February 2022 | DC Beacon by The Beacon Newspapers

The I N

F O C U S

FREE

F O R

P E O P L E

O V E R

More than 200,000 readers throughout Greater Washington

VOL.34, NO.2

To fight injustice, he built schools

FEBRUARY 2022

I N S I D E …

PHOTO BY JASON SAULER

Glenda C. Booth “All the other pleasures of life seem to wear out, but the pleasure of helping others in distress never does.” —Julius Rosenwald Bethesda retiree Dorothy Canter was “blown away” when she saw “Rosenwald,” a 2015 documentary directed by Aviva Kempner that told the story of Julius Rosenwald, a philanthropist who built more than 5,000 schools for African American children who were denied the right to public education during the Jim Crow era. Born in 1862 to German Jewish immigrants who came to the U.S. fleeing persecution in the mid-1800s, Rosenwald left his Illinois home at 16 for New York City. There he learned the clothing trade, never completing high school. When he was 23, he moved to Chicago and opened a company making men’s suits. Sears, Roebuck & Co., then a struggling new company that sold many products by mail order, was a client. Rosenwald eventually headed Sears, transforming it into a retail powerhouse. Rosenwald believed in the Jewish concepts of tikkun olam, “repair the world,” and tzedakah, which means “righteousness, charity and responsibility.” He had a “give while you live” philosophy, believing that every generation should create wealth and direct it for use in their time. He was alarmed at the injustices against African Americans, and in 1911 befriended Booker T. Washington, founder of the Tuskegee Institute (now Tuskegee University), and joined Tuskegee’s board. At Washington’s urging, Rosenwald helped six rural Alabama communities raise money to build schoolhouses at a time when there were few or no schools for African American children in the rural South. From that effort with Washington grew

5 0

L E I S U R E & T R AV E L

Warm up to the mansions and manatees of Florida’s Palm Beach County; plus, what’s (probably) in store for travel this year page 29

ARTS & STYLE La Verne Gray, left, was a student at this former school in Capitol Heights, Maryland, one of more than 5,000 built to educate Black American children in the early 20th century, when public schools refused to admit them. The massive building campaign was partly funded and driven by philanthropist Julius Rosenwald. Today, Dorothy Canter, right, is working to preserve some of the Rosenwald Schools still standing and make them into a multi-site element of our National Park system.

a financing partnership combining Rosenwald’s grants and local contributions that led to the construction of 5,357 school facilities for African American students in 15 states between 1913 and 1932.

Inspired to create a national park Before seeing the film, Canter, a retired Ph.D. biophysicist, had never heard of See SCHOOLS, page 12

Vibrant Senior Living in All Seasons Call 1-877-575-0231 or visit DMVSeniorLiving.com.

202590_SB

Get your FREE brochure!

New book unveils the history of the Birchmere music hall and its famous performers; plus, founding father books, and Bob Levey on what cc: stands for page 32 FITNESS & HEALTH 4 k How to eat healthy for less k Do at-home COVID tests work? LIVING BOLDLY k Newsletter for D.C. seniors

LAW & MONEY 22 k Bonds that pay more with inflation k Financial tips for single women ADVERTISER DIRECTORY

PLUS CROSSWORD, BEACON BITS, CLASSIFIEDS & MORE

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

Subscribe online! See how on p. 34

A few what-ifs Back when I was a kid, when a bully has always been thus. So, join me in a little thought experitaunted someone, the target would sing ment. What if there was a out, “I’m rubber and you’re new “technology” that, basiglue! Everything you say cally, made targets into rubbounces off me and sticks to ber and bullies into glue? you!” That is, what if every time It didn’t entirely relieve the a country threatened another pain of being bullied, but it with missiles, they would gave one the satisfaction of being able to reply in kind boomerang in mid-air and rewithout actually saying anyturn to the spot they were thing “bad” — without sinkfired from? How many more ing to the bully’s level. missiles would be fired? I found myself remember- FROM THE And what if every time a ing this ditty the other day PUBLISHER country sent food or doctors after reading a newspaper By Stuart P. Rosenthal to help others after a terrible (not the Beacon) full of restorm or flood, the favor porting on fraught foreign policy situa- would immediately redound to the tions (as if our domestic problems weren’t sender’s benefit? bad enough). And the same would apply (as long as Countries imprisoning and even mas- I’m imagining this) on the individual level. sacring their own citizens, threatening What if every time a would-be murderer or war, firing and testing missiles, destroying robber aimed a gun or wielded a knife, satellites, blocking waterways, invading they knew it would hurt only themselves? And every time a person did a favor or neighbors and on and on. Our technology has made so much of showed someone a courtesy, a similar benour lives more productive and simpler, but efit would accrue to them. that is also true — in fact, especially true Of course, this is essentially the Golden — of the means of warfare. There is no Rule: Do unto others as you would have area of invention more well-funded, and it them do unto you.

Beacon The

I N

F O C U S

F O R

P E O P L E

O V E R

5 0

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 Executive Vice President – Gordon Hasenei Managing Editor – Margaret Foster Art Director – Kyle Gregory Director of Operations – Roger King Advertising Representatives – Dan Kelly, M.K. Phillips, Alan Spiegel Assistant Editor – Catherine Brown Content Manager – Ashley Griffin

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 39 for classified advertising details. Please mail or email all submissions.

But instead of being a prescription — what we “should” do for moral reasons and without expectation of a return benefit — I’m suggesting we consider what the world would be like if it was built into life itself that you got back exactly what you gave, whether good or bad. And right away, not years later. How would our behavior change? How would the world look? What troubles that we have today would disappear, and what problems would be solved? Evil would destroy evil and good would engender good. Of course, this isn’t at all the way the world works. And as amazing as today’s technology can be, I doubt such a device or software could be created. Still, it’s worth pondering and, maybe, even acting in our individual lives as if it’s true. In some cases, it already is. Show the world a smile, and you’ll undoubtedly get some smiles in return. Go out of your way for someone, and odds are they will, at some point, return the favor, or at least offer thanks.

And, I think, it’s also true that when we show ourselves to be selfish or even just short-tempered, we earn precious little good will from others. That said, as long as evil and selfish people exist, we cannot deny ourselves the means of defense or unilaterally destroy our weapons. We are most certainly not living in a world where bad people destroy themselves, unfortunately. Foreign and domestic strife will certainly continue to fill our newspapers, TVs and computer screens. Still, in an individual sense, we create our own “micro-climates,” you might say. We set the temperature felt around ourselves and, through our actions, help determine whether sunshine or clouds follow us during the day. Much of that power, at least, is in our hands right now. It’s something we can put into effect whenever we want. I commend it to you for the rest of this still new year.

Letters to the editor Readers are encouraged to share their opinion on any matter addressed in the Beacon as well as on political and social issues of the day. Mail your Letter to the Editor to The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915, or email to info@thebeaconnewspapers.com. Please include your name, address and telephone number for verification. Dear Editor: I was delighted to see the article in the November Beacon about The Nighthawks. It might have been good to mention that these guys also have real life jobs. They have not lived on their income from playing music! Sarah Shapiro Via email Dear Editor: I just wanted to express my appreciation for the Beacon and its staff for consistently

helpful and easy-to-understand articles about a variety of topics relevant to seniors. I have aging parents, and your articles have helped me understand and start discussions with them on many topics that I knew nothing about beforehand…and those same articles allow me to put plans in place for my own senior years. Thank you so much for your publication and keep up the good work! Kenneth Kennedy Via email

BEACON BITS

Feb. 17

MARDI GRAS CELEBRATION

Shepherd’s Center of Northern Virginia hosts a Mardi Gras Celebration for adults 55 and older on Thurs., Feb. 17 from noon to 2 p.m. at the Vienna Community Center. Tickets cost $15. Register before Feb. 11 by visiting bit.ly/MardiGrasVienna or calling (703) 281-0538.

Feb. 18

HEALTHCARE FOR THE HOMELESS

With this event, which takes place online on Fri., Feb. 18 at 7 p.m., watch an hour of short films about how to end homelessness, including an original “Health Care for the Homeless” documentary. Donations are encouraged and help to provide transformative care to those without homes. For more information, visit bit.ly/EndHomelessnessEvent.

Feb. 19

LATIN NIGHT

Enjoy Latin Night with the musicians from Tumbao at Bossa Bistro on 18th Street NW in Washington, D.C. on Sat., Feb. 19 beginning at 9 p.m. Admission costs $5 to $10, and proof of vaccination is required. For more information, visit bit.ly/Tumbao219 or call (202) 667-0088.

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 2

settle for

Makes a great gift!

The Terrace Homes are now open! With the best features SJ ETEVXQIRX ERH GSXXEKI PMZMRK 8LI 8IVVEGI -SQIW SǯIV E RI[ XEOI SR .RHITIRHIRX 1MZMRK JSV QMPMXEV] SǲGIVW [LS LEZI honorably served and senior level federal employees. No matter how you spend your days, Falcons Landing gives you the JVIIHSQ XS IRNS] EPP SJ XLI EGXMZMXMIW XLEX HIǰRI [LS ]SY EVI

ACT FAST, CALL (703) 293-5054 TO SCHEDULE A TOUR TODAY! www.FalconsLanding.org Falcons Landing is proud to be a non-profit Life Plan Community.

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

Subscribe online! See how on p. 34

Health Fitness &

CHECK YOUR LUNGS If you were/are a smoker, consider a lung scan; early detection saves lives TIPS FOR WEIGHT LOSS Trying to lose? Here are three things you should never do after 5 p.m. OH, IT’S NOTHING… Don’t ignore a ministroke; it’s a sign of worse possibly to come NUTTY NUTMEG This common kitchen spice has surprising psychotropic effects

Simple food tips promote healthy aging By EatingWell.com Eating right can help you age gracefully and healthfully — and sometimes all it takes to make smarter diet choices are just tiny tweaks. Consider these healthy-aging helpers:

“Low-fat” isn’t always best As you age, your metabolism slows, and so your calorie needs decrease. Since fat packs almost twice as many calories as carbs or protein, gram for gram, aiming to eat a lower-fat diet can be a smart move. But keep in mind that many “low-fat” or “fat-free” products — even healthy ones like yogurt — often contain added sugars,

which bump up the calorie content. Read labels.

salad and dress it up with some hearthealthy vinaigrette.

Have a tuna sandwich

An apple a day…

Dietary guidelines suggest eating fish — particularly omega-3-rich types like tuna and salmon — twice a week for heart health. What’s more, some research shows that people who consume more omega-3 fatty acids from fish have a reduced risk of advanced age-related macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in people over 50. Canned light tuna is an easy option. Mix it with low-fat mayo or a little Greek yogurt and enjoy with whole-grain bread or crackers, or simply plop it on top of a green

Unfortunately, constipation often becomes more common as you age — but filling up on fiber and fluids can help improve digestion. Water and fiber are two main components of fresh fruits (which provide disease-fighting phytonutrients too). Whenever possible, add a side of fruit, and a cup of water, to your meal. To get the best variety of nutrients, go for a colorful mix: berries, oranges, grapes, pears, watermelon — whatever you like best!

Boost your calcium The risk for osteoporosis — a condition characterized by brittle bones — increases with age, but getting enough calcium (1,200 mg. per day is the recommended amount for people over 50) can help reduce your risk. Get close to this goal before lunchtime by including a cup of calcium-fortified orange juice at breakfast and having a cup of low-fat yogurt for a mid-morning snack.

Don’t overdo supplements There’s a legitimate reason for age-specific vitamin-mineral formulas: our nutrient See EAT RIGHT, page 7

RESORT-STYLE ࢅOOHG with IULHQGVKLS SENIOR LIVING Located near beautiful Belmont Bay Harbor right next to the Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Acclaim at Belmont Bay is a rental community that offers a vibrant independent lifestyle.

There’s something for everyone to enjoy at Acclaim at Belmont Bay.

CALL C CA ALL LL U US S TODAY TO OD DA AY TO TO RSVP RS R SV VP P FOR FO OR UPCOMING UPCO UP COM MIING NG EVENTS! EVENT VE V ENT NTS S!!

571-336-0164 5 57 711 33 36 6--01 0164 64 Independent Lifestyle 13875 Clear Lake Circle | Woo odbridge, VA 22191

WWW.SEN NIORLIFESTYLE E.COM

Join Us For Inspiring Events

• Tuesday, March 22 2 p.m. Downsizing Is Rightsizing

• Tuesday, April 19 2 p.m. Friendship Extravaganza

Call us today to RSVP for upcoming events! 571-336-0164

Auditorium, Kevin Ban, MD, chief medical officer for Walgreens, discusses the challenges of leading a major healthcare player through the pandemic. This event

Rent and service subsidies available for eligible residents

• Independent Living • Enhanced Care Options • 24-hour Onsite Staff • Daily Meals with Choices • Engaging Activities and Trips

14508 Homecrest House Rd. • Silver Spring, MD 20906

Address_______________________________________________________________ City______________________________________State______Zip________________ Phone (day)__________________________(evening)_________________________

Please mail this form to: The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915-2227 or fax to (301) 949-8966

✃

I N F O R M A T I O N F R E E ★ I N F O R M A T I O N I N F O R M A T I O N

E-mail_________________________________________________________________

★

Or email marketing@homecresthouse.org Visit HomecrestHouse.org

Name_________________________________________________ ____________

WB2/22

For more info, call (301) 244-3579

❏ Hearing Aid Study (See article on page 16) ❏ Hearing Loss Study (See ad on page 16) ❏ Hearing Study (See ad on page 17)

I N F O R M A T I O N

Since 1979, Homecrest House has offered:

Health Studies

F R E E

too

★

Living Options with $ubsidies,

F R E E

Affordable Senior

❏ Acclaim at Belmont Bay (See ad on page 4) ❏ Ashby Ponds (See ads on pages 1 and 8) ❏ Chesterbrook Residences (See ad on page 16) ❏ Falcons Landing (See ad on page 3) ❏ Greenspring (See ads on pages 1 and 8) ❏ Harmony at Chantilly (See ad on page 7) ❏ Harmony at Spring Hill (See ad on page 7) ❏ Lockwood House (See ad on page 17) ❏ Sommerset (See ad on page 15)

★

more information and to register, contact Marilyn Goldberg at goldberg@umbc.com.

Virginia

I N F O R M A T I O N

ing grief and loss on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. For

I N F O R M A T I O N

Capitol Hill Village hosts virtual healing circles for those experienc-

F R E E

HEALING CIRCLES

❏ Brooke Grove (See ad on page 11) ❏ Cadence Living Olney (See ad on page 12) ❏ Churchill Senior Living (See ad on page 16) ❏ Covenant House (See ad on page 17) ❏ Culpepper Garden (See ad on page 6) ❏ Emerson House (See ad on page 17) ❏ Homecrest House (See ad on page 5) ❏ Homewood at Frederick (See ad on page 12) ❏ Maplewood Park Place (See ad on page 9) ❏ Park View Bladensburg (See ad on page 26) ❏ Park View Columbia (See ad on page 26) ❏ Park View Emerson (See ad on page 26) ❏ Park View Laurel (See ad on page 26) ❏ Riderwood (See ads on pages 1 and 8) ❏ Springvale Terrace (See ads on pages 10 and 18)

FREE INFORMATION ★ FREE INFORMATION ★ FREE INFORMATION ★

Feb. 16+

Maryland

F R E E

visit bit.ly/GUPandemic.

❏ Chevy Chase House (See ad on page 19) ❏ F1RST Residences (See ad on page 9) ❏ Friendship Terrace (See ad on page 17) ❏ Vida Senior Residences (See ad on page 17)

★

takes place Fri., Feb. 11 from 3 to 4 p.m. For more information and to register,

F R E E

In this free lecture at Georgetown University’s Proctor Harvey

★

PANDEMIC HEALTHCARE CHALLENGES

District of Columbia

I N F O R M A T I O N

Feb. 11

Housing Communities

F R E E

BEACON BITS

For free materials on housing communities and health studies, just complete and clip this coupon and mail or fax it to the Beacon.

★

to be “totally transparent” by noting the sensitivity might come down a bit, but that the tests remain important. There are many good uses for at-home tests, Volk says. Combined with vaccination, they can make you more comfortable about gathering with family and friends. If you’ve been exposed to a person who tested positive but you don’t have symptoms, a rapid test five days later can give a good indication of whether you caught the virus. It can also help if you’re not sure whether your runny nose or sore throat is COVID-19. But consider the context when looking at results. If you feel sick after going out to a nightclub in an area with high infection rates, for example, you should look at a negative result from an at-home test with a little more skepticism, Volk said. Following up with a PCR test is a good idea in that case, she added. Those tests are more accurate and are done at testing sites and hospitals. —AP

MAIL OR FAX FOR FREE INFORMATION

I N F O R M A T I O N

Do at-home COVID-19 tests detect the omicron variant? Yes, but U.S. health officials say early data suggests they may be less sensitive at picking it up. Government recommendations for using at-home tests haven’t changed. People should continue to use them when a quick result is important. “The bottom line is the tests still detect COVID-19 whether it is delta or alpha or omicron,” said Dr. Emily Volk, president of the College of American Pathologists. Government scientists have been checking to make sure the rapid tests still work as each new variant comes along. The Food and Drug Administration recently said preliminary research indicates they detect omicron, but may have reduced sensitivity. The agency noted it’s still studying how the tests perform with the variant, which was first detected in late November. Dr. Anthony Fauci, the top U.S. infectious disease expert, said the FDA wanted

★ FREE INFORMATION ★ FREE INFORMATION ★ FREE INFORMATION ★ F R E E

Do rapid COVID tests detect omicron?

Makes a great gift! | 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 2

Fitness & Health | Subscribe online! See how on p. 34

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

Many causes lead to hand and back pain By Howard LeWine, M.D. Q: My pinky finger has been numb and tingly for more than one week. I am not aware of any injur y. What could be the reason? A: The symptoms you’re describing suggest a problem with a nerve supplying

sensation to the fifth (pinky) finger. Since it is lasting this long, you should call your doctor’s office for an appointment. Some people with numbness and tingling of the fifth finger also have weakness in the hand or forearm muscles. Or there may be numbness in other fingers, the

forearm or upper arm. The combination of symptoms and findings from a physical examination can help your doctor sort out where the problem lies. For example, if only the fifth finger is numb, and your hand and finger strength is normal, the problem is probably located in the wrist. Or a tight ring on the pinky can cause numbness and tingling. But if weakness is also present, the nerve problem is more likely to be higher up, maybe in the elbow. Decreased sensation on your fourth finger might suggest an ulnar neuropathy, an irritation or compression of the ulnar nerve that travels down the arm into the hand. The most common place of origin for these problems is the elbow, where the nerve travels through a groove near the

Men, if you’re over 50, you’re overdue. Early detection of prostate cancer makes all the difference.

1 in 8 MEN

3.1

MILLION MEN

100%

OF MEN

When it comes to prostate cancer, our expert physicians at MedStar Georgetown Cancer Institute know that early detection makes all the difference in the world. All it takes is a simple blood test, which your doctor or a urologist can perform right in their ofﬁce. Stop putting off screening. Start protecting your prostate health. Talk to your doctor or schedule an appointment today.

Call 888-822-5098, or visit

MedStarHealth.org/PSAScreening.

will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in the U.S. are prostate cancer survivors over 50 should discuss their risks with a doctor

skin’s surface. People often unconsciously lean on one of their elbows for prolonged periods, which then compresses the ulnar nerve. Other causes of an ulnar neuropathy include injury to the arm, arthritis of the elbow or wrist, a ganglion cyst in the wrist, and diseases like diabetes that cause nerve damage. Ulnar neuropathy can also lead to a weaker than expected hand grip. Although very unlikely with pinky numbness only, the problem could be related to a pinched nerve higher up in the neck or armpit area. Treatment depends on how much the symptoms bother you and whether there is any decreased strength that you hadn’t recognized. If nerve compression is the cause, it’s important to avoid pressure on the nerve. Avoid wearing a tight ring on that finger. Don’t lean on your elbows or wrists. Wear protective padding over the elbow or a brace for the wrist. Anti-inflammatory drugs can improve nerve irritation related to active arthritis. Tight control of blood sugar may reduce the risk of nerve damage from diabetes. Surgery may be offered for some cases of neuropathy related to trauma, arthritis, ganglion cysts or disc disease. Q: I have been getting massages for back pain. My therapist says I have over-stretched ligaments in my lower back that run from my lower lumbar spine onto my gluteus maximus. Should I be considering other treatment options, such as surger y? A: Massage can definitely make people with back problems feel better. But if the symptoms persist, it’s important to be sure the diagnosis is correct. I’m guessing from your massage therapist’s diagnosis that you have low back pain that radiates into the buttock. In this situation, a physician might diagnose sciatica or muscle spasm rather than overstretched ligaments. However, the diagnosis depends on the details of your symptoms, the results of your physical examination and, in certain cases, the results of imaging tests. Keep in mind there are many causes of low back pain. Some of the most common include: • Muscle spasm or other muscle injury • Sciatica, a condition in which the sciatic nerve is compressed as it travels from the spinal cord to the leg • Osteoarthritis (also called degenerative joint disease) • Spinal stenosis, a degenerative or congenital disorder in which the spinal cord is compressed by the surrounding bones, discs and ligaments. Rarer and more serious causes of back pain include fracture (more common among people with osteoporosis), infection and cancer. Your doctor can usually rule out these serious causes of back pain. See PAIN, page 7

Makes a great gift! | 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 2

Eat right

ceed your recommended 8 mg.

From page 4

Keep a food journal

needs change with age. For instance, after menopause, women need only 8 mg. of iron each day (same as what men need) — that’s less than half of the recommended intake of the mineral for women of childbearing age. Too much iron (a concern if you’re taking the wrong supplement) can be harmful, particularly for people who have hemochromatosis, a genetic condition that causes a buildup of iron in the body’s organs. If you’re taking a multivitamin that includes iron, check to see that it doesn’t ex-

If middle-aged spread seems to be creeping on, try writing down what you eat in a food journal. Studies show that people tend to consistently underestimate what they eat. Keeping track can give you a more accurate idea of how many calories you’re consuming, and also help you see where you might cut back. EatingWell is a magazine and website devoted to healthy eating as a way of life. Online at eatingwell.com. ©2021 Meredith Corporation. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Pain

Boston and assistant professor at Harvard Medical School. For additional consumer health information, please visit www.health.harvard.edu. © Harvard University. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

From page 6 However, even after a full evaluation, the cause of low back pain is often uncertain. While the uncertainty can be frustrating, the good news is that most new back pain resolves within a few weeks, regardless of treatment. Most back problems (including ligament injuries) do not require surgery. Finding a fitness routine with a good balance of rest and exercise — and avoiding activities that may have triggered your symptoms — can often help the body heal such injuries on its own. Surgery is generally reserved for people who have conditions that can be improved with surgery, such as disc herniation or spinal stenosis, and whose symptoms have not responded to more conservative treatment. If you haven’t done so already, I would recommend that you see your doctor for a detailed review of your symptoms and a physical examination. If your doctor suspects an unusual or serious cause of back pain, or believes your condition may require surgery, your doctor will likely order additional testing, such as X-rays or an MRI. Howard LeWine, M.D., is an internist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in

BEACON BITS

Ongoing

HELP FOR HEALTHCARE COSTS The National Council on Aging provides a way to search for bene-

fit programs that might help you pay for medications and other healthcare costs. Visit benefitscheckup.org to search your Zip code and determine eligibility.

When our family cares for your family, it’s Harmony.

Moving mom into senior living seemed like a difﬁcult decision until we toured HARMONY!

BEACON BITS

Feb. 18

SMART THERMOSTATS

Would you like to lower your heating and cooling bills? In this virtual event hosted by Senior Planet, learn about programmable “smart” thermostats and find out how to save

“

Moving my mom into senior living seemed like a difﬁcult decision until we toured Harmony! The facility is amazing and every person working that day was warm and welcoming. The apartment we chose is easily accessible for her needs and she is in capable hands 24 hrs a day. What a huge relief for us! Jackie H. Daughter of Current Resident

”

money through the Empower Maryland program. This event takes place Fri., Feb. 18 from noon to 1 p.m. and can be accessed by calling

Call Today to Schedule a Tour!

(312) 626-6799 or visiting the link bit.ly/SPThermostats and using meeting ID 170 203 513. Find more information at bit.ly/SeniorPlanetThermostats.

INDEPENDENT LIVING | ASSISTED LIVING | MEMORY CARE

HarmonyatSpringHill.com

HarmonyatChantilly.com

571.348.0575

571.441.2875

Fitness & Health | Subscribe online! See how on p. 34

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

How could I have COPD and not know it? By Jim Miller Dear Savvy Senior, I have struggled with shortness of breath for several years now. I just thought I was getting old and fat, but a friend recently told me about COPD. Could I have COPD and not know it? —Huffing and Puffing Dear Huffing, Yes. COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is a progressive lung disease that affects an estimated 30 million

Americans. But about half of them don’t know they have it. COPD — a term used to describe a variety of lung diseases, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis — develops slowly, so symptoms may not be obvious until damage has occurred. Symptoms can include an ongoing cough or a cough that produces a lot of mucus, lack of energy and/or shortness of breath especially during physical activity, wheezing and chest tightness, blue lips or fingernails,

We SELL, RENT, REPAIR & Sanitize Too! All lift chairs, wheelchairs, scooters, rollators, hospital beds, stair lifts and more

100 OFF

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

♥

$300 min min purchase purchase $300 Exp. 3/31/22 Exp. 3/31/22

♥ 571-701-1357 ♥ 5586 General Washington Dr. ♥

5586 General Washington Dr. Alexandria, VA VA Alexandria, M-F 9-5 M-F 9-5

www.MobilityHelpLine.com

home, remove dust-collecting clutter and keep carpets clean; run the exhaust fan when using cleaning products, bug sprays or paint; ban smoking indoors; and keep windows closed when outdoor air pollution is high (see AirNow.gov for daily reports).

Get vaccinated The coronavirus and flu can cause serious problems for people who have COPD, so if you haven’t already done so, get vaccinated for COVID-19 and get a flu shot every fall to help avoid getting sick. Also ask your doctor about getting the pneumococcal immunizations for protection against pneumonia.

Quit smoking If you smoke, the best thing you can do to prevent more damage to your lungs is to quit. To get help, the National Cancer Institute offers a number of smoking cessation resources at SmokeFree.gov or call 1800-QUIT-NOW. Or ask your doctor about prescription antismoking drugs that can help reduce your nicotine craving.

Avoid air pollutants Stay away from things that could irritate your lungs, such as dust, allergens and strong fumes. Also, to help improve your air quality at

Take prescribed medications Bronchodilators (taken with an inhaler) are commonly used for COPD. They help relax the airway muscles to make breathing easier. Depending on how severe your condition is, you may need a short-acting version only for when symptoms occur, or a long-acting prescription for daily use. Inhaled steroids may also help reduce inflammation and mucus and prevent flare-ups. For more information, visit the COPD Foundation at COPDfoundation.org or call the COPD information line at 1-866-3162673.

Vibrant Senior Living in All Seasons

At Ashby Ponds, Greenspring, and Riderwood, weather won’t disrupt your day! Enjoy independent living, plus amenities to help you stay active and secure.

Get your FREE brochure! Call 1-877-575-0231 or visit DMVSeniorLiving.com. 202590_SB

♥ ♥

Many Selected Selected Many items with with this this ad ad items

or swelling in your feet, ankles or legs. Those most at risk are smokers or former smokers over age 40, and people who have had long-term exposure to other lung irritants like secondhand smoke, air pollution, chemical fumes and dust. If you’re experiencing any of the aforementioned symptoms, you need to get tested by your doctor. A simple breathing test called spirometry can tell if you have COPD, and if so, how severe it is. Early screening can also identify COPD before major loss of lung function occurs. While there's no cure, there are things you can do to limit further damage, including:

Makes a great gift! | 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 2

Ex-smoker? Scan can protect your lungs By Family Features Not too long ago, people used to smoke everywhere — in restaurants, on airplanes, in their (or your) car. There was no escaping it, but most people never gave it a second thought. Today, things are done differently. However, those memories can be an important reminder to those who smoked back then to take a step for better health and get a lung screening.

Early detection is critical Lung cancer has the highest mortality rate among cancers, killing men and women more than any other type. If found in its earliest stage, however, lung cancer is more likely to be successfully treated, according to the American Cancer Society. In fact, detecting lung cancer in its early stages can make the survival rate as high as 90%. “Unfortunately, lung cancer symptoms typically don’t show up until the disease has advanced. And when they do appear, they can be similar to common respiratory illnesses, with cough, shortness of breath or pain in the chest, back or shoulders,” said Dr. Ella Kazerooni, professor of radiology and internal medicine at the University of Michigan and chair of the American Cancer Society National Lung Cancer Roundtable. “Screening detects lung cancer when there are no symptoms. That’s why it’s important for people at high risk of lung cancer to get annual lung scans to help increase the likelihood of catching cancer early when it’s most treatable. “A lung cancer screening is a painless evaluation that usually takes minutes to complete.” However, according to a study published in the “Journal of the National Cancer Institute,” the national average of at-risk individuals getting screened is only 5%. In 2021, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) — a panel of national experts in disease prevention and evidencebased medicine — updated guidelines for who is eligible and recommended annual lung screening. Yet, the Epic Health Research Network reported 87% of at-risk individuals eligible for screening based on the USPSTF guidelines didn’t receive an annual screening despite it being covered by insurance.

efits to such scans. Discuss with your doctor.]

Who’s eligible for screening? A family history of lung cancer, a personal history of lung disease, lifestyle or environmental factors can put a person at elevated risk. More smokers and ex-smokers now qualify for yearly LDCT scans, according to the updated guidelines published by the USPSTF. The guidelines lowered the eligibility threshold based on a person’s age and smoking habits. An annual LDCT screening is recommended for people who meet these criteria: • are 50 to 80 years old • Actively smoke or have a history of smoking within the last 15 years • Heavily smoke or used to heavily smoke (people who have smoked for 20 “pack years” or more)

Pack years are determined by the number of cigarette packs smoked per day multiplied by the number of years a person has smoked. For example, smoking one package per day for 20 years equals 20 pack years. If you’re concerned about your risk or have a history of smoking, talk to your

healthcare provider to discuss the benefits and risks of screening and find out if a scan is right for you. Learn more about how you can take control of your lung health and support loved ones who may be at high risk for lung cancer by visiting screenyourlungs.org.

NOW L E AS I NG f 1rstdc.com 844.765.0164 Pursuant to the District of Columbia Inclusionary Zoning program, income restricted units are available at this development. Please contact the Department of Housing and Community Development at www.dhcd.dc.gov regarding the availability of such units and requirements for registration in the Inclusionary Zoning program.

Your new home is ready: Maplewood Park Place See why we are the area’s premier resident-owned continuing care retirement community. Celebrating 25 years of active retirement living.

What is a lung cancer screening? A lung cancer screening is a preventive health check, like a mammogram or colonoscopy. It checks the lungs and looks for any changes from year to year. If there’s something unusual in the lungs, a screening can help detect it at an early stage. A low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scan is the only method recommended for lung cancer screening in highrisk patients. A LDCT machine takes a 3D picture of the lungs. This type of scan uses 75% less radiation than a regular CT scan and doesn’t require the use of needles. [Eds. note: There are risks as well as ben-

To learn more about Maplewood Park Place DQG WKH XQLTXH EHQHȴ WV RI UHVLGHQW RZQHUVKLS

call 301-228-0649 or visit ZZZ PDSOHZRRGSDUNSODFHLQIR FRP 9707 Old Georgetown Road %HWKHVGD 0'

Fitness & Health | Subscribe online! See how on p. 34

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

To lose weight, never do this after 5 p.m. By Lainey Younkin, M.S., RD, LDN Don’t worry, we aren’t going to tell you to stop eating after 5 p.m. However, you might be doing some things from early

evening until you hit the hay that are preventing you from seeing the scale move. While a small, sustainable calorie deficit is needed for weight loss, emerging research

on circadian rhythms, timing of meals and intermittent fasting shows that when you eat may be just as important as what you eat. Here are three things you should never do after 5 p.m. if you’re trying to lose weight, according to dietitians: 1. Don’t binge before bed. Do you have insatiable hunger in the evenings that leads to eating everything in sight? First of all, you aren’t alone. Second, nixing this habit is easier than you think. Going on diets has conditioned you to “eat less.” Therefore, you probably are not eating enough during the day, which backfires at night, leading you to overeat. To prevent bingeing in the evenings, “Make sure you are making the time to eat enough to meet your needs throughout the day,” said Nicole Stefanow, M.S., RDN. “When we let ourselves get too hungry, we are more likely to overeat before our bodies know we are full,” she said. 2. Don’t eat straight out of the bag. Eating chips or other processed food straight out of the bag leads to mindless eating, especially if you’re doing it while also scrolling on your phone or watching TV. Before you know it, you could consume a meal’s worth of calories. “Instead of mindlessly snacking, make a plan for what your evening snack will include (think produce and protein for filling

you up and keeping you satisfied) and savor it. Turn off the TV and phone and just eat,” said Julia Stevens, M.P.H., RDN, CPT. 3. Don’t skip carbs at dinner. It can be tempting to skip carbohydrates (or other food groups) at dinner, but if your dinner doesn’t fill you up, you’ll find yourself rummaging through the cabinets a couple of hours later. “When you don’t have a balanced dinner, you’ll probably end up consuming a lot more calories (and not the nutritious kind!) once your hunger catches up to you,” said Melissa Mitri, M.S., RDN. “Eliminating an entire food group could foster feelings of deprivation, and this could lead you to overeat late at night,” said Mariana Dineen, M.S., RD, a dietitian and mom of three. “Carbohydrates provide fuel for our brain and central nervous system, and fats help us absorb certain nutrients, reduce glycemic impact and also contribute to satiety and fullness. Proteins are the building blocks for muscles and have the ability to increase metabolism and keep us feeling full and satiated for longer,” she said. Make sure your dinner is satisfying too, advised registered dietitian Judy Barbe, M.S., RD. You’ll be less likely to snack later mindlessly,” she said. More online at eatingwell.com.

Home Sweet Safe Home When you need help, rather than going to rehab or assisted living, it’s comforting to know there’s a way to bring qualified help safely to your home.

Best Senior Care offers: • Companionship • Compassionate Experienced Caregivers • Personal Hygiene • Grocery Shopping/ • And so much more Errands We carefully adhere to all State and Federal COVID-19 regulations.

Call Us Today!

301-717-2212

www.bestseniorcare.us

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 2

Makes a great gift! | Fitness & Health

HEALTHY LIVING CLASSES & LIVING WELL WEBINARS

Living Well Webinar VIA ZOOM: “Healthy Neck and SHoulder habits”

Healthy Living Class VIA ZOOM: “Everyday Balance”

tuesday, february 22 10:30 – 11:45 A.m.

mondays and wednesdays February 28 – April 6 11 – 11:30 A.m.

Identify the causes of your pain, learn how to make corrections, and discover specific stretches and exercises you can do at home.

During this class, simple yet effective techniques are used to improve balance and agility and reduce your risk of falls. No props are used, so exercises may easily be performed at home.

Free

Six-week Session Fee: $30

Healthy Living Class Via Zoom: “Mindful Meditation”

Living Well Webinar VIA ZOOM: “Clarity of mind—Essentials for brain longevity”

Wednesdays March 2 – April 6 11:45 A.M. – 12:15 p.m.

Wednesday, March 23 10:30 – 11:45 A.m.

Experience guided, mindful meditation in your own home. Sessions promote greater focus, reduce anxiety, increase compassion and improve well-being.

Discover the Four Pillars of Alzheimer’s Prevention®, explore the latest research, and practice breath and meditation techniques that help your brain stay healthy. This is the first webinar in a series of three.

Six-week Session Fee: $20

Free

Fitness & Health | Subscribe online! See how on p. 34

Schools From page 1 Rosenwald. As she walked out of Washington’s Avalon Theater, she had a lightbulb moment and told her husband, “We need a national park to honor him.” Inspired, Canter established the Rosenwald Schools National Historical Park campaign, recruited board members, met with national park and historic preservation officials, recruited 107 supporting nonprofits, commissioned three studies and is president of the campaign — all as a volunteer. Her group wants the National Park Serv-

ice to create a multi-site national park honoring Rosenwald’s legacy, with a visitors’ center in Chicago, the philanthropist’s hometown. Canter dreams of being first in line at the ribbon cutting for the new Rosenwald Park, the country’s first of more than 400 parks in the U.S. to honor a Jewish American. Like Rosenwald’s parents, Canter’s Eastern European and Russian grandparents came to the U.S. to escape persecution. “They stressed the importance of education and social justice,” Canter said of her grandparents. “Like so many immigrants, they contributed to our nation. I will be very proud to see a story that reflects some of

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

their history shared in a new national park.”

Rosenwald schools throughout the country.

A biography of Rosenwald

Many schools in this area

Campaign Board member and D.C. resident Stephanie Deutsch learned from a newspaper wedding announcement that her husband’s great-grandfather was Julius Rosenwald. A stay-at-home mom for years, Deutsch became so intrigued with the story that she wrote a book, You Need a Schoolhouse: Booker T. Washington, Julius Rosenwald, and the Building of Schools for the Segregated South. She probed archives and visited two dozen Rosenwald Schools. Learning the story “opened my eyes to the African American experience,” Deutsch said. “In the face of prejudice and exclusion, they built up very strong institutions.” Deutsch describes her book and volunteer work to preserve the history of Rosenwald schools as her “second act.” Today, she’s on the campaign’s board and is writing a second book about the fellowships Rosenwald created in 1928 for talented African Americans. Nearly 900 artists and scholars received Rosenwald Fund grants, among them Langston Hughes, Marian Anderson, Ralph Ellison and Jacob Lawrence. Twelve worked with Thurgood Marshall on the landmark Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court case that found segregated schools to be unconstitutional. Thousands of students — including John Lewis and Maya Angelou — flourished in

Rosenwald’s donations, matched with local contributions, led to the construction of 382 Rosenwald buildings in Virginia between 1917 and 1932, and 150 schools in Maryland, including 27 in Prince George’s County and 17 in Montgomery County. In 1927, Marylander La Verne Gray’s family donated two acres of their farm in Capitol Heights for a Rosenwald school. Gray’s mother, Mildred Ridgeley-Gray, attended the Ridgeley School starting in 1927 and later taught there. Gray also attended Ridgeley from 1949 to 1954, when the school closed following the Supreme Court’s decision. The Ridgeley School, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, still stands today, fully restored in 2011. “It’s part of a great story of how a community of former slaves could educate their children — and when the opportunity came along, they grabbed it,” Gray said. “It’s a story of the camaraderie between Rosenwald and Black people to enhance the lives of us all. It’s a great American story.”

Endangered schools From the 1920s to the 1940s, about onethird of Black children in the South attended Rosenwald Schools. After the Supreme Court’s ruling to end school segregation in See SCHOOLS, page 13

Join us on February 16!

Make Every Night Date Night

Wednesday, Feb. 16 from 1 to 3 p.m. Learn about The Lodge expansion and the amenities provided. Discover the active lifestyle offered at Homewood. Tours available for all models. Enjoy refreshments and meet current Homewood residents. ALSO, the first 20 people to put down a deposit on a new apartment will receive $6,000 in incentives!

A MODERN AGING COMMUNITY (301) 841-9325 • CadenceAtOlney.com 17001 Georgia Ave, Olney, MD 20832 Cadence Living® operates by state and local health guidelines.

TASTE THE GOOD LIFE.

Learn more about our ENCORE DINING program.

Call (301) 732-6153 to RSVP by February 14 or email KLGonzales@hmwd.org Location: Event Center at The Lodge 500 Pearson Circle • Frederick, MD

www.homewoodfrederick.com 7407 Willow Road, Frederick, Maryland Luxurious Amenities • Continuing Care

Makes a great gift! | 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 2

Schools From page 12 1954, public school systems gradually desegregated. As a result, many of the Rosenwald school buildings were abandoned or demolished. In 2002, the National Trust for Historic Preservation put Rosenwald Schools on its “11 Most Endangered Historic Places” list, noting that only 10 to 12 percent of the buildings still stand. Many people are working to save those existing buildings. For instance, the 100year-old Scrabble School in Rappahannock County, Virginia, was restored after being neglected for four decades, thanks to some of its alumni.

“I am very excited to have this nice little gem of a place,” said Nan Butler Roberts, president of the nonprofit Scrabble School Preservation Foundation. Roberts attended the Scrabble School for first through fourth grade, 1962 to 1966, and recalls that her teacher had to commute 75 miles one way weekly from Lynchburg. She helped restore the building as a senior center in 2009. “I’m a doer when I get involved in something I’m passionate about,” she explained.

The national park campaign Canter’s group hopes to include many of the remaining Rosenwald school buildings in the national park system. So far, the campaign to establish the

PERIPHERAL

NEUROPATHY Peripheral Neuropathy is a result of damage to the nerves due to blood vessels becoming diseased and degenerative, stopping nutrients from reaching them. This can cause weakness, pain, numbness, tingling and debilitating balance problems.

Julius Rosenwald & Rosenwald Schools National Historical Park has raised funds and prepared several studies on Rosenwald’s legacy and the schools. The studies concluded that Rosenwald and the Rosenwald Schools are of national historic significance and that the park would be an important enhancement to the national park system. One study identified Chicago sites for the future visitors’ center. Working with state historic preservation officials, the group recommended 56 former school facilities for possible inclusion in the national park system. They lobbied Congress to pass a bill, which became law last year, requiring the National Park Service to conduct a special resources study, the normal prelude to

At Montage Health and Wellness, we take a different approach that uses no prescription drugs. During your free consultation, we will determine the underlying cause, severity, and create a personalized treatment plan for you.

creating a national park. The Park Service will determine if there are nationally significant natural or cultural resources, and whether they are a suitable and feasible addition to the park system. Campaign members volunteer untold hours and energy to move the project forward, inspired by Rosenwald and Washington. “The important lesson is in how people can partner and get something done,” said Fairfax County resident Jordan Tannenbaum, a campaign board member. The schools represent the story of “Jewish and Black communities working together toward a common goal to achieve betterment of the country.” To find out more about the campaign to establish a national park, visit rosenwaldpark.org.

PAIN? | BURNING? | NUMBNESS? TINGLING? | PINS AND NEEDLES? WE CAN HELP WITH THESE SYMPTOMS!

CALL NOW FOR A FREE CONSULT!

(571) 946-6788

To treat Peripheral Neuropathy, most doctors will prescribe drugs such as Gabapentin, Lyrica, Cymbala or Neurontin. These may temporarily reduce your symptoms, but they can also make you feel uncomfortable and have harmful side effects.

LOCATED IN BURKE CENTRE SHOPPING CENTER

5631 Burke Centre Pkwy Suite C, Burke, VA 22015

montagehealthandwellness.com

Fitness & Health | Subscribe online! See how on p. 34

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

Resources

Exploring Montgomery County’s Many Programs and Services How

do I sign up for Montgomery County’s recreation and lifelong learning classes? Where can my family find help if we need access to food, transportation or housing? I’m caring for a family member at home. Are there resources to help me? Where do I go for a COVID test or vaccination? Where’s the nearest park where I can take a walk with my grandchild? I suspect a family member has been defrauded. What should I do? I want to volunteer. Where should I look? Looking for information about local activities you can enjoy? Or do you want to help a family member stay safely at home? Montgomery County and its many community organizations offer a wealth of programs and services for older residents — both those who are active and healthy and those needing more support. There are programs to help with consumer issues, employment, health and wellness

and recreation, safety, housing, caregiving, tax support, transportation, tech support, volunteering, COVID testing and vaccination, and much more. You can find just the right information you seek in many different ways. If you use a smart phone, computer, or other digital device, you can visit many useful websites with information about programs, classes, community events and support services. If you prefer, you can simply call the County’s Information Resource telephone line, whose staff will answer your questions. And should you need it, they can help arrange for information in a language other than English, or you can use the translation link on the County’s website. Consider signing up for a regular e-newsletter, and check out the monthly cable TV program, 50+ in Montgomery County, a program for and about our residents age 50 and older. Regardless of what information you want to find, Montgomery County staff and information resources are here for you.

Montgomery County Information Resource Telephone Line: for information or to report abuse, call: (240) 777-3000; https://bit.ly/ MoCoResourceLine Montgomery County Website for 50+ Residents: Information about consumer issues, employment, health and wellness, recreation, safety, housing, caregiving, tax support, transportation, volunteering, and much more. https://www. montgomerycountymd.gov/ccm/ seniorstoday.html Montgomery County Calendar of Events: https://www.montgomerycountymd. gov/mcg/calendar.html Montgomery County Public Libraries: Check your local library not only for print, audio, large-type and e-books, but also for book clubs, computer help, tax preparation, music performances, and health and wellness programs. Many libraries have sections specifically for those 50+. https://www. montgomerycountymd.gov/library/ 50+ In Montgomery County: This monthly cable television show is for and about the County’s residents age 50 and older. See recent and past episodes here: https://www.youtube.com/c/ SeniorsToday Senior News: an emailed newsletter for older residents and caregivers that will update you about events and meetings of interest in your community, new or modified programs, benefits and services, changes in policies and/or laws, and other relevant information: https://bit.ly/ MoCoSeniorNews Senior Planet Montgomery: Senior Planet from AARP offers technology education to change the way we age. A wide variety of courses, programs and activities help seniors learn new skills, save money, get in shape, and make new friends. Call: (240) 753-0676 or visit: https:// seniorplanet.org/locations/montgomery

www.montgomerycountymd.gov/senior

Makes a great gift! | 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 2

Ways to make healthy eating affordable By Betty Gold Want to eat healthy and save money? Start by cooking more at home, because it hits two birds with one stone. Home cooked meals are both more nutritious and more affordable than getting takeout or eating in restaurants. According to Julie Ramhold, a consumer analyst from DealNews, there are several simple steps you can take to eat (and buy) healthier ingredients when you’re on a budget, too. Here are her top recommendations:

stock up on canned goods, dry goods and frozen produce — and having a solid stock of shelf-stable items at home means you’ll always have healthy options on hand. “If you need to buy healthy grains in bulk, stores like Whole Foods and Earth Fare are great options,” Ramhold said. “Though other items there might be pricey, their bulk bins tend to be comparably priced.” Also, Amazon is a smart place to order items in bulk online.

Plan your meals in advance Stock up on cheaper protein In addition to adding some variety into your diet, cheaper protein sources offer you a chance to be creative with your meals. Yes, boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a healthy option, but if you opt for a whole chicken instead, it’s both cheaper and gives you more cuts to work with. And if you want more than meat, dried beans and lentils are excellent sources of protein and an easy way to bulk up soups and other dishes without spending more. While you’re at it, make eggs part of your regular grocery list. They make a great addition to salads, healthy snacks and easy dinners.

Buy healthy staples in bulk Warehouse clubs are a great way to

Meal planning makes healthy eating (and eating in general) significantly easier. Start by formulating a menu to turn to during the week. A clear plan of action (shopping list included) makes grocery shopping and cooking at home a lot easier, so you’ll rely on fast food and takeout less.

Specialty food stores (and aisles) Ethnic markets and aisles are great places to find ingredients that other stores might not carry, but it goes far beyond that. “Spices can be ridiculously expensive for a small amount, but by buying packages and bottles at specialty food stores, you’ll get way more bang for your buck,” Ramhold said. “They’re also an excellent place to shop for pantry staples in bigger

sizes, like rice and beans, and often stock delicious produce at super-affordable prices. Real Simple magazine provides smart,

Individual Cremation Pricing

Up to 10 lbs ...................................................................$125.00 11 lbs to 50 lbs ..............................................................$175.00 51 lbs to 100 lbs ..........................................................$225.00 101 lbs to 150 lbs.........................................................$275.00 151 lbs to 200 lbs ........................................................$325.00

Burial services include recovery of pet, placement in

our basic corrugated casket* and transportation to the cemetery within 25 mile radius. Prices starting at $825.00 (ADD’L. DISTANCE WILL BE CHARGED AT $6 PER LOADED MILE ONE WAY)

FOR MORE INFORMATION

301.461.1583

Ed@sagelbloomfield.com 2 LOCATIONS 1091 ROCKVILLE PIKE • ROCKVILLE, MD 20852 519 MABE DRIVE • WOODBINE, MD 21797

Additional Services

Clay paw print ............................................................$40-$50 Ink print of paw or nose....................................................$20 Fur clipping ............................................................................$10 *Recovery from residence ............................................. $495 *Delivery of cremated remains .....................................$100 *After hours recovery/receiving ..................................$200 WE OWN AND OPERATE OUR OWN CREMATORY

Fitness & Health | Subscribe online! See how on p. 34

Health Studies

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

INFORMATION ON AREA CLINICAL TRIALS

Help researchers compare hearing aids By Margaret Foster About 28.8 million Americans could benefit from hearing aids, according to NIH’s National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. Yet fewer than

one in three have ever tried them. Some people who do try hearing aids are disappointed because they don’t provide the quality of sound they expected. Now researchers at the University of

• 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 LENARD H. HAMMER, M.D., F.A.C.S. GORDON LUI, M.D. SCOTT B. BECKER, M.D. BRIAN J. WINTER, M.D.

VANESSA LIMA, M.D. CRISTINA F. ROUILLER, O.D..

410-997-9900

Maryland’s Hearing Brain Lab are launching a study to find ways to improve people’s experience with hearing aids.

audiologist to address the problem when the patient cannot clearly explain what they don’t like about the sound.”

How hearing aids work

A one- or two-visit study

Modern hearing aids are “smart” digital devices that can automatically adjust to certain environments, or can be adjusted by the user using their smartphone. For instance, if you’re in a crowded restaurant, your hearing aids can compensate for the background noise; if you’re watching a movie, they can calibrate themselves (or be calibrated by you) for that environment. Different hearing aid manufacturers use different programs in their devices. “Each hearing aid company has a computer program, or algorithm, that handles different environments in a different way,” said Dr. Samira Anderson, director of graduate studies in the Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences at the University of Maryland College Park. “It can be difficult to predict which particular algorithm is going to work the best,” said Anderson, principal investigator of the study. “We’re trying to come up with an objective way to evaluate them.” Those evaluations can help both patients and their doctors, Anderson said. “We’ll have a patient say they don’t like something about the sound quality, but they won’t be able to articulate what they don’t like very well. It’s very hard for the

Volunteers in the hearing aid study will visit the University of Maryland at College Park once, for a four-hour visit, or twice, if they prefer, for two two-hour visits. During the first two hours, they’ll take a hearing test and be fitted with three different models of hearing aids. For the second two hours, they’ll relax in a recliner and watch a movie of their choice. Before the movie begins, researchers will apply painless electrodes to their skin, which will “evaluate how the brain responds to the sounds,” Anderson explained. “They don’t have to do anything during this second part. They sit in a recliner and select a movie to watch on a large screen,” she said. It’s a pleasant way to spend a few hours. “I’ve been a pilot tester in a lot of my studies, and I enjoyed it,” she said. Participants must be over 55 with hearing loss. The study pays $15 per hour, and passes are provided to cover parking fees. Best of all, participants will receive a free hearing test and evaluation. For more information about this study, or to enroll, call (301) 458-8834 or email mhou0700@umd.edu. Read more about the University of Maryland’s Hearing Brain Lab at hearingbrainlab.com.

Submit a letter to the editor; see p. 2.

8860 Columbia 100 Parkway, Suite 101, Columbia, MD

FALL in LOVE ZLı &KHVWĵEURRN 5HVLGHQFHV

Discover a new love for senior living. Call 703-531-0781.

A Caring Assisted Living Retirement Community

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

Makes a great gift! | 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 2

Ministrokes warn of worse stroke to come By Howard LeWine, M.D. Q: My father’s right hand suddenly became weak. He couldn’t hold his coffee cup. It lasted about 5 minutes and then the strength came back. His doctor was worried about a ministroke. What does that mean? A: A ministroke, what doctors call a transient ischemic attack or TIA, is a problem in the blood vessels of the brain that causes a temporary decrease in blood flow to a certain brain region. To appreciate a TIA, it helps to understand each of the separate terms in its name. “Transient” refers to the fact that these episodes are most often very brief, lasting less than an hour. In fact, most TIAs are over within a few minutes. The term “ischemic” specifies that the symptoms result from an obstruction in blood flow, and “attack” refers to an isolated event. The chain of events that leads to a TIA is basically the same as for a stroke. A person who has a TIA has had ischemia but has “dodged the bullet” because there were no lasting symptoms. But the same underlying causes are still present and are very likely to cause a stroke in the near future. TIA symptoms can vary widely depending on the part of the brain that is affected.

To further complicate matters, other neurological disruptions — such as migraines, minor seizures and low blood sugar — can mimic TIA symptoms. The distinguishing feature is that a TIA stems from decreased blood flow located in one particular blood vessel in the brain. Therefore, the effects are most likely to be localized to a specific brain function, such as speech or vision, or to cause isolated weakness in one limb or side of the body. I am glad to hear your father contacted his doctor. These attacks can be tough to recognize because people often blame normal aging for symptoms like taking a sudden stumble while walking, trouble getting out the right words, or feeling dizzy. Because TIAs don’t last long and don’t always have an immediate lasting effect, it’s easy for people to shrug them off. Since there are no permanent symptoms after a TIA, the goal is to prevent a stroke. Doctors immediately prescribe anti-clotting drugs. The choice of medications depends upon the underlying cause. If the suspected cause is a significantly narrowed carotid artery, the person may have a procedure to correct the problem. This procedure — carotid endarterectomy or carotid artery stenting — can help prevent future TIAs or strokes. Taking steps to reduce TIA risk factors,

including keeping blood pressure normal and lowering cholesterol levels, is also critical. Lifestyle habits (eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and not

Affordable Senior Communities Discover how great senior living is at one of our affordable apartment communities. Many of our communities feature 24-hour emergency maintenance, full activities programs, spacious floor plans, affordable rents, caring and dedicated staff, and much more. We are conveniently located near shopping, including grocery stores and pharmacies. Let us help you live life to the fullest. Call or visit our web site to view these communities: 600 North Madison Street, Arlington, VA 22203

Rent based on income

703-538-6000 Lockwood House 1330 Missouri Avenue, N.W. Washington, DC 20011

From $956 (Studio)

202-722-2838 Senior Residences

Tax credit property; income guidelines apply; housing vouchers accepted.

5999 Emerson Street Bladensburg, MD 20710

Rent based on income

301-779-6196

From $1,328 for 2 bedroom

18889 Waring Station Road Germantown, MD 20874

301-540-1162

Income guidelines apply.

5101 River Road, Suite 101 • Bethesda, MD 20816

301-941-8040 www.qpmgmt.com Professionally managed by Quantum Real Estate Management LLC

Fitness & Health | Subscribe online! See how on p. 34

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

Comforting and healthy winter recipes By Family Features Taking time to nurture your health and well-being starts with building healthier habits. As the seasons change, challenge yourself to make small yet consistent choices that help you and your family establish (or reestablish) healthy habits during mealtime. For example, bring everyone together with a better-for-you seasonal favorite like ginger pumpkin soup or this modern take on tuna noodle casserole.

Tuna Pasta Casserole Servings: 4 Ingredients: 4 ounces dried whole-wheat rotini pasta (about 1 ½ cups) nonstick cooking spray

16 ounces frozen mixed vegetables, thawed 1 pouch (11 ounces) low-sodium chunk light tuna 1 can (10 ¾ ounces) low-fat, low-sodium condensed cream of chicken soup ½ cup chopped roasted red bell peppers ½ cup fat-free half-and-half 1 teaspoon salt-free seasoning blend ¾ cup crushed low-sodium, whole-grain crackers ¼ cup shredded or grated Parmesan cheese Directions: Prepare pasta according to package directions, omitting salt. Using colander, drain well. Transfer to large bowl. Preheat oven to 350° F. Lightly spray

2-quart glass baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Stir mixed vegetables, tuna, soup, roasted peppers, half-and-half and seasoning blend into pasta until combined. Transfer to baking dish. Top with crackers and Parmesan cheese. Bake uncovered 25 to 30 minutes, or until casserole is warmed through and topping is golden brown. Nutritional information per serving: 400 calories; 7 g. total fat; 2.5 g. saturated fat; 0 g. trans fat; 2 g. polyunsaturated fat; 2 g. monounsaturated fat; 30 mg. cholesterol; 537 mg. sodium; 52 g. carbohydrates; 8 g. dietary fiber; 7 g. sugars; 32 g. protein.

Ginger Pumpkin Soup Servings: 4 Ingredients: 1½ teaspoons canola or corn oil 1 medium onion, finely minced ¾ tablespoon minced peeled gingerroot or ½ teaspoon ground ginger 2 medium garlic cloves, minced, or 1 teaspoon bottled minced garlic ½ teaspoon dried thyme, crumbled ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon ¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper Dash of salt 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour 1¾ cups fat-free, low-sodium vegetable broth 1 cup water

2 cans (15 ounces each) solid-pack pumpkin 1 cup fat-free milk ¼ cup fat-free sour cream (optional) 2 tablespoons chopped chives (optional) Directions: In large heavy pot, heat oil over medium-high heat, swirling to coat bottom. Cook onion 6 to 8 minutes, or until soft, stirring occasionally. Stir in gingerroot, garlic, thyme, cinnamon, pepper and salt. Cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Stir in flour. Pour in broth and water. Using spatula, scrape bottom of pot to dislodge any browned bits. Stir in pumpkin. Bring mixture to boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer 10 minutes. Stir in milk. Remove from heat. Ladle soup into bowls. Garnish with sour cream and chives, if desired. Nutritional information per serving: 138 calories; 2.5 g. total fat; 0 g. saturated fat; 0 g. trans fat; 0.5 g. polyunsaturated fat; 1 g. monounsaturated fat; 1 mg. cholesterol; 199 mg. sodium; 27 g. carbohydrates; 10 g. dietary fiber; 14 g. sugars; 6 g. protein. Recipes are courtesy of the American Heart Association’s Healthy for Good initiative. Visit heart.org/healthyforgood to download more heart-healthy recipes and find more tips for a healthier you in mind, body and heart.

BEACON BITS

Feb. 18

N. VIRGINA 50+ VIRTUAL JOB FAIR

If you’re over age 50 and looking for employment opportunities, don’t miss JCA’s free Virtual 50+ Employment Expo for Northern Virginia from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Fri., Feb. 18. You must register to participate at virtualexpos.accessjca.org. For more information, email SeniorExpo@AccessJCA.org or call (301) 255-4209.

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 2

Makes a great gift! | Fitness & Health

Who knew? Nutmeg can be psychoactive Over the holidays, I made some home- ticin is in your parsley, anise, cinnamon, made vanilla eggnog and used freshly grat- clove, fennel, parsley, star anise and basil! There’s just not that much in ed whole nutmeg. It really those other spices. does make a difference if you grate a whole nutmeg versus And moreover, the kids tryusing regular powdered nuting to trip off the myristicin meg spice. The flavor is inaren’t going for those other credibly richer with the forherbs; they’re looking in the mer. cabinet for the nutmeg. The recipe is posted at my website, but the point is that Benefits of the spice nutmeg is a very interesting I don’t want to scare you spice with many health beneaway from nutmeg when it is DEAR fits, and one potential drawa superfood. Nutmeg has mePHARMACIST back. dicinal properties that make it By Suzy Cohen You may not realize it, but a delicious, health-giving nutmeg naturally contains a spice. compound called myristicin that can get It is known to help with sleep, blood you a bit high. The spice has compounds pressure, inflammation, stomach probin it that impact the brain, and for sensitive lems and pain. It’s a strong anti-inflammaindividuals it may be a little too much. tory and has anti-tumorigenic properties. The worst part is that children and It even improves memory and, if used corteens are usually the ones getting into rectly in recipes, will enhance the flavor of trouble with nutmeg because the “nutmeg any dish. challenge” trend — encouraging kids to inUsing it properly is key. Recipes call for gest a few teaspoons of the spice — start- small amounts, usually one-quarter or half ed on the popular social media app Tik- of a teaspoon to the batter or soup you’re Tok. making. It’s a very tiny amount compared Before you go and trash the nutmeg in to the whole recipe. your home, I want to tell you that myrisBut kids and some adults are being

BEACON BITS

Feb. 15

DOCUMENT ANALYSIS Learn how to better understand documents by studying their

dumb and taking a whole teaspoon, and sometimes up to a tablespoon or two! This can lead to fatal consequences in rare cases. The psychoactive compounds in nutmeg spice put the sympathetic nervous system into action, and this can cause fight or flight symptoms. Taken in excess, one may experience dry mouth, blurred vision, dizziness, confusion and heart rhythm abnormalities. If there is a pre-existing heart condition, even a teaspoon or two can be fatal. The difficulty is that the trip-like effects don’t occur right away. The spice is fully ingested and absorbed into the bloodstream before the dreadful situation presents itself symptomatically.

Eventually one may experience toxic effects such as dizziness, vertigo, tachycardia, hallucinations, disorientation to time and space, depersonalization, dysphoria, nausea/vomiting and more. Nutmeg is easily a superfood, with tremendous health benefits. But when abused, it can lead to intoxication. Please read your recipes carefully and keep an eye on what your kids or grandkids are watching on social media. 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 author of The 24-Hour Pharmacist and Real Solutions from Head to Toe.

Live Stronger. Live Happier. AT C H E V Y C H A S E H O U S E STRONGER LIVING PRO GRAM > The new Stronger Living program, led by FOX Rehabilitation, features more than 20 different classes aimed at fall prevention, strenthening muscles, and improving balance and overall well-being.

background and context in this virtual workshop hosted by the Mount Vernon Genealogical Society on Tues., Feb. 15 from 1 to 3 p.m. Members will receive a Zoom link via email; non-members can attend one free workshop per year by emailing contact-us@mvgenealogy.org. For more information, visit bit.ly/MVGSEvents22.

Caring for your aging parent or loved one?

< WELLNESS GYM IS COMPLETE! Our beautiful gym is now home to our distinctive strength and wellness program, available to all residents. The gym is outfitted with state-of-the-art equipment designed to track progress and for the older adult. LIVE STRONGER made AT CHEVY CHASE HOUSE

Coming soon! Introducing the Stronger Living wellness exercise led by FOX Rehabilitation Weand invite you toprogram schedule a complimentary strength and wellness consultation with our team!

It’s not all up to you. Call us. 240-777-3000 ADS@ MontgomeryCountyMD.gov

Spacious, Full-Sized Apartments | Exceptional Dining Great Location | In-House Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Exciting Social and Life Enrichment Programming

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

8:30am – 5:00pm 8:30am – 7:30pm

A free service of your County Government

CALL FOR MORE INFORMATION (202) 905-0708 5420 Connecticut Avenue NW · Washington, DC 20015 www.chevychasehouse.com A MERIDIAN SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY

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

Subscribe online! See how on p. 34

MAYOR’S MESSAGE By Muriel Bowser, Mayor District of Columbia Dear Seniors: We have come a long way – not just in the fight against COVID-19, but in our efforts to keep DC moving forward, even during the ups and downs of the pandemic. And while we have a lot to be hopeful about in 2022, our work isn’t over. First, we still need more Washingtonians to get vaccinated and to get their booster shots. According to recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, fully vaccinated people with boosters are 10 times less likely than unvaccinated people to get infected with COVID-19; fully vaccinated people with boosters are 2.5 times less likely to get infected with COVID-19 than fully vaccinated people without boosters, and four times less likely to die from COVID-19; and fully vaccinated people with boosters are 20 times less likely than unvaccinated people to die from COVID-19. So, if you are not yet vaccinated, it is critical that you do that as soon as possible. If you are vaccinated, but not yet boosted, please go get your booster shot. I also need your help in making sure our younger generations get vaccinated. Youth five and older are eligible for the vaccine, and people 12 and older are eligible for a booster. And it’s never been easier to get the vaccine. If you call 1-855-363-0333, you can make an appointment to have DC Health come to your home! And we now have COVID Centers open across the city. These sites have vaccines, boosters, free rapid tests, and walkup PCR tests. These are in addition to the dozens of libraries, recreation centers, and senior centers that have free testing options – all of which can be found at NeedATestGetATest.com. All of the information about vaccines and testing is available on coronavirus.dc.gov or you can call the number above and someone will help you find the information you need.

And why is it so important to me that more Washingtonians get vaccinated? The obvious answer is because the vaccines save lives and because no DC resident should needlessly lose their life to COVID-19 when we have safe and effective vaccines available. Already, too many families are dealing with the grief and loss caused by this pandemic. We can prevent more tragedy. But more people vaccinated also allows our classrooms to stay open so that our young people can get the school experiences they deserve. More people vaccinated means fewer people suffering in the hospital and less strain on our health care workers. More people vaccinated means we are one step closer to getting back to a better normal and ending the isolation and loneliness that so many have experienced. Speaking of staying connected, if you are feeling isolated or alone, I encourage you to join the Department of Aging and Community Living’s Call and Talk program. DACL launched the Call and Talk program back in March 2020 and has been keeping seniors connected and engaged ever since. The program is a new way, during these unique times, to create and maintain friendships and connections with members of the community. If you are interested in joining the Call and Talk program or if you have any other questions about resources and services for older Washingtonians, including programming at our senior wellness centers or connections to meals program, please call (202) 724-5626. With gratitude,

Mayor Muriel Bowser

Director Laura Newland Testifies at Annual Performance Oversight Hearing

On Monday, January 10, Director Laura Newland testified on the Department of Aging and Community Living’s FY21 and FY22 performance. Missed the hearing? You can review Director Newland’s full testimony by visiting https://bit.ly/DACLHearing

Living Boldly is published by the Director Information Office of the D.C. Laura Newland Department of Aging and Community Living for D.C. senior Editor residents. Advertising contained in DACL External Affairs the Beacon is not endorsed by the Photographer D.C. Department of Aging and Richard Williams Community Living or by the publisher.

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

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 2

Living Boldly

Rapid Antigen Tests Are Now Available at Senior Wellness Centers Mayor Bowser and DC Health announced that District residents ages 65 and older are now able to pick up rapid antigen tests at six senior wellness centers. Seniors are able pick up two rapid tests per person, per day. On days that centers have rapid tests, free tests are available from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. For more information, please visit coronavirus.dc.gov.

Commission on Aging Commissioners featured on HelpAge USA’s “60 over 60” List! Two of our city’s Commissioners, Mr. Guleford Bobo (Ward 8) and Mr. Buddy Moore (Ward 1), were featured on HelpAge USA’s recently released “60 over 60” list. This list recognizes 60 Americans in their 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s making a significant contribution to society. Congratulations Commissioner Bobo and Commissioner Moore on this amazing honor!

Makes a great gift!

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

Subscribe online! See how on p. 34

Money Law &

WISE WOMEN Book can help single, divorced or widowed women manage money I BOND, THEREFORE I AM The benefits of investing in Series I inflation-protected savings bonds CREDIT OR DEBIT While credit cards offer more protection, debit cards help curtail spending MONEY MISHAPS Missed payments or a bad credit score may be early signs of dementia

A 2022 guide to key dates for retirees By Kiplinger Consumer News Service Deadlines are relentless, whether for tax filings, health plan open enrollments or required distributions from retirement savings. The clock is always ticking, even in retirement, and the consequences for missing a financial deadline can be painful. This guide to key dates in 2022 serves as both a reminder and a checklist of what you need to do and when. Tear it out of the Beacon and post it on your refrigerator or thumbtack it to a bulletin board, and use it to manage your finances better and on time. JAN. A new year is a clean slate, a chance to pare down your spending and beef up your savings. In 2022, you have a bigger incentive to do both because the maximum amount that can be contributed to an employer’s retirement savings plan jumps to $20,500, up from $19,500 for the past two years. People age 50 and older can sock away an additional $6,500. The contribution limits for IRAs remain unchanged at $6,000, with an additional

$1,000 allowed for someone 50 or older. Although there is no age limit for contributing to an IRA, you will need enough earned income to cover the contributed amount. Note that IRA contributions phase out for high earners (see IRS Publication 590-A). The start of the new year also marks the beginning of traditional Medicare’s general enrollment period, which lasts until March 31. During this window, individuals who missed signing up for Medicare when they turned 65 or during a special enrollment period get another chance, with coverage beginning July 1. The same window also serves as Medicare Advantage’s open enrollment period, when those already enrolled in an Advantage plan can elect a different one or switch to traditional Medicare. MARCH 31. General enrollment for traditional Medicare and open enrollment for Medicare Advantage end. APRIL 1. This deadline only matters to those who turned 72 in 2021 and didn’t

take a required minimum distribution last year. Age 72 is when you must begin taking distributions from tax-deferred retirement savings accounts, but first-timers can delay taking an initial RMD until April 1 of the year following their 72nd birthday. Thereafter, the deadline for taking RMDs is every Dec. 31. If you delay taking your first RMD, you will need to take a second distribution in the same year, which will jack up your overall taxable income and possibly tip you into a higher tax bracket. Although Roth IRAs have no required minimum distributions, Roth 401(k)s do. You can skip taking an RMD from your current employer’s plan if you continue working there and don’t own 5% or more of the company. But you must take RMDs from traditional IRAs and the 401(k)s of previous employers. To calculate your RMD, take the value of the account balance on Dec. 31, 2021, and divide it by the corresponding life expectancy factor for your age based on your

birthday in 2021. Use the tables in IRS Publication 590-B to determine your life expectancy factor. APRIL 18. A regional holiday is responsible for the extra three days you have to file your 2021 taxes this year. In 2022, the District of Columbia celebrates Emancipation Day on April 15, pushing the filing deadline to Monday April 18. On this day, your 2021 taxes are due, along with any money owed, even if you file for a six-month extension. Today is also your last chance to make your 2021 contribution to an IRA. If you file quarterly, this is also the deadline for the first estimated tax payment for 2022. JUNE 15. Your second-quarter estimated tax payment is due. JULY 1. Use this midyear point to assess your 2022 tax tab. Are your estimated tax payments on track to avoid underpayment penalties? You can dodge them if you pay at least 90% of the current year tax bill See KEY DATES, page 24

Things a will can’t or shouldn’t try to do By Liz Weston A will allows you to distribute your worldly goods, select a guardian for minor children and name an executor to carry out your wishes. But you should be aware of what a will can’t or shouldn’t do. This is particularly true if you’re drafting your own document without an attorney’s help, since you could unknowingly make a mistake that upends your whole estate plan.

What a will can’t do A will can’t avoid probate, the legal process that typically follows death. In probate, your will becomes a public record and the court supervises the distribution of your estate. In many states, probate isn’t particularly expensive or lengthy. In other states — such as California and Florida — probate can be costly and time-consuming, which is why many residents wish to avoid it. A common way to bypass probate is to create a revocable living trust and then transfer ownership of your real estate, accounts and other property into the trust.

You retain control, but upon your death, the person you name as your successor trustee can distribute your property without a court’s involvement, said Matt Palmer, associate product counsel at online legal site LegalZoom. You can avoid probate using other means. Jointly held property passes directly to the other owner, bypassing probate. Accounts with beneficiaries, such as life insurance and retirement funds, can also avoid probate. You may be able to use “transfer on death” or “payable on death” documents to designate beneficiaries for other financial accounts. Some states have transfer on death deeds for real estate or transfer on death registration for vehicles. Your will can’t override a beneficiary designation or change who inherits jointly held property, Palmer said. For example, if you forget to change the beneficiary of your life insurance from your previous spouse to your current spouse, your ex usually will get the proceeds regardless of what your will said. You also can’t leave property to pets

with a will or any other estate document, since pets are considered property, Palmer said. You can, however, use your will to designate someone to care for your pet and leave that person money to do so.

What a will shouldn’t do You may see your will as a way to finally force people to do what you want. You could leave your nephew a bequest that he receives only if he finally finishes college, or stops smoking, or meets some other condition. But putting conditions in a will is often a bad idea, said Betsy Hannibal, senior legal editor at Nolo, a self-help legal site. Some conditions — such as requiring someone to marry, divorce, or change religions — aren’t legally enforceable because they’re considered contrary to public policy, Hannibal said. “Such clauses would include conditional gifts that try to control recipients’ protected individual freedoms, like their marital status or religious beliefs, as well as gifts that would require the recipient to do something illegal,” she said.

Other conditions are simply unwieldy. Someone must oversee the bequest and decide when the conditions are met, which might be difficult or take a long time, she said. If you want to impose conditions, consider paying for an attorney to set up a trust rather than using a will. Expect to spend $2,000 or more, Hannibal said. You’ll need to appoint a trustee, who may need to be paid from the trust for their services. Also, when the money is in the trust, it can be subject to high trust tax rates. Only you can decide if putting strings on an inheritance is worth the extra cost. Another time to use a trust is when you want to leave money to someone with special needs who is receiving government benefits. Even a relatively small bequest could disqualify them from essential benefits such as Supplemental Security Income and health insurance coverage through Medicaid. Special needs trusts must be carefully See WILLS, page 24

Makes a great gift! | Law & Money

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

Guidebook for divorced women, widows For decades, I have taught personal fi- would be entitled to survivor benefits even nance courses at several colleges, includ- if you remarry after the age of 60. ing for almost 20 years at the Even if your ex has re-marNew School for Social Reried, you are entitled to these search in New York. Most of benefits, and these benefits the students were women; will not affect him or his new many were single, and many spouse. were divorced or widowed. I have found that many I learned as much from women do not understand them as they learned from these regulations, and as a reme. I gained a better undersult have lost many thousands standing of why women, espeof dollars in benefits. This is cially single women, continue THE SAVINGS but one example of the inforto have many disadvantages GAME mation contained in the book in the U.S., and why it is im- By Elliot Raphaelson that will help you. portant for them to recognize these disadvantages and take steps to More general financial issues overcome them. The book covers important issues such I recently read Single Women and as handling debt, investing wisely, safeMoney: How to Live Well on Your Income by guarding assets, managing tax issues, journalist Margaret Price and financial preparing for retirement, maximizing Soplanner Jill Gianola. I found the book well- cial Security benefits, making money last, written and comprehensive. It will help sin- and engaging in estate and elder planning. gle women understand and overcome the The book contains many references to disadvantages they face. resources specifically for women. For example, Savvy Ladies (savvyladies.org) has a great deal of free information for women Issues if divorced It is important for women who haven’t and sponsors webinars. It offers a helpline, budgeting advice, an established a career and are unhappy in their marriages to understand the regula- online debt course and many worthwhile tions pertaining to divorce. If your mar- articles. (Many of my articles have been riage lasts at least 10 years, you will be made available through Savvy Ladies.) able to get important spousal and/or surIt also offers a one-time free conversation vivor benefits. with a volunteer financial expert. Their webiIf your ex has reached retirement age, nars cover a wide range of topics including you will be entitled to significant spousal student loans, family finances, child issues benefits as long as you are single, your di- and divorce. Based on your income, you may vorce was two or more years ago, and you be provided sources for free tax preparation. have reached retirement age. You also Other informative websites referenced in-

Please patronize our advertisers.

The Career Gateway! features small classes, 30 hours of intensive training over two weeks, a long-term mentor, and valuable take-home materials WHEN: 2022 Sessions: #4:* February 28 & March 2, 4, 7, 9 (virtual)

ONLY $75

#5: April 25, 27, 29 & May 2, 4 #6: June 7, 8, 10, 13, 15

PLUS: Optional employment-related tech classes available *As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, classes will be conducted through an interactive, ZoomTM online experience. Check whether your session will be in-person or virtual. All classes meet from 9 AM until 4 PM each day.

Call (301) 255-4215 for more information or e-mail Career.Gateway@AccessJCA.org

Made possible by Montgomery County Aging & Disability Services, The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation, Adventist HealthCare, and the Jewish Council for the Aging.® Jewish Council for the Aging (JCA)® ®

www.AccessJCA.org

clude the Women’s Institute for a Secure Retirement (wiserwomen.org), the Women’s Institute for Financial Education (WIFE.org) the Women’s Law Center (nwlc.org) and several others. Single Women and Money provides sound advice to different categories of women, such as women who never married, women who are divorced, and women who are widowed.

Info for widows In the section pertaining to widows, for example, the authors make a good point about applying for survivor benefits. Social Security regulations are complex in this area, and it is important to get sound advice from someone with expertise in this topic. Unfortunately, widows should not

depend on advice from Social Security Administration representatives in this area. It is also important to get sound advice regarding investing in retirement accounts and establishing a sound plan for withdrawing assets from them. The use of a knowledgeable fee-only financial planner would be a wise investment in these areas, even if only on a one-time basis. This book should be valuable for a wide variety of single women, women who have never married, those who are divorced, and widows who are confronted with financial issues they never faced before. Elliot Raphaelson welcomes your questions and comments at raphelliot@gmail.com. © 2021 Elliot Raphaelson. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Law & Money | Subscribe online! See how on p. 34

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

Key dates From page 22 or 100% of last year’s payment (110% if your income is high). You should also consider other tax-saving moves for the year. SEPT. 15. Third-quarter estimated taxes are due. SEPT. 30. By now, you should have Medicare’s annual notice of changes to formularies, benefits and premiums for either a Medicare Advantage or Part D prescription drug plan. Changes take effect in 2023. Review these changes carefully. OCT. 15. Time’s up for all you extension filers. Today is the deadline for turning in your 2021 tax return. Also, Medicare open enrollment begins today. You have from now until Dec. 7 to switch between traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage or choose new Advantage or Part D prescription drug plans, with coverage beginning next year. NOV. 1. In most states, early retirees can begin shopping today for a 2023 health plan on the Affordable Care Act exchanges. You have until Dec. 15 to select coverage.

Wills From page 22 drafted to be effective, so consider consulting an experienced attorney.

Disinheriting not recommended Technically, you can disinherit your wife or husband in your will. In reality, disinheriting a spouse can be extremely hard to do. “Every state has a mechanism that protects a spouse from being completely disinherited,” Hannibal said. In community property states, a spouse generally has a legal right to half of the property acquired during a marriage, regardless of how the property is titled. Community property states include Ari-

DEC. 1. Act by today if you plan to make a qualified charitable distribution (QCD) from your IRA so that the charity receives the money by the end of the year. Traditional IRA owners who are at least age 70½ can transfer up to $100,000 directly to charity in 2022. A QCD still counts as an RMD but is excluded from your taxable income. DEC. 7. Medicare’s open enrollment ends today. DEC. 15. The ACA’s open enrollment ends. Ideally, your RMD should be taken by this date too. Brokerages get busy at the end of the year, and any delay on their part could result in you missing the Dec. 31 deadline for taking an RMD, an expensive error that comes with a 50% penalty on the missed amount. DEC. 31. Here’s your last chance to trim your 2022 tax bill. Charitable gifts, 401(k) contributions, Roth conversions and the sale of a losing investment to offset market gains elsewhere must all be completed by today to count for 2022. © The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. zona, California, Idaho, Louisiana, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Washington and Wisconsin. In the other, common-law states, a spouse usually has a right to claim one third to one half of the estate, regardless of what a will said. A spouse can agree to be disinherited in a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement, or they can “disclaim,” or refuse, an inheritance so that it goes to other heirs. If your spouse is willing to be disinherited, consult an experienced estate planning attorney for help drafting the appropriate documents. If your spouse isn’t willing, you can talk to the attorney about your options, but understand that disinheriting them may not be possible. —AP/NerdWallet

BEACON BITS

Ongoing

BUS DRIVERS NEEDED

Montgomery County’s Dept. of Transportation has immediate openings for full- and part-time RideOn bus operators. Seeking veterans in particular. Paid Commercial Driver’s License training, competitive salary and benefits packages. Learn more at RideOnBus.com (click on Jobs tab).

Ongoing

SMALL BUSINESS CONSULTATION

D.C. residents can schedule a free 30-minute phone consultation with a member of the Department of Small and Local Business Development’s Innovation and Equitable Development Team by visiting bit.ly/DSBLDConsultation, choosing a service and an available date.

Ongoing

PROTECTION FROM ELDER FRAUD

Learn about some of the most common scams that impact seniors and discover how to protect yourself by visiting bit.ly/ElderFraudFBI.

Ongoing

CARILLON RECITAL

On most Saturday afternoons at 12:30 p.m., National Cathedral Carillonneur Edward M. Nassor performs a recital on the North Lawn. For more information, call (202) 537-6200

Makes a great gift! | Law & Money

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

A good time for inflation-protected bonds By Elliot Raphaelson If you had a significant proportion of your portfolio in diversified index funds or exchange-traded funds in 2021, you should have had a good return on your investments. It is also likely that the return on the bond portion of your portfolio was not very good because of the low interest rates on most bond investments. So, if you are considering rebalancing, which I recommend at least once a year, it is likely that you would be considering taking some profits on your equities and reinvesting in some type of bonds. Burton Malkiel, the economist and author of the celebrated book A Random Walk Down Wall Street, discussed Series I inflation-protected savings bonds recently as an excellent investment for the fixed-income portion of your portfolio. He believes that even if inflation falls back to the 2% Federal Reserve target, a 10-year U.S. Treasury bond yielding 1.5% will still have a negative rate of return after inflation. He also points out that high quality bonds from other countries currently have negative returns. As long as inflation remains high or increases, then bond prices are likely to fall as the Fed is forced to increase interest rates. Bond prices have an inverse relationship to interest rates; as interest rates increase, bond prices decrease.

Safe but high return For all of these reasons, Malkiel offers his case for purchasing I bonds for a portion of your bond portfolio. I bonds pay a fixed rate of return for the life of the bond plus the annualized interest rate of 7.12% through April 2022. This return is far above any return for safe investments. You can never receive a negative real yield, and the combined interest rate can never be less than zero even if price level declines. If inflation rises, the rate paid will increase when it resets in April. In other words, Malkiel points out that you are safe from the economy’s current problems and any actions the Fed takes to deal with them. Interest from I bonds is exempt from state and local taxes. If you use the proceeds for qualified higher-education expenses, the interest is exempt from federal taxes as well. Interest is deferred until maturity, or when the bond is cashed. Maturity is 30 years, but you can cash them in after one year for a small penalty (equivalent to three months interest). After you hold the bonds for five years, there is no penalty. If you do purchase I bonds, you will be protected against any market downturn or an increase in inflation.

Easy to purchase As long as you have a Social Security number, you can purchase I bonds directly from the U.S. Treasury at its website (trea-

surydirect.gov). Each individual is limited to a maximum of $10,000 in electronic bonds per year, plus up to another $5,000 in paper bonds that may only be purchased with an IRS income tax refund. Malkiel knows it is tempting to simply “ride market optimism,” maintain your equity portfolio, and watch your stocks rise. But because of existing inflation, there is now significant investment risk. Although it’s unlikely that we will be facing the double-digit inflation we faced in the early 1980s, monetary authorities agree inflation is not likely to disappear quickly. So, rebalancing is a wise choice in order to minimize your risk and insulate yourself against possible market volatility. For these reasons, I bonds offer a good alternative — and an opportunity for small See BONDS, page 26

Law & Money | Subscribe online! See how on p. 34

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

Should you use a credit or debit card? By Emma Patch In the debate over credit cards versus debit cards, proponents of both sides have good reasons for embracing one method and rejecting the other.

The case for credit The greatest advantage a credit card offers is security. Under the Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA), if someone uses your card number fraudulently to go on a spending spree, federal law limits your liability to $50. And many credit card companies extend their protection beyond that baseline. American Express, Discover, Mastercard and Visa assume all liability for unauthorized purchases. The FCBA protections are especially important if you’re shopping online. If you use your credit card to make a purchase

and have a billing problem with a merchant — including a dispute over unsatisfactory merchandise — the credit card issuer must investigate and resolve your complaint, and you can withhold payment until then. In addition, credit cards may offer other protections, such as extended warranties and purchase protection, according to Ted Rossman, analyst for Bankrate.com. Credit cards also have more generous rewards programs. Depending on the card, you can earn as much as 5% cash back (or, typically, five points per dollar) for spending on groceries, gas, restaurant meals and travel. Some cards earn up to 3% cash back on every purchase you make.

The case for debit Although credit cards allow you to spread out payments over time, the costs

can be steep if you don’t pay off your balance in full each month: Interest on credit card balances averages 16%. And missing payments, exceeding your credit limit or using too high a ratio of your available credit could hurt your credit score. You avoid those pitfalls with debit cards. Because funds are taken directly out of your checking account when you use a debit card, the temptation to spend money you don’t have is removed. “In practice, debit cards are viewed as a debt-free payment method akin to cash, whereas a credit card could be used as a loan,” Rossman said. Debit cards don’t offer the same legal protections as credit cards, however. They have stricter time frames for reporting fraud, which could leave you liable for substantial losses if you wait too long to report

ENTERPRISE RESIDENTIAL MOST COMMUNITIES ARE 62 AND BETTER ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY

BALTIMORE COUNTY (CONT.)

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

Park View at Rosedale: 410-866-1886 Park View at Taylor: 410-663-0363 Park View at Towson: 410-828-7185 Park View at Woodlawn: 410-281-1120

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

EASTERN SHORE Park View at Easton: 410-770-3070

HARFORD COUNTY Park View at Bel Air: 410-893-0064 Park View at Box Hill: 410-515-6115

HOWARD COUNTY

BALTIMORE COUNTY Cove Point Apartments I: 410-288-2344 Cove Point Apartments II: 410-288-1660 Evergreen Senior Apartments: 410-780-4888 The Greens at English Consul: 410-789-3000 The Greens at Liberty Road: 410-655-1100 The Greens at Logan Field: 410-288-2000 The Greens at Rolling Road: 410-744-9988 Park View at Catonsville: 410-719-9464 Park View at Dundalk: 410-288-5483 • 55 & Better Park View at Fullerton: 410-663-0665 Park View at Miramar Landing: 410-391-8375 Park View at Randallstown: 410-655-5673

Park View at Colonial Landing: 410-796-4399 Park View at Columbia: 410-381-1118 Park View at Ellicott City: 410-203-9501 Park View at Ellicott City II: 410-203-2096 Park View at Emerson: 301-483-3322 Park View at Snowden River: 410-290-0384

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

Call the community of interest to you to inquire about eligibility requirements and to arrange a personal tour.

EnterpriseResidential.org PET-FRIENDLY

unauthorized use. If your debit card is stolen, you must report it within two days to get the same $50 limited liability. Notifying your bank between three and 60 days after the fraud occurred could cost you up to $500, and beyond 60 days losses could be unlimited. In practice, though, your bank will likely refund any unauthorized charges as long as you notify it promptly of a lost or stolen debit card. But it could take weeks to get your money back. And some debit card issuers offer additional protections. For example, Visa debit cards do not hold you accountable for fraudulent transactions if the transaction is processed by Visa — though you may not know which transactions are processed by Visa and which aren’t. © 2021 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Bonds From page 25 investors that is not available to large institutions. There is no question that equities are a useful long-term inflation hedge. But market falls are inevitable and can easily be initiated by Fed monetary policy. I bonds are safe and stable, and they offer inflation protection. For these reasons, you should consider purchasing I bonds. You can obtain more information regarding I bonds at the Treasury site (treasurydirect.gov), as well as information about the purchase of Treasury Inflation Protected Securities (TIPS), which also offer inflation protection. Elliot Raphaelson welcomes your questions and comments at raphelliot@gmail.com. © Elliot Raphaelson. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

BEACON BITS

Ongoing

FREE TAXI RIDES

Feb. 17+

MOTHER TONGUE FILM FESTIVAL

Montgomery County offers its residents 65 and older free taxi rides to and from COVID vaccine and testing sites and for any other purpose. Call Connect-a-Ride at (301) 738-3252 for a free COVID taxi ride code and then call one of these taxi companies of your choice: Action Taxi (301) 840-1000; Anytime Taxi (301) 637-9292; Regency/Barwood Taxi (301) 990-9000.

The Mother Tongue Film Festival, which takes place from Feb. 17 through March 4, celebrates cultural and linguistic diversity with films from around the world. For more information and a schedule of films, visit mothertongue.si.edu.

Makes a great gift! | Law & Money

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

Money mistakes could signal dementia By Liz Weston Some of the early signs of dementia are financial: forgetting to pay bills, for example, or having trouble calculating a tip. People who develop dementia also are more likely to miss credit card payments and have subprime credit scores years before they’re diagnosed, according to a study published last year in medical journal JAMA Internal Medicine. Researchers linked health records for more than 80,000 Medicare beneficiaries to credit bureau data and found that people who developed dementia had a higher risk of skipping credit card payments starting six years before their diagnosis. The study found the chances of incurring subprime credit scores — indicating multiple or serious delinquencies — rose as early as two and a half years before diagnosis. Researcher Lauren Hersch Nicholas, a health economist and associate professor at the University of Colorado School of Public Health, said the study was inspired by horror stories of people suffering catastrophic financial losses because of undetected cognitive decline. “They and their families had no idea that they were in the early stages of dementia until something happened, like the house would get foreclosed on,” Nicholas said. If a loved one is struggling to manage money, there may be ways to protect their finances and credit rating while preserving their dignity and autonomy. If you’re concerned about your own vulnerability to cognitive decline, you can also set up guardrails to protect yourself.

Simplify, automate and alert EverSafe, a technology service that monitors people’s financial accounts for signs of fraud and identity theft, has some

clients with dozens of bank, brokerage and credit card accounts, said EverSafe cofounder and CEO Howard Tischler. Even without cognitive issues, “it’s hard to stay on top of that,” Tischler said. Consolidating to one bank, one brokerage and one or two credit cards can make monitoring accounts easier. Putting bills on autopay can prevent missed payments, although bank balances still have to be monitored so those payments don’t deplete the account, Nicholas said. Most accounts allow customers to set up alerts so that they’re notified by text or email of low balances, transactions that exceed a limit you set, and other potential issues. Often you can add more than one phone number or email address so that a second person is notified as well. Alerts can be set up online, or you can call the financial provider’s customer service number, said Amy Goyer, AARP’s national family and caregiving expert. If you’re setting these up for someone else, that person probably will need to be on the call with you and give permission for the changes, Goyer said. In addition, some companies allow customers to designate a trusted person who can be contacted if unusual transactions are detected and the institution can’t get a response from the customer. Meanwhile, monitoring a credit score can alert you to missed payments or identity theft. Many banks and credit card companies offer credit scores for free, or you can sign up for a free service online.

Designate a trusted helper Estate planning attorneys say that virtually every adult should have a financial power of attorney, which is a legal document that designates someone you trust to make financial decisions for you if you’re incapacitated.

Beyond that, there are a number of ways to monitor finances. An older person may feel comfortable adding an adult child or other trusted person as a joint owner of a checking account, for example, or be willing to share login credentials for financial accounts. Another option is to share login credentials for an account aggregation service, such as Mint or Simplifi. The trusted person wouldn’t be able to log in to the bank, brokerage or credit card accounts, but would be able to see balances and transactions. Unfortunately, not everyone has a trusted person, and elder financial abuse is often perpetrated by family members. An attorney, certified public accountant, certified financial planner or other fiduciary may be willing to serve as a trusted person, )

$1395

$2895

(includes Just a Simple Cremation. Funeral home chapels add’l.)

$1995 Scan QR Code for more information

Goyer said another option is to call the local Area Agency on Aging, which are public or private nonprofit agencies designated by the states to coordinate and offer services for older people. She suggests asking the agency for recommendations of people or services that are vetted and experienced in helping older adults deal with money.

Don’t overreach Goyer warns against going overboard. Trying to take over someone’s finances prematurely can cause resentment. “Don’t take away all their freedom or independence or responsibility, because that’s not really good for them cognitively,” Goyer said. —AP/NerdWallet www.goinghomecares.com info@goinghomecares.com

Exceptional service at affordable prices

(casket included)

We specialize in simple direct cremation and allow families to make arrangements online or over the phone; we work on your schedule and in your budget.

1091 Rockville Pike 519 Mabe Drive Rockville, MD 20852* Woodbine, MD 21797

$3595

$3895

TWO LOCATIONS

301.296.6864 410.442.3662

*Restricted-operating out of Going Home Cremation & Funeral Care by Value Choice, P.A. Woodbine, Md. (Rockville location only)

Law & Money | Subscribe online! See how on p. 34

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

Innovative Comfort Technology

“To you, it’s the perfect lift chair. To me, it’s the best sleep chair I’ve ever had.” — J. Fitzgerald, VA

NOW also available in Genuine Italian Leather (as pictured here)

Three Chairs in One Sleep/Recline/Lift

ACCREDITED BUSINESS A+

muscle pain. The overstuffed, oversized biscuit style back and unique seat design will cradle you in comfort. Generously filled, wide armrests provide enhanced arm support when sitting or reclining. It even has a battery backup in case of a power outage.

You can’t always lie down in bed and sleep. Heartburn, cardiac problems, hip or back aches – and dozens of other ailments and worries. Those are the nights you’d give anything for a comfortable chair to sleep in: one that reclines to exactly the right degree, raises your feet and legs just where you want them, supports your head and shoulders properly, and operates at the touch of a button. Our Perfect Sleep Chair® does all that and more. More than a chair or recliner, it’s designed to provide total comfort. Choose your preferred heat and massage settings, for hours of soothing relaxation. Reading or watching TV? Our chair’s recline technology allows you to pause the chair in an infinite number of settings. And best of all, it features a powerful lift mechanism that tilts the entire chair forward, making it easy to stand. You’ll love the other benefits, too. It helps with correct spinal alignment and promotes back pressure relief, to prevent back and

REMOTE CONTROLLED EASILY SHIFTS FROM FLAT TO A STAND-ASSIST POSITION

White glove delivery included in shipping charge. Professionals will deliver the chair to the exact spot in your home where you want it, unpack it, inspect it, test it, position it, and even carry the packaging away! You get your choice of Genuine Italian Leather, plush and luxurious Brisa™, stain and liquid repellent DuraLux™ with the classic leather look or plush MicroLux™ microfiber, all handcrafted in a variety of colors to fit any decor. Call now!

The Perfect Sleep Chair®

1-888-227-1062 Please mention code 116568 when ordering.

Genuine Italian Leather

Chestnut

classic beauty & style

Brisa™

Saddle

Coffee Bean

plush & durable

Long Lasting DuraLux™

Burgundy

Tan

Chocolate

Blue

MicroLux™ Microﬁber

Burgundy

Cashmere

Chocolate

Indigo

stain & water repellent

breathable & amazingly soft

Because each Perfect Sleep Chair is a made-to-order bedding product it cannot be returned, but if it arrives damaged or defective, at our option we will repair it or replace it. © 2021 Journey Health and Lifestyle

46592

Now available in a variety of colors, fabrics and sizes. Footrest may vary by model

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 2

Makes a great gift!

Travel

Leisure &

See Ed Perkins’ prognostications for 2022 on page 30.

The many denizens of Palm Beach, Fla.

Opulent hotel and home Skip the $1,200 to $3,000-a-night room at the historic Breakers Hotel and instead take a stroll through this famous expanse in Palm Beach. Founded in 1896 by rail-

road legend Henry M. Flagler, the Italian Renaissance-style resort has a 200-footlong lobby with soaring arched ceilings accented by crystal chandeliers and painted by 72 Italian artisans. Early 20th-century glitterati — including the Rockefellers, Vanderbilts, Astors, J.P. Morgan and European notables — wined, dined and partied here. Promoters tout its “unapologetic luxury, seaside glamour and world-class service.” If you decide to splurge, the Breakers’ ultra-exclusive Flagler Club offers marble bathrooms and a chauffeured Tesla car service. Flagler also built a 55-room marble mansion for his third wife, Mary Lily Kenan, in 1902, which is now open to the public as a museum. The Gilded Age abode, named Whitehall, resembles a European palace. Wander through the Flagler Museum for a lavish glimpse of Baroque ceilings, original furnishings, a 1,200-pipe organ, and five display cases of 20th-century lace. Guests can try the tea service featuring Palm Beach blend tea and sandwiches, scones and sweets for $50. In a huge Beaux Arts-style pavilion out back is Flagler’s “palace on wheels,” his personal railcar, No. 91, built in 1886. Visi-

PHOTO BY CYCLEHERE FOR VISIT FLORIDA

By Glenda C. Booth Florida’s Palm Beach and nearby communities have long been a favored destination of wealthy luminaries, industry power houses and high-profile politicos. The rich and famous are likely drawn to the area’s hidden estates cloistered behind thick hedges, carefully manicured landscapes, Mediterranean-revival mansions, championship golf courses, expensive resorts, and miles and miles of high-end, high-rise condo buildings. Palm Beach’s rich crowd first found movie fame in the 1942 screwball comedy, “The Palm Beach Story,” starring Claudette Colbert and Rudy Vallee. The area still attracts people of means, but travelers with more modest budgets can find plenty of fun, inexpensive and perhaps some screwball adventures, too. The name, by the way, is said to come from the trees planted by locals along the waterfront from 20,000 coconuts salvaged from the Providencia — a Spanish ship that sank off the coast in the 1880s.

PHOTO BY CHRIS ZUPPA

Tides bring turquoise waters to the foot of the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and Museum, built in 1860 in West Palm Beach. Visitors can climb 105 steps for a view of the surrounding nature preserve.

Oil baron Henry Flagler, who built the famous Breakers resort on Palm Beach, also built this 55-room mansion for his third wife. It's now a museum. Vacationers can tour the estate and many other historic sites (and beautiful beaches) that stretch north and south of Palm Beach along the Atlantic coast.

tors can fantasize about luxury-style train travel in the restored salon, bedroom, guest quarters and kitchen.

Gardens and lighthouses Across Lake Worth Lagoon, in nearby West Palm Beach, monolithic sculptures stand in the jungle-like setting of the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens. Amid two acres of tropical palms are more than 100 works by artist Anne Weaver Norton, including nine large sculptures, eight in brick and one in granite. Norton designed the gardens with Sir Peter Smithers, a British politician, diplomat, spy and gardener who was said to have inspired the fictional character James Bond. Norton and her husband lived in the Monterey Revival style home, now on the National Register of Historic Places. North of West Palm Beach, the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and Museum recalls 5,000 years of local history. The lighthouse, designed by General George Meade, was first lit in 1860. Made of half a million bricks atop a brick-and-coquina foundation, it’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors can climb 105 spiraling steps to the top. Because the navigable Gulf Stream comes close to the shoreline and curves toward Europe, builders hoped a light-

house would help prevent shipwrecks. The museum, a former Coast Guard station, starts with the pre-settlement era and the Native Americans who left middens of shell heaps there 10,000 years before Columbus. Located on the museum grounds is Palm Beach’s oldest existing home, a small pioneer cabin. The Tindall Pioneer Homestead is an original, cracker-style house built in 1892 by George Washington Tindall. It contains period furniture, including a pump organ and a Hoosier cabinet from the 1800s.

Nature walks, beach turtles Resorts, golf courses, mansions, boutiques and strip malls may have transformed Florida’s original appearance, but it’s still there if you look for it. Palm Beach County’s Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge encompasses 145,000 acres, or 226 square miles, of the northernmost remnant of the Everglades: expansive stands of sawgrass, wet prairies and sloughs. On the Cypress Swamp Boardwalk, walkers can try to spot more than 250 species of birds, 670 species of reptiles and amphibians, 40 species of butterflies and See PALM BEACH, page 31

Leisure & Travel | Subscribe online! See how on p. 34

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

Travel in 2022: My fearless forecast When I look back on 2021 and consider travelers. If you’re vaccinated and still don’t the outlook for this year, my primary focus want to risk getting a mild case, stay home. remains “caution.” Here’s my view of the isYou’d think that 2022 must sues facing the travel industry almost certainly be an imin 2022: provement over last year, but Staf fing. The par tially the old aphorism comes to COVID-related problem of exmind — “’Cheer up,’ they said, tended staff shortages will ‘things could be worse.’ So I continue to plague airlines, cheered up. And, sure rail systems, hotels, restauenough, things did get worse.” rants and other important segI’m not that pessimistic ments of the travel business. about 2022 — at least not yet That means more peak-period TRAVEL TIPS — but I’m also pretty sure delays and cancellations, slowBy Ed Perkins 2022 will still be a long way er service, longer lines, and all from “normal.” the other stuff you see now. Don’t expect a COVID-19 is not going away any time quick fix, but you can expect gradual imsoon. COVID is likely to remain an impor- provement through the year. tant part of life for most, if not all, of 2022 Airlines. Domestically, the most in— and maybe years beyond. triguing question remains how Breeze AirWhat seems to be evolving is a world- line will deploy its new A220s. These wide decision to accommodate COVID planes can fly low-traffic transcontinental rather than to “beat” it. Continuous mild- and even intercontinental routes at costs case risk will be accepted as the norm. that the larger 737s and A320s can’t match. That means a world in which a return to Last year’s start-up, Avelo, still has to near-normal travel activities will be avail- prove it has legs. Otherwise, expect very able to fully vaccinated or repeatedly tested little new-line innovation.

Please patronize our advertisers. They keep the Beacon free!

Barring a major summer COVID slump, expect more low-fare transatlantic flights from new entrants: Norse Atlantic has obtained its first ex-Norwegian 787 and will likely follow Norwegian’s pattern, and the new Icelandic line Play will emulate what its predecessor, Wow, tried to do. Industry mavens wonder how either will succeed by emulating prior failures. Those mavens are equally skeptical of the new Northern Pacific Airways, which plans to promote Anchorage as the Pacific equivalent of Reykjavik and a hub for low-cost flights between Asia and the US/Canada. Also expect one or two low-cost transpacific lines to launch in Asia. Rail. Although Amtrak gets a pile of money from the infrastructure bill, you won’t see any big results in 2022 — rail progress moves more slowly than a longhaul Amtrak train. The year’s most important new rail openings will be regional and urban projects delayed from 2020 and 2021, including: West Side Access in New York, Chinatown subway in San Francisco, E-Line extension in Boston, Washington Metro’s extension to Dulles Airport, and Crossrail in London. And don’t be surprised if at least one of those doesn’t quite make it in 2022, either. Hotels. Hotels will continue to blame COVID for staff shortages and reduced

guest service. They will keep trying to switch as many employees as possible to tip-based tax status so as to avoid paying minimum wage. They will “offset” those service cuts by raising rates (!): unless the market tanks, look for rate inflation. And I see little progress eliminating the “resort fee” scam from rate postings. Cruises. In January, the CDC hit cruise lines with its “avoid cruises even if you’re vaccinated” gut punch. Many lines have cancelled cruises. I have no idea how the traveling public will respond, or how long it will take for some sort of improvement. The cruise lines haven’t helped their position by being extremely stingy with refunds when something goes wrong. Overall, my main take on travel planning remains as it has been for the last two years: Stay flexible, and make as few nonrefundable prepayments and deposits as possible. If you have to pay a lot up front, get travel insurance that covers you for COVID contingencies. This year will have some nasty surprises for at least some travelers. Email Ed Perkins at eperkins@mind.net or check out his website at rail-guru.com. © Ed Perkins. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

The So Lite™ Wheelchair is the revolutionary portable wheelchair with a wide range of features

If you can lift your grandchild . . . You can lift this amazing wheelchair

NEW

• Chair frame weighs only 16.5 pounds • Frame crafted using magnesium for light weight TM

and strength Removable Cushions

Flip-Back Armrests

Quick-Release AntiTipper

Quick-Release Footrests

• Easy quick-release rear wheels, footrests and anti-tippers

• Flip-back armrests for the ability to roll up close to a desk or table

• Folds for convenient transportation and storage • Dual braking system featuring manual locks

Quick-Release Rear Wheels

and handbrakes Magnesium Frame

Available in Black (not shown), White or Blue

Wheelchair Call toll-free now

1-888-720-0215

Please mention code 116628 when ordering.

85612

Dual Braking System

Makes a great gift! | 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 2

Palm Beach From page 29 20 types of mammals. Considered an urban refuge, it protects the endangered and threatened American alligator, snail kite and wood stork. Some Palm Beach County beaches are prime territory for green, loggerhead and leatherback sea turtles that come to the beaches from May to late October to dig their nests in the sand and lay their eggs. One turtle can lay up to 100 eggs; one in 1,000 hatchings survive to adulthood. Visitors can see turtles and absorb turtle lore at the Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach, where caring teams heal their amphibious “patients” injured by boat propellers, fishing line and nets, plastic and balloons. One named Xander, for example, was brought to the center because he was entangled in fishing line with both back flippers broken. Once the veterinarian untangled him and performed surgery on the flippers, Xander’s wounds healed and he was released to the ocean.

Manatee season Manatee Lagoon in West Palm Beach features a center dedicated to Florida’s “sea cows” — marine mammals that are attracted to the warm water outflows of the nearby Florida Power and Light plant, especially between November 15 and March 31, “manatee season.” Exhibits, talks and walks provide tutorials on these gentle giants that can weigh over 3,500 pounds and be up to 12 feet long. You might see these vegetarians chomping on sea grass. Another place to find the “real Florida”

BEACON BITS

Feb. 20

CHAMBER ENSEMBLE

The Phillips Collection presents violinist Stella Chen, pianist Albert Cano Smith and musicians from the Queen Elisabeth Music Chapel in Belgium for a livestreamed concert on Sun., Feb. 20 from 4 to 5:30. Tickets cost $15; $10 for members. For more information and for tickets, visit bit.ly/StellaChenConcert.

March 4

NATIONAL GALLERY OF ART TALK

Join the National Gallery of Art for a free virtual gallery talk on Fri., March 4 from 1 to 2 p.m. In honor of Women’s History Month, take a closer look at Eva Gonzalès’ painting “Nanny and Child,” and share your observations, thoughts and questions. For more information and to register, visit bit.ly/NGATalk. Call (202) 737-4215 with questions.

and escape the Porsches and limousine crowd is Jonathan Dickinson State Park, over 11,000 acres split by the slow-moving Loxahatchee River. In World War II, 6,000 men trained here in top-secret Camp Murphy. Because the U.S. Army transferred the land to the state in 1947, the land was not bulldozed and flattened for development, unlike most of the Palm Beach area. Although only two of the 1,000 Army original buildings still stand, much of the natural terrain remains. Highlights include century-old cypress trees, red mangroves, gopher tortoises, manatees, alligators, opossums, raccoons, foxes and more than 140 species of birds. Of course, de-stressing in a beach chair, sniffing the ocean air and soaking in the sun are always favorite pastimes in Florida. Watching the sunrise and sunset paint orangey-pink-turquoise streaks across the horizon never gets old.

If you go American Airlines has direct flights from Reagan National Airport to West Palm Beach for $127 round trip. Delta Airlines flies from Baltimore-Washington Airport through Atlanta to West Palm Beach for $262 round trip. Washingtonians may want to rev up their “Natitude” and get a pre-season, sneak peek of

their favorite baseball team, the Nationals, who start spring training in February at the Ballpark of the Palm Beaches (fan capacity 7,700). See mlb.com/nationals/spring-training. For a visitor’s guide, lodging, events and other travel information, visit thepalmbeaches.com. For a look at the entire state of Florida’s best tourist spots, go to VisitFlorida.com.

BEEHIVE, July 19 ..............................................................................................................$117pp Includes : Motorcoach transportation , family style lunch at Hickory Bridge Farms, ticket to show, taxes & meal gratuities MYRTLE BEACH, SC, Jun 5 – 9 ....................................................................................From $1399pp Price based on double occupancy Enjoy 60 miles of coastline and explore the local culture and landscape. Includes: 4 nights ocean front hotel, 8 meals, shows, Riverboat cruise, Shag lesson and MUCH MORE! CAPE COD- FALMOUTH BY THE SEA, JULY 11-15..............................................................$1268pp Includes : 4nights accommodation at the historic Shoreway Acres Resort Inn, Price based on double occupancy 4 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners; Guided visit of Marthas Vineyard, Plymouth and Sandwich and MUCH MORE!

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

Subscribe online! See how on p. 34

Style Arts &

Learn about a new side of George Washington. See book reviews on page 34.

Legendary music hall still going strong

Bluegrass roots The soul of the Birchmere is its founder and manager Gary Oelze, who at 79 “feels

45,” he said. A Kentucky native, Oelze was working at a Peoples drug store in Arlington in 1963 when an acquaintance asked him to run a nearby restaurant. When evening business ebbed, Oelze added bluegrass bands several nights a week. Bluegrass music’s popularity grew, so Oelze moved to a larger space in the city’s Del Ray section in 1981, and in 1997 moved again a few blocks away to its larger, current location. Oelze eradicated chemical film developing odors and invested in quality sound equipment for the heart of the Birchmere, its Music Hall — a rectangular expanse of communal tables where 500 can sit intimately around a stage. The club features a different performer almost every night, and is open 300 nights a year. One secret to success, Oelze contends, has been the 7:30 p.m. start time, which makes shows attractive to older audiences, who can get home by 11 p.m. Oelze got the club’s “Quiet Please” sign from the Cellar Door, a former Georgetown club, and he strictly enforces this rule. “It’s not a honky tonk,” he said. The staff can feed 500 in an hour and a

PHOTO COURTESY OF GARY OELZE

By Glenda C. Booth An estimated three million or more fans have flocked to Alexandria’s Birchmere over the last 56 years to see and hear artists like Ray Charles and Joan Baez, bluegrass stars like Merle Haggard and Johnny Cash, and lesser-known performers like Mousey Thompson and Shovels and Rope. The 30,000-square-foot club, housed in a former Kodak film developing plant, is featured in a new book, All Roads Lead to the Birchmere, America’s Legendary Music Hall, by the club’s founder Gary Oelze, co-authored with Stephen Moore. Published in November by Booklocker, All Roads chronicles the club’s evolution and includes an afterward by former CBS News correspondent Bob Schieffer: “I’m so glad this book was done to summarize the Birchmere’s remarkable run and to honor the performers who ‘arrived’ by playing the legendary hall...my thanks for including me in the story.”

The Birchmere, a live music venue in Alexandria whose 56-year history is detailed in a recent book, began as a restaurant in Arlington, Va. Founder Gary Oelze still runs the now-famous performance hall. “They’ll carry me out of here,” he said.

half. “McDonalds can’t do that,” he boasted. Because Oelze treats employees as family, turnover is low. Some have been there 25 to 30 years, and many repeat customers choose their seats to get certain servers. Performers, too, are “family,” Oelze said. He pays premium rates, and when the groups arrive, usually after long bus trips, they find a shower, washer and dryer available.

Big name headliners The entry hall walls are covered with framed, signed posters from headliner artists like Ray Charles, Arlo Guthrie, Joan Baez, Johnny Cash, Emmy Lou Harris and Patty Loveless. A Birchmere audience was the first to hear

Mary Chapin Carpenter. Dave Matthews, John Prine, Jerry Jeff Walker, Tom Paxton, Ian Tyson, Tom Rush and k.d. Lang have performed there. Blues singer and guitarist Gaye Adegbalola said the Birchmere is her “favorite place to play.” She has performed there many times because, she said, she can make eye contact with an audience that is “interactive and not stuffy.” “A major state of pride comes over me when I say, ‘I played at the Birchmere,’” she said. Adegbalola is a founding member of Saffire, the Uppity Blues Women, who played together from 1984 to 2009. She now records on her own label, Hot Toddy Music. See BIRCHMERE, page 37

Feb. 25-March 6 Fridays & Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. A Gilbert and Sullivan operetta

F. SCOTT FITZGERALD THEATRE

$28 Adults; $26 Seniors; $24 Students WWW.VLOC.ORG

240.314.8690

Dance • Entertainment • Theatre • Music ROCKVILLE’S HOME FOR THE ARTS www.rockvillemd.gov/theatre 603 EDMONSTON DR.

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 2

February Events

Gemma New and Jennifer Koh The Washington Post described Gemma New’s 2019 NSO debut as “meticulously calibrated beauty.” Now, the New Zealandborn conductor leads the world premiere of Missy Mazzoli’s Violin Concerto (Procession), commissioned by the NSO and performed by superstar Jennifer Koh. February 3–5 | Concert Hall

NSO Pops: Bobby Weir & Wolf Bros featuring The Wolfpack

Noseda conducts Haydn & Farrenc

Bobby Weir & Wolf Bros featuring The Wolfpack join the NSO for a once-in-a-lifetime collaboration. Formed in 2018 by Weir, Grammy®-winning producer and bassist Don Was, drummer Jay Lane, and pianist Jeﬀ Chimenti, Bobby Weir & Wolf Bros perform the expansive catalogue of Grateful Dead, Bobby’s solo albums, and more. The orchestration is provided by Stanford professor Dr. Giancarlo Aquilanti.

NSO principal musicians take the spotlight in Haydn’s Sinfonia Concertante. Then, Noseda conducts the energetic Third Symphony by Louise Farrenc. Though often overlooked, Farrenc ﬂourished at the center of 19th century Parisian music—admired in her lifetime as a teacher, scholar, and brilliant composer.

February 17–19 | Concert Hall

Noseda conducts Bach & Mahler Three Fourths! Gianandrea Noseda opens the program with Bach’s G major Brandenburg Concerto No. 4—a staple of the repertory that has inﬂuenced countless composers. Listen for traces of the famous work in Bachianas Brasileiras No. 4, Villa-Lobos’s symphonic blend of Bach and the passions of Brazil; as well as Mahler’s heavenly Symphony No. 4, also in G major.

February 24–27 | Concert Hall

Author, illustrator, and Kennedy Center Education Artist-in-Residence Mo Willems exhibits a series of large-scale abstractions inspired by the music and genius of Ludwig van Beethoven.

Kennedy-Center.org

Groups call (202) 416-8400

(202) 467-4600 The NSO Music Director Chair is generously endowed by the Roger and Victoria Sant Trust.

Generous Noseda Era Fund Supporters

Blue Series Sponsor

AARP is the Presenting Sponsor of the NSO Pops Season

For all other ticket-related customer service inquiries, call the Advance Sales /\e <ßPR Na ! # %"!

Arts & Style | Subscribe online! See how below

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

New insights about George Washington Our first president remains the focus of tionship with his widowed mother, and the research by historians 290 years after his little-remembered Asgill Affair — his birth. These books by older authreatened revenge killing of thors shed light on fascinating a British officer. aspects of his multifaceted life. Henriques, in his final chapFirst and Always: A New ter, posits a bold and unique Portrait of George Washinterpretation of Washington ington, by Peter R. Henas a man driven by ambition, riques, 240 pages, Univerarguing that the choices the sity of Virginia Press hardchildless first president made cover, 2021 were based on a yearning for Historian Peter Henriques fame that would endure behas spent a distinguished cayond his lifetime. Henriques is professor reer studying the life of George THE BIBLIOPHILE emeritus at George Mason Washington. In First and AlBy Dinah Rokach University. The octogenarian ways, he reveals insights into lives in Gainesville, Virginia. the man in eight erudite and highly readable essays. An appendix cites Surveying in Early America: The 60 quotations attributed to Washington. Point of Beginning, An Illustrated HisHenriques explores the founder’s tem- tory, by Dan Patterson and Clinton perament and behavior as culled from Terry, 155 pages, University of Cincindecades of in-depth research. He devotes nati Press paperback, 2021 one essay to the issue of slavery, and writes George Washington’s first profession in detail about seven of Washington’s en- was as a surveyor. He was appointed surslaved workers and his treatment of them. veyor of Culpeper County, Virginia, in He discusses the five Virginians with 1749 at age 17, three years before joining whom Washington severed deep friend- the colonial militia. ships due to rifts over private matters, poliThe authors of Surveying in Early Amertics and policy. ica contend that to fully understand WashOther fascinating topics include the par- ington, we must consider his early career tisan Federalist he became in retirement, as a surveyor as a key to the later qualities his sensitivity to criticism, his difficult rela- of leadership he exhibited.

WB222

Familiarity with geography was paramount to his military strategy on the battlefield. Indeed, the Continental Army created an Office of Geographer to map terrain. Washington’s exactitude and deliberate nature may be traced to the field of surveying, which combined outdoor trekking through the wilderness, knowledge of mathematics and meticulous use of specialized tools. Surveying explains the tools of the time and how calculations were made. More than one dozen archival maps and land surveys as well as hand drawings are among the illustrations. There are 70 color photographs accompanying the text. American Revolutionary reenactors of the Department of the Geographer are photographed by Ohioan Dan Patterson, who has published more than 40 books. The book’s author, septuagenarian historian Clinton Terry, is associate professor of history at Mercer University. Franklin & Washington: The Founding Partnership, by Edward J. Larson, 352 pages, Custom House paperback, 2021 Washington and Ben Franklin were 28 years apart in age, yet had much in common. These two founding fathers were reluctant revolutionaries who eschewed the extremist rhetoric of the anti-British radicals in their midst. They each saw the lack of representa-

tion in Parliament as the basis for disengagement from the Mother Country. Both Washington and Franklin espoused a strong central government in the wake of the immediate chaos during the first years of independence. Washington gained fame as a courageous soldier, but was renowned in his day for his war journal — published in England during the French and Indian Wars. Franklin was famous as a scientist, essayist and publisher, but is less remembered today for his active involvement in the Pennsylvania militia in procuring supplies, conjuring strategy during the colonial period, and as a legislator and executive in the local representative assembly. Read about Franklin’s little-remembered diplomatic mission that failed to incorporate Canada into the United States during the Revolution. Gain insight into Washington’s decision to change Mount Vernon from a tobacco-growing plantation to one that grew wheat as its primary crop. The scientist and the gentleman farmer diverged on the issue of slavery. Franklin was an abolitionist; Washington was not, although he freed his slaves in his will. Pulitzer Prize-winning author, historian and legal scholar Edward Larson, who is in his late 60s, teaches at the Pepperdine School of Law.

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 2

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Arts & Style

Watch Bob Levey carbon date himself By now, we graybeards should have inventive, clever and effective. stopped declaring that the good old days Carbon paper. were always good. I recently proved this at a Our grandchildren are our social occasion brimming with reality check. 20-somethings. I made a pass“Oh, so you thought TV ing reference to this former ofwith rabbit ears was so great, fice staple — that filmy wonGrandpa? Well, now we have der that was dull on one side 1,000 channels on cable.” and inky on the other. “Oh, so you thought a In my first job, I trumpeted, cross-country train was a big I would type a memo — and deal, Grandma? Now we can make a copy for the file using make that trip in five hours.” carbon paper. As for rotary-dial phones HOW I SEE IT My 20-something conversaand physicians who made By Bob Levey tion victim gave me a blank house calls, it’s a guaranteed eye roll. look. “What’s carbon paper?” she asked. Smug, aren’t they, those babies with Oh, my. Really? smooth skin and their original hair color? Here came a three-minute rhapsody: But one product allows oldsters to strut Before carbon paper, I told this poor untheir stuff and prove that the old days were suspecting soul, contemporaneous copies

BEACON BITS

Feb.

SISTINE CHAPEL UP CLOSE This immersive exhibition displays high-definition photographs of

Michelangelo’s ceiling paintings in the Sistine Chapel, enabling visitors to view every detail of the artist’s 34 frescoes. The exhibition is open Wednesdays through Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Tyson’s Corner from Jan. 28 to Feb. 27. Tickets for adults start at $23. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit bit.ly/SistineinDC.

were impossible. Before carbon paper, secretaries would have to type a letter — and then type it all over again to make a file copy. Before carbon paper, government was perhaps one-tenth as efficient. Before carbon paper, book manuscripts had to be typed a second time. For example, Ulysses is 730 pages long. Imagine the effort that James Joyce had to exert to make a copy before he sent the original off to his publisher. By now, my conversation partner was turning glassy-eyed. So, in an effort to be honest, I spelled out some of carbon paper’s negatives. It was hard to handle. It tended to slither

through one’s fingers and slide into a curly heap on one’s desk. It was dirty to handle. If you grabbed a piece of carbon paper at the wrong place, your fingers would immediately become dark. It tended to clump and crease. If not perfectly smooth, the carbon paper would duplicate some words but blot out others with a great big black streak. It was somewhat expensive. If memory serves, a box of carbon paper — maybe 100 sheets — cost more than double what a box of plain paper cost 50 years ago. It was invented in 1805 and never

Montgomery County Public Libraries ŽīĞƌƐ ƉƌŽŐƌĂŵŵŝŶŐ ĂŶĚ ƐĞƌǀŝĐĞƐ ĚĞƐŝŐŶĞĚ ƚŽ ƌĞŇĞĐƚ ƚŚĞ ǁŝĚĞ ŝŶƚĞƌĞƐƚƐ ŽĨ ƚŽĚĂǇ͛Ɛ ŽůĚĞƌ ĂĚƵůƚƐ͘ ŚĞĐŬ ŽƵƚ ďŽŽŬ ĐůƵďƐ͕ ĐŽŵƉƵƚĞƌ ŚĞůƉ͕ ƚĂǆ ƉƌĞƉĂƌĂƟŽŶ͕ ŵƵƐŝĐ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞƐ͕ ĂŶĚ ŚĞĂůƚŚ ĂŶĚ ǁĞůůŶĞƐƐ ƉƌŽŐƌĂŵƐ͘ ǁǁǁ͘ŵĐƉů͘ůŝŶŬͬƐĞŶŝŽƌŝŶĨŽ

See BOB LEVEY, page 37

Arts & Style | Subscribe online! See how on p. 34

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

Crossword Puzzle Find a new crossword every day on our website at www.TheBeaconNewspapers.com/puzzles. Except for February 1

Jumble answers on p. 39.

29 33 36

40 44

35 37

Scrabble answers on p. 39.

21 26

18 20

By Stephen Sherr 7

41 45

42 46

52 55 59

56 60

Across

Down

1. Cash or checks 6. Impulsive 10. “___ boy!” 14. The Moon is a ___ Mistress 15. Part of a Julius Caesar actor’s last line 16. Take hold of 17. 28 20. Star count Ebert gave to Tommy Boy 21. Stallion’s mate 22. Width option on shoes.com 23. Hockey stick wood 26. It helps a galley go 28. Bar back(wards) 29. Rob Reiner, to Carl 30. 28 34. Actress Kendrick or Faris 35. Darlin’ 36. Prefix for height 37. Distribute the cream and sugar 39. Gunpowder container 41. ___ Millions (lottery originally called The Big Game) 43. Wisc. or Penn. in D.C. 44. East of Miss. 46. It may be in the space before “space” 48. 28 53. NL East foe of PHI 54. Santa ___ winds 55. It’s worth 428 words 56. “I think I’ll pass” 57. “Experience ___ good school, but the fees are high” 58. Covered with vegetation 60. Super Mario Bros.’ first console 62. 29 68. Prepare corn for boiling 69. Per person 70. Audibly 71. Suffix for residents of Israel or Canaan 72. Member of the royal family 73. “______ has ever become poor by giving” (Anne Frank)

1. One who defended a dissertation 2. Remote control batteries, often 3. Ask too many questions 4. Ancestor of ExxonMobil 5. Horned beasts 6. Assure the rules are followed correctly 7. Component of a chemical equation 8. Little mouse of books and movies 9. “Three cheers!” 10. Grow older 11. Pruning specialist 12. Add a new employee 13. Home sick 18. Not o’er 19. Teleworker’s tool 23. Educated guess, at LAX 24. Photographer’s purchase 25. Tip of your tongue experience 27. Game piece that starts in a corner 31. Innocent in the ways of the world 32. Start of the Common Era 33. Astronaut’s splashdown area 38. CarMax offering 40. Unpleasant cafeteria portion 42. “Winning takes precedence over all; there’s no gray ___” (Kobe Bryant) 45. Acid in proteins 47. ___Kosh B’gosh 48. Chinese martial art 49. Tennis player’s relieved shout 50. Grown accustomed to hardship 51. Destination of the Carnival Ecstasy 52. Pre-refrigeration deliverer 59. Defeat a computer’s firewall 61. Farm tower 63. All of the top 10 NFL scoring leaders 64. Most common English word 65. Turkey : gobble :: dove : ___ 66. A woman with a habit 67. Poetic tribute

Answers on page 39.

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 2

Birchmere From page 32

ONE BIG HAPPY By Rick Detorie

Alexandrian Louise Potter has seen many performances at the Birchmere. “The acoustics are wonderful, the atmosphere is intimate, and the performers always remark that they love the audience’s attentiveness,” she said.

Wide variety of performers While the Birchmere specialized in bluegrass bands for many years (The Seldom Scene played there every Thursday night for 20 years), today’s artists play blues, jazz, rock, bluegrass and folk music. The club even has comedians, like Paula Poundstone and John Waters. In 2020, COVID closed the club for four months, but in July, Oelze opened a few nights a week at half capacity. During that time, he was able to sign up cover bands — groups that play music originally performed by someone else. USA Today lauded the Birchmere as one of the 10 great places for country music, along with the Grand Olde Opry and Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace in Bakersfield, California. A 1986 Washington Post article crowed, “With precious little fanfare, the Birchmere has become the finest showcase club for contemporary acoustic music in the country.” How have things changed over the years? “It’s all business now,” Oelze said. In the old days, he had many performers’ home telephone numbers in his Rolodex. Today he deals with agents. The Washington area is what he calls a “seller’s market,” with competitive clubs popping up, like Anthem in D.C.’s Wharf area and MGM at Maryland’s National Harbor. Oelze’s is married to Suzanne Oelze, a decorator. He has two daughters, a son, six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He relishes managing the Birchmere every day. “I’d die if I didn’t do it. It would kill me. They’ll carry me out of here,” he said.

Bob Levey From page 35 changed. Go ahead, name another product that wasn’t improved across 200-plus years. If you made an error as you typed, you had to start all over again. Or battle with ineffective erasers. It didn’t really work all that well. Yes, you’d get a copy of what you typed. But it was often blurry and faint. And yet…when you slid a piece of carbon paper between Sheet One and Sheet Two, you got the feeling that you were truly typing for the ages (even if you weren’t). When you re-used a piece of carbon paper — and you could, a few times — you were being frugal. When you used several pieces of carbon paper to make several copies at once, you

For current COVID entry requirements and tickets to upcoming shows, visit birchmere.com. The club is located at 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, VA; (703) 549-7500.

were bringing the whole office into the picture in much the same way that an email message does today. Back came the millennial rejoinder to all this: Photocopies are much faster, cleaner and easier, said this callow youth. Yes, they are, I admitted. On a computer, all you have to do is hit a couple of keys and you have a digital copy forever, she said. Yes, true, I acknowledged. Besides, she asked, as if to skewer me once and for all, when’s the last time you made a carbon copy, Bob? She had me there. Or did she? That night, I went to forward an email to friends. In the copy field, it said “cc.” Three guesses what “cc” stands for. Bob Levey is a national award-winning columnist.

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Arts & Style

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

Subscribe online! See how on p. 34

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; Obituaries; Personals; Personal Services; Vacation Opportunities; and Wanted. For submission guidelines and deadlines, see the box on page 39. 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 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 A HOME HEALTHCARE- Experienced nurses, CNA, GNA are available 24/7. Cooking, companionship, personal care, housekeeping, driving. Full/Part-time or live-in care. 15 years’ experience. 2405336599)

Computer Services PROBLEM WITH YOUR PC/MAC OR NETWORK? Computer Systems Engineer will come to you with help. Call David G. at: 301-642-4526. Or 301-328-2112

Events WHETHER YOU’RE JUST STARTING A BUSINESS OR SCALING ONE, the “R.I.S.E. VIRTUAL SUMMIT 2022” is the premier virtual event for LEGACY-MINDED ENTREPRENEURS who want to build generational wealth using DIGITAL PRODUCTS & SERVICES! Do you have an IDEA FOR A DIGITAL PRODUCT OR SERVICE, but don’t know how to effectively create and sell it? Do you have a BRICK-ANDMORTAR BUSINESS and want to establish an online presence using a digital product? Do you want to INCREASE YOUR IMPACT, INFLUENCE, & INCOME, but need strategies that work and expert support? If so, REGISTER at www.risenowsummit.com to experience WORLD-CLASS TRAININGS from renowned speakers & EXCLUSIVE RESOURCES to HELP YOU SUCCEED!

Financial TAX PREPARATION SERVICES. Licensed CPA for 35 years. All types of tax returns. Reasonable rates. Located in Gaithersburg MD near Quince Orchard Rd & Great Seneca Hwy. Diane Christen CPA, 240-355-1135 cell; dianechristen@aol.com. WESLEY FINANCIAL GROUP, LLC Timeshare Cancellation Experts. Over $50,000,000 in timeshare debt and fees cancelled in 2019. Get free informational package and learn how to get rid of your timeshare! Free consultations. Over 450 positive reviews. Call 855-626-8703.

For Sale

Legal Services

Wanted

NATIONAL MEMORIAL PARK CEMETARY. 4 Choice Sites in Desirable Block DD. Reg $7995/ea. Sale $3995/ea OBO. Contact 917-754-3355

APPLYING FOR SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY or Appealing a Denied Claim? Call Bill Gordon & Assoc. Our case managers simplify the process & work hard to help with your case. Call 1-866-970-0779 FREE Consultation. Local Attorneys Nationwide [Mail: 2420 N St NW, Washington DC. Office: Broward Co. FL (TX/NM Bar.)]

WANTED: OLD RIFLES, PISTOLS & SHOTGUNS. I have a Federal Firearms License & MD State Police Regulated Firearms Dealer License. I safely/legally purchase from estates & individuals. Call Tim at 703-447-7243 or visit www.midatlanticmilitaryantiques.com

FT. LINCOLN CEMETERY: 1 Mausoleum Crypt in Historic Garden Mausoleum Section: Crypt H, Row 5, Bldg 18, $5750, Helen (301)642-3485 PARKLAWN CEMETERY OF ROCKVILLE - Double Lawn Crypt, Block 29B, Unit 608, Levels A&B. Consists of One Unit with Two Chambers, Tier-Type (2 Burial Rights). Valued at $13,000; for sale at $6,500. Call 210-216-2887 TWO CHOICE MAUSOLEUM SITES in King David Memorial Gardens in desirable Court of Christ, Building 0ne. Regular $15,000 each. Will sell for half, $7499. OBO. Call Velma Clark 3364292846 cell or 2767300104. PUT ON YOUR TV EARS and hear TV with unmatched clarity. TV Ears Original were originally $129.95 - NOW WITH THIS SPECIAL OFFER are only $59.95 with code MCB59! Call 1-833-934-0843. GENERAC STANDBY GENERATORS provide backup power during utility power outages, so your home and family stay safe and comfortable. Prepare now. Free 7-year extended warranty ($695 value!). Request a free quote today! Call for additional terms and conditions. 1-866-964-8106.

For Sale/Rent: Real Estate FOR RENT: Basement apartment with own private bathroom in new development in the Germantown Maryland area, Close to all amenities, that is: Top Golf, Restaurants, Transit Center, Montgomery College and more. Looking for single working professional

Health ARE YOU STRUGGLING TO HEAR, listen, and/or communicate? Are conversations frustrating for you? Do you have hearing loss? ASA Speech-Language-Hearing Therapies provides listening training, lipreading/speechreading training, as well as strategies for communication which can support/enhance your abilities. Antoinette Allen, CCC-SLP is a certified and licensed speech-language pathologist who has provided aural rehabilitation/listening/communication therapy services to hard-of-hearing, deaf, and Deaf adults for 34+ years. If you (or a loved one) has hearing loss and seek a provider who combines expert knowledge with sensitive and compassionate care, we are here to assist/support. Feel free to contact us at asallen@asahearingtherapies.com DENTAL INSURANCE from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for 350 plus procedures. Real dental insurance - NOT just a discount plan. Do not wait! Call now! Get your FREE Dental Information Kit with all the details! 1-844366-1003 www.dental50plus.com/320 #6258. PORTABLE OXYGEN CONCENTRATOR May Be Covered by Medicare! Reclaim independence and mobility with the compact design and long-lasting battery of Inogen One. Free information kit! Call 855-851-0949. MOBILEHELP, America’s Premier Mobile Medical Alert System. Whether You’re Home or Away. For Safety and Peace of Mind. No Long Term Contracts! Free Brochure! Call Today! 1240-650-9189.

Home/Handyman Servies DON’T LET THE STAIRS LIMIT YOUR MOBILITY! Discover the ideal solution for anyone who struggles on the stairs, is concerned about a fall or wants to regain access to their entire home. Call AmeriGlide today! 1-866-3655170. THE BATHROOM OF YOUR DREAMS for as little as $149/month! BCI Bath & Shower. Many options available. Quality materials & professional installation. Senior & Military Discounts Available. Limited Time Offer - FREE virtual in-home consultation now and SAVE 15%! Call Today! 1-855-653-0087. HOME MOBILITY EQUIPMENT SALES, Service & Repair! One Step Mobility Can Help You With Your Home Mobility Needs 24/7: Stair Lifts, Power Chairs, Scooters, Ramps & More. Please call 301-767-5070 or visit: onestepmobility.com

Personal Services ESTATE LIQUIDATION AND DOWNSIZING SPECIALISTS ~ Our stress-free process helps you determine what to keep, gift, sell, donate, or discard, while partnered with a compassionate specialist. Services include estate liquidation, downsizing, junk removal, estate sales and consignment of antiques, jewelry, and collectibles. We buy estates, vehicles, and real estate. Call or text Philip 301-219-3600 DownsizingSpecialists.com. Projects big or small, one call can handle it all! ORGANIZE, DECLUTTER, OR HELP MOVING | Simplify Your Life! Maryland Senior Concierge Services, Certified Senior Advisor. 301.452.5730 | ccallahan@mdseniorhelp.com | www.mdseniorhelp.com WE ARE A TO Z PERSONAL ORGANIZERS, bringing order to your life and to the life of your loved ones. We specialize in relocation services for seniors. Check us out on the web: A2ZOrganizers.com, or give us a call at 240.432.4920.

Personals VERY PRETTY SINGLE WHITE LADY would like to meet gentleman age 65 for Christmas and New Years Eve. I am 65 and have marigold hair (red) and I am 5 feet 3 inches tall. My name is Patricia and I can be reached after 6 p.m. at 443-845-7802.

TV/Cable DIRECTV for $69.99/mo for 12 months with CHOICE Package. Watch your favorite live sports, news & entertainment anywhere. One year of HBO Max FREE. Directv is #1 in Customer Satisfaction (JD Power & Assoc.) Call for more details! (some restrictions apply) Call 1-888-572-4953. DISH NETWORK. $64.99 for 190 Channels! Blazing Fast Internet, $19.99/mo. (where available.) Switch & Get a FREE $100 Visa Gift Card. FREE Voice Remote. FREE HD DVR. FREE Streaming on ALL Devices. Call today! 1844-560-5837.

Vacation Opportunities CRUISES NOW BOOKING! All major cruise lines, all cabin categories. Sail from any port you prefer, including Baltimore. Destinations to Bahamas, Bermuda, Caribbean and beyond. Also handling resorts and tours. Independent local agent focused on good service and great value. See our website at www.walpertravel.com. Call Sandy or Ed at (301)880-7203, or email ed@walpertravel.com.

Wanted PAYING CASH FOR MERCHANDISE pre 1980 old toys, sterling silver, records, antiques and collectables and much more. If you have old items to sell call Carl 312-316-7553. Located in Silver Spring. No Furniture or glassware.

CASH FOR RECORDS, CDS AND DVDS. Best price guaranteed. Free appraisals. All types of music {33, 45, 78 & CDs.} Also buying turntables and stereo equipment. Will make house calls with CURBSIDE PICKUPS. Call or text Steve at 301-646-5403. LADY WHO LOVES PRETTY THINGS would like to buy yours. Dishes, figurines, pottery and similar. Favorites are bone china cups and saucers and old Christmas and Halloween decorations. Especially love Herend, Meissen and Shelley. Also, midcentury smalls of all kinds. Have to clear a house in a hurry? Would be happy to take a look at anything you have. Please call Susan, (301) 785-1129. CASH FOR JEWELRY: Buying jewelry, diamonds, gold, platinum, silver, watches, coins, flatware, etc. Ask for Tom. Call anytime, 301654-8678 (Reg. 883). WANTED: OLDER VIOLINS, GUITARS, BANJOS, MANDOLINS, UKULELES. Musician/collector will pay cash for older string instruments. Masks & safe distance. Jack (301) 279-2158, leave message. 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 ESTATES. I buy a wide range of items; Jewelry, Silver, Art, Rugs, Cultural Items, ETC., ETC. BUY OUT/CLEAN, 301-520-0755 WEBSITE: TheAtticLLC.com. I have my own trucks, my own crew & insurance. BOOK COLLECTIONS WANTED. Moving? Downsizing? Estate? Together the Bonafide Book Buyers 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. SF paperbacks if in New condition. Call Nelson at 240-472-4615 for an appointment at your house. Also DVDs & will consider CDs. Curbside pickup possible, phone for details. TOP PRICES PAID FOR FINE ANTIQUES, ARTWORK and unusual and rare things including decorated crocks and stoneware, antique clocks and music boxes, classic cars, coin operated devices, toys and dolls, furniture, lamps, art glass and pottery. I am 69 years old, well educated [ law degree ] financially capable and have over 40 years in the business. Why pay outlandish auction house, estate agent or consignment store commissions when you can get a fair upfront price for your valuables with no hassle? If you have something rare, unusual and valuable and are prepared to sell it I would like to speak with you. Please call Jake Lenihan 301 279 8834. Thank you. STAMP COLLECTIONS PURCHASED/APPRAISED- U.S., Foreign, Worldwide, Regular Issues, Commemoratives, and Back-ofBook; Anything Philatelic!; Long-time APS Dealer/Member; Phone: 301-309-3622 or EMail: arogolsky@gmail.com

BEACON BITS

Feb.

BLACK FILM FESTIVAL EVERY TUESDAY

The MLK Library in D.C. hosts the 33rd annual Black Film Festival, presenting films in the auditorium every Tuesday in Feb. from 4 to 8 p.m. For a list of this year’s films and documentaries, visit bit.ly/DCBlackFilmFest or call (202) 727-0321.

Feb. 7+

READINGS FROM LOCAL PLAYWRIGHTS

Signature Theatre in Arlington will host three readings of works by local playwrights on Fri., Feb. 7, March 7 and May 9. Free and open to the public, the readings will be held in person as well as livestreamed; tickets are required. To learn more and reserve free tickets, visit SigTheatre.org/events or call the box office at (703) 820-9771.

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 U A R Y 2 0 2 2

FROM PAGE 36 ANSWERS TO SCRABBLE

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

R H I N O S R E S A L E

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

A T T A G R A B W E E K S E E E E B S O N C O U N T A C R M E G A A E R O I N O E S C N A H E S M I C N O A L O U D N O O N E

ANSWERS TO JUMBLE Jumbles: DWELL THICK CHANCE MIRROR Answer: The city was safer because of Dick Tracy’s — CRIME WATCH

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

We thank our advertisers who make our publication possible. Please patronize them and let them know you saw their ad in the Beacon! Clinical Studies

Housing

UM Hearing Loss Study . . .16 UM Hearing Study . . . . . . .17

Acclaim at Belmont Bay . . . .4 Ashby Ponds/Erickson . . .1, 8 Brooke Grove Retirement Village . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Cadence Living Olney . . . .12 Chesterbrook Residences . .16 Chevy Chase House . . . . . .19 Churchill Senior Living . . .16 Culpepper Garden . . . . . . . . .6 Enterprise Residential . . . . .26 F1RST Residences . . . . . . . .9 Falcon’s Landing . . . . . . . . . .3 Friendship Terrace . . . . . . . .17 Greenspring/Erickson . . . .1, 8 Harmony Senior Services . . .7 Homecrest House . . . . . . . . .5 Homewood at Frederick . . .12 Maplewood Park Place . . . . .9 Quantum Property Mgmt . .17 Park View Apartments . . . .26 Riderwood/Erickson . . . . .1, 8 Sommerset . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Springvale Terrace . . . .10, 18

Funeral Services Forever Faithful Pet Cremation . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Going Home Cremation . . .27

Government Services/Utilities Montgomery County Age-Friendly Newsletter .14 Montgomery County Aging & Disability Services . . .19 Montgomery County Public Libraries . . . . . . . .35 Montgomery Serves Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

Home Health Care/Companion Services Best Senior Care . . . . . . . . .10 Options for Senior America . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Radiocw Health Care . . . . . .7

Legal Services Farr Law Firm . . . . . . . . . . .23

Law Offices of Nancy Feldman . . . . . . . .24 Law Offices of Paul Riekhof . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

Medical/Health Judy Oh, DDS . . . . . . . . . . .10 Living Well Programs . . . . .11 Medical Eye Center . . . . . .16 MedStar Health PSA Screening . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Montage Health and Wellness . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Silver Spring Medical Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Steven Friedman, DDS . . . .18

Memory Care Brooke Grove . . . . . . . . . . .11 Cadence Living Olney . . . .12 Kensington Club . . . . . . . . .24

Real Estate Long & Foster/ Eric Stewart . . . . . . . .25, 31

Retail Mobility City . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Perfect Sleep Chair . . . . . . .28

So Lite Wheelchair . . . . . . .30 Zoomer Chair . . . . . . . . . . .40

Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Brooke Grove . . . . . . . . . . .11 ProMedica Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation . . . . . .15

Subscriptions Beacon Newspapers . . . . . .34

Technology BeaconSilverPages.com . . .35 TechMedic4u . . . . . . . . . . . .37

Theatre/ Entertainment F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre .32 Kennedy Center, The . . . . .33 Senior Zone Radio Show . .34 Toby’s Dinner Theatre . . . . .32

Travel Shillelaghs . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

Volunteering/ Job Opportunities Career Gateway . . . . . . . . . .23

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

Subscribe online! See how on p. 34

Finally… a better mobility solution than Scooters or Power Chairs. The Zoomer’s versatile design and 1-touch joystick operation brings mobility and independence to those who need it most. If you have mobility issues, or know someone who does, then you’ve experienced the difficulties faced by millions of Americans. Once simple tasks like getting from the bedroom to the kitchen can become a time-consuming and potentially dangerous ordeal. You may have tried to solve the problem with a power chair or a scooter but neither is ideal. Power chairs are bulky and look like a medical device. Scooters are either unstable or hard to maneuver. Now, there’s a better alternative… the Zoomer. My Zoomer is a delight to ride! It has increased my mobility in my apartment, my opportunities to enjoy the-out-of-doors, and enabled me to visit the homes of my children for longer periods of time. The various speeds of it match my need for safety, it is easy to turn, and I am most pleased with the freedom of movement it gives me. Sincerely, A. Macon, Williamsburg, VA After just one trip around your home in the Zoomer, you’ll marvel at how easy it is to navigate. It is designed to maneuver in tight spaces like doorways, between furniture, and around corners. It can go over thresholds and works great on any kind of floor or carpet. It’s not bulky or Zoomer conveniently rolls beneath table or desk

Easy to use joystick control

Sturdy & Lightweight Frame

Joystick Control (adaptable left or right)

Comfortable Seating

Swivel Away Footrest

Powerful Battery/ Dual Motors

12” cumbersome, so it can roll right up to a table or deskFolds to 12” in seconds there’s noneed to transfer to a chair. Its sturdy yet lightweight aluminum frame makes it durable and comfortable. It’s dual motors power it at up to 3.7 miles per hour and its automatic electromagnetic brakes stop on a dime. The rechargeable battery powers it for up to 8 miles on a single charge. Plus, it’s exclusive foldable design enables you to transport it easily and even store it in a closet or under a bed when it’s not in use.

Why spend another day letting mobility issues hamper your lifestyle? Call now and find out how you can have your very own Zoomer.

Now

available with sporty two-arm lever steering (Zinger Chair)

Ready to get your own Zoomer? We’d love to talk to you. Call now toll free and order one today!

1-888-782-6131

The Zoomer and Zinger Chairs are personal electric vehicles and are not medical devices nor wheelchairs. They are not intended for medical purposes to provide mobility to persons restricted to a sitting position. They are not covered by Medicare nor Medicaid. © 2021 Journey Health and Lifestyle

85032

Please mention code 116629 when ordering.