April 2019 | Howard County Beacon by The Beacon Newspapers

The Howard County

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A single mother of two, Burba used her own financial resources to fund her model for the program, which she called Winter Growth (“winter” for the last phase of life, “growth” for the continued potential for older adults).

APRIL 2019

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PHOTO COURTESY OF WINTER GROWTH

Used her own savings

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Pioneer changed attitudes, lives By Robert Friedman Forty years ago, Marge Burba revved up her Cougar station wagon each morning to pick up five older adults and bring them to her two-story home in Olney, where the living room and kitchen were turned over to them as part of a program meant to keep them engaged during the day. At a time when a sociological theory that withdrawing from society was both natural and acceptable late in life — thus a time when many older adults were being plopped into unenlightened nursing homes — Burba was gathering practical proof of her thesis for a master’s degree in gerontology from Antioch University’s Columbia branch. In her thesis, she had asked, “Can a day program be an effective model to prevent disengagement in older adults?” “Based on what I learned in my gerontology classes,” Burba told the Beacon, “I developed a program of age-appropriate lunch menus, therapeutic exercises — including exercises and field trips — client and family counseling, and transportation.” Her program looked to psychologist Erik Erikson’s theory of ego integrity, which said that when growth is denied to older persons, despair takes over. The program would show, Burba said, that “in the right environment, even with illness and disability, older adults could successfully grow in integrity and overall life satisfaction.”

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ARTS & STYLE Marge Burba founded the Winter Growth adult day care program in her home four decades ago. Her nonprofit company has since expanded to two locations serving more than 300 regular participants, and added assisted living communities in Columbia and Olney. She is pictured here with a llama that visited Winter Growth through a collaboration with 4-H.

The program offered counseling and activities to the participants in Burba’s home. When the number of people kept growing and soon reached 19, she found a new meeting place in a Sandy Spring community center. In those early days, which Burba called “the honeymoon years,” she did the cook-

ing, the driving and the overseeing of the programs. Over the years, Burba devised further programs “to tackle a service that would help make ‘the sunset’ of people’s lives, as the Japanese say, ‘as beautiful as is the sunrise.’” See WINTER GROWTH, page 35

Three strong women take the stage in Crimes of the Heart at Vagabond; plus, new documentary of the Beatles on the way page 34

TECHNOLOGY k A new way to watch free TV

FITNESS & HEALTH 7 k E-cigarettes can help you quit k Four simple ways to boost energy THE 50+ CONNECTION 17 k Newsletter from Howard County Office on Aging & Independence LAW & MONEY k Retirement tax strategies k How to stop those robocalls

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A P R I L 2 0 1 9 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

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

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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 ..........................Margeret Foster • Art Director ........................................Kyle Gregory • Director of Operations ........................Roger King • Advertising Representatives ............ Steve Levin • Editorial Assistant ..............................PJ Feinstein

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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.

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 conservation 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 See LETTERS TO EDITOR, page 29

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — A P R I L 2 0 1 9

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A P R I L 2 0 1 9 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

Technology &

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

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

How it works, what’s included

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

now and the next six days. Audio and video quality is good. I haven’t had issues with buffering or shows not loading. Locast fits into a crowded field of devices and services aiming to replace or complement cable. There are cable-like streaming services like YouTube TV, DirecTV Now or PlayStation Vue, which offer packages of TV channels, typically for $40 or $45 a month. Hulu and apps from the likes of ABC and NBC post episodes online in the days after they air. Netflix and Amazon Prime have whole seasons months after they’re on TV. See FREE TV, page 5

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Technology & Innovations

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — A P R I L 2 0 1 9

Robots may put U.S. workers’ jobs at risk By Matt O’Brien Robots aren’t replacing everyone, but a quarter of U.S. jobs will be severely disrupted as artificial intelligence accelerates the automation of existing work, according to a new Brookings Institution report. Last month’s report from the Washington think tank says roughly 36 million Americans hold jobs with “high exposure” to automation — meaning at least 70 percent of their tasks could soon be performed

by machines using current technology. Among those most likely to be affected are cooks, waiters and others in food services; short-haul truck drivers; and clerical office workers. “That population is going to need to upskill, reskill or change jobs fast,” said Mark Muro, a senior fellow at Brookings and lead author of the report. Muro said the timeline for the changes could be “a few years or it could be two

decades.” But it’s likely that automation will happen more swiftly during the next economic downturn. Businesses are typically eager to implement cost-cutting technology as they lay off workers. Some economic studies have found that similar shifts toward automating production happened in the early part of previous recessions — and may have contributed to the “jobless recovery” that followed the 2008 financial crisis.

Many jobs could be affected

Free TV

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 dona-

tions will fund the service. But it’s hard to persuade people to part with their cash — especially for the cashconscious cord-cutters who have found themselves in subscription overload with Netflix and Amazon Prime, not to mention music, news, specific sports leagues, meal kits, makeup and wine. —AP

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To use the service, you need to live in one of the nine markets where Locast has set up antennas. Just last month, Baltimore and Washington, D.C. were added to the lineup, which also includes Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Houston, New York and Philadelphia. Further expansion depends on whether Locast can raise more money. 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.

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From page 4

With new advances in artificial intelligence, it’s not just industrial and warehouse robots that will alter the American workforce. Self-checkout kiosks and computerized hotel concierges will do their part. Most jobs will change somewhat as machines take over routine tasks, but a majority of U.S. workers will be able to adapt to

Technology & Innovations | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

Robots From page 5

that shift without being displaced. Some chain restaurants have already shifted to self-ordering machines. A handful have experimented with robot-assisted kitchens. Google this year is piloting the use of its digital voice assistant at hotel lobbies to instantly interpret conversations across a

few dozen languages. Autonomous vehicles could replace shorthaul delivery drivers. Walmart and other retailers are preparing to open cashier-less stores powered by in-store sensors or cameras with facial recognition technology. The changes will hit hardest in smaller cities, especially those in the heartland and the Rust Belt, according to the Brookings report. The risk is highest in Indiana and Kentucky, where some counties have nearly

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

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

A P R I L 2 0 1 9 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

half the workforce employed in the labor-intensive manufacturing and transportation industries. The changes will also disproportionately affect younger workers who dominate food services and other industries at highest risk for automation.

There’s an upside, too

Many economists find that automation has an overall positive effect on the labor market, said Matias Cortes, an assistant professor at York University in Toronto who was not involved with the Brookings report. It can create economic growth, reduce prices and increase demand, while also cre-

ating new jobs that make up for those that disappear. In the future, the class of workers affected by automation could grow as machines become more intelligent. The Brookings report analyzed each occupation’s automation potential based on research by the McKinsey management consulting firm. Those jobs that remain largely unscathed will be those requiring not just advanced education, but also interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence. “These high-paying jobs require a lot of creativity and problem-solving,” Cortes said. “That’s going to be difficult for new technologies to replace.” —AP

BEACON BITS

Apr. 9+

COMPUTER KEYBOARDING CLASS

A six-week basic keyboarding class covering finger placement, basic computer parts and other computer training will be held at Howard Community College’s Laurel College Center from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, from April 9 through May 21. The Laurel College Center is located at 312 Marshall Ave., Laurel. To find out about senior discounts and fees or to register, call (443) 518-1700.

Apr. 17+

UNDERSTANDING THE CLOUD COURSE

What’s “the cloud”? Howard Community College’s online course on the cloud and how it works will begin on Wednesday, April 17. To learn more about fees and to register, call (443) 518-4680.

PARKINSON’S POINTERS “The ABC’s of DBS” A free, livestream event followed by a question-and-answer session

Presented by Zachary Levine, MD, FAANS, National Capital Neurosurgery

Thursday, April 4 • 6:30-8 p.m. check-in & Hors d’oeuvres • 6 p.m. Brooke Grove Rehabilitation and Nursing Center 18131 Slade School Road • Sandy Spring, MD 20860

With 20 years of experience in Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) and 30 years of Parkinson’s research in his arsenal, Dr. Levine is a leader and innovator in the neuromodulation/DBS community worldwide. During this seminar, he will share his expertise on the past, present and future of DBS as well as procedure eligibility, new technology and more.

For information or to register, contact Toni Davis, 301-388-7209 or tdavis@bgf.org, by April 2.

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H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — A P R I L 2 0 1 9

Say you saw it in the Beacon

Fitness &

Health

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 FIGHTING FATIGUE If you’re constantly tired, these four simple ideas could boost your energy FIND YOUR CORE No need for six-pack abs — but stronger abdominal muscles can help

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

Self-ratings not sufficient

At just about every doctor’s visit you’ll get your temperature, heart rate and blood pressure measured. But there’s no stethoscope for pain. Patients must convey how bad it is using that 10-point scale or emoji-style charts that show faces turning from smiles to frowns. That’s problematic for lots of reasons. Doctors and nurses have to guess at babies’ pain by their cries and squirms, for example. The aching that one person rates a 7 might be a 4 to someone who’s more used to serious pain or genetically more tolerant.

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

Seeking pain markers

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

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

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

Other ways to measure pain

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

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

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

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

Less harmful, more effective

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

But there have been conflicting studies on whether e-cigarettes actually help smokers kick the habit. Last year, an influential panel of U.S. experts concluded there was only “limited evidence” of their effectiveness. In the new study, researchers tracked nearly 900 middle-age smokers who were randomly assigned to receive either e-cigarettes or nicotine replacement products, including patches, gums and lozenges. After one year, 18 percent of e-cigarette users were smoke-free, versus 9.9 percent of those using the other products. See E-CIGS, page 9

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Health Shorts Nearly half of us have cardiovascular disease A new report estimates that nearly half of all U.S. adults have some form of heart or blood vessel disease — a medical milestone that’s mostly due to recent guidelines that expanded how many people have high blood pressure. The American Heart Association said in its annual report that more than 121 million adults had cardiovascular disease in 2016.

Taking out those with only high blood pressure leaves 24 million, or 9 percent of adults, who have other forms of disease, such as heart failure or clogged arteries. Measuring the burden of diseases shows areas that need to improve, the heart association’s chief science and medical officer, Dr. Mariell Jessup, said in a statement. High blood pressure, which had long been defined as a top reading of at least 140 or a bottom one of 90, dropped to 130 over 80 under guidelines adopted in 2017. It raises the risk for heart attacks, strokes and many other problems, and only about half of those with the condition have it under control. Being diagnosed with high blood pressure doesn’t necessarily mean you need medication right away; the first step is aiming for a healthier lifestyle, even for those who are prescribed medicine. Poor diets,

A P R I L 2 0 1 9 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

lack of exercise and other bad habits cause 90 percent of high blood pressure. Other highlights of the report: — Heart and blood vessel disease is linked to 1 of every 3 deaths in the United States and kills more Americans than all forms of cancer and respiratory diseases like pneumonia combined. — Certain groups have higher rates than others: 57 percent of black women and 60 percent of black males. — Coronary heart disease, or clogged or hardened arteries, caused 43 percent of cardiovascular deaths in the U.S., followed by stroke (17 percent), high blood pressure (10 percent) and heart failure (9 percent). — AP

New drug may protect brain cells in Alzheimer’s One of the hallmark traits of Alzheimer’s disease, a debilitating disorder marked by memory deficits and general cognitive decline, is the accumulation in the brain of a protein called b-amyloid. These proteins form “plaques” and bind to unique proteins on the surface of brain cells called receptors, causing widespread cell death. Now, UCLA researchers have discovered a drug that blocks b-amyloid plaques from attaching to brain cells, preventing the extensive cell death. The study was published in the journal Nature Chemistry. Lin Jiang, Ph.D., assistant professor of neurology, working with David Eisenberg, a professor of chemistry and biochemistry and of biological chemistry at UCLA, first identified the plaque binding site of b-amyloid. Jiang and his team then used computer software to assist them in searching for a drug “that could block the receptor like a shield, preventing b-amyloid from binding to and killing brain cells,” Jiang said. In order to find molecular candidates to block the b-amyloid/brain cell interaction, Jiang and colleagues searched a library containing more than 32,000 molecules. This list contained drugs that are approved for human use, are currently in clinical trial, or are naturally occurring. This meant that many characteristics of the drug candidates were already known and they were safe for human use. From this list of molecules, one drug, ALI6, showed promising results in cellbased experiments.

Jiang and his team cultured mouse brain cells and exposed them to the toxic b-amyloid proteins, then treated some cells with ALI6 and compared levels of cell death between groups. ALI6 treatment almost completely prevented the cell death caused by b-amyloid, suggesting that the drug could eventually be explored to treat Alzheimer’s disease. ALI6 is a promising candidate. Not only is it non-toxic but it can also move from the bloodstream to the brain, a critical trait for any drug aimed at treating central nervous system disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States, with an estimated 5.5 million people currently living with the disease. The findings of this study would need to be confirmed in further tests in animals before human studies could begin. © 2019 www.awellnessupdate.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Every minute of exercise counts in new activity guidelines Exercising just one or two days a week may lower the odds of dying of heart disease, according to a recent study. The findings were based on the self-reported exercise habits of more than 63,500 people 40 and older. The researchers compared people who exercised only one or two days per week and met the federally recommended amount of physical activity (at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous activity each week) to people who were inactive. The so-called weekend warriors had a 40 percent lower risk of death from heart disease than people who were inactive. The findings reinforce what previous research suggests: in terms of longevity, you get the biggest bang for your buck when you move from being inactive to getting some activity. However, there are other advantages if you can find even a little time to exercise during the week. More frequent exercise even in small doses can prevent joint stiffness. And it may be less risky in terms of injuries, since See HEALTH SHORTS, page 9

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — A P R I L 2 0 1 9

E-cigs From page 7

“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

Health shorts From page 8

it’s easier to pull a muscle if you exercise only once a week. Also, a consistent, daily exercise pattern may lower stress and is more likely to help with weight loss. The new Physical Activity Guidelines, recommend the same amount of weekly exercise as the previous guidelines — at least 150 to 300 minutes of moderate intensity

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

Some caveats

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

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

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

Will regulation follow?

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

exercise or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous intensity exercise per week. But now all activity, even a few minutes of movement, counts toward that goal — not just 10-minute bouts of activity, as past guidelines recommended. Throughout the day, move more and sit less. Work toward reducing the amount of time you spend sitting every day. © 2019 President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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A P R I L 2 0 1 9 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

Tired? Four simple ways to boost energy By Matthew Solan When I’m dragging and feeling tired during the occasional low-energy day, my go-to elixir is an extra cup (or two or three) of black French press coffee. It gives my body and brain a needed jolt, but it may not help where I need it the most: my cells. What we call “energy” is actually a molecule called adenosine triphosphate (ATP), produced by tiny cellular structures called mitochondria. ATP’s job is to store energy and then deliver that energy to cells in

other parts of the body. As we grow older, our body has fewer mitochondria. “If you feel you don’t have enough energy, it can be because your body has problems producing enough ATP and thus providing cells with enough energy,” said Anthony Komaroff, M.D., professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School. You may not be able to overcome all aspects of age-related energy loss, but there are ways to help your body produce more ATP and replenish dwindling energy levels. The

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most common strategies revolve around three basic concepts: diet, exercise and sleep.

Eat small, frequent meals

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

Drink enough water

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

Get plenty of sleep

Research suggests that healthy sleep

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

Exercise regularly

Exercise can boost energy levels by raising energy-promoting neurotransmitters in the brain, such as dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin, which is why you feel so good after a workout. Exercise also makes muscles stronger and more efficient, so they need less energy and therefore conserve ATP. It doesn’t really matter what kind of exercise you do, but consistency is key. Some research has suggested that as little as 20 minutes of low-to-moderate aerobic activity, three days a week, can help sedentary people feel more energized.

When to visit your doctor

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

BEACON BITS

Mar. 31

B&O STATION MUSEUM EXIBIT Maryland author Lauren Silberman shares her research on some

noteworthy Maryland women in a celebration of Women’s History Month on Sunday, Mar. 31 at the B&O Ellicott City Train Station Museum. The lecture is scheduled at 3 p.m. with a fee of $12 per person. All ages are welcome. The museum is located at 3711 Maryland Ave., Ellicott City. For more information, call (410) 313-0419 or e-mail emosher@howardcountymd.gov.

Apr. 19

PUBLIC SCHOOL ART ON DISPLAY With the theme “Defining Ourselves: More Than What You See,” hundreds of drawings and other artwork by Howard County public

school students are on display through Friday, Apr. 19 at the Howard County Arts Council, 8510 High Ridge Rd., Ellicott City. For gallery hours, go to hocoarts.org or call (410) 313-2787.

Apr. 24+

DRAWING AND PAINTING COURSES Howard Community College is offering a course in mixed-media drawing and painting in its 60+ program on Wednesdays from

April 24 to May 22 at North Laurel Community Center, 9411 Whiskey Bottom Rd., Laurel. Pickleball and history classes are also available. For more information, including tuition, visit howardcc.edu/ConEd or phone (443) 518-1700.

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — A P R I L 2 0 1 9

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

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

is called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It occurs when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus, the tube connecting the mouth and stomach, usually because the ring-like muscles that prevent backflow stop working properly. In addition to heartburn, GERD may cause nausea, a sour taste in the mouth, difficulty swallowing, a sore throat, coughing, and tightness in the chest. Typical foods that trigger GERD symptoms include spicy foods, citrus, tomato sauces and vinegar. Fatty and fried foods linger longer in the stomach. That may in-

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 See JOINTS & WEATHER, page 13

BEACON BITS

Mar. 31

HISTORY OF SAVING THE PATUXENT

Earth scientist Ned Tillman will review 100 years of activism and concern for the Patuxent River at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 31 at Benjamin Banneker Historical Park and Museum, 300 Oella Ave., Catonsville. Sponsored by the Patuxent Heritage Greenway, the lecture is free and open to the public. For more details, visit patapsco.org or call (410) 696-1323.

Apr. 23

LEARN BASIC EMAIL AND OUTLOOK IN A DAY

Howard Community College is offering a one-day non-credit course in basic email, including Outlook, on Tuesday, April 23 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at its Gateway Campus Lab B, 6751 Columbia Gateway Dr., Columbia. For more information, including fees and senior discounts, visit howardcc.edu or call (443) 518-1700.

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H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — A P R I L 2 0 1 9

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

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

Joints & weather From page 11

grains. The trick is making them flavorful. Here are some ideas to keep dazzle in your diet.

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 generated 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

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

BEACON BITS

Mar. 31

MARYLAND DAY AT ELKRIDGE FURNACE A walking tour of the Elkridge Furnace Company, where European

explorers roamed in 1604, followed by a period buffet dinner at the nearby Garden House is planned for Maryland Day, March 31. Festivities start at 2 p.m. with the walk, led by Executive Chef Dan Werker, followed by the dinner. The event costs $40 for adults, $25 for children. The historic site is located at 5745 Furnace Ave., Elkridge. To learn more and to make reservations, call (410) 3799336 or email Julia@elkridgefurnaceinn.com.

Learn about Member Care Support Network Howard County General Hospital offers social and emotional volunteer support services for certain health conditions. To register, visit hcgh.org/mcsn. Contact us: 410-720-8788 | hcgh-j2bh@jhmi.edu

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 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 air-

way 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.

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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A P R I L 2 0 1 9 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

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, chile-

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garlic 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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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

Apr. 1+

NATURE ART SHOW

Apr. 1+

RESTAURANT WEEK

The Art of Stewardship (TAOS) Art Show for 2019 is on display at the Howard County Conservancy, 10520 Old Frederick Rd., Woodstock, Md. from April 1 - May 23. Hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Saturday; Sunday by appointment. The theme is “Artists as Stewards of Nature: Preservation of the Land and its Legacy.” For more information, visit hcconservancy.org/artofstewardship or call (410) 465-8877.

During the first week of April, treat yourself to a special dinner in Mount Airy, which celebrates its Restaurant Week with special menus. Check participating restaurants, menus and prices at mountairymd.org/313/RestaurantWeek.

Apr. 26

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

BUDDY RICH

The Columbia Jazz Band celebrates the music of Buddy Rich at a big band concert on April 26 at 8 p.m. The event will be at the Slayton House, 10400 Cross Fox Ln., Columbia, Md. Tickets are $10-20. For more information, visit columbiajazzband.org.

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — A P R I L 2 0 1 9

What’s your core, and why strengthen it? By Lauren Elson, M.D. When most people think about core strength, they think about an abdominal six-pack. While it looks good, this toned outer layer of abdominal musculature is not the same as a strong core. What is your “core” and why is core strength so important? The core is a group of muscles that stabilizes and controls the pelvis and spine (and therefore influences the legs and upper body). Core strength is less about power and more about the subtleties of being able to maintain the body in ideal postures — to unload the joints and promote ease of movement. For the average person, this helps them maintain the ability to get on and off the floor to play with their children or grandchildren, stand up from a chair, sit comfortably at a desk, or vacuum and rake without pain. For athletes, it promotes more efficient movement, therefore preventing injury and improving performance. Having a strong or stable core can often prevent overuse injuries, and can help boost resiliency and ease of recovery from acute injury. The core also includes the pelvic floor musculature, and maintaining core stability can help treat and prevent certain types of incontinence.

Problems with a weak core

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

truly understanding the targeted muscle groups). Others use Pilates or yoga to discover where their core is. Physical therapists are excellent resources, as they can provide one-on-one instruction and find a method that works — for any person with any background at any ability level. It sometimes takes patience for people to “find” their core, but once they do, it can be engaged and activated during any activity — including walking, driving and sitting.

While building the core starts with awareness and control, athletes can further challenge their stability with more complex movements that can be guided by athletic trainers and other fitness specialists. Daily practice of core engagement can lead to healthier movement patterns that allow for increased mobility and independence throughout the course of our lives. © 2019 President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

How to improve your core

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

BEACON BITS

Apr. 13

Charlestown has EVERYTHING YOU NEED to enjoy a vibrant retirement.

HEALING POWER OF NATURE The Ladeau Topiary Gardens is hosting a discussion and walk fea-

turing Dr. Heidi Schreiber Parr showing the connections between nature and wellbeing on Saturday, Apr. 13 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at 3535 Jarrettsville Pike, Monkton. To learn more, visit ladeaugardens.org or call (410) 557-9570.

Apr. 24

Fabulous amenities, including multiple restaurants, an indoor pool, fitness center, and more!

SURGEON SPEAKS ON BACK PAIN Learn about the causes and treatments of back pain in a free lec-

Maintenance-free apartment homes with open layouts and stylish finishes.

ture by Johns Hopkins spine surgeon Dr. Amit Jain at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 24 at the Howard County General Hospital Wellness Center,

On-site health and wellness services at our fully staffed medical center.

10710 Charter Dr., Columbia. For more information visit hcgh.org/events or call (410) 740-7601.

Apr. 26+

A smart financial structure that protects your initial investment and keeps your monthly expenses affordable and predictable.

SIX-WEEK CANCER SUPPORT CLASS Howard County General Hospital is offering a weekly course for persons with cancer and their caregivers starting Friday, Apr. 26

through Friday, May 31. The classes are free and will be held at the hospital’s

Learn more! Call 1-800-989-6981 for your free brochure or visit CharlestownCommunity.com.

Wellness Center, 10710 Charter Dr., Columbia. For more information and to register, call (410) 740-7601 or visit hcgh.org/events.

Ongoing

DRIVING TIPS Get the latest on blind spot warnings, collision alerts and more. AARP is offering a free 90-minute class on new safety technolo-

gies in your car. The Smart DriverTEK Workshops will be at area libraries in May.

715 Maiden Choice Lane, Catonsville, MD 21228 13305283

CharlestownCommunity.com

Fitness & Health | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

A P R I L 2 0 1 9 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

SPRING INTO EXCEPTIONAL SENIOR LIVING AT FIVE STAR SENIOR LIVING

See what’s blooming this spring at Five Star Senior Living. Join us for a tour and discover a full schedule of Lifestyle360 activities, chef-prepared meals offering flavor and flexibility, and exceptional senior living experiences. At Five Star, the possibilities are endless.

CALL TO SEE HOW YOU CAN BLOSSOM THIS SPRING. HEARTLANDS AT ELLICOTT CITY 3004 North Ridge Road • Ellicott City, MD 21043 • 410-461-9494 Independent Living • Assisted Living • Respite Care • On-site Rehabilitation SOMERFORD PLACE COLUMBIA 8220 Snowden River Parkway • Columbia, MD 21045 • 410-313-9744 Bridge to Rediscovery™ Memory Care Program • On-site Rehabilitation www.FiveStarSeniorLiving.com ©2018 Five Star Senior Living

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — A P R I L 2 0 1 9

Say you saw it in the Beacon

A Publication from the Howard County Office on Aging and Independence

Volume 9, No. 4 • April 2019

Volunteering: Helping Others Can Help You, Too National Volunteer Appreciation Week is April 7 through 13 By Darlene Vaselaros, Volunteer Coordinator, Howard County Office on Aging and Independence (OAI)

he Office on Aging and Independence (OAI) utilizes the services of more than 500 volunteers; without their help, many of our programs would not be able to stay viable. OAI volunteers give their time and expertise to support the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), Ombudsman, Paws4Comfort, SeniorsTogether, Living Well, Cycle2Health, as well as the 50+ Centers and events like the 50+EXPO. By assisting older adults and people with disabilities with their needs, OAI volunteers become a valued part of a community safety net. Phyllis Meyerson began as a volunteer ombudsman in 2006, advocating for quality of care for individuals in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. “As a licensed social worker, Phyllis can effectively communicate with residents and address their concerns,” said Chris Hobbs, OAI Long Term Care Ombudsman. “Phyllis exemplifies the spirt of community service." Meyerson was a recipient of the coveted GERI award, given by the Maryland Senior Citizens Hall of Fame for extraordinary humanitarian community service. Another longtime volunteer, Evelyn Fuller, has volunteered for the Pets on Wheels and Paws4Comfort (P4C) programs since 1987. Evelyn began visiting older adult residents of Lorien in Columbia with her dog Shadow; today she partners with Castor, a French bulldog which belongs to P4C coordinator Ingrid Gleysteen. “Evelyn’s soft touch with pets is a great asset during pet evaluations,” said

For more than 32 years, Evelyn Fuller and her fourlegged friends like Castor have visited older adults in nursing homes to spread joy through the Pets on Wheels and Paws4Comfort programs.

Ingrid. “And her ability to make prospective volunteers excited to participate is invaluable.” When asked why she volunteers, Evelyn replied, “It’s fun! I enjoy visiting with residents at Lorien. They are my family, and I feel like the dogs are my dogs too.” Not only does volunteering help others, it’s good for you, too! When you give your time to others, you experience a sense of accomplishment. Volunteering not only boosts your mood, it may also affect your physical well-being. Volunteers tend to enjoy greater longevity, experience a lower risk of heart disease, and a slower progression of Alzheimer’s and other types of memory loss. Volunteering also helps build a strong community network; no matter your struggles, you can give your life new meaning by helping others. As a lifelong volunteer and a lay leader with OAI’s Living Well program, Harriette Page leads workshops in chronic disease self-management to help others better manage conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. “It’s rewarding to be part of someone’s ah-ha moment,” says Harriette. “I have learned more from others about aging and caregiving than I have taught.” Volunteers not only acquire new skills, they also find new ways to share their unique talents with others. Laura Grant, a Glenwood 50+ Center volunteer since 2013, helps with marketing, outreach, systems processes, long-term planning and special projects. “I volunteer at Glenwood because it allows me to continue to use my professional skills to address new challenges and have a positive effect on my community,” says Laura. “Volunteering increases my social interactions; however, the real value is feeling appreciated by the staff and members.”

“To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world.” — Dr. Seuss

A retired managing editor of the Baltimore Sun, Lowell Sunderland now uses his skills to lead the SeniorsTogether Current Events group at the Bain 50+ Center. In this capacity, Lowell keeps a pulse on the news, creating a weekly summary of recent news items to discuss, and is adept at supporting individual contributions to the group. “Lowell creates a unique, stimulating atmosphere,” says SeniorsTogether coordinator Karen Hull. “The group has grown significantly while he’s been a facilitator, largely through word of mouth. Our SeniorsTogether groups thrive thanks to the contributions of skilled volunteer facilitators like Lowell.” No matter what your background, skills or talents may be, chances are there are volunteer opportunities at the Howard County Office on Aging and Independence to fit your schedule and interests. To learn more, visit www.HoCoVolunteer.org or call 410-313-5951.

More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

The 50+ Connection

A P R I L 2 0 1 9 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

HOWARD COUNTY EXECUTIVE CALVIN BALL AND THE COMMISSION FOR WOMEN welcome the 23rd Annual Howard County

2019 Women’s Hall of Fame Inductees Howard County Executive Calvin Ball and the Commission for Women inducted three outstanding women into the County’s Women’s Hall of Fame at ceremonies held March 28 at the George Howard Building in Ellicott City. Pictured, from left, are Buffy Beaudoin-Schwartz, Georgia Eacker and Cathy Hudson. “I appreciate the contributions of these women to Howard County,” said Dr. Ball. “Their stewardship of our community has contributed to a better quality of life for county residents. Their achievements in philanthropy, environmental education and historic preservation are truly an inspiration for future generations.” Read more about the 2019 inductees at www.howardcountymd.gov/CFW.

Buffy Beaudoin-Schwartz

Georgia L. Eacker

Cathy Malkmus Hudson

In-person Tax Credit Assistance Available Howard County Executive Calvin Ball, the Howard County Department of Finance and Maryland Access Point (MAP) of Howard County have announced that in-person assistance will be available throughout the spring and summer to help applicants file for a variety of tax credits. A MAP counselor will help residents and business owners identify tax credits that might be available and offer guidance to complete required applications.

Tax payers should refer to taxcredits.howardcountymd.gov for a full list of credits, applications and requirements. MAP counselors will be available at the Cashier’s Office at the George Howard Building, 3430 Courthouse Drive in Ellicott City, on:

• • • •

Wednesday, April 10 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, May 15 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Korean language assistance available) Monday, July 15 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, August 7 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

In addition, MAP counselors are available at the Bain 50+ Center at 5470 Ruth Keeton Way in Columbia on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Or, call 410-313-1234 (voice/relay) during regular business hours to schedule an office, community or in-home appointment. Depending on the tax credit, applicants may need to have and/or submit tax filing(s), identification, and proof of residence documents.

Connections' Cardboard Art Celebrates Earth Day Earth Day is April 22; however, participants at the Connections Social Day Program at Ellicott City began to prepare as early as February collecting cereal and tissue boxes, paper towel rolls, and some mismatched puzzle pieces to reuse and make into art! These creative 3D Cardboard Sculptures will be on display from April 22 through May 3, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm at the Ellicott City 50+ Center, 9401 Frederick Road, Ellicott City 21042. Stop by and see for yourself, and get some ideas on how to turn your “trash” into art. The three locations of the Howard County Connections Social Day Program provide specialized activities, exercise, music, games, and more for adults who need support or assistance. For information about the Connections Social Day Program, call Maryland Access Point (MAP) of Howard County at 410-313-1234 (voice/relay) or visit us at www.howardcountymd.gov/kindredspirits.

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — A P R I L 2 0 1 9

The 50+ Connection

Say you saw it in the Beacon

Celebrating Occupational Therapy in the Field of Aging By Carly Shilling, MS, OTR/L , OAI Community Living Program

he American Occupational Therapy Association defines an occupational therapist as someone who "helps people across the lifespan participate in the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of everyday activities (occupations).” Occupational therapy practitioners help people of all ages to live life to its fullest by helping them promote health, and prevent — or live better with — injury, illness, or disability.

“I'm a 75-year-old woman with two chronic and progressive illnesses living solely on a tiny fixed income. Without help from OT practitioners Vanessa Hughes, Carly Schilling and Mary Becker, I'd be living in a nursing home. I am fortunate to be a senior living in Howard County where the Office on Aging and Independence provides these wonderful services.” - OAI Senior Care client, Elaine Pollack

For example, I recently met Sheila Davis who was referred to the Community Living Program for a home safety assessment. Sheila has MS and uses a wheelchair to get around her home. She was unable to access her bathroom using her wheelchair because the doorway was too narrow. This barrier made it unsafe and difficult for her to complete bathing and toileting routines without assistance. With the help of Rebuilding Together, Sheila’s

doorway was widened, giving her a sense of freedom and an improved quality of life. “Nobody ever noticed or made that recommendation before,” said Sheila. “Being able to take my wheelchair into the bathroom has changed my life! I’m so grateful for the insight and services provided by my OT.” There are currently 10 occupational therapy-trained professionals working in various capacities in the Howard County Office on Aging and Independence (OAI). In fact, OT has made an impact in OAI programs for over 20 years! The OT perspective has impacted programs such as the Connections Social Day Program, 50+ Centers, The Loan Closet, Senior Care Program and the newly-established Community Living Program. The role of occupational therapy within an Area Agency on Aging is both unique and an emerging practice area.

HAPPY OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY MONTH to ALL therapists whose achievements and contributions have made a difference in the lives of the people we serve!

The 50+ Connection is published monthly by the Howard County Office on Aging and Independence. This publication is available in alternate formats upon request. To join our subscriber list, email kahenry@howardcountymd.gov 9830 Patuxent Woods Drive, Columbia, MD 21046 410-313-6410 (VOICE/RELAY) • www.howardcountymd.gov/aging Find us on

A custom-tailored program created to address YOUR specific needs, interests and concerns! $ 15 per 30-minute consultation Call the Center to Schedule an Appointment

North Laurel 50+ Center 9411 Whiskey Bottom Road, Laurel, 20723

410-313-0380

Begins Tuesday, March 19 Third Thursday of month • 9 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

—————––––––––––––––– Elkridge 50+ Center 6540 Washington Boulevard, Elkridge 21075 410-313-5192

Begins Monday, April 8 Second Monday of month • 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

www.Facebook.com/HoCoCommunity

Kim Higdon Henry, Editor • Email: kahenry@howardcountymd.gov Advertising contained in the Beacon is not endorsed by the Office on Aging and Independence or by the publisher.

Here when you need us.

CONSUMER

PROTECTION We’ve got you covered.

PHONE EMAIL

410-313-6420 (VOICE/RELAY) consumer@howardcountymd.gov

www.howardcountymd.gov/consumer

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The 50+ Connection

A P R I L 2 0 1 9 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

50+ Center Featured Events Bringing Generations Together Community Egg Hunt Wednesday, April 17 • 10:00 a.m. to noon Elkridge 50+ Center In partnership with the Elkridge Library, enjoy egg hunting fun, prizes and snacks plus a special appearance from the Easter Bunny. Free; bring your grandchildren!

Baking with Pastry Chef Fran Martiny Tarts, Sugar Cookies and Shortbreads Tuesday, April 16 • 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Bain 50+ Center

Where Were You When?

Learn how to make 1-2-3 dough for tarts, cutout cookies and shortbreads. You'll be able to taste the desserts and take home the recipes to recreate these items in your own kitchen. $15 per person; RSVP to 410-313-7213.

Friday, April 26 and Friday, May 3 • 9:00 a.m. to noon Glenelg Country School 12793 Folly Quarter Road, Ellicott City

Boosting Your Health IQ

For this intergenerational program, share your “living history” as 8th grade U.S. History students from Glenelg Country School interview you about your life experiences, then, a week later, hear the students tell those stories. This free event includes breakfast and a catered lunch. To register or for more information, contact Trisha Olsen at 410-313-0389 or tolsen@howardcountymd.gov by April 18.

Exploring Your Creativity DIY Planter Boxes Friday, April 5 • 2:00 p.m. Glenwood 50+ Center Create your own wooden planter box to use on your porch or deck. Class size is limited. $20/person; register at 410-313-5440.

Something’s Fishy Friday, April 12 • 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. East Columbia 50+ Center Join artist, Roz Zinner, for a workshop to create life-like and fanciful fabric fish for the Coral Reef Encounter to be installed in the MacGill’s Common pool this summer. $5 per person; register at 410-313-7680.

The Shoulder: What's a Rotator Cuff? Tuesday, April 9 • 11:00 a.m. Ellicott City 50+ Center Kerry Hite DPT, OCS, CMTPT, Performance Physical Therapy, will discuss common shoulder concerns. Learn about the mechanics of the shoulder joint, what is normal, and what you can safely do on your own to maintain shoulder health.

Ask the Podiatrist Do you ever wonder why your feet hurt, what to do about an ingrown toenail or how to ease arthritic foot pain? Ask Dr. Harry Cotler, DPM, all your pressing questions, and get professional answers. FREE. Offered at three center locations for your convenience!

Wednesday, April 3 • 10:00 a.m. East Columbia 50+ Wednesday, April 17 • 11:00 a.m. Ellicott City 50+ Center Wednesday, April 24 • 11:00 a.m. to noon Elkridge 50+ Center

Doctor Talk from Mercy Hospital Thursday, April 11 • 11:00 a.m. to noon Elkridge 50+ Center Primary care physician Dr. Cheema will provide updates on vaccinations and preventative screenings. A Q&A period will follow the presentation. FREE.

The Impact of Exercise on Depression Tuesday, April 23 • 11:00 a.m. to noon North Laurel 50+ Center

Low Vision Group Trip to the Maryland Technology Assistance Program Tuesday, April 2, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Learn about low-vision aides and assistive devices for independent living and other programs offered by MTAP. FREE; space is limited. Register by March 26. For more information contact Elaine Widom at 410-313-7353 or ewidom@howardcountymd.gov

The Empty Chair at the Holidays Thursday, April 10 • 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. Bain 50+ Center An interactive discussion dealing with grief and loss during the holidays. Learn coping strategies and ways to celebrate the memory a loved one. FREE. To register, call Elaine Widom at 410-313-7353, or sign-up in the Bain lobby.

www.howardcountymd.gov/sentog

Exercise can be a powerful tool to combat depression when used with prescription meds and other methods. Discuss research findings, the benefits and proper use of exercise for depression, and additional resources. Register at 410-313-0380.

Learning from the Experts Retirement Planning for Single Women Wednesday, April 10 • 11:00 a.m. East Columbia 50+ It can be challenging to fund a strong retirement plan on one income. Michelle Kotler will offer her expertise and direction from years of experience. Join us for coffee and sweets as we navigate the future. FREE.

Patapsco Valley State Park Ranger Visit Thursday, April 11 • 11:00 a.m. Ellicott City 50+ Center Ranger Jamie Petrucci will promote new programs for retired adults at Patapsco Valley State park, including the Senior Rangers Activity and Grandparent and Me programs. FREE.

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — A P R I L 2 0 1 9

The 50+ Connection

Say you saw it in the Beacon

For more information on the programs and activities at all 50+ Centers, go to www.howardcountymd.gov/50pluscenters... there's something for everyone! Maryland’s Colonial Boundary Dispute

Spring Fling

Thursdays, April 18, 25, May 2 • 9:30 a.m. Glenwood 50+ Center

Wednesday, April 10 • 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. North Laurel 50+ Center

Roger Swartz presents a three-part series about disputes with Virginia, William Penn vs. Lord Baltimore and the Pennsylvania/Maryland border war. $20 per person; register at 410-313-5440.

A spring soirée for members to engage in conversation, music, food and dancing, with live music by the band, “Just Us.” $3 per person plus lunch contribution. Call 410-313-0380 by April 3 to reserve lunch and your space.

A Retail Revolution in 1956: Laurel Shopping Center

Social Security Administration Chorus

Thursday, April 25 • 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. North Laurel 50+ Center

Monday, April 15 • 12:30 p.m. Ellicott City 50+ Center

The Laurel Leader’s “History Matters” newspaper columnist will discuss the men behind the development of the Laurel Shopping Center, visionaries who changed the face of retail in the Baltimore/Washington area. Register at 410-313-0380.

Enjoy up-beat and trendy music performed by the Social Security Administration chorus. FREE.

Celebrating Performing Arts

Tuesday, April 16 • 11:00 a.m. Bain 50+ Center

Candlelight Concert Society Duo Performance

Celebrate the works of Marian Anderson, the first African-American singer to perform at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. Join us to explore the wide variety of styles in her repertoire, including spirituals, art songs, and operas. FREE.

Bain 50+ Center Tuesday, April 9 • 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

The Lyric Opera Presents: Marian Anderson

An informal concert featuring Stephanie Ray on flute and Jeremy Lyons on guitar. FREE; all ages welcome. RSVP to 410-313-7213.

Second Tuesday Dance Party Tuesday, April 9 • 7:00 p.m. East Columbia 50+ Center Couples or singles, all are welcome to join us for a 30-minute dance lesson with Rod Summerford. Then, dance the night away with newly discovered talents and friends. $5 per person; register at 410-313-7680.

Howard County 50+ Centers BAIN 50+ CENTER 5470 Ruth Keeton Way, Columbia 410-313-7213 • bain50@howardcountymd.gov

EAST COLUMBIA 50+ CENTER

EXPANDED hours to Serve You BETTER! Elkridge 50+ Center Monday | Wednesday | Friday .........8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday | Thursday...........................8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Saturday ...........................................8:30 a.m. to 12 noon

Ellicott City 50+ Fitness Center Monday through Thursday ..................8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday .................................................8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Saturday ............................................8:30 a.m. to 12 noon

6600 Cradlerock Way, Columbia 410-313-7680 • eastcolumbia50@howardcountymd.gov

ELKRIDGE 50+ CENTER 6540 Washington Blvd., Elkridge 410-313-5192 • elkridge50@howardcountymd.gov

ELLICOTT CITY 50+ CENTER 9401 Frederick Road, Ellicott City 410-313-1400 • ellicottcity50@howardcountymd.gov

GLENWOOD 50+ CENTER 2400 Route 97, Cooksville 410-313-5440 • glenwood50@howardcountymd.gov

LONGWOOD 50+ CENTER 6150 Foreland Garth, Columbia 410-313-7217 Stay connected to the Howard County Department of Community Resources and Services. Like and share our page today!

Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HoCoCommunity

NORTH LAUREL 50+ CENTER 9411 Whiskey Bottom Road, Laurel 410-313-0380 • northlaurel50@howardcountymd.gov

www.howardcountymd.gov/50pluscenters

The 50+ Connection

More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

Your Decisions Matter! April 16 is National Healthcare Decisions Day

ational Healthcare Decisions Day (NHCDD) is a collaborative effort of national, state and community organizations to ensure that all adults with a decision-making capacity can communicate and document their healthcare preferences. Despite substantial investments of time and money to educate Americans about advance healthcare planning, only a small percentage have executed an advance directive. NHCDD exists to inspire, educate and empower people about the importance of advance care planning and to provide tools for making these decisions. Advance care planning is more than just a document; it’s both a process and a conversation. An advance directive allows you to decide who you want to make health care decisions if you’re unable to do so, as well as what kinds of treatments you want or don’t want. Your loved ones cannot act on your wishes unless they know what they are. Talk to them about your values and experiences, and let them know what is important to you. It can be a bit scary at first, but it’s a great gift for the people who care about you. Without the conversation and a document outlining your wishes, there can be confusion, conflict, and guilt in a situation that’s already stressful. With a written plan in place, you and your loved ones can focus on the things that matter. Advance directives can be as comprehensive as you would like. You can make changes at any time; the most recent version will be the one considered valid. There are many ways to complete an advance directive in Maryland; to explore your options, contact Maryland Access Point at 410-313-1234 (voice/relay).

—

LIMITED SEATING REGISTER TODAY!

STAYING STRONG AFTER REHAB A HOWARD COUNTY HEALTH AND WELLNESS PROGRAM

P4C Pet Evaluations If you are interested in volunteering, or wish to receive a FREE evaluation for your pet, contact:

By Deb Magin, Public Guardianship Program Manager

FREE ADMISSION

A P R I L 2 0 1 9 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

Ingrid Gleysteen PROGRAM COORDINATOR

igleysteen@howardcountymd.gov 410-313-7461 (voice/relay)

April 4 • May 2 • June 6 7:00 TO 9:00 PM Bain 50+ Center 5470 Ruth Keeton Way Columbia 21044

2019

MARYLAND LAW DAY Wednesday, May 1 9:00 AM TO 1:00 PM HOWARD COUNTY LAW DAY:

FREE Medical Decision Document Preparation Ensure that your preferences for medical treatment are honored should you become incapacitated or unable to express your wishes. Volunteer !!"#$%&'()*++(",%#(-#%%(.#%. # !*"$("-(/ #&+ $0(1%0*2 +(0%2*'*"$( documents at the Howard County 50+ Centers.

Call the center nearest you for an appointment. —

Bain 50+ Center 5470 Ruth Keeton Way, Columbia 21044

Ellicott City 50+ Center

410-313-7213 (VOICE/RELAY)

9401 Frederick Road, Ellicott City 21042

East Columbia 50+ Center 6600 Cradlerock Way, Columbia 21045

IMPORTANT SKILLS TO ASSIST CAREGIVERS Thursday, March 28 • 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. • The Caregiver Role • Physical Benefits to Staying Strong • Environment for Safety • Motivation for All

Presented by Malarie Burgess, OAI Exercise Specialist — A LIGHT MEAL WILL BE PROVIDED — Registration is required. Contact Kathy Wehr at 410-313-5955 (VOICE/RELAY) or kwehr@howardcountymd.gov

410-313-7680 (VOICE/RELAY) Elkridge 50+ Center 6540 Washington Blvd., Elkridge 21075

410-313-5192 (VOICE/RELAY) Ellicott City 50+ Center 9401 Frederick Road, Ellicott City 21042

410-313-1400 (VOICE/RELAY) Glenwood 50+ Center 2400 Route 97, Cooksville 21723

410-313-5440 (VOICE/RELAY) North Laurel 50+ Center 9411 Whiskey Bottom Rd., Laurel 20723

410-313-0380 (VOICE/RELAY) www.howardcountymd.gov/aging

www.howardcountymd.gov/aging

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — A P R I L 2 0 1 9

The 50+ Connection

Say you saw it in the Beacon

2019

YEAR of the VETERAN Celebration AND Resource Fair

Monday, April 8 • 4 TO 8 PM Howard Community College RCF Student Services Building, 4th floor 10901 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia 21044 Help our transitioning service members, veterans and their spouses enter the workforce!

Donations of new and clean, gently-used suits and professional attire accepted through April 3 at: Department of Community Resources and Services 9830 Patuxent Woods Drive, Columbia 21046 AND/OR

Office of the Howard County Executive 3430 Courthouse Drive, 3rd floor, Ellicott City 21043 PRESENTED BY

2019 has been officially named “Year of the Veteran” by Governor Larry Hogan

An annual event to provide local veterans and their families the opportunity to meet with government agencies and nonprofit organizations dedicated to providing services, support and jobs to veterans. All active, guard and reserve veterans are invited to attend. REGISTRATION IS ENCOURAGED, BUT NOT REQUIRED.

hcveteransfair.eventbrite.com

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS FREE Medical Screenings Blood pressure, biometrics, glucose, dental, medical and physical therapy consultations; courtesy of Premier Health Express Urgent Care, an authorized Warrior Centric Health Clinic

FREE Professional Clothing New and gently used men’s and women’s professional attire will be available and free to all interested attendees, courtesy of Success In Style.

40 Service Vendors Representatives include government agencies, non-profits, and veteran service organizations, specificially focused on veterans’ needs.

LIVE Music with Voices of Vets For more information, contact Lisa B. Terry at 410-313-0821 (VOICE/RELAY) or lbterry@howardcountymd.gov

A non-profit performing group that travels the country providing live music to veterans homes, Voices of Vets makes a connection with each veteran at every venue they perform.

MEDICARE EDUCATION

PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED

410-313-7389

Medicare 101 and 102

Using Medicare's Plan Finder

A two-part introduction for those new to Medicare. Learn about original Medicare (Parts A and B), Prescription Drug Coverage (Part D), Medicare Health Plans (Part C), and Medicare Supplemental Policies

Learn how to use the Plan Finder tool on Medicare.gov to compare and review Medicare prescription drug coverages.

Tuesday, April 9 AND 16 • 7:00 TO 8:30 PM BOTH Educational Sessions will be held at Howard County Department of Community Resources and Services 9830 Patuxent Woods Drive, Columbia 21046

Tuesday, May 7 • 7:00 TO 8:30 PM For additional assistance with Medicare questions and concerns, call SHIP at 410-313-7392 (voice/relay). FOR OTHER UPCOMING PRESENTATIONS, VISIT

www.howardcountymd.gov/SHIP

FREE Information presented by the State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) of the Howard County Office on Aging and Independence

More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

The 50+ Connection

A P R I L 2 0 1 9 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

Teachable Moments Build School Readiness

CAREGIVER CONFERENCE

oward County Government is providing free access to ReadyRosie for all Howard County families. ReadyRosie is an innovative educational service that provides instructional videos which are delivered by email or text. ReadyRosie demonstrates how parents, grandparents and caregivers can turn everyday activities into teachable moments that build school readiness skills. Activities shown in the videos are simple, take only a few minutes to complete and are available in English and Spanish. All you need to access ReadyRosie is a Howard County zip code. Go directly to www.howardcountymd.gov/readyrosie where you will be asked for some basic information, including name, language preference and delivery preference (text or email). Once an account is created, the parent or grandparent will immediately receive a welcome video in their selected language, have access to the entire video library and start getting the weekly playlists sent out by the ReadyRosie team.

ReadyRosie was created with the belief that parents and grandparents are a child’s first and best teacher. It offers ideas on how to better engage young learners at home, in the library, in the car, at the grocery store, or wherever they are spending time. There is always an opportunity for learning and talking with young children; it doesn’t take hours of practice. This is an easy way for parents and grandparents to support the crucial early learning years! For more information about the ReadyRosie program, or other parent and grandparent programs, visit the Office of Children and Families’ website at www.howardcountymd.gov/children.

Saturday, April 27 • 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM Ellicott City 50+ Center 9401 Frederick Road, Ellicott City 21042 FREE On-Site Respite provided with registration You must call 410-313-7691 to request respite services.

FREE admission with registration; includes continental breakfast and lunch REGISTER ONLINE AT

caregiverjourney2019.eventbrite.com SESSION TOPICS ESPECIALLY GEARED TOWARD FAMILY CAREGIVERS

Vision/Hearing Changes • Behavioral Changes • Mindfulness Technology Assistance • Mediation and Conflict Resolution

REGISTRATION DEADLINE for Conference/Respite: FRIDAY, APRIL 19 CONTACT

Kathy Wehr

kwehr@howardcountymd.gov • 410-313-5955 (VOICE/RELAY)

www.howardcountymd.gov/aging

STUDIO WORKSHOP

2019 Collaborative Art Project

9411 Whiskey Bottom Road, Laurel 20723

Participants will learn and hone the basic techniques of mosaicmaking, including glass-cutting and grouting, and will complete an initial take-home piece, plus an individual element to be combined into a large-scale installation, which will be available for public viewing. Must be a Howard County 50+ Center member to participate. No previous experience necessary.

April 11, 18 and 25

SPACE IS LIMITED •

THURSDAYS • 9 AM TO NOON

Attendance at all sessions is expected as techniques are progressively taught.

North Laurel 50+ Center

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO REGISTER, CONTACT THE

Front Desk at North Laurel 50+ Center 410-313-0380 (VOICE/RELAY) OR tolsen@howardcountymd.gov

30 PER PERSON

A partnership between Howard County Office on Aging and Independence, American Visionary Arts Museum, Howard County Arts Council and Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — A P R I L 2 0 1 9

Say you saw it in the Beacon

Law &

Money

PUT YOUR CASH TO WORK Ways to make the most of your cash at a time of high market volatility THIS IS NOT A SALES CALL Apps and tips to help you avoid most of those annoying robocalls FOR THE RISK-AVERSE Umbrella insurance coverage may bring you low-cost peace of mind

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

Keep a cash cushion

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

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

Rebalance

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

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

Harvest tax losses

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

Handling RMDs

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

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

Convert to a Roth

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

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

wanted to go it alone. Tipper asserts that it was not that Al was dull and boring or cheating on her. They are a classic example of a gray divorce. Are people expecting more of a sense of happiness and fulfillment today than they were before? It’s possible. It seems that couples are just not willing to put up with a loveless marriage anymore. You may have grown up seeing your parents or your friends’ parents going through the motions of marriage, and not engaged in a loving partnership. Have you ever been at a restaurant and seen couples eating and not interacting at all? Many of us just thought that was the way advanced married couples acted, that was the way it was supposed to be.

Tipper and Al Gore Syndrome

Why so many now?

The story of the Gores is much the same as for many long-term marriages. After having four kids and 40 years of marriage, they simply had grown apart and

Several factors are converging. The stigma of divorce is disappearing. Even Pope Francis and the Catholic Church are re-examining their posture toward the church’s

stance on divorce. People are also living longer, and so the prospects of remaining in an empty relationship don’t bode well for many people today. They are allowed to act to change their future. Another reason for the increase in gray divorce appears to be the economic gains women are making, according to an NPR report quoting Brown. “Many no longer have to choose between a bad marriage and poverty.” The advent of easy online dating may also have given older people hope for a better relationship. Online dating is accepted and is the norm for all age groups. Seniors are also meeting via activities and travel. The prospect of living with someone you no longer love and respect appears to be a sacrifice not worth making for many.

Financial considerations

OK, you have decided to call it quits in your twilight years, what do you have to

know about the money side of your relationship and life on your own? Alimony is almost always granted after long-term marriages. When you divorce in your younger years, usually “rehabilitative” alimony is granted, which will supply support while the spouse gets back on their feet. However, if it’s a long-term marriage, in most cases alimony is given for life. If ending a second marriage that was short, alimony may fall in between the above circumstances. Retirement money is usually cut in half. It doesn’t matter if this is a no-fault or atfault divorce. Pension plans may be used to offset alimony, but make sure that you both are being advised on the tax implications. The family house will become an asset that has to be valued and split. Make sure if you opt to keep the house that you don’t See GRAY DIVORCE, page 26

Law & Money | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

A P R I L 2 0 1 9 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

Cash rules as stocks and bonds waver By Stan Choe Suddenly, cash is king again. For years, cash languished at the bottom of the investment rankings, weighed down by nearly non-existent interest rates. But with the Federal Reserve raising short-term rates four times last year, money-market funds and online savings accounts began paying interest that came close to approaching inflation. This while stocks, bond funds and gold all posted losses in 2018. “It took us a while to get above zero,” said Deborah Cunningham, chief investment officer of global money markets at Federated Investors, about cash. “But now that we’re in a slow-growth environment with interest rates normalized, it becomes a pretty good place to exist.” Investors now can find rates of 2 percent or higher while hiding out in cash, and that 2 percent looks even better when compared with the whiplash-inducing ride that

stocks forced investors to endure last year. S&P 500 index funds lost more than 4 percent in their worst showing in a decade, but they also dragged investors through more than a dozen days where they lost more than 2 percent on the way there. The steady-and-not-so-slow-anymore returns for cash, plus expectations for even more market volatility in 2019, means strategists along Wall Street are seeing cash as a viable investment option for the first time in years. Some investors have peeled off a portion of the big profits made from stocks in recent years and plugged it into cash in hopes of preserving it. Others, meanwhile, have pulled back from the riskier bonds they bought in search of higher income when rates were at record lows, moving back into moneymarket funds, certificates of deposit and online savings accounts. Nearly $90 billion went into money-mar-

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ket funds during the first 11 months of last year, according to the Investment Company Institute. They were more popular than bond funds, which attracted a net $67 billion, and much more so than stock funds, which saw $171 billion head for the exits.

Even cash has its risks

But before jumping back into the safe embrace of cash, it’s key to remember that this may be close to as good as it gets. The Federal Reserve has indicated it may slow its pace of interest-rate increases this year, with perhaps two more in 2019, which would cap the increase in returns that cash provides. The Fed raised rates a total of seven times in the prior two years. Some analysts even expect the central bank could make zero moves this year as fears rise about slowing economic growth around the world. And while the steadiness of cash can be a comfort when markets are heaving, it

Gray divorce From page 25

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become house-poor. The house needs to be maintained, taxes and utilities paid, and those costs may greatly eat into any monetary settlements. Remarriages are more likely to end in divorce, so think about a pre-nuptial agreement for your next marriage. In it, you can deal with a lot of these monetary issues before emotions are running at a fevered pitch. There may be adult children on both sides to consider, other assets, and lots of other issues to think about. Seek professional advice from your lawyers, accountants and financial advisers. Your wills need to be adjusted to reflect your new circumstances, as well.

has its own risks. The biggest risk is being too conservative. An investor planning to retire decades in the future would likely get much, much higher returns from stocks than cash, which is only just starting to match the rate of inflation. Even bonds, which carry the risk of falling prices if interest rates rise, would likely return more because they have higher yields. But the fact that investors are even pondering such questions, after years of not even considering the non-existent returns of cash, shows how much the market has changed. “It’s a good feeling to have inflows, higher rates and good returns,” said Cunningham, whose suite of funds includes the $75 billion Federated Government Obligations fund, which returned 1.7 percent last year versus 0.3 percent in 2016. —AP Gray divorce might not be a tragedy. You may be empowered to design and obtain a more fulfilling life than you may now have. How wonderful not to feel that your present marriage is a life sentence. But also, I caution you: Maybe it’s better to work on your present relationship and not assume that your spouse will be inflexible. The grass looks greener on the other side of the fence, but sometimes, it’s not. This article presents the views of Neale Godfrey, Financial Literacy Expert, President & CEO, Children’s Financial Network Inc., our contributing adviser, not the Kiplinger editorial staff. You can check adviser records with the SEC or with FINRA. © 2019 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — A P R I L 2 0 1 9

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Law & Money

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

Zero percent capital gains

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

Qualified Charitable Distributions

When nearing retirement, planning for charitable gift donations can yield extra tax benefits, too. Under current tax rules, most people will be taking the standard deduction, preventing them from deducting charitable

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

Roth conversion

If you own a traditional IRA, and are able to keep taxable income low, you may want to consider a Roth IRA conversion. While it’s true that each dollar you convert will add to your taxable income that year, paying the tax now may result in less taxes paid overall [since gains in a Roth account are forever shielded from tax]. Also, money in a Roth is not subject to required minimum distributions at age 70 ½. One trick with Roth IRA conversions is to do a partial conversion in an amount that takes you to the top of your current tax bracket. So, if you are in the 12 percent tax bracket, convert enough of the traditional IRA into the Roth to stay in that bracket without moving up to the next one. Doing this over a few years can substantially reduce your overall tax burden.

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

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 the author, not the Kiplinger editorial staff. © 2019 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Law & Money | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

A P R I L 2 0 1 9 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

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 per-

cent 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

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

Home landline tools

To stop calls on your home phone, set up the “anonymous call rejection” option. This is a free landline-calling feature available from most telephone companies. It lets you screen out calls from callers who have blocked their caller ID information — a favorite tactic of telemarketers. To set it up, you usually have to dial *77 from your landline, though different phone services may have different procedures to set it up. Call your telephone service provider to find out if they offer this feature, and if so, what you need to do to enable it. Another solution is to sign up for Nomorobo, which is a free service for landline phones (but only if you have a VoIP landline carrier). Nomorobo uses a “simultaneous ring” service that detects and blocks robocalls on a black list of known offender numbers. It isn’t 100 percent foolproof, but it is an extra layer of protection. To sign up or see if Nomorobo works with your phone service provider, visit Nomorobo.com.

Cell phone tools

To stop unwanted robocalls and texts to your cell phone, ask your carrier about caller ID options that help identify, filter or prevent callers that aren’t legitimate. For example, AT&T provides their subscribers a free app called “AT&T Call Protect” that has automatic fraud blocking and

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

Call blocking apps

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

Spam-proof phones

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

BEACON BITS

Mar. 31

NOMINATIONS SOUGHT

As part of its 40-year anniversary celebration, Winter Growth will recognize 40 Howard or Montgomery County residents age 50 and older who are living their lives “with joy and purpose.” To nominate yourself or someone you know, visit wintergrowthinc.org, fill out the form and mail it to the address given by the deadline of Friday, Mar. 31. For questions or for more information, call Claire Noll at (410) 964-9616.

Ongoing

ELDER ABUSE PREVENTION WEBSITE

Only one in 14 cases of elder abuse are reported. Learn how to recognize signs of abuse and how to get help at howardcountymd.gov/eldersafety.

Apr. 8

FREE HEALTH AND DENTAL CHECKS

An evening of free medical and financial services and benefits will be featured at the Veterans Resource Fair on Monday, April 8 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Howard Community College, 10901 Little Patuxent Pkwy., Columbia. Held at the Rouse Company Foundation Student Services Building on Campus Dr., the event will include free medical and dental screening, glucose checks, and medical and physical therapy consultations. For more information, call Lisa Terry at (410) 313-0821.

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Law & Money

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — A P R I L 2 0 1 9

Is umbrella insurance worth purchasing? By Pat Mertz Esswein We never dreamed that a short story about umbrella insurance would be the topranked article in Kiplinger’s monthly reader survey, but that’s exactly what happened when we tackled the topic in July 2018. The article also generated plenty of reader mail. Many of you wrote to ask us to revisit the topic and help you determine how much umbrella coverage you need — and to do just that, we’ve developed a tool you can use. Umbrella insurance — also known as excess personal liability insurance — sits on top of your automobile, homeowners and watercraft liability coverage.

What’s it for?

If you injure someone in a car accident or someone slips and falls on your property, your auto or home insurer will pay for damages up to the liability limits of your coverage. If the damages exceed those limits, the injured party may sue you for the difference. An umbrella policy will pay a judgment or settlement if you’re found to be at fault, and will pay for your defense even if you’re not found at fault. Umbrella insurance is generally sold in

Letters to editor From page 2

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

BEACON BITS

Apr. 23+

CLIMATE CHANGE EXPLORED

Howard Community College is offering a non-credit evening course in climate change on Tuesdays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. from Apr. 23 through May 21. Focus will be on both individual and governmental-based adaptations. Classes will be held at Centennial High School, 4300 Centennial Ln., Ellicott City. For more information, fees and to register, call (443) 518-1700 or visit howardcc.edu/ConEd.

Mar. 25

EAT HEALTHY

Firefighter and author Rip Esselstyn says he’s helped thousands “extinguish” their unhealthy eating habits. He has appeared on the Today Show, CBS Sunday Morning, Good Morning America, and Dr. Oz. Hear his advice and meet other nutritionists at this free workshop at 6 p.m. on Monday, Mar. 25 at the Jim Rouse Theatre and Performing Arts Center, 5460 Trumpeter Road, Columbia, Md

increments of $1 million. It costs about $150 a year for each $1 million of coverage up to $5 million. Most insurers will sell you an umbrella policy only if you buy your homeowners or auto policy from them and carry a minimum amount of liability coverage — typically $300,000 for homeowners insurance and, for auto insurance, $250,000 for bodily injury to one person and $500,000 per accident, according to the Insurance Information Institute.

Assess your risks

A car accident is the most likely scenario in which a loss would trigger excess liability coverage because a permanent disability or fatality could easily result in a large judgment, said Spencer Houldin, president of Ericson Insurance Advisors, in Washington Depot, Conn. Your risk is higher the more

you drive and if you insure teen or elderly drivers. If you own a condo, you could be held responsible for damage to other units or even the entire building if a fire or water problem starts in your unit. You may also be at higher risk if you employ domestic workers or own a swimming pool or trampoline, a dog, or a boat, RV or snowmobile. You are more vulnerable to a lawsuit if you’re active on social media or serve on the board of your homeowners or condo association or a nonprofit organization. If you checked just one of the risk factors listed above, you may need umbrella coverage, according to Chubb Insurance. If you selected several, your liability risk is higher than average. Consider adding an endorsement to an umbrella policy for excess uninsured/un-

derinsured motorist coverage, which covers you not only as a driver but as a passenger, bicyclist or pedestrian if you’re hit and the at-fault driver doesn’t carry enough insurance. It costs $100 to $200 per policy. If you serve as a volunteer on a nonprofit board, your homeowners and umbrella policies typically cover you for bodily injury and property damage — but probably not for all potential lawsuits, said Houldin. An endorsement for your umbrella policy for directors and officers coverage typically costs less than $1,000 a year for $1 million to $2 million of coverage. [On the other hand, most nonprofit organizations will purchase a policy to protect their directors and officers, so look into that before buying your own.] © 2019 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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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.

A P R I L 2 0 1 9 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

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Leisure &

Travel

Stay for next to nothing when traveling. See story on p. 33.

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 31

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — A P R I L 2 0 1 9

Oregon From page 30

Art all over

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

The sites of Portland

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

extensive and inviting collection of parks and gardens. The 160-plus parks range in size from massive to minuscule. Hikers may find wilderness within the city limits in Forest Park, which is crisscrossed by 30 miles of trails. Waterfront Park includes a riverside promenade that passes boat docks, shops and restaurants. Council Crest Park sits on a 1,073-foot hill and offers dramatic views over the city and to distant mountains. Mount Tabor Park occupies the only extinct volcano within city limits in the continental United States. Against the backdrop of multi-hued shades of green provided by Portland’s parks, numerous gardens add dramatic splashes of color. The sprawling International Rose Test Garden, which contains 400 varieties of roses displayed on more than 10,000 bushes, has spawned an annual rose festival and is a major reason why Portland is known as the City of Roses. The nearby Japanese Garden is a tranquil sanctuary that includes a traditional sand and stone setting and a ceremonial tea house. The Lan Su Chinese Garden in the Old Town neighborhood is an oasis of winding paths and reflecting ponds. Graceful tea houses and lovely gardens, towering mountains and forested fields are among many attractions that beckon people to visit Portland, and Oregon. Nearly two centuries ago hardy pioneers braved extreme hardships and overcame daunting challenges to seek a better life in what today is the state. The trip now is much less strenuous, but the rewards can be just as satisfying.

If you go

Accommodations can fit comfortably in Oregon’s idiosyncratic reputation. The McMenamins Grand Lodge near Portland gives new meaning to the word whimsical. Quaint, comic paintings and historic photos line the hallways, decorate guest rooms and even show up on headboards and exposed piping. Hidden rooms and a resident ghost add to the atmosphere. Rates begin as low as $60 for a room with shared bathroom and $105 with private facilities. For more information, call (877) 9929533 or visit mcmenamins.com/grand-lodge. The setting is very different at Timberline Lodge, perched 6,000 feet high on Mt. Hood. It was built during the Depression as a Works Progress Administration project, furnished by artisans and decorated by artists. Wood, stones and other local materials are among features that are used to pay tribute to Native Americans, European-born pi-

BEACON BITS

Apr. 6+

MOVIE MUSIC

Calling all Harry Potter fans: On Apr. 6 at 7:30 p.m. and April 7 at 3 p.m., the Columbia Orchestra and its vocalists will perform music from Harry Potter films as well as from The Greatest Showman, Les Misérables, A Chorus Line and Guys and Dolls. Teelin Irish Dance Company will also perform Celtic numbers. Tickets range from $27-$21. For information or to purchase tickets, call (410) 465-8777 or visit www.columbiaorchestra.org.

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Leisure & Travel

oneers and Oregon’s wildlife. Rates begin at $127. For more information, call (800) 5471406 or see timberlinelodge.com. Visitors soon come to appreciate Oregon’s abundance of local fresh food from rivers, sea and land. In Portland, with its well-deserved reputation as a foodie mecca, even the proliferation of food carts parked around the city serve up a wide selection of cuisines. Typical of casual restaurants with a colorful history is the Rock Creek Cavern in Hillsboro. Its past includes being bombed, run over by a car and destroyed by a fire of questionable origin. Try them for comfort food. For more in-

formation, call (503) 645-3822 or visit mcmenamins.com/rock-creek-tavern. For fine dining, the Imperial in the historic Hotel Lucia offers Pacific Northwest cuisine at its best. Along with wood-fire grilled specialties, the menu includes rotisserie roasted half chicken ($23) and wild king salmon ($36). For more information, call (503) 2287222 or see imperialpdx.com. For Oregon tourism information, call (800) 547-7842 or see traveloregon.com. The least expensive roundtrip airfare from BWI to Portland in early April is $320 on United Airlines, with a connection. Nonstops leave from Dulles.

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A P R I L 2 0 1 9 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

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H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — A P R I L 2 0 1 9

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

Couch surfing

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

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

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.

Home exchanges

Take precautions

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

Housesitting

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

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

BEACON BITS

Apr. 5

SPRINGTIME LAUGHS

A fundraiser for Little Patuxent Review will feature the Akimbo Improv Comedy Team from Baltimore on Friday, Apr. 5 at 7 p.m. at the Columbia Art Center, 6100 Foreland Garth, Columbia. Admission is $10. To learn more, call the Columbia Association at (410) 730-0075 or email Monica.Herber@columbiassociation.org.

Apr. 9+

TAKE A POTTERY CLASS

Professional potter Charlene O’Dell-Randolph will offer two Howard Community College non-credit courses at Bain 50+ Center, 5470 Ruth Keeton Wy., Columbia, on Tuesdays from April 9 to June 11, and Mondays, from April 15 through June 24. All are two-hour sessions beginning at 10 a.m. For fees and other information, call (443) 518-1700 or visit howarcc.edu/ConEd.

BEACON BITS

Mar. 29

SEEKING LOCAL ART FOR COURTHOUSE

The Howard County Arts Council’s nationwide search for art work to be included in the new county courthouse opening July 2021 will conclude at 4 p.m. Friday, Mar. 29. To learn more and to apply, go to hocoarts.org.

Apr. 19

ELLICOTT CITY PAINTING CONTEST

Learn to ! it!

Bring your easel to historic Ellicott City for this unique annual tradition: painting in plein air [outdoors]. Applications for the juried portion of Paint It! Ellicott City are due to the Howard County Arts Council on Friday, Apr. 19 with an entry fee of $30. Or register for Open Paint for $10 in May. To learn more, visit hocoarts.org or call (410) 313-2787.

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Saturday, April 13, 2019 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Howard Community College HCGreenfest.org

A P R I L 2 0 1 9 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

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Arts &

Style

A new documentary of the Beatles will reveal new footage of the Fab Four’s dynamic in the recording studio. See story on page 37.

Heartfelt crimes from Vagabond Players performances of the entire ensemble, Crimes of the 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-head-

N OW O N STAG E

410-730-8311

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

P H OTO B Y B R U C E F. P R E S S P H OTO G R A P H Y

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

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 playing at Vagabond Players.

ed protagonist of Henley’s play, and kudos to Hammontree for casting three women 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-than-

thou cousin Chick Boyle, who bravely dons a pair of nylon-poor pantyhose in the 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. See HEARTFELT CRIMES, page 37

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H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — A P R I L 2 0 1 9

Winter growth From page 1

Today, four decades later, some 300 older and disabled adults are participating in programs at Burba’s Winter Growth centers, now located in Columbia (at the Florence Bain Senior Center) and Olney. Besides day programs for older adults, the centers offer assisted living and respite care programs, all overseen by 85 full- and part-time staff members. Winter Growth’s mission statement calls for “establishing community where everyone feels they matter, and where all are supported in achieving their highest potential for independence, dignity and life satisfaction.”

Motivated by service

Burba has always shown dedication to helping others. Her undergraduate degree was in child and family development. She taught first grade for four years and consulted for Head Start Programs. After moving to Maryland, where her two sons were born, she started a nursery school and day care center in her own home. Her career interest then moved on to older adults. “Human development through the entire life cycle has always interested me,” Burba said. Now 76 and “sort-of retired” (she still visits the centers and keeps up with the programs there), Burba puts it this way: “Older adults…need the opportunity to continue to live true to the persons they have already become. Burba has certainly followed her own advice, preferring meaning over money. “I’m not, and never was, in it for the business,” she said. Neither is the Winter Growth staff, whose new CEO is Cyndi Rogers. “The difference we make is incredible, and it shows,” Rogers said. “That’s what keeps me and everyone else going, knowing that we have this impact on people’s quality of life.” The newer staff members, Burba said, “have the passion and determination that we had in the early days of the organization. “They’re finding the truth in (Indian philosopher and writer) Rabinanath Tagore’s words: ‘I slept and dreamt that life

was joy. I woke and saw that life was service. I acted and behold, life is joy.’ Winter Growth then and now is not just a business.”

A variety of offerings

Some of the adult day programs offered at the Columbia and Olney centers include: age- and health-appropriate exercises; nutrition updates; musical programs (e.g., tributes to Dolly Parton and Barbara Streisand); “brain-training” through question-and-answer sessions; bingo; current events discussions; get-togethers with others who have had similar work and military experiences; movie time, and outings to, among other places, nature sites, the library and Walmart. Winter Growth also offers assisted living facilities (32 bedrooms in two buildings in Columbia and 16 bedrooms in a building in Olney). Burba noted that the residents there are offered family-style living, nursing assistance and medical monitoring and support. Respite care programs are also offered by Winter Growth. These programs enable non-paid older adult caregivers to take short breaks from their duties of taking care of others.

Engaged participants

Columbia resident Margaret S. Edwards, who just celebrated her 87th birthday, takes part five days a week in the Winter Growth day program. “I’m really into ‘train-your-brain,’ where I try to answer questions from instructors,” Edwards said. “I had strokes some years ago and have had difficulty retaining information. Through these sessions, I can now remember much more than before. I look forward to coming to the program.” April Tayman, who also lives in Columbia, has seen three members of her family attend Winter Growth facilities. “It started 25 years ago when my great aunt came to live with my parents. She started to take part in Winter Growth programs. Then, 10 years ago, I started taking my father to the center. “Now,” said the 70-year-old Tayman, “my mother, who is 94, is at the center. I live five minutes away and visit her every day. She says she is happy there, eating the meals, playing bingo, watching TV. When my time comes, that’s where I would like to be.”

April 6 at 7:30pm & April 7 at 3:00pm Jim Rouse Theatre Music from The Greatest Showman, Harry Potter, Guys & Dolls, plus Celtic classics with Teelin Irish Dance & more! Concert sponsored by:

THE COLUMBIA ORCHESTRA Tickets range from $10-$28 ($3 service fee may apply) Call 410-465-8777 or visit www.columbiaorchestra.org

The fee for Winter Growth’s day program is $91 per scheduled day visit (including two-way transportation, meals and activities). Medicare does not cover the cost of Winter Growth programs. However, persons on Medicaid who have qualified for the “waiver” that allows expenditures for community services may use those funds for Winter Growth. The price for the assisted living community ranges from $58,999 to $68,000 yearly, and fees for the respite program range from $18 to $22 an hour.

Upcoming celebrations

Winter Growth will mark its 40th anniversary with events at its Olney center April 24 and at its Columbia facilities on April 25. The events will include a project dubbed the Fabulous Forty, when 40 residents from Howard and Montgomery County, age 50 and over, will be recognized

for “living their lives with joy and purpose.” The organizers note: “This is not a best resume, highest achievements, most awards contest. Instead, it is a chance to honor and be inspired by everyday people who are embracing life and truly living each day to the fullest.” Guidelines for nominations, which can be made until March 31, are available on the website: wintergrowthinc.org/fabu lous-40-nomination-form. For more information on the events and about programs at the center, call (410) 964-9616. Burba offered a quote from the late French writer Albert Camus that has become her philosophy and, she hopes, will be adopted by the participants in her Winter Growth programs. “In the midst of winter,” Camus wrote, “I found that there was within me an invincible summer.”

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A P R I L 2 0 1 9 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

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great mobility, the ability to turn on a dime and to pull right up to tables or desks. The controls are right on the steering lever so it’s simple to operate and its exclusive footrest swings out of the way when you stand up or sit down. With its rugged yet lightweight aluminum frame, the Zinger is sturdy and durable yet convenient and comfortable! What’s more, it easily folds up for storage in a car seat or trunk– you can even gate-check it at the airport like a stroller. Think about it, you can take your Zinger almost anywhere, so you don’t have to let mobility issues rule your life. It folds in seconds without tools and is safe and reliable. It holds up to 265 pounds, and it goes up to 6 mph and operates for up to 8 hours on a single charge. Why spend another day letting mobility issues hamper your independence and quality of life?

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83937

• Restaurants– ride right up to the table! • Around town or just around your house

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Arts & Style

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — A P R I L 2 0 1 9

New documentary of Beatles’ ‘Let It Be’ By Hillel Italie The Beatles’ farewell documentary “Let It Be’’ is getting an encore, and a reinvention. “Lord of the Rings’’ director Peter Jackson announced recently that he is making a new film out of some 55 hours of footage — shot in January 1969 — that has never been seen by the public. The original movie, directed by Michael Lindsay-Hogg, came out soon after the Beatles broke up in 1970, and has long been viewed as a chronicle of the band members growing apart. In a Rolling Stone interview given months after the film’s release, John Lennon recalled the making of “Let It Be’’ as a miserable experience, “setup by Paul (McCartney) for Paul. “That is one of the main reasons the Beatles ended. I can’t speak for George, but I pretty damn well know we got fed up of being side-men for Paul,’’ Lennon said. But Jackson says the additional footage tells a very different story. “It’s simply an amazing historical treasure-trove,’’ he said. “Sure, there’s moments of drama — but none of the discord this project has long been associated with.’’ For Jackson, the Beatles movie marks another turn to documentaries after his recent “They Shall Not Grow Old’’ — a film that brings World War I to life after the director restored heavily-damaged, grainy footage, transferred it into 3-D, and even used expert lip readers to restore lost dialogue.

He is working on “Let It Be’’ with the cooperation of McCartney, Ringo Starr, and Yoko Ono and Olivia Harrison, the widows of John Lennon and George Harrison. The new project was announced on the 50th anniversary of one of the highlights of “Let It Be,’’ the Beatles’ spirited performance on the roof of Apple Records in London. No release date has been set. A remastered version of the original film, which won an Oscar for best original score, also is planned.

Heartfelt crimes

a 15-year-old; there’s some age-shaming (birthday girl Lenny is called “old” at age 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 34

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

Early signs of tension

In 1969, the movie was meant to show the Beatles turning away from the psychedelic tricks of “Sgt. Pepper’’ as they jam on new songs such as “I’ve Got a Feeling’’ and “Get Back.’’ But the Beatles seem far older and wearier than the joyous mop tops of a few years earlier. Harrison briefly walked out during filming, and on camera argues with McCartney over a proposed guitar part. Harrison would later blame tension with McCartney and unhappiness with Lennon’s then-new relationship with Ono, who is often by Lennon’s side in the movie. “Paul wanted nobody to play on his songs until he decided how it should go. For me it was like: ‘What am I doing here? This is painful!’” Harrison said in an interview for a 1990s video anthology of the Beatles.

“Then superimposed on top of that was Yoko, and there were negative vibes at that time. John and Yoko were out on a limb. I don’t think he wanted much to be hanging out with us, and I think Yoko was pushing him out of the band, inasmuch as she didn’t want him hanging out with us.’’ “Let It Be’’ didn’t come out until May 1970, and Rolling Stone publisher Jann Wenner would speak of Lennon “crying his eyes out’’ when the two saw it together. Meanwhile, the accompanying album led to a bitter dispute between McCartney and his bandmates. The group had pushed aside longtime producer George Martin

and brought in Phil Spector, who infuriated McCartney by adding strings and a choir to the ballad “The Long and Winding Road.’’ In 2003, McCartney oversaw a new and sparer version of the album — “Let It Be ... Naked.’’ Last fall, McCartney hinted at the upcoming revision of the film. “I know people have been looking at the (unreleased) footage,’’ he said in an interview aired on Canada’s Radio X. “And someone was talking to me the other day and said: ‘The overall feeling is very joyous and very uplifting. It’s like a bunch of guys making music and enjoying it.’” —AP

ANSWERS TO CROSSWORD

FROM PAGE 38 ANSWERS TO SCRABBLE

N A G G Y

E N E R O

U N T R U

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

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

T O M E S O D E S S A

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

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

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

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GOLD MEMBERS Howard County Oﬃce on Aging & Independence, The Beacon Newspapers, The Residences at Vantage Point SILVER MEMBERS Brooke Grove Retirement Village, HomeCentris Personal Care, Let's Move, LLC, Right at Home In Home Care & Assistance, The Bob Lucido Team of Keller Williams Integrity BRONZE MEMBERS Angels of Eldercare Planning, LLC, Arbor Terrace Fulton, ComForCare Home Care of Howard County, HomeWatch Caregivers, Stress Free Solutions, The Lutheran Village at MILLER'S GRANT PATRON MEMBERS 1020 Builders, Alfred House Elder Care, Assisting Hands Home Care, Country Gardens Assisted Living, Home Instead, HomeCall of Maryland, Miracle Ear of Columbia, Prime Care House Calls, Shangri-La Senior Living, Sunrise of Columbia

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A P R I L 2 0 1 9 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

Crossword Puzzle

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

33 39

30 35 40

48 50

HC419

8 15

Scrabble answers on p. 37.

ByStephen StephenSherr Sherr

Across

Down

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

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

Answers on page 37.

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — A P R I L 2 0 1 9

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 NSC’s FIRST AID, CPR & AED Certification is recognized by Federal OSHA and Maryland Occupational Safety & Health (MOSH). Certificates and cards will be issued upon successful completion. To register visit https://usexecutiveprotection.org/ BLACK MEMORABILIA SHOW & SALE April 6 & 7, 2019, Montgomery County Fairgrounds, 501 Perry Parkway, Gaithersburg, MD 20877. Sat: 10 - 7, Sun: 10 - 5. All Indoors. Adm: $7, Students free. Many vendors, educational exhibits & celebrities Daphne Maxwell Reid, Sam Jones, Negro League Baseball Players & Tuskegee Airman. An education on African American History & Culture. Call 301-649-1915, 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.

Say you saw it in the Beacon

Health 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.

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.

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

Personal Services 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. 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 do 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 : 443-4743020. Email: dnderrand@gmail.com. POWER CHAIR, Mobility Scooters and Lift Chair Repair and Setups. Authorized Technician for Pride Mobility, AmySystems and Rascal Scooters. www.palexander.mobi or 301-980-4265.

TV/Cable

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

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 1-888366-7573.

NEW PROCEDURE FOR PLACING CLASSIFIED ADS All classified ads must be submitted and paid for online, via our website, www.thebeaconnewspapers.com/classifieds Deadlines and Payments: To appear in the next issue, your ad text and payment must be entered by the 5th of the preceding month (for Baltimore and Howard County editions); by the 20th (for Washington and Richmond editions). Cost will be based on the number of characters and spaces in your ad: • $25 for 1-250 • $35 for 251-500. • $50 for 501-750 (maximum length). The website will calculate this 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 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.

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.

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%! 1844-560-5837.

Wanted CASH FOR ESTATES; moving, etc. I buy a wide range of items. Buy out/clean up. TheAtticLLC.com Gary Roman 301-520-0755. 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. ESTATE LIQUIDATION/ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES: One call solves it all when you hire us to handle your estate liquidation, down-sizing and/or home cleanout. We sell your treasures, take care of charitable donations and provide junk removal. We also purchase partial estate contents/collections. Always buying antiques, jewelry, fine art, vintage toys, collectibles, advertising, sports memorabilia, military items, rare books, Mid Century Modern furniture, vinyl records collections and more. Based in Silver Spring, we serve Montgomery County, Howard County, Baltimore County, Washington D.C., NOVA and beyond. No home, barn or warehouse is too packed for us! Friendly, conscientious staff. Call Chris on cell (202) 731-9447. www.OrionsAttic.com.

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 SEEKING FULL AND SEALED BOTTLES of Vintage Bourbon and Rye (Pre-1990). Do you have bottles collecting dust around your house? I am particularly interested in bottles with red or green tax strips. Inquiries are welcome. Call or text Alex 443-223-7669. 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.

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Financial Services Mutual of Omaha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

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Home Health Care A-1 Action Nursing Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Family & Nursing Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 HomeCentris . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Options for Senior America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

Heartlands Senior Living . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Park View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Residences at Vantage Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 R Home Communities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Shriner Court . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Somerford Place . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

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Senior Services Howard County Environmental Services . . . .33 Howard County Senior Connection . . . . . .17-24

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Candlelight Concert Society . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 Columbia Orchestra . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 Columbia Pro Cantare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 Toby’s Dinner Theatre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34

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Alta at Regency Crest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Brooke Grove . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6, 40 Charlestown/Erickson Living . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Columbia’s Village Centers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Perfect Sleep Chair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

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april-may 2019

UPCOMING SEMINARS & EVENTS at Brooke Grove retirement village

As experts in senior care and memory support, Brooke Grove Retirement Village is pleased to offer seminars and events that promote physical, spiritual and mental well-being. All seminars and events will be held at Brooke Grove Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, located at 18131 Slade School Road on the Brooke Grove Retirement Village campus, unless otherwise noted. Please register with Toni Davis at 301-388-7209 or tdavis@bgf.org. Parkinson’s pointers LIVESTREAM SEMINAR: “The Abc s of dbs”

living well seminar: “Spring Clean Your Diet”

THURSDAY, APRIL 4 • 6:30-8 P.M.

Would you like to know more about how you can optimize your day-to-day food choices in order to positively impact your health? If so, this seminar is for you! Explore meal planning, diet modifications and food labeling tips that will help you look and feel your best.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17 • 1-2:15 P.M.

With 20 years of experience in Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) and 30 years of Parkinson’s research in his arsenal, neurosurgeon Zachary Levine, MD, is a leader and innovator in the neuromodulation/DBS community worldwide. During this seminar, he’ll share his expertise on the past, present and future of DBS as well as procedure eligibility, new technology and more. Presented in partnership with the Parkinson Foundation.

Preceded by complimentary lunch at 12:30 p.m.

smooth move seminar: “TOO MUCH STUFF: IT ISN’T THE MOVE, IT’S THE STUFF!” TUESDAY, MAY 7 10:30 A.M.-12 P.M. During this seminar, you’ll gain tips and ideas for downsizing by efficiently sorting through the contents of your home. A simple decision-making model will help you decide what to gift, sell, donate, recycle or throw away. Reservations are requested by May 5. Check-in begins and hors d’oeuvres served at 10 a.m.

FREE. Register by April 15.

Healthy Living class: “Chair yoga”

caregiver connection: “A Caregiver Retreat” TUESDAY, APRIL 16 • 1-4 P.M. Experience an hour of relaxation, far away from the stresses of caregiving! You’re invited to the spa and salon in Brooke Grove’s new rehab center, where you’ll be treated to hand and seated massages, a manicure/pedicure and other opportunities for pampering.

April 24 through June 5 MONDAYS & WEDNESDAYS 9:45-10:30 A.M. Chair yoga can improve mobility, increase energy, boost physical function and otherwise enrich your life! Take the road toward better health with this class that is ideal for seniors or those with stiffness or movement limitations.

18100 Slade School Road Sandy Spring, MD 20860

301-260-2320 · www.bgf.org

Six-week Session Fee: $30 Reservations are requested by April 21.

Appointments are available from 1-4 p.m. FREE. RSVP by April 14.

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