March 2019 | DC Beacon by The Beacon Newspapers

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VOL.31, NO.3

Love music? Time to get jazzed

Finding a niche In 12 years as director of the Jazz Workshop, Pieper has found a rare combination for a jazz musician: Steady work, a full-time job and artistic enjoyment. “It is nice to have a little more consistent job than relying on the gig economy, which jazz musicians have always done,” he said. In the past, Pieper taught guitar lessons.

MARCH 2019

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PHOTO BY JIM QUINN

By Mike Doan “You must join a jazz band!” shouted my sight-singing teacher after I played a few bars on the piano. “What? I’m 76 years old. Who would want me?” I replied. Well, the Jazz Workshop did. Paul Pieper, who runs the 18 two-hour classes and jam sessions every week in Tysons Corner, had me sit in on a session so we could size each other up. Since I took jazz piano lessons in my 40s, I had always played alone, usually at home and occasionally at parties. I had a paid gig once, but I refused to play the host’s favorite song because I didn’t like it. I was not invited back. After I retired as a journalist in 2009, I took up singing, and the grand piano sat quietly at home, used only to get the right pitch for practicing a song. Yet at my first session, Pieper was positive. “You’ll fit right in nicely,” he said. “You know the chords, you can comp (accompany) and you can improvise.” My four band mates seemed pleasant and accomplished, and I quickly realized I was no longer a solo performer. “You shouldn’t play the root note of the chord. That is for the bass player,” Pieper said gently. “And it’s best to keep in time with the bass player and drummer.” One thing I learned is that jazz is a lot more structured than I thought. After the saxophonist or trumpet player lays out the melody, we take turns soloing, usually every 32 measures. Then we each play four bars and the drummer solos on four bars. It’s easy to get lost unless you listen for cues and keep up the 1-2-3-4 count. Players are even told to look at the face of the soloist to see if he or she is finished before taking their turn. “And at the ending of the piece, don’t look at the notes so much. Just get a sense of what everyone is doing,” Pieper advised.

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Oregon’s sights, from quirky Portland to soaring Mt. Hood; plus, changes to Eurail Pass, and art, food and fun at National Harbor page 39

ARTS & STYLE

Jamming at a Wednesday afternoon session of the Jazz Workshop are (left to right) Judy Grass on guitar, Robert Jordan on drums, Paul Pieper on bass and Mike Doan on piano. Pieper started the popular workshops for amateur musicians, and leads about 18 sessions per week.

“I found there were a lot of people good at that, but not many who could teach a small jazz group,” he said. Pieper, who performs frequently in the Washington area, is so versatile that he fills in on piano, saxophone, bass, guitar or drums when there are gaps in the group. “In the weekly instrumental jazz sessions, you gain an appreciation for other instruments,” said Mike Kuzmik, 66, a dental surgeon who plays saxophone. “Paul’s ability to hear what is being played — and what should be played — is amazing.” Pieper’s classes, held every day of the week, are made up largely of professional and business people of all ages, “most of them with demanding career and family obligations,” he noted. Participants (who pay $65 per two-hour session) are placed

in groups according to their ability, ranging from beginner to advanced.

A wide variety of experience The sessions are held in a comfortable space within an office park at 8455-A Tyco Road in Vienna. Pieper likes to play recorded music between sessions, and there is a row of some of the greatest jazz albums posted along the wall. There is also a separate program for jazz vocalists called the Vocal Workshop, run by pianist Chris Grasso. [See sidebar, “A workshop for jazz singers,” on page 46.] Pieper’s sessions attract a few professional musicians who like to play straightahead jazz “with no compromise and no See JAZZ, page 46

A sneak peek at the musical Gypsy; plus, recent books on the Kennedy and Reagan White House, and Bob Levey’s grandchild-to-be page 44

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Not in our family Back in the 1970s, a progressive TV sit- gays, African Americans, Latinos, Jews, you com poked fun at certain members of an name it. older generation for their Yet, we loved to watch him, prejudices and beliefs, at the even though he couldn’t comsame time revealing a prehend the changes in attiglimpse of the humanity that tudes and behaviors that were could sometimes shine occurring in America in the through the tough, stained 1960s and ‘70s. He was an emexterior of a bigot. barrassment to his daughter, The family portrayed in All but he was still her Daddy. She in the Family consisted of loved him, and he still loved Archie Bunker, a man full of her (and yes, in a way, his sonmore bunk than one would in-law). have thought possible, his FROM THE Archie helped us see how clueless but loveable wife PUBLISHER senseless and baseless racist, Edith, their flighty daughter By Stuart P. Rosenthal sexist and anti-Semitic views Gloria, and their radical sonwere, but we could laugh at in-law Michael (aka “Meathead”). It was a them coming from a poor, uneducated, backcast of stereotypes brought together to ward older white man, knowing that the crush other stereotypes. world he represented was quickly changing All in the Family was a phenomenon. It and he was the one being left behind. ran for nine seasons, and was literally at And yet, even as we tuned in each week the top of the Nielsen ratings — the most- to laugh with our family and friends at watched TV show in America — for five whatever outrageous opinions Archie consecutive years. would spout this time, we all knew that cerThe opinions expressed by Archie were tain members of our own families or workdecidedly backward. He was an uncouth place shared some of Archie’s beliefs. We bigot who relentlessly stereotyped women, might even occasionally have thought to

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should reflect a person’s core values. Even so, don’t we also believe that people make poor decisions sometimes? And that they can change their attitudes and behavior, sincerely apologize for past insensitivity, learn from their mistakes and, at some point, do sufficient penance, or show evidence of a new heart, so that they deserve some type of forgiveness? In individual cases we may decide a particular person or behavior does not deserve to be forgiven. But to close off the very possibility of forgiveness — what is called today zero-tolerance, even of past sins — seems too harsh to me. Is that really a standard we can all live with? Especially when the list of behaviors now seen as irredeemable seems to grow by the day. We can — and should — raise our standards and boost our expectations of our leaders over time. But as we do so, we need to remember we are all human, and that means we all have failings. That, to me, was one of the chief takeaways from the All in the Family sitcom. Every character had failings galore, in one area or another. But even so, they all remained family. Those were the days...

Letters to the editor

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

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ourselves, “Gee, do I sometimes say or think that?” In its over-the-top way, the show and its immense popularity generated a subtle pressure on people to change their attitudes, open their minds and see things from another perspective. And perhaps most importantly, All in the Family helped us see that by laughing at others (and ourselves), we could more easily let go of opinions and attitudes that didn’t withstand scrutiny in today’s world. My, how times have changed! We no longer laugh at bigots, or even make allowances for bigoted behavior that may have taken place years ago at a time when standards were very different. It’s one thing when the behavior rises to the level of abuse of others, or when the behavior has continued into the present day. Here, I’m thinking of the parade of Hollywood execs whose appalling treatment of starlets and others was so recently splashed across the papers almost daily. But more recently, we have learned of people in high positions whose insensitive acts appear to have occurred long ago. And yet, they may not only be ostracized or criticized for it, but can lose their jobs, their reputations, their fortunes, their past awards and honors, and even their friends. Certainly, past ill behavior raises a question about a person’s character, which is not some ephemeral thing, but rather

Readers are encouraged to share their opinion on any matter addressed in the Beacon as well as on political and social issues of the day. Mail your Letter to the Editor to The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915, or e-mail to margaret@thebeaconnewspapers.com. Please include your name, address and telephone number for verification. Dear Editor: Thank you for a thought-provoking and timely From the Publisher (“Not in our family”) in the March edition. You make excellent points about yesteryear attitudes and conventions that were changing in the 70s. The piece is very insightful also about our current perspectives, where we are quick to permanently condemn a person for past transgressions or bad choices. Still, there is an underlying theme that I deem unfair and dangerous. I believe this was inspired by the recent rash of revelations about a number of liberal Democrats. When similar things have happened to conservative Republicans, the media has not rushed to address these same rushes to judgment. Maybe I am mistaken, but past and current practices by various media make me skeptical. Robert Pullarn Perry Hall, Md. Dear Editor: Nursing home residents are among our most vulnerable citizens, yet federal protections to keep them safe are under attack. The current administration has announced

a rollback of critical health and safety rules that protect seniors and provide them with access to justice if they are the victims of abuse, neglect or exploitation. In 2016 the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the agency charged with protecting nursing home residents, updated requirements that had been in effect for more than 25 years. The revised rules put critical measures in place to ensure residents’ high quality of care, quality of life and safety. As soon as the regulations were released, the nursing home industry denounced them as burdensome and unnecessary. The current administration has now announced that it will no longer prohibit nursing homes from forcing a resident into arbitration as a condition of admission or staying in a nursing home. As a result, nursing home residents may be required to sign away their right to access the court system if they are injured or harmed. Let’s put older adults ahead of corporate interests by focusing on protecting nursing See LETTERS TO EDITOR, page 26

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — M A R C H 2 0 1 9

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Innovations New service offers free local TV stations By Tali Arbel The Internet’s abundance of video — on YouTube, Netflix, etc. — has pushed millions to cancel cable TV and diminished the appeal of live television. Some people (the young) barely watch TV, except for special circumstances like the Super Bowl or the Oscars. But many are still dedicated to the nightly news and as much NFL football as they can get. If you have canceled cable, and your TV antenna has poor reception for the major networks, there is now another option to let you view local television networks. It’s called Locast. It’s like an app version of a $50 antenna you can get from Best

Buy. But it’s free and easy to use. For someone like me, weaned on Netflix, Locast is too simplistic to be a major part of my TV addiction. It’s a stopgap, excellent for the few times a year when I want to watch what everyone else is watching, at the same time they watch it. But it’s useful for those who regularly watch TV live — sports lovers, devotees of morning shows like “Today,” “Bachelor” fans who live-tweet each episode. You don’t have to pay for it, as you do with cable, and it’s available on more gadgets than you’d get with just a TV antenna. For those who don’t have a TV, it’s one of the easiest ways to watch over-the-air stations for free.

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How it works, what’s included Locast makes local stations available for free, in real time, online. You can watch on its website, locast.org, or on apps for iPhones and Android phones. A Roku app, Chromecast or Apple’s AirPlay let you stream to your TV. In New York, I get stations for ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, CW, PBS, Univision, Telemundo, Ion and a handful of others. Cable channels like ESPN, MTV, Bravo and Fox News are not available free on the public airwaves. You generally have to pay for them. You can start watching as soon as you let Locast know your location and sign in with your email or Facebook account. A basic TV guide tells you what’s on

now and the next six days. Audio and video quality is good. I haven’t had issues with buffering or shows not loading. Locast fits into a crowded field of devices and services aiming to replace or complement cable. There are cable-like streaming services like YouTube TV, DirecTV Now or PlayStation Vue, which offer packages of TV channels, typically for $40 or $45 a month. Hulu and apps from the likes of ABC and NBC post episodes online in the days after they air. Netflix and Amazon Prime have whole seasons months after they’re on TV. See FREE TV, page 4

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M A R C H 2 0 1 9 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Robots may put U.S. workers’ jobs at risk By Matt O’Brien Robots aren’t replacing everyone, but a quarter of U.S. jobs will be severely disrupted as artificial intelligence accelerates the automation of existing work, according to a new Brookings Institution report. Last month’s report from the Washington think tank says roughly 36 million Americans hold jobs with “high exposure” to automation — meaning at least 70 percent of their tasks could soon be performed by machines using current technology. Among those most likely to be affected are cooks, waiters and others in food services; short-haul truck drivers; and clerical office workers.

“That population is going to need to upskill, reskill or change jobs fast,” said Mark Muro, a senior fellow at Brookings and lead author of the report. Muro said the timeline for the changes could be “a few years or it could be two decades.” But it’s likely that automation will happen more swiftly during the next economic downturn. Businesses are typically eager to implement cost-cutting technology as they lay off workers. Some economic studies have found that similar shifts toward automating production happened in the early part of previous recessions — and may have contributed to the “jobless recovery” that followed the 2008 financial crisis.

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Many jobs could be affected With new advances in artificial intelligence, it’s not just industrial and warehouse robots that will alter the American workforce. Self-checkout kiosks and computerized hotel concierges will do their part. Most jobs will change somewhat as machines take over routine tasks, but a majority of U.S. workers will be able to adapt to that shift without being displaced. Some chain restaurants have already shifted to self-ordering machines. A handful have experimented with robot-assisted kitchens. Google this year is piloting the use of its digital voice assistant at hotel lobbies to instantly interpret conversations across a few dozen languages. Autonomous vehicles could replace shorthaul delivery drivers. Walmart and other retailers are preparing to open cashier-less stores powered by in-store sensors or cameras with facial recognition technology. The changes will hit hardest in smaller cities, especially those in the heartland and the Rust Belt, according to the Brookings report. The risk is highest in Indiana and Kentucky, where some counties have nearly half the workforce employed in the labor-intensive manufacturing and transportation industries.

The changes will also disproportionately affect younger workers who dominate food services and other industries at highest risk for automation.

There’s an upside, too Many economists find that automation has an overall positive effect on the labor market, said Matias Cortes, an assistant professor at York University in Toronto who was not involved with the Brookings report. It can create economic growth, reduce prices and increase demand, while also creating new jobs that make up for those that disappear. In the future, the class of workers affected by automation could grow as machines become more intelligent. The Brookings report analyzed each occupation’s automation potential based on research by the McKinsey management consulting firm. Those jobs that remain largely unscathed will be those requiring not just advanced education, but also interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence. “These high-paying jobs require a lot of creativity and problem-solving,” Cortes said. “That’s going to be difficult for new technologies to replace.” —AP

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Say you saw it in the Beacon | Technology & Innovations

A robot named Marty is rolling into nearly 500 grocery stores to help employees. Badger Technologies CEO Tim Rowland said its camera-equipped robots stop after detecting a potential spill. Then, humans working in a control center in the Philippines review the imagery before triggering a cleanup message over the loudspeaker. Rowland says 25 robots are now operating at certain Giant, Martinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and Stop & Shop stores, with 30 more arriving each week. Giant says it has two robots now working at stores in Pennsylvania, and

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To use the service, you need to live in one of the nine markets where Locast has set up antennas. Just last month, Baltimore and Washington, D.C. were added to the lineup, which also includes Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Houston, New York and Philadelphia. Further expansion depends on whether Locast can raise more money. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve gotten used to watching shows at my leisure, and Locast doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t fit in with that. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no digital video recorder, or DVR, to let you watch shows later. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no skipping commercials, no binge-watching, no customization, no recommendations of shows Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll like. For sports fans, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a lot missing. You can get baseball, football and other games from over-the-air channels, but no â&#x20AC;&#x153;Monday Night Footballâ&#x20AC;? (on ESPN) or the cable channels that televise hometown-team games. For the March Madness college basketball tournament, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d just get the games on CBS, not TNT, TBS or truTV.

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Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also a question about Locastâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s future. A few years ago, a startup called Aereo tried to offer local broadcast stations over the Internet. Broadcasters sued and won, forcing Aereo to shut down in 2014. Locast has been around for about a year and may have found a legitimate loophole because itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a nonprofit. Federal law says nonprofits can retransmit broadcastersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; signals without violating their rights. The National Association of Broadcasters, which represents TV and radio stations, declined to comment. Even so, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the issue of money. Locast currently runs on a loan from an undisclosed person. Its backers, a sportsfan advocacy group simply called the Sports Fans Coalition, hope user donations will fund the service. But itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hard to persuade people to part with their cash â&#x20AC;&#x201D; especially for the cashconscious cord-cutters who have found themselves in subscription overload with Netflix and Amazon Prime, not to mention music, news, specific sports leagues, meal kits, makeup and wine. â&#x20AC;&#x201D;AP

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plans to expand to all 172 stores by the middle of this year. The robots move using laser-based â&#x20AC;&#x153;lidarâ&#x20AC;? sensors. They pause when shoppers veer into their path. A robot observed recently alerted store associates to a price tag that had fallen in one aisle, and a tiny sprig of herbs in another. After a few minutes, it returned to the scene of each spill and waited until an employee pushed a button to acknowledge that the debris was picked up. Walmart and Midwestern supermarket chain Schnucks have deployed robots that help monitor inventory. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; AP

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M A R C H 2 0 1 9 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

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

Homeowners & Renters with Modest Income May Apply for a Tax Credit Homeowners in Montgomery County: You may qualify for a credit (lower your property tax bill) if you own your home, have household income less than $60,000, and have assets less than about $200,000 (not including the value of your home or retirement savings). 1. Request an application: ! 1-800-944-7403 or Bit.ly/OwnersPropTaxCredit 2. Submit your application: ! Fill out the form, include supporting documents, and mail it in. ! !

Due date is September 1; it’s good to file early. If you are age 70+, you can file retroactively for the past three years.

Maryland manages the property tax credit program and Montgomery County enhances it. Qualified homeowners age 65+ receive a 50% larger tax credit due to a supplement provided by Montgomery County. Learn more: Bit.ly/OwnersTaxCreditProgram

Renters in Montgomery County: You may qualify for a tax credit (receive a check), if your household income is less than $73,000 and you are either: age 60+; 100% disabled; or, under age 60 with children under age 18. 1. Request an application: a. 1-800-944-7403 or Bit.ly/RentersApplication 2. Submit your application: a. Fill out the form, include supporting documents, and mail it in. b. Due date is September 1; it’s good to file early. Maryland manages the Renters Tax Credit program and Montgomery County enhances it. Qualified renters will receive one check from Maryland and another from Montgomery County (which is mailed in January). Learn more: www. montgomerycountymd.gov/Finance/renter.html Note: Montgomery County Department of Housing and Community Affairs helps tenants by ensuring housing safety, mediating conflicts, and advocating for tenants. Call “311” or 240-777-0311 to request free, confidential, anonymous help.

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

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How to keep your data safe in the cloud By Kaitlin Pitsker You probably got the memo ages ago that you need to back up your computer’s files religiously. Otherwise, they could disappear into the void should your computer’s hard drive implode or your machine fall victim to hackers. Today, much of what you do on your computer, tablet and smartphone — from accessing email to streaming music and movies — relies on “the cloud” (referring to a variety of Internet-based off-site services for backing up data). Experts still recommend regularly backing up files on an external hard drive and disconnecting it from your computer when you’re done. But you should also use an Internet-based service to save, sync or back up your files. In recent years, space in the cloud has gotten cheaper, and many cloud storage providers have expanded their menus to offer a wider variety of plans and features. Keeping your documents and other files in the cloud will lighten the load on your computer’s hard drive and allow you to access your files from anywhere.

Picking a storage plan Most cloud services offer a limited amount of storage free, then charge monthly or annual fees for additional space. For example, Amazon Drive for Prime members, Apple’s iCloud and Microsoft’s OneDrive provide 5 gigabytes (GB) of free storage; Box offers 10GB, and Dropbox provides 2GB. One terabyte (TB, meaning 1000 GB) of data storage — enough to hold tens of thousands of digital images, plus files and documents — typically costs $100 to $120 a year. That’s plenty of memory if you’re sharing the space or using it to store

movies or lots of photos. With so many companies offering cloud storage, you’ll find no shortage of options that offer ample space for your files, music, home videos and pictures. The service that’s right for you will depend on the types of files you store, how much space you need, and whether you plan to edit or access the files regularly or share them with others. Before signing up for a larger, paid storage plan, use a service’s tools to upload and view a handful of files to make sure you find the process straightforward and convenient. Consider keeping documents with sensitive information on your computer’s hard drive or encrypting the files before uploading them to the cloud.

of space and makes sharing files between devices a breeze. Apple devotees are best served by iCloud. The service works with both Apple and Windows devices, but iCloud is already baked into Apple devices and is an easy way to back up your smartphone. You’ll get 5GB of free storage, and a 2TB storage plan — which can be shared with up to five family members — costs $10 a month. For broader protection against hard drive failure, a stolen device or a ran-

somware attack, opt for a cloud backup service such as Backblaze ($50 a year for a single device and unlimited space). Unlike cloud-syncing services, which are designed to hold only files or folders that you’ve linked or uploaded, cloud backup services copy most, if not all, of the files on your computer. And many encrypt your files before sending them to the server. © 2019 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

The big players It’s hard to beat Google’s offerings, including 15GB of free storage if you have a Google account. Need more space? Upgrade to a paid storage plan and share your storage space with up to five family members. A 2TB storage plan costs $100 a year. And regardless of how much storage space you have, Google provides a robust workbench of tools that allow you to edit documents, spreadsheets and other files on the go and share them with others. And if photos from your smartphone are gobbling up space, you can stash the images on Google Photos. You’ll have unlimited storage space for the images if you allow Google to compress photos to a resolution of 16 megapixels and videos to 1080p (enough to store most cell-phone photos without compromising image quality). Other solid options include Dropbox and iCloud. Dropbox’s meager 2GB of free storage won’t hold many files, but the company’s Plus plan ($99 a year) includes 1TB

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Health Fitness &

NO MORE NEEDLES? Scientists are developing a pea-sized pill to replace injectable insulin POWERFUL POWDERS While real food is better, protein powders can fill a need for some FIGHTING FATIGUE If you’re constantly tired, these four simple ideas could boost your energy FIND YOUR CORE No need for six-pack abs — but stronger abdominal muscles can help

Scientists seek real way to measure pain By Lauran Neergaard Is the pain stabbing or burning? On a scale from 1 to 10, is it a 6 or an 8? Over and over, 17-year-old Sarah Taylor struggled to make doctors understand her sometimes debilitating levels of pain, first from joint-damaging childhood arthritis and then from fibromyalgia. “It’s really hard when people can’t see how much pain you’re in, because they have to take your word on it, and sometimes they don’t quite believe you,” she said. Now scientists are peeking into Sarah’s eyes to track how her pupils react when she’s hurting and when she’s not — part of a quest to develop the first objective way to measure pain. “If we can’t measure pain, we can’t fix it,” said Dr. Julia Finkel, a pediatric anesthesiologist at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, who invented the experimental eye-tracking device.

Self-ratings not sufficient At just about every doctor’s visit you’ll get your temperature, heart rate and blood pressure measured. But there’s no stethoscope for pain. Patients must convey how bad it is using that 10-point scale or emoji-style charts that show faces turning from smiles to frowns. That’s problematic for lots of reasons. Doctors and nurses have to guess at babies’ pain by their cries and squirms, for example. The aching that one person rates a 7 might be a 4 to someone who’s more used to serious pain or genetically more tolerant.

Patient-to-patient variability makes it hard to test if potential new painkillers really work. Nor do self-ratings determine what kind of pain someone has — one reason for trial-and-error treatment. Are opioids necessary? Or is the pain, like Sarah’s, better suited to nerve-targeting medicines? “It’s very frustrating to be in pain and you have to wait like six weeks, two months, to see if the drug’s working,” said Sarah, who uses a combination of medications, acupuncture and lots of exercise to counter her pain. The National Institutes of Health is pushing for development of what its director, Dr. Francis Collins, has called a “pain-o-meter.” Spurred by the opioid crisis, the goal isn’t just to signal how much pain someone’s in. It’s also to determine what kind it is and what drug might be the most effective. “We’re not creating a lie detector for pain,” stressed David Thomas of NIH’s National Institute on Drug Abuse, who oversees the research. “We do not want to lose the patient voice.”

Seeking pain markers Around the country, NIH-funded scientists have begun studies of brain scans, pupil reactions and other possible markers of pain in hopes of finally “seeing” the ouch so they can better treat it. It’s earlystage research, and it’s not clear how soon any of the attempts might pan out. “There won’t be a single signature of pain,” Thomas predicted. “My vision is that someday we’ll pull these different metrics together for something of a fingerprint of pain.”

NIH estimates 25 million people in the U.S. experience daily pain. Most days Sarah Taylor is one of them. Now living in Potomac, Maryland, she was a toddler in her native Australia when the swollen, aching joints of juvenile arthritis appeared. She’s had migraines and spinal inflammation. Then two years ago, the body-wide pain of fibromyalgia struck; a flare-up last winter hospitalized her for two weeks. One recent morning, Sarah climbed onto an acupuncture table at Children’s National, rated that day’s pain a not-toobad 3, and opened her eyes wide for the experimental pain test. “There’ll be a flash of light for 10 seconds. All you have to do is try not to blink,” researcher Kevin Jackson told Sarah as he lined up the pupil-tracking device, mounted on a smartphone. The eyes offer a window to pain centers in the brain, said Finkel, who directs pain research at Children’s Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation. How? Some pain-sensing nerves transmit “ouch” signals to the brain along pathways that also alter muscles of the pupils as they react to different stimuli. Finkel’s device tracks pupillary reactions to light or to non-painful stimulation of certain nerve fibers, aiming to link different patterns to different intensities and types of pain. Consider the shooting hip and leg pain of sciatica: “Everyone knows someone who’s been started on oxycodone for their sciatic nerve pain. And they’ll tell you that

they feel it — it still hurts — and they just don’t care,” Finkel said. What’s going on? An opioid like oxycodone brings some relief by dulling the perception of pain but not its transmission — while a different kind of drug might block the pain by targeting the culprit nerve fiber, she said.

Other ways to measure pain Certain medications also can be detected by other changes in a resting pupil, she said. Last month the Food and Drug Administration announced it would help AlgometRx, a biotech company Finkel founded, speed development of the device as a rapid drug screen. Looking deeper than the eyes, scientists at Harvard and Massachusetts General Hospital found MRI scans revealed patterns of inflammation in the brain that identified either fibromyalgia or chronic back pain. Other researchers have found changes in brain activity — where different areas “light up” on scans — that signal certain types of pain. Still others are using electrodes on the scalp to measure pain through brain waves. Ultimately, NIH wants to uncover biological markers that explain why some people recover from acute pain while others develop hard-to-treat chronic pain. “Your brain changes with pain,” Thomas explained. “A zero-to-10 scale or a happy-face scale doesn’t capture anywhere near the totality of the pain experience.” — AP

Want to quit? E-cigs beat patches, gums By Matthew Perrone A major new study provides the strongest evidence yet that vaping can help smokers quit cigarettes, with e-cigarettes proving nearly twice as effective as nicotine gums and patches. The British research, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, could influence what doctors tell their patients and shape the debate in the U.S., where the Food and Drug Administration has come under pressure to more tightly regulate the burgeoning industry amid a surge in teenage vaping. “We know that patients are asking about

e-cigarettes and many doctors haven’t been sure what to say,” said Dr. Nancy Rigotti, a tobacco treatment specialist at Harvard Medical School who was not involved in the study. “I think they now have more evidence to endorse e-cigarettes.” At the same time, Rigotti and other experts cautioned that no vaping products have been approved in the U.S. to help smokers quit. Smoking is the No. 1 cause of preventable death worldwide, blamed for nearly 6 million deaths a year. Quitting is notoriously difficult, even with decades-old nicotine aids and newer prescription drugs.

More than 55 percent of U.S. smokers try to quit each year, and only about 7 percent succeed, according to government figures.

Less harmful, more effective Electronic cigarettes, which have been available in the U.S. since about 2007 and have grown into a $6.6 billion-a-year industry, are battery-powered devices that typically heat a flavored nicotine solution into an inhalable vapor. Most experts agree the vapor is less harmful than traditional cigarette smoke since it doesn’t contain most of the cancercausing byproducts of burning tobacco.

But there have been conflicting studies on whether e-cigarettes actually help smokers kick the habit. Last year, an influential panel of U.S. experts concluded there was only “limited evidence” of their effectiveness. In the new study, researchers tracked nearly 900 middle-age smokers who were randomly assigned to receive either e-cigarettes or nicotine replacement products, including patches, gums and lozenges. After one year, 18 percent of e-cigarette users were smoke-free, versus 9.9 percent of those using the other products. See E-CIGS, page 10

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — M A R C H 2 0 1 9

Change Medicare Advantage plan by 3/31 Medicare Advantage enrollees get a new, second chance to find the right health coverage this year. The government added another enrollment window that started Jan. 1 and lasts until March 31. It gives people with privately run versions of the federal Medicare program a chance to change plans or switch to regular Medicare. Until now, Medicare Advantage customers who wanted to make a big switch outside the program’s annual fall sign-up period had to rely on a shorter, more limited window. But finding better coverage is no simple task. Kaiser Family Foundation Medicare expert Tricia Neuman says people need to approach this new opportunity cautiously. “In many areas there are more than a dozen plans available,” she said. “The choice can often be overwhelming.” Here are some points to consider.

The rules You can make one change during this new window and only if you’re already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan. You can switch to another Medicare Advantage plan or opt for original Medicare and then pick prescription drug coverage. This sign-up period replaces a shorter enrollment window that also started Jan. 1 and allowed Medicare Advantage cus-

tomers to switch to original Medicare. Any changes you make will start the first month after your plan gets your request, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

window arrives in October. “People tend to look at premiums because premiums are easier to compare,” Neuman said. “There’s so many other factors that affect how good the coverage is.”

Who might consider this

Confirm supplemental insurance

Anyone who dislikes their coverage or has had a change in care needs. Medicare Advantage plans can include attractive options like low premiums, dental coverage or gym memberships. They also can change from year to year and limit the doctors covered in the plan’s network. Enrollees might wind up with a plan that wasn’t as good as they thought when they signed up last fall. Others may have kept the same plan from the previous year and found out that it now excludes a favorite doctor.

Enrollees who shift from Medicare Advantage to original Medicare may want supplemental coverage that picks up some of the costs original Medicare doesn’t cover. But those plans have a big catch. In many

Compare everything Medicare Advantage plans come with a maze of variables to consider. Don’t make a change for one reason — like keeping that favorite doctor — without considering other important factors. Think about how the new coverage will affect your prescriptions. Consider how many local hospitals or cancer centers are included in the plan’s network in case you become sick. This is a decision you may have to live with until the next enrollment

states, insurers can consider your health when deciding whether to provide coverage. Neuman said shoppers should apply for a supplemental plan first to see if they can get that coverage before dumping their previous plan.

Where to find help The government operates a plan finder at www.medicare.gov that can help people See MEDICARE, page 10

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E-cigs From page 8 “Anything which helps smokers to avoid heart disease and cancer and lung disease is a good thing, and e-cigarettes can do that,” said Peter Hajek, study co-author and an addiction specialist at Queen Mary University of London. The study was more rigorous than previous ones, which largely surveyed smokers about e-cigarette use. Participants in this experiment underwent chemical breath testing. Smokers in the e-cigarette group received a $26 starter kit, while those in the nicotinereplacement group received a three-month supply of the product of their choice, costing about $159. Participants were responsible for purchasing follow-up supplies. “If you have a method of helping people with smoking cessation that is both more

M A R C H 2 0 1 9 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

effective and less costly, that should be of great interest to anyone providing health services,” said Kenneth Warner, a retired University of Michigan public health professor who was not involved in the study.

Some caveats Several factors may have boosted the results: All the participants were recruited from a government smoking-cessation program and were presumably motivated to quit. They also received four weeks of anti-smoking counseling. The researchers didn’t test e-cigarettes against new drugs such as Pfizer’s Chantix, which has shown higher rates of success than older nicotine-based treatments. Funding for the study came from the British government, which has embraced ecigarettes as a potential tool to combat smoking through state-run health services. Some of the authors have been paid consultants to

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makers of anti-smoking products. There is virtually no research on the long-term effects of chemicals in e-cigarette vapor, some of which are toxic. “We need more studies about their safety profile, and I don’t think anyone should be changing practice based on one study,” said Belinda Borrelli, a psychologist specializing in smoking cessation at Boston University. The American Heart Association backed e-cigarettes in 2014 as a last resort to help smokers quit after trying counseling and approved products. The American Cancer Society took a similar position last year. An editorial accompanying the study and co-written by Borrelli recommended e-cigarettes only after smokers have tried and failed to quit with FDA-approved products. Borrelli also noted that after one year, 80 percent of the e-cigarette users in the study were still using the devices. Only

Medicare From page 9 compare options. Insurance brokers also know how to guide customers through a search and what variables they should consider. But they may receive a commission for working with you. For help from someone who doesn’t have a financial stake in your decision, contact the State Health Insurance Assistance Program in your area:

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nine percent of the participants in the other group were still using gums and other nicotine-replacement products.

Will regulation follow? The FDA has largely taken a hands-off approach toward vaping. It has not scientifically reviewed any of the e-cigarettes on the market and has put off some key regulations until 2022. FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb has said he doesn’t want to over-regulate an emerging industry that could provide a safer option for adult smokers. The delay has come under intense criticism amid an explosion in teenage vaping, driven chiefly by devices like Juul, which resembles a flash drive. According to a government survey, teenage use surged 78 percent between 2017 and 2018. — AP at (301) 255-4211

In Prince George’s County: State Health Insurance Program, SHIP at (301) 265-8450

In Virginia: Virginia Insurance and Counseling Program, VICAP: Alexandria: (703) 746-5999, option 1 Arlington County: (703) 228-1700 Fairfax County: (703) 324-5851

In Washington, D.C.: Health Insurance Counseling Project at (202) 994-6272 — AP

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — M A R C H 2 0 1 9

march 2019

UPCOMING SEMINARS & EVENTS at Brooke Grove retirement village

As experts in senior care and memory support, Brooke Grove Retirement Village is pleased to offer seminars and events that promote physical, spiritual and mental well-being. All seminars and events will be held at Brooke Grove Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, located at 18131 Slade School Road on the Brooke Grove Retirement Village campus. Please register with Toni Davis at 301-388-7209 or tdavis@bgf.org.

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Session 1: March rch 4 through ugh April 17 MONDAYS DAY & WEDNESDAYS S 10-10:30 10 3 A.M. During this cl class, simple yet effective techniques are used to improve balance and agility and reduce your risk of falls. No props are used, so exercises N mayy easily be performed at home.

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Session 1: March 6 through April 17 WEDNESDAYS AY • 11-11:30 A.M. Mindful meditation changes the brain i in astonishing ways — ppromoting greater focus, reduced anxiety, increased compassion and improved well-being. Experience guided, mindful meditation in a quiet space.

TUESDAY, MARCH 19 • 2-3 P.M. Learn how you can have an honest and caring conversation with family members about issues related to Alzheimer’s and dementia, including going to the doctor, deciding when to stop driving, and making legal and financial plans.

Loneliness is a serious public health issue that impacts the well-being of older adults. In fact, researchers say loneliness may even be a bigger health risk than smoking or obesity! Learn how loneliness and social isolation affect the mind and body and how you can help yourself — and others — prevent and alleviate loneliness to enjoy a happier life. Preceded by complimentary lunch at 12:30 p.m. FREE. Register by March 18. ANtiQUES & COLLECTIBLES ROAD SHOW

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Health Shorts Nearly half of us have cardiovascular disease A new report estimates that nearly half of all U.S. adults have some form of heart or blood vessel disease — a medical milestone that’s mostly due to recent guide-

M A R C H 2 0 1 9 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

lines that expanded how many people have high blood pressure. The American Heart Association said in its annual report that more than 121 million adults had cardiovascular disease in 2016. Taking out those with only high blood pressure leaves 24 million, or 9 percent of adults, who have other forms of disease, such as heart failure or clogged arteries. Measuring the burden of diseases shows areas that need to improve, the heart association’s chief science and medical officer, Dr. Mariell Jessup, said in a statement. High blood pressure, which had long

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been defined as a top reading of at least 140 or a bottom one of 90, dropped to 130 over 80 under guidelines adopted in 2017. It raises the risk for heart attacks, strokes and many other problems, and only about half of those with the condition have it under control. Being diagnosed with high blood pressure doesn’t necessarily mean you need medication right away; the first step is aiming for a healthier lifestyle, even for those who are prescribed medicine. Poor diets, lack of exercise and other bad habits cause 90 percent of high blood pressure. Other highlights of the report: — Heart and blood vessel disease is linked to 1 of every 3 deaths in the United States and kills more Americans than all forms of cancer and respiratory diseases like pneumonia combined. — Certain groups have higher rates than others: 57 percent of black women and 60 percent of black males. — Coronary heart disease, or clogged or hardened arteries, caused 43 percent of cardiovascular deaths in the U.S., followed by stroke (17 percent), high blood pressure (10 percent) and heart failure (9 percent). — AP

New drug may protect brain cells in Alzheimer’s One of the hallmark traits of Alzheimer’s disease, a debilitating disorder marked by memory deficits and general cognitive decline, is the accumulation in the brain of a protein called b-amyloid. These proteins form “plaques” and bind to unique proteins on the surface of brain cells called receptors, causing widespread cell death. Now, UCLA researchers have discovered a drug that blocks b-amyloid plaques from attaching to brain cells, preventing the extensive cell death. The study was

published in the journal Nature Chemistry. Lin Jiang, Ph.D., assistant professor of neurology, working with David Eisenberg, a professor of chemistry and biochemistry and of biological chemistry at UCLA, first identified the plaque binding site of b-amyloid. Jiang and his team then used computer software to assist them in searching for a drug “that could block the receptor like a shield, preventing b-amyloid from binding to and killing brain cells,” Jiang said. In order to find molecular candidates to block the b-amyloid/brain cell interaction, Jiang and colleagues searched a library containing more than 32,000 molecules. This list contained drugs that are approved for human use, are currently in clinical trial, or are naturally occurring. This meant that many characteristics of the drug candidates were already known and they were safe for human use. From this list of molecules, one drug, ALI6, showed promising results in cellbased experiments. Jiang and his team cultured mouse brain cells and exposed them to the toxic b-amyloid proteins, then treated some cells with ALI6 and compared levels of cell death between groups. ALI6 treatment almost completely prevented the cell death caused by b-amyloid, suggesting that the drug could eventually be explored to treat Alzheimer’s disease. ALI6 is a promising candidate. Not only is it non-toxic but it can also move from the bloodstream to the brain, a critical trait for any drug aimed at treating central nervous system disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States, with an estimated 5.5 million people currently living with the disease. The findings of this study would need to See HEALTH SHORTS, page 13

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — M A R C H 2 0 1 9

Every minute of exercise counts in new activity guidelines Exercising just one or two days a week may lower the odds of dying of heart disease, according to a recent study. The findings were based on the self-re-

ported exercise habits of more than 63,500 people 40 and older. The researchers compared people who exercised only one or two days per week and met the federally recommended amount of physical activity (at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous activity each week) to people who were inactive. The so-called weekend warriors had a 40 percent lower risk of death from heart disease than people who were inactive. The findings reinforce what previous research suggests: in terms of longevity, you get the biggest bang for your buck when you move from being inactive to getting some activity. However, there are other advantages if you can find even a little time to exercise during the week.

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

More frequent exercise even in small doses can prevent joint stiffness. And it may be less risky in terms of injuries, since it’s easier to pull a muscle if you exercise only once a week. Also, a consistent, daily exercise pattern may lower stress and is more likely to help with weight loss. The new Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans make it easier to reach your weekly physical activity goal. The recommended weekly exercise time is the same as the previous guidelines — at least 150 to 300 minutes of moderate intensity exercise or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous inten-

sity exercise per week. But now all activity, even a few minutes of movement, counts toward that goal — not just 10-minute bouts of activity, as past guidelines recommended. Throughout the day, move more and sit less. Work toward reducing the amount of time you spend sitting every day. If you sit at a desk, get up and walk around at a brisk pace every hour. Keep some lightweight dumbbells or a kettlebell at your work station to do some quick resistance exercises. © 2019 President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

BEACON BITS

Mar. 29

WHAT TO EAT?

Diets and food philosophies can be confusing. Learn what people over 55 should eat to maintain health and wellness from Virginia Cooperative Extension representatives at a free event on Friday, March 29 at 1:30 p.m. at Aurora Hills Senior Center, 735 S. 18th St., Arlington, Va. To register, call (703) 228-5722.

Mar. 12

MEDICAL MARIJUANA

Dr. Matthew L. Mintz of the George Washington University School of Medicine presents an overview of medical marijuana, including its benefits and proper usage, on Tuesday, March 12 from 1:30-3 p.m. at Little Falls Library, 5501 Massachusetts Ave., Bethesda, Md. To register for this free program, call (301) 329-3267 or email info@littlefallsvillage.org.

Mar. 12+

CAREGIVING WORKSHOPS

Presented by Fairfax County and Iona Health System, “Caring for You, Caring for Me” offers support and education for caregivers of older adults. This free workshop series, focusing on advocacy and care for both the caregiver and the care recipient, runs every Tuesday for five weeks beginning March 12 from 1-3 p.m. at Congregation Adat Reyim, 6500 Westbury Oaks Ct., Springfield, Va. Respite services available if requested three weeks in advance. For more information, contact Kristin Martin at (703) 324-7577, TTY 711.

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M A R C H 2 0 1 9 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

New pill may deliver insulin without shots By Lauran Neergaard Scientists have figured out how to hide a shot inside a pea-sized pill — creating a swallowable gadget that can inject medicines like insulin from inside the stomach. Patients usually prefer oral treatment and comply with it better. But many compounds, including insulin for diabetes, can’t survive the harsh trip through the digestive system. The new invention, reported by a Massachusetts Institute of Technology-led research team, has been tested only in animals so far. But if it pans out, it might offer a work-around to make not just insulin but a variety of usually injected medicines a little easier to take. “It’s like a miniaturized rocket launcher” for insulin, said Willem Mulder of Mount Sinai’s Translational and Molecular Imag-

ing Institute, who wasn’t involved in the new research.

Getting to the right place Scientists have spent decades trying to develop oral insulin and replace at least some of the daily shots that many people with diabetes require. Attempts include ways to protect insulin from digestive breakdown and then help it be absorbed through the intestine into the bloodstream. So far none has reached the market, although some closely watched candidates are being tested. An ingestible injection could bypass the hazards of that journey — letting insulin absorb through the wall of the stomach, said Dr. Giovanni Traverso, a gastroen-

terologist at Boston’s Brigham & Women’s Hospital and a senior author of the study. “The way this works is it travels down the esophagus in seconds, it’s in the stomach within a few minutes, and then you get the drug,” said Traverso, who worked with a team from the lab of MIT inventor Robert Langer and insulin maker Novo Nordisk. The first challenge: How to make sure the device lands where it can poke into the right spot, even if someone’s moving around. Researchers looked to nature for ideas. A certain tortoise, the leopard tortoise from Africa, can right itself if flipped onto its back thanks to the steep curve of its shell. Researchers crafted a miniature capsule with a similar shape and a weighted bottom, so that once it reaches the stomach it automatically rolls in the right direction to latch on, Traverso explained.

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Next the team designed a micro-injector — like a needle, only made of dried insulin compressed into a sharp point. To power it, researchers bound a tiny spring to a hardened sugar disk. Stomach acid gradually dissolves the sugar until the spring pops, shooting the insulin into the stomach wall. In pigs, the ingestible injection lowered blood sugar to levels comparable to stan-

dard shots, according to the study published recently in the journal Science. Once the insulin was absorbed, the capsule, made of stainless steel and a biodegradable material, floated free and was excreted. “It’s a very clever idea that is meant to solve a very long-standing problem,” said University of Pittsburgh chemical engineering chairman Steven Little, who also wasn’t part of the research. Because the gadget passes through, “the only thing administered to the body is this little injector.” One hurdle: It works on an empty stomach, with nothing to get in the way of the device latching on. Traverso said that means it might one day replace morning insulin shots but not post-meal doses. If poking into the stomach wall sounds worrisome, Traverso said gastroenterologists have long used bigger needles to deliver medicines during certain gastric procedures and their patients fare well. The stomach muscle is thick enough not to worry about a micro-injection piercing all the way through, and the animal studies found no side effects. But Traverso said more research is needed to see how the stomach handles daily micro-injections over many months. Additional animal studies are under way, and Traverso hopes human testing can begin within three years. — AP

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Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

Q&A: Joints and weather; heartburn diet Q: My friend swears that changes in the weather cause her joints to ache more than usual. Is this real or just a myth? A: The belief that weather affects aches and pains in the joints is longstanding. But there is no convincing science to back that up. The question has been studied extensively. While a definitive answer is nearly impossible to provide — because it’s hard to prove a negative (prove that something doesn’t exist) — researchers have been unable to make a strong case for a strong connection. A recent study finds no connection between rainy weather and symptoms of back or joint pain. This conclusion was based on a staggering amount of data: more than 11 million medical visits occurring on more than two million rainy days and nine million dry days. Not only was there no clear pattern linking rainy days and more aches and pains, but there were slightly more visits on dry days. An earlier Australian study found no link between back pain and rain, temperature, humidity or air pressure. This study collected data regarding features of the weather at the time of first symptoms, and compared it to the weather a week and a month before. But a different study found that among 200 patients followed for three months, knee pain increased modestly when tem-

perature fell or barometric pressure rose. It’s worth remembering that humans have a remarkable tendency to remember when two things occur or change together (such as wet, gloomy weather and joint pain), but remember less when things do not occur together. That rainy day when you felt the same as you usually do is unlikely to be so notable that you remember it. If you rely solely on memory rather than on more rigorous, databased evidence, it’s easy to conclude a link exists where, in fact, none does. When my patients tell me they can predict the weather by how their joints feel, I believe them. It’s hard to discount it when so many people notice a connection. They could represent an exception to what the studies show. But I also believe the science. Until I see evidence that’s even more compelling, I remain a skeptic about the weather and arthritis connection. By Robert H. Shmerling, M.D., associate professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. Q: My diet to help my heartburn is so boring. Do you have some suggestions for tastier foods that can I try? A: Putting some restrictions on the foods you eat to limit acid reflux is an important part of good heartburn control.

But it doesn’t mean it has to be bland. The most common cause of heartburn is called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It occurs when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus, the tube connecting the mouth and stomach, usually because the ring-like muscles that prevent backflow stop working properly. In addition to heartburn, GERD may cause nausea, a sour taste in the mouth, difficulty swallowing, a sore throat, coughing, and tightness in the chest. Typical foods that trigger GERD symptoms include spicy foods, citrus, tomato sauces and vinegar. Fatty and fried foods linger longer in the stomach. That may increase stomach pressure and force open

the muscles that keep stomach acid out of the esophagus. Other common heartburn triggers include chocolate, caffeine, onions, peppermint, carbonated drinks and alcohol. But the foods that bother people with acid reflux are different for everyone. That’s why it’s a good idea to keep a journal noting which foods trigger your symptoms. You can still enjoy lean meats, fish, poultry, vegetables, legumes, fruits and whole grains. The trick is making them flavorful. Here are some ideas to keep dazzle in your diet. If spices bother you, try using only small amounts, and be mindful of blends that See DOCTOR Q & A, page 17

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M A R C H 2 0 1 9 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

The most sedentary: Teens and those 60+ In a study conducted as part of the 20032004 and 2005-2006 cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 12,529 Americans ages 6 to 85 wore devices designed to measure their movement — movement of all types, not just exercise — during the course of one week. The study’s goal was to determine how one’s level of physical activity changes over time. The results were shocking: they concluded that an average American, by age 19, is as sedentary as a 60 year old. How sedentary is an older adult in their 60s? Another study, conducted by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, found that adults between the ages of 60 and 85 spend roughly 60 percent of their time, or

eight hours daily, sitting or lying down. As alarming as these conclusions may seem, when you consider the results, they make sense. Older adults may have difficulty getting out to exercise as their bodies age. Teens, on the other hand, are constantly forced to remain seated at a desk due to the way the American school day has been established. In addition, technology such as television and computers may entice many students to pass up on a game of basketball for video games.

Health and other benefits In contrast to the negative impact a lack of activity can have on the health of teens and seniors alike — including obesity, depres-

sion, heart conditions, etc. — an active Intergenerational ideas lifestyle can promote longer lives, build musThe next time you interact with a younger cle strength, improve hand-eye friend, brainstorm ways that coordination, achieve better you can stay fit, separately or balance and a healthy weight, together. and much more. According to the Centers for Risk for disabilities or deDisease Control and Prevenmentia could be significantly retion, teenagers should get at duced, and cognitive function least an hour of physical activienhanced, when older adults ty per day. exercise regularly. Meanwhile, it is recomBeyond this, making time to mended that older adults get exercise can improve relationapproximately two and a half GENERATIONS ships with others. Joining a hours of moderate, or 75 minTOGETHER competitive team or meeting utes of vigorous, exercise By Alexis Bentz friends to play a friendly game each week. of a favorite sport enables both Work together to ensure that teens and older adults to avoid isolation and you achieve those goals. To do so, teens can adopt a more social lifestyle. join school sports teams or community Exercise can also make you feel genuine- leagues, and older adults can search for local ly happy. When active, the body releases senior sports leagues or adult aerobics classspecific proteins and endorphins that result es. Often, local community or fitness centers in an improved mood and an overall feeling provide athletic options for older adults. of ease. I, personally, like to run on the You can also arrange to play sports totreadmill in the mornings so that I don’t feel gether or with other friends at a local tenantsy when doing work during the day. nis court, athletic complex or park. Finally, participation in athletics can bolNo matter what you decide to do, you ster leadership skills, which can be useful can feel positive about the fact that you are at any age. Playing team sports requires making a healthy decision that will benefit effective communication, strategy and you physically, socially and emotionally. consideration of others. There’s a reason Alexis Bentz is an 11th grade student at for the expression, “take one for the team.” Thomas Wootton High School in Rockville, Md.

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Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — M A R C H 2 0 1 9

Body makes trade-off in fighting viruses

Doctor Q & A From page 15 contain cayenne or chili powder. Or use fresh herbs instead. Fresh herbs are less concentrated and may be less irritating. Another way to bring out flavor: roast your food. This makes vegetables sweeter. The natural sugars come out and caramelize. Carrots, sweet potatoes, cauliflower, broccoli, squash and Brussels sprouts work well. Broiling, sautéing or grilling food also brings out intense flavor. Eat vegetables raw. Tomato sauce may

Multiple threats can overwhelm In additional experiments, the research team found evidence for a trade-off: The defense response against oxidative stress shut off antiviral defenses. To probe this further, the team exposed nasal cells to oxidative stress in the form of cigarette smoke, and then to the cold virus, and found this time that the nasal cells were more susceptible to the virus. “They survive the cigarette smoke but can’t fight the virus as well,” Foxman said. This finding points to a delicate balance between the body’s different defense mechanisms, Foxman said. “Your airway lining protects against viruses but also other harmful substances that enter airways. The airway does pretty bother you, but a fresh tomato may not. Instead of vinegar or citrus dressing for your salads, consider a yogurt-based dressing. Use sauces, but cut the fat. For example, blend low-fat yogurt with cucumber and basil, or sauté mushrooms in a little olive oil Or make a pesto. Blend basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese and a dash of olive oil or water. Pesto goes great with pasta. By Howard LeWine, M.D., an internist and assistant professor at Harvard Medical School. © 2019 President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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well if it encounters one stressor at a time. But when there are two different stressors, there’s a trade-off,” Foxman explained. “What we found is that when your airway is trying to deal with another stress type, it can adapt, but the cost is susceptibility to rhinovirus infection.” The study, she said, shows a mechanistic link between environmental exposures and susceptibility to the common cold. It also may explain why smokers tend to be more susceptible to rhinovirus infection.

The researchers hope the finding will lead to the discovery of new strategies to combat respiratory viruses, which cause an estimated 500 million colds and two million hospitalizations in the United States per year. A Wellness Update is a magazine devoted to up-to-the minute information on health issues from physicians, major hospitals and clinics, universities and health care agencies across the U.S. Online at www.awellnessupdate.com. © 2019 www.awellnessupdate.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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erated an antiviral response and a defense response against oxidative stress — a form of cell damage induced by viruses and other inhaled irritants such as cigarette smoke or tree pollen. However, in nasal cells, the antiviral response was stronger, while in bronchial cells, defense against oxidative stress was more pronounced.

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A Yale research team has revealed how cells in different parts of the human airway vary in their response to the common cold virus. Their finding could help solve the mystery of why some people exposed to the cold virus get ill while others don’t, said the researchers. Rhinovirus is a leading cause of the common cold, asthma attacks and other respiratory illnesses. When the cold virus enters the nose, cells that line the airways, known as epithelial cells, respond and often clear the virus before it can replicate and trigger symptoms. But in other cases, individuals exposed to the virus get either mildly or seriously ill. A team of researchers, led by Ellen Foxman, set out to determine why. The research team used epithelial cells from healthy human donors. The cells were derived from either the nasal passages or the lungs. They exposed both cell types, maintained under the same conditions in cell culture, to rhinovirus. To their surprise, the researchers observed a more robust antiviral response in the nasal cells. They also found that both cell types gen-

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M A R C H 2 0 1 9 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Protein powder can be useful supplement By Matthew Kadey, M.D. Among muscle men, protein powders have been held in high regard for several decades. But now, protein powders are being marketed to more than bodybuilders and frat boys, turning it into a multibillion-dollar industry. The products are popular for a wide variety of reasons: Many users like that they are a convenient, dependable and portable source of protein to fit into busy lifestyles. Athletic individuals believe they can im-

prove muscle recovery and growth after workouts. And vegetarians might feel like their diets are lacking in this particular macronutrient otherwise. The powders’ increase in popularity also coincides with the recent push towards eating higher protein diets to help spur weight loss. Satiating protein may help waylay hunger to keep overall calorie intake in check.

The basics Protein powders are essentially made

by isolating the protein in a food item such as milk or yellow split peas and then dehydrating it into a powder. Each serving of a protein powder generally provides at least 15 grams of protein; some have up to 30 per serving. They’re typically mixed with water or other ingredients in blended smoothies, but the powders can also be stirred into items like oatmeal, yogurt and pancake batter. So, do you need it? It’s recommended that at a minimum we get 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight. That translates to about 51 grams of protein for a 140-pound woman. Certainly, this level can be achieved by eating protein-rich food. But many nutrition experts suggest we’re better served by consuming more protein than this conservative level, and some people find that adding a scoop or two of protein powder to their daily menu is an insurance policy worth taking out to make sure they’re getting enough. Diets should be analyzed on an individual basis to determine whether a protein powder is helpful to meet dietary needs or if it would simply contribute an extra expense. A dietitian can be a great resource to help with this decision.

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of protein powders on the market has improved what is available, with consumers now finding more options that are less heavily sweetened and gritty tasting. You can even now find whey protein sourced from grass-fed cows, and powders enriched with vitamins, antioxidants and probiotics. The emergence of “complete” plantbased protein powders —meaning they contain all the necessary amino acids — has made it easier than ever for vegetarians and vegans to get what they need. Just be sure to read product labels carefully so you understand what you’re buying, and be wary of fanciful marketing claims. The bottom line is that while using a scoop of protein powder to boost your morning smoothie likely won’t hurt, these powders should be looked upon as supplements, not food. You should still be getting most of your protein from foods like yogurt, beans and fish that provide a nutritional mix no powder can match. Reprinted with permission from Environmental Nutrition, a monthly publication of Belvoir Media Group, LLC, 800-829-5384, www.EnvironmentalNutrition.com. © 2019 Belvoir Media Group. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N â&#x20AC;&#x201D; M A R C H 2 0 1 9

Palliative care services can help relieve pain Dear Savvy Senior: ing relief from the symptoms such as pain, What can you tell me about palliative shortness of breath, fatigue, constipation, care? My husband suffers nausea, loss of appetite, troufrom lung disease and is reble sleeping and even depresceiving radiation for prostate sion. It can also help patients cancer but is not terminally deal with the side effects of ill. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve heard that palliative medical treatment. care can help him with his Anyone with a serious illness pain and discomfort. What can benefit from palliative care, can you tell me? including those with cancer, â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Searching Spouse heart disease, lung disease, Dear Searching, kidney disease, Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, Palliative care is a very efHIV/AIDS, amyotrophic lateral SAVVY SENIOR fective service that can help sclerosis (ALS), multiple scleroBy Jim Miller patients relieve the symptoms sis, Parkinsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and more. and stress that often comes Palliative care was develwith serious illness. oped in the United States in the 1990s but Unfortunately, most people donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know only became a formal medical subspecialty about it, or donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t understand how it can in 2008. help them. Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what you should know.

Most doctors canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t provide What is palliative care? Most people hear the words â&#x20AC;&#x153;palliative careâ&#x20AC;? and think â&#x20AC;&#x153;hospice,â&#x20AC;? but they are different types of care. Hospice is reserved for when curative treatments have been exhausted and patients generally have less than six months to live. Palliative care, on the other hand, is a medical specialty that focuses on provid-

Often patients assume their doctors will take care of their pain and stress. But most doctors in our specialized medical system have not been well trained in pain and symptom management. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why palliative care is invaluable. Palliative care is provided by a team including palliative care doctors, nurses, social workers and other specialists that work with your doctor to provide an extra layer of sup-

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Mar. 24

WOMEN AND HEART DISEASE

Did you know that more women die from heart disease than breast cancer each year? Dr. Cecily Dvorak Havert dispels myths regarding women and heart disease and discusses symptoms, risk factors and preventative measures at Central Library on Sunday, March 24 from 3-4 p.m. The library is located at 1015 North Quincy St., Arlington, Va. This event is free and open to the public. To receive an event reminder, register at bit.ly/heartdiseasemyths.

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port and care. It is appropriate at any age and at any stage in a serious illness, and it can be provided along with curative treatment. Palliative care teams are trained to help patients understand all their treatment options as well as the quality of life ramifications, so they can make informed decisions about whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best for them.

How to get care There are around 6 million people in the U.S. that have a need for palliative care, according to the Center to Advance Palliative Care, but most patients donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know to ask for it. If you feel that a palliative care specialist could help your husband, start by talking

to his doctor and ask for a referral. If your doctor isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t helpful, go to GetPalliativeCare.org, where you can search for a specialist in your area. Today, three-quarters of U.S. hospitals with more than 50 beds have a palliative care program, and 90 percent of hospitals with 300 beds or more offer it. In addition to hospitals, palliative care can be provided in long-term care facilities, doctorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s clinics and even at your own home. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be happy to know that most private insurance plans, as well as Medicare and Medicaid, cover palliative care services. Send your questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org.

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M A R C H 2 0 1 9 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

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Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

FDA to better police dietary supplements By Candice Choi The Food and Drug Administration announced plans last month to step up its policing of dietary supplements, which it said has mushroomed into a $40 billion industry with more than 50,000 products. At the same time, the agency warned 17 companies they were illegally making claims about their products’ ability to treat diseases. Here’s a look at what the FDA’s announcement means. Q: How are dietary supplements regulated? A: Dietary supplements, including vitamins, are regulated more like foods than drugs. They can make claims similar to what’s found on cereals or snack bars such as “calcium builds strong bones.” But they can’t contain drug ingredients, or make claims about treating diseases like

Alzheimer’s, cancer or diabetes. Q: Does the FDA plan to change that rule? A: No. FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb said the agency isn’t questioning what’s permitted under the dietary supplements law of 1994. He said dietary supplements are regulated like foods because they pose less of a risk than drugs. “Nothing in what we’re doing would try to attempt to re-contemplate” the existing standard, he said. Instead, the agency is addressing criticism that it hasn’t enforced rules prohibiting supplements from containing drugs or being marketed like them. Gottlieb said the risk posed by such illegal products has grown with the industry. The FDA’s dietary supplements review group has 23 employees, he said, and is planning more oversight on products that

BEACON BITS

Mar. 19

COMISSION ON AGING PUBLIC FORUM

Montgomery County’s Commission on Aging invites residents for a conversation on “Older Adults in the County’s Diverse Racial, Ethnic, and LGBTQ Communities.” This free event takes place on Tuesday, March 19 from 8:30-12:30 p.m. at the Silver Spring Civic Building, One Veterans Place, Fenton St. and Ellsworth Dr., Silver Spring, Md. Speakers include County Executive Marc Elrich and leaders from diverse communities. Light refreshments will be served. To RSVP, call Tremayne Jones at (240) 777-1120 or email Tremayne.Jones@montgomerycountymd.gov.

Mar. 12

MAINTAINING A SHADY GARDEN

Learn how to select and maintain native plants that thrive in a yard with partial or deep shade from the Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia. This free class will be held on Tuesday, March 12 from 7-8:30 p.m. at Barrett Branch Library, 717 Queen St., Alexandria, Va. For more information, call (703) 228-6414 or email mgarlalex@gmail.com. To register, visit www.mgnv.org.

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make illegal health claims. Q: What about supplements that don’t make disease claims? A: Even qualified health claims on dietary supplements may lead people to think they’re more effective than they are, said Peter Lurie, a former FDA official who now heads the Center for Science in the Public Interest. Lurie noted the FDA doesn’t review such claims before they’re marketed. “It’s very hard to take on this industry comprehensively when the law shackles the agency to the extent that it does,” he said. Dr. Pieter Cohen, an associate professor at Harvard Medical School, said dietary supplements are unnecessary for most people unless a doctor recommends them for a specific reason. He noted there are

exceptions, such as women who may be planning to become pregnant. Q: Is the FDA considering any changes to the rules for supplements? A: The FDA is still figuring out exactly how it might tighten oversight, but one possibility is a mandatory database for dietary supplements to improve transparency and make enforcement easier. It also said it’s developing a way to more quickly and consistently alert people about supplements that might have illegal ingredients. The dietary supplements industry group, the Council for Responsible Nutrition, said it looked forward to working with the FDA, and praised Gottlieb for “rooting out bad actors.”

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Health Studies Page

M A R C H 2 0 1 9 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

THE PLACE TO LOOK FOR INFORMATION ON AREA CLINICAL TRIALS

Study will try to teach old ears new tricks By Margaret Foster You meet an old friend for dinner, and she chooses a lively but loud new restaurant. Although you have a lot to catch up on, you can’t hear a word over the din of your neighbors. Or maybe you’re a BBC fan but can’t always decipher the actors’ accents. Hearing aids aren’t much help in those challenging situations, but a new study that involves training has the potential to help millions of older people cope with hearing issues. The Neuroplasticity and Auditory Aging

study, funded by the National Institute on Aging of the National Institutes of Health and conducted at the University of Maryland, seeks to create an effective training program to improve older people’s hearing and processing of speech in difficult listening situations. Participants must be native English speakers and must be able to attend multiple test and training sessions in College Park, Md. You may be eligible whether you have normal hearing or mild to moderate hearing loss. The research team hopes to help devel-

op a targeted therapy for each type of hearing loss associated with aging. “The end goal is individually-designed auditory and cognitive training for older people to help them better understand speech in different situations,” said Sandra GordonSalant, principal investigator of the project and professor and director of the Doctoral Program in Clinical Audiology at the University of Maryland. “We’re very excited about the investigation. We think this can really help us determine which training paradigms are most beneficial.”

What’s involved Potential participants will take several tests of their hearing and cognitive abilities to see if they qualify for the randomized, controlled clinical study. Then they’ll go through some pre-tests; in some cases, an EEG, MRI or other imaging technique. And, of course, some participants will be trained. “It’s not the standard aural rehab-related training for age-related hearing loss; it’s very focused training,” Gordon-Salant said.

For example, participants might be asked to listen to non-speech sounds and make judgments about what they hear. Or they may listen to rapidly spoken sentences and try to repeat them. After training, researchers will repeat the tests and compare results. “We’re using different kinds of techniques — imaging, electrophysiological, behavioral — to see if the brain is really changing as a result of the training paradigms,” Gordon-Salant said. Follow-up will be crucial, she added. “Not only are we comparing pre-test and post-test scores, but we also look at retention. We [may be] seeing that people benefit from the training, but do they retain that benefit after a month or after six months?” The Neuroplasticity and Auditory Aging study is currently recruiting adults ages 18 to 85 with normal or impaired hearing. Compensation may be available. The study is scheduled to be completed in 2022. For more information or to volunteer, contact Carol Gorham at cgorham@umd.edu or (301) 405-4236.

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Mar. 16

ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE

The City of Gaithersburg 19th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade will take place on Grand Corner Ave. at RIO Washingtonian Center in Gaithersburg, Md. on Saturday, March 16 at 10 a.m. Marchers include Celtic dancers, bagpipe bands, school groups, equestrian units, fire trucks and more. Following the parade, the band Lloyd Dobler Effect will entertain on the lakefront plaza until 2 p.m. For more information, contact the City of Gaithersburg Department of Parks, Recreation and Culture at (301) 258-6350.

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Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — M A R C H 2 0 1 9

Tired? Four simple ways to boost energy By Matthew Solan When I’m dragging and feeling tired during the occasional low-energy day, my go-to elixir is an extra cup (or two or three) of black French press coffee. It gives my body and brain a needed jolt, but it may not help where I need it the most: my cells. What we call “energy” is actually a molecule called adenosine triphosphate (ATP), produced by tiny cellular structures called mitochondria. ATP’s job is to store energy and then deliver that energy to cells in other parts of the body. As we grow older, our body has fewer mitochondria. “If you feel you don’t have enough energy, it can be because your body has problems producing enough ATP and thus providing cells with enough energy,” said Anthony Komaroff, M.D., professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School. You may not be able to overcome all aspects of age-related energy loss, but there are ways to help your body produce more ATP and replenish dwindling energy levels. The most common strategies revolve around three basic concepts: diet, exercise and sleep.

Eat small, frequent meals Boost your ATP with fatty acids and protein from lean meats like chicken and turkey, fatty fish like salmon and tuna, and nuts. However, while eating large amounts can

feed your body more material for ATP, it also increases your risk for weight gain, which can lower energy levels. “The excess pounds mean your body has to work harder to move, so you use up more ATP,” Komaroff said. When lack of energy is an issue, it’s better to eat small meals and snacks every few hours than three large meals a day, according to Komaroff. “Your brain has very few energy reserves of its own and needs a steady supply of nutrients,” he said. “Also, large meals cause insulin levels to spike, which then drops your blood sugar rapidly, causing the sensation of fatigue.”

Drink enough water If your body is short on fluids, one of the first signs is fatigue. Although individual needs vary, the Institute of Medicine recommends men should aim for about 15 cups of fluids per day, and women about 12 cups. Besides water and beverages like coffee, tea and juices, you can also get your fluids from liquid-heavy fruits and vegetables that are up to 90 percent water, such as cucumbers, zucchini, squash, strawberries, citrus fruit and melons.

can increase ATP levels. ATP levels surge in the initial hours of sleep, especially in key brain regions that are active during waking hours. Talk with your doctor if you have problems sleeping through the night.

Exercise regularly Exercise can boost energy levels by raising energy-promoting neurotransmitters in the brain, such as dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin, which is why you feel so good after a workout.

Exercise also makes muscles stronger and more efficient, so they need less energy and therefore conserve ATP. It doesn’t really matter what kind of exercise you do, but consistency is key. Some research has suggested that as little as 20 minutes of low-to-moderate aerobic activity, three days a week, can help sedentary people feel more energized.

See ENERGY BOOST, page 24

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M A R C H 2 0 1 9 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

What’s your core, and why strengthen it? By Lauren Elson, M.D. When most people think about core strength, they think about an abdominal six-pack. While it looks good, this toned outer layer of abdominal musculature is not the same as a strong core. What is your “core” and why is core strength so important? The core is a group of muscles that stabilizes and controls the pelvis and spine (and therefore influences the legs and upper body). Core strength is less about power and more about the subtleties of being able to maintain the body in ideal postures — to unload the joints and promote ease of movement.

For the average person, this helps them maintain the ability to get on and off the floor to play with their children or grandchildren, stand up from a chair, sit comfortably at a desk, or vacuum and rake without pain. For athletes, it promotes more efficient movement, therefore preventing injury and improving performance. Having a strong or stable core can often prevent overuse injuries, and can help boost resiliency and ease of recovery from acute injury. The core also includes the pelvic floor musculature, and maintaining core stability can help treat and prevent certain types of incontinence.

Problems with a weak core As we age, we develop degenerative changes, very often in the spine. The structures of the bones and cartilage are subject to wear and tear. Often, we are able to completely control and eliminate symptoms with the appropriate core exercises. Having strong and stable postural muscles helps suspend the bones and other structures, allowing them to move better. Scoliosis, a curving or rotation of the spine, can also often be controlled with the correct postural exercises. Having an imbalanced core can lead to problems up and down the body. Knee pain is often caused by insufficient pelvic stabilization. Some runners develop neck and back pain when running because the “shock absorbers” in their core could use some work.

How to improve your core A good core program relies less on mindless repetition of exercise and focuses more on awareness. People with good core strength learn to identify and activate the muscles needed to accomplish a task. Learning to activate the core requires concentration, and leads to being more in tune with the body.

Let’s Talk Assisted Living

Energy boost From page 23

When to visit your doctor You should see your doctor if you experience a prolonged bout of low energy, as it can be an early warning of a serious illness. “Unusual fatigue is often the first major red flag that something is wrong,” Komaroff said. Lack of energy is a typical

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There is no one method of core strengthening that works for everyone. Some people do well with classes (though it can be easy do the repetitions without truly understanding the targeted muscle groups). Others use Pilates or yoga to discover where their core is. Physical therapists are excellent resources, as they can provide one-on-one instruction and find a method that works — for any person with any background at any ability level. It sometimes takes patience for people to “find” their core, but once they do, it can be engaged and activated during any activity — including walking, driving and sitting. While building the core starts with awareness and control, athletes can further challenge their stability with more complex movements that can be guided by athletic trainers and other fitness specialists. Daily practice of core engagement can lead to healthier movement patterns that allow for increased mobility and independence throughout the course of our lives. © 2019 President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

symptom for most major diseases, like heart disease, anemia, many types of cancer, and autoimmune diseases such as lupus and multiple sclerosis. Fatigue also is a common sign of depression and anxiety. And fatigue is a side effect of some medications. © 2019 President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — M A R C H 2 0 1 9

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

Bright, crunchy Chinese chicken salad By America’s Test Kitchen With its juicy oranges, tender chicken and a crunchy topping, Chinese chicken salad offers an enticing variety of tastes and textures. But many versions seem to have lost their way, weighted down with gloppy sauces, lackluster chicken, sugary canned orange segments and watery greens. We saw the potential to recast this salad in a healthier role by incorporating wholesome ingredients. To start, we traded canned oranges for fresh oranges rich in vitamin C and fiber. We cut out segments to top our salad, and used the remaining juice as the basis for a bright vinaigrette, which we enlivened with fresh ginger, a pop of Asian chile-garlic sauce and just a touch of honey for sweetness. We used some of this flavorful liquid to simmer our chicken breasts, then we shredded the meat and returned it to the pan to soak up the rich, bright flavors. For the salad’s base, we replaced the usual lettuce with nutrient-packed napa cabbage, red bell peppers, cilantro and scallions. For crunch, we passed on sodium-laden

fried chow mein noodles and added a much healthier handful of unsalted, dryroasted peanuts.

CHINESE CHICKEN SALAD Servings: 6 Start to finish: 1 hour 3 oranges 1/3 cup rice vinegar 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce 3 tablespoons grated fresh ginger 1 tablespoon Asian chile-garlic sauce (or one clove of minced garlic and 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper) 1 tablespoon honey 3 tablespoons canola oil 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed of all visible fat 1 small head napa cabbage, cored and sliced thin 2 red bell peppers, stemmed, seeded, and cut into 2-inch-long matchsticks 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves 6 scallions, sliced thin 1/2 cup unsalted, dry-roasted peanuts, chopped Cut away peel and pith from oranges.

BEACON BITS

Mar. 2+

BOOK DONATIONS NEEDED Velocity of Books, the first all-free bookstore in Montgomery

County, celebrates the grand opening of its new Westfield Wheaton location, 11160 Viers Mill Rd, Wheaton, Md. (by Hollywood East Café), starting at 10 a.m.

Holding fruit over large bowl, use paring knife to slice between membranes to release segments; transfer segments to second bowl and set aside. Squeeze juice from membrane into first bowl (juice should measure 6 tablespoons). Whisk vinegar, soy sauce, ginger, chilegarlic sauce, and honey into orange juice in large bowl. Transfer 1/2 cup orange juice mixture to 12-inch skillet. Whisking constantly, slowly drizzle canola oil and sesame oil into remaining orange mixture in bowl; set aside. Bring orange juice mixture in skillet to boil over medium-high heat. Add chicken, reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer 10 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking.

Transfer chicken to plate and let cool slightly. Using 2 forks, shred chicken into bite-size pieces. Off heat, return shredded chicken and any accumulated juices into skillet and let sit for 10 minutes. Add cabbage, bell peppers, cilantro and scallions to vinaigrette in bowl and toss to combine. Transfer to serving platter and top with shredded chicken, orange segments and peanuts. Serve. Nutrition information per serving: 326 calories; 150 calories from fat; 17 g. fat (2 g. saturated; 0 g. trans fats); 55 mg. cholesterol; 383 mg. sodium; 21 g. carbohydrate; 5 g. fiber; 14 g. sugar; 23 g. protein. For more recipes, cooking tips and ingredient and product reviews, visit americastestkitchen.com.

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on Saturday, March 2. The store accepts book donations of up to five boxes at a time; larger donations may be picked up at your residence. Books are then distributed to needy families and nonprofit organizations. For more information, visit VelocityOfBooks.org or email VelocityOfBooks@gmail.com.

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M A R C H 2 0 1 9 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Meds and supps to be taken with food There is much confusion about when to with food so that they can neutralize the take herbal supplements, vitamins and med- acid that is secreted while you’re eating. ications. Do you take them on Amoxicillin: This is the an empty stomach or with food? most popular antibiotic, espeNo matter what you take, cially for children. I recomyou should be drinking a full mend it be given to toddlers glass of water to make sure the and teens with food in order pill doesn’t linger in your esophto reduce indigestion, nausea agus and cause irritation. and vomiting. When a dietary supplement, Aspirin and Ibuprofen: Ideenzyme or medication states ally these are taken with food. the directive to “take with food,” Corticosteroids: These are it usually means to take while used for pain, allergic reactions, DEAR you’re eating, or a few minutes rashes and overactive immune PHARMACIST beforehand. systems. Some examples inBy Suzy Cohen But since food stays in your clude prednisone, hydrocortigastrointestinal tract for a little sone and dexamethasone. while, it would be fine to take the pill right These should always be taken with food after you eat, as well. or milk. Enzyme supplements or medications: Medications to take with food Some people can’t digest food normally, so Antacids: These help with heartburn they take enzyme supplements, which break or reflux. They should always be taken down the starch, fat and protein in a meal.

Take these with meals. If a medication (e.g., Creon) is required to restore pancreatic function, it must be taken with meals. Metformin: Taken for diabetes, this medication is best taken around meal time to reduce blood sugar levels after eating.

Supplements to take with food Ashwagandha: This popular stress reducer should be thought of as food because it’s an herb. All herbs should be taken with a snack or a meal in order to amplify the benefits and reduce nausea. CoQ10: Some people take this powerful antioxidant for cellular energy production to support their heart, pancreas, liver and brain. CoQ10 (ubiquinone) should be taken with food or a fatty meal to speed absorption. Fish Oil: Some people take fish oil to help with cholesterol, triglycerides, depression and blood joint health. Taking fish oil supplements (EPA, DHA or both) with food or fatty meals is ideal because it boosts the absorption. Magnesium: Some people take magnesium for depression, regularity, reduction of

Letters to editor From page 2 home residents from harm, and not giving corporate nursing homes a Get Out of Jail Free card. Robyn Grant Remington A. Gregg Washington, D.C. Grant is director of policy and advocacy at The National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care. Gregg is counsel for civil justice and consumer rights for Public Citizen. Dear Editor: Regarding Bob Levey’s January column,

leg cramps and blood pressure support. Like most minerals, taking magnesium with a snack can minimize diarrhea and stomach discomfort. Multivitamins or prenatal vitamins: Because there are so many constituents in these supplements, it’s best to take them with food in order to minimize stomach upset and nausea. Selenium: This mineral is taken for thyroid inflammation, bone health, prostate support and immune support. It’s ideally taken with food. Vitamin D: You can take this without regard to meals, according to the newest research. However, most of the older scientific literature says to take it with food since it’s fat-soluble. This information is opinion only. It is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose your condition. Consult with your doctor before using any new drug or supplement. Suzy Cohen is a registered pharmacist and the author of The 24-Hour Pharmacist and Real Solutions from Head to Toe. To contact her, visit www.SuzyCohen.com. “Sad when a longtime marriage dissolves,” a few years ago I was sitting with a friend at dinner. As we were dining and conversing, I was fixated on a couple dining together. Never a word was spoken nor a glance up between the two. I mentioned to my friend how terribly sad it was to observe two people who had nothing to say to each other. Of course, there could have been reasons, but for me, there would be nothing sadder in my life than to reach that dead end. Bob Perrino Arlington, Va. Dear Editor: I’m commenting on Mr. Levey’s (February) column about the ER doc who didn’t know how to deal with patients “buried in a cell phone.” What? That sounds ridiculous that someone providing a service is afraid to say, “Put down your phone if you want me to treat you.” State what they need from the patient and if the patient doesn’t comply, simply and calmly say, “When you’re less busy, let the nurse know; I will be administering treatment to another patient in need.” Watch “Doc Martin” on PBS for directness when dealing with patients! How could they be fired for performing their job? I don’t believe that one bit. Many times, there are guards in ER waiting rooms for rowdy patients. Patient noncompliance comes in many forms and clearly stated instructions from doctors to patients is not a fireable offense. And why can’t an ER waiting room have a sign posted (like in doctors’ offices, government offices, theaters): “No Cell Phone Use” or “Silence Your Mobile Device”? You don’t have to take away a phone in order to prevent its use. The patient must choose — cell or care. From our website

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — M A R C H 2 0 1 9

Get the facts about flax and stay healthy By Lori Zanteson Flaxseeds (flax), tiny and unassuming, may not garner a second glance, but this humble little seed is a big crowd pleaser. One of the oldest cultivated crops, flaxseed has been fully utilized by ancient civilizations. Egyptian mummies were wrapped in linen cloth made from the flax plant. Equally important was its use as food and medicine. Hippocrates, the Greek “Father of Medicine,” prescribed flax to ease intestinal issues like constipation. It was also used to make a poultice to treat boils and abscesses. Flaxseed, known as linseed in Europe, is perhaps best coveted today for its impressive list of health benefits.

The facts The Latin name for flaxseed is Linum usitatissimum, which means “very useful.”

There are brown and yellow or golden varieties. Both are sold as whole flax, milled flaxseed meal and flaxseed oil. (In the U.S., linseed oil is an ingredient in paints and varnish and is used to treat wood. It’s not safe for human consumption.) Flax is packed with health-protecting superstars, including omega-3 fatty acids — it is the richest plant source — antioxidants, including betacarotene, and both soluble and insoluble dietary fiber. One two-tablespoon serving of flax meal delivers 16 percent DV (Daily Value, based on 2,000 calories/day) of dietary fiber and only 60 calories.

The findings A good source of soluble fiber, flax has been shown to help reduce total and LDL (“bad”) cholesterol. Several studies have linked flax consumption to lower blood pressure, another benefit that may reduce

risk of cardiovascular disease. A 2015 meta-analysis of 11 studies concluded that flax may help reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, but results may be greater when whole seeds are consumed for more than 12 weeks. Flax also shows anticancer potential: animal and human clinical trials have linked flax to decreased cell growth and reduced tumor size.

The finer points Available whole, milled into a meal or flour, and as oil, flax foods are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which means they can

go rancid when exposed to heat, light, and air. Refrigerate or freeze for best quality and longest life. Enjoy flax or flaxmeal with most any food. Sprinkle onto cereal, yogurt, salad and roasted vegetables, mix into smoothies, soups, stews, egg dishes and casseroles, or bake flax into muffins, cookies and breads. Reprinted with permission from Environmental Nutrition, a monthly publication of Belvoir Media Group, LLC. 800-829-5384. www.EnvironmentalNutrition.com. © 2019 Belvoir Media Group. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

BEACON BITS

Mar. 25

MEDICARE 101

Get the facts on health insurance for older adults on Monday, March 25 from 1-2:30 p.m. This free event from the Fairfax County Government takes place at Centerville Regional Library, 14200 Germain Dr., Centreville, Va. To register, call (703) 324-5851, TTY 711.

BEACON BITS

Mar. 12

Mar. 19+

GOLDEN GIRLS TRIVIA NIGHT How well do you know Blanche, Dorothy, Rose and Sofia? Test

your knowledge of the funny ladies of the 80s at John Marshall Library’s Pop Culture Trivia Night: “The Golden Girls” on Tuesday, March 12 from 7-8 p.m. This free event takes place 6209 Rose Hill Dr., Alexandria, Va. For more information, visit bit.ly/GoldenGirlsTrivia.

Spring

into Friendship Terrace!

SPRING BOOK SALE

The Friends of the Beatley Central Library holds their annual Spring Book Sale from Tuesday, March 19 through Sunday, March 24. Hardbacks, paperbacks, children’s books and media items are available for $3 or less, unless specifically marked. The library is located at 5005 Duke St., Alexandria, Va. For more information, call (703) 746-1702 or visit www.beatleyfriends.org.

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Bob Manning found his passion for education and service while studying at Virginia Tech. He carried ied that fire with him throughout his military career and d in i to his hi second d carreer as a teacher t h and d principal. i i l His Hi dedica d di tion ti to serving others burns brighter than ever here at Falcons Landing where he inspires and leads through volunteering and community work. We invite you to experience a connection that can be found through the common bond of service to country.

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M A R C H 2 0 1 9 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

VOLUME XXX, ISSUE 3

A newsletter for D.C. Seniors

Congratulations to all of us!

DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE By Laura Newland, Director D.C. Department of Aging and Community Living

See DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE, page 31

COURTESY OF THE OFFICE OF THE MAYOR

Thanks to everyone who came out to our Performance Hearing and those who testified before the Committee on Housing and Neighborhood Revitalization and Chairperson Anita Bonds. We spent a long Valentine’s Day together, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. The Performance Oversight was the first time we testified as the D.C. Department of Aging and Community Living. Mayor Muriel Bowser officially signed legislation designating the D.C. Office on Aging under this new name just a week prior. This was a proud moment for many, including Councilmember Bonds, who worked so hard to re-introduce the legislation originally started by former Mayor Marion Barry. Thanks to these efforts and the support of Mayor Bowser, we can now say that we have a Department representing the voices of our older District residents, adults with disabilities, and the many caregivers who call D.C. home. And we’ve come a long way! We started off as a small 26-staff team and an annual local budget of less than $900,000 — or approximately $4.2 million in 2019 dollars. Through legislation co-sponsored by then-Councilmember Barry, the D.C. Office on Aging was created within what was then called the Department of Human Resources. After helping establish the Office, Mayor Barry went on to make consistent investments in senior programs and grew the budget by more than 600 percent between 1980 and 1985, and moved the office out from under the Department to operate as a separate entity. Today, the Office on Aging has a strong and dedicated workforce of more than 80 employees, a total budget of nearly $50 million, and oversees a network of 25 community organizations operating 40 programs across all eight wards. Many of you have seen the agency grow, serve more seniors, make more homes and communities safer, provide more health and wellness programs, create more social connections, and help make D.C. the AgeFriendly city that it is today. And thanks to your support, we continue to evolve as an agency. In fact, it’s the feedback that we hear at our oversight hearing and out in the community from residents like you that drives our agency forward each day. Because of your feedback, we were able to accomplish so much in fiscal year 2018, including: • Launching our new agency-wide outreach initiative; • Piloting programs for older LGBTQ residents; • Piloting the Around Town D.C. program, the first satellite wellness program; • Providing more healthy food options; • Serving more residents than ever before through the Safe at Home program; and • Launching our newest program, Senior MedExpress. Today, we continue to be an agency that is listening. Whether you’re giving testimony at our hearing, sending a letter or email to us, or provid-

March 2019

Mayor Muriel Bowser is shown designating the D.C. Office on Aging as the Department of Aging and Community Living, fulfilling former Mayor Marion Barry’s vision of making the office into a city department. The Department of Aging and Community Living will ensure that seniors, residents with disabilities and caregivers have the resources and supports they need to thrive in a growing and changing city.

Technology Workshops for Older Adults Have you heard? Connect.DC and the D.C. Department of Aging and Community Living are launching new senior tech workshops. Learn more about Internet safety, social media and how to use a smartphone. For more information, call (202) 266-6328 or visit http://connect.dc.gov/seniors.

Smartphone 101 Workshop

Social Media 101 Workshop

March 13, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. Bernice Fonteneau Senior Wellness Center 3531 Georgia Ave. NW Washington, DC 20001

April 10, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. Bernice Fonteneau Senior Wellness Center 3531 Georgia Ave. NW Washington, DC 20001

Smartphone 101 Workshop

Internet Safety 101

March 18, 1 – 3 p.m. Model Cities Senior Wellness Center 1901 Evarts St. NE Washington, DC 20018

May 8, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. Bernice Fonteneau Senior Wellness Center 3531 Georgia Ave. NW Washington, DC 20001

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — M A R C H 2 0 1 9

Spotlight on Aging

Get Involved Friday, March 1 1 – 2:30 p.m. Dept. of Aging and Community Living Presentation and Workshop Nineteenth Street Baptist Church, 4606 16th Street, NW – Ward 4 Contact: Oretha Chandler 202-882-7345

Wednesday, March 6 12 – 1:30 p.m. Dept. of Aging and Community Living Sponsored: Meet & Greet the Residents of Girard Street Apartments 1545 Girard Street, NE – Ward 5

Wednesday, March 13 1:45 – 3:45 p.m. DACL, Our Partners and the Mayor’s Office on African Affairs Graciously Supports African Heritage at Paul Laurence Dunbar Apartments 2001 15th Street, NW – Ward 1

Tuesday, March 19 1:30 – 3 p.m. Ingleside at Rock Creek Community Presentations Offered by

Dept. of Aging and Community Living and Our Partners 5121 Broad Branch Road, NW – Ward 3 Contact: Michele High 215-272-7004

Thursday, March 21 10 a.m. – noon Train to become a DACL Ambassador D.C. Dept. of Aging and Community Living 500 K Street NE – Ward 6 Contact: sadia.ferguson@dc.gov or 202727-0374

Tuesday, March 26 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Dept. of Aging and Community Living Presentation on DACL and Health Insurance Counseling Program Greater Mt. Calvary Holy Church, 605 Rhode Island Avenue, NE – Ward 5 Contact: Helen Harris 202-529-4547

Friday, March 29 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. 10th Annual Voices of Change Conference Walter E. Washington Convention Center 801 Mt. Vernon Place, NW – Ward 2

Referral and Assistance move Effective Tuesday, September 4, the Department of Aging and Community Living Information, Referral and Assistance Unit and Medicaid Enrollment Team will be located at 250 E Street SW, one block from the Federal Center Southwest Metro Station. You can still find us online at dcoa.dc.gov, call us at (202) 724-5626, or email ask.adrc@dc.gov.

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

500 K St. N.E., Washington, D.C. 20002 202-724-5626 www.dcoa.dc.gov

Director Laura Newland

Editor Darlene Nowlin

Photographer Selma Dillard

The D.C. Department of Aging and Community Living does not discriminate against anyone based on actual or perceived: race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, familial status, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, disability, source of income, and place of residence or business. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination which is prohibited by the Act. In addition, harassment based on any of the above protected categories is prohibited by the Act. Discrimination in violation of the Act will not be tolerated. Violators will be subjected to disciplinary action.

The D.C. Department of Aging and Community Living is in partnership with the District of Columbia Recycling Program.

Say you saw it in the Beacon

Fiscal Year 2020 D.C. Office on Aging Day Care Competitive Grant The DC Office on Aging (DCOA) is soliciting applications to operate a Day Care service. The RFA scope includes providing: 1) therapeutic services to functionally-impaired D.C. residents 60 years and older to avoid institutionalization; 2) respite for family members and caregivers, engaging them in health and education activities; 3) specialized services, access resources and support services needed to navigate long-term care options for independence and connection to the community, and 4) resource information on services and supports, e.g., Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (EPD) Waiver, that prevent institutionalization when

such a person is no longer able to function in the day care setting. The award will be three years beginning 10/19 thru 9/30/22, with two possible continuation years based on a determination of satisfactory progress during the initial period of the grant. In fiscal year 2020, there is a total of $606,892 available for program management, contingent on available funding. Deadline for submission is March 29, 2019, 2 p.m. Visit, www.dcoa.dc.gov or www. opgd.dc.gov for the RFA. For more information, contact Eric Manuel, eric.manuel@dc.gov or Jennifer Adu, jennifer.adu@dc.gov at (202) 724-8821.

Looking for Ms. Senior D.C. 2019 Are you a D.C. resident who is 60 or older and interested in representing your peers as Ms. Senior D.C. 2019? Are you actively involved in your community? Consider becoming a contestant in the next Ms. Senior D.C. Pageant! We are searching for the elegant lady who will represent the District of Columbia as Ms. Senior D.C. Contestants are judged on a personal interview, their philosophy of life, and their talent and evening gown presentations. The winner will represent the District of Columbia and compete in the Ms. Senior America Pageant. For more information on how to sign up, please call DACL at (202) 7245626, email darlene.nowlin@dc.gov or visit www.dcoa.dc.gov to complete an application.

Director’s message From page 30

ing feedback to my team when we see you in the community, your voice is integral to making the Department of Aging and Community Living an agency that works for our seniors, adults with disabilities and caregivers. We’ve come a long way from that

The reigning Ms. Senior D.C., Phyllis Jordan, competed in the nationwide Ms. Senior America Pageant in Atlantic City, NJ, Oct. 14-19, 2018.

small office of 26 staff, but we know there’s still work to do. Thank you for showing up, speaking up, and driving this agency forward. And thanks to our Mayor, the D.C. Council, and thanks most of all to you — our seniors, adults with disabilities and caregivers — we are now the Department of Aging and Community Living!

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M A R C H 2 0 1 9 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Money Law &

PUT YOUR CASH TO WORK Ways to make the most of your cash at a time of high market volatility THIS IS NOT A SALES CALL Apps and tips to help you avoid most of those annoying robocalls FOR THE RISK-AVERSE Umbrella insurance coverage may bring you low-cost peace of mind CALLING IT QUITS Late life divorce is on the rise; learn about the pros and costly cons

Some smart moves in a volatile market By Rachel L. Sheedy Down 650 points one day. Up more than 1,000 points the next. Down 660 points another day. That was the Dow Jones industrial average’s performance just during one week in January. How should investors handle these market ups and downs? In the short term, just take a deep breath and don’t panic. “Turn off, or at least turn down, the financial talking heads,” said financial planner Paul Fain, with Asset Planning Corp., in Knoxville, Tenn. Longer-term, the following steps can help you make lemonade when the market gives you lemons.

Keep a cash cushion The best way to protect your portfolio from market blows is to have a cash cushion — ideally three or even five years’ worth of expenses. With enough cash to cover your essential costs, you can ignore market swoons and avoid selling low. It’s best to build up your cash stash before a downturn, but dividends, interest and capital-gains distributions can go into the cash pile when markets are down. As interest rates rise, aim to score a bet-

ter return on your cash. You may find the best rates for your savings at online banks and credit unions. Check Bankrate.com and DepositAccounts.com for the latest rates. Other places to park cash: money-market funds, Treasury bills and short-term bond funds.

“Market volatility is an excellent time to revisit clients’ risk tolerance, goals and overall financial plans to make sure their goals are supported,” said Sarah Carlson, a financial planner with Fulcrum Financial Group, in Spokane, Wash.

Harvest tax losses Rebalance If market swings have left your investment mix completely out of whack, rebalance to your target allocations of cash, stocks and bonds. Experts often suggest rebalancing if an allocation is 5 percent or more off target. Rebalancing requires selling assets that have performed well and buying those that haven’t — which can be hard to do. But when market conditions change, you may find you bought the laggards on the cheap. When rebalancing, consider whether you need to reset your allocations. Has your risk tolerance declined? Do your current allocations still meet your needs? Is your portfolio well diversified? Weigh whether you need to dial down stocks and other riskier investments and increase more-conservative holdings such as bonds.

When reviewing your portfolio, look to harvest any tax losses that can help trim your 2019 tax bill. Investors often harvest losses closer to year-end, but it doesn’t hurt to watch for tax-saving opportunities early in the year. If you decide you want to reinvest in a stock you’ve sold for a loss, wait at least 30 days after the sale. Otherwise, you’ll run afoul of the wash-sale rules, and the loss will be disallowed.

Handling RMDs If you’re over 70½, you know Uncle Sam requires you to take distributions from retirement accounts whether you want to or not. Where does that leave you when prices are down? You don’t have to sell investments when you take required minimum distributions.

Instead, you can transfer shares in-kind from the retirement account to a taxable account. The shares’ value on the date of transfer counts toward your RMD. If the market is down, this strategy lets you satisfy the IRS without locking in a loss on your investments. This is a good strategy if you believe the stock will go up again someday. You could do a single in-kind transfer or make the move gradually. If you have a $12,000 RMD, for example, you could transfer $1,000 worth of shares to a taxable account each month.

Convert to a Roth Your traditional IRA may lose value in a down market, but the tax bill for converting those assets to a Roth will also be lower. If the investments’ value revives after the conversion, all growth in the Roth will be tax-free. But be aware that you can no longer undo Roth conversions; a conversion will increase your taxable income for the year. © 2019 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Are index funds becoming too popular? By Stan Choe Forty years ago, the thought of buying a stock index fund was ridiculed. Why would anyone be satisfied with an investment that promised nothing more than the same return as the market? Later this year, however, U.S. stock index funds may for the first time control more in assets than mutual funds run by stock-picking managers who are trying to deliver better returns than an index like the S&P 500. The surge in popularity for index funds is a product of their lower fees, better performance and the preaching of John Bogle, the founder of Vanguard Group, which launched the first index mutual fund for individual investors in 1976. Bogle died Jan. 16 at 89 after pushing for years to keep costs down and widen access to index funds. Initially derided as “Bogle’s folly,” index funds have become the default way to invest for so many people that some critics

now worry about unintended, market-distorting effects that could ultimately hurt investors and society. U.S. stock index mutual funds and ETFs now control close to $3.6 trillion, according to Morningstar. They’ve nearly erased the once-massive advantage held by actively managed funds, which currently have a total of $3.77 trillion in assets. Last year, investors pumped a net $206.5 billion into U.S. stock index funds and pulled $174.1 billion out of actively managed ones. Experts say sometime this year U.S stock index funds will likely eclipse their rivals in assets. In other categories, such as bonds and foreign stocks, index funds have more catching up to do.

Low costs are key Yes, some actively managed funds do better than index funds every year: 36 percent did so in the 12 months through June, according to the most recent count by

Morningstar. But it can be tough for investors to find the few who can do so repeatedly. Consider an investor who wanted to put some money into the U.S. stock market a couple of years ago. She wanted to find a winner, so she looked only at the activelymanaged mutual funds ranked in the top half of performance for one-year returns through September 2016. If she picked one at random, though, she had less than a coin flip’s chance of finding one able to repeat that top-half performance, according to S&P Dow Jones Indices. That’s not to say that fund managers aren’t skilled at what they do. It’s just that doing such work can be expensive, requiring lots of research and trading costs. Actively managed stock funds kept $78 of every $10,000 invested to cover their expenses in 2017, for example. Index funds, meanwhile, kept just $7, according to the Investment Company Institute.

Because of that difference in expenses, actively managed funds need to perform that much better just to match the after-fee performance of index funds. That’s a high hurdle.

Some concerns about the funds The relentless rise in index funds’ popularity, though, has raised concerns. Even Bogle acknowledged some recently. “Public policy cannot ignore this growing dominance, and consider its impact on the financial markets, corporate governance, and regulation,” he wrote in the Wall Street Journal in November. “These will be major issues in the coming era.” Among the fears: — The funds may grow to be too big, in the hands of too few companies. A trio of companies dominates the index-fund industry: Vanguard, BlackRock and State Street Global Advisors. Critics See INDEX FUNDS, page 31

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Law & Money

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — M A R C H 2 0 1 9

Index funds From page 30 question whether it’s safe for the stock market to have so many dollars concentrated in so few hands, particularly on such issues as corporate governance. A company’s board must answer to its investors each year at annual meetings, where shareholders vote on CEO pay, environmental issues and other questions. Supporters of index funds say they’re long-term investors, and their interests are aligned with corporate-governance issues that promote long-term, sustainable returns. — The funds could distort pricing. An investor who puts $100 into an S&P 500 fund today is effectively putting about $3.70 into Microsoft and 3 cents into Campbell Soup, even if that investor thinks Campbell looks like a better buy. That’s because indexes are weighted by the market size of companies, so the most valuable ones make up the biggest proportions of indexes and the index funds that track them.

But even though U.S. stock index funds may be on the precipice of controlling 50 percent of all fund investments, they control a smaller share of the overall market. Index funds and ETFs control just over 12 percent of the U.S. stock universe, BlackRock said in a 2017 report. That leaves pension funds, hedge funds and others free to push up the stock prices of companies that deserve it and pull down prices for others. A tipping point exists somewhere, where too much concentration in index funds would distort pricing, but analysts debate how far below 100 percent that number is. “Absolutely, under such a scenario, chaos would result,” said Ben Johnson, director of global ETF research at Morningstar. “I think it is ultimately something that will receive ever-greater scrutiny and rightfully so. But even with the growth of indexing, it is still a long way’s off from being at that level.” — They may be riskier. Owning an index fund means an in-

vestor experiences all the highs and lows of the index. While that feels good when markets are strong, as they’ve been for much of the past decade, it also exposes investors to the full fury of downdrafts, like the market experienced at the end of last year. Many actively managed funds claim they’ll hold up better than S&P 500 index funds during a down market. So do some index funds, of course, which say they fol-

low indexes of less-volatile stocks. In the end, researchers say what matters most in picking a fund may not be whether it follows an index or is run by a stock-picking manager, but how much in fees it charges. Having low expenses is one of the best predictors for success in investing. It just so happens that index funds tend to have the lowest expenses. —AP

R E N TA L S AT

Rockville Civic Center Park Theatre and Events 240-314-8660 • www.rockvillemd.gov/Glenview • Glenview@rockvillemd.gov ♥♥ All are welcome.

603 Edmonston Drive, Rockville, Maryland

BEACON BITS

Mar. 21

UNDERSTANDING THRIFT SAVINGS PLANS

Financial columnist Mark Keen discusses Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) planning opportunities and the new withdrawal rules on Thursday, March 21 at 6 p.m. at Iona Senior Services. Presented by the Chevy Chase and Georgetown chapters of NARFE (National Active and Retired Federal Employees), this event is free and open to the public. Iona is located at 4125 Albemarle St. NW, Washington, D.C. For more information, call (202) 518-2519 or email ansul2032@verizon.net.

Mar. 20

TAX AND REVENUE WORKSHOP

Gain a deeper understanding of personal income and property tax, your individual benefits and available relief programs during the Southwest Waterfront AARP Chapter’s annual March luncheon business meeting on Wednesday, March 20 at noon. Lunch is available for $5. The meeting takes place at River Park Mutual Homes South Common Room, 1311 Delaware Ave. SW, Washington, D.C. For more information, call (202) 554-0901 or email bettyjeantolbertjones@yahoo.com.

The Career Gateway! features small classes, 30 hours of intensive training over two weeks, a long-term mentor, and valuable take-home materials WHEN: 2019 Sessions: #4: March 4, 6, 8, 11, 13 #5: April 22, 24, 25, 29 and May 1 ONLY $75 #6: June 11, 12, 14, 17, 19 WHERE: 12320 Parklawn Dr., Rockville, MD 20852

PLUS: Optional employment-related tech classes available. Call (301) 255-4215 for more information or e-mail Career.Gateway@AccessJCA.org Funded by Montgomery County Aging & Disability Services, e Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation, and the Jewish Council for the Aging.® Jewish Council for the Aging (JCA)® ®

www.AccessJCA.org

A Gift That Pays You Income! Charitable Gift Annuity Age: 75 $25,000 Fixed Annual Payments at 6.2%* $1,550 8.3% Eﬀective Annuity Rate** *Rate as of March 2019 based on age. **Includes all tax savings.

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M A R C H 2 0 1 9 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Cash rules as stocks and bonds waver By Stan Choe Suddenly, cash is king again. For years, cash languished at the bottom of the investment rankings, weighed down by nearly non-existent interest rates. But with the Federal Reserve raising short-term rates four times last year, money-market funds and online savings accounts began paying interest that came close to approaching inflation. This while stocks, bond funds and gold all posted losses in 2018. “It took us a while to get above zero,” said Deborah Cunningham, chief investment officer of global money markets at Federated Investors, about cash. “But now that we’re in a slow-growth environment with interest rates normalized, it becomes a pretty good place to exist.” Investors now can find rates of 2 percent or higher while hiding out in cash, and that 2 percent looks even better when compared with the whiplash-inducing ride that stocks forced investors to endure last year. S&P 500 index funds lost more than 4 percent in their worst showing in a decade, but they also dragged investors through more than a dozen days where they lost more than 2 percent on the way there. The steady-and-not-so-slow-anymore returns for cash, plus expectations for even more market volatility in 2019, means strategists along Wall Street are seeing cash as a viable investment option for the first time in years. Some investors have peeled off a portion of the big profits made from stocks in recent years and plugged it into cash in hopes of preserving it. Others, meanwhile, have pulled back from the riskier bonds they bought in search of higher income when rates were at record lows, moving back into moneymarket funds, certificates of deposit and online savings accounts. Nearly $90 billion went into money-market funds during the first 11 months of last

year, according to the Investment Company Institute. They were more popular than bond funds, which attracted a net $67 billion, and much more so than stock funds, which saw $171 billion head for the exits.

Even cash has its risks But before jumping back into the safe embrace of cash, it’s key to remember that this may be close to as good as it gets. The Federal Reserve has indicated it may slow its pace of interest-rate increases this year, with perhaps two more in 2019, which would cap the increase in returns that cash provides. The Fed raised rates a total of seven times in the prior two years. Some analysts even expect the central bank could make zero moves this year as fears rise about slowing economic growth around the world. And while the steadiness of cash can be a comfort when markets are heaving, it has its own risks. The biggest risk is being too conservative. An investor planning to retire decades in the future would likely get much, much higher returns from stocks than cash, which is only just starting to match the rate of inflation. Even bonds, which carry the risk of falling prices if interest rates rise, would likely return more because they have higher yields. But the fact that investors are even pondering such questions, after years of not even considering the non-existent returns of cash, shows how much the market has changed. “It’s a good feeling to have inflows, higher rates and good returns,” said Cunningham, whose suite of funds includes the $75 billion Federated Government Obligations fund, which returned 1.7 percent last year versus 0.3 percent in 2016. “It’s much more pleasant than having to explain why this and why that.” —AP

BEACON BITS

Mar. 18

SETTLING AN ESTATE

Are you a trustee or executor for a spouse, parent or sibling who has passed away? Learn about the process of settling an estate from attorney Alison Mathey Lambeth on Monday, March 18 at 1 p.m. at Lee Senior Center, 5722 Lee Hwy., Arlington, Va. The discussion will include the tasks of marshalling assets, paying outstanding debts and taxes, distributing inheritances and closing the estate. To register, call (703) 228-0555.

Apr. 3+

FREE FINANCIAL COURSE FOR WOMEN

“Money Talk” is a five-week course for women about financial planning for long-term financial security that starts on Wednesday, April 3 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Columbia Pike Branch Library, 816 South Walter Reed Dr., Arlington, Va. Each session will cover a key financial issue, including insurance, investing, retirement planning and legal issues. The course is free, and all registrants will receive access to an online textbook and materials from presenters. For more information and to register, visit bit.ly/moneytalkcourse.

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — M A R C H 2 0 1 9

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Law & Money

Tax strategies for approaching retirement By Kevin Webb, CFP When steady income from employment stops, it’s replaced with other sources, such as pensions, Social Security and investments. You can usually control when to start these income sources and — in the case of investments — decide which account to pull money from, as different accounts may have different tax consequences. This gives you a chance to explore tax strategies that can have a significant effect on your retirement, including the following five ideas.

Zero percent capital gains When you stop taking a salary, you’re more likely to be eligible to pay zero taxes on your long-term capital gains. Low-income taxpayers (individuals with taxable incomes below $39,375 and couples filing jointly with taxable incomes below $78,750 in 2019) are eligible for this 0 percent longterm capital gains rate. With advanced planning, even with significant assets you can intentionally find yourself in the lower brackets for the first couple years of retirement and take advantage of the zero percent long-term capital gains tax. For instance, you can delay taking Social Security for a couple years while you live off your zero percent capital gains. If you need more income, money withdrawn from a Roth IRA would not increase taxable income or affect the zero percent tax rate on the capital gain withdrawal.

Qualified Charitable Distributions When nearing retirement, planning for charitable gift donations can yield extra tax benefits, too. Under current tax rules, most people will be taking the standard deduction, preventing them from deducting charitable gifts. However, taking a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from your IRA could be the ticket to getting the best tax savings on a charitable contribution. With a QCD, make a charitable contribution up to $100,000 from your pre-tax IRA and the amount is excluded from your income. Not only are you still able to take the standard deduction, you have effectively added the charitable deduction on top of that [because you’ve liquidated a taxable asset and given it away without having to pay the usual taxes on it first]. Plus, a QCD counts toward satisfying your required minimum distribution. One downside is you have to be over 70 ½ years old to make a QCD, so those approaching retirement will have to wait.

Roth conversion If you own a traditional IRA, and are able to keep taxable income low, you may want to consider a Roth IRA conversion. While it’s true that each dollar you convert will add to your taxable income that year, paying the tax now may result in less taxes paid overall [since gains in a Roth account are forever shielded from tax]. Also,

money in a Roth is not subject to required minimum distributions at age 70 ½. One trick with Roth IRA conversions is to do a partial conversion in an amount that takes you to the top of your current tax bracket. So, if you are in the 12 percent tax bracket, convert enough of the traditional IRA into the Roth to stay in that bracket without moving up to the next one. Doing this over a few years can substantially reduce your overall tax burden.

tions is to roll the 401(k) over to an IRA, where withdrawals are taxed at your ordinary income level. With NUA treatment, the gain in the company stock is taxed at more favorable capital gains rates when sold, with only the cost basis portion being taxed at ordinary income rates. If the NUA makes up most of the account value with a minimal cost basis, this can result in significant tax savings.

Strategic investment withdrawals Net unrealized appreciation If you are retiring with a 401(k) plan that has company stock in it, you may be able to take advantage of special tax treatment for the net unrealized appreciation (NUA) of the company stock. NUA is the difference between the company’s current stock price and the amount you paid for it. A common approach to 401(k) distribu-

Investment accounts can be separated into three tax categories: taxable accounts (investments), tax-deferred accounts (traditional IRAs and 401(k)s), and tax-exempt accounts (Roth IRAs). Conventional wisdom is to withdraw first from taxable accounts, then tax-deferred accounts, while leaving tax-exempt accounts last.

A better idea is to take strategic withdrawals from whichever account best suits your taxable situation each year. One example is to tap the tax-deferred accounts in the early years of retirement to avoid large future required minimum distributions that push you into higher tax brackets. There are many other examples, too, but the idea is to have money in accounts that are taxed differently, allowing you to strategically tap them to minimize taxes through your retirement. This tax diversification also is helpful in responding to any future tax law changes. This article presents the views of contributing adviser Kevin Webb, CFP, of Kehoe Financial Advisors, not the Kiplinger editorial staff. © 2019 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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M A R C H 2 0 1 9 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Is umbrella insurance worth purchasing? By Pat Mertz Esswein We never dreamed that a short story about umbrella insurance would be the topranked article in Kiplingerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s monthly reader survey, but thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s exactly what happened when we tackled the topic in July 2018. The article also generated plenty of reader mail. Many of you wrote to ask us to revisit the topic and help you determine how much umbrella coverage you need â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and to do just that, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve developed a tool you can use. Umbrella insurance â&#x20AC;&#x201D; also known as

excess personal liability insurance â&#x20AC;&#x201D; sits on top of your automobile, homeowners and watercraft liability coverage.

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s it for? If you injure someone in a car accident or someone slips and falls on your property, your auto or home insurer will pay for damages up to the liability limits of your coverage. If the damages exceed those limits, the injured party may sue you for the difference.

ESTATES & TRUSTS

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An umbrella policy will pay a judgment or settlement if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re found to be at fault, and will pay for your defense even if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not found at fault. Umbrella insurance is generally sold in increments of $1 million. It costs about $150 a year for each $1 million of coverage up to $5 million. Most insurers will sell you an umbrella policy only if you buy your homeowners or auto policy from them and carry a minimum amount of liability coverage â&#x20AC;&#x201D; typically $300,000 for homeowners insurance and, for auto insurance, $250,000 for bodily injury to one person and $500,000 per accident, according to the Insurance Information Institute.

Assess your risks A car accident is the most likely scenario in which a loss would trigger excess liability coverage because a permanent disability or fatality could easily result in a large judgment, said Spencer Houldin, president of Ericson Insurance Advisors, in Washington Depot, Conn. Your risk is higher the more you drive and if you insure teen or elderly drivers. If you own a condo, you could be held responsible for damage to other units or even the entire building if a fire or water problem starts in your unit. You may also be at higher risk if you employ domestic workers or own a swimming

pool or trampoline, a dog, or a boat, RV or snowmobile. You are more vulnerable to a lawsuit if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re active on social media or serve on the board of your homeowners or condo association or a nonprofit organization. If you checked just one of the risk factors listed above, you may need umbrella coverage, according to Chubb Insurance. If you selected several, your liability risk is higher than average. Consider adding an endorsement to an umbrella policy for excess uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, which covers you not only as a driver but as a passenger, bicyclist or pedestrian if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re hit and the at-fault driver doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t carry enough insurance. It costs $100 to $200 per policy. If you serve as a volunteer on a nonprofit board, your homeowners and umbrella policies typically cover you for bodily injury and property damage â&#x20AC;&#x201D; but probably not for all potential lawsuits, said Houldin. An endorsement for your umbrella policy for directors and officers coverage typically costs less than $1,000 a year for $1 million to $2 million of coverage. [On the other hand, most nonprofit organizations will purchase a policy to protect their directors and officers, so look into that before buying your own.] ÂŠ 2019 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

BEACON BITS

Mar. 21

RETIREMENT PLANNING

A Master Financial Volunteer from the Virginia Cooperative Extension leads this free event on retirement planning at the Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library on Thursday, March 21 from 7-8 p.m. The library is located at 4701 Seminary Rd., Alexandria, Va. Pre-registration is requested by emailing kmaier@alexlibraryva.org.

Thursday, April 18th, 2019 Hyatt Regency New Orleans, LA Join us for a day focused on the elements of success in the longevity economy. Meet the entrepreneurs, executives, foundations, investors and distribution partners who are building the infrastructure of this $7 trillion economic opportunity.

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Law & Money

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — M A R C H 2 0 1 9

Ways you can stop frustrating robocalls By Jim Miller Dear Savvy Senior: Is there anything I can do to stop perpetual robocalls? It seems like I get five to 10 a day on my home and cell phone, and I’m sick of it! —Frustrated Frank Dear Frank, Robocalls make up around 50 percent of all phone calls today, and it’s only getting worse. Americans were hit with 26.3 billion robocalls in 2018, a whopping 46 percent increase from the year before. Fortunately, there are a variety of tools available today that can help you greatly reduce them:

Register your numbers If you haven’t already done so, your first step to limiting at least some unwanted calls is to make sure your home and cell phone numbers are registered with the National Do Not Call Registry. While this won’t stop illegal robocalls, it will stop unwanted calls from legitimate for-profit businesses who are trying to sell you something. But be aware that political organizations, charities and survey takers are still permitted to call you, as are businesses you’ve bought something from or made a payment to in the last 18 months. To sign up, visit DoNotCall.gov or call (888) 382-1222.

Home landline tools To stop calls on your home phone, set up the “anonymous call rejection” option. This is a free landline-calling feature available from most telephone companies. It lets you screen out calls from callers who have blocked their caller ID information — a favorite tactic of telemarketers. To set it up, you usually have to dial *77 from your landline, though different phone services may have different procedures to set it up. Call your telephone service provider to find out if they offer this feature, and if so, what you need to do to enable it. Another solution is to sign up for Nomorobo, which is a free service for landline phones (but only if you have a VoIP landline carrier). Nomorobo uses a

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“simultaneous ring” service that detects and blocks robocalls on a black list of known offender numbers. It isn’t 100 percent foolproof, but it is an extra layer of protection. To sign up or see if Nomorobo works with your phone service provider, visit Nomorobo.com.

to their users. T-Mobile offers free “Scam ID” and “Scam Block” to combat robocalls and spam. And Sprint customers can sign up for its “Premium Caller ID” service for $2.99 per month to guard against robocalls and caller ID spoofers.

Call blocking apps Cell phone tools To stop unwanted robocalls and texts to your cell phone, ask your carrier about caller ID options that help identify, filter or prevent callers that aren’t legitimate. For example, AT&T provides their subscribers a free app called “AT&T Call Protect” that has automatic fraud blocking and suspected spam warnings, and you can manually block unwanted calls. Starting this month, Verizon is offering free spam alerting and call blocking tools

Another way to stop nuisance robocalls on your smartphone is with call-blocking apps. These can identify who is calling you and block unwanted calls that show up on crowd-sourced spam and robocaller lists. Some top call blocking apps for iPhones and Androids include Nomorobo (Nomorobo.com), Hiya Caller ID and Spam Blocker (Hiya.com) and Truecaller (Truecaller.com). While Nomorobo is free for landlines, it costs $2 per month for cell phones. True-

Spam-proof phones There are also phones you can buy — including the Samsung Galaxy S, Samsung Note and Google Pixel phones — that have built-in spam and robocall protection in place. Samsung’s Smart Call feature flags calls it suspects are spam, while Google Pixel phones have built-in spam call protection. With this feature, users with Caller ID enabled will get a warning if a suspected spam call or robocall is received. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of The Savvy Senior book.

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M A R C H 2 0 1 9 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

In defense of some managed bond funds By Jeffrey R. Kosnett I want to discuss bond funds whose managers aren’t hemmed in by allegiance to an index or by the ultraconservative viewpoint that Treasury bonds and notes are the center of the universe. I dislike such stolid holdings as total bond market exchange-traded funds and funds designed to replicate the Bloomberg Barclays Aggregate Bond index — which is 42 percent Treasuries and includes no municipals, high-yield bonds, bank loans or credit card receivables. To me, that approach treats debt instruments primarily as “stuff that isn’t stocks” rather than as a vibrant, investable universe of its own. I grant that Vanguard Total Bond Mar-

ket ETF (symbol BND) has a practically invisible 0.05 percent expense ratio, and that during periods of unease about lessergrade corporate bonds, tax-exempts or foreign I.O.U.s, it can beat many of its actively managed and more creative rivals. For example, in the fourth quarter of 2018, BND returned 1.65 percent, while Dodge & Cox Income (DODIX, yield 3.36 percent) made just 0.27 percent. But over the years, Dodge & Cox’s broad reach and wise decision-making have given patient shareholders a huge advantage over the index trackers, even given its vast size. The firm has succeeded brilliantly with some of the largest mutual funds the world has ever seen.

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Best bets for 2019 Right now, I’ll unambiguously endorse Dodge & Cox Income as a keeper for 2019. I’ll say the same about Thornburg Strategic Income (TSIIX, 5.45 percent), and, if you can buy them without a load through your broker or adviser, PGIM Unconstrained Bond (PUCAX, 3.50 percent) and Pimco Income (PONAX, 3.70 percent). The common thread is short duration (meaning a low sensitivity to interest rates), high yield, and an adventurous but not reckless roster of bond issuers and credit ratings. Some of these types of funds suffered at the end of last year, apparently because liquidity in the loan and credit markets tightened up. That’s an insider’s way of saying funds that had to sell pools of loans, lowrated short-term “junk” bonds and the like did so at terrible prices. But the market has since loosened up, and this cycle has abated. If you’re looking for a satellite fund to add to your core holdings, consider RiverNorth DoubleLine Strategic Income (RNDLX, 5.9 percent). Last year, the fund lost 1.53 percent. But in the first two weeks of 2019, this combination of Jeffrey Gundlach’s mortgage strategies at DoubleLine and RiverNorth’s knack for finding under valued, high-yielding assets, such as deeply discounted closed-end funds, returned a fat 2.25 percent.

The challenge for bond fund managers in the year ahead is no longer what the Fed might do, but the consequences of its rateraising campaign so far: the now-competitive yields on bank deposits and Treasury bills. Jeffery Elswick, director of fixed income for the Frost funds, said clients ask why they should not put all their money in cash — as in greenbacks — or in T-bills. His response is that there are lots of bargains in oversold assets that funds can now scoop up. “The most value is in [short- and intermediate-term] investment-grade corporates and high-yield bonds,” he said, along with floating-rate debt. Frost Total Return (FATRX, 4.79 percent) has a long history of besting the Bloomberg Barclays Agg index and Vanguard’s total bond ETF, with the exception of the last three months of 2018. I have followed the management teams for most of these funds for decades, and I am enormously confident in all of them. That so many trusted fixed-income funds didn’t lose more money in 2018 is a positive. If the Fed does as I expect and either pauses raising rates or hikes them less frequently than it has been, many other active fixed-income funds will turn things around nicely from the trials of 2018. © 2019 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — M A R C H 2 0 1 9

The rise of gray divorce: why or why not? By Neale Godfrey Till death do us part? Not so much. In the past 25 years, the divorce rate for Americans over the age of 50 has more than doubled. While divorce rates for other age groups have leveled off or even fallen, one out of every four people going through a divorce in the United States is 50 or older, according to research by sociologists Susan L. Brown and I-Fen Lin. Compare that to 1990, when fewer than 1 in 10 people who got divorced was over 50. The research went on to note that it wasn’t just remarried older people who were getting divorced — more than half of all “gray” divorces are with couples who have been married for over 20 years.

Tipper and Al Gore Syndrome The story of the Gores is much the same as for many long-term marriages. After having four kids and 40 years of marriage, they simply had grown apart and wanted to go it alone. Tipper asserts that it was not that Al was dull and boring or cheating on her. They are a classic example of a gray divorce. Are people expecting more of a sense of happiness and fulfillment today than they were before? It’s possible. It seems that couples are just not willing to put up with a loveless marriage anymore. You may have grown up seeing your parents or your friends’ parents going through the motions of marriage, and not engaged in a loving partnership. Have you ever been at a restaurant and seen couples eating and not interacting at all? Many of us just thought that was the way advanced married couples acted, that was the way it was supposed to be.

Why so many now? Several factors are converging. The stigma of divorce is disappearing. Even Pope Francis and the Catholic Church are re-examining their posture toward the church’s stance on divorce. People are also living longer, and so the prospects of remaining in an empty relationship don’t bode well for many people today. They are allowed to act to change their future. Another reason for the increase in gray divorce appears to be the economic gains women are making, according to an NPR report quoting Brown. “Many no longer have to choose between a bad marriage and poverty.” The advent of easy online dating may also have given older people hope for a better relationship. Online dating is accepted and is the norm for all age groups. Seniors are also meeting via activities and travel.

The prospect of living with someone you no longer love and respect appears to be a sacrifice not worth making for many.

Financial considerations OK, you have decided to call it quits in your twilight years, what do you have to know about the money side of your relationship and life on your own? Alimony is almost always granted after long-term marriages. When you divorce in your younger years, usually “rehabilitative” alimony is granted, which will supply support while the spouse gets back on their feet. However, if it’s a long-term marriage, in most cases alimony is given for life. If ending a second marriage that was short, alimony may fall in between the above circumstances. Retirement money is usually cut in half. It doesn’t matter if this is a no-fault or atfault divorce. Pension plans may be used to offset alimony, but make sure that you both are being advised on the tax implications. The family house will become an asset that has to be valued and split. Make sure if you opt to keep the house that you don’t become house-poor. The house needs to be maintained, taxes and utilities paid, and those costs may greatly eat into any monetary settlements. Remarriages are more likely to end in divorce, so think about a pre-nuptial agreement for your next marriage. In it, you can deal with a lot of these monetary issues before emotions are running at a fevered pitch. There may be adult children on both sides to consider, other assets, and lots of other issues to think about. Seek professional advice from your lawyers, accountants and financial advisers. Your wills need to be adjusted to reflect your new circumstances, as well. Gray divorce might not be a tragedy. You may be empowered to design and obtain a more fulfilling life than you may now have. How wonderful not to feel that your present marriage is a life sentence. But also, I caution you: Maybe it’s better to work on your present relationship and not assume that your spouse will be inflexible. The grass looks greener on the other side of the fence, but sometimes, it’s not. This article presents the views of Neale Godfrey, Financial Literacy Expert, President & CEO, Children’s Financial Network Inc., our contributing adviser, not the Kiplinger editorial staff. You can check adviser records with the SEC or with FINRA. © 2019 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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M A R C H 2 0 1 9 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — M A R C H 2 0 1 9

Say you saw it in the Beacon

Travel

Leisure &

National Harbor attracts locals as well as tourists to its entertainment venues and hotels. See story on page 40.

Scenic Oregon, unpretentious Portland

Diverse in many ways Laid-back and laissez-faire were among the first words that crossed my mind shortly after I arrived in Oregon. Those impressions were underscored by locals whom I encountered. “We’re very accepting of various lifestyles,” a 30-something woman told me. “A lot of eccentric characters live here,” according to a gentleman whose gray hair was twisted into a long ponytail. Another distinction is the pronunciation of places, some because of their Native American roots. Any version of the state name

other than OAR-uh-gun is a source of amusement to the native-born. Other local dialect includes the Willamette (which comes out as will-AM-ette) River, named for an Indian tribe, and the towns of Helvetia (hel-VAY-sha), Tigard (TIE-gurd) and Tualatin (too-WALL-uh-tin). The diversity that characterizes Oregon’s populace translates to its landscapes. They range from rugged ocean coastline to dense evergreen forests, from glaciers to barren desert, from grassy prairies to volcanoes. That variety provides a wide choice of tosee’s and to-do’s. For some, it means opportunities to visit wineries that invite guests to learn about their craft, sample their products and understand why they’re advancing in the world of fine wines. Those who follow wine trail routes enjoy a combination of sipping and scenery. For example, the 60-mile-long Vineyard and Valley Scenic Tour Route winds through serene countryside and showcases the commingling of outstanding wine with history and agriculture. Farms and orchards line the route and, when in season, produce stands offer fresh-picked fruits and vegetables. The agricultural riches of the area attracted Native Americans who settled in the northwest at least 14,000 years ago. An 1855 map of the Oregon Territory referred to various Indian tribes, including the At-

PHOTO BY KIMBERLY SHAVENDER/SHUTTERSTOCK

By Victor Block Visitors to Oregon soon come to admire its varied landscapes, be fascinated by intriguing chapters of history, and enjoy its well-deserved reputation as a cornucopia of tasty fruits, vegetables and outstanding wine. No wonder the state has ranked high on many “best of” lists. At the same time, Oregon is as much a lifestyle as a destination. It’s among the most environmentally-friendly states in the country, tops in recycling and producing renewable energy. In addition, a combination of other endearing traits beckons many people to follow in the path of the historic Oregon Trail. (More about that later.)

PHOTO BY WWW.VISITPORTLAND.COM

Art Walks in Portland’s Pearl District have attracted regular crowds since the monthly street festival started three decades ago. Once an industrial area, today the Pearl is a vibrant neighborhood of breweries, restaurants, stores and galleries.

The 11,250-foot-peak of Mt. Hood rises above Oregon’s pristine farmlands and vineyards. It is literally the high point for many Oregon tourists, offering the longest skiing season in North America. Mt. Hood valley is home to many organic farms and vineyards.

falati Tualatin Klpuyan Indians, huntergatherers who made the fertile Tualatin Valley their home.

Lewis and Clark and beyond After the Lewis and Clark expedition traveled to, and through, the Oregon Territory from 1804 to 1806, a trickle of pioneers followed, then a wave of farmers, hunters and others. As word spread about the ideal farming conditions and other inviting characteristics of the area, a growing number of people took what became known as the Oregon Trail, willing to accept the very daunting challenges it presented. The route ran more than 2,000 miles from its start in Missouri, and was the most heavily used trail in the westward expansion. Visitors today may follow sections of that trail and others that provide an immersion in various aspects of the local lore. The past comes alive along the Mt. Hood Territory Heritage Trail. It includes stops at the Museum of the Oregon Territory and the End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center. A different experience awaits those who take the Mount Hood and Columbia River Gorge tour, which combines dramatic views of the breathtakingly beautiful canyon with plummeting waterfalls and

stunning mountainous terrain, including the tallest mountain in the state. And the 35-mile-long Hood River County Fruit Loop leads to 28 farm stands, berry farms and wineries. For those who prefer walking tours, a self-guided stroll through the town of Canby traces its history from serving as a stop along a section of the Oregon Trail to a logging community, and introduces the fascinating cast of characters who played important roles in its past. In an area of mountainous terrain, the snow-capped peak of majestic Mt. Hood, which tops out at a height over 11,200 feet, reigns supreme. On clear days, it can be visible 100 miles away. Given that elevation, it’s not surprising that the dormant volcano offers the longest ski season in North America, including runs on 12 glaciers and snow fields. In summer, the dense wilderness, fields of wildflowers, Alpine lakes and rushing rivers in the million-plus acre Mt. Hood National Forest attract hikers, campers, fishermen and sightseers, along with experienced mountain climbers. Humans share the woods with black bears, elk, mule deer and an occasional cougar. See OREGON, page 41

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M A R C H 2 0 1 9 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Area venue harbors entertainment galore By Victor Block John and Betty Armstrong are mesmerized by a dramatic aluminum sculpture that depicts a giant emerging from the ground, his face contorted as he struggles to free himself. Barbara Brackett and Sam Bradford enjoy a movie projected on a giant screen set at the edge of the Potomac River. The appeals for Marilyn and Michael Meyers and their two grandchildren include riding a carousel, trying their hand at a Build-A-Bear workshop, and boarding a pirate ship to shoot a water cannon and hunt for stolen treasure. These disparate diversions could be taking place far from each other, but they’re not. They’re just a small sampling of the

many things to do and see at the National Harbor, in Prince George’s County, just south of Washington, D.C. The well-planned waterfront resort, which has more than a mile of shoreline along the Potomac River, is now in its 10th year. It has evolved into a something-foreveryone destination where some people live, some work, and many visit to enjoy its variety of leisure pursuits.

Bigger than life art Begin with the art that captured the fancy of the Armstrongs. The 1980 sculpture, known as “The Awakening,” is but one example in an art collection that enhances the resort complex. (Longtime residents will recognize it from its former

home at Hains Point in the District.) Other sculptures dotted around the campus include a colorful 85-foot tall abstract work, two enormous eagles that seem to soar over the river, and “Five in the Wind” — a depiction of people leaning against each other for protection against a gale. The proverbial, and surprising, icing on the decorative cake is a 26-foot-tall iron archway that was crafted by legendary folk singer-songwriter Bob Dylan. In keeping with its family-friendly atmosphere, and the opportunity to impart a bit of history, statues of a diverse group of American icons — including Abraham Lincoln, Frederick Douglass, Marilyn Monroe and Rosie the Riveter — grace plazas throughout the 350-acre site. Wall murals and statues by both local and nationally-known artists add to the museum-like atmosphere of the collection, which is valued at more than $22 million.

Entertaining attractions Waterside movies are only part of a long list of entertainment options that are available to visitors. Other attractions range from sing-along opportunities at Bobby McKey’s Dueling Piano Bar, to beachfront concerts, to trying to stay on top of a pitching, twisting mechanical bull. The epicenter of organized entertain-

PARKINSON’S SEMINAR “The Crucial Role of Exercise for Parkinson’s Patients” Presented by Terrie Daniels, senior fitness and wellness specialist, Brooke Grove Retirement Village

ment is the 3,000-seat theater at MGM National Harbor resort. The venue features eclectic choices, including celebrity concerts, comedians, variety shows and other performances. Another source of fun (and perhaps fear for some) is the Capital Wheel — a truly giant Ferris Wheel perched on a dock protruding over the river. The ride carries passengers 180 feet into the air, and offers spectacular views of the U.S. Capitol, Washington Monument and other famous landmarks in the distance. National Harbor also takes advantage of its riverside setting in other ways. Rental canoes, kayaks, pedal boats and stand-up paddleboards are available to rent during the warm weather season. Water taxis offer trips to Georgetown, the redeveloped Southwest Washington Wharf, Old Town Alexandria and Mount Vernon. The location offers spectacular views of the sunset. From May to September, that offering by Mother Nature is accompanied by musical presentations by the Armed Forces bands.

Shopping and sleeping Those for whom shopping is a form of See NATIONAL HARBOR, page 43

Tuesday, march 12 • 10:30-11:45 a.m. Brooke Grove Rehabilitation and Nursing Center 18131 Slade School Road • Sandy Spring, MD 20860

Physical exercise is essential to the effective treatment of Parkinson’s and may even help slow the progression of the disease. It can improve gait and balance, while also positively impacting overall functional ability. Discover the research supporting these and other benefits and learn specific exercises that you can easily do at home. Free. RSVP to Toni Davis at 301-388-7209 or tdavis@bgf.org by March 10.

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — M A R C H 2 0 1 9

Oregon From page 39

Art all over Not to be outdone by the beauty provided by Mother Nature, a number of Oregon’s cities and even small towns compete with collections of outdoor art that augment the splendor of the surroundings. Among works that greet folks who follow several interconnected art trails in Tualatin are a 20-foot-tall metal statue representing the town’s history and the Tualatin River, and another that depicts a flock of geese. The Gallery Without Walls in Lake Oswego includes both permanent and loaned pieces, some of which are for sale. Other communities, including Hillsboro and Forest Grove, host monthly art walks during which galleries extend their open hours and local artists showcase their work. Ar t also enhances outdoor spaces throughout Portland, Oregon’s largest city. A collection of statues ranges from Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt to the Greek god Orpheus. An inviting open-air sculpture mall is decorated with statuary and a created waterfall.

The sites of Portland Visiting neighborhoods that comprise Portland is a perfect way to experience and enjoy much that the city has to offer. The Alberta Arts District is home to a number of quirky galleries, and hosts a monthly street festival that pays homage to art, food and other facets of that community. Houses in the historic Old Town district, where the city was born in 1843, display a never-never land of ornate cast-iron scrollwork and filigree along with human and animal figures. West End stretches between Powell’s City of Books — said to be the largest independent new and used bookstore in the world — and the downtown retail core,

which is home to a growing number of fashion boutiques and design shops. The Pearl District has evolved from a setting for warehouses, light industry and railroad yards to a collection of art galleries, specialty stores and upscale residences. Strolling the streets also helps visitors understand the attitude and atmosphere that are unique to the city and its residents, and how it continues to cling to its special character and much of its small-town charm. One aspect of its attitude is the motto, admittedly borrowed from another city: “Keep Portland Weird.” Simple, unpretentious and “real” could be substituted for the last word to describe Portland and its people. Another well-deserved boast is the city’s extensive and inviting collection of parks and gardens. The 160-plus parks range in size from massive to minuscule. Hikers may find wilderness within the city limits in Forest Park, which is crisscrossed by 30 miles of trails. Waterfront Park includes a riverside promenade that passes boat docks, shops and restaurants. Council Crest Park sits on a 1,073-foot hill and offers dramatic views over the city and to distant mountains. Mount Tabor Park occupies the only extinct volcano within city limits in the continental United States. Against the backdrop of multi-hued shades of green provided by Portland’s parks, numerous gardens add dramatic splashes of color. The sprawling International Rose Test Garden, which contains 400 varieties of roses displayed on more than 10,000 bushes, has spawned an annual rose festival and is a major reason why Portland is known as the City of Roses. The nearby Japanese Garden is a tranquil sanctuary that includes a traditional sand and stone setting and a ceremonial tea house. The Lan Su Chinese Garden in

the Old Town neighborhood is an oasis of winding paths and reflecting ponds. Graceful tea houses and lovely gardens, towering mountains and forested fields are among many attractions that beckon people to visit Portland, and Oregon. Nearly two centuries ago hardy pioneers braved extreme hardships and overcame daunting challenges to seek a better life in what today is the state. The trip now is much less strenuous, but the rewards can be just as satisfying.

If you go Accommodations can fit comfortably in Oregon’s idiosyncratic reputation. The McMenamins Grand Lodge near Portland gives new meaning to the word whimsical. Quaint, comic paintings and historic photos line the hallways, decorate guest rooms and even show up on headboards and exposed piping. Hidden rooms and a resident ghost add to the atmosphere. Rates begin as low as $60 for a room with shared bathroom and $105 with private facilities. For more information, call (877) 9929533 or visit mcmenamins.com/grand-lodge. The setting is very different at Timberline Lodge, perched 6,000 feet high on Mt. Hood. It was built during the Depression as a Works Progress Administration project, furnished by artisans and decorated by artists. Wood, stones and other local materials are among features that are used to pay tribute to Native Americans, European-born pioneers and Oregon’s wildlife. Rates begin at $127. For more information, call (800) 5471406 or see timberlinelodge.com. Visitors soon come to appreciate Oregon’s abundance of local fresh food from rivers, sea and land. In Portland, with its well-deserved reputation as a foodie mecca, even the proliferation of food carts parked around the city serve up a wide selection of cuisines. Typical of casual restaurants with a colorful history is the Rock Creek Cavern in

Hillsboro. Its past includes being bombed, run over by a car and destroyed by a fire of questionable origin. Try them for comfort food. For more information, call (503) 645-3822 or visit mcmenamins.com/rock-creek-tavern. For fine dining, the Imperial in the historic Hotel Lucia offers Pacific Northwest cuisine at its best. Along with wood-fire grilled specialties, the menu includes rotisserie roasted half chicken ($23) and wild king salmon ($36). For more information, call (503) 2287222 or see imperialpdx.com. For Oregon tourism information, call (800) 547-7842 or see traveloregon.com. The least expensive roundtrip airfare from the Washington area to Portland in late March is $542 from Dulles on United Airlines.

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M A R C H 2 0 1 9 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Changes to Eurail Pass boost flexibility Eurail Pass just announced the biggest lower — prices. Only Benelux, Balkans, and overhaul in its 60 years of existence. a few other multi-country passes remain. Among the key features: — Second-class Global — Eurail Select Passes Pass: Select passes were forDiscontinued: Most passes merly available in first and valid for travel in contiguous second class, while Global sets of two, three or four counwas first-only for adults, and tries are gone. Most one-counthe second-class options were try passes remain, but if you extremely popular. To accomwant to travel in more than one modate the need to replace country, your best option now Select passes, the 31-country is a 31-country Global pass. pass is now available in secFortunately, the Global pass ond class, as well as first. TRAVEL TIPS options have been expanded — Shorter-term Global By Ed Perkins substantially, to the point that passes: Global passes were they can pretty much replace the older Se- originally limited to relatively long periods lect passes at competitive — and often even of validity, compared with short-term Select

BRANSON & THE OZARKS, May 1 – 9 ............................................................................... $1552pp Travel by Motorcoach and see 5 Fantastic Shows, College of the Ozarks, Grist Mill, Price based on double occupancy Gateway Arch tram ride & MUCH MORE!

LONGWOOD GARDENS, May 15........................................................................................... $129pp Visit the gardens, meadows, woodlands and elaborate water fountain displays. Lunch included.

NIAGARA FALLS, June 9 – 13 ........................................................................................ $1149pp Travel to Canada by Motorcoach to explore the ROAR! See Horseshoe Falls, Niagara on the Lake & MUCH MORE!

Price based on double occupancy

passes. But Global now offers a range of much shorter options than previously available, including three, five and seven days of travel within a month. Three-day pass prices start at $257 in second class, $343 in first class. — Senior Discount: Over the last decade, senior Eurail passes had just about disappeared. Now, however, both Global and one-country passes offer 10 percent senior discounts to travelers age 60 or over. Brit Rail retains its senior passes, but in first class only and they are more expensive than any-age second-class passes. — Youth Discounts: The new Eurail family of passes retains the traditional discounted passes for travelers age 12 to 27, providing a roughly 27 percent discount. — Eurostar Added: The Global pass now includes Eurostar travel between the London area, Ashford and the continent. It does not, however, cover other trains in Britain, where your only option remains the wide variety of BritRail and regional passes. — Two New Countries: Eurail now includes Lithuania and Macedonia. — Open-access Rail Operators: Eurail passes now include two open-access rail operators in Czechia, Leo Express and RegioJet. It does not, however, cover any other large open-access operators, and this is likely to be a challenge in coming years,

as European rules require national railways to provide open access to qualified independent operators. — Greek Islands: New Greek Islands passes cover either five trips in a month entirely within Greece, or six trips in a month, including one round-trip between Greece and Italy. The all-Greek passes are second class only, like the Greek interisland ferries, but the six-trip pass is also available in a first-class version that includes a cabin berth on the mostly overnight trips to and from Italy. If you plan train travel in Europe, however, even the new passes may not be your lowestcost option. On my last two trips, I found, in England and France, that I could arrange my itinerary for less than the cost of a pass by buying individual-trip tickets at discounted advance-purchase fares. The downside is that buying discounted tickets for individual trips means locking yourself into a fixed itinerary weeks or even months in advance. But if you can live with that, you can buy individual tickets from RailEurope or the national rail websites. Still, you can’t beat a railpass for maximum flexibility. You can buy the new passes at Eurail.com, RailEurope.com or any other railpass or general travel agency. © 2018 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Leisure & Travel

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — M A R C H 2 0 1 9

Find places to stay for next to nothing By Melissa Lambarena Credit card rewards can be your ticket — literally your plane ticket — to a dream destination. But even if you’ve earned what you need to get to where you’re going, the accommodations could be a different story. What do you do if you don’t have enough points or miles left for lodging? You can slash those costs, too, if you’re willing to get out of your comfort zone. That might mean couch surfing with locals, agreeing to a home exchange, or signing up for housesitting. Websites and apps can help you connect with frugal options domestically and abroad. You may be able to stay for free, or nearly free, if you’re flexible with dates and can abide by house rules.

Couch surfing This option works for solo travelers or couples looking to make new friends over a few nights. Since you’re staying in someone’s home, you’ll likely need to “check in and out” at reasonable hours and clean up after yourself. For Alexander Salas, who runs the YouTube channel Alex Travelbum, giving up some freedom is worth it. He uses the app from Couchsurfing.com, which has allowed him to sleep in 15 countries for free. His trip to Naples, Italy, was the most memorable, he said. “I stayed with this woman who was just the most generous, nice person in the world, and we’re still friends till this day,” Salas said. “She made me all of this authen-

tic Italian food and took me around town.”

Home exchanges This option offers more privacy since you’ll swap your home temporarily with someone else. The GuestToGuest website charges about $11 a night or around $147 annually (and you’ll have to pay a damage deposit). You can offset costs by cooking in the kitchen to save money on meals. Some homeowners even let you borrow their car.

Housesitting If you don’t mind pets or a few chores while you travel, you can see the world for less. Nik and Angel Rowell, YouTubers at Roadtrip with Nik, have traveled to Costa Rica and several U.S. states, among other

destinations. They frequently use Trustedhousesitters.com, which also has an app and charges $119 for an annual membership. They suggest considering the responsibilities of each housesit beforehand and how it might affect your stay. “If you have a weeklong housesit in Hawaii that included caring for a dog that needed to go out in the morning, afternoon and evening, you wouldn’t be able to go explore the island all day long,” Nik Rowell said. Wherever you stay, communicate with the host to match your expectations to the experience. If you need a kitchen or Wi-Fi, for example, ask whether you’ll have access.

Take precautions If you’re staying with strangers, screen them first. Some subscription services have a verification process, but it’s not always as robust as a traveler might like.

We Turn Addresses

into homes

From page 40 entertainment also find enough options to fill many an hour. Items sold at about 160 specialty stores include sunglasses and shoes, coffee and candles, perfume and pewter. Adding to the appeal are bargain prices and special daily discounts available at shops in the Tanger Outlets complex. Another bonus at National Harbor is the ease of getting around. Visitors who drive there may park their car and get around on buses that run on a frequent schedule and carry passengers to the major attractions. Those seeking an overnight excursion have a choice of 10 hotels, including two that hold the coveted Four Diamond rating. The Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center features a dramatic, 19-story glass atrium, rooftop lounge and nightclub, full-service spa and seven restaurants. In addition to its spa, restaurants and other inviting facilities, the MGM National Harbor contains one of the largest gaming floors outside of Las Vegas. The two-level casino conducts daily tournaments for those playing table games, and its vast array of slot machines offers imaginative diversions with unusual names like Dragon Spin, Dancing Drums and Fu Nan Fu Nu. For more information about National Harbor, call (877) 628-5427 or visit nationalharbor.com.

MOST COMMUNITIE S 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 Randallstown: 410-655-5673 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

National Harbor

Amanda Kelly, solo traveler and content creator at Amanda Round The Globe, generally seeks female hosts when she couch surfs. During a trip to Belgium, she said, she was deceived by a man pretending to be a female host. “After that experience, I did take a lot more precautions by checking the reviews a lot more,” she said. Other best practices: • Look for hosts who have several positive references, photos and detailed descriptions. • See how your host behaves on social media. • Set up a video meet-and-greet. • Make sure you’re on the same page with house rules and expectations of privacy. • Have a plan B in case the accommodations aren’t a good fit. —NerdWallet

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

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 Park View at Fullerton: 410-663-0665 Park View at Miramar Landing: 410-391-8375

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

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

Call the community nearest you to inquire about eligibility requirements and to arrange a personal tour. www.rhomecommunities.com MOST COMMUNITIES ARE PET-FRIENDLY

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M A R C H 2 0 1 9 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Style Arts &

Nancy Reagan's press secretary remembers the First Lady in Red in one of several recent books on White House history. See page 47.

A revealing production of Gypsy at Toby’s Setting the scene The show takes place during the dying days of vaudeville, during the 1920s. Rose, a double divorcée who was abandoned by her own mother as a young girl, is raising her two young daughters, June and Louise. To make ends meet, Rose has kept the girls out of school and drafted them into a second-rate vaudeville act they take on the road. June (played on different nights by two talented grade schoolers) is a brassy singer and dancer who loves the limelight. Her shy older sister Louise (played by two sixth graders) dutifully plays the role of the boy for the act. This is where we first hear “Let Me Entertain You,” a childish number that later in the show will take on a whole new meaning. The first half of the musical shows us the limited success of their routine (and the limited creativity of Rose) as the girls age and the show evolves. Choreographer and co-director Mark Minnick drives home the point, using the same hackneyed steps in each kitschy “new routine” Rose creates for them. A very effective use of strobe lights in one number gives us a magical sense of passing

time as the young actresses playing June and Louise are switched before our eyes with adults playing the grown-up girls (Louisa Tringali as June; MaryKate Brouillet as Louise).

PHOTO BY JERI TIDWELL

By Stuart Rosenthal The musical Gypsy — loosely based on the early life of striptease artist Gypsy Rose Lee — is really more the story of her single-minded narcissistic mother Rose. And if Rose brings to mind Ethel Merman, there’s a good reason: Merman not only starred in the original 1959 production, she was one of the forces behind the whole project, working with producer David Merrick and choreographer Jerome Robbins to create the show, based on the memoirs of Gypsy Rose Lee. Now playing at Toby’s Dinner Theatre in Columbia, Md., Gypsy is still a vehicle mostly for Rose, played here with unflagging energy by Cathy Mundy. The archetype of all maniacal stage mothers, Rose pushes both her daughters into show business to live out her own unfulfilled dreams of stardom. But along the way, the story gives us a number of revealing glimpses into Rose’s twisted psyche, as well as a string of memorable numbers. Stephen Sondheim wrote the lyrics and Jule Styne the music. It’s fair to say the show will entertain you.

The love disinterest In between the shows within the show, Rose uses her wily charms to snag an agent/ boyfriend (Herbie, played with charm and reserve by David Bosley-Reynolds) who proves himself both dedicated to the family and invaluable to their survival. Nonetheless, Rose repeatedly spurns Herbie’s offer of marriage, maintaining her push to achieve stardom for June at all costs. In the charming number “If Momma Was Married,” the girls express their intense desire that Rose marry and live her own life rather than trying to live theirs. Eventually, June can’t take it any See GYPSY REVIEW, page 47

Gypsy Rose Lee, played by MaryKate Brouillard, eventually steals the limelight from her overbearing mother in the musical Gypsy, playing at Toby’s Dinner Theatre through March 17.

Winnie the Pooh March 29 – May 26, 2019 Based on the book by A.A. Milne Directed by Shirley Serotosky All performances held in Glen Echo Park Recommended for all ages

& ATMTC ACADEMY see theatre. be theatre.

BUY TICKETS bitly.com/winnieadventure | 301.634.2270

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Arts & Style

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — M A R C H 2 0 1 9

Koopman conducts baroque & beyond

March/April Events

Ton Koopman is a champion of baroque music, conducting the world’s top orchestras in performances and on recordings. Experience his “sublime” artistry (The New York Times) with the NSO in colorful program of works by Rebel, Rameau, CPE Bach, Mozart, and Haydn.

March 14–16 | Concert Hall 4(5&6#/37#8!9''#8!:&'5)#()#//7;,#(<=<

Glass’s Itaipu & Auerbach’s ARCTICA In his NSO debut, Teddy Abrams leads two programs of pieces by Dvořák and Sibelius as well as a work by Kennedy Center Composer-inResidence Mason Bates. The Thursday concert concludes with Philip Glass’s Itaipu. The Saturday concert concludes with contemporary Russian American composer and pianist Lera Auerbach in the world premiere of her piece ARCTICA. PART OF

VISIT KENNEDY-CENTER.ORG/DIRECTCURRENT

March 28 & 30 | Concert Hall

Debussy’s La mer Yan Pascal Tortelier leads a French program that includes Ravel’s Valses nobles et sentimentales and Shéhérazade, with mezzo-soprano Sasha Cooke; Lili Boulanger’s D’un soir triste and D’un matin de printemps; and Debussy’s La mer.

April 11–13 | Concert Hall

Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony The iconic opening motif of Beethoven’s Fifth has astounded audiences since its 1808 premiere, and conductor Gianandrea Noseda brings fresh perspective to this revolutionary masterpiece with all of its original urgency and triumph intact.

Eschenbach returns with Bruckner Soltani plays Haydn

April 18–20 | Concert Hall

Saint-Saëns’s “Organ” Symphony

865@B)!?6#CB&6':D(&6#A'(EB# 5F&G:'5HB#?!I'5JFA#KL=?6!:L#M!<#+N#(#I!5G#:!)# ?A(L'E#DL#)6'#MK$#J!5#!O'5#+3#L'(5B<#P6'#MK$#8!:EF&)!5#Q(F5'()'#?(@5B#)6@B#I!5G# I@)6#!:'#DL#R!B'?6#S(LE:N#(:!)6'5#=(B)'5#!J#O@O@E#!5&6'B)5(A#&!A!5B7#6@B#8'AA!# 8!:&'5)!#@:#TN#I6@&6#J'()F5'B#(&&A(@='E#&'AA@B)#U@(:#K!A)(:@#@:#6@B#MK$#E'DF)<#

Gianandrea Noseda conducts a lively program featuring Franck’s The Accursed Huntsman and young piano virtuoso Seong-Jin Cho in Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G. Saint-Saëns’s stunning “Organ” Symphony brings the concert to a majestic close.

March 7 & 9 | Concert Hall

April 25–27 | Concert Hall

Kennedy-Center.org

>?5@A#+07#8!9''#8!:&'5)#()#//7;,#(<=<

Groups call (202) 416-8400

For all other ticket-related customer service inquiries, call the Advance Sales !"#$%&'#()#*+,+-#./0123.,

David M. Rubenstein is the Presenting Underwriter of the NSO.

The Blue Series is sponsored by United Technologies Corporation.

(202) 467-4600 DIRECT CURRENT is presented as part of The Irene Pollin Audience Development and Community Engagement Initiatives.

The NSO Music Director Chair is generously endowed by Vicki† and Roger Sant.

Arts & Style | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

Jazz From page 1 commercial constraints.” By straightahead, he means jazz that dates primarily

from the 1945-65 era, before jazz branched out into many different directions. One group spent several months practicing a repertoire consisting of “Stardust,” “Summertime,” “The Shadow of Your Smile,”

A workshop for jazz singers In 2008, when the Jazz Workshop was in its early stages, director Paul Pieper realized some students didn’t play any instrument at all; they were singers. So Pieper enlisted a colleague, jazz pianist Chris Grasso, to teach a session for vocalists only. Now, almost a dozen years later, the jazz singer subgroup is still going strong. Every Thursday, Grasso meets with three groups for a two-hour session, where each vocalist gets a chance to perform three or four songs. Grasso also invites guest instructors once a month, including local jazz singers like Sharón Clark, Lena Seikaly and Paige Wroble. Who shows up for the Jazz Vocal Workshops? “We have people from their 20s through their 70s,” said Grasso. “Some of the younger singers know a lot less about jazz because it’s not the music they grew up with. Whereas I have one singer in my class who’s been listening to jazz for 50 years. He was in high school when ‘Kind of Blue’ was popular. “There are some people who have more singing experience from a technical standpoint, and some people who know more about jazz but have less singing experience.…I’m teaching them things, but they’re learning

from each other, which makes it fun.” That’s the draw for singer Jenny Igoe, a 10-year veteran of the Workshop. “When I hear another singer have a breakthrough, when I watch someone else get a concept or when I finally get a concept…is when it pays off.” A longtime musician who started a band in the 90s, Igoe saw an ad in the CityPaper for the Vocal Workshop. “I thought, ‘I don’t think I’ll be any good at this, but I’ll give it a try,’ and just absolutely fell in love with it,” said Igoe, now 47. Students learn the classics — but with a twist. “We try to teach people not to learn someone else’s interpretation of a song, but to teach people to learn the heart of the song, how to make the song their own,” said founder Pieper. “Some of the experience of being in the Vocal Workshop is simply absorbing the repertoire, learning the great jazz tunes” by Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughn and Frank Sinatra, Pieper said. “It’s timeless music,” Grasso said. “People still love these songs.” The Jazz Vocal Workshop’s next performance will be at Alice’s Jazz and Cultural Society, 2813 12th St. NE, Washington, D.C. on Sunday, March 10 from 6 to 9 p.m. —Margaret Foster

M A R C H 2 0 1 9 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

“Like Someone in Love,” “Cottontail,” “Emily,” “Invitation,” and the Miles Davis tunes “So What” and “Nardis.” Pieper says these kinds of songs are the basics “that almost everyone who loves jazz could agree on” before they branched out into more modern styles after the 60s. One bonus from these sessions is being able to network with other like-minded musicians in what Pieper calls “a small and splintered jazz community in the D.C. area.” There aren’t many places anymore where you can talk about Miles Davis’ second quintet with Wayne Shorter, or Dizzy Gillespie’s distinctive upturned horn. Another benefit: occasionally, a group of musicians gets together to take on a paid gig. To gain stage experience, and to display their newly learned skills, Jazz Workshop musicians are given the chance to perform on the last Sunday of each month at the Epicure Café, located at 11104 Lee Highway, Fairfax, Va. Two groups are selected from the Workshops to play for one hour each from 7 to 9 p.m., and then there is an open jam session from 9 to 11 p.m., where Workshop musicians sign up and are matched to play jazz standards with students from other groups. “You don’t know what tune will be called, and you don’t know who you will be playing with,” Pieper said.

Learning to understand jazz Players find that there is more to jazz than just repeating the chords and notes on a sheet of paper. John Cox, a geophysicist who plays trumpet, had performed classical and band music most of his life. Now 61, he joined the Jazz Workshop in 2015, “after many years of attempting to

understand jazz on my own. I struggled for at least six months trying to be facile with the chord lingo and was very frustrated. “Then one day, I realized that jazz has nothing to do with the taxonomy, but is about finding a path through a musical puzzle using your ears and your creativity. If you play something you do not like, move on to a note that carries through. So, that was my big revelation,” Cox said. In the sessions, musicians not only learn from their instructor but from each other. “I feel like I am making progress as a player by working together,” says guitarist Judy Grass. Grass, 65, takes a Wednesday afternoon class between her business duties running a horse riding stable and riding dressage. A retired computer scientist, she started with a trumpet in high school, and taught herself guitar before taking lessons when her son took up the instrument. She discovered the Jazz Workshop on recommendations she got two summers ago at the Jamey Aebersold Summer Jazz Workshops in Louisville, Ky. Of the jam sessions, Grass said, “The first time was very scary, but it has gotten better. A lot of times I am sight-reading pieces of music that are pretty familiar, but sometimes only one of three pieces I get to play is anything familiar. “It is a good test of your skill set. Things that initially gave me a lot of problems are getting easier. It helps a lot that it is a friendly and forgiving group: both audience and players.” For more information, email Jazz Workshop director Paul Pieper at paul@thejazzworkshop.net, or call (703) 405-1476. Website: www.thejazzworkshop.net.

Please tell our advertisers, “I saw you in the Beacon!” O P E N I N G M A RC H 2 1

‘Great Performances in the Neighborhood’ City of Rockville presents

Rockville Civic Ballet presents

International Night 2019

Don Quixote

Friday, March 22 at 6 p.m. Free event with limited seating

3 Performances | Saturday, March 16 at 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, March 17 at 2 p.m. Tickets: $13-17

USA National Miss Maryland Pageant Preliminaries: Friday, March 29 at 8 p.m. Final Show & Crowning: Sunday, March 31 at 2 p.m. Tickets: $10-30

Theatre F. Scott Fitzgerald

Tickets Online:

www.rockvillemd.gov/theatre Box Office:

240-314-8690

AT RO C K VI L L E CI VI C CE NTE R PA R K

Rockville Civic Center Park • 603 Edmonston Drive, Rockville, MD

410-730-8311

TobysDinnerTheatre.com Due to the nature of theatrical bookings, !!"#$%&#" '("( )*#" +*"#,-.*/)")%"/$ '0*1""2""3%-45#"67''*+"3$* )+*8"9%!,:-7 8";6

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Arts & Style

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — M A R C H 2 0 1 9

Local writers cover the White House The focus of the following books is 1600 dency through the creative camera lens of Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, the former Official White House most famous address in the Photographer Pete Souza. world. The authors live in D.C. Follow the photogenic chief and Virginia, and two of them executive through his two have served inside the White terms. House — giving their works a Obama: An Intimate Porunique perspective. trait includes the iconic phoObama: An Intimate Portographs “hair like mine” and trait, The Historic Presidenthe tension-filled scene in the cy in Photographs, by Pete Situation Room of officials Souza, forward by Barack monitoring the raid on Osama Obama, 352 pages, more THE bin Laden. than 300 color photographs, BIBILOPHILE Other treasures are Bo Little, Brown and Company, By Dinah Rokach bounding up the stairs of Air 10.4 x 1.2 x 12.5 inches, Force One, Obama on the bashardcover, 2017 ketball court, 44 with his eyes closed in conBe an eyewitness to the Obama presi- templation, and private moments between

the President and First Lady. The color photographs in this hefty large-format book are of fine-art quality, printed in Italy. Souza, a freelance photographer who resides in Arlington, Va., was the Chief Official White House Photographer for President Obama and director of the White House photo office. Previously he worked for the Washington bureau of the Chicago Tribune and was an Official White House Photographer for President Reagan. He has won numerous photojournalism awards. Perusing the book, you’ll understand why. Lady in Red: An Intimate Portrait of Nancy Reagan, by Sheila Tate, 256 pages, 16-page and 8-page inserts of photographs, Crown Forum hardcover, 2018; paperback, April 2019

Sheila Tate, co-founder of the Washington, D.C. public relations firm Tate Powell, has written a loving remembrance of her years as press secretary to First Lady Nancy Reagan. Having served in this capacity during the first term of the Reagan presidency, Tate is positioned to impart informative details about the boss she came to admire. Lady in Red paints an adoring portrait of Mrs. Reagan, shedding light on the compassionate side of the First Lady. Before interviewing for her position, Tate had never met the First Lady. Quite remarkable to think that this relationship of trust was quickly formed in the

Gypsy review

with kitsch and cliché, it delivers a more complex and realistic character portrayal. Toby’s cast and live orchestra do themselves proud. The direction by the eponymous Toby Orenstein and Minnick make good use of the intimate stage, which just before the production serves as the buffet area for the dinner theatre’s all-you-can-eat meal. By the way, the actors also act as your servers, bringing drinks and desserts. Their tips constitute a good part of their pay, so keep that in mind when you settle up. Gypsy runs through March 17, Tuesday

through Saturday nights (buffet 6 p.m.; show starts at 8 p.m.) Sunday night (buffet at 5 p.m.; show at 7 p.m.), and with matinees on Sundays and select Wednesdays (brunch at 10:30 a.m., show at 12:30 p.m.). Adults: $63-66; Children 12 and under: $47.50. Patrons 65 and over pay $53.55 for Tuesday and Wednesday evenings and Wednesday matinees only. Special rates for groups of 15 or more. Coming up next at Toby’s: Disney’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame, March 21 through May 19.

From page 44 more and elopes without so much as a goodbye to Rose. Though raging for a moment at this act of betrayal, Rose wastes no time mourning June. Instead, she pivots to hail Louise as the family’s remaining chance at stardom. “Everything’s Coming Up Roses” not only expresses her determination to make this a positive development, but gives voice to Rose’s own personal dreams of success.

Finally, stardom of a sort Poor Louise doesn’t have a chance against the ferocious drive of her mother. So she remains under her thumb until one day the act is booked at a burlesque house, ostensibly to give an air of respectability to the place. It’s here that the show gives us the famous back-stage view of burlesque, “You Gotta Get a Gimmick,” which has the audience howling with laughter at the over-the-

top (and bottom, but barely) costumes and vamping of the house’s strippers. But when the lead stripper is hauled off by police, Rose pushes Louise to fill the role. Dutifully but hesitantly, Louise (now introduced by the stage name Gypsy Rose Lee) sings a timid version of “Let Me Entertain You,” slipping off a strap of her dress. From that moment on, there’s no stopping her, and she becomes a far bigger star than even Rose could have imagined. A well-choreographed number shows us Gypsy’s gradual transformation into a practiced and professional performer and lets Brouillet finally come out of her shell. But this also gives Gypsy the opportunity to turn the tables on Rose and call the shots herself for a change. Facing this forceful rejection, Rose finally confronts her own behavior and admits that she’s really been pursuing her own self-interest all along. In “Rose’s Turn,” she comes to the realization that it was really all about her. So, while the show seems to be filled

Colonel Don Schofield, Commander and Conductor

FREE CONCERT! 9

Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center Northern Virginia Community College, Alexandria Campus

FRIDAY, MAR. 22 AT 8 P.M.

Randy Brecker jazz trumpeter extraordinaire

See WHITE HOUSE BOOKS, page 48

in Washington DC

Boomers,

READY TO ROCK ?

r Join our chorus fo ve. people 55 and abo If you love rock and roll, and want to sing some of the greatest hits of all time, you’re ready to join the Boomers Rock ’n’ Roll Chorus, a program geared for people ages 55 and above who love to sing—and there’s no experience required. The Boomers Rock ’n’ Roll Chorus sessions culminate in a free public performance.

Boomers Rock ’n’ Roll Chorus: 8 sessions; Tues., April 9–May 28, 6:45 p.m.–8:15 p.m., plus performance Tues., June 4; Ripley Center; CODE BPR4; registration fee for 8 sessions $100 Made possible through generous funding from Aroha Philanthropies

for FREE tickets, please visit: www.usafband.eventbrite.com

www.usafband.af.mil

METRO STOP: Smithsonian–Blue, Orange and Silver lines

To join call 202-633-3030 or visit SmithsonianAssociates.org

Arts & Style | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

White House books From page 47 highly pressured environment of the White House. Read how the Washington establishment “welcomes” presidential spouses who come to town from distant parts. Get a glimpse of the glamorous — and not so glamorous — life of our nation’s First Lady. This book is an attempt to burnish Mrs. Reagan’s place in history. We should all be so fortunate as to have a friend who would remind the world of our good qualities after we’re gone. Dinner in Camelot: The Night Ameri-

ca’s Greatest Scientists, Writers, and Scholars Partied at the Kennedy White House, by Joseph A. Esposito, foreword by Rose Styron, 252 pages, 8-page color and 16-page black and white inserts of illustrations, ForeEdge hardcover, 2018 “I think this is the most extraordinary collection of talent, of human knowledge, that has ever been gathered together at the White House, with the possible exception of when Thomas Jefferson dined alone.” President John F. Kennedy made these remarks on April 29, 1962, at a White House dinner honoring 49 Nobel Prize winners of the Western Hemisphere. It has been said

BEACON BITS

Mar. 17

PRELUDE TO SPRING CONCERT

The Washington Piano Society’s upcoming concert on Sunday, March 17 at 3 p.m. features the Polaris Trio performing Haydn and Clara Schumann as well as solo performances of works by Bach, Fauré and Rachmaninoff. This free concert will be held at Calvary Lutheran Church, 9545 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring, Md. For more information, call (301) 793-1863 or visit www.dcpianosociety.org.

Mar. 8

GUIDED OPERA REHEARSAL

Get a glimpse of how a world-class opera production of Faust comes together at the Kennedy Center on Friday, March 8 at 7 p.m. Enjoy a portion of a rehearsal complete with piano and the professional cast while listening to expert commentary from Ken Weiss, WNO Music Administrator, through audio headsets. Tickets cost $15. The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is located at 2700 F St. NW, Washington, D.C. For more information, call (202) 416-8000 or visit www.kennedy-center.org/wno.

M A R C H 2 0 1 9 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

that this dinner was the greatest assembly of scientists in White House history. The grand occasion featuring 175 distinguished guests is the subject of Dinner in Camelot — a book that lovingly evokes the New Frontier, its promise and elegance. This iconic social event in the brief history of the Kennedy White House forms the basis of a narrative about the life and times of the early 60s. Read again the names of the political, literary and social elite of the day. Eavesdrop on conversations over the French cuisine served at dinner. Take an intimate tour of the newly renovated White House rooms through which the evening’s events progressed. Find out who was invited by JFK and Jackie to their private quarters upstairs, who headed to the Georgetown after-party, and who formed enduring friendships that special night. Esposito lives in Virginia and is an adjunct associate professor at Northern Virginia Community College. He has masters’ degrees from, among others institutions, George Mason University, Georgetown University, and the University of Virginia. The Age of Eisenhower: America and the World in the 1950s, by William J. Hitchcock, 672 pages, 16-page insert of black and white photographs, Simon & Schuster paperback, March 2019 Dr. William Hitchcock, Professor of history at the University of Virginia and its Miller Center, has written a well-researched chronology of the eight years of the Eisen-

hower presidency. It is the author’s contention that the time has come to re-evaluate Ike and his legacy. The retired Supreme Allied Commander of the Expeditionary Forces in Europe, General Dwight D. Eisenhower was a popular president as measured by contemporary polls. He governed at a time of great prosperity domestically, and ended the War in Korea. He won election and re-election by wide margins. Historians and journalists have not been as laudatory to Eisenhower since he left office. The Age of Eisenhower is an attempt to correct that assessment and put Ike back among the pantheon of important presidents. Relive the fifties and the political and social issues that were at the forefront of policymakers. Many of these subjects we still grapple with today: foreign policy and international commitments, nuclear proliferation and insurgencies in the Third World, CIA interventions, Korea and Russia, civil rights and equality, as well as the role of the federal government in shaping solutions to problems that are beyond the capability of states and localities to resolve. Officials, politicians and statesmen buried in the recesses of time are revived and revisited. Remember the 50s in a fascinating look back to a seemingly more innocent time, and discover the roots of many issues that have bedeviled us ever since.

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Arts & Style

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — M A R C H 2 0 1 9

Regret is the most heartbreaking tragedy of all.

Eugene Onegin March 9–29 | Opera House Music and libretto by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Based on the novel by Alexander Pushkin Sung in Russian with projected English titles. Casting available at Kennedy-Center.org/wno

Kennedy-Center.org

Groups call (202) 416-8400

For all other ticket-related customer service inquiries, call the Advance Sales !"#$%&'#()#*+,+-#./0123.,

WNO acknowledges the longstanding generosity of Life Chairman Mrs. Eugene B. Casey.

WNO’s Presenting Sponsor

(202) 467-4600

Major support for WNO is provided by Jacqueline Badger Mars. David M. Rubenstein is the Presenting Underwriter of WNO.

Arts & Style | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

M A R C H 2 0 1 9 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Faust To gain the world, would you sell your soul? March 16–30 Opera House Music by Charles Gounod Libretto by Jules Barbier and Michel Carré, based on Goethe’s Faust: Part One Sung in French with projected English titles. Casting available at Kennedy-Center.org/wno

Kennedy-Center.org

Groups call (202) 416-8400

For all other ticket-related customer service inquiries, call the Advance Sales !"#$%&'#()#*+,+-#./0123.,

WNO acknowledges the longstanding generosity of Life Chairman Mrs. Eugene B. Casey.

WNO’s Presenting Sponsor

(202) 467-4600

Major support for WNO is provided by Jacqueline Badger Mars. David M. Rubenstein is the Presenting Underwriter of WNO.

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Arts & Style

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — M A R C H 2 0 1 9

Making plans for a grandchild on the way You’ll forgive my puffed-out chest and my 24-hour smile. My wife and I are about to become grandparents for the first time.

hood where my wife and I have come up clueless. We’d like to set aside some money for Mr. Wonderful. The question is how much, at what Put it this way: time, with what purpose(s) Yipppeeeeeeeeeeeee! and in what form(s). This little boy (yes, it’ll be a Naturally, we have consultboy) will not lack for attention ed pals about this — especially — or for engaged “grands.” those who are already grandMy wife will immediately parents. If you want to split a teach him how to make her dinner party in half, this is the signature salad dressing, and subject that will do it. how to endure his grandfa- HOW I SEE IT One pair of friends said we ther’s horrid jokes. By Bob Levey should absolutely NEVER I plan to sit him on my knee at the age of Not Much to read the newspa- give money to grandchildren. Not only do per — first to him, later (I hope) with him. they never thank you for it, these folks say, Basketball and bridge lessons will not be but they never spend it wisely. Another pair of friends, both investment far behind. However, there’s one area of grandparent- advisers, recommend setting up a tax-ad-

ANSWERS TO CROSSWORD

FROM PAGE 52 ANSWERS TO SCRABBLE

N A G G Y

E N E R O

U N T R U

H I P A C R D E E C C O S H O H E L O M E T O D

T O P R E R S E T T O Y F P E L D E E P W G A A Y

T O M E S O D E S S A

A W F U L C R I B S N O B

L I I N E S S T O N F W E A A N T C A A L S R H E A V I T E D W N S A T

C R I M E S N E R V E S

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

ANSWERS TO JUMBLE Jumbles: TRULY REBEL POLISH LOUNGE Answer: When her plum tree dried up due to summer heat, she decided to PRUNE IT

vantaged education account for Mr. W. A third pair says that Grandma and Grandpa should not set aside cash for the child’s future. Our job as grandparents, say these friends, is to spoil the kid as soon and as much as possible. Therefore, these friends say, we should hoard our dollars until he is a little older. Then, we should bankroll summer vacations, Disney World excursions, and lots of candy and Chipotle whenever the grandchild wants some. A fourth set of friends says we should let dollar decisions rest with the parents. If they say that their immediate need is a bassinet, buy it for them. If they say that they could really use a car seat, open your wallet.

In other words, don’t think big or longrange. Think now. Think stress-relief and budget-relief for Mom and Dad. I can see wisdom in any of these approaches. But what if you see wisdom in all of them? Grandma and Grandpa L. do not have unlimited funds. Far from it. We can’t be Disney providers, as well as college-assurers, as well as car seat-donors. And even if we could, I’m not sure we should do all that, anyway. Our son and his wife have created this child. Shouldn’t they ford the deepest financial streams on their own, as my wife and I See BOB LEVEY, page 53

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M A R C H 2 0 1 9 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Crossword Puzzle Daily crosswords can be found on our website: www.TheBeaconNewspapers.com Click on Puzzles Plus Inquire Within 1

33 39

30 35 40

48 50

Jumble answers on p. 51.

8 15

Scrabble answers on p. 51.

ByStephen StephenSherr Sherr

Across

Down

1. Neither masc. nor fem. 5. A Boxer who said “I should be a postage stamp; that’s the only way I’ll ever get licked’” 8. Small woods 13. The “A” in A.D. 14. Bed size 15. It carries melted snow from the Alps to the North Sea 16. See a therapist 19. Frustrated grunt sound 20. Kangaroo’s partner on Australia’s national emblem 21. Cruise launcher 22. Mess hall jobs 23. “Have a cookie...” 26. Foamy balls 28. Little green men 29. Treacherous sneak 31. Knowledgeable about 34. Quitter’s contraction 35. Separate cards by suit 38. Mayday!, for example 40. Customer service query 42. Insightful 43. Make a phone call, circa 1970 45. Mr. Scissorhands, to pals 46. Gossip mag. subjects 48. CORRUPT core 49. Writes computer programs 50. “I need divine intervention” 55. Homeland’s CATV home 56. Double-curve 58. Compete 59. Charged atom 60. Solicitations to resolve this puzzle’s shortcomings 64. Last Greek letter 65. Holds the deed 66. Smell like a wet dog 67. “I’d gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger ___” 68. Vampire, sometimes 69. Pretentious

1. Constantly complaining 2. Cancun’s coolest month 3. Not written by Capote 4. Extreme, in secrecy 5. Highly objectionable 6. Cheat at Truth or Dare 7. Part of RPI or MIT 8. Drug-running and jay-walking 9. Cry of surprise 10. 1996 inductee to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 11. Keeps the beat, with one hand 12. Congers and others 14. Some spellbooks 17. “Now you know the ___ the story” 18. Bach draft 24. Confirmed a password 25. Letters that start halfway into HALFWAY 27. Leftover part 30. Bottom-of-letter abbr. 31. “A good time was ___ by all” 32. Content of Mars’ Korolev Crater 33. Refrigerated prior to shipment 34. Buy Buy Baby purchase 36. Small return on investment 37. Usual US election day 39. City called “the pearl of the Black Sea” 41. Jitters 44. Blonde shade 47. Wiggle room 48. Makes selections from the pantry 49. Oncologist’s option 51. Swim meet portion 52. Largest nation in West Africa 53. His impressionist painting Meule sold for $81 million in 2016 54. Put a new satellite in orbit 55. Portion of whiskey 57. One with a superiority complex 61. One of four golf majors 62. Airline once owned by Howard Hughes 63. Good name for a fund mgr.

Answers on page 51.

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — M A R C H 2 0 1 9

Bob Levey From page 51 did? Isn’t struggle, in some ways, good? I suggested to my wife that rather than decide this question ourselves, we should consult the parents-to-be. Nice try, Grandpa. Our son and his wife volleyed the decision right back at Grandma and me. Whatever we want to do would be welcome, they said. They’d never dream of making the decision for us, they said. That would be like ordering up your own birthday gift when you’re eight years old. Farewell to the element of surprise. The giver should give what the giver wants to give. Hello, Square One. For guidance and inspiration, I combed back through the sands of time and tried to remember how my own grandparents handled this. One grandmother was a master of The Slip. When no one else was around, she would backhand $5 bills to my brother and me. “Don’t tell a soul,” she would whisper. Of course, The Slip didn’t dent college or graduate school, and it didn’t do Disney, either. The Slip was all about spoiling rather than strategy. The other grandmother was a Birthday Only donor. Every single year, on the big day, a check would arrive in the mail, usually for a very moderate amount. That produced two recurring results. One, my mother standing over me, glowering, until I wrote a thank-you note. Two, a trip to the local sporting goods store for a new baseball glove, which I’d lose within a week, thus making Grandma’s gift a very brief moment in time. My grandfathers? One helped with college — big thanks, old guy. The other was so broke that he couldn’t consider even a Slip. So, no clear guidance from my own history. Meanwhile, our grandchild arrives in only a handful of weeks. I have decided to follow the lead of our brilliant political leaders (pause for guffaws, tears, whatever you prefer). I have decided to plan for the future, and kick the can down the road, at the same time. I have decided that, every week of the grandchild’s life in which I’m still drawing breath, I will set aside some bucks for him in an interest-bearing account.

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Arts & Style

ONE BIG HAPPY By Rick Detorie

Yes, I’ll tie up the gifts with strings. No raiding the dough until he’s 21. Then it’ll be up to him. Disney and Chipotle might not like this decision. But after weighing all the options, the others seem worse. As for a certain day in late May, well, it can’t come too soon. I’ve got a spot on my knee and the newspaper, both more than ready. Bob Levey is a national award-winning columnist.

BEACON BITS

Mar. 22

FREE INTERNATIONAL NIGHT CELEBRATION The City of Rockville, which prides itself as a “cosmopolitan city,

one that respects and encourages people of all cultures, creeds and colors,” will celebrate International Night on Friday, March 22, starting at 5:30 p.m. Stop by the F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre, 603 Edmonston Dr., Rockville, Md., for free performances, information booths and samples of food from around the world. For more information, call (240) 314-8620 or email specialevents@rockvillemd.gov.

WB319

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CLASSIFIEDS The Beacon prints classified advertising under the following headings: Business & Employment Opportunities; Caregivers; Computer Services; Entertainment; For Sale; For Sale/Rent: Real Estate; Free; Health; Home/ Handyman Services; Miscellaneous; Personals; Personal Services; Vacation Opportunities; and Wanted. For submission guidelines and deadlines, see the box on page 55. 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.

Business and Employment Opportunities PAID RESEARCH STUDY: Participants needed for NIH-funded hearing experiments conducted at the University of Maryland, College Park. Seeking people ages 65-80 with normal hearing or hearing loss. English must be your first language. The study evaluates perception of words, sentences, and tones. Participation time: 6-8 hrs, scheduled in visits of 1-2 hours; $12.00/hr, Total compensation for completing the study is ~$75$90. Contact the Hearing Research Lab (301405-7454; hearingresearch@umd.edu).

Caregivers CHEVY CHASE HOME CARE — reliable certified caregivers at time of illness, infirmity, loneliness. Personal assistance, ALL AGES, 4- to 24-hour shifts, homes, hospitals, nursing homes. MD, DC, No. VA. Tel.: 202-374-1240. www.ChChHomecare.com. A HOME HEALTHCARE Experienced nurses, CNA, GNA are available 24/7. Cooking, companionship, personal care, housekeeping, driving. Full/Part-time or live-in. Flat rate for for live-in care. 15 years’ experience. 240-533-6599 CERTIFIED NURSING ASSISTANT/Home Health Aide. DO YOU DESIRE PERSONAL CARE? Many years of experience with Alzheimer’s, Dementia and other debilitating health challenges. Reliable with Great References. Call 301-800-7005. ENERGETIC/CARING MALE LPN nurse with over ten years experience working with Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s/ Dementia and other health problems is available for one on one care. Good companionship/ reliable. References available. Please call 240-929-7841. QUALITY ELDERLY CARE 11+ yrs exp. providing excellent care. Eg. Meal prep, run errands, appt mgmt , excellent comm, etc. YOUR LOVED ONE DESERVES IT! Contact: Monica, 301.646.2132 / monica4elderlycare@gmail.com *Excellent references upon request.* 5147542110836326. CARING, LOVING & RELIABLE CAREGIVER dependable, full-time live-in w/positive attitude. Cook, clean & appointments. English speaking w/ car. Thirty yrs exp w/ Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, diabetes, etc. Excellent references; leave message 240-552-1269. MY NAME IS ELLEN and I’m a certified nursing assistant. I provide a full range of in-home care services to adults and the elderly in Anne Arundel and Montgomery counties and DC. I have over 10 years of experience in private homes, assisted living facilities and group homes. I can provide day or night care. Call me at 646-238-4603 to discuss how I can help you.

M A R C H 2 0 1 9 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Computer Services

For Sale

Personal Services

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

FOR SALE FT. LINCOLN CEMETERY Garden of Reflections. 2-burial rightsbronze/granite memorial crypts on top of each other. Today’s value $9000.00, Sale price $6995.00. Call Harold (301)928-9731

NEED CASH? DOWNSIZING? Professional online seller with 100% positive feedback will sell your extra items - clothing, jewelry, dishes, art, furniture, etc. Free consultation. I will determine the best online markets to sell your items, photograph and list everything, and you get paid when it sells! For friendly service, please contact Julia at 571-294-8401 or at juliawilk@aol.com.

COMPUTER LESSONS — Personal Computer training at your home. Email, Internet, general computer use, Windows 10. Setup and train on all consumer electronics — Smartphone, Smart TV, tablet, digital cameras, GPS. Troubleshooting. Setup new computers. Gentle & patient teacher using plain English. Since 1996. Call David, 301-980-5840. COMPUTERTUTOR.

Events APRIL 6 — APRIL 7, DEL-MAR-VA DEPRESSION GLASS CLUB’S 84th Show and Sale. Saturday, April 6th, 10am to 5pm; Sunday, April 7th, 10am to 3pm. Special Display: “Captivating Carnival Glass.” A full show with quality dealers. Free glass identification. Duval High School, 9880 Good Luck Road, Lanham, MD — Greenbelt Road at Good Luck Road, just past the NASA Visitor Center and Museum. Admission $5.00. Info:(301773-6234 or (202) 445-4208; Email: Greg.Vass76@icloud.com or see our website: www.delmarvaglassclub.org.

BLACK MEMORABILIA SHOW & SALE. April 6 & 7, 2019, Montgomery County Fairgrounds, 501 Perry Parkway, Gaithersburg, MD 20877. Sat: 10 - 7, Sun: 10 - 5. All indoors. Adm: $7, Students free. Many vendors, educational exhibits & celebrities Daphne Maxwell Reid, Sam Jones, Negro League Baseball Players & Tuskegee Airman. An education on African American History & Culture. Call 301-6491915, email Ljohnsonshows@aol.com, view johnsonshows.com or facebook.com/blackmemorabiliashow.

Health STOP OVERPAYING for your prescriptions! SAVE! Call our licensed Canadian and International pharmacy, compare prices and get $25.00 OFF your first prescription! CALL 1-888-9817657 Promo Code CDC201725.

Financial

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.

DONATE YOUR CAR, TRUCK OR BOAT to Heritage for the Blind. Free 3-Day Vacation, Tax Deductible, Free Towing, All Paperwork Taken Care Of. CALL 1-844-855-7670.

DENTAL INSURANCE. Call Physicians Mutual Insurance Company for details. Not just a discount plan, real coverage for 350 procedures. 844366-1003 or http://www.dental50plus.com/320 Ad# 6118.

GOT AN OLDER CAR, VAN OR SUV? Do the humane thing. Donate it to the Humane Society. Call 1-844-230-2952.

For Sale/Rent: Real Estate IF YOU’RE LOOKING TO TAKE THE LEAP to a retirement community, try our newly announced Real Estate Partnership: Sue Heyman, Rick Winkler, and Sudha Baxter. Rely on our combined strengths: Top Weichert Producers, plus backgrounds in Teaching, Tax, and Business. We are located at the Leisure World Plaza Weichert Office and have personal knowledge of the Community from the investor and resident perspective. We will take you on a tour of the Community, show you floor plans, discuss campus amenities & offer how best to coordinate your move. We will set up an automated search for you, preview units, and contact you to arrange a showing when there is a match. We also offer exceptional service selling your current home. Call for your free Community booklet. You can see our current listings in this issue. Office 301-681-0550, Sue 301-580-5556, Rick 301-404-3105, Sudha 202-368-8536. LEISURE WORLD® — $319,000. 3 BR, 2-1/2 BA “N” in “GREENS” with GARAGE + Sep STORAGE ROOM, Rarely available, 1615 sq ft., Stan Moffson, Weichert Realtors, 301-928-3463. LEISURE WORLD® — $114,000. 2 BR, 1 FB “Calvert” coop. Move in Ready. All utilities included in monthly fee. 1035 sq ft., Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors, 301-928-3463. LEISURE WORLD® — $129,000. 1 BR 1 FB “B” in the GREENS, table space kitchen with window, separate dining room, enclosed Sunroom. 965 sq ft., Stan Mofffson, Weichert, Realtors, 301-928-3463. LEISURE WORLD® — $235,000. 2 BR 2 FB “B” with GARAGE in “OVERLOOK”. New Paint and Carpet, Enclosed Balcony,Move in ready, 1035 sq ft, Stan Moffson, Weichert, Realtors, 301-928-3463. LEISURE WORLD® — $445,000. 2 BR + Den, 2 FB + GARAGE, “K” in “OVERLOOK”, Fantastic View from the HUGH Enclosed Sunroom. 1520 Sq Ft., Stan Moffson, Weichert Realtors, 301-928-3463.

For Sale USED BOOK SALE - March 28-30 - Over 30,000 books sorted into 60+categories. Something for everyone. Sale sponsored by AAUW Gaithersburg at Asbury Methodist Village. Proceeds support scholarships for women. Donations accepted. For more information email booksale@meral.com or call 301-840-1258.

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A NATURAL Health Solution for Your Health Problems? Heal your body the natural way! Try our organic pink Fijian Ginger and organic Fijian Turmeric. 100% pure, safe and effective healing products from Wakaya Island. No chemicals, no pesticides, no preservatives, no additives. Experience how our products help to soothe your aching pains and detox your digestive system. Https://naturalhealthyliving.mywakaya.com.

Legal Services WERE YOU AN INDUSTRIAL OR CONSTRUCTION TRADESMAN and recently diagnosed with lung cancer? You and your family may be entitled to a significant cash reward. Call 1-888-351-0312 for your risk free consultation. SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY? Up to $2,671/mo. (Based on paid-in amount.) Free evaluation! Call Bill Gordon & Associates. 1-866-9700779. Mail: 2420 N St NW, Washington, D.C. Office: Broward Co. FL., member TX/NM Bar.

Miscellaneous ENJOY 100% GUARANTEED, DELIVERED to-the-door Omaha Steaks! Save 75% plus get 4 more Burgers & 4 more Kielbasa FREE! Order The Family Gourmet Buffet — ONLY $49.99. Call 1-844-302-3754, mention code 51689JCT or visit www.omahasteaks.com.

Personal Services SELL YOUR SILVER AND OLD GOLD JEWELRY. Gold 4 Good (8241 Georgia Ave., Suite 100, Silver Spring, MD 20910) buys gold and silver jewelry, including broken pieces, all sterling silver and silver flatware, gold watches and gold and silver coins. I will come to your house and give you a free evaluation of what I can pay. If you decide to sell, I can buy your items at that time, but there is no obligation. Licensed with both Maryland and Montgomery County (lic. #2327). Call Bob, (240) 938-9694. Gold 4 Good pays an additional 5 percent to all military veterans (and their spouses). Gold 4 Good is a Maryland licensed precious metals dealership, not a pawnshop or private home-based business. ESTATE SALES & LIQUIDATIONS - Our company specializes in helping families in the DMV to downsize and transition to their new living situations. We provide home clear outs, estate/moving sales and home organization. Fairfax Estate Sales & ThriftFrog Valet - (703) 609-3535. Call for your FREE Consultation. www.fairfaxestatesales.com

PIANO LESSONS for all ages, all levels. Masters in Music Ed, many years exp. Olney area only. Leave a call back number: 301-598-7234.

TV/Cable SPECTRUM TRIPLE PLAY! TV, Internet & Voice for $29.99 ea. 60 MB per second speed. No contract or commitment. More Channels. Faster Internet. Unlimited Voice. Call 1-888-366-7573. DIRECTV. CALL AND SWITCH NOW — Get NFL Sunday Ticket for FREE! Every Game. Every Sunday. CHOICE- All-Included Package. Over 185 Channels. $60/month (for 12 Months.) CALL 1- 888-572-4953. DISH Network. 190+ CHANNELS. FREE Install. FREE Hopper HD-DVR. $49.99/month (24 months) Add High Speed Internet - $14.95 (where avail.) CALL Today & SAVE 25%! 1-844560-5837.

Vacation Opportunities GLOBAL WANDERER TRAVEL is proud to provide luxury group travel opportunities. We have openings for upcoming trips to New York, London, and Paris. Visit us online at www.globalwanderertravel.com to book your spot now before they sell out!

Wanted COLLECTOR BUYING MILITARY ITEMS: Helmets, weapons, knives, swords, bayonets, web gear, uniforms, etc. from all wars and countries. Also Lionel Toy Trains, and coin operated machines. Will pay top prices for my personal collection. Discreet consultations. Call Fred, 301-910-0783. WE PAY CASH FOR ANTIQUE FURNITURE, quality used furniture, early American art, pottery, silver, glassware, paintings, etc. Single items to entire estates. Call Reggie or Phyllis at DC 202-726-4427, MD 301-332-4697. SEEKING FULL/SEALED BOTTLES of Vintage Bourbon and Rye. Do you have full/sealed vintage bottles of bourbon or rye collecting dust in your cabinet. Do any of your bottles have an old red or green tax strip? Call Alex, 443-2237669. BUYING MILITARY MEMORABILIA WW2, WW1, Civil War uniforms, weapons, photos and items associated with US, German, Japanese or items of other Military History. DAVE, 240-4640958. TURN YOUR SILVER AND OLD GOLD jewelry into cash. Gold 4 Good (8241 Georgia Ave., Suite 100, Silver Spring, MD 20910) buys gold and silver jewelry, including broken pieces, all sterling silver and silver flatware, gold watches and gold and silver coins. I will come to your house and give you a free evaluation of what I can pay. If you decide to sell, I can buy your items at that time, but there is no obligation. Licensed with both Maryland and Montgomery County (lic. #2327). Call Bob, (240) 938-9694. Gold 4 Good pays an additional 5 percent to all sellers who are military veterans (or spouses of veterans). Gold 4 Good is a Maryland licensed precious metals dealership, not a pawnshop or private home-based business. LADY WHO LIKES CHINA and other pretty things would like to buy yours. Favorites include Herend, Meissen, Royal Copenhagen, Shelley and Villeroy & Boch. Some Lenox and Johnson Brothers. I love English bone china cups and saucers. Baccarat and Lalique too. Paintings and pottery. I’ve collected antique Christmas and Halloween for thirty years and am always looking to add to my collection. Sterling and jewelry. MD license no. 2753. Call, 301-785-1129. WANTED: OLDER VIOLINS, GUITARS, BANJOS, MANDOLINS, UKULELES, ETC. Musician/collector will pay cash for older string instruments. Jack (301) 279-2158.

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — M A R C H 2 0 1 9

Wanted

Say you saw it in the Beacon

Wanted

CASH FOR JEWELRY: Buying jewelry, diamonds, gold, platinum, silver, watches, coins, flatware, etc. Ask for Tom. Call anytime, 301-654-8678 (Reg. 883). TOP PRICES PAID for fine antiques, artwork and high quality decorative items including decorated crocks and jugs, rare antique clocks, music boxes,unusual lamps, slot machines and great old toys and dolls to name a few. I am 66 years old with over 40 years in the antique business, well educated and financially capable. Why pay expensive auction house, estate sale, or consignment store commissions when you can get a fair upfront price for your pieces immediately? If you have something unusual and interesting, rare and valuable and are prepared to sell it I would like to speak with you. Please call Jake Lenihan 301 279 8834. No calls after 7 pm please. Thank you. CASH FOR RECORDS AND CDS. Best price guaranteed. Free appraisals. All types of music {33, 45, 78 & CDs.} Also buying turntables and stereo equipment. Will make house calls. {Can help with donations} Call or text Steve at 301-646-5403. BUYING VINYL RECORDS from 1950 through 1985. Jazz, Rock-n-Roll, Soul, Rhythm & Blues, Reggae and Disco. 33 1/3 LPs, 45s or 78s, Larger collections of at least 100 items wanted. Please call John, 301-5966201. BUYING OLD STEREO/AUDIO Components from 1930’s - 1980 Speakers, Receivers, Amplifiers, Turntables, etc. working or not, also interested in parts. (540)999-1486.

$$$ CASH $$$ FOR MILITARY USMC ARMY USAF USN ITEMS - Buying Military Uniforms, Patches, Medals, Insignia, Flight Jackets, Weapons etc. from the Civil War through Vietnam. Especially seeking U.S. Army Air Corps, USMC, Airborne and German/Japanese/Italian items from WWII. Call or Text Dan at 202-841-3062 or email MILITBUFF@AOL.COM. BUYING ESTATES jewelry, watches, old coins, silver, gold, art, old toys, trains, comic books, fountain pens, baseball cards, memorabilia, golf clubs, military, firearms, knives, swords, antique photos, books, autographs, etc. Please call Tom 240-476-3441. ESTATE LIQUIDATION/ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES: One call solves it all when you hire us to handle your estate liquidation, down-sizing and/or home cleanout. We sell your treasures, take care of charitable donations and provide junk removal. We also purchase partial estate contents/collections. Always buying antiques, jewelry, fine art, vintage toys, collectibles, advertising, sports memorabilia, military items, rare books, Mid Century Modern furniture, vinyl records collections and more. Based in Silver Spring, we serve Montgomery County, Howard County, Baltimore County, Washington D.C., NOVA and beyond. No home, barn or warehouse is too packed for us! Friendly, conscientious staff. Call Chris on cell (202) 731-9447. www.OrionsAttic.com.

Thanks for reading!

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HOW TO PLACE CLASSIFIED ADS 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 BEACON BITS

Mar. 8+

INTO THE WOODS

Into the Woods, Stephen Sondheim’s Tony-winning musical, takes the stage at Ford’s Theatre, 511 10th St. NW, Washington, D.C., from Friday, March 8 through Wednesday, May 22. Tickets start at $27 for select performances; plus senior discounts for matinees. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 1-888-616-0270.

Mar. 27

TV VIEWING TRENDS

Stay up-to-date on the latest advancements in TV technology at Inova Mount Vernon Hospital’s Lunch and Learn on Wednesday, March 27 from noon to 1:30 p.m. Learn what to look for when buying a new TV and how to use streaming services to watch your favorite shows. A $5 lunch fee can be paid by cash or check at the door. The hospital is located at 2501 Parkers Lane, Alexandria, Va. For more information, call (866) 542-8164 or email aarpva@aarp.org. Register at bit.ly/TVLunchandLearn.

ADVERTISERS IN THIS ISSUE Clinical Studies Calorie Restriction Study..............23 RSV Vaccine Study.......................22

Computer/ Technology Help TechMedic4u...................................7

Dental Services Friedman, Stephen, DDS ..............26 Oh, Judy, DDS ..............................22

Employment Career Gateway.............................31 JCA Employment Expo ................35 Salesperson Wanted ......................36

Events Brooke Grove ......................4, 11, 40 GROWS ........................................24 What’s Next Summit .....................34

Financial/Insurance Services Chesapeake Senior Benefits .........26 Children’s National Hospital.........31

Funeral Services Going Home Cremation................51

Government Services DC Dept. of Aging...................28-29

Montgomery County Aging and Disability Services .................6, 22 Montgomery County Public Libraries............................4

Home Health Care/Companion Services Best Senior Care ...........................10 Bright Hope Home Care ...............26 JSSA Hospice ...............................15 Options for Senior America ..........51 Senior Helpline .............................36

Housing Alfredhouse...................................19 Ashby Ponds ...................................9 Aspenwood Sr. Living...................10 Brooke Grove Retirement Village ..............................4, 11, 40 Chesterbrook Residences .................................21 Chevy Chase House ......................25 Churchill Senior Living ................24 Culpepper Garden .........................17 Falcons Landing ...........................27 Five Star Premier Residences .......17 Friendship Terrace.........................27 Gardens of Traville, The................25 Greenspring.....................................9 Hillside Apartment Homes .............7 Homecrest House..........................34 Landing of Silver Spring, The ......................14

Weichert/Sue Heyman ..................16

Modern at Art Place, The ................3 Overture Fair Ridge ......................12 Potomac Place ...............................23 Quantum Property Mgmt .................37 R Homes Communities ....................43 Riderwood.......................................9 Silver Nest Home............................5 Sommerset Retirement..................18 Springvale Terrace ........................16 Victory Housing............................24 Waltonwood Ashburn....................14

Healthy Back Store .......................18 Maryland Estate Treasure .............31 Perfect Sleep Chair .......................20 Quinn’s Auction Galleries .............12 Zinger Chair..................................38

Legal Services

Cadia Healthcare.............................9 Manor Care Health Services.........21

Farr Law Firm ...............................33 Law Offices of Paul Riekhof ........34

Medical/Health Arya Wellness Center....................16 Because .........................................13 Health For Life Dispensary...........13 Herbology .....................................12 I Hate Knee Pain ...........................19 Lesner Hearing..............................18 Medical Eye Center ......................13 Parkinson Foundation ...................17 Rise Dispensaries ...........................7 Silver Spring Medical Center .......15

Miscellaneous Beacon Silver Pages......................56 TheBeaconNewspapers.com.........56

Real Estate Long & Foster/Eric Stewart ....32, 42

Retail/Pawn/Auction

Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Theatre/ Entertainment Adventure Theatre.........................44 City of Rockville...........................31 Ford’s Theatre................................44 F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre ............46 Kennedy Center ................45, 49, 50 Senior Zone...................................48 Smithsonian Associates.................47 Toby’s Dinner Theatre ...................46 US Air Force Band........................47

Tour & Travel Eyre Travel ....................................41 Festive Holidays ............................40 Global Wanderer Travel ................41 Shillelaghs.....................................42 Transeair Travel.............................41

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