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Class of ’69 reunites on screen
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By Laura Bogart Staring at herself on the silver screen was no easy feat for Bailey Evans Fine — even though she’s had hard-charging positions in Baltimore City government, helped to manage the campaigns of several judges, and served as the right-hand woman to U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (all while raising a family). Fine is one of the women anchoring Women of ’69, Unboxed — a new documentary based on stories from members of the graduating class of 1969 from Skidmore College, a liberal arts college in Saratoga Springs, NY. The film was named Best Documentary Feature Film at the Queens World Film Festival, earned the Audience Award at the Woods Hole Film Festival, and was recognized as Best Short Documentary at the NYC Independent Film Festival. The film, directed by award-winning veteran documentary filmmaker Peter Barton, was also screened at the Chesapeake Film Festival in Easton, Md., last fall. It was released on several online platforms, including Amazon, on March 15. “I see Unboxed as an important addition to my legacy,” said Barton. “I hope it’s a movie that my three children will want to see and have their children see. “I want others of my generation of boomers to also see it, and consider their role in breaking trail for progressive causes and for constructive contemplation of the New Old Age — the dividend of productive life that our demographic is likely to enjoy.” The documentary uses a graphic record — the unorthodox yearbook photos of some 370 young women from Skidmore’s Class of ’69 — as a window looking back on the journey of a generation. In keeping with the experimental spirit of the times, those photos broke away from the traditional, posed “black gown and pearls” shots. Rather, the students could chose whatever attire and setting they wanted. The photos themselves were placed in a photo box rather than a yearbook, so they could be arranged in any order by each student. Advised by historians and social scientists, the documentary focuses on the ordinary lives of these young women — made extraordinary by the tumultuous times in which they lived.
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In a new documentary, Bailey Evans Fine describes the personal and societal changes she’s experienced since graduating from college 46 years ago. The awardwinning film’s director, inspired by the unorthodox class photos in the 1969 yearbook of Skidmore College, tracked down and interviewed 19 women from that pivotal time, including Fine. Women of ’69, Unboxed recently became available for viewing on a number of online platforms.
Revisiting the “Yearbox,” the women present themselves to the camera as they are today, looking both back and ahead. The observations of 19 of the women range from their memories of the ‘60s and how those times still resonate today, to the “New Old Age” boomers are redefining.
Changing times The film’s narrative traces the challenges and triumphs of American women over the past several decades. While attending the New York City screening of the film, Fine found herself, along with her 30something daughter and daughter-in-law, reflecting on the ways that our culture has changed in the years since she graduated — and the ways it’s sadly stayed the same.
“[My daughter and daughter-in-law] live in a world where women can do more things,” she said. “They don’t know that it wasn’t always that way; it was interesting to see them travel back in time.” Born Bailey Evans in 1947, Fine came of age in Alexandria, Va., where she became interested in politics, participating in sitins to desegregate her elementary school. Her father was the head of aeronautics for NASA, and it was his passion for his career that inspired her to have high goals for herself, even though, back then, women were primarily expected to be either nurses or teachers, Fine said. Most of the mothers in her neighborhood See WOMEN OF ‘69, page 24
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Political musings First, I think it’s relevant to say that I If you’ve picked up your copy of the Beacon this month at any of our 300+ sites learned some of the most pertinent things I know about our country’s govthroughout Baltimore Counernment and our political systy, you will find inside a Voters’ tem in a college public policy Guide to the Primary Election, course. prepared by the League of That’s where I first read Women Voters of Baltimore The Federalist Papers — not County. really a book, but a compilaWe feel honored to have been chosen to publish this tion of “anonymous” newspaimportant League product, per columns published in and encourage you to read it, 1787 and 1788 to generate especially if you live and vote support for the U.S. Constituin Baltimore County. tion, which was then being FROM THE If there’s no Guide in your PUBLISHER heavily debated. By Stuart P. Rosenthal Beacon, you can view it on The actual authors of the esour website, www.theBeaconsays were Alexander Hamilton Newspapers.com. And if you live outside (recently of Broadway fame, posthumously), Baltimore County, visit the League site, James Madison and John Jay, some of our www.vote411.org, and enter your address country’s most significant historical figures. to read about your district’s candidates. It was James Madison’s “Federalist #51” I regularly get asked by readers and — which defended the “checks and balfriends, “Who’s the Beacon going to en- ances” so central to our Constitution — dorse in the election?” Actually, we don’t that helped me best understand why issue endorsements. And, as long-time America has always had a system of govreaders know, I seldom even talk directly ernment that seems to resist change and about politics in my column. quick, effective action. The reason? It was But I’ve been thinking a lot lately about designed that way, on purpose! Yes, the “problem” that so many decry what makes this year’s election different, and I want to share some of my musings with you. — the source of our government’s “dys-
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function” in many people’s eyes — is the Constitution itself. Each of our three branches of government is selected differently, has a different mission from the others, and is designed to want to resist the prerogatives of the other branches. Why would our founders choose such a counterintuitive way to run a country? Didn’t they know we’d have important decisions to make, that time is often of the essence, and that such a system would impede rapid progress? They knew all this, and more: They knew that it’s human nature to want to exercise power over others. And that a simple democracy that put all power in the people as a whole, without dividing that power into competing branches, would have the tendency to ignore minority rights and interests, and had the potential to concentrate power in the hands of a demagogue. Therefore, one of the chief goals of our Constitution, as described in “Federalist #51,” is that: “Ambition must be made to counteract ambition.” Our Constitution takes for granted that a government made up of free human beings will behave as free people behave if left to their own devices. Without a regimented, rule-bound system of checks and balances, a democracy has a tendency — as we have seen repeatedly reenacted throughout the world over the last century — to end up, as UN Ambassador Jeane Kirkpatrick famously said, “One man, one vote, one time.” The alternative to a democracy that has a tendency to elect a totalitarian leader (who promptly puts an end to democracy) is a government that may frequently be gridlocked. It can frustrate voters on both sides of the aisle, but it’s an essential element of a lasting democracy. A government run by those who can snap their fingers and change a policy, who can propose a solution and institute it immediately without accounting for other points of view, is one that can, and will, ride roughshod over the rights of its own citizens. We are a country of the people, by the people and for the people: “the people” as a whole; “the people” understood to consist of numerous factions with different interests and views. Each of us wants to be the person whose views will prevail. We each think our decision would be the best one, the right one, the sensible one. But my decision would not be your decision, and frequently the best decision is reached when all views are taken into account, and given a chance to mingle and stew, before a course of action is taken. Some may take umbrage that I attribute
ambition for power to all human beings, and I would agree that not everyone is ambitious. But I do think it’s fair to say that every politician is ambitious (even if they’re ambitious for their agenda rather than for their personal gain). In fact, it’s a prerequisite for the job — especially for national office, and particularly for the position of president. Who would go through the effort and expense required to get elected in this country without a driving, burning desire to exercise the power of the office? Yes, let’s assume to exercise it for the public good, but exercise it nonetheless! I am not pointing fingers at any particular politician or candidate. My words apply equally to former President George W. Bush, President Obama, and current candidates Donald Trump and Roque “Rocky” De La Fuente. (Rocky who? I refer you to the Voters’ Guide. Mr. De La Fuente is a Democratic candidate for president.) I wish more Americans today understood the reasons for our divided government, appreciated its value in preserving both their individual and our collective liberty, and would therefore have more patience for the seemingly slow pace of change and movement in our constitutional system. My fear is that the absence of such understanding among today’s voters is driving our country’s apparently growing taste for strong-fisted, “the-rules-be-damned” leadership. This is not really new. Many recent presidents have pushed the envelope of their executive powers. And, really, there’s nothing wrong with having a president who wants to exercise more control. That is, not as long as he or she can’t succeed. Our system expects each branch to jealously guard their powers and to seek more. But that’s exactly why we need three competing branches, so ambition counteracts ambition, keeping us free from a totalitarian system that — as we unfortunately see in far too much of the world — generates tremendous suffering and unfairness. So, in conclusion, I urge you to vote in the Maryland Primary on April 26, and in the General Election (for which we’ll have an updated Voters’ Guide in a few months) on November 8. Our selection of a new president, and of members of the legislature, is both a right and a duty. And while we may well continue to find gridlock in Washington, remember that it’s designed that way to protect the freedoms we all hold so dear. One final point. Just as your vote counts, so does everything you say to your elected See FROM THE PUBLISHER, page 24
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ANOTHER REASON TO FLOSS People with gum disease are almost twice as likely to have heart disease SURVIVING CARDIAC ARREST Sudden cardiac arrest may not be so sudden; warnings signs to watch for ALZHEIMER’S EARLY SIGNS A Johns Hopkins study seeks those with early memory loss POMEGRANATES’ PROMISE Study is underway to see if pomegranates can prevent prostate cancer
Virtual doctor visits offer convenience By Matthew Perrone When you’re coming down with a cold, there are a few items you typically reach for to start feeling better: cough drops, herbal tea, maybe an over-the-counter medication. For most of us, though, a smartphone wouldn’t top that list. But that may change as healthcare companies increasingly steer customers toward streaming video apps that connect patients with doctors online. The push toward virtual healthcare comes as many primary doctors are overbooked, and patients struggle with their own busy schedules. At the same time, insurers and employers see an opportunity to save money by reducing pricier visits to doctors’ offices and urgent care clinics. Outsourcing care is not new. In rural areas, doctors have long relied on telephone and video connections to consult with specialists far away. But this year an estimated 450,000 patients will see a doctor over the Internet for basic ailments like colds, infections or aches and pains, according to the American Telemedicine Association industry group. Here are some key questions and answers about these virtual visits.
Q: How do these services work? A number of companies allow consumers to connect with a healthcare provider through a smartphone, tablet or computer. Some of the leading companies include Teladoc, Doctor on Demand and MDLive. Typically patients are routed to a doctor who is licensed to practice and prescribe medicine in their home state. Q: If this technology isn’t new, why am I hearing about it now? In the last year, several leading healthcare companies announced they would begin incorporating telemedicine into their offerings. Walgreens is currently rolling out a virtual doctor service in 25 states. Meanwhile, UnitedHealth Group and the Blue CrossBlue Shield insurer Anthem are preparing to make telemedicine services available to more than 40 million people this year. This increased adoption is partially a response to recent law changes in 29 states, including Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia, requiring health insurance companies to cover telemedicine delivered via online video or over the phone. Additionally, the programs appeal to consumers and their employers by reduc-
ing time lost to traditional doctor appointments. “The ability to get a doctor to see you within minutes, from your phone, is something that people really value,” said Dr. Jonah Feldman, a healthcare delivery specialist at Winthrop University Hospital Q: How much do online visits cost? It depends. If you’re in one of the states that require insurance coverage of telemedicine, you may not owe anything — or you may only owe your standard copay, which can range from $15 to $25. But even without insurance, you may still save money. Most online services charge about $40 to $50 per consultation, which is about half the typical $100 or more to see a primary care doctor. The savings could be even greater compared with an emergency room visit, which typically costs hundreds of dollars. Many people who don’t have insurance go to the emergency room as a last resort when other health providers won’t see them. Those savings have attracted interest in the technology from large insurers and employers. “If I’m managing a health plan, I clearly don’t want someone to go to the emer-
gency room for coughs, colds, sneezes or urinary infections,” said Dr. Ford Brewer, an executive with MDLive, which provides online consultations for Humana, Cigna and other companies. Q: What kind of issues can a doctor address online? Most online services specialize in treating easy-to-diagnose conditions, including colds, ear infections, rashes and allergy problems. Doctors in telemedicine companies can usually prescribe from a small list of common medications. The prescription is typically sent electronically to a pharmacy near the patient. Virtual visits can also be effective for addressing mental health issues like anxiety and depression. Brewer said the demand for online therapists is driven by the same issues affecting primary care doctors. “There’s just not enough access out there in the country,” Brewer said. “So you have that ability for mental health providers, as well as primary care docs, to be able to see more patients, provide more access online.” It’s important to note that the level of See VIRTUAL DOCTOR, page 5
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This diet helps prevent cognitive decline
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care available to patients can vary by state. For instance, some states require a doctor to have an established relationship with a patient, which might include a physical or mental exam, before allowing them to do a telemedicine visit. Q: What type of problems cannot be addressed online? Telemedicine companies are generally not designed to handle medical emergen-
poultry, along with moderate amounts of wine. It also included low amounts of red meat, cheese, butter, margarine, fried foods, pastries and sweets. Researchers found that people who reg-
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From page 4
ing that emphasizes foods associated with cognitive benefit and limits foods associated with cognitive decline. This pattern of eating includes relatively high amounts of green leafy vegetables, as well as other vegetables, berries, fish, olive oil, whole grains, beans, nuts and
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cies and will instead direct patients to call 911. Likewise, they will not attempt to treat complex, chronic diseases like cancer, Parkinson’s disease or Alzheimer’s. Finally, experts say most companies will not write prescriptions for addictive painkillers or non-essential medications like Viagra. “Patients should not expect to get controlled substances, lifestyle drugs, or anything that’s going to raise eyebrows,” said Nathaniel Lacktman, an attorney who specializes in telemedicine. — AP
MIND stands for Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay. It includes aspects of a Mediterranean diet, as well as the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, or DASH, diet. A Mediterranean diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, olive oil, legumes, whole grains and fish. The DASH diet, often recommended for people who need to lower their blood pressure, emphasizes vegetables, fruit and low-fat dairy foods, along with moderate amounts of whole grains, fish, poultry and nuts. To evaluate the benefits of the MIND diet, researchers monitored the eating habits of 900 older adults for several years. Specifically, they assessed a pattern of eat-
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Dear Mayo Clinic: What exactly is the MIND diet, and can it really help prevent dementia? Is it a healthy diet for everyone? Answer: The MIND diet is a combination of two other healthy diets, so it is a healthy option. Results from a recent study show that, over time, older adults who followed the MIND diet appeared to have less cognitive decline, such as memory problems. The effect of food on cognitive health has been the subject of research for quite some time. The research has shown that certain foods — particularly plant foods, such as green leafy vegetables, nuts and berries — can help preserve brain function.
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Gum disease may lead to heart problems People with gum disease — which begins when the sticky, bacteria-laden film known as plaque builds up around your teeth — are almost twice as likely to have heart disease as those without it. The reasons behind this link aren’t completely clear. One possibility is that people without access to good dental care may also lack the resources to keep heart disease at bay. Still, some researchers suspect a common thread between the two conditions: inflammation, the body’s natural response to infection or injury. If you have gum disease (also known as periodontal disease), chewing and tooth brushing can release bacteria into your bloodstream. Several species of bacteria
that cause gum disease have been found in the cholesterol-laden plaque that clogs arteries in people with heart disease.
A bite off your healthcare bill? Now, new research suggests that if you have cardiovascular disease, treating gum disease may lower your healthcare costs and the number of times you end up in the hospital. The study, published in the August American Journal of Preventive Medicine, looked at health and dental insurance records from nearly 339,000 people with periodontal disease and one of five conditions: type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease (usually a stroke), rheumatoid arthritis or pregnancy.
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Except for those with rheumatoid arthritis, all study participants who had at least one periodontal disease treatment had lower medical costs and fewer hospitalizations within four years of the treatment compared with people who weren’t treated. For cerebrovascular or cardiovascular disease, healthcare costs were between 10 and 40 percent lower. “This is a really solid finding, and a testimony to what we’ve been preaching for years,” said periodontist Dr. Alpdogan Kantarci, of the Harvard-affiliated Forsyth Institute, a not-for-profit research organization focused on oral health. Treating gum disease reduces the body’s burden of infection and inflammation, which seems to help people respond better to treatments for other health conditions, like heart disease, he explained. “As we’re always telling our physician colleagues, ‘Make sure your patients are getting regular dental care,’ because we may be able to help improve their overall health,” Kantarci said.
Preventing periodontal disease Most people have at least mild gingivitis, the earliest form of gum disease. But daily tooth brushing and flossing can prevent and even reverse the problem, Kantarci said. Twice-yearly cleanings by a dentist or hygienist are also a good idea. However, some people have an aggressive response
to bacteria and develop plaque more easily, and would benefit from a cleaning every two to three months. Left untreated, gingivitis can turn into periodontal disease. The gums pull back from the root of the tooth, creating a tiny pocket that gradually widens. Eventually, the infection and inflammation attack the tissue that holds the tooth to the jawbone, which can cause the tooth to loosen and possibly fall out. Dentists and hygienists can treat periodontal disease by cleaning the teeth above and below the gum line, a procedure called scaling and root planing (sometimes referred to as a deep cleaning). They use manual scalers or ultrasound devices to scrape away hardened plaque (tartar). Most people need only local anesthesia. Be sure to tell your dentist or hygienist if you’re taking any medications that might increase your risk of bleeding. The current evidence suggests — but still doesn’t definitely prove — that treating gum disease will lessen complications from cardiovascular disease. Either way, it’s still important to brush and floss every day to keep your gums healthy. Be on the lookout for signs of gum disease, especially if you have a history of heart disease or stroke, and seek treatment. © 2015. President and Fellows of Harvard College. All Rights Reserved.
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Mind diet From page 5 ularly followed this pattern of eating showed less cognitive decline over time than people who did not. Based on previous studies, the results of this study are not surprising. But they extend the previous research by looking at an entire pattern of eating, not just specific foods.
Benefits other conditions, too The results also are consistent with many studies that show benefits from this pattern of eating on other health conditions. It helps lower blood pressure and serum cholesterol, and it follows guidelines to lower the risk of heart disease and cancer. Following the Mediterranean diet, on which the MIND diet is partially based, can be a very tasty way of eating that incorporates different types of salads with olive oil, whole-grain pasta or rice with vegetables, and fish, poultry or beans. But making beneficial dietary changes and transitioning to a diet that relies more heavily on plants may seem challenging. There are strategies you can use to make it easier. For example, plan ahead before you shop or make meals. Try new recipes that incorporate MIND diet foods. Keep different types of berries and mixed nuts on hand to snack on, rather than potato chips or processed crackers. When you eat at a restaurant, try grilled fish or chicken rather than fried. Start off with a salad and include generous amounts of vegetables. Stick to whole-grain bread
with a little olive oil rather than white bread with butter. Opt for berries for dessert instead of pastries or other sweets. Eating in this way can be enjoyable, and the benefits on your mind, your overall health and your quality of life can be tremendous. Because the MIND diet incorporates a wide variety of healthy food choices, it is safe for most people. If you have a chronic medical condition that requires you to eat or avoid certain foods, however, it would be a good idea to talk with your healthcare provider before you make significant changes to your diet. — Donald Hensrud, M.D., M.P.H., Preventive Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Mayo Clinic Q & A is an educational resource and doesn’t replace regular medical care. E-mail questions to MayoClinicQ&A @mayo.edu. For more information, visit www.mayoclinic.org. © 2016 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. All Rights Reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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Learn how to get online and how to use the Internet for research and communication. This free class will be held at the Randallstown Branch of the Baltimore County library on Saturday, April 9 from 9 to 10 a.m. The library is located at 8604 Liberty Rd., Randallstown. Call (410) 887-0770 to sign up.
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Oct. 10 at seniordigest@baltimorecountymd.gov. If you need assistance sending your entry via email, visit your local senior center.
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APRIL 2016 — BALTIMORE BEACON
When you truly listen, intimacy develops Dear Solutions: My wife keeps telling me I don’t listen. I don’t know how she can say I don’t listen — I certainly hear her complaints! I’m semi-retired now, and we’re living in an adult community. When I come home, I look at the newspaper while she talks, but I hear her. She says I don’t pay attention to her and that I’m an L.L. — a lousy listener. She tells me all the gossip. I don’t say much because I don’t want to be what she herself calls a “busybody.” I don’t know how to please her. — L.L. Dear L.L.: You don’t have to be a busybody. But to
be a good listener you have to keep your body busy! Stop reading the paper and make eye contact. Stop listening with the corner of your ear and hear the tone of her voice and the emotion. Stop facing the newspapers and turn toward her. Above all, stop thinking of her as a busybody, and open your heart to what she’s really saying, which is probably, “I want to connect with you, to share with you to establish intimacy.” Gossip is two-faced. On the one hand, it has earned a bad rap over the years as being mean-spirited. On the other hand, it is often women’s (mostly) way of observing, talking about, and trying to understand human behavior. Since your wife is not working outside
the home, the only news she can share that you love seeing him, but since he can’t with you about “her day” is what she hears make a definite appointment, you’ll follow about and /or experiences in his advice. Each time he adthe community. If you hear vises you to “make other her reason for telling you all arrangements,” make other this — which is to get closer arrangements! to you — you’ll stop having to After once or maybe twice hear her complaints. of you being busy when he deDear Solutions: cides he wants to come, he’ll Every time I invite my son begin to get the idea that out he says, “I’ll let you you’re not really “all alone at know.” When I tell him that the telephone” like a yearning if he’s not coming I want to girlfriend, and he won’t feel so SOLUTIONS make other arrangements, threatened by your requests. By Helen Oxenberg, he says (nicely), “I don’t When we act needy, we MSW, ACSW want to hold you up, so hand power over ourselves to please make your own the nearest despot. Your son arrangements. Then if I decide to come may not mean to be a despot, but he cerand you don’t have other arrangements, tainly is inconsiderate. His attitude is hurtI’ll come.” ful, but you can’t force this issue. This leaves me hanging because I The more you let go and make your own don’t want to make other arrange- plans, the freer he’ll feel to be there. Good ments if there’s a chance that he’ll luck. come. I find myself waiting at the © Helen Oxenberg, 2016. Questions to be phone. I can’t get him to make a com- considered for this column may be sent to: mitment, and I’m just… The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, — Hung Up MD 20915. You may also email the author Dear Hung Up: at helox72@comcast.net. To inquire about Hang up, calm down and tell him clearly reprint rights, call (609) 655-3684.
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Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health
BALTIMORE BEACON — APRIL 2016
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Don’t ignore symptoms of cardiac arrest By Lauran Neergaard Sudden cardiac arrest may not always be so sudden: New research suggests a lot of people may ignore potentially life-saving warning signs that occur hours, days, even a few weeks before they collapse. Cardiac arrest claims about 350,000 U.S. lives a year. It’s not a heart attack, but worse: The heart abruptly stops beating, its electrical activity knocked out of rhythm. CPR can buy critical time, but so few patients survive that it’s been hard to tell if the longtime medical belief is correct that it’s a strike with little or no advance warning. An unusual study that has closely tracked sudden cardiac arrest in Portland, Oregon, for over a decade got around that roadblock, using interviews with witnesses, family and friends after patients collapse and tracking down their medical records. About half of middle-aged patients for whom symptom information could be found had experienced warning signs, mostly chest pain or shortness of breath, in the month before suffering a cardiac arrest. The research offers the possibility of one day preventing some cardiac arrests if doctors could figure out how to find and treat the people most at risk.
When to head to the ER “By the time the 911 call is made, it’s much too late for at least 90 percent of people,” said Dr. Sumeet Chugh of the CedarsSinai Heart Institute in Los Angeles, who led the study reported in Annals of Internal Medicine. “There’s this window of opportunity that we really didn’t know existed.” Importantly, a fraction of patients considered their symptoms bad enough to call
911 before they collapsed, and they were most likely to survive. That’s a reminder to the public not to ignore possible signs of heart trouble in hopes they’re just indigestion, said University of Pittsburgh emergency medicine specialist Dr. Clifton Callaway, who wasn’t involved in the study but praised it. “Chest pain, shortness of breath — those are things you should come in the middle of the night to the emergency department and get checked out,” said Callaway, who chairs the American Heart Association’s emergency care committee. “We strongly recommend you don’t try to ride it out at home.” Previous heart attacks, coronary heart disease, and certain inherited disorders that affect heartbeat all can increase the risk of sudden cardiac arrest. People known to be at high risk may receive an implanted defibrillator to shock the heart back into rhythm. But cardiac arrest is such a public health problem that the Institute of Medicine last summer urged a national campaign to teach CPR, so more bystanders know how to help.
the symptoms began within 24 hours of their collapse, although some came a week before and a few up to a month. Chest pain was most common in men, while women were more likely to experience shortness of breath. Other symptoms included fainting and heart palpitations. Chugh had no way to determine symptom severity. But only 19 percent of patients called 911 about symptoms, mostly people with already diagnosed heart disease or who were having recurrent symp-
toms. Their survival was 32 percent, compared with 6 percent for other patients. Partly that’s because a fifth of those 911 callers had their cardiac arrest in the ambulance on the way to the hospital. Stay tuned: The study is just the start of more research to better predict who is at highest risk for cardiac arrest, and determine how to target them without panicking people who’d do fine with general heart disease treatment, Chugh cautioned. — AP
Many get early warnings The data from the Oregon Sudden Unexpected Death Study examined records for nearly 1,100 people ages 35 to 65 who suffered a cardiac arrest between 2002 and 2012. For about a quarter of patients, researchers could find no information about whether they experienced symptoms — making it impossible to say just how common warning signs really are. But of the remaining 839 patients, half had evidence of at least one symptom in the previous month, the study found. For most,
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Health Studies Page
APRIL 2016 — BALTIMORE BEACON
THE PLACE TO LOOK FOR INFORMATION ON AREA CLINICAL TRIALS
Study looks for early signs of Alzheimer’s “Where did I leave my keys?” It’s a question most of us have asked ourselves on more than one occasion, and the inquiry is more likely a symptom of our increasingly hectic lifestyles rather than a true failure of our memory. But when are these seemingly innocent episodes of forgetfulness really the first sign of something much more significant? What are the earliest signs of the onset of dementia? The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease, widely known for its
damaging effects on an individual’s memory, language and other cognitive skills. Patients with advanced Alzheimer’s disease dementia are unable to carry out day-today activities, including caring for themselves, and often end up being unable to recognize even their own spouses or children. This devastating disease clearly affects not only the afflicted patients but also their family members, especially those who become caregivers. As Alzheimer’s disease can extend
across a decade or longer, the healthcare costs resulting from care for these patients are significant and rapidly growing. In 2015 alone, the cost for healthcare and other care-related costs for all dementias was an estimated $226 billion, in addition to the roughly $18 billion of unpaid Alzheimer’s disease care provided by family members and other unpaid caregivers. This cost to families and society is expected to grow significantly as baby boomers reach the age typical for the onset of Alzheimer’s disease dementia and other dementias. Alzheimer’s disease results in the accumulation of a protein called beta-amyloid, which builds up to form “plaques” in the brain. Similarly, another protein called tau accumulates during the disease process to form “tangles,” which, together with plaques, eventually cause irreversible and widespread damage and death to brain cells. Unfortunately, once a person reaches a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s dementia, options for treatment become limited as it is not possible to bring back neurons once they are lost.
Early changes may be reversible Therefore, many studies of Alzheimer’s disease currently focus on a condition called amnestic mild cognitive impairment, or MCI, thought to be a precursor to or a very early stage of Alzheimer’s disease. A patient with MCI typically has mild forgetfulness, such as more difficulty than usual recalling recent events, or getting lost on his or her way to a familiar place. In MCI, the cell death that is seen in
Alzheimer’s is not nearly as widespread, making this condition a preferable target for treatment. Instead, studies of patients with MCI show changes in the brain associated with this mild forgetfulness that may be reversible. At Johns Hopkins, the research of Dr. Arnold Bakker and colleagues has shown that hyperactivity in the cells of the hippocampus, a small area of the brain that is critically important for memory function, contributes to memory impairment in patients with MCI. This hyperactivity can be reduced with certain medications, potentially providing an effective treatment for memory symptoms in this early stage of the disease. In currently ongoing studies, Bakker’s group is trying to determine just how early in the disease these reversible brain changes can be detected. To do this, the team is conducting cognitive testing and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) — a test that uses MRI technology to measure brain activity by detecting changes associated with blood flow. The studies also collect spinal fluid via lumber puncture to measure changes in brain activity and levels of beta-amyloid and tau in groups of individuals with different levels of cognitive impairment. Bakker hopes that results from these studies will provide further insight into possible treatments for this early stage of Alzheimer’s disease and determine who may benefit from such treatments before forgetfulness beSee STUDY, page 12
BALTIMORE BEACON — APRIL 2016
Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health
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Cancer update: pomegranates and gluten Q: Is it true that pomegranates help the effect of pomegranate juice on men with prevent prostate cancer? early stage prostate cancer. These men were A: Research showing possieither previously treated and ble effects of pomegranates had rising PSA levels (an indiand pomegranate juice cator of prostate growth or inagainst prostate cancer is unflammation) or were taking a derway, but results are tenta“watchful waiting” approach. tive. The majority of research Overall the studies reportcomes from cell and animal ed that drinking eight ounces studies, with few cancer-speof pomegranate juice daily cific studies in people. significantly slowed the rise of Pomegranates have a high PSA levels. amount of polyphenols — a The high polyphenol congroup of compounds that NUTRITION tent of pomegranates and antihave shown antioxidant and WISE cancer effects in the lab mean anti-inflammatory effects in By Karen Collins, they could play a role in reduclab studies. One polyphenol, MS, RD, CDM ing risk of other cancers, too, called punicalagin, is unique but that evidence is even more to pomegranates. During disparse. gestion, our body produces urolithins While we wait for more research, enjoy from punicalagin and related polyphenols. the juice and the arils, the red seed pods In laboratory studies, these urolithins inside the fruit, for great nutrition and produced by our body have decreased taste. Mix the arils in salads, hot or cold prostate cancer cell growth and ability to cereal, yogurt, smoothies, rice and many spread. Some studies in people have shown other foods. that pomegranate juice or extract raises Q: What role does a gluten-free diet levels of antioxidant compounds in the play in reducing cancer risk? blood, but research shows that people vary A: Gluten is a protein in wheat, rye and in how well they absorb these compounds. barley that poses no risk to most people. In human studies, the most promising — For people who have celiac disease, gluten but still preliminary — research comes from sets off a reaction in which the body’s ima few small intervention trials that looked at mune system attacks its own cells, creating
damage in the intestines that could increase risk of cancer. For those with this disease, closely following a gluten-free diet is vital. There may be a spectrum of other, separate gluten-related disorders, called “nonceliac gluten sensitivity” (NCGS) based on emerging research. For these people, symptoms like digestive tract pain, headache or fatigue improve when gluten is removed. So far, researchers don’t consider NCGS related to cancer risk. In either case, people avoiding gluten can eat a well-balanced diet, replacing the three gluten-containing grains with potatoes, whole-grain rice, soy, amaranth, quinoa, buckwheat, beans and starch, or with flour made from any of these. However, if you do not have celiac disease or NCGS, research shows no cancer protection from avoiding gluten. In fact, whole-grain foods containing gluten can be good sources of fiber and phytochemicals that may be cancer-protective. The American Institute for Cancer Research offers a Nutrition Hotline, 1-800843-8114, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. This free service allows you to ask questions about diet, nutrition and cancer. A registered dietitian will return your call, usually within three business days. Courtesy of the American Institute for Cancer Research. Questions for this column
may be sent to “Nutrition Wise,” 1759 R St. NW. Washington, DC 20009. Collins cannot respond to questions personally.
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APRIL 2016 — BALTIMORE BEACON
What screening tests do you really need? By Dr. Michael Rabovsky Recently, during her annual “well woman” exam, Mary, a healthy 50-year-old schoolteacher, asked me about screening her for ovarian cancer. Tragically, one of Mary’s friends recently died from ovarian cancer. Mary has no risk factors for ovarian cancer and no family history of ovarian cancer or other cancers. I explained to Mary that, unfortunately, there are no reliable screening tools to diagnose ovarian cancer. We went on to have a discussion about screening and the characteristics of reliable medical screening tests. The purpose of screening is to identify an unrecognized disease or condition in people who feel well and have no symptoms.
Deciding factors Screening tests should be applied to those conditions that meet the following criteria: 1. Consider the treatment options.
Acceptable methods of treatment must be available. 2. Look at the impact of the illness. The disease or condition must have a significant effect on the quality of life and life expectancy. 3. Determine whether treating asymptomatic disease will help. The disease must have a period during which there are no symptoms, when detection and treatment will significantly reduce illness and/or death. Furthermore, treatment in this asymptomatic phase must yield a therapeutic result superior to that obtained by delaying treatment until symptoms appear. 4. The disease incidence must be high. The incidence, or the number of new cases identified, must be significant to justify the cost of screening to a population of people. 5. Screening must be easy to do. The screening tests must be simple to per-
Seeking Men and Women The University of Maryland & Veterans Affairs of Baltimore are conducting a research study to better understand balance & prevent falls as we age. With your participation you will receive: • Health evaluation • Balance, step, strength, and/or flexibility exercises • Compensation for your time
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form, simple to interpret and relatively comfortable to people. 6. The costs must be reasonable. The tests must be available at a reasonable cost. This not only applies to the monetary cost of performing the tests, but also to the evaluation of false positive tests, the psychological impact on a person of a falsepositive test, and consideration of the medical risk incurred in performing the test as well as further testing required in the workup of a positive test.
Ovarian cancer Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of gynecologic cancer deaths in the United States. Approximately 22,000 U.S. cases of ovarian cancer are diagnosed annually, with 14,000 deaths each year. If diagnosed in an earlier stage, the fiveyear survival rate (the percentage of people alive five years after diagnosis) can be as high as 90 percent. The five-year survival rate drops to 25 percent if the diagnosis is made at a later stage. The goal of screening would, therefore, be to diagnose ovarian cancer in its earlier stages, when treatment would have a beneficial effect on outcomes. Several tests
Study From page 10 comes a true symptom of failing memory.
Volunteer for a study Johns Hopkins Hospital is currently recruiting participants for a study on memory impairment in adults ages 55 to 90. They will make two visits to Johns Hopkins Hospital, undertake paper and pencil cognitive tests, have an MRI scan and a lumbar puncture. Participants will be compensated for
have been used to screen for ovarian cancer. But three large studies failed to show that screening resulted in earlier diagnosis of ovarian cancer. So, although there is evidence to show that diagnosing ovarian cancer at its earlier asymptomatic stages leads to better survival, there have been no tests shown to detect ovarian cancer in these earlier stages. Furthermore, positive tests for ovarian cancer generally lead to surgical procedures. One study revealed that 15 percent of women undergoing a surgical procedure for a false-positive screen experienced a serious complication related to the surgery. So I explained to Mary that not only was there no evidence that screening led to better outcomes, but that with the tests currently available to diagnose ovarian cancer, screening could lead to significantly more potential harm than good.
Colon cancer In contrast, colorectal cancer is a condition that meets the aforementioned screening criteria. Most colorectal cancers develop slowly See SCREENINGS, page 13
their time and travel expenses. Although lapses in memory may seem innocuous and merely the result of advancing age, they could be among of the first signs of significant changes in memory function. In fact, noticing a change in your ability to remember things over the past few years may be an important symptom. Research is needed to help better understand the disease. If you have any concerns about your memory or are interested in being part of a scientific research study, contact Carrie Speck at (410) 955-5057 or at cspeck1@jhmi.edu.
Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health
BALTIMORE BEACON — APRIL 2016
Screenings From page 12 over several years. Before a cancer develops, a growth of tissue or tumor usually begins as a noncancerous polyp on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. A polyp is a benign, noncancerous tumor. Some polyps can progress into a cancer but not all do. There are generally no symptoms associated with polyps. When a precancerous polyp is identified by a screening test, progression to cancer is prevented, and there is no effect on health or life expectancy. However, when colorectal cancer is diagnosed after symptoms develop, the fiveyear survival rate can range from 6 percent to 74 percent, depending on the stage of the cancer at the time of diagnosis. Colon cancer affects a significant number of people, there are acceptable screening methods and treatments, and identifying and treating precancerous or earlystage cancer in the asymptomatic period leads to better outcomes.
Because it meets screening criteria and the incidence of colorectal cancer starts to increase at age 50, I recommended that Mary get screened for it.
Other critical screening tests In addition to screening for colorectal cancer, I also advised Mary to be screened for breast cancer, with an annual mammogram, and for cervical cancer, with a Pap smear, and HPV, or human papillomatous virus, test every five years. We reviewed the warning signs of skin cancer, as well, and I also counseled Mary to have a blood test, to check her lipid profile, and a fasting blood sugar test as a screen for diabetes. The message here is that screening recommendations vary, and it’s important to discuss the appropriate screening tests with your doctor. WhatDoctorsKnow is a magazine devoted to up-to-the minute information on health issues from physicians, major hospitals and clinics, universities and health care agencies across the U.S. Online at www.whatdoctorsknow.com.
BEACON BITS
Apr. 6
MEDIA SALE AT ARBUTUS SENIOR CENTER
Looking for an interesting book, puzzle, game, CD, DVD or record? You may be able to find something at the Arbutus Senior Center Media Sale from April 6 to 8, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The center is located at 855A Sulphur Spring Rd. Call (410) 887-1410 for more information.
© 2016 Whatdoctorsknow.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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APRIL 2016 — BALTIMORE BEACON
Some harmless folk remedies to try (or not) Dear Readers: 2. I used to get little skin bumps or rashToday is going to be fun. I’m sharing es on my legs. Now I know to rub the insome rather outlandish natural remedies side of a banana peel on them to control that just might help you. the itch and redness. This But please don’t take this also works for little bug bites. as being medical advice. Just Paul W. because something is natural, (FYI, essential oil of myrrh doesn’t mean it’s necessarily would be my recommendation, safe or effective. with or without the banana I’m just passing along 10 peel!) home remedies that readers 3. My husband has the worst have shared with me. I’ve put smelly feet in the world. I almy comments in parentheses. most left him for this, until my Enjoy! aunt told me to rub his feet with DEAR 1. If you get a minor burn PHARMACIST some alcohol, like the kind you that doesn’t expose any skin, By Suzy Cohen drink. So we tried vodka, and quickly rub some toothpaste put it on a washcloth every on it. Rob K. night. We’ve been married 32
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years. Patricia B. (Alcohol is an antiseptic and kills surface fungus by starving them. That is probably why this helped her husband. I wonder if she drank the shots of vodka too, lol). 4. If a bug bites you, like a mosquito or wasp, apply deodorant. It takes the sting out. Jenny L. 5. If you have hyperthyroidism (Graves’ disease), eat a dish of raw or very lightly steamed broccoli every day to reduce symptoms. Yvonne M. (There’s actually some proof for why this works, but it may not be enough for full blown hyperthyroidism. Broccoli contains sulfur compounds called “thiocyanates,” which reduce thyroid hormone production.) 6. Every spring I get at least one sinus infection. Put a teaspoon of oregano in 4 cups of water and boil it for 10 minutes gently. Cool mixture to room temperature. Strain it into a spray bottle and shoot it up there once daily. Brenda K. 7. I drink cinnamon tea instead of coffee to get me going. I simmer a cinnamon stick in water for 15 minutes and chill it for the next day. Ellen T. 8. I used to get cold sores on my lip
every month. Take lemon balm supplements as a cure, at night though. You can apply used teabags to your sores too. Melinda J. (I’ve also heard that applying an ice cube at the onset of tingle will also mitigate these oral lesions.) 9. I had irritable bowel syndrome for six years, and one day I tried a peppermint capsule from a passenger on my flight to Sacramento. One capsule and I enjoyed the rest of the flight! Now I take a pill whenever I’m having a bad day, and it works. Don L. (Peppermint is known to support gastrointestinal health. Please don’t attempt this if you have reflux or heartburn, however, as peppermint can exacerbate those conditions.) 10. Ginger extract is really good for gas and diarrhea. You can buy it as a dropper, or make tea out of fresh ginger root. John J. This information is opinion only. It is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose your condition. Consult with your doctor before using any new drug or supplement. Suzy Cohen is a registered pharmacist and the author of The 24-Hour Pharmacist and Real Solutions from Head to Toe. To contact her, visit www.SuzyCohen.com.
BEACON BITS
Apr. 2
FREE STRING QUARTET CONCERT The Chiara String Quartet closes the 2015-16 Season of the
Shriver Hall Concert Series’ free Discovery Series on Saturday, April 2 at 3 p.m. The program will include string quartet music by Brahms and Bartók, as well as “Leyendas” by American composer Gabriela Lena Franks. The concert takes place at the Linehan Concert Hall at the University of Maryland Baltimore County. Reserve seats through the Shriver Hall Concert Series Box Office, (410) 516-7164, or www.ShriverConcerts.org/Chiara.
BALTIMORE BEACON — APRIL 2016
SPECIAL PULL-OUT SECTION
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APRIL 2016 — BALTIMORE BEACON
Communities feature fur, fins and feathers By Carol Sorgen Through the nonprofit Pets on Wheels program, volunteers bring therapy dogs — dogs that enjoy human contact and have been trained to be at ease in all situations — to interact with residents of hospitals, nursing homes, schools, retirement communities and more. “My stress and anxiety just disappear when I’m playing with one of the dogs,” said Linda Schoene, a 73-year-old resident of Weinberg House, an independent living apartment community in Pikesville that welcomes Pets on Wheels. “People tell me my eyes brighten and I smile more when I’m with the dogs. I can’t explain how much they do for me,” Schoene said. The program is especially valuable to her since her beloved dog, Prince, died recently at the age of 14. Schoene said she misses him every day. “He was loving, giv-
ing and forgiving.” Prince not only gave Schoene “unconditional love,” but helped her socialize more with the other residents and become more active, as she walked him three to four times a day. The beneficial relationship between older adults and animals is so well known that more and more senior residences — from independent apartments to continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) to nursing homes — have some kind of pet program in place. Every Sunrise Senior Living community, for example, has a resident cat and dog. At Sunrise of Pikesville, Janie, the residential pooch, lives in the assisted living neighborhood, while kitty Max lives in the memory care neighborhood, according to Kate Skelton, activities and volunteer coordinator. “Both are wonderful companions and bring smiles to all the residents’ faces,”
said Skelton. The community also has a pet therapy program come to the community twice a month. Speaking of a particular dog that visits, one resident said, “I eagerly await his monthly arrival, and it helps brighten my day. I always have treats in my pocket waiting for him.”
Physical and emotional benefits According to the American Animal Hospital Association, meeting, walking, playing with, and even cleaning up after a pet gives us a sense of purpose and keeps us active. Talking to or cuddling a pet has also been shown to ease chronic pain from arthritis and migraines, and to increase brain activity, which helps prevent or ease the effects of depression. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that pet companionship can even help lower cholesterol and
triglyceride levels and encourage healthier heart rates. Pets also protect against isolation and provide older adults with more opportunities for socialization. At pet-friendly Oak Crest, a continuing care community in Parkville, residents are allowed to have dogs of any size, as long as common sense rules of ownership are followed, e.g., cleaning up after them, not walking them through the clubhouse areas, etc. The senior living community provides ample space for residents to walk their dogs along the community’s loop road and nature trail. Oak Crest also celebrates its pets. Later this year, the community will host its 5th Canine Cup, an annual dog show, with categories such as Best in Show, Best Costume and Best Trick, with prizes and celebrity judges. And its Pastoral Ministries department hosts a blessing of the pets each October. “Pets provide unconditional love and affection, which can help ease the losses [a person] is going through, whether it is loss of a loved one, loss of functioning, or loss of roles,” said Catherine Cohen, Oak Crest’s director of resident life. “Even visiting pets can have added benefits to those who live here. It is not just those who own pets who have benefits.” At Levindale Hebrew Geriatric Center and Hospital, pets are all about “motivation, companionship and compassion,” said John Ottena, manager of therapeutic recreation. There are resident cats, birds and fish. At the moment, there are no live-in dogs, though visitors are encouraged to bring their own dogs to visit as long as the animal has a form signed by a veterinarian and has passed a temperament test.
Part of a larger care trend The animals are part of the “Eden Alternative” philosophy being adopted by a growing number of senior residences and longterm care facilities, including Levindale. The nonprofit Eden Alternative organization is part of a movement toward “culture change” in caregiving settings. It promotes efforts — including close and continuing contact with plants, animals and children — to enhance well-being and eliminate feelings of loneliness, helplessness and boredom among both residents and workers. At Levindale, the residents, patients and staff members on each hall decide which pet they would like to live with them. Together, the group considers factors such as who will feed, clean up after and walk the animals. The animals brighten everyone’s days because many people grow up with animals and miss them when they aren’t around. “The residents just light up when they see the animals,” said Ottena, observing that the animals are especially soothing to patients with dementia. Ottena, who used to bring his own dog See PETS, page B-3
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BALTIMORE BEACON — APRIL 2016
Housing Notes By Barbara Ruben
All about downsizing Moving from a long-time home is often an emotion-filled and daunting task, whether the home is your own or your parents’. In a new book, Downsizing the Family Home (published by AARP in paperback for $16.95), syndicated home and lifestyle columnist Marni Jameson helps readers figure out a strategy and a mindset to accomplish the task. She combines her experience of moving her parents in 2013 with insights from national experts — including antiques appraisers, garage-sale gurus, professional organizers and psychologists — to offer advice on what to keep, toss or sell. The book also looks at estate sales, working with siblings and selling the home.
Leaving a hospital or rehab setting? The Affordable Care Act instituted a mix of incentives and penalties to encourage both hospitals and skilled nursing and rehabilitation centers to avoid patient readmissions within 48 hours of discharge — a revolving door that was becoming a common and expensive problem. The intention was to encourage better healthcare and follow-up, both to keep the patient well and to save money. The first 48 hours after discharge can be critical. And while Medicare typically sends a home health nurse to check on recently discharged patients, it can take 24 to 48 hours before their first visit. Some experts suggest one way to maximize your recovery once discharged from a hospital or rehab facility is to be sure you don’t wait to fill and take new prescriptions, and that you get settled comfortably back at home with whatever food or assistance you might need. Some home care agencies are now offering what is known as a “transitional program,” aimed to serve this function. For example, Genesis SelectCare offers a “Help to Home” service, providing a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) to meet the patient at the discharge location and transport them safely to their home. The CNA will stop to pick up any prescriptions or fresh food needed, run any errands, assist with any
Pets From page B-2 to work, enjoyed seeing how excited the residents were. It went both ways: “He never wanted to be in my office,” Ottena said of his dog. “He just wanted to go visit everyone...That might have had something to do with all the treats he got! All in all, it was a win-win for everyone.”
bathing needs, and perform meal preparation and light housekeeping. This service provides for up to four hours of assistance for under $100 (within certain mileage limits). Ask your home health provider about their transition programs. For more information about the SelectCare program, call (410) 832-7761, press option 3.
Nursing homes and alternatives Nursing Homes: What You Need to Know is a free book published by the Maryland Attorney General’s office. The book is designed for those who are thinking about the possibility of needing nursing care, and those looking for alternatives, such as home care and other long-term care. The book includes a comprehensive checklist to use on a nursing home tour. There is also information on how to judge the quality of a nursing home — including state inspections, deficiency lists and the ombudsman program. Chapters on how to pay for care, contracts, and state and local resources are also included. The book can be read in PDF format online at www.oag.state.md.us/Consumer/ NursingHomeGuideWeb.pdf. Free printed copies can be ordered by calling the Maryland Attorney General’s Office at (410) 5766500.
Most-made modifications Home service professionals reported that grab bars and entrance ramps are the most commonly completed projects for homeowners who want to age in place. Those are a couple of the findings from a new report by the National Aging in Place Council and HomeAdvisor.com, which offers reviews of home improvement contractors. The report noted that 56 percent of homeowners who hired a professional to help them prepare to age in place were younger than 65. And while 74 percent of homeowners contacted a professional themselves, when they didn’t, their daughters were five more times likely to do so than their sons. While three-quarters of aging in place projects included adding grab bars, just 29 percent changed the flooring to prevent injuries. One in three added a bathroom to the main floor at an average cost of $9,250, while 19 percent shifted the master bedroom to the first floor. To read the report online, go to http://bit.ly/aging-in-place-report.
If you have a pet, or love pets, be sure to ask about the pet policy of any senior living communities you are considering moving to. For more information about Pets on Wheels, including how to volunteer, contact Cathy Mazzotta, central Maryland coordinator, at (410) 294-8501 or visit www.petsonwheels.org. For more information about the Eden Alternative, see www.edenalt.org.
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ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNITY
Atrium Village 888-840-2214 4730 Atrium Ct Owings Mills, MD 21117 Atrium Village is conveniently located on the Northwest side of Baltimore, just minutes from shopping, restaurants and entertainment. Our community offers a variety of lifestyle options to meet your needs, whether it’s independent living, assisted living, or memory care. Take advantage of our resortstyle atmosphere and enjoy fine dining, stimulating programs, and diverse entertainment. Our dedicated staff will provide you with the best care 24 hours a day, while our unique Quiet Care and emergency response system will keep you healthy and safe. We take care of your housekeeping, laundry and transportation so that you can spend your free time doing the things you love to do. Come unretire at Atrium Village.
INDEPENDENT LIVING COMMUNITY
Charlestown 410-988-4070 715 Maiden Choice Lane Catonsville, MD 21228 www.ericksonliving.com What makes Charlestown different? Year after year, Charlestown continues to be Baltimore’s first choice for retirement living. Bigger is better. The 110-acre campus is home to a wealth of activities and amenities, including six restaurants. Yet, it retains the warmth of a small town. A charming location. Residents are surrounded by nature trails, mature trees, and stunning views of the historic Our Lady of the Angels Chapel. The value of experience. For 31 years, Charlestown has provided financial security with their Refundable Entrance Deposit*. Learn more. Call 410-988-4070 for your brochure, or schedule a visit. *Carefully read the Residence and Care Agreement for the conditions that must be satisfied before the Provider is required to pay the Entrance Deposit Refund.
COMPANION CARE
Absolute Companion Care 410-357-9640 www.absolutecompanion.com Talking to your parents about getting help at home: A recent study indicates 55% of Americans say being a burden on their family is their biggest concern during aging. Take this into consideration when approaching your parent about accepting in-home help. Explain to your parent how much you worry about them. If you have been acting as primary caregiver explain that it has become too much on top of career or parenthood responsibilities. You might say, “Mom, I worry about you…and even if you tell me I shouldn’t, it keeps me up at night. Would you try having someone come in once a week for me?” Call Absolute Companion Care to discuss this and other scenarios about honest conversations with elders.
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APRIL 2016 — BALTIMORE BEACON
Adapt your home to be livable for years By William Hirsch As people age, many choose to stay in their current homes near friends, family, places of worship and other places that have become integral parts of their lives. This is part of a growing trend toward “aging in place.” The term applies to those who want to live as they have in their current home for as long as possible. As we age, our mobility and capabilities change. Steps can become a challenge. Our balance, vision, hearing and mental processes can deteriorate. We lose strength. Can your current home accommodate your physical changes? Normal everyday things that once seemed benign might become obstacles and hazards. The good news is that a number of rela-
tively simple modifications to your home can make it more pleasant and safe to live in for many more years to come. You may not know what your future challenges might be. But we do know that most people will experience a decrease in mobility. Here are a few things you can do to make your house easier to live in should you become less mobile. Plan for one-floor living. Stairs will be your biggest obstacle. If your bedroom is upstairs now, take a look at your plan and see if there is a way to alter the use of the rooms to let you live on the first floor and leave the upstairs for guests. This might require adding a bedroom and bathroom suite onto the first floor. Or you might be able to convert a seldom-used for-
mal living room into a bedroom. Make other floors accessible. If one-floor living is not feasible, look for ways to add an elevator or stair lift. Is there a closet that can convert to an elevator? Less costly than building an additional bedroom suite, an elevator can be deferred and installed quickly if the need arises. The point is to look into the possibility and plan for one now. Make the entry accessible. You need at least one entry door with no step. This entrance should be covered to shelter it from snow and rain. Often this is the door into the house from the garage. If you have a few steps up to the house now, a ramp can be built. Eliminate tripping hazards. Be sure to remove any raised thresholds at interior doors or uneven transitions between rooms. These small level changes can be particularly hazardous because they are easily overlooked and create tripping hazards. Make sure your doorways are wide enough. A wheelchair may be in your future, even if it is only temporary while recovering from an injury. You’ll want to be able to pass through your doorways. There are some misconceptions about the required width for access. The Americans with Disabilities Act, known as the ADA, mandates a clear opening width of
“Mom just wasn’t herself.” Assisted living is living, g with a perfect amount of assistance. At first it was little things, like drawers left open and dust on the furniture: Mom had always been so tidy. After a while, I noticed the laundry and dishes piling up. Finally, I saw that some medications were being left in the weekly pill keeper. I knew it was time for us to talk. I asked Mom how she felt about handling things on her own. She confessed that housework was overwhelming, and she sometimes forgot to take her medications. So I asked her if she would consider assisted living. She resisted at first, but I watched her features soften as I relate related how living at Pickersgill would be a lot like home, only better, and it would ld give i her a chance to strike up new Pickersgill offers: friendships. That brought a smile! • Transportation to local doctors Mom has been at Pickersgill for and dentists about six months now. She looks like a new person and says she feels much • Immediate response to emergencies better. She’s even joined a card club! and sudden illness • Access to an on-duty nurse Pickersgill has offered seniors great value and confidence for more than • Supervision of medications 213 years. Living here, you or • Assistance with bathing or showering someone you love can enjoy daily • Daily tidying and bed-making activities and companionship that help • Assistance with dining, if desired ensure a healthyy balance of body, y mind
,
and spirit spirit.
Call 888-877-9883 today to schedule a pprivate appointment and tour.
,
615 Chestnut Avenue • Towson, MD 21204 • www.PickersgillRetirement.org SB
32”. That would require a 36” door, since a door opened to 90 degrees would protrude into the opening and reduce the clear width by about two inches. You probably have only one door that wide in your house — your front door. Breaking through walls to widen doors is often not practical. Fortunately, your home does not have to comply with the ADA requirements like public buildings do. Typical wheelchairs are only 24” to 27” wide. The 32” requirement is meant to accommodate all wheelchairs, even extra-wide ones. So unless you are a very large person, there is no need to have doors that wide. I recommend you make sure your doors are at least 30” wide (though 32” is even better). If the opening is still too narrow, you can rehang the door with offset hinges to allow it to swing further out of the way. Maneuvering space is essential. The ADA requires a five-foot diameter clear floor space in all rooms, particularly bathrooms, of public buildings. The swing of a door cannot intrude into that space. The purpose of this clear area is so that, should a person fall to the floor and not be able to get up, another person could enter the room to help. If the room is too small, the fallen person could block the door See AGING IN PLACE, page B-5
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BALTIMORE BEACON — APRIL 2016
Aging in place From page B-4 from being pushed in and opened. This is the reason handicapped stalls in public bathrooms are so large, with doors that swing out. Chances are you do not have this much clear floor space in your bathrooms. The solution is to rehang your door so it swings out. Then no matter where the fallen person is, a rescuer could open the door and get in. Another option is to simply remove the door altogether. Install grab bars and additional railings. With mobility problems, things we do every day — like getting in and out of showers, on and off toilets, and even walking down a hallway — can become difficult. Installing good, solidly anchored grab bars in showers, tubs, at toilets, and even along hallways can give security to those who are less stable. Grab bars encourage people to stay ambulatory and not require a wheelchair. The more we all walk, even slowly, the healthier we remain. Install a shower seat and a hand-held showerhead. Showering while seated is the most convenient and safe way to bathe with diminished mobility and balance. This seat does not have to be built in. A heavy teak stool can work. Just get one that is designed to not tip easily. A shower seat, coupled with good grab bars, will make it easier to get in and out of the shower, even if you are transferring
from a wheelchair. Change door knobs to lever handles. Lever door handles have been customary in Europe for centuries. But in America, we have traditionally used knobs. These can look great, but once your hands weaken and become arthritic, door knobs become barriers. Consider swapping knobs for levers that you can use by leaning an elbow on them. You’ll find them to be easier to use with wet hands, too. This change to levers applies to faucets, too. Other changes that can make aging in place easier: Remove floor surfaces that could be slippery. Improve lighting in the house. Install a toilet riser seat. Install slide-out shelves in cabinets. Change cabinet knobs to D-shaped handles. Change to LED lights for much longer bulb life and lower energy costs. Install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms with a siren and a flashing light. Install battery-operated emergency lighting in hallways. Do things to reduce required home maintenance. And of course, install an emergency call system, especially if you live alone. I think it is a wise and happy decision to remain in the home in the location you have come to love. Having family and friends nearby is a blessing. If you do a little planning and make a few modifications, your house can be your home for a long time. William Hirsch, an architect, is the author of Designing Your Perfect House. Learn more at www.designingyourperfecthouse.com and www.about-home-design.com.
BEACON BITS
Ongoing
CHOIR SEEKING NEW MEMBERS
The Dan Meyer Choir is beginning rehearsals for its next concert, and welcoming new members. Rehearsals are held on Sundays from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Charles Village neighborhood. There is no cost to join. You must be able to sing — and have a sense of humor. You will be provided with sheet music and practice recordings. Also, there is (optional) free yoga for an hour before rehearsal begins, led by a certified yoga instructor. Everyone is welcome, but there is a need for tenors. Check them out on Facebook or at www.danmeyerchoir.com.
INDEPENDENT LIVING COMMUNITY
Oak Crest 410-877-6624 8820 Walther Boulevard Parkville, MD 21234 www.ericksonliving.com What makes Oak Crest different? Year after year, Oak Crest continues to be Baltimore County’s first choice for retirement living. Bigger is better. The 87-acre campus is home to a wealth of activities and amenities, including five restaurants. Yet, it retains the warmth of a small town. A charming Location. Residents are surrounded by walking paths, mature trees, and a residential neighborhood. The value of experience. For 20 years, Oak Crest has provided financial security with their Refundable Entrance Deposit.* Learn More. Call 410-877-6624 for your brochure, or to schedule a visit. *Carefully read the Residence and Care Agreement for the conditions that must be satisfied before the Provider is required to pay the Entrance Deposit Refund.
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INDEPENDENT LIVING COMMUNITY
Linden Park in Bolton Hill 410-523-0013 301 McMechen Street Baltimore, MD 21217 They say that the healthiest way to age is to remain as energetic as possible as long as possible. What better way to do so than to live in a thriving community such as Bolton Hill with beautiful gardens, plenty of social activity, and a lifestyle that encourages engagement and wellness? Offering one- and two-bedroom apartments, for ages 62 plus, there are many activities for you to enjoy including fitness workshops, art programs and community building events! Newly renovated and updated, Linden Park Apartments in Bolton Hill is an exciting place to live! We’ve undergone $24 Million in Renovations! FREE parking, FREE utilities and concierge are just a few of the amenities we offer, plus small pets are welcome! Stop by for a tour today! An equal housing opportunity community.
ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNITY
Shangri-La Senior Living of Catonsville 410-744-8433 6348 Frederick Road Catonsville, MD 21228 www.ShangrilaSeniorLiving.com At Shangri-La Senior Living of Catonsville, we combine comfortable living with compassionate, yet affordable care. From our interiors to our smiling residents and exceptional staff, there is an aura of warmth and caring that sets us apart. We offer three levels of assisted living care. In addition, we are happy to provide: private and semi-private rooms; delicious meals and snacks with special diet requests available; daily assistance with bathing, dressing, and management of medications; daily offerings of activities; weekly religious services offered; housekeeping & laundry services; regular wellness visits by a licensed nurse; emergency call system with secured environment; hospice services; and respite, short-stay care.
ASSISTED LIVING INDEPENDENT LIVING COMMUNITY
Weinberg Senior Living 410-753-3976 Weinberg Senior Living provides quality, affordable apartments for people 62-plus and those younger than 62 with disabilities. Our communities have been designed from the ground up to meet the needs of our residents and provide them the opportunity to live an active and social lifestyle. Our communities feature amenities such as libraries, community rooms and dining areas where residents may enjoy meals, group activities and visits with friends and family. Additionally, our communities offer a variety of floor plan designs, services and programs that support Weinberg Senior Living’s mission to help people age in place, gracefully. Our staff members are friendly, supportive, professional and eager to assist residents. More than just employees, they enjoy what they do and take pride in the communities where they work.
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APRIL 2016 — BALTIMORE BEACON
She advocates for those in long-term care The program, which has been around since the early 1970s, is part of the national ombudsman program that was established by the Older Americans Act. Under that act, each Area Agency on Aging has an ombudsman office. In Maryland, there are 19 ombudsman offices, with about 155 volunteers and 36 full-time ombudsmen. In fiscal year 2015, Maryland’s program made more than 11,000 facility visits to check up on everything from medication administration to meal quality to how well staff follow physician’s orders for care. In that year, it addressed nearly 3,000 complaints.
“Best job ever” Ellis has a degree in social work and has been an ombudsman in Anne Arundel County. Before taking over Maryland’s top ombudsman position, Ellis spent two years in the only other full-time position in the state office.
“Half my career has been in ombudsman work. In between, I’ve worked in nursing homes, hospitals, and with those with brain injury,” she said. “My mother was in a nursing home, and I’ve had other family members in facilities. I think the nice thing about having all of that background is it really helps me do that job a lot better. “I know what it’s like to be an employee in a facility. I know what it’s like to have a family member in a facility. I know what it’s like to be an ombudsman out in the field.” All of that has helped Ellis jump feet first into the job. “I take it very seriously. It’s the best job ever. But it’s also very hard. I’m very devoted to making sure people in facilities have their rights protected, that they have a good quality of life, that they get good care, that they get choices in making decisions.” Part of her role involves training both the
CARE THAT’S
always there at
PHOTO COURTESY OF STEVEANNE ELLIS
By Barbara Ruben In her first months on the job as Maryland state long-term care ombudsman, one of Steveanne Ellis’s first hurdles is making sure people know she exists. Ellis oversees the network of staff and volunteers across that state that help resolve resident problems in Maryland’s 230 nursing homes and 1,500 assisted living facilities. “We really want the residents and the staff to know we’re around, what we do, what the program is all about, that they can reach us, that we’re available,” said Ellis, who was appointed state ombudsman in February. She even gives out her personal phone number so people don’t have to navigate a maze of voicemail prompts to get assistance. While information on how to contact the ombudsman must be clearly posted in facilities, and ombudsmen make regular visits, many residents and family members remain unfamiliar with the program, Ellis said.
Steveanne Ellis is the new Maryland state long-term care ombudsman.
staff and volunteer ombudsmen throughout the state. She has four training sessions a year for staff, and two conference calls with volunteers each year. The next, in April, will cover end-of-life issues in care facilities. “I think that’s really important, because all of our ombudsman need to be strong and educated so we can better advocate for people and facilities,” Ellis said. “So that’s a really big focus of mine, to look at how we do our training, to make sure it’s the best it possibly can be and, when situations arise, make sure we’re prepared as best as we can be.”
Common concerns
ATRIUM VILLAGE
OUR PEOPLE TRULY CA RE A BOUT YOU. They’re not only highly experienced, they’re personally invested in your happiness. We work directly with staff, residents, and their families to ensure our residents receive the comprehensive care and attention they deserve.
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I N D E P E N D E NT LI V I NG AS S I STE D LI V I NG | M E M O RY CA R E 4730 ATR I U M CO U RT OW I NG S M I LLS , M D 21117 WWW.S E N I O R LI FESTYLE.CO M
For two years in a row, the most frequent complaints that have been handled centered around discharge and evictions from nursing homes. These can range from residents being told to leave because they have not paid their bill, to having needs that can’t be met there — such as a dementia patient who starts wandering out of a non-secure facility. Ellis recalled one woman who insisted she could go home even though she required support 24 hours a day — something she did not have available at home. In assisted living facilities, food service was the second most frequently cited complaint. “That can be anything from they don’t like the way the food tastes, to the portions are too small, to ‘they serve us baloney sandwiches all day.’ “Issues surrounding [the administration of medication] was concern number three, and then dignity and staff attitude,” Ellis said.
Preventing problems As much as resolving problems in care facilities is important, Ellis also wants to prevent them from happening in the first place. “I want people to understand how facilities are organized so they don’t have any false expectations, so they don’t think they’re always going to have shrimp for every meal. I want people to be very realistic about what long-term care is like — that each facility is unique,” she said. Another goal for Ellis is to educate not just older adults about how ombudsmen can advocate for better care, but younger people as well. That’s because some young people also end up in nursing homes beSee OMBUDSMAN, page B-8
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FREE HOUSING AND OTHER INFORMATION For free information from advertisers in this special section, check off those that interest you and mail this entire coupon to the Beacon. Please do not request info if you are not interested. All replies will be entered into a random drawing to win tickets to Roméo et Juliette.
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Atrium Village . . . . . . . . . .B3 & B6 Charlestown . . . . . . . . . .B3 & B10 Christ Church Harbor Apts . . . . .B9 Ednor Apts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B4 Evergreen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B2 Fairhaven . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B10 The Greens at English Consul . . . .B2 The Greens at Hammonds Lane . .B2 The Greens at Irvington Mews . . .B2 The Greens at Liberty Road . . . . .B2 The Greens at Logan Field . . . . . .B2 The Greens at Rolling Road . . . . .B2 Heritage Run at Stadium Place . .B8 Linden Park Apts . . . . . .B5 & B11
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PEST CONTROL ❑ Greg Young, Exterminator . . . . .B11
Check the boxes you’re interested in and return this entire coupon to: The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915-2227. You may also include the free info coupon found on page 5. One entry per household please. Name __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address ____________________________________________________E-mail_______________________________________________ City _______________________________________________________ State ______________________ Zip ____________________ BB 4/16
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Declutter and keep what you love most By Beth J. Harpaz Reading Marie Kondo’s best-selling books about decluttering is intimidating. I have a complicated relationship with many of my possessions: souvenirs from favorite places, gifts from loved ones. Even if I never use them, how could I part with them? And how could I face my overflowing cupboards and scary closets? But I got over my fears. Ultimately, Kondo’s books — The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up and Spark Joy — are not so much about throwing things out as they are about “choosing what we want to keep,” as Kondo puts it. Here’s what it felt like going Kondo.
The bathroom was easy Kondo says sentimental things should
be left for last. So I started with the most unsentimental place: the bathroom. There’s no emotion in tossing expired medication, used Ace bandages and unclaimed toothbrushes, or in consolidating half-empty boxes of Band-Aids. Those baby steps strengthened my discard muscle. Next, I said goodbye to fragrances and lipsticks I never use. In cleaning out, I unearthed a cache of skin creams and cleansers that I like. I now keep some handy for daily use, and store others in a beautifully decorated gift box I’d been reluctant to part with. Keeping and using the box this way fit several Kondo principles. First, she says, “Everything you own wants to be of use to you.” Second, she says, don’t buy storage con-
tainers. Instead, use things you already own: shoeboxes, stationery boxes, decorative bowls. Third, Kondo is no minimalist. “Adorn your home with the things you love,” she urges. My pretty box now brightens a shelf. Folding is also critical. Kondo says every foldable object has its own “sweet spot ... a folded state that best suits that item.” I’m still working on folding the bathroom towels just right, but after studying her techniques, I get the origami-like art of folding shirts.
Sort by category Don’t clean shelves and drawers one by one, Kondo says. Instead, sort by category to “compare items that are similar in design, making it easier to decide whether you want to keep them.” In the kitchen, I surveyed all the bakeware at once, shedding excess cookie cutters and muffin tins. A dozen random mugs and two teapots were given away. I counted a dozen vases and kept four. I was stunned to find nearly 40 portable water bottles tucked in cupboards; I kept two. I also stacked items by shape, as Kondo suggests, transforming cluttered shelves. Then I gathered decorative platters and
Ombudsman From page B-6
Spring Cleaning, Organizing & Downsizing Tips for Seniors
Thursday, April 28 2 to 4 p.m. • Heritage Run Meeting Room Presented by: Senior Transitions Whether you prefer a really deep cleaning to open up your home for spring or you are looking to prepare to downsize, we have a few tips for you that will help you to get through that spring cleaning faster. There is no charge for this event, but space is limited. Please respond by Tuesday, April 26 to Jeri Farmer at 410-235-1706 or nfarmer@psl.org.
OPEN HOUSE Walk In Wednesday April 20 • 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. 1080 East 33rd Street • Baltimore, MD 21218
www.heritagerun.org
Stop in to tour our community and get answers to all your questions.
It is our policy to admit residents without regard to race, color, religion, sex, handicap or national origin and any other federal, state or local fair housing protections. Note: Housing for Older Persons is exempt from the prohibitions against age or familial status.
cause of accidents or illness. Ultimately, Ellis wishes that her position might become unnecessary. “We would love not to have any problems, ever. We want the residents to do well, the food to be wonderful, the staff to be nice, and everything be just like you want it to be, to be like a home,” she said. “Whether you are in a nursing home or assisted living for a week or for years, we
bowls, many of them gifts that weren’t to my taste, and employed her ritual: “Take each item in one’s hand and ask: ‘Does this spark joy?’ If it does, keep it. If not, dispose of it.” As I proceeded, I contemplated the giftgivers’ kindness. “You don’t need to feel guilty for parting with a gift,” Kondo writes. “Just thank it for the joy it gave you when you first received it.” Along the way, I found things I love, like a carved wooden dish I now use to display fruit. I hesitated over my mom’s ornate, silver-plated sugar-and-creamer, which I’ll never use. But I cleaned the tarnish off and a friend pronounced them “shabby chic.” They now decorate a windowsill. As Kondo says, “If you have items that you love even though they seem useless, please give them a turn in the spotlight.”
Tackling clothes I dumped all my clothes on my bed and dove in. Some didn’t fit, or were stained or damaged. Some were gifts, or I’d bought them on vacation. I sent the rejects off with Kondo’s blessing: “Thank you for giving me joy when I See DECLUTTER, page B-9
want it to be homelike and a nice place to be. We want to make sure the quality of life is good. “Unfortunately, that’s not always the case…but when it’s not, I am glad we can be here to help.” Ellis can be reached at (410) 767-2161. These local ombudsman offices can also be contacted about concerns in long-term care or assisted living settings: Baltimore County: (410) 887-4200 Baltimore City: (401) 396-3144 Anne Arundel County: (410) 222-4464
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BALTIMORE BEACON — APRIL 2016
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CCRCs offer a lifetime continuum of care Continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs), or multi-level care facilities, assure their residents independent living as long as possible, and provide for assisted living and nursing assistance if or when it is needed. This type of living arrangement can be particularly useful to financially sound couples who are in need of different levels of care and who wish to maintain a strong relationship. The typical CCRC resident is a physically and financially independent, 80year old, highly educated, single female. Although CCRCs gained a somewhat negative reputation in the 1980s because some closed due to financial difficulty, the number of CCRCs in the United States has reached about 1,200 and continues to grow. (Maryland has 37 CCRCs) Approximately 350,000 residents live in these for-profit and not-for-profit facilities, and this number will continue to increase as
Declutter From page B-8 bought you,” or “Thank you for teaching me what doesn’t suit me.” “By acknowledging their contribution and letting them go with gratitude, you will be able to truly put the things you own, and your life, in order,” she writes. Kondo is fine with keeping things you don’t use, as long as “you can say without a doubt, ‘I really like this!’” So I kept the flowered confection of a hat I bought in England, although I’ll never wear it. She also says nothing is too special for everyday wear. So now I wear a favorite black velvet top to work.
Scary places, beautiful spaces I have a dark, scary closet under the roof
more individuals are able to meet the eligibility requirements for CCRCs. Entrance restrictions normally specify a minimum age, as well as a certain level of health and finances. Waiting lists can be months or years long for such facilities, so it’s best to start looking into continuing care facilities well before you are planning to move.
Levels of care Most CCRCs provide three separate levels of care: independent living units, assisted living, and skilled nursing care. In some cases, individuals move progressively through these levels of care: they need little care in the beginning and progressively require a greater amount of care. In other cases, residents require additional care for a limited period of time and then return to independent or assisted living.
During the first of these levels, the resident lives in his or her own residential unit. Double occupancy units exist for married individuals, but the majority are single units in the form of studio apartments, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, or larger units. During this period, residential services might include housekeeping, laundry services and meals. Acute medical treatment in the form of skilled nursing, physical therapy, or assistance with personal needs is also available.
While independent, residents are most likely to take advantage of the residential facilities — which can include craft rooms, gardening areas, golf courses, recreational facilities, tennis courts, swimming pools and walking trails. Assisted living is an intermediate level of care that some residents experience between independent living and skilled nursing care. During this phase, residents with chronic See CCRCs, page B-10
that I’ve been throwing stuff into for 20 years. Kondo emboldened my excavation. Crumbling 1970s luggage? Out! Subzero military boots bought secondhand for a winter trip to Alaska? Donated to the Salvation Army. My outdoorsy son’s camping equipment stayed, but Kondo’s folding techniques helped reduce the space needed for his weatherproof clothing and bedding. Once again, forgotten treasures emerged: artwork from Morocco, a carved wooden bowl that belonged to my late mother-in-law. Both are now on display. “By the time you finish, you’ll see something you love everywhere you look,” Kondo writes. And that’s her real genius: “You are not choosing what to discard but rather what to keep.” — AP
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CCRCs From page B-9 care needs are assisted both medically and with personal care tasks (bathing, dressing, eating, etc.). Finally, skilled nursing care is also offered by the majority of CCRCs in the form of short- and long-term nursing care and rehabilitative services. These services are often offered on-site, although some facilities contract with nearby nursing homes. Services offered to all residents typically include educational programs, exercise classes, meals, on-site healthcare, organized social activities and transportation.
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APRIL 2016 — BALTIMORE BEACON
Under almost all circumstances, an individual must be healthy and reasonably independent to be admitted to a CCRC. The level of care needed by the resident is initially assessed, and this process should be clearly explained in the residential contract. Normally, care is assessed by a group that includes family members, medical advisors, and the manager of the CCRC.
Fees and payments The availability of these services and activities can make CCRCs quite expensive. All fees should be clearly detailed in the initial membership contract. Before you sign a contract, you should
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have a financial advisor look over your finances to make sure you will be able to meet the terms of the contract for the years to come. Additionally, the financial advisor should look over the finances of the CCRC to make sure that it is a sound fi-
nancial investment for the future. Three types of payment plans exist for CRCCs, including a plan with an entry and monthly fee, a plan with a rental fee, and a See CCRCs, page B-11
Questions to ask of a CCRC As with all residential communities, before you agree to move to a CCRC, you should visit several facilities and interview staff and residents. Below are some questions to ask at your visit, in addition to the more basic questions you would ask about any residential facility. Additionally, it is smart to visit a facility several times before making a final decision. While you are there, be sure to eat with residents, talk to the staff, and pick up a current copy of the resident handbook. If possible, try to stay in the guest quarters once or twice as well. Questions specific to CCRCs include: • Is the facility accredited by CARF? • Are there fitness facilities on the premises? • What types of recreational activities are offered? How often? Who plans them? • Is there a community council that allows residents to voice concerns and help in managing the community? • What types of community rules and regulations exist? • Can residents have pets? • What happens if a couple moves in and one of the individuals falls ill and must move to a nursing home? Is the other required to move? What happens if the spouse gets well after the other has moved? • How long will the community main-
tain a living unit if a resident is temporarily placed in a nursing unit? • Under what other conditions might you be asked to move? • What is the entrance fee and under what circumstances is this fee refundable? • How are the monthly fees established and what are these fees estimated to be? • What services are included for these fees? • Under what conditions can these fees be increased? • Who decides what type of care individuals require? How often is this reassessed? • What type of healthcare is provided at the facility? Short-term? Long-term? • What are the limits, if any, to the health and medical care covered by the regular fees? • Can Medicare or Medicaid be used at the nursing/health center? • What are the policies for transferring an individual between levels of care? (Get these in writing.) • Does the facility guarantee that a nursing home on or near the property will be available when needed? • What actions are taken if your personal financial resources become depleted? — National Caregivers Library
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BALTIMORE BEACON — APRIL 2016
CCRCs From page B-10 plan based on equity. • Entry and monthly fee plans are the most widely used. Under this type of plan, the resident pays a sizable up-front entry fee, which may be nonrefundable, refundable on a declining basis over time, partially refundable, or even fully refundable. The policies concerning the initial entrance fee vary between CCRCs, so check the contract of the specific facility to learn more about its policy. On average, entrance fees range from $100,000 to $750,000, and monthly fees of $3,000 to $5,000 are charged to cover expenses associated with the living unit, required medical care and services. • Rental plans charge a rental or monthly fee to cover housing and services. Many times healthcare isn’t included in these services, so check carefully when looking at these plans. • Equity-based plans allow individuals to purchase their own living area. In doing so, individuals also may gain value from the appreciation of the living area, but are allowed to resell the unit only to qualified individuals. In these situations, an owner’s association governs the residential services and healthcare, which residents can purchase in addition to the living area.
• A modified contact covers amenities, residential services, housing, and only a specified amount of nursing care. After the duration of the specified nursing care has been used, a resident would pay for required services on a daily or monthly basis. • A fee-for-ser vice contract covers amenities, residential services, and housing, but only emergency or short-term nursing care. Residents must pay for longterm nursing care at daily rates.
Regardless of the payment plan, costs vary due to age, gender, marital status, and location of the facility. You should expect to pay higher rates if you: • are young and financially secure, such that monthly rates will be paid for a period of years, • are female, because of the longer lifeexpectancy, and/or • are married, because there is a greater likelihood that one spouse will become ill and the other will eventually move to a smaller living unit, increasing turnover in the unit.
Finding the right facility
Three kinds of contracts
Since there are no federal regulations governing CCRCs, find out what state or
It is also important to have an attorney review the CCRC contract before you sign it. Remember that this document is legally binding and intended to cover housing and healthcare for the remainder of your life. Payment contracts for CCRCs are set up in one of three ways: extensive, modified, and fee-for-service. • Extensive contracts are the most comprehensive, covering amenities, residential services, housing, and long-term nursing care without an increase in monthly payments (except for normal inflation adjustments). The structure of extensive contracts spreads health risk among all residents so that no resident will experience financial ruin. Most CCRCs offer this type of contract.
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local guidelines exist. Additionally, check to see if the facility is accredited by CARF — an independent, nonprofit accrediting body. Accreditation by CARF means that the facility has met certain standards in the areas of residential life, health and wellness, financial resources and disclosure, and governance and administration. This accreditation requires CCRCs to submit annual financial statements and must be renewed every five years. Courtesy of the National Caregivers Library. For additional articles on caregiving, housing and healthcare, see www.caregiverslibrary.org.
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APRIL 2016 — BALTIMORE BEACON
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Say you saw it in the Beacon
Money Law &
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DID YOU DONATE? Some last-minute tax advice: Follow the rules to maximize the tax deduction for charitable contributions
ADVICE FOR UNCERTAIN TIMES Surprise! Experts say stick with your plan and invest for the long term, despite bumps in the road
Try to beat the market in 2016 with these By Steven Goldberg Even after the sharp sell-off so far this year, the stock market isn’t bargain-priced. But many stocks are cheaper than they were at the first of the year — making this a good time to beef up your investments in solid companies like the ones I recommend below. These five picks, in my view, ought to beat the market — whether the sell-off accelerates or ends today. I have a lot of confidence in my fund picks. But when I’m hunting for stocks, I often turn to Morningstar. Morningstar is far better known for its fund coverage, but it employs more than 100 stock analysts. More important: The track record of Morningstar’s stock picks is superb. Over the past 10 years, the recommendations of Morningstar Stock Investor, which draws on the work of the firm’s analysts, returned an annualized 9.6 percent — an average of 2.3 percentage points per year better than Standard & Poor’s 500stock index. (The figures are through December 31, the last date for which returns for the newsletter are available.) What’s more, the clearly written newsletter, which costs $125 a year, doesn’t have a
huge audience. Unlike what happens when a big brokerage makes a call, the price of a stock rarely pops or drops dramatically when Morningstar makes a buy or sell recommendation. Editor Matt Coffina, like most market analysts, sees stocks as close to fully valued. But below are a few of his best picks for 2016. Returns, prices and related data are as of March 14.
Berkshire Hathaway Berkshire Hathaway Class B (symbol BRK.B $130.34). Warren Buf fett, who painstakingly assembled this sprawling conglomerate, with annual sales of about $212 billion, over the past half-century, is 85 years old and irreplaceable. But he’s done as much as any CEO could to prepare the firm for his successors, including delegating most of the stock picking to two much younger men. Berkshire lost 15 percent over the past year, setting up an attractive buying opportunity. The stock trades at 1.2 times book value (assets minus liabilities). In Buffett’s view, Berkshire is undervalued when it trades at 1.2 times book value, and he will buy back
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shares when its valuation falls to that level or below. That effectively sets a floor under the stock’s price unless, of course, book value falls.
Cooper Companies Cooper Companies (COO $146.84) is the third largest manufacturer of contact lenses in a business that four global companies dominate. It stands to benefit from the growing number of people in emerging markets who are getting contacts and the shift in developed nations to more expensive lenses that are disposed of daily. Coffina says Cooper should generate double-digit-percentage annual earnings growth over the next five years. The stock trades at nearly 17 times estimated 2016 earnings, somewhat more than the price-earnings ratio of Standard & Poor’s 500-stock index.
Novartis Healthcare stocks in the S&P 500 gained 7 percent last year, handily beating the S&P 500’s 1.4 percent return. Healthcare continues to be my favorite sector. Unlike some big drug makers, Switzer-
land-based Novartis (NVS $70.12) has remained innovative, and most of its patent losses are behind it. It has a large a pipeline of potentially important drugs in development, including treatments for heart failure and cancer. Novartis’s American depositary receipts trade at 16 times forecasted 2016 profits, a bargain if even only a couple of those development-stage chemicals become blockbuster drugs.
Express Scripts Another defensive pick is Express Scripts Holding (ESRX $70.12), the largest U.S. pharmacy benefit manager, with more than 1.3 billion claims processed in 2014. It contracts with major insurance companies and employers to provide prescription medications. Its size in this fast-growing industry gives it unrivaled power to negotiate prices with drug companies. Its growing mail-order business, which supplies prescription drugs directly to consumers, boasts especially healthy profit margins. The stock, at 13 times estimated 2016 earnings, looks like a good deal. See BEAT THE MARKET, page 16
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APRIL 2016 — BALTIMORE BEACON
To deduct contributions, follow the rules By Carole Feldman Did you donate a car to a charitable organization in 2015, or some clothing to the church thrift shop? Maybe you made a
cash contribution to your alma mater or in memory of a loved one. If you want to take a deduction for the donation, you have to itemize deductions
BEACON BITS
Apr. 14+
FREE ARCHEOLOGY LECTURES Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum (JPPM) Speaker Series
brings together professionals on a diverse range of topics in a series of five lectures. The lectures are held at the Maryland Archaeological Conservation Laboratory (MAC Lab, 10515 Mackall Rd., St. Leonard, MD), at 7 p.m. The lectures are free and open to the public. The speaker series kicks-off on Thursday, April 14 with a lecture from Becca Piexotto entitled “Needed: Skilled CaverArchaeologist.” Piexotto is one of a six-woman team who recently excavated 15 partial skeletons of a new species of human relative named “Homo naledi.” The excavation was heralded across the world and is expected to change the way scientists think about human origins. For lecture details or additional information, visit www.jefpat.org, call (410) 586-8501 or email jef.pat@maryland.gov.
on your tax return. But there’s more to it than that. First, you have to make sure the organization to which you’re donating is a qualified charity. Furthermore, the money can’t be targeted to a particular individual, even if it’s going through that charity, said Dave Du Val, vice president for consumer advocacy at taxaudit.com. He uses this example: Say you’re driving to Goodwill to drop off some clothes and you see a homeless man in the street. You give him one of the coats that you were planning to donate. “It suits [you] well in the next life, but it’s not a deduction,” he said. Similarly, if your neighbors’ house burns down and your church starts a fund to help them rebuild, a contribution to the fund isn’t deductible, Du Val said. However, if the church has a fund to help people in need, but not specifically your neighbor, you could take the deduction.
Charge or check, but not cash For a contribution of money to be deductible, you need proof that you made the
Beat the market From page 15
Ventas Ventas (VTR $60.10) is a real estate investment trust that owns 1,600 senior-living communities, assisted-living and skilled-nursing facilities, and other medical buildings in the U.S. and Canada. It rents out most of its facilities, but derives about one-third of its revenues from facilities it operates itself. Most of the occupants of all of these facilities are relatively affluent patients with private insurance, meaning Ventas has lit-
Frank, Frank
donation. That could be a canceled check or an itemized line on your credit card statement. So, Du Val said, if you put a $10 bill in the bucket of a Salvation Army bell ringer, that’s not deductible. But if you wrote out a check to the Salvation Army and put that in the bucket, it is. If the contribution is more than $250, you also will need a receipt from the organization. If the charity sends you a “gift” to entice your contribution, or you attend a fundraising banquet, your deduction will be affected. The Internal Revenue Service makes clear, “If you get something in return for your donation, your donation is limited. You can only deduct the amount of your gift that is more than the value of what you got in return.” The IRS lists possible items received for donations, including meals, merchandise or tickets. Charitable organizations often will include on your receipt the amount that is deductible. Congress, as part of the tax extender bill See DEDUCTIONS, page 18
tle exposure to the vagaries of Medicare and Medicaid funding. Coffina says that the high quality of the REIT’s properties will also protect Ventas from overbuilding in senior housing. The stock yields 5.3 percent, and Ventas has boosted its dividend at an annual rate of 6.4 percent over the past five years. Steve Goldberg is an investment adviser in the Greater Washington area. He, one or more clients, or both own these stocks except for Cooper and Ventas. All contents © 2016 the Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC
& Scherr, LLC
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Say you saw it in the Beacon | Law & Money
BALTIMORE BEACON — APRIL 2016
17
Expert advice for these uncertain times Readers have been asking about market yield. What they are selling is an income volatility, capital preservation, and plan- rider, which can be used for income only. ning for a long-term secure Upfront bonuses offered by retirement. I approached sevannuity companies are not free eral experts I respect in varimoney; there are charges and ous financial disciplines to fees attached. ask their advice. “Annuities have their place Stan Haithcock, annuity exfor principal protection, lifepert: “Stay rational and time income needs and legacy grounded when looking for planning. Annuities are consafe money solutions. In a lowtracts, and should only be coninterest world, annuity salessidered for their contractual people will tell you what you guarantees. They are not too THE SAVINGS want to hear to get the sale. good to be true, but they can GAME “If the U.S. 10-year-Treabe pretty darn good if fully unBy Elliot Raphaelson sury is around 2 percent, derstood for their benefits and then some indexed annuity limitations.” agent CANNOT return 6 or 7 percent Visit Haithcock’s website (StanTheAn-
nuityMan.com), where you can obtain his well-written annuity booklets.
Make a plan, stick with it Larry Swedroe, best-selling author: “In order to develop and maintain a prosperous long-term retirement plan, I recommend a three-prong approach. “Step One: Develop a realistic retirement plan, consistent with your asset base, sources of income and desired lifestyle. Don’t hesitate to use a competent financial planner to assist you. “Step Two: Use a passive approach, investing in diversified mutual funds and exchange-traded funds with low annual costs rather than active funds with higher costs. “Step Three: Maintain discipline to ‘stay
the course.’ Don’t stray from your plan because of market volatility. Have the flexibility to change your plan when your personal situation changes. Rebalance regularly, at least once a year, to ensure that your portfolio remains consistent with your plan.” Swedroe’s latest book is The Incredible Shrinking Alpha: And What You Can Do to Escape Its Clutches (Buckingham). Jonathan Clements, personal finance columnist: “Nobody knows how financial markets will perform in 2016, so focus on five financial advantages that we all possess: “First, human capital, which is our inSee EXPERT ADVICE, page 18
BEACON BITS
Mar. 29
FREE MOVIE AND MUSIC LECTURE SERIES
The Shriver Hall Concert Series presents its annual free lecture series with Richard Giarusso of the Peabody Institute. This season’s three-part series explores the varied role of classical music in three contrasting films. Focusing on Norman Jewison’s Moonstruck, Luchino Visconti’s Death in Venice, and Wes Anderson’s Moonrise Kingdom, Giarusso looks at the directors’ uniquely effective methods of incorporating music and musical structures into their work. Tickets are free, but reservations are required and can be made through the Shriver Hall Concert Series Box Office at (410) 516-7164.
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Visit PenFed.org/GreatRates or call 866-367-0231. No military service required. 1. APY (Annual Percentage Yield). Account is a variable rate account. APY is valid as of last dividend declaration date of March 1, 2016. Accounts with direct deposits of $1,000 or more AND a daily balance up to $50,000 per statement cycle can earn dividends. Once an account is eligible to earn dividends, daily balances less than $20,000 earn 0.20% APY, daily balances of $20,000, or more, up to $50,000 earn 0.50% APY. APY and tiers are subject to change at any time. Fees may reduce earnings on account. $25 minimum deposit required to open the account. When an account is terminated prior to the end of a statement cycle, dividends will be paid if the aggregate direct deposit requirement is met on the date of account termination. 2.Rate applies to owner-occupied properties with LTV up to 80% and loans up to $400,000. Rate depends on loan term length, loan to value (LTV), fair market value (FMV) owner occupancy, and use of funds. Rates are higher for non-owner occupied properties. Fixed Home Equity Loan Payment Example: For an owner occupied property and a loan amount of $25,000 at 3.74% APR; 60 monthly payments of approximately $457.02 each. Fixed equity products are not offered on properties that reflect Penfed in first lien position. LTV ratio requirements: In Texas, the maximum owner occupied LTV allowed is 80%; 75% LTV for non-owner occupied. In states other than Texas, the maximum owner occupied LTV is 90%; 80% LTV for non-owner occupied. The maximum LTV for a condominium in all states is 70%. Property insurance is required. Borrower pays cost of appraisal if needed to determine LTV. Other terms and conditions may apply. Call 800-970-7766 Extension 6400 to talk to a representative for details.
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Deductions From page 16 passed late last year, made permanent the ability of people 70½ years old or older to roll over up to $100,000 from their IRA to a charity tax-free. Those who take advantage of that provision won’t have to count the distribution from the IRA as income. But there’s no double-dipping. If you make the direct donation, you can’t also deduct it on your return. Still, Du Val said taxpayers who want to donate are “generally better off” if they don’t have to deal with the extra income and the resulting taxes.
He said the distribution also counts toward the required minimum distribution that IRA holders have to start taking at that age.
Non-cash donations What about deductions for contributions of clothing and other property? You can only deduct the fair market value of an item — what it would sell for at a thrift store, for example. “Even if the shirt is new and still has the tag on it, people aren’t going to go into the thrift store and pay $100 for it,” Du Val said. And there’s no deduction for sentimental value.
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If the non-cash donation is more than $500, you must fill out Section A of Form 8283 and file it with your return. If it’s valued at more than $5,000, Section B also is required, and you’ll need a valid appraisal of the item in hand when you file your taxes, Du Val said.
Special rules for cars If you donate a car, the deduction is not the fair value of the car but what the charitable organization sells it for, according to Du Val. However, there is an exception: If the organization gives the car to a needy family, for example, or uses it for an ambulance,
Expert advice From page 17 come-earning ability. The more income we earn, the less dependent we are on the financial markets. “Second, we know how we reacted to earlier market declines, and we can use that to guide how much risk we take today. Third, we know when we’ll need cash from our portfolio, and we can make sure we get that money out of risky investments and into safe investments well before the deadline arrives. “Fourth, if we’re living off our portfolio and the market declines, we can always limit the damage by cutting back spending. “Fifth, if you don’t want to depend on stocks and bonds, get off the market rollercoaster and lock in a healthy stream of lifetime income by delaying Social Security and using part of your savings to purchase plain-vanilla immediate-fixed annuities that pay lifetime income.”
Invest for the long term Robert Johnson, president and CEO, the American College of Financial Services: “Stock market returns have been con-
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you can take the fair market value, he said. In either case, you have to substantiate the vehicle’s value. Don’t forget that if you’re delivering the donation or doing other work for a charitable organization, you can deduct the mileage. The rate for 2015 was 14 cents a mile for using your car for charitable work. As the presidential campaign heats up, taxpayers should be aware that donations to political candidates are not deductible. Neither the candidates nor the political parties themselves are charitable organizations. — AP siderably lower during periods of rising interest rates than during periods of falling interest rates. “In my book Invest with the Fed (McGraw-Hill), I found that, from 1966 through 2013, the S&P 500 returned on average 15.2 percent annually when rates were falling, but only 5.9 percent when rates were rising. I’d counsel investors to expect lower returns on stocks in 2016. “The best way to build true wealth is to invest in the stock market over the long term. Over the past 90 years, stocks on average have returned over 10 percent compounded annually. To put this into perspective, 39 of the last 50 years have seen the S&P 500 index have a positive return. The old adage, ‘Time in the market is more important than timing the market,’ is definitely true. “If you are approaching retirement, it is prudent to lighten your stock-market exposure. People near retirement simply can’t afford a big market decline. Known as ‘sequence of returns’ risk, a major decline close to retirement date can have a huge impact on your financial health.” Elliot Raphaelson welcomes your questions and comments at elliotraph@gmail.com. © 2016 Elliot Raphaelson. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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BALTIMORE BEACON — APRIL 2016
Say you saw it in the Beacon
Travel
19
Leisure &
Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg has waterslides and rides galore. See story on page 20.
Colonial Williamsburg and Busch Gardens
Bringing history to life The courtroom scene involving James Hubbard is repeated today exactly where it took place when Virginia was a colony. The real James Hubbard actually lived and practiced law in Williamsburg, and the actor-im-
personator who depicts him today bases his interpretation on documented facts. Hubbard plays but a small part in a fascinating tableau of reenactments, as well as tours led by factually-based characters and a wide variety of other interpretive programs that combine to make Colonial Williamsburg unique. For nearly a century, from 1699 to 1780, Williamsburg, which was named for King William III of England, served as the capital of the Virginia Colony. That sprawling settlement encompassed the territory of eight present-day states, stretching west to the Mississippi River and north as far as the Great Lakes. In its heyday, the town of about 2,000 residents was the cultural, social and political center of the 13 colonies. Before Thomas Jefferson relocated the Virginia capital to Richmond in 1781, he and other patriots, including George Washington and Patrick Henry, frequented its shops, taverns and other establishments. While Williamsburg’s fortunes declined after the Revolution, the town and the important role it played in the New World were not forgotten. In 1926, John D. Rockefeller, Jr. launched an effort to restore the setting to its former splendor. Surviving Colonial structures were meticulously renovated to their 18th century appearance, and missing buildings were reconstructed on their original sites. Today, more than 500 history-touched
PHOTO COURTESY OF COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG
By Victor Block It is the 1770s in England’s Virginia Colony as the pounding of a sheriff’s wooden staff on the floor calls the court to order. Attorney James Hubbard prepares to defend his client. Centering his neat wig and smoothing the frilly lace sleeves of his shirt, Hubbard bows to the bench and begins to plead his case. Not far away sits a quaint village reminiscent of Renaissance Italy. It is adorned by statuary and fountains against a backdrop of lush gardens. Replicas of ancient ruins and the mouth-watering aroma of pizza add to the illusion of having been transported to Europe. These imaginary trips — one back in time, the other to another continent — are among the reasons those with an interest in history and travel are attracted to Williamsburg, Va. In Colonial Williamsburg, the well-preserved original setting enables a realistic immersion in early American history. Busch Gardens, a short drive away, entertains guests in “hamlets” that depict aspects of life in six European countries, combining Old World charm with the 21st century thrills of an adventure park.
PHOTO COURTESY OF BUSCH GARDENS
Irish dancers are among the many performing groups at Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, whose “hamlets” depict aspects of life in six European countries.
Live interpreters and artisans bring the 18th century to life at Colonial Williamsburg, portraying everything from court defendants to blacksmiths to cooks. Williamsburg served as the capital of the Virginia Colony from 1699 to 1780, and many buildings have been restored to their former glory.
buildings — imposing public structures and modest dwellings, bustling taverns and crowded shops — line tree-shaded streets that echo the clip-clop of horsedrawn carriages.
Costumed cooks and carpenters But it is primarily the people who bring Williamsburg to life. Character interpreters dressed in Colonial style clothing depict real-life former residents of the town, conversing with visitors in period grammar as they go about their daily tasks. Cooks in the George Wythe House follow “receipts” (recipes) from 18th-century cookbooks to prepare authentic dishes on the hearth. Half of Colonial Williamsburg’s population was black, and many interpreters demonstrate aspects of their lives as well. Costumed artisans use 18th century tools to fashion items that closely resemble those made by their Colonial predecessors, including reproduction toys, pottery and pewterware. The bookbinder carefully hand-stitches cover boards for a new volume. A silversmith creates wares that would have appealed to the colony’s wealthier members. A shoemaker fashions men’s boots “with good thread well-twisted.” Among other historic tradespeople are a
basket weaver, cabinet maker and milliner. The results of all these craftsmen’s efforts are available for purchase in stores along Duke of Gloucester Street. Leaving no stone unturned, figuratively as well as literally, historians, archaeologists and others transform research and construction projects into learning experiences for the public. For example, trials take place in the courthouse which has been reconstructed as closely as possible to its original form. Architectural historians scoured plans, court records and other documents for clues to its former appearance. Then costumed carpenters used tools and techniques of Colonial times to restore the building, as visitors looked on. You may also find yourself attending a theatrical comedy or a traveling magic show reminiscent of entertainment in the 18th century.
Europe from a roller coaster While Colonial Williamsburg is a living history museum that introduces visitors to England’s Virginia Colony, an area of nearby Busch Gardens transports guests to a See WILLIAMSBURG, page 21
20
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APRIL 2016 — BALTIMORE BEACON
Join the kids in this waterpark adventure By Fyllis Hochman “You want me to get on that and go down to where?” I cried from high atop the Alberta Falls waterslide, looking down to an alleged pool that was well out of visual range. My 11year-old granddaughter nodded with a look of both consternation and resignation that I tried very hard to take in stride. Such was my introduction to a vast array of unusual children’s activities that mesmerized the 70-year-old kid in me as much as they did Dalya, 14, and Mollie, 11, as we frolicked through the indoor waterpark at Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg, Va. There is so much going on at the waterpark that I didn’t know where to look first. The pool basketball game, the lazy river, the wave pool, the kiddie pool, the fourstory interactive treehouse with a section of ascending inter-connected rope tunnels leading to two winding slides, and, of
course, the three waterslides that dominate the park and stretch both inside and outside the building. (The outside waterpark area opens in late Spring.) And everywhere the smiles were as wide as the lazy river was long. No matter what the activity, you’re never too far from a potential dousing from overhead buckets both large and small, eliciting cries of surprise from bathers of every age. Once our skins unpruned, we were ready for more land-based adventures — and there were as many of those as there were waterpark options. The piece de resistance is the MagiQuest — a hard-to-describe adventure that takes kids throughout all four floors of the hotel as they seek magical powers, potions and portents (all enabled by their magic wand) to satisfy the demands of the Questmaster, a Merlin-like presence en-
sconced in a computer inside a tree. You don’t dare not follow his instructions! There are multiple quests, with multiple clues to each quest, that require you to visit the Enchanted Forest, Tangled Woods, Piney Path and Whispery Woods, all located throughout the hotel. “The Ancient Book of Wisdom,” which you get when you sign up for MagiQuest, directs you to the clues. It’s a good thing I was with Dalya and Mollie: I never could have figured out what to do! And the list of the things we didn’t do was almost as long as those we did. We did not go to the Scoops Kid’s Spa, where the nail polish for mini-manicures all come with ice cream flavor names, the pedicures are done while seated in giant banana-split thrones, the facials, bath balms and scrubs are either vanilla, chocolate or strawberry, and the glitter make-up application comes with a tiara.
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We didn’t try the life-size time challenge game, where you race both against the clock and your opponents to push out balloon-size blinking light buttons. We didn’t bowl at Ten Paw Alley with five pound balls and bumpers along the pint-size lanes. We didn’t attend any of the several 4D-movies offered at the Howly Wood Theater. We could have spent a week there and never gotten bored, but hey, Williamsburg and Busch Gardens beckoned, and I reluctantly followed. Room rates vary widely, depending on the date chosen and room style. There are also numerous special discounts that vary by date. In mid-April, the least expensive room is $259 a night on weekdays and $429 on weekends without discounts. All rooms include passes to the waterpark. For more information about Great Wolf Lodge, visit www.greatwolf.com/Williamsburg or call 1-800-551-9653.
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ADVOCATE FOR A CHILD IN NEED Nearly 4,000
Baltimore City children are living in foster care due to abuse or neglect. If you were one of these children, would you want someone to advocate for your welfare in the court system? Court Appointed Special Advocate Volunteers (CASAs) do just that. Time spent volunteering is flexible. Volunteers are trained and supervised by CASA’s professional staff. To
ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY
HARFORD COUNTY
get more information about volun-
Furnace Branch 410-761-4150 Severna Park 410-544-3411
Bel Air 410-893-0064 Box Hill 410-515-6115
teering, call (410) 244-1465 or visit
BALTIMORE CITY
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Ashland Terrace 410-276-6440 Coldspring 410-542-4400
Colonial Landing 410-796-4399 Columbia 410-381-1118 Ellicott City 410-203-9501 Ellicott City II 410-203-2096 Emerson 301-483-3322 Snowden River 410-290-0384
BALTIMORE COUNTY Catonsville 410-719-9464 Dundalk 410-288-5483 Fullerton 410-663-0665 Miramar Landing 410-391-8375 Randallstown 410-655-5673 Rosedale 410-866-1886 Taylor 410-663-0363 Towson 410-828-7185 Woodlawn 410-281-1120
Mar. 30+
FORUM ON U.S. OPPORTUNITY GAP The distribution of
income and wealth in the United States has been widening steadily for several decades. “United, Not Divided: Economic Inequality and
PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY
Opportunity Gap” is a two-day public
Bladensburg 301-699-9785 55 AND BETTER!
forum where scholars, community
Laurel 301-490-1526 Laurel II 301-490-9730
the general public will discuss these
leaders, policy makers, students and issues with the goal of exploring ways to mitigate their negative impacts. The forum will take place at
EASTERN SHORE Easton 410-770-3070
www.casabalt.org.
= NEWLY RENOVATED
the Marriot Inner Harbor at Camden Yards, March 30 and 31. This forum is free and open to the public, but
www.ParkViewSeniorLiving.com
advance registration is required. Attendees should register by March
Call the community nearest you to inquire about eligibility requirements and to arrange a personal tour or email parkviewliving@sheltergrp.com. Professionally managed by The Shelter Group. www.thesheltergroup.com
25 at www.smcm.edu/baltimoreforum or by calling (240) 895-4215.
Say you saw it in the Beacon | Leisure & Travel
BALTIMORE BEACON — APRIL 2016
Williamsburg From page 19 replica of the Mother Country itself. Banbury Cross is one area in that combination theme and adventure park. It recalls and replicates an English market town, and incorporates familiar touches like red telephone booths and a reproduction of the famous clock tower. For daredevils of all ages who enjoy action-packed excitement, the park promises, and delivers, plenty of thrills. Rides range from tame to terrifying, including an extensive collection of roller coasters. Among the choices are the Tempesto, which transports passengers through a complete inversion, Apollo’s Chariot, with a top speed of 73 miles per hour, and the 13-story tall Loch Ness Monster, with its double-looping ride. Back at ground level, the scene is much more tranquil. The setting includes 10 “hamlets” that present inviting mini-environments themed to villages in England, Scotland, Ireland, France, Germany and Italy. Each of these areas reflects the architecture, culture and even foods of the country it represents. The most prominent attraction in “England” is a double-size reproduction of the Globe Theater — which was originally built in 1599 and became world famous as the stage where the plays of William Shakespeare were performed. A popular feature in “Scotland” is the Highland Stables, where guests may interact with border collies, sturdy Clydesdale horses and black-faced sheep. A three-story tall representation of a 17thcentury glockenspiel is a highlight of the “German” village, and its marching knights, soldiers and dancing criers spring to life every 15 minutes. The hamlet’s brown-timbered buildings echo typical medieval architecture, and provide a backdrop for members of a brass band clad in traditional lederhosen who fill the streets with music.
Gardens galore Along with their many other attractions, both Colonial Williamsburg and Busch Gardens have great appeal to garden lovers. Plantings in Colonial Williamsburg range from the formal splendor surrounding the Governor’s Palace, to utilitarian kitchen plots that once provided a bounty of fruits, vegetables and herbs. As with all other aspects of the outdoor living history museum, meticulous research resulted in the re-creation of historically accurate layouts, flowers and trees. Visitors to Busch Gardens soon understand the reason for the second word in its name. Its lush, rolling forested landscape has been named the “World’s Most Beautiful Theme Park” by the National Amusement Park Historical Association every year since 1990. In keeping with attention to authenticity, many of the plants that adorn the setting are native to Western Europe. Such small details add to the appeal of both Colonial Williamsburg and Busch Gardens, and help to provide experiences that combine historically based charm with present-day entertainment. Throw in the multi-generational family fun available at neighboring Great Wolf Lodge (see “Join the kids in this waterpark adventure” on page 20), and it’s easy to understand the combined attraction of the three for people of all ages.
If you go Visitors to Colonial Williamsburg have a choice of accommodations at hotels, more intimate inns and guest houses. The most meaningful immersion in history is available for those who overnight in refurbished and reconstructed original buildings that in Colonial days served as taverns, kitchens and slave quarters, among other practical uses. Economy accommodations for standard rooms begin
as low as $40 a night and escalate to a maximum of $849 for a luxury suite. The selection of places to eat is equally varied. At the colorfully named Huzzah! BBQ Grille, light fare includes chicken or pork quesadillas ($8.95) and Caesar or house salad ($7.95). More formal settings and servings are available at four historic taverns. Chowning’s is a reconstructed alehouse named for its original proprietor, Joseph Chown-
21
ing, who opened for business in the mid18th century. A large bowl of bean soup ($9) is hearty enough to serve as a meal, as are Welsh rarebit ($9), whose name originated in 18th century Great Britain, and a Virginia pork barbeque sandwich ($11). For more information about Colonial Williamsburg, call 1-844-574-2733 or visit www.colonialwilliamsburg.com. For information about Busch Gardens, call 1-800343-7946 or see buschgardens.com/va.
22
APRIL 2016 — BALTIMORE BEACON
More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com
Style Arts &
Among the features of the upcoming Light City Baltimore festival will be light sculptures like these diamondshaped structures that visitors can walk through.
Broadway performer gets people dancing “When we came to Baltimore, I wanted to find a new purpose to my life,” said Philip, who lives in Mt. Vernon. “I’d already done everything I wanted to in New York.”
Creating a dance company As Philip got to know her adopted city better, she realized she wanted to stay true to her dance roots but at the same time involve the community. She decided to form a company, Dance & Bmore (DAB), which would offer classes and events that were free and open to the public. The group’s first event, Dance in Bmore Family Jam, was held in 2011. “I believe it is time for a movement that redirects our focus from the art to the
heart,” said Philip. “As much as I have lived a life filled with dance, I don’t believe dance in and of itself is so important. But when utilized to connect, communicate and create human contact, social awareness and unifying bonds, I believe that is
when movement is most beautiful. “Connecting families and communities is our mission. Dance is a wonderfully creative tool to do that and so much more.” See DANCE, page 25
PHOTO COURTESY OF CJAY PHILIP
By Carol Sorgen CJay Philip has enjoyed a long, successful career as a professional dancer in both modern and African dance companies, as a Broadway and touring performer in such shows as Dreamgirls, Big the Musical, Street Corner Symphony, Legally Blonde, and Hairspray, and as a popular dance fitness instructor at some of New York’s premiere health clubs. But when she moved to Baltimore in 2010 for her husband to pursue a job opportunity, Philip decided that her touring days were behind her. Not so her love of performing, however, which she is now using to inspire and engage Baltimore youth, families and seniors.
After Broadway dancer CJay Philip moved to Baltimore, she started the dance company Dance & Bmore, which also offers classes and free events to promote dance and human connection. More recently, she founded the Forever Fit & Fun Club, which offers movement and music classes for those 55 and older. Philip is shown at the right.
Journey to Never Never Land ! March 26 - June 12
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Say you saw it in the Beacon | Arts & Style
BALTIMORE BEACON — APRIL 2016
23
Baltimore lights up for inaugural festival By Carol Sorgen From March 28 to April 3, Baltimore’s streets will light up with art, music, performances and an innovation conference as Light City Baltimore puts Baltimore in, well, the spotlight. This inaugural festival features a 1.5 mile BGE Light Art Walk with 50 attractions, including illuminated visual artworks, street theater, musical performances and concerts. The event will kick off with a Light City Lantern Parade coordinated by the Creative Alliance on Monday, March 28, at 7 p.m., beginning at the Maryland Science Center and traveling the BGE Light Art Walk. Each night, from 7 to 11 p.m., the Inner Harbor will sparkle with light art installations, interactive family-friendly activities, concerts and performances. The festival will be open until midnight on Friday and Saturday nights.
Let there be light Light installations include one called “1,001 LUX” — a large-scale video and audio project that incorporates light from fireworks, car lights, flashlights, candles, torches, cigarettes, the sun, the moon, the stars, and lightning, gathered from a variety of films from different eras and genres. In “Dear Baltimore,” a jumble of luminous letters floating seven feet above the
pavement and propelled by bicycles below will wind through the streets. The riders arrive from various directions, or move through the crowd as a group, and as they form a line, their neon letters spell out phrases composed of the letters from DEAR BALTIMORE. “Diamonds Light Baltimore” is comprised of 15 diamond-shaped structures made using LED lights. Varying in size and shape, each diamond sculpture is large enough for audiences to walk around, underneath and through.
Innovation conferences Daytime programming will feature Light City U, four ticketed innovation conferences dedicated to powering social change. “Baltimore’s many artists and innovators will be sharing the spotlight with creators and thought leaders from around the country,” said Jamie McDonald, CEO of Generosity Inc. and volunteer chair of the Light City Baltimore Steering Committee. “It’s a chance to shine a light on the amazing people of Baltimore on a national stage.” Light City U will feature a diverse line-up of speakers from four industries exploring the question of how we can become a more responsible and equitable society. The Social Innovation Conference will be held March 28 to 29; Health Innovation, March
30 to 31; Sustainability Innovation, March 30 to 31; and Creative Innovation, April 1 to 2. All conferences, with the exception of Creative Innovation, will be held at the Columbus Center. Creative Innovation will be held at City Garage, an innovation hub planned for entrepreneurs and startup companies. Admission to each of the conferences is $200; scholarships are available. “Baltimore is the perfect location for Light City U, at a time when the entire nation is engaged in a dialogue about social justice and change,” said Brooke Hall, founding partner, Light City Baltimore. “Baltimore has long been a city of innovation, and was even recently acknowledged by Inc. as a hub for tech startups. That recognition is just a starting point.”
Those involved in Light City U include co-founder of AOL Steve Case, Radiolab’s Jad Abumrad, Design Matters’ Debbie Millman, and Baltimore City Health Department Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen. The festival will also extend beyond the Inner Harbor by engaging local artists to work directly with five participating communities to develop temporary public art projects in their neighborhoods during the week. The communities include Coldstream Homestead Montebello, Greater Mondawmin-Llamadon Collective, Hampden, Little Italy, and Station North Arts & Entertainment District. For more information on Light City Baltimore, visit www.lightcity.org or call (410) 752-8632.
Providing Baltimore with World C lass Entertainment for Over 120 Years!
OPERA | CONCERTS | COMEDY | DANCE | THEATRE & More!
GOUNOD’S
LYRIC OPERA BALTIMORE | ARTISTIC DIRECTOR JAMES HARP
Sarah Joy Miller as Juliette
Jonathan Boyd as Roméo
Luis Alejandro Orozco as Mercutio
Kevin Langan as Laurent
Conducted by: Adam Turner
Stage Director: Bernard Uzan
BEYOND CHICKEN SOUP: JEWS & MEDICINE IN AMERICA
Open March 13, 2016 – January 16, 2017
Jewish Museum of Maryland | 15 Lloyd Street | Baltimore
Explore the places where “who you are” meets “how you feel” – join us at the intersection of culture and care.
Featuring: The Concert Artists of Baltimore Orchestra Sung in French with English surtitles
MAY 13 & 15 7:30pm | 3:00pm
ChickenSoupExhibit.org | 410-732-6400
Buy Your Tickets NOW!
(410) 547-SEAT LYRICOPERAHOUSE.COM
The Modell Performing Arts Center at the Lyric
110 W. Mt. Royal Ave, Baltimore Box Office (Tue-Fri 10am-4pm) Groups of 15 or More SAVE! Call 410-900-1165
24
Arts & Style | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com
Women of ‘69 From page 1 were homemakers; Fine remembers the outright contempt shown to the only mother who worked outside of the home: “The other mothers didn’t like her at all.”
Class president Still, she pursued a rigorous course load at Skidmore, majoring in government and serving as class president. One of her signature achievements was making it possible for students of legal drinking age to enjoy a nip on campus.
Fine and some friends celebrated her 21st birthday by sampling some whiskey sours in the privacy of her dorm room. When a particularly rigid resident adviser busted them and demanded that Fine resign as class president, Fine took her fight to the school’s governing bodies (faculty, administration and students each had an equal vote), which unanimously supported her. Fine, who now lives in Canton, came to Baltimore after graduation and enjoying a two-month $5-a-day trip through Europe. “I had a HUD management internship that placed me at the Baltimore City Department of Housing and Community De-
Cars, boats, furniture, antiques, tools, appliances Everything and anything is sold on
Radio Flea Market Heard every Sunday, 7-8:00 a.m. on 680 WCBM
APRIL 2016 — BALTIMORE BEACON
velopment for three months, and then the HUD Regional office in Philadelphia for three months,” she recalled. Both offices offered her permanent employment. “I chose Baltimore because I wanted to be close to the action, and have the ability to create change and renewal.”
Advocating for women This dynamism propelled her into early work in city government. She loved her job, but noticed that a male colleague was being paid more for doing similar work. When she asked her boss for a raise, he responded that she didn’t need one, since, “Your husband makes money.” She recalls being in such a state of shock that she backed out of his office. At home that night, she angrily rehashed the conversation to her husband, who supported her choice to “go right back in and ask for more money.” By the time she had her first child, she’d accumulated so much leave that she was able to take three months off and to work four days a week when she returned. But when pressed to resume a five-day-aweek schedule, she decided to leave and work as a consultant at her kitchen table, running campaigns, and even teaching aerobics until her second child was in school. “It’s not that [working and having a family] can’t be done, but it is a hard balance,” she said. Fine is grateful to see that women today have more choices, but thinks that they
From the publisher From page 2 representatives. Take advantage of this, and share your views via letter, email or phone call. They really don’t hear from their constituents all that often. So what they do hear makes a difference in how they think
must contend with “a difference in expectations.” Not only are they expected to be the perfect wives and mothers of yesteryear, but they must also “use their educations in a career or for their communities.” Watching the documentary — remembering her own story, and seeing the stories of her classmates — Fine marvels at the seismic nature of our cultural shifts. “The birth control pill was a game changer,” she said. “[There was] a freedom to experiment without fear of having a baby. You couldn’t not be aware of the pill.” But it wasn’t easy to get then. In the documentary, some of the women discuss faking engagements to make getting the pill easier. “The girls even shared one ring,” Fine noted. Fine has been retired now for three years, but is still very aware of local and national politics, and she’s worried about what she sees as a swing backwards. She sees candidates who talk about curtailing reproductive freedom as “scary as hell.” “If you’ve always had freedom, you never know what it’s like not [to]…These election cycles show that the freedoms that women have fought for aren’t etched in stone,” she said. Though Fine was initially “terrified” to see herself on screen, she’s glad she put her testimony on film. Looking back at a life filled with work that has mattered to her, and with a loving family, she says she is “the luckiest person on earth.” Women of ‘69, Unboxed can be viewed via iTunes, Amazon, Google Play and XBOX. — or at least in what they understand their constituents want, which is important to them if they desire to get reelected. In America, power really rests in the people, and that means you.
Don’t Miss the Fun, Excitement and Energy! The 8th Annual WomenFest – designed for women of all ages to live a more balanced, healthier and fulfilled life
Saturday, April 30 HIGHLIGHTS • • • • • • • •
Free Admission On-Site Parking 100+ Exhibitors/Vendors Dynamic Seminars Engaging Workshops Important Health Screenings Cooking and Fitness Demos All Day Door Prizes
•
10 am - 3 pm
Gary J. Arthur Community Center at Glenwood 2400 Route 97, Cooksville, MD 21723
NEW FOR 2016!
CORE CAMP Grab a friend and meet us at the mat for these 45-minute Energizing Sessions
PILATES – 10:30 a.m. YOGA – 12:30 p.m. YOGALATES – 2:00 p.m.
410-313-5440 (voice/relay) • www.howardcountymd.gov/womenfest
Say you saw it in the Beacon | Arts & Style
BALTIMORE BEACON — APRIL 2016
Dance From page 22 According to Philip, DAB expands the concept of concert dance by allowing dancers, poets, singers and musicians to share the stage together, expanding the power of each art form to “inform, engage and elevate dance both for the audience and the artists.” DAB is also committed to community enrichment. In that vein, it offers affordable and accessible movement classes for both dance professionals and novices, including Adult Broadway Jazz, FazaFam the Dance, and Bmore Family Jam (which has performed at such events as The Bmore Healthy Expo, March for Babies with the March of Dimes, International Thinking Day with the Girl Scouts of Central Maryland, Port Discovery and more). DAB has also produced performances for the WOW (Women of the World) Festival, the African American Festival, MLK Day Peace in Park Heights, and 50 Fest at Centerstage.
Fitness and fun after 55 After getting DAB up and running, Philip decided to expand the program to include older Baltimore City residents, establishing the Forever Fit & Fun Club — a movement and music class for those 55 years and older. The classes were first offered at Waxter Senior Center and then, through a year-long National Endowment for the Arts grant, at J Van Story Branch Apartments. The program has also been offered at the Village Learning Center, 29th St. Community Center, Penn North Plaza Senior Apartments, N M Carroll Manor, and Linden Park Apartments for Seniors. DAB company members use move-
FROM PAGE 26 ANSWERS TO SCRABBLE
ANSWERS TO CROSSWORD S P A T S
L A T H E
P O M P
A R E A
B S O A N D Y
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T I E G A M L E E G S I N S O L O A P T E E D
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C O R N C O B
A N A T B D E O R M E E I N
C R B A Y B E R B A W Y E E E T S A R L A C I P N B L E A N P S S
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T A S T E L E S I S K N I O N W A I N T E
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ment, music and memory games to stimulate imagination and cognitive function. The class is both structured and improvisational at times, allowing several ways for participants to be engaged, active and creative, according to Philip. The company’s “Memory Based Movement,” for example, uses prompts and storytelling to capture the memories of seniors and present them in spoken-word, music and dance. “As we get older, ‘stuff’ is not as important as memories,” said Philip. “Memories are really precious, and through the music and voice prompts, we encourage the residents to share memories about themselves and their earlier lives. “We take the thread of memory, wrap it in music and dance, and share it with others,” said Philip. “A memory shared becomes a memory for the group, and is not easily lost.” The group dynamic of the class is also designed to strengthen relationships and
build a sense of community and wellbeing, according to Philip, who notes that the seniors live in a community that has seen its share of violence. As a result, they are often hesitant to venture out from their apartments. The classes bring residents together, helping them forge bonds with their neighbors and making them feel more secure. In addition, Philip and her company members have taken the class participants to performances at Center Stage, where Philip teaches. For many, this was their first experience with live theater. “You could see the exhilaration on their faces,” she said, adding that simply getting out of their homes reduces depression and stress. “They’re engaged and fully active now,” said Philip. The program has been so successful and the participants so engaged that Philip encouraged them to start performing themselves. Hesitant at first, they finally agreed and held their first public perform-
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ance last summer at Artscape. Though the grant ended last fall, Philip still holds monthly classes at J Van Story Branch Apartments, and is in the process of seeking additional grants or sponsors to expand the program for low-income seniors. Facilities may also pay to have the program brought to their location for eight to 12 weeks. “I think we have earned the trust of the community,” Philip said of the program. “I want to make sure that these seniors are not forgotten.” To see the Forever Fit & Fun group in action, watch https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=XC9tprvIg6I. For more information and a calendar of upcoming events, visit www.danceandbmore.com or call (410) 871-8322. A performance to benefit the Forever Fit & Fun Club, “Celebrate Your Light” featuring new works, will take place on Saturday, June 11 at 2 p.m. at Motor House, 120 W. North Ave.
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APRIL 2016 — BALTIMORE BEACON
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1. One-armed bandits 6. Group with VA and GA Techs 9. Place for Jazz 13. Extreme bear market 14. Most of a frozen dessert 16. One piece of a stained-glass window 17. Between ports 18. Cafeteria carrier 19. They go at the top of a 1040 form 20. Subject of Billboard’s number one song of 1966 23. ___ good example 24. Varnish ingredient 25. Batman actors: Keaton, Kilmer, Clooney, ___ 26. Relaxed 1966 hit 31. Less bright 34. Quilting tilting 35. Nintendo foe 36. Under Wash. 37. Moment of insight 40. Fed. Agency founded in 2001 42. Cunning 43. Warhead measure 45. Santa ___ winds 47. Becomes a sophomore 49. The Rolling Stones’ second Cashbox Number 1 hit of 1966 53. Go parasailing 54. Use the guacamole 55. Shaving snafu 59. One of Rolling Stone magazine’s “ Top 10 Albums of All-Time,” released in 1966 62. Daily drama 63. “It was either you ___” 64. In the loop 65. Chip in 66. Caught in the act 67. Attach, as a boutonniere 68. Made less gray
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Down 1. Slight fights 2. Woodshop tool 3. Early stage 4. Result more common in world football than American football 5. Cesarean section sourvenir 6. “It’s half price!; what ___” 7. Center of a maize 8. Red Lobster option 9. Asks “Do you want fries with that?” 10. Tawdry 11. Landers and others 12. ___ So Fine 15. Parting words 21. One before em 22. Norma ___ (Sally Field’s first Oscar role) 27. Pitcher’s stat. 28. Just put on the clothes line 29. Take a long look 30. ___ and means 31. Ceremonial splendor 32. Geometry calculation 33. Do a senator’s job 38. Beehives and bouffants 39. Pantry pest 41. Pizza crust (mathematically) 44. Glanced at someone’s diary 46. Midriff 48. “Ooh, teacher, ask me” 50. Accept UV radiation 51. They get turned down at hotels 52. Concise cop call 56. Ludicrous 57. AOL mailer, circa 2000 58. Loudly laments 59. Not yet filleted 60. ... ___ I saw Elba 61. Santa seats 62. Like some clowns
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BALTIMORE BEACON — APRIL 2016
CLASSIFIEDS The Beacon prints classified advertising under the following headings: Business & Employment Opportunities; Caregivers; Computer Services; Entertainment; For Sale; For Sale/Rent: Real Estate; Free; Health; Home/ Handyman Services; Miscellaneous; Personals; Personal Services; Vacation Opportunities; and Wanted. For submission guidelines and deadlines, see the box on 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.
Business & Employment Opportunities ADVERTISING SALES REP – The Beacon is seeking an experienced advertising account executive to cover Baltimore and Howard County selling advertising in our print monthlies, resource guides, events and website. Candidates must be hardworking, positive, assertive, detail oriented, outgoing, and truly enjoy selling products they believe in. They must have prospecting and cold calling skills, be self-motivated with a proven track record of success, have strong presentation and verbal communication skills with strong organizational abilities, and a team spirit attitude. We offer Base Salary + Commissions, Health Insurance and Paid Expenses. If you want to sell a great product that our readers enjoy and respect, please send your resume and cover letter to Alan Spiegel, Director of Sales at alan@thebeaconnewspapers.com. No phone calls please. Equal Opportunity Employer.
Say you saw it in the Beacon
Financial Services TAXES, ACCOUNTING AND BOOKKEEPING, eldercare. CPA 38 years, reasonable rates. Call 410-653-3363.
For Sale MARYLAND LANDMARK PRINTS – Milton Inn, Cockeysville, Schools, Firehouses, & others available from artist William Gardner. Call 410-321-1939, email artbill100@gmail.com. Examples www.yessy.com/artbill100. KITCHEN ISLAND 1 1/2 INCH THICK – 8’ Long 32” wide. Wilson Art Marble Verde Design. Trimmed all sides. Like new. Original $500 - Best Offer. Baltimore County. 410-4770889. G.E. ELECTRIC DISHWASHER – Block Top. Energy Saver. Pot scrubber. Used 1 time. $200 or best offer. Baltimore County. 410-4770889. MIRROR – FRAMED AND MOUNTED. 3 foot wide. 6 foot long + frame. Great for dressing room or exercise area. $100 or best offer. Baltimore County. 410-477-0889. MAPLE DINING ROOM TABLE – 65” x 37” opens to 112” with pads, 2 corner cabinets, 4 chairs. $700. Queen Anne style sofa. $150. All excellent. 410-592-8816. “THE EPIC OF FLIGHT” – 20-VOLUME SET consists of blue leatherette, embossed Time Life books, circa mid-1980s. Series captures the adventure and science of aviation from earliest manned balloon ascension through the era of jet flight. Moving, must sell! $390. Firm. Text/call 410-419-3997. Email edamario4@gmail.com. 2-CEMETERY LOTS, GARDENS OF FAITH – Valued $9,995. Sale $2,800. Also G.E. Washer, 3.9 CU Ft., Top Load. High efficiency, paid $638. Used one year. Sale, $225. GARDENS OF FAITH, ROSEDALE – Overlea area. 4 cemetery plots. V.G. Resurrection section. Value $16,000. Sell $8,000. 410-761-6206.
2 SALVADOR DALI woodblock prints from Dante’s Divine Comedy. Signed and framed. Asking $900 for the pair. Can email pictures if desired. Call Steve, 410-913-1653.
Caregivers
Health
COMPANION/CAREGIVER – Do you or someone you love need assistance with home care services? Will provide compassionate and reliable services, such as light housekeeping, meal preparation, personal care and companionship, and more. Private and professional reference. Jackie, 443-653-1778.
MOBILE EYE EXAMS – Comprehensive and/or low vision eye exams provided to Baltimore seniors with limited mobility. Visit www.HomeEyeOD.com or call 443-802-9920 for more information.
Events FLEA MARKET/CRAFT SHOW. Saturday, May 14, 10-2. Vendors invited to sign up now. Bykota Senior Center - Towson. Call 410-887-3094.
Home/Handyman Services SANFORD & SON HAULING & RECYCLING. Trash + Junk removal, house & estate cleanouts, garage+ basement cleanouts. Demolition – Shed, deck fence + pool removal. Licensed + insured. Free estimates over the phone. Call 7 days a week, 7 am to 7 pm. 410-746-5090.
TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED Deadlines and Payments: Ad text and payment is due by the 5th of each month. Note: Only ads received and prepaid by the deadline will be included in the next month’s issue. Please type or print your ad carefully. Include a number where you can be reached in the event of a question. Payment is due with ad. We do not accept ads by phone or fax, nor do we accept credit cards. Private Party Text Ads: For individuals seeking to buy or sell particular items, or place a personal ad. Each ad is $10 for 25 words, 25 cents for each additional word. Business Text Ads: For parties engaged in an ongoing business enterprise. Each ad is $25 for 25 words, 50 cents for each additional word. Note: Each real estate listing counts as one business text ad. Send your classified ad with check or money order, payable to the Beacon, to:
The Beacon, Baltimore Classified Dept. P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915-2227 Home/Handyman Services
Wanted
BALTIMORE’S BEST JUNK REMOVAL – Clean Outs: Whole House, Emergency, Attics/ Basements. Furniture and Junk Removal, Yard Waste Removal, General Hauling, Construction Debris Removal. Free estimates. 10% Senior Discount. Licensed, Bonded and Insured. Call Jesse, 443-379HAUL (4285). www.baltimoresbestjunkremoval.com.
CASH BUYER FOR OLD COSTUME JEWELRY – wrist and pocket wrist watches (any condition). Also buying watchmaker tools and parts, coins, quilts, old toys, postcards, trains, guns, pocket and hunting knives, linens, fishing equipment and tackle boxes, fountain pens, Christmas garden items, crocks and jugs, lamps and lanterns, pottery, military items, sports memorabilia, advertising signs, paintings and contents of attics, basements and garages. Professional, no pressure individual with over forty years of experience. Lloyd D. Baker. 410-4094965. 717-969-8114, office.
MAN WITH A PICKUP MOVING AND HAULING. Downsizing? Cleaning up? Need weekly trash pickup? Affordable rates, great reviews, flexible scheduling, dependable. Call Vernon at 443608-0609. www.manwithapickup.com. HOCO HAULERS – RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL Junk Removal, Attic/garage cleanouts, light demolition. $10 off your service! HoCoHaulers.com. 410-292-6700.
Personal Services SWF AGE 60 EDUCATED, seeks Christian male, ages 58-72, with good interpersonal communication skills for friendship or dating. Call 443-851-0726.
Wanted WE BUY JEWELRY, SILVER, GOLD, AND COSTUME. Coins, Paper Money Too. Watches, Clocks, Military Badges and Patches Old and New. Call Greg, 717-658-7954. VINYL RECORDS WANTED from 1950 through 1985. Jazz, Rock-n-Roll, Soul, Rhythm & Blues, Reggae and Disco. 33 1/3 LPs, 45s or 78s, Larger collections of at least 100 items wanted. Please call John, 301-596-6201. OLD AND NEW, WE BUY STERLING SILVER FLATWARE, Tea Sets, Single Pieces of Silver, Large pieces of Silver Plate. Attic, Basement or Garage. Call Greg, 717-658-7954. You have something to SELL, we are looking to BUY. COIN CONSULTANT LOOKING FOR PEOPLE who wish to liquidate coin collections. Appraisals, sales, advice, expertise. See me before you go to a coin dealer. Drage Vukcevich, 410744-8139. Evenings/weekends.
FINE ANTIQUES, PAINTINGS AND QUALITY VINTAGE FURNISHINGS wanted by a serious capable buyer. I am very well educated [law degree] knowledgeable [over 40 years in the antique business] and have the finances and wherewithal to handle virtually any situation. If you have a special item, collection or important estate I would like to hear from you. I pay great prices for great things in all categories from oriental rugs to Tiffany objects, from rare clocks to firearms, from silver and gold to classic cars. If it is wonderful, I am interested. No phony promises or messy consignments. References gladly furnished. Please call Jake Lenihan, 301-279-8834. Thank you. COLLECTOR BUYING MILITARY ITEMS: Helmets, weapons, rifles, shot guns, knives, swords, bayonets, web gear, uniforms, etc. from all wars and countries. Large quantities are okay. Will pay top prices for my personal collection. Discreet consultations. Call Fred, 301-9100783. D AND D ESTATE SALE – Liquidation of contents of house. www.DandDEstateSales.com. Call Dan, 410-602-2430. CAMERAS AND LENSES, CASH OR BARTER – Hobbyist seeks DSLR, digital SLR, and 35mm cameras. Cash or Barter lawncutting, yardwork, hedges, light hauling. 443-9359024.
ADVERTISERS IN THIS ISSUE Clinical Research Studies
Brain Imaging Study . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Cancer Clinical Trials . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Cancer Survivor Spirit Study . . . . . . .13 COPD Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Elderly Falls Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Exercise Training Study . . . . . . . . . . .13 Iron Supplement Study . . . . . . . . . . .13 Memory Problems Study . . . . . . . . . .10 Stroke Survivors Study . . . . . . . . . . .11 Urinary Leakage Study . . . . . . . . . . .10 Vitamin D Fall Prevention/ Sturdy Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Dental Services
Mishpacha Dental . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Events
Kidney Walk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 WOMENFEST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Financial Services
Bennett Senior Services . . . . . . . . . . .16 Debt Counsel for Seniors and the Disabled . . . . . . . .15 Good Fixed Rates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 JS Richardson Insurance . . . . . . . . . .18
PENFED Credit Union . . . . . . . . . . .17
Hearing Services
Hearing & Speech Agency . . . . . . . . . .8
Home Health Care
Absolute Companion Care . . .B-3, B-10 Genesis Select Care . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-9 Independent Home Care . . . . . . . . . .16 One DayAt A Time Personal Care . . . .9 Options for Senior America . . . . . . . .21
Housing
Atrium Village . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-3, B-6 Brightview Senior Living . . . . . . . . .28 Buckingham’s Choice/Integrace . . . . .9 Charlestown/Erickson . . . . . .B-3, B-10 Christ Church Harbor Apts. . . . . . . .B-9 Ednor Apts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-4 Evergreen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-2 Fairhaven/Integrace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Gatherings at Quarry Place/Beazer Homes . . . . . . .7 Greens, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-2 Heritage Run at Stadium Place . . . .B-8 Homewood at Frederick . . . . . . . . . . .9 Linden Park Apts. . . . . . . . . .B-5, B-11
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Oak Crest/Erickson . . . . . . . .B-5, B-10 Park Heights Place . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-10 Park View Apartments . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Pickersgill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-4 Shangri-La Assisted Living . . . . .B-5, B-9 St. Mary’s Roland View Towers . . . . .B-11 Walker Mews . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-4 Weinberg Senior Living . . . . .B-5, B-12
Housing Referral Service
Oasis Senior Advisors . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Senior Placement Service/Care Patrol . . . . . . . . . . . .B-8
Legal Services
Disability Support Services . . . . . . . .14 Frank, Frank & Scherr Law Firm . . .16
Medical/Health
Dr. Richard Rosenblatt, DPM . . . . . . .7 Eldorado Hair Replacement . . . . . . . .21 Physical Therapy and Wellness Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Stuart Goldman, DPM . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Moving
Custom Moves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-8
Pharmacies
Professional Pharmacy Group . . . . . .17
Real Estate
The Bob Lucido Team . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Services
Greg Young, Exterminator . . . . . . .B-11
Shopping
National Photo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Radio Flea Market . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Skilled Nursing & Rehab
CommuniCare Health . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Keswick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Manor Care Health Services . . . . . . . .6
Theatres/Museums
Jewish Museum of Maryland . . . . . . .23 Lyric, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-7, 23 Meyerberg Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Toby’s Dinner Theatre . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Travel
Eyre Tour & Travel . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Festive Holidays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
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APRIL 2016 — BALTIMORE BEACON
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Enjoy More Great Days Before You Make a Choice, Visit Vibrant Lifestyle
Vibrant People
High-energy fun to quiet relaxation, to a social life as full as you want it to be; get-togethers with friends, old and new; lifelong learning; volunteer programs
Caring and fun staff providing a full complement of services; positive, neighbors where everyone shares a spirit of vibrant living; programs to keep your mind, body and spirit at their best
Vibrant Place Great gathering places to connect and engage; transportation services offering you the freedom to get out and about; hassle-free living in your own private home
Vibrant Company Baltimore-based company; high standards, a proven track record and outstanding resident and associate satisfaction ratings; a solid value for your dollar
Independent, Assisted Living & Dementia Care Brightview Avondell • 410-638-8100 | Brightview Mays Chapel Ridge • 410-628-2100 Brightview Perry Hall • 410-529-1903 | Brightview Rolling Hills • 410-744-7101 Brightview Severna Park • 410-544-1605 | Brightview Westminster Ridge • 410-871-2225
Assisted Living & Dementia Care Brightview Bel Air • 410-893-2202 | Brightview Catonsville • 410-788-5001 Brightview South River • 410-956-7310 | Brightview Towson • 410-296-3320 Brightview White Marsh • 410-668-1588
www.BrightviewSeniorLiving.com