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First, accept your anxious feelings, suggested Winston, co-author of several books about dealing with anxiety. “People who are not used to having these thoughts and worries will have an instinct to put in an effort to stop it. But that tends to backfire,” she said. “The more you struggle with it and distract yourself and problem-solve, the more you make the problem worse.” For example, if you try to push away your negative feelings with distractions such as Netflix, ice cream or alcohol, it can make matters worse. Carl Jung pointed out this paradox in his famous quote, “What you resist, persists.” To understand this mental shift toward acceptance, Winston offered this metaphor: “There are two ways to turn the radio on when you’re worrying. One way is to turn on the radio to drown out the thoughts. That’s distraction, and it works for about two minutes, and then the worries come back,” she said. “The other way is to say, ‘While one part of my mind is worrying, I might as well listen to music.’” In other words, it helps to acknowledge our fear, anger or confusion. Learn to feel those emotions and their effect on our bodies, and eventually they will pass. “It’s not about changing your thoughts; it’s about changing your relationship with your thoughts, Winston said. “It’s not about stamping out worries, but being compassionate with yourself.” Psychologists suggest sitting quietly

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Keeping calm in turbulent times By Margaret Foster A racing heart, sweaty palms, an incessant urge to check the latest news. It’s normal to feel anxious during the current coronavirus pandemic. Our lives have been disrupted; businesses are shuttered; the stock market has tanked; and no one knows when life will return to normal. “We’re all having anxiety about the future,” said Dr. Sally Winston, co-founder of the Anxiety and Stress Disorders Institute of Maryland, located on the Sheppard Pratt campus. “We’re all a little nuts right now, and we have to accept that is normal.” In our new age of anxiety, what do local psychology experts recommend for managing fear and worry and staying connected?

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L E I S U R E & T R AV E L

Take an armchair adventure to New Mexico’s 400-year-old Taos and the much larger and very different capital city, Santa Fe page 15

ARTS & STYLE Telehealth in action: Most psychologists are now conducting therapy sessions by phone or computer. The Anxiety and Stress Disorders Institute of Maryland, located on the Sheppard Pratt campus, is available to help during the pandemic.

and sensing your breath and heartbeat. Take note if your jaw is clenched or you have a lump in your throat. Consider the feelings with a gentle curiosity, and notice if they change or ebb. Most likely, they will fade in a short time.

senger and WeChat — are free. Many churches are live-streaming services now, too. Classical and other musical performances are also widely available online through YouTube and Facebook.

Go on a news diet Stay in touch with others Next, don’t eschew all social contact, even with the “stay at home” order in Maryland. Pick up the phone and call a friend. Also, now is a good time to become familiar with video chat programs you can use on your smartphone, tablet or computer. Most of them — including Skype, Zoom, Google Hangouts, Facebook Mes-

While information is important, watching the news all day may do you more harm than good. If keeping up with the news brings you too much worry, it may be a good idea for you to go on a “news fast,” or restrict your news-gathering time. At the very least, try to notice what it See KEEP CALM, page 7

Best places in Baltimore to spot vibrant birds; plus, why bestselling author Isabel Allende, 77, still believes in love page 19

FITNESS & HEALTH k NIH hunts for a vaccine k Ways to treat foot pain

LAW & MONEY k The virus and your stocks k Is a new or used car best?

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How are you faring? Many of us have lived through some in a while. strange and rough times, but I think it’s We can have delivered to our door in a fair to say, our lives today are matter of hours pretty much unlike anything we have exanything we need or want, perienced in our lifetimes. running the gamut from neI heard firsthand reports cessities, like groceries and from my parents and grandpaper goods, to frivolities. parents about the difficulties But we have some very difof wartime, and I know those ferent challenges this time days were in many ways far around that, as I say, I believe more difficult — both for are unique. those on the front lines and for First, we are all, basically, the families left behind, living living alone in our own bubFROM THE on rations and worried sick. bles. So, I don’t mean to suggest PUBLISHER Ironically, people throughBy Stuart P. Rosenthal that what we’re experiencing out the entire world share today is worse than earlier our pain (and the virus), and times of deprivation. are experiencing some version of the same In fact, thanks to technology, we have it problems. And yet we have never been relatively easy. We can speak with and see, more alone as individuals. via video, family members and friends anyBecause the current “enemy” is invisiwhere in the world, at the touch of a button ble, implacable and potentially anywhere and (once we have the equipment) basical- at any time, we are told we must maintain ly free of charge. “social distance” from all other people. We That’s a huge benefit over snail mail (es- are, for the most part, barricaded in our pecially the old aerograms we used to mail homes, many of us alone. overseas) and the tremendously expensive And even for those who have partners, I long-distance calls we used to make once know couples who are sleeping in separate

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bedrooms and eating at opposite ends of the dining room table because one of them was possibly exposed to a carrier. They must feel like they are trapped in the castle of Beauty & the Beast. When my wife and I took a short walk recently to get out of the house on a pretty spring day, we and the few other walkers we encountered in the woods gave each other a wide berth. We were also, oddly, reserved in even nodding hello to each other or giving and replying to a greeting, as if the mere tilt of our heads or opening of our mouths would let demons loose upon the world. Because it’s vital that we all shelter in place and avoid public gatherings, all means of in-person entertainment have shut down. Again, thanks to technology, there’s hardly a movie we can’t see whenever we want, or a cuisine we can’t order for delivery to our front door, but there’s the undeniable loss of “experiences.” Without dining out in public or sharing theatre, music and film with fellow audience members, the enjoyment is seriously lessened. For those of us accustomed to attending synagogue, church or mosque, there is nothing stranger than praying alone on the Sabbath. There is strength in numbers, even in spiritual matters, and no longer hearing our voice join with others in singing a hymn or prayer makes us feel small and frail. So, what is life like for you now? Among the many answers I might expect to hear are, “I’m going stir crazy,” “I’m feeling depressed,” or perhaps, “I’m finally cleaning out my attic.” I think it might be enlightening to all of us who read the Beacon, and to the professionals in the aging world whose careers revolve around our needs, to hear from you. Last month, we published one of our occasional “reader surveys,” asking ques-

tions about your views of the Beacon and the purchases you plan on making in coming months. But in light of how life has so drastically changed in the last few weeks, we have refocused, and this month are publishing a completely different survey we would like to you take. Now we want to know how you are coping, how you feel about your current situation, what services you are in need of, whether you are lonely or depressed. Yes, these are very personal questions, and no one can make you answer them. It may, however, be helpful for you and others in your situation if we can compile your responses and share them in aggregate with local leaders. If you are reading this in a printed copy of the Beacon, that means you have picked up a copy either when visiting a grocery store or pharmacy for essentials, or you subscribe. You can simply fill out the survey, put it in a stamped envelope and leave it for your mail carrier to return to our office. (Someone goes in weekly to collect the mail.) If you prefer, or if you are reading this online, please complete the survey online at bit.ly/tbns0420. I will share results with you in a future column. In the meantime, stay safe, be careful, be well. And be in touch. Also, if you would like to receive the Beacon FREE via email each month or if you are not currently a subscriber and would like to subscribe to the print edition at half price ($6/year + tax), please call our office at (410) 248-9101 and leave your phone number for a call-back.

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Dear Editor: I am a Korean War veteran who spent a total of 10 years in the U.S. Air Force and reserves as an enlisted man, non-commissioned officer and finally as a commissioned officer. In every command position it was stressed that our number one duty was to protect the people under our command. Apparently, that has all changed under the Trump administration. It appears that anybody who speaks truth to power is summarily replaced. The removal of Captain Brett Crozier from command of the USS Theodore Roosevelt aircraft carrier for trying to protect his crew from the coronavirus is the latest example of

a person being fired for doing his job. The lame excuses for his removal stated by Navy Secretary Thomas Modly and Defense Secretary Esper were clearly “cover your butt” statements on behalf of the administration. The silence from Crozier’s immediate military superiors is deafening and disgusting. Videos flooding the media, showing the crew of the vessel hailing their captain as a hero, were heartening to see. These videos prove that the wrong person was fired and that our spineless military leaders have been cowered by the Trump administration. See LETTERS TO EDITOR, page 16

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Health Fitness &

HEAL THAT HEEL Plantar fasciitis seldom requires surgery. First, consider physical therapy and ultrasonic treatment HELPING HOPKINS RESEARCH If you’re a caregiver, take a one-time survey from home and get a gift card POWERFUL SPICE The orange-yellow spice turmeric may reduce inflammation and help lower cholesterol

Many searching for a COVID-19 vaccine By Lauran Neergaard A team of scientists jostled for a view of the lab dish, staring impatiently for the first clue that an experimental vaccine against the new coronavirus just might work. After weeks of round-the-clock research at the National Institutes of Health, it was time for a key test. If the vaccine revs up the immune system, the samples in that dish — blood drawn from immunized mice — would change color. Minutes ticked by, and finally they started glowing blue. “Especially at moments like this, everyone crowds around,” said Kizzmekia Corbett, an NIH research fellow leading the vaccine development. When her team sent word of the positive results, “it was absolutely amazing.” Dozens of research groups around the world are racing to create a vaccine as COVID-19 cases continue to grow. Importantly, they’re pursuing different types of vaccines — shots developed from new technologies that not only are faster to make than traditional inoculations but might prove more potent. Some researchers even aim for temporary

vaccines, such as shots that might guard people’s health a month or two at a time while longer-lasting protection is developed. “Until we test them in humans we have absolutely no idea what the immune response will be,” cautioned vaccine expert Dr. Judith O’Donnell, infectious disease chief at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center. “Having a lot of different vaccines — with a lot of different theories behind the science of generating immunity — all on a parallel track really ultimately gives us the best chance of getting something successful.”

A multi-step process First-step testing in small numbers of young, healthy volunteers is set to start soon. There’s no chance participants could get infected from the shots because they don’t contain the virus itself. The goal is purely to check that the vaccines show no worrisome side effects, setting the stage for larger tests of whether they protect. First in line is the Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute in Seattle. It is preparing to test 45 volunteers with different doses of shots co-developed by NIH and Moderna Inc.

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Next, Inovio Pharmaceuticals aims to begin safety tests of its vaccine candidate next month in a few dozen volunteers at the University of Pennsylvania and a testing center in Kansas City, Missouri, followed by a similar study in China and South Korea. Even if initial safety tests go well, “you’re talking about a year to a year and a half” before any vaccine could be ready for widespread use, stressed Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of NIH’s National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. That still would be a record-setting pace. But manufacturers know the wait — required because it takes additional studies of thousands of people to tell if a vaccine truly protects and does no harm — is hard for a frightened public. “I can really genuinely understand everybody’s frustration and maybe even confusion,” said Kate Broderick, Inovio’s research and development chief. “You can do everything as fast as possible, but you can’t circumvent some of these vital processes.”

protein aptly named “spike” that lets the virus burrow into human cells. Block that protein, and people won’t get infected. That makes “spike” the target of most vaccine research. Not so long ago, scientists would have had to grow the virus itself to create a vaccine. The NIH is using a new method that skips that step. Researchers instead copy the section of the virus’ genetic code that contains the instructions for cells to create the spike protein, thus letting the body become a minifactory. Inject a vaccine containing that code, called messenger RNA or mRNA, and people’s cells produce some harmless spike protein. Their immune system spots the foreign protein and makes antibodies to attack it. The body would then be primed to react quickly if the real virus ever comes along. Corbett’s team had a head start. Because they’d spent years trying to develop a vaccine against MERS, a cousin of the new virus, they knew how to make spike proteins stable enough for immunization, and sent that key

In a lab at NIH The new coronavirus is studded with a

See VIRUS VACCINE, page 6

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entire procedure. Through a tiny incision, a needlelike surgical probe is inserted into the degenerated tissues. When activated, the probe tip vibrates rapidly, using ultrasonic ener-

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Minimally invasive approaches

ing to improvement after several months, newer, minimally invasive interventions can be effective. Ultrasonic fasciotomy and debridement, a technology developed in part by Mayo Clinic doctors, uses ultrasound imaging to identify degenerated tissues and guide the

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The risk of plantar fasciitis is increased by factors that put extra strain on the feet, such as obesity; high-impact activities, such as running or dance aerobics; and certain faulty foot mechanics, such as flat feet, high arches or an abnormal walking pattern. Having a tight Achilles tendon or ankle muscles is also a risk factor. Risk rises if you suddenly increase your activity level, such as walking or standing a lot while on vacation. Going barefoot or wearing shoes with minimal support, particularly on hard surfaces, or routinely wearing high-heeled shoes also increases risk of injury. For most people, these small tears can be treated successfully with physical therapy and special equipment that gives the foot extra support. A cortisone injection also may be considered. But for some, this isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t enough, and finding a solution to the chronic pain and loss of function due to plantar fasciitis can be frustrating. Open surgery to remove the damaged tissue is an option, but recovery often is prolonged, and recurring pain is common.

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Dear Mayo Clinic: I am in my 60s and active. Over the years, I have had plantar fasciitis off and on, but the most recent episode has lasted longer than usual, and physical therapy hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t helped much. What are my options for treatment at this point? A: Most people with plantar fasciitis improve with basic care steps or physical therapy. However, healing can be slow and require perseverance. Newer, nonsurgical therapy options are helping with hard-to-treat cases. The plantar fascia is a fibrous band of tissue on the bottom of the foot. It connects the heel to the toes and supports the arch of your foot, acting as a shock absorber when you put pressure on your foot. Plantar fasciitis discomfort occurs at the bottom of your foot, typically near the heel bone. It can range from a dull sensation to a piercing pain. Often, it comes on gradually and affects only one foot, though it can start suddenly and affect both feet. Plantar fasciitis occurs when stress and strain cause microscopic tears in the fascia. There may be a temporary inflammatory reaction to the injury, but the true problem is degeneration of the fascia â&#x20AC;&#x201D; not the inflammation.

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Virus vaccine From page 4 ingredient to Moderna to brew up doses. How to tell it’s a good candidate to test in people? Corbett’s team grew spike protein in the lab — lots of it — and stored it frozen in vials. Then with the first research doses of vaccine Moderna dubbed “mRNA-1273,” the NIH researchers immunized dozens of mice. Days later, they started collecting blood samples to check if the mice were producing antibodies against that all-important spike protein. One early test: Mix the mouse samples with thawed spike protein and various color-eliciting trackers. If antibodies are present, they bind to the protein and glow. Corbett says the work couldn’t have moved so quickly had it not been for years of behind-the-scenes lab testing of a possi-

ble MERS vaccine that works the same way. “I think about it a lot, how many of the little experimental questions we did not have to belabor” this time around, she said. When she saw the first promising mouse tests, “I felt like there was a beginning of all of this coming full circle.”

Other approaches Inovio’s approach is similar — again using genetic code, in this case packaged inside a piece of synthetic DNA that acts as the vaccine. One advantage Broderick cites for a DNA approach is that, unlike many types of vaccines, it may not need refrigeration. A MERS vaccine that Inovio designed the same way passed initial safety studies in people, paving the way for testing the new COVID-19 vaccine candidate. Inovio is doing similar animal testing to look for presumably protective antibodies.

M AY 2 0 2 0 — B A L T I M O R E B E A C O N

While it gets ready for human safety tests, Inovio also is prepping for another piece of evidence — what’s called a challenge study. Vaccinated animals will be put in a special high-containment lab and exposed to the new coronavirus to see if they get infected or not. Regeneron Pharmaceuticals is exploring a different approach: simply injecting people with coronavirus-fighting antibodies instead of teaching the body to make its own. This method could provide temporary protection against infection, or work as a treatment for someone already infected. Regeneron vaccinated mice genetically engineered to make human antibodies. From small blood samples, researchers culled hundreds of different antibodies, and now they’re teasing out which seem most potent against that notorious spike protein, said Christos Kyratsous, Regeneron’s chief of infectious disease research. Regeneron developed this “monoclonal antibody” approach as a life-saving treatment for Ebola. Last year, it performed a successful safety test of experimental antibodies designed to fight MERS. The difference between using antibodies as a treatment or a vaccine? Low-dose shots in the arm every few months might give enough antibodies to temporarily

ward off infection, while treatment likely would require far higher doses delivered intravenously, Kyratsous said. Regeneron is pursuing both, and hopes to begin first-step safety testing in early summer. “The antibodies are the same,” he said. “We would like to have an antibody that is as flexible in administration as possible.” Whichever of these approaches, or others in the pipeline, pan out, NIH’s Corbett said scientists one day hope to have vaccines on the shelf that could be used against entire families of viruses. One frustration when scientists have to start from scratch is that outbreaks too often are waning by the time vaccine candidates are ready for widespread testing. “This is the fastest we have gone,” Fauci said of the NIH’s vaccine candidate, although he warned it might not be fast enough. Still, he called it “quite conceivable” that COVID-19 “will go beyond just a season, and come back and recycle next year. In that case, we hope to have a vaccine.” —AP. The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

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Keep calm From page 1 feels like to crave the latest news, suggested Maryland-based therapist Mark Sullivan, who has a private practice in Washington, D.C. “Notice when you want to turn on the TV,” said Sullivan, a licensed social worker who has worked at the Washington Cancer Institute and at Sibley Memorial Hospital. “That’s a totally natural, totally normal impulse. But pause right there and ask, ‘What need am I seeking to fill? Do I want information, or do I want connection?’ “If you leap at every impulse and you don’t know what need you’re trying to fill, chances are you’ll do it over and over again without ever feeling a sense of safety or closure or satisfaction,” Sullivan said. “It’s like a behavioral addiction.”

Try for mindfulness When you feel anxious thinking about the future, try to stay in the present moment, known as practicing “mindfulness.” Pause for self-reflection. Notice what’s around you. After all, at this instant, you

Plantar fasciitis From page 5 gy to break up the damaged tissues, which then are suctioned away. The procedure usually takes only a few minutes, and the incision is closed with surgical tape. Complications are uncommon. After about 10 days of rest or restricted weight-bearing, it’s usually possible to return to your regular activities. However, physical therapy still may be needed, and it usually takes longer to get back to more strenuous activities. Another treatment is called needle fasciotomy with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection. Using ultrasound imaging and a thin probe, holes are poked in damaged

are safe. “Have as ordinary a day as you can, and stay in the present as much as you can,” Winston said. “When you’re worrying, there’s a ‘what if’ [mindset], and you’re right in the future. It’s about gently escorting yourself back to the moment you’re in.” Or simply try “to do something that is sensory or active,” Winston said. “Not in order to stop thinking, but to be aware that there’s a larger experience than just thought.”

Move your body Above all, most psychologists suggest, remember the therapeutic physical and mental benefits of exercise. If your anxiety is rising, take a bike ride or walk on an uncrowded street. Follow along with a free exercise video on YouTube. “We’re encouraging fitness programs you can do at home through your online library system,” said Jenny Smith-Peers, spokeswoman at Iona Senior Services, based in Washington, D.C. “That hopefully will keep your mood up.” If you don’t have an internet connection, pull out your favorite albums (or old Jane Fonda workout tapes) and dance in your and degenerated plantar fascia tissue. This is often followed by an injection of plateletrich plasma into the fascia. Talk with your healthcare provider to see if either of these treatments would be a good option for you. — Arthur De Luigi, D.O., M.H.A., Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Ariz. Mayo Clinic Q & A is an educational resource and doesn’t replace regular medical care. Email a question to MayoClinicQ&A@ mayo.edu. For more information, visit mayoclinic.org. © 2020 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. All rights reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

living room. Even gentle stretching can release endorphins and boost your mood. Tai chi is a perfect exercise for this purpose.

How to get help If you are experiencing extreme anxiety or depression, reach out to a mental health professional. Many psychologists, including Winston and Sullivan, now offer telemedicine, or video appointments. Established patients can talk with their clinicians via Skype, Zoom or FaceTime. Medicare recently announced that it will be temporarily expanding coverage for telehealth services due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, and for the duration of the virus outbreak, doctors, nurse practitioners, clinical psychologists and licensed clinical

social workers may bill Medicare for health screenings, evaluations, mental health counseling and more taking place via telemedicine rather than in person. Medicare Advantage plans will also be expanding their telehealth services. For more information on the new coverage, see Medicare.gov/medicare-coronavirus. Winston wants people suffering from anxiety to know that there’s hope. She and the 18 practitioners in her institute, founded in 1978, are still “seeing” patients around the clock, via video or telephone. Contact the Anxiety and Stress Disorders Institute of Maryland at (410) 938-8449. Or read Winston’s Psychology Today column, “Living with a Sticky Mind,” at bit.ly/worrytips. Baltimore City residents can call the city’s free Crisis, Information & Referral Line at (410) 433-5175.

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Health Studies

M AY 2 0 2 0 — B A L T I M O R E B E A C O N

INFORMATION ON AREA CLINICAL TRIALS

How do caregivers care for themselves? By Margaret Foster When you are caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, it’s easy to neglect your own needs. That can be dangerous, especially if you yourself have a chronic condition like diabetes or multiple sclerosis. According to existing research, “80% of caregivers have a chronic health condi-

tion,” said Kyra Mendez, a Ph.D. student at the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing. “It’s more common than you’d think.” Now, Hopkins researchers want to learn whether family caregivers with a chronic health condition are using mobile apps to keep track of their own health. “The study is investigating how demen-

tia family caregivers with a chronic health condition use technology,” Mendez said. Some caregivers, for instance, may use an app called BlueStar by Welldoc to keep track of blood sugar levels. Others may use a weight loss app called Noom. The study isn’t endorsing any particular app, Mendez noted. The researchers want to know this “just so we can understand more about caregivers,” she said. “Not a lot of research has been done in this area.” People can participate from home in this “one-time survey,” Mendez said. To participate, call or email Mendez’s office for a link to the survey. It takes about

30 to 45 minutes to answer the questions, Mendez said, and participants will receive a $10 gift card for their time. The survey is open to anyone over age 18 who has a chronic medical condition and also cares for someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia. You must also own or have access to a mobile device. The National Institute of Nursing Research is a funding sponsor of the study (PI: Hae Ra Han, PhD; Johns Hopkins IRB00198665). To learn more or to participate, call (410) 929-4327 or email the research team at tech4caregiverhopkinstudy@gmail.com.

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DONATE YOUR TICKETS

If you planned to see a performance in the upcoming weeks, it has been cancelled. Some theaters suggest you “donate” your ticket and not ask for a refund, in order to sustain the arts center and help them pay their employees during the pandemic.

Ongoing

YOGA STREAMING

Take care of yourself with yoga classes streamed online. Vinyasa, yoga nidra, yin, Zumba and Pilates are available. For new students, the cost is $29 for three classes. To sign up, visit simonsaysyoga.com.

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Several grocery stores have designated shopping hours for older adults and vulnerable populations. Walmart opens one hour early for seniors every Tuesday. On Tuesdays and Wednesdays, Target has designated the first hour for older adults, at 7 or 8 a.m., depending on the store. Whole Foods also opens its doors to older adults one hour before official opening. Safeway stores are open from 7 to 9 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays for seniors. For updated information, call your local grocery store or check its website.

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B A L T I M O R E B E A C O N — M AY 2 0 2 0

Turmeric offers variety of health benefits By Julie Stewart What do mustard and curry powder have in common? Their yellow hue comes courtesy of turmeric. This golden spice comes from the Curcuma longa or Curcuma domestica plant, which is native to South Asia. The bold-tasting spice comes from the rootlike section that grows under the soil, called a rhizome. The rhizomes are boiled and dried to make turmeric powder, which is sold on its own and also incorporated into many curry powder blends. You can find the fresh version at some specialty grocery stores.

Other research published in Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science links curry with eye health, saying people who frequently consumed curry were less likely to have high myopia, an eye condition that can cause vision loss. Got gut problems? Turmeric might help here, too. In a study published in the British Journal of Nutrition, curcumin reduced inflammation in the guts of people with inflammatory bowel disease. What’s more, turmeric can act as a natural pain reliever. One study from Thailand found that curcumin extract worked about as well as ibuprofen to relieve pain among people with osteoarthritis.

Lemon 1. Mix turmeric and honey in a mug to make a paste. 2. Fill the mug with hot (not boiling) water.

Mix well and add a squeeze or slice of lemon. SHAPE is dedicated to helping you live a healthy and happy life. Shape your life. Eat right. Get fit. Online at www.shape.com.

An anti-inflammatory Turmeric has powerful anti-inflammatory properties. One teaspoon of turmeric powder contains just nine calories, but the golden spice is truly a star because of its anti-inflammatory compounds, including one called curcumin. Turmeric powder is about 3% curcumin, suggests one study published in Nutrition and Cancer. “Turmeric and curcumin, the most active constituent of the spice, have been the subject of thousands of studies,” said Maribeth Evezich, a dietitian based in New York City. “This research shows that curcumin has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties as well as antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal and immune-modulating activities.” You could benefit from eating up to a teaspoon a day.

Reduces cholesterol, too Curcumin may have artery-clearing effects. In one study from Taiwan, people who consumed curcumin extracts daily significantly reduced their levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) in just 12 weeks.

Ways to use turmeric The first and easiest way to use turmeric is to cook with it: Sprinkle turmeric powder on vegetables like cauliflower before roasting, recommended Evezich. Simmer the spice into soup, or add it to the water you use to cook rice or lentils. Add turmeric to smoothies or oatmeal or sauté with scrambled eggs or tofu. If you prefer (and can find) the fresh root, use 1 tablespoon grated fresh turmeric as a substitute for 1 teaspoon dried, Evezich said. To maximize the benefits of turmeric, combine it with fat, such as coconut oil, she added. This helps distribute the spice evenly into your dish. Add black pepper for more flavor and power. The seasoning can boost your body’s absorption of curcumin. Try this turmeric tea recipe:

Turmeric Tea ¼ teaspoon ground turmeric ½ teaspoon honey Hot water

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Money Law &

LASTING LEGACY Some of the most common estate plan mistakes and how to avoid them (Hint: update your beneficiaries and fund a revocable living trust) AUTO ADVICE Should you buy a new or used car? Surprisingly, sometimes newer can be cheaper, and typically new cars have better technology

How virus may affect your investments By Anne Kates Smith Americans already worried about their health are now frightened about their finances. Global financial markets spiraled into bear market territory in record time thanks to the virulent, cross-border spread of the coronavirus that causes the COVID19 infection. As the number of U.S. cases surged in mid-March and President Trump declared a national state of emergency, the specter of a global recession quickly morphed from economists’ worst-case scenario to their base-case assumption. For U.S. stock investors, the bear attack seemed to come out of nowhere. The broad stock market, measured by Standard & Poor’s 500-stock index, plunged to a 30% loss at one point in mid-March, closing on March 17 down 25% from a record high set only in mid-February. Where the market bottoms depends on the course of the pandemic. But it’s important to remember that bear market bottoms are more of a process than a level on an index, and volatility may linger as the damage to companies’ bottom lines and to the

Frank, Frank

economy overall comes into sharper focus. “Without any fundamental guideposts to ground investors in reality, they’re left establishing stock and bond prices on the basis of their worst nightmares,” strategist Jim Paulsen at the Leuthold Group said. Strategists at Goldman Sachs have lowered their forecast for corporate profits in 2020 — twice. Goldman now sees a 5% drop in corporate profits this year compared with 2019, with earnings collapsing in the second and third quarters before reviving by year-end.

A recession is likely The virus first snarled supply chains from China, then whacked demand for goods and services as individuals and businesses hunkered down. The manufacturing sector was weak already. And the collapse in oil prices as global demand weakens and Russia and Saudi Arabia feud does more damage to the energy sector and the economy than lower gas prices will help consumers. To support the economy, the Fed lowered its benchmark short-term rate to 0% to 0.25% and launched a $700 billion bond-

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buying program. As of press time, lawmakers are working on legislation that would provide paid sick leave to some workers, strengthen unemployment insurance, and give tax credits and other relief to small businesses to lessen the impact of the virus. And the Trump administration is shaping a monster stimulus plan that could reach $2 trillion and include aid for airlines and small businesses, as well as checks mailed directly to Americans. Even so, Kiplinger expects an economic contraction in the second and third quarters — meeting the definition for recession of two consecutive declining quarters — with meager growth of 0.2% for 2020, and unemployment rising from a current low of 3.5% to more than 5%.

Optimists forecast rebound Sharp, swift stock-market drops are often followed by dramatic rebounds. Goldman’s chief strategist David Kostin sees a mid-year low of 2000 on the S&P 500, a 41% drop from the high. But he forecasts a sharp rebound — a bit higher than the median six-month return follow-

ing previous event-driven bear markets — that could lift the S&P 500 to 3200 by yearend, a nearly 27% jump from its close on March 17. Not all strategists are as optimistic, but most are urging investors to take advantage of a rocky market to gradually add to holdings at bargain prices. “Investors should, in a disciplined, patient way, in line with their risk tolerance, add to certain sectors,” said Sameer Saman, a global market strategist at Wells Fargo Investment Institute. Wells Fargo favors U.S. over international stocks, midsize and large-company shares over small-caps, and sectors including technology, communication services, consumer discretionary and — a dark horse pick as interest rates plummet and recession looms — financials. As you assemble a stock market buy list, tilt toward high-quality and dividend-paying investments. Look for companies with consistent earnings growth, wide competitive “moats” and strong balance sheets, with little debt and plenty of cash. See CORONAVIRUS HIT, page 12

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M AY 2 0 2 0 — B A L T I M O R E B E A C O N

Avoid some common estate plan mistakes By Bud Boland A few years ago, I received a phone call from a woman understandably upset that she might not inherit any of her deceased father’s large 401(k) plan, even though he was divorced and she was an only child. Unfortunately, about a year before, her father divorced for the second time and failed to remove his ex-wife as the beneficiary of his 401(k). While the man probably never intended for his ex-wife to receive his assets and entirely cut out his only child, that is exactly what happened. An estate plan consists of three primary documents that will provide clarity about how you would like your wishes carried out both during life and after you die: a will, a durable power of attorney and a healthcare power of attorney. The latter two legal documents desig-

nate individuals to help make decisions involving your finances or health in case you cannot while you’re still living. In my work helping families design estate plans that effectively reflect their wishes, here are five common mistakes I see: 1. No estate plan at all A will provides specific information about who will receive your money, property and other assets. It’s important even for people with minimal assets. Without a will, state law decides who will receive your assets, and it’s not likely they will be distributed the same way you would want. Dying without a will, known as dying intestate, involves a time-consuming and costly process for your heirs that can easily be avoided by simply having a will. A will provides the opportunity to appoint an executor to carry out the business of closing your estate and distributing your

assets. In lieu of a will, these appointments will likely be made by a probate court. 2. Missing or incorrect beneficiaries Many people are surprised to learn that some of their assets, such as retirement accounts and life insurance policies, are not controlled by their will. To make certain the right person inherits these assets, a specific person or trust must be named as the beneficiary for each account. Without updating the beneficiary, the amount in that account will go to the person they named decades ago, instead of a spouse, their children or both. 3. Incorrect joint title Married couples can own assets jointly, but they may not realize that there are different types of joint ownership: Joint Tenants with Rights of Survivorship (JTWROS): If one person passes away, their spouse or partner will auto-

matically receive the deceased person’s portion of the asset by order of law. This transfer of ownership bypasses a will entirely. Tenancy in Common (TIC): Each joint owner has a separate transferrable share of the asset. Each person’s will dictates who inherits the share. It is not uncommon to see improper joint asset titling become an issue if a deceased person’s share of a joint asset is intended to be used for a specific purpose, such as funding a trust, following their death. For example, George and Mary are a married couple with a large amount of investment assets. Their non-retirement accounts are all owned together as Joint Tenants with Rights of Survivorship.

Coronavirus hit

is another BofA pick, yielding a whopping 7.74%. Companies that Goldman Sachs singles out for their stable earnings growth and strong balance sheets include Alphabet (GOOGL, $1,118) and Costco Wholesale (COST, $307), both of which stand to benefit in the face of the coronavirus. Tactical investors looking for other stocks that should do well during the COVID Col-

lapse can consider so-called stay-at-home stocks. Zoom Video Communications (ZM, $111), which connects users across devices and locations in a single meeting. The stock has returned nearly 3% since mid-February. In the week ended March 13, Teledoc Health (TDOC, $118), says it provided roughly 100,000 virtual medical visits, in the U.S., a 50% spike from the prior week. Drug stocks that will benefit include

Gilead (GILD, $75), currently testing a treatment for COVID-19, with results due in April. Moderna (MRNA, $28), is further along in creating a vaccine than any other drug company, according to research firm Morningstar. Quest Diagnostics (DGX, $86), is launching a COVID-19 testing service. © 2020 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

From page 11

Stocks to consider According to strategists at BofA Securities, high-quality stocks with defensible dividends include software giant Microsoft (MSFT, $147), yielding 1.39% and healthcare firm Baxter International, (BAX, $81), yielding 1.09%. Fifth-Third Bancorp, (FITB, $14)

See ESTATE PLAN, page 14

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Law & Money

B A L T I M O R E B E A C O N — M AY 2 0 2 0

Should your next car be new or used? By David Muhlbaum At Kiplinger, we’ve hewed pretty closely to the same car-buying advice over the years: Used cars offer the best value. Not overspending on a depreciating asset fits well with our get-rich-slowly philosophy. As designated car guy, I’ve repeated that mantra plenty of times. But recently a friend challenged me on it. He was looking for something safe for his kids, with a stick shift and a hint of sportiness. Maybe a new Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla iM? No problem with your choices, I said, but why not buy used? His counter: Carmaker subsidies made the interest rate he would pay for a loan on a new car much lower than the rates he was finding for used-car loans. Also, he argued, a three-year-old car would be that much closer to needing new tires, brakes and possibly major service. “But...but...depreciation!” I sputtered. At the same time, I remembered that the models he was considering have superhigh residual values. Maybe he was right?

When new makes more sense I resolved to run some numbers and check with experts to see if it ever makes more financial sense to buy a car new rather than used. Note that I said financial sense. Some

people, for any number of reasons, will never buy a used car. Others won’t ever buy new (price is often the reason). My friend was in neither of these camps, and I imagine there are others like him. What’s the answer? According to Ivan Drury, senior insights manager for Edmunds.com, there are cases when it’s better to buy new than used. “It isn’t even rare,” he said. “You need vehicles that are low-priced to start with and have high resale value.” Some examples he provided: the Toyota Tacoma pickup, Toyota 4Runner (a popular old-school SUV), the Jeep Wrangler and the Subaru Crosstrek (a small crossover). “With these,” he said, “the price differential is not enough to say, ‘Hey, go out and buy a used car.’”

Buy used luxury cars It’s the opposite case for luxury vehicles. For these, favorable financing and free maintenance can’t make up for the huge depreciation hit, Drury said. Buy used. What about the cars on your short list, which might be somewhere in between these two groups? I recommend starting with an online calculator, such as the Edmunds True Cost to Own tool, to consider all the costs (insur-

ance, depreciation, maintenance and more) that go into car ownership. If you want to get deeper into the financing costs, also check out State Farm’s New Car vs. Used Car calculator, which (for better and worse) lets you input your own values for almost all of the parameters. And, of course, it’s important to make an apples-to-apples comparison. Eric Ibara, director of KBB’s 5-Year Cost to Own tool, notes that cars get better and safer all the time.

“There are a lot of features coming out on new cars that are not available on a three- or five-year-old car,” he said. “The safety technology, for example — some of the older cars had it, but not all of them did.” Fortunately for my buddy’s situation, there’s not much difference between a 2020 Honda Civic and one from three model years earlier. So, for a Civic LX with a six-speed, over five years, it will cost $228 See NEW OR USED CAR, page 14

Law & Money | Subscribe for half-price. See p. 22

Estate plan From page 12 Assuming George passes away first, his wish is to use a portion of the investments to fund a trust created by his will for their four grandchildren. However, because all of the assets automatically go to Mary once he

M AY 2 0 2 0 — B A L T I M O R E B E A C O N

dies due to the JTWROS titling, there will be no assets available from George’s estate to fund the grandchildren’s trust. 4. Failure to fund a revocable living trust A living trust allows a person to place assets in a trust with the ability to freely move assets in and out of the trust while living. At

BEACON BITS

Ongoing

SEE FAMOUS MUSEUMS FROM HOME Not being able to travel physically doesn’t mean we can’t still ex-

plore. Check out virtual tours of museums around the world, including the Korea’s National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, the British Museum, the Van Gogh Museum and Mexico’s National Museum of Anthropology. You can also view our country’s famous museums, including the National Gallery of Art in D.C. and the Guggenheim Museum in New York. To access these tours, visit http://bit.ly/EuropeanMuseum.

death, assets continue to be held in trust or distributed to beneficiaries, all of which is dictated by the terms of a trust document. The major advantages of a revocable living trust are twofold: First, it reduces or eliminates the time and expense associated with the probate process, which is necessary with a will. Second, it provides privacy and protection from the probate process. (A will, when submitted to probate, becomes public record, which makes it not only visible but able to be challenged.) The most common mistake made with a revocable living trust is failure to retitle or transfer ownership of assets to the trust. This critical step is often overlooked after the “heavy lifting” of drafting the trust document is completed. However, the trust is of no use if it does not own any assets. 5. It may not make sense to name a trust as a beneficiary of an IRA. The new SECURE Act, which went into effect on January 1, 2020, calls for the removal

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of a provision known as the stretch IRA. This provision allowed non-spouses inheriting retirement accounts to stretch out disbursements over their lifetimes. The stretch IRA allowed assets in retirement accounts to continue their tax-deferred growth over many years — a very powerful strategy. But the new law requires a full payout from the inherited IRA within 10 years of the death of the original account holder, in most cases, when a non-spouse individual is the beneficiary. Because of these changes, it may no longer be ideal for a person to name a trust as the beneficiary of their retirement account. It is possible that either distributions from the IRA may not be permitted when a beneficiary would like to take one, or distributions will be forced to take place at an undesirable time and unnecessary taxes will be generated. Speak with an attorney and revisit estate plans to ensure that the new SECURE Act provisions do not create unintended consequences. This article was written by and presents the views of the author, not the Kiplinger editorial staff. Check adviser records with the SEC or FINRA. © 2020 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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

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BALTIMORE COUNTY Cove Point Apartments I: 410-288-2344 Cove Point Apartments II: 410-288-1660 Evergreen Senior Apartments: 410-780-4888 The Greens at English Consul: 410-789-3000 The Greens at Liberty Road: 410-655-1100 The Greens at Logan Field: 410-288-2000 The Greens at Rolling Road: 410-744-9988 Park View at Catonsville: 410-719-9464 Park View at Dundalk: 410-288-5483 • 55 & Better Park View at Fullerton: 410-663-0665 Park View at Miramar Landing: 410-391-8375 Park View at Randallstown: 410-655-5673

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

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

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

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New or used car From page 13 less to buy a 2020 model than a 2017 one. As expected, the new car costs more up front and depreciates more dramatically, but maintenance and repairs are higher for the used model. Not a huge difference, but don’t forget, you get that new-car smell along with your savings. © 2020 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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DIALYSIS CONTINUES

If you are a kidney patient, the coronavirus will not stop your necessary care. Dialysis appointments will continue, according to the National Kidney Foundation. Visit kidney.org for more information about what you and your facility should be doing for your safety.

Ongoing

TOUR NATIONAL PARKS You can still see the

beauty of nature, even from the confines of your home. Tour famous national parks online. To see a list of available parks, visit http://bit.ly/NatParkTour.

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Travel

Leisure &

Artisans sell original artwork in Santa Fe’s plaza. See story on page 17.

The many allures of Taos, New Mexico local told me, “Nothing in Taos is very far from anything else.” But what it lacks in size, it makes up in appeal and attractions. Let’s pick up the story in 1540, when a Spanish expedition arrived to find magnificent structures in which the peaceful Tiwa Pueblo Indians lived. A period of co-existence between the two groups later gave way to decades of conflict. Eventually a land grant to Spanish families led to the establishment of a town that would become Taos. The heart of that settlement was, and remains, a walled plaza enclosed by adobe buildings.

PHOTO BY NEW MEXICO TRUE

By Victor Block Editor’s Note: As of the time of publication, the COVID-19 virus has reached New Mexico and is spreading through the community. As with most areas of the country, there are widespread restrictions on personto-person contact, and many businesses are either closed or are limiting operations. This is not the time to travel there, or anywhere, for enjoyment. Please enjoy this travel section as armchair entertainment and for planning your future travel in healthier times. In Taos and Santa Fe, the ochre color of the predominant adobe buildings blends naturally with that of the surrounding desert of New Mexico. Historic houses, walls and other structures have gentle curves that replicate the natural world. An almost countless number of art galleries line the streets of the two communities. Reminders of their origins as colonial Spanish outposts and frontier towns are everywhere. Yet Santa Fe and Taos offer experiences that are as different as the sun-filled days and starlit nights of New Mexico. For starters, Santa Fe claims special status as the state capital. It was founded by Spanish colonists in 1610, making it the oldest state capital in the United States. Its population of about 83,000 is some 14 times larger than that of Taos. By contrast, Taos is compact. As one

Historic district walking tour The Plaza is the best place to begin an exploration of Taos’ historic district. It’s a short walk to a number of highlights that relate chapters of the Taos tale. Four rooms in the Ernest L. Blumenschein Home and Museum form part of the protective walls that surrounded the original settlement. Later they were incorporated into a home where the artist, and his painter wife, lived and worked during the first decades of the 20th century. In addition to original furnishings, the house displays a collection of paintings by its former occupants and other artists. These include members of the Taos Society of Artists which, during that group’s existence (1915-1927), earned the tiny town recognition as a major art colony.

The wide-open spaces near Taos, New Mexico, can be explored on horseback or on foot. The town of 6,000 is known for its art galleries, museums and colorful chile peppers.

PHOTO BY JOHN MACKENZIE BURKE

Works by Taos Society members also hang on the walls of the Taos Art Museum at Fechin House, along with paintings by its namesake. Nicolai Fechin was a Russian émigré who came to town in 1927 and grew to be recognized as a leading portraitist. Other museums, some located in the homes of former illustrious residents, also relate parts of the intriguing history of Taos. The Harwood Museum displays works by outstanding 18th-to-21st century artists. The Couse-Sharp Historic Site is named for two painters who worked there and were instrumental in creating the rich cultural fabric of Taos. The story of the Millicent Rogers Museum involves the high-society scion of a wealthy industrialist who picked Taos as the perfect place to recover from a failed romantic affair with Hollywood actor Clark Gable. Her collection of fine art and antiques includes jewelry, textiles, pottery and other arts and crafts indigenous to the area.

Extensive shopping options

Built 1,000 years ago, the multi-story dwellings of the Taos Pueblo are still home to a vibrant Native American community of about 4,500 people. The pueblo, a National Historic Landmark, is the oldest continuously inhabited place in the United States.

Along with its claim to fame as a center for a fascinating fusion of artistic genres, Taos is a major shopping mecca. Much of the selling and buying is centered in and around the Plaza. The scene is set by stores with names

like Taos Cowboy, Taos Trading Center and Mesa’s Edge. A number of museum gift stores also offer unusual and often unique merchandise that can cause visitors to open their eyes, and often their wallets. Narrowing down what can be an overwhelming selection of places to shop and products to buy can be a challenge. The array of Western boots alone offers a daunting choice. In the words of one stylist, “We used to make boots to fit in saddle stirrups. Now we make them to step on the gas pedal of a Cadillac.” There’s nary a familiar chain store name in sight. My suggestion: Narrow down the time you plan to spend shopping by arriving with some idea of what kind of mementoes or other items you’d like to take home.

Native American pueblos A different cultural experience greets visitors to the Taos Pueblo, one of 19 pueblos (Spanish for towns or villages) in northern New Mexico. The complex, multi-storied earthen structures are considered to be the oldest continuously inhabited place in the country. While the community is only a short drive from town, it comprises a sovereign nation, governed by a traditional Native See TAOS, page 16

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Taos From page 15 American hierarchy where life goes on much as it has for some 2,000 years. Most of the residents live in more modern dwellings scattered about the sprawling pueblo acreage, but about 150 people continue to cling to the old ways in the original apartments. They make do without electricity or running water, and bake bread in outdoor beehive-shaped ovens, or hornos. Some rooms of ground-floor apartments function as shops that sell handmade jewelry and paintings by Native American artists, which are authentic but sometimes a bit pricey. A better deal, I decided, was paying $4

M AY 2 0 2 0 — B A L T I M O R E B E A C O N

for a snack of fry bread, cooked to order and served with a choice of powdered sugar, cinnamon or honey. The chef was a charming 10-year-old girl working under the supervision of her grandfather. A teenage boy proudly displayed a row of arm tattoos of famous Native American chiefs. Pointing to the face at the top, nearly shoulder high, he identified the image as Sitting Bull, a renowned tribal leader during the years of resistance against the United States government. Along with the Taos Pueblo and other major must-see sites, I came across several other places that may lie beneath some visitors’ radar that are worth a look-see. The Bent House Museum was where the first American governor of New Mexi-

BEACON BITS

Ongoing

CONCERTS FROM HOME

Rolling Stone magazine launched an online music series for concerts that you can watch at home called “In My Room.” New episodes will be available every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 3 p.m. with famous musicians. To view, go to rollingstone.com/t/in-my-room.

Ongoing

co lived. He died in 1847 when he was scalped during an uprising by Native Americans acting under the direction of Mexican conspirators. Tourists can see the hole in the wall through which some of its inhabitants escaped the attack. You can also visit the low-slung adobe house of Kit Carson, a 19th-century frontiersman, trapper, scout, Indian agent and Army officer. He became a legend due to often exaggerated stories about him in news articles and dime novels. His house, where he lived for almost a quarter-century, is a repository of artifacts that illustrate the various phases of his career. Carson’s house, and Carson himself, typify the captivating tales, historical tidbits and cultural mélange that draw visitors to Taos.

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If you go The Hotel Don Fernando de Taos immerses guests in the ambience of the region. Murals, paintings and tapestries were provided by local artists. Hand-crafted bed frames, and

Letters to editor From page 2 Captain Brett Crozier deserves a medal for his actions. John O’Hara, Ph.D. Bowie, Md. [Ed’s Note: After this letter was submit-

cowboy and Indian statues that dot the landscape, add to the gallery atmosphere. Rates begin at $89. Call (575) 751-4444 or check tapestrycollection3.hilton.com. When it comes to dining in New Mexico, know in advance that two colors of chile peppers can’t be avoided: red and green. And understand what it means when a waitperson asks, “Do you want red, green or Christmas (mixed) chiles?” People are very passionate about their chile choices there. Nonetheless, a casual atmosphere awaits diners at Orlando’s New Mexican Café, one of numerous restaurants favored by locals. Entree prices range from $9 (beans topped by chicken or beef and green chile) to $17 (grilled flatiron steak with chiles, tortilla and other accompaniments). Call them at (575) 751-1450. Round-trip flights from BWI to Albuquerque start at $300; check cdc.gov for current travel advice. By car, Taos is a 28hour drive from this area. For more information about Taos, call (800) 732-8267 or visit taos.org. ted, Secretary Modly resigned over the uproar that followed his widely panned speech to the crew of the USS Theodore Roosevelt attempting to defend his actions. Whether Captain Crozier will receive a medal remains to be seen. He is currently battling COVID-19 himself, together with nearly 300 members of his crew.

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Say you saw it in the Beacon | Leisure & Travel

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Visiting Santa Fe, Taos’ larger neighbor By Victor Block A first-time visitor to Santa Fe may initially view the city as Taos on steroids. That observation does tell part of the story — but only part. New Mexico’s capital city and its neighbor share many attributes, but also have their differences. Therein lies the appeal of seeing both places in a single visit; Santa Fe is about an hour and a half south of Taos. Santa Fe is known largely as a “big, little city” with multicultural roots and a focus on visual arts. More than 200 galleries represent artists whose works range from funky to fine, pre-Columbian to post-modern, European to Native American. Like Taos, the heart of Santa Fe is its plaza, as it has been since 1610. The square is dotted with pushcarts from which vendors peddle snacks and various wares. Native American artisans gather beside the Palace of the Governors selling jewelry and crafts. That adobe structure, which dates to 1610, is the oldest continuously occupied government building in the United States. Churches also tell part of Santa Fe’s story. The San Miguel Chapel was built between 1610 and 1626, and is regarded as the oldest known church in the United States. It is still open to the public (though probably not during the pandemic). A short walk away is the Loretto Chapel.

When it was completed in 1878, its builders couldn’t figure out how to construct access to the choir loft, according to legend. Nuns prayed to St. Joseph, patron saint of carpenters, for a solution. Shortly thereafter a man with a tool box appeared, built the elegant stairway that graces the church today, and disappeared without payment or thanks. The staircase makes two 360-degree turns and has no visible means of support. It has been the subject of television programs and movies, including one titled “Unsolved Mysteries,” a Lifetime series with 16 seasons. Other historical and cultural tidbits come to light at Santa Fe’s museums. The Museum of International Folk Art houses the world’s largest collection of that artistic style. Among its unusual exhibits are early 19th-century European toy theaters and Ukrainian straw dolls.

Georgia O’Keeffe house A short drive away is the home and studio where the legendary artist Georgia O’Keeffe lived and worked for nearly 40 years. Sections of the single-story adobe structure are believed to date to the 1730s. The house itself and the cottonwood trees outside are depicted in a number of O’Keeffe’s paintings. Relegating O’Keeffe’s place to new-kidon-the-block status is the aptly named “Oldest House.” Its structure rests on the

foundation of an Indian pueblo which stood at the site around 1200 A.D. Roof beams have been dated to about 1646, and the building briefly served as home to a Spanish territorial governor. Two other places that I visited became personal favorites. The Santa Fe Botanical Garden displays both native and foreign plants and flowers that thrive in the arid New Mexican climate. Sections are devoted to roses and perennials with a meadow environment. Fruit trees that were selected for their ability to withstand dry conditions adorn the garden. Not far away is the National Park Service’s Santa Fe National Historic Trail. In 1821, traders, who were followed by pioneers and settlers, established a route between Missouri and Santa Fe. Riders on mule- and ox-drawn wagons, stagecoaches and Pony Express made the challenging journey, traveling some 900 miles across the Great Plains. Arrival of the railroad at the trail’s terminus in 1880 ended its usefulness. A massive bronze sculpture, “Journey’s End,” captures what may have been a common scene from the period when the trail was used: Six tired mules strain to pull a heavy wagon up a hill as a puebloan woman looks on. The trail boss points toward the end of the route, and a boy running away from the town with his dog

waves a greeting to welcome the caravan.

If you go To me, Santa Fe lacks some of the smalltown charm and laid-back ambience of Taos. Outside of the historic districts, it has a more citified, commercial facade. It also has more traffic, though it doesn’t rival the Greater Washington area. But Santa Fe’s excellent places to stay and eat can enhance a visit. At the El Rey Court boutique hotel, adobe-style architecture on a five-acre landscaped campus echo the desert surroundings. Constructed in 1930 along the original Route 66, its recently renovated rooms are decorated with original works by local artists. Rates begin at $140. For more information, call (505) 982-1931 or visit elreycourt.com. Santa Fe residents seeking a special dining experience often head to Rancho de Chimayo, a destination restaurant located about a half-hour drive away in Chimayo. Housed in a century-old adobe hacienda, it serves traditional New Mexican cuisine like tortilla beef wrap ($14.50) and chicken fajita salad ($13). A selection of comidas nativas (native meals) is priced from $12 to $17.75. For more information, call (505) 3514444 or check ranchodechimayo.com. For more information about Santa Fe, call 1-800-777-2489 or visit santafe.org.

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Say you saw it in the Beacon

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Arts &

Best-selling author Isabel Allende lives a modest life. See story on page 20.

Find wilderness in the urban landscape

Newcomers welcome on walks To help residents and visitors spot those birds, Creamer’s group hosts monthly guided birdwatching walks in Patterson Park and Druid Hill Park. These events, which are on hold during the coronavirus pandemic, “welcome all abilities,” she said, emphasizing that bird-lovers “don’t have to leave the city to find nature.” While the Cones consider the indigo bunting their “spark bird” (the insider term for a species that triggers a person’s avian fer-

vor), it was the guides on PPAC’s walks who solidified their entrée into the birding world. “The ‘bird guides’ are extraordinarily knowledgeable about all things bird[-related],” Cory Cone said. “Their excitement and passion hooked me immediately.” The popularity of birdwatching (also known as “birding”) walks inspired the organization to host the first-ever Baltimore Birding Weekend in the spring of 2017, serving up three days of activities within the city limits. “We try to take participants to behindthe-scenes locations, as well as unlikely spots they might not otherwise know about,” Creamer said. Past events have included a boat ride around the Inner Harbor, a bird walk through storied Greenmount Cemetery, and bird research in Patterson Park. In 2019, people tallied 136 species at the park over a single weekend. Nathalie Cone thinks Baltimore Birding Weekend is a perfect event for finding birds — and new friends. “We had such a blast being with fellow birders as we searched for waterfowl,” she said of the Inner Harbor boat ride. The next Baltimore Birding Weekend is scheduled for May 15 through 17, but will likely be postponed due to the current stay-at-home mandate in Maryland. In the meantime, there are plenty of ways to appreciate birds in Baltimore all year round. The PPAC holds frequent, cost-free workshops about creating bird-friendly gardens

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By Ashley Stimpson Eight years ago, Cory Cone and his wife, Nathalie, wandered into Mount Washington’s Clyburn Arboretum, where they were drawn to a collection of stuffed birds. Among them was an indigo bunting, a bird known for its vibrant azure hue. “I was completely amazed that a bird that beautiful could be seen in the city I lived in,” Cone said. He immediately began a quest to find a bunting in Baltimore. Along the way, the Cones discovered a slew of birdwatching opportunities right here in Charm City. Smack dab in the Atlantic flyway (a major north-south migratory path that spans the continent), Baltimore is an ideal birding destination due to its “proximity to water and big islands of green space,” according to Patterson Park Audubon Center (PPAC) Director Susie Creamer. Open areas like Patterson Park and Gwynns Falls “give the birds something they can see from above,” Creamer said.

The brilliant blue color of the male indigo bunting has inspired some Baltimoreans to pursue birdwatching. Patterson Park and Druid Hill Park are popular sites for aficionados to go “birding.”

in the city. The Baltimore Bird Club (BBC), a chapter of the Maryland Ornithological Society, offers monthly lectures, some of which are now online, and guided field trips. BBC also facilitates Lights Out Baltimore, a program dedicated to ensuring the safety of migratory birds — who find their

way using the stars and moon — by encouraging business owners to turn off decorative lighting during peak migration seasons. The group also advocates for birdsafe building design and rescues birds See BIRDING, page 20

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Writer Isabel Allende still believes in love By Sigal Ratner-Arias Over the last year, Isabel Allende has been coping with loss and grief after the passing of her mother, a stepfather whom she “adored,” and an ex-husband. But not everything was bad, she said: “On the other hand, I also got married last year.” At 77, the Chilean author still believes in love. “I am not afraid of it,” she said, laughing when talking about her third nuptials, to New York lawyer Roger Cukras. She also published her 17th novel and 24th book, A Long Petal of the Sea. It follows Victor and Roser, a couple fleeing the Spanish Civil War. The writer places them among the 2,000

refugees aboard the real-life SS Winnipeg, an old cargo ship arranged by the poet Pablo Neruda to bring Spanish exiles to Chile. It is the third novel about refugees, displacement and migration by Allende, who was born in Peru, raised in Chile, and lived in exile in Venezuela before settling down in California about 30 years ago. In an interview with the Associated Press, Allende spoke enthusiastically about her life, work and her own unconventional loves. AP: A Long Petal of the Sea tells a new generation what Neruda did to save 2,000 Spanish refugees in 1939. You have said that Neruda advised you to quit journalism and pursue literature. Did you want to

honor him in some way with this novel? Allende: It was impossible not to honor him because all the Winnipeg odyssey was the workmanship of Neruda. Neruda followed the Spanish Civil War closely because he loved Spain; he had friends among the intellectuals and the artists of Republican Spain. And when the drama of half a million refugees at the frontier with France erupted, he convinced the Chilean government to let him bring immigrants to Chile, Spaniards who were in concentration camps in France. In Chile, the right wing and the Catholic Church opposed their coming because they were all leftists, many of them atheists, known for allegedly burning churches

and raping nuns. The narrative, the anti-immigration rhetoric in 1939 Chile, was exactly the same as the one we are seeing right now in the United States. So, Neruda not only convinced the government, he also went to Paris, raised the money, bought a cargo ship that was somewhat dilapidated, transformed it into a passenger’s ship and transported 2,000 people. AP: In the notes of the book, it said that you first heard about Neruda’s “ship of hope” as a child. How did it affect you? Allende: I heard about the arrival of Spanish republicans in Chile because, even

Birding

the Middle Branch of the Patapsco River, welcomed a pair of nesting bald eagles. But it’s not just iconic raptors that prefer this restored wetland; more than 135 species were recorded during the month of May alone. Looking ahead, winter is the perfect time to bird at Fort McHenry. Osprey soar overhead while loons, grebes and ruddy ducks visit the waters that surround the historic site. Creamer recommends Gwynns Falls and Leakin Park because “there is just so much forest.” More than a dozen species of warblers make their home among 1,200

acres of mature hardwoods, the largest tract of contiguous parkland in Baltimore City. The rose-breasted grosbeak — a black-and-white bird with a brilliant ruby chest — can also be found in this West Baltimore treasure. The grounds of the Clyburn Arboretum offer a dramatic background for a birding exhibition. Yellow-throated vireos and rubythroated hummingbirds flit through manicured gardens and among hundreds of specimen trees. (Of course, those hoping for a more leisurely view can simply admire the nature museum’s preserved birds.) It took four years, but the Cones finally

found their indigo bunting on a visit to Oregon Ridge Park in 2016. “Seems they’re everywhere now,” Cory Cone said. “Or maybe we just figured out how to pay attention better, be more patient and look in the right places.” Another local bird has since captured Nathalie Cone’s heart: the oriole. “The sight of them still leaves me speechless,” she said, “no matter how many times I’ve seen them.” For more information on the Patterson Park Audubon Center and its activities, visit patterson.audubon.org, email baltimore@audubon.org or call (410) 558BIRD (2473).

From page 19 who have suffered from collisions.

Best spots for birdwatching For solo birders looking for an urban adventure, most won’t have to look too far outside their own zip code. The 375 forested acres of Herring Run Park, just northwest of downtown, provide a habitat for the great crested flycatcher, distinctive for its yellow belly and tall crown. Last spring, Masonville Cove Environmental and Education Center, located on

See ISABEL ALLENDE, page 21

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Isabel Allende From page 20 though it happened before I was born, it was shortly before I was born, and some of those people were friends of my family. I would see them coming for lunch, or for dinner. AP: You have been an immigrant for most of your life. Where have you found the greatest sense of belonging? Allende: California is where I’ve lived the longest, but when you ask me where I am from, I tell you I am from Chile. And I wasn’t even born in Chile! I spent only part of my childhood there, but apparently those years marked me so much that I feel Chilean. But if you ask me about my roots, I would say that my roots are in my memories, in the books that I’ve written, in the people that I love. AP: Speaking of Chile, it seemed one of the most stable countries in Latin America. Suddenly we’ve seen its streets covered in flames and tear gas. How do you explain this? Allende: I think the Chilean situation, that seems so unexpected, could bring very positive transformation. Over the years, the indignation of the people has grown, and it exploded with the rise of the Metro [ticket] by the equivalent of 15 cents, more or less. But people were outraged, and they expressed it. What is going to happen? Very good things can come out of this, or a terrible leader

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Arts & Style

B A L T I M O R E B E A C O N — M AY 2 0 2 0

can rise and lead the country into chaos. AP: What do you miss most about the Chile of your childhood and youth? Allende: Look, the Chile of my childhood doesn’t exist. I wrote a book titled My Invented Country precisely because the country of my memory doesn’t exist anymore. I don’t miss anything because I did not have a happy childhood by any means. But the years I worked as a journalist in Chile were the years when I had my two children, was just married — those were happy years in which I felt that I was participating, that I belonged. All of that ended the day of the military coup [in 1973]. In 24 hours, the country changed. Forces that always existed but that we didn’t see coming emerged, and it became a fascist dictatorship. How did that happen without us noticing? I don’t know. That’s why today’s situation in Chile scares me, because it can go either way. AP: The love story in A Long Petal of the Sea is somewhat unconventional, starting with a marriage arranged for survival reasons. What has been your most unconventional love? Allende: I have had three husbands, but maybe my most unconventional relationship was when I fell in love with an Argentine musician and I left my family. I left my children, my husband, and went after him to Spain. I mean, that was absolutely crazy, and I regret it very much. I regret it because I inflicted a lot of pain on my children. It

took a lot for them to forgive me. That was my least conventional love, but now I am also in an unconventional situation, having fallen in love at 74 and marrying at 77. AP: What do you feel when you see all your achievements and love from your readers? Allende: I am very moved by the affection from the readers, and the way they write to me fills me with emotion and warmth. But when I’m told that I have sold 75 million copies, that happens in another circle, in a different dimension that doesn’t touch my private life… I live in a tiny, one-bedroom house, I drive a small car, I have two ordinary dogs, [rescued] from the Humane Society, of course. My life is still the same. —AP

ANSWERS TO CROSSWORD

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A P O R T

T E N S E

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M AY 2 0 2 0 — B A L T I M O R E B E A C O N

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Crossword Puzzle

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

By Stephen Sherr 4

66 69

Across

46 49

52 58

54 60

56 61

64 67

68 70

1. Part of the lowlands 6. Portable Storage Device (compressed) 9. Flower that can symbolize wisdom 13. Like the 1% 14. Scored an A+ 16. Snack often discounted on Tuesdays 17. ___ broke (bet all your chips) 18. Members of “the thin blue line” 20. Have sufficient liquid assets for liquid 22. 1/48th of a cup 23. The middle of AEROSPACE 24. Back muscles, for short 27. Part of a Denny’s Original Grand Slam breakfast 29. iPhone software 32. Polynesian carving 34. Failure to wait for kids to cross, for example 39. Roman num. for Levi’s Taper Jeans 40. Chick-fil-A’s slogan: “___ Mor Chikin” 41. Sample the vowels from an AUDIT 42. Suffix with serpent 43. Validate connectivity 47. NL East team 48. What a priestess has, but a priest lacks 49. “Failure ___ good teacher” 50. ___ Always a Woman 52. 50% of the census of Eden 54. Chinese zodiac sign after Pig 57. One who pastes on the top stamp 62. Jurassic Park resident 65. Nonsensical 66. Mortgage collateral 67. ___ for All Seasons 68. Like Thor, and his dad Odin 69. “___ account has been disabled” 70. Bitter beer 71. Puts a chip in the pot 1. Super-sized

51 57

48 50

BB520

Down

Scrabble answers on p. 21.

23 27

21 22

2. Like the Wright Flyer for 59 seconds 3. Bits of jazz 4. Racetrack term for one who scans the ground for winning tickets 5. German mister 6. The largest bed in the Bear family house 7. Anyone born on Halloween 8. Pastrami purveyor 9. Do over and over and over and ... 10. He makes a ewe-turn 11. Decorate a cake 12. Thor, to Odin 15. Mathematical inverse of mult. 19. Animation frame 21. Fido, perhaps 25. The shinbone 26. Pepe Le Pew, for one 28. Party-__ (attendee) 30. Back ___ envelope 31. User of the library’s quiet room 33. “OK, that makes sense now” 34. 50% of the census of Eden 35. Military flutes 36. The piggy that went all the way home 37. Tension-type headaches, briefly 38. Imitate a balloon or a snake 44. Can hardly wait 45. Type of reproduction 46. Whaler’s weapon 51. Airport near OAK 53. The most translated French author 55. Leftward, nautically 56. Not relaxed 58. Flexible Spending Acct., to a CPA 59. “___ slow walker, but I never walk back” (Abraham Lincoln) 60. Arm bone 61. Jim Beam products 62. Bashful 63. ___ Legit to Quit 64. Flightless bird

Answers on page 21.

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B A L T I M O R E B E A C O N — M AY 2 0 2 0

CLASSIFIEDS The Beacon prints classified advertising under the following headings: Business & Employment Opportunities; Caregivers; Computer Services; Entertainment; For Sale; For Sale/Rent: Real Estate; Free; Health; Home/ Handyman Services; Miscellaneous; Personals; Personal Services; Vacation Opportunities; and Wanted. For submission guidelines and deadlines, see the box on the right. CAVEAT EMPTOR! The Beacon does not knowingly accept obscene, offensive, harmful, or fraudulent advertising. However, we do not investigate any advertisers or their products and cannot accept responsibility for the integrity of either. Respondents to classified advertising should always use caution and their best judgment. EMPLOYMENT & REAL ESTATE ADS: We will not knowingly or intentionally accept advertising in violation of federal, state, and local laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, familial status or handicap in connection with employment or the sale or rental of real estate.

For Sale HOLLY HILL MEMORIAL GARDENS, Crypt for sale. Garden building 2, crypt 17, 2 A. Does overlook beautiful field. Paid $6800 and willing to let go for $5,800 OBO. Call Robin, 443-528-5540. DULANEY VALLEY MEMORIAL GARDENS interior crypt. Location in mausoleum east wing Lot 181 level F. Today’s value $19,030, which includes opening and closing of crypt. This is a very desirable space in the Chapel area. Willing to let go for $15,000. Call Robin for more info 443-528-5540. GRAVE SITES IN BEAUTIFUL CRESTLAWN cemetery 2sites side by side. In a beautiful area Each site is $6,500 each or as a pair $12,500. Please contact for any further information God Bless. 571-271-8555. SEVEN EVINRUDE & JOHNSON OUTBOARD MOTORS. 1/2 to 6 horsepowers. $150 to $350. Never used in saltwater. Call: 410-3431033. DULANEY VALLEY MEMORIAL GARDENS — 2 Burial Spaces, 2 Vaults, 1 Memorial, Field of Honor, Lot 295 C, Spaces 3 & 4. Present Value Burial Package. Call M. Davis 410997-5253 or mdavis084@verizon.net... will negotiate. PUT ON YOUR TV EARS and hear TV with unmatched clarity. TV Ears Original were originally $129.95 - NOW WITH THIS SPECIAL OFFER are only $59.95 with code MCB59! Call 1-833-934-0843.

For Rent/Sale: Real Estate MID-ATLANTIC FUNDING GROUP — Pays cash for Owner Financed Mortgages. Professional Service / Fast Closing. Call Us Today! 1 (800) 641-9521 or visit midatlanticnotes.com

Health PAID RESEARCH STUDY: Healthy 65-85yr olds with normal hearing needed for MRI study of speech comprehension at Univ. of Maryland College Park. Earn $10-15/hr in 2 sessions (34hrs total). Contact 240-630-0461, EffComLab@gmail.com, http://ter.ps/listen LIFE ALERT. One press of a button sends help FAST, 24/7! At home and on the go. Mobile Pendant with GPS. FREE First Aid Kit (with subscription.) CALL 240-847-6732 FREE Brochure. RESEARCH STUDY: Seeking adults helping a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia for research study. This study is trying to understand how dementia caregivers who have a chronic condition use technology (PI: Hae-Ra Han, PhD, RN; Johns Hopkins IRB00198665). The study involves doing a phone or online survey. Help us understand how you use technology so we can build technology that helps caregivers. If interested, please contact the study team at 410-9294327 or tech4caregiverhopkinstudy@gmail.com PORTABLE OXYGEN CONCENTRATOR May Be Covered by Medicare! Reclaim independence and mobility with the compact design and long-lasting battery of Inogen One. Free information kit! Call 855-851-0949. MOBILEHELP, America’s Premier Mobile Medical Alert System. Whether You’re Home or Away. For Safety and Peace of Mind. No Long Term Contracts! Free Brochure! Call Today! 1240-650-9189 DENTAL INSURANCE from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. NOT just a discount plan, REAL coverage for [350] procedures. Call 1-844366-1003 for details. www.dental50plus.com/320. [6118-0219]

Home/Handyman Services ELIMINATE GUTTER CLEANING FOREVER! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule a FREE LeafFilter estimate today. 15% off Entire Purchase. 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-844-359-6933. STAY IN YOUR HOME LONGER with an American Standard Walk-In Bathtub. Receive up to $1,500 off, including a free toilet, and a lifetime warranty on the tub and installation! Call us at 1-877240-2061 or visit www.walkintubquote.com/beacon ARTHRITIS, COPD, JOINT PAIN or Mobility Issues on the Stairs? **STOP STRUGGLING** Give Your Life A Lift! An Acorn Stairlift is a perfect solution! A BBB Rating. Call now for $250 OFF your purchase. FREE DVD & brochure. 1-844-818-1364.

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

To place your classified ad, visit www.thebeaconnewspapers.com/classifieds Home/Handyman Services

Personals

THE BATHROOM OF YOUR DREAMS for as little as $149/month! BCI Bath & Shower. Many options available. Quality materials & professional installation. Senior & Military Discounts Available. Limited Time Offer - FREE virtual in-home consultation now and SAVE 15%! Call Today! 1-855-653-0087.

SINGLE WHITE FEMALE, 56, in search of single white or Latina female for friendship and possibly more. Interests include cats, the zoo and museums. Call and leave a message on my cell phone: 443 916-4907.

Legal Services

DIRECTV - Switch and Save! $39.99/month. Select All-Included Package. 155 Channels. 1000s of Shows/Movies On Demand. FREE Genie HD DVR Upgrade. Premium movie channels, FREE for 3 mos! Call 1-888-572-4953.

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

TV/Cable

DISH NETWORK. $59.99 for 190 Channels! Blazing Fast Internet, $19.99/mo. (where available.) Switch & Get a FREE $100 Visa Gift Card. FREE Voice Remote. FREE HD DVR. FREE Streaming on ALL Devices. Call today! 1-844-560-5837.

Personal Services

Wanted

BOOKKEEPER: $30/HR. — My age is 67, retired, highly organized, and assertive dealing with situations. I’ll work with you to setup and track: monthly budgets; pay bills as you require; track down mistakes on invoices and credit card bills; help contest Medicare and medical provider billing errors; track investments; and, help you coordinate with your accountant regarding tax filings and payments. Call Greg at 443-463-4344.

MONEY, TIME TO SELL! CALL GREG, 1-717658-7954. We buy sterling silver flatware, jewelry, gold, silver, coins, watches, paper money, antiques, toys, bottles, comic books, records, pottery, art glass, vintage military and old sporting items (baseball, football and boxing) just about anything old. Make the right choice! You have something to sell give me a call. Greg 1-717-658-7954

Personals RETIRED JEWISH LAW PROFESSOR, kind, considerate, fun to be with, great sense of humor; Ravens and Orioles fan, enjoys Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, dining, and movies. Seeks like-minded lady, age 50-70, to share dating and companionship. Call Ned at 410-9988448.

SEEKING FULL/SEALED BOTTLES of Vintage Bourbon & Rye (Pre-1990). Examples include, but are not limited to: Old Grand Dad, Pikesville Rye, Wild Turkey, Old Fitzgerald, I.W. Harper, Old Forester and more! Inquiries are welcome. Call Alex 443-223-7669 BUYING VINYL RECORDS from 1950 to 1990. Jazz, Rock-n-Roll, Soul, Rhythm & Blues, Reggae, Punk, Blues, and Disco. 33 1/3 LP’s, 45’s and some 78’s, Some Groups Of CD’s Larger collections of at least 100 items wanted. Please call John, 301-596-6201.

ADVERTISERS IN THIS ISSUE Clinical Research Studies

MacNabb Funeral Home . . .11

Alzheimer’s Depression Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Balance & Falls Study . . . . .8

Skin Cancer EB . . . . . . . . . . .8

Home Health Care

Legal Services

Survey

Dental Services

Options for Senior America .4

Frank, Frank & Scherr Law Firm . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Beacon Reader Survey . . . . .3

Denture Doctor . . . . . . . . .5, 9 Quick Affordable Dentures . .6

Events Celebration of the Arts . . . .18

Funeral Services Cremation Society of Maryland . . . . . . . . . . .11

Health

Home Improvement

Pickersgill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Manor Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 St. Mary’s Roland View Towers8 Subscriptions Warren Place Senior Apartments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Beacon Subscription . . . . . .22

Medical Cannabis

J. Johnston Roofing & Contracting . . . . . . . . . .7 LeafGuard . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Health For Life . . . . . . . . . . .9

Housing

Radio Flea Market . . . . . . .19

Blair House at Stoneleigh . .13 Christ Church Harbor Apts. 13 Enterprise Residential . . . . .14 Parkview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Shopping Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Keswick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Technology TheBeaconNewspapers.com .21

Volunteers/Careers Baltimore City Companion Program . . . .12 Beacon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Meals on Wheels . . . . . . . . . .6

M AY 2 0 2 0 — B A L T I M O R E B E A C O N

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Stand Up Straight and Feel Better Discover the Perfect Walker, the better way to walk safely and more naturally It’s a cruel fact of life, as we age, gravity takes over. Our muscles droop, our bodies sag and the weight of the world seems to be planted squarely on our shoulders. We dread taking a fall, so we find ourselves walking less and less- and that only makes matters worse.

NEW

Old Way

Better Way

Well, cheer up! There’s finally a product designed to enable us all to walk properly and stay on the go. It’s called the Perfect Walker, and it can truly change your life. Traditional rollators and walkers simply aren’t designed well. They require you to hunch over and shuffle your feet when you walk. This puts pressure on your back, your neck, your wrists and your hands. Over time, this makes walking uncomfortable and can result in a variety of health issues. That’s all changed with the Perfect Walker. Its upright design and padded elbow rests enable you to distribute your weight across your arms and shoulders, not your hands and wrists. Its unique frame gives you plenty of room to step, and the oversized wheels help you glide across the floor. Once you’ve 24.5” reached your destination you can use the hand brakes to gently slow down, and there’s even a handy seat with a storage compartment. It’s sleek, lightweight design makes it easy to use indoors and out and it folds up for portability and storage. FREE Utility Bag and Cane Holder

Easy Folding Compact Design

10.5”

39”

Why spend another day hunched over and shuffling along. Call now, and find out how you can try out a Perfect Walker for yourself... in your own home. You’ll be glad you did.

18.5” wheelbase for stability

Supports up to 300 lbs.

84514

Comfortable Seat