April 2022 | Baltimore Beacon by The Beacon Newspapers

FREE

I N

F O C U S

VOL.19, NO.4

F O R

P E O P L E

O V E R

5 0 APRIL 2022

More than 125,000 readers throughout Greater Baltimore

Parents of adults living with autism

I N S I D E … BALTIMORE BEACON — APRIL 2022

PHOTO COURTESY OF SHELLY MCLAUGHLIN

By Simone Ellin Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night nor COVID-19 can keep David Marmer from the Hunt Valley Giant supermarket, where he has worked for the past 11 years as a part-time courtesy clerk. With the assistance of a job coach from the Abilities Network, a Maryland nonprofit that provides support and community for individuals with disabilities, Marmer, 35, is responsible for bringing shopping carts left in the parking lot back to the store. “It’s a job that plays to his strengths,” said Marmer’s mother, Ellen, 69. She and David’s father, Jay, both Pikesville residents, feel fortunate that their son, one of approximately 5.4 million Americans with autism spectrum disorder, has steady employment. After all, some estimates of unemployment rates for individuals with autism are as high as 85%. April is Autism Acceptance Month, a time for promoting the full inclusion of people with autism spectrum disorder in our communities. In recent years, numbers of autism diagnoses have skyrocketed; one in 44 American children were diagnosed with the developmental disability in 2021.The rise in diagnoses has brought deserved attention to children with autism and their families. Yet little attention is paid to individuals on the autism spectrum after they “age out,” at 18 or 21, of many government entitlements and school-based autism programs. Aging parents must scramble to find resources for their adult children at a time when parents of neurotypical children are reaping the benefits of an empty nest. “I had a parent once tell me that after 18, it’s a desert. There’s just very little out there,” said Peter B. Crino, M.D., Ph.D., professor and chair of University of Mary-

Makes a great gift!

SPECIAL PULL-OUT SECTION

B-1

A service with something for everyone By Stuart Rosenthal Here’s a story about a new business that might appeal to you as a potential customer or as a potential employee. And it all spins off a very basic household chore: doing the laundry. Are you the kind of person who hates doing laundry? Maybe you see it as a Sisyphean task that never gets easier, only harder. Or you might just regard it as a necessary evil that wastes time and energy. On the other hand, there are those who dearly love doing the laundry (I’m told). Some find it relaxing, meditative even, giving one an opportunity to clear the mind and feel refreshed with the smell of newlycleaned clothes. If you could take it or leave it, would you be more likely to do it happily if someone paid you $15 to $20 an hour for it? Enter SudShare, a new company based in Baltimore that attempts to do for laundry what Uber did for transportation: provide a quick and convenient solution to a common consumer problem, while giving ordinary individuals the opportunity to make money on their own terms, using items they already possess (a car, in Uber’s case; a washer and dryer, for SudShare). As with Uber, the service depends on a smartphone app (though SudShare has introduced a toll-free phone number to enable those without smartphones to be customers). When you have a load of laundry to be done, you open the app on your phone, indicate what you need, and a nearby “sudster” — one of the folks willing to do your laundry for you — will come to your home, pick up your dirty laundry, and return it washed, dried and folded within 24 hours. Sudsters use the app to decide whether to accept or decline a nearby request for pick-up, keeping in mind that those who more readily accept new jobs are also more likely to be offered more such jobs.

Baltimore start-up The idea for the company began in Baltimore, in a home with five children (including a set of triplets) whose mother, Ari Fertel, home-schooled them for their early years. When 15-year-old son Nachshon heard his mother cry out in frustration at the never-ending chore of doing the family laundry, he had an epiphany: maybe he

could develop an app for that! The enterprising young man soon developed the Uber-like concept that would rely on ordinary homeowners with time on their hands to take on the gig work of doing laundry for others. The self-taught app developer spent a couple of years developing and refining the program, all while in high school. The company started up in 2018, testing the waters in Baltimore, with Nachshon’s own parents as the first sudsters. They soon realized they had an idea with huge potential. A surprising number of people were willing to pay $1 per pound to put their dirty laundry outside their door and find it returned the next day, cleaned and folded. (There’s a $20 minimum per order.) Similarly, SudShare had no problem enticing plenty of people to do the pick-up, delivery and laundering on a tight schedule in return for $.75 per pound plus tips. (SudShare corporate keeps the other $.25 per pound and says the average sudster grosses approximately $15 to $20 per hour.) Sudsters use their own washer and dryer and are required to use certain detergents and follow customer instructions (such as air drying, using softener, or hanging rather than folding).

Big growth plans Today, five members of the Fertel family are employed by SudShare, along with more than a dozen other employees. Nachshon’s father, Mort, a graduate of Wharton Business School and serial entrepreneur, is CEO of the company. In just a few years, with the help of some angel investors and venture capitalists, the business has spread to 400 cities across the U.S. According to Mort Fertel, they set records each month with both new customers (6,400 last month) and sudsters (more than 13,000 signed up last month) nationwide. In part that’s due to the multiplier effect of social media. The most bubbly of sudsters post videos on Facebook and Instagram, some of which have gone viral. At the same time, new customers who are overjoyed by the service provide similar free publicity with their videos and posts. The system is COVID-friendly, since customers and sudsters never have to come face-to-face. And part of its appeal has been that front-line workers, many of

Ari Fertel, left, raised her children in Baltimore, where her son Nachshon, center, launched a concierge laundry business that has grown nationwide. Through a smartphone app called SudShare, people can hire others to pickup, wash and return their clothes. Anyone with a washer and dryer at home can also become a "Sudster" who gets paid to do others' laundry.

whom would prefer a job where they can work “remotely,” can do so by becoming full- or part-time sudsters and earn a similar living. Fertel proudly said he believes “SudShare offers the first manual labor work-from-home gig in the world.” Plans are afoot to take the company public, as well as to offer the service internationally, spreading to all “first-world countries” starting in 2023, Fertel said.

How to get on the bandwagon Fertel said about one-third of customers today are over the age of 50, as are about 15% of sudsters (most of them in their 50s). While their “average top sudster” grosses $2,000 to $3,000 a month, most of them are part-timers just trying to earn a few hundred dollars a month to help pay the bills, Fertel said. When asked how sudsters might fare after deducting wear and tear on a washer and dryer meant for home rather than commercial use, he said some part-timers probably have an “underutilized” washer/dryer, while those using theirs heavily make

enough money to replace them every year, if need be. It’s easy to get started as a customer. Visit SudShare.com to sign up, or call their “senior hotline” at 1-833-783-7427. Interested in becoming a sudster? Go to the website and click “join the team.” Once you register, take a 10-minute orientation and “in-app training,” and you’re in the system. You can accept or reject jobs offered to you, but bear in mind that your first job will be heavily scrutinized. (Customers are asked to rate sudsters on numerous aspects of the job, and the app incorporates ratings into its algorithm.) Once you’ve proven yourself, and if you consistently get good customer ratings, you’ll be offered more jobs. You also get to rate your customers and select the ones you want to serve. By the same token, customers can request their favorite sudsters. A person could develop quite a close relationship with someone who takes “the most hated chore” off their hands.

SEE SPECIAL INSERT Housing & Homecare Options following page 8

Shelly McLaughlin, program director for the Baltimore nonprofit Pathfinders for Autism, has a close relationship with her son Hunter, who lives with autism spectrum disorder. Local organizations like Pathfinders can help parents of adults with autism.

land School of Medicine’s Department of Neurology. Crino directs the University of Maryland Center for Adults with Neurodevelopmental Disabilities and the Tuberous

Sclerosis Complex Center of Maryland — the only regional centers in Maryland to focus specifically on adults with autism. See AUTISM, page 6

ARTS & STYLE

Baltimore artist Ernest Shaw Jr.’s solo show runs through April 17 at the Inner Harbor’s Top of the World gallery page 12 FITNESS & HEALTH k A true cure for some cancers k Exercises for a stronger core

LEISURE & TRAVEL k Beyond Aruba’s beaches

The Support You Need, From A Name You Trust

PUZZLES

Community for Life

ADVERTISER DIRECTORY

See our ad on page B-4

Learn More at ChooseKeswick.org

PLUS CROSSWORD, BEACON BITS, CLASSIFIEDS & MORE

APRIL 2022 — BALTIMORE BEACON

Subscribe online! See how on p. 14

Better elections Long-time Beacon readers know I am can only vote for candidates from their party. not one to share my political views. For Independent voters — who constitute a this reason, the Beacon does growing percentage of voters not endorse candidates for and are the largest or secondpublic office. largest group of voters in But I do like to share my nearly half of the states — thoughts and feelings about are shut out from closed priimportant matters of the day, maries entirely. and I think it’s fair to say that That might sound reasona number of important issues able at first glance. If indepertaining to our elections pendent voters aren’t memare very much in the news bers of a party, why should today — from voter registrathey help elect that party’s tion, to gerrymandering to FROM THE representative? the potential for fraud. PUBLISHER Because primary elections However, the two ideas I By Stuart P. Rosenthal in “safe” legislative districts want to talk about here are effectively decide the general different, and probably not ones you’ve election winner as well! heard a lot about — if at all. But I feel these The winner of the largest share (known recommendations should be deeply impor- as a plurality) of votes in a closed primary tant to voters in the Beacon readership may actually represent only a small minorarea, and ultimately could have a much ity of a county’s, district’s or state’s voters: greater positive effect on the future of our those who a) registered for the winning country if they are widely implemented. party, b) voted in the primary, and c) voted I am speaking about open primaries and for the winning candidate in the primary. ranked-choice voting. Let me explain. As a result, if there are a number of canUnlike Virginia, in Maryland and D.C., didates in the primary, the winner of the (and eight other states), primaries are general election may represent as few as “closed.” That means only voters who have 7.4% or 14% of all voters. registered in advance as either Democrat or I am not making up these numbers: In Republican can vote in the primary, and they both Montgomery County, Md. and Wash-

Beacon The

I N

F O C U S

F O R

P E O P L E

O V E R

5 0

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 President/Associate Publisher – Judith K. Rosenthal Executive Vice President – Gordon Hasenei Managing Editor – Margaret Foster Art Director – Kyle Gregory Director of Operations – Roger King Advertising Representative – Steve Levin Assistant Editor – Catherine Brown Content Manager – Ashley Griffin

The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915 (410) 248-9101 • Email: info@thebeaconnewspapers.com Submissions:

The Beacon welcomes reader contributions. Deadline for editorial is the 1st of the month preceding the month of publication. Deadline for ads is the 1st of the month preceding the month of publication. See page 15 for classified advertising details. Please mail or email all submissions.

ington, D.C., there have been general election winners in recent races who won no more than that proportion of a closed primary’s votes. Not only does this feel unrepresentative, it also can have the effect of boosting the chances of the most partisan or extreme candidate. How? If, in a group of multiple primary candidates, there are several centrist candidates but only one who possesses extreme views (and who has a small but loyal following), voters who prefer moderate candidates will likely split their votes among several, allowing the more extreme candidate to win the primary (and often the general election) despite having won only a modest plurality of primary votes. (And yes, this can and does happen in national elections as well as local ones.) Which brings me to the issue of rankedchoice voting. In elections like I described above, a plurality of voters chooses the primary winner. That is, the candidate with more votes than any other candidate wins, even if they are only selected by a small percentage of voters. In ranked-choice elections, voters don’t just vote for their favorite candidate. They

rank their top candidates in order of preference: first, second, third, fourth and even fifth choice. If your first choice ends up in last place, that candidate drops out of contention and your vote automatically goes to your next choice. This continues for all voters until one candidate wins over 50% of the vote. In effect, votes are tabulated as if the voters were called back for a series of run-offs, and the winner is the first candidate to get more than half of all votes (albeit the secondor third-choice votes from some voters). This ends the problem in many primaries of voters agonizing over who should get their vote. Should it be their true favorite, or the one who they think has the best chance of winning? With ranked choice voting, they can vote for their favorite, but also have a say in choosing the winner should their favorite not make the cut. This method is likely to lead to more moderate or centrist elected officials. That’s because candidates in a rankedchoice election will be more likely to address the concerns of a broader array of voters if they know they can’t win the See FROM THE PUBLISHER, page 10

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 email info@thebeaconnewspapers.com. Please include your name, address and telephone number for verification. Dear Editor: I came across January’s “From the Publisher” column, “New year, new project,” and was inspired to check out your website. You became my “dinner music” this evening, and I thoroughly enjoyed your

pieces. Thank you for sharing your talents and love of music/composing. The four pieces I heard were truly wonderful. Our grown daughter is an accomplished See LETTERS TO EDITOR, page 11

BALTIMORE BEACON — APRIL 2022

Makes a great gift!

GREAT NEWS Dark chocolate is good for your heart and lowers blood pressure

Health Fitness &

SCRATCHING THE SURFACE Medications, dry air can cause or exacerbate dry skin CORE VALUES Three easy exercises help strengthen your trunk muscles FAINT OF HEART To combat low blood pressure and fainting, try these over-the-counter remedies

Gene therapy: evidence of a cancer cure By Laura Ungar In 2010, doctors treated Doug Olson’s leukemia with an experimental gene therapy that transformed some of his blood cells into cancer killers. More than a decade later, there’s no sign of cancer in his body. The treatment cured Olson and a second patient, according to the University of Pennsylvania doctors, who said it was the first time the therapy had been studied for such a long period of time. “I’m doing great right now. I’m still very active. I was running half marathons until 2018,” said Olson, 75, who lives in Pleasanton, California. “This is a cure. And they don’t use the word lightly.” His doctors describe the two cases in a study published recently in the journal Na-

ture. They say the two examples show the treatment, called CAR-T cell therapy, can attack cancer immediately, then stay inside the body for years and evolve there to keep the disease at bay. Such so-called “living drugs” are now used by thousands around the world to treat certain blood cancers. Based on the 10-year results, “we can now conclude that CAR-T cells can actually cure patients of leukemia,” said Dr. Carl June, one of the authors of the study.

One-time treatment The one-time treatment involves collecting the patient’s own T cells — white blood cells key to the immune system — and genetically changing them in the lab so that they will find

and attack cancer cells. The modified cells are given back to the patient intravenously. By the time Olson got the treatment, he’d been fighting cancer for years. When doctors diagnosed him with chronic lymphocytic leukemia in 1996, he said, “I thought I had months to live.” He eventually underwent chemotherapy and, at one point, his physician, Dr. David Porter, suggested he may need a bone marrow transplant. Porter also raised the idea of joining a CAR-T therapy study. Olson, CEO of a New Hampshire lab products company, said he was excited by the science and eager to avoid the transplant. A couple weeks after getting the treatment, he felt sick for about a week and was

hospitalized for three days. “It was the very next week [when] he sat me down and he said, ‘We cannot find a single cancer cell in your body,’” Olson recalled. The other patient, retired corrections officer Bill Ludwig, had similar results. Over time, researchers said, the modified cells evolved, many turning into “helper” cells that work with the cancerkilling cells. Helper cells eventually became dominant in both patients. Study author J. Joseph Melenhorst said they were able to isolate and analyze the cells using new technologies, which gave them “very good insight” into how they persisted in the patients’ bodies. See GENE THERAPY, page 4

Greenspring Podiatry in Lutherville

We’re here for your foot & ankle health! • Foot and ankle conditions • Bunions • Heel pain

• Pediatric foot care • Diabetic foot care • Ingrown toenails

• Hammer toes • Custom orthotics ...and more

“Dr Rose is the best darn foot doctor in town. He really cares about his patients and has great bedside manner. Always is concerned about his patients. I can always get an appointment right away. Kudos to his great, courteous staff.” — Lisa A, Baltimore

WE WELCOME NEW PATIENTS We accept Medicare and all major insurance. 2324 W. Joppa Road • Suite 100 • Lutherville, MD 21093

GreenspringPodiatry.com Dr. Jonathan Rose

MEDICAL & SURGICAL CARE OF THE FOOT & ANKLE

Call (443) 583-5444 for an appointment today!

Fitness & Health | Subscribe online! See how on p. 14

APRIL 2022 — BALTIMORE BEACON

Four health benefits from dark chocolate By Julia Westbrook You’ve seen the chocolate-is-healthy headlines — and who wouldn’t want to buy into them? Looking for license to eat decadent goodness? Here are some facts on the health benefits of dark chocolate backed by research: nothing here funded by chocolate companies and no small, one-off studies without a larger body of research backing them up. Take a look.

atrial fibrillation (aka a-fib), a condition characterized by irregular heartbeat. People eating two to six servings a week had a 20% lower risk of developing a-fib compared to those consuming it less than once a month. Researchers believe cocoa’s antioxidant properties and magnesium content may help improve blood vessel function, reduce inflammation and regulate plateletformation factors that contribute to a healthy heartbeat.

1. Improves heart health Research in the American Heart Journal found that eating three to six 1-ounce servings of chocolate a week reduces the risk of heart failure by 18%. Another study published in the journal BMJ suggests the treat may help prevent

2. Lowers blood pressure Speaking of your heart, among people with hypertension, daily chocolate consumption helps lower systolic blood pressure (the top number of the reading) by 4

mmHg, according to a recent review of 40 trials. (Not bad, considering that medication typically lowers systolic blood pressure by about 9 mmHg.) The researchers posit that chocolate’s flavanols signal your body to widen blood vessels, in turn dropping blood pressure.

3. Reduces diabetes risk A 2018 study of more than 150,000 people published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that nibbling about 2.5 ounces of chocolate per week was associated with a 10% lower risk of Type 2 diabetes — and that was even after factoring in the added sugar. Chocolate appears to act as a prebiotic, feeding the beneficial bacteria that live in your microbiome. These good gut bugs produce compounds that improve insulin sensitivity and reduce inflammation.

Gene therapy From page 3

Imagine life Without The Debilitating Pain Of Peripheral Neuropathy! At APEX Neuropathy and Pain Center, Neuropathy treatment is handled using non-invasive therapies. Find out if you are a candidate for our Regenerative Cell Therapy!

If you are looking for a pain management specialist in the Greater Baltimore area, contact Dr. Carle at Apex Neuropathy & Pain.

Do you have numbness, prickling or tingling in your hands and feet? Lack of coordination and or falling? Poor quality and overall lack of sleep? The treatment that is provided at APEX Neuropathy & Pain has three main goals:

1) Increase blood flow 2) Stimulate & repair damaged nerves 3) Decrease chronic pain The blood vessels will grow back around the nerves much like a plant’s roots grow when watered.

The amount of treatment needed to allow the nerves to fully recover varies from person to person. This can only be determined after a detailed neurological and vascular evaluation.

Kenneth A. Carle, M.D. Dr. Carle has been in practice in Greater Baltimore since 1990 and has over 30 years of experience in helping patients relieve pain and/or reduce the suffering of chronic pain.

Schedule Your Consultation Today & Live Pain Free!

Most major health insurances are accepted.

www.APEXnpc.com Scan this QR Code To Contact Us!

Used for several blood cancers At this point, June said, tens of thousands of patients are being treated with CAR-T cell therapies, which have been approved for certain blood cancers by health authorities around the world, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The FDA first approved a CAR-T therapy treatment in 2017 developed by Penn and the drugmaker Novartis for childhood leukemia. Scientists hope to see wider use of CART therapies in the future for other cancers. Last year, a CAR-T cell therapy was approved for multiple myeloma, the most common malignancy of bone marrow. “But the big scientific challenge — and

4. Boosts mental sharpness Older adults who repor ted eating chocolate at least once a week scored higher on a number of cognitive tests compared to those indulging less often, according to a study published in the journal Appetite. The researchers point to a group of compounds in chocolate called methylxanthines (which include caffeine), that have been shown to improve concentration and mood. (When you feel good, your brain also performs better.) And a Spanish study found that adults eating 2.5 ounces of chocolate a week have better scores on tests used to screen for cognitive impairment, like dementia. EatingWell is a magazine and website devoted to healthy eating as a way of life. Online at eatingwell.com. © 2022 Meredith Corporation. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. it’s a big one — is how to make this work in solid cancers,” like those in the lung, colon and other places, June said. Even in blood cancers, there are challenges. The therapies are expensive. And there’s the risk of significant side effects, including an immune overreaction called “cytokine release syndrome” and nervous system-related problems such as brain swelling. Both of the Penn patients did extremely well after the treatment. Ludwig traveled the country with his wife in a motor home and celebrated family milestones before dying early last year of COVID-19 complications. Olson said he’s extremely grateful for the decade of life since doctors used cutting-edge science to save him. —AP

Makes a great gift! | Fitness & Health

BALTIMORE BEACON — APRIL 2022

How to treat sudden low blood pressure

★ I N F O R M AT I O N F R E E ★ I N F O R M AT I O N F R E E

City_________________________________________State__________Zip____________________ Phone _______________________________________ E-mail_____________________________________________________________________________

Check the boxes you’re interested in and return this form to: The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915 or fax to (410) 248-9102.

Feel free to return this coupon together with the coupon found on page B-5 of this issue.

I N F O R M AT I O N ★

FREE INFORMATION ★ FREE INFORMATION ★ FREE INFORMATION ★

Family Owned and Operated Licensed and Insured

Address__________________________________________________________________________

F R E E

www.absolutecarellc.com

Name_____________________________________________________________________________

B4/22

Absolute Care Services LLC 410-821-9800

❏ HIPS Fall Prevention Study (see ad on page 8) ❏ Knee Osteoarthritis Pain Study (see article on page 8)

★

New clients only

Clinical Research Studies

I N F O R M AT I O N

Ask for details. New clients only.

❏ Charlestown/Erickson (see ads on pages B-2 & B-3) ❏ Christ Church Harbor Apts. (see ad on page B-7) ❏ Oak Crest/Erickson (see ads on pages B-2 & B-3) ❏ Park View Laurel (see ad on page 10) ❏ Park View Towson (see ad on page 10) ❏ Park View Fullerton (see ad on page 10) ❏ Park View Rosedale (see ad on page 10) ❏ St. Mary’s Roland View Towers (see ad on page 11) ❏ Virginia Towers (see ad on page 7) ❏ Warren Place (see ad on page 13)

F R E E

your first invoice

(see ad on page B-2)

✃

I N F O R M AT I O N F R E E ★ I N F O R M AT I O N

❏ Catholic Charities Senior Services

F R E E

Housing Communities

★

$50 OFF

For free materials on housing communities and health studies, just complete and clip this coupon and mail or fax it to the Beacon.

I N F O R M AT I O N

Call today for

MAIL OR FAX FOR FREE INFORMATION

F R E E

• Medication management • Companionship • Transportation • Light housekeeping • Respite care • Personal care • Dementia care • And so much more!

★ FREE INFORMATION ★ FREE INFORMATION ★ FREE INFORMATION ★

★

Providing customized care plans that include:

teabags are sold everywhere. They are used most often for liver disease and, more recently, for respiratory infections. If you’d like to receive a more comprehensive version of this article with more tips, please sign up for my newsletter at suzycohen.com. This information is opinion only. It is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose your condition. Consult with your doctor before using any new drug or supplement. Suzy Cohen is a registered pharmacist and author of The 24-Hour Pharmacist and Real Solutions from Head to Toe.

I N F O R M AT I O N

You can’t always be there, but we can!

blood pressure drug because you never know when you’ll experience this problem. 5. Fludrocortisone is a prescription medication that raises blood pressure. It works by controlling the sodium and the fluid balance in your body. 6. Do not get up fast! Even if you have been on a medication for years and you feel confident of its effects, still I caution to never get up fast. 7. Licorice tea will elevate blood pressure too. If someone is around to help you steep a cup of it while you lie down with your legs up, it would be ideal. These

F R E E

When I was a practicing pharmacist at a mon cause of chronic low blood pressure. large retail chain, I’d get this type of phone Symptoms include the sensation of dizzicall a lot: “What do I do? My ness or feeling faint and lighthusband took his blood presheaded. There could also be sure pill, and now he feels nausea, weakness and inability faint! Is that normal?” to focus or concentrate. Vision Almost every pharmacist can also be affected. has received a similar call after If it’s serious, of course, call dispensing any one of the pop911, and get help. Smelling ular anti-hypertensives like salts aren’t a bad idea while losartan, lisinopril, nifedipine, you’re waiting for help. atenolol and others. The answer depended on Steps to take DEAR the severity of the situation, of For simple, occasional bouts PHARMACIST course, and we were always of sudden low blood pressure, By Suzy Cohen mindful of having the patient’s I recommend the following: doctor informed and notified. 1. Lie down and put a thick pillow under your legs so your head gets Variety of causes, symptoms more blood flow. The reason you feel faint A person often experiences low blood is because the blood left your head, so this pressure because they have high blood positional change should be done first. pressure and they’re supported on blood 2. Munch on something very salty like pressure pills to bring it down. The prob- potato chips, or drink salt water if you can lem is that it can go down too fast and too sit up. To make it, combine ½ cup water much! Hence, a hypotensive crisis can and ½ teaspoon sea salt, and stir it well. occur. 3. Generally speaking, drink more Kidney dysfunction, heart disease, sleep water. The more fluid you drink, the more apnea as well as thyroid disease are other pressure there is inside your blood vescauses for a hypotensive crisis. sels, and that’s the goal. Vitamin B12 deficiency is known to 4. Put on compression stockings, which cause pernicious anemia, and it’s quite are great if you have them. You should buy common. This is an overlooked but com- a pair of compression hose if you are on a

Fitness & Health | Subscribe online! See how on p. 14

Autism From page 1 The centers provide clinical evaluation, care and treatment for this vastly underserved and diverse population.

APRIL 2022 — BALTIMORE BEACON

sures are a direct cause of ASD. On the other hand, Crino said, “We know for sure that, for example, the genetic disease tuberous sclerosis complex or the genetic disease Phelan-McDermid syndrome, both are known single gene mutations that have a 50 to 60 percent incidence of autism.”

No definite cause identified Autism spectrum disorder, or ASD, is defined by the presence of persistent deficits in social communication and interaction as well as restrictive and repetitive behavioral patterns. It affects individuals in myriad ways, Crino said, “from profound impairment — someone who is nonverbal, requiring full-time care — to a person who has a master’s degree but lives by themselves and is extremely uncomfortable with social engagements.” Crino says that ongoing research into the causes of ASD have led to the “current thinking that autism is due most likely to a genetic disorder, either inherited or a spontaneous de novo gene mutation.” Other risk factors include older paternal age; maternal exposure to certain infections; and the use of the drug Depakote, which treats bipolar disorder, migraines and epilepsy. Crino pointed out that “some studies are supportive of the idea that early exposure to certain compounds, such as arsenic or cadmium or lead, can be a risk factor for developing autism.” But Crino says that none of these expo-

Experts by default Parents of children with autism are frequently forced to advocate for their children. In the process, many become experts on the disease and the services that exist to support people impacted by it. Some even make their careers in the field. That’s the case with Trish Kane and Shelly McLaughlin, who both work for Hunt Valley-based Pathfinders for Autism. The organization was founded in 2000 by former Oriole B.J. Surhoff and other parents who came together to provide access to information and resources. Kane, 63, deputy director of Pathfinders, has a 28-year-old son with autism. McLaughlin, 54, Pathfinders’ program director, has a 20-year-old son with autism. Despite their vast knowledge about ASD, Kane and McLaughlin still worry about their adult children. Kane’s son Eric is “low verbal,” said Kane, who lives in Parkville. “He does have words, but he can’t communicate in the way that most people would understand him. “Eric can dress himself, but we have to lay his clothes out on the bed and prompt

him to put everything on. And it takes a while, and sometimes clothes can be backwards and inside out. Zippers aren’t zipped, buttons aren’t buttoned.” Though Eric has considerable challenges, he’s very intelligent. “He is fascinated with Disney, computers and foreign languages,” Kane said. “His brain is working in a creative, smart, intellectual way. But his ability to communicate any of that to us is very low and not functional.” Before the pandemic began, Eric attended Itineris, a vocational and life skills development program for adults with autism in Baltimore. But after the program temporarily closed due to COVID, his father quit his job to stay home with Eric. Recently, Eric has been able to return to Itineris on a very part-time basis, but most of his time is still spent with his father. Kane and her husband never leave their son alone, and they expect that he will live with them indefinitely. She worries about what will happen when they are no longer able to care for Eric. “It doesn’t escape me that I need to think about where he will go at some point,” she said. Kane has reason to hope: Itineris and other organizations are working to create housing opportunities for adults on the spectrum.

ferent trajectory. Relatively high-functioning, Hunter will soon graduate from the Harbour School in Owings Mills, which serves students with learning disabilities, autism, speech and language impairments and other disabilities. He’d like to attend college and get a job, McLaughlin said, but he’s reluctant to accept the support he needs to be successful. “He says, ‘I don’t want any disability services. I just want to be normal,’” McLaughlin, a Bel Air resident, said. “It’s heartbreaking to hear him say that.” Though Hunter is very intelligent, his autism creates “challenges,” his mother said. For example, she worries that “if he’s on a job and they want him to do something a certain way, and in his opinion, that’s the wrong way…he may respond inappropriately. I could see him just walking out.” McLaughlin believes Hunter would benefit from a job coach who “could step in and intervene if that kind of situation were to come up,” but Hunter doesn’t want one. She also worries that Hunter’s executive-functioning challenges will interfere with his success at college. “He has difficulty with being able to plan out projects and organize his work,” McLaughlin said. “But he will be very reluctant to apply for services through the Disability Services Office at a college.” Because Hunter is legally an adult, she can’t force him

Leaving home McLaughlin’s son Hunter has had a dif-

See AUTISM, page 7

Have conﬁdence

IN EVERY CONVERSATION. &Q RJQPG ECNNU GXGT UQWPF OWHƃGF QT JCTF VQ HQNNQY! Captioned Telephone can help! Similar to a standard telephone— but with one big difference—a Captioned Telephone displays captions of your conversations so that you can listen to what is being spoken, while reading captions on the device’s screen. As a service of Maryland Relay, Captioned Telephones can be «ÕÀV >Ãi` ` ÀiVÌ Þ vÀ > Ì À` «>ÀÌÞ «À Û `iÀ° 9 Õ V> w ` Ài information at mdrelay.org. The /CT[NCPF #EEGUUKDNG 6GNGEQOOWPKECVKQPU (MAT) program also offers Captioned Telephones, provided by the State, to those who qualify. The MAT program includes a variety of equipment «Ì Ã Ì ÃÕ«« ÀÌ V i>ÀiÀ V Õ V>Ì ] V Õ` } > « wi` phones. Visit our website to see if you or a loved one qualify for no cost assistive equipment through the MAT program. CapTel® is a registered trademark of Ultratec, Inc.

For more information: 800-552-7724 | 410-767-6960 (Voice/TTY) 443-453-5970 (Video Phone) | mdrelay.org

Makes a great gift! | Fitness & Health

BALTIMORE BEACON — APRIL 2022

Autism From page 6 to take steps she feels would benefit him. Hunter also has difficulty with social skills. Hence, “I worry a lot about how others will treat him. I worry when he goes places, are people going to make fun of him? Are people going to be mean to him? I worry that when he goes to college, will he get bullied?”

While McLaughlin says Hunter is not ready to live independently at this point, she is hopeful that, eventually, he will be able to live on his own.

Room in a group home David Marmer, the Giant courtesy clerk, has been living in a Parkville group home for many years. He lives with other adults with disabilities, and staff help the residents with daily tasks.

BEACON BITS

Ongoing

GUIDED MEDITATION

The Phillips Collection hosts free virtual meditation workshops on Wednesdays from 12:45-1:15 p.m. All are welcome. To register, visit bit.ly/PCMeditation.

April 19

RESUME WRITING Refine your resume in this free workshop at the Pratt Center for Technology Training on Tues., April 19 from 10:30 to 12:30 p.m. To register, visit bit.ly/EPLResume. Call (443) 396-1580

with questions.

April 6+

CHILD LOSS SUPPORT GROUP

TECH HELPLINE Do you have a question about technology? You can call the Senior Planet helpline Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. at 1-888-713-3495.

It’s time to come back to campus!

• • • • • • • •

Ƥ Ƭ wellness Paint or draw Visit history Study a world language lar culture Become a better writer Connect with friends Ƭ Try out a Learn session

ZOOM classes are also available. New classes starting now! 443-840-4900 ccbcmd.edu/seniors

John Richardson

Over 65?

Do NOT Overpay!

Paying too much for coverage?

To speak with a licensed insurance agent with 15 years of Medicare experience call, John Richardson today

Not getting all the benefits you qualify for?

(443) 529-9109

www.jsr-insurance.com

Affordable Living for 62+ in the Heart of Towson

ơ so many ways to stay sharp, renew and refresh. Summer is a great time of year to think about returning to our on-campus classes.

•

“We’re never going to be there with David.” Need information or resources for an adult with autism? Call Pathfinders for Autism at (443) 330-5341. Other programs and agencies serving autistic adults include: The UM Clinical Center for Adults with Neurodevelopmental Disorders, (410-328-6266); Itineris, (443) 275-1100; Maryland State Department of Education Division of Rehabilitation Services, (410) 554-9442; Johns Hopkins Adult Autism and Developmental Disorders Center, (410) 550-0104; The Arc Baltimore (410) 296-2272; and Developmental Disabilities Administration of Maryland, (410) 767-6500, health.maryland.gov/dda.

Turning 65? Eligible for Medicare?

Chesapeake Life Center hosts an in-person and virtual support group for parents who have experienced the death of a child at any age on April 6, May 4 and June 1 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at 90 Ritchie Highway in Pasadena. To register, call 1-888-501-7077 or email griefinfo@chesapeakelifecenter.org.

Ongoing

“He was one of three individuals in the state of Maryland [to get a group home placement] not coming out of foster care. I don’t know how I got to the top of that list, but we figured we’d better take it,” says his mother, Ellen. The Marmers continue to take an active role in David’s care and have concerns about the long haul. After all, autism is a lifelong condition with no cure. Jay Marmer said, “I remember my mother once telling me the happiest day in her life was the day that she knew she could die and her three children were going to be fine and capable of taking care of themselves.

Special Offer!

The first 25 accepted applicants will receive $50. Call for details.

• Free Reserved Resident Parking • Computer Room • Pet Friendly • Laundry Facilities • Close to Shopping and Theatres • Free Hot Water

Virginia Towers A PA R T M E N T S

If you’re 62 or over, call and apply.

410-324-7656 for more information

It is our policy to admit residents without regard to race, color, religion, sex handicap or national origin and any other federal, state or local fair housing protections. Note: Housing for Older Persons is exempt from the prohibitions against age or familial status.

Fitness & Health | Subscribe online! See how on p. 14

APRIL 2022 — BALTIMORE BEACON

Q&A: Fight itches; strengthen your core By Howard LeWine, M.D. Q: My father keeps complaining about itching in different parts of his body. Is this common and what can he do? A: Generalized itching has many potential triggers. One is aging. The skin barrier doesn’t work as well as it used to, and things that may not have irritated a person before may now be absorbed in the skin and cause itching. The skin also develops a somewhat impaired immune response, a reduction in fat and blood flow, and altered sensory perception, making it more prone to itching. Here are some other causes of generalized itching without obvious signs: Environment. Very hot, dry environments or lots of hot showers can make the skin dry and itchy, as can excessive exposure to sunlight. Lifestyle. Poor sleep, smoking or an unhealthy diet may make the skin drier or more reactive to irritants. Neuropathy. Nerve damage (neuropathy) that causes numbness, tingling, weakness or pain can also cause itching. Medication. Itching may be a side ef-

fect of one of his medications. Even if he takes a drug that didn’t bother him before, he may now be taking a generic version with different inactive ingredients, such as the dye coloring the pill, and that may cause the itch. Underlying conditions. Itching may be a symptom of an undiagnosed medical problem, such as liver, kidney or thyroid disease; or iron-deficiency anemia. Psychological conditions. High stress, anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder are common causes of generalized itching. Allergens. Detergents, fabrics, cosmetics, dust and plant pollen can cause itching from irritation. One can acquire an allergic reaction to anything that comes in contact with the skin.

How to treat itching Getting rid of generalized itching starts with looking at a person’s lifestyle. Taking too many hot showers? Reduce the number to a few per week. Make the water warm, not hot. If his home is hot and dry, consider lowering the temperature and getting a humidifier. Aim for a goal of 40% humidity indoors.

If he is not already moisturizing his skin, it’s time to start. Have him use an emollient (a mixture of water and oil) every day, especially after washing his hands and after getting out of the bath or shower (to lock in moisture). If these measures don’t help, it’s time for him to see his doctor. Teasing out the cause requires investigation. He should be prepared to describe his symptoms, where they occur on his body and at what time of day, and how long he has been experiencing them. Q: I am in my 70s. I keep hearing about the importance of a strong core. What are some easy exercises I can do? A: Your core is the stable part of your body that’s more than just your abdominal muscles. It also involves your hips, back and even your shoulders. A strong core helps make everyday movements more efficient and safer — like whenever you reach, carry, walk, bend or twist. Core strength is also crucial for fall prevention. Our bodies constantly have to adapt not only to different surfaces, but different weighted loads. Adequate core stability and strength can prepare you to better react to these changes and keep you from losing your balance and stumbling. Some floor exercises like the plank and “superman” poses are great for engaging your core muscles. A plank pose is where you hold a push-up position with straight arms or resting on your forearms. You might only be able to hold it for 15 seconds at first, but over time you will increase the duration of the plank. With “superman,” you lie face down with arms extended overhead, and you lift legs, shoulders and arms off the floor simultaneously and hold for two to three seconds. Another type of core workout involves walk-and-carry exercises, also known as

“loaded carries.” You hold weights, such as dumbbells or kettlebells, while walking. Carrying a heavy object while you walk engages much of your entire core musculature. Loaded carries can improve everyday movements like holding and carrying groceries, moving furniture or rising out of bed. Here are three easy-to-do loaded carries to try: Farmer’s carr y. Stand tall and hold either a dumbbell or kettlebell in each hand. (Begin with a moderate weight, like the amount you use to do biceps curls.) Keep your arms down at your sides. Engage your core muscles by taking in a deep belly breath and then blowing it out while you tighten your abs. Walk for a minute. (You mimic a farmer carrying pails of milk, hence the name.) Continue to breathe throughout, maintain proper posture, and try to keep the tension in your abs as you move. Rest for 30 seconds and repeat until you’ve completed two or three sets. Cross-body carry. This is performed like the farmer’s carry, except you keep one arm straight overhead with the other hand down at your side as you walk. After you have completed your walk, rest for 30 seconds, switch hand positions and repeat. This completes one set. Do two or three sets. Suitcase carry. This is also done like the farmer’s carry, except you hold a weight in only one hand while your other hand is free. After you have completed your walk, rest for 30 seconds, switch the weight to the other hand, and repeat the walk to finish one set. Do two or three sets. Howard LeWine, M.D., is an internist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston and assistant professor at Harvard Medical School. For additional consumer health information, visit health.harvard.edu. © 2022 Harvard University. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Please patronize our advertisers. They keep the Beacon free!

BALTIMORE BEACON — APRIL 2022

SPECIAL PULL-OUT SECTION

Makes a great gift!

B-1

Ari Fertel, left, and Mort Fertel, far right, raised their children in Baltimore, where their son Nachshon, center, launched a concierge laundry business that has grown nationwide. Through a smartphone app called SudShare, people can hire others to pick up, wash and return their clothes. Anyone with a washer and dryer at home can also become a “Sudster” who gets paid to do others’ laundry.

B-2

Housing Options | Subscribe online! See how on p. 14

Housing News By Beacon Staff

New Continuing Care at Home program Many older adults hope to live in their homes as long as possible, but maintaining a house can be difficult. Now The Wesley at Home, a nonprofit established in 1867 to serve older adults in the Baltimore area, is seeking licensure to offer a new option for those in Baltimore City and Baltimore County: the Continuing Care at Home (CCaH) program. Designed to help people continue living in their homes, the program requires an entrance fee as well as a monthly fee. Program participants receive a range of services:

care coordination, a personal emergency response system, five phone calls to a nurse per year, home inspections by an occupational therapist, and access to Maryland Community for Life, which offers limited transportation and handyman services. To be eligible for the CCaH program, residents must be 60 or older and rent or own a home in Baltimore City or County. Residents must be in relatively good health and score well on cognitive tests. Participants must also have independent medical, surgical and prescription insurance and be in good financial standing. Costs for the services vary. Entrance fees begin at $21,000 for someone who is 60 and in good health. Monthly fees range from $500 to $750 depending on the daily long-term care benefit payment, which ranges from $175 to $350. According to estimates provided by The Wesley at Home, someone who is 70 might pay around $82,000 for five years of serv-

LIFE PLAN COMMUNITY

Charlestown 1-800-222-9651 715 Maiden Choice Lane Catonsville, MD 21228 CharlestownCommunity.com The Best of Everything is at Charlestown Experience the finest in maintenance-free senior living at our beautiful 110-acre campus. You’ll enjoy resort-style amenities, clubs and activities, delicious dining, and services that promote your health and well-being, including on-site medical care for every stage of your life. Our stylish apartment homes feature modern finishes and floorplans to suit every need. Our predictable Monthly Service Package takes the guesswork out of managing your expenses, because almost everything is included. And our 90% Refundable Entrance Fee* means your legacy is protected. Call 1-800-222-9651 to request your free brochure or to arrange an in-person or virtual tour.

APRIL 2022 — BALTIMORE BEACON

ice (this accounts for a 50% refund of the entrance fee to heirs at death). A portion of fees may be tax-deductible. The program, therefore, costs less than an average year of home care ($57,200); one year of assisted living ($60,000); or a year in a nursing home in a semi-private room ($122,275). (Estimates provided by Wesley at Home with data from Genworth.) Currently, The Wesley at Home provides the only CCaH accepting Marylanders. There are 34 CCaH programs nationwide. For details, visit thewesleyathome.org or call (410) 324-2400.

Atrium Village completes renovation A senior living community located on seven acres in Owings Mills has a new look. Atrium Village recently celebrated its 20-year anniversary with a $13 million renovation, competed this spring. “We created new spaces for the residents to enjoy,” said Angela Spence, divisional director of sales and marketing at Senior Lifestyle, Atrium Villages’ management company. A new café, for instance, is open all day

so residents can meet for coffee or grab a snack at the deli station. A game area with a pool table and shuffleboard court, and an art room offers classes. “Residents who didn’t think they were painters or artists are creating new things,” Spence said. “It’s phenomenal to watch them experience that.” Atrium Village, a continuum of care (“life plan”) community, doesn’t have entry or buy-in fees, and dining and other services are included in the monthly lease. The community has independent living, assisted living and memory care units. “People can move in at the most appropriate level of care and then have the ability to move to the level of care to best support them,” Spence said. “Atrium Village leads the Baltimore area with one of the most significant renovations of any senior living community in the last 10 years,” according to a company statement. The renovation took about a year, and now that it’s completed, Atrium Village residents are interacting more. “Seeing the socialization post-COVID has just been amazing,” Spence said. For more information about Atrium Village, visit seniorlifestyle.com or call (410) 363-0330.

BEACON BITS

April 12+

MICROSOFT EXCEL

Learn how to use Microsoft Excel in this two-week virtual workshop hosted by The Enoch Pratt Free Library on Tues., April 12 and 19 at 4 p.m. To register, visit bit.ly/EPLComputerClasses. Call (443) 984-4944 with questions.

Ongoing

TAX HELP

The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program provides free in-person and virtual assistance, with a focus on adults over 50 with low to moderate income. Learn more by visiting bit.ly/AARPTaxAide22. Locate participating sites nearby by visiting bit.ly/TaxAideLocations.

*Carefully read the Residence and Care Agreement for the conditions that must be satisfied before the Provider is required to pay the Entrance Fee Refund.

LIFE PLAN COMMUNITY

Oak Crest 1-800-333-5693 8820 Walther Boulevard Parkville, MD 21234 www.OakCrestCommunity.com Experience Vibrant Living at Oak Crest A warm, welcoming environment. Modern apartment homes with contemporary finishes. Resort-style amenities. Clubs and activities for engaged living. All of this and more awaits you at Oak Crest, a beautiful 87-acre senior community nestled in Baltimore County. You’ll enjoy maintenance-free living with a predictable Monthly Service Package that includes virtually all services. Our 90% Refundable Entrance Fee* provides peace of mind for you and your loved ones. And should you ever need them, advanced care options are available right on campus. We’d love to send you a free brochure and answer your questions. Please call 1-800-333-5693 today. *Carefully read the Residence and Care Agreement for the conditions that must be satisfied before the Provider is required to pay the entrance fee refund

24 locations for older adults in Maryland, including the Jenkins Senior Living Community Conveniently located near I-95 in southwest Baltimore, the 25-acre Jenkins Campus offers skilled nursing, assisted living, adult day services and supportive, affordable apartment living with beauty and greenery out each window — and a spectacular view of the Baltimore skyline.

St. Elizabeth Rehabilitation and Nursing Center 667-600-2600 Short-term rehabilitation and skilled nursing, long-term and memory care.

– 2022 Newsweek – Top Rehabilitation and Nursing facility in the Greater Baltimore region

Caritas House Assisted Living IMMEDIATE 667-600-2660 O PE

NINGS A residential community of care with personalized assistance in daily activities for adults 62 and older. Inspired by the Gospel mandates to love, serve and teach, Catholic Charities provides care and services to improve the lives of Marylanders in need.

St. Ann Adult Day Services 667-600-2680 Activities, socialization and medical supervision so older adults can continue to live at home.

Senior Communities 667-600-2280

APARTMENTS AVAILABLE

Supportive, affordable apartment communities. Total of 24 locations in Maryland, home to more than 1,800 older adults. DePaul House and St. Joachim House are on the Jenkins Campus.

Answers for the Aging 667-600-2100 or toll-free 1-888-50ASKUS (MD only)

Telephone-based information and referral service for older adults and caregivers.

www.cc-md.org/seniors Catholic Charities welcomes people regardless of faith and is an Equal Housing Opportunity provider.

Makes a great gift! | Housing Options

BALTIMORE BEACON — APRIL 2022

B-3

Reasons to move sooner rather than later By Brad Breeding A survey conducted by myLifeSite, the company I founded in 2011, uncovered some interesting information about prospective residents of life plan communities, formerly called continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs). One of the survey questions that was particularly revealing was about people’s reasons for delaying a move to a community. Respondents were asked to choose up to three out of eight possible reasons for putting off their move. Among the top responses were things you’d expect, like not wanting to deal with the hassle of downsizing and moving (34%) and concerns about long-term affordability (42%). But the most common response was, “I don’t feel like I’m old enough for a retirement community,” with over 46% of survey participants selecting that reason.

Choosing the right time For many older adults who are currently residing in their own home but like the idea of living in a setting where healthcare services are available if needed down the road, a life plan community is the perfect solution. In addition to the many amenities and conveniences they enjoy, life plan community residents can easily transition from living entirely independently to getting any

needed assisted-living services to receiving 24-hour skilled nursing care in the onsite healthcare center. Some even offer memory care. But, as our consumer survey revealed, many people in their 80s still don’t think they are old enough to move. When is the right time to move? What is the ideal age? Unfortunately, there is no one answer to these questions because everyone’s situation is different. People age at different rates; different lifestyles impact the aging process. The average age of life plan community residents is anywhere from late 70s to early 80s, but an average is just that. There are people who are younger or older when they move. I certainly understand the concerns some people have about moving too soon, but I would caution that waiting too long can mean missing out on some of the very reasons people are attracted to these communities in the first place.

The advantages of making a move If you think a life plan community is right for you but feel like you aren’t old enough yet, here are five reasons to consider moving sooner rather than later: Involvement: One of the top benefits of living in a life plan community is having convenient access to a huge array of activities, amenities and services. Many of these

perks take place on-site in the community, but more and more communities are offering ways for residents to stay involved in their broader community as well, via intergenerational programs, volunteer service projects, continuing education classes, art classes and more. Moving when you are younger allows you to enjoy and benefit from these events and activities. Wellness: While communities do offer residents a continuum of care services if and when they are needed, it is their goal to help residents stay healthy and living independently for as long as possible. That’s why they provide comprehensive health and wellness programs, which may include access to fitness trainers, low-impact aerobics and yoga classes, fitness and aquatic centers, and special meal plans, just to list a few examples. Relationships: I often hear people say that one of the greatest things about making the move to their community was the friendships they’ve formed with other residents. This network of friends can be especially beneficial should health issues arise in the future. Those who wait too long to move may miss out on the opportunity to develop these meaningful relationships.

Qualifying: Housing contracts typically stipulate that new residents must be able to live independently when they first move into the community, and many require a health evaluation as part of the application process. Applicants who do not meet the community’s health standards can be declined. Smoother transition: Moving tends to get increasingly difficult, both physically and mentally, as we age. Those who are younger (relatively speaking), able-bodied and in good health generally are able to handle the transition more easily. On the other hand, those who are older and frailer when they move may be more likely to experience relocation stress syndrome, a condition characterized by symptoms like anxiety, confusion and loneliness. When is the right time to move to a retirement community? Generally speaking, once you have determined that a life plan community is the right senior living option for you, it is smart to move while you are still in good health and have the physical and emotional stamina to make a change and enjoy the benefits. This article was reprinted with permission of mylifesite.net.

To subscribe, see page 14.

Vibrant Senior Living in All Seasons

Weather won’t disrupt your day at Charlestown or Oak Crest. Enjoy independent living, plus amenities to help you stay active and secure.

Call 1-800-590-4091 or visit SeniorLivingMaryland.com.

209251

Get your FREE brochure! CHARLESTOWN OAK CREST

B-4

Housing Options | Subscribe online! See how on p. 14

APRIL 2022 — BALTIMORE BEACON

Home modification tips for aging in place By Jim Miller Dear Savvy Senior, My wife and I would like to make some affordable changes to our home so we can remain living there for as long as possible. Can you recommend some good resources that can help us determine what all we need to consider? —Getting Old Dear Getting, Many older adults, like you and your wife, want to stay living in their own home for as long as possible. But being able to do so will

depend on how easy it is to maneuver around your living space as you get older. Here are some helpful resources you can turn to for an idea of the different types of features and improvements that will make your house safer and more convenient as you grow older:

Home evaluation A good first step in making your home more age-friendly is to do an assessment. Go through your house, room by room, looking for problem areas, such as potential tripping

Need to sell your home? WE FIX IT. WE SELL IT. YOU PROFIT! Maximize your sale value! We professionally renovate your home with NO out-of-pocket cost to you. All costs are deferred until closing and YOU keep the profit! “Shaun increased the selling price of our home beyond our expectations.” Diane L. – Baltimore

Visit www.RenovationReal.Estate or call us at 410-695-6202

The Support You Need, From A Name You Trust

ļĲĲŰĳĕūƌ ċļŞ ]ĕċö öĳöƞūŤƼ • • • • •

Handyman & Home Maintenance Service Health and Wellness Concierge Transportation Support Groceries and Medication Access And So Much More

]öÎŞĳ eļŞö Îū ĒļļŤö[öŤƆĕêĨǂļŞČ ļŞ êÎīī ƩƦƥǂƪƮƨǂƨƧƮƧ

or slipping hazards, as well as areas that are hard to access and difficult to maintain. Several organizations have aging-in-place checklists that point out potential problems in each area of the home, along with suggesting modifications and solutions. For example, Rebuild Together has a two-page “Safe at Home Checklist” created in partnership with the Administration on Aging and the American Occupational Therapy Association. Go to AOTA.org and search for “Rebuilding Together Safe at Home Checklist.” Also get a copy of AARP’s “HomeFit Guide.” This excellent 36-page guide has more than 100 aging-in-place tips and suggestions that can be made to an existing house or apartment or incorporated into designs for a new residence. It explains how a smartly designed or modified home can meet the varied and changing needs of its older residents. It also features easy-todo, low-cost and no-cost fixes that lessen the risk of trip hazards and increase the safety of high-use areas like the bathroom, kitchen and stairway. In addition, they also offer videos and a HomeFit AR app (available for iPhone and iPad) that can scan a room and suggest improvements to help turn your house into a “lifelong home,” free from safety and mobility risks. Visit AARP.org/HomeFit to order or

download a free copy of this guide, or to watch their videos.

In-home assessments An occupational therapist, or OT, can evaluate the challenges and shortcomings of your home for aging in place, recommend design and modification solutions, and introduce you to products and services to help you make improvements. To find an OT in your area, check with your physician, health insurance provider or local hospital, or seek recommendations from family and friends. Many health insurance providers, including Medicare, will pay for a home assessment by an OT if prescribed by your doctor. However, they will not cover physical upgrades to the home. Another option is to contact a builder who’s a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS). CAPS are home remodelers and design-build professionals that are knowledgeable about aging-in-place home modifications and can suggest ways to modify or remodel your home that will fit your needs and budget. CAPS are generally paid by the hour or receive a flat fee per visit or project. To find a CAPS in your area, visit the National Association of Home Builders website at NAHB.org/capsdirectory. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org.

Makes a great gift! | Housing Options

BALTIMORE BEACON — APRIL 2022

3 lucky couples will win an evening at the movies courtesy of Horizon Cinemas. Visit www.horizoncinemas.com Complete and return the coupon below for your chance to win!

FREE HOUSING AND OTHER INFORMATION For free information from advertisers in this special section, check off those that interest you and mail this coupon to the Beacon. All coupons received by April 25 will be entered into a random drawing for tickets. You need not request advertiser info to win.

CONTINUING CARE AT HOME

HOME REMODELING & HOME SALES

SKILLED NURSING & REHABILITATION

❑ Keswick Wise and Well . . . . .B-4 ❑ Renovation Real Estate . . . . .B-4 ❑ ProMedica . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-6 ❑ Wesley at Home . . . . . . . . . .B-7

FUNERAL SERVICES ❑ Loudon Park Funeral Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-6

HOUSING ❑ Caritas House Assisted Living . .B-2 ❑ Charlestown/Erickson . .B-2, B-3 ❑ Christ Church Harbor Apts . .B-7

❑ St. Elizabeth Rehab and Nursing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-2

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

❑ Oak Crest/Erickson . . . .B-2, B-3 ❑ Meals on Wheels . . . . . . . . . .B-4

Check the boxes you’re interested in and return this entire coupon to: The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915-2227. You may return the free info form on page 5 together with this coupon. Name __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address ____________________________________________________E-mail_______________________________________________ City _______________________________________________________ State ______________________ Zip ____________________ Phone _____________________________________________________

BB422

B-5

B-6

Housing Options | Subscribe online! See how on p. 14

APRIL 2022 — BALTIMORE BEACON

Expert provides some home renovation tips By Margit B. Weisgal What can you do in each of the different areas of your home to allow you to live a long, safe life? New materials and new technology make adapting your home to fit your lifestyle easier than ever. Kevin Taylor of Taylor Made Custom Contracting, Inc. (taylormadecontracting.com), based in Jarrettsville, Maryland, is a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist through the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). People with this designation complete “qualifications required by AARP and the National Association of Home Builders to perform home solutions for aging and disabled clients.” According to the NAHB, “The universal design concept for aging in place means creating attractive yet functional living

spaces where people can live or visit regardless of their age or physical abilities.” Taylor provides this checklist of items to consider when preparing your home for tomorrow:

External changes —Consider a ramp for easier access. —Check the sidewalk or driveway for safety. —Install motion-detector lights with or without a timer. —Consider a new doorbell with a camera so you can see who is there. It can be linked to your smartphone. —Install electronic locks; some allow you to create a special code for police or firemen to enter. —Switch to lever handles, since they’re

easier to use than knobs for those with arthritis.

Throughout the house —Change your lighting to LED lights. These are adjustable, can change color and can be on dimmer switches. —Include motion-detection so lights turn on automatically when someone enters the space. —Modify and widen door widths for better accessibility. —Change to lever door handles and outward-opening doors. —If you live in a multi-level home, you may want to set up a ground-floor master suite.

Flooring —Eliminate loose rugs. —Use hardwood or vinyl flooring to make maneuvering around easier. Low-cut carpet may also be used. —Eliminate any clutter along paths through the residence to prevent trips or falls.

Bathroom —Use non-slip tiles on the floor and in the shower. —Install grab bars. Don’t use towel bars because they cannot support your weight. —Change faucets to a single handle. —Tilt or lower the medicine cabinet for easier access.

Your recovery after a hospital stay should begin with a knowledgeable, interdisciplinary team that understands your health care goals. Working with state-of-the-art equipment, we have the expertise and experience to treat patients recovering from a variety of conditions, including: Neurological Cardiac Orthopedic Cancer Pulmonary Complex Medical

If you need help with any of these conditions, you may beneﬁt from an inpatient skilled nursing and rehabilitation stay. Four Baltimore locations: • ManorCare – Roland Park • ManorCare – Rossville • ManorCare – Ruxton • ManorCare – Towson For more information, call

888.255.7054

—Add lights in the shower or tub area. —Make sure the door to the bathroom opens out, not in. If a person falls in the bathroom, an inward-opening door would prevent entry by anyone assisting. “You have many options for showers,” Taylor said. “A walk-in shower with a low, four-foot threshold is less expensive than a roll-in shower or a barrier-free one. You can also add a seat and lower the handles for the shower faucet and/or spray. I recommend shower curtains rather than doors for safety, and add an exhaust fan with a humidity sensor.”

Kitchen —Upgrade ovens and stoves so controls are in the front. —Modify the heights of counters, dishwasher and microwave for easier access. —Install a single-handle faucet. New ones have touch control. —Change your cabinets to include roll out trays and shelving and pull-out storage. —Replace bulbs with LED lights. “Every kitchen should have a fire extinguisher and a smoke detector,” Taylor added. “New detectors combine smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and have a 10-year battery life. Detectors in your home can be interconnected so if one goes off, they all do.”

Makes a great gift! | Housing Options

BALTIMORE BEACON — APRIL 2022

B-7

10 questions to help choose a community By Daniel Morris Choosing the right senior living community that aligns with your vision can be challenging. Whether you’re looking to simplify your lifestyle or get the care that you need to thrive, you may struggle to navigate the many options out there. To help you focus your research and planning, here are 10 questions to ask when trying to find the perfect community for you: 1. What care levels are offered? Is it 24/7? Is a continuum of care available? First of all, you should ask about the care available at the community. Many senior living communities will offer several levels, including independent living, assisted living, memory care and more. Ask about whether you can switch between levels over time and whether care is offered 24/7. 2. What’s the living experience like? Every community has a distinct feel. You should get a sense for every community’s atmosphere, especially the living experience. You’ll want to look at the available floor plans for the apartments, as well as how residents interact in common spaces such as the dining room. 3. What amenities and activities are available? Some senior living communities offer a fitness center, spa, theater, game room and art studio, as well as a robust social calendar with events and outings. Of course, also ask

about essential services such as dining, housekeeping, laundry and wi-fi. 4. What are the staff ’s qualifications and ratio? The staff at a community should include certified health aides, nurses and therapists. Sometimes an on-site physician will also be available. Ask about the staff’s qualifications and the current staff-resident ratio so you can get a sense of the personalized service. 5. What safety features are in place? Ideally, a senior living community will include an emergency response system in every room, as well as security monitoring, health tracking and more. You’ll want to understand the community’s safety protocols so that you can feel confident in the event of an emergency. 6. What are the costs? Are they allinclusive and transparent? The cost of a community can be a determining factor. Ask about the costs for every level of care, especially if the pricing is all-inclusive. You can ask for a list of included amenities and services to ensure there are no surprises. 7. What dining options are offered? Anytime dining is a must-have for many older adults who want to savor their favorite meals at preferred times of day and make the most of several dining options. Ask about the community’s different dining venues and menus.

8. How does the community connect with families? Family connections help every resident thrive in a community. Ask about the community’s family outreach program and what type of events they plan to facilitate connections with family members. 9. What support for the move and transition is available? The transition to community care can be difficult. Some communities will offer a moving stipend or other support services in order to make this transition as

smooth as possible. You can also take advantage of this checklist to aid your planning: bit.ly/CaringPlan. 10. Can I speak to residents directly about their experiences? The most valuable information you can get is from current residents. Ask if you can talk to the residents about their experiences to get the inside scoop on how they feel about the community. For more information, visit mycaringplan.com.

The Wesley Inc's Innovative Continuing Care at Home Program is pre-enrolling members in Baltimore City and Baltimore County!

Learn why Continuing Care at Home is More than Long Term Care Insurance

www.TheWesleyAtHome.org 410-324-2400

The Wesley Inc., a non-profit organization serving older adults in Maryland since 1867, has developed a Continuing Care at Home program to let you age in your own home, on your own terms, for your lifetime.

Meet us at the Baltimore County Library: Catonsville, 4/20 - 10am - 12pm Cockeysville, 4/21- 2pm - 4pm Pikesville, 4/26 - 10am - 12pm & 4pm - 6pm

We are currently pre-enrolling our inaugural members at introductory pricing

6JG 9GUNG[ CV *QOG JCU TGEGKXGF C RTGNKOKPCT[ EGTVKƒECVG QH TGIKUVTCVKQP CPF KU RGPFKPI ƒPCN CRRTQXCN HTQO VJG /CT[NCPF &GRCTVOGPV QH #IKPI

Housing Options | Subscribe online! See how on p. 14

APRIL 2022 — BALTIMORE BEACON

Mobility Breakthrough

It’s not a walker. It’s not a rollator.

It’s the

NEW

Glide!

For millions of Americans, the simple pleasure of taking a stroll has become an impossibility. Age, injuries and a variety of conditions have diminished their strength and stamina, making walking a challenge… and even a health risk. Traditional walkers and rollators leave you hunched over and shuffling along. Now, medically-minded design engineers have created a product that enables almost anyone to walk upright, and to have a place to sit and rest when they need it. Best of all, it weighs only 19 ¼ pounds, so it’s practical and easily portable.

Arrives fully assembled

Features & Benefits • Padded armrests distribute weight across the upper arms and shoulders, not the hands and wrists ³ • Large free-moving, non-skid wheels provide a smooth ride and easy maneuverability ³ • Upright handles and locking handbrakes provide stability and safety ³ • Easy-adjust height control and “infinite position” hand grips fit almost any body type ³ • Comfortable mesh seat and adjustable backrest provide relaxed seating ³ • Stand-assist handles help you get back on your feet ³ • Crafted with the highest grade materials for safety and durability ³

FREE

Standing up straight allows for better breathing, relieves pressure on your neck and back, and enables you to interact with friends and family at eye-level. TM

Glide

by Journey Health & Lifestyle

One handed fold for easy transport

Utility Bag

Call toll-free now to speak to a product specialist.

1-888-964-3146

85645

B-8

BALTIMORE BEACON — APRIL 2022

Makes a great gift!

Travel

Leisure &

To avoid vacation frustration, plan ahead. See story on page 11.

Aruba surprises, far beyond its beaches pirate cruises, deep-sea fishing expeditions, and snorkeling and diving experiences. Further inland, the scenery changes dramatically. There Aruba presents an arid, extraterrestrial landscape of volcanic rockstrewn desert pocked by towering cactus. Goats graze in fields surrounded by stone fences, while not far away some of their cousins roam free. They’re joined by hens pecking at edible scraps on the ground, and roosters that provide early morning wake-up calls.

PHOTO BY JASON BUSA, SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

By Victor Block If you like to loll on magnificent whitesand beaches, visit the tiny Caribbean island of Aruba. When you’re seeking immersion in a fascinating multi-racial culture, think Aruba. Want to combine flashy casinos and a long-list of activities with an other-worldly moonscape setting? Yes, head to Aruba. With an area no larger than that of Washington, D.C., the island makes up in variety for what it lacks in size. No wonder the miniscule enclave is a magnet for vacationers from the United States, attracting more repeat visitors than any other Caribbean destination. Stretches of white sand shaded by towering palms and wind-sculpted divi-divi trees cover the island’s western and southwestern shorelines. Those in the know rate Aruba’s beaches among the most outstanding in the Caribbean, which means they rank highest throughout the world. The water that laps the beaches ranges in color from light green to turquoise to deep blue, and serves as the playground for a something-for-everyone list of activities. Jet skis and motorboats zip back and forth offshore, some towing people in rubber rafts, on water skis or parasails above the waves. Sailboats catch the constant breeze, and excursion vessels offer ersatz

Aloe museum, national park While resorts are where many visitors spend the most time, the interior of the island — what I call the real Aruba — offers much more to explore and enjoy. Attractions range from commercial tourist sites for people of all ages, to historical remnants that trace the story of the island and those who have called it home. My introduction to the off-the-beach places to visit began at the Aloe Museum and Factory, which turned out to be more interesting than I expected. After watching men use machetes to remove leaves of aloe plants in the fields surrounding the museum building, I joined a tour group and learned about their uses in medicines and cosmetics. Aloe has been cultivated and processed in Aruba for 160 years. After a free tour, stop in ©GAIL JOHNSON, DREAMSTIME.COM

Inside the cool caves of Arikok National Park, which covers one-fifth of the island, tourists can take a break from the sun and gaze at ancient Indian rock drawings.

The colorful Dutch Colonial architecture in Aruba’s capital city of Oranjestad has been restored and turned into shops, government offices and homes.

the store for lotion, soap and other products. Much older chapters of Aruba’s past come alive in Arikok National Park, an ecological preserve that encompasses nearly one-fifth of the island. Among its attractions are Jamanota Hill, the highest point on the island, which offers spectacular views from its peak; the Conchi pool, a tranquil inlet encircled by volcanic stone; and Dos Playa (“Beach Two”), a nesting site for sea turtles. The park terrain is inviting to some of the 230-plus species of birds that reside on the island, or those that pass through for rest and refueling during their migratory journeys to North or South America. While I’m far from a serious ornithologist, I enjoyed keeping my eyes peeled for glimpses of high flyers with quirky names like Ruddy Turnstone, Bare-eyed Pigeon and Black-faced Grassquit. Shallow ancient caves dotted about Arikok recall the time when indigenous people lived there. Brownish-red drawings that they made on the walls and ceilings are said to date back to about 1,000 B.C.E. The Arawak people were still living on Aruba when the Spanish claimed it in 1499. Great Britain and Holland later gained control, and it has remained a relative of the Netherlands for most of the time since 1636.

Melting pot of ‘one happy island’ Aruba’s background, and its close proximity to South America, account for the melting pot of people who make up its population. Many of its 110,000 residents speak the official Dutch language, as well as the native Papiamento, Spanish and English. Their proficiency in English — along with the fact that Aruba has a well-deserved reputation as welcoming and safe for visitors — helps explain its popularity among Americans. The locals truly exemplify the country’s motto: “One happy island.” The capital of Aruba is Oranjestad (locals say orahn-yuh-stod). With fewer than 30,000 inhabitants, it ranks more as a large town than a small city. It tends to get crowded when the docks are lined by cruise ships — towering multi-storied vessels that loom over the low-rise buildings. The hotels, restaurants, casinos and shops that line the two main streets along the harbor display the whimsical shapes and subtle pastel colors of Dutch colonial architecture. Other hints of the island’s close connection with that country include signs identifying the names of streets (Bilderdijk Straat, Copernicus Straat), and items on the menus of restaurants that would be at See ARUBA, page 10

Leisure & Travel | Subscribe online! See how on p. 14

Aruba From page 9 home in the Netherlands. The oldest structure on Aruba is Fort Zoutman, which was built in 1796-1798 to ward off pirates. Oranjestad then evolved around the solid fortification. A turret that was added to the fort later to serve as a lighthouse is called the Willem III Tower, in honor of a 19th-century king of the Netherlands. Another lighthouse, perched on a seaside elevation overlooking Aruba’s northwestern tip, provides 360-degree views over the island. It’s known as the California Lighthouse in memory of a steamship that was wrecked nearby in 1891. One lofty landmark has an even more colorful history. The Old Windmill (De Oude Molen) was built in the Netherlands in 1804 and used first to drain water from that country’s lowlands and later to grind grain.

APRIL 2022 — BALTIMORE BEACON

After suffering damage from storms, the windmill was disassembled and shipped to Aruba, where it was reassembled and serves today as another reminder of the Dutch connection. A good way to take in much of the sites, and sights, of Aruba is to join a guided excursion. De Palm Tours (depalm.com) is the proverbial king of the island in terms of variety and quality. Its offerings range from half- and full-day trips in comfortable buses, to self-driven, off-road Utility Terrain Vehicle outings, and from catamaran snorkel itineraries to sunset sails. The company even has its own island. There, a water park, “body drop slides” and banana boat rides delight young visitors, while salsa lessons, guided snorkeling tours and pleasant beaches appeal to their parents and grandparents. Add-on activities include Sea Trek underwater walks wearing a diving helmet for face-to-face meet-ups with sea life and

“Snuba” swims. Snuba is a combination of snorkeling and Scuba diving — swimmers breathe through a regulator to avoid having to surface to take a breath. For those who wish to relax on some of the most inviting beaches anywhere, Aruba has much to offer. But a visit to the island can include much more. Whether getting close up and personal with fish, exploring a diverse and different landscape, or delving into the enticing history and multicultural lifestyle of the people, visitors are left wondering how so many alternatives share such a small plot of land.

If you go The weather in Aruba doesn’t vary much throughout the year. Fall and early winter are the rainy season, but that usually means a shower that stops after a few minutes. A round-trip flight from BWI to Aruba in April starts at $454 on American Airlines. Proof of vaccination or a negative COVID

ENTERPRISE RESIDENTIAL

test is required for entry to the country. Accommodations run the gamut from high-rise hotels and small luxury resorts to all-inclusive properties and villas. I chose to rent a privately owned threestory condo through Vacation Rentals by Owner (vrbo.com). The four-bedroom property, located close to outstanding beaches, had air conditioning, a full kitchen, two pleasant outdoor decks and other amenities for a reasonable $170 per night. The culture of a destination may be experienced when dining at restaurants. That certainly applies to Aruba. Along with fresh-from-the-sea fish, many menu items merge Caribbean, Dutch and South American cuisine with local touches. Dining is often outdoors, and portions are large, so my wife and I usually shared an entrée. Our favorites: Papiamento (Washington 61; 297-586-4544) has a fair yland setting and lengthy menu. A shrimp scampi appetizer ($18) can be a full meal. The menu at Madame Janette (Cunucu Abou 37; 297-587-0184) is expansive, and somewhat expensive. It features several fish entrees ($39) and a selection of gourmet hamburgers adorned by an assortment of toppings ($29). For more places to stay and dine, visit aruba.com/us.

MOST COMMUNITIES ARE 62 AND BETTER ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY

BALTIMORE COUNTY (CONT.)

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

Park View at 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

HOWARD COUNTY

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 • 55 & Better Park View at Fullerton: 410-663-0665 Park View at Miramar Landing: 410-391-8375 Park View at Randallstown: 410-655-5673

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

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

Call the community of interest to you to inquire about eligibility requirements and to arrange a personal tour.

From the publisher From page 2 election with votes from only a small base. By the way, Virginia state law requires open primaries. But the winners are chosen by plurality, rather than ranked choice. So, while I admire Virginia for allowing all voters to truly participate in primary elections, I think its leaders also should give serious consideration to ranked-choice voting. In a column of this length, it’s impossible to address every aspect of these proposals, or even to bring up all the counterarguments (and, of course, there are counterarguments). If you are interested in learning more, I recommend searching for these two topics at the following balanced sources: Ballotpedia.org and ncsl.org (National Conference of State Legislatures). I think in many ways the future of our country may depend on making these changes in some form. Knowing that our votes count — and that a truly representative government results from our elections — seems to me the only way to inspire more Americans to care about elections and take the time and trouble to vote. I am interested in hearing your opinion on these topics. Please email your letter to the editor to info@thebeaconnewspapers.com, or submit it on our website at thebeaconnewspapers.com/contact-us. Thank you.

EnterpriseResidential.org PET-FRIENDLY

Stuart Rosenthal

Makes a great gift! | Leisure & Travel

BALTIMORE BEACON — APRIL 2022

Plan your arrival at destination airports An old-time major league pitcher once said flights. You’ll fight the worst of the day’s trafhe worried about only two types of batters — fic getting to your final destination, and your righthanders and lefthanders. hotel room probably won’t be Similarly, only two kinds of ready. I can’t tell you how many airports present hostile envitimes I’ve passed through Lonronments: origin and destinadon hotel lobbies at about 10 in tion. Origin airports are often the morning where a bunch of the worst, but destination airjetlagged travelers sat around ports present their challenges, the lobby, with their baggage, as well. Here’s how to avoid waiting for a room to open. some of the worst problems. • If you can’t avoid an early 1. Schedule. Even before morning arrival, and you’re eliyou get there, you can ease gible for an airport lounge prodestination airport problems TRAVEL TIPS gram, you might be able to use by scheduling your trip to By Ed Perkins a post-immigration “arrivals minimize hassle. lounge” located at a few big air• In a multi-airport city, try to book the ports. Use a lounge finder like loungebudmost convenient airport — closest to your dy.com to see if you can use one. final destination, the smallest and easiest to 2. Getting to where you’re going. Unnavigate, the one with the best access to less someone is meeting you, solving the downtown, or some combination. “last mile” transport riddle can be a problem • Try to avoid arriving at local rush at any unfamiliar airport. Do it before you hours. It’s especially important to avoid get there, not after you arrive. morning rush hour arrival on overnight • The gold standard for last-mile trans-

port is a taxi or Uber, taking you directly from airport to your hotel, office or house door, with no intermediate schlepping. But cab and ride rates vary tremendously, depending both on distance and local rates. In the U.S., distance is the primary factor, with rates that soar from remote airports. A cab from airport to city center ranges from about $17 in San Diego to $60 at Washington/Dulles. Cab or ride rates are much higher at some remote foreign airports, such as $160 from Tokyo/Narita or London/Gatwick. On the other hand, cabs are inexpensive in China — for example, $25 in Shanghai. Check current rates at taxi fare locators such as Ride Guru (rideguru.com), Taxi Fare Finder (taxifarefnder.com), or World Taximeter (worldtaximeter.com). • Next, check public transit options. The best way to locate them is to look at the airport’s website. Every airport website includes a page or two about local access, usually with links to appropriate

transport services. • Often, the next-best option to a cab is a shared-ride door-to-door shuttle. Unless you’re headed for the first stop, a shuttle takes longer than a cab, but at a fraction of the cost. Airport websites list shuttle operators and usually link to their websites for fare information. • Rail access can often be your best option, especially at the more remote airports. In the U.S., 24 airports feature rail service. But light rail and metros can be very crowded at rush hours, and few provide facilities for baggage. Keep in mind that transport other than cabs/rides is priced per-person: A stiff taxi/ride fare could be a non-starter for a single traveler, but divided by two, three or four, it’s often low enough to tip the scales. Send email to Ed Perkins at eperkins@mind.net or check out his rail travel website at rail-guru.com. © 2021 Ed Perkins. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Dear Editor: I just wanted to express my appreciation for the Beacon and its staff for consistently helpful and easy-to-understand articles about a variety of topics relevant to seniors. I have aging parents, and your articles have helped me understand and start discussions with them on many topics that I knew nothing about beforehand. And those same articles allow me to put plans in place for my own senior years. Thank you so much for your publication and keep up the good work! Kenneth Kennedy Via email Dear Editor: I was happy to learn that people were

recognized for their actions in January (“H & S Bakery rises to the occasion,” March cover story). I do believe, however, that Casey Holihan Noe should be given extra recognition because it was her phone call of compassion that caused the great act of

kindness to happen. Thank you to the Beacon, a most helpful and informative newspaper for me and all my fellow ladies and gentlemen over the age of 50. Nancy Sniadach, Baltimore

Letters to editor From page 2 pianist who once filled our home with music and joy. She has moved on, living her own life, as we hope they do, but has left us with a very quiet home. We miss hearing her play. Listening to you this evening brought back wonderful memories of her musical talent. Thank you for sharing your talents that of fered beautiful dinner music this evening! Glad you are pursuing your goals and inspiring others to do the same. Carol Messerly Via website

Senior Apartments Age 55 or Better LIVE WELL FOR LESS Roland View Towers • One- and Two-Bedroom as well as Efficiencies • Rents from $765 for efficiency, $945 for 1-bedroom, and $1,195 for 2-bedroom Utilities Included! • 24/7 on-site Maintenance and Reception Desk • Beauty/Barber Shop on premises • Only 2 blocks from Hampden’s ‘The Avenue’

Spectacular View

$300

Rent Credit

When you present this coupon upon application.

To schedule a personal tour call

410-889-8255 St Mary’s Roland View Towers 3838/3939 Roland Ave Baltimore, MD 21211

www.rolandviewtowers.com

Make new friends

APRIL 2022 — BALTIMORE BEACON

Subscribe online! See how on p. 14

PHOTO BY WALLY GOBETZ

Style Arts &

You can view the art exhibit described below at the World Trade Center in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor.

On top of the world with a Baltimore artist family of musicians, dancers and visual artists.

West Baltimore prodigy As a child, he was influenced by his mother’s passion for painting, and by family visits to museums and theaters. Today, his inspirations range from Impressionism to the rhythms of West African drums to his own Baltimore upbringing and education. “It’s not easy to raise a child artist,” Shaw admitted. “I was blessed to be raised by two parents who provided for me everything I needed.” Since second grade, Shaw was afforded the opportunity to attend the first giftedand-talented program in Baltimore City. He feels that nurturing environment set the trajectory of his life. Shaw went on to earn a B.A. from Morgan State University and an M.F.A. from Howard University. In blue-collar Baltimore tradition, he worked in quality control at Bethlehem Steel to fund his education. Shaw’s devotion to educating and mentoring young artists led him to teach in Baltimore public schools and as an adjunct

professor at MICA and Towson University. In 2019, he was artist in residence at Motor House, a creative hub in the arts and entertainment district of Station North.

Murals of Toni Morrison, others

PHOTO BY JUSTIN TSUCALAS

By Tina Collins Baltimore native and visionary artist Ernest Shaw Jr. is a unique storyteller. In his decades-long career, Shaw, 53, has won numerous awards and accolades for his dignified and spirited images of the people of the African diaspora and their impact on American culture. This month, Shaw’s paintings of this complex story are exhibited in his solo show, “Continuous Line,” displayed at Baltimore’s “Gallery in the Sky” on the top floor observation level of the Inner Harbor’s World Trade Center. Shaw believes, as James Baldwin said, “Art has to be a kind of confession.” He says his art is witness to everything he studied and learned, and “illustrates aspects of the Black experience from a historical, social and cultural perspective” that extends back thousands of years. In his artistic narrative, Shaw seeks to dispel the myth that African culture was lost and forgotten in the violence and chaos of history. Instead, he sees a lasting and unbroken connection. Shaw’s own storyline starts in West Baltimore, where he was raised by a creative

Baltimoreans may be acquainted with Shaw’s murals, which have decorated the city for more than 20 years. He sees his accessible, public canvas of street art as a way to overcome negative stereotypes of Black men and women. In collaboration with other muralists, he depicts vibrant icons of Black history, hoping to remind the community of “the beauty of being an African in America.” In 2019, Shaw painted a mural in honor of Pulitzer Muralist and teacher Ernest Shaw Jr., now 51, showed artistic promise even as a child. His artistic and musical Prize-winning author Toni family saw and encouraged his talent. Morrison in Baltimore’s famed Graffiti Alley. He considered her passing, at age 88 in Au- acrylic, graphite, charcoal, oil pastels, oil gust 2019, not a loss but “an acquiring of stick and colored pencils, to bring his suban ancestor.” See SHAW, page 13 Shaw works in multiple media, including

Cars, boats, furniture, antiques, tools, appliances Everything and anything is sold on

Radio Flea Market Heard every Sunday, 7-8:00 a.m. on 680 WCBM

Makes a great gift! | Arts & Style

BALTIMORE BEACON — APRIL 2022

Shaw From page 12 jects to life. Some of his more famous subjects include such notables as James Baldwin, Aretha Franklin and Pablo Picasso. His goal is not to recreate an exact likeness but to “capture the spirit as I see it.” Shaw believes the essence of his subjects lies in the eyes; they bring the image to life by gazing out from the canvas and communicating with the audience. He produces each work methodically but quickly, often in less than a week. “I sketch for an hour, leave it, rework. Then I may lay down an underpainting. The whole thing could take 16 or 20 hours over four or five days.”

A focus on ancestors For more than 20 years, Shaw studied all aspects of West African culture. In so doing, he undertook a journey of self-discovery, in which he became aware of the influence of ancestral culture in his present life. “I learned more about myself during that process than I did about my brothers and sisters on the continent,” he said. What guides his brushstrokes, Shaw

said, are the themes of family, ancestry, community, resilience and truth. Painting is his way of “pouring libations,” referring to the ritual that many cultures perform to honor their ancestors. In African cultures, this ceremony of pouring liquid in homage was considered essential and has lived on in the descendants of the diaspora. For Shaw, art is more than just skill and self-expression. Art must create a meaningful interaction between the artist and the audience. In both his large- and small-scale works, he aims to expand our understanding of the African American experience. Blackness is more than “the antithesis of whiteness,” he said. “Authentic portrayals of the Black body are of particular interest to me simply because there is no other subject I find to be as complex, misrepresented and misunderstood,” he wrote in the artist’s statement on his website. Shaw believes art must be used as a tool against oppression of any kind, transforming the artist into an “image maker” — one who, he said, “highlights the humanity of the viewer by illustrating the humanity of the subject.”

ANSWERS TO CROSSWORD

FROM PAGE 14 ANSWERS TO SCRABBLE

F L O S S

E A R T H

E S S A Y

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

S H M T O R O E L Y L E O A N N D O V A L

L O A F I S

I N U S E

N O N U N I I O O F N P S E C N B A F A R A S E C T E E E R

G R A M M B S A N O W R I E L L A I D D S

C A M E O

O V E R S W W E H E O T L E A N B O L T E E R

The “Continuous Line” exhibit of works by Ernest Shaw Jr. is presented by the Baltimore Office of Promotion & the Arts, and is on display through Sunday, April 17 on the top floor of the World Trade Center, located at 401 East Pratt St.

April 3

OBOE LOVERS TRIBUTE

Bach in Baltimore hosts a tribute to oboist Leslie Starr with new work by Viet Cuong and several favorite Bach works performed by Starr’s friends and colleagues. This event takes place Sun., April 3 at 4 p.m. at Towson United Methodist Church; in-person tickets cost $25, and streaming access costs $12. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit bit.ly/OboeTribute. Call (410) 941-9262 with questions.

We Love NYC!!

New York and Atlantic City Day Trips Naval Academy Docent tour and cruise April 12

Harriet Tubman Tour “The Total Experience” Paul McCartney Concert — June 12 (transportation only)

S H A R E

Y O K E D

D O G M A

S W A P S

The Top of the World Observation Level, where the exhibit is located, is open Thursday through Sunday. Admission to that level is $8 ($6 for 60+; $5 for children 3 and up). The exhibition can be viewed at no additional cost.

BEACON BITS

May 24

L A I D T S

Charters Ch harters Available for All Occasions Philadelphia Flower Show June 14

St. Michaels Crab Claw Restaurant July 17 & August 14 The Greenbriar Resort November 6-8

Call us for Reservations

410-602-1704

Email: info@superiortours.net • Website: www.superiortours.com

APRIL 2022 — BALTIMORE BEACON

Subscribe online! See how below

Crossword Puzzle Find a new crossword every day on our website at www.TheBeaconNewspapers.com/puzzles. Plot Structure 1

By Stephen Sherr 5

21 24 28

57 61

BB422

Scrabble answers on p. 13.

Across

Down

1. Mortgage add-ons 5. Attack a Goliath 10. Big Gulp flavor 14. “Your best teacher is your ___ mistake” (Ralph Nader) 15. Wedding vow verb 16. Enthusiastic 17. Guesstimate words 18. Hawaiian for “mountain” 19. Host of the 2013 All-Star Game 20. SU (or a long day) 23. Less brash 24. SCIENCE center 25. Authoritarian 28. Misfortunes 30. “Happiness ___ warm puppy” 32. First of the Five W’s of journalism 33. Teeming with slimy creatures 36. Result of a chemical equation 37. Like underbrewed coffee 38. WHE (or the boonies) 41. Finish a new workout 42. Photo and special 43. Went on a rampage 44. “... and my pronouns are ___ , ...” 45. Suffix with meth46. Room in the big house 47. Bird with pale blue eggs 49. Its southernmost team is the Miami Heat 51. Plans the scouts’ activities 55. OW (or a golden opportunity) 58. Events of The Sting and The Sting II 60. Consolidated cut flowers 61. 1970’s gymnast, Korbut 62. Initial stake 63. Was in the drama club 64. Seasonal worker 65. Member of a plague 66. Lecher’s looks 67. Components of an eon

1. Follow the dentist’s advice 2. Planet of the Apes planet 3. Component of an English class grade 4. Including all of the departments 5. Jerk 6. “Half a ___ better than none” 7. “Occupied!” 8. Workers with less bargaining power 9. Nutrition label unit 10. Small part for a big star 11. Cloying 12. Fired up the grill 13. Superbowl curiosities 21. Internet mischief maker 22. Degree for Bush 43 26. Get appetizers for the table 27. Connected to the other ox 29. “Keep your ___ the ball!” 31. Annoy a sleepy spouse 33. Powerful tennis shot 34. Professional specialization 35. Dedicated supporters 36. Stipulations 37. Four beats, often 39. Like some sandwiches (or motorcycle helmets) 40. “___ be able to bring my baby?” 45. High/dry divider 46. “I’ve missed more than 9,000 shots in my ___” (Michael Jordan) 48. Early stage 50. Moisten meat 52. Less inept 53. Set of beliefs 54. Replaces books in a Little Free Library 56. Basic Hot Wheels track shape 57. Calculates a final golf score 58. Part of a graduation uniform 59. Binary digit

Answers on page 13.

Makes a great gift! | Arts & Style

BALTIMORE BEACON — APRIL 2022

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.

Caregivers MATURE, EXPERIENCED KIND, CAREGIVER/COMPANION. Available up to 32 hrs/week. Cooking, bathing, meds, transportation, errands. Call or text 410-925-4501 LION AND LAMB TRANSPORTATION. Wheelchair Transportation for senior living, social events, doctors’ appointments, outpatient surgery, etc. Servicing Baltimore & Harford Counties. Call Jeana Morris 410-692-7587 PRIVATE HOME HEALTH -CAREGIVER: Kind, Loving, Honest, Compassionate, Trustworthy, reliable caregiver is looking for full time job caring for your loved one. 28 years experience seeking position in MD, DC, VA with excellent references. Call Julie (301) 221-7695 CAREGIVER 24 YEARS EXPERIENCE. Competent, wise, kind, humorous, Jewish, psych & law degrees. North Baltimore area. Michael 410-486-2758 THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME! Jamhuri Healthcare Services recognizes the importance of keeping seniors or adults with special needs, in their homes, rather than sending them to a skilled nursing facility. Our personal in-home care program is designed to implement non-medical tasks to meet the clients’ physical needs. Our home care aides provide a multitude of services for our clients, ranging from meal preparation & house cleaning to personal assistance & running errands. We are diligent in our staff & client pairings. We won’t put just anyone in your home or the home of your loved ones. Senior transportation services available 24/7. Call us toll-free at 1800-547-2851.Visit us on the web: www.jamhuricares.com. send us a text at: 443-929-9769

Computer Services COACHING ON PC, MAC, PHONE, TABLET, TV, ETC. Patient, Practical & Personable. Tuning into your needs & guiding you to comfort & confidence. Complete beginners or just want to learn more? Julia: 443-436-2612, www.computercoachbaltimore.weebly.com

Computer Services KENTUCKY DERBY WATCH PARTY, Saturday, May 7th, 2022, 4:30 P.M until 8:30 P.M., Knights of Columbus, Bethlehem Council #2605, 7401 Bay Front Rd., Sparrows Point, Md. 21219, Reservations recommended, 410-477-5225, $25 per person, Southern inspired menu, Mint Juleps and Mimosas, Dress in your Derby best! KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS COUNCIL #2605, 7401 BAY FRONT ROAD, EDGEMERE, MD. 3rd Sunday Monthly Dinner, Buffet Style, 1 to 4:30 P.M., April 17th, 2022. Menu: Ham, Fried Chicken, Sauer Kraut, Mashed Potatoes, Soup du Jour, Stir-Frye Vegetables, Garden Salad, Dinner Rolls, Desert Cake, Soda, Coffee, and Tea. Adults $18.00, children 8 to 12 $8.00. Reservations are recommended but not necessary, 410-477-5225. Put those pots and pans away and enjoy a Sunday Dinner with family and friends on the bay.

Financial WESLEY FINANCIAL GROUP, LLC Timeshare Cancellation Experts. Over $50,000,000 in timeshare debt and fees cancelled in 2019. Get free informational package and learn how to get rid of your timeshare! Free consultations. Over 450 positive reviews. Call 855-626-8703.

For Sale

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

Miscellaneous

DENTAL INSURANCE from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for 350 plus procedures. Real dental insurance - NOT just a discount plan. Do not wait! Call now! Get your FREE Dental Information Kit with all the details! 1-844366-1003 www.dental50plus.com/320 #6258.

I WILL BUY YOUR UNWANTED REAL ESTATE for CASH! AS IS! No repairs, inspections and no Realtors Fees or Closing Fees! No need to clean the house out, take what you want and leave the rest! You can have your MONEY in 14 DAYS! CALL NEAL for your cash offer now! 410-419-1289.

MOBILEHELP, America’s Premier Mobile Medical Alert System. Whether You’re Home or Away. For Safety and Peace of Mind. No Long Term Contracts! Free Brochure! Call Today! 1-240-650-9189.

BOOK, PAPER & PARCHMENT CONSERVATOR trained at The Smithsonian Institution. Treat and preserve your documents, rebind books and albums. Member American Institute for Conservation. Preserving treasures for 4 decades. Call or text:. 410-925-4501.

Home/Handyman Services

EZ ACCESS WHEEL-CHAIR LIFT Parkville $3250 or Best Offer. Easy to use/navigate. Great solution for porch or raised entryways. Very little usage. Smooth operating, safe, quiet. 410-844-4292. https://rebrand.ly/1aojslb GENERAC STANDBY GENERATORS provide backup power during utility power outages, so your home and family stay safe and comfortable. Prepare now. Free 7-year extended warranty ($695 value!). Request a free quote today! Call for additional terms and conditions. 1-866-964-8106. PUT ON YOUR TV EARS and hear TV with unmatched clarity. TV Ears Original were originally $129.95 - NOW WITH THIS SPECIAL OFFER are only $59.95 with code MCB59! Call 1-833-934-0843. 2001 ACURA INTEGRA: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. 4 good tires, no major problems. AM/FM radio, CD player, cassette player, A/C, electric moon roof, ABS brakes. Runs on regular gas, no recalls, asking $1800. Call 410882-4295.

For Sale/Rent: Real Estate HUNTERS WOODS FELLOWSHIP HOUSE. Apartments for 62+ or Disabled. Waitlist Open. April 23, 2022 from 9am-2pm only. Applications only accepted at Herndon Neighborhood Resource Center, 1086 Elden Street, Herndon, VA 20170. Call 703-620-4450 for details. EHO/SLN/FSF ROOM FOR RENT IN DUNDALK/ESSEX AREA, only $75/week. Senior Citizen preferred. Private bath, close to Mall, food store and orange bus line. Call for all details. 443583-6311.

DIAMOND PAINTING COMPANY INC. In business for over 30 years. Interior and exterior residential painting, for Baltimore & Harford Counties. MHIC 39570. Call Tom Morris at 410692-7586 T’s HAULING & MOVING I will move your possessions or haul them away. I clean out yards, basements, garages, houses, apartments, attics, etc. No job too small. Brush work. I can pick up furniture from stores. Friendly, reliable service with many references. Honest and hard working! Call Tim at 443-690-6525 OR 410-889-3795. Same day service most days! Like me on Facebook! @Tshaulingmoving. Check out my website WWW.TSHAULINGANDMOVING.COM THE BATHROOM OF YOUR DREAMS for as little as $149/month! BCI Bath & Shower. Many options available. Quality materials & professional installation. Senior & Military Discounts Available. Limited Time Offer - FREE virtual in-home consultation now and SAVE 15%! Call Today! 1-855-653-0087. DON’T LET THE STAIRS LIMIT YOUR MOBILITY! Discover the ideal solution for anyone who struggles on the stairs, is concerned about a fall or wants to regain access to their entire home. Call AmeriGlide today! 1-866-365-5170. AXS TILE: Repair Ceramic, Porcelain, Marble, Granit Tile. Stone Brick work. Repair leaking showers and basic plumbing work. New Bathroom Installation and Design. Kitchen backsplash and Countertops. Drywall plaster repair. Handyman Services. Please call 410-977-3610, or 410-285-5452. Email: axstile@yahoo.com. AXS Tile Construction Services, Inc. MHIC #115085 APPLYING FOR SOCIAL SECURITY DIS-

Legal Services

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.

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

Personals SINGLE, ATTRACTIVE, PETITE, AA FEMALE seeking male companion 55-65 years of age. Seeking physically and socially active male. No Commitments!! Call to meet for coffee and conversation. Phone 410-404-8834, Ask for DeDe.

TV/Cable DIRECTV for $79.99/mo for 12 months with CHOICE Package. Watch your favorite live sports, news & entertainment anywhere. First 3 months of HBO Max, Cinemax, Showtime, Starz and Epix included! Directv is #1 in Customer Satisfaction (JD Power & Assoc.) Some restrictions apply. Call 1-888-572-4953. DISH NETWORK. $64.99 for 190 Channels! Blazing Fast Internet, $19.99/mo. (where available.) Switch & Get a FREE $100 Visa Gift Card. FREE Voice Remote. FREE HD DVR. FREE Streaming on ALL Devices. Call today! 1-844-560-5837.

Wanted RECORD RESCUE! Buying vinyl records and CDs. Fast service. Call Jim. 410-529-1852. BUYING VINYL RECORDS from 1950 to 1990 JAZZ, ROCK, BLUES, R&B, DISCO, SOUL, REGGAE, & GOSPEL, ANY VINYL FORMAT 33 1/3 RPM Albums, small 45 RPM’s & some 78 RPM, Also CD’s, Prefer LARGER COLLECTIONS AT LEAST 100 items, PLEASE CALL JOHN 301-596-6201 COLLECTOR PAYING CASH FOR COMIC BOOKS! from the 1940s to the 2000s. So check your attic and your closets and let me know if have any you would like to sell! Call or text Joe at 443562-8082 or by email: joebuyscomics@gmail.com.

Thanks for reading the Beacon!

Advertiser Index Accessibility & Home Remodeling Renovation Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-4

Clinical Research Studies

HIPS Fall Prevention Study . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Knee Osteoarthritis Pain Study . . . . . . . . . .8

Continuing Education

CCBC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Financial Services

John Richardson Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Funeral Services

Cremation Society of Maryland . . . . . . . .13 Loudon Park Funeral Home . . . . . . . . . .B-6 MacNabb Funeral Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Government Services

Maryland Relay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Health

Apex Neuropathy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Greenspring Podiatry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Keswick Wise & Well . . . . . . . . . . . . .1, B-4 Richard Rosenblatt DPM . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Home Health Care/ Companion Services

Absolute Care Services LLC . . . . . . . . . . .5 Options for Senior America . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Wesley at Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-7

Housing

Catholic Charities Senior Services . . . . .B-2 Charlestown/Erickson . . . . . . . . . . .B-2, B-3

Christ Church Harbor Apts . . . . . . . . . . .B-7 Enterprise Residential . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Oak Crest/Erickson . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-2, B-3 Park View Apartments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 St. Mary’s Roland View Towers . . . . . . . .11 Virginia Towers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Warren Place . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Real Estate

Renovation Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-4

Retail

ProMedica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-6

Subscriptions

Beacon Newspapers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Technology

BeaconSilverPages.com . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-8 Computer Doctors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

Theater/Entertainment

Toby’s Dinner Theatre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Travel

Radio Flea Market . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 So-Lite Glide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-8 So-Lite Scooter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Eyre Tour & Travel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Superior Tours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation

Meals on Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-4

Catholic Charities Senior Services . . . . .B-2

Volunteer Opportunities

APRIL 2022 — BALTIMORE BEACON

Subscribe online! See how on p. 14

ALL-NEW mobility technology

Introducing the world’s lightest mobility scooter with anti-tip technology The So Lite Scooter is easy to transport and almost impossible to tip over. TM

Like millions of older Americans, I struggle with mobility. For years, I watched my quality of life slip away, as I was forced to stay home while friends and family took part in activities I’d once enjoyed. I thought I’d made some progress when I got a mobility scooter, but then I realized how hard it was to transport. Taking it apart and putting it back together was like doing a jigsaw puzzle. Once I had it disassembled, I had to try to put all of the pieces in the trunk of a car, go to wherever I was going, and repeat the process in reverse. Travel scooters were easier to transport, but they were uncomfortable and scary to drive, I always felt like I was ready to tip over. Then I found the So LiteTM Scooter. Now there’s nothing that can hold me back. Years of work by innovative engineers have resulted in a scooter that’s designed with seniors in mind. They created Electronic Stability Control (ESC) that makes it virtually impossible to tip over. If you try to turn too quickly, the scooter automatically slows down to prevent it from tipping over. The battery provides powerful energy at a fraction of the weight of most batteries. With its rugged yet lightweight aluminum frame, the So LiteTM Scooter is the most portable scooter ever—but it can hold up to 265 pounds—yet weighs only 40.8 pounds without the battery! What’s more, it easily folds up for storage in a car seat, trunk or even on an airplane.

Why a So Lite Scooter is better: TM

• Latest “No-Tip” Technology • Lightweight yet durable

• Folds and locks in seconds • Easier to operate

It folds in seconds without tools and is safe and reliable. Best of all, it’s designed with your safety in mind, from the newest technology and superior craftsmanship. Why spend another day letting your lack of mobility ruin your quality of life? Call now and find out how you can get a So LiteTM Scooter of your very own.

The So Lite Scooter TM

Call now Toll-Free

85671

Exclusive Electronic Stability Control helps prevent tipping

April 2022 | Baltimore Beacon

Articles inside

❏ Virginia Towers (see ad on

❏ St. Mary’s Roland View Towers (see ad on