March 2024 | Howard County Beacon

The Howard County

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VOL.14, NO.3

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More than 30,000 readers throughout Howard County

United by Birmingham childhoods

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Ann Jimerson, left, and Amos Townsend, right, were 12 years old when the KKK bombed a church in their hometown of Birmingham, Alabama, killing four girls. Today, they visit schools together each fall. Jimerson shows students a photo of a stained-glass rosette from the church, pictured above, which she donated to the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Townsend holds the book children read in school before their visit, The Watsons Go to Birmingham 1963.

said Townsend, who now lives in Burtonsville, Maryland. “I had so suppressed those memories that they all came back to me 40-plus years later.”

Coming together decades later Kids in Birmingham 1963 was founded

by Washington, D.C. resident Ann Jimerson, who was deeply affected by her Alabama childhood, too.

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LEISURE & TRAVEL

She was also 12 years old and living in Birmingham when she learned that the Ku Klux Klan church bombing had killed four African American girls, ages 14 and 11, who were in a basement restroom.

Founded in 1873, the 16th Street Baptist Church was the oldest Black Baptist church in Birmingham. In 1963, civil

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A Chorus Line at Toby’s Dinner Theatre reminds us why the musical was so popular back in the 1970s page 19

See HISTORY, page 20

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By Glenda C. Booth When Freeman Hrabowski was 12 years old, in 1963, he was so inspired by Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. that he not only marched in the Children’s Crusade for civil rights in Birmingham, Alabama, for three days, but he went to jail for five.

When Hrabowski reached the steps of city hall, ardent segregationist and Commissioner of Public Safety Bull Connor spat in his face, picked him up and threw him into the police wagon.

A math whiz, Hrabowski grew up to become president of the University of Maryland Baltimore County. His childhood experiences “taught me that tomorrow can be better than today — only if I am prepared to be part of the solution,” he said in an interview with the Beacon.

Amos Townsend was also 12 years old and living in Birmingham on the day of the bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church, which killed four girls. His family was attending a service at Saint Joseph Baptist Church a dozen blocks away.

Townsend instantly felt “a sense of loss over no longer having a place that could be considered a sanctuar y. Not even churches were safe spaces anymore for a kid just trying to go to Sunday school,” he said.

Both Townsend and Hrabowski are members of a group called Kids in Birmingham 1963, a meeting place for people who grew up in that city in the tumultuous 60s.

Established a decade ago, the group is a nonprofit that provides an online and inperson platform for people to connect and tell their stories.

At one of its events recalling the day of the church bombing, Townsend was moved to tears.

“I had never had that release before,”

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

Take note of hallucinations Funny how the mind works. Well, at subconscious mind was eager for more music, wherever it could find it. least it’s funny how my mind works.

As long-time readers know, A few years ago, as my viI returned to my childhood sion began to change with hobby of playing the piano age, I started to “see things” about six years ago. Now, not that weren’t there. only do I try to practice at One day, I was lying on a least a little every day, I have physical therapist’s table also returned to composing when I noticed that the tiny random holes in the ceiling piano music, something else I tiles above me started to look did as a schoolboy. like sheet music.

Three years ago — shortly I saw what appeared to be after those subliminal music staffs with notes, chords, al- FROM THE messages began — I took a most a symphonic score. But PUBLISHER seven-week composing “sabwhen I concentrated on it, I By Stuart P. Rosenthal batical” from my Beacon ducouldn’t actually make out ties to see if I perhaps had what the music would sound like. some music inside of me wanting to get The notes seemed haphazard, with out. chords that would be impossible to really As you may recall from my columns at play. I shook my head and tried to refocus, the time, I was also wondering if this could but the image refused to go away until I become a new “calling” for me, when (if?) I decide to retire. got up off the table.

I was quite pleased with the results from After that, I began to have similar experiences whenever in a position where I that break. I wrote three piano pieces that found it difficult to focus clearly — I liked, and set up my own music website whether from being too far away, as with (stuartsmelodies.com) so people could the ceiling, or too close, as with the enam- hear them and download the sheet music if they wanted to. eled tiles on a bathroom wall.

Fast forward a couple of years, and once Anyway, I began to get the message: My

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The Beacon is a monthly newspaper dedicated to inform, serve, and entertain the citizens of the Howard County area, and is privately owned. Other editions serve Greater Baltimore, Md. and Greater Washington, D.C. Subscriptions are available via third-class mail ($12), prepaid with order. Maryland residents add 6 percent for sales tax. Send subscription order to the office listed below.

Publication of advertising contained herein does not necessarily constitute endorsement. Signed columns represent the opinions of the writers, and not necessarily the opinion of the publisher.

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again I was seeing visions of music just about everywhere I looked. I eventually got the message that it was time for another sabbatical.

I have just returned from that one (a shorter one, alas), and am pleased to report that I found this break also to be productive.

While my compositions from the past (including the earlier sabbatical) tended to be improvisational in nature, I have long wondered if I would be able to compose songs that have a catchy tune. You know, something people might actually want to sing in the shower.

I had never tried composing melodies to sing before, but I wanted to see what I could come up with. Well, my showers have never been the same! Nor my bedtimes, walks, or any other time when I’m not actively doing something else. I keep hearing tunes in my head.

Because I feel the world has become a substantially scarier place over the last six months, my new songs aren’t quite as upbeat and catchy as I might have hoped. But they reflect my unspoken feelings about things right now.

I am not a poet, so I wrote my melodies to accompany passages from the Book of Psalms and other liturgy (from the Jewish prayer service) that speak to me forcefully today. Yes, they’re all in Hebrew, too. So, I don’t expect many people to start singing my songs during their showers.

But I have been pleased by the response from good friends with whom I’ve shared some of the melodies.

I would love to be a singer/songwriter, but unfortunately, my voice is not up to the

task. Believe me, I tried! But the recordings were bad. Really bad.

I asked a few acquaintances who have good voices if they would help me record some of the songs. No takers. People have busy lives!

So, I looked online: Was there perhaps a service that would help people in my situation? Was there ever!

There must be legions of would-be songwriters like me out there. Numerous websites offer a variety of “singer voices” that can be used to record one’s songs in English, Chinese, Japanese or Spanish.

Male voices, female voices, in pop, rap or romantic styles — even voices that sound like famous singers (and ex-presidents) are readily available.

Unfortunately for me, none of those voices “know” Hebrew. So, I turned to another set of websites I came across in my searches: services that use AI (artificial intelligence) to synthesize singer voices in any language. What a world!

With the help of a very patient and capable friend, I was able to “produce” one of my songs in Hebrew. Its title is “Rachamecha.” If you’d like to hear it, visit this webpage: bit.ly/Rachamecha. You’ll be able to read the song’s translation there, too.

Feel free to post your comments online, or send them to me via the Beacon.

I hope to have more of my songs online in the not-too-distant future. Stay tuned, if you’re so inclined.

And I advise you to stay tuned in to your own hallucinations, as well. You never know where they might take you.

Letters to the editor Readers are encouraged to share their opinions on any matter addressed in the Beacon as well as on political and social issues of the day.

Mail your Letter to the Editor to The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915, or email info@thebeaconnewspapers.com.

Please include your name, address and telephone number for verification.

Dear Editor: In response to your “As I see it” column about older people staying in their homes (February Beacon), there are many other reasons why we stay other than sentimentality: Senior housing in our area has long waiting lists.

For people who still drive, giving up the convenience of a garage or driveway for outdoor parking or a dangerous underground garage is a major consideration.

Grown children, especially with grandchildren, are less likely to visit if they have to stay in a hotel.

It is an arduous task to change your address for Social Security and other income you receive, financial holdings, doctors, and friends.

You need to find a way to dispose of much of your furniture and other belongings.

Some seniors have amassed valuable collections that are precious to them but they don’t know how to sell or donate them.

You move away from your local friends and social and religious groups.

Some buildings do not allow pets, especially large dogs.

Many seniors do not have children who are willing or able to assist them with all of these tasks or they don’t want to burden their children who are already overwhelmed with their own lives.

This might be a good subject for another article.

You might want to visit a local senior center or housing complex and interview seniors who would be happy to enlighten you on any topic you plan to write about.

Rita Grotsky Via email

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Health Fitness &

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ECO-FRIENDLY LIVING Small lifestyle changes can improve your part of the planet HOPE FOR ALZHEIMER’S New drugs may penetrate the brain faster when followed with ultrasound HAIR LOSS MYTHS Medication, stress and aging can cause hair loss; not lack of protein HEALTHY GUT, HEALTHY HEART Recommendations for a healthy diet are particularly helpful to heart health

Make your partner fall in love all over again

By Kimberly Blaker It likely comes as no surprise that keeping the romance alive in a relationship requires effort. But when women feel their romantic relationships becoming stagnant, they often blame the man in their life for not being romantic enough. Yet 44% of men say it bothers them “a lot” that their wife or girlfriend isn’t more romantic, according to a study of 80,000 participants by author Chrisanna Northrup.

It turns out that both men and women crave romance. Try the following to reap the rewards of your partner falling in love with you all over again.

Be spontaneous. Routine and spontaneity are opposites. Routine, which typically sets in once a relationship is established, often leads to monotony. But what keeps relationships alive early on is the excitement of spontaneity, which lends itself to discovery about each other and new things. When couples lose their spontaneity, life becomes routine and dull.

Practice spontaneity. Do things on a whim with your partner to awaken the feelings you both felt when your relationship first blossomed.

Write a love note. It doesn’t have to be lengthy, although it could be. Just a simple “I love you” or “I can’t wait to spend time with you this weekend” placed in your partner’s lunch box is sure to make their day. If you’re good with words, write a poem. If not, borrow one and leave it on your lover’s pillow.

Laugh at your mate’s jokes and also with your partner. No matter how corny your partner’s jokes, genuinely laugh when they’re trying to be funny, even if you have to laugh because the joke is so corny. Not only will your laughter boost your spouse’s ego, but it’s good for your relationship, too.

There’s more: Numerous studies, including a 2015 study by Laura E. Kurtz in the Personal Relationships journal, have found that shared laughter brings couples closer together. So watch sitcoms, go to the comedy club, hang out with other fun couples, or be silly together.

Physical affection. This is so simple and can be done anytime and any place.

Hold hands when you’re watching TV or out and about. Give a kiss on the cheek or walk over and give a shoulder massage.

Pat your partner on the butt, or walk up

from behind and wrap your arms around him or her. There are so many ways and opportunities to show your affection.

Make your partner’s favorite dinner. The adage goes that a way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. The same can be true for women. Go all out and pre-

pare their favorite dinner and dessert.

Don’t forget the candles, wine and soft music for a romantic ambiance.

Take your mate on a date. Make a plan for something you both enjoy but haven’t done in a while. Better yet, plan something special your spouse particularly

enjoys that you haven’t been keen to do in the past. Then, make the most of it, even if it isn’t your favorite activity, and let your partner know how much you enjoy seeing him or her happy and spending time together.

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Ways to improve your piece of the planet

By Leanne Italie The fight against climate change requires the mass cooperation of industries, companies, governments and communities, but individuals also have a role to play.

Little things make a difference and feel good, too. Here are a few small, easily achievable ways to lead more climatefriendly lives:

Make the most of groceries Food waste is an enormous environmental concern, yet it’s often ignored in the conversation about how to live more sustainably, said Lauren Phillips, associate editorial director for news at Better Homes & Gardens.

“Once you start noticing how much food you throw out, it’s a simple shift to start thinking about how you can use

your excess groceries before they go bad,” she said.

Plan grocery shopping more strategically so you have little to no excess.

Buy only what you need, even if BOGO is on!

Other steps: Commit to eating all your leftovers. Keep a sharp eye on expiration dates so you use foods in time. Buy locally grown, in-season fruits and vegetables. Invest in glass or bamboo containers for food storage. Freeze things.

Real Simple’s senior home editor, Hannah Baker, recommends beeswax wraps instead of plastic to seal leftovers when a container doesn’t work.

And then there’s composting food scraps.

“This one can be easy, so long as you consistently take your compost out and wash the bucket,” Baker said. No meat

or dairy products in the compost pile, she cautioned.

Is takeout your routine? Jono Waks, in Brooklyn, requests that his orders come with no plastic utensils.

“If they give it to me, I go back and make them take it out of the bag. The Thai place down the block thinks I’m a hoot because I go back with the plastic,” he said.

How do small steps like these make him feel?

“Like a lonely drop of water in a great big ocean of environmental despair, but I can only control what I can control,” Waks said.

ucts you purchase will ultimately cut down on how much you buy and throw away over time,” Phillips said.

That applies to pretty much everything shoppable: furniture, home goods, clothes, appliances, shoes. When you calculate cost per wear or cost per use, the ultimate financial burden is much lower than the money spent replacing a cheap vacuum cleaner, say, after a year or two.

Or what about shopping thrift? Finds are everywhere.

Check out antique and second hand stores, and also see whether you can give a second life to any treasures tucked away at home.

Buy quality; it lasts

Walk, bike, bus (if you’re able)

Try to buy high-quality items rather than cheap throwaways.

“Considering longevity in the prod-

If ditching the car or Uber sounds daunting, pledge to do it for trips of a mile or less to get started. If four wheels are the only way to go, there’s always a good old-fashioned carpool. Or simply try to combine errands to make fewer trips.

Break out the cloth napkins all week long That goes for cloth towels rather than paper ones, too.

“I switched to cheery reusable cloth napkins,” said Rachel Cooper in Chicago. “Not only does it elevate every meal and brighten up my tablescape, but it saves paper.”

While you’re at it, skip the plastic bag liners for small trash cans that aren’t used for messy stuff, like those in the bedroom or office.

Speaking of garbage, why not make a habit of picking up some after your daily run or walk?

When it comes to cleaning, look for eco-friendly cleaning products, including concentrates. Some brands offer the chance to refill bottles, instead of buying new ones. Concentrates contain less water than non-concentrates, so take less energy to ship. Instead of a heavy plastic jug of liquid detergent, buy laundry detergent sheets instead.

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Doug Tallamy, who teaches ecology at the University of Delaware in Newark, urges gardeners to plant more native plants to feed and shelter beneficial wildlife like pollinators.

Choose groundcovers and plantings that are caterpillar-friendly, Tallamy advised, calling caterpillars key in the local food web. Pollinator-friendly garden patches can be as small as containers on a balcony, he said.

Lastly, he said, don’t use weed killers and quit fogging for mosquitos — he suggests a natural larvicide like Mosquito Dunk for more effective and less harmful protection that’s a lot cheaper, too.

Other tips for more sustainable garSee GREEN TIPS, page 6

From page 3 Need some ideas? Go to a sporting event, concert or play; visit a museum; or go golfing or bowling.

Pay a compliment. Everyone loves a compliment, especially from a significant other. Tell him how his blue shirt brings out his dreamy, blue eyes. Compliment her new haircut. Or let him know how much you appreciate his handyman skills.

Look for genuine reasons to compliment your partner often.

Initiate sex. If your partner is the primary initiator of sex, your initiating it can go a long way toward bringing back the romance. In fact, men need to feel desired as much as women do, according to a survey conducted by Sarah Hunter Murray, Ph.D. So practice coming on to your lover more often.

Give a gift. Men don’t place as much importance on receiving gifts as women.

Still, it can be a very romantic and mean-

ingful gesture when done out of the blue, regardless of gender. Look for something the other will love, such as tickets to a game, a favorite movie on DVD, or something useful for their favorite hobby or sporting activity.

Show your unconditional love.

Women often fall for and marry men with the idea they can “fix him.” Over time, this results in constant badgering to change, wreaking havoc on romantic feelings. Learn to accept your partner’s shortcomings and love them unconditionally. You’ll likely see your partner’s romantic side shine through again.

Spoon. Cuddle before falling asleep and when you wake up. It’ll make you both happier and improve your relationship because of the endorphins it releases, particularly oxytocin, the love hormone.

Say ‘I love you’ in a deep and meaningful way. During a romantic moment, say something you really mean, such as, “You’re my soul mate,” “I want to be with you forever,” “You make my life whole,” or whatever you honestly feel for your mate.

Books on keeping the romance alive The Normal Bar: Where Does Your Relationship Fall? By Christina Northrup, Pepper Schwartz, James Witte Rekindling the Romance: Loving the Love of Your Life, by Dennis Rainey, Barbara Rainey Mars and Venus in the Bedroom: A Guide to Lasting Romance and Passion, by John Gray Courtship After Marriage: Romance Can Last a Lifetime, by Zig Ziglar

Rekindling Romance for Dummies,

by Sabine Walter, Pierre A. Lehu Hold Me Tight: Seven Conversations for a Lifetime of Love, by Sue Johnson The Mask of Masculinity: How Men Can Embrace Vulnerability, Create Strong Relationships, and Live Their Fullest Lives, by Lewis Howes Getting the Love You Want: A Guide for Couples, by Har ville Hendrix

Give a massage. Both men and women enjoy getting pampered. So give a foot or back massage, or have your partner strip down for a full-body treatment. Mas-

sage also increases oxytocin, improving the romance in your relationship.

Kimberly Blaker is a freelance writer, former columnist and author.

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Drugs may reach brain faster with ultrasound

By Lauran Neergaard Scientists have found a way to help Alzheimer’s drugs seep inside the brain faster — by temporarily breaching its protective shield.

The novel experiment was a first attempt in just three patients. But in spots in the brain where the new technology took aim, it enhanced the removal of Alzheimer’s trademark brain-clogging plaque, researchers reported last month.

“Our goal is to give patients a head start” by boosting some new Alzheimer’s treatments that take a long time to work, said Dr. Ali Rezai of West Virginia University’s Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, who led the study.

At issue is what’s called the blood-brain barrier, a protective lining in blood vessels that prevents germs and other damaging substances from leaching into the brain from the bloodstream.

But it also can block dr ugs for Alzheimer’s, tumors and other neurologic

diseases, requiring higher doses for longer periods for enough medication to reach their target inside the brain.

Now scientists are using a technology called focused ultrasound to jiggle temporary openings in that shield. They inject microscopic bubbles into the bloodstream.

Next, they beam sound waves through a helmet-like device to a precise brain area.

The pulses of energy vibrate the microbubbles, which loosen gaps in the barrier enough for medications to slip in.

Prior small studies have found the technology can safely poke tiny holes that seal up in 48 hours. Now, Rezai’s team has gone a step further — administering an Alzheimer’s drug at the same time.

Some new Alzheimer’s drugs, on the market or in the pipeline, promise to modestly slow the worsening of the mind-robbing disease. They’re designed to clear away a sticky protein called beta-amyloid that builds up in certain brain regions. But they require IV infusions every few weeks

Green tips

Reduce the juice at home

From page 4 dening include catching rainwater at your drainpipes or in buckets for the garden. Inside, capture shower water for houseplants.

The National Resources Defense Council, an environmental action nonprofit, has lots of easy ideas for saving electricity at home.

Start with turning things off. Don’t just hit the light switch when you leave a room;

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His team gave three patients with mild Alzheimer’s monthly doses of one such drug, Aduhelm, for six months. Right after each IV, researchers aimed the focused ultrasound on a specific amyloid-clogged part of each patient’s brain, opening the blood-brain barrier so more of that day’s dose might enter that spot.

PET scans show patients’ amyloid levels before and after six months of medication.

There was about 32% greater plaque reduction in spots where the blood-brain barrier was breached compared to the same region on the brain’s opposite side, researchers reported in the New England Journal of Medicine.

This pilot study is elegant but too tiny to

draw any conclusions, cautioned Dr. Eliezer Masliah of the National Institute on Aging.

Still, “it’s very exciting, compelling data,” added Masliah, who wasn’t involved with the research. “It opens the door for more extensive, larger studies, definitely.”

Rezai is about to begin another small test of a similar but better-proven drug named Leqembi. Eventually, large studies would be needed to tell if combining focused ultrasound with Alzheimer’s drugs makes a real difference for patients.

Masliah said it’s also important to closely check whether speedier plaque reduction might increase the risk of a rare but worrisome side effect of these new drugs — bleeding and swelling in the brain.

Alzheimer’s isn’t the only target. Other researchers are testing if breaching the blood-brain barrier could allow more chemotherapy to reach brain tumors, and ways to target other diseases. © 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

completely turn off the TV, computer and cable boxes when they’re not in use.

Or unplug them completely. They’re sucking a little bit of energy if they remain lit up when powered down.

Chargers for cell phones, tablets and other cordless devices do the same when they’re not in use but remain plugged in.

Other energy-saving ideas from the NRDC: • Buy smarter bulbs. An LED light bulb uses up to 85% less energy to deliver the same amount of light as incandescents.

• Don’t run the dishwasher when it’s not full.

• Set your washing machine to the appropriate water level and wash all but

your dirtiest clothes in cold water.

• Air-dry clothing when possible. If you can’t quit your dryer, ditch the dryer sheets, Baker said.

“Dr yer sheets can increase dr ying time, which wastes energy, plus they aren’t reusable, and you can go through them super quick,” she said. “Instead, try using reusable wool dryer balls.”

• Set your refrigerator temperature between 28 and 42 degrees Fahrenheit and your freezer between 0 and 5. Make sure both are sealed tightly. Try the dollar bill test on the doors: If the bill shut into the door easily slides out, replace the gaskets. © 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

for at least 18 months.

“Why not try to clear the plaques within a few months?” Rezai said, his rationale for the proof-of-concept study.

Small study yielded ‘compelling data’

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Makes a great gift! | Fitness & Health

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

Ask the Ho H me Care Exper xpert Tom Smith, To h, Reegional gional Manager, Bu Business D Dev evelopm elopment, Family & Nursing ng Carre e

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ince 1968, Family & Nursing Care has helped tens of thousands of families by providing access to caregivers who help older adults d lt with ith activities ti iti off daily d il living li i — including bathing, dressing, mobility assistance, errands, meal prep, light housekeeping,

medication rreminders nders, re companionsship and more. y, Now servving Howard County, ursing Care is a Family & Nu t duty t leading or priivaate l di resource ffo home care services, providing clients and their families with access to compassionate and

expert-level caregivers egiv to help older adults ults maintain m their independence and quality of liffee as they age. Ninety-eight percent d clients li t h id they th off surveyed have said would recommend these services to a fr friend or family member.

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Smith, Regio onal Managerr,, Business Developmen nt, at Family & Nursing Care about the t importance of making the rright mat atch between client li t and d caaregiv i err,, h il & how F Family Nursing Carre’s staff works together to make the match, and why clients appreciate a th he eff ffo ort.

Q: How does Family & Nursing Care help ensure a good relationship between Caregiv ve er and client?

families on a deeply personal level and they become the family’s go-to person at at Family & Nursing Care.

The CCMs get to know the caregivers’ skills, interests and personalities just as intimately. y. To Together, they recommend a caregiver that at possesses the skill sets, personality, y, interests and more to be that at perfe fect mat atch.

And then they work to make sure the mat atch remains perfe fect.

The client-caregiver bond is the foundation of this business. Our dedicat ation to the perfe fect match process is why families have placed th i ttrustt iin their nF Family il & Nursing N i Care fo for oveer half a century. y.

are expertly trained in helping families navigate their crises.

In addition, 95 percent of clients relayed that their caregiver was a g their needs.

Annually, y, onl top eight percen of caregivers wh apply to Family & Nursing N i Care C pass our rigorou screening process. Because of this, clients and their families have

access to mo ore than 1,500 best-of-the--best caregivers, with diversee skills and training to make thee right match.

A: At Family & Nursing Care, we are fo focused on making sure you never worry about how your older parent gets along with his or her caregiver. W Wee want to make sure families of clients know their loved one’s physical and emotional needs are being met.

Our expert Client Services Managers (CSMs) and Care Coordinat ating Managers (CCMs) work to make those goals a reality. y. The CSM digs deep with the prospective client and their family and gets to know about u their physical needs, but u also about their emotional needs, their interests, their personality and their preffeerences. They really get to

Q: Wh hat do yo your clientts appreciate most a about you?

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

What to do about shaky hands, angina

By Howard LeWine, M.D. Q: I have developed a tremor in both my hands. It gets worse when I get nervous. Is this the start of Parkinson’s disease? Can it be treated?

A: It’s not surprising that you associate tremor with Parkinson’s disease. But it is much more likely that you have essential tremor, a very common disorder.

Tremor is the shaky movements of your hands, limbs, head or voice that you can’t control. Sometimes tremor is a normal reaction to a situation, such as fear, fatigue or anger. It also can be a side effect of too much caffeine, a medication, or withdrawal from alcohol, a drug or medicine. When a tremor occurs during activities, and there is no emotional or chemical cause, essential tremor is a likely possibility.

Essential tremor is different from Parkinson’s disease. Essential tremor is most noticeable when your body is in action, such as when you are writing, typing or pouring a beverage. The shakiness is often called an

“intention tremor” because it worsens when a person is trying to do something.

In contrast, people with Parkinson’s watch their hands shake when they rest in their lap. But when they reach out to grab or hold something, such as a cup of coffee, the shaking stops.

Essential tremor usually starts in midlife or later. As many as one in four people develop essential tremor as they age.

The name of this condition indicates that the cause is unknown and that it occurs on its own, without another explanation. You are more likely to develop essential tremor if you have a parent or sibling with the condition. In fact, genetic mutations have been linked to “benign familial tremor.”

The most common initial symptom is shaking of the hands, but other areas, including the arms, legs and head, are frequently involved. A trembling voice may be a symptom of essential tremor.

For mild symptoms, no treatment is needed. Avoiding caffeine and stress and

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the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Counselors are available 24 hours a day, every day of the week, to support people experiencing a range of symptoms. Call 1-800-985-5990 for immediate crisis counseling. The helpline is confidential, and disaster survivors and responders can access the services in Spanish and American Sign Language. For more information, visit disasterdistress.samhsa.gov.

getting plenty of rest can be helpful.

However, for symptoms that impair quality of life, most doctors prescribe either a beta blocker, usually propranolol, or primidone, an anti-seizure medicine. If the initial choice doesn’t work well enough, you can try the other, and sometimes taking both helps the most.

Alternative medications are topiramate and gabapentin. Both are anti-seizure drugs but are often used for other indications, such as migraine and chronic pain.

Q: I get chest heaviness if I walk too fast or get excited. It goes away quickly when I stop or calm down. I think I have angina. Will I need to have a stent or surgery?

A: Your symptoms suggest that you have stable angina. But you definitely need to call your doctor to arrange a thorough medical evaluation of your symptoms.

If your doctor confirms it is angina, most likely it is due to coronary artery disease. Angina happens when the network of arteries that nourish the heart are narrowed by fatty and calcified plaque, a condition called atherosclerosis. The classic symptom — chest discomfort during physical exertion — is known as stable angina because it occurs in a predictable pattern.

For decades, cardiologists debated the best way to treat this problem: a procedure to reopen the artery (angioplasty and a stent) or optimal medical therapy medication.

The rationale for doing angioplasty on people with stable angina came from a long-held assumption that turned out to be wrong. Until about 30 years ago, the collective opinion was that atherosclerosis was

an inexorable, progressive disease that would eventually cause a heart attack.

Doctors now recognize that most heart attacks occur in arteries that are only about 30% to 40% blocked but harbor so-called vulnerable plaque that ruptures without warning. The resulting blood clot blocks blood flow, triggering a heart attack.

Several major trials confirm that for people with stable angina, stents don’t offer any advantage over optimal medical therapy when it comes to preventing heart attacks or death.

Medications help treat (and perhaps stabilize and even reverse) atherosclerosis in all the heart’s arteries, whereas stents address only specific spots. Drug therapy is also less expensive and has fewer serious side effects.

Understandably, people with stable angina worry about having a fatal heart attack. But studies show that the risk is low — only about 0.4% per year in people who are careful to address all their risk factors.

That means not smoking, eating a healthy diet with plenty of plant-based foods, getting regular exercise and managing stress, in addition to taking the right combination and doses of medicines.

In contrast to stable angina, unstable angina tends to occur without warning, with only slight exertion or even when you’re resting or sleeping. Angina that becomes more frequent, worsens or lasts longer than usual is considered unstable and may signal a heart attack. If your chest discomfort or other symptoms don’t get better within 10 minutes, call 911. © 2023 Harvard University. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Mar. 8+ LEGAL AID

Maryland Legal Aid provides free legal advice to people 50 and older. Services include family law, public benefits, consumer law, housing issues and elder law. This free clinic takes place on the second Friday of each month from 9 a.m. to noon at 6540 Washington Blvd., Elkridge. For more information, call (410) 313-5192.

SENIOR CARE PROGRAM

Ongoing Howard County’s Senior Care Program provides essential services for residents who may be at risk for nursing home placement.

Services include comprehensive assessment of needs and a case manager to coordinate care. For more information and to determine whether you or a loved one qualify, contact Maryland Access Point at (410) 313-1234.

Makes a great gift! | Fitness & Health

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

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Is hair loss related to protein deficiency?

By Robert H. Shmerling, M.D. Q: My hair seems to be getting thinner, and I see more on my hairbrush now. Should I be eating more protein?

A: For most people with hair loss, inadequate protein is not to blame.

It’s true that severe protein malnutrition may cause hair loss. But people with adequate access to food, a normal appetite and normal digestion should not lose hair due to low protein intake.

In fact, it’s more important that you get “enough” protein, not that you eat “a lot” of protein. A healthy, average adult diet includes about 50 grams of protein daily, representing about 10% of the total calories. You can easily get that much from a turkey sandwich, a glass of milk and a cup of yogurt.

The most common causes of hair loss are unrelated to protein intake. These include: • Male pattern baldness: A combination of genetics and hormonal influences cause hair follicles to shrink, producing less and less hair over time • Injury to the hair, including heat and chemical exposures at the salon • Medications: A long list of drugs can

cause hair loss • Stress over a major illness • Thyroid disease • Childbirth: During pregnancy, hair grows thicker, and after delivery, hair loss is common.

Rare causes of hair loss include liver failure, kidney failure and skin diseases (such as alopecia areata or lupus).

For people with protein malnutrition, there are much bigger health concerns than hair loss, such as poor immune function, poor wound healing, lack of energy and muscle weakness.

Common causes of protein malnutrition include inadequate access to food, abnormal absorption of nutrients by the digestive tract (as may occur with colitis, infections or other intestinal diseases), HIV, cystic fibrosis, unusual diets and anorexia nervosa.

Other risk factors for protein malnutrition include: • Poor appetite • Swallowing problems • Taking multiple medications • Depression • High nutrient requirements (as with children)

Tell them you saw it in the Beacon!

• Repeated “flares” of illness requiring hospital stays • Alcoholism It is rare to develop protein malnutrition in the absence of risk factors as long as you have access to a balanced diet. So, adding protein to your diet is unlikely to slow or prevent hair loss in the absence of protein malnutrition.

Talk to your doctor about any concerns you have about your protein intake and hair loss. Simple blood tests can provide

useful information. Even if your protein levels are normal, your doctor may be able to identify another readily treatable, reversible cause of hair loss.

Robert H. Shmerling, M.D., is a senior faculty editor at Harvard Health Publishing and corresponding member of the Faculty of Medicine, Harvard Medical School.

For additional consumer health information, visit health.harvard.edu. © 2023 Harvard University. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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

Who knew? A healthy gut helps your heart

By Julie Corliss Your gut microbiome — a collection of trillions of microorganisms inhabiting your intestinal tract — has wide-ranging effects on your health. Your unique mix of bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses reflects your genes, your age, the medications you take — but most of all, what you eat.

Over the past two decades, numerous studies have explored how gut microbes and their breakdown products (metabolites) affect factors linked with heart dis-

ease. For the most part, the findings support the same basic advice health experts recommend: Follow a mostly plant-based eating pattern and cut back on highly processed foods. Doing so can help promote a more diverse, healthier microbiome.

“The standard American diet — appropriately called SAD — features a lot of processed foods that are high in sugar, artificial sweeteners and unhealthy fats,” said Dr. Uma Naidoo, director of nutritional and metabolic psychiatry at Harvard-af-

Try these fermented foods Eating fermented foods may help dampen inflammation in the body.

When shopping, look for the words “contains live cultures” when choosing yogurt or kefir, a yogurt-like drink with a tart flavor and a thinner consistency than yogurt. While both products are usually made with dairy milk, they also come in nondairy versions made from almond, coconut or oat milk.

Another beverage, kombucha, is a fizzy, tart, slightly sweet drink made from fermented tea that’s often flavored with fruits and herbs. Look for brands without added sugar.

For fermented products made from

vegetables, look in the refrigerated section and check for the words “naturally fermented” on the label. When you open the jar, check for telltale bubbles in the liquid, which signal that live organisms are inside.

If you’re a fan of spicy food, try kimchi, a spicy, reddish fermented cabbage dish from Korea made with a mix of garlic, salt, vinegar and chili peppers.

From Japan, there’s miso (a strong, salty paste made from soybeans fermented with brown rice) and tempeh (a firm, chewy product made from fermented soybeans). © 2023 by Harvard University

filiated Massachusetts General Hospital.

This nutrient-poor diet can lead to dysbiosis, an overgrowth of harmful microbes. When bad microbes thrive in the gut, they form pro-inflammatory breakdown products and toxins, Dr. Naidoo explains. The resulting low-grade, body-wide inflammation contributes to obesity, poor mental health, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Animal vs. plant-based foods One metabolite of interest is trimethylamine (TMA), which is created when gut microbes feed on choline, a nutrient found in red meat, fish, poultry and eggs. In the liver, TMA gets converted to trimethylamine Noxide (TMAO).

While some research suggests a link between TMAO and artery-clogging plaque, the evidence isn’t consistent. Still, the advice to limit red meat consumption — the main source of TMA in the diet — makes sense.

But according to Dr. Naidoo, there’s no need to avoid those animal-based foods, which is something most Americans aren’t especially keen on doing. Instead, people should focus more on what they’re not eating — namely, fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

Diversify your diet A woefully small percentage of adults —

only about 10% — eats the recommended daily amount of fruit (one-and-a-half to two cups) or vegetables (two to three cups).

Don’t limit yourself to only a few favorites like apples or broccoli, said Dr. Naidoo.

“Eat a wide variety of different fruits and vegetables on a regular basis to bring biodiversity to your microbiome,” she said.

Despite a recent uptick, whole grains make up less than 16% of the average American’s total grain intake. Whole grains such as oats, quinoa, spelt and barley are healthier choices than most “whole wheat” bread, which isn’t always made with 100% whole grains. Other foods that promote gut health include beans, lentils, nuts and seeds.

Fruits, vegetables, beans and whole grains are good sources of fermentable or prebiotic fiber, which gets broken down by bacteria in your colon to form short-chain fatty acids. These compounds then circulate through the bloodstream and interact with receptors on cells that quell inflammation. The fatty acids also appear to play a role in keeping blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol levels in check.

You can also increase good gut bacteria levels by consuming probiotics, which are found in fermented foods (see box). “Try adding a little bit of these foods to your meals and then grow from there,” Dr. Naidoo suggested. © 2023 by Harvard University

Makes a great gift! | Fitness & Health

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

Warm up mornings with a fresh casserole

By Family Features On a cool, crisp morning, it’s hard to beat an exciting twist on a breakfast classic.

This French Toast Casserole is crisp on top while soft and moist in the middle, coming fresh out of the oven with the aroma of maple syrup and pecans that will have the whole house eager for a bite.

It’s easy enough to make fresh in the morning but can also be prepared the night before — so all you have to do is add the topping and pop it in the oven.

Find more fresh breakfast recipes to start your day at Culinary.net.

French Toast Casserole 1 loaf French bread (about 1 ½ pounds), cut into 1-inch cubes 5 large eggs 1 ½ cups unsweetened milk 2 tablespoons brown sugar 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1 teaspoon cinnamon ¼ teaspoon nutmeg ¼ teaspoon sea salt maple syrup, for serving

Topping: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter or coconut oil, melted 2 tablespoons brown sugar ½ cup chopped pecans 1 cup frozen strawberries 1 cup frozen blueberries confectioners’ sugar, for dusting Preheat oven to 350° F. Grease 9-by-13-

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Ongoing ROBINSON NATURE CENTER VOLUNTEER Robinson Nature Center seeks volunteers for short-term projects, occasional office tasks and special events and programs. Dates and times vary. The center is located at 6692 Cedar Ln., Columbia. For more information, contact Brian Campbell at (410) 313-0406.

COMMUNITY

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inch baking dish. Place bread cubes in baking dish. In large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt. Pour mixture evenly over bread cubes.

If making casserole ahead, cover baking dish and refrigerate overnight. If baking immediately, let stand 30 minutes at room temperature to allow bread to soak up egg mixture.

To make topping: Drizzle casserole with melted butter and sprinkle with brown sugar and pecans. Top with strawberries and blueberries.

Cover and bake 35 minutes; then uncover and bake 10-20 minutes, or until topping is browned and egg mixture has mostly set.

Remove from oven, cover loosely with foil and let stand 10 minutes. Dust with confectioners’ sugar. Serve with maple syrup.

Source: Culinary.net

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

Recreation & Parks

Upcoming Programs for 55 Years +

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

Encore Adventure Series Let’s Go Geocaching Get outside and active with this real-world treasure hunt using GPS technology. Geocaching is a great lifelong activity you can learn to do independently and at your own pace! Gain the confidence to get started finding the millions of active geocaches worldwide using just your smartphone.

Info: Matt Medicus, 410-313-1769 or mmedicus@howardcountymd.gov. Register now!

55 yrs + Rockburn Branch Pk West Classes: 1 RP9171.602 Mar 12 9:30-11am Tu $20

Special Events

Asian Night with Chef Ravi

Public Star Parties Join members of the Howard Astronomical League (HAL) at their observatory. Telescopic views and programming are shared inside through the club’s telescope. Guests can mingle and ask questions while observing through members’ scopes set up outside. No registration required. Please leave your furry companions at home – pets are not allowed at this event.

Weather and updates: www.howardastro.org. Info: Danielle Bassett, 410-313-4634 or dbassett@howardcountymd.gov.

Registration is not required.

All ages Alpha Ridge Pk Mar 16 7:15-11pm Sa Free

Cooking Deliciously Simple French Sauces and Dishes with Chef Alba Let’s take cooking to the next level with techniques and French sauces prepared in the simplest way possible. Revisit the old classics and discover modern techniques that extend your cooking repertoire. Join Chef Alba as we prepare and make these delicious sauces from scratch. The menu includes a brown butter sauce (Grenobloise) with a white fish, steak with a mushroom Bordelaise sauce, and asparagus with sauce fleurette.

This class is hands-on. Info: Melissa Byrne, 410-313-4704 or mbyrne@howardcountymd.gov. Register now!

18 yrs + Online Classes: 1 RP0509.601 Mar 21 6-8pm Th $39

Together we incorporate the best three flavors found in Chinese, Indonesian and Thai cuisine. Learn to make a veggie and shrimp spring roll with a sweet chili sauce, and a spicy chicken tom yum soup. Our fried rice is an Indonesian nasi goreng with chicken, chestnuts and loaded with veggies! This class is part hands-on, part demo. Info: Melissa Byrne, 410-313-4704 or mbyrne@howardcountymd.gov. Register now!

18 yrs + Arc of Howard County Classes: 1 $35 Materials fee RP0504.601 Mar 26 6:30-8:30pm Tu $39

Indoor Pop-Up Yoga with Kathy Greisman Relax, get fit and improve your health in this pop-up yoga class.

Walk away feeling refreshed, energized and ready to take on the day that lies ahead. Join us for the classes that fit your schedule!

Winter classes are held indoors. Info: Tessa Hurd, 410-313-7311, thurd@howardcountymd.gov. Register now!

55 yrs + Belmont Manor Days: 1 RP3541.608 Mar 11 10-11am M $14 RP3541.609 Mar 18 10-11am M $14 RP3541.610 Mar 25 10-11am M $14

Historic & Cultural Resources Irish Railroad Workers: The Force That Built the B&O Railroad Join us for a special presentation on the history of Irish railroad workers on the B&O line. Learn about the important contributions that Irish people made to the founding and construction of the railroad line throughout the 19th century.

Info: Kelly Palich, 410-313-0423, kpalich@howardcountymd.gov.

Register now!

8 yrs + EC Station Museum Classes: 1 RP9975.602 Mar 16 2-3pm Sa $15

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

Makes a great gift!

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

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• Register now!

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

Paris – The City of Lights: The Hillwood Estate, Museum, and Garden

Nature & Environment Pre-Dinner Night Sky Show Treat yourself, or your family, to a Saturday evening, pre-dinner night sky show in our planetarium! Learn about the celestial objects you can see in the current night sky – including constellations, planets, comets – and any cool astronomy and space science news we’ve discovered. Children must be accompanied by a ticketed adult. Call 410-313-0400 to reserve tickets. Register now!

5 yrs + Robinson Nature Ctr $5 (member), $8 (nonmember) RP4805.603 Deep Space Objects Mar 9 4-4:30pm Sa

Sr. Naturalist Program: Early Bloomers Join us at the Robinson Nature Center for our Sr. Naturalist program! The program provides a foundation of understanding on a variety of topics through hands-on exploration and demonstrations in a casual, social atmosphere.

No prior experience needed. Enjoy a guided trail walk to see the earliest bloomers of spring like skunk cabbage and snowdrops. *Mobility-friendly sessions of programming stay on paved trails.

Info: 410-313-0400. Registration for this program opens online on March 6 at 6pm.

50 yrs + Robinson Nature Ctr Days: 1 RP4831.701 Mar 20 3-4:30pm W $15

Sports & Leagues • For info, visit www.hcrpsports.org.

• Sign up for the following programs has begun!

Softball Kickball Fencing Aquatics Squash Lacrosse Field Hockey Badminton Tennis Martial Arts Football Baseball Therapeutic Rec Pickleball Golf Basketball Volleyball Soccer Jump Rope Billiards Cricket

Escape into an oasis only five miles from downtown Washington and explore the pristine Hillwood Estate, dine at Merriweather Café, and enjoy the beautiful formal gardens.

Marjorie Merriweather Post was a leading American socialite and the owner of General Foods. She was also passionate about French culture, design, and artistry. A regular in Paris, she patronized iconic hotels; attended the theater, opera, and social events, and frequented art galleries, antique shops, haute couturiers, and luxury department stores. Experience the city of lights through Post’s eyes by journeying through her former residence and see the many elegant touches that made Hillwood one of Washington’s most memorable homes.

There is a wonderful gift shop onsite! Lots of walking and standing with some opportunities to sit.

18 yrs + Bus provided RP4585.601 Mar 14 9am-3pm Th $95

MGM Casino and National Market The MGM Grand Casino at National Harbor is a spectacular $1.4 billion Las Vegas-style luxury facility just south of Washington, D.C. Come spend the day and try your luck at the ultimate casino and gaming experience! Enjoy lunch on your own at one of the many award-winning restaurants nearby or shop at several boutique venues. Lots of walking and standing with some opportunities to sit.

18 yrs + Bus provided RP4548.601 Mar 21 9am-3pm Th $79

The Odyssey: Cherry Blossom Premiere Lunch Cruise Enjoy unparalleled views of Washington, D.C. covered in gorgeous cherry blossoms during this two-hour Odyssey lunch cruise with family or the company of great friends.

Delight in upscale, sophisticated dining and entertainment during a mid-day cruise on the Potomac River and unparalleled views of D.C.’s greatest landmarks from an all-glass ship! Some walking with seating available.

18 yrs + Bus provided RP4579.601 Mar 28 9am-3pm Th $269

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

14

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

A Publication of the Department of Community Resources and Services

Our caregiving partner has you in mind Are you overwhelmed by caregiving for your family member? Or do you just need a few more resources?

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he Office on Aging and Independence has partnered with Trualta® to offer a free online service for Howard County family caregivers which is easy to use, completely private and accessible 24/7. Once enrolled, caregivers can log on to learn about personal care, safety in the home, caregiver wellness, caring for those with dementia or chronic conditions, and much more. No app is required; users choose the options that work best for them and can start implementing practical caregiver tips and techniques right away.

When I first realized my wife needed help and I needed guidance to care for her dementia, I did not know where to turn. Trualta came to the rescue! They continue to send me periodic emails full of helpful suggestions on how to care for my wife and how to care for myself. The latest one contained a set of tools to help me to assess the essentials of care and fall prevention, plus a list of online webinars that I don't have to leave my wife to attend. Trualta is a true blessing!

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Volume 14, No. 3 • March 2024

A message from Howard County Executive

Calvin Ball

T

he wait is over! We are opening the new East Columbia 50+ Center! More than two years ago, we broke ground in East Columbia for the longawaited 50+ Center, where 40% of Howard County’s older adults reside. The current East Columbia 50+ Center, built in 1994, is approximately 3,800 sq. ft. and is collocated within the East Columbia Library. Plans to renovate and expand the center began in 2014, with the first phase being identified in 2015.

However, it wasn’t until 2019 that we began to make real progress.

The new, state-of-the-art 29,000 square foot, freestanding building is more than seven times larger than the former site. I invite you join me for the grand opening on March 7, 11 a.m., as we celebrate our collective commitment to provide the best services and facilities for all our residents.

This $17 million capital project aligns with the goals of the Department of Community Resources and Services’ 2015 Master Plan, “Planning for the Growth of the Older Adult Population: Creating an Age Friendly Community.” The expanded center includes: community meeting space; a commercial kitchen and dining space; room for art, lifelong learning, and language programs; a fitness equipment room and exercise studio; a social day program for at-risk seniors; and an emergency generator.

This new and modern center will serve generations by preventing social isolation; encouraging inclusion; and providing a beautiful, accessible, and functional space for community engagement

Join us at the ALL NEW East Columbia 50+ Center for the ribbon-cutting with our County Executive, entertainment, refreshments, tours, and demos!

GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION of our newest age-friendly gathering place!

March 7 • 11 a.m.

6610 Cradlerock Way, Columbia 21045

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

The 50+ Connection

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March is National Nutrition Month!

The Best Superfoods for 2024

Dance on Broadway Celebrates International Women's Day BAIN 50+ CENTER • March 8, 10 a.m. • A01580.601 In honor of Interna onal Women's Day, take a deep dive into the contemporary work of three noteworthy female Broadway choreographers. Consider their styles, composi ons, cas ng, and how their work effec vely tells a story. Presented by Lisa Yanguas, a long me dancer, choreographer and Broadway theater instructor. Free.

Historical Women of Baltimore

The 2024 theme, “Beyond the Table,” focuses on ways we view food: from farming to distribu on; grocery stores to farmers’ markets; to ways we eat food, whether it be around the dinner table, on the go, out at restaurants, and at social events.

JJoin Carmen Roberts, registered die an, to learn about the latest “superfoods” and how ea ng these foods can help you manage and prevent chronic disease.

Ellico City 50+ Center • March 5, 11 a.m. to noon Glenwood 50+ Center • March 7, 11 a.m. to noon North Laurel 50+ Center • March 8, 11 a.m. to noon Bain 50+ Center • March 12, 11 a.m. to noon East Columbia 50+ Center • March 14, noon to 1 p.m.

Elkridge 50+ Center • March 19, 11 a.m. to noon

ELKRIDGE 50+ CENTER • March 18, 1 p.m. • A05616.600 Throughout history, from Civil Rights to medicine and everything between, women have touched the fabric of society and made history in Bal more. Hear how some fascina ng women changed that city.

Register on Ac veNet or call 410-313-5192. Free.

Crafting for the Vote NORTH LAUREL 50+ CENTER • March 19, 11 a.m. • A06616.603 Celebrate Women's History Month by crea ng your own campaign bu on in the style of the suffrage es, while learning about the cra s, banners and artwork that supported the suffrage movement. Instruc on and supplies provided by Howard County Library System. Free.

When the Stars Came Out GLENWOOD 50+ CENTER • March 6, 11 a.m. • A03638.600 Do you remember when the stars came to the Gaithersburg Shady Grove Music Fair? Come listen to the story of this theater of long ago, presented by the Montgomery County Historical Society, and led by Ralph Buglass. Free.

Blarney Bingo EAST COLUMBIA 50+ CENTER • March 15, noon Join our favorite Irishman, Sean McCague, as he returns to call bingo "The Irish Way." Enjoy lunch, prizes and plenty of blarney. Free; lunch dona ons encouraged. Call 410-313-7680 to register.

Senior Planet: Manage Your Health NORTH LAUREL 50+ CENTER Tuesdays, March 5, 12, 19, 26, 10:30 a.m. • A20673.618 Looking for tools to help manage your health? Join us for this free four-week series to learn about the technologies at your disposal.

Week 1: My Chart Week 2: Mobile Health Apps Week 3: Intro to Heart Rate Monitoring Apps Week 4: Intro to Sleep Technologies

Are YOU ready to get started on a PATH to BETTER HEALTH through NUTRITION? Registered Dietitian, CARMEN ROBERTS, is available for FREE NUTRITION CONSULTATIONS via phone, videoconference or in-person to adults 60 years and older Register by contacting your nearest 50+ Center for an In-Person, Phone or Virtual Nutrition Consultation today! howardcountymd.gov/50pluscenters Carmen Roberts, MS, RD, LDN

Age-Friendly Tables for Connection CEDAR LANE PARK WEST | 5081 Cedar Lane, Columbia 21044 • March 26, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m Join Howard County Execu ve Calvin Ball and Age-Friendly Howard County as we introduce the newest way to connect – Tables for Connec on. These solar-powered, wheelchair accessible enable you to connect to free Wi-Fi; charge your devices; access resources; connect with others while promo ng digital connec on, environmental sustainability and social engagement. Free; register at www.howardcountymd.gov/AgeFriendly.

Thrive with Solo Aging ELLICOTT CITY 50+ CENTER • March 28, 1 p.m. • A02614.602 Solo Agers are older adults that are making decisions about their futures independently. Anyone can become a Solo Ager through choice, loss and distance of family members, or complicated rela onship dynamics.

This presenta on will discuss techniques to age in place with home modifica ons, medical direc ves, building social networks, and crea ng your own care team. Free.

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

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

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

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

© KILMERMEDIA | DREAMSTIME.COM

Money Law &

Don’t overlook the helpful tax deductions available mostly to older adults. See story below.

Don’t be fooled by ‘simple’ scam emails

By Jamie Feldman Scams have become ubiquitous in the digital age and are becoming more difficult to spot. According to the Better Business Bureau, the most recent iteration includes some key details that, to the blind eye, may fool you into thinking it’s legit.

Like many other scams, this one comes via email and will appear to be from someone you know. “The message looks harmless and casual — like something a friend might really write,” the BBB said in a recent scam alert.

For example, the BBB said, it could be something like: “Hi, how are things going with you? Are you busy? I need a quick favor,” and even ending the message with “Sent from my iPhone.”

That can be a sophisticated scam, complete with the same automated language

included on legitimate emails, the BBB said. If you reply, the scammer may ask you to purchase a gift card for them and send a photo of the pin or the back of the card, claiming they’re traveling and are unable to buy it online.

Don’t give out any information But don’t be fooled. Scammers use email or text messages to trick you into giving them personal and financial information, according to the Federal Trade Commission, whose data finds that scams cost consumers billions of dollars a year.

Gift cards are especially tricky when it comes to scams, as they don’t contain the same protections as credit or debit cards, so you most likely won’t recoup your money.

It’s one of the reasons why gift cards are

one of the worst things to keep in your wallet. Anyone can use them, as you are not required to show ID when paying with a gift card, and they are an easy target for scammers both during the holidays and otherwise. Scammers take down gift card information and wait until it’s activated to use it.

After being on high alert during the holidays, you might be tempted to let your guard down. But it’s important to remember that scammers are working all year round.

What to do if you’ve been scammed According to the BBB, the best way to protect yourself is to contact the friend directly to confirm that the message is from them. Also, use gift cards wisely, being

sure to stay wary of businesses that deal exclusively with gift cards.

As Kiplinger has previously reported, if you suspect you’ve already been a victim of credit card fraud, there are a few steps you can take. You can file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. If you notice fraudulent charges, you can call AARP’s Fraud Watch Network helpline at 1-877-908-3360.

To learn more about how to spot, avoid and report scams or steps to help you recover money you’ve lost to a scammer, visit the FTC’s scam reporting page at consumer.ftc.gov/scams. And if you spot a scam, you can report it directly to the FTC’s fraud report site at reportfraud.ftc.gov. © 2024 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Key income tax deductions not to miss It is no secret that the federal income tage. You are considered self-employed if regulations are very complex. As a result, you are a sole proprietor using Schedule C, a partner filing Schedule E, many deductions are missed a limited liability member or by individuals when they file an S corporation shareholder their tax returns. I’ll discuss with at least 2% of the compasome of these deductions ny stock. This deduction is below. not subject to the 7.5% of adBecause of the increase in justed income test associated standard deductions, accordwith itemized deductions. ing to the IRS, almost 88% of tax filers used the standard If you are self-employed deduction on their 2020 tax reand have been using an itemturn. For your 2023 tax reized deduction because of turn, the standard deduction THE SAVINGS high medical premiums and was increased by 7% from last GAME other healthcare costs, you year. For individuals, the stan- By Elliot Raphaelson should make sure that you dard deduction is $13,850; for would not have lower taxes if joint filers, the deduction is $27,700. you use the standard deduction and deduct the healthcare premiums and other healthcare expenses from your self-emMedical premium deductions Many individuals who are self-employed ployed income on the appropriate scheduse the standard deduction. Even if you ule, such as Schedule C. are self-employed and use the standard deduction, you are allowed to deduct Additional retirement Medicare premiums associated with Part contributions after age 50 B, Part D, Medigap and Medicare AdvanIf you contribute to retirement accounts

such as IRAs or a 401(k) and have reached age 50, you should take advantage of the extra contributions you can make.

On your 2023 or 2024 tax return, you are allowed to make the following additional contributions: For IRAs, you can contribute $1,000 in addition to the upper limits ($6,500 for 2023; $7,000 for 2024). For 401(k) plans in 2024, you can contribute an additional $7,500 above the $22,500 maximum for individuals under 50.

As long as you file a joint return, you are allowed to make IRA contributions to a spouse’s IRA even if the spouse does not work or if the spouse does not earn enough to make the maximum IRA contribution.

The only requirement is that the working spouse has sufficient income to cover both IRA contributions.

For example, the maximum IRA contribution for 2024 is $7,000. So, if your earned income is at least $14,000, you can make an IRA contribution for yourself of $7,000 and a contribution of $7,000 for your spouse, even if your spouse has no earned income.

Qualified charitable distributions

Enjoy the Beacon? Tell your friends.

As long as you are at least 70 1/2, you are allowed to make qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) of up to $100,000 a year directly from your IRA account to a qualified chari-

ty. If you are required to take required minimum distributions (RMDs) in 2024 and you intend to make QCDs, then you will be reducing your taxes by using the QCD option.

For example, suppose you are in the 22% tax bracket, which means that when you file your tax return, the last dollar of your taxable income is taxed at 22%. This is known as your marginal tax bracket.

In this example, if you make a $1,000 charitable contribution using the QCD option, you will have reduced your taxes by $220 (22% of the amount of your contribution).

Some IRA custodians establish a separate account for you to make the contribution directly from your IRA to the charity; some custodians will prepare a check for the charity and send it to you to submit; still, other custodians will send the check to the charity directly. If you want to use the QCD option, ask your IRA custodian which alternative the financial institution uses.

Bottom line: Use all the allowable deductions to reduce your taxes. Don’t hesitate to ask your tax preparer if you are taking all the deductions you are entitled to.

Elliot Raphaelson welcomes your questions and comments at raphelliot@gmail.com. © 2024 Elliot Raphaelson. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency LLC.

Makes a great gift! | Law & Money

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

17

Find room for philanthropy in any market

By Peter J. Klein We have all been feeling the squeeze as of late, and philanthropy is feeling it, too.

The costs of things we buy, be it food, clothing or even entertainment (have you seen the price of a baseball game recently?) seem only to go one way — higher.

Economists blame inflation, pandemic remnants and supply-chain challenges.

We’re left with two issues: The things we buy are increasing in cost, and the sources of our money’s growth (stocks, bonds, etc.) are declining — hence, the squeeze.

The financial squeeze may make us reconsider donating to the causes we care about, but now’s the time to keep giving.

Giving back is not only the right thing to do, but it also feels good to know you are making a positive impact in the world.

Here are a few ways to find room for philanthropy, even in challenging economic times: 1. Take a closer look at your finances. Evaluate your finances and see if there’s anything excessive to cut. Donate funds to a charity of choice by creating (and sticking to) a reasonable budget.

Once you can set aside money to donate, consider automating a monthly contribution so you won’t be tempted to spend the money elsewhere.

Depending on your economic situation, you may also consider contributing to a donor-advised fund (DAF). A donor-advised fund allows investors to contribute to a charitable fund while still keeping control over the assets.

With these funds, donors get an immediate tax deduction while controlling how to invest the assets (including stocks, bonds, mutual funds, Bitcoin and crypto, among others) and for which charities over time.

Contributing to a DAF during a high-income year is a great opportunity to maximize both your philanthropic efforts and charitable tax benefits.

A DAF allows you to start small and encounter far less of the red tape that comes with private foundations. A DAF also does not mandate a certain cadence with respect to grants. In fact, the capital continues to grow tax-free (though it is no longer yours) until you and your family decide which nonprofits you would like to support.

2. Make donating a family effort.

In September 2022, Patagonia’s founder, Yvon Chouinard, transferred the company’s ownership to two nonprofits fighting climate change. Patagonia estimates that $100 million annually will go toward environmental efforts.

To plan and implement his legacy gift, Chouinard established a board of trustees and included his family in the planning process. When a donor’s family understands the big-picture goal, they’ll likely want to support and contribute.

Donors who include their families in discussions about their intentions will find it easier to get them on board.

Not only can contributing to a nonprofit as a family create memories and a bond, but it also puts more resources in the same place. Instead of each family member donating to a different cause, multiple people support the same cause and create a more significant impact.

3. Support nonprofits in other ways.

There are several ways to support nonprofits that don’t cost money but still make a big difference.

Start by volunteering your time. Nonprofits need helping hands to get things done. With volunteers, they can carry out their mission. Look for volunteer opportunities in your area related to causes you care about.

Donate your unused miles or points to a specific charity or a cause. If you’re not using them, consider donating your credit card points or rewards cash to nonprofits.

Donating points means no tax deduction, but you don’t have to open your wallet to support your favorite nonprofit.

If you’re ready to spring clean or declutter your home, donate items to organizations in need. From books and cell phones to computers and eyeglasses, there’s someone who can benefit from it. Make sure to get a receipt for tax deductions.

Contractors and business owners may also consider donating their services to help a nonprofit. Teaching a class, providing consulting or working on a project pro bono is a way to support a cause.

Finally, spread the word about your favorite nonprofits. If you’re active online,

share social media posts from the organization to boost awareness, or drop a donation link into your next email newsletter. Sharing, talking about and engaging with charitable organizations does make a difference.

Donations to charities have been on a roller coaster these last few years due to the pandemic and the financial market, and these organizations are feeling the squeeze on both ends. As donors, it is up to us to help charities continue to fight for important causes as much as possible. © 2023 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Travel Leisure &

Discover a delicious delicacy: truffles. See story below.

Truffle hunting in Virginia unearths new flavor

By Victor Block Nadine was excited. She scampered along a haphazard route, pausing now and then to sniff the ground. Occasionally she dug in the dirt, her breath quickening and eyes widening.

But she was not permitted to complete the excavation she had begun. That task was finished by Vanessa, who distracted Nadine with a tasty treat and used a trowel to discover and uncover the object of their search: a muddy brown truffle.

Nadine is a dog, but she’s far from an ordinary canine; she’s trained to find truffles. I recently accompanied her and her handler, Vanessa Shea, on a hunt for those elusive, rather unattractive fungi that more than make up in value what they may lack in appearance.

This quest took place at Virginia Truffles, a family-owned and operated enterprise in Rixeyville, Virginia, a sleepy community within a two-hour drive from Howard County. During the harvest season, December through February, the farm conducts hunting excursions beneath the trees in their truffle orchard.

History of truffles My experience began with an introduction to everything truffle, delivered around a blazing fire pit by Vanessa, her sister Olivia and their mother, Patrice. My fellow adventurers and I benefitted from our hosts’ comprehensive knowledge, which included historical facts, modern practices and recipes for using these highly prized gastronomic gems in a variety of ways.

For example, who knew that truffles were prized at the time of the Egyptian, Greek and Roman empires, that the Medieval Catholic Church largely banned consumption of “the devil’s fruit,” and that they were a favorite food of French Queen Catherine de Medici and King Louis XIV? Modern truffling is said to have evolved when French farmers observed their pigs uprooting a favorite food and then trained them for the hunt. However, pigs love truffles and often consumed their prize before the farmer could rescue it, so trackers began training dogs, who happily work for canine treats.

The target of the hunt is an edible fungus that grows several inches underground beneath tree branches. Favorite

hosts are oak and hazelnut trees.

While there are no definitive figures for the number of planted orchards in the United States, Margaret Townsend, president of the North American Truffle Growers Association, estimates the number to be as high as 400. In addition to Virginia, they span the country from Maryland, Kentucky and Tennessee to Idaho, Oregon and California.

After learning that Virginia Truffles’ owners waited 10 years after planting their seedlings before they got their first, rather miniscule harvest and that their crop is retrieved during the truncated December-toMarch harvesting time frame, I concluded that raising truffles is as much an art as a science, and qualifies as a labor of love.

Post-hunt buffet The love between human and dog was evident as Nadine and Vanessa walked rapidly through the orchard, Vanessa repeating, “Where’s the truffle?” Our trek lasted a little over an hour and produced five black truffles.

A post-hunt mini-buffet included carrot soup, deviled eggs, brie cheese and pastra-

mi, all enhanced with fresh truffle shavings or slices. While the earthy, pungent odor of the tubers Nadine unearthed was almost too strong for my nostrils or taste buds, the hints of truffle in the food added a unique dimension that I found easy to enjoy but difficult to describe.

During a post-snack visit to the farm’s small on-site laboratory, Patrice described the truffle-cleaning process, which includes cutting out any rotted areas. She described the truffle-grading guidelines adopted by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe. She also mentioned that some of the tubers the farm sells to nearby whitetablecloth restaurants are priced at more than $120 an ounce.

Patrice also listed some of the many ways truffles add flavor to a variety of foods, several of which were demonstrated and enjoyed during our snack. While some dishes seem like a natural fit — think eggs, soup, mashed potatoes, sauces, dips, butter and cream — the possibilities for using truffles to titillate taste buds are virtually endless.

Truffle hunts are scheduled through February for $130 or $288 with dinner. For more information, visit virginiatruffle.com.

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Arts &

A Chorus Line peeks behind the Broadway curtain. See review below.

A glittery, gritty Chorus Line at Toby’s

A show composed of vignettes While the show has a clear plot, it is not so much a unified play as a series of compelling vignettes and backstage stories about people auditioning.

The Toby’s cast, under the splendid direction of Mark Minnick and the superb choreography of Vincent Musgrave, presents these stories in compelling fashion.

Especially memorable moments in the production include: a frantically funny monologue of Bobby (David Singleton) about his “strange” family and himself; Val (Alexis Krey-Bedore) wonderfully performing the bawdy retro-jazz number, “Dance: Ten; Looks: Three,” and Lydia Gifford’s wondrous dancing skills and vocal power as Zach’s former flame Cassie in “The Music and the Mirror.”

Several of the women dancers relate that their childhoods were depressing, but they found that “everything was beautiful at the ballet,” leading to their dance careers. Another favorite moment was an energetic Nicky Kaider as Mike in the Dixieland-flavored “I Can Do That,” accompanied well by Toby’s eight-piece orchestra.

Show stoppers The show builds up beautifully to the show-stopping number “One.” This is first performed in a highly stylized version of a rehearsal, with Zach and Cassie revisiting old conflicts in dialogue in the center of the dancers in a series of Brechtian moments. The juxtaposition of their interpersonal relationship with the objective professionalism of a crisp, exacting Broadway number is a highlight of the show.

“One” is later reprised by the entire cast, including director Zach, as the finale.

PHOTO BY JERI TIDWELL PHOTOGRAPHY

By Mark Dreisonstok A Chorus Line, one of the longest-running Broadway shows of all time, highlights both the romance and the struggle of performing in a Broadway musical.

Behind the glory of being part of a show in America’s theater capital are hard work, constant auditions, likelihood of rejection, and — at least for the characters in the show — the need to overcome the harsh experiences of the past.

A year after the show opened in 1975, the musical was nominated for 12 Tony Awards and won nine, including one for Marvin Hamlisch and Edward Kleban, who wrote the music and the lyrics. The show and its authors also won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

A Chorus Line is now playing at Toby’s Dinner Theatre through March 10.

The show revolves around a director and choreographer, Zach, portrayed wonderfully by Toby’s regular Jeffrey Shankle.

Zach must choose eight out of more than 20 talented dancers for a show-stopping number in an unnamed Broadway musical.

How can Zach choose the best ones, especially given their varied backgrounds and idiosyncratic personalities? Adding further complication is the presence of a former lover of his in the ranks.

The cast of A Chorus Line performs powerful musical numbers in one of the longestrunning shows in Broadway history. Catch it at Toby’s through March 10.

This was my one qualm about the design of the original show: With the cast in full Broadway costume, the audience awaits a seamless and spectacular performance.

Unfortunately, as each cast member comes out (now resplendent in glittery

gold costume and top hat), the audience applauds as if a major part of the show is not taking place but instead has ended. To this reviewer, it seemed as if they were See A CHORUS LINE, page 21

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History From page 1 rights activists held six meetings and 12 workshops in the church to train people for voting rights sit-ins, boycotts and marches — events that made the church a target for white supremacists opposed to the movement.

Jimerson’s father, a Baptist minister at a nearby church, scooped some of the stained-glass pieces off the ground and brought them home in a box.

“He and Mom let us peer into that box and carefully handle the sharp, dusty

pieces,” Jimerson recalled in an interview with the Beacon.

The shards had a prominent place on a hutch in her family’s home until Jimerson in 2013 donated them to the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Last year marked the 60th anniversary of the “Year of Birmingham,” the year that King wrote his historic “Letter from a Birmingham Jail” on April 16.

It was also the year that thousands of Birmingham youngsters, ages six to teens, held a public demonstration in May called the Children’s Crusade. Young stu-

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

dents left school and marched for three days. Some, like Hrabowski, were jailed.

Historians say 1963 was a turning point in the American Civil Rights Movement.

From Virginia to Alabama Before moving to Birmingham, Jimerson lived in Hopewell, Virginia, where her father was a chaplain at a federal penitentiary nearby. Though three years had passed since the 1954 U.S. Supreme Court Brown v. Board of Education decision, which found public school racial segregation unconstitutional, Virginia schools remained segregated.

“Segregation in Hopewell was still so complete that I didn’t have much idea that any African Americans lived in Hopewell,” Jimerson said. “I was an innocent participant in [white residents’] massive resistance” to Brown.

When her father considered a new job in Alabama, Ann, nine years old, urged him to take the job to help bring people together.

So the family moved to Birmingham, where her father worked as executive director of the Alabama Council on Human Relations, which Dr. King said was the only group that “brought the two races together to solve shared problems.”

During the Jimersons’ nightly devotionals, Ann’s parents would talk about racial injustices and the unrest sweeping the country. The atmosphere in Birmingham was tense, she remembers. Her parents warned her and her four siblings not to discuss their father’s work or civil rights issues with their peers or teachers. Still, her family received anonymous, threatening telephone calls.

Kids in Birmingham 1963

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Jimerson talks about her childhood in Birmingham with others who were there through monthly Zoom meetings with around 20 to 30 participants.

Jimerson formed Kids in Birmingham 1963 as not only a support group but a living history project, too. The group’s 65 “storytellers,” who live all across the country, have posted their memories on the organization’s website.

In addition, they received grants from the Alabama Humanities Alliance to work with local teachers on lesson plans for

FROM PAGE 22 ANSWERS TO SCRABBLE

teaching Birmingham’s civil rights story, an effort they call the Coalition for True History. They have completed one grant and are now using the second.

“We wanted to do more than reminisce,” Jimerson explained. “We wanted to find effective ways to give back to Birmingham, with two areas of focus: education and reconciliation.”

“Most Birmingham students don’t know that history,” Jimerson said. She and Townsend also give talks at local schools, including the Summit School in Edgewater, Maryland.

Hrabowski worries that people today underappreciate the str uggles of the 1960s.

“Talking about the Civil Rights Movement today is as far removed as talking about the Civil War,” he said.

Recording unrecorded history Since 2015, Jimerson has also cochaired Desegregation of Virginia Education (DOVE), an organization that collects and preserves records documenting the state’s refusal to desegregate public schools. Its volunteers gather correspondence, reports, photographs, personal papers, school board minutes, diaries, scrapbooks, yearbooks and records from groups both for and against integration.

So far the group’s volunteers have recorded almost 200 oral histories of people who experienced school desegregation in the state.

“I love listening to people’s stories,” Jimerson said. “It’s an opportunity to capture history that has been lost. In some cases, the oral histories are the only histories of how school desegregation unfolded.”

During her career, Jimerson worked in social marketing and public health for 30 years. After she retired, she turned to civil rights efforts.

“I love playing a part in helping people make connections and seeing the difference it makes for young people to connect with us older folk — and for us older ones to connect with today’s youth. I love this work more than anything I’ve done. It feeds my soul.”

For more information, visit kidsinbirmingham1963.org and bit.ly/DOVEhistory.

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

Makes a great gift! | Arts & Style

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

A Chorus Line From page 19

“running the end credits” over an important part of the show.

This quibble aside, the show is excellent.

We come to understand why these dancers continue to want to dance, despite the indefatigable effort and odds of rejection.

We also come to understand the character of Zach: At the beginning of the show, he seems aloof and indifferent. Later, we find that he cares for the potential cast members more than he can easily admit.

A Chorus Line offers the audience an opportunity to encounter both the glitter and the grit of Broadway. Toby’s production makes it easy to understand why this musical, a phenomenon in the 1970s, continues to be popular today.

A Chorus Line runs through March 10.

Due to the large number of cast members in

this “theatre in the round” production, audience members who leave during the first half of the show are not allowed back inside until the intermission. The show also has occasional strong language and adult themes, which may make it inappropriate for young children.

Toby’s is located at 5900 Symphony Woods Rd. in Columbia. Advance reservations are required.

Performances take place Tuesday through Sunday nights, with matinees on Wednesday and Sunday at 12:30 p.m. (buffet brunch for matinees opens at 10:30 a.m.).

Tickets are $74-$79 for adults and $57$60 for children 12 and under. All tickets include an all-you-can-eat buffet (brunch or dinner).

Those 65 and over may attend any Tuesday or Wednesday performance for $62.90.

Tickets may be purchased from Ticketmaster or by phone from the box office at (410) 730-8311 or via tobysdinnertheatre.com.

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BEACON BITS BAIN SENIOR CHOIR Ongoing HCC Sing with the Bain Center seniors. The choir practices on Wednesdays from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at 5470 Ruth Keeton Way, Columbia. Choir members pay only HCC’s Consolidated Fee of $28.34 (for Maryland residents). For more information, call (410) 313-7213.

Mar. 27

CARROL COUNTY CLOGGERS

Visit Ellicott City 50+ Center for a fun, lively performance by Carrol County Cloggers, Maryland’s longest continuously active clogging group. The origins of clogging come from the Appalachian folk dances of the 1800s. This free event takes place on Wed., March 27, from 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at 9401 Frederick Rd. Registration not required. For more information, call (410) 313-1400.

BEACON BITS

Mar. 16

MUSICAL & MOVIE FAVORITES

Columbia Orchestra’s pop music concert features selections from Wicked, The King and I, movies Up and Superman, and more.

Guest conductor Maestra DAlimont and soloist singers Millicent Scarlett and Montel Butler join the orchestra for this special performance. The concert is on Sat., March 16 at 7:30 p.m. at Jim Rouse Theater, 5460 Trumpeter Rd. Tickets are $24/$30 general; $20/$26 for those 60+. Visit bit.ly/SymphonicPops to select seats and purchase tickets ($2 processing charge). For more information, email info@columbiaorchestra.org or call (410) 465-8777.

FIXED ROUTE AND PARATRANSIT SERVICES Serving Howard County, Anne Arundel County, City of Laurel and Northern Prince George’s County

Seniors and ADA certified riders can ride the fixed routes for free.

For Service Alerts, follow us @RTA_alert

For real-time arrival information use Transit app or visit transitRTA.com | Customer Service 1-800-270-9553

22

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

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

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Across 1. Sssymbols of Egyptian royalty 5. Choose to be included or excluded from a mailing list 8. Series of mountains 13. Plague villain 14. The Love Boat characters 15. Bloomin’ ___ (appetizer) 16. Polygon in an architectural plan 17. White hat wearer 18. Like a bathroom floor 19. Cloud behind Pepe Le Pew 22. Author of code of ethics for Drs. 23. Tooth number for an upper molar 24. Apprehend 27. “I’ll take that as ___” 29. Up-to-date 30. The video to their song Take on Me has been viewed over one billion times 33. Comets’ paths 37. Wild pig 38. Rustic lodging 39. Home of the Indonesian International Film Festival 40. The cafeteria monitors are alert 45. “and some other stuff, too” 46. Pantry raider 47. Dove call 48. New York to London cruise dir.

49. Key near the space bar 50. Single-stranded carrier of genetic info.

52. Still innocent 60. Abrupt 61. On the cutting ___ 62. Deuce beater 63. More like the fox than the crow 64. Commit a pinball violation 65. Man-eating monster 66. Guilty, Not Guilty, and Nolo Contendere 67. Swallowed a swallow 68. Partners to cones and reels

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Scrabble answers on p. 20.

By Stephen Sherr

2. Opposite of a neat freak 3. Lowly laborer 4. Polynesian island nation 5. Its thickest variety is “Most Stuf ” 6. Nation south of the Ecuador 7. Ark boarding groups 8. Rounded building 9. Japanese ‘toons 10. North-flowing African river 11. “As the saying ___...”

12. Conclusion 14. Chinese president, ___ Kai-shek 20. One of Marvel’s mutants 21. Last part out for most newborns 24. Chivalrous 25. In the neighborhood of 26. He voiced five characters in Who Framed Roger Rabbit 28. Lyrical poet 29. Morning Joe network 30. “Do you live in ___?”

31. Actress Hayes or Hunt 32. Comment to the audience 34. Soldier in a Middle Earth army 35. End for cappucc- or marasch36. The last part of PIN or SSN 41. They hold your horses 42. Captivated by 43. Frozen dessert 44. Longest units of geologic time 49. Transporting shipping containers 51. Golden Globe nominee 52. Scream bloody murder 53. Shallowest of the Great Lakes 54. VHS competitor 55. Do post-production work on a movie 56. Gawk at 57. Therefore 58. One of The Breakfast Club archetypes 59. Sometimes they are bigger than your stomach 60. Recipe amt.

Answers on page 20.

Makes a great gift!

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

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

CAVEAT EMPTOR! The Beacon does not knowingly accept obscene, offensive, harmful, or fraudulent advertising. However, we do not investigate any advertisers or their products and cannot accept responsibility for the integrity of either.

Respondents to classified advertising should always use caution and their best judgment.

EMPLOYMENT & REAL ESTATE ADS: We will not knowingly or intentionally accept advertising in violation of federal, state, and local laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, familial status or handicap in connection with employment or the sale or rental of real estate.

Caregivers MOBILE HAIR & NAIL SERVICES - WE COME TO YOU. Professional Licensed Hair Stylist. Women and Men’s Services - All Hair Types. Cuts, Styles, Roller Sets, Color, Perms, Men’s Cuts & Facial Grooming, Manicures & more. Call 410-415-1760.

Computer Services

Financial WESLEY FINANCIAL GROUP, LLC Timeshare Cancellation Experts. Over $50,000,000 in timeshare debt and fees cancelled in 2019.

Get free informational package and learn how to get rid of your timeshare! Free consultations.

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UP TO $15,000.00 OF GUARANTEED LIFE INSURANCE! No medical exam or health questions. Cash to help pay funeral and other final expenses. Call Physicians Life Insurance Company 866-212-1092 or visit www.Life55plus.info/beacon

For Sale NEW WINDOWS FROM WINDOW NATION. Special money saving offer - zero down, zero payments, zero interest for TWO years AND buy 2 windows and get 2 FREE! Offer is valid for select models. Labor not included. Other restrictions apply. Call Window Nation today! 855-909-2278.

PARKLAWN CEMETERY, ROCKVILLE, MD - turf topped crypt, block 28 v, unit 1497, levels a & b. 1 unit, 2 chambers, tier type (2 burial rights). $5,000. Call Deborah, 301-805-5030.

PREPARE FOR POWER OUTAGES TODAY with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 7-Year warranty with qualifying purchase * Call 1-301-960-3174 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator.

It’s a power move.

For Rent/Sale: Real Estate SELLING YOUR HOME SOON? Beware of Cash, As-Is offers- they are NEVER the best offer for YOU! To get the most profit for YOU, call me to discuss your options. Debbie, 410-531-5201

Health NEW YEAR-OLD COMPUTER – New computers cost $600. DialANerd.com makes your computer new with a $250 clean up and added fast SSD. You save $350 along with your data and programs. Completion in 24 to 48 hours.

Why wait for big box store 2-week service?

CALL DialANerd.com at 410 615-3655. Calling often solves your computer problems. If I cannot answer my phone, please leave a message. I will return your call after 7 PM. Pete the nerd is your friend on a technically challenged planet©.

FRIENDLY IN-HOME TECH HELP at very affordable rates. I am a Senior who has been successfully serving Seniors technology needs since 2014. Solve problems with computers (Windows, Apple and Chrome), Tablets and smartphones (iPhone/iPad and Android), Smart TVs, Printers, Wifi etc.. Provide set-up for new computers, printers, tablets, smartphones, Wifi, smart TVs. Patient, clear tutoring available on how to use all electronics and software. Satisfaction guaranteed or no charge. Call Gary for more information and estimates. 443 827-9785 or email: techmedic57@gmail.com. Website: www.techmedic4u.com

MOBILEHELP, America’s Premier Mobile Medical Alert System. Whether You’re Home or Away. For Safety and Peace of Mind. No Long Term Contracts! Free Brochure! Call Today!

1-240-650-9189.

STROKE AND CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE are leading causes of death, according to the American Heart Association. Screenings can provide peace of mind or early detection!

Contact Life Line Screening to schedule your screening. Special offer - 5 screenings for just $149. Call 1-844-485-7035.

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.

DENTAL INSURANCE from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for 400 plus procedures. Real dental insurance - NOT just a discount plan. Do not wait! Call now! Get your FREE Dental Information Kit with all the details! 1-844366-1003 www.dental50plus.com/320 #6258

HOW TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED AD All classified ads must be submitted and paid for online, via our website, www.thebeaconnewspapers.com/classifieds Deadlines and Payments: To appear in the next issue, your ad text and payment must be entered by the 5th of the preceding month (for Baltimore and Howard County editions); by the 20th (for Washington edition).

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 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 Home/Handyman Services

Miscellaneous

JACUZZI BATH REMODEL can install a new, custom bath or shower in as little as one day. For a limited time, we’re cutting installation costs in half and offering a FREE safety upgrade! (Additional terms apply. Subject to change and vary by dealer.) Offer ends 3/31/24. Call 1-833-994-0538

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THE BATHROOM OF YOUR DREAMS in as little as 1 day. Limited Time Offer - $1000 off or No Payments and No Interest for 18 months for customers who qualify. BCI Bath & Shower.

Many options available. Quality materials & professional installation. Senior & Military Discounts Available. Call Today! 1-855-653-0087.

SWITCH TO DISH and get up to a $300 gift card! Plus get the Multisport pack included for a limited time! Hurry, call for details: 1-844560-5837.

DON’T LET THE STAIRS LIMIT YOUR MOBILITY! Discover the ideal solution for anyone who struggles on the stairs, is concerned about a fall or wants to regain access to their entire home. Call AmeriGlide today! 1-866-365-5170.

SAFE STEP. North America’s #1 Walk-In Tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-theline installation and service. Now featuring our FREE shower package and $1600 Off for a limited time! Call today! Financing available. Call Safe Step 1-866-478-2363.

AMERICAN RESIDENTIAL HEATING & COOLING. As temps outside start to climb, the season for savings is now. $49 cooling or heating system tune up. Save up to $2000 on a new heating and cooling system (restrictions apply.) FREE estimates.

Many payment options available. Licensed and insured professionals. Call today 1-877-691-0273.

DIRECTV SPORTS PACK - 3 MONTHS ON US! Watch pro and college sports LIVE. Plus over 40 regional and specialty networks included. NFL, College Football, MLB, NBA, NHL, Golf and more. Some restrictions apply. Call DIRECTV 1-888-572-4953.

Wanted CASH FOR ESTATES; I buy a wide range of items. Art, antiques, jewelry, cultural items, furniture, rugs, collections/accumulations.

TheAtticLLC.com. Gary Roman; 301-520-0755 PAYING TOP CASH FOR ANTIQUES AND COLLECTIBLES. Housecalls made with prompt, courteous service seven days a week and 25 years of experience! Buying jewelry, toys, trains, militaria, glassware, advertising merchandise, paper items and much more!

Contact Mason or Megan at: 443-306-8816

Legal Services

CASH FOR JEWELRY; Gold, silver, costume.

Watches, coins, turquoise, dental gold, etc.

TheAtticLLC.com. Gary Roman; 301-520-0755.

18-SH-004233

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

BUYING VINYL RECORDS from 1950 to 1990 JAZZ, ROCK, BLUES, R&B, DISCO, SOUL, REGGAE, & GOSPEL, ANY VINYL FORMAT 33 1/3 RPM Albums, small 45 RPM’s & some 78 RPM, Also CD’s, Prefer LARGER COLLECTIONS AT LEAST 100 items, PLEASE CALL JOHN 301-596-6201

We thank our advertisers who make our publication possible.

Please patronize them and let them know you saw their ad in the Beacon.

Classes/Events

Sol Levinson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Brooke Grove . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Howard Co. Recreation & Parks . . . . . . . . . . . . .12-13 Howard Co. 50+ Connection . . . . . . .14-15

Home Healthcare/ Companions A-1 Action Nursing Care . . . . .8 Family & Nursing Care . . . . . . .7 Right at Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Funeral Services

Housing

Cremation Society of Maryland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Going Home Cremation . . . . .20 Harry H. Witzke’s Family Funeral Home, Inc. . . . . . . . .5 MacNabb Funeral Home . . . . . .6

Brooke Grove . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Charlestown/Erickson . . . . . . . .9 Enterprise Residential . . . . . . .17 Heartlands Senior Living . . . .11 Homecrest House . . . . . . . . . . .6 Oasis Senior Advisors . . . . . . . .3

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Park View Apartments . . . . . .17 Residences at Vantage Point . . .1

Medical/Health Ikon Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Medical Eye Center . . . . . . . . . .9

Senior/Government Services COGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Howard Co. 50+ Connection . . . . . . .14-15 Oasis Senior Advisors . . . . . . . .3 RTA/Transportation . . . . . . . . .21

Theater/ Entertainment Columbia Orchestra . . . . . . . .21 Columbia ProCantare . . . . . . .19 Johns Hopkins Peabody Preparatory . . . . . .18 Piano Week at Peabody . . . . . .18 Toby’s Dinner Theatre . . . . . . .19

Travel Eyre Tours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Howard Co. Recreation & Parks . . . . . . . . . . . . .12-13 RTA/Transportation . . . . . . . . .21

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

March-a -april ri 2024

UPPCOMING COMINGG SSEMIN MINNARS MIN AARS & CLASSE CLA SES at t Broo o oke e Grove r etirement m t village v ll e

As experts in sen nior care, Brooke Grovee Retirement Village is pleased to offer spiritual and men seminars and claasses that promote ph hyysical, y ntal well-being.

All programs am will be held in-person er n in the Gathering Rooom at Brooke Grov ove R dN Nurrsing Center, Rehabilitation and located at at 181331 SSlade SSchool Road on the Sandy Spring, Maryland, campus am of Brooke Grov ove Retirem ment en Village. llag R Register as indicated di db below or contact To Toni n Dav avis at tdav avis@bgf.org with questions.

HEALT H LT HY LIVIING CLASS: S: dB Body,, “Balanced Balanced c M ind” ”

LIVING WELL SE EMINAR: “Healthy H l Bone es and t Balanc B ce ce” Bet ter

Offered in partnershiip with U Upplif lifftt Y Yooga ga March 4 through Appril 12

Offered in partnership wit w hU Upplifftt Y Yooga ga

MONDAY AYS & FR RIDAY AYS • 1-1:45 P.M. This class, geared to o older adults and beneficial to ALL, introduce i s sim mple and effectivvee techniquess to greatly im mp prove ve your balance and aggility. Breathing techniques paired w with class exxeercises will help reduce your rissk of ffaalls and leav ave you feeling strong, energgized and balanced. fe Sixx--week Session Fee: $35 To register, visit: biit.ly/BGBalanceClass To

HEALT HE LT HY LIVING C CLASS: LA : a for Olde Ol r Adult lt s” “Yoga Upplifftt Y Yooga ga Offered in partnership withh U Aprilil 22 2 throug ug June 3 MONDAY AYS & FRIDAY AYS Y • 1-1:45 P.M.

WEDNESDAY D SDAY, MAR M RCH C 27 7 1:30-2:45 P P..M Movvement plaayys a vital role in improving our balance and stren ngthening the muscles that support the spine. But not t are accessible or v all types of movemen saffee ffo or those with cerrtain conditions, and some ffo orms of exxercise can be h arthritis. During painffu ul ffo or those with oveer practical this seminar, you’ll diisco waayys to incorporate mov m veement into your daily liffee that will help p yo ou stay strong and reduce your risk o of fallin a g.

This gentle yoga class is geeared ffo or older adults and accessible ffo or A ALL as positions maayy be done from a yoga mat, sitting in a chair or standing witth a chair/wall for support. Conducted at fo a a slow pace, this class incorporat ates miindfffu ulness and breat hile participants athing techniques, wh learn and practice poses thaatt will increase strength, balance and flexxibility.

Six--week Session Fee: $335 To register, visit: bit.ly/BG B Yoga2024

FREE To register, visit: bit.lyy/B BGHealthyBone y s LIVING WELL SE EM IN A R A ND BALANCE ASSES SS MENT: “How to Preve en nt Fa lls” THURSDAY AY, APRIL L 18 8 10:30-11:45 A.M.

18100 Slade School Road Sandy Springg, MD 20860

Falls are the leading caausee of serious in g 65 and old der. Lear in adults aged the risk ffaactors thaatt co ontrribute to fa discov over tips ffo or minim miziing those risk .

Brief,f, individualized bbalan nce asses will be offered ffo ollowin ng the seminar.

301-

FREE

www w.bgf.org Independent ndependent l living v ng

To register, visit: bit.lyy/B BGPreventF e

assisted ass sted living l v ng

rehabilitation rehab l t ta a n

long-term ng m care

memory m m support