May 2024 | DC Beacon

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Area farmers markets thrive

By Margaret Foster

Every Sunday morning in Bethesda, Maryland, a line forms in front of Bethesda Elementary School. People wait, chatting with others in line, their dogs on leashes and babies in strollers, until a man named Mitchell Berliner steps up on a bench and says, “Good morning, world’s greatest farmers market patrons! Today, we have strawberries, tomatoes and morels. Three, two, one, shop!”

Then, waving and smiling to everyone, Berliner officially opens the farmers market he and his wife, Debra Moser, established 18 years ago.

“This is my retirement project that got way out of control, and I love it,” he said.

Berliner, 76, grew up on Long Island, where he often visited his cousin’s farm and discovered a love of food.

“There were still plenty of farms around, even in the town I grew up in,” he said. “I was fascinated by how things grow. I naturally gravitated towards it.”

A year after Berliner graduated from American University, he started his own food company, operating four farm stands in Montgomery County.

Eventually he started a business distributing wholesale ice cream and organic and specialty foods. He retired after 38 years in the food distribution business — but wasn’t willing to slow down.

On weekends, he and Moser would pick up fresh food at farmers markets downtown, but they thought it was “unbelievable” that their hometown of Bethesda didn’t have a comprehensive farmers market of its own.

So they approached a local realty company for permission to establish a market in a parking lot on Elm Street. Their company, Central Farm Markets, launched a

partners with Manna Food Center so vendors can sell fresh leftover produce to the food bank at a discount.

market there in 2008 with 17 vendors, moved to its current location at the elementary school a few years later, and now has 60 vendors there each week. They also run two other markets in the region, one near Nationals Park baseball stadium and one at Pike & Rose in Rockville.

Every vendor has a story

Berliner knows all 100 vendors who sell

everything from mushrooms to wine at their three markets.

He also knows all their stories. One woman farmer used to write for the Los Angeles Times. Another family spent years as migrant workers until they established a Maryland farm. Some vendors started out with a 10-by-10 tent at the market and

Debra Moser and Mitch Berliner started the Bethesda Central Farm Market 18 years ago, when they “retired.” Today, they continue to operate three weekly farmers markets that together feature 100 vendors as well as entertainment. Berliner

PHOTO BY M. PAYNE

See you at the gym!

My wife and I started the Beacon 35 years ago, when we were relatively young. While I was never what you’d call athletic, I was trim at the time and in decent shape for my age.

By the time I turned 50, however, I realized that was no longer the case. Though we had two young children at home, I still managed to be mostly sedentary, and it showed.

mendations of that trainer.

It wasn’t easy, but it worked. I lost a good bit of accumulated fat and learned how to properly use the equipment at a typical gym.

As you might guess, publishing a newspaper is not a physically demanding occupation. But it did repeatedly expose me to articles about healthy eating and the importance of staying active and strong as one ages in order to better face the challenges ahead.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

By Stuart P. Rosenthal

I decided I could no longer fail to follow the Beacon’s good advice.

So, for my 50th birthday, I asked my family for two things: a package of sessions with a physical trainer and the forbearance to let me eat something completely different from the rest of them for some months, in keeping with the recom-

Fortunately, the somewhat extreme diet I went on was not something I had to follow long-term. But the exercise program was.

It’s been more than 15 years, and I still “follow the program.” Well, it’s not exactly the same program, but another set of weight-bearing exercises designed specifically for us “over 60” types.

Even when I travel, as I did recently, I do my best to find a nearby gym where I can work out every day or two.

Sometimes those gyms are peppered with huge guys and fit ladies who look like they would make great personal bodyguards.

But on this trip, I ended up at two different gyms, each with a widely diverse clientele. There were teenagers working out after school, gym rats, younger seniors

(like me) trying to hold it together, and a significant number of truly older adults (I’m guessing 80 and up) who clearly knew what they were doing and did it well.

I’m used to seeing young studs hoist weights in each arm that I would be lucky to roll across the floor. But this time, I saw older men and women, some looking rather frail to my eye, doing leg presses and other exercises with about double the weight I can currently muster.

It all goes to show that the more you do, the more you can do.

The point, however, is not to impress other people with how much you can lift or press. The important message is that we can all increase our strength by engaging in regular exercise (either under supervision or following excellent training) and thereby boost our quality — and enjoyment — of life.

Study after study has shown that, at any age, starting an exercise program — especially weight-bearing exercise — brings health benefits.

Carrying groceries, playing with grandchildren, climbing stairs, and even just keeping our balance and avoiding falls all require core strength and overall fitness. Aerobic endurance is also important.

If you aren’t currently able to do those things with ease, try to find a personal trainer at a reputable fitness facility who can teach and inspire you.

And don’t worry if the best program you can bring yourself to do is very limited. It’s essential to find something you can keep doing regularly, which means you should find something you enjoy, at least somewhat — whether it’s walking, swimming, using free weights or doing chair exercises.

I’m not saying you will necessarily find the effort satisfying for its own sake (though you might). But you’ll probably find that it helps you live your best life over the years to come.

Letters to the editor

Beacon The

The Beacon is a monthly newspaper dedicated to inform, serve, and entertain the citizens of the Greater Washington DC area, and is privately owned. Other editions serve Greater Baltimore and Howard County, Md. Readership exceeds 400,000.

Subscriptions are available via first-class mail ($36) or third-class mail ($12), prepaid with order. D.C. and Maryland residents: add 6 percent for sales tax. Send subscription order to the office listed below.

Publication of advertising contained herein does not necessarily constitute endorsement. Signed columns represent the opinions of the writers, and not necessarily the opinion of the publisher.

Publisher/Editor – Stuart P. Rosenthal

President/Associate Publisher – Judith K. Rosenthal

Executive Vice President – Gordon Hasenei

Managing Editor – Margaret Foster

Art Director – Kyle Gregory

Vice President of Operations – Roger King

Advertising Representatives –Dan Kelly, M.K. Phillips, Alan Spiegel

Marketing & Operations Manager – Ashley Griffin

Assistant Editor – Ana Preger Hart

The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915 (301) 949-9766 • Email: info@thebeaconnewspapers.com Website: www.theBeaconNewspapers.com

Submissions:

Copyright 2024 The Beacon Newspapers, Inc.

Readers are encouraged to share their opinions 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 to info@thebeaconnewspapers.com.

Please include your name, address and telephone number for verification.

Dear Editor:

Thank you for your efforts in making your newspaper free of charge.

I’d like to point out that in your March 2024 cover article, “The Bachelorettes of the DMV,” the photo caption gives the woman’s age but not the man’s age.

Though the article mentions his age, 72, my friend pointed out that this was not right [to omit his age in the caption]. My duty is to point this out so some people won’t think this omission was sexist.

Pranoti Monhanty Beltsville, MD

Dear Editor:

I enjoyed your April “From the publisher” column, “I can see clearly now.”

I am retired and need glasses for reading and TV, but I enjoy my quiet time and ME time. Sitting on my balcony just resting my eyes on the trees on the road, early morning sunrises, birds chirping, etc., brings my life into focus. A trip to a park or a farm is an added gift, [when] one of my children take me.

Yes, time spent with nature, the gentle breezes of morning clouds and sunrise, awaken the spirit and set life aright.

I’ll be 91 next month, and even though I have many aches, each day is a gift I am grateful for. Just enjoy the beauty of every moment, sing and eat ice cream!

Rosemarie LoMonaco Woodbridge, VA

Dear Editor:

Enjoyed reading Bob Levey’s April col-

umn about Walter Johnson, but one correction/addition: My wife is a WJ graduate from 1964, and she tells me that the official WJ mascot was the “Spartan.”

Unofficially, “Mad Cows” and the “Mighty Moo” were a running gag based on the cow pastures that were in the area until supplanted by development. The class of 1963 painted a picture of Mighty Moo on a chimney as a prank. The image has since been painted over, but everyone at WJ still holds Moo in high esteem.

Around 1987, due to declining enrollments, the county needed to close Woodward High School. A a deal was made that the new combined school would remain Walter Johnson High School, but that the Woodward mascot would be adopted; hence the Walter Johnson “Wildcats.”

I understand from some of the current kids that Moo is still around, but the Spartan is fading away.

Jerome Danoff Washington, D.C.

Dear Editor:

I loved reading Bob Levey’s memories of the great Walter Johnson. I’m a longtime baseball fan (originally Detroit Tigers) and am well aware of the contributions he made to this community.

Mr. Levey might be interested to know that Ron McKee, a former resident of a nearby community, has maintained a “library” at the high school located in what looks like a

Embracing Literature and Lifelong Learning at The Carnegie: A Partnership with The Gaithersburg Book Festival

The Carnegie at Washingtonian Center is proud to be the title sponsor for The Gaithersburg Book Festival, a partnership that resonates deeply with a commitment to creating a culturally rich environment for the residents.

“At The Carnegie, we believe the power of literature connects people of all ages and backgrounds, and The Festival represents this in action,” explains Jennifer Pastora, General Manager for The Carnegie. “Our sponsorship of The Gaithersburg Book Festival is more than just a partnership—it’s a reflection of our core values. The Festival’s commitment to offering programs for all ages aligns perfectly with our vision of intergenerational engagement.”

The Book Festival is a day-long celebration that brings together authors, readers, and literary enthusiasts nationwide. The annual festival features over 120 top authors and a rich array of literary experiences. The Festival was introduced to Gaithersburg in 2010 by current Mayor Jud Ashman when he was a city council member. It quickly became one of the nation’s top literary events and has become a popular addition to the many activities Gaithersburg hosts yearround. “The Festival is free to the public, so everyone is welcome,” adds Mayor Ashman. “We offer special programming for kids, book signings with top authors, poetry readings, and writing workshops. There is truly something for everyone, and we're excited to offer a rich and diverse literary experience again this year.”

The Carnegie’s sponsorship of The Gaithersburg Book Festival extends beyond just the event itself, but also to the ongoing commitment to fostering a community that values lifelong learning and positive social engagement. “We are proud to support an event that celebrates the beauty of literature and the joy

of reading,” states Pastora. “We believe learning is a lifelong journey, and events like The Book Festival provide unique opportunities for our residents to continue their intellectual growth and connect with the broader community.”

The Carnegie will host a booth at The Festival, where attendees can get information about the community and discover all the amenities, intellectual programs, and the unique Art of Living Well® wellness philosophy designed to enrich the lives of their residents.

In addition to sponsoring The Gaithersburg Book Festival, The Carnegie is thrilled to announce their upcoming opening later this summer. The community will offer a variety of amenities and programs designed to deliver a lifestyle the modern retiree will enjoy. From state-of-the-art fitness classes to unique cultural programs, The Carnegie is committed to delivering a vibrant and fulfilling lifestyle for their residents.

Mark your calendars and be sure to attend The Gaithersburg Book Festival on May 18 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. at Bohrer Park, a day of fun for the whole family to enjoy. Be sure to stop by The Carnegie booth to learn more about the community and inspired retirement living.

The Carnegie has a Discovery Center in Downtown Crown and hosts many signature

events every month to provide a sample of what life at The Carnegie is all about. Schedule your personal tour in advance: 240-213-7383 or visit lifeatthecarnegie.com

The Gaithersburg Book Festival is free to the public, with special programming for kids, book signings with top authors, poetry readings, and writing workshops.

Gaithersburg Book Festival Book Nook at The Carnegie Discovery Center, celebrating the love for reading all year round.

Mark your calendars for a day of family fun at The Gaithersburg Book Festival on May 18 from 10 am to 6 pm at Bohrer Park.

Fitness & Health

WEIGHT LOSS DRUGS

Medicare covers Ozempic and Mounjaro, but only for those with diabetes

WORKING IN WORKOUTS

Stairs, gardening, laundry count towards your daily 20 minutes of exercise

DRIVER EDUCATION

When should an older driver call it quits? And how to help make the call

GLOWING SKIN FROM THE INSIDE

Foods that are high in antioxidants can help protect and beautify your skin

How much sleep do you actually need?

By Matthew Solan

On average, how many hours do you sleep each night? For most healthy adults, guidelines suggest at least seven hours of slumber. But these are general recommendations and not strict rules.

“Some people need less than seven hours, while others might need more,” said Eric Zhou of the Division of Sleep Medicine at Harvard Medical School.

We get it: You know people who swear they only need five hours of sleep per night, yet you feel foggy unless you log eight to nine hours. The major reason for individual differences is that we often look at sleep the wrong way.

“Instead of focusing exclusively on the number of hours we sleep per night, we should also consider our sleep quality,” Zhou said.

Sleep quality means how well you sleep during the night. Did you sleep straight through? Or did you have periods where you woke up? If so, did it take

you a long time to fall asleep? How did you feel when you woke up?

“If you awaken refreshed and feel like you have the energy to get through your day, then I would worry less about the exact number of hours you’re sleeping,” Zhou said.

Sleep quality affects health

Sleep quality is vital for our overall health. Research has shown that people with poor sleep quality are at a higher risk for diabetes, heart disease, stroke and mental health issues like anxiety and depression.

And that’s not all. “Poor sleep also can increase daytime fatigue and make it more difficult to enjoy life,” Zhou said.

Yet it’s normal for people’s sleep patterns to change over time. “Many people are not going to sleep in their 50s and 60s exactly like they did in their 20s,” he said.

Many of these changes are age-related. For instance, your circadian rhythm —

which regulates many bodily functions, including our sleep-wake cycle — can naturally get disrupted over time. This means people spend less time each night in restorative slow-wave sleep.

Production of melatonin, the sleep hormone, also gradually declines with age. “As a result of these changes, when we get older, we may start to wake up earlier than we did when we were younger or wake up more frequently during the night,” Zhou said.

Track your sleep quality

How can you better understand the factors likely contributing to your sleep quality? One way is to keep a sleep diary, where you track and record your sleep. Every day, record the time you went to bed, how long it took you to fall asleep, whether you had any nighttime awakenings (and if so, how long you were awake), and at what time you woke up. Also, keep track of how you feel upon

awakening and at the end of the day.

“After a week or two, review the information to see if you can identify certain patterns that may be affecting your sleep quality, then make adjustments,” Zhou said.

For example, if you have trouble falling asleep, go to bed half an hour later than usual but maintain the same wake-up time.

“It is common for people struggling with their sleep to try to get more sleep by staying in bed longer,” Zhou said, “but this disrupts their sleep patterns and diminishes their sleep quality.”

Three key strategies

Other strategies that can help support good sleep quality include:

• maintaining a consistent wake time, especially on weekends

• limiting daytime naps to 20 to 30 minutes and at least six hours before the desired bedtime [For more about naps,

See SLEEP, page 6

The science behind trending beverages

By The Associated Press

Functional beverages — or drinks promoted as offering mental or physical benefits beyond hydration — are growing in popularity around the world. Hundreds of companies have jumped into the market, hoping to get some buzz with trendy and sometimes unfamiliar ingredients.

Here are some of the latest ones found in functional beverages and what scientists say about them:

Adaptogens

— What are they? Plants and mushrooms that may help your body respond to stress, anxiety and fatigue or enhance feelings of well-being. Examples include American and Asian ginseng (an herb), ashwagandha (an evergreen shrub), eleuthero (a shrub), Rhodiola rosea (a flowering plant) and chaga (a mushroom).

— What does the science say? The Cleveland Clinic says adaptogens are known to trigger chemical reactions that can return the body to a more balanced state. Side effects from adaptogens are rare but depend on the plant.

Studies show that adaptogens work best

for a short duration (less than six months) because the body can build a resistance to them, making them ineffective over time.

Nootropics

— What are they? Also known as “smart drugs,” nootropics are substances that can improve human thinking, learning and memory. Among the most common nootropics are caffeine, L-theanine (an amino acid found in tea), creatine (an amino acid naturally found in meat and fish), Bacopa monnieri (an herb), Gingko biloba (a tree) and lion’s mane (a mushroom). Some adaptogens may also have nootropic properties, like ashwagandha.

— What does the science say? In a study last year in the journal Plants, researchers said that most plant-based nootropics are not immediately effective after a single dose and must be taken for an extended period before any measurable improvement occurs.

One problem in research on these natural substances has been standardizing the form they are taken in, as well as the dosage, the study said.

Side effects are rare and usually mild, but

users should consider their overall health and whether nootropics could affect any other medications before ingesting them.

Probiotics and prebiotics

— What are they? Probiotics are foods or supplements that contain live microorganisms intended to maintain or improve the “good” bacteria in a person’s gut or other parts of the body. They are naturally found in fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, cottage cheese, kombucha and sauerkraut.

Prebiotics are food for the bacteria and other organisms that live in the gut. Prebiotics can be found in whole grains, bananas, greens, onions, garlic, soybeans and artichokes.

— What does the science say? The Cleveland Clinic says probiotics, in theory, work alongside the beneficial microbes in the human body to fight off harmful bacteria, fungi, viruses and parasites.

Researchers know that unhealthy microbiomes can contribute to chronic diseases like irritable bowel syndrome. They may also influence mood, pain tolerance and fatigue.

The Cleveland Clinic and the Mayo Clinic say there is a lot of active research into the microbiome and the impact of probiotics and prebiotics, but not enough evidence to draw solid conclusions about their effectiveness.

Side effects are rare except for people with weak immune systems, whose bodies might not be able to fight off a probiotic that inadvertently contains harmful microbes.

CBD

— What is it? CBD, or cannabidiol, is an active ingredient in cannabis. While it is one of hundreds of components in marijuana, CBD doesn’t cause a high by itself.

CBD has been used to treat epilepsy and may also help alleviate anxiety, insomnia, chronic pain and addiction. Side effects could include nausea, fatigue and irritability.

— What does the science say? In an article published in April, Harvard Medical School said CBD appears to be a helpful, relatively non-toxic option for managing anxiety and other issues. But it said more research is needed to pinpoint effective doses.

Enjoy your naps, but keep them short

By Howard LeWine, M.D.

Q: I have read both positive and negative opinions about naps. I never used to nap, but recently started napping after lunch for about 30 to 40 minutes. What’s your opinion?

A: The first thing to consider is the possibility that you nap because you have developed daytime sleepiness. If so, you should consider why that is happening now. For example:

Do you take any medicine that might make you sleepy? Review your prescriptions with your pharmacist or during your next doctor’s visit.

Have you started having problems sleeping at night? If you sleep well at night and wake up refreshed, don’t worry. But if you feel groggy or have early-morning headaches, you may have sleep apnea or some other cause of interrupted sleep. Could you be depressed? Ask yourself if you no longer enjoy activities that previously gave you pleasure and whether you feel low.

If you feel your napping may be related to these issues or other health concerns, then you should make an appointment with your doctor.

Otherwise, if you nap voluntarily and wake up refreshed afterward, enjoy it. Napping for you probably does not reflect an underlying sleep disturbance. If it refreshes your day without making it hard to sleep at night, snooze away.

For most people, napping in the early afternoon, when your body experiences a natural circadian dip, is the best way to catch a few winks without disturbing the sleep-wake cycle.

There is no consensus on how long you should nap. Some experts recommend naps last no more than 30 minutes. The limit is 60 minutes because longer naps have been linked to a higher risk of health problems like cardiovascular disease.

Try to schedule your naps and not wait until you get sleepy, which will prevent you from napping too late in the day. Keep your napping space dark, cool, and free from distractions. (But there is nothing wrong with the standard couch nap if that’s most comfortable.)

Remember to give yourself 10 minutes after napping before engaging in mentally or physically demanding tasks.

See NAPS, page 6

MAIL OR EMAIL FOR FREE INFORMATION

For free materials about area housing communities and health studies, just complete and clip this coupon and mail, or take a picture and email it to the Beacon

Housing Communities

District of Columbia

❏ Chevy Chase House (See ad on page 13)

Maryland

❏ Brooke Grove (See ad on page 23)

❏ Carnegie, The (See ad on page 3)

❏ Charles E. Smith Life Communities (See ad on page 6)

❏ Chesterbrook (See ad on page 15)

❏ Churchill Senior Living (See ad on page 17)

❏ Grandview, The (See ad on page 9)

❏ Flats at Sandy Spring, The (See ad on page 19)

❏ Harmony Senior Living (See ad on page 1)

❏ Homecrest House (See ad on page 10)

❏ Leggett, The (See ad on page 14)

❏ Park View Bladensburg (See ad on page 37)

❏ Park View Columbia (See ad on page 37)

❏ Park View Emerson (See ad on page 37)

❏ Park View Laurel (See ad on page 37)

❏ Riderwood (See ad on page 9)

❏ Ring House (See ad on page 6)

Virginia

❏ Ashby Ponds (See ad on page 9)

❏ Benchmark at Alexandria (See ad on page 10)

❏ Culpepper Garden (See ad on page 16)

❏ Falcons Landing (See ad on page 48)

❏ Greenspring (See ad on page 9)

❏ Harmony Senior Living (See ad on page 1)

❏ Residences at North Hill (See ad on page 8)

❏ Sommerset (See ad on page 17)

❏ Woodleigh Chase/Erickson (See ad on page 9)

Clinical Health Studies

❏ Velocity Studies (See ad on page 21)

Check the boxes you’re interested in and return this form to: The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915 or take a picture and email to housing@thebeaconnewspapers.com

For free and non-threatening, community-based technology information and assistance, consider attending the meetings of two local technology groups. Washington Apple Pi aims to improve the knowledge and enjoyment of Macintosh computers and Apple mobile devices. Potomac Area Technology and Computer Society seeks to further the use and understanding of personal computers and related technologies, including video/TV, digital photography, tablets and smartphones. Both groups’ meetings are open to the public. For more information, visit wap.org and patacs.org.

From page 4

see “Enjoy your naps, but keep them short” on page 5.]

• being physically active

When it comes to sleep quality, consistency is vital.

“People with good sleep quality often have a predictable sleep window where their sleep occurs,” Zhou said. “Good sleepers are likely to sleep around the same number of hours and stay asleep through the night.”

However, it’s unrealistic to expect perfect sleep every night. “If you have trouble sleeping one or two nights during the week, that can be related to the natural ebbs and flows of life,” Zhou said.

“You may have eaten a big meal that

Naps

From page 5

day, drank too much alcohol while watching football, or had a stressful argument with someone.

“When tracking sleep quality, look at your overall sleep health week-to-week, not how you slept this Tuesday compared to last Tuesday.”

If you are doing all the right things for your sleep but still do not feel rested upon waking, talk to your doctor. This can help you rule out a sleep disorder, such as sleep apnea, or another health issue that can interfere with sleep, such as acid reflux or high blood pressure.

Other factors that can affect the quality of your sleep include taking multiple medicines, depression, anxiety, loneliness and environmental changes like temperature, noise and light exposure.

Matthew Solan is executive editor at Harvard Men’s Health Watch.

ping on pilots, they found that naps improved mental alertness and performance. Many night shift workers reportedly perked up after taking naps as brief as 15 to 20 minutes.

There is still some stigma about naps at work in America because of the lingering notions of decreased productivity and even laziness. But there is solid evidence that an afternoon nap can improve a worker’s cognitive performance, especially for complex tasks, and may stimulate creativity.

When NASA and the Federal Aviation Administration studied the effects of nap-

Howard LeWine, M.D., is an internist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston and assistant professor at Harvard Medical School. For additional consumer health information, please visit www.health.harvard.edu.

© 2024 Harvard University. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Rockville’s most interesting 62+ community invites you to LifeLAB events at Ring House, part of Charles E. Smith Life Communities (CESLC). With the stylish comforts of a boutique hotel, Ring House residents receive proactive wellness and discreet health services in an enriching environment dedicated to the arts, lifelong learning and positive aging.

District

of Columbia

Americans 50 and over decide elections and can force action on the issues that matter most to us.

That’s why AARP District of Columbia has collected the most up-to-date election information for you. You can find out about key voting deadlines, polling places and how to cast your ballot.

Make sure the candidates hear from you. Get the latest District of Columbia election information at aarp.org/DCvotes or text DCVotes to 22555.

Medicare limits coverage for weight loss

Dear Savvy Senior, Does Medicare cover any weightloss treatments for overweight retirees? I just turned 65 and need to lose about 100 pounds and would like to know if Medicare can help.

—Overweight Owen Dear Owen, Traditional Medicare does cover some weight-loss treatments, like counseling and certain types of surgery for overweight beneficiaries.

But unfortunately, it doesn’t cover weight-loss programs or medications. Here’s what you should know.

Who’s eligible

For beneficiaries to receive available Medicare-covered weight-loss treatments, your body mass index (BMI), which is an estimate of your body fat based on your height and weight, must be 30 or higher.

A BMI of 30 or above is considered obese and increases your risk for many

health conditions, such as some cancers, coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke and sleep apnea.

To find out your BMI, the CDC has a free calculator that you can access online at bit.ly/CDCBodyMass.

What’s covered

If you find that your BMI is 30 or higher, Medicare Part B will cover up to 12 months of weight-loss counseling conducted by a medical professional in a primary care setting (like a doctor’s office).

What’s not covered

Unfortunately, original Medicare does not cover weight-loss programs such as fitness or gym memberships, meal delivery services, or popular weightloss programs such as Jenny Craig, Noom and WW (formerly Weight Watchers).

Medicare also does not cover any weight-loss drugs, but it does cover FDA-approved diabetes drugs that have unintentionally become very popular for weight loss.

Most counseling sessions entail an initial obesity screening, a dietary assessment, and behavioral therapy designed to help you lose weight by focusing on diet and exercise.

Medicare also covers certain types of bariatric and metabolic surgery for morbidly obese beneficiaries who have a BMI of 35 or above and have at least one underlying obesity-related health condition, such as diabetes or heart disease.

You must also show that you’ve tried to lose weight in the past through dieting or exercise and have been unsuccessful.

These procedures make changes to your digestive system to help you lose weight and improve the health of your metabolism.

Some common bariatric surgical procedures covered include Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery, which reduces the stomach to a small pouch that makes you feel full even following small meals.

Another is laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding, which inserts an inflatable band that creates a gastric pouch encircling the top of the stomach.

Medicare Part D plans cover Ozempic and Mounjaro for diabetes only, not for weight loss. So, your doctor will need to prescribe these medications for diabetes in order to get them covered.

Medicare also does not cover Wegovy or Zepbound because they’re approved only for weight loss.

The reason behind the weight-loss drug omission is the Medicare Modernization Act, which specifically excluded them back when the law was written 20 years ago. They also excluded drugs used for cosmetic purposes, fertility, hair growth and erectile dysfunction.

Without insurance, weight-loss medications are expensive, often costing $1,000 to $1,300 a month. To help curb costs, try websites like GoodRX.com or SingleCare.com to find the best retail prices in your area. Or if your income is limited, try patient assistance programs through Eli Lilly (LillyCares.com), which makes Mounjaro and Zepbound, or Novo Nordisk (NovoCare.com), the maker of Ozempic and Wegovy.

• Ashby Ponds® Ashburn, VA • Greenspring® Springfield, VA • Riderwood® Silver Spring, MD

Pancreatic cancer symptoms, treatment

By Mark Truty, M.D.

Dear Mayo Clinic: My mother was diagnosed with diabetes, but due to abdominal pain and other issues, her doctor suspects she might have pancreatic cancer.

How is pancreatic cancer diagnosed, and what are the symptoms to watch for?

A: I am so sorry to hear about your mother’s recent issues. It can be a scary time for everyone when there is uncertainty related to a cancer diagnosis, let alone general health issues.

Although it is not a common form of cancer, pancreatic cancer is a very serious disease and is considered one of the least survivable cancers. This is because it

spreads, or metastasizes, quickly before symptoms appear — often resulting in late detection.

Approximately 60,000 people are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer annually in the U.S., with the average age of diagnosis at 70. However, the incidence of diagnosis in younger people is steadily increasing.

As with many other cancers, only a small fraction of pancreatic cancer cases have specific, known heritable genetic causes. But there is an increased risk if other immediate family members have been affected.

For most people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, there is no obvious predilection, but there are some known risk factors. Smoking is one of the most common

to be strongly associated with pancreatic cancer risk.

There also is an association between pancreatic cancer and diabetes. Diabetes is much more prevalent than pancreatic cancer, and a diabetes diagnosis by itself does not mean someone may have pancreatic cancer.

Research is indicating that some patients are presenting with a new diagnosis of diabetes one or two years prior to their pancreatic cancer being detected.

This also has been noted in patients with preexisting, well-controlled diabetes that becomes more difficult to manage without any obvious cause.

Signs and symptoms

and tumor markers, such as CA19-9.

Concurrently, necessary imaging and diagnostic procedures are performed as well. The most common include crosssectional imaging, typically performed via a CT scan of the chest and abdomen.

If there is a mass in the pancreas identified on the scans, then additional procedures to obtain a biopsy or ease any associated bile duct obstruction are performed with an endoscopic ultrasound and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.

If a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer is confirmed, then additional studies, such as positron emission tomography (PET) scan, may be useful. Patients are then clinically “staged” according to all these results.

Common symptoms of pancreatic cancer include loss of appetite or unintended weight loss; fatigue; abdominal pain that can radiate to the back; and diarrhea, with stools that can be greasy, oily and float in the toilet.

The simplest staging consists of categorizing the cancer as either metastatic, meaning the tumor has spread to other locations, or nonmetastatic, meaning the tumor has not obviously spread.

As people age, constipation tends to be common, so new diarrhea is usually abnormal in older patients.

If a tumor is in the head of the pancreas, patients can present with jaundice — marked by yellowing of the skin and eyes — due to blockage of bile from the liver, which may initially show up as darker, cola-colored urine and lighter, pale-colored stools. If any of these symptoms are present, patients should seek further medical evaluation.

Patients whose cancer is categorized as metastatic are further grouped according to whether the tumor has extended outside of the pancreas to involve any critical blood vessels.

Staging is critical because it helps to determine the best course of treatment.

Chemo, surgery and radiation

If there is a high suspicion of a pancreatic cancer diagnosis, then there are several specific investigations that need to take place.

This starts with laboratory tests looking at blood counts and electrolytes, kidney and liver function, nutritional labs,

All patients with pancreatic cancer will require chemotherapy. Patients who have a nonmetastatic form of cancer also are candidates for other local treatment options, such as surgery and/or radiation therapy.

We do know that surgery is the only known curative treatment for pancreatic

Pancreatic cancer

From page 10

cancer. However, for surgery to be effective, we need to obtain a negative margin, meaning the tumor can be surgically removed without leaving any cancer behind.

In patients with more complex tumors that involve blood vessels or have other high-risk features, we often consider giving chemotherapy and radiation prior to surgery.

There have been promising advances in the treatment of pancreatic cancer within the last decade, helping patients live significantly longer than ever before. This primarily is due to more effective combination chemotherapy regimens.

With the introduction of these chemotherapy treatments, we also have seen a dramatic shift in how we define which patients are candidates for surgery.

In years past, only about 15% of patients were eligible for surgery. But with ad-

Weight loss

From page 8

Medicare Advantage

If you happen to be enrolled in a private Medicare Advantage plan, you may have coverage for gym memberships and some weight loss and healthy food delivery programs.

These are considered expanded supple-

vances in chemotherapy, radiation and new surgical techniques, up to 50% of patients now have the possibility of being considered for surgery.

Extensive research shows pancreatic cancer surgery tends to cause fewer complications when done by highly experienced surgeons at a center, like the Mayo Clinic, that does many of these operations.

Patients should seek second opinions early to ensure all treatment options are being considered. The outcomes for this cancer are improving, so patients can have much more hope than ever before.

Mark Truty, M.D., Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota

Mayo Clinic Q & A is an educational resource and doesn’t replace regular medical care. For more information, visit mayoclinic.org. © 2024 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. All rights reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

mental benefits and have gradually been added to some plans to provide coverage for nutrition, health and wellness. Contact your plan to see what it provides.

Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of The Savvy Senior book.

RETIRED SENIOR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

The Retired Senior and Volunteer Program of Prince George’s County helps county residents 55 years and older put their skills and talents to work in their communities. Choose the amount of time you want to serve, from just a few hours to up to 20 hours each week in a variety of roles. For more information, call (301) 265-8450.

FREE MEMORY SCREENING

Olney Memory Care offers free memory screenings and personalized memory support planning through the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. The screening, a series of questions and tasks, takes about 15 minutes. Appointments are required. For more information and to schedule an appointment, call (301) 485-4741.

Blood thinners can raise bleeding risks

Primary Care At Home

Providing primary care medical services in the comfort and convenience of your home for patients who have difficulty traveling to an office.

Ikon Health offers:

• Care coordination with specialists.

• Access to services such as x-ray and blood work, at home.

• Close communication with patients and their loved ones.

• Accepting Medicare, Medicaid and most major supplemental insurance plans.

By Howard LeWine, M.D.

Q: My doctor started me on Eliquis for atrial fibrillation. How does that prevent a stroke? When should I be worried about bleeding?

A: Doctors prescribe medications to help prevent unwanted blood clots in the heart, arteries and veins, most often to prevent heart attacks, strokes and deep vein thrombosis.

They are often referred to as “blood thinners,” even though they don’t actually alter blood viscosity.

Atrial fibrillation is one of the most common reasons people take apixaban (Eliquis) or a similar anticoagulant drug.

Atrial fibrillation can lead to small blood clots in the upper heart chamber. A clot can break off and travel to the brain, causing a stroke. An anticoagulant helps prevent that sequence.

However, anti-clotting drugs naturally increase the risk of bleeding anywhere in the body. Bleeding results from a breach in the wall of a blood vessel. But anti-clotting drugs interfere with your body’s normal reaction to quell microscopic amounts of bleeding, which may continue unabated and become more serious.

What raises the risk?

Multiple factors can magnify a person’s risk of bleeding, especially advancing age. Older people are more likely to have one or more other health conditions that make them prone to bleeding. They’re also more likely to be taking an anti-clotting medication.

Certain chronic health conditions can leave people more likely to experience bleeding. For example, liver disease can affect blood levels of factors involved in clotting, and kidney disease can affect normal platelet function.

Blood vessel changes related to diabetes and cancer can also predispose people to bleeding.

One large group of medications that increase bleeding risk are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including the over-the-counter pain relievers ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen (Aleve), as well as prescription NSAIDs, such as celecoxib (Celebrex) and diclofenac (Cambia, others).

Warning signs

What are the warning signs? Some people who take anti-clotting drugs notice bleeding after shaving with a razor, or they have nosebleeds that take longer than usual to stop.

Frequent or large bruises (especially on the trunk of the body) are a potentially worrisome sign. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have these symptoms.

Seek medical care right away if you have more serious symptoms. These include tea-colored, pink or red urine (possible bleeding in the urinary tract); blood in your stools or black, tarry stools (possible gastrointestinal bleeding); or a sudden, severe headache (possible bleeding in the brain).

Howard LeWine, M.D., is an internist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston and assistant professor at Harvard Medical School. For additional consumer health information, visit health.harvard.edu. © 2024 Harvard University. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

When should an older driver stop driving?

By Robert H. Shmerling, M.D.

When my grandmother repeatedly clipped the mailbox backing out of her driveway, she always had a ready explanation: “The sun was in my eyes,” or “Your grandfather distracted me.”

Our family knew we needed to take action. But no one wanted to be the one to ask her to stop driving. She was fiercely independent, didn’t agree that her driving was a problem, and didn’t appreciate our concerns.

Maybe a similar story is unfolding in your family — or maybe you’re starting to wonder about your own skills.

This article, part one of a two-part series, aims to help people understand the red flags to watch for and why driving abilities change as people age. It also describes a few ways to improve impaired driving and challenges to navigate.

A second article will address ways to strike a balance that respects dignity — and safety — while providing action plans for older drivers and their families.

How safe are older drivers?

Unsafe drivers can be of any age, particularly when drinking is involved. But fatal traffic accidents have risen in both young drivers and older drivers, according to data from the National Safety Council:

• Fatalities occurring in crashes involving drivers ages 15 to 20 rose nearly 10% between 2020 and 2021, accounting for 5,565 deaths.

• Among drivers 65 or older, fatalities rose 15% between 2020 and 2021, accounting for more than 8,200 deaths.

While younger drivers may be inexperienced or more likely to be distracted or reckless, older drivers often overestimate their driving abilities. That may be one reason many unsafe older drivers continue to

drive despite failing driving skills.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the rate of motor vehicle accidents per mile driven is higher for drivers ages 80 and older than for almost every other age group. Only the youngest drivers have higher rates.

And the rate of fatal motor vehicle accidents per mile driven is higher for drivers aged 85 and older than for every other age group.

These statistics reflect the reality that an older driver may not be the only one injured or killed in a crash — occupants in one or more vehicles may be, too. And then there are pedestrians and cyclists at risk.

The stakes are high when any unsafe driver is on the road. For older drivers with waning driving skills, it’s important to recognize the problem and understand why it’s happening.

Watch for red flags

As people get older, driving skills may decline so slowly that it’s not obvious that worrisome changes are happening.

Even when mishaps and near-misses occur, there are so many possible contributors — especially other drivers — that it may not be clear that the older driver was at fault.

Red flags that might mean an older person is an unsafe driver include:

• concerned comments from family or friends

• reluctance of others to ride with them

• input from other drivers (“Why is everyone honking at me?”) or traffic authorities (“Why am I getting all these traffic tickets?”)

• getting lost on familiar roads

• consistently driving too slowly or too fast

• unexplained dents or scratches appearing on the car

• frequent accidents or near-misses.

Driving skills can wane with age

While people of advanced age can safely drive (and many do!), driving skills may wane due to:

• medical conditions, such as arthritis, neuropathy or dementia

• medications, such as sedatives or certain antidepressants

• age-related changes in reaction time

• trouble with vision or hearing

• other physical changes related to aging, such as less flexibility or strength

• difficulty processing rapidly changing information. For example, an older driver may be more likely than a younger driver to accidentally press the gas pedal instead of the brake when needing to stop suddenly.

What steps may improve driving?

Some changes that impair driving can be reversed, or a workaround can be found.

For example, if driving is impaired due to cataracts, cataract surgery can restore vision and improve driving. If night driving is difficult, it’s best to drive only during the day. If memory problems are starting to arise, it may still be possible to drive safely in more limited circumstances.

Driving problems due to advanced dementia or a major stroke affecting judgment and physical skills are much less likely to improve.

Montgomery County

Older Adults & Adults with Disabilities Explore Your Transportation Options!

Connect-A-Ride (CAR): Free transportation referral service for people age 50+ and adults with disabilities.

Transportation Network Directory: Detailed online & print guide to public, private, and non-profit transportation services.

Ride On -and- Metrobus: Ride On and most Metrobuses in Montgomery County are free for older adults and persons with disabilities with Senior SmarTrip card, Medicare card with photo ID, or MetroAccess card.

Senior SmarTrip card: Ride free or at a discount on Metrorail with a Senior SmarTrip card (age 65+).

montgomerycounty.gov/ dot-transit/seniors.html

TWO-BEDROOM SPRING SPECIAL

Whether you're seeking a cozy retreat for two or extra space for guests, our two-bedroom apartments offer the perfect backdrop for your next chapter. Come home to comfort, care, and companionship.

Call-n-Ride: Free and discounted taxi services to eligible low-income adults age 63+ and adults with disabilities.

montgomerycountymd.gov/ dot-transit/call-n-ride Senior Connection: Free escorted transportation services for adults age 60+ through a volunteer network.

info@seniorconnectionmc.org VillageRides: Helps neighbors age in place.  Call to find out whether you live in a VillageRides area.

MetroAccess: A shared-ride, door-to-door service for people who generally cannot use public transportation due to disability.

Medicaid recipients: Free transportation for Medicaid-covered appointments may be available.

transportation to recreation: To senior centers and some community centers; age 55+ living within service areas.

wmata.com/service/

BEACON BITS

May 20

LEARN TO USE FITNESS APPS

Senior Planet from AARP will introduce many different types of fitness apps to help you track nutrition and activity, plan workouts, stay motivated and even improve your sleep. The free lecture will take place on Mon., May 20 from 2 to 3 p.m. at Aspen Hill Library, 4407 Aspen Hill Rd., Rockville, MD. No registration is required. For more information, call (240) 773-9410.

BETHESDA BASEBALL GREETERS

June+

Bethesda Big Train baseball (bigtrain.org) is recruiting volunteers for its Bullpen Club to serve as greeters and ushers at Big Train summer collegiate baseball games at the Shirley Povich Field in Cabin John Regional Park. The games take place in June and July. If you are interested, contact Bruce Adams at bruce@greaterwash.org.

Affordable and Caring

Assisted Living

•One-bed

•Rent

•Economical

Older drivers

From page 15

Call or email today to schedule a tour! Conversations are

If there is no simple way to reverse or work around declining driving skills, accept that there will be many challenges to navigate, whether you’re the older driver or a family member.

It’s not easy for older drivers to acknowledge declining function. Driving impairment is an unsettling milestone, an indication that the future may include further loss of independence and abilities.

After all, most older folks facing a decision about whether it’s safe to continue driving were good drivers not so long ago. They may still see themselves as competent drivers and see efforts to restrict their driving as overly cautious or demeaning.

Speaking up too soon may lead to unnecessary restrictions on a loved one’s favored means of transportation, not to mention family strife. Waiting too long can lead to avoidable tragedy.

Finding a path forward

As for my grandmother, none of us knew what to say. Should we try to get her to agree to stop driving entirely or let her ease into the idea over time? Should we bring it to the attention of her doctor? Or should we take an even harder step and report her to the authorities?

Relay # 800-828-1120 admissions@culpeppergarden.org www.culpeppergarden.org

Even when all the signs are there, it may be tempting for a poor driver to deflect blame to other drivers.

Often, the older driver doesn’t share their family’s concerns about driving safety. This can lead to arguments, confrontation and resentment.

However, the safety of others is at stake. The older driver with waning skills may endanger many people besides themselves: passengers in their care, other drivers and their passengers, cyclists and pedestrians.

It’s hard to know when the time is right.

BEACON BITS

June 5

If you’re asking similar questions — or if you’re starting to wonder about your own driving abilities — you may feel strongly that it’s important to respect individual preferences, dignity and independence. Yet you also want to protect everyone from harm.

What are the best ways to strike a balance? Can you test and improve how an older driver is doing behind the wheel? Can you navigate tough conversations in ways that allow room for both independence and safety? The next column will tackle these subjects.

Robert H. Shmerling, M.D., is a senior faculty editor and an Editorial Advisory Board member for Harvard Health Publishing.

© 2024 Harvard University. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

UNDERSTANDING ALZHEIMER’S

Join the Alzheimer’s Association’s National Capital Area chapter to learn how to understand and respond to the behavioral challenges of the disease. This free program takes place on Wed., June 5 from 10 to 11 a.m. at The Sky Bridge at Town Center, 360 Sky Bridge Rd., Largo, MD. Registration is required at tinyurl.com/DementiaBehaviorProgram. For more information, call 1-800-272-3900.

Myths and facts about urinary infections

By Ross Avant, M.D.

Dear Mayo Clinic: As a woman in my mid-60s, I have been diagnosed with a urinary tract infection for the first time ever. I was surprised to find out that I don’t need antibiotics because I don’t have any symptoms.

There’s a lot of conflicting information online about UTIs, like whether every infection needs to be treated and if sex causes an infection. Can you help me distinguish between UTI myth and fact?

A: Urinary tract infections, also called UTIs, are the most common infection for women in the U.S., so you are not alone. About 40% of women will have at least one UTI in their lifetime, and 1 in 10 postmenopausal women had a UTI in the last year.

A UTI is an infection that occurs in the urinary system, such as the bladder, ureters and kidneys. Most infections involve the bladder, which is known as the lower urinary tract.

Similar to your experience, UTIs don’t always cause symptoms. But when they do, the symptoms may include a strong urge to urinate, a burning feeling while urinating, urinating more often, red or bright pink urine, or pelvic pain.

Some patients experience chills, marked fatigue, fever or flank pain along the side of the torso below the ribs. These symptoms indicate that the infection has extended beyond the bladder, possibly to the kidney or into the bloodstream.

Here’s the truth about six UTI myths you should know in case you develop another infection:

Myth: Only women can get a urinary tract infection.

Fact: UTIs can affect both men and women. Women are at greater risk for a

UTI because the urethra is shorter than in men, so it’s easier for bacteria to travel to the bladder.

UTIs also are more common in postmenopausal women because changes in vaginal and urethral tissue due to low estrogen levels increase the risk of infection.

Myth: All UTIs cause symptoms.

Fact: Most UTIs cause symptoms like pain or a burning sensation when urinating or a feeling like you need to urinate often. As you discovered, though, it is possible to have bacteria in the urinary tract but not have any UTI symptoms. This is called asymptomatic bacteriuria, and it is more common in older adults or people who use a catheter to empty their bladders.

Myth: All UTIs must be treated with antibiotics.

Fact: Not all UTIs require antibiotics. Those with asymptomatic bacteriuria usually don’t require antibiotics as the bacteria is not causing issues. This is probably why your healthcare team didn’t recommend treatment for your recent UTI.

There are a few groups of people that may require treatment, including people who are pregnant, people with planned urologic surgery, and people with weakened immune systems.

Antibiotics are used to treat UTIs when the person is experiencing painful or bothersome symptoms and bacteria is present in the urine.

Myth: A UTI will go away on its own.

Fact: Asymptomatic bacteriuria, which is a UTI without symptoms, could go away without treatment. However, UTIs with symptoms rarely resolve on their own.

If you begin experiencing UTI symptoms, like burning, pain or frequency, talk with your healthcare team about obtaining a urine culture and the right treatment for you.

Myth: UTIs can be passed to your partner.

Fact: UTIs are not contagious or passed between partners by sexual or casual physical contact.

Myth: UTIs are sexually transmitted infections.

Fact: Sexual activity can increase the risk for UTIs, but it does not cause them. Therefore, UTIs are not classified as sexually transmitted infections.

The act of intercourse can cause bacte-

ria to get close to or into the urethra, the small tube that empties your bladder. Lower your risk by urinating after intercourse to remove some of the bacteria. Talk with your healthcare team if you start to experience UTI symptoms, like painful or burning urination, pelvic pain, a strong urge to urinate, fever, chills, disorientation, or back or side pain.

© 2024 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Caregiving Support in Montgomery County, Md.

Are you caring for a loved one? Every day as a caregiver you experience joys and challenges.

Caregivers are a vital part of our community — they are unpaid family, friends, partners, colleagues, neighbors, members of faith communities, and volunteers. Research has proven that when caregivers receive support, they can better maintain their own health and be more effective as a care partner.

In Montgomery County, helpful support is available through government, nonprofit organizations, and private businesses.

County and community-based services that are available to help caregivers include:

Support groups

In-home assistance

Relief with day-to-day chores

Enrichment activities

Education

Connection with other caregivers

Montgomery County’s Minority Health Initiatives

The County has three minority health programs focused on the well-being of culturally- and language-diverse communities. The African American Health Program, and the Latino and Asian American Health Initiatives are excellent resources for caregivers. Each organizes health education activities in community locations, with language assistance. African American Health Program 240-777-1833

AAHPmontgomerycounty.org

Asian American Health Initiative 240-777-4517

AAHIinfo.org

Latino Health Initiative 240-777-3221

LHIinfo.org

Respite Care for Caregivers

Caregiving is a demanding job, and caregivers need occasional breaks so they can return to their duties refreshed. These breaks are called “respite.”

If you reside in Montgomery County and are an unpaid, primary caregiver for a frail senior citizen, or adult or child with a disability, living in the same household, you may apply for respite coordination from The Arc Montgomery County. You may be eligible for 140 hours of respite care annually per fiscal year. No income requirements.

The respite program can provide shortterm relief home care for a few hours, a day, a weekend, or sometimes longer. However, respite care is not a substitute for ongoing care or adult day care.

The Arc Montgomery County works with a consortium of home health care agencies, respite facilities, and adult medical and social day programs. For more information, visit bit.ly/ ARCrespite, call (301) 984-5777, x 1204, or email Respite@arcmontmd.org. The enrollment period for new families to apply for Respite Coordination is from July to March each year.

Caregiver Wellness Series

Nurturing Hearts, Healing Souls

Sponsored by the Recreation Department and facilitated by Ruth Kershner, LCSW-C, Caregiving Support Program Manager

Learn how to improve and understand caregiver needs. This 4-session series includes a mix of education, interactive exercises, discussion and tools to support caregivers in nurturing their mental health.

The series will be held at White Oak Community Recreation Center in May, at the Wheaton Community Center in June, and at Holiday Park Senior Center in July. For more information, contact rec.seniors@ montgomerycountymd.gov or call (240) 777-4925.

Latest Alzheimer’s drug off to slow start

By Tom Murphy

The first drug shown to slow Alzheimer’s disease hit the U.S. market over a year ago, but sales have lagged, major hospital systems have taken months to start using it, and some insurers have rejected coverage.

Doctors also expect some patients will hesitate to take Leqembi due to its limited impact and potential side effects. They say it will take years to learn how best to deploy the drug and that work must be done to improve diagnosis.

“This is the start of a very exciting journey,” said Dr. Ambar Kulshreshtha, a suburban Atlanta family physician focused on dementia patients.

More than 6 million Americans, and millions more worldwide, have Alzheimer’s disease, the most common cause of dementia. There’s no cure, but Leqembi clears a sticky brain protein called amyloid that’s a key indicator of Alzheimer’s.

Studies showed that it can delay the progression of the disease by a few months when given to people with mild symptoms. Some experts say the delay may be too subtle for patients to notice.

The drug also can cause brain swelling and bleeding. Patients need regular brain scans to monitor for that.

Last summer, the Food and Drug Administration gave Leqembi full approval for patients in the early stages of the disease. The federal Medicare program for people ages 65 and over covers Leqembi and the cost of scans needed to diagnose patients.

The drug’s maker, Japan’s Eisai, initially expected to have 10,000 patients taking the IV drug by the end of March. Company executives have since backed off that projection, though they say sales are growing.

‘Building the system for the drug’

Hospitals and health systems have needed more time than expected to set up their systems for delivering Leqembi, said Alexander Scott, an Eisai executive vice president.

“It’s not like we are adding a drug to an existing system,” he said. “They are building the system for the drug.”

The Cedars-Sinai health system in Los Angeles started administering the drug in early March. Getting there required months of meetings to iron out a plan to coordinate diagnosis, treatment and then monitoring for problems.

“We were very careful about it,” said Dr. Sarah Kremen, a behavioral neurologist.

Banner Health in Arizona also recently started using Leqembi at a couple of specialty clinics in Phoenix, a spokeswoman said.

“This is a very phased and staged approach,” said Dr. Alireza Atri, a neurologist who has worked as a paid consultant for Eisai. “As we learn more, we’ll expand and extend it.”

The Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, started using Leqembi in October, but only for patients who live within a 100-mile radius, so it can reach them quickly if they develop side effect symptoms.

Doctors evaluate three to five patients every week for potential treatment, said Alzheimer’s expert Dr. Ron Petersen.

Costs more than $26,000 a year

Health systems are still trying to understand how coverage for the drug, its infusions and the needed scans works so patients don’t get stuck with bills. That’s a significant variable for a drug that can cost more than $26,000 a year.

An Eisai spokeswoman said nearly

three-quarters of commercial plans in the U.S. cover the drug outside Medicare.

But doctors are concerned that coverage still may be tough for some patients, especially those too young to qualify for Medicare.

Insurance denials delayed Scott Berkheiser’s first Leqembi infusion a few months until last December. The 57-yearold Venice, Florida, resident said the drugmaker eventually agreed to give it to him for free while he makes co-payments for the infusions.

“It was a little crazy,” he said. “It seemed like it was kind of a game that must make sense for some monetary reason.”

Getting treatments started on time re-

mains another challenge.

Texas Neurology had 60 patients screened as possible candidates for Leqembi and on a waitlist when the drug launched last year. Only eight eventually started treatment.

The rest either declined to take it or had advanced beyond the mild phase of the disease when they were rescreened, CEO David Evans said. “That window gets very short very quick,” he said.

Doctors say more must be done to quickly identify patients and get treatment started before the disease advances. But that’s a murky process.

TOUR APARTMENTS AT OPEN HOUSE

Visit Elizabeth Square at 1315 Apple Ave., Silver Spring, MD, for an open house event featuring Alexander House Apartments, The Leggett Apartments, Holy Cross (located in the Aquatic Center), the Aquatic Center and the MCM (Montgomery County CCTV). Tour apartments and visit with vendors on Fri., May 24 from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. For more information, call John C. Ford at (301) 587-4277 ext. 106.

THE BIG PLANT SALE

May 18

Here’s your chance to work with master gardeners to choose the perfect plants for your garden. They can help with native plant selection, planting advice and general questions. This free event takes place on Sat., May 18 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Rd., Alexandria, VA. For more information, contact Friends of Green Spring Gardens at (703) 642-5173 or info@friendsofgreenspring.org.

Alzheimer’s drug

From page 19

If people mention memory trouble, doctors must rule out reversible causes like thyroid problems, vitamin deficiencies, medication issues or depression, Kulshreshtha said. Then memory tests for dementia can take a few visits.

Some patients may be ineligible for Leqembi because it would conflict with medication they already take to prevent strokes.

And then getting in to see a neurologist who prescribes the drug can take months.

Infusion process

Those who make it to the first infusion say the treatment process is manageable. Berkheiser says infusions have gone “like clockwork” since his delayed start.

He fits them in between his work as an engineer and training six days a week to compete in an Ironman triathlon.

Charles “Bum” Clegg recently finished

May 18

his 13th Leqembi infusion. The Salem, Alabama, resident visits a treatment center only 15 minutes from his home.

Clegg and his wife, Carol, say he has had no side effects, and his short-term memory has improved. “This drug gives you hope,” Carol said.

Treatment access may improve over time. The FDA is reviewing another potential treatment that targets amyloid protein, Eli Lilly and Co.’s Donanemab.

Eisai is planning to seek approval for an injectable version of Leqembi that would be easier to use. Blood tests may eventually speed up amyloid detection.

But researchers say there’s still a long road ahead. It’s not clear what causes Alzheimer’s disease, and many think combination treatments will be needed to stop it.

“We still have a lot to learn about Alzheimer’s,” said Dr. Eric Widera, a geriatric specialist with the University of California San Francisco. “It’s complex, and it’s much more than amyloid.”

CANCER SCREENING AND HEALTH FAIR

Visit the Saville Cancer Screening and Prevention Center health fair on Sat., May 18 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to participate in free cancer screenings, healthy cooking demos, interactive exhibits, giveaways and more. This event takes place at 8100 Innovation Park Dr., Fairfax, VA. For more information and to register, visit tinyurl.com/HealthFairVa or call 1-855-694-6682.

AYRES FAIRFAX LEIBOWITZ MCCULLOUGH

Endorsed by both Governor Wes Moore & former Governor Larry Hogan and many other legislators, community leaders and bar associations.

BEACON BITS

Health Studies INFORMATION ON AREA CLINICAL TRIALS

What’s in it for health study volunteers?

By National Institutes of Health

Clinical research is medical research that involves people like you. When you volunteer to take part in clinical research, you help doctors and researchers learn more about disease and improve healthcare for people in the future.

Types of clinical research include:

Epidemiology , which improves the understanding of a disease by studying patterns, causes and effects of health and disease in specific groups.

Behavioral, which improves the understanding of human behavior and how it relates to health and disease.

Health services, which looks at how people access health care providers and health care services, how much care costs, and what happens to patients as a result of this care.

Clinical trials, which evaluate the effects of an intervention on health outcomes. Clinical trials are part of clinical research and at the heart of all medical advances. Clinical trials look at new ways to prevent, detect, or treat disease. Clinical trials can study:

• New drugs or new combinations of drugs

• New ways of doing surgery

• New medical devices

• New ways to use existing treatments

• New ways to change behaviors to improve health

• New ways to improve the quality of life for people with acute or chronic illnesses.

Why participate?

People take part in clinical trials for many reasons. Some are healthy, while others may have illnesses. Healthy volunteers say they take part to help others and to contribute to moving science forward.

People with an illness or disease also take part to help others, but also to possibly receive the newest treatment and to have added (or extra) care and attention from the clinical trial staff. Clinical trials offer hope for many people and a chance to help researchers find better treatments for others in the future

There are different types of clinical trials: Prevention trials look for better ways to prevent a disease in people who have never had the disease or to prevent the disease from returning. Approaches may include medicines, vaccines or lifestyle changes.

Screening trials test new ways for detecting diseases or health conditions.

Diagnostic trials study or compare tests or procedures for diagnosing a particular disease or condition.

Treatment trials test new treatments, new combinations of drugs, or new approaches to surgery or radiation therapy.

Behavioral trials evaluate or compare ways to promote behavioral changes designed to improve health.

Quality of life trials (or supportive care trials) explore and measure ways to improve the comfort and quality of life of people with conditions or illnesses.

Healthy volunteers needed

Research procedures with healthy volunteers are designed to develop new knowledge, not to provide direct benefit to those taking part. Healthy volunteers have always played an important role in research.

Healthy volunteers are needed for several reasons. When developing a new technique, such as a blood test or imaging device, healthy volunteers help define the limits of “normal.” These volunteers are the baseline against which patient groups are compared

and are often matched to patients by age, gender or family relationship. They receive the same tests, procedures or drugs the patient group receives. Researchers learn about the disease process by comparing the patient group to the healthy volunteers.

Factors like how much of your time is needed, discomfort you may feel, or risk involved depends on the trial. While some require minimal amounts of time and effort, other studies may require a major commitment of your time and effort, and may involve some discomfort.

The research procedure(s) may also carry some risk. The informed consent process for healthy volunteers includes a detailed discussion of the study’s procedures and tests, and their risks.

Only through clinical research can we gain insights and answers about the safety and effectiveness of treatments and procedures. Groundbreaking scientific advances in the present and the past were possible only because of participation of volunteers, both healthy and those with an illness, in clinical research.

To find a health study in your area, visit clinicaltrials.gov.

Foods can improve skin from the inside

By Kelsey Ogletree

Your skin is the biggest barrier between your body and the outside world. It works hard to protect against the sun and environmental pollutants that can cause damage.

All that hard work can begin to show on your face — literally — through freckles, sunspots, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles and sagging, and even lead to development of skin cancer, said Felice Ramallo, RDN, lead dietitian at Allara in Rochester, New York.

Antioxidants for skin, however, can reduce and reverse the oxidation in skin cells caused by UV damage and stress to the skin over time, she pointed out.

The good news: Following a balanced diet filled with plenty of antioxidants — along with getting enough sleep, exercising and managing stress — is one of the best ways to improve the appearance and health of skin from the inside out.

Here are the best antioxidant foods to add to your diet for glowing skin:

1. Extra virgin olive oil. A staple of the Mediterranean diet, extra virgin olive oil is packed with polyphenols that have been shown to help protect skin and reverse aging. Some studies also show olive oil antioxidants for skin can help eliminate free radicals — molecules linked to cancer and chronic disease.

2. Almonds. Full of natural fatty

LIFEGUARD TRAINING, PAID JOBS

Ready to dive back into lifeguarding or looking to get certified?

Montgomery County Recreation may have a job for you. For more information, contact Montgomery County Recreation’s Aquatics Team at (240) 777-6860 or rec.aquatics@montgomerycountymd.gov. Training is provided.

LOSS OF SPOUSE/PARTNER SUPPORT

A support group for bereaved people meets virtually on the second and fourth Friday of the month from 10:30 a.m. to noon. For more information, contact Deb Vaughn at (301) 816-2658.

acids, polyphenols, vitamin E and other phytochemicals with antioxidant properties, almonds (as well as other nuts like pecans, walnuts and cashews) may help to reduce the severity of wrinkles, studies show.

3. Salmon and shrimp. Pink seafood, like heart-healthy salmon and shrimp, has high levels of a certain carotenoid with antioxidant properties known as astaxanthin.

Supplementation of astaxanthin has been associated with reducing fine lines and wrinkles as well as decreasing agerelated skin deterioration and pollutioninduced skin damage, according to Natalie Yin, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist formerly at U.S. Dermatology Partners in Colorado.

4. Green tea. This ancient tea contains a powerful antioxidant called EGCG (Epigallocatechin gallate), which has been shown to combat signs of aging by decreasing the breakdown of collagen, thus helping to maintain the plumpness of skin and minimize wrinkles.

5. Kale. Yet another reason to load up your plate (or your blender) with greens: Leafy kale is also high in vitamin C, making this vegetable among the best antioxidants for skin. Kale is also a good source of vitamins A, E and K and has

been shown to increase collagen and elastin levels in the skin.

6. Guava. If you really want a boost for your skin, grab a guava. This tropical, fiber-rich fruit has more vitamin C than any other food, Ramallo said, with more than four times our daily requirement in just one cup. Fun fact: You can eat the whole thing — even the rind and seeds are edible.

7. Chia seeds. Containing antioxidantpacked polyunsaturated fats, monounsaturated fats and protein, chia seeds have been shown to reduce skin aging. And they contain omega-3s, which also benefit our body’s largest organ.

8. Cocoa. Good news for chocolate lovers: Cocoa is among the most powerful antioxidants for skin on this list due to its flavanols, Ramallo said. These compounds have been shown to help increase skin blood flow, hydration, density and elasticity, as well as reduce sun damage, roughness, wrinkles and redness.

Better Homes and Gardens is a magazine and website devoted to ideas and improvement projects for your home and garden, plus recipes and entertaining ideas. Online at bhg.com.

© 2024 Dotdash Meredith. All rights reserved. Used with permission. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

BEACON BITS

Foods that can interact with medications

When I visited a nursing home the other day, I realized that everyone there takes so many medications. I’m pretty sure there could be a lot of food-drug interactions going on that no one is aware of.

In the United States, an alarming trend shows that nearly half of us are on prescription medication, raising concerns about potential interactions with everyday dietary choices.

DEAR

As people age, the likelihood of being prescribed multiple medications, a condition known as polypharmacy, dramatically increases. This is particularly prevalent among older adults in long-term care, who may consume up to 15 different medications daily.

ter’s safety and efficacy. Food components may alter how our bodies absorb, metabolize or eliminate drugs, leading to reduced effectiveness or increased side effects.

Fruits, with their complex biochemical profiles, are significant contributors to these interactions.

Grapefruit: Caution

By Suzy Cohen

Grapefruit and similar citrus fruits, like Seville oranges and pomelos, contain substances that inhibit CYP3A4 enzymes in the small intestine. These enzymes are crucial for metabolizing many drugs, including statins, anti-cancer drugs such as tamoxifen, and some blood pressure medications.

sufficient to merely adjust medication timing.

Bananas: Potassium-rich risks

Bananas, high in potassium, can be problematic when consumed with ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), leading to hyperkalemia — a condition with potentially severe heart rhythm complications.

Recommendation: Moderation is key when consuming high-potassium foods like bananas, especially for individuals on ACE inhibitors or ARBs. Regular potassium monitoring through blood tests is essential for safe management.

Pomegranates: Sweet but serious

in large amounts or as juice, can amplify the effects of warfarin, a blood thinner, raising the risk of bleeding.

Recommendation: For warfarin users, moderation in cranberry consumption is safe, but consistency in dietary habits is crucial to avoid medication efficacy issues. With a substantial portion of the U.S. population on prescription drugs, awareness and understanding of potential dietdrug interactions are critical for ensuring medication safety and effectiveness.

When starting new medications, always discuss dietary habits and potential interactions with healthcare providers. Monitoring changes in health or symptoms after dietary adjustments is also vital for maintaining well-being.

Drawing from my seven-year experience as a consultant pharmacist in such settings, I’ve observed firsthand the significant influence of diet on medication effectiveness and safety, with fruit interactions standing out as a noteworthy concern.

The interaction between our diet and medications can profoundly affect the lat-

This inhibition can elevate drug levels in the bloodstream, enhancing the risk of adverse effects, such as muscle pain or damage from statins.

Recommendation: For those on medications affected by grapefruit, complete avoidance is advised due to the long-lasting effect of the interaction, making it in-

Pomegranates can also inhibit the CYP3A4 enzyme, affecting the metabolism of blood pressure medications and statins, and increasing the risk of side effects.

Recommendation: Consult with healthcare providers on whether to moderate or avoid pomegranates based on your medication regimen.

Cranberries: A delicate balance

Cranberries, especially when consumed

I have a longer version of this article with more information. To have it emailed, just sign up for my free weekly newsletter at suzycohen.com.

This information is opinion only. It is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose your condition. Consult with your doctor before using any new drug or supplement.

Suzy Cohen is a registered pharmacist and author of The 24-Hour Pharmacist and Real Solutions from Head to Toe.

Grilled chicken and asparagus, fruit dessert

By Family Features

High cholesterol is one of the major controllable risk factors for heart disease and stroke, with about 38% of American adults diagnosed with high cholesterol, according to the American Heart Association.

Healthy eating doesn’t have to be difficult or require you to take favorite meals off your family’s menu. These cooking tips can help you prepare heart-healthy meals that could help improve cholesterol levels by reducing excess saturated fat and trans fat:

Cook fresh vegetables the hearthealthy way

Roasting, steaming, grilling or baking can help bring out the natural flavors of vegetables. Adding herbs and spices can also help make veggies tastier, including combinations like basil with tomatoes, oregano with zucchini, dill with green beans or rosemary with peas or cauliflower.

Reduce saturated fat in meat and poultry

The amount of saturated fat in meats can vary widely, depending on the cut and how it’s prepared. Opt for poultry and fish over red meat and look for lean cuts of meat with minimal visible fat, which should be trimmed away before cooking.

Also limit processed meats such as sausage, bologna, salami and hot dogs, which are often high in calories, saturated fat and sodium.

Use vegetable oils

Some fats are better for you than others.

Liquid vegetable oils such as olive oil can often be used instead of solid fats such as butter, lard or shortening.

Here are some healthy recipes, courtesy of the American Heart Association:

Grilled Tequila-Lime Chicken with Grilled Asparagus Servings: 4

Ingredients

¼ cup tequila or white vinegar

2 teaspoons lime zest

½ cup fresh lime juice

2 medium garlic cloves, minced

1 tablespoon chipotle pepper canned in adobo sauce, minced, plus 2 tablespoons adobo sauce

1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, fat discarded nonstick cooking spray

3 bunches asparagus spears, trimmed ¼ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper, divided

2 tablespoons canola oil, corn oil or olive oil

Directions

In small bowl, stir tequila, lime zest, lime juice, garlic, chipotle pepper and adobo sauce. Pour into large resealable plastic bag. Add chicken and seal bag tightly; turn bag to coat. Refrigerate 2 to 12 hours.

Preheat grill (or stove, if you’re using a grill pan) to medium-high heat. Lightly spray grates with nonstick cooking spray. In large dish, sprinkle asparagus with salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Drizzle with oil. Turn asparagus over to coat.

Remove chicken from marinade. Discard marinade and wipe most of it off chicken.

Sprinkle chicken with remaining pepper. Grill 8-12 minutes, or until chicken is no longer pink in center. Transfer to plate and cover with aluminum foil.

Place asparagus on grill or grill pan, facing opposite direction of grates. Grill 7 minutes, or until tender crisp. Serve asparagus with chicken.

Frozen Yogurt and Fruit Bark

Servings: 8

Ingredients

1 ½ cups 2% low-fat plain Greek yogurt

2 tablespoons honey

2 tablespoons chopped, unsalted almonds

½ cup chopped mango

¼ cup blackberries or raspberries

½ cup blueberries

Directions

In medium bowl, mix yogurt and honey. Line 9-by-13-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Use spatula or knife to spread yogurt over entire bottom of dish. Sprinkle chopped nuts over yogurt. Use fingers to slightly press into yogurt. Top yogurt with mango, blackberries and blueberries and slightly press into yogurt. Cover with plastic wrap or foil and place in freezer overnight.

To serve: Lift parchment paper from baking dish onto cutting board. Cut bark into triangular or rectangular pieces. Find more heart-healthy recipes and tips for lowering cholesterol at heart.org/cholesterol.

PHARMACIST

PHOTO BY FAMILY FEATURES

Dear Seniors,

DIRECTORS MESSAGE

By Charon P.W. Hines

Happy Older Americans Month! May is a special time dedicated to honoring the invaluable contributions our cherished seniors have made to the vibrant fabric of our District community. It is a moment to reflect on the journey of aging, embrace achievements, and acknowledge the unique challenges life may bring.

This year’s theme, “Powered by Connection,” shines a spotlight on the profound impact of meaningful relationships and social bonds on our overall wellbeing. We recognize the vital role that connectedness plays in fostering independence and ensuring a comfortable aging experience for all older adults, combatting feelings of isolation and loneliness.

At DACL, our daily mission revolves around ensuring that every member of our community can age with extreme pride and comfort in familiar surroundings. “Powered by Connection” is not just the theme for Older Americans Month this year; it is truly ingrained in our daily commitment to serve you through genuine connection. We strive to enhance your experience of our programs and services, ensuring that every day is a testament to our dedication to what matters most to you.

We remain steadfast in our reach to DC’s seniors through various channels, be it in person, virtually, or through social media, but it does not have to stop there. We invite you also to utilize the DACL mobile application (app). This app offers our seniors direct access to our services and programming, providing a convenient platform for you to reach out to us whenever you need assistance.

Simply go to your mobile device’s app store and type in DACL. Once our app appears, select download to access a free and user-friendly tool that will keep you connected to DACL anytime, anywhere.

While we celebrate our seniors every day, this month holds special significance as we intensify our efforts to recognize and appreciate the older Americans in the District. Collaborating with our lead agencies and senior wellness centers, we have created a diverse calendar of events that include activities from fashion shows to technology classes. We look forward to you joining us! If you have any questions about Older Americans Month, please feel free to give us a call at 202-724-5626.

As this exciting month concludes, I invite you to Mayor Bowser’s Annual “Senior Fest,” a joyous occasion hosted in partnership with the Department of Parks and Recreation. Join us for a day of exciting entertainment, health resources, delicious food, and more. This year’s “Senior Fest” will be held at the University of the District of Columbia (4200 Connecticut Ave. NW), on Wednesday, May 29, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

We look forward to your presence at the festivities throughout Older Americans Month! Use this month as a time for you to revel in your accomplishments and embrace the journey of aging with boldness and grace.

Looking forward to seeing you soon!

Warmest regards,

Charon P.W. Hines Director, DACL

Living Boldly

ERFSC Ward 8 OAM Celebration

Tuesday, May 7

10:00am - 2:00pm

Matthews Memorial 2616 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. SE Ward 8

Connecting Neighbors with Community Partners Wednesday, May 15

10:00am - 2:00pm

Bus Boys and Poets 2021 14th St. NW - Ward l

Genevieve N. Johnson’s 42nd Anniversary Celebration Friday, May 17

12:30pm - 2:00pm

GNJ Senior Center 4817 Blagden Ave. NW - Ward 4

Annual GNJ Sunday Sunday, May 19 11:00am Service

Zion Baptist Church 4850 Blagden Ave. NW - Ward 4

ERFSC Ward 7 OAM Celebration Tuesday, May 21

10:00am - 2:00pm

The Choteau 3439 Benning Rd. NE - Ward 7

Hayes Senior Luncheon Saints Paradise Cafeteria

Tuesday, May 21

12:00pm - 2:00pm 601 M St. NW - Ward 6

Seabury Older Americans Month Celebration Friday, May 24

10:00am - 2:00pm North Michigan Park Recreation Center 1333 Emerson St. NE - Ward 5

DACL & DPR's Senior Fest Wednesday, May 29

10:00am - 3:00pm UDC - Van Ness Campus 4200 Connecticut Ave. NW - Ward 3

Iona's Senior Unity: Powered by Connection

Thursday, May 30

10:00am - 2:00pm

St. Alban's Episcopal Church 3001 Wisconsin Ave. NW - Ward 3

Money Law &

It’s not your parents’ retirement anymore

By Kate Ashford

Now that retirement spans more years than ever, you might need to rethink how you envision that stage of your life.

Although Americans are retiring a little later than they did 30 years ago, they’re also living longer. Retirement isn’t a blip on the life radar — it’s a significant chunk of time.

While your parents may have retired and never worked another day in their lives, you may find that part-time work when you get older fulfills your mental needs and helps your retirement savings last.

You also may have to be more aggressive with your investments than you expected. And staying healthy is crucial.

“The questions I’m being asked are different, and the conversations clients are bringing to me are different,” said John McGlothlin III, a certified financial planner in Austin, Texas.

Here are the ways retirement might be shaping up for you:

Keep more money in stocks

People used to enter retirement with a conservative-leaning portfolio that held a solid chunk in bonds and cash alternatives. Although advisers aren’t suggesting clients throw caution to the wind, they’re tweaking the investing plan at this life stage.

“We may just stay a little more aggressive because the day you retire, you don’t need all this money,” said Jonathan Swanburg, a CFP in Houston. “Some of this money is for 30 years from now; some of it is for your kids and grandkids because you’re never going to touch it.”

McGlothlin encourages his clients to exit target date funds at retirement because he thinks they get too conservative.

“The moment you hit that retirement date, they all of a sudden go to 50% bonds, and within a few years you’re at 60% and 70% bonds,” he said. “While bond yields are much better than they were a few years ago, I don’t necessarily think I can get clients 20 to 30 years of sustainable withdrawals if I’m that bond-heavy.”

Consider working longer

The number of adults age 65 and older who are working is almost twice the number who were working 35 years ago, according to a 2023 Pew Research report.

Consulting or part-time work in retirement allows you to withdraw less from your savings and potentially delay taking Social Security, and your investments have more time to grow.

“It gives us flexibility in our asset spenddown picture,” said Catherine Valega, a CFP in Winchester, Massachusetts. “The

thought of moving to no more income coming in — that’s really stress-provoking.”

Valega also encourages clients to pursue work and other activities so they don’t go stir-crazy. “You’re going to have 10 hours in the day that you didn’t have before,” she said. “You can exercise, and that’s great and you should, but beyond that, you need some amount of mental stimulation.”

Save for in-home care

Most adults age 55 and older want to age in place, according to a 2023 survey from the McKinsey Health Institute. Eighty percent wish to live in their own homes, and 71% of older adults who aren’t living in their own homes wish they could.

With home health aides having a national median cost of $27 an hour, according to Genworth’s 2021 Cost of Care data, planning for in-home care may require working longer to build the nest egg to pay for it or even relocating to a city where home services are cheaper.

Renovations to make a home more accessible or to enable single-story livable are also helpful.

“I think the generation that’s retiring right now, they’ve seen their parents or their family members go into nursing facil-

ities or assisted living facilities and are pretty much unanimously like, ‘I really don’t want that,’” McGlothlin said.

You’ll want to stay healthy

The average 35-year-old woman today can expect to live to about age 81 — which means many will live even longer. David Foster, a CFP in St. Louis, now includes articles related to physical fitness and health alongside financial tidbits in his email newsletters to clients.

“That probably just wouldn’t have been on top of people’s minds 30 or 40 years ago because they weren’t likely to live until they were 90,” Foster said. “Exercise is good for avoiding cognitive decline and helping with your heart.”

Although it may feel a long way off, safeguarding your health now can lower medical costs later and help ensure you can work (and play) as long as you’re able. That means exercising regularly, eating reasonably healthy foods, and getting enough sleep, among other things.

“You can’t do anything else if you don’t have your health,” Foster said.

This column was provided to The Associated Press by the personal finance website NerdWallet. The content is for educational and informational purposes and does not constitute investment advice.

How to leave a Medicare Advantage plan

By Kate Ashford

About half of Medicare Advantage members left their plans by the end of five years, according to a 2023 study from Brown University School of Public Health. Most switched to another Medicare Advantage plan, but not necessarily because they liked Medicare Advantage.

Returning to Original Medicare can be tricky after you first sign up for Medicare Advantage because you may not be able to get a Medicare Supplement Insurance plan, known as Medigap.

But for people with serious or chronic health conditions who have Medicare Advantage, limited provider networks and prior authorization requirements may make it difficult or expensive to get the care they need. It’s helpful to understand your options.

When Medicare Advantage isn’t the right

plan

Medicare Advantage plans typically require members to get healthcare from doctors and hospitals within a network. Members might have trouble if their doctor falls out of network or they want to see a specialist who doesn’t take their plan.

Medicare Advantage plans also may require you to get approval before they cover some services or medications.

While most Medicare Advantage enrollees are in plans with a $0 premium, getting medical care costs money, and Medicare Advantage plans can have an annual out-of-pocket maximum as high as $8,850 in 2024.

Joanne Giardini-Russell, owner of the insurance agency Giardini Medicare in Michigan, recalls a client who had a Medicare Ad-

vantage plan and got cancer. “He was hitting his max out-of-pocket year after year,” she said. “And then throw in prior authorizations, which he wasn’t a fan of.”

When you can change plans

If you have Medicare Advantage and you want to switch plans or go back to Original Medicare, there are two annual opportunities: Medicare’s fall open enrollment from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 and Medicare Advantage open enrollment from Jan. 1 to March 31.

However, if you want to return to Original Medicare and you have health issues, you may not qualify for Medigap, which helps keep Original Medicare affordable.

In most states, after Medigap’s initial enrollment period — in which you can buy any plan from any insurer, regardless of

health status — companies can decline to cover you.

“Everybody thinks the open enrollment in the fall is going to save them,” GiardiniRussell said, remembering a client with a Medicare Advantage plan who couldn’t qualify for Medigap due to a heart condition.

“She said, ‘I thought in November, you could just change [plans] during open enrollment,’” Giardini-Russell said. “She didn’t have any way to get out.”

What are the exceptions?

There are two “trial rights” scenarios in which someone with Medicare Advantage can switch back to a Medigap plan without a medical exam:

A fraud prevention expert reveals the tricks of today’s cons. See story on page 32.

COURTESY OF DOUG SHADEL

Spending retirement savings confidently

By Jacob Schroeder

It can be difficult for financially conservative people to spend retirement savings after a lifetime of cautious saving.

Finance personality Dave Ramsey stirred controversy recently by advocating for an 8% retirement withdrawal rate, double the traditional 4% rule. Although some of the criticism was warranted, it did highlight an interesting issue: While many people aren’t saving enough for retirement, some retirees aren’t spending as much as they could, either.

According to the Employee Benefit Research Institute’s (EBRI) 2022 Spending in Retirement Survey, over 40% of retirees plan to only minimally spend down their assets, if at all. Surprisingly, 14% even aim to grow their savings during retirement.

This conservative approach isn’t solely due to limited assets. Another EBRI study compared the spending rates of groups of retirees in different asset levels over the first 20 years of retirement. It found the group with the highest asset level, with $500,000 or more, had the lowest rate of spending, and that a third of retirees had more money after 20 years than they started with.

Certainly, there’s nothing wrong with being cautious with your hard-earned savings. However, excessive caution poses its own risk: a life not fully lived, where the primary beneficiary of your savings becomes the adviser paid to manage them.

The study’s authors suggest a major reason for the reluctance to spend is the uncertainties of retirement — the unknown duration of life, the longevity of assets, health prospects, market performance.

Psychological research indicates that uncertainty naturally induces fear, prompting many to avoid unknowns and cling to what’s familiar. Thus, some retirees find comfort in continuing to save rather than spend.

So, while seeking financial advice and planning for retirement is helpful, they don’t always address the psychological challenges of retirement. To better manage these challenges, let’s explore three effective ways to build comfort with spending in retirement.

1. Accept and embrace uncertainty

Psychologists suggest the power uncertainty has over us is of our own making. We can limit its negative impact by accepting and embracing it rather than worrying about it.

Understand that no plan can completely eliminate uncertainty; it’s an inherent part of life. Acknowledge that while you can’t control every aspect of your future, you’re not rendered powerless.

The key is to focus on what is within your control. This includes adhering to a sensible withdrawal rate and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, which can significantly mitigate feelings of helplessness.

Accepting uncertainty isn’t about resignation; it’s about finding strength in adaptability and making informed choices within the scope of what you can influence.

By recognizing what is within your control and accepting what you can’t control, you can better direct your attention to pursuing what brings you joy.

2. Adjust to a shift in identity

It’s true; your frugality might be a lifelong companion, as old habits notoriously die hard. However, retirement marks a profound shift in identity, steering you away from a professional persona that may have been your anchor for years.

In fact, many retirees define retirement as a new chapter. This transition calls for a redefinition of self, which can significantly influence how you view and use money.

Navigating this change effectively means exploring and embracing new

facets of your identity. Ask yourself: What passions have I set aside? What new pursuits excite me?

As you align your spending with these newfound interests and aspirations, your financial decisions gain a deeper sense of purpose.

Emotional resilience plays a crucial role in this journey. Research says building this resilience — possibly through mindfulness, positive thinking or leaning on social networks — can help you adapt to these life changes more gracefully. Therefore, it can equip you to handle the uncertainties of retirement with greater confidence.

3. Cultivate a more positive relationship with money

Behavioral psychology reveals our tenden-

cy to prioritize negative over positive information, a phenomenon known as negativity bias. This bias significantly influences our financial decisions, often leading us to focus more on avoiding negatives than pursuing positives.

When told by an advisor there’s a 99% chance of a successful retirement, many of us fixate on the 1% risk of running out of money.

A way to counter this is through positive reframing. It involves redefining money as a tool for joy and fulfillment, not just a shield against potential downsides. This shift in perspective encourages us to see money as a means to enrich life experiences.

That doesn’t only mean consumption, but rather recognizing the happiness that

BEACON BITS

Ongoing

ART GALLERY EXHIBITION

Visit the beachKraft studio and gallery through the end of May for “Music and Muses,” a solo art show by Teresa Ficaretta, a Bowie, Maryland artist. This free exhibition includes works of art in a variety of media inspired by music, musicians and other subjects that have positively influenced Ficaretta’s life. The gallery is located at 18200 Georgia Ave., Unit O+N, Olney, MD, and the hours are Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., with a closing reception on Sun., May 26 from 3 to 4 p.m. For more information, contact Caroline Baker at (240) 608-2124.

GAITHERSBURG BOOK FESTIVAL

May 18

Presented by The Carnegie at Washingtonian Center, the Gaithersburg Book Festival is a celebration of books, writers and literary excellence. This free event (with free parking) takes place on Sat., May 18 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Bohrer Park, 506 S. Frederick Ave., Gaithersburg, MD. For a complete list of the festival’s programming, visit gaithersburgbookfestival.org.

Medicare

From page 28

— If you start with a Medicare Advantage plan when you first qualify for Medicare, you have 12 months to go back to Original Medicare with any Medigap plan.

— If you have a Medigap plan and drop it to try a Medicare Advantage plan for the first time, you have 12 months to return to Original Medicare and the Medigap plan you dropped, as long as the company still sells it.

If you work with an insurance agent, they might also know which Medigap company would approve you based on your health. “There are some that will treat certain conditions differently than others,” said Adam Hyers, an insurance broker and founder of the insurance agency Hyers and Associates in Columbus, Ohio. “We keep a list of who might be more likely to accept a client who is in a gray area.”

In four states, residents have a chance at least once a year to buy a guaranteedissue Medigap plan: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts and New York.

There are also quirky exceptions: In 2022 and 2023, Blue Shield of California offered an “underwriting holiday” during

Retirement savings

From page 29

can come from using money purposefully, such as through charitable giving or supporting loved ones. Research suggests we gain more happiness from spending on others than on ourselves.

Assessing the value and impact of pur-

which California residents could join Medigap Plan G without medical underwriting. [Ed. Note: In Maryland, those who already have a Medigap plan can switch to another company without underwriting during the 30 days after their birthday each year.]

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois offers guaranteed-issue Medigap plans to Illinois residents. “Obviously, the premiums are going to be higher because they’re going to have higher claims,” said Cynthia Pruemm, founder and CEO of SIS Financial Group in Hoffman Estates, Illinois. In the worst-case scenario, moving out of your Medicare Advantage plan’s service area grants you another chance at guaranteed-issue Medigap.

What if you can’t get Medigap? If it’s not possible to get Medigap, you may have to find the best Medicare Advantage plan for your needs. Don’t get sidetracked by perks; pay attention to doctors and drug coverage.

For guidance, call a broker rather than the providers directly. “You want to talk to somebody who’s independent, that represents all of the companies,” Pruemm said.

This article was provided to The Associated Press by the personal finance website NerdWallet.

chases, rather than just their cost, can help reshape spending habits. So, try this: after spending money, reflect on your feelings. Did the purchase bring joy or add convenience to your life? Such reflections can guide and ease future financial decisions. © 2024 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

TO MOVE OR NOT TO MOVE…

WHERE,

questions. For 19 years, I’ve hosted the weekly radio show “Getting Older with Eric Stewart”. Tune in every Sunday from 10 – 10:30 a.m. on WMAL 105.9 FM for insights into living well while getting older, whether you want to remain in your home, or move to a retirement community. For your free copy of my “Rightsizing Guide”, download it from the “Resources” section of EricStewartGroup.com or call 1-866-AGING WELL for a printed copy by mail (also free). Call me directly at (301) 252-1697 for your personal consultation on real estate matters. Eric Stewart Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc. Seniors Real Estate Specialist Eric@EricStewartGroup.com EricstewartGroup.com 301.252.1697

How identity thieves exploit your trust

By Sandra Block

Con artists are disguising themselves as well-known brands to steal your money and personal information. Want to know what to do about it?

Kiplinger spoke with Doug Shadel, managing director for Fraud Prevention Strategies, LLC, a Seattle-based consulting firm. He served as strategy director for AARP’s Fraud Watch Network for nearly 20 years.

You’ve been on the front line of fighting fraud for more than 30 years. What has changed in that time? Have we become any better at protecting consumers?

There’s good news and bad news. The bad news is that over that 30-year period, fraud has gotten precipitously worse. It’s the new crime of the century.

The good news is that there are a lot of people focusing on fraud prevention. As recently as 10 years ago, it was hard to get law enforcement interested. Now, stopping hackers, phishing and other scams is all anybody is talking about, and a lot of people are paying attention.

One of the most recent trends is imitating trusted brands, such as banks and major retailers, to trick consumers into giving up personal information. Why is that effective?

I’ve interviewed more than two dozen con artists about their strategies, and they all say the same thing: Gain the victim’s trust, get them “under the ether” and create urgency.

Getting them under the ether — a slang term all the con artists use — means getting people into such a heightened emotional state that they’re no longer thinking rationally.

It used to be that the number-one tactic was promising wealth. Now, the vast majority use the fear of loss — they’ll try to convince you that somebody hacked into your bank account or got your Social Security number, for example.

Whether they’re saying something too good to be true or too bad to be true, either will get you into the ether state. If you get a text message or see a social media post that causes you to become anxious or nervous, that’s a red flag.

Who is most vulnerable to fraud?

With some scams, age matters. For

older people, it’s tech-support scams because they’re uncertain about how to use their computers.

But I spent 20 years looking for a magic demographic description that makes people vulnerable, and I couldn’t find it. The closest we could come was people who had experienced stressful life events.

The really skilled con artists spend the first conversations looking for the victim’s Achilles’ heel — the loss of a child, for example — to ratchet up the ether.

Con artists often use social media to scam people. How can we protect ourselves short of leaving social media altogether?

On Facebook, make sure you’ve adjusted your privacy settings so that only close friends and relatives can see what you’re posting. We’ve surveyed people about whether they’ve changed the privacy settings on their Facebook account, and 40% say, “What’s a privacy setting?”

Lots of people belong to Facebook groups, and you trust people in the group because they’re your peers. That leads to what’s known as affinity fraud.

Anytime somebody reaches out to you out of the blue, whether it’s from your Facebook knitting group or your bank, it’s a red flag.

What are the most effective ways to shield yourself from fraud outside of social media?

If you use a peer-to-peer payment app, never send money to someone you don’t know.

Update antivirus software on your devices, freeze your credit, and use callblocking tools to prevent scammers from contacting you by phone.

As artificial intelligence becomes more sophisticated, you need to reduce the likelihood you’ll be targeted because AI makes it increasingly difficult to detect who is a fraudster and who isn’t.

AI can make the voice of somebody in the Philippines sound like they are a sheriff in Texas. If scammers using AI this way can’t reach you, you don’t have to worry about that.

This item first appeared in Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Magazine, a monthly, trustworthy source of advice and guidance. © 2024 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

FREE CAREGIVER SUPPORT/EDUCATION

On Monday, May 13, at 7 p.m., caregivers are invited to join the Kensington Club Zoom for a free caregiver program: “Wandering: Understanding, Prevention and Preparedness,” with Officer Laurie Reyes of the Montgomery County Police Department. On Monday, May 20 at 7 p.m., join to discuss challenges, share experiences, and receive support from fellow caregivers who are going through similar situations. Use this Zoom info for both: Meeting ID: 777 162 3920 Password: 535850. For more info, email ckemp@AccessJCA.org.

Investing in rare books and manuscripts

If you are a bibliophile, you may want to consider collecting rare books and manuscripts.

The markets for rare books and manuscripts are currently very active. For example, in 2022, book and paper auction sales totaled $1.06 billion, according to Rare Books Hub.

I’ll explain some issues to consider if you are interested in investing in rare books and papers.

Regarding condition, if the book is not in good condition, serious collectors will not be interested. The book will be more valuable if there is an undamaged dust jacket, there are no stains or signs of mildew, and the pages are not torn and do not seem worn.

scripts as investments, beware of these risks:

—The market for rare books is not very liquid.

—The rare books market is relatively small in comparison to other investments, whether you are buying or selling.

One advantage of investing in this field is diversification. As you know, the values of equities, bonds and cryptocurrencies can be very volatile. Investment in books is likely to be more stable.

By Elliot Raphaelson

Provenance is very important. This is defined as the recorded history of ownership and custody of the book. Naturally, if the owner of the book had a close relationship with the author, it is very important. The value will be much greater when provenance is authenticated.

Best sources and resources

Where to start

A good first step is to visit a variety of antiquarian bookstores, book fairs, reputable dealers and experts in the field.

When you visit any of these, ask the person how he or she got into the business, what specific areas he/she is most interested in, and how he/she determines what segments of the market are likely to be the most promising in the future.

If you are interested in rare books as an investor, this is an area in which you should be taking a long-term approach.

If you are the type of investor who is fascinated with short-term trading, and buying and selling stocks with quick turnovers, rare books are not the type of investment you are likely to do well with.

Determining value

Experts in the field are likely to tell you that the most important factors determining value are the importance of the author, the rarity of the book (how many were originally printed), whether it is a first edition or inscribed, the book’s condition, provenance (i.e., its record of ownership), and whether the book is considered among the author’s best work.

May 21

You can become educated in this field by reading articles published by the Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association and the Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association of America. You can also contact them to determine if there are any upcoming seminars or talks, and ask to be placed on their mailing lists.

You can contact auction houses that specialize in this field, such as Bonhams and Christies, to get on their mailing lists for subsequent auctions. Other sources for online auctions are AbeBooks and Biblio. Contact them for information regarding upcoming auctions.

A safe way to purchase books is to use a dealer who has been in the field for many years and guarantees authenticity.

Other sources that may be cost-effective would be estate sales, community garage sales and thrift stores. You can contact local companies that conduct estate sales in your area to be placed on their mailing lists. In addition to finding possibly valuable books, you are likely to find quality furnishings and artworks at reasonable prices.

Not without risk

If you plan to buy rare books or manu-

JOB AND RESOURCE FAIR

Free resume workshops, groceries, raffle items and professional headshots will be available at the Job and Resource Fair hosted by Central Union Mission’s Comprehensive Family Resource Center (CFRC). The free event is scheduled for Tuesday, May 21 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 3194 Bladensburg Road NE, Washington, DC. Participating organizations include Truist Bank, Passport Auto, Coca-Cola, United Healthcare and many more. Dress to impress. For more information contact Joshua Kinney at jkinney@missiondc.org or call (484) 557-1601.

HOMEOWNERS AND RENTERS TAX CREDIT

Applications are now open for the Maryland Department of Taxation’s 2024 Homeowners’ and Renters’ Tax Credit programs. The deadline for both is Oct. 1. These programs provide tax relief to Maryland residents. For more information, to check eligibility or to apply, visit tinyurl.com/MDTaxRelief2024.

—The maintenance costs are high if you have a large collection. Preserving the good condition of books requires proper storage and maintenance. Obtain an estimate of costs before you acquire a large collection.

Bottom line: Investing in rare books can be a rewarding and exciting experience, especially if you are interested in literature and history.

There is potential for financial gains, but you must understand the financial risks, be willing to do the required research and develop proper relationships.

Elliot Raphaelson welcomes your questions and comments at raphelliot@gmail.com. © 2024 Elliot Raphaelson. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Silver Spring, Md. Sunday, October 20 Noon to 4 p.m. Silver Spring Civic Building

Leisure & Travel Leisure &

Cruising to charming Southern locales

By Victor Block

During a recent journey through several southeastern states, I knocked on an unmarked wood door, uttered a secret password, and was admitted into a throwback Prohibition-era speakeasy in the heart of Savannah, Georgia.

My wife Fyllis and I also took a horsedrawn carriage ride through Beaufort, South Carolina — a small, picturesque town (pronounced BYOO-fert) that has served as the backdrop for more than 100 movies and television shows.

We were on a cruise to history-rich Savannah, Beaufort and other towns, relaxing as we traveled aboard the American Eagle, an American Cruise Lines ship.

Our eight-day voyage took us from Florida’s Amelia Island to Charleston, South Carolina, via the Intracoastal Waterway, a 3,000-mile-long stretch of river, canals and bays that runs from Massachusetts to Florida and then on to Texas.

The channel was so wide in some places that the marshes, sandbars and sawgrass lining the shorelines almost faded into the distance. In others, the ship slowed to a crawl as it navigated narrow, shallow sections, providing close-up views of gulls, pelicans and other wildlife.

While our 100-guest ship often had the water to itself, we occasionally spotted a barge or another boat carrying passengers whose friendly waves we returned. Dolphins seemed to enjoy following in our wake.

On-shore excursions

Our ship docked at some of the South’s most charming cities and towns, and the selection of outings at each port appealed to many tastes and interests.

For starters, we checked out the American Prohibition Museum in Savannah, the only one of its kind in the nation. Exhibits, dioramas and other displays bring the “Roaring Twenties” back to life in an immersive way.

Visitors enter into a street scene: A beer truck is parked amid a mob of angry, signcarrying protesters (mannequins). A soundtrack broadcasts evangelist Billy Sunday railing against both “king alcohol” and Savannah — “the most wicked city in the world.”

A portrait of August Anheuser Busch Sr., the brewing magnate, suddenly comes alive and engages in a spirited debate with the nearby picture of a female member of the Temperance League, arguing the benefits of moderation versus prohibition.

After you view the exhibits, you can choose a side: There’s a fully stocked bar in the museum’s speakeasy.

In addition to the Prohibition Museum, we could take trolley or walking tours of Savannah. Those who went ashore at Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, could visit alligators at a wildlife preserve or take a dolphin-watching cruise.

In Brunswick, Georgia, cruisers could visit a rice plantation that operated from

1800 until 1915, or ride on a retired shrimping trawler.

Fyllis and I opted for the shrimp boat. As its captain hauled in a net loaded with wriggling shrimp, crabs, pufferfish and other denizens of the deep, guests could handle the catch before it was returned to the ocean. Fyllis delighted in getting close up and personal with a baby manta ray.

Our penultimate stop, Beaufort, had a small-town atmosphere, streets lined by graceful antebellum homes, and overhead canopies of Spanish moss-festooned oak trees.

Hollywood’s love affair with Beaufort began in 1914 when scenes for the film

The Americans were shot there. Viewing it all from a wagon pulled by a straw hatwearing horse named Bandit added to the ambiance.

On the last day of the cruise, we took a tour of Charleston’s cobblestone streets and squares. Founded in 1670, the city’s architectural style is the unique “single house,” with a narrow, one-room-width side facing the street, our tour guide explained. That design was necessary during the Colonial era, when a wall enclosed the miniscule, 62-acre town, and space was limited. Pointing to a church that was built in 1855, our guide referred to it as “new.”

A long list of other tours was available to passengers. In Charleston, they included a

to the magnificent Magnolia Gardens and Plantation, founded in 1676, and Fort Sumter, where the first shots of the Civil War were fired.

Food, lectures, trivia

Between ports, we could choose from almost around-the-clock activities available on the ship. Experts and guest lecturers described the next day’s shore excursions, and delved into topics like the Music of the Civil War, the Civil War at Sea and Early American Religion.

Other activities included bingo, trivia, and arts and crafts. A Veterans Appreciation Ceremony honored passengers who had served in the military, and those traveling on their own could attend a solo travelers meetup.

Evening entertainment was equally varied, including live music, a talented ventriloquist, and an equally gifted Gullah woman. She described and demonstrated the unique culture, customs and cuisine of that African American ethnic group from the coastal Southeast.

Of course, cruises are known for their abundant food options. Fresh-baked cookies were served twice a day; nibbles and drinks were available in the Sky Lounge; and a snack bar served light breakfasts

visit

With room for more than 100 passengers, the American Eagle is one of 20 American Cruise Lines ships and riverboats that take tourists through our country’s waterways with stops at towns and cities of interest.

The hills are alive in Salzburg, Austria. See story on opposite page.

Colorful historic houses line Savannah’s Forsyth Park. Savannah is among the popular ports of call where cruise line patrons disembark to take a variety of tours.

The sounds of music remain in Salzburg

By Rick Steves

Salzburg is forever smiling to the tunes of Mozart and The Sound of Music. Thanks to its charming old town, splendid Baroque churches, and one of Europe’s largest medieval fortresses, Salzburg feels designed to keep its visitors happy.

With around eight million sightseers prowling its cobbled lanes each year, the city can feel pretty touristy. You don’t go to Salzburg to avoid the tourists. You go to experience a town which, in spite of the crowds, is thoroughly enjoyable.

Most of the happy tourists probably wouldn’t be here if not for Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, who spent much of his first 25 years in Salzburg.

While some devotees make a pilgrimage to his birthplace (Geburtshaus), I prefer Mozart’s Residence (Wohnhaus) — a reconstruction of Mozart’s second home (his family moved here when he was 17). It’s the

Southern cruise

From page 34

and lunches on the deck.

The evening feast included a pre-dinner cocktail hour with more-than-ample hors d’oeuvres, and peaked in the white-tablecloth dining room. The dinner menus reflected the culture and tastes of the region: crabcakes, barbecued pork chops and shrimp and grits.

One evening, I overheard Jason, the executive chef, giving a pre-dinner briefing to his waitstaff. He listed the ingredients of each entrée displayed on a tray as the servers took notes and asked questions.

That attention to detail pervaded every aspect of our experience aboard and left us wishing our cruise had been longer.

most informative Mozart sight in town.

In the main hall, used by the Mozarts to entertain Salzburg’s high society, you can hear original instruments from Mozart’s time. Other rooms feature real artifacts that explore his loves, intellectual pursuits, travels and more.

After seeing where he lived, visit where he was baptized and later performed: Salzburg’s Cathedral, one of the first Baroque buildings north of the Alps. Built in just 14 years (1614-1628), the huge church amazed me with its harmonious architecture. When Pope John Paul II visited in 1998, some 5,000 people filled the cathedral (it’s 330 feet long and 230 feet tall).

Sit under the dome — surrounded by the tombs of 10 archbishops from the 17th century — and imagine all four organs playing, each balcony filled with musicians, creating a glorious surround-sound effect.

Mozart, who was the organist here for

If you go

American Cruise Lines’ small ships (90 to 180 passengers) are specifically designed to navigate this country’s waterways and coastlines. They’re known for offering spacious staterooms many of which, like ours, have floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that lead to an outside private balcony.

You can choose from more than 50 itineraries lasting six to 61 days through 35 states. The ships tend to skip touristy ports in favor of small, often overlooked ones.

All-inclusive fares, including gratuities, begin at $2,640 per shared cabin and cover some shore excursions and, in some cases, airfare. The price of our Intracoastal Waterway cruise was $4,030 per person. For more information, visit americancruiselines.com or call 1-800-814-6880.

two years, would advise you that the acoustics are best in pews immediately under the dome.

Castle with a

view

While the cathedral is in the center of town, Salzburg’s Hohensalzburg Fortress towers 400 feet above the city. One of Europe’s mightiest castles, this fortress was never really used. That’s the idea. It was a good investment — so foreboding, nobody attacked the town for a thousand years.

The city was never taken by force, but when Napoleon stopped by, Salzburg wisely surrendered. After a stint as a military barracks, the fortress was opened to the public in the 1860s. Today, it dominates Salzburg’s skyline and offers commanding views.

The fortress visit has three parts: the fortress itself (with its chapel, towers and fine views from its courtyard ramparts); the museums (fortress, marionette and Rainer Regiment museums, plus the fortress armory); and the Regency Rooms — the richly painted and decorated royal apartments.

Beyond its museums and castles, Salzburg is a world-class destination for live music performances. Each summer it hosts its famous Salzburg Festival (salzburgerfestspiele.at).

But Salzburg is busy throughout the

year, offering classical concerts in its palaces and churches. Pick up the events calendar at the tourist information office or check the events calendar at Salzburg.info. I’ve never planned in advance, and I’ve enjoyed great concerts with every visit.

One excursion everyone seems to recommend is the Sound of Music tour, which is offered by several companies. They usually include a quick but good general city tour and then hit the movie’s highlights, including the stately home, flirtatious gazebo and grand wedding church.

Of the many companies providing such a tour, consider Bob’s Special Tours (bobstours.com) and Panorama Tours (panoramatours.com). I took this tour skeptically but actually liked it, even though rolling through the Austrian countryside with 30 Americans singing “Doe, a deer” is pretty schmaltzy. Be warned: Salzburg is addicted to the tourist dollar and can never get enough. Virtually all hotels are on the take when it comes to concert and tour recommendations, influenced more by their potential kickback than by what’s best for you. Take their advice with a grain of salz.

Experience a biergarten

To see Salzburg at play, take a hike to

manner that is easy for me to understand. He is always willing to answer my questions – no matter how many times I ask.” — Cynthia R

Seven things nutritionists eat at airports

By Madeleine Burry

Airport terminals are like a giant impulse aisle, full of temptations you may usually resist. That can lead to regrets later in the day: Opting for unhealthy snacks can result in gastrointestinal upset or feeling hangry.

Fortunately, there are plenty of goodfor-you eats available at airports these days. We spoke to nutrition experts to find out which foods they eat before a flight.

BEACON BITS

May 19

1. Snacks from home. “Even if I can’t pack a whole meal, I like to at least bring some snacks to tide me over,” said Autumn Ehsaei, RDN. “These often include snap peas (fresh and crunchy), mandarins (easy to peel and hydrating), raw nuts (good protein and healthy fats) or homemade trail mix with whole-grain popcorn, raw almonds and no-sugar-added dried fruit.”

2. Fruit and vegetables. Even at a small terminal, you’re likely to spot a mound of ap-

ASIAN FESTIVAL ON MAIN

Celebrate Asian cultures and traditions at the annual Asian Festival on Main Street in Historic Old Town Fairfax, VA, on Sun., May 19 from noon to 6 p.m. Enjoy food, arts and crafts and performances. Free. For more information, visit asianfestivalonmain.com.

BOOK TALK AT MOUNT VERNON

May 23

Visit George Washington’s Mount Vernon (in person or virtually) to hear from Talmage Boston, author of How the Best Did It: Leadership Lessons from our Top Presidents. This free event takes place on Thu., May 23 from 7 to 8 p.m., both online and in person at the George Washington Presidential Library. For more information and to register, visit tinyurl.com/BookTalkMtVernon.

ples or a basket of bananas beside a cash register somewhere. “I always try to seek out fresh fruits or vegetables at the airport because it gives me a little boost…and helps me feel energized, not weighed down, before I board,” Ehsaei said.

3. Yogurt . “If I don’t have time for breakfast before the airport or if it is just too early, I will grab a plain Greek yogurt from [an airport market] and have it with a banana. Ideally the yogurt will be full-fat for satiety and metabolism. But if nonfat is my only option, I will grab a small bag of raw nuts or a nut butter packet for some healthy fat,” said Sydney Greene, RD, at Greene Health.

4. Smoothies. If you’re both hungry and thirsty, opt for a smoothie, suggested Claire Martin, RD, co-founder of Being Healthfull. It’ll satisfy both needs without too many calories, and they’re usually easy enough to find at airports.

5. Nuts and seeds. Readily available in pre-portioned bags, nuts and seeds provide protein, healthy fat and fiber, making them a great option for airport eating — with a few caveats.

“Just be aware, if you are watching your sodium intake, to try unsalted,” said

Salzburg

From page 35

the Augustiner Bräustübl — a huge 1,000seat beer garden northeast of the city center (augustinerbier.at). On busy nights, it’s like a Munich beer hall with no music but the volume turned up.

When it’s cool outside, you’ll enjoy a historic setting inside beer-sloshed and smoke-stained halls. On balmy evenings, it’s like a Renoir painting — but with beer breath — under chestnut trees.

Local students mix with tourists, eating hearty slabs of schnitzel with their fingers or cold meals from the self-serve picnic

Amanda Markie, RDN, an outpatient dietitian at the University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center.

6. Salad. On the more meal-like side of the spectrum, salads are a strong contender for the healthiest airport option. Stop somewhere you can craft your own salad, if available. That can help you avoid the unexpected calories of prepackaged or restaurant salads, drenched in creamy dressing or loaded with crunchy noodles, said Susan Weiner, RDN, owner of Susan Weiner Nutrition.

7. Water. Yes, we know — water isn’t a food. But every nutritionist we spoke to recommended guzzling it since flying is dehydrating. “Start your day with a bunch of water, buy a water bottle after passing through security to fill up at fountains (or bring an empty, reusable one in your carry-on), and try to stick with water while on the plane,” Ehsaei said.

Health delivers relevant information in clear, jargon-free language that puts health into context in people’s lives. Online at Health.com.

© 2024 Dotdash Meredith. All rights reserved. Used with permission. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

counter, while children frolic on the playground. Servers only bring beer; they don’t bring food. Instead, go up the stairs, survey the hallway of deli counters, and assemble a delectable meal.

With its musical legacies, magnificent scenery and rich history, Salzburg is a symphony — and you don’t have to climb every mountain to enjoy it.

Rick Steves writes European guidebooks, hosts travel shows on public TV and radio and organizes European tours. You can email Rick at rick@ricksteves.com, follow him on Facebook or visit RickSteves.com. © 2023 Rick Steves. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Mozart was born on the third floor of this yellow building in Salzburg’s Old Town. He and his family lived there until he was 17 years old. Today, it is one of the chief attractions that draw eight million tourists to Salzburg annually.

Those pesky travel contracts are gotchas

Just because you’re paranoid doesn’t mean they’re not out to get you.

When everything goes according to plan, the travel industry routinely delivers value for your money, and you don’t notice much else. But when anything goes south, the travel industry is, in fact, often out to get you.

The basic business model of most travel is stacked against consumers. And one of the weapons suppliers like to use is your contract.

against consumers and in favor of suppliers.

By Ed Perkins

When you buy a ticket, rent a room, buy a cruise, rent a car, or pay for just about any travel service, you automatically accept that supplier’s standard contract that governs legal responsibility for both buyer and seller.

But travel contracts are contracts of adhesion — ones which you have no opportunity to negotiate. And they often require that you relinquish your access to some or all of your usual contractual rights.

Your obligation, as a buyer, is generally cast in concrete: You pay. But sellers’ contracts have a lot of wiggle room, and they typically include conditions that limit your options when something goes wrong.

A deck stacked against you

For instance:

• Cruise lines and tour operators enjoy wide latitude in altering itineraries and ports without your right to a refund. Tour operators reserve the right to substitute hotels of “equal or higher” rating — yeah, right.

• Suppliers often limit refunds to credit toward future use rather than cash — often with an unacceptably short validity period. A lot of people on a canceled cruise might have trouble using a future credit within six months.

• Many contracts require that you sign away the right to sue the supplier in any court or to join a class-action suit. Instead, they require you to submit any complaint to arbitration rather than using a court. And binding arbitration is notoriously biased

• If a contract doesn’t require arbitration, it often includes a “forum” clause limiting the court venues open to you for redress. In the best cases, that’s a court in the supplier’s primary U.S. location, typically Florida for cruise lines. In the worst case, it’s overseas somewhere.

A travel dispute is frequently complicated further by the facts that (1) you typically pay in full before you even start using the service, so the supplier has your money, and (2) when you hit a snag during a trip, you need an immediate fix. Being in the right legally doesn’t help much when you arrive at a hotel late at night and no rooms are available.

Promises are often empty

Many suppliers make promises or what appear to be promises in their brochures and schedules. But only air travelers enjoy substantial federal government protections with enforcement.

In the other segments of the industry, those promises — even if they’re included in the contract — are hollow for one big reason: They lack any provision for enforcement. Take the cruise industry as an example. The Cruise Line International Association (CLIA) touts a “bill of rights” that promises a wide range of travelers’ rights. But its fatal flaw is that it makes no provision for a cruise line’s obligation when it fails to deliver on these rights.

And the hotel, tour, rental car, and others don’t even have a stated industry standard set of promises, let alone “what happens when we fail” practices.

Unfortunately, options for redress are not great. When a problem occurs during a trip, nobody or nothing can, in tort law words, “make you whole.” You can’t unfoul a fouled-up trip.

At best, you can try to get monetary compensation for your hassle and maybe to cover what you had to spend to save as much of your trip as possible.

I’ll end with my number-one rule: Pay as little as possible up front. You’re automatically at a disadvantage as soon as a supplier has your money.

And avoid non-refundables when you can: Paying a few dollars more for a reservation you don’t have to pay for until after you’ve used it removes a lot of risk.

Email Ed Perkins at eperkins@mind.net or visit his rail travel website at railguru.com. © 2023 Ed Perkins. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency LLC.

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Arts & Style

Get paid to visit and befriend your peers

By Margaret Foster

When Simy Buckwold, a retiree in New Market, Maryland, visits her Senior Companion clients each week, they both light up.

“You arrive and [you can tell] you’re a hero, just by their look and by their smile,” Buckwold said.

“It’s such a joy. The experience is mutual because we have built this trust and connection. It’s reciprocal, that’s what I’m finding out.”

And while that feeling might be reward enough, Buckwold and many others like her are actually paid a stipend by the Senior Companion program to visit older adults or those with disabilities who need companionship or assistance in their communities.

The Senior Companion program is one of three that make up AmeriCorps Seniors, a national service program within the federal AmeriCorps agency. The other two AmeriCorps Seniors programs are Foster Grandparents and RSVP. These programs are designed to connect those 55 and above with local service opportunities that match their interests.

Established in 1974, the Senior Companion program was based on the Foster

Grandparent model, a federal grantmaking organization that pairs older adults with children in need. Today about 7,000 Americans volunteer with Senior Companion, according to Atalaya Sergi, director of AmeriCorps Seniors.

When older adults help out other older people, they both benefit, Sergi said.

After all, loneliness has become an epidemic. According to the U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on the Healing Effects of Social Connection and Community, half of American adults feel socially isolated, and loneliness can impact their health.

“The Senior Companion program is a preventative measure for our country, both for the volunteer and the person they’re serving,” Sergi said. “The volunteers definitely benefit from being a part of something that gives them purpose in their lives…It helps reduce the loneliness.”

How the program works

The Senior Companion program pays people over 55 who qualify to attend a week of training. Next, the companion-to-be shadows a seasoned volunteer on several visits before they’re matched with clients of their own.

Once the in-person visits begin, they check in with managers once a month to discuss each case, ask questions and get more resources. The program pays a stipend to qualified volunteers, and reimburses for mileage and gas, as well as providing accident, liability and additional auto insurance.

Ralph Caiazzo heard about the program at church last year and was paired up with a client last June. He often brings his client to the gym and they have lunch afterwards, he said, and she appreciates the company.

“The thing she misses most is being

A Senior Companions volunteer visits with her client. Through the federal program, AmeriCorps Seniors pays people 55 and older to help older adults shop, pay bills or go to doctor’s appointments — or just be a listening ear.

Mitch Berliner welcomes shoppers to the farmers market he co-founded almost two decades ago. Our cover story continues on page 42.

Senior Companion

From page 38

able to drive and go places on her own. Because she doesn’t have a car, she can’t get out and see people,” he said.

Caiazzo says he gets a kick out of spending time with an octogenarian. “I tell her, ‘I hope I’m like you when I’m 82.’ She’s a spitfire.”

Caiazzo can pick his hours, adding more hours when he can. “I never thought I’d be working with older folks. I love it,” he said.

Buckwold applied to be a Senior Companion four years ago after she retired from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.

BEACON BITS

May

13

She visits several older adults once a week for several hours, bringing them to doctor’s appointments, the grocery store or wherever they’d like to go.

It’s more than just a ride service, though. Often, as in Buckwold’s case, friendships form.

“One of my clients is a physician, and I’m a scientist, so it’s like talking the same language. I learn a lot from her,” Buckwold said.

Making a connection with an older person helps that person’s extended family, too, Sergi pointed out.

“The family might not live close by, but they have someone they can check in with

MUSICAL JOURNEY AROUND THE GLOBE

At this free concert, “A Musical Journey Around the Globe,” Seth Kibel and friends perform tunes from the Middle East, Africa, China, Eastern Europe, Latin America, and Ireland. This program, in partnership with Washington Metro Oasis and AARP, takes place on Monday, May 13 at 1 p.m. at the Rockville Civic Center’s F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre, 603 Edmonston Dr, Rockville, MD 20851. Light refreshments provided. For more information or to register, see tinyurl.com/32yrdk3c or email mdaarp@aarp.org.

JAZZ IN THE PARKS

June

8

Join your neighbors at this year’s first Jazz in The Parks performance on Sat., June 8 from 5 to 8 p.m. Bring a blanket and enjoy a picnic while listening to jazz musician Tarus Mateen with opener Company on the Great Lawn of The Parks at Walter Reed, 1010 Butternut St. NW, Washington, DC. For more information and to RSVP, visit theparksdc.com/events.

if they get nervous about the health or wellbeing of their family member. They know someone will check in.”

Along those lines, Senior Companions also has a caregiver respite services program. They are paid to give 3,000 full-time caregivers a break. “We know it’s important to be able to step away from that stress,” Sergi said.

Mental health boost

According to an AmeriCorps Senior longitudinal study in 2017, after one year, about 84% of volunteers reported better health and reduced depression.

“The volunteerism has a real impact on

their health and wellbeing,” Sergi said.

On average, volunteers spend six or seven years with the program, according to the study — sometimes longer.

“I’ve met people who have been volunteering for 10 years, 20 years. Our volunteers are so consistent and stay with the programs,” Sergi said.

Buckwold plans to keep visiting her clients for as long as she can.

“I love to help, to volunteer,” she said. This is the best way to use my skills and give back to my community.”

To get involved, visit americorps.gov/ yourmoment or call 1-800-942-2677.

When a rational decision really hurts

As the old song says: regrets, I’ve had a few.

Home runs I never hit. Millions I never earned. Not doing enough to make the world a better place.

But at 3 a.m. (when I often do my best thinking), my mind regularly returns to The Radio That Almost Was.

Way back when, before it was overwhelmed by partisan politics, I worked as a radio talk show host. One of my best gigs was on weekends in Baltimore.

By Bob Levey

One Sunday — can’t recall exact details

— I was rhapsodizing on the air about the floor-model radio that used to sit in my grandparents’ living room. It squawked and screeched, but it was a member of the family. Big maroon knobs. AM only. A relic, for sure. But a teaching tool.

It taught me this: Radio is intimate in a way that TV never has been or will be. Big Bertha (the relic’s nickname) never failed to prove that, across decades of Arthur Godfrey and the Don McNeill Breakfast Club.

So, on that long-ago afternoon, talk show

shift done, I was packing up to go home when the producer said I had a phone call. It was from a man named Mike. He had just heard my show. He lived a mile from the station. He owned his own Big Bertha and wanted to sell it. Would I be interested?

This is how ax murders take place, but I didn’t hesitate. I was ringing his doorbell 10 minutes later.

There it was, in a corner of the living room. A huge floor model set, inside a polished mahogany cabinet. Yes, the knobs were maroon. Yes, it squawked and screeched. Yes, it got AM only.

It was love at first sight.

We agreed on a price. He helped me carry it to my car. We tried to fit it into the trunk — nope, too big.

We tried the back seat. Nope again. At which point, Rational Bob took over.

What would my wife say (other than the

usual “You’re crazy”)? How long would it take for our kids to break it (the odds in Las Vegas were set at two days)? Where in our house would we put it? Who would help me struggle it up our front steps?

So I told Mike thanks-but-no-thanks. It was the only sane decision.

Had I passed on a gem that I could have resold years later for zillions? Possibly.

But Rational Bob knew — and knows — that the darn thing would probably have broken in five minutes. And who would have helped me struggle it back down the front steps, en route to the junkyard?

Sorry, Big Bertha II. Whenever I hear a squawking, screeching clip of Gene Autry or The War of the Worlds, I think of you. But you live in the land of what-if, forever.

Bob Levey is a national award-winning columnist.

now sell their products nationwide.

Another vendor, Metro Microgreens, which has been setting up a white tent at the market since 2018, has a “failed retirement” story similar to Berliner and Moser’s.

Mark Ross, the owner of Metro Microcreens, had a job in corporate sales for decades. But he calls himself a “green thumb kind of a guy. I’m one of those guys who could grow anything.”

When Ross’ children were in elementary school, he asked the principal if he could start a garden on school grounds. He raised money to plant organic vegetables and, at recess, would “teach the children where the food came from,” he said.

After 10 years of teaching more than 1,000 students about the school garden, Ross stepped down from both his volunteer project and his sales job and wondered what was next.

“My wife said, ‘You’re so good at it — why don’t you do it for a living?’” So in 2017, Mark and his wife, Debbie, launched a growing facility at their Rockville home and now sell sprouts at 21 local farmers markets.

“It’s fun. With farmers markets, it’s a happy place. People want to come to them; it’s part of their weekend routine. You see the same people come at the same time every week. It’s a very positive atmosphere,” Mark Ross said.

He also sells his microgreens at America’s oldest farmers market — in Old Town Alexandria (George Washington sold pro-

duce from Mount Vernon there) — as well as at one of the largest markets in D.C., in Dupont Circle.

Many markets in D.C., too

The Dupont Circle market and 25 other farmers markets in the DMV are operated by FreshFarm Markets, the country’s third-largest farmers market organization.

FreshFarm Markets was co-founded in 1996 by Ann Harvey Yonkers and Bernadine Price. “Both are still alive and well and enjoying their grandchildren,” said Juliet Glass, director of communications and marketing at FreshFarm Markets.

Today, the company is focused on expanding farmers markets into underserved D.C. communities such as Wards 7 and 8. Its newest venue is in Union Market, while its oldest is Dupont.

“We have people who have been shopping with us for decades,” Glass said. “We’ve had farmers who have been selling with us for over two decades, so some of us have seen them to retirement, which is fun.”

The FreshFarm markets accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) cards, which people 60 and over can use to buy nutritious foods. (Some Bethesda vendors also accept SNAP).

“We love our senior shoppers,” Glass said. “Our markets have music, chef demos and cute dogs — all the things you

want in your market experience.”

Music and more

On Sundays at the Bethesda Farmers Market, you may glimpse Berliner joining in the live music performances. On one Sunday, he stood at the microphone alongside a bass player and fiddler singing “I’ll Fly Away” as babies in strollers looked on.

“When you go to the average supermarket,” Berliner said, “people don’t talk to each other. When people go to a farmers market, they have at least 100 conversations, even if it’s nothing more than ‘Good morning, nice to see you again.’

“People have told us we’ve really become like the village green,” he said.

At this village green, Berliner seems to know everyone. As he winds his way amid the tents and tables, people smile, wave and say, “Hi, Mitch!”

He’s been greeting the same people week after week for almost two decades. “It’s neat because I’ve seen their kids grow up,” he said.

A farmers market can be more than a social network; in a crisis, it can be a lifeline. When Covid hit, the Bethesda Central Farm Market closed, along with the rest of the country. But it soon reopened and stayed open, adding an option for car pickup and home delivery.

Last month, the Montgomery County

Council presented a certificate to Berliner’s organization “in recognition of service connecting farmers and small businesses with communities during Covid, with special appreciation for providing home delivery and drive-through options for those who are immunocompromised.”

“[Their market] was particularly important during Covid, not just for the farmers and businesses, but for residents who needed a place to go, needed a place to get healthy, local food,” said Andrew Friedson, president of the Montgomery County

May 25

FOLK MUSIC CONCERT

Council, when he presented them with the certificate.

Berliner also helped bring about a state law that allows wineries, distilleries and breweries to sell at farmers markets. Alcohol wasn’t allowed until the 2015 law.

But what Berliner is most proud of is his decade-long relationship with Manna Food Bank.

Still-fresh leftovers to food bank

Just before the market closes on Sunday afternoon and vendors pack up their tents, Berliner checks in with five vendors to see if they have any unsold food left. If so, they sell it to Manna Food Center at a discounted rate. Manna uses county grants and do-

Join Focus Music on Sat., May 25 for a folk concert with Kate Campbell, a southern singer-songwriter whose music spans the Delta blues, folk, pop and country. The performance takes place at 7 p.m. at St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church, 8531 Riverside Rd., Alexandria, VA. Advance tickets are $25 ($30 at the door) and can be purchased at focusmusic.org. For more information, contact Rob Hinkal at rob@focusmusic.org.

FREE SEPHARDIC MUSIC CONCERT

June 9

Join the Tikvat Israel Congregation on Sun., June 9 from 7:30 to 9 p.m. for Sephardic Roots and Branches, a concert of Sephardic music featuring the renowned Trio Sephardi. The trio will perform unique songs of the Sephardim, drawing on music from the former Yugoslavia, Greece, Turkey and North Africa. This free event takes place at 2200 Baltimore Rd., Rockville, MD. For more information, contact Aaron Chusid at (301) 762-7338.

nations to purchase leftover food and distribute it to people in need at its food banks.

As Berliner pointed out, that means that people in need can get food that’s fresher than that in the grocery store.

Over the years, the Bethesda market has facilitated the donation of hundreds of thousands of pounds of produce to people in need. “We’re at five farmers markets, but this is the most vibrant one,” said Jackie DeCarlo, CEO of Manna Food Center.

In addition, the market partners with the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad to teach CPR, with the National Institutes of Health to recruit volunteers for health studies, and with the American Red Cross for blood drives.

BEACON BITS

May 31

There’s always something new at the market, and as the big man on campus, Berliner is in constant motion, greeting people, unloading trucks and helping out.

“Usually, I have about 10,000 steps by 11 a.m.,” Berliner said.

“I thought organizing a farmers market would be a nice give-back project to keep me occupied. But it has evolved into a full-time — and then some — enterprise,” he said. “And I love what I do.”

Visit the Bethesda Central Farm Market on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. yearround at 7600 Arlington Rd.

For a list of farmers markets near you, visit freshfarm.org/markets or centralfarmmarkets.com.

FREE U.S. MARINE BAND CONCERT

Visit Wolf Trap to hear “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band perform a program of band favorites. A fireworks display will follow this free concert on Fri., May 31 at 8 p.m. at 1551 Wolf Trap Rd., Vienna, VA. Tickets are not required. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. For more information, visit wolftrap.org or call (703) 255-1868.

DEAN STAMBAUGH RETROSPECTIVE

May+

St. Alban’s School presents “Quiet Paths: Dean Stambaugh and the Pennsylvania Landscape,” a retrospective exhibition honoring the memory of the school’s long-tenured art teacher and artist. Visit the St. Alban’s School Gallery, Steuart Building, Lower Level, to view the free exhibition on Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. through June 12. For more information, contact David Sturtevant at (202) 537-6444 or dsturtevant@stalbansschool.org.

Scrabble answers on p. 47.

Find

Crossword Puzzle

Across

1. von Bismarck, called “The Iron Chancellor”

5. Snug fit of pants

9. Peters out

13. NCAA basketball coach, Staley

14. “You can’t get there from ___”

15. Target of anticoagulant medicine

16. Biography listed at Legacy.com

17. Like one of a soap opera’s twins

18. Cleaned a fire truck

20. Get edged out

23. Guest on a Sunday morning talk show

24. Achilles’ vulnerability

25. ___ for the faint of heart

26. iPad downloadable

29. Billy goat’s observation

31. Web portal co. that inspired the movie You’ve Got Mail

33. Advice for someone planning to view constellations

40. Lower arm bone

41. Nightmarish street

42. Like some Skittles

43. It might contain an index of weather terms

48. Yuletide beverage

49. Wellness center

50. Casual short sleeve shirt

51. Star of a San Diego Zoo Cam

54. Options on a restaurant payment screen

57. Caribou kin

59. Utah-based musical group

65. One who can’t see distances clearly

66. “When you come to a fork in the ___, take it” (Yogi Berra)

67. On the opposing side

68. Pelvic bones

69. Most of a ballerina costume

70. ___ CALM AND CARRY ON

71. Chemical formula poured all over this puzzle

72. Salsa maneuver

73. Schools of thought

Down

1. Of all cheeses, Vieux-Boulogne’s is the strongest

By Stephen Sherr

2. Illicit

3. Bed for an only child

4. Currently available

5. Resin used in both woodworking and candy making

6. Leftward prefix (and an anagram for “LOVE”)

7. Like James Joyce and Bono

8. Donnybrook

9. Rank in society

10. Common interest group

11. Subatomic particle named for Satyendra Nath Bose

12. Dictator’s assistant

19. Insecticide banned since 1972

21. The Bride was in one at the start of Kill Bill

22. Cook with high heat

26. Contents of the Gulf of Mexico

27. Input to a FiveThirtyEight forecast

28. Alphabet quartet, in reverse

30. One of four acting Baldwin brothers

32. Struggle with S and Z sounds

34. Indian flatbread

35. Capital One has one (but it is not a capital)

36. “I ___ hungry as a horse”

37. “Greatest of All Time,” to a sports fan

38. Ginormous

39. Lifeform on Pandora or Endor

44. Imaginary

45. Opposin’

46. Give it some more gas

47. The softest mineral on Earth

51. Sometimes it lets you pick your bill type

52. Ante

53. Deadly virus named for a Congo river

55. Auto repair shop supplies

56. “You look like a talent ___ for a cemetery” (Henny Youngman)

58. Nonchalant-looking trousers

60. Movie with a cast of thousands

61. Past bedtime

62. Last column before the decimal point

63. Part of a collector’s collection

64. Makes jeans more fashionable

Letters to the editor

former broom closet. As a widower, retired IBMer, and life-long sports fan, he offered his services back in the 90s to the high school, [and] created a place where memorabilia about the school could be kept.

The room now houses tons of materials about the school, but it also has Walter Johnson items. He was also involved in the creation of the hall display Mr. Levey mentions.

Mr. McKee, currently a patient at the Wilson Center in Gaithersburg, may or may not be able to continue his work, but he has preserved a valuable treasure for lovers of baseball.

Marilyn O’Brien Via email

Dear Editor:

The March 2024 crossword puzzle has an error. The PSAT was created by the College Board and first administered in 1959. I took the PSAT in 1966, so I knew 1971 was wrong!

The National Merit Scholarship Program, a privately funded initiative that began in 1955, adopted the PSAT as its qualifying test in 1971. So 1971 was something, but not the first year.

S.T. Shapiro via email

Dear Editor:

The April issue does not include a “Jumble” and has only one strip of the “One Big Happy” cartoon versus the usual three. What’s up?

Bill Hagan Via email

Dear Mr. Hagan: We apologize for the absence last month of some of our usual features. You are not the only reader who noticed! This month, you will find three comic strips and the “Jumble” back in their usual places.

ONE BIG HAPPY By Rick Detorie

DEMENTIA RESOURCES WEBINAR (VIRTUAL)

Join this free presentation by the Virginia Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services to learn about dementia-friendly initiatives in Virginia, dementia risk reduction and brain health. The session takes place online on Tue., May 14 from noon to 1 p.m. To register, visit bit.ly/DementiaSupportVA. For more information, email info@agingtogether.org or call (540) 829-6405.

WASHINGTON BALLET FREE PERFORMANCES

The Washington Ballet presents three free performances at CityCenterDC. Each evening features classical ballet and contemporary works performed by artists of The Washington Ballet on the plaza stage. Performances take place on June 6, 7 and 8 at 6:30 p.m. at CityCenterDC Plaza, 825 10th St. NW, Washington, D.C. For more information, see washingtonballet.org.

PARKINSON’S CLUB (VIRTUAL)

This free wellness and prevention program for people with Parkinson’s disease and their care partners is led by a speech pathologist and focuses on maintaining communication skills. The group meets every Monday from 3 to 4 p.m. on Zoom. For more information and to register, contact Brooke Ballenger at bballenger@kensingtonsl.com or (301) 946-7700.

WHISPERING WINDS POWWOW

All are welcome to the Whispering Winds PowWow on Sat., July 13 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sun., July 14 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This event will be held inside an air-conditioned building at the Howard County Fairgrounds, 2210 Fairgrounds Rd., West Friendship, MD. Tickets are $15 for adults and $8 for children per day. For more information, contact Barry Richardson at (252) 532-0821.

VOLUNTEER WITH JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT

Junior Achievement Finance Park is a collaboration between DMVarea schools, businesses, educators and volunteer mentors to teach students to be financially capable. Volunteers help guide small groups of middle-school students through a personal budgeting experience, from goal-setting to saving, shopping and bill paying. For a list of individual volunteer opportunities and to sign up, visit myja.org/volunteer.

HOME TREE CARE 101 CLASS

When you sign up for a Home Tree Care 101 class with Conservation Montgomery, an arborist/Maryland Licensed Tree Care Expert will come to your community for a walking tour to evaluate the condition of individual trees. They will also demonstrate pruning, mulching and removal of invasive vines that you can manage on your own at home. Classes are available in English or Spanish, and the cost is $25. For more information and to register, visit tinyurl.com/HomeTreeCare101.

BEACON BITS

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; Obituaries; Personals; Personal Services; Vacation Opportunities; and Wanted. For submission guidelines and deadlines, see the box on page 47.

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.

CLINICAL SCIENTIST - Immed. Opening for Clinical Scientist in Montgomery Co MD. Conduct pharmaceutical clinical investigation, research and development. PhD in Pharmacy & One YR clinical exp Reqd. Send CV by mail only to: WGI, 7529 Standish PL, Suite 330, Rockville, MD 20855.

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PROBLEM WITH YOUR PC/MAC OR NETWORK? Computer Systems Engineer will come to you with help. Call David G. at: 301-328-2112 / 301-642-4526

NEED PATIENT HELP WITH COMPUTERS, Phones, TVs or other technology? Call Phil at Senior Tech Pro! No job is too big or too small. We also safely recycle old computers and other electronics. Maryland (301) 337-0028 Virginia (571) 202-1273.

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NATIONAL MEMORIAL PARK. 2 sites in Block D, Lot 224, Sites 1 & 2. Selling both together for $5995. Call Jim at 540-748-1659.

NATIONAL MEMORIAL PARK FALLS

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DON’T LET THE STAIRS LIMIT YOUR MOBILITY! Discover the ideal solution for anyone who struggles on the stairs, is concerned about a fall or wants to regain access to their entire home. Call AmeriGlide today! 1-866-365-5170.

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

SWITCH AND SAVE UP TO $250/YEAR on your talk, text and data. No contract and no hidden fees. Unlimited talk and text with flexible data plans. Premium nationwide coverage. 100% U.S. based customer service. For more information, call 1-833-742-1303.

PERFECT HOUSEMATE COMPANION. I am a semi-retired physician seeking a rental or live-in situation with someone who is independent but likes occasional companionship and assistance with meals. Ideal person lives alone in NW DC adjacent to outdoor space like Rock Creek park and who has unused living space that includes a private bath. Willing to cook. Allergic to cats. Email Kat at missfitz67@hotmail.com.

A PRETTY LADY, EARLY 60’S - Retired, interested in meeting an attractive, kind Gentleman 60’S, for fun outings, companionship, possible relationship. Call Anne (240) 351-8001, please leave voice message for reply.

GET DISH SATELLITE TV + INTERNET! Free Install, Free HD-DVR Upgrade, 80,000 OnDemand Movies, Plus Limited Time Up To $600 In Gift Cards. Call Today! 1-844-560-5837

DIRECTV - All your entertainment. Nothing on your roof! Sign up for DIRECTV and get your first three months of Max, Paramount+, Showtime, Starz, MGM+ and Cinemax included. Choice package $84.99/mo. Some restrictions apply. Call DIRECTV 1-888-572-4953.

COINS, ANTIQUES, JEWELRY - Liquidating an estate? Moving? Downsizing? Buying antiques, collectibles jewelry, gold, silver, wristwatches, pocket watches, older comic books, toys, trains, older baseball cards, and memorabilia, old golf football, military items, firearms, knives, books, records, Asian antiques, mid century decor, etc. Call Tom: 240-476-3441

WILL BUY MILITARY, WWII, WWI, Civil War memorabilia items. Uniforms, weapons, helmets, photos, war souvenirs, medals, photos or any other items associated with U.S., German, Japanese or other military history. Call Dave (240-464-0958) or email (david.obal63@gmail.com).

CASH FOR RECORDS, CDS AND DVDS. Best price guaranteed. Free appraisals. All types of music {33, 45, 78 & CDs.} Also buying turntables and stereo equipment. Will make house calls with CURBSIDE PICKUPS. Call or text Steve at 301-646-5403

BOOKS, DVD, OR CD COLLECTIONS WANTED. House calls made. Call Nelson at 240 472 4615 to set up an appointment.

I PERSONALLY COLLECT AND WANT TO BUY old Christmas and Halloween decorations, Herend and Royal Copenhagen porcelain, costume and fine jewelry and other pretty things. I also buy out estates, full or partial. Or, I can send items to auction for you. Please call Susan, (301) 785-1129. Maryland license #2753.

BUYING VINYL RECORDS from 1950 to 1990 JAZZ, ROCK, BLUES, R&B, DISCO, SOUL, REGGAE, & GOSPEL, ANY VINYL FORMAT 33 1/3 RPM Albums, small 45 RPM’s & some 78 RPM, Also CD’s, Prefer LARGER COLLECTIONS AT LEAST 100 items, PLEASE CALL JOHN 301-596-6201

THE PARTNERSHIP FOR ANIMAL WELFARE (“PAW”) a rescue based in Montgomery and Howard Counties, pulls dogs from the Prince George’s County shelter. However, because of concerns about kennel cough (contagious to other dogs but not humans), the dogs we rescue from that shelter must be quarantined for 10 to 14 days. We need volunteers who are currently dogless to house these dogs for this brief period of time. We provide medical care for the dogs. This is a perfect opportunity for those who haven’t yet fostered but want to try it out. If you can help, please contact Michelle Games, volunteer coordinator, at volunteer@paw-rescue.org.

ALWAYS BUYING OLD COSTUME JEWELRY, sterling silver flatware & hollowware, school rings, gemstones & broken jewelry, old comic books(pre-1980) & old baseball cards (pre1975), and other old items you have. Text or call Alex at 571-426-5363 DMV Area

WANTED: OLDER VIOLINS, GUITARS, BANJOS, MANDOLINS, UKULELES. Musician/collector will pay cash for older string instruments. Jack (301) 279-2158, leave message & phone number (please speak slowly).

PAYING CASH FOR MERCHANDISE PRE1980S Old toys, records, antiques, and collectables, and much more. Located in Silver Spring Md. If you have old stuff to sell, call Carl: 312-316-7553. CASH FOR JEWELRY: Buying jewelry, diamonds, gold, platinum, silver, watches, coins, flatware, etc. Ask for Tom. Call anytime, 301-654-8678 (Reg. 883).

Adult Day Services

Funeral Services

Home Improvement/ Maintenance

Housing

HOW TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED AD

All classified ads must be submitted and paid for online, via our website, www.thebeaconnewspapers.com/classifieds

Deadlines and Payments: To appear in the next issue, your ad text and payment must be entered by the 5th of the preceding month (for Baltimore and Howard County editions); by the 20th (for Washington edition).

Cost will be based on the number of characters and spaces in your ad:

• $25 for 1-250 • $35 for 251-500. • $50 for 501-750 (maximum length). The website will calculate this amount for you.

Note: Maryland contractors must provide a valid MHIC number.

• Each real estate listing qualifies as one ad. • All ads are subject to publisher’s discretion. Payment will be refunded if unacceptable for any reason.

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

Riderwood/Erickson

Ring House

Sommerset

Woodleigh Chase/Erickson

Legal Services

Farr Law Firm

.9

.29

Law Offices of Paul Riekhof . .33

Legal Counsel for the Elderly . .11

Medical/Health Services

Center for Healing Family Relationships

Chesapeake Hearing

Eyeland EyeCare

Ikon Health

Real Estate Services/Moving

.17

.13

.6

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