May 2020 | Howard County Beacon by The Beacon Newspapers

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

Acknowledge your emotions First, accept your anxious feelings, suggested Jelena Kecmanovic, adjunct professor at Georgetown University and head of the Arlington/D.C. Behavior Therapy Institute in Arlington, Virginia. “These negative emotions are going to show up more these days. These are objectively stressful times,” Kecmanovic said. If you try to push your feelings away 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.” 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. “If we don’t fight with [negative] emotions or engage with them, they won’t stay long,” Kecmanovic said. “It’s about allowing them to pass.” She suggests sitting quietly and sensing your breath and heartbeat. Take note if your jaw is clenched or you have a lump in your throat.

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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. But there are silver linings to the cloud, according to Indrani Mookerjee, licensed social worker at IME Behavioral Health in Columbia. “This situation has brought us closer because we’re all in this together,” she said. In our new age of anxiety, what do area psychology experts recommend for managing fear and worry and staying connected?

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ARTS & STYLE Therapists like Indrani Mookerjee of Columbia’s IME Behavioral Health, LLC can help people manage anxiety during the pandemic. Medicare now covers telehealth visits over the phone or computer, so you can have therapy and other medical appointments from your home.

Consider the feelings with a gentle curiosity, and notice if they change or ebb. Most likely, she assures her patients, they will fade in a short time.

even with the “stay at home” order in Maryland. Pick up the phone and call a friend. “Physical distancing doesn’t mean social distance. There are things you can do to continue the connection,” Mookerjee said.

Stay in touch with others Next, don’t eschew all social contact,

IMPORTANT. EASY. SAFE. EVERYONE in Howard County Counts!

See KEEP CALM, page 7

“I encourage everyone to be fully counted in 2020.” Howard County Executive Calvin Ball

COMPLETE THE CENSUS TODAY! ONLINE • BY PHONE • BY MAIL 410-313-6325 • census2020@howardcountymd.gov www.howardcountymd.gov/census2020

Inspired by environmental classes, volunteers dedicate retirement to fighting pollution and climate change; plus, author Isabel Allende on love in late life page 27

TECHNOLOGY k How to sell used items online

FITNESS & HEALTH k NIH hunts for a vaccine k Medicare covers virtual visits

LAW & MONEY k The virus and your stocks k New scams to be aware of

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How are you faring? Many of us have lived through some to frivolities. strange and rough times, but I think it’s But we have some very different chalfair to say, our lives today are lenges this time around that, unlike anything we have exas I say, I believe are unique. perienced in our lifetimes. First, we are all, basically, livI heard firsthand reports ing alone in our own bubbles. from my parents and grandIronically, people throughparents about the difficulties out the entire world share our of wartime, and I know those pain (and the virus), and are days were in many ways far experiencing some version of more difficult — both for the same problems. And yet those on the front lines and for we have never been more the families left behind, living alone as individuals. on rations and worried sick. Because the cur rent FROM THE So, I don’t mean to suggest PUBLISHER “enemy” is invisible, implacathat what we’re experiencing By Stuart P. Rosenthal ble and potentially anywhere today is worse than earlier at any time, we are told we times of deprivation. must maintain “social distance” from all In fact, thanks to technology, we have it other people. We are, for the most part, barrelatively easy. We can speak with and see, ricaded in our homes, many of us alone. via video, family members and friends anyAnd even for those who have partners, I where in the world, at the touch of a button know couples who are sleeping in separate and (once we have the equipment) basical- bedrooms and eating at opposite ends of ly free of charge. the dining room table because one of them That’s a huge benefit over snail mail (es- was possibly exposed to a carrier. They pecially the old aerograms we used to mail must feel like they are trapped in the castle overseas) and the tremendously expensive of Beauty & the Beast. long-distance calls we used to make once When my wife and I took a short walk in a while. recently to get out of the house on a pretty We can have delivered to our door in a spring day, we and the few other walkers matter of hours pretty much anything we we encountered in the woods gave each need or want, running the gamut from ne- other a wide berth. cessities, like groceries and paper goods, We were also, oddly, reserved in even

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

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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 questions 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 re-

focused, and this month are publishing a completely different survey we would like you to 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 (301) 949-9766 and leave your phone number for a call-back.

Letters to the editor Readers are encouraged to share their opinion on any matter addressed in the Beacon as well as on political and social issues of the day. Mail your Letter to the Editor to The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915, or email info@thebeaconnewspapers.com. Please include your name, address and telephone number for verification. Dear Editor: I 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. Captain Brett Crozier deserves a medal for his actions. John O’Hara, Ph.D. Bowie, Md. [Ed’s Note: After this letter was submitted, 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. ] Dear Editor: I am moving, and I have a huge amount of stuff to get rid of before I do. I have lived See LETTERS TO EDITOR, page 12

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you may win $200 cash. Please complete and return the survey below — or ﬁll it out online at bit.ly/tbns0420. All entries received by May 29 will be entered into a random drawing for $200 cash. We respect your privacy. We will not share your individual responses with anyone or sell your information to any third party, so please answer all questions. Thank you! 1. Where do you currently live?

r In a single-family residence r In an apartment or condo building r In a senior residence How many others live within your home or apartment? r I live alone r I live with 1 other person r I live with 2 or more people 2. Do you know individuals who have come down with COVID-19 (the disease caused by the coronavirus)?

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r Read books and magazines r Watch TV and movies r Listen to/watch videos of music r Play a musical instrument r Draw, paint or sculpt r Write poems or stories r Write letters/emails r Clean out a room or attic r File and sort important papers r Prepare and ﬁle tax returns r Learn new things/take online classes r Call old friends r Other (please describe: __________________)

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Technology &

Innovations Make money at home selling used items By Ivey Noojin Especially with more of us spending time at home, and often looking for ways to raise some needed cash, what better way to “declutter” than by selling off items we no longer need? For the past three years, Melanie Heltke, a 61-year-old realtor from Connecticut, has been making money online selling purses from her “very large collection” of Louis Vuitton handbags, along with other used knickknacks, including shoes, jewelry and glassware. Heltke said she has made tens of thousands of dollars this way using Mercari, an app for selling gently used items online. Websites and apps that allow individuals to post photos of products they want to sell — like Mercari, Poshmark and Etsy — are becoming almost as popular as older, more well-known selling sites eBay and Craigslist. With Mercari and Poshmark, you post photos of your items for sale online and ship them directly to the buyer using pack-

aging and a label provided by the company. You get your proceeds in cash. Both sites take a cut of the sales price. Poshmark is just for clothes, and Etsy is a marketplace mostly for selling original art and handmade crafts. A different model is used by ThredUP. For this site, you ship all the clothes you want to sell directly to them, postage free. They post them on their website and, once the items sell, give you an online credit to purchase other shirts, pants and shoes from the site.

Not exactly a career Almost half of the American population has a side hustle (a way to make cash in one’s spare time), according to a June survey by Bankrate of 2,550 adults. Three in 10 do it because they need the money to cover living expenses. While Heltke doesn’t use the cash she earns from the app to pay for bills, it still has made a difference in her life. “The money that I make on Mercari is my fun money,”

Heltke said. “I do whatever I want with it.” In the first year, Heltke paid for four plane tickets to Florida, along with a vacation condo and rental car. Now, she uses the extra cash from her side hustle to replenish her handbag collection. Heltke, however, does limit her side hustle gains for tax purposes. While a person can sell their own used items — whether at a garage sale or online — and not owe taxes, if you sell 200 items through one of these sites in a year and take in $20,000 or more, you’ll be considered to be “doing business.” The online marketplaces will then send the IRS a Form 1099, so you will need to report your online income and pay taxes on it. The first year she used Mercari, Heltke didn’t know that, and she received a 1099 on which she owed taxes. “I blew it; I made too much money,” she said. For others, getting a 1099 and owing some taxes might not be a big deal, especially if they’ve turned this side hustle into a

business. “You can actually turn it into a fulltime job,” Heltke said of selling on Mercari. How do these new sites compare to eBay, the website that inspired these copycats? Before turning to Mercari, Heltke used to sell her items on eBay. She didn’t like its monthly fees, which start at $8 but can easily go higher; using Pay Pal to accept payment (which also carries fees); and eBay’s liberal 180-day return policy for buyers. Once, a buyer returned Heltke’s handbag after almost six months, claiming she didn’t want it anymore. “They got to use that bag for 175 days, and they still got their money back,” Heltke said. With Mercari, a buyer must make a return within three days. Of course, there are no fees or return policies if you sell your goods on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. But don’t forget that they require a face-to-face meeting, which some people consider unsafe. “I’ve heard too many horror stories on See SIDE HUSTLE, page 5

Some tech terms everyone should know By Margaret Foster Technology changes very fast, and new terms are coined all the time to describe it. Here is a glossary of common terms that may prove useful to you: App: An app is short for the word “application.” It’s a program for your smartphone. There are hundreds of thousands of different apps for many purposes — hence the saying “There’s an app for that” — from helping you learn how to exercise, to tracking weight loss, to depositing checks to a bank account by taking photos of them with your phone’s camera. You can “download” apps on your smartphone or computer (see below), usually for free. If you have an iPhone, use the Apple App Store; if an android phone, use Google Play. Once an app is installed, you press its icon, register with your name and password, and bingo, you’re able to call an Uber, read a book on your Kindle, even get updates on your grandchild at daycare. (Caveat emptor: Apps can invade your privacy, so read all the fine print before you download one.) Browser: A browser, or Web browser, is a way to access websites on the internet. Examples of browsers are: Explorer, Fire-

fox, Safari and Chrome. Cloud: The cloud is a storage facility people can use for all their data instead of storing large digital files (say, larger than 1MB, or one megabyte) on their computer. It is also where most programs today will back-up data from your phone or computer, so you won’t lose that information if your phone or computer die or are stolen. Download and upload: You can “download” a picture, app or document from the internet, so you can save it to your computer or phone. (An easy way to do this is to click the right-hand side of your mouse, or “right-click.”) Or you may be asked to “upload” items to a website. In that case, there is usually an arrow on the website to show you how to upload the photo or file. Dropbox: Sometimes e-mail programs don’t accept large files. Dropbox is a website where you can put photographs or other large digital files to share with friends or colleagues. Similar websites are: OneDrive, Google Drive and CloudMe. Jpeg: This is the file format used for digital photographs. If someone says, “Send me a jpeg,” email them a photo

whose file name ends with jpg. PDF: Short for Portable Document Format, a PDF is a document (usually multiple pages or even a book) that you can download from a website or email to others in seconds. Ringtone: In the days of rotary-dial phones, there was only one type of ring: a bell. Now, everyone can choose the sound their cell phone makes when someone calls. From Mozart to a bark to electronic chords, the sky’s the limit in terms of variety. To change your ringtone, go to “settings” on your phone. You can also purchase ringtones online or even use a clip from a favorite song. Social media: You may have heard of Twitter and Facebook, but your grandchildren may also use Tik Tok, Snapchat, Pinterest and Instagram. These are all apps or websites people use to share photographs or opinions with friends and family. They are free to use, but keep in mind, these companies may be gathering your personal information. Tweet: A tweet is a sentence someone posts on the app Twitter. The statement gets broadcasted immediately to other

Twitter users, who can read it on their smartphone or on the Twitter website. They can “re-tweet” the message to their own followers, thereby spreading the word. Anyone can have a Twitter account, from celebrities to politicians to the person next door. Software and hardware: Hardware refers to physical computers or smartphones, while software is the programs and apps that run on them. An example of software is Microsoft Word (for word processing) and Excel (for databases). Streaming video: Ever wonder what happened to movie rental stores? Netflix, Amazon Prime, HBO and other companies offer video on demand instead — without pesky late fees. For a monthly fee of around $15 (each), you can watch any program or film in their library. On Amazon Prime, you can “rent” any movie you want for $3 and take a few weeks to watch it. Video chat: You can “visit” with friends and family through your computer, tablet or phone using Facebook, Google Hangouts or WhatsApp. You will see and hear them speaking, and vice versa. Free, using apps such as Zoom or Skype.

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To sell an item on eBay, Etsy, Poshmark and Mercari, set up an account, snap a few photos of items you want to sell, and upload them. Add a description and set your price. (Hint: search for similar listings to set an appropriate selling price.) Communicate with potential buyers on the app or website. Some sites can show you who has viewed or liked your item, and let you extend an offer. Once you and your buyer agree on a price, you will re-

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How to use the apps

We all want to preserve our brain’s plasticity as we age. Of course, we can stay

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that,” Heltke said. “I’d rather pay the 10% fee and have it shipped.”

Brain games

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ceive a shipping label via email. Here’s an easy guide to basic facts about these online marketplaces: • Craigslist: craigslist.org; listing fee: depends on item, at least $3; no selling fee • eBay: ebay.com; listing fee: $0.35; selling fee: 10 to 12% • Etsy: etsy.com; listing fee: $0.20; transaction fee: 5% • Mercari: mercari.com; no listing fee; selling fee: 10% • Poshmark: poshmark.com; no listing fee; selling fee: 20% for items more than $15 • ThredUP: thredup.com; no listing fee, but you receive only shopping credit if clothes are bought within 90 days; selling fee: 20% to 95%, depending on how much the item sells for.

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Side hustle

sharp with daily crossword puzzles, exercise and social interaction. It may also help to play “brain games” on our computers or smartphones. Free apps such as Lumosity, Elevate or the Scrabble knockoff Words With Friends provide daily challenges to improve memory, attention and problem solving. All three games are accessible anywhere, at any time of day. You can play Words With Friends on your phone, tablet or computer (via Facebook). Lumosity’s free games are available on its website and as an app. Elevate, which offers 15 free games (more with a paid subscription), is only available as an app for your smartphone — in fact, it won App of the Year in 2014. Both Lumosity and Elevate track your progress and tailor daily games to your cognitive level. You can download the free apps on Google Play or the iTunes App store.

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Recently, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) introduced a new way for families affected by dementia to get free, immediate help. Now people can “chat” with licensed social workers on the foun-

If you have trouble seeing, did you know you can download an app that lets others help you read labels, match clothing or turn up the thermostat? Be My Eyes is a free app powered by 3 million volunteers who answer calls around the clock. A live, one-way video allows volunteers to “see” what the user can’t — and to help them almost instantly. The average wait time is 15 seconds. Be My Eyes is only available on iPhones or iPads.

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Caregiver help via chat

For the blind or low-vision

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By Margaret Foster

dation’s website. Callers can ask about signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s and other dementias, how to develop a care team and support network, how caregivers can care for themselves, and how to connect with local support services, among other things. The helpline will be available in 90 different languages. For more information or to access the help, visit AFA’s website, alzfdn.org, and click on the blue chat icon. Or call the national tollfree helpline directly at 1-866-232-8484. Questions can also be texted to (646) 586-5283. The AFA Helpline is open seven days a week, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekends.

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Health Fitness &

HEAL THAT HEEL Plantar fasciitis seldom requires surgery. First, try physical therapy or ultrasound 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 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. 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 re-

search and development chief. “You can do everything as fast as possible, but you can’t circumvent some of these vital processes.”

In a lab at NIH The new coronavirus is studded with a 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 forSee VIRUS VACCINE, page 8

How Medicare is covering coronavirus By Jim Miller Dear Savvy Senior, Is Medicare covering testing for the coronavirus? My husband and I are ver y ner vous about this virus and would like to find out if or when we should get tested, and how Medicare manages it. — Nervous Nelly Dear Nelly, Yes! Medicare is indeed covering the cost of testing for the coronavirus, or COVID-19. But be aware that getting a test isn’t as simple as going to your local pharmacy or doctor’s office and asking for one. Here’s a breakdown of what Medicare is covering, along with how to get tested if you think you may have symptoms. Medicare (Part B) will cover the lab test to see if you have coronavirus, but only when your doctor or other healthcare provider orders it. You will pay no out-ofpocket costs for these tests. In addition, Medicare also covers all medically necessary hospitalizations. This includes if you’re diagnosed with COVID-

19 and might otherwise have been discharged from the hospital after an inpatient stay, but instead you need to stay in the hospital under quarantine. And while there’s currently no vaccine yet to protect against COVID-19, when one becomes available, hopefully next year, it too will be covered by all Medicare prescription drug plans (Part D). If you happen to get your Medicare benefits through a private Medicare Advantage plan, you will have access to these same benefits.

When to call your doctor Adults age 60 and above (especially those in their 70s and 80s), and people with chronic medical conditions like diabetes, heart, lung or kidney disease are at a higher risk of serious illness if they contract the coronavirus. So, everyone in these categories needs to be especially vigilant. Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough and shortness of breath. Severe cases can lead to pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and death.

If you develop any symptoms that are concerning, you should contact your primary care provider by phone for guidance. If your doctor believes you need testing, he or she will instruct you on what to do. Unfortunately, there have been reports of test shortages across the country so, depending on where you live, you may have to wait a few days.

Prevention tips To help you steer clear of COVID-19 the CDC recommends that you avoid close contact with anyone who is sick. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after being out in public, blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water isn’t available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. To the extent possible, try to avoid touching your face, nose and eyes. And avoid touching high-touch surfaces in public places, like elevator buttons, door handles, handrails and handshaking with people. Use a tissue or your sleeve to cover your hand or

finger if you must touch something. Also, clean and disinfect your home to remove germs: Practice routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces: tables, doorknobs, light switches, handles, desks, toilets, faucets, sinks and cell phones. You should also avoid crowds, especially in poorly ventilated spaces. Your risk of exposure to respiratory viruses like COVID19 may increase in crowded, closed-in settings with little air circulation if there are people in the crowd who are sick. The CDC also recommends that seniors and high-risk individuals stock up on supplies, such as extra medications and groceries. And, if there is an outbreak in your community, remain at home as much as possible. They also discourage non-essential travel. For more information on COVID-19, visit Coronavirus.gov. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of The Savvy Senior.

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — M AY 2 0 2 0

Keep calm From page 1 Now is the 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 Messenger and WeChat — are free. Many churches are live-streaming services now, too. If you want to learn how to connect with neighbors over the computer, reach out to the Village in Howard, a membership group that helps homeowners throughout the county remain safely in their homes. The Village in Howard has started video activities such as a “virtual lunch bunch” to connect members during this pandemic. Leave a message for a volunteer at (443) 367-9043.

Go on a news diet While information is important, watching the news all day may do more harm than good. If keeping up with the news brings you too much worry, it may be a good idea for you to limit your news-gathering time. At the very least, try to notice what it feels like to crave the latest news, suggested Maryland-based therapist Mark Sullivan, licensed social worker who has worked at the Washington Cancer Institute and at Sibley Memorial Hospital. “Notice when you want to turn on the TV,” Sullivan said. “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.” Mookerjee said some of her patients are “addicted to the TV” because they don’t want to feel alone. She suggests they try

watching comedy programs or nature documentaries instead of the news. “There are alternatives,” she said. “They can still have that sound in the background, and it’s not triggering; it’s actually soothing.”

Try for mindfulness When you feel anxious thinking about the future, try to focus on the present moment, known as practicing “mindfulness.” Pause for self-reflection. Notice what’s around you. After all, at this instant, you are safe. “The only thing we are certain of is what’s happening right now,” Kecmanovic said. “What we can control is our behavior. Really mindfully be in the moment, and try to do the best you can while making a painting or writing or playing guitar or discovering some of those old recipes. “What joy, this mindful act of cooking,” she said. “You have to participate with all your senses. When you participate in any activity with all your senses, that is very grounding.”

Exercise Above all, most psychologists suggest 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 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

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

or depression, reach out to a mental health professional. Many psychologists, including Mookerjee, Sullivan and Kecmanovic, now offer telemedicine, or video appointments. Established patients can talk with their clinicians via Skype, Zoom or FaceTime — or by telephone. 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. Mookerjee wants people suffering from anxiety to know that “There’s hope. There’s a difference between saying ‘Oh, everything is going to be fine,’ which nobody believes, and having some rational reasons for hope.” IME Behavioral Health offers same-day phone or video appointments, she said. In just 45 minutes, people can learn the tools to help themselves. About 60% of the practice’s patients are over age 55, and about a third are over age 75, she said. “We teach the patients to defeat their own negative thoughts that are jacking up their anxiety. We teach our patients to be their own therapists.” For mental health information and referrals, call the Howard County Bureau of Behavioral Health at (410) 313-6202. IME Behavioral Health can be reached at (410) 512-0141.

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Virus vaccine From page 6 eign 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 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 re-

searchers 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 possible 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.”

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SHARE YOUR STORY

Make your own mark on history by sharing your story during the coronavirus pandemic with the Maryland Historical Society. For personal accounts, send a submission to lettersfromthehomefront@mdhs.org. If you own a business and want to discuss your experience, send a photo and story to mdhs.org/business-unusual.

Ongoing

JCS SUPPORT

Jewish Community Services is still available for you during the pandemic. Join daily virtual programs about issues of the mind, including anxiety and tips for working from home. Check jcsbaltimore.org/jcs-virtual for the free, 15-minute programs on Zoom.

M AY 2 0 2 0 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

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. 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 treat-

ment 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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READ OR LISTEN TO FAMOUS BOOKS

Project Gutenberg is a virtual library with more than 60,000 free older books whose copyright has expired. You can choose a free Kindle ebook, download it or read the book on your computer. Audio books, including Hans Christian Andersen fairy tales and Sherwood Anderson works, are also available. Browse the titles at gutenberg.org.

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CENSUS

Completing your census form is vital. Fill out the brief survey online at 2020census.gov or by phone at 1-844-330-2020, using the code you received by mail. You can also fill out the questionnaire by mail if you do not respond to the requests already sent by the Census Bureau.

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H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — M AY 2 0 2 0

How to keep mind sharp, memory strong By Andrew E. Budson, M.D. We all want to keep our minds sharp and our memories strong as we get older. So, what can we do right now to prevent cognitive decline in later years? Engaging in regular aerobic exercise for at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week, probably has the biggest effect on people of many ages. Convincing evidence also suggests that a Mediterranean-style diet of fish, olive oil, avocados, fruits, vegetables, nuts, beans and whole grains is beneficial. But what about social and mental activities — do they help at all?

Be positive, engage and learn Previous research convincingly demonstrates that older people who engage in so-

cial activities, have a positive mental attitude, and work to learn new things maintain their cognitive abilities longer than those who are socially isolated, have a negative attitude, and do not try to learn new things. However, several questions remain: When is the ideal time to do these activities: in middle age or later in life? Does it help to do multiple activities, or is a single activity as good as several? And what about other common mental activities, such as reading books and playing games — do they help, too? A study from researchers at the Mayo Clinic followed 2,000 cognitively normal men and women age 70 or older for about five years. Participants filled out surveys regarding their engagement in five common mentally stimulating pursuits — so-

Age may bias heart care, study finds By Marilynn Marchione People are more likely to buy things when prices end in 99 cents rather than rounded up to the next dollar, or cars with mileage under 1,000 instead of past that mark. Now, researchers say something similar might be happening with age perception and heart surgery. A U.S. study out in January found that heart attack patients who turned 80 within the previous two weeks were less likely to get bypass surgery than those who were two weeks shy of that birthday. Guidelines do not limit the operation after a certain age, but doctors may be mentally classifying people as being “in their 80s” and suddenly much riskier than those “in their 70s,” said the study leader, Dr. Anupam Jena of Harvard Medical School. The reason may be “left-digit bias,” or the tendency to focus on the first number. “When you go to a store and the item is $4.99, you’re more likely to buy it than if it’s $5,” but there’s no similar effect when prices are $4.50 versus $4.51, Jena said.

Studying the bias The same behavior poses a serious

concern in healthcare. Although a less invasive treatment, an artery-opening stent procedure is often the treatment for a heart attack. Bypass surgery is preferred when many arteries are affected or in some other situations. To see if left-digit bias affects who is offered that option, researchers studied Medicare records from 2006 through 2012 on 70,000 heart attack patients, including about 10,000 within two weeks of their 80th birthday. They found that 5.3% of the just-turned-80 group had bypass surgery versus 7% of those slightly younger. Death rates during the first two months after the heart attack were higher among those over 80, suggesting they might have been harmed by not being offered surgery, Jena said. It can’t prove that mental bias is affecting surgery rates, but an independent expert, Dr. John Spertus, director of health outcomes research at Saint Luke’s Mid America Heart Institute in Kansas City, Missouri, said it makes a strong case. “I believe that these types of cognitive biases are rampant in medical decisionmaking, and this is a very clear demonstration of the phenomenon,” he said. —AP

cial activities, reading books, playing games, making crafts and using a computer — during midlife (between ages 50 and 65) and late life (ages 70 and above). The researchers also performed face-toface evaluations every 15 months. These evaluations included a neurologic interview and exam, detailed history of their abilities at home and in the community, and neuropsychological testing for memory, language, visuospatial skills, attention and executive function.

Interesting findings When the study ended, the researchers looked at whether participants remained cognitively normal or developed mild cognitive impairment (MCI). MCI is diagnosed when a concern about a person’s thinking and memory is confirmed by testing that shows impairment on one or more tests of thinking and memory. However, day-to-day functioning is essentially normal and the person does not have dementia. The study yielded several important findings: —Engaging in two to five mentally stimulating activities in late life correlated with

a lower risk for developing MCI. A trend suggests a greater number of activities is linked to a greater reduction in risk. —Three activities — computer use, social activities and games — had benefits when pursued in both midlife and late life. However, crafts were beneficial only in late life. —Reading books showed no benefit — a dismaying finding to me as both an author and an avid reader.

The bottom line If we want to keep our minds sharp and our memories strong, the evidence suggests that there is much we can do today. We can engage in regular aerobic exercise. We can eat a Mediterranean-style diet. We can work to learn new things and keep a positive mental attitude. And lastly, with a nod to this new research, we can pursue social activities, play games and use computers from midlife onward, and engage in crafts in late life. Books, on the other hand, should be read whenever we are seeking knowledge, wisdom, enlightenment or enjoyment. © 2020 President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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M AY 2 0 2 0 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

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H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — M AY 2 0 2 0

When plantar fasciitis doesn’t improve 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 hasn’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 — not the inflammation.

Risk factors 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 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. To treat plantar fasciitis, the extra stress on the plantar fascia must be relieved so that the tears can heal. 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. Open surgery to remove the damaged tissue is an option, but recovery often is prolonged, and recurring pain is common.

jection. Using ultrasound imaging and a thin probe, holes are poked in damaged and degenerated plantar fascia tissue. This is often followed by an injection of plateletrich plasma into the fascia. Platelet-rich plasma is obtained from your own blood. Anti-inflammatory factors in platelet-rich plasma may help stimulate pain relief and healing in the area. 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.

Minimally invasive approaches If plantar fasciitis pain is disrupting your life and a thorough plan of care isn’t leading 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 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 energy 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) in-

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Health Studies

M AY 2 0 2 0 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y 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.

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SAFE SHOPPING HOURS Several grocery stores have designated shopping hours for older

adults and vulnerable populations. Walmart has a senior hour at 6 a.m. every Tuesday. Target has designated the first hour, at 7 or 8 a.m. depending on the store, for older adults on Wednesdays. Safeway has announced senior shopping time every Tuesday and Thursday from 7 to 9 a.m. Whole Foods has senior time one hour before opening. For updated information, visit your local grocery store’s website.

According to existing research, “80% of caregivers have a chronic health condition,” 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 dementia 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

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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.

Letters to editor From page 2 in my house for 52 years, and my late husband and I both saved piles of mementos over the years. The things I find in boxes surprise me to no end! It’s fun to look at the items and remember the good times they represent, but I will probably never look at them again, even if I keep them. So out they go, to Goodwill or Catholic Charities or recycling or the trash bin. I’ve started a program of working 15 minutes a day to attack one area; it seems to be working. Moving is no fun — but the hardest part is moving out of my chair! Mary Irving Fantucchio Via email

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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 CLASSES AT HOME

Take care of yourself with yoga classes viewed live 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.

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — M AY 2 0 2 0

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

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.

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. 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.

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 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.

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

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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.

HERE WHEN YOU NEED US MOST To apply for meals, volunteer, or make a gift, visit mealsonwheelsmd.org or call (410) 558-0827

We are here, right now. For 60 years we have provided nutritious meals for so many in our community in good times and in challenging ones.

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Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

Should you worry about numb hands? By Robert H. Shmerling, M.D. Q: I often wake up with numbness in my hand. After five minutes, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s back to normal. Why does this happen? When should I worry that something serious is causing it? A: Since itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s temporary, brief and goes back to normal, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s probably due to pressure on a nerve near the wrist and unlikely to be due to anything serious. Numbness and tingling are most commonly due to abnormal nerve function, or, as I like to tell patients, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The nerves are not happy.â&#x20AC;? And when this is intermittent, temporary and related to holding one position for a long time, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rarely anything to worry about. The cause in these cases is simply pressure on one or more nerves traveling into the hands or feet. When you remove the pressure (by changing position, for example), the problem goes away. However, there are more than 100 other causes of nerve disease (or neuropathy) that cause similar, though more prolonged and persistent, symptoms. An estimated 20 million people have a form of peripheral neuropathy that might

make hands or feet feel numb or tingly.

When to see a doctor If your hands or feet fall asleep occasionally and normal sensation quickly returns, thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fine. No need to contact your doctor. But call your doctor promptly if you have persistent numbness, tingling or other unusual sensations in your hands or feet. This is especially important if these sensations cause trouble with walking or holding onto things. Your doctor should investigate further and will likely consider possible causes of peripheral neuropathy, including the following: â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Diabetes. This is the most common identifiable cause of peripheral neuropathy, accounting for nearly a third of cases. â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Diseases of the liver, kidney and thyroid â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Nutritional deficits, such as vitamin B12 or other vitamin deficiencies â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Alcohol or exposure to other toxins, such as mercury â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Certain medications, including some chemotherapy drugs or antibiotics â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Vascular disease, which occurs when the blood supply to a peripheral nerve is

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Not being able to travel physically doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mean we canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t still explore! Check out virtual tours of museums around the world, including Koreaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, the British Museum, the Van Gogh Museum and Mexicoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s National Museum of Anthropology. You can also view our countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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.

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impaired, as with atherosclerosis â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Compression. Good examples include pressure on a nerve (as described earlier) or carpal tunnel syndrome. Additional causes of neuropathy are infection, nerve trauma and inflammatory or autoimmune conditions that affect nerves. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s worth noting that nearly a third of cases have no clear cause, a problem known as idiopathic neuropathy. The causes of peripheral neuropathy are many and range from the harmless and an-

noying to the intolerable and dangerous. When in doubt, see your doctor. But try not to worry when your hands or feet fall asleep due to holding your arms or legs too long in one position, as long as this resolves within minutes and doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t happen often. For additional consumer health information, visit health.harvard.edu. ÂŠ 2020 President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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M AY 2 0 2 0 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

Say you saw it in the Beacon

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — M AY 2 0 2 0

A Publication of the Department of Community Resources and Services

A Message from DCRS Director Jackie Scott Residents' Needs During COVID-19

he Department of Community Resources and Services (DCRS) takes great pride in the relationships we have built with you, our members and neighbors, and we value the trust you have in our ability to effectively respond to residents’ needs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the need for physical distancing, be assured that you are not alone in this — my staff and I are here and ready to help. We urge you not to panic, to use the tools we are giving you to make good, clear decisions for yourself and your family — and to remember your neighbors. During this stressful time, it’s important to care for your emotional and mental well-being while monitoring your physical health. Reach out if you need something. And remember, while things seem uncomfortable because they are unknown, they are not insurmountable. We are a strong and resilient community and we will get through this together.

COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) During the COVID-19 pandemic, the top priority of the Office on Aging and Independence (OAI) is to protect the safety and well-being of Howard County’s older adults, people living with disabilities or chronic conditions, and the front-line workers who work diligently to care for our most vulnerable residents. Based upon the COVID-19 guidance provided by the World Health Organization, CDC, and our State and local Health Departments, the following OAI facilities are closed and programs are cancelled until further notice: • 50+ Centers, the Connections and Kindred Spirts Social Day Programs • Group Programs, Rentals, Events and Activities • Home Visit and Facility-Based Services • Congregate Meal Program • Tax Preparation Assistance • The Loan Closet is closed for in-person appointments; for urgent needs, call 410-313-0363

COVID-19 FAQ is continued on page 18

Even during the current COVID-19 pandemic, Howard County older adults are Making their Mark through volunteerism and community support. Thank you for all that you are doing to support the Howard County community in these uncertain times, and for showing us that physical distancing does not have to lead to social isolation. We hope to see you back at 50+ Centers soon!

Volume 10, No. 5 • May 2020

A Message from Howard County Executive

Calvin Ball

ver the last two months we have been living through uncertain and challenging times. We want all of our older residents to know Howard County government is working diligently to keep you safe and healthy in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Howard County is a resilient community, during the most difficult times, we remain dedicated and are working together, united around a common challenge. We’ve seen the generosity of neighbors, friends, and strangers over the past weeks, working to ensure people have food, medicine and other essentials. I am proud of the work our Department of Community Resources and Services has continued despite the temporary closures of our 50+ Centers. They are delivering meals, providing critical communications, and still connecting residents to the resources they need. Even as the government focuses on the virus, we continue to move forward with our everyday responsibilities. We recently proposed our capital budget for the upcoming year to the County Council that includes funds to construct the East Columbia 50+ Center and renovate the Bain 50+ Center. Additionally, if you haven’t had a chance, please be sure to complete your 2020 census today at My2020Census.gov or by calling 844-330-2020. Having each and every one of you counted is vital to securing much needed federal funding for healthcare, housing, public safety and more. I am keeping all of our residents in my thoughts during this outbreak. We are getting through this day-by-day, and by looking after each other through calls and e-mails with those who we love. My promise to you, on behalf of the Howard County government, is that, moving forward, we will continue to safeguard the critical resources, support services and health of our older adult population. We will get through this by working together and focusing on what matters most – the health, safety, and well-being of you and your loved ones.

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

www.Facebook.com/HoCoCommunity

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

The 50+ Connection

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Grab & Go Meal Packs Now Available

hen Howard County 50+ centers closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic health crisis, congregate meal programs were suspended as well. To fill the void, the Office on Aging and Independence established a temporary Grab & Go meal program to provide healthy meals for center members that meet the 1/3 daily recommended allowance for older adults. In early April, OAI began offering the program to those most at nutritional risk in the congregate program (age 60+). Here’s how it works: Each Grab & Go meal pack includes seven individual entrées, plus seven milk cartons, a variety of fruit cups, apple sauce, and bread products. Eligible individuals include anyone age 60 and older, and their spouses of any age. Pre-registration is required to order, with limited meal kits available. To register, contact Maryland Access Point of Howard County at 410-313-1234 (voice/relay) or email map@howardcountymd.gov. Orders must be placed by noon on Monday to receive a meal kit for the current week. Order may be picked up on Thursday between 11:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. at the Ellicott City 50+ Center, 9401 Frederick Road in Ellicott City 21042. The Howard County Office on Aging & Independence has partnered with Neighbor Ride and Roving Radish to ensure meals are delivered to pre-qualified individuals. The cost of each meal kit is $47.32 ($6.76 per meal). Though funding is supported through the Senior Nutrition Program of the Older Americans Act of 1965, donations up to the full amount help to ensure the continued viability of the program. An anonymous donation envelope is provided with each meal kit and collected weekly at the Grab & Go location.

CONSUMER PROTECTION During COVID-19 PRICE GOUGING FRAUDULENT CHARITIES

GENERAL INFORMATION BOGUS PRODUCTS AND ONLINE SCAMS

If you have any consumer-related questions, problems or concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic, contact us! 410-313-6420 (VOICE/RELAY) consumer@howardcountymd.gov howardcountymd.gov/consumer

M AY 2 0 2 0 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

PROGRAM UPDATE Although registration for Cycle2Health (C2H) is open, the Ofﬁce of Aging and Independence has made the decision to delay the start of the season until further notice due to COVID-19. For more information, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/C2H.

COVID-19 FAQ continued from page 17 In these uncertain times, you may have questions about OAI programs and services – when 50+ centers will reopen, whether cancelled programs will be rescheduled or fees refunded, and how to access services during the closure. Here are some frequently asked questions: When will 50+ centers reopen? Will programs be rescheduled? Some center-based events, like the Mosaic Workshop at North Laurel, will be rescheduled. Our website and Facebook page will be updated when centers reopen and regular programming is resumed. In the meantime, we are currently developing virtual classes to include exercise and wellness. Do I have to pay for the classes, lessons or programs that I missed due to the temporary Center closures? No. Most remaining class sessions for the winter season have been credited to participants’ accounts. In the event of an indefinite closure announcement affecting the remainder of spring classes, pro-rated credits to accounts or refunds will be issued. I paid for a Go 50+ ﬁtness membership; these facilities are currently closed. I also participate in the Group Exercise Pass Program at Ellicott City 50+ Center. Will I be reimbursed? Members will receive membership extensions to account for facility closures related to the COVID-19 outbreak. Who can I contact to learn more about food assistance? Contact Maryland Access Point (MAP) at map@howardcountymd.gov or 410-313-1234 (voice/relay). A new Grab & Go meal distribution program is available to individuals age 60+; registration is required. See the article at left for details, or call MAP for more information. I had an AARP Tax Appointment to have my 2019 Tax Return prepared and still need assistance. The AARP Tax Assistance program is closed until further notice; all appointments have been cancelled to protect both the preparers and the clients. The date for filing 2019 tax returns has been extended to July 15, 2020. Among the provisions of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, are waivers for 2020 required minimum distributions (RMDs) which may reduce your 2020 tax bill. For more information on how the CARES Act may impact you, visit https://www.aarp.org/money/ investing/info-2020/cares-act-retiree-tax-benefit.html How will the current COVID-19 restrictions affect OAI events planned for later this year, like Master Aging? OAI has cancelled Master Aging this year due to the inability to plan for a large-scale event at this time. We are exploring smaller-scale alternatives to continue our engagement and outreach within the community. What is the status of Howard County’s Age-Friendly Initiative? Work on the Age-Friendly initiative continues – just in a different way. Workgroups have been meeting via WebEx since March 17, and the members have received the initial analysis of the Age-Friendly survey to review. We are exploring the possibility of virtually hosting listening sessions and focus groups. How can I get more information? For the latest updates about COVID-19 in Howard County, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/coronavirus. To stay informed about the status of Office on Aging and Independence programs and services, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/aging and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

www.howardcountymd.gov/coronavirus

Say you saw it in the Beacon

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — M AY 2 0 2 0

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

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-

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,” Sameer Samana, a global market strategist at Wells Fargo Investment Institute, said. 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 20

Be a skeptical consumer during pandemic By Eric Friedman Whether dealing with snake oil products, phishing scams, price gouging or cancelled travel arrangements, it is a difficult time to be a consumer. Scammers and their schemes change daily. As a consumer, how can you protect yourself? Here are some of the more common scams circulating together with the virus. First, know that there are no approved

potions, pills or treatments to cure COVID19. That doesn’t stop online sellers and promotors using social media from advertising (and collecting money) for worthless “miracle” products — from colloidal silver drinks to “virus killing” toothpaste. The Federal Trade Commission reports that pop-up websites claim to have useful products in high demand, yet never ship them. Research the name of the website

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Ongoing

DAILY CHECK-IN PHONE CALLS The state of Maryland recommends that all older adults use the

Senior Call Check program as a resource during the COVID-19 pandemic. The service places an automated call to you every day to check on your status, and informs a designated person if you do not answer after three calls. Senior Call Check phone lines are open Call 1-866-50-CHECK (1-866-502-0560) Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. or Saturday between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. to register for the free statewide program.

with the word “scam” to see if other consumers are complaining. Similarly, ignore online ads offering vaccinations (which don’t yet exist) or investments in coronavirus treating companies. You may be asked to donate funds towards research or to help victims. Before sending money, you should research any charity using CharityNavigator.org, Guidestar.org or Give.org. In addition, you can make sure any charities have the proper license from your state by searching for them on your secretary of state’s website. Online hackers may send unsolicited email messages offering supposed maps to coronavirus hot spots or health information. Clicking on these scam messages may allow online viruses or malware access to your computer to “phish” — that is, to steal your personal or account information. Never click on unsolicited online offers, and only click on COVID-19 news from a trusted source like the CDC, WHO, your local hospital’s website or other authorita-

tive entities. Beware: Reports are surfacing that door-to-door scammers are posing as CDC, WHO or other government health officials making “spot checks” for the virus. These agencies are too taxed to be making on-site health inspections. Those are not legitimate officials at your door. There are also reports that robocalls are peddling scam work-at-home schemes once again and also unnecessary water filters.

Watch out for price gouging Price gouging is an unfortunate side effect of any natural disaster, including this pandemic. Unscrupulous merchants have been known to charge exorbitant prices for hand sanitizer, cleaning products and disinfectant wipes. Amazon and eBay are taking steps to prohibit price gouging activity regarding certain products and have blocked certain sellers. See BE A SKEPTIC, page 20

Law & Money | Subscribe for half-price. See p. 30

Coronavirus hit From page 19

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) 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.

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Ongoing

Tactical investors looking for other stocks that should do well during the COVID Collapse 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.

Be a skeptic

garding “unconscionable” conduct or price disparity related to the sale of goods that might be used to address price gouging.

CONCERTS FROM HOME

Rolling Stone 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

M AY 2 0 2 0 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

ONLINE LANGUAGE CLASSES

Have you ever wanted to learn Spanish or Korean? Now’s your chance with Jason Anthony, a foreign language instructor offering virtual instruction. A one hour session costs $35, and the lessons will be conducted by Skype or Zoom. To learn more, contact Jason Anthony at jb2736@georgetown.edu.

From page 19 Not all states have specific laws on the books that address price gouging. The District of Columbia and Virginia do have such specific laws. In Maryland, the Governor recently signed a State of Emergency bill which banned price gouging during the emergency period. Moreover, some counties, like Howard County, have consumer protection laws re-

Cancelled trips, events, etc. Many airlines, hotels and cruise lines are allowing consumers to cancel or postpone tickets without penalties. Cancellation, credit and refund policies vary greatly with tour groups, peer-to-peer shared housing and public events. There are no consumer protection laws that regulate all of these consumer transactions. It’s best to contact each business directly to resolve these difficult situations.

Reporting Violations If you come across price gouging, scam products or other unconscionable behavior, please contact the following resources: File a complaint with the Maryland Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division at marylandattorneygeneral.gov/pages/cpd /complaint.aspx or call its consumer hotline at (410) 528-8662 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. In Howard County, report price gouging or fraudulent products by calling the county’s department of consumer protection at (410) 313-6420 or by emailing consumer@howardcountymd.gov. For answers to health questions about coronavirus, call Howard County’s Coronavirus Information Line at (410) 313-6284. The line is available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Eric Friedman is the director of the Montgomery County, Maryland Office of Consumer Protection.

BEACON BITS

Ongoing

PODCASTS

Learn something new about history and science, keep up to date on the latest news, and distract yourself with comedy on a variety of podcasts, or audio programs. Time magazine has a list of 50 popular podcasts for you at http://bit.ly/PodcastsTime.

Ongoing

VIRTUAL LIBRARY

While you can’t go to the library in person, you can still access many library resources online. Watch movies and TV shows, take classes, and read eBooks for free with a library card. To access these resources, visit hclibrary.org.

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Law & Money

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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 designate 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 automatically 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. 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 dies due to the JTWROS titling, there will See ESTATE PLAN, page 22

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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 super-

Estate plan From page 21 be no assets available from George’s estate to fund the grandchildren’s trust. 4. Failure to fund a revocable living trust

high 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). 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 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 liv-

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“With these,” he said, “the price differential is not enough to say, ‘Hey, go out and buy a used car.’”

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 (insurance, 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 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.

ing 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 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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Artisans sell original artwork in Santa Fe’s plaza. See story on page 24.

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 25

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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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Taos From page 23 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 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

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the first American governor of New Mexico 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.

person 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.

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Throughout the ages, there have been many important advances in mobility. Canes, walkers, rollators, and scooters were created to help people with mobility issues get around and retain their independence. Lately, however, there haven’t been any new improvements to these existing products or developments in this field. Until now. Recently, an innovative design engineer who’s developed one of the world’s most popular products created a completely new breakthrough... a personal electric vehicle. It’s called the Zinger, and there is nothing out there quite like it.

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Isabel Allende, who has sold 75 million books, lives modestly. See story on page 28.

Train to become an environmental leader From waterman to steward Another local environmentalist is Alan Pflugrad, a 72-year-old Columbia resident and first-year HoLLIE graduate from 2009. He has devoted his volunteer years to help clean up Howard County watersheds and the Chesapeake Bay — a “huge task,” he noted. A “onetime boater and crabber,” Pflugrad volunteers at the Maryland Department of the Environment Watershed Program, leading teams collecting data on chemicals, pollution and cleanups of the area’s waterways. “Most of the streams in Howard County are rated ‘poor’ or ‘very poor’ biologically,” Pflugrad said. “That means they are harboring less and less life. We can no longer eat fish and crabs from the area.” Pflugrad, a master watershed steward, hopes his work can help bring the area’s waterways and their inhabitants back to health.

Virtual Earth Day On April 22, most of the world’s celebrations of the 50th anniversary of Earth Day will be postponed due to the coronavirus. But Laurel resident Liz Feighner, 62, a 2012 HoLLIE graduate, is working with other county environmentalists to plan online events. Earth Day will be celebrated via virtual events, she said. Feighner said her HoLLIE classes inspired her to join four other women who in 2018 blocked the front doors of the Maryland State House in Annapolis to protest possible construction of a gas pipeline and

PHOTO BY WANDA PRATHER

By Robert Friedman Woody Merkel, 69, a lifelong resident of Woodstock, Maryland, says much of his early life was spent outdoors. Appreciation of nature, he said, is “part of my genes.” So, a decade ago, Merkel, a retired personnel manager in the Maryland state government, signed up for classes at the Howard County Legacy Leadership Institute for the Environment, or HoLLIE. The nonprofit organization began in 2008 under the leadership of University of Maryland professor Tracey Manning. Its annual eight-week course includes lectures about climate change and other global environmental issues as well as about more local topics, such as the Chesapeake Bay and Patuxent River. Experts from NASA, NOAA, the University of Maryland and other schools and agencies meet with students, most of whom are retirees, at NASA’s Goddard Space Center in Greenbelt and Belmont Manor in Elkridge. The program inspired Merkel to dedicate his retirement to working to “connect people with nature,” he said. He’s now a volunteer at the Howard County Conservancy, which educates children and adults about responsible stewardship of our environment. “It is so very important now for children and adults to know what nature is all about, so they will help protect and preserve it,” Merkel said.

The Howard County Legacy Leadership Institute for the Environment offers small classes that meet outdoors, at NASA and at Belmont Manor. Its graduates, known as “Hollies,” go on to volunteer for many local and national environmental groups.

drilling under the Potomac River. Police handcuffed them, removed them from the property and charged them with trespassing. Since then, others have demonstrated

and worked against the pipeline, which so far has not been approved. See ENVIRONMENT, page 29

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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 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 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. See ISABEL ALLENDE, page 29

Environment From page 27 “Here’s what keeps me awake at night: wondering what the world will look like when my children and my grandchildren reach my age,” said Feighner, mother of four and grandmother of two, in an interview with the Washington Post in 2018. Those concerns “are stronger than ever,” she told the Beacon this month.

Repair and reuse Of course, you don’t have to risk arrest to help the environment. For the past three years, Charlie Goedeke, a 2012 HoLLIE classmate of Feighner, has been running the Repair Café for Transition Howard County. The volunteer organization is part of an international movement that focuses

Isabel Allende From page 28 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

on building better communities. “We encourage people — instead of throwing away and buying new, fix what you got,” Goedeke said. “That way you save money and keep more things from overflowing landfills.” Goedeke, 69, leads a team of 15 to 20 “fixers” on monthly visits to 50+ centers, libraries, churches and other county venues to show attendees how to fix their vacuum cleaners, bikes and CD and record players. They also teach people how to maintain their tools, sharpen their kitchen knives and repair electrical appliances. The coronavirus has temporarily put Repair Café visits on hold, but they will resume eventually, Goedeke said. “If you ask people to fix the world, most will they say they don’t have the time,” he said. “But if you show them how to repair

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H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — M AY 2 0 2 0

one item at a time, they feel more comfortable with the idea.”

Making a difference HoLLIE is Tracey has a account now being run by six Howard County women: Cathy Hudson, a farmer who owns the Myrtle Woods Farm in Elkridge; Tracey Manning, Ph.D., co-founder of the group and a psychologist who teaches at the University of Maryland; Wanda Prather, an internet technology consultant; co-founder Barbara Schmeckpeper, a geneticist and environmental educator; Betsy Singer, a former communications director at the National Institutes of Health; and Audrey Suhr, a former director at the National Aquarium in Baltimore. “The program has exceeded my wildest

dreams,” Manning said. “I’m incredibly impressed on the impact we’ve had on people’s knowledge and commitment to start a whole new career in environmental volunteering,” she said. “The HoLLIE program helps people focus on what they’re passionate about.” HoLLIE’s leadership training classes, which are limited to 15 students for greater student-instructor interaction, typically take place on eight consecutive Thursdays in February and March each year. Tuition is $100. Registration typically opens in mid-November and fills quickly. If you’d like to receive online registration information when it becomes available, email hocollie@gmail.com. For more information, visit howardLLIE.com.

ANSWERS TO CROSSWORD

FROM PAGE 30

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

M E G A

ANSWERS TO SCRABBLE

A D A M

A L O F T F I F E S

S T H O Y O

R I F F S

S T O O P E F R I F I T S H E A E G M E U R

H E R R D O G G O N E A R M E S F F O S A

P A P A S

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

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

R I S A C O M E N T I B I A

S K U N K

I S E E

A P O R T

T E N S E

R Y E S

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M AY 2 0 2 0 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

Crossword Puzzle

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

Down

HC520

Scrabble answers on p. 29.

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 29.

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H O WA R D C O U N T Y 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.

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ADVERTISERS IN THIS ISSUE Events

Housing

Senior/Government Services

Beacon 50+Expo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Celebration of the Arts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

Brooke Grove . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 Enterprise Residential . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Residences at Vantage Point . . . . . . . . . . .15 Shriner Court . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Census 2020 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 Howard County 50+ Connection . . . . .17-18

Funeral Services

Subscriptions

Cremation Society of Maryland . . . . . . . .13 Going Home Cremations . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 Harry H. Witzke’s Family Funeral Home, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 MacNabb Funeral Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Sol Levinson & Bros., Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Medical/Health

The Beacon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

Gentleneedle Acupuncture . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Medical Eye Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Nourishing Life Wellness . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Surveys

Home Health Care

Real Estate

TheBeaconNewspapers.com . . . . . . . . . . .16

A-1 Action Nursing Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 At Home Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Homewatch Caregivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Options for Senior America . . . . . . . . . . .13

Coldwell Banker/Debbie McGrann . . . . .21 Sachs Realty/Ruth Lyons . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Theatre/Entertainment

Retail/Services

Columbia Pro Cantare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

Columbia’s Village Centers . . . . . . . . . . .20 Oakridge Auction Gallery . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Volunteers/ Employment

Home Improvement J. Johnston Roofing & Contracting . . . . . .7 LeafGuard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Beacon Reader Survey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Technology

Meals on Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

M AY 2 0 2 0 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

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For many, this time of change and uncertainty adds a new wrinkle to existing challenges—from regaining strength and function after hospitalization to caring at home for a loved one with Alzheimer’s. For 70 years, Brooke Grove Retirement Village has been providing excellent care in Montgomery County. Our innovative approaches, LIFE enrichment programming and beautiful 220-acre campus continue to enhance the health and well-being of all in our care.

Call today to let us know how we can help. 301-260-2320

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Take a virtual tour at www.bgf.org.

Independent living as assisted ssisted living g r rehabilitation ehabilita ta at a tion long-term ca care are memory y support sup pport