April 2019 | Baltimore Beacon by The Beacon Newspapers

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A city icon with an inner secret

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SEE SPECIAL INSERT Housing & Homecare Options

A heady history

Once known as Emerson Tower (also known as the Emerson Bromo Seltzer Tower or Bromo Tower), the building rises 15 stories high, with an additional floor for the clock room. It was built for Captain Isaac Emerson, organizer and commander of the Maryland Naval Reserves and inventor of the headache remedy Bromo-Seltzer. Surrounding the Tower were the offices and manufacturing plant for the Emerson Drug Company, which produced it. Emerson asked well-known local architect Joseph Evans Sperry to design the Tower and the original factory building (which was demolished in 1969) after the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence, Italy, which Emerson had seen during a grand tour of Europe at the turn of the century. Four glowing clock faces still grace each of the four sides of the Tower. The clock was installed by the renowned Seth Thomas Clock Company for a cost of $3,965, a sizable sum at that time. Each face is made of translucent white glass and features the 12 letters of BromoSeltzer corresponding to 12 Roman numerals. (The word Bromo reads clockwise, with Seltzer counterclockwise.) The clock stopped running several years ago but, after a restoration was completed in 2017, it’s keeping time again. Originally, a 51-foot, 20-ton blue BromoSeltzer bottle revolved on the building’s roof, illuminated with 314 lights and topped with a crown. Before the bottle was

APRIL 2019

PHOTO BY VISIT BALTIMORE

By Carol Sorgen Those familiar with downtown Baltimore can’t miss the Bromo-Seltzer Clock Tower, which has overlooked the Charm City skyline since 1911. But in the last decade, changes have been afoot inside the iconic landmark. Now known as the Bromo Seltzer Arts Tower, since 2007 the Tower has provided studio space for artists, as well as a venue for free exhibitions, receptions and live performances. In April, its museum will unveil an expanded exhibition space, which will occupy the entire top floor. In addition, new art installations will debut in the Tower’s lobby and mezzanine.

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ARTS & STYLE The 16-story Bromo-Seltzer Tower, built in 1911 and modeled after Florence’s Palazzo Vecchio (inset), was a visible symbol of the success of the headache remedy’s inventor, Issac Emerson. Today, the tower houses a thriving artists’ community as well as a museum focused on Emerson’s accomplishments.

removed in 1936 for structural concerns, on a clear night it was said that the Tower could be seen from 20 miles away. The distinctive cobalt blue glass bottles in which Bromo-Seltzer was sold were also part of the business empire. The manufacturer, Maryland Glass Corporation, was owned by Emerson, whose forward-thinking marketing and business strategies made him one of the most successful entrepreneurs of his time.

An inside look

On docent-led tours, held every Saturday, visitors can take the elevator to the 15th floor and then climb the ladder to the clock

tower, where they can see the inner workings of the clock (and take some very cool photos of both the clock and of Baltimore!). Before you ascend the Tower, though, your guide will offer a fascinating look at the life of Bromo-Seltzer’s founder, the Baltimore society he became a part of, and how a product he invented became a household name. The Bromo-Seltzer History Museum opened in 2015 with a collection of BromoSeltzer bottles and Emerson Drug Company marketing memorabilia. The collection, currently on loan to the Baltimore Office of Promotion & the Arts, which oversees See BROMO TOWER, page 25

Southern sisters star in power play; plus, stand-up storytellers fight stigma of mental illness page 23

FITNESS & HEALTH 18 k E-cigarettes can help you quit k Four simple ways to boost energy LAW & MONEY k A new way to watch free TV k How to stop those robocalls

LEISURE & TRAVEL 19 k Quirky and soaring Oregon k Sleeping cheaply on vacation ADVERTISER DIRECTORY

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APRIL 2019 — BALTIMORE BEACON

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Home sweet home The other day, we received a call from a The Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corpogentleman who told us, in no uncertain ration (which prefers going by the cuddly moniker “Freddie Mac”) reterms, that our readers were cently decided to investigate staying in their homes for too why millennials (born belong, and that they should tween 1981 and 1997) have sell their homes to young a significantly lower homefamilies so that those folks ownership rate than prior could have a chance to live generations. the suburban lifestyle, too. His basic message was that Noting the rising propensiolder adults should not be so ty of older adults to “age in selfish as to stay in their nice place” — choosing to remain big homes when there were in their homes and neighborAmericans of childbearing FROM THE hoods as they age — the reage who could make better PUBLISHER port concluded that this beuse of all that space. Instead, By Stuart P. Rosenthal havior has significantly remore of us should downsize duced available housing and move to condos, apartments, smaller stock, thus raising home prices and keephomes or retirement communities for the ing millennials from becoming the homegood of the country. owners they’d like to be. Not surprisingly, this would also be Well, to be fair, the report said aging in good for the caller himself, as his line of place is “one factor” contributing to the work turned out to be buying older homes, shortage of homes for sale, and it ended fixing them up, and selling them for a prof- by calling for a boost in the production of new housing rather than booting boomers it to younger buyers. Now there’s nothing wrong with that, as from their homes. long as the homeowners are ready to sell. And in fact, just two months before, But pushing people out the door before Freddie had published another “Insight Rethey’re ready is, as Miss Manners might port” citing a number of other reasons for today’s inadequate housing stock. Those say, quite unacceptable. This fellow is not a lone wolf, however. included a shortfall in home building dat-

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

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ing back to the burst housing bubble and Great Recession, a shortage of skilled labor in the construction industry, rising land costs, opposition to new development in existing communities and many others. You might wonder why the researchers didn’t ask the millennials themselves why they weren’t buying homes with the alacrity of earlier generations. Many studies (including a recent one from the Urban Institute) point to their high student debt burden, years of inability to find work, and their own propensity to settle in trendy urban areas rather than old-fashioned suburbs as some of the causes for their currently lower rates of homeownership. As for older homeowners, there are many reasons — financial, emotional, psychological — why we might want to remain in the homes where we’ve lived for decades, perhaps raised a family, and built ourselves a life. As Freddie admitted at the end of their most recent report, “older Americans prefer to age in place because they are satisfied with their communities, their homes, and their quality of life.” But that doesn’t mean we selfishly want to withdraw from society or prevent younger generations from having a good quality of life too. On the contrary, many of us have embraced a variety of ideas that can help maintain and enhance the quality of life for us and younger generations at the same time, including neighborhood villages (where an old-fashioned sense of community is recreated, with younger and older residents helping each other), cohousing communities (both multi-generational and

senior-focused varieties), and intergenerational home sharing, among others. And it’s not like older homeowners are just sitting in their homes and letting them go to rot. Many of us have spent significant sums retrofitting our homes to make them safer and more accommodating for us and for any visitors with disabilities, and increasing our homes’ energy efficiency by installing smart thermostats, new windows and solar panels. As a result, if and when the time comes when we are ready to relinquish our homes, they should be in better shape and more useful to future buyers. Whenever I see it, I feel it’s important to call out researchers and journalists whose work reinforces a stereotype that older adults are at economic war with younger ones and that we care only for ourselves. Like any stereotype, there might be a few who fit it, but it is by no means representative of the group as a whole. I look forward to reading a report in the future that — rather than treating older adults as one more “factor” in society’s mistreatment of the young — praises us for staying independent as long as possible, and for taking better care of ourselves, our homes and our communities. Note: We address many of the topics touched on above in our quarterly “Housing and Home Care Options” pull-out sections precisely because they affect so many of us. You’ll find our most recent section in the center of this month’s Beacon, after page 14.

Letters to the editor Readers are encouraged to share their opinion on any matter addressed in the Beacon as well as on political and social issues of the day. Mail your Letter to the Editor to The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915, or e-mail info@thebeaconnewspapers.com. Please include your name, address and telephone number for verification. Dear Editor: I read with interest Elliott Raphaelson’s article about the various scams inflicted on seniors. The “IRS impersonation scam” [that I experienced] brought me to a standstill. There is a supposed Treasury hotline to which reports can be made. I called several times, but the voicemail was always full, advising to please hang up and call later. I wrote to the Treasury Department; no answer. I wrote to Senator Cardin’s office. The person to whom I spoke was “not sure” it was a crime, and in any case did not seem to think it was Congress’ problem. My sense is that trying to fight these things is hopeless, because no one in the federal government cares. Just one person’s frustrated opinion. David M. Shea Ellicott City

Dear Editor: Your March editorial, “Not in our family,” should be mandatory reading for the entire populace. It is so perfectly on point. As a very young devotee of All in the Family, I laughed, not out of prejudice or malice, but because it made fun of all of us. No one was spared, and it wasn’t mean or ugly. I’m afraid we have lost our ability to laugh at ourselves or poke good-natured fun at others for fear of being labeled something unpleasant. Thank you for reminding us of who we once were. Judy Massabny Via email Dear Editor: Forests matter. My organization, Rock Creek Conservancy, is focused on conserSee LETTERS TO EDITOR, page B-4

BALTIMORE BEACON — APRIL 2019

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Health Fitness &

FIGHTING FATIGUE If you’re constantly tired, these four simple ideas could boost your energy RAINY DAY ACHES Sore joints in bad weather: myth or fact? Harvard docs answer ONE-TWO PUNCH Why our bodies have trouble fighting off two viruses at once FIND YOUR CORE No need for six-pack abs — but stronger abdominal muscles can help

Want to quit? E-cigs beat patches, gums By Matthew Perrone A major new study provides the strongest evidence yet that vaping can help smokers quit cigarettes, with e-cigarettes proving nearly twice as effective as nicotine gums and patches. The British research, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, could influence what doctors tell their patients and shape the debate in the U.S., where the Food and Drug Administration has come under pressure to more tightly regulate the burgeoning industry amid a surge in teenage vaping. “We know that patients are asking about e-cigarettes and many doctors haven’t been sure what to say,” said Dr. Nancy Rigotti, a tobacco treatment specialist at Harvard Medical School who was not involved in the study. “I think they now have more evidence to endorse e-cigarettes.” At the same time, Rigotti and other experts cautioned that no vaping products have been approved in the U.S. to help smokers quit. Smoking is the No. 1 cause of preventable death worldwide, blamed for nearly 6 million deaths a year. Quitting is notorious-

ly difficult, even with decades-old nicotine aids and newer prescription drugs. More than 55 percent of U.S. smokers try to quit each year, and only about 7 percent succeed, according to government figures.

Less harmful, more effective

Electronic cigarettes, which have been available in the U.S. since about 2007 and have grown into a $6.6 billion-a-year industry, are battery-powered devices that typically heat a flavored nicotine solution into an inhalable vapor. Most experts agree the vapor is less harmful than traditional cigarette smoke since it doesn’t contain most of the cancercausing byproducts of burning tobacco. But there have been conflicting studies on whether e-cigarettes actually help smokers kick the habit. Last year, an influential panel of U.S. experts concluded there was only “limited evidence” of their effectiveness. In the new study, researchers tracked nearly 900 middle-age smokers who were randomly assigned to receive either e-cigarettes or nicotine replacement products,

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including patches, gums and lozenges. After one year, 18 percent of e-cigarette users were smoke-free, versus 9.9 percent of those using the other products. “Anything which helps smokers to avoid heart disease and cancer and lung disease is a good thing, and e-cigarettes can do that,” said Peter Hajek, study co-author and an addiction specialist at Queen Mary University of London. The study was more rigorous than previous ones, which largely surveyed smokers about e-cigarette use. Participants in this experiment underwent chemical breath testing. Smokers in the e-cigarette group received a $26 starter kit, while those in the nicotinereplacement group received a three-month supply of the product of their choice, costing about $159. Participants were responsible for purchasing follow-up supplies. “If you have a method of helping people with smoking cessation that is both more effective and less costly, that should be of great interest to anyone providing health services,” said Kenneth Warner, a retired University of Michigan public health professor who was not involved in the study.

Some caveats

Several factors may have boosted the results: All the participants were recruited from a government smoking-cessation program and were presumably motivated to quit. They also received four weeks of anti-smoking counseling. The researchers didn’t test e-cigarettes against new drugs such as Pfizer’s Chantix, which has shown higher rates of success than older nicotine-based treatments. Funding for the study came from the British government, which has embraced ecigarettes as a potential tool to combat smoking through state-run health services. Some of the authors have been paid consultants to makers of anti-smoking products. There is virtually no research on the long-term effects of chemicals in e-cigarette vapor, some of which are toxic. “We need more studies about their safety profile, and I don’t think anyone should be changing practice based on one study,” said Belinda Borrelli, a psychologist specializing in smoking cessation at Boston University. The American Heart Association backed See E-CIGS, page 6

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BALTIMORE BEACON — APRIL 2019

Tired? Four simple ways to boost energy

❏ Alta at Regency Crest (see ad on page 9) ❏ Catholic Charities (see ad on page B-5) ❏ Charlestown (see ads on pages B-2 & B-6) ❏ Christ Church Harbor Apts. (see ad on page B-3) ❏ Linden Park Apartments (see ad on page B-4) ❏ Meadows of Reisterstown, The (see ad on page B-3) ❏ Oak Crest (see ads on pages B-2 & B-6) ❏ Park View Laurel (see ad on page B-8) ❏ Park View Towson (see ad on page B-8) ❏ Park View Fullerton (see ad on page B-8) ❏ Park View Rosedale (see ad on page B-8) ❏ St. Mary’s Roland View Towers (see ad on page B-9) ❏ Virginia Towers Apartments (see ad on page B-2) ❏ Warren Place Senior Apartments (see ad on page B-9) ❏ Weinberg Park Assisted Living (see ads on pages B-6 & B-12) ❏ Westminster House Apartments (see ad on page B-11)

Health Study Volunteers ❏ Auditory Aging study (see article on page 10) ❏ COPD Study (MARC) (see ad on page 10) ❏ Dieting Study (see ad on page 11) ❏ Gingivitis Study (see ad on page 11) ❏ Knee Osteoarthritis Study (see ad on page 10)

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Research suggests that healthy sleep

See BOOST ENERGY, page 7

I N F O R M AT I O N

Get plenty of sleep

Exercise can boost energy levels by raising energy-promoting neurotransmit-

F R E E

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

Exercise regularly

ters in the brain, such as dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin, which is why you feel so good after a workout. Exercise also makes muscles stronger and more efficient, so they need less energy and therefore conserve ATP. It doesn’t really matter what kind of exercise you do,

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

Drink enough water

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

I N F O R M AT I O N

Eat small, frequent meals

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

F R E E

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

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APRIL 2019 — BALTIMORE BEACON

Palliative care services can help relieve pain Dear Savvy Senior: about it, or don’t understand how it can What can you tell me about palliative help them. Here’s what you should know. care? My husband suffers from lung disease and is reWhat is palliative care? ceiving radiation for prostate Most people hear the cancer but is not terminally words “palliative care” and ill. I’ve heard that palliative think “hospice,” but they are care can help him with his different types of care. pain and discomfort. What Hospice is reserved for can you tell me? when curative treatments — Searching Spouse have been exhausted and paDear Searching, tients generally have less Palliative care is a very efthan six months to live. fective service that can help SAVVY SENIOR Palliative care, on the other patients relieve the symptoms By Jim Miller hand, is a medical specialty and stress that often comes that focuses on providing rewith serious illness. lief from the symptoms such as pain, Unfortunately, most people don’t know shortness of breath, fatigue, constipation,

ARE YOU SUFFERING WITH CHRONIC OR ACUTE PAIN, OR ARE YOU THINKING ABOUT JOINT REPLACEMENT SURGERY?

nausea, loss of appetite, trouble sleeping and even depression. It can also help patients deal with the side effects of medical treatment. Anyone with a serious illness can benefit from palliative care, including those with cancer, heart disease, lung disease, kidney disease, Alzheimer’s, HIV/AIDS, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s and more. Palliative care was developed in the United States in the 1990s but only became a formal medical subspecialty in 2008.

Most doctors can’t provide

Often patients assume their doctors will take care of their pain and stress. But most doctors in our specialized medical system have not been well trained in pain and symptom management. That’s why palliative care is invaluable. Palliative care is provided by a team including palliative care doctors, nurses, social workers and other specialists that work with your doctor to provide an extra layer of support and care. It is appropriate at any age and at any stage in a serious illness, and it can be provided along with curative treatment. Palliative care teams are trained to help

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e-cigarettes in 2014 as a last resort to help smokers quit after trying counseling and approved products. The American Cancer Society took a similar position last year. An editorial accompanying the study and co-written by Borrelli recommended e-cigarettes only after smokers have tried and failed to quit with FDA-approved products.

patients understand all their treatment options as well as the quality of life ramifications, so they can make informed decisions about what’s best for them.

How to get care

There are around 6 million people in the U.S. that have a need for palliative care, according to the Center to Advance Palliative Care, but most patients don’t know to ask for it. If you feel that a palliative care specialist could help your husband, start by talking to his doctor and ask for a referral. If your doctor isn’t helpful, go to GetPalliativeCare.org, where you can search for a specialist in your area. Today, three-quarters of U.S. hospitals with more than 50 beds have a palliative care program, and 90 percent of hospitals with 300 beds or more offer it. In addition to hospitals, palliative care can be provided in long-term care facilities, doctor’s clinics and even at your own home. You’ll be happy to know that most private insurance plans, as well as Medicare and Medicaid, cover palliative care services. Send your questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org.

Borrelli also noted that after one year, 80 percent of the e-cigarette users in the study were still using the devices. Only nine percent of the participants in the other group were still using gums and other nicotine-replacement products. The FDA has largely taken a hands-off approach toward vaping. It has not scientifically reviewed any of the e-cigarettes on the market and has put off some key regulations until 2022. — AP

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

BALTIMORE BEACON — APRIL 2019

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

But a different study found that among 200 patients followed for three months, knee pain increased modestly when temperature fell or barometric pressure rose. It’s worth remembering that humans have a remarkable tendency to remember when two things occur or change together (such as wet, gloomy weather and joint pain), but remember less when things do not occur together. That rainy day when you felt the same as you usually do is unlikely to be so notable that you remember it. If you rely solely on memory rather than on more rigorous, databased evidence, it’s easy to conclude a link exists where, in fact, none does. When my patients tell me they can predict the weather by how their joints feel, I believe them. It’s hard to discount it when so many people notice a connection. They could represent an exception to what the studies show. But I also believe the science. Until I see evidence that’s even more compelling, I remain a skeptic about the weather and arthritis connection. By Robert H. Shmerling, M.D., associate professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School.

Boost energy

“Unusual fatigue is often the first major red flag that something is wrong,” Komaroff said. Lack of energy is a typical symptom for most major diseases, like heart disease, anemia, many types of cancer, and autoimmune diseases such as lupus and multiple sclerosis. Fatigue also is a common sign of depression and anxiety. And fatigue is a side effect of some medications. © 2019 President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

From page 5

but consistency is key. Some research has suggested that as little as 20 minutes of low-to-moderate aerobic activity, three days a week, can help sedentary people feel more energized.

When to visit your doctor

You should see your doctor if you experience a prolonged bout of low energy, as it can be an early warning of a serious illness.

Q: My diet to help my heartburn is so boring. Do you have some suggestions for tastier foods that can I try? A: Putting some restrictions on the foods you eat to limit acid reflux is an important part of good heartburn control. But it doesn’t mean it has to be bland. The most common cause of heartburn is called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It occurs when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus, the tube connecting the mouth and stomach, usually

because the ring-like muscles that prevent backflow stop working properly. In addition to heartburn, GERD may cause nausea, a sour taste in the mouth, difficulty swallowing, a sore throat, coughing, and tightness in the chest. Typical foods that trigger GERD symptoms include spicy foods, citrus, tomato sauces and vinegar. Fatty and fried foods linger longer in the stomach. That may inSee Q & A, page 9

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APRIL 2019 — BALTIMORE BEACON

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Q&A From page 7

crease stomach pressure and force open the muscles that keep stomach acid out of the esophagus. Other common heartburn triggers include chocolate, caffeine, onions, peppermint, carbonated drinks and alcohol. But the foods that bother people with acid reflux are different for everyone. That’s why it’s a good idea to keep a journal noting which foods trigger your symptoms. You can still enjoy lean meats, fish, poultry, vegetables, legumes, fruits and whole grains. The trick is making them flavorful. Here are some ideas to keep dazzle in your diet. If spices bother you, try using only small amounts, and be mindful of blends that contain cayenne or chili powder. Or use fresh herbs instead. Fresh herbs are less concentrated and may be less irritating.

Another way to bring out flavor: roast your food. This makes vegetables sweeter. The natural sugars come out and caramelize. Carrots, sweet potatoes, cauliflower, broccoli, squash and Brussels sprouts work well. Broiling, sautéing or grilling food also brings out intense flavor. Eat vegetables raw. Tomato sauce may bother you, but a fresh tomato may not. Instead of vinegar or citrus dressing for your salads, consider a yogurt-based dressing. Use sauces, but cut the fat. For example, blend low-fat yogurt with cucumber and basil, or sauté mushrooms in a little olive oil. Or make a pesto. Blend basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese and a dash of olive oil or water. Pesto goes great with pasta. By Howard LeWine, M.D., an internist and assistant professor at Harvard Medical School. © 2019 President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Health Studies Page

APRIL 2019 — BALTIMORE BEACON

THE PLACE TO LOOK FOR INFORMATION ON AREA CLINICAL TRIALS

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

help millions of older people cope with hearing issues. The Neuroplasticity and Auditory Aging study, funded by the National Institute on Aging of the National Institutes of Health and conducted at the University of Maryland, seeks to create an effective training program to improve older people’s hearing and processing of speech in difficult listening situations. Participants must be native English

speakers and must be able to attend multiple test and training sessions in College Park, Md. You may be eligible whether you have normal hearing or mild to moderate hearing loss. The research team hopes to help develop a targeted therapy for each type of hearing loss associated with aging. “The end goal is individually-designed auditory and cognitive training for older people to help them better understand speech in different situations,” said Sandra GordonSalant, principal investigator of the project and professor and director of the Doctoral Program in Clinical Audiology at the Univer-

sity of Maryland. “We’re very excited about the investigation. We think this can really help us determine which training paradigms are most beneficial.”

What’s involved

Potential participants will take several tests of their hearing and cognitive abilities to see if they qualify for the randomized, controlled clinical study. Then they’ll go through some pre-tests; in some cases, an EEG, MRI or other imSee NEW TRICKS, page 12

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will sponsor a free, nondenominational support program for those adjusting to the loss of a loved one. The group will meet on Tuesdays from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. from March 20 until June 19. Participants can join the group at any time during the program. Call (410) 828-6234 or visit www.griefshare.org for more information and additional group locations and schedules.

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BALTIMORE BEACON — APRIL 2019

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

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

Multiple threats can overwhelm

In additional experiments, the research team found evidence for a trade-off: The defense response against oxidative stress shut off antiviral defenses. To probe this further, the team exposed nasal cells to oxidative stress in the form of cigarette smoke, and then to the cold virus, and found this time that the nasal cells were more susceptible to the virus. “They survive the cigarette smoke but can’t fight the virus as well,” Foxman said. This finding points to a delicate balance between the body’s different defense mechanisms, Foxman said. “Your airway lining protects against viruses but also other harmful substances that enter airways. The airway does pretty

Write a letter to the editor. See page 2.

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

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

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APRIL 2019 — BALTIMORE BEACON

What’s your core, and why strengthen it? By Lauren Elson, M.D. When most people think about core strength, they think about an abdominal six-pack. While it looks good, this toned outer layer of abdominal musculature is not the same as a strong core. What is your “core” and why is core strength so important? The core is a group of muscles that stabilizes and controls the pelvis and spine (and therefore influences the legs and upper body). Core strength is less about power and more about the subtleties of being able to maintain the body in ideal postures — to unload the joints and promote ease of movement. For the average person, this helps them maintain the ability to get on and off the floor to play with their children or grandchildren, stand up from a chair, sit comfortably at a desk, or vacuum and rake without pain.

For athletes, it promotes more efficient movement, therefore preventing injury and improving performance. Having a strong or stable core can often prevent overuse injuries, and can help boost resiliency and ease of recovery from acute injury. The core also includes the pelvic floor musculature, and maintaining core stability can help treat and prevent certain types of incontinence.

spine, can also often be controlled with the correct postural exercises. Having an imbalanced core can lead to problems up and down the body. Knee pain is often caused by insufficient pelvic stabilization. Some runners develop neck and back pain when running because the “shock absorbers” in their core could use some work.

Problems with a weak core

A good core program relies less on mindless repetition of exercise and focuses more on awareness. People with good core strength learn to identify and activate the muscles needed to accomplish a task. Learning to activate the core requires concentration, and leads to being more in tune with the body. There is no one method of core strengthening that works for everyone. Some people do well with classes (though it can be easy do the repetitions without truly understanding the targeted muscle groups). Others use Pilates or yoga to dis-

As we age, we develop degenerative changes, very often in the spine. The structures of the bones and cartilage are subject to wear and tear. Often, we are able to completely control and eliminate symptoms with the appropriate core exercises. Having strong and stable postural muscles helps suspend the bones and other structures, allowing them to move better. Scoliosis, a curving or rotation of the

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How to improve your core

New tricks From page 10

aging technique. And, of course, some participants will be trained. “It’s not the standard aural rehab-related training for age-related hearing loss; it’s very focused training,” Gordon-Salant said. For example, participants might be asked to listen to non-speech sounds and make judgments about what they hear. Or they may listen to rapidly spoken sentences and try to repeat them. After training, researchers will repeat the tests and compare results. “We’re using different kinds of techniques — imaging, electrophysiological,

cover where their core is. Physical therapists are excellent resources, as they can provide one-on-one instruction and find a method that works — for any person with any background at any ability level. It sometimes takes patience for people to “find” their core, but once they do, it can be engaged and activated during any activity — including walking, driving and sitting. While building the core starts with awareness and control, athletes can further challenge their stability with more complex movements that can be guided by athletic trainers and other fitness specialists. Daily practice of core engagement can lead to healthier movement patterns that allow for increased mobility and independence throughout the course of our lives. © 2019 President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. behavioral — to see if the brain is really changing as a result of the training paradigms,” Gordon-Salant said. Follow-up will be crucial, she added. “Not only are we comparing pre-test and post-test scores, but we also look at retention. We [may be] seeing that people benefit from the training, but do they retain that benefit after a month or after six months?” The Neuroplasticity and Auditory Aging study is currently recruiting adults ages 18 to 85 with normal or impaired hearing. Compensation may be available. The study is scheduled to be completed in 2022. For more information or to volunteer, contact Carol Gorham at cgorham@umd.edu or (301) 405-4236.

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

BALTIMORE BEACON — APRIL 2019

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

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

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

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

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

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Housing Options | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

APRIL 2019 — BALTIMORE BEACON

Cohousing: a different kind of community are strategically situated around a common area so that neighbors have more opportunities for social interaction, thereby minimizing the isolation many older adults experience. While each family generally lives independently in their own home, a common house may be used for meals that are shared on a regular basis. However, residents in cohousing communities have their own primary incomes, and the community does not generate any income of its own.

Developing cohousing locally

In Baltimore, plans have been under way for the past five years to establish a cohousing community for older adults. “More and more people are excited about the prospect,” said Mike Dennis, speaking for Cohousing of Greater Baltimore (CGB), which currently has 20 members who are part of the organizational process. “We started Cohousing of Greater Baltimore to develop a community focused on the needs of older people, and to enhance our social connections and support base as we age,” said Dennis. The group’s current plan is to remain somewhat flexible in making room for younger families or individuals, he added. The biggest challenge in getting the project off the ground, according to Den-

nis, is finding a suitable site within Baltimore City or County. “In this area, there isn’t much available land.” The group is looking for four to five acres in a safe location for the construction of individual homes (or a multi-unit dwelling, depending on space available) and common facilities. While the search for the right-sized property and a developer continues, Dennis’ group continues to meet and pursue its mission to create an alternative to traditional aging options. The goal is to provide affordable housing for those with limited financial resources, with three or four styles and sizes of homes that will meet a variety of needs. They hope they’ll be able to establish such a community within the next two or three years. Cohousing communities can be as small as eight to 10 households or as large as 60 or more individual dwellings. CGB is hoping to limit its size to 25 to 30 households.

Other communities nearby

Only 13 senior cohousing communities exist in the country, but a dozen more are being formed, according to the Cohousing Association of the United States. So far, several cohousing communities have taken root in Maryland, including Liberty Village, a multigenerational community in Frederick, and Eastern Village

Cohousing, another multigenerational community in Silver Spring. In Washington, D.C., Takoma Village Cohousing was established two decades ago and is open to all ages. The closest senior cohousing is in Shepherdstown, W. Va., at Shepherd Village. With one-quarter of older Americans having no spouse, significant other, children or other support system nearby, experts are paying increasing attention to how we will take care of ourselves during the period of life between healthy aging and the end of life. Ann Zabaldo is one of the original residents of Takoma Village Cohousing, which welcomed its first residents in 2000. She is enthusiastic about her community. “Where else could I live where everybody knows my name and I know everybody else, even down to their extended family and their pets? We have very strong social connections and bonds. What a way to live!” Zabaldo is also a member of the Board of Directors of Mid-Atlantic Cohousing and a principal in Cohousing Collaborative, LLC. Cohousing of Greater Baltimore meets twice a month, and guests who are interested in learning more about cohousing in general, and plans for a Baltimore community in See CO-HOUSING, page B-3

We have EVERYTHING YOU NEED to enjoy a vibrant retirement. Fabulous amenities, including multiple restaurants, an indoor pool, fitness center, and more! Maintenance-free apartment homes with open layouts and stylish finishes. On-site health and wellness services at our fully staffed medical centers. A smart financial structure that protects your initial investment and keeps your monthly expenses affordable and predictable.

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By Carol Sorgen Remember television’s “Cheers,” the bar where everybody knew your name? What if you lived in an entire community where everyone knew your name? That’s one of the principles behind the growing interest in a concept known as cohousing. Cohousing was pioneered in Denmark in the early 70s to foster close ties among families with children who would support and connect with each other throughout the phases of life. In 1988, architects Kathryn McCamant and Charles Durrett introduced the term to North America in a book they published after visiting several such communities. In Cohousing: A Contemporary Approach to Housing Ourselves, the husband-and-wife team defined cohousing as an “intentional community” in which residents help organize and participate in the planning and design of a housing development, and are responsible as a group for final decisions. Later, the couple wrote a handbook on senior cohousing, showing how the concept could become a solution to the challenges of isolation among older adults. “The senior cohousing concept re-establishes many of the advantages of traditional villages within the context of 21st-century life,” Durrett wrote in The Senior Cohousing Handbook. In a cohousing community, private homes

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The agony and ecstasy of living in a Pod By Neale Godfrey [Editor’s note: If cohousing is not for you, or do you don’t want to wait for Baltimore’s proposed cohousing community to become reality, consider this more individualized option.] I have been writing about a new way of living in retirement: Pods. Why? Because according to Northwestern Mutual’ s 2018 Planning & Progress Study, 21 percent of Americans have nothing saved at all for their golden years, and a third of Americans have less than $5,000. I’m not going to lecture you about the fact that the way you may have planned to live in retirement will not pan out. What I’m doing is offering you a future that could be spent with friends and family while sharing expenses.

What’s a Pod?

A Pod is a shared-living arrangement that offers a safe place, like peas in a pod — protected, close to others, warm and cozy. It’s pooled skills, pooled resources, with lives as separate and individual as you

Co-housing From page B-2

particular, are invited to attend meetings on the third Sunday of each month at Grace United Methodist Church, 5407 N. Charles

want to make them. It can be a close-knit group of friends, but not necessarily. You can even join, or form, a Pod as a couple. Pod is also the term used to describe a group of dolphins — creatures that have the whole ocean to roam and new horizons to explore every day, while at the same time knowing that they are not alone. There’s a built-in support group that dolphins have for security and companionship. Dolphins work together to gather food, and they team up for protection. Like us, they’re social. It’s not so much a structure as a concept. A Pod can be whatever you make it, if you remember those two goals: financial security and companionship. For me the prospect of living in a Pod gives me a feeling of ecstasy when looking forward to my later years, instead of experiencing that overwhelming dread of isolation and loneliness.

were shared by living in a Pod, then hello Mickey!

Many different types

There are many designs for a Pod. You can share a house. You can get adjoining houses in a retirement community and pool certain essentials. You can do the same thing in your old neighborhood, with the people you grew up with and know well. You can even make a multigeneraSee POD LIVING, page B-4

The ecstasy

Take a serious look at your assets and

St. Guest orientation is held from 5 to 6 p.m., with a business meeting following. For more information on cohousing in the Mid-Atlantic region, visit www.baltimoreseniorcohousing.org and www.midatlanticcohousing.org.

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your expenses. How much more savings would you need to have to be able to spend two weeks, or even a month, every year in that little place on the Gulf Coast, painting landscapes? Or taking the grandkids to Orlando to visit Disney World? Or knowing that, as you sit at home on your porch watching a sunset, or in a cozy room watching Netflix, your bills are paid and you have enough left over for at least a couple of items in a new fall wardrobe? If the difference is one that you could make up if some of your core expenses

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Pod living From page B-3

tional family Pod. I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t invent this concept; we have all watched â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Golden Girls.â&#x20AC;? Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m just suggesting that you think about this if you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t feel confident youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve saved enough for retirement, or if you want a retirement thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more luxurious, fun and fulfilling

than you could otherwise afford. All Pod life asks for is the ability to compromise (and a lot of good humor). In return, it can give you the life that you want.

The agony

Now for the grueling part: Downsizing. If you decide that Pod living is for you, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to get that dumpster. And frankly, if you think you should be downsizing, then

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Ongoing

VOLUNTEER DRIVERS NEEDED

For many cancer patients, getting to and from treatment is one of their toughest challenges. The American Cancer Society needs volunteer drivers in Central Maryland to give rides to and from hospitals. Schedules are flexible. To volunteer to drive for the American Cancer Societyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Road to Recovery program, call (410) 781-6909.

Mar. 24

HISTORY AND SONG

In this two-part event at the Jewish Museum of Maryland, 15 Lloyd St., Lori Sen, a Turkish mezzo-soprano and music scholar, will talk about the history, language and culture of Sephardim and its music. After her lecture, Sen and a guitarist will perform Sephardic songs. The $10 event will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. For more information and to register, visit jewishmuseummd.org or call (410) 732-6400.

Apr. 3+

BE HERE NOW

Inner Harbor Wellnessâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Mindful Art series of workshops, held on Wednesdays from April 3-24, teaches mindfulness practices to live in the present moment. Activities include observing, listening, reflecting, expressing, drawing, painting and more. The four sessions, which cost $85 total, will be held at Hale Auditorium, Church of the Redeemer, 5603 N. Charles St., from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. For more information, visit innerharborwellness.com, email innerharborwellness@gmail.com or call (443) 801-0841.

APRIL 2019 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; BALTIMORE BEACON

you should be. Yes, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hard to let go of the roomful of stuffed animals and Katy Perry posters that your daughter is not planning to use in her new apartment. Or disposing of the books youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been buying and putting on shelves for the last 40 years, and my, they do take up a lot of space now, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t they? This is an area where a Pod can be a surprising help. For one thing, it will focus your thoughts on the space youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be moving to, and how much youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll need to downsize to fit into it. For another, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s amazing how helpful a good friend can be in reassuring you that you really can live without that stoneware dinner set or those commemorative coins that were supposed to increase in value but never did. And sometimes they can reassure you that you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to jettison something: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Say, I love to read real books and those will look wonderful in our new common room.â&#x20AC;? Downsizing is one of the biggest issues confronting empty nesters moving on to the

next phase of their lives. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve spent the first two-thirds of our lives accumulating. Accumulating furniture. Accumulating art. Accumulating books and records and CDs and knickknacks and Hummel figurines and cars and boats and cottages by the lake. I know that there can be sentimental value to these things, but the act of accumulation must stop. Remember, to everything, there is a season. A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together. And as we move toward retirement, which may well be as much as one-third of your total lifespan, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to cast away stones; they are weighing you down. Pod life may be something to think about. This article was written by, and presents the views of, contributing adviser Neale Godfrey, president and CEO of Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Financial Network Inc., not the Kiplinger editorial staff. You can check adviser records with the SEC or with FINRA. ÂŠ 2019 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Letters to editor

create a workable standard, to make sure we are maintaining or replacing forests at the agreed-upon 40% rate. The bill will help make Maryland a more beautiful and healthier place for our residents to live and work. Jeanne Braha Executive Director Rock Creek Conservancy

From page 2

vation work within [Maryland] parks, and we work throughout the watershed. Our members recognize the value of forests to our air and, importantly, our water. We need our legislators to support the No Net Loss Bill that will help Maryland

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B-5

New program helps residents age in place By Carol Sorgen Would you like to remain in your own home as you age, but worry that it won’t be either financially or logistically feasible? If so, you’re not alone. A 2018 AARP survey reported that three out of four adults 50 and older would indeed like to continue living in their own homes and communities as they get older. Fortunately for Maryland residents, a new pilot program spearheaded by the Maryland Department of Aging aims to help you do that. Maryland Community for Life (CFL) is a membership program that offers a suite of services for older homeowners and renters, designed to help them remain safe, healthy and at home. For a monthly fee, members can take advantage of services that address such issues as home maintenance, transportation and access to community services. There are currently five CFLs in Maryland. Two are located in Baltimore: one established by Broadmead Community Services, a division of Broadmead Life Plan Retirement Community, and the other by Keswick Community Health, an offshoot of Keswick Multi-Care Center in Baltimore City. Both Broadmead and Keswick provide residential options for older adults, but in recent years they have broadened their mission to reach the growing population of older Baltimoreans who prefer to live at home but may need additional help to live safely and well on their own. “Community for Life is aimed at those who aren’t income-qualified for Medicaid or who have sufficient financial resources to arrange whatever services they may need,” said Carmel Roques, CEO of Keswick Community Health. “Today we can fully expect to live into our 90s, but society hasn’t quite figured out how to keep us at home, healthy and

safe,” Roques continued, adding that as someone whose career has focused on helping older adults, she is “thrilled” to see the public and private sectors coming together with a shared vision. In 2017, when the statewide Community for Life program was announced, Maryland Secretary of Aging Rona Kramer told the Maryland legislature, “It’s very important to keep people living in the community where they want to live.”

A service of nonprofits

The Department of Aging put out a request for proposals to nonprofit service providers throughout the state — such as Keswick and Broadmead — to establish non-medical programs that would serve enrollees who lived in their own homes within a geographically-defined community near the service provider. The providers needed to be able to offer a minimum level of services, including home maintenance and transportation, and a service navigator to connect members to needed community services. Membership fees and nonprofit contributions are intended to cover the operating costs. In Baltimore, the Keswick CFL serves the neighborhoods around Keswick’s location on W. 40th St., which includes Zip codes: 21204, 21208, 21209-12, 21218, 21239 and 21286. Broadmead serves the Northern Baltimore County corridor whose Zip codes include: 21013, 21030, 21051, 21053, 21057, 21082, 21087, 21093, 21111, 21117, 21120, 21128, 21131, 21136, 21152, 21155, 21161, 21234 and 21236. Since the Community for Life Program is barely a year old, membership numbers are still low at the present time, with Keswick and Broadmead each having two CFL members. (Additional CFLs are located in Allegany, Northern Worcester and

Talbot Counties.) Marketing campaigns, however, are getting the word out to members of their respective communities. There are different price points for membership, depending on the CFL services a member seeks. Keswick CFL members, for example, currently pay $100 a month, with a sliding scale option for members who qualify. Membership includes a personalized home assessment to identify maintenance, home safety and fall prevention improvements; handyman and home maintenance service; membership and a $100 voucher for Keswick’s Wise & Well Center for Healthy Living; transportation support; assistance with online grocery ordering and medication delivery; a health and wellness concierge to answer members’ questions and address any concerns; and a personal balance and falls risk screening followed by an action plan from a rehabilitation therapist. Broadmead’s Community for Life fees start at $150 per month, also with a sliding scale. “There is no one-size-fits-all package” of services, said Andy Switzer, Director of Broadmead’s Center of Excellence in Health and Wellness. “If you don’t need transportation services, for example, you don’t need to pay for them.” If they choose, CFL members can join the health and wellness center for its lifestyle and wellness classes and activities intended

to promote good health and decrease the social isolation many older adults face.

Different from a village

In another way to address the needs of older homeowners, many neighborhoods today have created “village” programs for residents. These operate as membership organizations founded on a neighborshelping-neighbors basis. Home owners in a limited area contribute annually to support a concierge or administrator who can dispatch volunteers or vetted service providers to shovel show or rake leaves, provide transportation, do handyman tasks, and provide other assistance allowing members to remain independent in their existing homes. (In Baltimore, Northwest Neighbors Connecting and Village at Home are two examples of such villages.) Switzer explained that one difference between the volunteer-driven model and a CFL is the reliability factor. In a volunteerdriven program, if a volunteer isn’t available to take a member to a doctor’s appointment, for example, the member often has to make other arrangements. With Maryland’s CFL model, members are guaranteed the services they are paying for. Switzer also emphasized that the Community for Life program is a community See AGE IN PLACE, page B-6

B-6

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INDEPENDENT LIVING COMMUNITY

Oak Crest 1-800-333-5693 8820 Walther Boulevard Parkville, MD 21234 www.OakCrestCommunity.com If you’re looking for modern conveniences in a warm, welcoming environment, it’s time to visit Oak Crest, Baltimore County’s most popular continuing care retirement community. Recent renovations include a new all-season pool and fitness center, an exciting new restaurant, and an updated salon and day spa. Residents of this private, 87-acre community enjoy all the luxuries of maintenance-free apartment living, plus the security of stable monthly expenses, a 90% Refundable Entrance Fee*, and quality on-site care for every stage of living. It’s the ideal choice for your vibrant retirement lifestyle. Call 1-800-333-5693 for your free brochure. *Carefully read the Residence and Care Agreement for the conditions that must be satisfied before the Provider is required to pay the entrance fee refund

ASSISTED LIVING LIVING COMMUNITY ASSISTED

Weinberg Park Assisted Living 410-664-0100 5833 Park Heights Avenue Baltimore, MD 21215 Weinberg Park is a vibrant Assisted Living community where you can live with confidence and independence. Whether you need help getting dressed, managing medications or friendly conversation, we are there for you with a gentle helping hand. We offer private or semi-private suites, certified nursing assistance, medication management, a 24-hour emergency response system, laundry & housekeeping services, delicious & nourishing kosher meals and individualized service plans. Our doors are open to everyone, regardless of income level, and we strive to keep our fees at a competitive market rate. Call today to schedule a tour! We look forward to showing you the comfort and care we offer to all our treasured residents!

INDEPENDENT LIVING COMMUNITY

Charlestown 1-800-222-9651 715 Maiden Choice Lane Catonsville, MD 21228 CharlestownCommunity.com A sprawling 110-acre campus, hundreds of resident-run clubs, and three clubhouses featuring dozens of top-notch amenities. For over 35 years, Charlestown retirement community has been delighting Baltimore area seniors with all the comforts of maintenance-free senior living. This enviable lifestyle comes with the security of a 90% Refundable Entrance Fee* and a predictable Monthly Service Package that covers utilities, telephone, cable, Internet, scheduled transportation, and much more. Residents have their pick of stylish apartment homes, plus convenient on-site medical care, including advanced care options should health needs ever change. Call 1-800-222-9651 for your free brochure. *Carefully read the Residence and Care Agreement for the conditions that must be satisfied before the Provider is required to pay the entrance fee refund.

APRIL 2019 — BALTIMORE BEACON

Move managers can help you downsize By Mary Kane When his beloved 90-year-old cousin Sidney needed to move from her New Jersey home into a nearby independent living community last spring, Paul Mesard faced a dilemma. Mesard, 62, lives in Denver, and it seemed nearly impossible to take off enough time to pack up a house that Sidney had lived in for 35 years and relocate her. But Mesard came across a solution: Hire a senior move manager — a professional who specializes in helping older adults move from their longtime homes and resettle elsewhere. A move manager and her team guided Sidney through every room, closet and drawer, quizzing her gently on what to keep or give away. After the move, they unpacked and set up her new apartment. The entire process took just two days. “They were really focused, so it wasn’t a trip down memory lane,” Mesard said. “You’re paying them by the hour, so it’s just about business.”

Helpful in many ways

Those moving for the first time in decades can be overwhelmed by the task of emptying out an attic or basement full of boxes. And many of us have physical conditions, or recent knee or hip replacements, that can make moving difficult. Some of us also face a major living transition, often into a smaller apartment in a care facility or to an adult child’s house in another part of the country. “Sometimes you have to move because it’s not safe, or affordable, or feasible for you to stay where you are,” said Tracy Greene Mintz, a social worker and longterm-care consultant in Redondo Beach, Calif. “But that doesn’t mean it’s not hard and it’s not sad.” Senior move managers, some of whom may have social work backgrounds or special training, can address these emotional minefields. Some serve as neutral third parties divvying up family possessions. Others acknowledge the pain of saying goodbye to treasured items. Clients always have final say, but some managers find ways to help ease the transition. One manager painstakingly photographed and recreated the display of a collection of

Age in place From page B-5

service, not a business. “We’re not necessarily looking for a profit,” he said. According to Switzer, each CFL is similar in mission and the services it offers, but each is tailor-made for the community it serves. So the Northern Baltimore County corridor served by Broadmead, for example, will offer somewhat different services than the Baltimore City neighborhoods served by

glass figure miniatures for a cabinet in a client’s new apartment, said Susan Devaney, president of the Mavins Group, a move-management company in Westfield, N.J.

What to expect

Move managers typically charge hourly rates between $55 and $100, depending on the type of service. Managers pack boxes or organize an entire home, tagging items for family, charity or the new residence, and keeping out-of-town adult children in the loop by video chatting as they work. A typical move, including planning and consultation, takes three to five weeks, Devaney said. Managers can work on short notice, too. Managers also review the floor plan for a new apartment and help decide where the old furniture will fit. And they can recommend vetted moving companies, and firms that might buy unwanted items. The cost to hire a manager to move from a house to a two-bedroom independent living apartment may range from $2,500 to $5,000, not including moving company costs, Devaney said. You can find an accredited move manager through the National Association of Senior Move Managers, the industry’s professional association.

A comforting service

Vera Lasser, 79, decided to hire a senior move manager when she and her husband, Norman, 84, needed help to move from their New Jersey home of nearly 49 years to a continuing-care community in Massachusetts. “The house was an absolute mess,” she said. “We had collected so many papers and so much junk over the years.” Devaney’s firm encouraged them to let go of some things and to make a memory box to save meaningful items. The couple wanted to keep a large baker’s rack they loved, but the move managers helped them realize that it wouldn’t fit in their new, smaller space. Having help as she sorted and made decisions, Vera said, was comforting during a stressful time. © 2019 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Keswick. As an example, Broadmead CFL members have access to Broadmead’s dining venues, as well as housekeeping services that include light and heavy-duty cleaning. The goal for each CFL remains the same, however, said Switzer — “to keep you happy, healthy and in your own home for as long as you can.” For more information, visit www.choose keswick.org, www.broadmeadcommunity services.org or https://aging.maryland. gov/Pages/community-for-life.aspx.

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B-7

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 The Strictly Sinatra Band.

HOUSING COMMUNITIES ❑ Catholic Charities Senior Communities . . . . . .B5 ❑ Charlestown . . . . . . .B2 & B6 ❑ Christ Church Harbor Apts .B3 ❑ Linden Park Apts . . . . . . . .B4 ❑ Meadows at Reisterstown . .B3 ❑ Oak Crest . . . . . . . . .B2 & B6 ❑ Park View Catonsville . . . . .B8 ❑ Park View Dundalk . . . . . . .B8 ❑ Park View Rosedale . . . . . .B8

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Park View Taylor . . . . . . . . .B8 Pickersgill . . . . . . . . . . . . .B3 St. Mary’s Roland View TowersB9 Virginia Towers . . . . . . . . . .B2 Warren Place Senior Apts . .B9 Weinberg Gardens . . . . . . .B12 Weinberg House . . . . . . . .B12 Weinberg Manhattan Park .B12 Weinberg Manor East/West B12 Weinberg Manor South . . .B12 Weinberg Park Assisted Living . . . . . . . . . . .B6 & B12

❑ Weinberg Place . . . . . . . . .B12 ❑ Weinberg Terrace . . . . . . .B12 ❑ Weinberg Village Community . . . . . . . . . . . .B12 ❑ Weinberg Woods . . . . . . . .B12 ❑ Westminster House Apts . .B11

AGING-IN-PLACE SERVICES ❑ Keswick Community for Life . .B4 ❑ Options for Senior America . .B11 ❑ Patriot Mobility . . . . . . . . . . . .B5

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 419

Phone (day) _______________________________________________ (eve) ________________________________________________ Please provide your telephone number and e-mail address so we may contact you promptly if you win the drawing.

B-8

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APRIL 2019 — BALTIMORE BEACON

Planning ahead can save on move costs By Lauren Schwahn Moving comes with a long, expensive to-do list. The average cost for a local move from a two-bedroom apartment or three-bedroom house ranges from $400 to $1,000, according to HomeAdvisor’s True Cost Guide. While you’re choosing a place to live and deciding what to pack, having a plan for expenses can ensure your budget doesn’t get lost in the shuffle. “It’s very easy to overlook minor details, because when you’re moving you’re looking at getting your stuff from point A to point B,” said Jessica Nichols, a director at Avail Move Management, a relocation and transportation service in Evansville, Indiana. Preparing for moving costs can help alleviate emotional and financial strain. Consider these less-obvious expenses. 1. Peak surcharges

Many moving and truck rental companies raise rates during busy times like summer and weekends. If you have the flexibility, relocate in an off-peak period to save money. 2. Packing materials Buying items like boxes, bubble wrap and packing tape can add up. For example, U-Haul sells large moving boxes for $1.63 to $1.99 each, depending on how many you buy. Be realistic about the number you need. Or seek free materials from friends or online. Additionally, consider the items you’ll need to safely transport your belongings, including furniture covers, hand trucks and bungee cords. If your movers don’t provide them, or you aren’t hiring professionals, renting or borrowing is more affordable than buying. 3. Excess cargo

The more stuff you schlep, the more you’ll pay. Movers usually factor the number and weight of items into the bill. Expect additional fees for valuable or large items like pianos that require extra time, space or labor. Hauling everything yourself? A bigger load can require a larger vehicle or more gas-guzzling trips. To save money, donate or sell what you can before you move. 4. Cleaning You’ll likely need to tidy up your current place, especially if there’s a security deposit at stake. Housecleaning services typically charge $200 to $300 for a one-time cleaning, according to HomeAdvisor. You’ll save money by doing some or all of the work yourself. 5. Utilities Watch for deposits, taxes and connection and installation fees when setting up

We Turn Addresses

into homes

MOST COMMUNITIE S ARE 62 AND BETTER

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY

BALTIMORE COUNTY (CONT.)

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

Park View at Randallstown: 410-655-5673 Park View at Rosedale: 410-866-1886 Park View at Taylor: 410-663-0363 Park View at Towson: 410-828-7185 Park View at Woodlawn: 410-281-1120

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

utilities at your new address. These could range from $10 to $200 or more. Ask power, Internet and other service providers about charges in advance. 6. Food Food expenses can pop up, too. Think snacks for the road, restocking the refrigerator and pantry, and feeding friends who’ve helped. Shopping wholesale clubs could be a smart strategy to feed a crowd. 7. Lost or damaged items Some belongings might not survive the journey. Depending on what you’re transporting and how far, it may be worth purchasing insurance to repair or replace property. “Nobody wants to think about their items getting broken. Ideally that would never happen, but in the real world that’s something you need to plan for,” said Nichols. Most movers provide basic valuation coverage, which limits their liability to 60 cents per pound. For a 40-pound TV valued at $500, that’s $24. Top-tier options and separate insurance plans offer higher or full values, but it will cost extra. If you have homeowners or renters insurance, you likely have some coverage. Check your policy. 8. Tips Movers appreciate tips after a long day of heavy lifting. Give tips based on your satisfaction level, but a good rule of thumb is 5 percent of the total bill. 9. Storage If you can’t immediately move your possessions into your new home, you might have to rent a self-storage unit. Costs vary by size and location. Public Storage units typically range from about $50 to $400 per month in this area. The less time and space you need, the less expensive the unit.

Get a handle on all costs

Mentally walk through your moving process from start to finish. Outline the potential items and services you’ll need at least a month ahead. Then, research prices and get multiple estimates for the best deals and service, Nichols suggested. Leave wiggle room for unexpected costs, and take your time purchasing new home furnishings, said Daria Victorov, a certified financial planner at Abacus Wealth Partners in San Mateo, California. Remember, you don’t have to buy everything at once. “When you move into an empty house it feels like you need everything right away,” Victorov said. “Before you move, figure out what those essential items are, the things that you use every day, and that’ll help you figure out your budget, too.” —AP

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BALTIMORE BEACON — APRIL 2019

B-9

What makes your place feel like home? By Kim Cook What makes a house or an apartment a home? For some of us, home is a walk-up apartment that we share with a roommate or two. For others, it might be a center-hall Colonial on a leafy suburban street, or a modern glass box overlooking the sea. The variations are endless. The only real universal feature is a roof over your head. Everything else that distinguishes a home from mere shelter is different for each of us. And evolving technology and lifestyles are changing what we want our homes to be. “With so many entertainment and smart technology options at our fingertips, we find homeowners are spending more time at home. People are focusing on how they truly use a space to reflect how they live, versus what the room is ‘supposed to be,’’’ said Kerrie Kelly, an interior design expert for the online real-estate marketplace Zillow.

Multi-function rooms

For instance, she notes, dining rooms are no longer just a place to eat. “Adults work from this space and kids do homework here, making a single-use room more multi-purpose,’’ Kelly said. “We also see ‘library rooms’ in lieu of formal dining rooms, with more attention to comfortable seating for taking in a vari-

ety of media. And lastly, the laundry room isn’t just for washing clothes any more. Pet-washing stations are popping up more frequently instead of laundry tubs.’’ For city dwellers, Kelly’s noticed an increase in conversions of loft-like work spaces into living spaces. “People are interested in living in an urban environment in order to enjoy culture without getting in the car,’’ she said. “Easily accessible restaurants, entertainment and shopping appeals to all age groups.’’

Working at home

The retailer IKEA surveyed people across the globe for its 2018 “Life at Home’’ report, and found that 1 in 4 respondents said they work more from home than ever before. Nearly 2 in 3 said they’d rather live in a small home in a great location than in a big home in a less ideal spot. Jeffrey Dungan, an international architect, reports that more clients want to use their homes for creative pursuits. “There’s this idea that with the increasing popularity of the Maker movement, and people turning hobbies into successful businesses — whether it’s a side hustle or primary income — the home is more and more becoming a place of business,’’ he said. “Home is the place where you can do what you love unapologetically. And as

more people turn what they love to do into a business, then in a way their business becomes home.’’ Dungan worked on a home in Texas where the client wanted a sewing room placed right off the master suite. Other clients are also asking for dedicated spaces such as yoga and art studios. In IKEA’s report, Alison Blunt, co-director of the Centre for Studies of Home at Queen Mary University of London, said there are essentially five things that matter to people when they consider the ideal home: “Comfort, security, a sense of au-

tonomy and ownership, and the capacity for privacy. Home at its core goes back to a sense of belonging.’’ A survey by the home-furnishings retailer Article in 2018 asked people what it took for them to finally call a dwelling a home. Many responders said it takes a couple of holidays, barbecues, family visits, big sporting events and game nights before they really feel “at home.’’ So, feather the proverbial nest however you like, and have fun while you do it. Then invite somebody over. —AP

BEACON BITS

Apr. 14

Apr. 9

Apr. 11

PORGY AND BESS AT THE MEYERHOFF Join Liberty Senior Center on Sunday, April 14, to see Porgy and Bess at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. Cost is $60. Call (410) 887-0780 to save a seat.

VISIT AMISH COUNTRY Visit Sight and Sound Theater in Lancaster, Penn., to see the play Jesus and enjoy lunch at Hershey Farms on this excursion hosted by Catonsville Senior Center on Tuesday, April 9. Cost is $120. Call (410) 744-0170 for reservations.

CRUISE THE POTOMAC Enjoy this springtime Odyssey Luncheon Cruise on the Potomac River on Thursday, April 11. Cost is $102. Call Senior Box Office at (410) 882-3797 to save a spot.

Senior Apartments LIVE WELL FOR LESS Roland View Towers • One- and Two-Bedroom as well as Efficiencies • Rents from $575-$930 Utilities Included! • 24/7 on-site Maintenance and Reception Desk • Beauty/Barber Shop on premises • Bus Trips and Social Events and many more amenities! • Only 2 blocks from Hampden’s ‘The Avenue’ Spectacular View

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APRIL 2019 — BALTIMORE BEACON

Should you move abroad for healthcare? By Liz Weston The notion that healthcare outside the U.S. could be good as well as cheap is a foreign one to many Americans. Expat Kathleen Peddicord frequently hears from such skeptics as founder of Live and Invest Overseas, a site for people curious about living abroad. Actual expats like her, however, tell of good-quality care at a fraction of the U.S. price. Treatment for a motorbike accident in Panama cost her $20. Emergency dental surgery that might cost $10,000 or more in the U.S. was $4,500 in Paris. In many countries, medications that would require a prescription in the States are available directly from licensed pharmacies at low prices, thanks to government subsidies or regulation. “The healthcare in a lot of places around the world is very good, as good as in the United States,” said Peddicord, who currently divides her time between Paris and Panama. “Some places, it is better.”

Among reasons to move

Low-cost, quality healthcare usually isn’t the main reason people move abroad, said expat and Mexico resident Don Murray, who writes for rival site International Living. But reduced medical expenses are part of the lower living costs that prompt many Americans to relocate, he said.

About nine million Americans who aren’t in the military live outside the U.S., according to State Department estimates. That’s increased considerably from its 1999 estimate of three to six million. The number could rise in coming years as millions more Americans barrel toward retirement without enough income to maintain their standard of living at home. Healthcare is a particular concern for Americans who want to retire before age 65, when Medicare kicks in. Currently, early retirees can buy coverage through the Affordable Care Act, but it’s not always truly affordable and its future is uncertain. Some who would otherwise retire plan to keep working, rather than risk being uninsured. But a move abroad could be an option for those intrepid enough to try it. Cheaper healthcare also may appeal to gig economy workers who aren’t tied to stateside jobs. Freelance science writer Erica Rex, for example, recently wrote an opinion column for The New York Times about moving to the United Kingdom and then France after her 2009 cancer diagnosis. “Moving to Europe was a choice weighed against other, grimmer options for healthcare, which included the strong possibility of being bankrupted by cancer treatment and winding up at the mercy of

New York State’s welfare system,” she wrote.

a half away, the healthcare isn’t going to be the same” as in a major city, Murray said.

Quality abroad varies

Options for coverage

Not all expat havens have great healthcare systems. Belize, for example, encourages immigration by exempting retirees from most income taxes. But many expats there cross the border to Mexico for healthcare, Peddicord said. France, on the other hand, is known for its excellent healthcare system. International Living and Live and Invest Overseas give the country top marks, along with Mexico, Ecuador and Malaysia. International Living praises Thailand and Costa Rica as well, while Live and Invest Overseas said Portugal, Italy and Malta have admirable healthcare. With any country, quality can vary, especially in sparsely populated areas. Murray and his wife, Diane, left their first retirement destination, a small town in Ecuador, after encountering broken equipment and few doctors. They’re much happier with the care near their Yucatan Peninsula home, where next-day appointments are the norm, and doctors are typically trained in the U.S. or Europe, he said. “It’s like in the U.S. — if you live in Possum Belly, Alabama, and they don’t have a hospital and the nearest one is an hour and

Expats may be able to qualify for a country’s public healthcare system if they become residents. Otherwise, there’s typically a private system in which people can pay out of pocket and get reimbursed if they have private health insurance. Peddicord and her husband, Lief Simon, who are in their 50s, have an international health insurance policy that covers them whether they’re traveling or at home in France or Panama. The annual cost is about $3,000 for both of them, she said. ‘ Murray, 69, said he and his wife pay about $80 each month for Mexico’s public health system, but use private doctors and pay out of pocket for most care (including $8 for a recent hospital visit to treat an eye infection). “My personal budget no longer contains a line for healthcare expenses,” Murray said. “They are so inconsequential there is no need.” This column was provided to the Associated Press by the personal finance website NerdWallet. Liz Weston is a columnist at NerdWallet, a certified financial planner and author of Your Credit Score. Email: lweston@nerdwallet.com. —AP

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BALTIMORE BEACON — APRIL 2019

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Telling your story well can improve care PJ Feinstein When Jay Newton-Small moved her father, who had Alzheimer’s, into a senior living community, she had hesitations about the extensive intake questionnaire she had been asked to fill out. “Who was ever going to read and remember 20 pages of handwritten data points for the more than 100 residents in that particular community?” she said. Newton-Small, who was a professional writer at the time, also found some of the questions challenging to answer succinctly. “You know, ‘Describe your parents’ fiftyplus year marriage in four lines.’ It’s like writing in haiku,” she said. So Newton-Small turned in a blank questionnaire, and instead used her skills as a trained journalist to write her father’s story as if it were a magazine profile. “There’s an expression in Alzheimer’s, ‘meeting people where they are,’ and I knew he was regressing at that point back to his earlier days,” she said. In order to help his caregivers better understand her dad’s current state of mind, she decided to focus her story on his experiences as a young man and his career as a U.N. diplomat. The one-page, double-sided story was a hit with the staff. “Two of his caregivers were actually Ethiopian, and they had no idea that he’d lived in Ethiopia for four years early in his career with United Na-

tions,” Newton-Small said. “They became his champions. They would sit for hours and ask him what it’d been like to work with Emperor Haile Selassie and what the emperor had been like. Dad loved it because he remembered Ethiopia from his early 20s pretty well at that point in time, even if he didn’t often remember last week or last month.”

Getting to know you

Seeing how writing her father’s life story transformed his care, Newton-Small was inspired to help other family members tell the stories of their aging loved ones. A few years ago, she founded MemoryWell (www.memorywell.com), a company that matches older adults and family members with experienced journalists who can craft personal narratives that “make for great cheat sheets” in senior living communities, giving paid caregivers the tools they need to individually engage with residents. Plus, “knowing that person’s biography is a much more effective way to connect with them when they are upset,” explained Newton-Small. She recounted the experience of a man with dementia, a former accountant, who would harass the other residents and staff in his community whenever they rang the chow bell. “When we did his story, they finally realized that he’d also been a volunteer fire-

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fighter his entire life. There was the same kind of bell in the firehouse, and whenever he heard [the chow bell] he was trying to evacuate people,” she said. “They changed the bell to a chime, and he was no longer accosting people.” MemoryWell primarily works directly with senior living communities (the stories were originally conceived as a tool for Alzheimer’s and dementia care), but Newton-Small believes that family members, particularly grandchildren, can benefit from them as well. “Intergenerationally, it’s a point of commonality, of conversation, of connection,” she said. A young fashionista, for example, might learn that her grandmother used to sew her own dresses and form a bond over dressmaking. The basic service for families costs $299, but MemoryWell also offers an option for families to build on their professionally-written 800-word stories using digital media for an additional fee. There is also a $2,500 option for a magazine-length profile.

Other options

MemoryWell is just one of the many ways that older adults can tell their stories, whether to improve their care or simply to preserve memories. Today’s technology

makes it possible for individuals to share not only their personal narratives, but also images, video and audio memories. Stor yWor th (www.stor ywor th.com), for example, sends weekly questions, such as “What television programs did you watch as a child?” and “Have you broken any habits over the years?” that can be answered by email, on the web, or in its app. (Personal photos can also be uploaded.) As the storyteller, you can share your responses each week with as many friends or family as you’d like, and at the end of the year, all 52 stories are printed in a keepsake book. At $79, a regular subscription includes a year’s worth of story prompts and a black-and-white hardcover book. If writing is not your forte, StoryCorps (www.storycorps.org) is a free service that allows you to record, preserve and share your oral history at StoryCorps recording sites around the country, or by using the StoryCorps app on your phone. The 40-minute session is formatted as an interview between you and a loved one, or anybody else you choose, on any topic you’d like. Afterwards, you’ll receive a digital copy of the interview for download, and, with your permission, StoryCorps will send a copy to the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress to archive.

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Say you saw it in the Beacon

PHOTO BY MATT REINBOLD

Money Law &

THIS IS NOT A SALES CALL For apps and tips to help you avoid most of those annoying robocalls, see page 17.

New service offers free local TV stations By Tali Arbel The Internet’s abundance of video — on YouTube, Netflix, etc. — has pushed millions to cancel cable TV and diminished the appeal of live television. Some people (the young) barely watch TV, except for special circumstances like the Super Bowl or the Oscars. But many are still dedicated to the nightly news and as much NFL football as they can get. If you have canceled cable, and your TV antenna has poor reception for the major networks, there is now another option to let you view local television networks. It’s called Locast. It’s like an app version of a $50 antenna you can get from Best Buy. But it’s free and easy to use. For someone like me, weaned on Netflix, Locast is too simplistic to be a major part of my TV addiction. It’s a stopgap, excellent for the few times a year when I want to watch what everyone else is watching, at the same time they watch it. But it’s useful for those who regularly watch TV live — sports lovers, devotees of morning shows like “Today,” “Bachelor” fans who live-tweet each episode. You don’t have to pay for it, as you do with

cable, and it’s available on more gadgets than you’d get with just a TV antenna. For those who don’t have a TV, it’s one of the easiest ways to watch over-the-air stations for free.

How it works, what’s included

Locast makes local stations available for free, in real time, online. You can watch on its website, locast.org, or on apps for iPhones and Android phones. A Roku app, Chromecast or Apple’s AirPlay let you stream to your TV. In New York, I get stations for ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, CW, PBS, Univision, Telemundo, Ion and a handful of others. Cable channels like ESPN, MTV, Bravo and Fox News are not available free on the public airwaves. You generally have to pay for them. You can start watching as soon as you let Locast know your location and sign in with your email or Facebook account. A basic TV guide tells you what’s on now and the next six days. Audio and video quality is good. I haven’t had issues with buffering or shows not loading. Locast fits into a crowded field of devices and services aiming to replace or complement cable. There are cable-like

streaming services like YouTube TV, DirecTV Now or PlayStation Vue, which offer packages of TV channels, typically for $40 or $45 a month. Hulu and apps from the likes of ABC and NBC post episodes online in the days after they air. Netflix and Amazon Prime have whole seasons months after they’re on TV.

Limitations

To use the service, you need to live in one of the nine markets where Locast has set up antennas. Just last month, Baltimore and Washington, D.C. were added to the lineup, which also includes Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Houston, New York and Philadelphia. Further expansion depends on whether Locast can raise more money. I’ve gotten used to watching shows at my leisure, and Locast doesn’t fit in with that. There’s no digital video recorder, or DVR, to let you watch shows later. There’s no skipping commercials, no binge-watching, no customization, no recommendations of shows I’ll like. For sports fans, there’s a lot missing. You can get baseball, football and other games from over-the-air channels, but no “Monday

Night Football” (on ESPN) or the cable channels that televise hometown-team games. For the March Madness college basketball tournament, you’d just get the games on CBS, not TNT, TBS or truTV. There’s also a question about Locast’s future. A few years ago, a startup called Aereo tried to offer local broadcast stations over the Internet. Broadcasters sued and won, forcing Aereo to shut down in 2014. Locast has been around for about a year and may have found a legitimate loophole because it’s a nonprofit. Federal law says nonprofits can retransmit broadcasters’ signals without violating their rights. The National Association of Broadcasters, which represents TV and radio stations, declined to comment. Even so, there’s the issue of money. Locast currently runs on a loan from an undisclosed person. Its backers, a sportsfan advocacy group simply called the Sports Fans Coalition, hope user donations will fund the service. But it’s hard to persuade people to part See FREE TV, page 17

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APRIL 2019 — BALTIMORE BEACON

Tax strategies for approaching retirement By Kevin Webb, CFP When steady income from employment stops, it’s replaced with other sources, such as pensions, Social Security and investments. You can usually control when to start

these income sources and — in the case of investments — decide which account to pull money from, as different accounts may have different tax consequences. This gives you a chance to explore tax

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strategies that can have a significant effect on your retirement, including the following five ideas.

Zero percent capital gains

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

Qualified Charitable Distributions

When nearing retirement, planning for

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

Roth conversion

If you own a traditional IRA, and are able See TAX STRATEGIES, page 18

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to abuse or neglect. If you were one of these children, wouldn’t 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 and can be completed within the limits of even the most hectic schedule. Volunteers, who must be at least 21 years old, will be trained and supervised by professional staff. For more information, call (410) 244-1465 or visit casabalt.org.

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Law & Money

BALTIMORE BEACON — APRIL 2019

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

If you haven’t already done so, your first step to limiting at least some unwanted calls is to make sure your home and cell phone numbers are registered with the National Do Not Call Registry. While this won’t stop illegal robocalls, it will stop unwanted calls from legitimate

Free TV From page 15

with their cash — especially for the cashconscious cord-cutters who have found

for-profit businesses who are trying to sell you something. But be aware that political organizations, charities and survey takers are still permitted to call you, as are businesses you’ve bought something from or made a payment to in the last 18 months. To sign up, visit DoNotCall.gov or call (888) 382-1222.

Another solution is to sign up for Nomorobo, which is a free service for landline phones (but only if you have a VoIP landline carrier). Nomorobo uses a

“simultaneous ring” service that detects and blocks robocalls on a black list of See ROBOCALLS, page 18

Home landline tools

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

themselves in subscription overload with Netflix and Amazon Prime, not to mention music, news, specific sports leagues, meal kits, makeup and wine. —AP

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Robocalls From page 17

known offender numbers. It isn’t 100 percent foolproof, but it is an extra layer of protection. To sign up or see if Nomorobo works with your phone service provider, visit Nomorobo.com.

Cell phone tools

To stop unwanted robocalls and texts to your cell phone, ask your carrier about caller ID options that help identify, filter or prevent callers that aren’t legitimate. For example, AT&T provides their sub-

Tax strategies From page 16

to keep taxable income low, you may want to consider a Roth IRA conversion. While it’s true that each dollar you con-

APRIL 2019 — BALTIMORE BEACON

scribers a free app called “AT&T Call Protect” that has automatic fraud blocking and suspected spam warnings, and you can manually block unwanted calls. Starting this month, Verizon is offering free spam alerting and call blocking tools to their users. T-Mobile offers free “Scam ID” and “Scam Block” to combat robocalls and spam. And Sprint customers can sign up for its “Premium Caller ID” service for $2.99 per month to guard against robocalls and caller ID spoofers.

on your smartphone is with call-blocking apps. These can identify who is calling you and block unwanted calls that show up on crowd-sourced spam and robocaller lists. Some top call blocking apps for iPhones and Androids include Nomorobo (Nomorobo.com), Hiya Caller ID and Spam Blocker (Hiya.com) and Truecaller (Truecaller.com). While Nomorobo is free for landlines, it costs $2 per month for cell phones. Truecaller and Hiya apps are free to use, but offer upgraded services for $2 and $3 per month.

Call blocking apps

Spam-proof phones

vert will add to your taxable income that year, paying the tax now may result in less taxes paid overall [since gains in a Roth account are forever shielded from tax]. Also, money in a Roth is not subject to required minimum distributions at age 70 ½.

One trick with Roth IRA conversions is to do a partial conversion in an amount that takes you to the top of your current tax bracket. So, if you are in the 12 percent tax bracket, convert enough of the traditional IRA into the Roth to stay in that

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Net unrealized appreciation

If you are retiring with a 401(k) plan that has company stock in it, you may be able to take advantage of special tax treatment for the net unrealized appreciation (NUA) of the company stock. NUA is the difference between the company’s current stock price and the amount you paid for it. A common approach to 401(k) distributions is to roll the 401(k) over to an IRA, where withdrawals are taxed at your ordinary income level. With NUA treatment, the gain in the company stock is taxed at more favorable capital gains rates when sold, with only the cost basis portion being taxed at ordinary income rates. If the NUA makes up most of the account value with a minimal cost basis, this can result in significant tax savings.

Strategic investment withdrawals

Proceeds paid directly to your beneficiary

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

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policies contain benefits, reductions, limitations, and exclusions to include a reduction in death benefits during the first two years of policy ownership. In NY, during the first two years, 110% of premiums will be paid. Whole Life Insurance is underwritten by United of Omaha Life Insurance Company, 3300 Mutual of Omaha Plaza, Omaha, NE 68175 which is licensed nationwide except NY. Life insurance policies issued in NY are underwritten by Companion Life Insurance Company, Hauppauge, NY 11788. Each company is responsible for its own financial and contractual obligations. Not available in all states. Benefit amounts vary by state. Policy Form ICC11L059P or state equivalent (7780L-0505 in FL, 828Y-0505 in NY). *Ages 50 to 75 in NY. **In FL policy is renewable until age 121. 452747 ***All benefits paid would be less any outstanding loan.

Investment accounts can be separated into three tax categories: taxable accounts (investments), tax-deferred accounts (traditional IRAs and 401(k)s), and tax-exempt accounts (Roth IRAs). Conventional wisdom is to withdraw first from taxable accounts, then tax-deferred accounts, while leaving tax-exempt accounts last. A better idea is to take strategic withdrawals from whichever account best suits your taxable situation each year. One example is to tap the tax-deferred accounts in the early years of retirement to avoid large future required minimum distributions that push you into higher tax brackets. There are many other examples, too, but the idea is to have money in accounts that are taxed differently, allowing you to strategically tap them to minimize taxes through your retirement. This tax diversification also is helpful in responding to any future tax law changes. This article presents the views of contributing adviser Kevin Webb, CFP, of Kehoe Financial Advisors, not the Kiplinger editorial staff. © 2019 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

BALTIMORE BEACON — APRIL 2019

Say you saw it in the Beacon

Travel

Leisure &

Stay for next to nothing when traveling. See our story on page 21.

Scenic Oregon, unpretentious Portland

Diverse in many ways

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

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

PHOTO BY KIMBERLY SHAVENDER/SHUTTERSTOCK

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

PHOTO BY WWW.VISITPORTLAND.COM

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

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

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

Lewis and Clark and beyond

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

stunning mountainous terrain, including the tallest mountain in the state. And the 35-mile-long Hood River County Fruit Loop leads to 28 farm stands, berry farms and wineries. For those who prefer walking tours, a self-guided stroll through the town of Canby traces its history from serving as a stop along a section of the Oregon Trail to a logging community, and introduces the fascinating cast of characters who played important roles in its past. In an area of mountainous terrain, the snow-capped peak of majestic Mt. Hood, which tops out at a height over 11,200 feet, reigns supreme. On clear days, it can be visible 100 miles away. Given that elevation, it’s not surprising that the dormant volcano offers the longest ski season in North America, including runs on 12 glaciers and snow fields. In summer, the dense wilderness, fields of wildflowers, Alpine lakes and rushing rivers in the million-plus acre Mt. Hood National Forest attract hikers, campers, fishermen and sightseers, along with experienced mountain climbers. Humans share the woods with black bears, elk, mule deer and an occasional cougar. See OREGON, page 20

Leisure & Travel | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

Oregon From page 19

Art all over

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

The sites of Portland

Visiting neighborhoods that comprise Portland is a perfect way to experience and enjoy much that the city has to offer. The Alberta Arts District is home to a

number of quirky galleries, and hosts a monthly street festival that pays homage to art, food and other facets of that community. Houses in the historic Old Town district, where the city was born in 1843, display a never-never land of ornate cast-iron scrollwork and filigree along with human and animal figures. West End stretches between Powell’s City of Books — said to be the largest independent new and used bookstore in the world — and the downtown retail core, which is home to a growing number of fashion boutiques and design shops. The Pearl District has evolved from a setting for warehouses, light industry and railroad yards to a collection of art galleries, specialty stores and upscale residences. Strolling the streets also helps visitors understand the attitude and atmosphere that are unique to the city and its residents, and how it continues to cling to its special character and much of its small-town charm. One aspect of its attitude is the motto, admittedly borrowed from another city: “Keep Portland Weird.” Simple, unpretentious and “real” could be substituted for the last word to describe Portland and its people. Another well-deserved boast is the city’s extensive and inviting collection of parks and gardens. The 160-plus parks range in size from massive to minuscule. Hikers may find wilderness within the city limits in Forest Park, which is crisscrossed by 30 miles of trails.

APRIL 2019 — BALTIMORE BEACON

Waterfront Park includes a riverside promenade that passes boat docks, shops and restaurants. Council Crest Park sits on a 1,073-foot hill and offers dramatic views over the city and to distant mountains. Mount Tabor Park occupies the only extinct volcano within city limits in the continental United States. Against the backdrop of multi-hued shades of green provided by Portland’s parks, numerous gardens add dramatic splashes of color. The sprawling International Rose Test Garden, which contains 400 varieties of roses displayed on more than 10,000 bushes, has spawned an annual rose festival and is a major reason why Portland is known as the City of Roses. The nearby Japanese Garden is a tranquil sanctuary that includes a traditional sand and stone setting and a ceremonial tea house. The Lan Su Chinese Garden in the Old Town neighborhood is an oasis of winding paths and reflecting ponds. Graceful tea houses and lovely gardens, towering mountains and forested fields are among many attractions that beckon people to visit Portland, and Oregon. Nearly two centuries ago hardy pioneers braved extreme hardships and overcame daunting challenges to seek a better life in what today is the state. The trip now is much less strenuous, but the rewards can be just as satisfying.

If you go

Accommodations can fit comfortably in Oregon’s idiosyncratic reputation. The McMenamins Grand Lodge near Portland gives new meaning to the word whimsical. Quaint, comic paintings and historic photos line the hallways, decorate guest rooms and even show up on headboards and exposed piping. Hidden rooms and a resident ghost add to the atmosphere. Rates begin as low as $60 for a room with shared bathroom and $105 with private facilities. For more information, call (877) 9929533 or visit mcmenamins.com/grand-lodge. The setting is very different at Timberline Lodge, perched 6,000 feet high on Mt. Hood. It was built during the Depression as a Works Progress Administration project, furnished by artisans and decorated by artists. Wood, stones and other local materials are among features that are used to pay tribute to Native Americans, European-born pioneers and Oregon’s wildlife. Rates begin at $127. For more information, call (800) 5471406 or see timberlinelodge.com. Visitors soon come to appreciate Oregon’s abundance of local fresh food from rivers, sea and land. In Portland, with its well-deserved reputation as a foodie mecca, even the proliferation of food carts parked around the city serve up a wide selection of cuisines. Typical of casual restaurants with a colorful history is the Rock Creek Cavern in See OREGON, page 21

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BALTIMORE BEACON — APRIL 2019

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

Couch surfing

This option works for solo travelers or couples looking to make new friends over a few nights. Since you’re staying in someone’s home, you’ll likely need to “check in and out” at reasonable hours and clean up after yourself. For Alexander Salas, who runs the YouTube channel Alex Travelbum, giving up some freedom is worth it. He uses the app from Couchsurfing.com, which has allowed him to sleep in 15 countries for free. His trip to Naples, Italy, was the most memorable, he said.

Oregon From page 20

Hillsboro. Its past includes being bombed, run over by a car and destroyed by a fire of questionable origin. Try them for comfort food. For more information, call (503) 645-3822 or visit mcmenamins.com/rock-creek-tavern. For fine dining, the Imperial in the historic Hotel Lucia offers Pacific Northwest

“I stayed with this woman who was just the most generous, nice person in the world, and we’re still friends till this day,” Salas said. “She made me all of this authentic Italian food and took me around town.”

Home exchanges

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

Housesitting

and evening, you wouldn’t be able to go explore the island all day long,” Nik Rowell said. Wherever you stay, communicate with the host to match your expectations to the experience. If you need a kitchen or Wi-Fi, for example, ask whether you’ll have access.

Take precautions

If you’re staying with strangers, screen them first. Some subscription services have a verification process, but it’s not always as robust as a traveler might like. Amanda Kelly, solo traveler and content creator at Amanda Round The Globe, generally seeks female hosts when she couch surfs. During a trip to Belgium, she said,

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

If you don’t mind pets or a few chores while you travel, you can see the world for less. Nik and Angel Rowell, YouTubers at Roadtrip with Nik, have traveled to Costa Rica and several U.S. states, among other destinations. They frequently use Trustedhousesitters.com, which also has an app and charges $119 for an annual membership. They suggest considering the responsibilities of each housesit beforehand and how it might affect your stay. “If you have a weeklong housesit in Hawaii that included caring for a dog that needed to go out in the morning, afternoon

cuisine at its best. Along with wood-fire grilled specialties, the menu includes rotisserie roasted half chicken ($23) and wild king salmon ($36). For more information, call (503) 228-7222 or see imperialpdx.com. For Oregon tourism information, call (800) 547-7842 or see traveloregon.com. The least expensive roundtrip airfare from BWI to Portland in early April is $320 on United Airlines, with a connection. Nonstops leave from Dulles.

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BALTIMORE BEACON — APRIL 2019

Say you saw it in the Beacon

Style

Arts &

Stand-up storytellers fight stigma of mental illness. See story on page 24.

Heartfelt crimes from Vagabond Players Heart is truly a treat for the audience. The play opens with the eldest Magrath sister, Lenny (Holly Gibbs) attempting to affix a candle to a cookie so she might sing “Happy Birthday” to herself. The scene sets the tone for the entire play — there’s much that’s comic (Lenny finds one chorus of “Happy Birthday” just won’t do), sweet (Gibbs’ joy at blowing out her lone candle), and sad (as celebrating one’s birthday alone can only be). Valerie Dowdle plays Meg Magrath, the would-be torch-singing lady of fame who ditched Hazelhurst for Hollywood, only to find herself working for a dog food company. Sarah Burton is “Babe” Botrelle, the youngest of the Magraths, but the only one who is married, to the never-seen Zackery Botrelle, a villain like Henry F. Potter in It’s A Wonderful Life who earns a bullet in the stomach from Babe for his abuse and, evidently, bad “looks.”

Inhabiting their roles

Together, the sisters are the three-headed protagonist of Henley’s play, and kudos to Hammontree for casting three women

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By Dan Collins In the late 80s and into the 90s, America was treated to a number of films, some based on successful stage plays, that introduced us to a new genre that might be called “the tough Southern ladies movie.” These included Steel Magnolias, Fried Green Tomatoes, and Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood, to name a few. Imagine a combination of Tennessee Williams’ Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and television’s Designing Women — female empowerment dramedies served with a side of grits and freshly squeezed lemonade. Before this genre became a cliché (cue “Mama’s Family”), it found a voice in American playwright, screenwriter and actress Beth Henley’s play, Crimes of the Heart, winner of the 1981 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award for Best American Play in the same year. But there is nothing clichéd in director Anne Hammontree’s Vagabond Players’ production of this three-act play, set in the Magrath sisters’ kitchen in Hazelhurst, Miss. From the detailed set, to the costumes, to use of lighting, to the powerful performances of the entire ensemble, Crimes of the

Holly Gibbs as Lenny, Sarah Burton as Babe, and Valerie Dowdle as Meg in Crimes of the Heart, a play about friendship and female fortitude, now at Vagabond Players.

so superbly in synch with their roles and each other. There’s a strong chemistry between the actresses. One could believe they were real sisters as they muse over a family photo album or take turns getting on each other’s nerves, poking at each other’s weak spots

but also fighting fiercely for each other. Rounding out the cast are Laura Malkus as the priggish, more-Southern-belle-thanthou cousin Chick Boyle, who bravely dons a pair of nylon-poor pantyhose in the See HEARTFELT CRIMES, page 25

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APRIL 2019 — BALTIMORE BEACON

Bravely telling stories of mental illness Despite her panic attacks, Wojciechowski still made outstanding grades in college, and was able to write and perform standup comedy during that time. “I never had a panic attack on stage. I’d have them before, but never while up there.” Wojciechowski began seeing a counselor, and eventually the panic attacks subsided and then disappeared. For the past 19 years, Wojciechowski hasn’t had one attack.

Erasing the stigma

One in five Americans has some kind of mental illness: panic disorder, depression, OCD, PTSD, bipolar spectrum disorder and the like. Since mental illness is so common, Wojciechowski objects to the silence around

the subject, and has vowed to speak out. “It’s ridiculous that there’s still a stigma even attached to it,” she said. “If I had diabetes and took medicine, no one would think twice. I believe it’s important to speak out on this. The more we speak out, the more it’s accepted by society. And the stigma disappears.” So, when Wojciechowski learned about This Is My Brave: The Show, she knew she wanted to become involved. Along with fellow Balti- Jennifer Marshall, co-founder of the nonprofit This Is My Brave, speaks at one of its storytelling permorean Phila Hoopes, Wojformances, where individuals living with mental illciechowski is co-producing ness share their personal story through words, song the one-time performance on and dance. The group’s goal is to end the stigma asSaturday, April 6, from 4 to 6 sociated with mental illness. A performance will p.m., at Notre Dame of Mary- take place April 6 in Baltimore. land University’s LeClerc AuSpeakers are filmed at every show, ditorium, 4701 N. Charles St. shared online via YouTube, and alumni The show is sponsored by This Is My Brave, Inc., a national nonprofit organization will often share updates and written pieces dedicated to ending the stigma surrounding through the organization. For Hoopes, a Reiki practitioner, blogmental illness through storytelling. ger and copywriter, her first encounter The performance features Baltimorearea community members sharing true with This Is My Brave was at last year’s stories about their personal challenges show in Baltimore. “I came away profoundly inspired and with mental illness and health. Stories are challenged by the courage of the storyshared through spoken word essay, poettellers,” she said. “I realized that this was a ry, dance and original song. movement I needed to support.” Both Wojciechowski and Hoopes will be Performed nationwide sharing their stories at the April event. Since its first show in 2014 in Arlington, Va., This Is My Brave: The Show has fea- Other storytellers include publicist/actor tured more than 665 people sharing their Dan Collins; mental health advocate Alnistories in 55 performances across the cia Gibson; spoken word artists Gina Brown and Theresa Scott; author/talk United States and in Australia. Founded by Jennifer Marshall and Anne show host Andrea Landry-Brown; and Marie Ames, both of whom were impacted technical writer Lauren Marshall. The April 6 event in Baltimore is sponby mental illness and the efforts to conceal sored by Greenbook TMS, the nonprofit it, This Is My Brave has 10 shows planned So What Else, and the Maryland Foundathis year. “People come away from these shows tion for Psychiatry. Tickets for This Is My Brave: The Show with a feeling of gratitude and a better underare on sale now for $20 ($15 for students). standing of mental health,” Marshall said. This Is My Brave continues to support Tickets are available online at bit.ly/BALstorytellers after performances through a TIMORE2019. For more information strong online network of fellow cast mem- about the organization, visit thisismybrave.org. bers. PHOTO BY JEFF ELKINS, COURTESY OF THE WASHINGTONIAN

By Carol Sorgen Baltimore comedian Michele Wojciechowski had her first full-blown panic attack when she was a freshman at Loyola College (now University). “I remember exactly where I was,” said Wojciechowski, who is now 51 and a writer, editor, humorist, speaker and stand-up comic. “You know how if you’re driving and a car comes close to hitting you and you get that rush of adrenaline to your heart? That’s what it felt like,” she said. “But my heart kept racing. “From that day forward, I began having panic attacks regularly. Literally from the time I got up in the morning, throughout the day, and until I went to bed at night.”

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Say you saw it in the Beacon | Arts & Style

BALTIMORE BEACON — APRIL 2019

Bromo tower

ties, such as the Emerson Hotel, Emersonian Apartments, and Brooklynwood Farm.

the building, is owned by Ernie Dimler, the museum’s collections curator. Dimler unearthed his first Bromo-Seltzer bottle in Pasadena, Md., when he was 13 years old. “On weekends, I’d go to the dump with a shovel and dig up bottles and bring them home, said Dimler, now almost 60. “I love this stuff way too much,” he said. In 2017, the museum added the Maryland Glass Room, which features a collection of other colorful glass bottles made by the same company. On April 27, the museum will open a third room, taking over the entire 15th floor. The new “All Things Emerson” room will display artifacts from Emerson’s other local proper-

Meet the artists

Heartfelt crimes

30); and others might assert that none of the women are exactly strong female role models. But it is the characters’ flaws that make them interesting, and provide each with challenges to overcome. Crimes of the Heart continues its run at the Vagabond Players theater, located at 806 South Broadway in downtown Baltimore, through March 24. For details and ticket information, visit vagabondplayers.org or call (410) 563-9135.

From page 1

From page 23

middle of the Magrath’s kitchen while simultaneously passing judgement on everyone and everything in her path. Gabe Fremuth plays Doc Porter, Meg’s “one that got away,” who, though married with children, still holds a bit of a candle for Meg and spends evenings pondering the moon. Christian O’Neill plays lawyer Barnette Lloyd, Babe’s would-be savior, who has his own axe to grind with Zackery. O’Neill plays Barnette with Boy Scout-on-a-mission enthusiasm, eager to please his client in more ways than one. The politically correct might be forewarned that there are a few elements of Henley’s play that may not pass the test of time: For instance, Babe has an affair with a 15-year-old; there’s some age-shaming (birthday girl Lenny is called “old” at age

Write a letter to the editor. See page 2.

After the docent’s presentation and visit to the clock room and museum, take time to visit the artists’ studios on each floor. Watercolor painter Martha Dougherty has been working in her eighth-floor studio for more than a dozen years, but her connection with the building predates her art career. Dougherty, 76, moved to Baltimore in her 30s. Her first job in the city was in the Bromo Tower, where she worked on the sixth floor in the mayor’s office of arts and culture. “It was an exciting time. I had just moved to Baltimore and met all these artists with studios on the upper floors,” Dougherty said. Little did she know then that she

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would one day be one of those Tower artists. Her watercolors of Baltimore are on display in the lobby until late April. The public is welcome to meet Dougherty and other Tower artists on Open Studio Days, held every Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. Hungarian painter and photographer Marianna Mills, who has rented a studio in the Tower since 2014, said she gets inspiration from such visitors. “I learn more about my work when people come in and ask questions,” Mills said. “I learn and grow from it, too.” “I’m an introvert, so at first, I was worried. Letting people into my studio was kind of

opening myself up. Now I look forward to every Saturday. I’m very touched when people say they can connect with my work.” Mills’ photographs and paintings will be featured in “Relive the Moment,” a free exhibition opening in April. Tower tours are given on Saturdays at 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Admission is $8. Note: to access the clock tower, you have to climb a ship’s ladder and sign a liability waiver. The other floors of the building are served by two elevators. Visit www.bromoseltzer.com or call (443) 874-3596.

APRIL 2019 — BALTIMORE BEACON

More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

Classifieds cont. on from p 27. TV/Cable

Wanted

DIRECTV. CALL AND SWITCH NOW — Get NFL Sunday Ticket for FREE! Every Game. Every Sunday. CHOICE- All-Included Package. Over 185 Channels. $60/month (for 12 Months.) CALL 1- 888-572-4953.

CASH FOR ESTATES; moving, etc. I buy a wide range of items. Buy out/clean up. TheAtticLLC.com Gary Roman 301-520-0755.

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

BUYING VINYL RECORDS from 1950 through 1985. Jazz, Rock-n-Roll, Soul, Rhythm & Blues, Reggae and Disco. 33 1/3 LPs, 45s or 78s, Larger collections of at least 100 items wanted. Please call John, 301-596-6201.

SEEKING FULLS/SEALED BOTTLES of vintage Bourbon and Rye. Do you have full/sealed vintage bottles of bourbon or rye collecting dust in your cabinet? Do any of your bottles have an old red and green tax strip? Call Alex, 443-223-7669.

E S TAT E L I Q U I D AT I O N / A N TIQUES & COLLECTIBLES: One call solves it all when you hire us to handle your estate liquidation, downsizing and/or home cleanout. We sell your treasures, take care of charitable donations and provide junk removal. We also purchase partial estate contents/collections. Always buying antiques, jewelry, fine art, vintage toys, collectibles, advertising, sports memorabilia, military items, rare books, Mid Century Modern furniture, vinyl records collections and more. Based in Silver Spring, we serve Montgomery County, Howard County, Baltimore County, Washington D.C., NOVA and beyond. No home, barn or warehouse is too packed for us! Friendly, conscientious staff. Call Chris on cell (202) 7319447. www.OrionsAttic.com.

DISH Network. 190+ CHANNELS. FREE Install. FREE Hopper HD-DVR. $49.99/month (24 months) Add High Speed Internet - $14.95 (where avail.) CALL Today & SAVE 25%! 1-844-560-5837.

Wanted

MONEY, TIME TO SELL! Make the right choice. Call Greg, 717-658-7954. We buy jewelry, coins, silver, antiques, watches, gold, art, paper money, toys, bottles, comic books and records, etc. No middleman, no fees, no overhead means more money for your stuff. Give me a call, and let’s do business. 717-658-7954. COLLECTOR BUYING MILITARY ITEMS: Helmets, weapons, knives, swords, web gear, uniforms, etc. from all wars & countries. Also Lionel Trains, & slots/coin operated machines. Will pay top prices. Discreet consultations. Call Fred, 301-910-0783.

BB419

Crossword Puzzle

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

21 25

33 39

30 35 40

50 56

Stephen Sherr

Across

Down

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

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

Answers on page 25.

BALTIMORE BEACON — APRIL 2019

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.

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

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

For Sale CEMETERY LOT & VAULT Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens in Garden of Apostles. Current value $4090. Make Offer. Call 443-6044695. CEMETERY SITES at Meadowridge Memorial Park 7250 Washington Blvd Baltimore MD 21227 Garden of the Last Supper 6A sites 1, 2, 3, 4 current value $4,000 EA selling for $1,000 EA a savings of $12,000 443-956-3278 Taylor’s.

NEW PROCEDURE FOR PLACING CLASSIFIED ADS Say you saw it in the Beacon

For Sale CEMETERY LOT & VAULT. Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens - In Garden of Apostles, current value $4090 MAKE OFFER call 410-8930681 please leave message if no answer. CEMETARY LOTS & VAULTS - 2 side by side lots in Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens (Holy Cross Garden). Sale Price $5500. Call 410-561-0775.

For Sale/Rent: Real Estate WE BUY HOUSES!!! CALL 443-415-0790. Are you tired of toilets and tenants, but like the monthly income? Call us for a creative solution to your real estate problems. We buy houses in any condition, any location, any price range. We pay CASH or terms and offer QUICK closings. Call us today at 443-415-0790 or visit www.ikebuyshouses.com.

Health DENTAL INSURANCE. Call Physicians Mutual Insurance Company for details. Not just a discount plan, real coverage for 350 procedures. 844-366-1003 or http://www.dental50plus.com/320 Ad# 6118. PORTABLE OXYGEN CONCENTRATOR — May Be Covered by Medicare! Reclaim independence and mobility with the compact design and long-lasting battery of Inogen One. Free information kit! Call 855-851-0949.

Home/Handyman Services BLU-HAUL MOVING AND HAULING: Get an early start on spring cleaning. Hauling, junk removal, clean outs, light moving, and more. We offer quality service at a reasonable price. Call Simcha 443-846-5943. BORN AGAIN REFINISHING c/o Vernon E. Madairy Sr. Because your antique and fine furniture is an investment since 1973. Photographs at www.bornagainrefinishing.com. Furniture refinishing and repairs. All pieces hand striped, Restorations, Missing pieces hand carved, Veneer repair and replaced. Upholstery, Hand-woven natural cane, Cane webbing, Natural rush, Fiber rush , Wood splint. Residential and commercial. 410-323-0467

Legal Services SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY? Up to $2,671/mo. (Based on paid-in amount.) Free evaluation! Call Bill Gordon & Associates. 1866-970-0779. Mail: 2420 N St NW, Washington, D.C. Office: Broward Co. FL., member TX/NM Bar.

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

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

Personal Services

BLUE MOON FAMILY GRILL 9036 Liberty Rd. Randallstown, MD 21133 Tues-Sat 11a11p. Free meal with 3 meals. No Expiration Must have coupon at time of purchase. WEDNESDAY BINGO... come join us every Wednesday 11a-4p for BINGO & 6p-11p for 50 cent wings.

DO YOU NEED A COMPANION FOR YOUR MEDICAL PROCEDURE? We are specialized for MEDICAL APPOINTMENTS, PROCEDURES, and all kinds of appointments. Unlike the other appointment, medical appointment, such as the same day procedures like eye surgery or colonoscopy procedures requires to arrange adult companion. Those procedures will be cancelled if the client does not have a companion who could stay throughout the whole procedures. DND (Drive and Deliver) service will deliver medical tasks. Please give us a call for your medical errands. DND Medical Appointment & Errand Service. Tel : 443474-3020. Email: dnderrand@gmail.com.

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

Personal Services NEED CASH? DOWNSIZING? Professional online seller with 100% positive feedback will sell your extra items - clothing, jewelry, dishes, art, furniture, etc. Free consultation. I will determine the best online markets to sell your items, photograph and list everything, and you get paid when it sells! For friendly service, please contact Julia at 571-294-8401 or at juliawilk@aol.com. EXPERIENCED DOG MASSEUSE! Special price is $25 dollars per hour! Any size dog. Will come to you at your convenience! Effective for health and relaxation! Please call 443-326-6464 to schedule your appointment. Thanking you in advance!

Personals WHITE FEMALE 65 LOOKING for someone who likes dinners, movies, day trips, bowling, someone who likes having fun. Call Jean 410-600-5646.

TV/Cable SPECTRUM TRIPLE PLAY! TV, Internet & Voice for $29.99 ea. 60 MB per second speed. No contract or commitment. More Channels. Faster Internet. Unlimited Voice. Call 1-888-366-7573.

Classifieds cont. on p. 26.

ADVERTISERS IN THIS ISSUE Clinical Research Studies

COPD Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Diet Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Gingivitis Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Knee Osteoarthritis Study . . . . . . . . .10 Metabolic Syndrome Study . . . . . . . .10

Dental Services

Denture Doctor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Education

Myerberg Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

Events

Centenarians Luncheon . . . . . . . . . . .20 Mid-Atlantic Germanic Society . . . . .17 Senior Legal Services . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Financial

Mutual of Omaha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Funeral Services

Dignity/Schimunek . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Government

Baltimore County Foundation . . . . . .15 Baltimore County SHIP . . . . . . . . . . .12

Health

Virginia Towers Apartments . . . . . .B-2 Warren Place Senior Apartments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-9 Weinberg Senior Living . . . . .B-6, B-12 Westminster House Apartments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-11

Skilled Nursing & Rehab

Keswick Wise & Well Center . . . .13, B-4 Kraus Behavioral Health . . . . . . . . . . .9 Noxicare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Patriot Mobility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-5 Regenerative Medicine . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Rosenblatt Foot Care . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Skin Cancer EB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Snyder Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Angels of Elder Care Planning . . . . .15 Frank, Frank & Scherr Law Firm . . .16

Home Health Care

Beacon Silver Pages . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 TechMedic4U . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 TheBeaconNewspapers.com . . . . . . .22

Medical Cannabis

Theatres/Entertainment

Options for Senior America . . . . . .B-11

Housing

Alta at Regency Crest . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Catholic Charities . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-5 Charlestown/Erickson . . . . . . .B-2, B-6 Christ Church Harbor Apts. . . . . . . .B-3 Linden Park Apartments . . . . . . . . .B-4 Meadows of Reisterstown, The . . . .B-3 Oak Crest/Erickson . . . . . . . . .B-2, B-6 Park View Apartments . . . . . . . . . . .B-8 Pickersgill Retirement Community . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-3 Rhome Communities . . . . . . . . . . . .B-8 St. Marys Roland View Towers . . . .B-9

Legal Services

Charm City Medicus . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Curio Wellness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Health For Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Herban Legends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Pure Life Wellness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Real Estate

Bob Lucido Team . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Shopping

Perfect Sleep Chair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Radio Flea Market . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Quingo Flyte . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Smyth Jewelers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 Wilkens Beltway Plaza . . . . . . . . . . .16 Zinger Chair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Manor Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Subscriptions

Beacon Subscription . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

Technology

Candlelight Concert Society . . . . . . .25 Chesapeake Shakespeare Theatre . . .23 Columbia Orchestra . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 Gordon Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24, 25 Toby’s Dinner Theatre . . . . . . . . . . . .23

Travel

Eyre Bus, Tour & Travel . . . . . . . . . .21 Festive Holidays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Superior Tours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Volunteers

Meals on Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

28 More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

APRIL 2019 — BALTIMORE BEACON

| 410-358-6856 | myerberg.org

WHAT’S NEW AT THE EDWARD A. MYERBERG CENTER

3101 Fallstaﬀ Road, Baltimore, MD 21209 NEW! Beginning next month – all Tech-Knowledge Hub classes and workshops are free to members during the summer session! Non-members: Come to as many classes and workshops as you would like for $59.

Visit myerberg.org to see our complete program guide. Call to register for classes today 443-963-1449 or 443-963-1448.

Cycle 45 Tuesdays, beginning May 7, 6:45 - 7:30 a.m. $145 Members/ $190 Non-members Ride to the rhythm of exciting music, building leg strength, power and speed as you improve your cardiovascular health. If you suﬀer from knee, hip, or other joint issues, cycling is a great way to enjoy a low-impact, nonweight bearing cardio workout. Instructor: Niki Barr

Cycle Strong Wednesdays, beginning May 8, 10:00 - 10:45 a.m. Fridays, beginning May 10, 11:00 - 11:45 a.m. $155 Members/ $205 Non-members (Once per week) $305 Members/ $360 Non-members (Twice per week) This 45-minute class is broken into two parts, starting with a cardiovascular training experience on our brand-new stationary spin bikes and then oﬀ the bike for some total body conditioning. This is great for those who want to increase cardio endurance, while building strength, all in one class. Instructor: Ross Wilson

NEW! Aging Mastery Program Wednesdays, beginning May 29, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. $75 Members/Non-members (11 sessions) The Aging Mastery Program® is a fun, innovative course that encourages boomers and older adults to build their own playbook for aging well. It empowers participants to embrace their gift of longevity by spending more time each day doing things that are good for themselves and others. Instructor: Chava Ball

The Road is Virtual but the Challenge is Real: Track your steps or miles on a Fitbit or pedometer, as you tour (virtually) Maryland’s beautiful Eastern Shore. Step or pedal your way “to the beach” and join us for a celebration! Visit the Myerberg in April for details.

MYERBERG FIELD DAY at Meadowood Regional Park Join us for the Myerberg Field Day on Thursday, May 9, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Participate in exercise challenges, earn raﬄe tickets and win prizes.

Immerse yourself in cultural experiences and leave the travel up to us! Spring Trip:

Costuming THE CROWN at Winterthur Thursday, May 9, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. $50 Members / $65 Non-members Join us for a crowd-pleasing spring trip to Winterthur to see the spectacular exhibit, Costuming THE CROWN. This exhibit will feature 40 iconic costumes from the beloved Emmy® award-winning Netﬂix series, a dramatized history of the reign of Queen Elizabeth II. Travel by deluxe motor coach to Winterthur, Delaware. Walking required. Fall Trip:

Dear Evan Hansen at The Kennedy Center Sunday, September 8, 10:30 a.m. departure $175 Members / $200 Non-members A Tony Award Winner. A letter that was never meant to be seen, a lie that was never meant to be told, a life he never dreamed he could have. Evan Hansen is about to get the one thing he’s always wanted: a chance to ﬁnally ﬁt in. Both deeply personal and profoundly contemporary, Dear Evan Hansen is a new American musical about life and the way we live it. Washington Post called it, “One of the most remarkable shows in musical theatre history.” Limited tickets available. Please register early; deadline is July 1.

APRIL IS TECH MONTH AT THE MYERBERG! New Members: “Like” the Myerberg’s Facebook page and get $10 OFF a ﬁtness membership. Post a photo to the Myerberg’s Facebook page and get $20 OFF a ﬁtness membership. Current Members: Post a photo of yourself working out in the Fitness Center on the Myerberg’s Facebook page and be entered to win a prize.