April 2022 | Howard County Beacon

The Howard County

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Although beginners are warmly welcomed at the Yoga Center, many of its students have been taking yoga classes at the center for years, even decades.

“It’s that ‘third place,’” Donnelly explained — not work or home, but a unique other place to gather with like-minded friends.

According to Donnelly, the majority of the center’s clients and teachers are in their 50s and beyond.

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Columbia Yoga Center reaches 30

By Jennifer Garner At the beginning of a yoga class, the teacher may ask students to “set an intention” for their practice — a goal they hope to achieve, whether it is a deeper stretch or a calm mind.

It’s been hard to set intentions the last few years, as the pandemic has wreaked havoc on day-to-day routines, let alone trying to make future plans.

But as the Yoga Center of Columbia celebrates its 30th year in business in 2022, they hope the community sets an intention to include more of the restorative powers of yoga in their lives.

With its tagline “all abilities, all bodies, all ages,” the yoga center’s goal is to offer classes geared toward people in any phase of life — from pregnancy to childhood to older adulthood.

Its classes include Gentle Chair Yoga for those with osteoporosis; Yoga for a Healthy Back; Yoga for Healthy Bones and Joints; Accessible Yoga for Amputees; and even a men-only class.

We want to “connect [people] to the beautiful practices of yoga and meditation to help them be in their bodies in a healthy way,” said Kathy Donnelly, 68, who has been the owner and director of the Columbia Yoga Center since 2005.

Under Donnelly’s leadership, the center, situated in an office park facing Route 108 since it opened in 1992, grew from two studios to four. Nearly 1,000 students attend its classes each week.

Along with the number of studios, the types of classes offered at the Center during Donnelly’s tenure have grown as well. Today, Pilates, meditation, Chinese exercises called Qigong, and mind-body practices are part of the regular schedule, along with the usual slate of yoga classes at all levels.

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Kathy Donnelly, center, helps student Catherine Kelly in a yoga class at the Yoga Center of Columbia. Donnelly established the studio 30 years ago and continues to work as its director.

Linda Deff, a longtime client of the Yoga Center, has found it to be her third place.

At 81, she has been a yoga student for 50 years. Instead of being isolated during her later years, she has found connection with others at the center.

“The community created in all of these programs has put me in contact with people with different interests, religions, ages and opinions that closed the gap of separateness,” Deff said.

Furthermore, the Yoga Center doesn’t only strengthen bodies, but also can transform people spiritually through meditation classes.

Deff said she has particularly benefited from the center’s meditation classes, many

of which were offered free during the pandemic. “In our world of instant chaos, fear and changing realities, meditation takes me to peace and joy,” she said.

Similarly, Pauline Walstein, a client in her 70s, said she has “learned so much at the studio, particularly through meditation. I have become a much more spiritual person.

“I am learning to live consciously and with compassion for myself and for others. I have learned that I have the power to spread joy and loving-kindness to others.”

Reacting to COVID-19 The compassion of both instructors and See YOGA, page 7

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Better elections Long-time Beacon readers know I am Republican can vote in the primary, and they not one to share my political views. For can only vote for candidates from their party. this reason, the Beacon does Independent voters — who not endorse candidates for constitute a growing percentpublic office. age of voters and are the But I do like to share my largest or second-largest thoughts and feelings about group of voters in nearly half important matters of the day, of the states — are shut out and I think it’s fair to say that from closed primaries entirely. a number of important issues That might sound reasonpertaining to our elections able at first glance. If indeare very much in the news pendent voters aren’t memtoday — from voter registrabers of a party, why should tion, to gerrymandering to FROM THE they help elect that party’s the potential for fraud. representative?

PUBLISHER However, the two ideas I By Stuart P. Rosenthal Because primary elections want to talk about here are in “safe” legislative districts different, and probably not ones you’ve effectively decide the general election winheard a lot about — if at all. But I feel these ner as well! recommendations should be deeply imporThe winner of the largest share (known tant to voters in the Beacon readership as a plurality) of votes in a closed primary area, and ultimately could have a much may actually represent only a small minorgreater positive effect on the future of our ity of a county’s, district’s or state’s voters: country if they are widely implemented. those who a) registered for the winning I am speaking about open primaries and party, b) voted in the primary, and c) voted for the winning candidate in the primary. ranked-choice voting. Let me explain.

Unlike Virginia, in Maryland and D.C., As a result, if there are a number of can(and eight other states), primaries are didates in the primary, the winner of the “closed.” That means only voters who have general election may represent as few as registered in advance as either Democrat or 7.4% or 14% of all voters.

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I am not making up these numbers: In both Montgomery County, Md. and Washington, 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.

See FROM THE PUBLISHER, page 6

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 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 offered beautiful dinner music this evening! Glad you are pursuing your goals and inspiring others to do the same.

Carol Messerly Via website 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 Dear Editor: It’s a shame parents don’t want to discipline their children and grandparents and great-grandparents end up taking over. All laws on the books should be obeyed. If certain people are soft on crime and don’t like a law, put that law to a vote. We need to use whatever money allotted to us to enforce our laws, support our police and add to our law enforcement by giving them more money and more encouragement. I support Gov. Hogan’s two new (old) bills, and I think they both are no brainers!

Susan Rose Reisterstown

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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-

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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.

Dr. Armin Ghobadi of Washington University in St. Louis, an expert in gene and cellular immunotherapy for cancer, called See GENE THERAPY, page 5

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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.

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 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 com-

pared 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.

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.

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.

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Q&A: Fight itches; strengthen your core

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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.

The Nature study was paid for partly by

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Used for several blood cancers

Olson said he’s extremely grateful for the decade of life since doctors used cutting-edge science to save him.

“What’s changed is the dimension of hope. The pace of discovery takes your breath away,” he said. “It’s a brand new world.”

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the findings “incredible.” Though the word “cure” is rarely used in cancer, he said it appears these patients were “most likely” cured.

He was intrigued by the persistence of the CAR-T cells and the way the living drug evolves. “That’s just really beautiful to see,” said Ghobadi, who was not involved in the study.

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.

See Q & A, page 6

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From page 3

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 low-

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the Novartis Institute for Biomedical Research and partly by National Institutes of Health grants.

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 in adults. According to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma were expected to make up just under 10% of the 1.9 million new cancer cases in the U.S. last year.

“But the big scientific challenge — and 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, running into the hundreds of thousands of dollars just for the drugs.

And there’s the risk of significant side effects, including an immune overreaction called “cytokine release syndrome” and

How to treat itching

ering 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

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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.

I N F O R M AT I O N

ments 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 effect 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

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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 environ-

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Q&A From page 5 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.

From the publisher From page 2 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 election with votes from only a small base.

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

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.

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 impossi-

ble 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.

To subscribe, see page 22.

Stuart Rosenthal

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Yoga From page 1 students was on full display as the center faced COVID-19. They very quickly had to move all 115 classes to a virtual setting. According to Donnelly, “It was an awesome effort, and people were really grateful.”

Instead of hurting the business, Donnelly reports, “people were actually doing more classes because they were home.”

The pandemic has created a desire for online classes that Donnelly sees continuing indefinitely. Through the online classes, clients who have moved away remain connected to their yoga classes and community. She has also seen mothers and daughters who live in different cities arrange to take classes at the same time.

“I enjoy taking classes online because it is so easy to do,” Walstein said. “I go up to my [home] yoga studio rain or shine, hot or cold, and everything is readily available. No trudging to the studio with lots of equipment. I find the experience to be empowering.”

A giving community The Yoga Center of Columbia’s mission, according to its website, is to “help our community thrive through loving-kindness to oneself and one another.” The concept of loving-kindness, known as “metta,” is a type of meditation practiced in Buddhism and Hinduism.

“The studio embodies and models metta, or loving-kindness, in the world,” Walstein said.

In tangible ways, the center practices loving-kindness, routinely raising money for various local and international organizations. For instance, they raised $10,000 for the Howard County Food Bank during the pandemic through weekly donationonly classes and Giving on Thanksgiving workshops.

The Center also engages in relief efforts when needs arise in the world, such as a Help India Breathe fundraiser held to purchase oxygen concentrators during the COVID-19 crisis.

The center is also “committed to promoting racial equality, justice, peace and love,” according to its website. One way they carry out this mission is through donationbased workshops, in which the studio and teacher give class proceeds directly to charity. These sessions are held monthly to benefit East Baltimore’s VOLAR (Village of

Love and Resistance) collective.

The mission of community service is woven into all they do, including their wellregarded training program for aspiring yoga instructors.

As part of the teacher training program, each trainee must complete a project, and some choose to offer free classes to the community. Both their Yoga for Autism classes and Community Yoga grew out of these projects.

This summer Donnelly will lead a unique class that combines two of her loves: yoga and kayaking. She will offer a yoga class in the nature center at Piney Run Park in Carroll County. After class, participants will kayak around the lake in a tour led by naturalists.

Donnelly is proud of how the center enriches her clients’ lives, but it has also enriched her own life. While she remains committed to the center, she is also giving others opportunities to lead.

Instead of teaching eight or nine classes

Senior Living Columbia

a week, she is down to just four. And she’s also stepped back from coordinating the teacher training program.

“I’m really grateful for the life [that]

being the owner of the Yoga Center has given me,” she said.

For a list of all classes at workshops, visit yogacenterofcolumbia.com.

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Fitness & Health | Subscribe online! See how on p. 22

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

Alternatives to statins for high cholesterol

By R. Scott Wright, M.D. Dear Mayo Clinic: I have high cholesterol, but I can’t take statin drugs.

Are there any new medications that I should consider?

A: Cholesterol is a waxy substance that’s found in the fats in your blood.

When you have too much cholesterol, you can develop fatty deposits, or lipids, in your blood vessels that can make it difficult for blood to flow through your arteries. An estimated 29 million adults in the U.S. have high cholesterol.

While medications known as statins are common for people with high cholesterol, many people find they cannot tolerate statins, so don’t feel like you are alone.

The good news is that there are several alternatives to statins that may lower your blood lipids.

Daily pills Ezetimibe is an oral agent that has been approved in the U.S. for many years. It can lower low-density lipoprotein, which is known as LDL or “bad” cholesterol. It is taken once daily with or without food.

Although not relevant in your case, Ezetimibe also has been shown to reduce the risk of recurrent heart attack, stroke or death from heart disease when added to a statin drug in patients who have suffered a recent acute coronary syndrome.

Ezetimibe works by blocking certain re-

ceptors in the intestine where cholesterol is absorbed. It lowers the cholesterol content in the liver, which prompts the liver to remove cholesterol from the bloodstream to re-establish its own stores of cholesterol.

As a result, the LDL value is lowered, typically by 15% to 25%. It is well-tolerated and has few side effects.

Recently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a second nonstatin — bempedoic acid — to lower LDL and overall cholesterol. Bempedoic acid is an oral agent taken once daily with or without food. It works by blocking the synthesis pathways that allow cholesterol to develop, but does so at a different point in the process than statins.

Bempedoic acid has been shown to lower LDL by about 15% in patients studied in clinical trials. The drug is approved only for patients with a family history of high cholesterol or who have established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease that requires LDL to be lower.

Monoclonal antibody injections There are also therapies that can be administered as injections instead of daily pills. These agents alter a protein called PCSK 9 that interacts with the LDL receptor on the surface of the liver.

Two options, evolocumab and alirocumab, are available for patients who have a family history of high cholesterol or existing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease that requires LDL to be lower.

These medications are injected, typically once every two weeks, although one can be infused subcutaneously monthly, if desired.

These therapies are monoclonal anti-

bodies — manmade proteins that are similar to the PCSK 9 protein — and they basically bind the protein so that it is not allowed to interact with LDL. This dramatically lowers LDL values, typically greater than 50% from baseline.

These therapies have been shown to be well-tolerated and have few side effects.

The FDA is reviewing a third therapy that may offer benefit. It would be available via injection every six months and would be part of a new class of medications known as RNA silencing agents.

Though it can feel like an uphill battle some days, finding and staying on a cholesterol treatment is important. Data consistently show that lowering LDL as much as possible can reduce your risk for heart attack and stroke.

Schedule time with your healthcare provider to discuss your concerns and share the side effects that were most bothersome to you while using statins.

Ask your healthcare provider about the best available options to treat your cholesterol beyond statin agents. Together, you should be able to select a therapy that is acceptable to you both.

— R. Scott Wright, M.D., Cardiovascular Disease, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota Mayo Clinic Q & A is an educational resource and doesn’t replace regular medical care. E-mail a question to MayoClinicQ&A@mayo.edu. For more information, visit mayoclinic.org. © 2021 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. All rights reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

BEACON BITS

Ongoing

GUIDED MEDITATION

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

Ongoing

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.

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.

Makes a great gift! | Fitness & Health

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

9

How to treat sudden low blood pressure When I was a practicing pharmacist at a Symptoms include the sensation of dizzilarge retail chain, I’d get this type of phone ness or feeling faint and lightheaded. There call a lot: “What do I do? My could also be nausea, weakhusband took his blood presness and inability to focus or sure pill, and now he feels concentrate. Vision can also be faint! Is that normal?” affected.

Almost every pharmacist If it’s serious, of course, call has received a similar call after 911, and get help. Smelling dispensing any one of the popsalts aren’t a bad idea while ular anti-hypertensives like you’re waiting for help. losartan, lisinopril, nifedipine, atenolol and others.

Steps to take The answer depended on For simple, occasional bouts DEAR the severity of the situation, of of sudden low blood pressure, I PHARMACIST course, and we were always recommend the following:

By Suzy Cohen 1. Lie down and put a thick mindful of having the patient’s pillow under your legs so your doctor informed and notified. head gets more blood flow. The reason you feel faint is because the blood left your Variety of causes, symptoms A person often experiences low blood head, so this positional change should be pressure because they have high blood done first. pressure and they’re supported on blood 2. Munch on something very salty like pressure pills to bring it down. The problem potato chips, or drink salt water if you can is that it can go down too fast and too much! sit up. To make it, combine ½ cup water Hence, a hypotensive crisis can occur. and ½ teaspoon sea salt, and stir it well.

Kidney dysfunction, heart disease, sleep 3. Generally speaking, drink more water. apnea as well as thyroid disease are other The more fluid you drink, the more prescauses for a hypotensive crisis. sure there is inside your blood vessels, and Vitamin B12 deficiency is known to that’s the goal. cause pernicious anemia, and it’s quite 4. Put on compression stockings, which common. This is an overlooked but com- are great if you have them. You should buy mon cause of chronic low blood pressure. a pair of compression hose if you are on a

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 teabags are sold everywhere. They are used most often for liver disease and, more recently, for respiratory infections.

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.

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

Upcoming Programs for 55 Years + To view all of our programs and activities, visit www.HowardCountyMD.gov/rap.

Arts,Crafts & Dance • Info: Tessa Hurd, 410-313-7311 or thurd@howardcountymd.gov.

You Can Draw & Paint with Carol Zika

Let your artistic expression soar in this fun and supportive open studio atmosphere. Bring watercolors, acrylics, oils, pastels, pen & ink, papercraft, or other materials. Instructor provides individual direction/instruction in drawing and painting for beginners and experienced dabblers. Bring your own or discuss materials (purchased separately) at the first class.

Classes: 8 RP0305.701

E Columbia 50+ Ctr

Apr 8

10am-noon

F

$95

Stained Glass Suncatcher Workshop

Make a six-eight-piece stained glass hanging using the copper foil technique. Learn to score, cut, foil, and solder stained glass pieces into a finished hanging. Develop and practice the skills needed to score and break glass. Supplies provided. This class is appropriate for all skill levels.

Instructor: Maureen Stone Classes: 1 RP3536.701 N Laurel Comm Ctr Apr 23

11am-3pm

Sa

$89

NEW! Beginner Ballet for Active Aging Adults with Carol Asher

This adult beginner ballet dance class is filled with graceful and fluid movements that help build strength and flexibility while having fun. Ballet is characterized by grace and precision of movement. Beautiful classical music is added to this light and enjoyable class. No equipment is needed. Come and enjoy this weekly class and socialize with members of the community.

Info: Scott A. Ripley, 410-313-7281 or sripley@howardcountymd.gov.

Classes: 10 RP3508.701

Cedar Lane Rec Ctr

Apr 6

9:30-10:30am W

Come join this adult beginner jazz dance class. It is filled with rhythm and musicality while building strength. Jazz dance combines techniques of classical ballet and modern dance with the current forms of popular dance. Jazz also has its own movement vocabulary ranging from the isolation of certain body parts to the movement of the entire body with the accents of musical rhythms. Enjoy this fun, weekly class while listening to award winning show tunes. No equipment is needed. Info: Scott A. Ripley, 410-313-7281 or sripley@howardcountymd.gov.

Classes: 10 RP3512.701

Cedar Lane Rec Ctr

Apr 8

10-11am

F

$99

$99

NEW! Beginner/Intermediate Soul Line Dance

This beginner/intermediate level line dance class is fun for all.

Line up and learn the step-by-step choreography taught by instructor Jessie Barnes. Multiple dances are performed to great pop, rhythm and blues music.

Instructor: Jessie Barnes Classes: 8 RP3511.701 N Laurel Comm Ctr Apr 19 6-7pm Tu $79 RP3511.702 Roger Carter Comm Ctr Apr 20 11am-noon W $79

Scan the QR code for more 55 years + programs! tinyurl.com/55plusprograms

NEW! Beginner Jazz for Active Aging Adults with Carol Asher

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

Drop-In Social Bridge Kiwanis-Wallas Hall

9am-noon

W

Free

11am-3pm W 10am-1:30pm F

Free Free

Duplicate Bridge Kiwanis-Wallas Hall Kiwanis-Wallas Hall

Marathon Bridge Kiwanis-Wallas Hall

Trivia Time Bain 50+ Ctr

Noon-2:30pm First W of the month

Free

9:30-10:30am

Free

Last F of the month

Makes a great gift! | Fitness & Health

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

11

Save the Date Health & Relaxation • Info/Fitness Waiver: Tessa Hurd, 410-313-7311 or thurd@howardcountymd.gov.

Fitness for Life with Lori Nowicki, ACE, AFPA

Designed for active adults, this class combines easy-to-follow aerobics, weight and cardio training with Keiser and Precor equipment, free weights, bands, floor exercises, balance training, and stretching.

Online RP8666.702 Apr 19 Roger Carter Comm Ctr RP8666.703 Apr 19 N Laurel Comm Ctr RP8666.701 Apr 20 Roger Carter Comm Ctr RP8666.704 Apr 22

Classes: 18 or 12 10:30-11:45am Tu,Th $129 Classes: 18 or 12 12:15-1:30pm Tu,Th $129 Classes: 16 or 11 11-12:15pm M,W $119 Classes: 8 or 6 10-11:15am F $59

May 21 & 22

Yoga in the Park Pop Ups with Kathy Greisman

Relax while taking in the sights and surrounding beauty of nature. Get fit and improve your health in this outdoor yoga class. All classes are held in the beautiful Centennial Park South area. Walk away feeling refreshed, energized and ready to take on the day that lies ahead.

Classes: 1 RP3541.701 Centennial Pk South RP3541.702 Centennial Pk South RP3541.703 Centennial Pk South

Apr 11 Apr 18 Apr 25

10-11am M 10-11am M 10-11am M

$14 $14 $14

Encore Adventures Encore Adventures Kayaking Club

Paddling season is around the corner, and it’s time to start spending your time and energy outdoors exploring Centennial Lake and making new friends. Learn kayak paddling strokes, how to read the water conditions, and practice safety techniques in this fun, social and safe environment. This club meets the paddling basics requirement for paddling trips. Info: Dawn Thomas, dthomas@howardcountymd.gov.

Days: 6 RP9171.711 Centennial Pk South Apr 21 8:30-10:30am Th $68

Intro to Target Archery

Learn the basics of target archery including equipment, safety and elements of shooting with an USA Archery-certified instructor. Info: Matt Medicus, mmedicus@howardcountymd.gov.

Days: 1 RP9171.701 Centennial Pk South Apr 19 9:30-11:30am Tu $35

• Maryland Wineries

• Juried Artisans

• Live Bands

• Wine Education Seminars

• Gourmet Food

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Nature Programs Call 410-313-0400 for info or to register. www.howardcountymd.gov/recreation-parks/programs

Sr. Naturalist Program

This program provides a foundation of understanding on a variety of topics through hands-on exploration and demonstrations in a casual, social atmosphere.

Robinson Nature Ctr Days: 1 RP4831.752 Spring Flower ID

Apr 21

2-3:30pm Th

$12

Thursday Planetarium Movies

Enjoy a movie under the dome in Robinson Nature Center’s planetarium with newly upgraded seating! Call 410-313-0400 to reserve tickets. No online reservations. No late seating.

Robinson Nature Ctr $5 per ticket with admission or annual pass Film: Wildest Weather in the Universe RP4804.721 Apr 28 2-2:30pm Th

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

Subscribe online! See how on p. 22

A Publication of the Department of Community Resources and Services

Celebrating Occupational Therapy Month

O

ccupational Therapy is a health care profession which helps people across their lifespan participate in the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of everyday activities, or occupations (AOTA.org). For more than 30 years, occupational therapists (OTs) and certified occupational therapy assistants (COTAs) throughout the Office on Aging and Independence (OAI) have supported healthy aging for Howard County residents, with a client-centered approach to care. Available services include home modifications; caregiver education and training; durable medical equipment; and a structured, four-hour social day program.

OAI’s Community Living Program (CLP) provides Howard County residents with resources and referrals to service providers for home modifications as well as home safety assessments and assistive devices so they can continue living in the community. Carly Shilling, an OT with the CLP, explains that the process begins by taking a close look at the individual, their environment, and their occupations, and results in a multi-faceted approach to enhance safety and quality of life.

Shilling shared the recent experience of Kathryn, a 70-year-old caregiver who was struggling to assist her loved one with bathing. “The task not only felt overwhelming, it put both of them at risk for injury,” Shilling said. “Our recommendations included installing grab bars, a shower seat and a hand-held shower, which gave Kathryn and her loved one the confidence they needed to feel safe.”

Promoting safety and independence when engaging in daily occupations is an essential part of the aging in place process. “Older adults who are experiencing a decline in function may benefit from intervention and training to create a safer and more functional environment,” said CLP’s Andrea Bryant. Training future OTs is also important; in addition to the CLP, OAI’s Connections Social Day Program, Supportive Services for Older Adults Program, and the Loan Closet have all been fieldwork sites for occupational therapy students from CCBC, Towson University, Thomas Jefferson and Ithaca Colleges.

Loan Closet Manager Mary Becker often tells students that occupational therapy encompasses much more than just providing a piece of equipment. “As an OT, my goal is to empower individuals to embrace their changing needs so they can live their life each day doing what is most important to them. Problem solving is the hallmark of our profession,” says Becker. That’s why the Loan Closet not only accepts and refurbishes donated durable medical equipment, it connects an individual’s need to appropriate adaptive equipment, provides instruction as to its use, and makes referrals to other resources in the community.

“When an illness, accident or normal aging impact a person’s ability to do what they want to do, an occupational therapist can serve as a bridge during the transition from a medical setting back to the community,” says Becker. “Navigating resources can be confusing, so we start by addressing their immediate concerns. But we also become a life-long resource for residents as their needs change.”

Volume 12, No. 4 • April 2022

A Message from Howard County Executive

Calvin Ball

T

his month, as we welcome warmer weather and spring showers, is the perfect time to venture out, make new connections, or reconnect with old friends.

Our 50+ Centers are open and welcoming back residents for meals, activities, classes and more. Over the last year, we preserved more green space in Savage and added new bocce and croquet courts at Blandair Park. I encourage you to get outside, shake off the winter, and enjoy this time with family and friends.

We recently marked two years since the start of the pandemic, a somber anniversary, but a reminder too of how far we have come.

Howard County has the highest vaccination rate in Maryland — a testament to our community’s efforts to keep one another safe.

Part of our success is due to this collective response, so be sure to get your COVID-19 booster if you haven’t already.

The past two years have been difficult, and I know that for many of our residents the isolation and time away from others has been especially challenging. I encourage you to continue to look out for one another — invite friends for a day out to walk around one of our parks, join a pickleball league, or learn a new skill. Howard County is a vibrant community with a wide range of amenities to offer — now is the perfect time to take advantage of them as you embrace the renewing spirit of spring.

Wishing you all a happy and healthy month ahead.

Through a community-wide collaborative effort, Howard County residents are able to receive durable medical equipment at no cost. In that continued spirit, we ask that you consider donating items back to The Loan Closet of Howard County when no longer needed. TWO convenient ways to make returns and donations:

1) ALPHA RIDGE LANDFILL LOAN CLOSET SHED Alpha Ridge Landfill, 2350 Marriottsville Road, Marriottsville 21104 Open Monday through Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

2) THE LOAN CLOSET LOADING DOCK Located in rear of our equipment distribution site: (see address below) Donations and Returns: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm • BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

7125 Riverwood Drive, Suite D1 Columbia, MD 21046 410-313-0363 (VOICE/RELAY)

www.howardcountymd.gov/loancloset

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

The 50+ Connection

Makes a great gift!

13

Healthcare Decisions Day — April 16, 2022 On April 16, National Healthcare Decisions Day, all Americans are encouraged to ensure that their future healthcare choices are known and protected.

The observance reminds us that it is important to make these decisions known, regardless of age or current health.

An advance directive is a legal document that tells healthcare providers who it is that you wish to make medical decisions for you and what treatments you want or do not want, if you are not able to express what you want for yourself.

There are many ways to create an advanced directive; the process does not take long, and it is generally free. Online, visit https://speakeasyhoward.org/ or download “Maryland Advance Directive: Planning for Future Health Care Decisions” at https://bit.ly/2MYwr4z.

Completed directives can be uploaded to the SpeakEasy Howard website, or you can contact the Advanced Planning Coordinator at Howard County General Hospital at 443-518-6684 to have the document uploaded to your medical record.

DCRS Salutes Those Who Are “Doing Good” Do you need help managing your chronic conditions?

Living Well workshops are designed for individuals living with, or individuals caring for someone with one or more chronic conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, obesity, chronic pain, or arthritis. Participants meet once a week for six weeks to discuss techniques to handle pain and fatigue; as well as learn about nutrition, appropriate exercise, communication skills, stress management, and setting goals. The small group setting helps adults become stronger and better educated to manage ongoing health conditions.

I really enjoyed the class! It was informative and the instructors were very knowledgeable and answered all the questions I had. I now feel more confident planning for my diabetic treatment. A class like this is a great benefit for anyone diagnosed with prediabetes or diabetes. — MAYME GRANT Living Well programs are offered through a collaboration of the Howard County Health Department, Howard County Office on Aging and Independence, and Howard County General Hospital. For a list of upcoming programs, visit www.hcgh.org/events.

For more information, or to register for one of the workshops listed below (times TBD), contact Akasha Dotson at adotson@howardcountymd.gov or 410-313-3507 (voice/relay).

Six Thursdays • May 5 – June 9 • Virtual Classes via Webex Six Fridays • May 13 – June 17 • North Laurel 50+ Center Six Wednesdays • June 15 – July 20 • Elkridge 50+ Center

An interactive experience that immerses participants into life with dementia resulting in a deeper understanding of what it’s like to live with a cognitive impairment and sensory change.

2022 SCHEDULE

Whether online, at the office, or the local food bank; whether with a vote, a voice, or a wallet – doing good comes in many forms, and we recognize — POINTSOFLIGHT.ORG and celebrate them all.

April is National Volunteer Month, a time to shine the spotlight on the people whose commitment to “doing good” helps meet the needs of those who live, work and play every day in Howard County. The Department of Community Resources and Services wants to give our volunteers a big THANK YOU shout-out!

Thank you for…

• generously sharing your time, and giving without asking for anything in return; • making an impact by using your skills and knowledge to address challenges; • demonstrating through everyday actions that every voice deserves to be heard; • sharing your passion for service to inspire future generations of volunteers.

Join us! Visit www.hocovolunteer.org to find a volunteer opportunity near you!

Do You Qualify for Property Tax Credits?

Maryland Access Point (MAP) of Howard County — the information and assistance arm of the Howard County Office on Aging and Independence (OAI) — can assist eligible residents to apply for one of the county’s property tax credit programs. Go to www.howardcountymd.gov/finance/tax-credit-central for a full list of the credits, applications and requirements. Most applications have a deadline of October 1, 2022. MAP information specialists are available by appointment to help with the application process at OAI’s offices at 9830 Patuxent Woods Drive (Columbia 20146), or at any of its six 50+ Centers.

For additional information or to schedule an appointment, contact MAP at 410-313-1234 (voice/relay).

VIRTUAL AND IN-PERSON PROGRAMS

Monday, April 11 • 2:00 pm VIRTUAL PROGRAM

— REGISTRANTS WILL BE SENT LOG-IN DETAILS PRIOR TO EVENT

Wednesday, May 11 • 6:00 pm IN PERSON EVENT TO BE HELD ON SITE AT

Howard County Office on Aging and Independence 9830 Patuxent Woods Drive, Columbia 21046

SPACE IS LIMITED! To register for Dementia Live®, call 410-313-5917.

TO REGISTER OR FOR MORE INFORMATION

EMILY LECLERCQ 410-313-5917 (VOICE/RELAY) map@howardcountymd.gov • www.howardcountymd.gov/aging

The 50+ Connection is published monthly by the Howard County Office on Aging and Independence.

This publication is available in alternate formats upon request.

To join the subscriber list, go to https://bit.ly/3o4GAee. 9830 Patuxent Woods Drive, Columbia, MD 21046 410-313-6410 (VOICE/RELAY) • www.howardcountymd.gov/aging Find us on

www.Facebook.com/HoCoCommunity

Kim Higdon Henry, Editor •

EMAIL: kahenry@howardcountymd.gov

Advertising contained in the Beacon is not endorsed by the Office on Aging and Independence or by the publisher.

14

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

Subscribe online! See how on p. 22

Money Law &

A new book recommends working as long as you can and staying married.

See article below.

Ways to benefit from rising interest rates

By Rivan V. Stinson The economy is strong, unemployment is low and inflation is worrisome, hitting a 40-year high of 7.5% in January. So, the Federal Reserve has moved up plans to wind down its bond-buying stimulus program and start lifting short-term rates.

Kiplinger forecasts four hikes in 2022, with the first one in March.

Rate hikes are a blessing and a curse for consumers. You’ll pay higher interest rates on credit cards, home equity lines of credit, private student loans and more. And although you may not notice a rate bump in the beginning, if the Fed continues to raise rates over the next couple of years, your plans to repay any debt could get tougher.

The good news for savers is that savings and money market rates tend to nudge up across the board, albeit slowly. Deposit levels are at record highs, so banks are less inclined to boost rates sooner.

Manage your debt Think of the rate-hike process as similar to the seasons changing — it happens gradually, said Greg McBride, chief financial analyst for Bankrate.com. If you have debt you are determined to pay off, he adds, you want to get a handle on it now, while rates remain relatively low.

For those carrying credit card debt — especially if it has a high interest rate — take advantage of a card with a 0% or lowrate introductory offer on balance transfers. If you can pay the entire balance during the interest-free period, you’ll pay off your debt and avoid interest rate creep.

For example, the Wells Fargo Reflect Visa doesn’t charge interest for the first 18 months, and the 0% window can be extended up to three additional months if you’ve made on-time minimum payments. You’ll have to pay a balance-transfer fee of $5 or 3% of the amount transferred (whichever is greater).

If you have a home equity line of credit and your lender allows rate locks, consider “fixing” or locking in a lower rate on some or all of your outstanding balance. HELOCs established in the past 10 years typically allow borrowers the option of creating a loan within their credit line. As you make payments on the loan, the credit line is replenished.

You may want to refinance your current HELOC or refinance your mortgage and roll your HELOC balance into it, which may be more feasible given the increased limits on conforming loans for 2022. Don’t delay if you want to refinance your mortgage — rates are still relatively low, but the long-term yields tied to mortgage rates have started to creep up.

A boon for savers Savers will get the best rates from savings and money market deposit accounts

that are already providing top yields. You’ll typically find those accounts at online banks or other online financial institutions.

Savers could be earning a rate close to the federal funds rate by the time the Fed is done raising rates. And if the Fed hikes rates nine times in quarter-point installments, as it did between 2015 and 2018, that number could hit 2.25%.

One high-rate account worth checking out is Bo Savings, which yields 0.65% and requires a $250 minimum opening deposit.

Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union offers a money market account yielding 1% on balances up to $25,000. To earn the full rate, you must have a $500 minimum monthly direct deposit into an Affinity Plus deposit account (for example, Social Security) and opt to receive digital statements. © 2022 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

This book will help you meet your goals If you are contemplating retirement, or The difference in monthly income beare in the early stages of retirement, I tween filing early at 62 or waiting until age highly recommend a new 70 is 76%. After you reach your book published this year: full retirement age, your beneMoney Magic: An Economist’s fits increase 8% per year up to Secrets to More Money, Less age 70.

Risk, and a Better Life by LauGiven this huge difference, rence Kotlikoff.

Kotlikoff argues it’s to your The author, a professor of advantage to make witheconomics at Boston Universidrawals from your IRAs or ty, has written 20 books and other retirement plans in hundreds of articles in major order to postpone taking publications, and this ranks as THE SAVINGS your Social Security benefit. one of the best books on the GAME As I have pointed out in many subject. The book covers a By Elliot Raphaelson of my columns, waiting until range of issues such as ca70 to claim your benefit proreers, college education, housing, invest- vides a much higher survivor benefit. ing, retirement accounts and divorce.

Housing: You should consider downsizYou will find that Kotlikoff’s suggestions ing when you retire. In addition, you do not align with the conventional advice should consider moving from a higheroffered by many financial advisers. Howev- cost to a lower-cost area. Kotlikoff believes er, when he offers his unconventional ad- you should use some of your retirement vice, he offers sound explanations. account assets to pay off your mortgage Here are some of the book’s highlights: before you retire. The book covers the Social Security: Kotlikoff points out pros and cons of reverse mortgages. that waiting until 70 to file for Social SecuriCollege education: Kotlikoff does not ty benefits is one of the most important re- favor borrowing money to attend college. tirement moves. It’s a point he made in his He points out that 40% of students who best-selling 2015 book, Get What’s Yours: enter college don’t finish. He discusses acSecrets to Maximizing Your Social Security. tions to take if you have a great deal of stu-

dent debt. He addresses what he calls “real student aid,” such as grants, scholarship and work study programs.

Retirement: Kotlikoff believes that too many individuals retire prematurely. He points out that every year you delay retiring is a year that you don’t have to draw from your savings or retirement accounts.

Because, on average, people are living longer, workers who retire early may spend more years living in retirement than they did working.

Investment: Kotlikoff points out that one of the biggest mistakes individuals make is failing to invest enough in their employer’s retirement plan to get the employer match.

He believes you should establish a global lifetime portfolio balance. Then adjust your asset allocation over time in light of your ability to diversify your full resources.

In other words, rebalance your portfolio on a regular basis.

He also believes that investing in safer assets such as TIPS and I-bonds serves to reduce your risk. [See “A good time for inflation-

protected bonds,” in the February Beacon.]

He believes that retirees should invest more heavily in stocks the older they are, reasoning that most older individuals spend down their assets as they age. However, their “bond-like” Social Security benefits will remain fixed. This approach will help maintain a constant ratio of risky to safe assets.

Divorce: Kotlikoff recommends, as I have said repeatedly, that if you do divorce, “do so after 10 years.” There may be sizable divorced spousal and divorced widow(er) benefits at stake.

He also comments that marriages aren’t necessarily built to last. “They need constant minding,” he writes. “Don’t take yours for granted or you may end up like almost half the country — divorced.”

In this book, Kotlikoff offers a lot of sound advice, much of it at odds with what you will read from other authors who don’t match his expertise. You will learn a great deal from it.

Elliot Raphaelson welcomes your questions and comments at raphelliot@gmail.com. © 2022 Elliot Raphaelson. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Write a letter to the editor. See page 2.

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

15

Some can file their income taxes for free

By Sandra Block Tax software can alert you to moneysaving tax deductions and credits, help you avoid costly errors, and file your tax returns electronically, which will reduce the wait for your refund.

But depending on the complexity of your return, tax software can cost you $100 or more.

Before you shell out any money, though, find out whether you can file your federal tax return — and in some cases, your state tax return, too — for free.

If you had adjusted gross income of $73,000 or less in 2021, you can prepare and e-file your federal tax return for free through IRS Free File, even if your return is complex. Each Free File participant is permitted to impose its own criteria. To find a program, go to the IRS Free File Online Options webpage.

If you don’t qualify for IRS Free File but have a fairly straightforward return, consider Free File Fillable Forms. This program allows you to fill out your tax return electronically and either e-file it or print it and mail it in. The program will do the math but does not offer guidance or advice. The free fillable forms are also available on the IRS website.

Some tax software providers also offer free programs, but make sure you qualify before you start plugging in your numbers.

For example, you can use TurboTax Free Edition if you had wages from a job (W-2 income) and limited interest and dividend income. But if you received unemployment benefits or had a health savings account, you must upgrade to TurboTax Deluxe ($39 at press time for a federal tax return).

H&R Block’s free online version allows users to report unemployment income, but if you had a health savings account last year,

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you must upgrade to H&R Block Deluxe ($29.99 at press time for a federal tax return).

FreeTaxUSA will prepare even complex federal tax returns for free. The company makes money by charging to file your state tax return, but the cost is reasonable: $14.99 for each state tax return.

Credit Karma Tax, which offered free federal and state tax programs, was acquired by Square, a financial technology company that developed Cash App, a mobile payment service, in late 2020. The program is still free, but you’ll be asked early on if you want to sync your tax and Cash App data.

The company makes money by recommending products from affiliates. You can opt out of this information-sharing request, however. © 2022 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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

Subscribe online! See how on p. 22

Travel Leisure &

To avoid vacation frustration, plan ahead. See story on page 18.

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 the store for lotion, soap and other products. ©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.

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 17

Makes a great gift! | Leisure & Travel

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

Aruba From page 16 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.

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 catama-

ran 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.

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 prop-

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 Airport to Aruba in April starts at $454 on American Airlines. Proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test is required for entry to the country.

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erty, located close to outstanding beaches, had air conditioning, a full kitchen, two pleasant outdoor decks and other amenities for a reasonable $170 per night.

For more places to stay and dine, visit aruba.com/us.

18

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

Plan your arrival at destination airports

By Ed Perkins An old-time major league pitcher once said he worried about only two types of batters — righthanders and lefthanders.

Similarly, only two kinds of airports present hostile environments: origin and destination. Origin airports are often the worst, but destination airports present their challenges, as well. Here’s how to avoid some of the worst problems.

1. Schedule. Even before you get there, you can ease destination airport

problems by scheduling your trip to minimize hassle.

• In a multi-airport city, try to book the most convenient airport — closest to your final destination, the smallest and easiest to navigate, the one with the best access to downtown, or some combination.

• Try to avoid arriving at local rush hours. It’s especially important to avoid morning rush hour arrival on overnight flights. You’ll fight the worst of the day’s traffic getting to your final destination, and

your hotel room probably won’t be ready. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve passed through London hotel lobbies at about 10 in the morning where a bunch of jetlagged travelers sat around the lobby, with their baggage, waiting for a room to open.

• If you can’t avoid an early morning arrival, and you’re eligible for an airport lounge program, you might be able to use a post-immigration “arrivals lounge” located at a few big airports. Use a lounge finder like loungebuddy.com to see if you can use one.

2. Getting to where you’re going. Unless someone is meeting you, solving the “last mile” transport riddle can be a problem at any unfamiliar airport. Do it before you get there, not after you arrive.

• The gold standard for last-mile transport 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. © 2021 Ed Perkins. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Arts &

Remember Look magazine? See reviews of books about the good old days on page 20.

On top of the world with a Baltimore artist

West Baltimore prodigy Shaw’s own storyline starts in West Baltimore, where he was raised by a creative family of musicians, dancers and visual artists.

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 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 Prize-winning author Toni Morrison in Baltimore’s famed Graffiti Alley.

He considered her passing, at age 88 in August 2019, not a loss but “an acquiring of an ancestor.”

Shaw works in multiple media, including acrylic, graphite, charcoal, oil pastels, oil stick and colored pencils, to bring his subjects to life. Some of his more famous subjects include such notables as James Baldwin, Aretha Franklin and Pablo See SHAW, page 21 Muralist and teacher Ernest Shaw Jr., 51, was born and raised in Baltimore. His work is on display on the top floor of the Inner Harbor’s World Trade Center until April 17, and the Baltimore Museum of Art recently acquired one of his works.

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.

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Read these books for a dose of nostalgia One of the prerogatives of aging is looking back through rose-colored glasses at the world inhabited by our younger selves.

These books will reinforce your perceptions that the good old days were just as great as you remember.

Look: How a Highly Influential Magazine Helped Define Mid-Twentieth-Century America, by Andrew L. Yarrow, 384 pages, Potomac Books hardcover, 2021 For nearly 35 years, between 1937 and 1971, Look magazine chronicled the events, personalities and lifestyles that shaped this country at the height of its superpower sta-

tus. The biweekly large-sized periodical, which emphasized photography, boasted 35 million readers at its peak.

Look, the book, lauds the talented photojournalists and reporters who graced the magazine’s pages. Politicians, historians and best-selling authors contributed thought-provoking articles. Cutting-edge issues such as civil rights and emerging trends like feminism were presented in a positive light to a wide audience.

With its vast circulation, author Andrew Yarrow contends, the publication shaped a consensus that kept extremism at bay and forged a national unity. He bemoans the

ANSWERS TO CROSSWORD

FROM PAGE 22 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

L A I D T S S H A R E

Y O K E D

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S W A P S

fragmentation of our culture since the choice but to follow along with the trend. magazine’s demise.

Paul delineates positive aspects of life The book’s 61 illustrations, that have been lost to being culled from the 60 million that wired to the world wide web, appeared in the periodical’s such as turning the pages of pages, will take you down memthe morning newspaper; exory lane. You should readily changing hand-signed greetspot, in a 1950 photograph, the ing cards through the mail; misidentified crooner standing enjoying an uninterrupted alongside Judy Garland. meal at a restaurant; and Prolific author and former watching a live performance journalist Yarrow earned his without upraised phones PhD from George Mason Unisnapping photos and obversity. He resides in the THE structing the view.

BIBLIOPHILE Greater Washington, D.C. area.

Many older adults have

By Dinah Rokach 100 Things We’ve Lost to adapted to the digital universe the Internet, by Pamela Paul, but have resisted transitioning 288 pages, Crown hardcover, 2021 exclusively to the new online obsession.

Pundits lament the deterioration of This book will reaffirm that choice. good manners, the loss of civility and the Dark City: The Lost World of Film hectic 24/7 nature of modern life.

Noir, by Eddie Muller, 272 pages, Contemplating the world from the quiet Running Press hardcover, revised and solitude of a comfortable chair and a large expanded edition, 2021 window has become passé. Seniors carp Survey the genre of film noir in this comabout the loss of deep friendships cultivat- prehensive and lavish large-format book. ed in a less stressful society. Many blame Dark City is written with panache and vast the smartphone. erudition by film aficionado Eddie Muller, Lo and behold, here comes a Gen X-er who is on a mission to resuscitate and gain who validates those observations. Pamela recognition for this art form, which reached Paul, editor of the New York Times Book Re- its height of fame between 1948 and 1952. view, writes from the vantage point of a proSee BIBLIOPHILE, page 21 fessional woman and parent who has no

BEACON BITS

April 3

DEPTHS OF HISTORY

The Walters Art Museum hosts a lecture series on the problematic histories of museums and other institutions. In this lecture, which takes place Sun., April 3 from 2 to 3 p.m. in the Graham Auditorium, learn how museums can navigate institutional legacies and chart a more equitable future. To register for the event, which is free and open to the public, visit thewalters.org/event/depths/ or call (410) 547-9000.

April 1

A SALUTE TO THE DUKE

The Columbia Orchestra presents a concert celebrating one of the most influential jazz musicians of all time. The concert takes place Fri., April 1 at 7:30 at Wilde Lake Interfaith Center; tickets cost $20. Proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test are required; masks are also required.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit bit.ly/SalutetheDuke.

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

Shaw From page 19 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

Bibliophile From page 20 Muller writes cogently and imparts an overarching perspective that weaves the stories behind hundreds of movies into a cohesive and fascinating narrative. While some critics may dismiss their artistic merit, Muller lauds noir movies as realistic depictions of American civilization in the post-World War II era.

The films are grouped into 13 categories, each with its own chapter. In-depth biographies and filmographies of stars of that era are inserted into the narrative.

Reprise the careers of Joan Crawford,

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

21

who, he said, “highlights the humanity of the viewer by illustrating the humanity of the subject.”

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. 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.

Barbara Stanwyck, Lizabeth Scott, Robert Mitchum, John Garfield, Robert Ryan and other luminaries. More than 200 images, including stills and publicity shots and more than 30 color posters, accompany the text.

Muller, who is in his mid-60s, transformed his youthful obsession with film noir into a dazzling franchise. He is founder and president of the Film Noir Foundation, which finds, preserves and restores lost noir classics. He is host of the weekly Turner Classic Movies cable channel’s “Noir Alley.”

Muller has also presented films at the AFI Cinema Noir City DC Film Festival in downtown Silver Spring, Maryland.

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Ongoing

RECORD YOUR COVID STORY A new oral history project, “Living and Dying with COVID-19: The

Maryland Stories,” is documenting our state’s experiences from the pandemic.

Make an appointment at one of 15 public libraries to record your story from now until January 2023. For more information, call the Glenwood Branch Library at (410) 313-5577 or email globalzrecording@gmail.com.

Ongoing

REGISTER TO VOTE BY MAIL IN MD. Request to vote by mail for the 2022 Gubernatorial elections. To apply, use your smartphone and text the letters VBM to 77788 or

return the Mail-in Ballot Request Form recently mailed to voter households by the

Our members enjoy: • Monthly Networking Meetings

Maryland State Board of Elections.

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Columbia Pro Cantare

45th Season Concerts

A Network of Professionals Dedicated to Serving Older Adults

• Directory & Website Advertising Laura Lee Fischer, conductor

May 14, 2022, 8 PM Jim Rouse Theater, Columbia ”American Voices” Celebrating American composers Different backgrounds, Different styles, Same spirit of freedom Featuring: The Chorus America Consortium Commissioned Work “Make Some Noise, Get in Trouble (Good Trouble, Necessary Trouble)”

by Roland M. Carter, adapted lyrics from speeches

by The Hon. John Lewis.

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• Professional Development Programming

To review our complete menu of marketing opportunities, visit cogsmd.org.

Prospective members are welcome to attend one meeting as our guest.

To register, email info@cogsmd.org.

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

Subscribe online! See how below

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

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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 20.

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

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Wanted ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES/ESTATE LIQUIDATION: We provide full estate liquidation/home cleanout services and we’re always buying great stuff! Especially looking for collections of vintage toys, old signs & other advertising pieces, comic books, sports memorabilia, gold & silver coins, pre-1965 coins, jewelry, historical objects, historical memorabilia, autographs, antique paintings, bronze sculptures, folk art, yard art, vinyl records, and valuable collections of all kinds. Based in Silver Spring MD, we serve Montgomery, Howard and Baltimore Counties, Washington D.C., NOVA and beyond. Also provide appraisal services for insurance/estates. We’re experts at clearing hoarder houses, too. Call Chris on cell (202) 731-9447. www.OrionsAttic.com.

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 443-562-8082 or by email: joebuyscomics@gmail.com.

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Events Howard Co. Green Fest 2022 . . . .17

Funeral Services Cremation Society of Maryland . . .5 Going Home Cremation . . . . . . . .15 Harry H. Witzke’s Family Funeral Home, Inc. . . . . . . . . . .8 MacNabb Funeral Home . . . . . . . .5 Sol Levinson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Home Health Care A-1 Action Nursing Care . . . . . . . .8 Options for Senior America . . . . .21

Home Improvement/ Remodeling Amazing Walk-in Tubs . . . . . . . . .20

Housing Brightview Senior Living . . . . . . .7 Brooke Grove . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Charlestown/Erickson . . . . . . . . . .4 Enterprise Residential . . . . . . . . .15 Morningside House of Ellicott City9 Park View Apartments . . . . . . . . .15 Residences at Vantage Point . . . . . .9 Shriner Court . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

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Medical/Health Dr. Jeannine George-Richardson, DPM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Maryland Vascular Specialists . . . .3 Medical Eye Center . . . . . . . . . . . .9

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HEALTHY LIVING CLASSES & LIVING WELL WEBINARS Register R eggiste gister aatt tthe he lli links inks below below for for Zoom Zoom classes ccllasses and and webinars webinars or contact Toni Davis at tdavis@bgf.org with questions.

Living Well Webinar VIA ZOOM: “Clarity of mind—Essentials for brain longevity”

Healthy Living Class VIA ZOOM: “Chair Yoga”

wednesday, march 23 10:30 – 11:45 A.m.

mondays and wednesdays April 18 – May 25 11 – 11:45 A.m.

Explore the latest research and practice breathing techniques that help your brain stay healthy.

Improve mobility, increase energy and improve physical function.

Free Register by March 21 at bit.ly/BGClarity

Six-week Session Fee: $30 Register by April 15 at bit.ly/BG2022ChairYoga2

Living Well webinar via zoom: “the power of breath”

Living Well Webinar VIA ZOOM: “Yoga for sleep”

Wednesday, April 20 10:30 – 11:45 A.m.

Wednesday, May 18 10:30 – 11:45 A.m.

Learn how to use your own breath to manage stress, reduce risk and exercise your lungs.

Experience better quality sleep and discover Yoga Nidra, a guided meditation for deep relaxation.

Free Register by April 18 at bit.ly/BGBreath

Free Register by May 16 at bit.ly/BGSleep