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Preserving local black history

FEBRUARY 2020

I N S I D E …

PHOTO BY GLENDA C. BOOTH

By Glenda C. Booth The little half-acre cemetery with 75 graves, in the shadow of a five-story office building with shiny turquoise windows, is barely visible to drivers whizzing by on Fairfax County’s six-lane Beulah Street. Cement tombstones with hand-lettered inscriptions have been worn down by time. On one, the name “Moses Harris” is barely legible. Another, bearing a cross, notes the passing of “Mr. Edgar Harris, BORN May 15th 1876 and DIED May 19th 1961.” Much of Northern Virginia’s history has been paved and built over by ever-expanding development. But several residents are determined to not allow time and neglect to conceal the scars and successes of the area’s African Americans. “We must remember those who made today possible,” said Phyllis Walker Ford, director of the Laurel Grove School Museum, which is housed in the only surviving “colored” one-room schoolhouse in Northern Virginia, next to the cemetery.

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Biking through beautiful and historic parts of the Netherlands; plus, NYC’s Chelsea Hotel, and how to detect and avoid common scams page 43

Segregated school endured The white wooden building, once flanked by a laurel grove, is an anachronism today next to Franconia’s MetroPark commercial complex. Built in 1884, it sits on land owned by Ford’s formerly enslaved great grandparents, William and Georgianna Jasper. When Jasper was granted freedom in 1846, Ford said, “He purchased land less than two miles from where he was enslaved. Whites and blacks lived side by side and got along.” Ford’s ancestors deeded the land to the Fairfax County school district for purposes of building a school. But the county didn’t build the school; local African-American families did.

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A Thousand Splendid Suns at Arena State tells a powerful tale of female bonds; plus, the inside scoop from a veteran reporter, and Bob Levey on the delights of loose change Phyllis Walker Ford’s ancestors donated the land to build the Laurel Grove School, now a museum in Fairfax County, Virginia. Ford is the director of the museum, and her ancestors are buried in a cemetery nearby.

Fairfax County, which supplied one cord of wood per year to the school, closed it in 1933 and auctioned its contents. In 2000, the Jaspers’ descendants sold the remain-

ing 13 acres to the Fried Companies to build MetroPark. See BLACK HISTORY, page 54

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Wonder and creativity I found myself standing beside a win- on my fingers. Just then, a wisp of cloud passed overdow one chilly morning recently as my head, and the temperature thoughts wandered into wonsuddenly dropped so that I dering, as they often do. could only feel the cold emaThis time, I was wondering nating from the window. — both wondering about and How far those powerful rays feeling a sense of wonder — of light had traveled, I thought, at the early morning sunlight only to be blocked by clouds a filtering through the window. As I raised the shade to get few hundred feet from me, as a better look at the day, I imthey also had been a few momediately felt an odd sensaments before by the window tion: a coldness radiating from shade next to me. the glass of the window simul- FROM THE Sometimes it takes very littaneously with a warmth from PUBLISHER tle to stymie something very the sunlight striking my hand By Stuart P. Rosenthal powerful. and arm. I experience a reverie of this I couldn’t help but think back to some sort fairly often. I enjoy them because they basic science lessons from my childhood. help me take a step back from a busy life and These rays of light from the sun, I re- scattered brain and “smell the roses.” minded myself, have traveled 93 million It’s times like this that make me hum in miles through the forbidding vacuum of my head a lyric from Rodgers and Hamspace, traversing the distance in minutes merstein’s Flower Drum Song: “a hundred through emptiness at temperatures ap- million miracles are happ’ning ev’ry day.” I think having a sense of wonder at life, proaching absolute zero, leaving the blackness of space as dark as ever. especially at some of our simplest, most But as they reach earth, they excite the common experiences, adds meaning to it. molecules in our atmosphere, lighting up and It also boosts creativity, according to warming the planet and the air around us, psychologists. In an article titled “Creativiright down to the shaft of light now shining ty and Wonder,” published in the Journal of

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even blossom with age (see page 57). While creative output may appear to decline in many of us as we age, psychologists believe that is probably because we fall into a rut. We’re deflected from things we feel passionate about due to our careers, family responsibilities and the like. Even the strongest of passions can be blocked by mundane matters. That may be why aging can be a time of resurging creativity. Freed from some of those matters, when older adults return to — or perhaps eventually discover — their true passions, they can be as creative and productive as when they were young. Do you ever find yourself wondering why things are as they are, or (even better) what could be? Have you considered taking an art or music class? Have you always wanted to make pottery or jewelry, learn to play an instrument, understand theoretical physics? I think one of the best things we can do as we age is get in touch with our inner sense of wonder. Then, we should let it spark our creative spirit and lead us to do something we love, or find something new to love. Wonder leads to creativity which can, if we’re fortunate, lead to a more passionate, meaningful and fulfilling life.

Attn: Amateur artists and photographers Enter your best works in any of seven categories in the Celebration of the Arts — the Beacon’s online art competition for people over 50. Professional judges will select winners, who will receive cash prizes and exhibit opportunities. Enter photos of your work by March 20. For more information, see page 53, or visit thebeaconnewspapers.com/COTA2020.

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

The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915 (301) 949-9766 • Email: info@thebeaconnewspapers.com Website: www.theBeaconNewspapers.com Submissions: The Beacon welcomes reader contributions. Deadline for editorial is the 10th of the month preceding the month of publication. Deadline for ads is the 15th of the month preceding the month of publication. See page 63 for classified advertising details. Please mail or email all submissions.

Creative Behavior, Professor Vlad Petre Gl veanu wrote: “The experience of wonder is often said to be at the origin of acts of creativity… Understood as one of the main ways in which we engage with the possible, wonder presents us, upon closer inspection, with a paradox typical for creativity — experiencing what is present (the here and now) through the lenses of what is absent (the not-yet-here).” What makes us humans so creative — indeed, impels us to acts of creation (art and invention) — is our capacity for wonder coupled with our capacity for understanding. If we only wondered and never grasped answers, life would be only frustrating. But because we can think, speak and interact with others, and because our creative brains can comprehend many of the mysteries of the universe, we are driven to inch forward, generation after generation. It’s true that, as we age, most of us find it increasingly difficult to recall things we once knew and to pick up new skills. But recent research confirms that our brains are “plastic,” in a good sense. Neurons can continue to grow and establish connections, especially when we concentrate on something new and different for us, such as brain games, tai chi or a new language. Sometimes lost in that conversation, however, is recognizing how — far from being lost — creativity remains and can

Letters to the editor Readers are encouraged to share their opinion on any matter addressed in the Beacon as well as on political and social issues of the day. Mail your Letter to the Editor to The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915, or e-mail to info@thebeaconnewspapers.com. Please include your name, address and telephone number for verification. Dear Editor: [Re: the Beacon’s January cover story, “Never too late to rock and roll”] As a member of Encore since its early years, I worked with founder Jeanne Kelly in establishing and serving as the first chorale master for both the Schweinhart Chorale in Silver Spring and, several years later, a new one in Columbia. Now I volunteer with Sentimental Journeys, Encore’s program for people with Alzheimer’s disease and other memory loss concerns. Rehearsals take place at Insight Memory Care in Fairfax. Camaraderie reigns as the singers greet each other before each rehearsal. Family members, friends or volunteers like me are there to help turn pages or find their places in the music. In the Sentimental Journeys program last fall, women were given purple silk scarves to

brighten their traditional Encore all-black outfits with the color associated with Alzheimer’s disease. With our initial concert successfully launched, we’re on our way! Anne Ball Fairfax, Virginia Dear Editor: Your write-ups about NIH studies of late have resulted in numerous referrals into these studies. The asthma study received 15 referrals, and the ICKD study received another five, since last count. Without patients, the clinical and medical discoveries can’t happen! Julie Erb-Alvarez Office of Patient Engagement & Recruitment National Institutes of Health Bethesda, Md. See LETTERS TO EDITOR, page 61

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Technology &

Innovations Surveillance products grow in popularity By Matt O’Brien From the face scanner that checked in some attendees to the cameras-everywhere array of digital products, this year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas was all-in on surveillance technology — whether it called it that or not. Nestled in the “smart home” and “smart city” showrooms at the sprawling consumer tech conference were devices that see, hear and track the people they encounter. Some of them also analyze their looks and behavior. The technology on display included eyelid-tracking car dashboard cameras to prevent distracted driving and “rapid DNA” kits for identifying a person from a cheek swab sample.

The new talking speakers, doorbell cameras and fitness trackers come with the promise of making life easier or more fun, but they’re also potentially powerful spying tools. And the skeptics who raise privacy and security concerns can be easily drowned out in the flashy spectacle of geewhiz technology. “Many, many horrible stories have come out of consumer electronics,” said Cindy Cohn, executive director of the Electronic Frontier Foundation, who spoke on a CES panel about the future of Internet-connected devices. “It’s often about hyping the next thing you can buy and not considering the trade-offs.” The annual showcase, which took place

in early January, is where big companies and startups unveil and promote their latest gadgets, many of them infused with microphones, cameras and artificial intelligence. Though weighted toward the consumer market, much of what’s on display may also be useful to law enforcement, not to mention prying employers or government agencies. Marcus Yang, CEO of the camera startup Amaryllo, said he’s had a difficult time persuading customers to pay more for safeguards such as faster processors to enable end-to-end encryption [which would protect users’ identities], when an array of cheaper but less secure options are available. CES attendees “want to see technology and something fresh,” Yang said. “They’re

only interested in looking at your cameras and what kind of features they have.” Yang said he’s hopeful that “something is changing this year” after a series of privacy scandals and security breaches has brought attention to the dangers of unfettered surveillance technology. For example, Wyze Labs, an honoree in the CES 2020 innovation awards, announced a data breach just after Christmas affecting 2.4 million customers. And widely used voice assistants made by Google, Amazon and Apple all came under scrutiny in 2019 for data retention practices that allowed employees and conSee SURVEILLANCE, page 8

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Google is adding a privacy “undo” feature to its Google Assistant voice technology. Just tell Assistant to disregard something if you happen to notice the device was listening when it wasn’t supposed to. By saying, “Hey Google, that wasn’t for you,’’ Assistant will delete whatever you just said. Although Assistant is supposed to send voice commands out for processing only when it hears “Hey” or “OK, Google,” it can mishear other conversations as the trigger word. Another new feature will let you use your voice to ask Google about your own privacy settings. The new features supplement privacy controls Google rolled out last year to let people delete their voice recording histories with voice commands. That came after

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The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) took place in early January, when tech companies brought their best and brightest new inventions to Las Vegas. Here are some intriguing new products from the annual show:

revelations that Google and other companies were using human transcribers rather than just machines to listen to some audio recordings. Assistant will also debut new tools such as household notes, which lets people leave virtual notes with voice commands for other members in their families. The notes will show up as reminders on Google’s smart Nest Hub displays.

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Tech Shorts

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Surveillance From page 6 tractors to listen to users’ audio recordings. Eventually, Yang said, regulators are likely to step in with security requirements.

Growing appetite for surveillance There’s been some push back, at least on facial recognition and other surveillance technology from China. Hikvision and iFlytek, two Chinese tech companies that showed off their artificial intelligence at CES 2019, now face U.S. export restrictions because the Trump administration says the technology has been used in the repression of China’s Muslims. But China isn’t the only place where the lines have blurred between consumer technology and government surveillance operations. Watchful residents of American neighborhoods are increasingly encouraged by Ring, Amazon’s security camera division,

to share their doorbell video footage with police detectives. Ring recently had to defend its safety practices following reports of hackers breaking into their camera systems and harassing children. It’s also faced criticism from privacy advocates and U.S. lawmakers over its growing partnerships with police. At CES, the company announced a new “control center” for camera owners to adjust their privacy settings and opt out of police requests for footage. Still, device-makers seem to be counting on consumers buying into ever-more elaborate forms of surveillance and other artificial intelligence (AI) technology for peace of mind. Camera-maker Arlo recently launched its first wireless floodlight camera — with night vision, a siren, two-way audio to converse with intruders and an ambient light sensor to automatically adjust its brightness. Another company, Sunflower Labs, showed off its “home drone security” system.

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If trespassers step onto your lawn, a cameraequipped drone flies out from its resting place to take a look at them and streams the live video to your phone. Sound like something that might guard the lair of a James Bond villain? CEO Alex Pachikov pointed out it’s actually less intrusive to neighbors than your run-of-themill doorbell camera because it’s only looking down at your own property.

Privacy laws haven’t caught up Serious talk about privacy protections and regulations wasn’t completely absent at CES. The schedule included panel talks connecting policymakers with privacy executives from companies like Apple and Facebook. Venture capitalist Rajeev Chand, who moderated one of those panels, said tech companies are getting better at seeing themselves as custodians, not owners, of user data, but much more needs to be done. “We are probably at the first or second inning for how privacy re-shapes the consumer

tech industry,” said Chand, a partner and head of research at Wing Venture Capital. But even as some U.S. policymakers seek to restrict or ban facial recognition, the conference is getting its attendees more accustomed to everyday uses of surveillance technology in commercial and security settings. Attendees at the gadget show were able to use their face to pick up their event badges for the first time. “We’re experimenting with it,” said Gary Shapiro, CEO of the Consumer Technology Association, which organized CES. He dismissed privacy concerns, saying that attendees have a choice. “You’re opting in,” he said. “If you want to do it, you’ll have an opportunity to do it.” Cohn, of EFF, said she skipped the face scanners because she doesn’t know who has control over the images they collect. However, she said there’s only so much that consumers can do to guard against misuse. “There is a risk treating this as an individual decision,” Cohn said. “That’s not really fair or right to do to people. We need to fix the policies.” —AP

Tech shorts From page 7

More mobile bodies Companies are also trying to improve the mobility of your own body. Samsung showed off an exoskeleton system called GEMS, or Gait Enhancing & Motivating System. It uses small motors connected to your hips or knees to help you lift your limbs and complete exercises. The company envisions GEMS will be helpful for people with limited mobility and those in physical therapy or rehab from surgery. But GEMS is still early in development and doesn’t yet have a release date. Meanwhile, Startup Unlimited Tomorrow has designed a prosthetic arm created with a 3D printer. The arm senses grip and is Internet-connected for regular, personalized software updates. Those updates help fine-tune grip and movement for each person. The arm goes on sale later this year for about $5,000.

Futuristic new scooter Segway has a completely different approach to helping people with challenges getting around. The company, known for its stand-up motorized vehicles, unveiled the S-Pod, a motorized seated scooter on two wheels that somewhat resembles the chairs from futuristic movie “Wall-E.” Riders sit in the pod and steer with a small controller. The S-Pod will go on sale later this year to commercial customers. The company envisions it being used in airports or enclosed corporate campuses. —AP

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Health Fitness &

WHAT, ME WORRY? There’s a difference between concern over health and hypochondria CLEAR YOUR HEAD We clear toxins from our brains while asleep, so be sure to get enough A DOG’S LIFE A new pill might slow the aging of dogs — and eventually their owners SUGAR RISKS Prediabetes is a wakeup call to eat well and get active before it’s too late

Understanding chronic fatigue syndrome By Lauran Neergaard Researchers hooked Zach Ault to medical monitors as he slowly climbed onto a gym bike in Bethesda, Maryland. An invisible disease is sidelining this once avid athlete. He knew the simple exercise would wipe him out — but Ault was pedaling for science. Chronic fatigue syndrome is one of medicine’s most vexing mysteries. Now doctors at the National Institutes of Health are using volunteers like Ault for a unique study that pushes their limits in search of what’s stealing all their energy. “I’ve tried to exercise my way out of this multiple times, and I’ve put myself in deeper pits every time,” said Ault, 36, of Paducah, Kentucky, as he began a nearly two-week stint at the research-only hospital at NIH. “Chronic fatigue is kind of like they took the stopper out of the energy reserve tank,” and no amount of sleep replenishes it, he said. Up to 2.5 million Americans are estimated to have what is known officially as ME/CFS — it stands for “myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.” Its hallmark is profound fatigue, lasting more than six months, that’s made

even worse by any type of exertion. Among other symptoms, patients also tend to have difficulty staying upright or cognitive trouble often described as a “brain fog.” Many go undiagnosed, misdiagnosed or dismissed by skeptical doctors. Decades after it was first recognized, scientists don’t know what causes it. There are no approved treatments or even tests to help diagnosis — and no way to predict who will recover and who will have a severe case that leaves them debilitated, even bed-bound, for years. “The ignorance about the condition just vastly dwarfs what we know about it,” said Dr. Walter Koroshetz, director of NIH’s National Institute for Neurological Disorders and Stroke, which is leading the research. The NIH has more than doubled funding — to more than $14 million — for scientists around the country to unravel the biology of ME/CFS since 2015, when the influential Institute of Medicine decried “a paucity of research.”

Range of symptoms, severity Part of the trouble is that varied symp-

toms make it hard to compare patients. A patient advocacy group called Solve ME/CFS Initiative is preparing to open a registry where patients can send in medical information as well as blood and saliva samples to help scientists expand research. Nearly 500 patients have called, seeking to enroll in NIH’s study that is putting a few dozen under the microscope, with a barrage of sophisticated tests few hospitals can offer. Like many such patients, Ault’s disease struck following a run-of-the-mill infection in 2017. He’d been training for a halfmarathon, but, after a little time off to recover, he tried to resume his runs and couldn’t. His diagnosis came after months of tests for other explanations. “His body had literally hijacked him, and it wasn’t going to allow him to push through,” said Anne Ault, his wife. Ault, a father of three, was missing his kids’ sporting and school activities, even his nightly wrestle with his young son. He had to cut back his job, in the ministry, to half-days. When 16 hours of sleep a day made no difference, his wife, a pharmacist, hunted

research opportunities. Ault fit the bill for the NIH study, which is focusing on people who came down with the disease after an infection of any sort within five years. The initial infection is long gone, but the body’s normal reaction to illness went into a destructive tailspin. “You’re really capturing the disease at a specific point in time,” in its crucial early stages, said Sadie Whittaker, scientific director for the Solve ME/CFS Initiative. “No one has studied such a very specific population to such depth before.”

Immune system on high alert There are some clues. Earlier studies have found brain inflammation and nervous system abnormalities in patients that might explain why they feel worse upright than lying down. The immune system seems to be on chronic alert. Then there’s the energy drain. In December, Cornell University researchers reported that patients’ key immune cells don’t make energy properly. The NIH study is looking for more See CHRONIC FATIGUE, page 11

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Study finds no baby powder/cancer link By Lindsey Tanner U.S. government-led research found no strong evidence linking baby powder with ovarian cancer in the largest analysis to look at the question. The findings were called “overall reassuring” in an editorial published in January together with the study in the Journal of the American Medical Association. The analysis involving 250,000 women isn’t definitive, but more conclusive research probably isn’t feasible because a dwindling number of women use powder for personal hygiene, the editorial said. “This represents the best data we have on the topic,” said lead author Katie O’Brien, a senior scientist at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.

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Is asbestos in talc? Health concerns about talcum powders have prompted thousands of U.S. lawsuits by women who claim asbestos in the powder caused their cancer. Talc is a mineral similar in structure to asbestos, which is known to cause cancer, and they are sometimes obtained from the same mines. The cosmetics industry in 1976 agreed to make sure its talc products do not contain detectable amounts of asbestos. Smaller studies investigating a possible link between talcum powder and cancer have had conflicting results, though most found no connection. The new analysis pooled results from four long-running studies involving 250,000 U.S. women, who were asked peri-

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odically about their use of powder in the genital area. About 40% said they did. During 11 years of follow-up, 2,168 women developed ovarian cancer, with roughly similar numbers in those who used powders and those who didn’t. These kinds of observational studies cannot determine cause and effect, and O’Brien said a more rigorous study isn’t likely to be done. That would require randomly assigning a large group of women to use talc powders over many years, and comparing the results with those who didn’t use powders.

Some ambiguity The researchers found hints of a potentially small increased risk for cancer for women who had never had a hysterectomy or fallopian tube-tying surgery. The American Cancer Society’s Susan Gapstur said that fits with one theory for how genital use of talc might be risky: With a pathway not blocked by surgery, powder particles could potentially travel into the fallopian tubes and ovaries and cause irritation, inflammation and DNA damage that could lead to cancer. Those results were weak and are murky at best. Still, O’Brien said they make the overall findings “very ambiguous.” The U.S. lawsuits have targeted leading

baby powder maker Johnson & Johnson. Although several juries have reached multimillion-dollar verdicts against the company, they have been overturned or are being appealed. J&J said its powder is routinely tested for asbestos. In January, an unusual mid-trial settlement was announced in a case in Oakland, California, involving a woman who claimed asbestos in the powder caused her mesothelioma, a cancer that can affect the lungs and other organs. J&J spokeswoman Kimberly Montagnino declined to disclose terms or reasons for the agreement, but said it “in no way changes our overall position that our talc is safe, is asbestos-free and does not cause cancer.” J&J did recall a batch of baby powder in October after U.S. government testing found trace amounts of asbestos in a single bottle. The company paid for more testing by outside labs, which it said found no asbestos in the implicated baby powder bottle and other samples. In January, New Mexico sued the company claiming it has marketed asbestoscontaining baby powder and other talc powders for decades, and has targeted black and Hispanic women and children with “false messages” about safety. J&J denies the claims. —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 2 0

Inadequate sleep raises risk of dementia By Veena J. Alfred, Ph.D. The main cause of the cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer’s disease is the buildup of amyloid plaques in the brain as we age. Beta-amyloid is a toxic protein that is discharged as a waste product into the fluid surrounding brain cells. If it is not cleared away in a timely manner, it clumps together to form plaques that prevent the brain cells from communicating with one

another. The body has a mechanism for clearing away this waste product, but the process can be slowed down and thus overtaken. Or the rate at which the beta amyloid is released may exceed the brain capacity to clear it away. Scientists have recently discovered that it is during sleep that this waste disposal system goes into high gear. When we are awake, the brain’s re-

sources are channeled into supporting the activities of waking life. But when we are asleep, these resources become available for “housekeeping” duties, that is, cleaning up the messes of the day and clearing out the toxins that are produced by waking activities. This housekeeping function in the brain is extremely important — that is why we spend approximately one-third of our lives sleeping. Lack of sleep or insufficient sleep

Chronic fatigue

Afterward, doctors fit a special cap on Ault to track electrical activity in his brain and then sent him to spend the night in an air-tight chamber. Pipes draw out the room’s air for analysis. How much oxygen is used and carbon dioxide is produced tells how much energy Ault is using, minute by minute. “We can calculate every molecule. It’s the cleanest air we have in the hospital,” said NIH’s Kong Chen, a metabolism specialist. “We’re figuring out how his body adjusts to an exercise load or a stress load.” The study doesn’t offer any treatments, although the hope is to find targets to eventually develop some. But Ault said it did help to learn about the disease and tricks to conserve his en-

ergy and pace himself, “so I can try to stay as healthy as possible without such bad consequences.” “It’s hard not knowing if I’m going to re-

From page 9 clues. It starts with a week-plus hospitalization for blood and genetic tests, brain scans, a spinal tap, sleep tests and a check of gut bacteria. Scientists pore over the results before deciding who to invite back for a longer and more rigorous visit. “Go as far as you can, work as hard as you can,” NIH physical therapist Bart Drinkard told Ault as he climbed onto the exercise bike. Cells, in particular little factories called mitochondria, use oxygen and nutrients to create energy. While Ault pedals, scientists can measure how his leg muscles use oxygen and see if that’s different than in a healthy person.

robs the brain of the opportunity to carry out the necessary tasks of maintenance and repair.

Research finds connection A research team at the National Institutes of Health conducted a study, published in April 2018, to investigate the connection between sleep and dementia. See LACK OF SLEEP, page 12

cover, if or when,” he said. Until research has an answer, he’ll “hope for the best, but live for right now.” —AP

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Lack of sleep From page 11 The team scanned the brains of 20 healthy individuals, aged 22 to 72, after a full night’s sleep and again after a night of sleep deprivation (that is, after 31 hours without sleep). The scans showed that there was an average 5% increase in betaamyloid in the brains of the participants following the night of sleep deprivation. The researchers noted that this increase was located especially in those brain regions (the thalamus and the hippocampus) that are associated with brain

functions that decline in the early stages of Alzheimer’s. The team also found that those in the study who had larger beta-amyloid increases reported being in a worse mood after the sleep deprivation than those with lower increases. Earlier studies have shown that the brain regions affected by sleep deprivation are also key areas of the brain involved in mood disorders. Earlier studies published in 2016 found that older individuals who do not get sufficient or proper sleep at night are at a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s and other dementias.

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

One larger study, conducted by the Departments of Medicine at various universities across the U.S., focused on 7,444 women aged 65 to 80 years. The study found that those women in the study who got six hours of less of sleep per night were at a higher risk of developing mild cognitive impairment and/or dementia. The researchers also found that older adults suffering from insomnia are at a significantly higher risk of developing dementia than those without a sleeping disorder. Other studies have investigated the connection between sleep apnea and dementia. Sleep apnea, a sleep disorder in which

the airway is partially or completely closed for brief periods of time during sleep, disproportionately affects older adults. The temporary stoppage of breathing caused by sleep apnea disturbs sleep, thus increasing the risk of developing dementia. Even if older adults are not afflicted with a sleeping disorder, they tend to sleep less, on average, than younger people. Therefore, it is especially important for older adults to make an extra effort to get between seven and eight hours of uninterrupted sleep each night on a regular basis. Alfred is a Certified Dementia Practitioner and the CEO of AlfredHouse Assisted Living.

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Ongoing

WOMENS’ SOFTBALL LEAGUE

Batter up and join the Golden Girls of Northern Virginia softball league, a group of women aged 40 and up. Registration begins now, with games starting in April. All skills are welcome. Games take place early Wednesday evenings and on Saturdays at 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. For more information, visit goldengirls.org or contact Marilyn Mallery at (571) 261-9163 or mamallery@comcast.net.

Feb. 13

AGING WISELY

As you get older, it’s important to take care of yourself. Retirement coach Jane Kerschner will discuss difficult transitions, the importance of nourishing relationships, forgiveness and the topic of legacy in a free seminar. The event takes place on Thurs., Feb. 13 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the Little Falls Library, 5501 Massachusetts Ave., Bethesda, Md. To register, email info@littlefallsvillage.org or call (301) 320-3267.

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

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

Over-worrying about health is unhealthy By Craig Sawchuk Dear Mayo Clinic: What is the difference between occasionally worrying that something is wrong with me and somatic symptom disorder? How can I stop worrying that I’m not as healthy as my doctor says? A: A little worry over your health is normal. But for some people, fear and concern over symptoms can get out of control. These people can become convinced that they have a particular illness, even when test results are normal. These are common features of somatic symptom disorder, a mental health concern that’s thought to affect roughly 5% of the population. People with somatic symptom disorder

develop an excessive preoccupation with physical symptoms, including pain or fatigue, that results in significant emotional distress or disruptions to daily living. Stress responses such as dizziness, heart palpitations, nausea, chest pain or shortness of breath may further amplify worries. These symptoms may or may not be attributed to a diagnosed medical condition. The thoughts, feelings and behaviors of somatic symptom disorder may manifest in several ways, including constant worrying about illness, interpreting normal sensations as potentially threatening or harmful, and fearing that symptoms are serious or life-threating, despite exams or testing that suggest otherwise. It’s also common for people with somatic

symptom disorder to feel that medical evaluations or treatments haven’t been adequate. Repeatedly checking the body for abnormalities, researching symptoms online and making frequent healthcare visits or testing that don’t relieve concerns — or make them worse — also are signs of the condition. Women are more likely to show signs of somatic symptom disorder, as are people with more than one health condition. Also, people with a history of childhood illness, sexual abuse or other trauma are at increased risk of developing the disorder, as are those with depression or anxiety. Several related conditions share common features with somatic symptom disorder, including illness anxiety disorder (formerly known as hypochondriasis) and functional neurologic disorders, which consist of neurological symptoms that can’t be explained by a neurological disease or other condition.

Ways to obtain help If you’re experiencing unusual symptoms, it’s important to be evaluated by a healthcare provider to rule out any medical problems. Your healthcare provider can perform a comprehensive examination that focuses on your specific concerns. However, keep in mind that evaluations may need to be limited, as repeated or extensive testing may worsen your level of distress. Regardless of whether an identifiable medical diagnosis is present, if you’re in distress, you may be given a questionnaire to evaluate your level of health anxiety. Or you may be referred to a psychologist or psychiatrist.

The symptoms of somatic symptom disorder and related disorders often come and go. But recovery is possible — studies suggest that 50% to 75% of people with somatic symptom disorder show eventual improvement. The main goal of managing these disorders is to improve your ability to cope with your symptoms, tolerate uncertainty and reduce health anxiety. The most effective treatment is psychotherapy, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy. Individual or group cognitive behavioral therapy can help you change behaviors, such as learning how to resist the urge to excessively seek reassurance. Therapy also can provide social support and challenge any disease-related worries and beliefs, such as learning alternate ways to interpret unusual and uncomfortable physical sensations. Help also can be given to restore your work, social or volunteer activities. Antidepressants such as amitriptyline (Endep) and fluoxetine (Prozac or Sarafem) may be recommended for these disorders. However, they have shown only limited benefit. At Mayo Clinic, we recommend that antidepressant and anti-anxiety drugs be used to treat only the mood or anxiety-related disorders that often coexist. Craig Sawchuk earned his Ph.D. in psychology at the Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic Q & A is an educational resource and doesn’t replace regular medical care. E-mail MayoClinicQ&A@mayo.edu. For more information, visit mayoclinic.org. © 2020 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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

Boost your health by walking, fidgeting By Karen Asp Spending too much time on your tush can lead to numerous health woes. But here’s an easy fix: After an hour of sitting, walk around for two minutes. It could reduce your risk of early death by a third, according to a report in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology. Here are three more benefits of walking: 1. Stable blood sugar A short jaunt around the block after you eat could help keep your blood sugar steady, especially if you have type 2 diabetes, according to research published in the journal Diabetologia. When adults with the condition walked for 10 minutes following every meal, they lowered their blood sugar 12% more, on average, than when they took a single 30minute stroll each day. “Walking uses large muscles in your legs and torso — which require a lot of energy,” explained Andrew Reynolds, Ph.D., lead study author and a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Otago in New Zealand. “To get that energy, those muscles remove sugar from circulation, and your blood sugar goes down.” He added that after-meal walks may also help prevent diabetes in the first place.

2. Better heart health You don’t need crazy-hard cardio to strengthen your heart. A review of data from more than 130,000 women, published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, found that those who walked for at least 30 minutes a day significantly lowered their risk of heart failure. Other research has found that exercisers — and most of them were walkers — reduced their systolic blood pressure (the top number) by an average of nearly 9 mmHg, an improvement similar to that from medication, according to a metaanalysis in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. Getting at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, like brisk walking, each week is the benchmark for heart benefits, according to the American Heart Association. 3. Improved fer tility, decreased inflammation Researchers from UMass Amherst found that overweight and obese women who regularly walked for at least 10 minutes at a time were nearly twice as likely to conceive as those who didn’t go for a stroll. The researchers said that being at an unhealthy weight — which applies to nearly three-quarters of us — is linked to higher levels of chronic inflammation,

which can affect fertility. Walking reduces that inflammation and also may lower stress levels.

Even fidgeting helps Researchers at the University of Missouri discovered that fidgeting can reduce the arterial damage that happens from spending too much time on your derrière. In the study, healthy men and women were asked to intermittently tap one foot while keeping the other one still. After

three hours, researchers compared the blood flow in each leg and found that the fidgeting one showed improved vascular function, while the stationary leg was worse off. Considering that the average person sits 15 hours a day, a little fidgeting could have very real benefits. EatingWell is a magazine and website devoted to healthy eating as a way of life. Online at eatingwell.com. © 2019 Eating Well, Inc. Distributed by

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

The value in steroid injections, placebos Q: I was going to ask my doctor for a steroid injection in my knee that has osteoarthritis, but I heard the steroid shots can do more harm than good. Is that true? A: Osteoarthritis is a common and potentially debilitating condition. It’s a degenerative joint disease (often called the “wear-and-tear” type) in which the smooth lining of cartilage becomes thinned and uneven, exposing the bone beneath. Medications, such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen or injections of steroids or hyaluronic acid (a type of lubricant), can help. However, they don’t always work well, don’t cure the condition and may be accompanied by side effects. Non-medication approaches can also help,

such as loss of excess weight, physical therapy or use of a cane or brace. Surgery is usually a last resort, reserved for people who have declining function, unrelenting pain or both despite trying these other treatments. Steroid injections can quickly provide pain relief that lasts from several weeks to several months. But a new report of one medical center’s experience and a review of past research came to some concerning conclusions about joint injections for osteoarthritis of the hip or knee, including: —a lack of compelling evidence that they work —about 7% to 8% of people getting steroid injections seem to worsen —unusual fractures may occur (in about 1% of people)

—bone damage may develop (in about 1% of people) Other side effects include a temporary increase in blood sugar, bleeding into the joint and, rarely, infection. And the injection itself can be painful, although numbing medication is usually provided. The findings of this report are disappointing, especially for those who have not improved with other treatments. Even if the average benefit of a treatment is small, some individuals do report significant improvement with steroid injections. It’s also not entirely clear that the problems described in this study are actually caused by the steroid injections. And, from my own experience, these rates of complications seem high. I think steroid injections still have a role in the treatment of osteoarthritis, but only after a careful review of the potential risks and benefits.

If one injection is not terribly helpful, I would not encourage repeated injections. On the other hand, if it works well, a limited number of injections (up to three or four per year is a common limit) may reduce pain and improve function and quality of life. Restricting the injections to those who improve the most and limiting the number of injections each year may be a better strategy than eliminating steroid injections altogether. By Robert H. Shmerling, M.D., associate professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, senior medical editor at Harvard Health Publishing, and former clinical chief of rheumatology at Boston’s Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Q: I started a new pain medication, and it seems to be helping. But I wonder if the improvement is just a placeSee Q & A, page 18

BEACON BITS

Feb. 13

HOW TO DOWNLOAD E-BOOKS

Do you want to start reading on your iPad, Kindle, Nook or Android? Learn how to download eBooks and Audiobooks with free, one-on-one help. Bring your Apple ID, Amazon login and passwords. Sessions are available on Thurs., Feb. 13 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Quince Orchard Library, 15831 Quince Orchard Rd., Gaithersburg, Md. To register, call (240) 777-0200.

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With 76 marriages to her credit to-date, join Leora Hoffman as she shares stories from her book, Catch Me a Catch: Chronicles of a Modern-Day Matchmaker. Stay for cocktails and a fun round of Senior Speed Dating. Copies of Leora’s book will be available for purchase. RSVP required: Email jberkman@5ssl.com or call 301-907-8895 and let us know if you wish to participate in Speed Dating. www.FiveStarPremier-ChevyChase.com INDEPENDENT LIVING • ASSISTED LIVING ©2020 Five Star Senior Living

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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 2 0

PARKINSON’S POINTERS

“What’s Your Parkinson’s Score?” A free, livestream event followed by a question-and-answer session

Presented by Randy Stephenson, M.D., neurologist, Neurology Center of Fairfax

Thursday, March 5 6:30-8 p.m. check-in & Hors d’oeuvres • 6 p.m. Brooke Grove Rehabilitation and Nursing Center 18131 Slade School Road • Sandy Spring, MD 20860

The Parkinson Foundation of the National Capital Area has developed a scorecard with focused questions as a tool to help patients understand key holistic areas to consider in the management of Parkinson’s disease. Join Dr. Stephenson for an introduction to the scorecard and a discussion on how it can be used to create and execute a plan to ﬁght Parkinson’s. For information or to register, contact Toni Davis, 301-388-7209 or tdavis@bgf.org, by March 3.

www.bgf.org

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

Q&A From page 16 bo effect. Can a fake pill be that effective? A: A placebo is commonly used in clinical trials to test the effectiveness of a specific therapy, especially when evaluating how well a drug works. For instance, people in one group get the tested drug, while the others receive a “fake” drug, or placebo, that they think is the real thing. This way, the researchers can measure if the drug works by comparing how both groups react. If they both have the same reaction — improvement or not — the drug is deemed ineffective. However, experts have concluded that reacting to a placebo is not proof that a certain treatment doesn’t work, but rather that another, non-pharmacological mechanism may be present. How placebos work is still not quite understood. The placebo effect is more than positive thinking — believing a treatment or procedure will work. It involves a complex neurobiological reaction that includes everything from increases in feel-good neurotransmitters, like endorphins and dopamine, to greater activity in certain brain regions linked to moods, emotional reactions and self-awareness. Results of a study published three years ago in PLOS Biology showed how brain activity differs when people respond to a placebo. Researchers used functional magnetic

resonance imaging to scan the brains of people with chronic pain from knee osteoarthritis. Then everyone was given a placebo and had another brain scan. The researchers noticed that those who felt pain relief had greater activity in the middle frontal gyrus brain region of the frontal lobe. Placebos often work because people don’t know they’re getting one. But what happens if they know it’s a placebo? A 2014 study published in Science Translational Medicine explored this question by testing how people reacted to migraine pain medication. One group took a migraine drug labeled with the drug’s name, another took a placebo labeled “placebo” and a third group took nothing. The researchers discovered that the placebo was 50% as effective as the real drug to reduce pain after a migraine attack. The researchers speculated that a driving force beyond this reaction was the simple act of taking a pill. People associate the ritual of taking medicine as a positive healing effect. Even if they know it’s not medicine, the action itself can stimulate the brain into thinking the body is being healed. By Howard LeWine, M.D., an internist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston and assistant professor at Harvard Medical School. For additional consumer health information, visit www.health.harvard.edu. © President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

BEACON BITS

Feb. 26

LEARN ABOUT YOUR HERITAGE

Are you interested in learning more about your ancestors? Heritage Quest, an online search tool for historical sources, can help. Learn how to use this genealogy tool from home at a free class on Wed., Feb. 26 from 10:15 a.m. to noon at the Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library, 5005 Duke St., Alexandria, Va. To register, call (703) 746-1702.

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 2 0

Alcohol poisoning can sneak up on you By Cleveland Clinic Alcohol poisoning can occur when a person drinks large quantities of alcohol — including beer, wine or liquor — in a relatively short time. As the amount of alcohol in the bloodstream increases, the liver can’t break down the alcohol and remove its toxins from the blood quickly enough. The excess alcohol acts as a depressant and causes parts of the brain that control vital body functions — including breathing, heart rate, blood pressure and temperature — to shut down. The blood alcohol content (BAC) can continue to rise 40 minutes after the last drink, as alcohol in the stomach and intestines continues to enter the bloodstream.

Men 35 to 64 at most risk Alcohol poisoning is most common in middle-aged adults, particularly men. Among those who die from alcohol poisoning, 76% are 35 to 64, and 76% are men. Alcohol might negatively affect older people more because body chemistries change with age. Also, older people are more likely to be taking prescription medications that don’t mix well with alcohol. Other possible factors are stress and depression. About 90% of binge drinkers who end up with alcohol poisoning are not alcoholics. However, 30% of those who die due to alcohol abuse have some type of alcohol-use

disorder. In total, about 2,200 people die from alcohol poisoning every year in the United States. Binge drinking — defined as five or more drinks for a man and four or more drinks for a woman in a relatively short span — is a common cause of alcohol poisoning. Binge drinkers have an average of eight drinks on each binge.

What constitutes a drink? In the United States, a standard drink is considered: • 12 ounces of beer containing 5% alcohol • 8 ounces of malt liquor containing 7% alcohol • 5 ounces of wine containing 12% alcohol • 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits, including whisky, vodka, gin and rum, containing 40% alcohol However, the line between pleasant drinking and dangerous drinking depends on the person. In addition to gender, important factors include: • Age • Ethnicity • The amount of food in the stomach • Whether one is an experienced or inexperienced drinker Symptoms of alcohol poisoning include: • Strong odor of alcohol

• Confusion or disorientation • Lack of coordination and/or an inability to walk • Dulled responses • Cold, clammy skin • Bluish skin, especially around the lips or under the fingernails • Irregular pulse and/or slow heart rate • Urinary and/or fecal incontinence (unable to control bowel or bladder) • Hypothermia • Vomiting and/or choking

• Difficulty remaining conscious • Unconsciousness or semi-consciousness • Irregular breathing (10 seconds or more between breaths) • Slow breathing (fewer than eight breaths a minute) • Seizures A Wellness Update is online at awellnessupdate.com. © 2019 www.awellnessupdate.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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

Side effects of grieving put health at risk By Heidi Godman, Harvard Health Letters Nothing quite prepares you for the heartache of profound loss. It settles in like a gloomy thrum — sometimes louder, sometimes softer — with a volume switch you can’t entirely shut off. For me, that heartbreak arrived this past October, when my mother died after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease, dementia and disability. Now, for the first time in my life, I’m experiencing real grief. As a health reporter, I know this emotional experience comes with a risk of physical side effects. “Most of these side effects are the result of emotional distress responses,” said Maureen Malin, M.D., Ph.D., a geriatric psychiatrist with Harvard-affiliated McLean Hospital.

Whether you’re grieving the loss of a loved one, a job, a home or a beloved pet, it’s important to understand how the process puts your health in jeopardy.

Grief boosts stress Grieving takes a toll on the body in the form of stress. “That affects the whole body and all organ systems, and especially the immune system,” Malin said. Evidence suggests that immune cell function falls, and inflammatory responses rise, in people who are grieving. That may be why people often get sick more often and use more healthcare resources during this period. But why is stress so hard on us? It’s because the body unleashes a flood of stress

hormones that can make many existing conditions worse, such as heart failure or diabetes, or lead to new conditions, such as high blood pressure or heartburn. Stress can also cause insomnia and changes in appetite. Extreme stress, the kind experienced after the loss of a loved one, is associated with changes in heart muscle cells or coronary blood vessels (or both) that prevent the left ventricle from contracting effectively. It’s a condition called stress-induced cardiomyopathy, or broken-heart syndrome. The symptoms are similar to those of a heart attack: chest pain and shortness of breath.

Depression is common Intense feelings of sadness are normal when we’re grieving. But some people become depressed. Up to 50% of widows and widowers have depression symptoms during the first few months after a spouse’s death. (By the one-year mark, it’s down to 10%). Depression symptoms include: • extreme hopelessness • insomnia • loss of appetite • suicidal thoughts • persistent feelings of worthlessness • marked mental and physical sluggishness. Malin says people who are depressed often isolate themselves and withdraw from social connections, and they often stop taking care of themselves properly. “You’re not as interested in life. You fall down on the job, miss doctor appointments, stop exercising, stop eating properly. All of these things put your health at risk,” she said.

Routine is good for you It may seem impossible to think about maintaining good health when it’s difficult to simply get through each day. But Malin says it’s okay to just go through the motions at first (fake it until you make it). That may mean walking for five minutes every day, and then gradually increasing the amount of time you walk. And even if you don’t feel like eating, go ahead and eat three healthy meals per day anyway. Your body needs calories to function, even if you’re not hungry. Eating too little may add to fatigue. Don’t forget about social connections, which are crucial to good health. Stay in touch with friends and loved ones. Try to get out of your house and spend time with others, even if it’s to talk about your grief. A good way to stay on top of your health when you’re grieving: “See your doctor, especially if symptoms worsen, and get back to a healthy routine as soon as possible,” Malin suggested. For a while, at least, you can simply follow your doctor’s instructions to maintain health, putting one foot in front of the other until you develop your own routine. In time — and there is no standard period of grief for anyone — the sun will come out again, and you’ll feel a little stronger emotionally and physically each day. I’m counting on this. But we all need a foundation of good health in order to get there. Let’s give ourselves that advantage. Our loved ones would want that for us. © 2019 President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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

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

Becoming Prepared for Caregiving Family caregiving is as different as each individual involved. It can range from offering a weekly ride to the grocery store to providing extensive caregiving that can become emotionally, financially and even physically draining. Such responsibilities may emerge in stages or seemingly overnight. Whether you believe you’re the one who may provide help, need help, or some of each, take time to understand available supports and options. Here are some steps you might consider: 1. Assess the situation and look for ways to simplify things: a. Have a conversation with your loved ones. Learn about concerns, preferences and any preparations already in place, e.g., long-term care insurance, advance directives, power of attorney, etc. b. If you’re concerned about health issues, seek medical attention, a diagnosis, support and even treatment. c. If you’re concerned about handling finances, consider “A Guide for Representative Payees” www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10076.pdf d. Be sure to consider the needs of caregivers, as well as loved ones. Identify small changes that might be useful and who can help. Even family members located afar can pitch in with phone calls and other supports. e. Address any initial concerns for things like grocery delivery, housekeeping, or perhaps, joining Maryland’s (free) Senior Call Check program (1-866-502-0560).

2. Gather information to identify more options: a. Call Montgomery County’s Aging and Disability Services line at 240-777-3000. Trained staff listen to your questions, describe available resources and services and, offer advice and referrals. b. Subscribe to Montgomery County’s Caregiver Support eNewsletter www.montgomerycountymd. gov/mcg/esubscribe.html c. Find information about County programs and resources: www.montgomerycountymd.gov/senior d. If your employer offers an Employee Assistance Program, speak confidentially with an elder-care specialist. e. As needed, recruit an elder care manager to offer specific advice. f. Identify relevant local care providers and learn their scope of services, waitlists, and costs. 3. Educate yourself, family members, and other loved ones about legal and financial decision-making best done while still independent – and, organize the documents. a. Maintain lists of relevant medical providers, prescriptions and other health-related information. b. Keep health directives organized. Consider: www.marylandmolst.org/pages/molst_form.htm c. Keep financial information organized.

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

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

Prediabetic? Time for lifestyle changes By Adrian Vella, M.D. Dear Mayo Clinic: Is it possible to reverse prediabetes by taking medication? A: Prediabetes means that your blood sugar level is higher than normal but not high enough to be considered diabetes. It is a warning sign that if you don’t make changes, the condition may eventually progress to diabetes. But those changes typically don’t include taking medication. Instead, lifestyle changes, such as improving your diet, losing weight and exercising regularly, may lower your blood sugar to a healthy level. Diabetes happens when you have too much sugar, also called glucose, in your

blood. This comes from what you eat, but during the fasting state it is released by the liver into the circulation to keep levels constant. The hormone insulin, which is made in the pancreas, is sent into your blood continuously but increases significantly after you eat. The insulin moves through your blood and works like a key, allowing the sugar from your food to enter your cells. As the sugar goes into your cells, the amount of sugar in your blood goes down. It also “puts the brakes” on the liver to prevent too much glucose release during fasting and after meals. When you have diabetes, this process doesn’t work the way it should. Sugar then

accumulates in your blood. There are several kinds of diabetes, the most common being Type 2 diabetes. It develops when your body cannot make enough insulin to keep your blood sugar at a healthy level or when your body’s cells become resistant to insulin.

How it’s diagnosed Your healthcare provider can diagnose diabetes using several different tests. One of the most common is the fasting blood glucose test, in which blood is drawn after you have not eaten for at least eight hours. The test analyzes how much glucose is in your blood. A normal glucose level range is between 70 and 100 milligrams per deciliter, or mg/dL. You have diabetes when glucose is consistently above 126 mg/dL. Prediabetes is when your fasting blood sugar is between 101 to 125 mg/dL. Being in the prediabetes range signals that you are at high risk of developing diabetes if something doesn’t change. [Ed. Note: Another test, the A1C, measures your average blood glucose levels over a three-month period.] The exact cause is not known, but excess fat — especially abdominal fat — and inactivity seem to be important factors in the development of prediabetes. In addition, the risk for diabetes goes up as you get older, especially after age 45.

Many ways to lower risk You can’t do anything about your age, but you can make other changes to lower your risk. Studies have found that diet and exercise are the most effective treatments for combating prediabetes and preventing its progression to diabetes. Being sedentary can raise your diabetes

risk, even if you don’t carry excess weight. Make regular exercise a priority. It doesn’t have to be a strenuous workout. A brisk walk, a bike ride, an afternoon spent gardening — anything that gets you moving helps. Aim for 30 minutes of moderate exercise each day. If you can’t fit it in all at once, try several 10-minute sessions throughout the day. If you choose an activity that you enjoy, you’re more likely to stick with it. Step counters — even those on smartphones — can help you keep track of your activity. You should aim for about 10,000 steps per day. When it comes to diet, concentrate on foods lower in fat and calories and higher in fiber. Focus on eating fruits, vegetables and whole grains. If you aren’t sure what’s right for you, consider meeting with a dietitian to review your diet and help you make changes. There are numerous apps and online platforms that can help you track your food intake. Finally, have your blood sugar checked on at least an annual basis, so you know if you are making progress. Talk to your healthcare provider about how often you need your blood sugar tested. In many cases, blood sugar that falls in the prediabetes range can be successfully controlled without medication. Mayo Clinic Q & A is an educational resource and doesn’t replace regular medical care. E-mail a question to MayoClinicQ&A @mayo.edu. For more information, visit mayoclinic.org. © 2020 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. All rights reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Caring for your aging parent or loved one? It’s not all up to you. Call us. 240-777-3000 ADS@ MontgomeryCountyMD.gov

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

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Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

10,000 dogs needed for study of aging By Carla K. Johnson Can old dogs teach us new tricks? Scientists are looking for 10,000 pets for the largest-ever study of aging in canines. They hope to shed light on human longevity, too. The project will collect a pile of pooch data: vet records, DNA samples, gut microbes and information on food and walks. Five hundred dogs will test a pill that could slow the aging process. “What we learn will potentially be good for dogs and has great potential to translate to human health,” said project co-director Daniel Promislow of the University of Washington School of Medicine. If scientists find a genetic marker for a type of cancer in dogs, for instance, that could be explored in humans. For the study, the dogs will live at home and follow their usual routine. All ages and sizes, purebreds and mutts are welcome. Owners will complete periodic online surveys and take their dogs to the vet once a year, with the possibility of extra visits for certain tests. Their welfare will be monitored by a bioethicist and a panel of animal welfare advisers. The five-year study was formally launched

in November at a science meeting in Austin, Texas. To nominate a pet, owners can visit the Dog Aging Project’s website at dogagingproject.org. The National Institute on Aging is paying for the $23 million project because dogs and humans share the same environment, get the same diseases, and dogs’ shorter lifespans allow quicker research results, said deputy director, Dr. Marie Bernard. The data collected will be available to all scientists. Leslie Lambert of Parkville, Maryland, enrolled her 11-year-old rescue dog, Oscar, in an early phase. “I would selfishly like to have him around forever,” said the 33-year-old veterinarian. “Unfortunately, he ages much, much faster than I do.” But she’s torn by the prospect of an antiaging pill because so many abandoned dogs go without care. “Just because we can, should we?” she asked.

Larger dogs needed Compared to farm dogs in the past, today’s pampered pups live longer and get more geriatric diseases, said veterinarian

Write a letter to the editor. See page 4.

Dr. Kate Creevy of Texas A&M University, the project’s chief scientific officer. Yet no standard measures exist for frailty or prognosis in sick, aged dogs, Creevy said. The project will develop those tools. One dog year is roughly equal to seven human years, Creevy said, but that varies by breed. Large dogs have shorter lifespans than smaller dogs. A Great Dane’s lifespan is about half that of a toy poodle’s. That makes large dogs better test subjects for the pill. Dogs weighing at least 40 pounds will be eligible for an experiment with rapamycin, now taken by humans to prevent rejection of transplanted kidneys. The drug has extended lifespan in mice. A small safety study in dogs found no dangerous side effects, said project co-di-

rector Matt Kaeberlein of the University of Washington. Human devotion to dogs drives projects like this, the scientists said. Owners will gladly fill out surveys, send records and submit a pup’s poop for analysis if they think it will help all dogs live longer, even if it won’t help their pet. “People love dogs,” said Promislow, who normally studies aging in fruit flies. “No one has ever come up to me and said, ‘Oh my goodness, I just love fruit flies.’” Promislow’s mixed breed, 14-year-old Frisbee, will not participate to prevent a conflict of interest. “It’s too bad because she’s a terrific example of a really healthy ager,” he said. —AP

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

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Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

Mediterranean-style diet best for heart By Monique Tello, M.D. There is a mountain of high-quality research supporting a Mediterranean-style diet as the best diet for our cardiovascular health. But what does this diet actually look like, why does it work, and how can we adopt it into our real lives? The Mediterranean diet is not a fad. It is a centuries-old approach to meals, traditional to the countries bordering on the Mediterranean Sea. The bulk of the diet consists of colorful fruits and vegetables, plus whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds, fish and seafood, with olive oil and perhaps a glass of red wine. There is no butter, no refined grains (like white bread, pasta and rice), and very little red or processed meat (like bacon). There is also an emphasis on sitting down and enjoying a meal among family and friends, as well as avoiding snacking and getting plenty of activity. It’s not just about the food: It’s a way of being.

Mediterranean-style is fine The food part is similar to most other healthful diet approaches in that it’s plantbased. And the recipes do not have to be Italian or Greek, which is why I refer to it as a Mediterranean-style diet. Every meal should have vegetables and fruits as the base. Any grains should be whole grain, like quinoa, brown rice, corn, farro or whole wheat. Legumes are an excellent source of plant protein, things like lentils, garbanzo, kidney, cannellini or black beans. Nuts and seeds have protein and healthy fats, and olive oil provides even more healthy fat. Including fish and seafood is traditional but not required. I advise people not to stress about dairy, poultry and eggs; these are okay in small amounts. A glass of wine a day may be beneficial, but not for everyone, and there is no reason for non-drinkers to take it up. Why does this way of eating produce such impressive health benefits? In a recent study published in JAMA Network Open, researchers looked at data

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from more than 25,000 women over 45 (with an average age of 55) and with no history of heart disease. Using the baseline dietary questionnaire, a Mediterranean diet “score” was calculated. Basically, one point was given for each of these nine main components: higher than average intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, fish and healthy fats; healthy level of alcohol intake; and lower than average intake of red and processed meats. Participants were divided into groups based on low, medium and high Mediterranean diet consumption (scores of 0 to 3, 4 to 5, and 6 to 9). After an average follow-up time of 12 years, 1,030 participants had some kind of serious cardiovascular issue (including heart attack, angina with stent placement, peripheral vascular disease requiring in-

tervention or stroke). The women in the medium and high Mediterranean diet groups had significantly lower risk (23% and 28% lower, respectively). Higher Mediterranean diet scores were also associated with lower body mass index and blood pressure, as well as more optimal lab data like lower inflammatory markers (high-sensitivity CRP), lower diabetes risk (insulin resistance) and a better lipid profile (higher HDL). These findings suggest the pathways through which the diet benefits the body: by decreasing inflammation and promoting healthy blood cholesterol and sugar levels. [Ed. Note: Studies involving men have reached similar conclusions. For instance, a May 2019 study in the journal Nutrients found that the Mediterranean diet “decreases the incidence of Type 2 diabetes

and cardiovascular disease in healthy individuals, and reduces the severity of symptoms in individuals that already have those diseases.”]

How to go Mediterranean Adopting the Mediterranean diet in our busy, high-tech world may seem daunting. But there are tips and tricks to change your eating habits and reduce your risk of heart disease. My book, Healthy Habits for Your Heart, teaches you the basics of behavior change, as well as step-by-step methods to make these changes happen in your real life. Chapter 5, “Eat for Your Life: Nutrition Habits” takes you through the sciencebacked recommendations for adopting a heart-healthy, plant-based MediterraneanSee HEART HEALTHY DIET, page 26

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

Mindful eating (and why you should try it) By Cynthia Sass Mindfulness is a major buzzword right now and rightly so. Becoming more mindful — that is, aware of the present moment — can be life-changing. It can help you react more calmly and thoughtfully in any situation, whether you’re stuck in traffic, dealing with a difficult boss or making food choices. And mindfulness isn’t just a New Age theory. Its benefits are backed by plenty of research. Studies have found it may help reduce inflammation (a known trigger of premature aging and disease), lower stress hormone levels, boost happiness, shrink belly fat, improve sleep and curb appetite. Mindfulness can also be pretty powerful when it comes to your eating habits. It can

transform a person’s relationship with food. Mindfulness can help you eat less and enjoy your food more. Plus, feeling relaxed while you nosh helps improve digestion and reduce bloating. And while becoming mindful doesn’t happen overnight, the process is actually pretty simple. Here are three steps you can take today: Practice slowing down. If you find yourself eating too fast or making spontaneous food decisions often (like grabbing a handful of M&Ms from the office candy jar), start by slowing the pace of your day. Listen to a five-minute guided mindfulness meditation. You’ll find many options on YouTube and through apps like Head-

space, Meditation Studio and Calm. At mealtimes, try putting your fork down in between bites. You can also try an app like Eat Slower, which allows you to set an interval (anywhere between 20 seconds and 3 minutes) between bites; a bell lets you know when it’s time to lift your fork again. Even if you don’t do this at every meal, regularly practicing slow eating will help you become accustomed to unhurried noshing. Take smaller bites and sips. If you’re struggling to quit a speed-eating habit, try cutting your food into smaller pieces. And if you’re eating popcorn or nuts, eat one piece at a time, and chew each well before grabbing another. Grapes, berries and grape tomatoes can also work well for slowing the pace. Eat without distractions. As efficient as multitasking may be, it’s not great to do at meals or snacks, since it’s extremely dif-

ficult (if not impossible) to really pay attention to more than one thing at a time. Step away from your computer, TV, phone and even books during mealtime. By removing distractions, you can really pay attention to the flavors, textures and aromas of your food and better tune into your hunger and fullness levels. You’ll also be more mindful of how quickly you’re eating and likely realize that gobbling down food at lightning speed doesn’t actually feel good. If you can’t do this at every meal, commit to undistracted eating at least once a day. Ready to give it a go? This trio of steps may lay the foundation for balance and help remedy chaotic or erratic eating. So, rather than thinking about calories or carbs, shift your focus inward, take a deep breath and start to adopt a new type of healthy eating pattern. © 2020 Meredith Corporation. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Heart healthy diet

snack, and increase over time to two or three. You’ll be up to 10 in a matter of weeks! • It’s fine to use frozen fruits and vegetables. High-quality berries, tropical fruits and mixed vegetables are cheaper than fresh, and can be bought in bulk from the grocery store and stored in the freezer for long periods. • Make breakfast with two (or more) servings of fruits and/or veggies. This gets the good stuff in early in the day. • Free meal tracker apps like MyFitnessPal or Dr. Michael Greger’s Daily Dozen app can help you get your 10 servings of fruits and veggies daily. © 2019 President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

From page 25 style diet. One suggestion is: Aim for eight servings of fruits and vegetables per day (4 to 5 cups). Eight servings of fruits and vegetables could look like this: Breakfast: 1 cup of berries Lunch: 2 cups of lettuce + ½ cup tomatoes + ½ cup cucumbers + an orange for dessert If you wanted to get to 10 servings, then add: Dinner: 1 cup broccoli + ½ cup diced peppers + ½ cup snow peas (in a stir fry) Tips to make the habit stick: • Start with at least one serving of fruits and/or vegetables with every meal and

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 2 0

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

Eat healthier: try these simple food swaps By Alice Oglethorpe We could probably all stand to eat a little healthier, but traditional nutrition swaps are kind of a bummer (no, rice cakes are not an acceptable substitute for rice pudding, thank you very much). And, really, the key to permanently cleaning up your diet is adding in more healthy foods that you actually enjoy eating. Try these delicious food swaps: 1. Swap coconut water for juice. “Plain coconut water has electrolytes, including potassium, and a lot less natural sugar than fruit juice,” said Sharon Collison, R.D., a clinical instructor of nutrition at the University of Delaware. To compare, a cup of coconut water has 9 grams of the sweet stuff, while a cup of apple juice has 25. 2. Swap a BLAT for a Cobb salad. A Cobb salad is always a colorful riot of flavor and texture, but by the time you’ve eaten the eggs, bacon, chicken, avocado, blue cheese and creamy dressing, you’ve

gone way beyond a healthy limit of saturated fat. Here’s a surprise: You can get a similar flavor combination by switching to a BLAT (bacon, lettuce, avocado and tomato) sandwich on whole-wheat bread. Not only will you consume a more balanced amount of fat and protein, you’ll also be more satiated. Try experimenting with arugula or watercress in place of lettuce for a peppery kick. 3. Swap ground bison for ground beef. Compared with 80% lean beef, bison meat contains less total fat and saturated fat, and it even has a few extra grams of protein per patty. 4. Swap pepitas for croutons. Croutons might be your favorite way to add crunch to your salads, but you’re mostly topping your veggies with refined carbs and oil. How to get the same satisfying texture without the nutritional drawbacks? Look no further than pepitas, or

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Heart-Healthy High Tea ÁǝɖȸɀƳƏɵً IƺƫȸɖƏȸɵ ‫ב׏‬Ɏǝ ‫׎׎يב ى‬٫‫ڙ׎׎يד‬ȵȅ Join us for a presentation on a heart-healthy lifestyle, then enjoy a menu of healthy options. We’ll be focusing on teaching about a heart-healthy diet, exercises, and stress reduction. Not to mention great door prizes! !ƏǼǼ ٢‫׏׎ב‬٣ ‫ זאח׎ٮ׎׎א‬ɎȒ «³à¨ Ȓȸ ǔȒȸ ȅȒȸƺ ǣȇǔȒȸȅƏɎǣȒȇِ

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pumpkin seeds. “Pepitas are a great source of hearthealthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, and ounce for ounce they have as much protein as meat,” Collison said. 5. Swap corn tortillas for flour tortillas. Corn tortillas have fewer calories than flour tortillas and are lower in total fat and saturated fat. “They’re also high in fiber, which can help balance blood sugar levels and keep you feeling full while lowering cholesterol,” said nutritionist Beth Warren, R.D., author of Living a Real Life with Real Food. Plus, they taste rich in corn flavor and have a satisfying bite. Try using corn tortillas to make que-

sadillas or enchiladas. 6. Swap tahini for mayonnaise. Instead of reaching for mayo, get creaminess and flavor punch with a spread of tahini — a paste made from ground sesame seeds, which you can find in the grocery store. “Tahini has fiber, calcium, magnesium and protein, and is a great source of healthy, monounsaturated fats, which help lower cholesterol,” Warren said. Try spicing up tahini with minced chiles and/or herbs and using it as a spread. Real Simple magazine provides smart, realistic solutions to everyday challenges. Online at www.realsimple.com. © 2019 Meredith Corporation. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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

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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 2 0

How do nutritionists and dieticians differ? By Sharon Lehrman Are you thinking about hiring a nutrition expert to assist with your health goals? Registered dietitian or a nutritionist? What’s the difference? Registered Dietitians (R.D.) and Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (R.D.N.) earn a bachelor’s degree with course work approved by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Many also have a master’s degree or doctorate degree. They also: • Complete an extensive accredited, supervised practice program. • Pass a national examination. • Complete continuing professional education to maintain registration. • Adhere to a code of ethics that protects individuals, organizations and communities with whom they work. R.D.s are food and nutrition experts who can translate the science of nutrition

into practical solutions for healthy living. They use their nutrition expertise to help people make positive lifestyle changes. They are the only healthcare professionals who can provide Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) for conditions like diabetes and renal disease. MNT can improve patient health and reduce repeat hospitalizations. Using MNT, R.D.s provide nutrition assessment, determine nutrition diagnoses, implement nutrition interventions and monitor and evaluate progress. About half of all R.D.s work in clinical settings, healthcare or private practice. Others work in public health, academia and research, business and journalism.

Nutritionists There is no nationally recognized definition or standard for the term nutritionist.

In fact, half of U.S. states do not require formal certification, licensure or regulation of nutritionists. In unregulated states you may find nutritionists working in non-healthcare settings such as natural food stores, health clubs or chiropractic offices. They may or may not have formal training in nutrition, or they may just have taken a few nutrition courses online. It’s important to know what the regulation is in the state you reside. If you are considering working with a registered dietitian or nutritionist, be sure

to ask about their education, license, certifications and experience working with people who have similar health concerns. Make sure you are comfortable with their level of knowledge and expertise. And remember: All registered dietitians are nutritionists, but not all nutritionists are registered dietitians. Reprinted with permission from Environmental Nutrition, a monthly publication of Belvoir Media Group, LLC. 1-800-8295384. www.EnvironmentalNutrition.com. © 2020 Belvoir Media Group. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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HEALTHCARE ADVOCACY

Are you having difficulty getting your insurance company to pay your healthcare bills? The Maryland Health Education Advocacy Unit can help you respond to denials, billing disputes and warranty problems. For free assistance, call (410) 528-1840 or email heau@oag.state.md.us.

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Feb. 23

GRAND OPENING

A new independent living retirement community, Wilshire Estates, will celebrate its grand opening on Feb. 23 at 11 a.m. at 3716 New Hampshire Ave., Silver Spring, Md. The free event is open to the public. Enjoy refreshments, tours and entertainment. For more information, call (301) 246-8432.

Feb. 28

NEW STEPS LUNCHEON

If you lost your spouse more than two years ago, join the Next Step Luncheon with people who have also lost a loved one. The next luncheon will be held on Fri., Feb. 28 at noon at the Bistro Aracosia, 5100 MacArthur Blvd., Washington, D.C. To register, contact Joanne Brainard at (301) 365-3547 or jebrainard@yahoo.com.

Ongoing

• Eye Care for All Ages • Specialists in Cataracts, Glaucoma, Diabetic Retinopathy and Macular Degeneration • Contact Lens Specialists • Plastic & Reconstructive Eye Surgery

Full In-House Optical Department Outpatient No-Stitch Cataract Surgery • Laser Surgery MEDICARE ASSIGNMENT ACCEPTED

VILLAGE WALKERS

Clear your mind, socialize or dedicate some time to exercise at a weekly one-hour neighborhood walk in Upper Northwest. The group meets on Saturdays at 9 a.m. at the Starbucks in Giant, 3336 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. For more information, call (202) 615-5853.

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

Get bleeding after menopause checked By Kelly Bilodeau Bleeding after menopause can be disconcerting, but the good news is, more than 90% of the time it’s not caused by a serious condition, according to a study in JAMA Internal Medicine. That said, the study also reinforces the idea that postmenopausal bleeding should always be checked out by your doctor to rule out endometrial cancer, a cancer of the uterine lining, said Ross Berkowitz, M.D., William H. Baker Professor of Gynecology at Harvard Medical School. This is because the study also found more than 90% of women who did have endometrial cancer had experienced postmenopausal bleeding. And screening all women who experi-

ence bleeding after menopause for endometrial cancer could potentially find as many as 90% of these cancers, which are highly curable if found early.

Usually not cancer The analysis found that most postmenopausal bleeding is caused by a noncancerous condition, such as vaginal atrophy, uterine fibroids or polyps. That information doesn’t really differ from what doctors have historically thought about the incidence of endometrial cancer and bleeding, Berkowitz said. But it does finally put solid data behind those figures, which was missing in the past, he said. The researchers who conducted this study were looking for clues about post-

menopausal bleeding and how it relates to endometrial cancer. Endometrial cancer, which affects 2% to 3% of American women, is the most common type of gynecological cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, it most often affects postmenopausal women — 60 is the average age at diagnosis. There is currently no way to screen for endometrial cancer. Identifying it early has become a pressing issue because the incidence of this cancer has risen gradually but steadily over the past 10 years, according to the National Cancer Institute. “Endometrial cancer is a fairly common disease, and it’s unfortunately becoming more common due to the growing rates of obesity,” Berkowitz said. A woman’s risk of endometrial cancer can increase substantially if she is obese. Generally, risk rises among women who are 50 pounds or more above their ideal body weight, he said. This is because of the role estrogen plays in endometrial cancer. The most common type of endometrial cancer, known as type 1 cancer, is fueled by estrogen. Estrogen is produced by body fat, so women with a larger amount of fatty tissue generally have higher levels of estrogen. They also typically have more free estrogen, an active form that produces stronger effects. This may lead to cancerous changes in the uterine lining.

When to see your doctor If you do experience unusual or postmenopausal bleeding, make an appointment with your doctor to have the problem investigated, Berkowitz said. Your doctor will likely recommend an ultrasound, a biopsy or both. Ultrasound can measure the thickness of

the lining inside the uterus. In some women with endometrial cancer, this lining becomes thicker than usual, which alerts doctors to the possibility that it is cancerous. Not all thickened linings mean cancer, though. The ultrasound should be followed by a biopsy, even if the ultrasound doesn’t show any thickening of the uterine lining, Berkowitz said. A biopsy can often be done as an in-office procedure, in which the doctor uses a thin tube with a collection device on the end to gather some uterine cells. The sample is then examined under a microscope to check for cancer or precancerous changes. Berkowitz stressed the importance of doing both tests because not all endometrial cancers thicken the uterine lining. Some cases are caused by type 2 endometrial cancer, which may not produce the thickening typically seen in the more common type 1. If only ultrasound is used for screening, up to 20% of endometrial cancer cases may be missed. Many of these are type 2, which tend to be the more aggressive, invasive and deadly. Keep in mind, a Pap test cannot detect endometrial cancer. “Assuming the patient does not have any health issues, such as serious heart disease, and is otherwise healthy, doing a biopsy would be the safest, most assured way to rule out endometrial cancer,” Berkowitz said. If your tests suggest that you don’t have endometrial cancer, but the bleeding comes back or continues, it’s reasonable to have it re-evaluated, Berkowitz said. Investigate unusual bleeding early because endometrial cancer is highly curable, in most cases with surgery alone. © 2019 President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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

Health Studies

INFORMATION ON AREA CLINICAL TRIALS

NIH seeks leukemia patients for studies By Margaret Foster Fatigue. Weight loss. Night sweats. Frequent infections. Some people with these symptoms are shocked when their doctor diagnoses them with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), a slow-moving cancer of the blood and bone marrow. Although the disease is serious, a diagnosis is not an immediate death sentence. In fact, doctors don’t treat early-stage CLL at all, preferring to monitor its progression first. Most people live a decade or more with the disease. Now researchers at the National Institutes of Health are seeking volunteers for several clinical trials related to advanced stages of the condition. Most people diagnosed with CLL are over age 70. According to the Mayo Clinic, Caucasians are more likely to be diagnosed with CLL. Exposure to pesticides or other chemicals such as Agent Orange has been linked to a higher risk of CLL. The exact cause of CLL is still unclear, however.

Several studies recruiting One study will investigate a drug called duvelisib when patients with CLL stop responding to a standard treatment called ibrutinib. “Ibrutinib is a very effective treatment for CLL, but some patients develop genetic mutations in their cancer, which prevents ibrutinib from working,” said Dr. Clare Sun, the study’s principal investigator. “Duvelisib is a relatively new drug that blocks a critical pathway in leukemia cells.” Once enrolled, patients will travel to NIH’s National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) in Bethesda for the trial,

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Feb.

NOMINATE ROLE MODEL VOLUNTEERS

Do you know someone over age 60 who has made a difference volunteering in Montgomery County, Maryland? If so, nominate them for the Neal Potter Path of Achievement award, which will be presented with other awards on Apr. 27 at Imagination Stage in Bethesda, Md. Nominations must be submitted by Feb. 28 at montgomerycountymd.gov/volunteercenter/awards. For more information, call (240) 777-2600 or email serviceawards@montgomerycountymd.gov.

which includes medical screenings and blood tests. Another study will investigate an FDAapproved drug called venetoclax to see why it is so effective. Researchers will check for changes in the immune system and genetic makeup of the tumor during therapy. Participants will receive venetoclax and medical monitoring for the first five weeks of treatment before being transitioned to their local hematologist/oncologist for continued treatment. “Venetoclax is a very effective treatment for CLL, both as a first-line treatment and for patients with relapsed CLL,” said Dr. Chris Pleyer, the study’s principal investi-

gator. “Venetoclax is generally well tolerated but requires close monitoring during the first few weeks of therapy. The NIH team will offer expert medical care during this challenging period.” Another clinical trial will test a combination of ibrutinib and immunotherapy to treat CLL. Researchers hope to find effective cures for high-risk CLL, so they are testing an FDA-approved pill, ibrutinib, along with an additional class of drug called an immune checkpoint blockade. “While most patients initially respond well to ibrutinib, patients can develop resistance to ibrutinib, leading to disease progression,” Dr. Inhye Ahn said. “Investi-

gators at the NIH aim to improve the outcome of the high-risk CLL by recruiting patients’ own immune system to attack CLL cells.” An immune checkpoint blockade “unleashes the breaks in natural immune cells and helps them recognize and attack cancer cells,” according to Dr. Ahn. All three clinical trials are open to adults over age 18 with CLL. They require several visits to NIH’s clinic in Bethesda, Maryland (parking will be reimbursed). Compensation information is available by phone. For more information, contact the NIH Clinical Center Office of Patient Recruitment at 1-800-411-1222 or email prpl@cc.nih.gov.

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

Chocolate spice cookies offer subtle kick By Wolfgang Puck If you’ve been a reader of my column, you know you can expect one thing from me as surely as the fact that I love to help people cook and eat the best food possible: When winter rolls around, at some point I’m going to turn my attention to cookies. My love of baking goes back to my earliest childhood memories. Every year, the kitchen of our little home in the southern Austrian town of Sankt Veit an der Glan seemed always full of the rich, sweet and spicy aromas of cookies being baked by my mother and grandmother. Guests who dropped by were offered cookies with coffee or tea. Of course, my brother, sisters and I ate plenty of the cookies ourselves at home, some of which we’d be served as snacks or desserts — and some, of course, that the four of us would sneak when the grownups weren’t looking. I’d like to share with you this cookie

recipe: Chocolate Coconut Spice Cookies, a classic from Spago. I think they make a great cookie to add to your seasonal repertoire, for a number of reasons. First of all, they’re easy to make. I think that is essential not only because this is the busiest cooking time of the year, but also because they are something the whole family can enjoy preparing together. You probably already have all the ingredients in your pantry or can find them in any supermarket. And, being slice-andbake cookies, the dough can be mixed in advance and kept chilled in the refrigerator, ready for baking as needed. Next comes the wonderful way in which these cookies are both familiar and yet different enough to make people open their eyes with surprise and delight at first bite. At first glance, they’re simply chocolateflavored, buttery cookies with an attractive rim of shredded coconut. But the very first bite reveals a very pleasing surprise: very

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FREE TECH HELP ON MONDAYS

Need help navigating the Internet, using your smartphone or scanning documents? A free class, Technology Tomorrow, takes place every Monday at the Deanwood Library and Recreation Center, 1350 49th St. NE, Washington, D.C., from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Call (202) 698-1175 for more information.

subtle but noticeable hints of black pepper and cayenne, not too spicy at all, but just enough to counterpoint and emphasize the delicious chocolaty flavor. When you think about how many other cookies have the word “spice” in their names, you’ll instantly understand how perfectly appropriate these seasonings are here.

Chocolate coconut spice cookies Makes about 5 dozen Ingredients: 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/8 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper 6 ounces unsalted butter, at room temperature, cut into small pieces 1 cup granulated sugar 1 large egg 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut Directions: In a mixing bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, cinnamon, salt, and black and cayenne peppers. Set aside. In the large bowl of an electric stand mixer, using the paddle or beaters, soften the butter at medium speed. Sprinkle in the sugar and, as soon as it is incorporated, raise the speed to high and continue mixing until fluffy, stopping as needed to scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula. Reduce the speed to medium, add the egg and vanilla, and continue beating just until they are incorporated. Reduce the speed to medium-low and, still beating, gradually add the flour mixture, continuing to mix just until combined.

Scrape the dough out of the bowl onto a clean work surface. If it seems too soft to shape, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate until it firms up a bit, about 1 hour. With very lightly floured hands, roll the dough into an even log shape about 15 inches long and 1 inch in diameter. Sprinkle the coconut evenly on the work surface and then roll the log in the coconut to coat it evenly all around and from end to end. (Gather up and reserve excess coconut.) Wrap up the log in clean plastic wrap and refrigerate until well chilled and very firm, preferably overnight but at least 2 to 3 hours. Before baking, position the rack in the center of the oven and preheat the oven to 350°F. Line 1 or 2 baking trays with parchment paper. Remove the plastic wrap from the dough log. Sprinkle the remaining coconut on a clean work surface and reroll the log as needed to coat areas that don’t have enough coconut. With a very sharp knife, cut the log crosswise into slices about ¼-inch thick, forming about 60 slices total, placing them about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking trays. Bake until the coconut looks lightly toasted, about 10 minutes total, rotating the baking trays back to front about halfway through. When the cookies are done, use a wide metal spatula to remove them from the baking tray, transferring them to a wire rack to cool. When completely cooled, store at cool room temperature in an airtight container in single layers between sheets of waxed or parchment paper. © 2019 Wolfgang Puck. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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 2 0

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

What to halt prior to surgery, lab tests The general answer is yes. If the facility or hospital puts that request on your instruction sheet, you should follow it. Eating and drinking too close to surgery could force a reschedule of the surgery. The worry is aspiration. As for other tests, it becomes less clear. For example, if you are scheduled to have a pelvic ultrasound to see your cervix or ovaries, I’m not sure why food would be a problem. And likewise, I do not understand the

need for “no food or drink” if you’re having a thyroid blood test. You probably should eat before that type of test. The results will be more realistic. This information is opinion only. It is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose your condition. Consult with your doctor before using any new drug or supplement. Suzy Cohen is a registered pharmacist and the author of The 24-Hour Pharmacist and Real Solutions from Head to Toe. To contact her, visit SuzyCohen.com.

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What are the best instructions to follow if Beware blood thinners you have a surgery scheduled? Blood thinners are the most dangerous The most common inquiry ones to remain on if you’re havis this: Do I really need to stop ing surgery or some procedure all my medications before this that requires an IV drip or a test or surgery? blood draw, like a colonoscopy. This question isn’t easy to You do not want your blood answer because some medicato be super thin when you go in tions are needed for comfort for these procedures, or the and well-being. For example, bleeding could become prowhat if you are reliant on your fuse or internalized. So, for morning pill for acid reflux? sure you do not want to be on You can safely stop it abruptly, any of these blood thinning DEAR but if you don’t take it, you will drugs for at least three days PHARMACIST be very uncomfortable. prior to some tests: anticoaguBy Suzy Cohen Another example is with lants, Warfarin (Coumadin), analgesics like tramadol, oxyEnoxaparin, Clopidogrel, Ticlocodone and morphine. You can’t just sud- pidine, aspirin, Ibuprofen and other NSAIDs denly stop those, or you’ll slip into with- and Dipyridamole. drawal pretty quickly! Ask your doctor if Another category of medications that peoyou’re allowed to take those two medica- ple don’t usually warn about, but I feel tions on the morning of your procedure. should be included in this conversation, are You also cannot suddenly stop an anti- drugs that slow down your heart rate. I’m redepressant or anti-epileptic drug. These ferring to beta blockers and calcium channel and many other medications require slow blockers. tapering to get off safely. If you were to Anesthesia also slows down your heart suddenly discontinue certain drugs, you rate, and the combo could lead to severe could encounter dangerous withdrawal bradycardia (low heart rate). symptoms, even seizures. Ask well before your surgery, so you don’t What about food and drink? have to reschedule due to this type of overAnother important question is, “Should I sight. really stop eating and drinking before a test?”

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VOLUME XXXII, ISSUE 

MAYOR’S MESSAGE

By Muriel Bowser, Mayor, Washington, D.C. Dear Seniors: The time has come for us to put our D.C. Values into action. Budget season is in full swing, and once again, I’m asking you to be a part of the process. Be a part of the decision making. Tell us your ideas and concerns so that my team and I can turn them into solutions, programs and investments that will help us build an even more inclusive Washington, D.C. We know: Washington, D.C. is a growing city. We are now home to more than 705,000 residents. That’s why last year, I set a bold goal to build 36,000 new homes by 2025. Then, we went a step further and made D.C. one of the first cities in the nation to set affordable housing goals by neighborhood. Already, we are making investments that will help Washingtonians find and keep the housing they need — from expanding tax credits for renters and homeowners, to increasing funding for Safe at Home to allow more seniors and residents with disabilities to age in place and remain independent. A fair shot to live, age, and thrive in D.C. means that we are big in our thinking about creating and preserving more affordable housing. It means building housing that works for seniors, young professionals, growing families — people at all stages of life. And it even means delivering the basic services our residents rely on — from safe roads to clean parks and neighborhoods. By working together on the budget, we can reach our housing goals and make investments that help us build a safer, stronger and more resilient Washington, D.C. On Monday, February 10 at noon, I will hold our first budget engagement forum — a telephone town hall for seniors. You can RSVP for the town hall by calling (202) 442-8150. If you are unable to join this call or if you wish to attend a forum in-person, I hope you will join us at one of our other budget engagement forums on Tuesday, February 18 (Edgewood Recreation Center), Thursday, February 20 (UDC Student Center), or Saturday, February 22 (Kenilworth Recreation Center). You can learn more about the forums at mayor.dc.gov. With the support of neighbors like you, we will continue to build an Age-Friendly D.C. while advancing our collective vision of a diverse and inclusive Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser

A newsletter for D.C. Seniors

February 2020

Looking for Ms. Senior D.C. District of Columbia women age 60 and older can apply today to compete for the opportunity to be crowned Ms. Senior D.C. 2020. Contestants will be judged on an interview with the judges, their philosophy of life, as well as talent and evening gown presentations. The winner will represent her peers in the Ms. Senior America Pageant at Resorts Hotel, Atlantic City, N.J. in October. Apply online at https://dcoa.dc.gov/page/ms-senior-dcpageant. Ms. Senior D.C. Trinette Chase

Empowering DC Caregivers via DACL’s Savvy Caregiver Program (SCP) Join DACL’s Savvy Caregiver Program (SCP) to develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes to care for your family member with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia. The SCP is a series of six classes for caregivers in D.C. who provide care for older adults, age 60 and over, and for adults with disabilities, age 18 and older, living with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias.

Centenarian Salute 2020 We are looking for District residents age 100 or older to honor at a special event being held this spring. If you know of someone who will be 100 or older by April 30, 2020, please make sure they are registered with DACL. Call 202-724-5626 or email dacl.communications@dc.gov. Mayor Bowser enjoys Centenarians Salute 2019 with Ms. Vanilla Beane.

The program is delivered in two-hour sessions over six weeks. When: Thursday, March 5 to April 10, 2020, 4:00 p,m, to 6:00 p.m. Where: D.C. Department of Aging and Community Living, 500 K Street NE, Washington, DC 20002 in Conference Room 114 For more information or to RSVP: Contact Linda Irizarry at 202-535-1442 or Linda.Irizarry@dc.gov.

Spotlight on Aging

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 2 0

Tuesday, February 1 1 – 3 p.m. Census Workshop for DC Residents Emery Heights AARP Chapter #4194 Peoples Congregational Church 4701 13th Street, NW Contact: Shirley Fields (202) 746-6082

Monday, February 3 Gethsemane Baptist Church 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Community Presentation on Department of Aging and Community Living Resources & Services Fellowship Luncheon 5119 4th Street, NW Contact: Shirley Fields 202-746-6082

Thursday, February 6 1 – 2 p.m. Behrend-Adas Senior Fellowship Community Presentation with Department of Aging and Community Living and the Office of the Peoples’ Counsel Adas Israel Congregation 2850 Quebec Street, NW

Get Involved

Friday, February 7 Howard University College of Dentistry Student Health Fair 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Dental Health Fair with Free Dental Screening Plus other exhibitors 600 W Street, NW

Saturday, February 8 Howard University College of Dentistry Student Health Fair 8 a.m. – noon Dental Health Fair with Free Dental Screening Plus other exhibitors 600 W Street, NW

Wednesday, February 12 McDowell Federal Correction Institute 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. The Department of Aging and Community Living Supports the Mayor’s Office on Returning Citizens Community Workshop on District Government Resources and Services 101 Federal Drive Welch, WV 24801

Say you saw it in the Beacon

Thursday, February 20 10 a.m. – noon

Wednesday, February 26 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Learn more about DACL by Training to become a DACL Ambassador Register at dacl.communications@dc.gov or call 202-727-0374

The Senior Zone Senior Spa Day Ft. Stanton Recreation Center 1812 Erie Street, SE

Monday, February 24 10 a.m. – 12:30 p..m Community Presentation presented by Department of Aging and Community Living and Partners Asian / Pacific Islander Senior Center Calvary Baptist Church, Lower Level – Shallenberger Hall 733 H Street, NW

Tuesday, February 25 10 a.m. The Committee on Housing & Neighborhood Revitalization will hold a Performance Oversight Hearing for the Department of Aging and Community Living at the John A. Wilson Building, Room 500, 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Persons wishing to testify about the performance of the agency may contact: housing@dccouncil.us or by calling 202-724-8198.

Friday, February 28 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. A Day of Volunteering to Those in Need Department of Aging and Community Living and Partners Central Union Mission 65 Massachusetts Avenue, NW

Friday, February 28 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. Happy Hour at Model Cities Senior Wellness Center 1901 Evarts Street, NE $10 includes light meal, frozen non-alcoholic cocktails, DJ and dancing Contact: 202-635-1900 for more information.

DC Black History Month Celebration Committee Presents

Black History Month Celebration Kick Off February 1 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. African American Civil War Museum 1424 Vermont Avenue, NW Keynote Speaker: C.R. Gibbs, Author, Historian, Activist For more information, contact mrblackhistory@yahoo.com Or call 202-421-8608 or 202-667-2667

Rayceen Pendarvis is Living Black History A special LGBTQ+ inclusive Black History Month event celebrating diversity, culture and the arts. Together with LGBTQ+ individuals and allies, Rayceen will guide the audience through a program celebrating the accomplishments of people of African descent. See performers and historians who will entertain, educate and inspire. Thursday, February 20 5:00 – 8:30 p.m. Cleveland Park Library 3310 Connecticut Avenue Northwest, Washington, DC 20008 To register visit: www.TeamRayceen.eventbrite.com

Model Cities Senior Wellness Center Black History Event Women in Music Wednesday, February 26 10:30 a.m. Model Cities Senior Wellness Center 1901 Evarts Street, NE

Director Laura Newland

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

Darlene Nowlin

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

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

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Money Law &

ALL THIS WILL BE YOURS SOMEDAY Some tips for how to talk to your grown children about their inheritance GAS GUZZLERS NO MORE Tips to conserve gas: No junk in the trunk, don’t idle, and watch your tires KNOW WHO TO ASK Bad financial advice can cost you big; where to go for the best information ON THE BIAS Be on the alert for common biases that can influence your stock choices

A comprehensive guide to retirement Those who wish to educate themselves avoid. One that many retirees don’t appreabout retirement planning have a lot of ciate is “sequence risk” — the failure “to books to choose from. consider that the order of reMost people, however, have turns matters.” the bandwidth to read maybe Returns on a portfolio are one or two books on the subnot constant, and systematic ject. The challenge becomes withdrawals during bear marhow to pick the best comprekets can cause the value of the hensive guide. portfolio to fall to unsafe levels. A good choice is Your ComA later chapter details strateplete Guide to a Successful and gies that will give you the Secure Retirement (Harriman greatest chance of ensuring House), by retirement planthat assets will last a lifetime. ning experts Lawrence Swe- THE SAVINGS Other potential planning erdroe and Kevin Grogan. It cov- GAME rors are underestimating your ers every major aspect of re- By Elliot Raphaelson income requirements during tirement, and the authors retirement; being too conserhelpfully draw upon specialists in each vative; failing to provide for a spouse; undersubject area and provide references for estimating the importance and need for direaders interested in learning more about versification; and underestimating inflation a specific topic. risks. Some of the most informative topics are investment planning strategy, portfolio Asset allocation is key maintenance, preparing your heirs, retireOne of the most important issues in rement planning issues specifically for tirement is asset allocation. This is the priwomen, and the dangers of financial abuse, mary determination of the expected return especially as people age. and risk of a portfolio. The chapter devoted The book identifies significant errors to to asset allocation, both before and during

retirement, covers reasons to increase equity exposure as well as reasons to reduce it. For example, some of the reasons to increase equity exposure are long life expectancy, high level of job stability, high risk tolerance, the need for higher returns to reach financial goals, and access to multiple streams of stable income. Reasons to reduce equity exposure are the opposite: High net-worth investors and retirees in the later stages of retirement have less of a need for a high equity exposure. This chapter also discusses factors such as U.S. equities vs. international equities, emerging markets, and small-cap vs. largecap stocks related to historical risk patterns. The book also comprehensively covers Medicare; the proper roles of annuities and insurance, including long-term care options; health savings accounts, which have many tax advantages; and when to consider reverse mortgages. Reverse mortgages can be a relatively expensive means of borrowing, yet it may be appropriate for individuals who place a greater value on remaining in their home and maintaining their independence. In the right situation, these mortgages

can be a valuable tool, allowing you to maintain a higher standard of living than a person would otherwise be able to do, while remaining in the home.

Guidance for women A chapter on women’s retirement issues notes several challenges many women face: lower earnings; longer expected life; fewer years of earned income; lower confidence about investing skills; lower likelihood to marry after a gray divorce (divorce after age 50); greater susceptibility to elder abuse; and the statistical likelihood of dying single, divorced or widowed. This chapter emphasizes that women can mitigate the impact of these factors with the right knowledge and actions. Included is a financial empowerment checklist that will help prepare for retirement. An essential chapter is devoted to estate planning. The authors cover core estate planning documents, including the durable power of attorney for healthcare and living will, durable power of attorney See RETIREMENT, page 38

Reasons to get your financial life in order By Mary Kane Scammers regularly target older adults with bogus claims of unpaid bills. Having an organized system to double-check your finances can help protect you, according to Susan Devaney, a professional who specializes in helping older adults move from their longtime homes and resettle elsewhere. It’s also useful to have documentation if you’ve forgotten whether you paid a bill and need to review your records. “It freaks all of us out when we get these crazy calls from scammers,” said Devaney, founder of The Mavins Group, a movemanagement and real estate sales company. “If you have some sort of system, you can reassure yourself.”

No need for a computer Budgeting apps and other digital money-tracking tools may be handy, but you can also use an old-fashioned, paperbased filing system, Devaney noted. “Some people just want to be able to see

everything on paper,” she said. “When they put it in a digital document, they feel like it can get lost in there and they can’t retrieve it.” To begin reorganizing, drop by an office supply store for a few items, such as folders and a desk organizer for your supplies, from pens to paper clips, so you don’t get distracted trying to find them as you work. Devaney prefers accordion folders, so you can organize bills either by month or by subject. Then use tabs or stickers to color-code your bills. But don’t get carried away; if you make your organizing system too complicated, you won’t use it. She suggests sticking to 12 to 13 months’ worth of files organized by date, or 10 to 12 subjects, such as utility bills, mortgage payments or healthcare costs. You might also want to include all your insurance policies and tax-deductible contribution acknowledgements, so you don’t overlook them at tax time. One way to streamline your bills is to mark the date you paid it at the top and

add the check number, if needed, before you file it. Or use a colored sticker you’ve designated for paid bills. That way, if a scammer calls you, or if you’re not sure you’ve paid a bill or receive a late notice in error, you can easily go back and check, Devaney said.

Keep it simple Make sure that you — and your spouse or adult children — know how to locate all your accounts and their passwords, said Lori Atwood, a Washington, D.C., financial planner. Keeping a paper copy of all passwords in a secure but accessible place can work, but you also could consider online password managers that keep them safely stored digitally. Find a good time to review your budget, Atwood said. Write down your income, expenses, retirement contributions and account balances. Then simplify some of your finances. Consider using just one credit card, even if you

have a spouse, to cut down on fees, she said. If you have recurring charges such as Netflix or magazine subscriptions, put them on a backup credit card (with no annual fee), so if your primary card gets hacked, you don’t have to update all your accounts with a new card. Set up reminders throughout the year, perhaps on your Google or Outlook calendar, to stay on top of tax due dates and other financial deadlines. And once you’re organized, snap photos or scan your most important documents or bills, so you have a digital backup if needed. It’s not always easy to get motivated to organize your finances, a task on par with cleaning out a closet or going to the dentist. But it might take just a few hours, Atwood said. “Just get it done,” she said. “It’s all about feeling financially empowered.” © The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Ways to make some money on the side By Neale Godfrey As we recovered from the recession, many people who wanted to work took any extra jobs they could. In my day, we called these gigs part-time work, second jobs or moonlighting. But today they have been dubbed “side hustles.” A side hustle is usually taken in addition to your other work, or you can string a bunch together. You are freelancing to supplement your income. Let’s face it: To avoid having to offer benefits, many companies don’t want to have full-time employees. Also, there’s a market for those interested in side hustles. In addition, side hustles can be a way to pursue some of your passions, which, if done full time, may not cover all of the bills.

A growing phenomenon “Temporary employment has been growing steadily for the last several years…Nearly 480,000 jobs were added from 2012 to 2019 with companies seeking more flexibility in how they staff, and workers seeking greater control over when and where they work,” according to the New Job Forecast from TrueBlue and Emsi. The big news was that almost 20% of these workers were 55 or older. The Bureau of Labor Statistics found that about 40% of people 55 and older are actively looking for work. (The vast majority of these job seekers are women who are looking for the best job for the next phase of life.) Also, the New Job Forecast found that these side jobs are projected to increase into almost 3.2 million total jobs for all age groups by 2025, growing by 8.5%. Compare that to only 6% growth for all U.S jobs from now to 2025. Before you seek out a side hustle, however, evaluate your skills and passions. Here are some lucrative side hustles to consider: Bookkeeper: $30/hour — You could work with clients via phone or online to set up and track monthly budgets, pay bills, hunt down mistakes on credit card state-

ments, track investments, complain to Medicare about them rejecting doctor bills, etc. You don’t need to be a CPA, but you should be organized; be a whiz at QuickBooks and Excel; and coordinate with your client’s accountant to create quarterly or year-end tax filings and payments. Career Coach: $20/hour — You could work with clients of any age to help them create resumes, roleplay for interviews, or identify jobs to suit their qualifications. If you have worked in a large or small company before, you will be perfect for this. Copy Editor: $25/hour — If you have an eye for detail and grammar, you could be a freelance copy editor. Many people need someone to review their blog posts before they go live. If you love this work, consider ghostwriting for others. Specialized Consultant: $100+/hour — If you previously worked in a specialized industry, offer your expertise to others. For instance, I have a friend who owned car dealerships. He created a side hustle helping venture capitalists and individual buyers of car dealerships properly value prospective targets. Sharing your talents: Fee varies — If you are a great cook, baker, athlete or musician, you could give lessons; if you can paint, you could do portraits of people or of their homes. Side hustles aren’t a passing fad. They give the employee flexibility, which is important for the next generation as well as for today’s reitrees. Sara Sutton, CEO of FlexJobs, told me, “Over the last 10 years, we’ve seen people 55 and older increasingly seek out freelance, part-time and project-based work. We expect this trend will continue, thanks largely to the rise of remote work. “Usually we see this semi-retirement work arrangement because people want to stay active and contribute professionally, while also supplementing their income.” A side hustle is also a great way for you to put a toe in the water not only to see if you like your passion as work, but also to see if you can earn money at it before

jumping in with both feet. Neale Godfrey is president and CEO of Children’s Financial Network, Inc. This article was written by and presents his views,

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How to talk inheritance with your kids By Lisa Brown One of the most important conversations you can have with your grown children involves plans for your estate — where assets will end up when one or both parents pass away. If you feel the time has come to broach this topic, find an hour or two to pull everyone together for a conversation. Here are some tips for speaking with your adult children: Don’t feel you need to provide specific numbers. While this may seem counterproductive, there are good reasons to avoid disclosing the details. One is that you and your spouse or partner don’t know how long you will live. The longer you do live, the more money will be needed to pay for lifestyle needs, long-term care and other expenses. If your children believe they stand to inherit a specific amount — especially if it’s a large sum — it could impede their own plans. They may decide to save less money or lose the drive to achieve their goals —

neither of which matches the set of values you probably desire to pass on. In addition, the children could begin to influence your spending decisions. For example, would you choose a mid-range nursing home instead of a better one, knowing this expense will impact their inheritance? And, finally, if your adult children share information about their potential windfall with their spouses, a spouse could use this information to their advantage in the event of a divorce. Which of your children will make your healthcare and financial decisions? Consider letting the children know which one of them has been designated to make key financial and medical decisions in the event you and your spouse or partner become incapacitated. The person charged with the financial responsibility needs to have access to key data — legal documents, financial statements and computer passwords. Place this information in a sealed envelope for your

child(ren), and instruct them to open it only when needed, if you desire to keep your financial affairs private until then. For your healthcare agent, make sure you discuss your wishes for food, water and life support with them, and provide them with the signed healthcare power of attorney document. If something happens to you, this healthcare document needs to be quickly accessed. How will they receive an inheritance? Let your children know how they will receive any inheritance. Will it be outright or in a trust? A common reason to establish a trust is to help protect any assets from an unfavorable event, such as a divorce or lawsuit. A trust can also help ensure your money is passed along to any grandchildren if the adult child dies prematurely. Share insurance information. Your adult children are likely the people who will care for you later in life or coordinate your caregiving needs. They need to know information about your medical and

long-term care insurance and what to do if there are gaps in coverage. For example, will long-term care insurance cover all your nursing home expenses, or will you need to use personal funds to supplement the cost? Also, provide children with all life insurance information, including the companies that issue the policies and contact information for your insurance agents. Gather information about professional advisers. Make a list of all people your children will need to know and contact in the event of your death or inability to act on your own behalf. These include attorneys, financial planners and accountants, as well as the insurance agents mentioned above. Take their questions. While it may be difficult for a parent to share this information, it’s even more difficult for most children to discuss their parents’ eventual demise.

Retirement

The authors emphasize the importance of selecting a competent estate planning attorney. In a related chapter, “Preparing Your Heirs,” they list questions that can help determine if your heirs are prepared. The book is not all about financial mat-

ters. The authors discuss topics not generally covered in retirement planning books, such as aligning your activities consistent with your life’s purpose, volunteering, maintaining healthy relationships and growing through mental activities. All of these activi-

ties have played a significant role in my retirement over the last 20 years. Elliot Raphaelson welcomes your questions and comments at raphelliot@gmail.com. © 2019 Elliot Raphaelson. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

From page 36 for finances, a pour-over will, and a discussion of the advantages of revocable trusts and the use of irrevocable trusts.

See INHERITANCE, page 40

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Simple driving tips that save gas, money By David Muhlbaum When fuel prices spike, lots of tips and tricks to save on gas get trotted out. They’re not all worthy. Here are several that don’t violate the laws of physics, compromise safety or insult your intelligence:

Some people find this maddening (and in truth the smoothness of the systems varies among vehicles), but the gas savings is real. If you want to maximize mileage, don’t disable the auto on-off feature. And everyone can stop leaving their car on while running back into the house or whatever short errand you’re doing.

Get the junk out of the trunk Car engineers spend a lot of time engineering pounds, ounces and grams out of today’s cars. Don’t undo their efforts by leaving anything unnecessary in the luggage compartment. Golf clubs are a common violator, but so are those bags slated to go to the secondhand store or a case of water bottles. Every time you accelerate, you’re using gas. How much more? This depends on your car, but the EPA estimates a 1% reduction per 100 pounds. On a per-gallon cost basis, that’s about $0.03, using the EPA baseline figures.

Combine your trips Planning ahead can save gas because grouping trips means fewer miles driven. But even if you have to go in multiple directions, all non-electric cars use more fuel when the engine is cold. So, the fewer times you to bring the engine up to temperature, the better. Cold starts aren’t good for your car (or the environment, for that matter).

Shut the engine off Once you’re stopped, your car is wasting fuel after about 7 to 10 seconds of idling. That’s why newer gas cars (and virtually all hybrids) have a feature that shuts the engine off during stops when the brake is applied. The car’s still on, but the engine isn’t. Push the accelerator pedal, and the engine snaps back on — off you go.

Drive slowly but wisely Lower speeds require less fuel, since aerodynamic resistance increases with the square of speed. But driving to save fuel doesn’t have to be a dull crawl in the slow lane. Try thinking of it this way: Brakes turn your money into heat, so can you avoid using them? This isn’t meant to encourage dangerous behavior, like not stopping for stop signs. Rather, anticipate. Look down the road farther, and coast down when you know the traffic signal’s going to change to red. As for accelerating, if you know you’re going to be holding a higher speed for a while, like when you’re merging onto a highway, go ahead and shove the gas as hard as you need. Not only is slow acceleration in this situation potentially dangerous, it doesn’t actually save fuel.

Don’t rely on the tire light All cars built since 2007 have what’s called Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS), which monitor the air pressure of your tires. The hitch is this: That light may not come on until a tire is more than 25% lower than the recommended pressure. If you wait for that, you’re endangering yourself (an underinflated tire can compromise your car’s handling or even lead to a tire blowout) and wasting money (underinflated tires reduce your gas mileage by roughly 0.2% per pound that they’re low).

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Doesn’t sound like much, but try this math: If your recommended inflation pressure is 40 psi, and you’re 25% low on air, that’s a 2% hit to your gas mileage. Plus, underinflated tires wear more quickly and unevenly, reducing your tire life. There’s just no substitute for buying a decent-quality tire gauge (between $5 and $15) and using it at least once a month.

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Get the apps and join the club Phone apps like Gas Buddy, Gas Guru

and Fuelzee make it easy to find the best gas deals. Since you can screen for brands, you can also make sure you’re getting good quality fuel, which, in the long run, matters to the health of your car. Joining a membership club like Costco or Sam’s Club could also pay off. Figuring how quickly you’ll recoup your membership cost with the per-gallon savings on their discounted fuel is pretty easy math. © The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Bad financial advice can be very costly By Liz Weston Good financial advice leaves you better off. Bad advice does the opposite and may enrich someone else at your expense. Here are some areas where you need to be particularly careful to seek out good advice, since bad advice can be so costly:

Investing Most financial advisers aren’t required to put your best interests first. They’re allowed to recommend investments that cost more or perform worse than available alternatives. Why would they do that? Because the inferior investments pay them or their employers more than the better ones. This kind of conflicted advice takes a heavy toll. White House economic advisers estimated in 2015 that conflicted advice cost Americans $17 billion a year and resulted in losses of one percentage point per year for affected investors. One percentage point may not seem like a lot, but over time it adds up. Someone who contributes $5,000 a year to a retirement fund could have nearly $1 million at the end of a 40-year working career if the average net return is 7%. If higher costs reduce the return to 6%, the nest egg would total about $775,000. Look for advisers who are fiduciaries, meaning they are required to put your interests ahead of theirs. You might also consider a robo-advisory service, which uses computer algorithms to design investment portfolios at low cost.

Claiming Social Security More than one-third of Social Security recipients start benefits at the earliest opportunity, which is age 62. Fewer than 4% wait until age 70, when benefits max out. But starting Social Security at 62 can cost people up to $250,000 in lost benefits, according to a study for the National Bureau of Economic Research. [Ed. note: Of course, there are times when it makes sense to claim at 62, depending on a per-

Inheritance From page 38 But it’s much better to provide them with information and answer any tough questions while you are alive and mentally healthy. A lack of information now may cause confusion and possible conflict among family members down the road. So, consider finding a sliver of time to help them understand your financial and

son’s particular situation.] Unfortunately, many people don’t get good advice before they claim. Even Social Security itself may not be a good source, since its representatives have been known to steer people wrong. Social Security claiming calculators, such as the free one at AARP.org, can help you determine the lifetime impact of starting benefits later. If you have substantial retirement savings, you also should consider consulting a fiduciary financial planner about the best ways to coordinate Social Security claiming with retirement plan withdrawals.

Managing your credit scores You may have heard that you don’t need to worry about your credit scores because they’re not important or because they’ll be good as long as you handle money responsibly. Neither is true, and having bad scores can cost you tens of thousands of dollars over your lifetime. People with credit scores of around 720, for example, could expect average mortgage interest rates of 3.67% on a 30-year, $300,000 mortgage, according to Informa Research Services, Inc. The monthly payment would be about $1,374. People with 620 scores, on the other hand, average 5.03% or $1,616 a month. That’s a difference of $86,891 over the life of the loan. Similarly, someone with 720 scores could expect to pay $5,000 less on a sixyear, $30,000 car loan than someone with 620 scores. Higher interest rates aren’t the only cost. Bad credit also can cause you to pay more for insurance, make it harder to get an apartment and even cause you to miss out on the best cellphone promotions. The best advice: Learn how credit scores work and monitor at least one of yours, so you can address problems before they cost you a fortune. —AP/NerdWallet estate plans and how you’ve prepared to make life easier for them for years to come. Lisa Brown, CFP®, is partner and Wealth Advisor at Brightworth. This article presents her views, not those of the Kiplinger editorial staff. Check adviser records with the SEC or FINRA. © 2019 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Avoid these common investment biases By Elliot Raphaelson Many investors have biases when they structure or make changes to their portfolios. Omar Aguilar, chief investment officer of equities and multi-asset strategies at Charles Schwab, addressed some of these biases at Schwab Impact 2019, a gathering of finance industry experts in San Diego in November. They included the following: —Recency bias: This is the tendency to invest based on the most recent favorable performance. This can be dangerous. For example, many investors have been burned badly by investing in crypto assets, incurring losses after the market peaked. What happens in the short run does not necessarily reflect long-term trends, and it may not be consistent with long-term portfolio objectives. —Loss aversion bias: This is the tendency to avoid short-term losses anticipating a fall in equity prices. It is impossible to predict tops and bottoms in the stock market. It is prudent to rebalance your portfolio at least annually, to protect stock market gains. But many investors sell their equity holdings too quickly and reinvest in lowyielding investments such as CDs or money market instruments. Then they hesitate to reinvest in equities out of fear that it is the wrong time. Many readers have told me they left the market too soon, and they hesitate to come back. Investors who establish a stable stockto-bond ratio that is consistent with longterm objectives, and periodically rebalance to maintain it, will have better results than those who try to guess market tops and bottoms. —Confirmation bias: This is our tendency to seek information that reinforces beliefs rather than to look for objective information that might contradict our bias.

For example, some investors prefer to invest only in a specific sector, such as energy or precious metals, and avoid diversification. Concentration in a specific sector rarely is best for long-term performance. Most investors who develop and maintain a diversified portfolio with low costs, using index funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs), will have more consistent results. Unless you have true expertise in a specific market segment, look for viewpoints and associated investments that may contradict preconceived notions regarding a narrow investment focus. —Home bias: This is the tendency to invest only in a market segment you understand. Investors need to consider sectors in which they don’t have expertise. For example, in recent decades some of the most successful investments have been in technology and new healthcare products. I don’t have expertise in healthcare, but I have had excellent results in investing in mutual funds that contain significant holdings in that sector. If you had avoided these sectors because you didn’t know much about them — and most investors don’t — you would have missed out on significant upside. You don’t need expertise in every market segment to be a successful investor. The best way to do it is to invest in diversified mutual funds and ETFs that contain growth companies in a broad variety of sectors. Many of my readers have been very successful, especially over the last 10 years, by controlling their biases and investing a significant percentage of their retirement funds in diversified index common stock mutual funds and ETFs. There is no guarantee that the next decade will be as good as the last. It is likely that there will be years in which the

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stock market will have negative results. However, no one can tell you with certainty when or if that will happen. The most successful investors will be those who recognize their biases and take steps to keep them under control. My advice is pretty straightforward: Establish a long-term plan with which you are comfortable. Decide what percentage of your retirement funds you want in stocks, bonds and cash equivalents such as CDs and money market instruments.

Re-balance at least once a year. Your common stock portfolio should be diversified, whether it is in mutual funds or ETFs. Select a financial firm whose management costs are low. You don’t have to pay a financial advisor 1% or more to manage your portfolio, you don’t have to pay a front-end commission, and you can find index funds and ETFs with low annual fees. Many of these have annual fees less than 0.1%. © 2019 Elliot Raphaelson. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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

Travel

Leisure &

A new book offers a colorful peek inside New York City’s quirky Hotel Chelsea. See story on p. 45.

WWII history via biking in the Netherlands along the tops of dikes overlooking canals and rivers, and through villages of redbrick gingerbread houses. The scenery was serene, pristine and tidy — fields of flowers; grand homes and castles; ponds, lakes and rivers; and some of the healthiest farm animals I’ve ever seen.

Battlefields and barns The natural beauty of the area belies a dark history. The first four days of the trip focused on the invasion in 1940, which took place in the area around the village of Amerongen. The village is near the Grebbeline, first constructed in 1745 as a line of defense against invading armies. It’s a vast low-lying area that could be flooded, backed up by classic trench fortifications. Unfortunately, the Grebbeline was not able to withstand the Germans’ modern artillery and bombs. The Dutch put up a valiant resistance, however, holding them off for five days, rather than the one day the Germans had expected. More than 5,000 Dutch soldiers and civilians lost their lives, and many houses, barns and villages were destroyed. The occupation added to the toll, as Nazi sympathizers turned in their neighbors and had them shipped off to labor camps. Despite that bloody history, our stay in Amerongen was quite pleasant. Our accommodations were in a former tobacco

By Don Mankin Bucolic. Picturesque. Charming. Clichés, perhaps, but in my 50 years of world travel, I’ve visited few places where those words are more appropriate. The Netherlands is one. Last summer, I pedaled for several days through the beautiful countryside in southeastern Netherlands, near the border with Germany. It’s hard to believe that such a peaceful place was the site of some of the fiercest fighting of World War II. This region was the first line of defense against the invasion by the Germans in 1940. After several years of brutal occupation by Nazi forces, the Allies liberated the region in 1945 as they fought their way from the beaches of Normandy to Germany. Tripsite, the company that hosted me on this trip, aptly calls it “Holland: World War II Reflections.” There were four of us on the tour, including our guide, Martin, a local who grew up hearing stories about the war from his mother, who lived through it all. All of us were in our 70s. What I experienced as I glided through the pastoral countryside was probably the most effective blood pressure “medicine” I have ever taken — enough exercise to raise my heart rate and burn off some calories, plus scenery that would chill the most hyper Type A personality. Our daily excursions of 30 miles, more or less, took us on mostly flat, shady bike paths on leafy lanes and country roads,

The small Dutch village of Amerongen. known for its moat-encircled castle, is situated near many World War II-related sites in the Netherlands. Famous battles such as Operation Market Garden, depicted in the 1977 film “A Bridge Too Far,” took place in the Netherlands, which has many museums and cemeteries dedicated to this history.

barn, the Napoleon Schuur, which is now a boutique hotel featuring the latest in high tech and modern, fashionably-functional interior design. The historic Amerongen Castle, church and a national park are only a few minutes’ walk (or bicycle ride) away. We ate breakfast and dinner every day on the attractive, airy patio of the Restaurant Hotel Buitenlust, a café on a cobblestone street near the hotel. PHOTO BY HANS SLEGERS/SHUTTERSTOCK

Hills do exist in the Netherlands. A good bike tour company will have e-bikes on hand to help a tour run smoothly.

Museums and cemeteries Highlights of my first four days in the region included the Het Depot (“the Depot”), an art museum in Ede-Wageningen that features modern and avant-garde sculpture from young Dutch artists, and an old Jewish cemetery tucked away behind a row of houses just down the street from the museum. After four days in Amerongen, we moved on to Otterlo, a quiet town about a 40minute taxi drive away. Otterlo’s history essentially completes the story of WWII in the region, namely, the liberation by the Allies in 1945. This is the region where the Allies launched Operation Market Garden to take the bridges that were critical to their advance toward Germany. This is also the site of the book and movie A Bridge Too Far, which tells the

story of the ill-fated attempt to capture the final bridge at Arnhem. The Battle of Otterlo was the last big battle to take place in the Netherlands. Our group visited the Airborne Museum in the Hotel Hartenstein in Oosterbeek and the Arnhem Oosterbeek War Cemetery, also known as the Airborne Cemetery. The museum is dedicated to the Battle of Arnhem, and the hotel served as the headquarters for the British 1st Airborne Division. In the basement of the museum is a realistic, loud and adrenaline-inducing depiction of the Battle of Arnhem. The cemetery visit was just the opposite: tranquil and beautiful, but sad. Both sites elicited deep but different emotions.

E-bike helped The cycling took us through forests, villages and the city of Arnhem. We climbed more hills than in the first four days, so for this section of the trip, Martin advised me to opt for an e-bike, which provides battery-powered assistance on demand, helping me ascend the long, steep hills. I had trained hard for this trip, going for 30+ mile rides several days a week on the beach bike path in Los Angeles. But if I hadn’t switched to the e-bike, I would have struggled See NETHERLANDS, page 44

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

If you need a Real ID, visit your DMV soon By Rivan V. Stinson If you’ve been to the airport recently, you may have noticed signs asking, “Does your ID have a star?” If it doesn’t, you may want to schedule a visit to your local Department of Motor Vehicles. Beginning in October 2020, many travelers will need what’s known as a Real IDcompliant license to fly domestically. After the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, Congress passed legislation designed to create universal standards for driver’s licenses and other sources of identification. State legislatures have passed laws to

bring their DMVs up to speed on the new standards, but the process hasn’t always gone smoothly. For example, millions of Marylanders who thought their licenses were compliant have been told to provide more information to prove residency. With the federal deadline less than a year away, the U.S. Travel Association estimates that 99 million Americans still lack a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or other acceptable identification. If you don’t already have your Real ID, the Transportation Safety Administration recommends going to your DMV early in

Netherlands

my wife, Katherine, in exploring the area around Otterlo on foot. It was a good decision. Otterlo is located a short walk from the National Park De Hoge Veluwe, and we found many hiking trails in and around the park and town.

From page 43 to get up the few hills we did encounter in one of the flattest countries on earth. I took the last couple of days off and joined

the year to avoid long lines. If you don’t get a Real ID by the deadline, a valid passport will be sufficient to get you through security checkpoints.

Info for locals In Virginia, beginning in October 2020, you may not be able to board a flight or enter a military base if your license isn’t Real ID compliant. Look up your license number at dmv.virginia.gov to see if you need a new one. The Washington, D.C. DMV said the city began issuing Real IDs in 2014. “Your existing DC DMV credential will remain The excellent Kröller-Müller Museum and Sculpture Garden are in the heart of the park. The art museum is spacious, filled with natural light and beautifully laid out. It also has a great collection, including many Van Goghs, second only to the Van

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valid until its expiration date and will be accepted for federal purposes (such as entering federal buildings and boarding airplanes),” according to dmv.dc.gov. If you live in Maryland, you can look up your license number on the state department of transportation’s website, mva.maryland.gov/realid, to see if you’re Real ID compliant. If not, you’ll be required to bring documents to the local DMV for a new license. © 2019 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. [The Beacon staff contributed to this article.] Gogh Museum in Amsterdam. The sculpture garden was the best I’ve ever seen, with miles of trails and almost 200 impressive pieces scattered along the paths and in the forest. Our accommodations in Otterlo were at the Hotel De Sterrenberg, a sleek, modern four-star hotel that deserves every one of those stars. We splurged one night in the excellent restaurant in the hotel and ordered the fourcourse “Chef’s Surprise.” I couldn’t begin to describe all of the food in those four courses, though I do remember trout, bass and duck, plus a whole bunch of ingredients that I couldn’t recognize or even pronounce. The most important element in the success of the Netherlands trip was our guide, Martin. His knowledge of the area ensured that we took the most scenic, historic and safe routes each day, and his stories bought the history to life, adding an important personal perspective to what we saw and experienced. And I’m especially grateful to Hosea Libbey, inventor of the e-bike. If it wasn’t for him, I might have spent way too much time puffing and grinding my way up gentle hills rather than enjoying scenery as bucolic, picturesque and charming as it gets.

If you go Tripsite’s week-long bike tours through the Netherlands range from $1,200 to $2,700. Check tripsite.com or call 1-833864-5623 or (267) 310-1058. Nonstop flights from Washington to Amsterdam in March start at $585 on KLM Airlines. More information on WWII history in the Netherlands is available at holland.com/ global/tourism/holland-stories/liberation-route.

BEACON BITS

Feb. 19

MANAGING DEBT

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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 2 0

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Leisure & Travel

New York City’s bohemian Hotel Chelsea By Katherine Roth When Colin Miller and Ray Mock set out to document the remaining inhabitants of Hotel Chelsea, the bohemian haven where Jackson Pollock, Andy Warhol, Patti Smith, William S. Burroughs and others once lived and worked, they imagined it as a sort of requiem. After all, much of the 12-story Gilded Age building, once New York City’s tallest, has been gutted and is being converted into hotel rooms and apartments. Instead, they found daring, dramatic style alive and well in many of the hotel’s remaining homes. Their new book, Hotel Chelsea: Living in the Last Bohemian Haven (The Monacelli Press), is a big, colorful celebration of more than two dozen residents, their living spaces and their stories. “I went into this thinking I was making some kind of eulogy, recording something that was being lost. But I discovered that while there are huge portions of the hotel that were gutted, it’s still a living place, with vibrant amazing lives being lived there,” photographer Miller said.

Colorful walls and residents After much legal wrangling and a few changes of building ownership, between 50 and 60 people still live in the Chelsea, a National Historic Landmark in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood. Nineteen of them are featured in the hefty coffee-table book. Miller calls it “a story of resilience, an exploration of how people adapt in New York City.” “I’m not sure I could see myself living in some of these situations, but they’re really beautiful,” Miller added. “It seems like every door that opens enters into a whole different world.” Mock, who wrote the text, concurs.

“You never know what to expect when walking into these apartments,” he said. “I had a real ‘Oh, wow!’ moment when I walked into Tony Notarberardino’s apartment, for example. Earthy rich colors on the walls and ceiling. It immediately opened a window into the past.” The apartment consists of two rooms joined by a colorfully painted curved hallway and is one of the most visually arresting apartments featured in the book. The rooms are crowded with “wondrous objects, photographs, furniture and garments, yet each has its own visual identity owing to the elaborate murals left behind by a previous tenant, the enigmatic artist Vali Myers, in what is now Notarberardino’s bedroom,” reads a description in the book. It goes on to describe Notarberardino’s own first impressions of the building he has long called home. “It was late at night. I walked in and immediately loved it. I felt like I had walked into a movie set,” he’s quoted as saying.

Liberating décor Describing the book project, Mock said, “Maybe part of what attracted me to Hotel Chelsea is some of these apartments reminded me of my college apartment. “There are living spaces where no wall is unpainted. People just get an idea in their head and they go for it. It’s very liberating.” The residents of Hotel Chelsea can teach us all something about the rooms we live in, he and Miller said. “In terms of my own apartment, it emboldened me a little bit,” Mock admitted. “It reinforced my belief that it’s okay to be a little wild and different, and a little clutter is okay.” Miller, a self-described minimalist, said immersing himself in the world of Hotel Chelsea made him push his aesthetic limits.

“One of the things I love so much is how bold the living spaces are. All the walls are black, or all the walls are red. They show how to be really brave when you’re making design decisions,” Miller said. “I generally have a pretty minimalist aesthetic, but now I’m thinking about doing a room of my home in wallpaper. I saw an apartment all done completely in antique wallpapers at Hotel Chelsea,” he said. “I never would have considered that before.” He was referring to the home of Suzanne Lipschutz, an antiques dealer and wallpapers expert who moved into Hotel Chelsea in the 1990s and immediately set to work transforming her one-bedroom apartment. The book describes her wallpaper as “exquisite period papers and borders se-

lected to amplify the mood in every corner of the apartment. “The small private hallway of her unit, which she shared for years with her nextdoor neighbor, the actor Ethan Hawke, was covered in American arts and crafts wallpaper showing a lush forest scene. She later donated rolls of the same wallpaper to the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum.” Lipschutz said of her home, “It became this gem, this jewel box of an apartment.”

Sense of community and family The book’s other big takeaway is Hotel Chelsea’s sense of community, particularly unusual in a big city like New York. See HOTEL CHELSEA, page 46

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

What to expect in this year’s travel sphere In terms of what’s ahead for travelers in 2020, I see very little change. But 2019 was not a bad year for travelers, so we’ll be lucky if 2020 isn’t any worse. Here are my fearless predictions: 1. The 737 saga ends. All indications are that the beleaguered 737MAX will be back in the air by sometime this summer. And airlines will get them into service quickly: Boeing has around 400 already built, stored and ready to go, pending possible software changes and minor mechanical tweaks. You’ll see lots of new schedules during the last half of 2020. My take is that when finally recertified, the 737MAX will be as safe as any other transport. That’s what has happened in the

past with catastrophic flaws: Once the Martin 202 wings, Douglas DC6 cabin heaters and Lockheed Electra engine mounts were fixed, those planes were as safe as any others. Still, some travelers will refuse to fly the MAX, and some airlines may offer inducements such as extra frequent flyer miles to try to overcome resistance. The saga may be over for travelers, but not for Boeing, which suffered a major hit that will take years to overcome. This year, the industry will be looking for Boeing’s response. 2. Efforts to counter “over tourism” will become serious. In a harbinger of things to come, Amsterdam recently hiked

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6. Relief from hotel rate deception its 7% hotel tax by another 3 euros per person per night, and B&B rates by 10%. It al- is iffy. The Federal Trade Commission is unlikely to take any further ready charges day-trip cruise action against hotels that exvisitors 8 euros per trip. clude mandatory resort and These taxes are designed other fees from featured to “control the flow of visiprices. tors,” not to generate revenue. The gold standard for hotel Look for other popular visitor price advertising and posting centers to adopt similar taxes. is WYSIWYP — What you 3. So will “flight shamSee is What You Pay — and ing.” Look for more taxes and the only way you’ll see that is fees designed to discourage if one or more of the big air travel. You’ll see them TRAVEL TIPS metasearch systems of online mostly in countries with roBy Ed Perkins travel agencies adopts it, eibust rail services as an option ther in total or as an option. They can; — that means Europe and Asia. But they’re likely to be counterproduc- they’re already doing it in other areas, but tive. Germany, for example, taxes long- so far, not in the U.S. 7. No major rail improvements. This haul flights more than short ones, despite year, China will probably add thousands of the fact that short-haul travelers have good alternatives while long-haul travelers do miles of new high-speed track, along with countless tunnels and bridges, while the not. Feh. 4. No new airlines. I don’t see any im- U.S. will continue to dither about two critiportant new airlines arising in the U.S. The cal tunnels and two bridges near New York. New York’s huge East Side Access projmost anticipated launching — David Neeleman’s new venture — is planned for ect, under construction since 1969, won’t open until 2022 — if then. 2021, not 2020. The Bay Area’s Cal-Train electrification 5. Consumer issues won’t get anywhere. Regardless of your politics, you won’t be finished until 2021. Elsewhere, the big-deal London Crosshave to figure that the current transportation secretary isn’t interested in consumer rail project will not open until 2021, Istanbul’s metro to the new airport will remain issues. DoT has so far ignored congressional and delayed until at least 2021, and the Califorpublic demands for (1) rules requiring air- nia high-speed rail project will be stalled. Overall, don’t expect big changes this lines to seat families together without chargyear. Let’s be thankful if things don’t get ing extra seat-selection fees and (2) reasonable change fees for international air tickets. I worse. Send e-mail to Ed Perkins at see no reason for that posture to change. And it rigged the test of airline seating so that eperkins@mind.net. Also, check out Ed’s new rail travel website at www.rail-guru.com. even the worst crowding could easily pass.

Hotel Chelsea From page 45 “Some of that is lost, but there are so many stories of dinner parties attended by all the residents on an entire floor, of people who always left their doors open, and neighbors who were also good friends,” Mock said. “After hearing all these stories, I asked myself what I can do in my life to foster a sense of community, with maybe shared

gatherings on the rooftop, or other ways to reach out to neighbors,” he said. While it remains to be seen when and whether Hotel Chelsea will open to a mix of new tenants and hotel guests, as was planned at one time, Miller and Mock said everyone featured in the book will be able to remain there. “And some are raising kids, so there’s another generation growing up in Hotel Chelsea,” Miller said. “Its story is continuing.” –AP

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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 2 0

Defending yourself against travel scams By Rick Steves Europe is a surprisingly creative place when it comes to travel scams. Many of the most successful gambits require a naively trusting tourist, but seasoned travelers can be taken in, too. We should all be wary of the numerous subtle scams — a cabbie pads your fare, a hotel business center computer records your password, or a waiter offers a special with a “special” increased price. But if you’re cautious and not overly trusting, you should have no problem. Here are some of the latest travel scams I’ve discovered on my travels, and how to skirt them:

Skirting Airbnb protections You’re searching the web for a shortterm rental in Paris and contact the owner Pierre through Airbnb. Suddenly you get a private email from Pierre saying he can give you a better deal on the side — avoiding the website commission. The price is right, and the location is fantastic, but Pierre wants you to wire the money directly to his bank account. “I’ve got others interested too, so you’d better do it quick,” he writes. But once you wire the money, Pierre disappears along with the listing, and there’s no way to get your money back. DEFENSE: When booking accommodations, never wire money directly to a foreign bank account. Stick with a reputable, secure reservation website, and use a credit card, so you can dispute any fraudulent transactions.

ATM PIN theft In the heart of Barcelona, you are about to use an ATM when another tourist stands on the sidewalk with a selfie stick and starts taking pictures. You don’t think much about it as you withdraw your money and head into the Metro. Five minutes later, after being jostled in a crowded subway car, you find that your wallet is missing. When you frantically call

your bank, you find out that someone with your PIN has already withdrawn hundreds of euros from a different ATM. It turns out the “tourist” with the selfie stick was actually taking a video as you entered your PIN on the ATM keypad. His accomplice then targeted you in the subway. DEFENSE: Check your surroundings before withdrawing cash from an ATM. If there is someone suspicious nearby, find a different ATM. And always cover the keypad when you enter your PIN.

Invalid ticket sale Fresh off a long flight into Schiphol Airport and eager to get to your hotel in central Amsterdam, you approach the train-ticket machine with your credit card in hand. But a friendly-looking passerby offers to sell you at a discount a legit-looking ticket, saying he accidentally purchased two. Later when you feed the ticket into a turnstile, it doesn’t work — the ticket was either a fake or already had its bar code scanned. DEFENSE: Never hand over cash (or a card) to someone who’s not behind a counter.

Currency exchange rip-off On your last day in London, you find a Union Jack coaster set you know your sister will love. You push your credit card into the reader, and it defaults to running the transaction in “USD” unless you select “GBP.” The shopkeeper explains that the U.S. dollar option is a service that lets you “lock in” your conversion rate. Later when you’re in Edinburgh, an ATM offers two options: “You can be charged in dollars: Press YES for dollars, NO for British pounds.” You think “dollars” is the logical choice and press YES. But when you check your bank statements, you see a “fee” for converting both transactions to dollars and a poor exchange rate. You’ve been a victim of what banks call “dynamic currency conversion,” which may be legal, but is a rip-off.

DEFENSE: When a merchant or a bank asks if you want to be charged in dollars, always choose the local currency. Cancel the transaction if they say you must pay in dollars.

Tourist police scam In Prague two uniformed men stop you on the street, flash “Tourist Police” badges and ask to check your wallet for counterfeit bills. After looking through your wallet, they say everything is fine and leave. You don’t even notice some bills are missing until later. DEFENSE: Never hand over your wallet to anyone. If the “police” insist, tell them you’ll do it at a police station, not on the street.

There probably aren’t more thieves in Europe than in the U.S. We travelers just notice them more because they target us. But remember, nearly all crimes suffered by tourists are nonviolent — and avoidable. If you exercise adequate discretion, stay aware of your belongings and avoid putting yourself into risky situations, your travels should be about as dangerous as hometown grocery shopping. Don’t travel fearfully — travel smartly. Rick Steves (ricksteves.com) writes European travel guidebooks and hosts travel shows on public television and public radio. Email him at rick@ricksteves.com and follow his blog on Facebook. © 2019 Rick Steves. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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

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Say you saw it in the Beacon | Leisure & Travel

Ways to neutralize your carbon footprint By Miriam Cross On the list of activities that boost our “carbon footprint” — that is, the greenhouse gas emissions resulting from our actions, from using air-conditioning to eating meat — air travel is near the top. Short of refusing to fly — as Greta Thunberg, the Swedish teen activist, did when she traveled from England to New York in a carbon-neutral sailboat — you can pay a third party to plant trees, destroy methane or build wind turbines in a bid to counterbalance the damage your flight has done to the environment. Carbon-offset sellers will calculate your carbon footprint, whether you travel by bus, car, plane or train, and translate the tons of carbon dioxide emissions triggered by your trip into a dollar figure that can help fund carbon-reducing or carbon-prevention projects around the world.

What does it cost? Buying carbon offsets is not expensive, especially for short hops. But it isn’t easy to figure out how effective your purchase is. Carbon-offset sellers host calculators that estimate your flight’s carbon footprint, but the numbers are all over the map. For example, for a round-trip flight from Seattle to Miami, you could pay as little as $9.25 through Carbonfund.org. The cost, however, jumps to $24.98 if you include “radiative forcing,” which factors in the ability of greenhouse gases to alter temperature. Cool Effect suggests $6.11 for about 12 hours total in the air, and TerraPass’s calculator estimates $17.56 for the SeattleMiami route. Variables and assumptions, such as the type of plane or number of stops, affect the estimates, said Jennifer Andrews, project director at the Sustainability Institute at the University of New Hampshire.

Another way to choose Rather than choosing your offset seller by price, consider which projects you want to support. Check each company’s website to see how it chooses projects and evaluates their impact. The projects’ promising emission reductions should be real and additional (that is, the projects are only happening because of carbon-offset purchases). The projects should be verified by an independent third party, such as Gold Standard. The effect of the offset should be designed to be permanent. And the company should have accounted for leakage (such as the risk that deforestation might shift to another area unprotected by the project’s scope). Co-benefits, such as creating jobs or preserving natural habitats, are a plus. Depending on the carbon-offset provider, you may or may not be able to specify the type of projects you want to fund. Tani Colbert-Sangree, a program officer at the Greenhouse Gas Management Institute, an educational nonprofit, said projects that capture a greenhouse gas and destroy it or make use of it, such as methane capture at landfills, are generally safer bets (even though their “additionality” may need to be evaluated). Forestry projects, while valuable, are riskier and face problems with permanence and leakage.

Or donate to a nonprofit If you want more control over how your money contributes to environmental protection, consider donating to a green charity or nonprofit. For example, you could look for an organization pushing for strong climate and energy policies, or one working on local environmental issues, said Barbara Haya, a research fellow at the Center for Environmental Public Policy at the University

BEACON BITS

Mar. 3

LOWER YOUR UTILITY BILL Learn how to save money while conserving energy in your home.

Receive assistance with reading your energy bill from the Department of Environmental Protection. The free help will be held on Tues., Mar. 3 from 3 to 5:30 p.m. at the Olney Library, 3500 Olney Laytonsville Rd., Olney, Md. For more information, call (240) 773-9545.

Feb. 26+

JOB WORKSHOP AND EMPLOYMENT EXPOS Looking for a new job? A JCA Career Gateway workshop to help you find employment in the federal sector takes place Wed., Feb.

26 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the JCA, 12320 Parklawn Dr., Rockville. Fee is $10 and space is limited. For info or to sign up, call (301) 255-4215 or email Jodie.rasch@accessjca.org. Plus: save the dates for JCA’s 50+ Employment Expos, at the Marriott North Bethesda Conference Center on Mon., May 4, and at the Fairfax Marriott at Fair Oaks on Thurs. May 14. Both Expos are free and will feature dozens of recruiters from a variety of sectors, as well as seminars and resume reviews. For more Information, call (301) 255-4209 or email mgordon@AccessJCA.org.

of California, Berkeley. But the best way to reduce your carbon footprint, experts point out, is to cut back on activities that generate the carbon diox-

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

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“I just wish there is a way that I could cry out to mankind, they owe it to themselves to experience Shen Yun.” —Jim Crill, veteran producer, watched Shen Yun 5 times

Inspiring Millions Worldwide, but Cannot Perform in China. ALL-NEW PROGRAM

New York-based Shen Yun revives 5,000 years of divinely-inspired culture almost destroyed under communist rule.

January 31–February 2 Hippodrome Theatre

March 10–11

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Mar 10 (Tue) 7:30 pm Mar 11 (Wed) 2:00 pm

12 N Eutaw Street, Baltimore, MD 21201

31 (Fri) 7:30 pm 1 (Sat) 2:00 pm 1 (Sat) 7:30 pm 2 (Sun) 2:00 pm

TICKETS: $180, $150, $120, $100, $80

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GMU Center for the Arts

4373 Mason Pond Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030

TICKETS: Mon–Fri: $180, $150, $120, $100, $90, $80 Sat–Sun: $200, $165, $130, $110, $95, $85

ORDERING TICKETS: ShenYun.com/DC • 888-974-3698

WITH LIVE ORCHESTRA

April 7–12 Kennedy Center Opera House 2700 F Street, NW, Washington, DC 20566

Apr Apr Apr Apr Apr Apr Apr Apr

7 (Tue) 7:30 pm 8 (Wed) 1:30 pm 8 (Wed) 7:30 pm 9 (Thu) 7:30 pm 10 (Fri) 7:30 pm 11 (Sat) 1:30 pm 11 (Sat) 7:30 pm 12 (Sun) 1:00 pm

TICKETS: Mon–Fri: $250 (VIP), $180, $150, $120, $100, $90, $80

Sat–Sun: $270 (VIP), $200, $170, $135, $115, $100, $90

Use code BEACON to waive all fees. Expires 02/28/2020. Valid only at Shen Yun’s official website and hotline above or authorized booths. Not valid at theater box office or third-party retailers. Excludes Baltimore.

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Arts &

War correspondent Peter Copeland writes about his most harrowing experiences. See page 56.

Powerful play spotlights female strength that valued education, culture and poetry. But she was never able to realize this promising future, especially after the death of her family. Her brothers were killed fighting the Soviet invasion of the 1980s, and her parents died in a bombing at the beginning of the play. When Laila discovers that her close friend and last hope for a better life, Tariq, died on his journey to reach the safety of Pakistan, she realizes she only has one option. Injured from the bombing and only 15 years old, Laila agrees to become the second wife of neighbor Rasheed (Haysam Kadri). Rasheedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s other wife, Mariam (Hend Ayoub), who is almost 20 years Lailaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s senior, is less than pleased, creating a hostile home environment that mirrors the chaos in Kabul during that time period. Lailaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s status in the household becomes threatened when she gives birth to a daughter, whom Rasheed insinuates is not his. The baby, however, brings the two women together, when Laila intervenes to protect Mariam from Rasheed.

The aftereffects of war

Not safe in society or at home

Laila grew up in a privileged household

Leila and Mariamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s torment is some-

THROUGH MARCH 22

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By Lynda Lantz Prior to the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, women comprised half of government workers, 70% of schoolteachers and 40% percent of doctors in its capital city, Kabul, according to the U.S. Department of State. A Thousand Splendid Suns, which runs through March 1 at Arena Stage, tells the story of Laila (Mirian Katrib), who grew up in Kabul and likely would have been one of those successful women, if not for the Talibanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s harsh treatment of women during its rise to power in the 1990s, when the play is set. This engrossing play is making its East Coast debut with Arenaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s production, directed by Carey Perloff. It was adapted by Ursula Rani Sarma from the 2007 New York Times bestseller of the same name by Khaled Hosseini. Hosseiniâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Afghan family sought political asylum in the United States when he was a teenager, and he was inspired to write the book by the women he met when he visited Afghanistan 30 years later.

Although life under Taliban rule in Afghanistan is violent and restricted, Laila (Mirian Katrib) and Marian (Hend Ayoub) demonstrate the strength of friends and family in Arena Stageâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s production of A Thousand Splendid Suns, running through March 1.

times political, as in one disturbing scene where the womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hospital is not granted anesthesia. But more often itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s personal. Laila judges the despotic rule of the Taliban as potentially less dangerous than her home

life, so she, Mariam and the baby make a short-lived escape. When the women are returned, Rasheedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s punishment is brutal. He would See REVIEW, page 52

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Review From page 51 be a classic abuser no matter the political regime, but he excuses his violence with the Talibanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s interpretations of female subordination in the Qurâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;an. Though their world is restricted and uncertain, together Laila and Mariam are confidants who rescue and advocate for

each other, create family, laugh and share the work and joy of raising Lailaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s children. Yet Mariam and Laila are not able to diffuse the pressure in their world. When Rasheed loses his job due to the political upheaval, the family begins to starve. They decide to send Lailaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s daughter, Aziza (Nikita Tewani), to an underground school. There, she suffers in solitude.

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

In one scene, Mariamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mother (Lanna Joffrey) tells her that the only skill her daughter needs in life is endurance. She is only partially right. Though their world is restricted and uncertain, together Laila and Mariam rescue and advocate for each other, create family, laugh, and share the work and joy of raising Lailaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s children. Endurance has taken them a long way, but it is love that allows for the playâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s final wrenching sacrifice.

BEACON BITS

Feb. 18

FREE BLACK HISTORY PAINT NIGHT

In the second annual Black History Month Paint Night, learn about Alma Thomas, a D.C. native who was the first Howard University fine arts graduate, and imitate her style in your own painting. All supplies will be provided. The free event will be held on Tues., Feb. 18 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Shirlington Branch Library, 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington, Va. To register, call (703) 228-6545.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;THE SHOW DEFIES YOU NOT TO BE MOVED.â&#x20AC;? -TIME OUT NEW YORK

The strength of women The productionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s emotionally resonant performances focus less on an unraveling society and more on the power of female alliance. In ambitious staging throughout the play, Laila and Mariam separately switch into younger versions of their characters, without leaving the stage or changing costume. Ayoubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mariam, who seems to embody the stolid and worn long-married wife, is fantastic in these flashbacks, suddenly inhabiting an eager and exuberant child who adores her neglectful father.

Changing lights help amplify the tone of each scene. Designed by Kevin Macdonald, the colorful set uses stencil-like images to show Kabulâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s windswept, mountainous landscape. The title of the play (and book) comes from a line of poetry that Laila reads to her father about the beauty of Kabul. Throughout the play, however, the city is under attack. And the future of the country lies in the strength of women like Laila to fight the Talibanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s repressive regime. Note: With a range of adult themes including violence, abuse, self-harm and illness, this play is not for children. The play runs through March 1 at Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater, 1101 6th Street SW, Washington, D.C. Performance time is 2 Â˝ hours, including a 15-minute intermission. Several performances include post-show discussions to help the audience process the weighty material. The concierge desk will connect attendees to Lyft or taxicabs, and the Center has its own onsite parking garage. For tickets, visit tickets.arenastage.org/events.

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Feb. 12

CROCHET HEARTS

Instead of just giving a card, get crafty for Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day. Enjoy coffee or tea while you learn how to crochet a heart. Supplies will be provided. The free craft session takes place on Wed., Feb. 12 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at the Cherrydale Branch Library, 2190 North Military Rd., Arlington, Va. To register, call (703) 228-6330.

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Say you saw it in the Beacon | Arts & Style

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Black history From page 1 That’s when developers Mark and Barbara Fried unraveled the land’s history during a title search. They decided to establish an association to restore the school as a museum. Ford, a retired human resources professional, works as the museum’s director, raising funds to preserve the school’s legacy and offer educational programs. Ford grew up in the area and rode 20 miles each way daily to attend segregated schools. She graduated from Luther Jackson, then Fairfax County’s “black high school.” Ford’s parents and brother are

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

buried in the cemetery beside Laurel Grove School Museum. To Ford, Laurel Grove School represents her ancestors’ passion to be educated citizens. “It’s important to understand all of slavery, Jim Crow, segregation and the people’s resilience to find careers and have a successful life. The school’s motto was, ‘Get an education and everything else will fall into line,’” she said. The Laurel Grove School Museum is open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, call (703) 313-4690 or visit laurelgroveschool.org.

Saving Gum Springs Ron Chase, director of the Gum Springs

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Ongoing

FREE RIDES FOR VETERANS

If you’re a veteran living in D.C. with an annual income of less than $30,000, you can receive four one-way transportation vouchers per month. You need proof of D.C. residency, DD-214 or VA card and a statement of annual income. To learn more, call (202) 724-5454 or visit ova.dc.gov/service/vetsride.

Feb. 19

LOCAL UNDERGROUND RAILROAD

Have you ever wondered about Montgomery County’s role in the Underground Railroad? Learn about local history in a free lecture presented by the Montgomery County Historical Society. It will be held on Wed., Feb. 19 from 3 to 4 p.m. at the Long Branch Library, 8800 Garland Ave., Silver Spring, Md. To learn more, call (240) 777-0910.

Historical Society and Museum, is a fourthgeneration resident of Gum Springs, the oldest African-American community in Fairfax County. Tucked in next to U.S. 1 in the Mount Vernon area, the community was founded in 1833 by West Ford, a man formerly enslaved at Mount Vernon [no relation to Phyllis Walker Ford]. It has endured for 186 years. “I look at how phenomenal Gum Springs was and what it means to history, being able to survive and the sacrifices people had to make,” he said. The names of Gum Springs notables in photographs on the museum’s walls roll off Chase’s tongue easily: Samuel Tucker, a runaway enslaved man, started the area’s first church and school; Annie M. Smith was the first black teacher in the community; Saunders B. Moon was its first principal. The museum spotlights residents’ determination to get an education, despite the odds. Like the Laurel Grove Museum, it’s housed in a former black school, Drew Smith Elementary, built in 1953. Chase himself attended the school until the 1960s, when Fairfax County fully desegregated its schools. Calling himself a “history keeper,” Chase manages the museum’s collection, which includes everyday items such as washboards, dishes and Civil War shot from “skirmishes nearby,” Chase said.

Now Chase is trying to save Bethlehem Baptist Church, founded in 1863, whose pastor wants to replace the historic church with a modern building. The church, Chase said, “represents the amazing struggle and sacrifices of African Americans,” and its loss “would destroy Gum Springs.” For more information about the Gum Springs Historical Society and Museum, call (703) 375-9825, email gshsfcva@gmail.com or visit gumspringsmuseum.blogspot.com.

Alexandria’s lynching victims MacArthur Myers also grew up in Gum Springs and remembers houses without indoor plumbing heated by coal-burning, pot-bellied stoves. When the U.S. Supreme Court ruled the poll tax (a Jim Crow-era prerequisite to vote) unconstitutional in 1966, his family rejoiced, he said. “My mom was dancing.” A graduate of Alexandria’s T.C. Williams High School, Myers puts his civic energies into the Alexandria Society for the Preservation of African American History, Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Virginia, and the Alexandria Black History Museum. He helped create the city’s African American Heritage Trail along its Potomac River waterfront. “Alexandria is one city with many stories,” he said. See BLACK HISTORY, page 55

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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 2 0

Black history From page 54 Myers is working with the national nonprofit Equal Justice Initiative to memorialize two local lynching victims: Joseph McCoy, hanged from a lamppost at Lee and Cameron Streets in 1897, and Benjamin Thomas, hanged in 1899 on a lamppost at Fairfax Street near King Street. He’s seeking descendants of these men, collecting soil at the lynching sites, and advocating for city markers. Myers is also advocating for a marker to honor Private William Thomas, an African American draftee and the first Alexandrian killed in World War I.

Teaching history in period costume A Bristow resident with a master’s degree in history, Marion Ransell DobbinsCohen interprets slave life in period costume. Dobbins-Cohen is the executive director of the Aviation Institute of Maintenance in Manassas, but in her free time, she’s an interpreter at Prince William County’s Ben Lomond Regional Park. And at Monticello in Charlottesville, she cooks cornmeal hoecakes, cabbage, chicken, squirrel and possum using replica slave rations. A seventh-generation Northern Virginian, Dobbins-Cohen grew up in the thenblack community of Merrifield, now the

glitzy Mosaic District. During her childhood, “those communities had dirt roads and no sidewalks,” Dobbins-Cohen recalled. “If it had a dirt road, you knew you were in a black community.” As a child, Dobbins-Cohen loved Sundays, when grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins gathered at her grandmother’s home. After lunch, her grandmother mesmerized them with family lore, describing how her enslaved mother cooked in one pot and lived in a cabin with a dirt floor that turned to mud during rainstorms. When a fourth-grade teacher assigned students a Virginia history essay, DobbinsCohen was eager to be first to read hers about her ancestors’ enslavement. She said she felt snubbed when the teacher “turned whiter than white” and called on DobbinsCohen last, right before the bell rang. From then on, Cohen said, she was determined to dedicate her life to African American history. “I’m going to give voice to people who have no voice, and people are going to listen.” Dobbins-Cohen, raised by her African American parents, learned 15 years ago that her biological father was white. “I went to sleep one night as an African American and woke up the next day mixed,” she said. Intrigued, she tracked down his family lineage to Barnstable, Massachusetts, in the 1640s. (He died before she could meet him.) By scouring Virginia records, Cohen

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Arts & Style

confirmed that her African American forebears helped establish local black communities during Reconstruction. Her greatgreat grandfather, James Lee, owned land in Falls Church, where a community center still bears his name.

Segregated library now a museum As a child growing up in Washington, D.C., Audrey Davis created museums in her bedroom and charged admission to friends and family. At age 13, she secured her first internship at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History. Davis has devoted her last 25 years to the Alexandria Black History Museum, serving four years as its director. The museum is housed in the former Robert Robinson Library, built in 1940 for blacks as the city’s response to a sit-in by five African American men protesting the segregated Queen Street Public Library. As museum director, Davis oversees a collection of books, videos and documents on African American life as well as 22 “Sites of Conscience” paintings of African-American historic sites by Sherry Sanabria. Davis cherishes a signed Frederick Douglas autobiography, manumission documents, and photographs of the 100-yearold Parker-Gray High School, a black school demolished in 1984. She credits her parents for her interest in history. Her father, a Washington, D.C., public school administrator and history

professor at Northern Virginia Community College, took her to local historic sites. Her grandfather, Arthur P. Davis, was an English professor at Howard University and the first black American to receive a Ph.D. in English from Columbia University in 1942. In 1941, he co-edited The Negro Caravan, an influential anthology of Harlem Renaissance writers. He introduced her to Henry Louis Gates, Jr. and Toni Morrison. Davis, who majored in art history and wrote her University of Virginia master’s thesis on 18th-century British theatrical portraiture, does not avoid sensitive issues. The museum displays reminders of the country’s injustices, including late 19thcentury figurines of Aunt Jemima and other items now considered racially insensitive. She is planning programs on sexual abuse during slavery and the sexual exploitation of African American men. “So many things in African American culture have been destroyed,” Davis said. “I can help people learn about their history and culture. My job is to grow the collection and provide a forum for issues of concern to all Americans.” The Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe St., is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call (703) 746-4356 or visit alexandriava.gov/BlackHistory. For tours of black historical sites in the area, visit manumissiontours.com.

Arts & Style | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

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

A career journalist reflects on his field While Copeland’s memoir details behind-the-scenes experiences reporting on events like Operation Desert Storm and the U.S. invasions of Panama and Somalia, the heart of the book reflects on the core values of journalism.

PHOTO BY JOHN HOPPER

By Robert Friedman These days, the news doesn’t always resemble what old-school journalists would call reporting: the who, what, where, when, why and how. “Much of what passes for news today is actually people telling us what they think about the news, or worse, how they feel about the news,” said veteran journalist Peter Copeland. “Journalism is when reporters get out of the office, see things with their own eyes, double-check the facts and then report the findings accurately and fairly.” That, said Copeland in an interview with the Beacon, is not complicated, but it’s “difficult to do well.” Copeland, a longtime D.C. resident, spent 40 years in the newspaper business. He worked as a night reporter on the police beat in Chicago, a war correspondent in Latin America, the Middle East and Africa, a Washington correspondent and, for 14 years, bureau chief of the Scripps Howard News Service in downtown D.C. Now a media consultant and author, Copeland, 62, has recently been doing the book-promotion rounds (at Politics and Prose, Busboys and Poets and the National Press Club’s Book Fair). His fifth book, Finding the News: Adventures of a Young Reporter, was published in October.

The importance of accuracy Accuracy and fairness are essential, Copeland emphasized, and he urges today’s reporters to return to the trade’s foundations. “Traditional journalism is one of the forces that has kept our country on track and made us the envy of the world,” he said. “Real journalism is more important than ever because bad actors — whether individuals or governments — now have the ability to spread lies and propaganda directly and without going through the traditional media. “Good reporters can help curate that information and provide crucial context and fact-checking,” Copeland said. The core values of journalism, he clarified, are speed, accuracy and fairness. Speed can be a problem in today’s age. “Speed and accuracy are always in tension — more so now because the pace of news is so fast,” he said. “Fairness is the toughest value to real-

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 2019 in four categories, individual, group, business, and youth.

Deadline for nominations — Friday, February 28, 5pm www.montgomeryserves.org 2019 Montgomery Serves winners

Veteran journalist Peter Copeland (right) took a helicopter tour of northern Mexico in the 1980s for a story about its drug cartels. “Some of the scariest stories I covered were about drug trafficking, including the 1985 torture and murder of an American DEA agent,” Copeland said on his website. His new book, Finding the News, reveals some of the stories behind his articles.

ize. And while many good journalists are trying their best, there is widespread mistrust of our work on the right and the left.”

A field in crisis Traditional print newspapers, especially those in smaller communities, are disappearing. “The revenue that once paid for quality journalism is shifting to other players, especially Google and Facebook. Quality journalism is more valuable than ever, but we need to find a way to pay for it,” Copeland said. Smaller communities have suffered most from the disappearance of local newspapers, and even at the bigger papers, drastic staff reductions have resulted in large cutbacks in the coverage of local and even state governments. “Even in our area,” Copeland said, “The Washington Post has made a business decision to focus on national and international news, which means our neighborhood leaders and local governments are not held accountable in the way they were when I moved here in 1989.” In today’s divided climate, Americans can try to listen to each other, Copeland said. “I urge people to broaden their news diets, so they don’t see the world from a single point of view,” Copeland said.

“If you are conservative, you should check out The New York Times, even if it is just to see what the ‘enemy’ is thinking. If you are liberal, watch Fox News occasionally. It won’t hurt you — if you are sitting down,” he joked.

Does a golden age beckon? Despite the decline of print newspapers, Copeland envisions the possibility of a future “golden age” of journalism. This would mean, he said, “a renewed emphasis on old-school journalism values, especially accuracy and fairness, combined with new technology that allows reporters to cover the news from everywhere — and share it instantly.” Social media, often criticized for spreading “fake news,” can be part of this golden age, Copeland said. “Social media allows everyone to share and critique the news and talk back to reporters, which benefits everyone.” President Trump has called the media “the enemy of the American people.” How does Copeland, a lifetime journalist, respond to that criticism? “The real enemy of the people,” Copeland said, “is ignorance and those who would keep them in the dark. When journalists do their job well, they give light so the people can decide what is best for them.”

BEACON BITS

Feb. 18

READING PARTNERS

Feb. 29

HERITAGE FESTIVAL VOLUNTEER

Share your love of reading with a local child. Attend a volunteer orientation with Reading Partners on Tues., Feb. 18 from noon to 1 p.m. at the Shaw Neighborhood Library, 1630 7th St. NW, Washington, D.C. To register, visit http://bit.ly/ReadingPartnersFeb.

Find out more and nominate now! www.montgomeryserves.org Questions? email serviceawards@montgomerycountymd.gov or call 240-777-2600

To help recognize Black History Month, the 28th annual Feel the Heritage Festival is looking for volunteers. They will administer surveys, greet attendees, monitor a game area, manage traffic and assist with cleanup at the Feb. 29 event. Snacks and T-shirts will be provided. Contact volunteer coordinator Laura Barragan with questions at lbarragan@arlingtonva.us. To register, visit http://bit.ly/FeeltheHeritage.

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Arts & Style

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 2 0

Creativity: it can get better with age Alexis Bentz is a senior at Wootton High “While children are great at exploSchool in Rockville, Maryland. She has been ration, they’re not always great at getting writing this intergenerational the job done or choosing the column for the Beacon since best solution for the situation middle school. at hand,” Elizabeth McClure, a I’ve been writing about isresearch specialist at the sues that impact both the older LEGO Foundation’s Center for and younger generations for Creativity, Play, and Learning The Beacon for six years. But explains in her TED Talk. I’ve been a short story writer almost from the time I could Exercising creativity hold a pen. My first story was Creative exercises may enabout a butterfly who could hance our brains as we age. Entravel around the world. Per- GENERATIONS gaging in artistic endeavors can TOGETHER haps you wrote stories or paintalleviate boredom and keep the By Alexis Bentz ed pictures as a child, too. mind active. Do we lose our spark of Creative outlets can help creativity as we age? Why should we strive preserve one’s body as well: Arts and to hold onto it? And how does creativity crafts, for instance, help with hand-eye codiffer in older adults and teenagers? ordination, cognitive abilities and focus, As it turns out, it’s very possible — and among other things. highly beneficial — to stay creative Meanwhile, for teenagers, creativity inthroughout our lives. stills positivity, confidence and an appreciIn fact, in some ways an innovative mind- ation for natural beauty. It challenges maset, which draws connections between dis- turing individuals to approach problems parate ideas, is ideally suited to the brains with ingenuity, which will help them to of young students and older adults. Both, produce innovative products as they enter for example, tend to be distractible, jump- the workforce, as well as unique solutions ing from one idea to another. to the world’s problems. The average teen is not known for his or A creative mindset prevents functional her attentiveness, and older adults have fixedness, or the tendency to only look at ob“mild decreases in the ability to pay atten- jects in a single, subjective way. And it ention,” according to the National Institute courages teens to remain open-minded, tolon Aging. erant and respectful of others’ points of view. But this can be a positive thing when it comes to creativity. Risk and creativity In addition, older people possess high levBut a rather surprising effect of creativiels of crystallized knowledge. Creative ty — one for both seniors and teens — is brains use such accumulated wisdom to pro- its tendency to prompt healthy risk-taking. duce novel ideas. This type of creative risk-taking could Better yet, older adults are often able to mean exploring ideas others may consider not only produce creative ideas but act on taboo through mediums such as literature them. or music, or perhaps designing an innova-

tive new product. Some of the world’s most creative minds, from Beyoncé to Mark Zuckerberg to J. K. Rowling, were bold and took risks in their various fields. It is only through risk-taking — pushing boundaries and going where no others have gone before — that the most beautiful and influential art can be created. When taking risks, the brain is trained to think in unusual ways. So, creativity generates risk-taking and risk-taking generates creativity — another symbiotic relationship. As T. S. Eliot wrote, “Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far it is possible to go.” Sometimes the biggest risk is deciding to undertake a creative project; after all, self-doubt can be a powerful deterrent. Perhaps you and some young friends or grandchildren can gather some watercolor paint, records or a sewing machine and cre-

ate something innovative. Write a story, paint a mural or invent a new dance step — anything to get your creative juices flowing. A creative exercise might inspire you to “think outside the box” in other areas of your life. Not only will you have a blast, but you may be inspired to produce something truly beautiful, and uniquely yours. And while you’re creating a masterpiece together, you and your teenage friend or relative can encourage each other to never lose that creative spark. The Beacon is encouraging its readers to explore their creative side through a competition for amateur artists. The Beacon’s Celebration of the Arts is underway now. Painting, sculpture, photographs and jewelry are among the seven categories of the competition. See complete rules at thebeaconnewspapers.com/COTA 2020 or see the ad on page 53 for more information.

BEACON BITS

Feb. 25

PAJAMA STORYTIME

Hoping to spend more time with your grandchildren this year? Bring them to the library to enjoy read-aloud stories and songs, all while wearing pajamas. The free event takes place on Tues., Feb. 25 from 6:30 to 7 p.m. at the Central Library, 1015 North Quincy St., Arlington, Va. For more information, call (703) 228-5946.

Feb. 28

MONTGOMERY COUNTY JOBS

Are you interested in working for Montgomery County, Maryland? Learn about the application process and how to search for opportunities with the help of the county’s Office of Human Resources. The free session takes place on Fri., Feb. 28 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Connie Morella Library, 7400 Arlington Rd., Bethesda, Md. To learn more, call (240) 777-0970.

Feb. 22

COMPUTER REPAIR

Is your computer broken? Learn how to repair it yourself from a professional. Bring your damaged laptop or computer. The free help session takes place on Sat., Feb. 22 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Damascus Library, 9701 Main St., Damascus, Md. To register, call (240) 773-9444.

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

George Washington’s life and legacy These fascinating books shed light on the British hierarchy and colonial allies in lesser known chapters in the life and legacy the course of pursuing a life of honor, forof George Washington. The tune and fame in the British Virginia native, born on Februcolony of Virginia. ary 22, 1732, never lived in the George Washington BirthWhite House. However, there place National Monument in are several sites in the area Colonial Beach, Virginia, 70 with which he is associated miles from D.C., depicts the that are well worth reading landscape and culture of Washabout and visiting. ington’s family farm and inYoung George Washingcludes a replica of his boyhood ton: How Wilderness and home. Details at nps.gov/gewa. War Forged America’s Fort Necessity National BatTHE Founding Father, by Peter tlefield in Farmington, PennsylBIBLIOPHILE Stark, 528 pages, Ecco pavania, is a scenic 180-mile By Dinah Rokach perback, 2019 drive from D.C. Admission is Author and outdoorsman Peter Stark free, and the battlefield is open year-round. brings to life the world of the mid-18th cen- Learn more at nps.gov/fone. tury — the stratification of Virginia colonial In the Hurricane’s Eye: The Genius of society, the role of Native American tribes, George Washington and the Victory at and the nature of military campaigns. Yorktown, by Nathaniel Philbrick, 384 Young George Washington focuses on his pages, Penguin Books paperback, 2019 formative experiences from his early 20s In this well researched book, Nathaniel until his marriage to the widow Martha Philbrick, a prolific author of popular works Custis at age 27. on early American, Colonial and maritime Follow Washington’s failures, defeats, history, describes unheralded victories on rashness and poor judgment under difficult the final path to American independence. and life-threatening circumstances. Marvel In the Hurricane’s Eye examines not at his sangfroid under fire and how he com- only the clash at Yorktown, but the last pensated for his lack of formal education. years of the Revolutionary War as well as Explore how he tempered his strong the personalities and fighting styles of the emotions and learned to collaborate with opposing military leaders.

The Battle of the Chesapeake made victory at Yorktown achievable. Read about Washington’s setbacks and frustrations trying to direct and persuade the French, a major power, to cooperate and coordinate with him. In 1781, hurricanes in the Caribbean brought the French fleet to the more tranquil Atlantic shores to join the fight. The key role of Spanish diplomat Francisco Saavedra in supplying the French fleet is hardly remembered today. Learn about the nature of seamanship and the tactics of naval warfare in the 18th century. Readers will find the detailed narrative and accompanying 12 maps and battle diagrams enlightening. The Yorktown Battlefield is 165 miles from D.C. Details at nps.gov/york. The Property of the Nation: George Washington’s Tomb, Mount Vernon, and the Memory of the First President, by Matthew R. Costello, 352 pages, University Press of Kansas hardcover, 2019 In 1797, our nation’s first president retired to Mount Vernon, Virginia, the estate he had leased from his widowed sister-inlaw in 1754. After eight years at the nation’s helm in New York and Philadelphia, Washington resumed a quiet life as a gentleman farmer for the remaining two years of his life. While his remains were moved within

Mount Vernon to a larger crypt, his body was never re-interred in the nation’s capital as some had advocated. The Property of the Nation tells the story of how Washington was memorialized following his death in 1799. Washington’s life was re-interpreted by biographers and molded by future generations. The estate itself eventually passed from Martha’s descendants to the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association. The exponential growth of commerce and the increasing democratization of the nation reshaped the manner in which Washington’s life was commemorated by biographers, political leaders, descendants and Virginians, including enslaved people. Mount Vernon became a place of pilgrimage for Americans and — most inspiring — foreign statesmen espousing democratic ideals. Today, one million visitors are welcomed there annually. Matthew R. Costello, senior historian of the White House Historical Association, has written an engrossing story tracing how this historical figure has been remembered. More than 30 black-and-white illustrations, which accompany the text, bring the tale to life. Mount Vernon is 20 miles from D.C. Plan your own pilgrimage online at mountvernon.org.

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Arts & Style

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

Change is hard, so this habit may remain Another year has recently slipped into the wife and I would decide who should reap the books, and for me, it brought a reckoning. benefits. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d send a check, and the next mornShould I bow to the realities ing, the process would start all of the 21st Century? Or should over again. I plow ahead with a project that But this past December 31, I had been born and nurtured in had netted only $45.47 during the 20th? 2019. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s less than half of Should I be a stubborn old what I used to collect in an avguy and refuse to recognize erage year. which way the winds are blowThe reason for the decline? ing? Or should I fold my tent? A massive increase in parking For more than 25 years, I meters where you can pay have regularly, methodically HOW I SEE IT with a credit card. picked up loose change on the By Bob Levey In the old days, I could take street. a walk around any commerThereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an amazing amount of it. All de- cial area and go from meter to meter. nominations. In all sorts of places. Even There would often be a substantial haul the occasional bill, if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re lucky. right beside the stalk. Each year, I would keep careful track of One memorable day, somebody (no the haul. Then, on each December 31, my doubt frustrated for some reason) left ex-

actly 63 pennies on the ground, in a heap. I dutifully scooped them all up. Another time, I discovered a mini-mountain of dimes, carefully stacked, resting between a meter and the curb. A buck fifty altogether. Who knows why? They, too, went into the tally. Pennies were the most common denom-

BEACON BITS

Feb. 10

BACK TO WORK Have you been out of the workforce for an extended period of

time? Understand the current job market and how to job search more effectively

FROM PAGE 60 ANSWERS TO SCRABBLE

ination, of course. But dimes were next, probably because they are thinnest, and make the least noise when they hit the ground. I would even traffic in foreign coins. Some years, I would find a friendly soul at the local bank who would credit me with See BOB LEVEY, page 61

ANSWERS TO CROSSWORD H U R O A R E S H I G H A M O P A M A G S A V E C H E A A T L H E A L E M O P E A G A S Z I T S E C H O

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S N C E D O U R D W E E T

ANSWERS TO JUMBLE

at a free workshop hosted by Washington Career Services. It will be held on Mon., Feb. 10 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Damascus Library, 9701 Main St., Damascus, Md. To register, call (240) 773-9444.

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

Crossword Puzzle

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

Stephen Sherr 4

21 26

Scrabble answers on p. 59.

Jumble answers on p. 59.

36 40

53 58

Across

Down

1. The Great Lake with the most islands 6. Summoned the desk clerk 10. Injure one’s lips 14. “Enemies ___ stimulating” (Katharine Hepburn) 15. “Law floats in ___ of ethics” (Earl Warren) 16. Costa ___ 17. Waitress’ desire 19. Chooses to be pessimistic (or not) 20. When the wait for Godot starts 21. Desires calamine lotion 23. Messy head of hair 26. Purge 27. Stubborn one 28. A poem meant to be sung 29. Wave ___ wand 31. Key to a Little Red Corvette 33. Blocks a slapshot 34. Source of 17% of US energy production in 2017 35. “Oh my god”, in text-speak 37. Bar bargains 41. N.L. East city 42. They bring ceasefires to an end 43. Left-side balance sheet item 44. Surrounded with shrubbery 46. Tempt 47. Bitter beer 49. Checkup sounds 50. First half of the S&P 51. Single whale female 52. Some vehicles in the bike lane 54. Classes with Bunsen burners 56. “I’m Jumping Jack Flash; it’s ___” 57. Chemically neutral, and like all of this puzzle’s theme answers 63. Comic strip which first popped in 1997 64. Piece about one at peace 65. Cornucopia component 66. Say that again 67. Refuse the porter’s services 68. Like Splenda

1. “That’s a laugh!” 2. The biggest sch. in the smallest state 3. Option at Starbucks or Chevron 4. Labor Dept. component since 1971 5. Sort of soggy 6. Quick, like some public transit 7. Egyptian snake 8. Jessica Timberlake, ___ Biel 9. In a loud and tasteless manner 10. Its head is narrower than a ‘gator’s 11. Most of Hamilton’s soundtrack 12. Feigned innocence 13. Like last-year’s dresses 18. Suffix with arthr- or paras22. Fed. agency that employs more than 300 dogs 23. Like chico, but not chica 24. Warren Buffett’s hometown 25. Be a trailblazer 27. Bosses’ demand letters 30. Boxer Daniel (and an acronym for EAGLE) 31. Struggled through, successfully 32. Bat’s daytime spot 34. Gives a damn 36. ___-Roman wrestling 38. The most memorable part of an excursion 39. Purses 40. Maintain one’s sense of dread 45. Fred Flintstone or Homer Simpson 46. Card catalog abbr. 47. Dumbfound 48. Subject first written about in Aristotle’s Prior Analytics 50. Chalkboard material 53. Exxon predecessor 55. Cause of a February school delay 58. The (financial) winner of The Game of Thrones 59. Took the bait 60. Unnumbered pool ball 61. Homophone of air and heir 62. Insecticide, banned in the US since 1972

Answers on page 59.

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 2 0

Bob Levey From page 59 63 cents, or whatever my bagful of francs and tuppence were worth that week. It was a calling, I suppose you could say. And the charities to which we donated each year were both grateful and amused. One development director wrote the following letter to me, which I have kept: “I want to walk where you walk,” she said. This past December 31, however, I doubt that she would have said that. It took a whole bunch of late December walks — and a whole bunch of stooping, peering and kicking hedges out of the way — to surpass 40 bucks. Meanwhile, the future is obvious. We may not be all that close to a coin-free society — yet. But we are getting there. So, I sent off my 2019 check (along with checks to other deserving organizations we routinely contribute to), and decided to abandon my collection efforts. What will I miss, now that I no longer forage? I will miss the time I was standing at the counter of my local pharmacy, waiting to pick up a prescription. My eye fell to the floor. Right beneath the Tootsie Rolls was a $100 bill! Obviously, that year was a very good one. I will miss those bountiful moments at airports (always a happy hunting ground). Near the cash registers of any grab-and-go coffee place, my ship would almost always come in. I will miss those evenings when my wife would come home from work and hand me four pennies. “Found these,” she’d say. I hope I’m worth more than that to you, honey bunch, but hey, I’ll take what I can get. I will even miss the guy who approached me three years ago on a crowded downtown street. I had five minutes to kill before a business appointment, so I was scrounging among the meters along 17th Street. I was dressed very well. I had shaved and showered. I didn’t look malnourished. I didn’t look unhealthy. Without a word, the man came up to me and handed me a dollar. He thought I was homeless! Hey, I’ll take what I can get. But reality is a raging, powerful river, so I decided to bow to cashless inevitability.

Letters to editor From page 4 Dear Editor: I’m writing to compliment you on your ver y useful and informative editorial (“Innovative solutions,” Januar y 2020). I’m interested in knowing the name of the national conference that you attend-

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Arts & Style

ONE BIG HAPPY By Rick Detorie

As they like to say in the theater world when a show closes, “Nice run.” On January 1, 2020, I took a walk along the commercial strip near where I live. I happened to glance down. There, in the middle of the sidewalk, was a shiny penny. I picked it up. I put it in my pocket. When I got home, I wrote “$.01” on a pad. Some old habits die hard. Some never do. ed which highlighted some of the latest innovations in products and services for older adults. Life is certainly changing very quickly, and it’s so important that you keep up with everything — and, more importantly, that you share it with all your readers. Sandy Kursban Silver Spring, Maryland

BEACON BITS

Feb. 9

POETRY READING

Poets from Maryland, Virginia and D.C. are invited to share their work at a monthly poetry reading. Listen or read your own poem. The free open mic night takes place on Sun., Feb. 9 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Quince Orchard Library, 15831 Quince Orchard Rd., Gaithersburg. To learn more, call (240) 777-0200.

WB220

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

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CLASSIFIEDS The Beacon prints classified advertising under the following headings: Business & Employment Opportunities; Caregivers; Computer Services; Entertainment; For Sale; For Sale/Rent: Real Estate; Free; Health; Home/ Handyman Services; Miscellaneous; Personals; Personal Services; Vacation Opportunities; and Wanted. For submission guidelines and deadlines, see the box on page 63. CAVEAT EMPTOR! The Beacon does not knowingly accept obscene, offensive, harmful, or fraudulent advertising. However, we do not investigate any advertisers or their products and cannot accept responsibility for the integrity of either. Respondents to classified advertising should always use caution and their best judgment. EMPLOYMENT & REAL ESTATE ADS: We will not knowingly or intentionally accept advertising in violation of federal, state, and local laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, familial status or handicap in connection with employment or the sale or rental of real estate. Caregivers A HOME HEALTHCARE- Experienced nurses, CNA, GNA are available 24/7. Cooking, companionship, personal care, housekeeping, driving. Full/Part-time or live-in care flat rate. 15 years’ experience. 240-533-6599 A CARE AGENCY - Been in business for more than 10 years. Experienced nurses, CNAs, GNAs. Any hours you need. Flat rate for live-in. Duties include cooking, housekeeping, bathing, errands, etc. Tel: 667-231-8235 CAREGIVER, I WILL CARE FOR YOUR LOVE ONES night or day. Great references and own transportation. Willing to work immediately. If interested, please call 301-502-2258. I AM A CERTIFIED CNA looking to care for seniors in the comfort of their home. I am compassionate, loving and caring.I do companionship, safety supervision, bathing, making meals, light housekeeping and meditation reminder. Call Florence 240-779-1984.

Computer Services PROBLEM WITH YOUR PC/MAC OR NETWORK? Computer Systems Engineer will come to you with help. Call David G. Computer Services at 301-642-4526. COMPUTER LESSONS AND SERVICES — Personal Computer training in your home at your convenience. Windows and Mac. Learn Email, Internet, and General computer use. Print Digital photos, search with Google. Word processing. Troubleshoot PC issues. Shop for and Setup new computers, printers, internet. Setup and train on all consumer electronics — Smartphone, Smart TV, Tablet, Digital cameras, and Alexa. Gentle & patient teacher using plain English. Since 1996. Call David, 301-980-5840. COMPUTERTUTOR

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For Sale/Rent: Real Estate A PLACE FOR MOM. The nation’s largest senior living referral service. Contact our trusted, local experts today! Our service is FREE/no obligation. CALL 1-855-502-4495 MID-ATLANTIC FUNDING GROUP — Pays cash for Owner Financed Mortgages. Professional Service / Fast Closing. Call Us Today! 1 (800) 641-9521 or visit midatlanticnotes.com

For Sale/Rent: Real Estate

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Wanted

GARDEN TWO BEDROOM, two bath condo available for lease the first of February. Premier community of Leisure World for adults 55 plus! This condo features fresh paint, side-by-side washer/dryer and new quartz kitchen counter tops. Living room, small enclosed sunroom, and outdoor patio with a spectacular view. Call (301598-6451) to schedule an appointment to see this exceptional home. No smoking! Pets considered. A reserved parking space, utilities, basic cable and basic internet are included

APPLYING FOR SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY or Appealing a Denied Claim? Call Bill Gordon & Assoc., Social Security Disability Attorneys, 1-866-970-0779! FREE Consultations. Local Attorneys Nationwide [Mail: 2420 N St NW, Washington DC. Office: Broward Co. FL (TX/NM Bar.)]

WANTED: OLDER VIOLINS, GUITARS, BANJOS, MANDOLINS, UKULELES, ETC. Musician/collector will pay cash for older string instruments. Jack (301) 279-2158.

Health RESEARCH STUDY Are you taking care of a family member or friend with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia? We invite you to participate in a paid research study (PI: Hae-Ra Han, PhD, RN; Johns Hopkins IRB#: IRB00198665). The study will involve doing a phone or online survey. If you complete the survey, you will receive a $10 gift card as a thank you for your time. You may be eligible to participate if you • Are caring for a family member or friend with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia • Have a chronic condition or disease • Speak and understand English • Are 18 and older, and • Own or have access to a mobile device. If you are interested, please contact the research team at (410) 929-4327 or tech4caregiverhopkinstudy@gmail.com PAID RESEARCH STUDY: Healthy 65-85yr olds with normal hearing needed for MRI study of speech comprehension at Univ. of Maryland College Park. Earn $10-15/hr in 2 sessions (34hrs total). Contact 240-630-0461, EffComLab@gmail.com, http://ter.ps/listen FACED WITH A LIFE ISSUE? Our Counselors, Life Coaches, Recreation Therapists, Advocates, Family/Case Management experts COME TO YOU. Our team includes a variety of seasoned professionals assisting children, adolescents, adults, seniors and families. We are happy to meet one time only to coordinate referrals for those unable to navigate the system. Contact HOUSE CALLS LLC. www.Callingonbeth.net/ or call 301-346-6732. CAREGIVER MEDICAL CANNABIS SERVICES (CMCS). At CMCS, we provide reliable, professional caregiver services to MMCC registered medical cannabis patients. If you or a loved one need assistance contact me at 713 927 3780. I am a registered MMCC caregiver located in MoCo and available to travel. Flexible hours and reasonable rates. Call 713 927 3780 today!

PARALEGAL/RESEARCHER: will run interference for your task, knowledgeable about federal and local government(s), trade and professional associations, public and private libraries. e-mail rushresearch@comcast.net, call 301-5652917.

Personals Services PIANO TEACHER. Studied at U. of Md. and Washington Conservatory of Music. Specialize in beginners 9 to 90. No auditions, recitals or separate theory books. In my Kensington, Md. home. Patient. Reasonable rates. Call Geri at (301) 9422589 or email blackandwhitekeys4U@gmail.com SELL YOUR SILVER AND OLD GOLD JEWELRY. Gold 4 Good (8241 Georgia Ave., Suite 100, Silver Spring, MD 20910) buys gold and silver jewelry, including broken pieces, all sterling silver and silver flatware, gold watches and gold and silver coins. I will come to your house and give you a free evaluation of what I can pay. If you decide to sell, I can buy your items at that time, but there is no obligation. Licensed with both Maryland and Montgomery County (lic. #2327). Call Bob, (240) 938-9694. Gold 4 Good pays an additional 5 percent to all military veterans (and their spouses). Gold 4 Good is a Maryland licensed precious metals dealership, not a pawnshop or private home based business.

TV/Cable GET NFL SUNDAY TICKET FREE w/ DIRECTV Choice All-Included Package. $59.99/month for 12 months. 185 Channels PLUS Thousands of Shows/Movies On Demand. FREE Genie HD DVR Upgrade. Call 1-888-572-4953. DISH NETWORK $59.99 For 190 Channels! Add High Speed Internet for ONLY $19.95/month. Call Today for $100 Gift Card! Best Value & Technology. FREE Installation. Call 1-844-560-5837 (some restrictions apply) COLLECTOR BUYING MILITARY ITEMS:

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

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

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

Home/Handyman Services ELIMINATE GUTTER CLEANING FOREVER! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule a FREE LeafFilter estimate today. 15% off and 0% financing for those who qualify. PLUS Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-844-359-6933. STAY IN YOUR HOME LONGER with an American Standard Walk-In Bathtub. Receive up to $1,500 off, including a free toilet, and a lifetime warranty on the tub and installation! Call us at 1-877-240-2061 or visit www.walkintubquote.com/beacon **STOP STRUGGLING ON THE STAIRS** Give your life a lift with an ACORN STAIRLIFT! Call now for $250 OFF your stairlift purchase and FREE DVD & brochure! 1-855-8503183. MIKE SMITH HAULING & JUNK REMOVAL. Complete clean out of houses, apt., attics, basements etc. FREE Estimates.13 years in business. references available from satisfied customers. (including real estate agents) reasonable rates. central and northern PG county, eastern and southern Montgomery county. demo and moving services avail. (www.mikesmithHauling.com)Call 301-346-0840.

WILL BUY MILITARY, WWII, WWI, Civil War memorabilia items. Uniforms, weapons, helmets, photos, war souvenirs, medals, photos or any other items associated with U.S., German, Japanese or other military history. Call Dave (240-4640958) or email (david.obal63@gmail.com). $$$ CASH $$$ FOR MILITARY USMC ARMY USAF USN ITEMS - Buying Military Uniforms, Patches, Medals, Insignia, Flight Jackets, Weapons etc. from the Civil War through Vietnam. Especially seeking U.S. Army Air Corps, USMC, Airborne, and German/Japanese/Italian items from WWII. Call or text Dan at 202-8413062 or email MILITBUFF@AOL.COM. $$$ CASH $$$ FOR VINTAGE LIGHTERS Dunhill, Zippo, ST Dupont, Cartier, Tiffany, Nassau, Bulgari, Van Cleef, Gucci etc. Call or text Dan at 202-841-3062 or email MILITBUFF@AOL.COM. LADY WHO LIKES CHINA and other pretty things would like to buy yours. Favorites include Coalport, Herend, Meissen, Royal Copenhagen, Shelley and Villeroy & Boch. Some Lenox and Johnson Brothers. I love English bone china cups and saucers. Paintings and pottery. I’ve collected antique Christmas and Halloween for thirty years and am always looking to add to my collection. Sterling and jewelry. MD license no. 2753. Call, 301-785-1129.

TURN YOUR SILVER AND OLD GOLD JEWELRY INTO CASH. Gold 4 Good (8241 Georgia Ave., Suite 100, Silver Spring, MD 20910) buys gold and silver jewelry, including broken pieces, all sterling silver and silver flatware, gold watches and gold and silver coins. I will come to your house and give you a free evaluation of what I can pay. If you decide to sell, I can buy your items at that time, but there is no obligation. Licensed with both Maryland and Montgomery County (lic. #2327). Call Bob, (240) 938-9694. Gold 4 Good pays an additional 5 percent to all military veterans (and their spouses). Gold 4 Good is a Maryland licensed precious metals dealership, not a pawnshop or private home based business. CASH FOR ESTATES, moving etc; I buy a wide range of items. Buy out/clean up. www.atticllc.com Gary Roman; 301-520-0755. CASH FOR JEWELRY; I buy a wide range of jewelry; gold, silver, costume, watches, turquoise, coins, school rings, etc. Gary Roman; 301-520-0755. BOOK COLLECTIONS WANTED. Moving? Downsizing? Estate? Together the 2 Book Guys have over 85 years experience as professional buyers & sellers of quality books in the D. C. area. Best prices paid for good books. Examples: Easton Press, Folio Society, First Edition Science Fiction & Mysteries, Military, History, Scholarly & Academic Press publications. Call Nelson at 240-472-4615 to set up an appointment at your house. Also will consider DVDs & CDs. CASH FOR RECORDS, CDS AND DVDS. Best price guaranteed. No collection too large. Free appraisals. All types of music {33, 45, 78 & CDs.} Also buying turntables and stereo equipment. Will make house calls. Call or text Steve at 301-646-5403. ESTATE LIQUIDATION/ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES: One call solves it all when you hire us to handle your estate liquidation, down-sizing and/or home cleanout. We sell your treasures, take care of charitable donations and provide junk removal. We also purchase partial estate contents/collections. Always buying antiques, jewelry, fine art, vintage toys, collectibles, advertising, sports memorabilia, military, vintage cars, Mid Century Modern furniture, vinyl records, gold and silver coins and more. Based in Silver Spring, we serve Montgomery, Howard and Baltimore Counties, Washington D.C., NOVA and beyond. Also provide appraisal services for insurance/estates. Friendly, conscientious staff. Call Chris on cell (202) 7319447. www.OrionsAttic.com. BUYING OLD STEREO-AUDIO ITEMS from the 1940’s-1980’s Speakers, Receivers, Amplifiers, Turntables, etc. working or not. Also interested in parts. (540)999-1486 SEEKING FULL/SEALED BOTTLES of Vintage Bourbon & Rye (Pre-1990). Examples include, but are not limited to: Old Grand Dad, Pikesville Rye, Wild Turkey, Old Fitzgerald, I.W. Harper, Old Forester and more! Inquiries are welcome. Call Alex 443-223-7669 BUYING VINYL RECORDS from 1950 to 1990. Jazz, Rock-n-Roll, Soul, Rhythm & Blues, Reggae, Punk, Blues, and Disco. 33 1/3 LP’s, 45’s and some 78’s, Some Groups Of CD’s Larger collections of at least 100 items wanted. Please call John, 301-596-6201. TOY SOLDIERS We buy large and small collections of old metal, not plastic, toy soldiers. Please contact: Neil Rhodes, 703-598-5583 or psclark@verizon.net. CASH FOR JEWELRY: Buying jewelry, diamonds, gold, platinum, silver, watches, coins, flatware, etc. Ask for Tom. Call anytime, 301654-8678 (Reg. 883).

Classifieds continued on p. 63

Say you saw it in the Beacon

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

Classifieds cont. from p. 62 Wanted

Wanted

WANTED TO BUY: MILITARY ANTIQUES. I buy American military medals, documents, uniforms, insignia and books from World War I, World War II, Korea and Vietnam. I offer fair prices for single items or collections - especially items from admirals and generals. I also buy historic firearms and fill out the Maryland/Federal paperwork for the background check to do the transfers so that you will have a record of it. I buy Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard items. I have a BA and an MA in history and have been trusted for over 30 years in the Maryland, Virginia and Washington, DC area. Read my biography and testimonials from veterans and their families on my website. www.midatlanticmilitaryantiques.com Call Tim Frank 703-447-7243. I BUY CARS, TRUCKS, AND SUV’s. I am a licensed dealer. I will buy your vehicle as is. I will consider any vehicle with the reserve of age and condition as to whether I am interested. I am working in Montgomery county area only. I am a resident of Montgomery County and will come to you to see the vehicle or will meet you at a reasonable time and place. I will make the experience as easy as possible. I deal with a local bank. I look forward to speaking with you. Please call Tom at 301-806-8140.

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

Thank you for reading the Beacon!

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

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

ADVERTISERS IN THIS ISSUE Clinical Studies Healthy Volunteer Study ..........31

Computer/Technology TheBeaconNewspapers.com ....42

Dental Services Friedman, Stephen, DDS .........20 Oh, Judy, DDS .........................22

Events Brooke Grove Retirement Village ..........17, 64 Celebration of the Arts.............53 GROWS ...................................30

Financial/ Insurance Services Children’s National Hospital....39 Edward Jones/Mark Evanko ....37 Health Markets.........................11 United of Omaha......................38

Funeral Services Going Home Cremation...........46

Government Services DC Census 2020 ......................30 DC Dept of Insurance ..............47 DC DOEE ................................14 DC Office on Aging ...........34-35 Montgomery County Aging and Disability Services ..........21, 22

Home Health Care/Companion Services

Riderwood............................1, 15 Sommerset Retirement.............32 Springvale Terrace..............22, 27 Wilshire Estates..........................6

Best Senior Care . . . . . . . . . . .26 Chesapeake Home Health . . . .16 Options for Senior America .....32

Legal Services

Home Improvement PG Builders..............................33 Renewal by Anderson ................2

Housing AlfredHouse.............................18 Ashby Ponds.........................1, 15 Brooke Grove Retirement Village ....12, 17, 64 Chesterbrook Residences.............................29 Chevy Chase House .................10 Churchill Senior Living ...........29 Culpepper Garden ..............15, 33 Falcons Landing ........................3 Five Star Premier Residences...16 Friendship Terrace....................20 Gardens of Traville, The.............9 Greenspring..........................1, 15 Harmony Chantilly...................19 Harmony Spring Hill................19 Homecrest House .....................26 Homewood at Frederick ...........33 Landing of Silver Spring, The .................27 My Active Senior .......................8 Quantum Property Mgmt............18 Point View at Aspen Hill .............23 R Home Communities ................44

Farr Law Firm ..........................37 Law Offices of Lee Holdmann ..................37 Law Offices of Nancy Feldman .....................41 Law Offices of Paul Riekhof ...39

Medical/Health Acumedicine Health.................20 Adventist Medical Group.........11 Allied Pharmaceutical Svcs .....12 Ascension.................................23 Health For Life Dispensary........9 I Hate Knee Pain ......................25 Lesner Hearing.........................19 Medical Eye Center..................29 MedStar Georgetown Cancer Institute .......................5 MedStar Orthopedic Institute...13 Silver Spring Medical Center...27

Retail/Auction Cherry Blossom CBD ..............26 Healthy Back Store ..................10 Nu Images Hair Salon................7 Oakridge Auction Gallery........39 Quinn’s Auction Galleries ........47

Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Manor Care Health Services ....14

Subscriptions Beacon Newspaper...................61

Theatre/ Entertainment F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre .......57 Ford’s Theatre...........................51 National Theatre.......................52 Senior Zone..............................58 ShenYun ...................................50 Toby’s Dinner Theatre ..............51 Tyson’s Showplace ICON ........55 US Air Force Band .............52, 57

Miscellaneous

Tour & Travel

City of Rockville Mansion.......49 Green House H St. ...................16 JCA Senior HelpLine...............49

Eyre Travel ...............................45 Shillelaghs................................45

Real Estate Long & Foster/ Eric Stewart.....................40, 59

Volunteers & Careers Beacon......................................41 Career Gateway ........................41 Montgomery Serves.................56 Old Towne Trolley....................45

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

More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

February – March 2020

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. caregiver connection: “Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body”

Healthy Living class: “chair yoga”

Alzheimer’s disease and dementia care consultations

March 2 through April 8

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18 2-3 P.M.

SECOND WEDNESDAY OF EACH MONTH • 50-MINUTE SESSIONS

MONDAYS & WEDNESDAYS 9:45-10:30 A.M.

The brain and the body are connected, and science provides insights into how lifestyle choices can help keep them healthy. Join us to learn about research in the areas of diet and nutrition, exercise, cognitive activity and social engagement, and how to incorporate these recommendations into a plan for healthy aging.

Chair yoga can improve mobility, increase energy, boost physical function and otherwise enrich your life! Take the road toward better health with this class that is ideal for seniors or those with stiffness or movement limitations. Six-week Session Fee: $30

This service is designed to help caregivers — as well as those who are newly diagnosed — cope with the impact of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, enabling participants to better understand the disease, manage care and make informed decisions regarding services and treatments. FREE. Schedule an appointment at any time during the dementia journey.

FREE. Register by February 16.

Reservations are requested by February 28.

Living well seminar: “Mindful Eating”

Healthy Living class: “T’ai Chi”

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19 1-2:15 P.M.

March 4 through April 8

Mindful eating is a technique that encourages you to pay full attention to your experiences, cravings and physical cues as you eat. This helps you to slow down and savor your food. It also promotes weight loss and reduces binge eating for most people. Learn what the latest research has to say about the beneﬁts of mindful eating and try a guided, mindful eating exercise.

Often referred to as “medication in motion,” this series of movements carried out in a slow, focused manner can help to reduce stress while also improving strength, balance and coordination.

WEDNESDAYS • 11-11:30 A.M.

18100 Slade School Road Sandy Spring, MD 20860

301-260-2320 · www.bgf.org

Six-week Session Fee: $20 Reservations are requested by March 1.

Preceded by complimentary lunch at 12:30 p.m. FREE. Register by February 17.

Independent living

assisted living

rehabilitation

long-term care

memory support