her mind. She used advice: When you consider annuities, use to think they entailed more risk than re- an adviser — “not a salesperson” — when ward, but she acknowledges that the re- you seek advice.

• Investing for income: This chapter cent federal regulations have diminished the risk, and that “new cash-flow strategies provides many common-sense approaches make them interesting for people in their in order to structure a well-balanced portfolio, avoid risky alternatives, re-balance early 60s and 70s.”

This refers to the effective use of a regularly, and avoid costly alternatives.

Quinn’s book will help you make reaHome Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM). If you apply for an HECM but sonable choices in every important aspect don’t immediately use it, the amount of of retirement planning. © 2016 Elliot Raphaelson. Distributed by available credit grows each year. (If you do consider a reverse mortgage, you must Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Please tell our advertisers, “I saw you in the Beacon!”

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Law & Money

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6

Dividends From page 31 CEO. “In that case, the writing’s on the wall.” CenturyLink cut its dividend by 26 percent in 2013.

Newmont Mining (NEM, $16.56, 0.6 percent) Yes, the yield for this gold-producing behemoth is already minuscule. But it should be even lower; in fact, it’s supposed to be nothing.

That’s because Newmont’s dividend policy is explicitly tied to the price of gold — in theory, when gold sells for less than $1,200 an ounce, the company shouldn’t be paying a dividend, although declaring one is at the discretion of the board of directors. The average price for the metal did breach the $1,200-an-ounce threshold in

the third quarter. The company maintained its quarterly payout of 0.025 cent a share, “but that can’t go on forever,” said Ervin, especially with gold selling today at $1,111 an ounce.

Caterpillar (CAT, $59.81, 5.15 percent) The heavy-equipment manufacturer rarely sports a dividend yield this high.

Only once in the past 16 years has the average annual yield climbed above 3 percent. The company is reeling from a global industrial slowdown, and analysts expect an 8 percent slump in sales and a 22 percent drop in earnings in 2016. Cost-cutting has resulted in thousands of layoffs.

Yet the company has continued to raise its dividend aggressively — from an annual rate of $1.84 a share in 2012 to the current rate of $3.08 per share, even as its cus-

BEACON BITS

Feb. 29

SENIOR SCAMS

Vienna Parks and Recreation presents a free information session on scams that target seniors on Monday, Feb. 29 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. The seminar will take place at 262-M Cedar Lane, Unit #10, in Vienna, Va. For more information, call (703) 255-6360.

Ongoing

SOFTBALL LEAGUE RECRUITING

The Golden Girls of Northern Virginia, a senior women’s softball league, is looking for players. Any woman over the age of 40 is encouraged to join. All skill levels are welcome. The team plays on Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings in Vienna. For more information, visit www.goldengirls.org.

tomers in the energy and mining industries have struggled.

Targa Resources (TRGP, $16.23, 19.38 percent) Kinder Morgan’s dividend cut has paved the way for other companies in the business of processing, storing, transporting and marketing oil and natural gas. A toxic combination of high debt and sinking commodity prices will put pressure on Targa’s dividend for years, said analyst

33

John Edwards of Credit Suisse.

He recently downgraded the stock to “underperform” (translation: sell), despite a one-year price target of $36 a share, which is 38 percent above the current price. But Edwards’s previous target price was $79.

“We see no way out of the woods for TRGP without a substantial dividend cut,” he said.

All content © 2016 the Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

BEACON BITS

Ongoing

VOLUNTEER ADVOCATES

The Northern Virginia Long Term Care Ombudsman Program is looking for volunteer advocates for residents in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. For more information, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dfs/olderadultservices/ltcombudsman or contact Lisa Callahan at (703) 324-5861, TTY 711, Lisa.Callahan@fairfaxcounty.gov.

34

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F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Travel Leisure &

Dry Tortugas National Park, 70 miles west of Key West, has a Civil War fort and a variety of exotic birds. See story on page 36.

Exploring Key West’s wildlife and wild life

Diversions galore On this tropical island of coral rock 1.5 miles wide and four miles long, also known as “Key Weird,” bars buzz at 11 a.m., tshirts broadcast brash messages, and

“Margaritaville” blasts out of storefronts.

A dessert restaurant, Better Than Sex, promises “the most decadent sweet dining experience,” offering Tongue Bath Truffle and Kinky Key West Cream Pie. Over the years, the town’s laid-back, bohemian persona lured notables like Ernest Hemingway, Tennessee Williams and John James Audubon, plus pirates, shipwreck salvagers, Cuban refugees and more. Cuba is 90 miles away; Miami, 150.

Even the town’s above-ground cemetery, built in 1847 at the island’s highest point (18 feet), has its quirky side. One headstone says, “I told you I was sick.” Another, “Now I know where he is sleeping at night.”

Strolling the streets is a favorite pastime. At all hours, there’s a parade of eccentrics — from the well off to the struggling, including hippies, oddballs, wayward youth and vacationers.

On the “Duval crawl,” the 15-block asphalt ribbon between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, there are 66 bars, including Ernest Hemingway’s hangout, Sloppy Joe’s.

Also known as Key West’s Bourbon Street, Duval is the route traveled by zombie parades, naked bike races, and the biggest blowout of all, October’s Fantasy Fest. This year’s theme is “Political Voodoo and Ballot Box Barbarians.”

At the daily sunset street party in Mallo-

© WIZDATA/SHUTTERSTOCK

By Glenda C. Booth A mother hen and her three chicks were hell-bent on crossing the street, so I stepped out and stopped the traffic on the main drag that slices down the middle of Key West, Fla. Roosters crowed nearby.

No one seemed to notice. Chickens and roosters in the middle of town? Key West marches to its own drum.

Chickens, roosters, six-toed cats, owl butterflies, conches, frigatebirds, and sooty terns. There’s definitely wildlife, at these southernmost points of the U.S. But in Key West, the most salient feature is the wild life. Quirky, freewheeling, irreverent Key West, where U.S. 1 ends and begins, “is the greatest of all the endof-the-road towns,” wrote the late Charles Kuralt in his 1995 book, America.

“This assures its lack of decorum,” Kuralt wrote. “The island is full of dreamers, drifters and dropouts, spongers and idlers and barflies, writers and fishermen, islanders from the Caribbean and gays from the big cities, painters and pensioners, treasure hunters, real estate speculators, smugglers, runaways, old Conchs and young lovers.”

© JOE BILOUS

Key West visitors can enjoy glorious sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico, this one viewed from the southernmost point in the keys. A daily sunset party in Mallory Square includes acrobats, magicians and other performers.

This Key West home, where Ernest Hemingway wrote such books as A Farewell to Arms in the 1930s, is now a museum that features his typewriter and other mementos, along with numerous descendents of the writer’s six-toed cats.

ry Square, aspiring acrobats, magicians, buskers and fire jugglers perform for free.

Key Westers brag that the morning sun rises like a fireball over the ocean and melts into the ocean at twilight.

Hemingway and Truman homes Beyond the ubiquitous hawkers of tacky souvenirs and garish T-shirts, Key West has some small-town charm and intriguing nuggets, including 3,000 historic structures. Many houses combine classical New England with Bahamian features like wraparound porches.

Victorian and pre-Victorian homes have elaborate lattice work. The second floor porch of the “eyebrow houses” covers windows to keep houses cool.

The steamy island environment inspired Ernest Hemingway in the 1930s to pen novels like A Farewell to Arms and Death in the Afternoon. At what’s today called the Hemingway House, “the spirit moved him,” tour guides maintain.

The two-story, Spanish colonial home and carriage house-studio featuring his Royal typewriter are preserved a la Papa.

Descendants of his six-toed cats meander through the gardens.

The lighthouse across the street, built

in 1846, perhaps helped “befuddled” Ernest find his way home from Sloppy Joe’s. It offers great views at the top of its 88 steps.

Another famous home is the Little White House, where President Harry Truman and wife Bess escaped from the Washington White House — a mansion the president called “the big white jail.”

On a 45-minute tour of this Bahamianstyle home, guides explain that 85 to 90 percent of the furniture is authentic, such as the fold-up poker table Bess commissioned so she could disguise Harry’s favorite amusement.

Truman, visitors learn, was dubbed the “uncommon common man.” Reporters called him, “Truman, the human.” Six presidents have stayed there.

A respite from the town’s frenzy is the Audubon House and Tropical Gardens, built between 1846 and 1859. Today it showcases 28 first-edition, hand-colored lithographs and engravings of 22 birds, exquisitely done by John James Audubon.

Examples: roseate spoonbill, sooty tern, and brown pelican.

Another de-stressor is the Butterfly and See KEY WEST, page 35

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6

Key West From page 34 Nature Conservatory. Around 60 butterfly species from around the world flutter among a garden of flowering plants. They are captive bred in the tropics on their native host plants, not collected from the wild.

You might see the world’s largest — the owl butterfly, with an eleven-inch wingspan — and what looks like an eightwinged butterfly. It’s actually a breeding pair, coupling.

Elsewhere on Key West, opportunities abound to sunbathe, swim, snorkel, sail, fish, golf, or simply do nothing.

While seafood — fish, conch, crab, shrimp, lobster — is prominent on menus, eating in Key West is a diverse fusion of styles and tastes. Many delight in the Cuban dishes, like roast pork, black beans and rice, arroz con pollo, and boliche, a beef-sausage dish.

Tropical fruits like mangos, papayas and coconuts are easy to come by. Serious foodies stress that true Key lime pie uses only Key limes, Eagle brand sweetened condensed milk, and a pastry crust, not graham cracker. Oh, and it is yellow; never green.

While enjoying patio dining, you might find chickens or roosters pecking around

BEACON BITS

Mar. 1+

BETTER COMMUNICATION COURSE The Jewish Social Service Agency (JSSA), in cooperation with the

Coming of Age Program of Maryland, will be conducting a four-session interactive course entitled Connecting In Friendship: A Refresher Course in Communication.

The course will take place on four consecutive Tuesdays starting March 1, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Classes will be held at the Jewish Community Center, 6125 Montrose Rd., Rockville, Md. Led by two licensed clinicians, this non-sectarian course builds social skills to help older adults make friends and develop good relationships. Preregistration is required. The cost is $80. For more information or to register, call (240) 788-2438 or email jssacif@gmail.com.

Ongoing

SUBSIDIZED TAXIS IN ARLINGTON Arlington County sponsors Super Senior Taxi (SST), a subsidized transportation program for county residents age 70 or older, that

offers less expensive taxi cab rides. Riders can purchase a book of vouchers worth $20 for $10. Participants can purchase up to 20 coupon books per year, but availability is limited. Coupons can be used with Arlington Red Top Cabs and Yellow Cabs. For more information or to apply, visit www.arlingtontransit.com/pages/accessibility/programs-for-seniorsdisabled/super-senior-taxi or call (703) 228-1700.

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Leisure & Travel

your feet. It’s all part of Key West’s eggcentric charm.

For a full range of lodging, dining and activities information, including coming events, visit www.fla-keys.com. (Flakey, get it?)

35

You can fly directly to Key West, or fly to Miami and then drive or take the Keys Shuttle, Keys Express Shuttle, Key West bus, or Greyhound bus. Currently, the lowest round-trip fare from area airports to Key West is around $350 in February.

The Benefits of Preplanning Tuesday, February 19 at 2:00 pm free event

Clint Oxendine of Mountcastle Turch will share his expertise on veterans benefits, Social Security benefits, and the benefits of preplanning. Hosted by Potomac Place.

Call 703-494-3817 today.

PotomacPlace.com

2133 Montgomery Ave., Woodbridge

Coordinated Services Management, Inc. - Professional Management of Retirement Communities since 1981

36

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F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

West of Key West — Dry Tortugas Park It may be dry, but there’s life there. The islands have sea grapes and trees like the Portia tree, Geiger tree, buttonwood, date palms, and coconut palms. Floridians joke that the gumbo limbo tree is “the tourist tree” because its red peeling bark reminds them of naive tourists who end up with sunburned, peeling skin.

Birders delight in species rarely seen north of Florida. Between March and September, 100,000 sooty terns nest on the islands, joined by 10,000 brown noddies and

others. Magnificent frigate birds with eightfoot wingspans soar like hang gliders.

Fort Jefferson, built between 1845 and 1876 but never finished, stands as an example of 19th century masonry fortification. Located on Garden Key and armed with eight-foot thick walls, the fort helped protect ship traffic and patrol the Gulf of

Mexico and the Straits of Florida.

The Union Army held 800 prisoners in the fort in 1864. The most famous was Marylander Dr. Samuel Mudd, who set the leg of President Lincoln’s assassin, John Wilkes Booth. Imprisoned for being a “conSee DRY TORTUGAS, page 38

© HENRYK SADURA

By Glenda C. Booth Seventy miles west of Key West is the “flip side” of that raucous isle — the slowpaced, undeveloped, near-quiet Dry Tortugas National Park, a seven-island cluster of coral reefs and sand.

This 100-square-mile park gets its name from the sea turtles that greeted Ponce de Leon in 1513, and from the absence of fresh water, hence “dry.” Visitors go for a Civil War prison, coral reefs, birds and shipwrecks.

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Dry Tortugas National Park features the 19th century Fort Jefferson, once used to protect ship traffic and patrol the Gulf of Mexico. During the Civil War, it housed about 800 Confederate soldiers, including Dr. Samuel Mudd, who set the leg of President Lincoln’s assassin, John Wilkes Booth.

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Leisure & Travel

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6

Where not to go — and when — this year sold out or posting prices triple what I expected.

Unfortunately, I had picked the weekend of a big football game at Appalachian State University for my visit, and the local hospitality industry decided to cash in on the huge surge in demand. Fortunately, I Spring break was able to find a reasonable Young folks age 16 to 21 rate in Lenoir, just 25 miles can be quite nice when away. they’re alone or in small But that scenario is re-enactgroups. But hundreds or ed hundreds of times during the even thousands of them, fall season, whenever a universieach trying to see who can ty with a big-time football prodrink the most beer or gram hosts a game in its smallsmoke the most pot, can town setting. This problem render a destination area won’t arise for another 10 uninhabitable for their eldmonths, however, so if you plan ers.

TRAVEL TIPS to visit a “college town,” you Spring break dates vary

By Ed Perkins have plenty of time to check from school to school, but the high season is March through early dates before you book accommodations.

April.

Popular destinations tend to vary from Europe in August When you visit Paris or London in Auyear to year, too, but for the most part you encounter lots of breakers on Florida’s East gust, you often wonder where all the locals Coast beaches, the Texas Coast, and near- went. The answer is simple: They went to

by Caribbean and Mexican resorts. Mass- the beach or the mountains. So if you hanker for a week in Normandy, make that market cruises can also be break targets.

If you’re considering a vacation during week some time other than August.

Of course, the folks who run visitor atthe spring break period, either avoid beach destinations entirely or choose an tractions don’t leave, so the tourist spots obscure one. And if you’re thinking about will run full-tilt for the benefit of foreign a cruise, have your cruise agency check visitors. But throngs of visitors can clog a on whether a sailing has a lot of spring city, too, so maybe just avoid Europe in Aubreak bookings before you commit. gust entirely if you can.

While you may be reading plenty of “where to go in 2016” stories elsewhere, I’ll be a contrarian and address the question of places and times you should seek to avoid.

Football weekends In October, two years ago, I planned to visit a friend in Boone, N.C. But when I checked, all the local motels were either

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37

38

Leisure & Travel | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

Dry Tortugas From page 36 spirator,” Mudd also helped treat yellow fever patients while he was there. President Andrew Johnson pardoned him in 1869.

Visitors can visit Dr. Mudd’s cell, from which he wrote his wife, “After every rain, our quarters leak terribly, and it’s not un-

F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

usual to dip up from the floor 10 and 12 large buckets of water daily.” Visitors can see the officers’ quarters, barracks, magazines and cannons.

The Dry Tortugas offer adventurous snorkeling because of numerous shipwrecks, including the Norwegian Windjammer wreck, a ship also called Avanti, which sank in 1907. Coral reefs and sea

grasses are home to creatures like stingrays, the queen conch, and brain coral.

For travel and other information, visit www.nps.gov/dr to and www.dr ytor tugas.com. Day trips from Key West are the most practical option via ferry, the Yankee

Freedom. Day trip rates, which include a tour, breakfast and lunch, are $165 for those 62 and older, $175 for other adults.

Call 1-800-634-0939.

Beware: There are no restrooms, snack bars, or lodging (except camping) on the islands.

Where not to go

Games will be in Rio, Aug. 5 to 21. Host cities are notorious for hiking prices, and if Rio follows London’s 2012 pattern, hotel prices will be at least double the usual rates, and restaurants will either hike prices, be mobbed, or both. Steer clear of Rio during the Games — but expect some good post-games deals.

• Public holidays. Many non-Christian countries celebrate Christmas because they enjoy the festivities and the commercialization. Beyond Christmas and New Year’s, however, public holidays vary a lot around the world. Check publicholidays.global/ for any area you’re likely to visit.

• Trade fairs. In my experience, trade fairs don’t overwhelm a host city as much as they used to, but if you’re heading for Europe, check www.trade-shows.eu before you commit to a major European city.

Send e-mail to Ed Perkins at eperkins@mind.net. Perkins’ new book for small business and independent professionals, “Business Travel When It’s Your Money,” is now available through www.mybusinesstravel.com or www.amazon.com. © 2016 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

From page 37 for hiking prices when their city or region hosts a blockbuster event. After all, Economics 101 says that price sets the balance between supply and demand.

Although you can encounter major events almost anywhere, anytime, these are so big that, unless you’re attending, you really want to avoid them: • Political conventions. The GOP convenes in Cleveland July 18 to 21; the Dems convene in Philadelphia July 25 to 28.

• Olympic Games. The 2016 Olympic

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BEACON BITS

Feb. 20

HISTORICAL CONTROVERSY TALK

Following the conclusion of the American Revolution, there was debate over the proper title for America’s new national executive.

Author Kathleen Bartoloni-Tuazon will give a free talk and slide program on her book about the debate, For Fear of an Elective King: George Washington and the Presidential Title Controversy of 1789, at the City of Fairfax Regional Library on Saturday, Feb. 20 from 11 a.m. to noon. The library is located at 10360 North St., Fairfax, Va. For more information, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library or call (703) 293-6227, ext. 6.

Feb. 10+

DRIVING VOLUNTEERS

The Senior Connection is looking for volunteers to drive seniors to medical and other appointments. Training and liability coverage are provided, and schedules are flexible. The next training sessions will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 10 at 10 a.m. and Wednesday, Feb. 24 at 7 p.m. at the Holiday Park Senior Center, located at 3950 Ferrara Dr., Silver Spring, Md. For more information, visit www.seniorconnectionmc.org or call (301) 962-0820.

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6

Say you saw it in the Beacon

Style

39

Arts &

Female pilots from WWII (WASPs) are no longer allowed to have their ashes interred at Arlington National Cemetery.

See story on page 41.

Songs still carry the show in South Pacific cal, was progressive for the time. But I wonder if it is out of the question to give the story a more subtle tone in present-day productions.

Still, the songs! So many, with such wonderful words and music: “Some Enchanted Evening,” “Younger Than Springtime,” “Bali Ha’i,” “Cockeyed Optimist,” “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Out of My Hair,” “There Is Nothing Like A Dame,” “This Nearly Was Mine,” “Happy Talk,” “Honey Bun,” “A Wonderful Guy,” “You’ve Got to Be Carefully Taught (to Hate).” Definitely no updating needed there.

Thwarted love The action focuses on the usually upbeat, perky nurse Nellie Forbush, who describes herself as a “hick” from Little Rock, Arkansas.

She becomes shocked when she learns that Emile de Becque, the middle-aged, selfexilled French planter with whom she falls in love, had once been married to a Polynesian with whom he fathered the two adorable mixed race children who live with him.

Nellie breaks off their relationship, believing that she can’t help herself, that

Sondheim and Weidman’s freewheeling musical travelogue

road show

The Dreamer. The Schemer. The American Dream.

February 16 – March 13

racial prejudice was born in her. She does recant before curtain time, when she, her lover and the two cute kids are reunited.

Meanwhile, Lt. Joe Cable.

This Princeton grad beds a native girl, Liat, at the insistent invitation of the girl’s mother, the earthy Bloody See SOUTH PACIFIC, page 40

Cast members from Toby’s Dinner Theatre’s production of South Pacific perform in the show’s musical-within-a-musical — the “Thanksgiving Follies” put on to raise troop morale on the island. South Pacific also includes such timeless Rodgers and Hammerstein’s songs as “I’m Gonna Wash that Man Right Out of My Hair” and “Some Enchanted Evening.”

PHOTO BY JERI TIDWELL PHOTOGRAPHY

By Robert Friedman It wasn’t a completely enchanted evening.

Nevertheless, the production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s South Pacific at Toby’s Dinner theater in Columbia did at times exuberantly, dramatically and tunefully evoke that mid-20th century period when America fought an all-out war and Broadway provided the country’s maximum musical expression.

The lives and times of the Navy Seabees, their officers, some attractive nurses, and a few of the natives on two Pacific islands not yet (till the end of the last act) affected by WWII action are based on James Michener’s short stories in his Pulitzer-Prize winning book, Tales of the South Pacific.

However, I found the stories of the two parallel love affairs in South Pacific so outdated as to no longer be believable. True, times were radically, racially different from today in 1949, when the play began its record run on Broadway. Still and all, the bigotry of two of the story’s main protagonists seems out of sync with their onstage personalities.

The message of racial tolerance by Oscar Hammerstein and Joshua Logan, who wrote the book together for the musi-

40

Arts & Style | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

South Pacific From page 39 Mary, who sees a wedding on the beautiful Bali H’ai horizon.

Unfortunately, the lieutenant, who does fall for the sweet, fragile girl, also ends the affair, because he believes his hometown Philadelphia upper crust would be outraged at the pairing.

The American Seabees on the island are all cutups, and they exuberantly do their things, which include “There Is Nothing Like a Dame” and “Honey Bun,” in wonderfully, if by now rather clichéd, musical numbers.

Strong performances Teresa Danskey, who plays the crucial role of Nellie (played by Mary Martin on Broadway, Mitzi Gaynor on film, and on

TV by Glenn Close), brings an innocent, spirited and sweet personality to the performance. She is both shy and forthright in her big numbers, “Cockeyed Optimist” and “I’m Gonna Wash that Man Right Out of My Hair.”

The role of Bloody Mary is always is a potential show-stealer. Crystal Freeman doesn’t steal so much as solidify — you can believe that she is the hustling business woman/big mama called for in the role. And she hits the right plaintive notes of a special place when she sings the beckoning “Bali Ha’i.”

The two male leads, Russell Rinker as the independent Frenchman turned war hero, and Jonathan Helwig, as the ill-fated Lt. Cable, have fine, if not booming, baritone voices.

Rinker’s several reprisals of “Some Enchanted Evening” do not shake the rafters, but make the song a singing dialogue that

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F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

goes along with the emotional context of his role.

I was disappointed in the short shrift given to “You’ve Got to Be Carefully Taught,” sung by Helwig in what felt like a shortened version, and with less emphasis than it should have been given. The song carries the musical’s essential message that racial discrimination is a result of nurture rather than nature. On the other hand, Helwig put proper feeling into the beautiful “Younger Than Springtime.”

Jeff Shankle got most of the laughs as the wild and wily Seabee Luther Billis.

Robert John Biederman was officious enough as Captain Brackett, and David Boxley-Reynolds was sufficiently salty as Commander William Harbison.

Mark Minnick directed the play and its oft-times rousing choreography, while Reenie Codelksa was the musical conductor.

Toby’s theater in the round, where large food carts are parked before showtime, does not lend itself to much scenic display.

Still, there were really only minimal hints of a tropical island in any of the scenes.

While South Pacific now seems more of a cultural artifact, the words and music of its songs remain alive and beautiful.

South Pacific runs until March 20 at Toby’s Dinner Theater, located at 5900 Symphony Woods Rd. in Columbia. Doors

open two hours before curtain time — 6 p.m. for evening dinner performances (5 p.m. on Sundays), and 10:30 a.m. for Wednesday and Sunday brunch matinees.

There are no shows on Monday.

Tickets range from $55 to $60 for adults, depending on performance, and are $41.50 for children 12 and under at all performances.

An all-you-can-eat meal immediately precedes all performances and is included in the price of your ticket. The food is plentiful, with dinner including a large salad bar, a variety of cold salads and hot side dishes and entrees, a carving station for roast beef, ham and turkey, and concluding with a choice of rich desserts and a do-it-yourself ice cream sundae bar. The matinee brunch cuts down on the entrees and sides in favor of a variety of breakfast treats.

Specialty drinks of all types (alcoholic and not) can be ordered for additional cost. Many come with souvenir glasses.

Patrons are expected to tip the wait staff based on the full price of their ticket plus any additional items ordered. In fact, tips are the chief source of income for most of the cast members.

For more information, visit www.tobysdinnertheatre.com. To purchase tickets, call the box office at (410) 730-8311 or buy online from Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.com/venue/172479.

(Within 4 Blocks North of Van Ness/UDC Red Line Metro Station)

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6

41

WASPs barred from Arlington Cemetery

Congressional action On Jan. 11, U.S. Senator Barbara A. Mikulski (D-Md.), together with U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), introduced bipartisan legislation to reinstate inurnment rights for WASPs. “I’m deeply disappointed the Army continues to prevent the Women Airforce Service Pilots of World War II from being laid to rest among our nation’s patriots in Arlington National Cemetery,” Mikulski said in a statement. “If they were good enough to fly for our country, risk their

lives and earn the Congressional Gold Medal, they should be good enough to be laid to rest at Arlington Cemetery. This legislation will right this wrong.”

McHugh’s memo, which Terry Harmon obtained under the Freedom of Information Act, said Army lawyers reviewed the rules in 2014 and determined that WASPs and other World War II veterans classified as “active duty designees” are not eligible for inurnment — placement of their urns in an aboveground structure at Arlington. The largest group affected by the memo is actually the Merchant Marine, nearly 250,000 of whose members served during World War II. The WASP program was much smaller — just over 1,000 women were accepted into the program, which ran from 1942 to 1944.

In a statement, Army spokesman Paul Prince said the cemetery superintendent in 2002 had no authority to allow WASPS’ remains into the cemetery. Under federal law, he said, WASPs are eligible only for burial at cemeteries run by the Department of Veterans Affairs — not Arlington National Cemetery, which is run by the Army.

Kate Landdeck, a Texas Woman’s University history professor who has focused much of her academic research on WASPs, said she doesn’t understand the rationale for the Army going out of its way to exclude this group of women from Arlington after they had been deemed eligible for over a decade without controversy.

WASPs “are a distinct group of women, with the surviving 100-or-so women all in their 90s,” she said. “It is just mean-spirited for the Secretary of the Army to question their value to their country. Again.”

Gen. Henry H. “Hap” Arnold, who commanded the Army Air Forces in World

PHOTO COURTESY BILL HARMON VIA AP

By Matthew Barakat The ashes of World War II veteran Elaine Harmon are sitting in a closet in her daughter’s home, where they will remain until they can go to what her family says is her rightful resting place: Arlington National Cemetery.

Harmon piloted aircraft in World War II under a special program, Women Airforce Service Pilots, that flew noncombat missions to free up male pilots for combat. Granted veteran status in 1977, the WASPs have been eligible to have their ashes placed at Arlington with military honors since 2002.

But last year, then-Secretary of the Army John McHugh reversed course and ruled WASPs ineligible.

After Harmon died in April at age 95, her daughter, Terry Harmon, 69, of Silver Spring, Md., was dismayed to learn that the Army had moved to exclude WASPs. She said her mother had helped lead the effort to gain recognition for WASPs. “These women have been fighting this battle, off and on, for over 50 years now,” she said.

Harmon’s family and others are working to overturn McHugh’s directive. A petition on change.org has received more than 4,000 signatures.

Elaine Harmon is shown at the Congressional Gold Medal ceremony on Capitol Hill in Washington in 2010. Harmon was a pilot in World War II under a special program, Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs), which flew noncombat missions. They were granted veteran status in 1977 and have been eligible for placement at Arlington Cemetery since 2002. But last year, then-Army Secretary John McHugh reversed course and ruled WASPs ineligible. Harmon’s family is hoping Congressional action will allow them to place her ashes in the cemetery.

See WASPs, page 43

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F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Tying up loose ends with an old flame My 50th college reunion is fast approaching. So is my college girlfriend. I’m not sure which prospect is more disconcerting.

The good news is that, 50 years down the pike, I’m still drawing sufficient breath to be typing this.

The bad news is that it ended badly with said girlfriend 50 years ago, and I’m feeling impelled to settle scores.

Not to get back together with her. No way. Bite your tongue. Heaven forbid.

The reasons are many, and they are excellent. I’m happily married. She lives 3,000 miles away. I’ve seen her only once

in these 50 years, and that was an awkward mess of a cocktail hour. I couldn’t — and didn’t — wait to leave.

She went on to marry, have two kids, forge an excellent career, and launch a Facebook account where she regularly displays pictures of her grandchildren.

I went on to marry, have two kids, type for a living, and launch a Facebook account that I rarely use and couldn’t understand if my life depended on it.

But now we’ve been thrown together — despite that epic evening in my apartment 50 years ago when she said, um, uh, I don’t

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know how to tell you this, but there’s — when the phone rang.

“Hi, it’s Kathy,” said a familiar voice. someone else.

“Hi,” I said.

We’re both on the reunion We were as tentative as two committee. We join conferteenagers. But then she ence calls every month or so pulled back the tarpaulin and to plan our Big Event. The talk told the truth. is all about venues, menus, “I’ve been thinking about fundraising, and which music you,” she said. “I’ve been thinkfrom the 1960s was best. ing about how self-absorbed I It’s all very polite, very busiwas then. I’ve been thinking nesslike, almost vanilla. She that I owe you an apology.” never mentions our old couWell, well. plehood, and none of our HOW I SEE IT Ever the gentleman, even classmates do, either, even By Bob Levey when I wasn’t feeling so genthough many people on the tlemanly, I told her no, nonsense, you don’t conference calls remember it.

So, for the two of us, the real agenda is owe me an apology.

“Oh, but I do,” she said. “I would never not whether to serve chicken or fish in early June. The real agenda is whether and treat anyone today the way I treated you then. I just wanted you to know that.” how to button up the past.

So I accepted that apology. And we proI don’t quite know what I mean by that. I don’t want vengeance. I don’t want the ceeded to catch up on 50 years. The bumps and the bruises. The deaths of parchance to yell at her.

I think I want to win a debating point. I ents. The kids who never quite make the think I want her to say that she was wrong decisions we wish they’d make.

It soon became like talking to an old to lower the boom on me, wrong to seek her future elsewhere. I think I want an friend, not to an old flame. No recriminations. No agendas. No lashing out. apology.

Fifty years later, we had become adults.

But how can I arrange that? Could I really ask her for an apology? If I ask for one, is And we had started to bury the hatchet.

“See you in June,” I said, as we rang off. it still an apology? Or is it a line in a script “Oh, I’ll be there. Wouldn’t miss it,” she that I, the playwright, will have written for said. her, my co-star?

Had I settled a score or simply tied up a No, I decide. I’ll settle for a good, honest discussion of our former relationship. It loose end? I can’t say for sure. But, I, too, flamed hot so fast, and flamed out so fast. am looking forward to June. The hatchet Why? How? Could it have prospered? needs to be buried some more.

Wouldn’t miss it.

Should we have tried harder?

Bob Levey is a national award-winning One afternoon, I was thinking about how to proceed — and whether to proceed columnist.

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WASPs From page 41 War II, created the WASP unit in 1942 with the intention of granting it full military status, but Congress never approved it.

So the WASPs served as a paramilitary unit, subject to military discipline and staying in barracks, Landdeck said. They testflew repaired military aircraft, trained combat pilots, and towed airborne targets that other pilots fired at with live ammunition during training.

Running out of room Arlington Cemetery is running out of space, and faces ongoing pressure over its eligibility requirements. Tight rules spell out whose ashes can be laid to rest there, and even tighter rules spell out who is eligible for in-ground burial, which place a greater strain on the cemetery’s capacity.

Harmon’s family says the WASPs aren’t

asking for anything beyond what they earned: eligibility for placement of ashes.

And they say the impact on cemetery capacity would be minimal, given that so few World War II veterans remain.

Harmon’s granddaughter, Erin Miller, said her grandmother, a Maryland native, had specifically requested her ashes go to Arlington.

“My grandmother is from here,” Miller said. “Arlington is kind of our local national cemetery.”

In an interview archived with the Library of Congress, Elaine Harmon recalled she needed permission from her skeptical father to begin training as a pilot while a student at the University of Maryland.

“Back in those days, women weren’t expected do things like this, and so many people were against the idea of women flying, endangering their lives,” she said in the interview.

— AP

BEACON BITS

Feb. 28

OPERA BRUNCH

Opera NOVA presents a brunch on Sunday, Feb. 28. This event will serve as a fundraiser for its Fall 2016 production of the Scott Joplin opera Treemonisha at the Fort Myer Officers’ Club, and includes food prepared by the Officers’ Club and music sung by Jose Sacin and the Opera NOVA Ensemble. For more information, contact the Opera NOVA offices at mcdm1@verizon.net or (703) 536-7557.

Feb. 9+

FORTY+ DANCE TROUPE

Forty+, a group of dance performers over the age of 40, is looking for new members. They meet on Tuesdays with a local contemporary choreographer to build new work for their year-round performances at senior centers and Theatre on the Run. The next session will take place from Feb. 9 through March 29 with Andrea Ligon. A block session costs $160. The studio is located at 3700 S Four Mile Run Rd., Arlington, Va. For more information or to register, visit www.janefranklin.com/adult-dance-education/forty-plus.

BEACON BITS

Feb. 21

43

BARBERSHOP CHORUS CONCERT The Harmony Heritage Singers, a regional men’s barbershop chorus, presents a concert of popular and patriotic music on Sunday,

Feb. 21 at 3 p.m. at Mount Vernon Unitarian Church, located at 1909 Windmill Lane, Alexandria, Va. Tickets are not required; an offering will be taken for United Community Ministries, which serves people in need living on the US 1 corridor.

For more information, call (703) 765-4779 or email brandtron@verizon.net.

Nominate Extraordinary Volunteers In Montgomery County Seeking nominations for NEAL POTTER PATH OF ACHIEVEMENT AWARD This award honors residents age 60 & better for their lifetime of volunteer service to Montgomery County.

In partnership with the Commission on Aging & The Beacon Newspapers.

MONTGOMERY SERVES AWARDS These awards recognize special volunteer accomplishments in 2015 in four categories : individual, group, business, and youth.

Deadline for nominations — Friday, February 26

www.montgomeryserves.org 2015 Montgomery Serves winners

Find out more and nominate now! www.montgomeryserves.org Questions? email serviceawards@montgomerycountymd.gov or call 240-777-2600

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F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Crossword Puzzle Daily crosswords can be found on our website: www.TheBeaconNewspapers.com Click on Puzzles Plus Look First 1

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Across 1. Rope fiber 5. Santa Claus, famously 10. 60 Minutes network 13. ___ the dickens 14. Well beyond ordinary 15. Bullfight shout 16. Dramatic advancement 18. She gets into the habit 19. Miss, (Latin) America 20. 7th notes 21. Yucaton you 23. Adolescent 25. Richest passenger on The Titanic 27. Risky maneuver 32. Look from Elvis 33. Vowels of LOCALES 34. Common joke setting 35. ___ tizzy 36. Feature of February 2016 40. “Gimme ___!” (start of an Ithaca College cheer) 41. Mason jar sealers 43. Homer Simpson’s grunt 44. Comments from Muppet Professor Strangepork 46. Rapid progress 50. W.W. I battle site 51. Assembly line pioneer 52. Gloss-less 54. “Rose ___ rose ...”

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2. Coup d’___ 3. Florida’s state marine mammal 4. Christmas time in the City (of Angels) 5. Sign of twins Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen 6. Misfortunes 7. Compete 8. Guess, at Athens International Airport 9. Communal opinion 10. Black market products 11. Color, or off-color 12. Gmail button 13. Super-hero hangouts 17. Its stadium is The Sun Bowl 22. Mr. Pibb or Dr. Pepper 24. Marquess-ed down 25. Just slightly 26. Citi Field predecessor in Queens 27. Tony-award best musical of 1977 28. Corrupt 29. One with low degrees 30. Creates a “Top 10” list 31. Kristofferson or Kringle 32. Pie perch 37. Big cheese, in Holland 38. Top rated 39. ___ be surprised 42. Attribute of a firehouse dog 45. Use the setup disk 47. Refines ore 48. Atomic particles 49. One of five Norse kings 52. Neat freak’s phobia 53. Furlong : Distance :: Acre : ___ 54. Apple Store display item 56. It aspires to grow to a mountain 57. The end of Brooklyn and Manhattan 58. Socially reserved 61. Slippery swimmer 62. Lizzie Borden’s weapon 63. Fed. org with a compass in its logo

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6

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Ongoing

SINGERS WANTED

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Arts & Style

ONE BIG HAPPY By Rick Detorie

Celebration Singers is looking for new members for its women’s show choir.

The group performs at various community sites in Northern Virginia.

Practice is held during the day, on Wednesdays, in Burke. For more information, call (703) 644-4485 or email gparsons3@cox.net.

Feb. 20

FREE ORCHESTRA/ CHORAL CONCERT

The NIH Philharmonia, under the direction of Dr. Nancia D’Alimonte, presents “In Remembrance” on Feb. 20 at 7:30 p.m. at St. Elizabeth Church in Rockville, Md. The concert is free to the public and will include “A German Requiem” by Brahms with the Metropolitan Chorus of Arlington.

For more information, visit www.nihphil.org or call (240) 888-6781.

Ongoing

SEEKING SET BUILDERS

The McLean Community Players are seeking volunteers, preferably retirees who can work during the day on weekdays as well as weekends, to build scenery for MCP productions.

There is a relaxed schedule for each show. No experience is required. The MCP construction crew will train volunteers and provide all tools and equipment. Sets are constructed at MCP’s fully equipped scene shop in Herndon, Va. For more information, visit www.McLeanPlayers.org or call the scene shop manager at (703) 304-3176.

WB 2/16

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LEISURE WORLD® – $81,000. 1 BR 1 FB Raleigh Co-op. Updated kitchen, new paint, view of the walking paths and green space. 990 sq ft. Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors. 301-9283463.

LEISURE WORLD® – $120,000. 1 BR 1 FB “A” in “Fairways.” New paint, upgraded carpet, walk-in shower, 5yr old HVAC, 850 sq ft. Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors. 301-928-3463.

WE BUY JEWELRY, SILVER, GOLD, AND COSTUME. Coins, Paper Money Too. Watches, Clocks, Military Badges and Patches Old and New. Call Greg, 717-658-7954.

LEISURE WORLD® – $65,000. 1 BR 1 FB “BLAIR” coop, separate dining room, entry level unit – no steps. 800 sq ft. Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors. 301-928-3463.

OLD AND NEW, WE BUY STERLING SILVER FLATWARE, Tea Sets, Single Pieces of Silver, Large pieces of Silver Plate. Attic, Basement or Garage. Call Greg, 717-658-7954. You have something to SELL, we are looking to BUY.

LEISURE WORLD® – $65,000. 2BR + Den, 2FB “Q” with garage in “Overlook.” Golf Course view, huge enclosed balcony, fire place. 1520 sq ft. Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors. 301-9283463.

LOOKING TO TAKE THE LEAP? I’ll take you on a tour of the community, show you floor plans, discuss campus amenities, & offer how to best coordinate your move. I will set up an automated online search for you, preview units, and contact you to arrange a showing when there is a match. I also offer exceptional service selling your home. I’m a Seniors Specialist, Buyer Broker, Top 1% of Agents Nationwide, and a Leisure World resident! You can see my current listings in this issue. Contact me: 301-580-5556, SueHeyman@aol.com, www.SueHeyman.com, Weichert Realtors.

For Sale REASONABLE PRICED ANTIQUES: Much jewelry, art, music, books, Asian things, figurines, glass, china, handbags, pottery, oriental rugs, dolls, lamps, end table. Dealer buyout welcome! 301-598-1698.

2 SALVADOR DALI woodblock prints from Dante’s Divine Comedy. Signed and framed.

Asking $900 for the pair. Can email pictures if desired. Call Steve, 410-913-1653.

Home/Handyman Services BILL’S LIGHT HAULING. Garage, basement, attic cleanouts. Junk to the dump, yard debris, storm damage, etc. No job too small. Call Bill, 240-876-1206.

GARDEN ANGLE LANDSCAPING SERVICE: Lawn and yard cleanups etc. Hauling anything. For all your household needs, please give Robert a call at 240-477-2158 or 301-987-1277.

Free estimate.

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

For Sale/Rent: Real Estate BETHANY BEACH VACATION RENTAL by owner. 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom cozy, clean house with beautiful hardwood flooring, one level, open feel. Sleeps 8. Comfortable queen beds. Linens included. Gas fireplace. 4 bikes. High speed wifi.

2 miles to boardwalk. Near Ocean City, Fenwick, Rehoboth. Average $126/night plus refundable deposit, minimum 2 to 4-night stay, cleaning fee.

More details and how to book from owner, Lisa, at https://www.homeaway.com/vacationrental/p3969586.

TOWNHOUSE FOR RENT: 3 BEDROOMS, 4 levels, fenced backyard, new stainless steel appliances, new W/D, near Metro, bus, shopping, Fairfax schools, Alex, Va. $1,750. Call 703-4035446 or 703-303-0113.

NORTH POTOMAC VILLAGE CONDOMINIUM – $289,900. Attn: Empty Nesters.

Great senior living! Sunny, quiet/wooded rearcorner 2BR/2FB apt. in secure elevator building with secure underground garage parking. Updated kitchen appliances, carpeting. Balcony, gas cooking, heat. Handicap accessible. Conveniently located across from Kentlands. Near Seneca PT & Wellness Center. 62 year old+ community. Michael Greenberg, Weichert, Realtors.

301-674-7928.

Wanted

THE GOLDEN NETWORK offers Jewish seniors and retirees a variety of engaging programs, including lectures, classes, one-on-one learning in person and by phone, concerts, singalongs and more! For more information and details about upcoming events, call 301-732-1773, email info@goldennetwork.org, or see goldennetwork.org.

Personal Services I PURCHASE GOLD AND SILVER JEWELRY and coins for my company Gold 4 Good. I will come to your home and provide a no-fee, no-obligation estimate. If you decide to sell, I will transport you to and from my shop in Silver Spring. Local references. Montgomery County license #2327. Call Bob, 240938-9694.

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

PROTECT YOUR LOVED ONES and your wishes. Free cemetery pre-planning appointments. Call Akram at 703-663-0149.

TRANSFER VIDEOTAPES, PHOTOS, NEGATIVES, SLIDES and digital media to DVD. Share your favorite memories instantly with family and friends. Protect and preserve for future generations. 301-960-8448.

WILL TYPE YOUR MEMOIRS, manuscripts, etc. For info and rates, call 703-671-1854.

WE PAY CASH for antique furniture, quality used furniture, early American art, pottery, silver, glassware, paintings, etc. Single items to entire estates. Call Reggie or Phyllis at DC 202726-4427, MD 301-332-4697.

TOP DOLLAR PAID IN CASH FOR ANTIQUES, “Mid-Century Modern” and quality used furniture, art, sterling + gold, jewelry, paintings, military, firearms, clocks, rugs, etc.

One piece or entire estate. I am a collector, dealer, shop owner for over 30 years. Please call Chris, 301-262-1299.

SELL YOUR GOLD AND SILVER JEWELRY and old coins. Licensed dealer in Silver Spring buys gold and silver. I will meet you at your home or bank, analyze your jewelry, or coins, and tell you how much I can pay if you should decide to sell. No fees or obligation. Call Bob, 240-9389694. Gold 4 Good. 8431 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring. License #2327. I have references.

WANTED: OLDER VIOLINS, Guitars, Banjos, Mandolins, etc. Musician/collector will pay cash for older string instruments. Jack, 301279-2158.

STERLING SILVER... TOP DOLLAR paid for silver marked “Sterling,” “925” or “800.” Want flatware, bowls, plates, candlesticks, etc. Please, no silver plate. Call Richard, 301-646-0101.

CASH FOR RECORDS, CDs, DVDs AND TAPES. Best price guaranteed. Free appraisals.

All types of music, 33, 45, 78 & CDs. Call Steve 301-646-5403. Will make house calls.

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

BUYING MILITARY MEMORABILIA WW2, WW1, Civil War uniforms, weapons, photos and items associated with US, German, Japanese or items of other Military History. DAVE, 240-4640958.

FINE ANTIQUES, PAINTINGS AND QUALITY VINTAGE FURNISHINGS wanted by a serious, capable buyer. I am very well educated [law degree], knowledgeable [over 40 years in the antique business] and have the finances and wherewithal to handle virtually any situation. If you have a special item, collection or important estate, I would like to hear from you. I pay great prices for great things in all categories from Oriental rugs to Tiffany objects, from rare clocks to firearms, from silver and gold to classic cars. If it is wonderful, I am interested. No phony promises or messy consignments. References gladly furnished. Please call Jake Lenihan, 301-2798834. Thank you.

MILITARY ITEMS WANTED: Collector seeks to purchase military uniforms; flight jackets, patches, insignia, medals, etc. from the Civil War through Vietnam. Especially seeking U.S. Army Air Corps, USMC, Airborne, and German/Japanese/Italian items from WWII. ALSO BUYING old Boy Scout, Airline Items, Toys, Lighters. Call Dan, 202-841-3062.

LADY WHO LOVES DISHES and figurines wants to buy yours. Especially Royal Copenhagen, Deco Noritake, Limoges, Herend and English bone china. Do you have a collection of cup and saucers, dog and cat figurines, Royal Doulton ladies or salt and pepper shakers? Also mid-century Scandinavian ceramics and glass, Asian items, silver, paintings and costume jewelry. Anything else old and interesting, please call me. 301-785-1129.

COLLECTOR BUYING MILITARY ITEMS: Helmets, weapons, rifles, shot guns, knives, swords, bayonets, web gear, uniforms, etc. from all wars and countries. Large quantities are okay. Will pay top prices for my personal collection. Discreet consultations. Call Fred, 301-9100783.

HIGHEST CASH PAID FOR ANTIQUES, JEWELRY, ESTATES. I have been advertising in the Beacon for 20 years. Montgomery County resident – will travel to D.C., MD, VA. Buying following items: Furniture, art, jewelry, gold, sterling silver, old coins, vintage pocket and wrist watches, old tools, books, camera, military items – guns, rifles, knives, pocket knives, swords etc.

Also buying: old toys, dolls, trains, comic books, photographs, autographs, musical instruments, guitars, violins, etc. Also old sports memorabilia and equipment – baseball, golf, football, fishing etc. Please call Tom at 240-476-3441.

CASH FOR ESTATE BUYOUTS, estate cleanouts, jewelry to furniture, one item or whole estate. Free Estimate, Will Travel. 301-520-0755.

CASH FOR JEWELRY: Buying jewelry, diamonds, gold, platinum, silver, watches, coins, flatware, etc. We make house calls. Ask for Tom. Call anytime 301-654-8678 or 301-654-0838.

Thanks for reading the Beacon!

BEACON BITS

Ongoing

LIBRARY ACCESS FROM MOBILE DEVICES

Montgomery County Public Library now has several free apps to access the library from mobile devices. Users with a valid library card can access the library catalogue, manage their accounts, download e-books and audiobooks, read digital magazines and more. Apps are available for Apple and Android devices. For more information, visit http://montgomerycountymd.libguides.com/connect/apps.

Feb. 23+

FREE NUTRITION COURSE

The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine presents “Food for Life: New Year, Best You,” a free, six-week cooking and nutrition course from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays, from Feb. 23 to March 29. The program at the Barnard Medical Center teaches participants how to improve their health with a plant-based diet. The center is located at 5100 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Ste. 400, Washington, D.C. For more information, contact Rose Saltalamacchia at (202) 527-7314 or RSaltalamacchia@pcrm.org.

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6

Say you saw it in the Beacon

BEACON BITS

Ongoing

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING RATES

SOFTBALL LEAGUE RECRUITING The Golden Girls of Northern Virginia, a senior women’s softball

league, is looking for players. Any woman over the age of 40 is encouraged to join. All skill levels are welcome. The team plays on Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings in Vienna. For more information, visit www.goldengirls.org.

Ongoing

47

FREE TECH TUTORIALS D.C. Public Library cardholders have free access to Lynda.com, a website that provides thousands of video tutorials for computer

Deadlines and Payments: Ad text and payment is due by the 20th of each month.

Note: Only ads received and prepaid by the deadline will be included in the next month’s issue. Please type or print your ad carefully. Include a number where you can be reached in the event of a question. Payment is due with ad. We do not accept ads by phone or fax, nor do we accept credit cards.

Private Party Text Ads: For individuals seeking to buy or sell particular items, or place a personal ad. Each ad is $15 for 25 words, 25 cents for each additional word.

Business Text Ads: For parties engaged in an ongoing business enterprise. Each ad is $35 for 25 words, 50 cents for each additional word.

programs. Users can learn how to create spreadsheets in Microsoft Excel, pro-

Note: Each real estate listing counts as one business text ad.

duce music, edit photos in Photoshop, and more. To access the login, visit

Send your classified ad with check or money order, payable to the Beacon, to:

http://bit.ly/1GMYdH7 and enter your library card number and PIN. For a tutorial on using the site, visit www.lynda.com/Business-tutorials/How-uselyndacom/77683-2.html or call your area branch for help.

The Beacon, D.C. Classified Dept.

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

ADVERTISERS IN THIS ISSUE Clinical Research Studies

Diabetes Clinical Studies . . . .20

Government Services

JCA SeniorTech ......................6-9

DC Office on Aging ...........23-26 Montgomery County Aging and Disability Services ................20 Montgomery County Information & Services/311 ......................42

Dental Services

Hearing Services

Friedman, Stephen, DDS .........45 Oh, Judy, DDS .........................40 Sklar, Andrew, DDS .................16

Auditory Services, Inc .............20 Mendelson Group.....................14 Sound Hearing Centers ............19

Employment/ Volunteers

Home Health Care

Computer Classes

Career Gateway ........................32 Home Instead Senior Care .......38 JCA Village Rides....................37 Widow Care .............................36

Events 50+ Employment Expo ............10 GROWS ...................................27 What’s Next Boomer Summit ..31

Financial Services Children’s National Hospital .................................27 Eversafe......................................5 Jefferson Mortgage Group .......18 PENFED Credit Union ............29

Funeral Services Fram Monuments .....................28 Going Home Cremation...........42

Best Senior Care . . . . . . . . . . .42 Elder Caring .............................17 Hallmark Home Care . . . . . . .18 Holy Cross Home Care & Hospice . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Options for Senior America .....32

Housing Almost Home ...........................12 Arden Courts............................21 Ashby Ponds.......................15, 44 The Bonifant at Silver Spring .....................12 Brooke Grove Retirement Village .............................13, 48 Buckingham’s Choice ..............28 Chesterbrook Residences .........17 Churchill Senior Living .............4 Culpepper Garden ....................30 Fairhaven ..................................28 Friendship Terrace....................11 Glover Park Senior Living .......11

Greenspring..................12, 15, 44 Homecrest House .....................21 Olney Assisted Living..............17 Park View .................................38 Potomac Place ..........................35 Quantum Property Mgmt...........22 Riderwood..........................15, 44 Springvale Terrace....................16 Tall Oaks Assisted Living......................19 Tribute at Heritage Village ....................15 Waltonwood .............................18

Legal Services

Retail/Pawn/Auction Five Colors Science & Tech. ....35 Four Sales LTD ........................29 Quinn’s Auction Galleries ........30

Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Charles E. Smith/ Hebrew Home .....................37 Communicare Health ...............19 HealthSouth Rehab Hospital .................................16 Manor Care Health Services.................................14

Law Firm of Evan Farr.............28 Law Offices of Paul Riekhof ...27

Subscriptions

Medical/Health

Beacon Subscription ................45 Washington Jewish Week.........40

Medical Eye Center..................36 Next Steps ................................21 Run With It Coach ...................15 Stem Cell Arts............................3

Theatre/ Entertainment

Real Estate Services In Order....................................33 Long & Foster/Eric Stewart .....33 Long & Foster/Inderjeet Jumani .29 McEnearney/Sue Schumacher ...3 Weichert/Sue Heyman..............22

Restaurants/ Food Service

Original Pancake House...........43

Ford’s Theatre...........................39 Metro Ballet Theatre ................41 Signature Theatre .....................39 Toby’s Dinner Theatre ..............41

Tour & Travel Eyre Travel ...............................35 US Navy Memorial ..................41 Vamoose...................................35

Utilities Verizon DC Lifeline Program ..40

More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

INDEPENDENT LIVING OPEN HOUSE

48

F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

simply

DIFFERENT

because what surrounds you really matters.

Thursday, March 3, 2016 11 A.M. – 2 p.m.

Westbrooke Clubhouse • 18310 Slade School Road • Sandy Spring, MD 20860

Discover the casual elegance and comfort of our independent living cottages.

TOUR two large cottages and MEET current residents.

Explore Westbrooke Clubhouse, its restaurant and fitness center.

Enjoy our 220-acre campus of lush pastures and hardwood forest.

MAINTENANCE-FREE LIVING NEVER LOOKED SO BEAUTIFUL

An optional, informal “Lunch and Learn” presentation by Retirement Counselor Laura Wright Learn how to become a no-obligation priority list member, examine financial options and review the long-term benefits of a secure lifestyle with continuing care options.

Sessions will be held at 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. p Please register with Toni Davis at 301-388-7209 or tdavis@bgf.org

by March 1.

Independent living assisted living rehabilitation long-term care memory support 301-260-2320 or 301-924-2811 • www.bgf.org