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But what about veterans who live in neighboring Maryland and Delaware — so close by a flight isn’t required? That question only came up recently, oddly enough. A Southwest Airlines employee from a military family helped start the new Honor Flight Maryland after she participated in honor flights from other states and felt Maryland’s vets should be eligible, too. Among the first Marylanders on the group’s inaugural trip on May 11 was 101year-old Vivian Corbett Bailey of Howard County. She served as a lieutenant in the segregated Women’s Army Corps from 1943 to 1946. Bailey has received many awards for

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Honoring Maryland’s veterans By Margaret Foster While waiting for a flight at BWI Airport, passengers hear an announcement: “Ladies and gentlemen, please join us at gate seven for a special Honor Flight. Please welcome our veterans of World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War.” A crowd forms, and people crane their necks, waiting for the plane’s passengers to disembark. A thin man in a dark blue military veteran cap rolls out in a wheelchair. Applause echoes through the terminal. Behind him, more and more older veterans stream out of the gate, looking surprised by the crowd. Strangers reach out to shake their hands, pat their shoulders and thank them before the vets are escorted a one-day tour of the war memorials in Washington, D.C., and Arlington Cemetery. Although many veterans — and onlookers — have tears in their eyes, that’s not the point of an Honor Flight, said Jeff Miller, who co-founded the Honor Flight Network in 2007. “We don’t take them here to make them cry. We want to give them a personal day of honor,” Miller said. “They’ll tell us, ‘This was the best day of my life.’” Based in Springfield, Ohio, the Honor Flight Network and its 133 hubs in 45 states organize hundreds of flights each year for older veterans. To date, more than 222,000 veterans have visited the memorials for the first time through the free program.

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Forts, fishing, food and fun — there’s more to Alabama’s Coast than beaches; plus, Alaska by yacht, and how to avoid car rental gotchas page 22

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Since 2007, when the Honor Flight Network launched, more than 200,000 veterans from across the country have been flown free of charge to see war memorials in Washington, D.C. Now, Maryland-based veterans have their own local chapter that provides them a bus tour and a “day of honor.”

her military and volunteer service. In fact, her name is etched in stone on a monument at Arlington Cemetery. But the first time she laid eyes on it was on her Honor Flight Maryland trip. She and about 30 other veterans boarded a bus in Ellicott City at 8 a.m., then visited the World War II Memorial and the Women in Military Service for America Memorial, among others. “It was a long day; it was a good day, though,” Bailey said. “I was particularly pleased to see the WWII Memorial. It was a well-organized affair; it ran very smoothly. They’ve done a lot of honoring and I’m humbled by that.”

Mother/daughter art exhibit at the BMA; plus, the first-ever survival guide for Gold Star parents, and a new book to help discover your life’s purpose page 26

Two men, one idea The Honor Flight Network was the brainchild of two men who had the same idea at around the same time. In 2005, Retired Air Force Captain Earl Morse was working at a Veterans’ Affairs hospital in southwestern Ohio as a physician assistant. He asked his patients who had served in WWII if they had seen the memorial that had recently opened to honor the 16 million veterans of the war. None had. Hoping to right that wrong, Morse enlisted a dozen fellow pilots to help. On the See HONOR FLIGHTS, page 28

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Saving faces We’re all told to be careful with our IDs dents to enter their apartment buildings because of the burgeoning crime of identi- hands-free, and grants kids entrée to their ty theft. home even if they lose the key. For example, we shouldn’t One article in this issue, share our Social Security num“Walmart is using AI to watch bers with businesses or publithe store,” describes how cize our birth date on social commercial entities are testmedia because facts such as ing ways to make practical these can help thieves access use of artificial intelligence to our bank accounts, falsely improve the shopping expericlaim our tax refunds or apply ence and reduce costs. for credit cards in our names. Is there a spill on aisle 11? But there’s one aspect of Are the lines getting too long our identity each of us carries FROM THE at the cash registers? Walmart at all times that nobody can PUBLISHER store managers can use AI to steal: our face. So, not sur- By Stuart P. Rosenthal keep tabs on these and thouprisingly, it was only a matter sands of other details throughof time before technology companies de- out the store. veloped a software that would utilize preWalmart says it is not currently using cise facial recognition to improve security. the technology to identify individual shopThe software, a type of artificial intelli- pers or in sensitive spots like the pharmagence, uses algorithms to precisely com- cy or restrooms. But it could. pute many of the physical characteristics Ironically, the very singularity of our faces, that define each individual face, which it rap- coupled with our ubiquitous security camidly compares with data from other faces eras, makes this technology capable of trackhoused in whatever database it is using. ing an individual’s movements and identifyDeveloped by technology companies like ing them in a crowd, creating a new threat Amazon for commercial and personal uses, possibly more dangerous than identity theft: facial recognition software now allows trav- namely, loss of anonymity and privacy. elers to bypass security lines, enables resiOf course, this ability has many positive

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

uses. It has proven useful for finding lost children and tracking down terrorists and criminals, as when it quickly identified the shooter who murdered five employees at the Capital Gazette in Annapolis last year. For this reason, the technology has proven popular with police forces throughout the U.S. But it is also being utilized by police states throughout the globe. Recent articles in the press have made us aware how China is using facial recognition technology to keep tabs on billions of its citizens, not only catching criminals in the process, but also protesters and other “undesirables,” such as Uyghur Muslims, who have been rounded up and placed in internment camps for “re-education.” So where does that leave us? There is great value in the technology, but the potential for abuse is high. Congress is currently considering a bipartisan bill that “would ban companies (but not governments) from collecting facial-recognition data without consent,” according to the Washington Post. But maybe it’s government use of the technology that should be more feared. That’s the sentiment behind San Francisco’s recently passed city ordinance prohibiting public agencies, including local police, from using facial recognition software to help identity individuals — but not restricting businesses from using it.

In my view, the pros and cons of facial recognition and AI technology mirror those of every advance humans have made from the Stone Age forward. Since our distant ancestors invented the arrowhead and crude stone knives, we have had weapons with which to protect ourselves from enemies and, alas, to kill anyone we don’t like or who has something we want. It’s not the technology, it’s the character of the people who use it that matters — and the self-regulation we impose. Is our society prepared to make judgments about the acceptable use of facial recognition technology by individuals, businesses and governments? And are we capable of enforcing any limits we impose? We have arguably succeeded in doing that for some technologies (nuclear power) and arguably failed with others (automatic weapons). Where will we draw the line when it comes to technology that can potentially follow us from cradle to grave, wherever we go, whatever we do? I’d like to know what you think. Please share your thoughts on this topic, or any other, by sending us a letter to the editor.

Letters to the editor Readers are encouraged to share their opinion on any matter addressed in the Beacon as well as on political and social issues of the day. Mail your Letter to the Editor to The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915, or email info@thebeaconnewspapers.com. Please include your name, address and telephone number for verification. Dear Editor: I loved your May article about Stonington, Maine. I wanted to make sure you are aware of the wonderful work the Deer IsleStonington Historical Society does. The Society maintains the Salome Sellers House — such a wonderful learning experience. Salome Sellers was my great, great, great grandmother, and I’m so grateful that her home has been preserved. Krysten Jenci Chevy Chase, Md. Dear Editor: I just read your piece about distracted

driving in a parking lot (From the Publisher, May). There is one possible explanation your story did not address: it is highly likely, with all the technology, that people have become so dependent on it they cannot think about their actions anymore. They have so many “smart” things around them that they do not become smarter at all; they become stupid and do selfish and moronic things. All you need to prove my theory is to drive on MD 295 during rush hour. Adam Ritter Elkridge, Md.

Managing Editor – Margaret Foster Art Director – Kyle Gregory Director of Operations – Roger King Advertising Representative – Steve Levin Editorial Assistant – PJ Feinstein

BEACON BITS

June 15

WORLD REFUGEE DAY FESTIVAL The Creative Alliance sponsors Baltimore’s 9th annual World Refugee Day Festival on Saturday, June 15, from noon to 3:30 p.m.

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

This fun, family-friendly event celebrates the immigrant and refugee communities that make up Baltimore’s diverse cultural landscape. Food, music, student art exhibitions, art vendors, piñata-making, face-painting and other activities by various

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partnering refugee groups will be available. It will be held at 3134 Eastern Ave., Baltimore. To learn more, see creativealliance.org/events or call (410) 276-1651.

BALTIMORE BEACON — JUNE 2019

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Technology &

Innovations Don’t suffer computer problems alone By Gabe Goldberg The only thing worse than having computer, Internet or other technology problems is suffering them alone. But take heart: local organizations called “user groups” let you meet friendly people to help you cope with — and even enjoy — technology. Though it’s easy to think that buying a computer is as simple as selecting a microwave oven, groups offer assistance for this tricky choice. People often enjoy tailoring a system to their unique needs. User groups also hold meetings on wide-ranging topics, from general technology (e.g., online safety, privacy, getting better search results) to specific technologies (password managers, favorite Windows or Apple utilities, care and feeding of personal network routers, etc.). Groups offer newsletters, freewheeling Q&A sessions, discounts on books, hardware and software, rare prizes, email and web services, and “virtual technology conferences” that can be found online.

Give and receive help, support User group membership provides a set-

ting to make friends, socialize, and give and receive help. They often adopt the motto “users helping users.” As a volunteer organization, a user group is like a credit union, in that the more effort people contribute, the more payback they and their community receive. In my user group, I give advice and support in some areas, and receive it in others. So my efforts are not an expense for me, but a rewarding investment in myself and my community. Yours can be, too. As nonprofits, user groups also provide community services, such as judging science fairs and refurbishing used computers for deserving schools, organizations and individuals.

How to join User groups love new members. It’s easy to join one, get to know people, and quickly feel like a longtime member. I’d hate to think about facing my computer without my fellow user group members beside me! Groups appreciate volunteers, and get-

BEACON BITS

June 3

MICROSOFT WORD FOR BEGINNERS

Are you a Word novice? Learn about Microsoft Word and how to use it. You will need to have a familiarity with the keyboard and mouse, and some prior experience with computers is strongly encouraged. The class will be held Monday, June 3, from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Randallstown Library, 8604 Liberty Rd., Randallstown. For more information, call (410) 887-0770.

May 30

PREPARING FOR ACTIVE SHOOTERS

A Maryland State Trooper will give instructions on the proper response to active shooters and how to increase your chance of survival. The event, held on Thursday, May 30, at 12:30 p.m., will take place in Room 112 at Bykota Senior Center, 611 Central Ave., Towson. To learn more, call (410) 887-3094.

ting involved is personally rewarding. It’s a way to serve the community while getting the best introduction to a group’s technology resources. The closest consumer computer user groups include: — The Maryland Apple Corps, mdapple.org. The Maryland Apple Corps is for Apple users throughout the Baltimore area. The group meets at 5:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month at the Shops at Kenilworth’s food court, 800 Kenilworth Dr., Towson. — The Chesapeake Area Technology

Society meets at 7 p.m. in the Annapolis area on the second Wednesday of each month to discuss PC-related questions. For information, email refurbishing@chesapeakepcusersgroup.org or visit chesapeakepcusersgroup.org. If you attend a meeting or join, mention that you read about this in the Beacon. To find a user group in other areas, visit the Association of Personal Computer User Groups at apcug.org. Gabe Goldberg is a freelance writer and computer enthusiast.

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JUNE 2019 — BALTIMORE BEACON

Walmart using AI to watch the store By Anne D’Innocenzio Inside one of Walmart’s busiest Neighborhood Market grocery stores, in Levittown, N.Y., high-resolution cameras suspended from the ceiling point to a table of bananas. They can tell how ripe the bananas are from their color. When a banana starts to bruise, the cameras send an alert to a worker. Normally, that task would have relied on the subjective assessment of a human, who likely doesn’t have time to inspect every piece of fruit. Welcome to Walmart’s Intelligent Retail Lab — the retail giant’s biggest attempt to digitize the physical store.

1000s of cameras The thousands of cameras are a key feature of the lab, which recently opened inside this 50,000-square-foot store. Walmart envisions using them, combined with

other technology like sensors on shelves, to monitor the store in real time so its workers can quickly react to replenish products or fix other problems. The technology will also be able to track when shelves need to be restocked or if shopping carts are running low. It can spot spills on the floor and even detect when cash registers need to be opened up before long lines start forming. Walmart hopes to start scaling some of the new technology at other stores in the next six months, with an eye toward lowering costs and prices. As the shopping experience improves, the retailer expects to see higher sales. “We really like to think of this store as an artificial intelligence factory, a place where we are building these products, experiences, where we are testing and learning,” said Mike Hanrahan, CEO of Wal-

BEACON BITS

May 25

FOR SINATRA FANS

Michael Dutra channels Frank Sinatra at the Gordon Center on Saturday, May 25. Dutra shares a birthday, height and musical talent with Ol’ Blue Eyes. He and the Strictly Sinatra Band will play two concerts, one at 2 p.m. and the other at 8 p.m. Tickets are $30 to $55. The center is located at 3506 Gwynnbrook Ave., Owings Mills. To buy tickets and for additional information, see jcc.org/gordon-center or call (410) 356-7469.

mart’s Intelligent Retail Lab and cofounder of Jet.com, purchased by Walmart three years ago. “If we know in real time everything that’s happening in the store from an inventory and in stock perspective, that really helps us rethink about how we can potentially manage the store.” Hanrahan said the cameras are programmed to focus primarily on the products and the shelves at this point. They currently do not recognize shoppers’ faces, determine the ethnicity of a person picking up the product, or track the movement of shopper, he said.

Privacy concerns There are signs throughout the store alerting and educating shoppers about how the store is being used as a lab. Still, the cameras could raise privacy concerns. “Machine learning fundamentally finds and matches patterns,” said Steven M. Bellovin, professor of computer science at Columbia University and an expert on privacy, who hasn’t seen the new Walmart AI Lab. But he said companies run into trouble when they start to match the behavior to a specific customer. Hanrahan said Walmart has made sure to protect shoppers’ privacy and also emphasized that it does not have cameras at the pharmacy, in front of the rest rooms or

in its employees’ breakrooms. Walmart’s new living lab marks its second in a physical store. Last year, Walmart’s Sam’s Club opened a 32,000-squarefoot lab store, the quarter of a size of a typical Sam’s Club store. It’s using the store to test new features surrounding its Scan & Go App, which lets customers scan items as they shop and then buy from their phones, skipping the checkout line. The retail lab is the third project from Walmart’s new incubation arm, created after the Jet.com acquisition as a way for the discounter to shape the future of retail. It follows the launch of Jetblack, a shopping by text service aimed at affluent shoppers in New York. Hanrahan said the company is embracing the labs in stores because it can better understand the real ways that technology affects customers and workers. It also wants to educate shoppers. Walmart has made a point to not hide the technology. Small educational kiosks are set up throughout the store. It plans to bring in local schools and communities. Despite the signs and visible cameras, many shoppers including Marcy Seinberg from Wantagh, N.Y., didn’t seem to notice or care. “I am not bothered by it,” Seinberg said. “If technology saves me money, I would be interested.” —AP

BEACON BITS

May 29

HOW TO SELL ON FACEBOOK

Learn how to sell items on Facebook and make a little extra money at this program at Ateaze Senior Center on Wednesday, May 29, at 10 a.m. Sign up in advance in the program binder at the center’s front desk. The center is located at 7401 Holabird Ave., Dundalk. For more information, call (410) 887-7233.

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Say you saw it in the Beacon | Technology & Innovations

BALTIMORE BEACON — JUNE 2019

Reason to get tech savvy: the grandkids

Don’t overdo it But maintaining digital boundaries is key. Halpert’s tips: Don’t post unflattering pho-

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Several companies are developing products to ease intergenerational communications. For example, business invention firm Inamoto & Co., in Brooklyn, N.Y., is working on a prototype for Mado, a video chat interface, as a way to “give kids and grandparents things to do during video chat, to have deeper conversations and more fun,” said Inamoto product designer Sheena Livingston. It works like this: During a video chat, grandparents and kids launch a virtual spinner from their computer screens that lands on an activity they can do together, such as charades or trivia. Kids who normally video chat for five minutes have stayed on for 20 minutes, Livingston said. As the grandkids acquire their own devices, grandparents can establish a direct line of communication by texting and following the kids on social media, if the kids give permission. “You’ll hear from them more if you get comfortable texting on messaging apps like

tos of your grandkids. Don’t hijack every post and turn it into a conversation. Don’t use social media to guilt the grandkids. While some grandparents may be reluctant to try new tech tools, staying connected to the grandkids can be a powerful motivator. “Ask your grandchildren for help setting up your accounts and for tips,” said Halpert. Given the doting nature of the grandparentgrandchild bond, they will probably display more patience toward you than they do to their parents. © Tribune Content Agency, LLC

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Like the Appelhanses, many grandparents separated by geography from their beloved grandchildren find that communicating through new tech tools is a lot more fun than the obligatory phone calls relied on by past generations. “Audio alone doesn’t cut it anymore. This generation expects to see someone’s face when they talk,” said Alison Hillhouse, vice president of youth culture and trends at MTV, and author of the self-published how-to guide, Virtual Grandma. Her son, Charlie, 6, likes to video chat with his grandparents, who lives in Missouri. Hillhouse recommends that grandparents incorporate their grandchild’s “pas-

Apps, social media make it easy

WhatsApp and iMessage,” said Livingston. Younger children often enjoy multi-player online gaming with grandparents, said Ben Halpert, president of Savvy Cyber Kids, a youth-focused digital education nonprofit. For older grandkids, Halpert advises sharing photos. Choose an interesting image and tell a story through it, he said. A side benefit of using social media: It “gets you involved in your grandchild’s online world,” he said.

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sionate points,” such as a love of trucks, into video chats. Walking around with your device, pointing out objects of interest, is better than standing still. “It may seem silly to you, but kids jump right into it,” she said.

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By Beth Brophy Retirees Kristi Appelhans, 68, and her husband, Tony, 69, live in Idaho Falls, Idaho — about 2,000 miles from their daughter Kira’s family in Staten Island, N.Y. Although they visit every few months, they have found that the best way to stay connected to their grandson, Oliver, 5, is through video chats using Skype and FaceTime. “We’d watch him as he played with Legos in his living room and talk to him,” said Kristi. “Technology has allowed us to keep the connection with him strong between visits. We use it more than we expected.”

JUNE 2019 — BALTIMORE BEACON

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Health Fitness &

SAVE ON INSULIN As the cost of insulin spikes, consider four safe cost-cutting measures TENNIS ELBOW, ANYONE? Painful elbows — caused by tennis, golf or many other activities — can be eased NATURAL HEARTBURN REMEDIES You may not need a variety of OTC pills to soothe acid stomach NIGHTTIME LEG CRAMPS Stretching and drinking lots of water may fend off late-night muscle spasms

Brain zaps boost memory in people 60+ By Malcolm Ritter Zapping the brains of people over 60 with a mild electrical current improved a form of memory enough that they performed like people in their 20s, a new study found. Someday, people might visit clinics to boost that ability, which declines both in normal aging and in dementias like Alzheimer’s disease, said researcher Robert Reinhart of Boston University. The treatment is aimed at “working memory” — the ability to hold information in mind for a matter of seconds as you perform a task, such as doing math in your head. Sometimes called the workbench or scratchpad of the mind, it’s crucial for things like taking medications, paying

bills, buying groceries or planning, Reinhart said. “It’s where your consciousness lives… where you’re working on information,” he said.

Effects are short term The new study is not the first to show that stimulating the brain can boost working memory. But Reinhart, who reported the work last month in the journal Nature Neuroscience, said it’s notable for showing success in older people and because the memory boost persisted for nearly an hour minimum after the brain stimulation ended. One scientist who has previously reported boosting working memory with electri-

cal stimulation noted that the decline in this ability with normal aging is not huge. But “they removed the effects of age from these people,” said Dr. Barry Gordon, a professor of neurology and cognitive science at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimore. “It’s a superb first step” toward demonstrating a way to improve mental performance, said Gordon, who was not involved in the new study. Reinhart agreed that more research is needed before it can be formally tested as a treatment.

through a tight-fitting cap that also monitored each subject’s brainwaves. For study participants, that current felt like a slight tingling, itching or poking sensation under the electrodes for about 30 seconds, Reinhart said. After that, the skin got used to the current and it was imperceptible. The researchers’ idea was to improve communication between the brain’s prefrontal cortex in the front and the temporal cortex on the left side, because the rhythms of activity in those two regions had fallen out of sync with each other. So the researchers applied the current to those two regions to nudge the activity cy-

No pain involved The electrical current was administered

See MEMORY BOOST, page 7

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

BALTIMORE BEACON — JUNE 2019

Facing cancer treatment? This can help By Lindsey Tanner Before she could start breast cancer treatment, Nancy Simpson had to walk in a straight line, count backward from 20 and repeat a silly phrase. It was all part of a special kind of medical fitness test for older patients that’s starting to catch on among cancer doctors. Instead of assuming that patients are too frail for treatment or, alternatively, recommending harsh drugs tested only in younger patients, they are taking a broader look. Specialists call these tests “geriatric assessments,” and they require doctors to take the time to evaluate physical and mental fitness, along with emotional and social well-being. They also take into account the patient’s desires for life-prolonging treatment regardless of how much time might be left. An avid walker with a strong network of

nearby family and friends, Simpson, now 80, said she “wanted to do the maximum I could handle” to fight her disease. She scored high enough in her 2017 evaluation to proceed with recommended surgery and chemotherapy. “It gave me encouragement. Then I felt like I am OK and I can get through this — and will get through this,” said Simpson.

For patients 65 and up These tests are sometimes done with other illnesses but only recently have been recommended for cancer. In new guidelines, the American Society of Clinical Oncology recommends the evaluations for patients 65 and up, particularly before making decisions about chemotherapy. The idea is to find ways to help patients tolerate treatment, not rule it out. For example, if walking tests show balance

Nearly two-thirds of all cancer patients are 65 or over

Memory boost From page 6 cles back into a matching pattern. The results provided new evidence that a breakdown in that communication causes the loss of working memory with age, Reinhart said. Part of the study included 42 participants in their 20s, plus 42 others 60 to 76. First, they were tested on a measure of working memory. It involved viewing an image such as a harmonica or broken egg on a computer screen, then a blank screen for three seconds, and then a second image that was either identical to the first or slightly modified. The subjects had to judge whether it

was the same image or not. During a sham stimulation, the older group was less accurate than the younger participants. But during and after 25 minutes of real brain stimulation, they did as well. The improvement lasted for at least another 50 minutes after the stimulation ended, at which point the researchers stopped testing. It’s not clear how long the benefit reached beyond that, Reinhart said, but previous research suggests it might go for five hours or more after stimulation stops. Researchers got the same result with a second group of 28 subjects over age 62. —AP

problems that chemotherapy might worsen, patients might be offered physical therapy first. Relatives or friends might be called on to help cook for patients who live alone and would become too weak to prepare meals during chemo. And for those who want to avoid the hospital no matter what, treatment that could put them there would be avoided. Almost 1 million U.S. adults 65 and older will be diagnosed with cancer this year, the American Cancer Society estimates. Nearly two-thirds of all cancer pa-

tients are in that age group. And yet, most cancer treatments stem from studies on younger, often healthier patients. That leaves doctors with limited information on how treatments will affect older patients. Geriatric assessments can help bridge that gap, said Dr. Supriya Mohile, a specialist in geriatric cancer at the University of Rochester Medical Center. These tests may take 15 to 30 minutes See CANCER TEST, page 8

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JUNE 2019 — BALTIMORE BEACON

CBD finding place in ever more products By Alex Veiga From skin-care lotions to bottled water, cannabis companies are rolling out a growing array of consumer products infused with a chemical found in marijuana called cannabidiol, or CBD. The compound doesn’t have the ingredient that gives marijuana users a high. Instead, CBD product makers say they promote general health and well-being. The U.S. retail market for CBD is projected to swell from an estimated $2 billion last year to $16 billion by 2025, according

to a report by equity analysts at Cowen. A key factor in that forecast is the growing variety of CBD products that companies are bringing to market, such as drinks, capsules, gummies, topical lotions and tinctures, which are liquid extracts. The number of hemp oil products offered by Amazon has roughly quadrupled in the past six years to more than 20,000, for example. Nutraceuticals — foods that include additives with a purported health benefit — along with topical lotions and beverages

will drive much of the CBD growth, Cowen said. Tinctures are currently the most popular CBD product, making up around 43 percent of the market, according to a Cowen consumer survey in January. Beverages account for about 20 percent. CBD products are sold online and in specialty shops across the U.S., though cannabis companies must navigate various state and federal limitations. Products infused with CBD derived from marijuana can be legally purchased

in the 10 states that allow cannabis for medicinal and recreational use. The sale of products with CBD derived from hemp is legal in most other states. Proponents say CBD can relieve pain and anxiety, along with other health benefits. Other industry watchers say more research is needed. Cowen analyst Vivien Azer estimates that CBD use could grow to 10 percent of U.S. adults, or about 25 million consumers, by 2025. —AP

Cancer test

did the assessments. She said doctors say it takes too long and that patients don’t want it. But she hears from patients and caregivers: “I’m so happy you’re asking me about these things. Nobody ever asked me.” One of Mohile’s colleagues administered Simpson’s evaluation, which showed she was strong enough to endure a standard, aggressive three-drug chemotherapy combo for breast cancer. She chose a variation that was gentler, but extended the treatment by several weeks. The evaluation showed “I wasn’t in as that bad of shape as my age would indicate,” Simpson said. Her walking buddy and four attentive children gave her strong social support, and she lived independently, doing her

own cooking and cleaning. Treatment left Simpson with hair loss, fatigue and excruciating mouth sores. She knew about the risks but has no regrets. Cancer “gave me a different perspective on what is important in life and what isn’t, and I’m still adjusting to that,” Simpson said.

chemotherapy following surgery for early breast cancer 20 years ago. She didn’t have an assessment, and says her doctor dismissed her concerns about harsh side effects and refused to consider other options. A 2015 medical report Canin co-authored told of a patient who had the opposite experience. The 92-year-old man with rectal cancer entered hospice care after he declined surgery, the only treatment his primary care doctor recommended. The doctor determined the man would not tolerate rigorous chemotherapy and radiation because of his advanced age. A specialist approved the treatments after the man had a geriatric assessment and declared he wanted care that would control his symptoms and prolong his life. The patient managed well and was cancer-free two years later. Canin said his stress and treatment delay could have been avoided if an assessment had been done first. “The risks with older adults traditionally are overtreatment and undertreatment. What we need is more precision treatment,” she said. —AP

From page 7 or more, and recent research has shown they can accurately predict how patients will fare during and after cancer treatment, Mohile said. Older patients who get chemo and have other health problems are more vulnerable to falls and delirium, and are at risk of losing independence. “We hear all the time about ‘decision regret,’” she said, meaning patients who got harsh treatment but weren’t aware of risks and other options, and who later say, “I wish someone had told me this could happen.” Mohile co-authored a recent study that found just one in four U.S. cancer specialists

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Insurance often doesn’t cover Dr. Hyman Muss, a geriatrics specialist at the University of North Carolina’s Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, said there’s no question the assessments are important, but insurance coverage is sometimes a problem. Medicare will pay for yearly physical exams but not geriatric assessments, he said. Doctors can sometimes squeeze the tests into other office visits, but there is no billing code for the exams, he said. Advocates note that the assessments can include questionnaires that patients can fill out at home to shorten time in the doctor’s office. Beverly Canin, 84, of Rhinebeck, N.Y., became an advocate after declining

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BALTIMORE BEACON — JUNE 2019

Immune therapy fighting more cancers By Marilynn Marchione A treatment that helps the immune system fight deadly blood cancers is showing early signs of promise against some solid tumors, giving hope that this approach might be extended to more common cancers in the future. The treatment, called CAR-T therapy, involves genetically modifying some of a patient’s own cells to help them recognize and attack cancer. Richard Carlstrand of Long Key, Fla., had the therapy more than a year ago for mesothelioma, an aggressive cancer of the lining of the lungs. “We were going into unknown territories” to try this, he said, but now he shows no sign of cancer. “I couldn’t be happier.” Results on his and other cases were discussed in March at an American Association for Cancer Research conference in Atlanta. The first CAR-T therapies were approved in 2017 for some leukemias and lymphomas. After being altered in the lab, the modified immune system cells are returned to the pa-

tient through an IV, which puts them right where the cancer is — in the blood. But that approach doesn’t work well if the cells have to travel far through the bloodstream to get to tumors in the lung, breast, colon or other places. “Solid tumors are notorious for not letting the immune cells enter,” and not enough may make it in to have an effect, said Dr. Prasad Adusumilli of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York. A bigger worry is that the proteins on solid tumor cells that these therapies target also are found on normal cells at lower levels, so the therapy might harm them, too.

Cells injected near tumors Adusumilli helped design a new CAR-T to try to avoid these problems. He tested it on 19 patients with mesothelioma and two others with lung and breast cancer, respectively, that had spread to the chest lining. About 150,000 patients in the U.S. each year face this situation.

BEACON BITS

May 31

SELF-DEFENSE WORKSHOP

In this workshop designed for older adults, Greg Lew of Grapple Academy Martial Arts in Perry Hall will teach you how to stay safe and defend yourself. Limited space is available for this free program on Friday, May 31, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. It will be held at the Seven Oaks Senior Center, 9210 Seven Courts Dr., Baltimore. Sign up in the book at the front desk or call (410) 887-5192 to register.

May 29

HOW TO AGE IN PLACE

Learn how to successfully continue to live at home independently and safely. This program explores eight dimensions of wellness. Caregivers are welcome. The workshop takes place on Wednesday, May 29, from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Towson Library, 320 York Rd., Towson. To learn more, call (410) 887-6166.

The modified cells were injected directly into the chest where the tumors were. A genetic safety switch was added so a medicine could be given to destroy the cells if they caused harm. After the therapy, one patient was able to have surgery and radiation, and is doing well 20 months later with no further treatment. Fifteen others were well enough to start on a drug that boosts the immune system in a different way. Eleven of the 15 have been studied long enough to report results. Two had signs of cancer disappear for about a year, although one later relapsed. Six saw their tumors shrink. Three saw their cancer worsen. There were no severe side effects, although some patients had temporarily low blood counts and fatigue. Grants from the federal government and foundations paid for the work, and a larger study is planned. Sloan Kettering has licensed the treatment to Atara Biotherapeutics and may get payments from it, as may Adusumilli.

Similar results with sarcomas A second study tested a different CAR-T therapy in 10 children and adults with advanced sarcomas — cancers that originate in various soft tissues or bones. Unlike other CAR-Ts that are usually given just once, this one was given multiple times, up to 15 in one patient’s case, if there were signs it was helping. “From a single blood draw we make a large amount of the CAR-T cells and then we freeze them” and give them through an IV as needed, said Dr. Shoba Navai of Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. Two of the 10 patients had all signs of cancer disappear, one for 17 months and the other for nearly three years, so far. Three others had their disease stabilized. Five worsened despite treatment. Side effects were similar to the other study. The therapy seems safe “and we have early signs that this treatment approach may help,” Navai said. —AP

BEACON BITS PET FOOD AND NUTRITION

June 13

A speaker from the pet charity Thankful Paws, accompanied by a dog, discusses the pet food industry and origins of modern-day pet food. Learn how to make the best decisions about food for your pet by deciphering nutrition labels and understanding caloric counts at this class on Thursday, June 13, from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Rosedale Library, 6105 Kenwood Ave., Rosedale. For more information, call (410) 887-0512.

May 28+

WORLD WAR II BOOK CLUB

The World War II Book Club meets at the Hereford Library on the fourth Tuesday of each month. The next meeting will be on Tuesday, May 28, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., during which the group will discuss Haven: The Dramatic Story of 1,000 World War II Refugees and How They Came to America, by Ruth Graber. The library is at 16940 York Rd., Hereford. To learn more, call (410) 887-1919.

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JUNE 2019 — BALTIMORE BEACON

New Alzheimer’s-like condition identified By Lauran Neergaard Some people told they have Alzheimer’s may instead have a newly identified mimic of the disease — and scientists say even though neither is yet curable, it’s critical to get better at telling different kinds of dementia apart. Too often, the word dementia is used interchangeably with Alzheimer’s when there are multiple types of brain degeneration that can harm people’s memory and thinking skills. “Not everything that looks like Alzheimer’s disease is Alzheimer’s disease,” said Dr. Julie Schneider, a neuropathologist at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. And among all the known dementias, this newly identified kind “is the most striking mimic of Alzheimer’s,” she added. It’s not clear how many people have this particular type, which an international team of scientists defined on April 30 in the journal Brain. But there could be a sizeable number, said Dr. Peter Nelson of the University of Kentucky, the paper’s lead author. The dementia was dubbed “LATE,” an acronym chosen in part because the oldest seniors seem at greatest risk. Here’s a look at various dementias in the confusing Alzheimer’s-or-not mix:

Standard Alzheimer’s plaque Alzheimer’s is the most common form

of dementia, and autopsies have long found its telltale signs in the brain: sticky plaque from an abnormal buildup of amyloid protein, and tangles of another protein named tau. Only recently have scientists developed special, pricey scans that can measure that buildup in living brains. Studies with those scans found about a third of people with Alzheimer’s symptoms lack amyloid buildup — ruling out Alzheimer’s, said Schneider, senior author of the paper. What else could cause their dementia?

Another toxic protein found It turns out another protein, named TDP-43, also can run amok in the brain. Scientists knew it plays a role in a completely different disorder, Lou Gehrig’s disease. Then, they linked TDP-43 buildup to severe shrinking of the hippocampus, a brain region key for learning and memory. Nelson said about a quarter of people over age 85 have enough abnormal TDP43 to affect their memory or thinking abilities. For now, it takes an autopsy to spot — the symptoms seem like Alzheimer’s until a specialist can peer inside the brain. “What is now clear is that a lot of dementia is caused by gloppy proteins. We used to think it was just two gloppy proteins, amyloid and tau,” Nelson said.

HAD A STROKE? TROUBLE SPEAKING?

The next step: Finding better ways to measure abnormal TDP-43 and diagnose LATE. (It stands for an unwieldy scientific name — Limbic-predominant Age-related TDP-43 Encephalopathy.) “Our ultimate goal is to test people hopefully in a very noninvasive way,” said National Institute on Aging dementia specialist Nina Silverberg. That’s key to eventually developing treatments.

The paper about TDP-43-caused disease adds to the complexity, said Alzheimer’s Association chief science officer Maria Carrillo, who wasn’t involved with the new research. “We must learn more about each contributing cause of dementia so we can understand how these changes begin and interact and co-occur, and how to best diagnose, treat and prevent them,” she said.

Other dementia culprits

Correct diagnosis important

— Strokes, sometimes small “silent” ones, can trigger what’s called vascular dementia, something scientists at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) think might be prevented with better blood pressure control. — Lewy body dementia, named for clumps of still another abnormal protein, can cause Alzheimer’s-like symptoms along with movement and other problems. — Frontotemporal dementia often triggers changes in personality and tends to strike at a younger age than Alzheimer’s, yet can still be misdiagnosed. Many older patients probably have “mixed dementia,” several brain changes that combine to cause trouble, Dr. Walter Koroshetz, head of NIH’s National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, told a recent meeting about non-Alzheimer’s dementias.

Current treatments for Alzheimer’s and other dementias temporarily ease symptoms. But there are other reasons for a precise diagnosis. A list of medications common for seniors can harm people with Lewy body dementia, for example. Knowing the specifics also can help people plan care, as some types of dementia worsen faster than others. And it’s critical for developing better dementia treatments. Testing a treatment that targets, say, the tau tangles or amyloid plaques of Alzheimer’s won’t stand a chance if patients who only have TDP-43 are allowed into the study. “If you have a dementia percolating in your brain, the only hope we have right now is to participate in a clinical trial to try to stop it,” Nelson said. —AP

BEACON BITS

May 30

AVOID HEALTHCARE FRAUD

Learn how to spot deceptive healthcare practices and identify scams in this program presented by the Baltimore County Department of Aging Medicare Patrol at 1 p.m. on Thursday, May 30. It will be held at the Parkville Senior Center, 8601 Harford Rd., Baltimore. Sign up at the front desk. For more information, call (410) 887-5338.

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BALTIMORE BEACON — JUNE 2019

Easing pain from golfer’s or tennis elbow By Christopher Camp, M.D. Dear Mayo Clinic: A few months ago, I noticed minor pain in my elbow when I’d lift anything — even something light. Recently, the pain is worsening and moving down my inner forearm. My elbow hurts even when I’m not lifting. Turning my wrist or twisting my arm causes pain. What could be the reason for this? Are there things I can do at home to make it better, or do I need to see my healthcare provider? A: The problem you describe sounds like “golfer’s elbow.” The medical term for this disorder is medial epicondylitis, which develops when muscles and tendons on the inside, or medial side, of your arm become damaged, usually due to overuse. Self-care measures often are enough to ease the pain. If you don’t see improvement after a few weeks, however, make an appointment with your healthcare provider for an evaluation. The muscle and tendon damage of golfer’s elbow triggers pain and tenderness on the inner part of your elbow. As in your case, the pain may extend down the inside of the forearm. It also can lead to stiffness in the elbow and weakness in the hand and wrist. A related condition that tends to be more common is tennis elbow (also called lateral epicondylitis). It affects the outside (lateral side) of the forearm and leads to symptoms similar to those of golfer’s elbow. Despite its name, golfer’s elbow doesn’t

affect only athletes. The condition develops due to excessive or repeated stress on the muscles and tendons of the inner arm. That can happen over time as a result of any activity that involves repeatedly bending and straightening your elbow.

Steps you can take Although it can be painful, golfer’s elbow doesn’t require urgent care. It’s safe to try some remedies at home before you see your healthcare provider. Rest your arm and avoid activities that require you to turn or twist it. Use an ice pack on your elbow, 15 to 20 minutes at a time, three or four times a day. Take a nonprescription anti-inflammatory medication, such as ibuprofen or naproxen sodium, to ease discomfort. In many cases, following these self-care steps consistently for several weeks is enough to relieve symptoms of golfer’s elbow and allow you to gradually return to your activities. If there’s no improvement after several weeks, then it’s time to see your healthcare provider. A review of your health history and activities, along with a physical exam, usually are all that’s needed to diagnose golfer’s elbow. In some cases, X-rays may be useful to rule out other conditions, such as a broken bone or arthritis. Once the diagnosis has been confirmed, physical therapy is the next step in treatment. Strengthening and stretching exercises called “eccentric exercises” are particularly effective in treating golfer’s elbow. A phys-

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ical therapist can teach you these and other strengthening and flexibility techniques. In most cases, golfer’s elbow resolves completely with self-care and physical therapy, and no further treatment is needed. Recovery can take time and patience, however. Total symptom relief often requires three to six months of consistent physical therapy. Although that may become frustrating, the effort is worth it. For most people who take the time to work through physical therapy to treat golfer’s elbow, symptoms don’t return. Rarely, symptoms may persist despite consistent self-care and physical therapy. In those cases, an injection of platelet-rich plasma may be beneficial. In severe cases where all other treatment options have failed, surgery may be necessary.

Once your symptoms are gone, take care to help prevent golfer’s elbow in the future. Strengthen your forearm muscles, and stretch before physical activity. Use lightweight equipment when working, exercising or playing sports. Don’t overuse your elbow. If you notice discomfort when doing an activity, take a break. — Christopher Camp, M.D., Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Mayo Clinic Q & A is an educational resource and doesn’t replace regular medical care. Email a question to MayoClinicQ&A @mayo.edu. For more information, visit mayoclinic.org. © 2019 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. All rights reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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JUNE 2019 — BALTIMORE BEACON

Relief for leg cramps; digestive issues By Howard LeWine, M.D. Q: I frequently have leg cramps that wake me up from sleep. How can I quickly stop the cramps, and are there ways to prevent them? A: Few things are more jarring to a night’s sleep than a sudden cramp in your calf. By the way, you have lots of company. Although nocturnal leg cramps can strike people at any time of life, they become more common with age. Among people over 50, about half report having leg cramps, a third say they are awakened by cramps at night, and 15 percent report weekly episodes. Leg cramps are muscle spasms caused by “mini-seizures” of motor neurons (nerves that power muscle contractions). They are

common among people with foot problems like flat feet or high arches, metabolic disorders, or neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease or neuropathy (nerve damage). However, most cramps strike people who are otherwise healthy. Dehydration and electrolyte imbalances such as low blood potassium or magnesium levels (a common side effect of diuretics) can increase the risk of cramping. To stop a foot or cramp once it happens, lean over and grab your toes, then slowly bend your foot back toward your head. Hold for about 20 seconds, then release it. Repeat as needed. If that doesn’t help, you can try rubbing the cramp with ice wrapped in a towel.

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Some people find more relief with a heating pad placed on the cramp. Despite the lack of a scientifically proven and safe therapy to prevent recurrent nighttime leg cramps, a few approaches may be worth trying. Start with stretching exercises. Stand about two feet from a wall. Lean forward, keeping your legs straight and feet flat on the floor. You should feel the stretch, but it should not be painful. Hold the position for 20 seconds and release. Repeat the stretch four to five times. Ideally try to do this four times per day for the first couple weeks at least. The most important time to stretch is before bed. Other preventive measures you can try include avoiding dehydration, wearing wellfitting supportive footwear, and keeping the bedding at your feet loose during the night. Although the evidence isn’t strong, some people find that taking a daily vitamin B complex helps, or consider over-thecounter diphenhydramine (Benadryl) before bedtime. Right now, there are no FDA-approved medications for leg cramps. The one drug with solid evidence for reducing the frequency of muscle cramps is quinine. However, the FDA has issued repeated warnings against using quinine to prevent or treat leg cramps because it may cause serious side effects.

Although doctors can still prescribe quinine, it is recommended only when cramps are disabling and the person understands the significant risks. Q: Food often sits heavy in my stomach. Should I be taking a daily digestive enzyme supplement? A: Digestive enzyme supplements promise to fix everything from bloating and flatulence to heartburn and gut health. Some of them are clearly beneficial in certain situations. But enzyme supplements are too often used in situations where there is little evidence that they do any good. Naturally occurring digestive enzymes help break down food so we can soak up nutrients. Your mouth, stomach and small intestine make some digestive enzymes. However, the majority come from your pancreas, which floods the small intestine (when food arrives there) with enzymes such as: — lipase, which breaks down fats; — amylase, which breaks down carbohydrates; and — proteases and peptidases, which break down proteins. Once nutrients are broken into small enough molecules, they are absorbed through the wall of the small intestine into See LEG CRAMPS, page 13

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

BALTIMORE BEACON — JUNE 2019

Natural remedies for reflux, esophagitis I finally got reflux and heartburn after all popular PPI med) to deal with my reflux. these years. I have newfound respect for Acid blockers don’t soothe, coat or directthose of you who deal with it! ly patch up your mucosal linI traced my problem to drinking. They suppress acid, which ing shots of yerba mate. I drank gives your esophagus a break. them several times a week for It’s an indirect treatment, but energy. I noticed heartburn it’s okay if that’s what your docabout 20 minutes after drinking tor recommended. one tiny glass bottle of it. In my case, I started taking After it happened three times natural remedies. I’m happy last week, I made the connecto report my strategy worked! tion. I did a little research and Just one week later, I’m 75 learned that drinking too much percent better. mate, especially hot mate, ap- DEAR Here’s the short story of parently is tied to esophageal PHARMACIST my strategy: cancer. I’ve stopped drinking By Suzy Cohen 1. Discontinue the ofyerba mate shots as a result of fender. my pain as well as these concerns. For me, the yerba mate was the problem. I didn’t take acid blockers like famotidine For others, it may be smoking, spicy foods, (H2 antagonists) or omeprazole (Prilosec, a alcohol or hot drinks. Whatever it is, discon-

Leg cramps From page 12 the blood and then delivered throughout the body. Sometimes the body doesn’t make enough digestive enzymes. This can slow the digestion process and lead to uncomfortable symptoms. For example, if you don’t make enough of the enzyme lactase, you’ll have a hard time digesting lactose — the sugar in milk and milk-based products. If you don’t have lactase, the undigested lactose goes to the colon, which leads to more fluid entering the colon and more gas produced by bacteria in the colon. That creates bloating, flatulence and diarrhea. For people who can’t make enough digestive enzymes because of a health condition such as chronic pancreatitis or cystic fibrosis, doctors prescribe enzyme pills

to substitute for the lack of natural enzyme production. People with known deficiencies clearly get a benefit from these. Likewise, we know that taking a nonprescription lactase supplement (such as Lactaid or Lactrase) can help people manage lactose intolerance, and taking an alpha-galactosidase supplement (such as Beano or Bean Relief) may reduce gas and bloating if you have a hard time digesting the sugars in beans. But for other common gut problems, like heartburn or irritable bowel syndrome, there is little evidence that digestive enzymes are helpful. 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 health.harvard.edu. © 2019 President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

tinue your trigger. 2. Discontinue spices and hot foods. I’ve temporarily given up spicy mayo, cayenne and black pepper, and even vinegar to give my esophagus a rest. Also, I noticed it would hurt when I drank hot coffee or tea. According to an article published in International Journal of Cancer, drinking hot tea dramatically increases your chance for developing esophageal cancer. So drink your beverages lukewarm. 3. Drink marshmallow root water. Fill a big glass jar with cold water and put about 1 tablespoon of dried marshmallow root per cup of water. In a few hours, you will have a water that is somewhat thicker, preserving the mucilaginous properties of

the marshmallow, which coats and soothes delicate membranes as you drink it. 4. Mastic gum Mastic gum is a resin that is extracted from a tree. This is sold as a dietary supplement and is used as a natural remedy for many intestinal problems, including indigestion, acid reflux, inflammatory bowel disease, gastritis and ulcers. 5. Zinc carnosine This is a dietary supplement that chemically ties together a zinc molecule to a carnosine molecule. The tissue-healing effects come from both compounds, which allow for tissue repair and a reduction in See DEAR PHARMACIST, page 15

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JUNE 2019 — BALTIMORE BEACON

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right on the steering lever so it’s simple to operate and its exclusive footrest swings out of the way when you stand up or sit down. With its rugged yet lightweight aluminum frame, the Zinger is sturdy and durable yet convenient and comfortable! What’s more, it easily folds up for storage in a car seat or trunk– you can even gate-check it at the airport like a stroller. Think about it, you can take your Zinger almost anywhere, so you don’t have to let mobility issues rule your life. It folds in seconds without tools and is safe and reliable. It holds up to 275 pounds, and it goes up to 6 mph and operates for up to 8 hours on a single charge. Why spend another day letting mobility issues hamper your independence and quality of life?

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BALTIMORE BEACON — JUNE 2019

Health Studies Page

THE PLACE TO LOOK FOR INFORMATION ON AREA CLINICAL TRIALS

Headaches or jaw pain? Study may help By Margaret Foster If you’ve had pain in your jaw or frequent headaches in the past three months, consider helping yourself as well as science with a visit to the University of Maryland Baltimore. Researchers from the school’s Department of Pain and Translational Symptom Science will do a full rundown to see if you have a condition called temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), a complex chronic pain condition. Only about 6 percent of people are believed to have this painful disorder, but many of them have not been diagnosed. “They can get a free two-hour comprehensive exam to determine if they have TMD,” said Dr. Luana Colloca, the study’s principal investigator. Funded by the National Institutes of Health, the study will compare 400 patients who are experiencing pain to 400 who are not. It requires a screening session at Colloca’s downtown Baltimore lab and one fourhour session. Participants will be compensated a total of $200 for their time and receive validated parking. The study will investigate the effect of a

placebo on pain. At Colloca’s downtown lab, patients will be given a genetic test (via saliva). Researchers will look at how behavior and expectation influences pain. Colloca, a placebo expert, studies personality traits, brain activity patterns and physiological responses to explain the mechanisms of the placebo effect — that is, how inactive or non-medical treatments can be effective as long as the patient believes they can be. The Colloca Lab also tries to determine which conditions strengthen or weaken the placebo effect. As Colloca puts it, “we look at personality traits, other psychological variables, patterns in brain activity, and physiological responses that may help to explain 1) the mechanism of pain modulation (e.g., why do some people feel terrible pain and others experience less pain), and 2) what determines the strength or weakness of the self-healing process,” she said in an email. “We made groundbreaking discoveries such as the role of the neural hormone Vasopressin in placebo analgesia.” To find out more or to volunteer for the study, email CollocaLab@son.umaryland.edu or call (410) 706-5975.

Dear pharmacist

heartburn, reflux and mild nausea. If you’re not significantly better within a week of your home treatment (natural or over-the-counter), see a specialist to make sure there is no serious underlying cause. 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. Visit suzycohen.com for more.

From page 13 intestinal inflammation. Symptoms of esophagitis vary and include some of the following: Swallowing food and then experiencing mild pain in the chest or throat, the sensation that something is stuck in the throat or sternum, early satiety, belching, mouth sores,

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BALTIMORE BEACON — JUNE 2019

Say you saw it in the Beacon

Money Law &

STAND UP TO SCAMMERS Don’t fall for fraudsters who offer Medicare-covered items you don’t need COMMON MONEY MISTAKES Being overly optimistic can prove costly; there are times you really need to buy insurance, write a will, or hire a financial advisor COUNTING ON RETIREES A short-term part-time job with the 2020 Census might be just the thing for some retirees; how to find one

Bond funds help avoid interest rate risk Traditional bond funds lost value last year greater default risk, especially with corpoas the Federal Reserve steadily increased in- rate bonds. An investor could buy U.S. Treasury notes and bonds, but the terest rates. The Fed could also added security comes at the increase interest rates in 2019, cost of lower coupon rates. and this causes some concern among bond fund investors. Benefits of target funds One of the disadvantages of There is another option for traditional bond funds in a clithose looking for higher coupon mate of rising interest rates is rates, the benefits of diversificathat there is no fixed maturity tion and relative protection from date; fund managers are coninterest rate risk: target-maturitinually modifying their portty bond funds. folios. Accordingly, when an THE SAVINGS These funds hold bonds that investor sells shares of the GAME mature in the same year. For fund, he or she may face a By Elliot Raphaelson example, assume you know loss of net asset value (NAV). There are ways that bond investors can that you want to invest in bonds for a 10-year mitigate interest rate risk. The simplest is period and then liquidate your holdings beto buy individual bonds and hold them to cause you are facing a specific payment, maturity. In this way, an investor is sure to such as college tuition. A target-maturity receive the par value of the bond when it bond fund allows you to avoid interest rate matures. Laddering bond purchases makes risk because the bonds held mature at the it easier to hold issues to maturity and avoid time you wish to liquidate. Two financially stable fund families that having to sell in a time of rising rates. The major disadvantage of holding indi- specialize in this type of investment are Invidual bonds is that it exposes an investor to vesco and BlackRock. Both companies

issue exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Invesco invests in corporate and emerging markets with maturities every year up to 2028. BlackRock iShares are invested in corporate and municipal bonds with maturities from 2020 to 2028. These ETFs have modest fees of approximately 0.5 percent per year. If you invest in traditional bond funds, you can find some funds with lower annual fees. However, as I indicated, traditional bond funds expose you to the risk of selling your shares at a time when the NAV is lower because of unfavorable interest rate increases.

Target fund downsides Target-maturity bond funds do have some disadvantages. The bonds held in the fund mature in the same year, but some will mature months before the fund’s closing date. The cash associated with the sale of these bonds will be idle and have negligible return. Another disadvantage is that some of the bonds in the portfolio might be called, and the fund management will not be able

to invest these proceeds with high returns. Another potential disadvantage is liquidity risk: If you decide to sell your shares prior to the closing date you selected, you could be facing some loss in value as there may be insufficient interest in purchasing your shares.

What to do If you are a short-term bond investor and are concerned about interest rate risk, invest in bond funds with three- to fiveyear maturities. You will receive reasonable returns with minimum interest rate risk. If you are a long-term bond investor, then traditional bond funds have advantages over the target-maturity bond funds. However, if you are pretty certain as to when you need the funds in your bond portfolio, and you are concerned about interest rate risk, then you can consider target-maturity bond funds as an alternative. © 2019 Elliot Raphaelson. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Get your grandkids in the giving spirit By Neale Godfrey Charitable giving is a subject close to my heart and something I have emphasized to my children — and now with my grandchildren — since they were young. It is an opportunity for you to impart your personal values to your family. My mantra is: You are not your money. You are your values. A charitable donation can be made in many ways. It can be as small a gesture as giving spare change to a homeless person — offering a powerful visual lesson for a child to see that there are people less fortunate than themselves. It is also important to give to a specific charity that you and your grandchild have selected together. Perhaps the most precious gift of all, though, is the gift of time and consideration. Volunteerism is a crucial concept. When your grandchild volunteers to help others, they become empowered by their acts and very aware of their link with the community. Charity is also a key element of managing your finances responsibly.

Giving of yourself Explain to your grandchild that volunteering together can be fun. This is a great activity that can become a cherished memory of the precious time you spend with them. With that in mind, you may want to look for something that matches your grandchild’s talents or interests. For instance, if your grandchild is interested in soccer, they could find a preschool program that needs help supervising young players. When my kids were young, we went into a local hospital and helped to serve meals. Now my granddaughter and I make candles and “fun slime” together. There is a local store that will sell our goods. We have set up a “company” we call Grandma and Me. A portion of our sales goes to a charity that my granddaughter has selected, Freedom from Fistula, which provides care to women in Africa injured during prolonged and obstructed childbirth. I explained this charity to my granddaughter and said I am so passionate

about it because I gave birth to her mother by caesarean section. If I had been from an African village, I may not have been so lucky. If my daughter had not been born, I wouldn’t have my granddaughter. She is now passionate about this charity as well, and our personal connection to the issue formed the basis of our business, Grandma and Me.

How to start Watching the news together, talking to friends or just helping your grandchildren observe the world around them can help uncover volunteer projects that are appropriate and will interest them. There are kids’ volunteer groups in every school and house of worship. It should take only one or two phone calls to locate something in your community. For instance, some nursing homes welcome people to come with their friendly dogs who just love to be petted by the people in the facility. What an easy way to spread some joy.

Empower them to act Teach your grandchildren that they have the power to do something to make positive change. Start the discussion by letting them know the organizations you have donated to and where you have volunteered. Let’s say your grandchildren want to raise money for a local cause. Make sure your young ones just don’t complain about a problem or expect someone else to do something about it. You want your grandchildren to decide that they can make an impact and that they are dedicated enough to do something about the problem. Next, set a goal. Have your grandchild spell out, in one simple sentence, what their goal is. For example: “We, the kids of Chester, N.J., want to raise money for a children’s playground in Newark so kids there can have a place to play.” Set a date to accomplish the goal. (This is important. Imagine if their teacher said, See CHARITABLE GIVING, page 18

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Don’t help scammers steal from Medicare By Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar Last month, Federal agents broke up a billion-dollar Medicare scam that peddled unneeded orthopedic braces to hundreds of thousands of seniors. Two dozen people were charged, including doctors accused of writing bogus prescriptions. The Justice Department said the scheme relied on overseas call centers to pry Medicare numbers from beneficiaries. Authorities also announced charges against owners of call centers, telemedicine firms and medical equipment companies that shipped unneeded back, shoulder, wrist and knee braces. Profits from the scheme were laundered through offshore shell companies and then used to buy high-end cars, yachts and luxury homes here and abroad, officials said. Medicare’s anti-fraud unit said it’s taking action against 130 medical equipment companies implicated. The companies billed the program a total of $1.7 billion. The actual loss to Medicare was estimated at more than $1.2 billion. The Health and Human Services (HHS) inspector general’s office said the fastmoving scam was fueled by kickbacks among the parties involved. The FBI, the IRS and 17 U.S. attorney’s offices took part

in the crackdown. “The telemedicine we are talking about is basically a tele-scam,” said Gary Cantrell, who oversees fraud investigations for the HHS inspector general’s office.

Reported by many seniors Officials said the scam was detected last summer as complaints from beneficiaries poured in to the Medicare fraud hotline. They said telemarketers would reach out to older adults, offering “free” orthopedic braces, also touted through television and radio ads. Interested beneficiaries would be patched through to call centers, part of what officials described as an “international telemarketing network” with operations in the Philippines and throughout Latin America. After verifying their Medicare coverage, the seniors would be transferred to telemedicine companies for consultations with doctors, who wrote prescriptions for orthopedic braces, regardless of whether or not the patients needed them. Sometimes the same patient would get several braces. The call centers would collect prescriptions and sell them to medical equipment companies, which would ship the braces to

BEACON BITS

May 23

beneficiaries and bill Medicare. Medical equipment companies would get $500 to $900 per brace from Medicare and would pay kickbacks of nearly $300 per brace. Officials said it’s one of the biggest frauds the inspector general’s office has seen. “The breadth of this nationwide conspiracy should be frightening to all who rely on some form of healthcare,” IRS criminal investigations chief Don Fort said in a statement. “The conspiracy details broad corruption, massive amounts of greed, and systemic flaws in our healthcare system that were exploited by the defendants.” Attempts to reach defendants named by the Justice Department were unsuccessful. The investigation is continuing. Authorities asked doctors who have been involved with telemedicine and medical equipment fraud to voluntarily come forward.

A huge, costly problem Healthcare fraud is a pervasive problem that costs taxpayers tens of billions of dollars a year. The true extent of it is unknown, and some cases involve gray areas of complex payment policies. Experts say part of the problem is that Medicare is required to pay medical bills promptly, which means money often goes out before potential frauds get flagged. In-

vestigators call that “pay and chase.” In recent years, Medicare has tried to adapt techniques used by credit card companies to head off fraud. Law enforcement coordination has grown, with strike forces of federal prosecutors and agents, along with state counterparts, specializing in healthcare investigations. Officials said the government has options to recoup at least some of the money lost to Medicare, including seizing fraudsters’ assets and accounts, as well as property purchased with the proceeds of the scam. The Medicare beneficiaries drawn into the orthopedic braces scam didn’t have to pay anything up front, but Cantrell said they have been harmed as well: A beneficiary’s private information, once in the hands of fraudsters, can be resold for many illegal purposes. Additionally, if a beneficiary whose information was misused ever does need an orthopedic brace, he or she may encounter waiting periods from Medicare. The program limits how often it pays for certain supplies and equipment. “It can be very attractive to receive equipment,” Cantrell said. “But after giving out your identifying information, it could be compromised to perpetuate additional fraud. There is no fraud without the ID number of a Medicare beneficiary.” —AP

INVEST SMART, AVOID FRAUD Learn to protect your assets during retirement. Representatives

from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission discuss smart investing, tips

Charitable giving

to avoid scams and fraud, planning for diminished capacity and other savvy finan-

From page 17

cial strategies. The seminar takes place on Thursday, May 23, from 6 to 7 p.m. at

“Just hand in your homework whenever you’d like!”) Have your grandchild set a realistic date for completion and a timetable for sub goals to be met along the way. Most of all, remember that volunteering

the Northpoint Library, 1716 Merritt Blvd., Dundalk. For more information, call (410) 887-7255.

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& Scherr, LLC

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instills positive values in your grandchildren that will stay with them their entire lives. You are showing your grandchildren that they can make a difference. What a great gift! © 2019 The Kiplinger Washington Editors. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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BALTIMORE BEACON — JUNE 2019

Money mistakes even smart people make By Liz Weston Certified financial planner Jill Schlesinger has seen smart people make some pretty spectacular money mistakes. One client who repeatedly refused to buy disability insurance later developed multiple sclerosis. A doctor she knew put off writing a will and left behind a six-figure tax bill. A technology company engineer balked at her suggestion to sell some of his stock options, only to watch their value — and his retirement plans — evaporate when the market plunged. Schlesinger, a CBS News business analyst and author of The Dumb Things Smart People Do With Their Money, admits to financial missteps as well, including waiting for “just the right moment” to invest and thus missing a big jump in the stock market. “We’re emotional animals, not just rational ones,” Schlesinger said. “So even otherwise intelligent people are stymied by their emotions — usually fear and greed — and their cognitive biases.” In fact, a whole field of economics is devoted to exploring how we make financial decisions, including the bad ones. Behavioral economics tries to pinpoint where our brains and emotions lead us wrong, as well as what we can do about it.

The value of pessimism Most of us don’t like to dwell on what could go wrong, Schlesinger noted, and many of us believe we’re better at predicting the future than we actually are. Over-

confidence, excessive optimism and the conviction that the recent past will continue into the future mean many of us don’t adequately protect ourselves. The client who wouldn’t buy disability insurance, for example, thought he wouldn’t need it because he was healthy. The stock option guy didn’t want to sell a winning investment, not understanding how vulnerable he was to a downturn. The doctor just didn’t want to think about dying. The antidote to this kind of thinking is to stop trying to calculate the odds of something going wrong. Focus instead on how much you or your loved ones have to lose if the worst happens. If you can’t easily absorb that loss, then buy the insurance, diversify your investments and write your will.

Slow down A common sales tactic is to try to create a sense of urgency so people will act. But we tend to make mistakes when we rush. If you feel pressured to buy a product, sign up for a service or invest in something, take a step back. Schlesinger recommends asking these five questions before making investments, but they could easily apply to other financial decisions: • How much will this cost? • What are the alternatives? • How easy is it to get my money out and what fees or penalties will I pay? • What tax consequences will this carry for me?

• What’s the worst-case scenario I face with this?

Seek out, and listen to, advice Most financial advisers aren’t required to put your interests ahead of their own. They can sell you an investment that costs more or performs worse than an alternative, simply because it puts more money in their pocket. This lack of advisors’ fiduciary duty has convinced many people they’re better off handling their own financial affairs. A do-ityourself approach may actually be appropriate, Schlesinger said, when you’re getting a handle on the basics — paying off credit card debt, starting to save for retirement and building an emergency fund. That said, you still would be smart to seek out an expert if you’re confronting a situation that’s complex or out of the ordinary, she said. If the IRS is auditing you, you need a tax

pro. If you’re being sued by a creditor, you need a lawyer. If you’re about to inherit a large sum — more money than you’re accustomed to dealing with — you should talk to a fee-only financial planner who agrees in writing to put your interests first. The more money you have, the more likely you are to face complex situations that require expertise you don’t have. The consequences of making a mistake or not spotting a problem can be greater as well, which is why financial planners often hire their own financial planners. Two areas that are particularly tricky are estate planning and retirement income strategies, including when to start Social Security and how to tap retirement funds. The cost of getting an expert second opinion could be a fraction of what you would pay for a mistake. “We all make dumb mistakes, but some of them can be costly — and life-altering,” Schlesinger said. —AP

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BALTIMORE BEACON — JUNE 2019

Census offers temp jobs for retirees Dear Savvy Senior, employees to have access to a vehicle and For more information on the 2020 Census, candidates will also receive a letter by The U.S. Census Bureau is in the a valid driver’s license, unless public trans- or if you have questions or problems with the email. process of recruiting thouportation is readily available. application process, call (855) 562-2020. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Sensands of workers for tempoAccess to a computer with inAfter you apply, an interviewer will reach ior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or rary jobs to help collect valuternet and an email account out to potential hires to conduct a phone in- visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a conable data for the 2020 Cenare needed to complete train- terview, but not all applicants will be inter- tributor to the NBC Today Show and author sus, and retirees are ideal ing. viewed. Job offers are made verbally, but of The Savvy Senior book. candidates. Can you write a BEACON BITS How to apply column to get the word out? The first step is to complete Thanks for your help! RECALLING THE CARTER WHITE HOUSE the online job application at — Census Recruiter Join former Chief White House Domestic Policy Adviser Stuart 2020census.gov/en/jobs. The Dear Recruiter, process takes about 30 minutes I’m happy to oblige, and I Eizenstat as he shares a behind-the-scenes account of President Carter: The agree. This once-a-decade job SAVVY SENIOR and will include some assessWhite House Years, his first-hand comprehensive history of the Carter Administrament questions about your edopportunity is a great fit for re- By Jim Miller ucation, work and other experitirees who have some free tion. The program is free and will be held at the Jewish Museum of Maryland, 15 time on their hands and wouldn’t mind ence. Lloyd St., Baltimore, on Wednesday, June 6, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. To learn more If you’re a veteran who would like to earning some extra income while helping claim veterans’ preference, which provides the community. and to register, visit jewishmuseummd.org/ Attention retirees! The United States Cen- preference over nonveteran applicants, sus Bureau is currently in the process of re- you’ll need supporting documentation. cruiting more than 500,000 temporary workers to help carry out the upcoming 2020 Census national head count of every person livMOST ing in the country. COMMUNITIE The U.S. Census helps determine each S state’s representation in Congress; how A R E 6 2 A ND funds are spent for schools, hospitals, roads; B ET T ER and provides information to guide many decisions made by government agencies, private businesses and institutions. Among the jobs within the census are canANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY BALTIMORE COUNTY (CONT.) vassing in the field, updating maps, doing The Greens at Hammonds Lane: 410-636-1141 Park View at Randallstown: 410-655-5673 follow-up interviews with citizens in your Park View at Furnace Branch: 410-761-4150 Park View at Rosedale: 410-866-1886 community, working in the office as a clerk Park View at Severna Park: 410-544-3411 Park View at Taylor: 410-663-0363 doing administrative tasks and overseeing field staff. Park View at Towson: 410-828-7185 BALTIMORE CITY Some jobs will begin this summer, but Park View at Woodlawn: 410-281-1120 Ednor Apartments I: 410-243-0180 the majority of positions will begin in late April 2020 and last a month or two. Ednor Apartments II: 410-243-4301 EASTERN SHORE These temporary part-time positions are The Greens at Irvington Mews: 410-644-4487 Park View at Easton: 410-770-3070 located in every county throughout the UnitPark Heights Place: 410-578-3445 ed States and Puerto Rico. Some positions HARFORD COUNTY require evening or weekend shifts because Park View at Ashland Terrace: 410-276-6440 Park View at Bel Air: 410-893-0064 you must be available to interview members Park View at Coldspring: 410-542-4400 of the public when they’re at home. Park View at Box Hill: 410-515-6115 And all positions require several days of BALTIMORE COUNTY HOWARD COUNTY online and classroom training. The pay Cove Point Apartments I: 410-288-2344 ranges between $13.50 and $30 per hour, Park View at Colonial Landing: 410-796-4399 Cove Point Apartments II: 410-288-1660 depending on position and location. To Park View at Columbia: 410-381-1118 Evergreen Senior Apartments: 410-780-4888 find the pay rates in your area, see Park View at Ellicott City: 410-203-9501 2020census.gov/en/jobs/locations.html. The Greens at English Consul: 410-789-3000 Park View at Ellicott City: II 410-203-2096 To be able to work for the 2020 census The Greens at Liberty Road: 410-655-1100 you must: Park View at Emerson: 301-483-3322 The Greens at Logan Field: 410-288-2000 • Be at least 18 years old; Park View at Snowden River: 410-290-0384 The Greens at Rolling Road: 410-744-9988 • Have a valid Social Security number; • Be a U.S. citizen; Park View at Catonsville: 410-719-9464 PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY • Have a valid email address; Park View at Dundalk: 410-288-5483 Park View at Bladensburg: 301-699-9785 • 55 & Better • Complete an application and answer Park View at Fullerton: 410-663-0665 Park View at Laurel: 301-490-1526 assessment questions; Park View at Miramar Landing: 410-391-8375 • Be registered with the Selective ServPark View at Laurel II: 301-490-9730 ice System or have a qualifying exemption, if you are a male born after Dec. 31, 1959; • Pass a Census-performed criminal background check and a review of criminal records, including fingerprinting; • Commit to completing training; and • Be available to work flexible hours, which can include days, evenings, and/or weekends. In addition, most census jobs require MOST COMMUNITIES ARE PET-FRIENDLY

June 5

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Travel Leisure &

Cruising Alaska in a small boat grants glimpses of rainforests, waterways and plenty of wildlife. See story on page 23.

Alabama’s Gulf coast popular year-round

For beach bums and active hikers Of course, the beach, lapped by the bluegreen waters of the Gulf of Mexico, is the

reason most people visit Gulf Shores, a town of about 12,000 residents, and nearby Orange Beach, about half that size. Between the two towns lies what many locals consider to be the best of Alabama’s 22 state parks: Gulf State Park. While the park is home to the shortest stretch of beach in the region, its other claims to fame account for its reputation and popularity. Nine distinct ecosystems in its 6,000-plus acres include pine forests, coastal hardwood swamps and freshwater marshes. A 27-mile backcountry trail complex, accessible to people with varying abilities, leads walkers past boggy streams and three spring-fed freshwater lakes. Hikers may spot white-tailed deer, an alligator basking in the sun or even a bobcat. The park’s nature center and butterfly garden offer a glimpse of colorful wildlife. Boats and fishing gear are available for rent, as well as lakeside cabins, cottages and campsites.

PHOTO BY CHRIS GRANGER, GULF SHORES AND ORANGE BEACH TOURISM

By Victor Block My first thought was that I must have taken a wrong turn. The scene outside the car windows — Dollar Stores, Waffle Houses and tattoo parlors — hardly matched the almost poetic name of my destination: Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Ala. Small, aging wooden houses, some of which had seen better days, lined the narrow lanes off the main road. Before long, though, I came upon glitzy high-rise condominium buildings standing shoulder to shoulder along a broad stretch of sugar-white sand. Then it dawned on me: I was in a something-for-everyone kind of place. Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, perched on the southernmost tip of Alabama, combine the usual list of to-dos and to-sees of many sun-and-sand destinations, but they have some unique surprises. Folks who want a respite from the sun can explore a historic fort or museums devoted to Native Americans or naval aviation. For foodies, the area’s restaurants range from elegant to beach-dive casual. And those who like to commune with nature have plenty of ways to do so.

What’s the attraction to Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, Alabama? The beach is one, of course. But those who venture beyond the sugar-white sand will find backcountry hiking trails, excellent fishing, dolphin-watching and plenty of other outdoor fun.

Museums, cruises, fishing Nearby Fort Morgan, a state historic site, has a 14-mile seashore. Visitors can sit on the beach, bike, fish, kayak, picnic or visit a pentagon-shaped fort, completed in 1834. The structure occupies a strategic location, where Mobile Bay meets the Gulf of Mexico, and was built to strengthen the coastal defense of the United States following the War of 1812. PHOTO BY CHRIS GRANGER, GULF SHORES AND ORANGE BEACH TOURISM

At Fort Morgan, on Alabama’s coast, visitors can tour an 1834 fortress, artillery batteries and a military museum — and enjoy a picnic lunch on the nearby beach.

The site contains historic military buildings; artillery batteries constructed between 1895 and 1904; and a museum displaying uniforms, weapons, photographs and letters of solders who served there. To top it off, the fort fronts the same kind of broad, gentle, snow-hued beach that is characteristic of the area. If you prefer to take to the sea without any effort, you can book a sunset, dolphinwatching or dinner cruise instead of kayaking or paddleboarding, For fishing, some try their luck off a pier that stretches 1,540 feet over the Gulf of Mexico. Snorkelers and divers who prefer to be in, rather than above, the water can explore a system of artificial reefs with experiences geared to everyone from children and beginners to advanced divers. Golfers will find 14 courses in the area, including Craft Farms and Kiva Dunes, which rank high on Golf Digest’s “best courses” lists.

Plenty for history buffs For those who want to learn, not burn, a good place to start is the Gulf Shores Museum, located in a historic beach house. Permanent exhibits tell the story of 19thcentury settlers in the area and of hurricanes, including how they originate and

how a community rebuilds after a storm. Housed in a former school built in 1910, the Orange Beach Indian & Sea Museum provides introductions to the area’s Native American and fishing heritages. Battleship Memorial Park, about an hour away in Mobile, is home to the massive USS Alabama, which saw action for 37 months during World War II, as well as a wartime submarine and a collection of historic aircraft. An hour drive in the other direction leads to the National Museum of Naval Aviation in Pensacola, Fla., the largest such museum in the world. Despite its name, the collection of more than 250 aircraft represents every military branch. The complex also is home to the famous Blue Angels, the aerobatic team of aviators from the Navy and Marines that thrills onlookers. Not surprisingly, the area has been recognized and highly ranked in “best of” lists compiled by the likes of USA Today, Reader’s Digest and Travel + Leisure. Battleships, vintage airplanes, golf and a historic fort would seem to have little in common with an inviting beach destination. That’s the point. Inclusion on “Top 10,” “Best Places” and See BEACH, page 24

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BALTIMORE BEACON — JUNE 2019

A unique visit to Alaska in a small yacht

Summer rhythms On cloudy days, we chugged through a silver world, passing islands covered in tall evergreens. Tufts of clouds and fingers of mist hung in the air between the hills and islands, wrapping the rolling contours of green in wispy cotton. On sunny days, we sat in shirtsleeves on the deck, soaking up the warm rays. I woke up early every morning to stand on the deck and watch eagles swoop, salmon leap and sea lions play as the sky turned colors in the emerging dawn. There was plenty of time to read, nap, contemplate, or look for whales spouting in the distance. Despite the relaxed pace, though, there were plenty of active moments. We kayaked for an hour or so most days, usually an easy paddle in a protected cove, along a beach or around an island. One day we disembarked to hike through an old-growth rainforest to a lake. It was only three miles round trip, but the rough trail and the fresh bear scat made it seem longer. The soft green forest muted the sounds we made to scare off the bears — or at least not catch them by surprise. Our noisy efforts must have worked, since we didn’t run into

any. I was both disappointed and relieved. Another day we hiked up a hill alongside a roaring river to a natural hot spring. After picking my way along a rocky, muddy trail, I felt as if I had earned the soak.

Animal planet We saw tons of wildlife, pun intended. We spent almost two full days spotting whales — mostly humpbacks and a few orcas. Some were in the distance, but many swam alongside the boat, flipping their tails as if waving goodbye before diving. One swam so close I got a photo of his nostril-like blowholes; another breached just a few feet off our bow, spraying me with an impressive splash as he flopped back into the water. We also spent an afternoon at a fish hatchery, watching a dozen bears scrounge for salmon in the river just 20 or 30 yards away. We had enough time to note the bears’ personalities, relationships and even a dramatic teeth-baring exchange of snarls and growls between two bears challenging each other over a choice fishing spot in the river. It’s hard to top whales and bears, but the last two days of the trip came close, cruising down Endicott Arm, a long fjord carved deep into the snow-capped mountains of the Coast Range.

PHOTO BY DON MANKIN

By Don Mankin The Inside Passage in Southeast Alaska is the kind of place that inspires multiple visits. On my first two trips, I cruised past its lush rainforests and coastal mountains via the large, state-run ferries of the Alaska Marine Highway. On my most recent trip, though, I hopped aboard the 85-foot MV Windward, the first charter yacht in Alaska, built in 1924. With only four cabins, the yacht is more intimate than the ferries and giant cruise ships that sail up and down the Inside Passage all summer. On the seven-day trip I got to know everyone, including the three-person crew. The Windward was able to access coves and bays that larger boats cannot. And our itinerary was flexible, enabling us to change course to see whales, kayak in protected waters or dodge icebergs.

The narrow fjords and glaciers of Southeast Alaska are best explored via small boats or kayaks. The area is known for bears, moose and whales.

The next morning, it was worth getting up early to watch the sun touch the snowcapped peaks behind the walls of rock, then creep down the sheer walls to the water. Mist hung over the stunning reflections of the walls in the water, and the fragrance of evergreens filled the air. The only sound was the soft rustle of distant waterfalls. On the way out of the fjord at high tide, we got in the kayaks to observe the water-

falls up close and paddle the last couple of miles back through the now-placid narrows to our boat waiting for us on the other side. Once aboard we headed to Dawes Glacier, a massive tidal glacier — about 200 feet high and a half mile across — that carved out the fjord millions of years ago. Our captain carefully threaded his way See ALASKA, page 24

A fjord and a glacier Our first stop was Fords Terror, a steep and narrow fjord branching off from Endicott Arm, named after a naval crewman who rowed through the narrows in 1899 at slack tide only to spend several scary hours trapped by the turbulent, twisting currents when the tide surged out. To avoid any terror, we waited for high tide before entering the narrows. It was a breathtaking ride between granite walls 2,000 feet high with streams cascading through the seams in the rock. John Muir compared these cliffs to Yosemite Valley. That only begins to describe the dramatic beauty of this place, one of the most spectacular places I’ve ever visited. We stopped for the night at the end of the fjord, which felt like the end of the world.

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Beach

JUNE 2019 — BALTIMORE BEACON

The Lodge at Gulf State Park is a trendsetter when it comes to sustainability and environmental protection. In small ways and large, its owners have incorporated numerous innovative efforts into its design, construction and operation. The building contains 20 percent recycled materials, and three-quarters of construction waste was recycled rather than going to a landfill. The lodge was designed in a way to protect the sand dunes. Invasive plants were replaced with native species that thrive without irrigation, chemical pesticides or fertilizers. Condensate water from the guestroom air conditioning system is filtered

and used in the swimming pool. Straws in the restaurant are made of reusable wood, and words on pens in guest rooms bear the message, “I used to be a newspaper.” Rates at the Lodge begin at $129. For more information, call (251) 540-4000 or visit lodgeatgulfstatepark.com. Of an estimated 200 restaurants in the area, only a couple of handfuls are chain eateries. The upscale Perch dining room in the Lodge at Gulf State Park has great views of the Gulf. Try the Gulf gumbo ($9) or jumbo prawns ($20). Stuffed quail ($28) is one of several land options. First-time diners at Doc’s Seafood Shack & Oyster Bar soon understand why the modest

eatery is a local legend. Many regulars go for the signature fried shrimp ($17). Others opt for the “create your own” seafood platter (from $21) or fried chicken basket ($9-$13). For more information, call (251) 981-6999. Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is a yearround vacation destination. During summer, the sea breeze provides relief from high temperatures and humidity. Winters generally are sunny and mild, with daily highs close to 60 degrees. The ocean is warm from May through November, with temperatures often in the low 80s. For more information about Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, visit gulfshores.com or call (800) 745-7263.

SUMMER SINGING CAMPS

Alaska

You’re never too old for summer camp. Encore, the largest choral

From page 23

big as houses, crashing into the water. There, on essentially the last day of the trip, I knew I probably wouldn’t come back this way again. It would be hard to match this trip, and impossible to beat. Don Mankin was hosted on this trip by Wilderness Travel, wildernesstravel.com. For more information and photos, see his blog at adventuretransformations.com.

From page 22 “Most Beautiful” lists is based upon the magnificent stretches of beach as well as the long list of other attractions that Gulf Shores and Orange Beach offer those who visit. As one repeat visitor told me, “I came here the first time for the beaches. Now I return for everything else.”

If you go Given the nature-friendly environment of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, the most inviting place to stay fits very comfortably into that theme.

BEACON BITS

June 23+

through the many icebergs and bergy bits floating by. We gazed at the glacier for hours, bundled up against the cold wind, listening for the cracks of thunder that signaled the calving of chunks of ancient, deep blue ice, some as

music program for older adults in the country, offers instructive travel adventures during June and August. Stay in a dormitory at Washington College in Chestertown, Maryland June 23 to June 27 for a choral program on the Eastern Shore. Or sign up for Rock and Roll Summer Camp for singers 55+ during the week of August 5 through 9 at St. John’s College in Annapolis to explore 70’s and 80’s.” Finally, a choral institute will take place August 25 through 30 at the famous Chautauqua Institution in western New York. For more information, visit encorecreativity.org, call (301) 261-5747 or email amycolhoun@encorecreativity.org.

PHOTO BY DON MANKIN

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BALTIMORE BEACON — JUNE 2019

Car rental gotchas and how to avoid them the rental company asks. — Liability insurance covers you for any damage you may do to other people or property. Clearly, you should never get behind the wheel of any car without adequate liability insurance, but your risk is no higher in a rental car than in your own car. You need liability coverage whenever you drive any car, rental or otherwise. Insurance catches Insurance has always been Your own automobile, homeTRAVEL TIPS the main minefield of renting owner, umbrella or other policy By Ed Perkins a car. The rental agent will try probably covers you, so you to get you to buy some insurance you don’t don’t need extra. But if it doesn’t, then you need at all and some you can buy else- have to pay. where at a lower price. — Personal Accident coverage is — Collision insurance covers damage often bundled with personal property, and to, or loss of, the car you rent. Obviously, it usually duplicates coverage you already when you are using someone else’s have. If you need it, you need it all the $30,000 asset, you need to insure yourself time, not just when renting a car. in case it is damaged when in your control. The rental company will try to sell you a Limitations Most rentals in the United States come waiver that eliminates your risk but roughwith unlimited mileage, but you occasionly doubles the daily cost of the rental. But your own insurance may cover you ally run into a rental with a maximum daily in a rented car, your credit card may cover mileage. That may or may not curtail your what your regular insurance doesn’t — trip, but if you plan on piling on the miles, most travel-oriented cards do — or you make sure they’re unlimited. The best rental contracts start you with can buy separate coverage from a thirdparty source for about one-third of what a full tank of gas, and if you return the car Renting a car, like buying most travel services, exposes you to a few gotchas that can make your experience more expensive, less pleasant or both. But you can also avoid most of them, most of the time, by vetting your rental company and reading the fine print before you put down your credit card.

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full, you do not face a refueling charge. Sometimes, when you’re returning a car at a departure airport, finding a convenient gas station can be a problem. But if you don’t return it full, you can expect a refueling gouge. When you refuel, get a receipt. Some rental companies charge a flat rate for short-term rentals where you drive only a few miles — a rate that’s substantially more than what you’d pay for the gas you used. But the biggest gotcha you face is going off-contract. Most contracts say you can’t drive on unpaved roads, let anyone drive who hasn’t signed on — and paid — as an extra driver, drive recklessly, or drive outside a contractually limited region. (Some rentals limit where you can drive. Smaller companies, in particular, may limit you to a single state or group of states.) In many cases, the rental company will never know if you go off-contract. But if you do — and the rental company finds out —

you’re in big trouble: Your insurance may be void, and your rental cost may revert to a high daily rate plus a stiff per-mile charge. And rental companies know more than you think: Most rental cars have GPS, and even if you don’t use or pay for it, the rental company can track the vehicle through it.

What to do Avoiding the gotchas is easy: Get the insurance you need through your own regular coverage, credit card or third-party policy; don’t rent on a contract that limits where you can drive; refuel before you return; avoid off-contract driving; and if you want someone else to share the driving, find a rental with no extra-driver charge. Send email to Ed Perkins at eperkins@ mind.net. Also, check out Ed’s new rail travel website at rail-guru.com. © 2019 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

BEACON BITS

June 21

SOUTH PACIFIC IN DELAWARE See South Pacific at the Candlelight Theater in Wilmington, Del.,

with members of the Bykota Senior Center on Wednesday, July 31. The cost of $85 includes transportation, dinner and the show. A deposit is due by June 21. To learn more, call (410) 887-1691 or email travelwithbykota@gmail.com.

JUNE 2019 — BALTIMORE BEACON

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Style Arts &

“Everything happens for a reason.” What not to say to grieving Gold Star parents. See story on page 27.

Mother and daughter artists share exhibit get her MFA from Instituto Allende in Mexico. When she returned home in 1971, she began to collaborate with her mother, textile artist Elizabeth Talford Scott, working sideby-side in a studio together. In the 1970s, Scott divided her time between the studio and the classroom. She worked as an art teacher at various recreation and community centers, where she interacted with people from every walk of life. “I got to see my city from the ground up, working with all ages,” she said. “My youngest student was three and my oldest student was 81. To be able to look at a kid and watch them develop the ability to go beyond their basic thinking — that’s wonderful. It helps them be different kinds of students and citizens, too.” Scott says she became an artist not only because of her mother’s influence but because of the historical circumstances that led her parents to flee North and South Carolina during the Great Migration — the resettlement, starting in 1916, of six million African Americans from the rural South to urban areas in the North and West. They left “a very hardscrabble life,” Scott explained. “Their life was burdened by an

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By Noelani Kirschner Baltimore sculptor, printmaker, performance artist, bead-worker and jewelry maker Joyce J. Scott, 70, said one of the greatest influences on her art was her mother, quilter Elizabeth Talford Scott, who died in 2011 at age 95. Some of the younger Scott’s work is currently being displayed next to her mother’s in a new exhibition, “Hitching Their Dreams to Untamed Stars,” which opened at the Baltimore Museum of Art in May. Scott has had more than 70 solo exhibitions, and her work is housed in 27 national museums’ permanent collections. The recipient of 26 awards, including the MacArthur Fellowship and the Mary Sawyers Imboden Baker award, Scott has received widespread international and national recognition for her work, and held artist residencies from South Africa to Murano, Italy. But she remains rooted in her home town. “I’m an international artist, but I’m also an artist who really does support the arts within Baltimore,” she said. Scott, a lifelong Baltimorean, received her undergraduate degree from the Maryland Institute College of Art before going on to

Baltimore artists Elizabeth Talford Scott, who died in 2011, and her daughter Joyce S. Scott share an exhibition at the Baltimore Museum of Art. The artists created colorful quilts, weavings and sculptures, some in collaboration, in honor of their ancestors. “Hitching Their Dreams to Untamed Stars” runs through December 1, 2019.

overt, aggressive, illegal racism — the kind that could snatch you off the street and put you in a chain gang, the kind that could easily hang you. I know that those issues are what also propel me through my work because those ‘isms’ still exist.” Throughout her 50-year career, Scott’s art has consistently addressed political and social issues. “A lot of my work has to do with guns and violence and misogyny, because these are things that consistently plague the world in general and the African-American culture in Baltimore specifically,” she said. At the same time, Scott seeks to highlight the beauty and strength exhibited by

her ancestors. “There is something very heroic and valiant about how they lived their lives and excelled through such adversity,” she said. “That kind of strength, power, wisdom is something I also work on. To me, they were superheroes.”

Mother-daughter collaboration The collaboration between Joyce Scott and the late Elizabeth Talford Scott is the focus of two concurrent exhibitions at the Baltimore Museum of Art and Goya Contemporary Gallery.

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BALTIMORE BEACON — JUNE 2019

Gold Star parents get guidebook for grief The need for a manual In the years that followed her husband’s death, Steen and other military widows formed a support group to help navigate their loss together. “There’s a scarcity of books about military loss and survivors,” Steen said. “Someone in my widows’ group said, ‘We need to write this down. We need a manual.’” We Regret to Inform You, published by Central Recovery Press, is Steen’s second such manual. After her husband died, she quit her job as an electrical engineer, began working as a grief counselor, and in 2001 started writing. She first coauthored a 2006 book called Military Widows: A Survival Guide. Now, at the request of some of her workshop participants who had lost a child, she has published a survival guide for parents. Steen spent three years searching for a publisher. Most rejected her manuscript as unnecessary “because the wars are ending,” she said. But an average of three military service members die every day, Steen pointed out, and not always in combat. According to a Congressional Research Service report published last year, 72 percent of the 15,851 deaths since 2006 among active-duty personnel and mobilized reservists “occurred under circumstances unrelated to war.”

Other publishers said Steen’s book was unnecessary because parents of service members ought to be mentally prepared for the loss of the child. After all, they joined the military and took that risk. But no one can adequately prepare for such a loss, Steen said, which is why her book is critical.

Unique kind of grief Unlike other parents, Gold Star parents face a different set of emotional issues. “Not all losses are equal,” Steen said. First, there’s the paperwork. Military families may never learn the exact details of their loved one’s death because they may be classified. “More often than not, you don’t find all the answers,” Steen said. Then there’s what Steen calls “secondary losses,” such as the parents’ realization that they’ll never be grandparents. In addition, being regularly confronted with symbols of America, from flags to national anthems, can remind them of their child. But “there is hope,” Steen said. After many years, families can learn to live with their new reality, she believes. “You don’t get over your grief; you get through it. You learn to integrate some level of grief into your life.” For Steen, like others who have been pre-

PHOTO BY SAM HUGHES PHOTOGRAPHY

By Margaret Foster On Memorial Day, most Americans will fire up the grill, invite their neighbors over for picnics or attend a Main Street parade. But for families who have lost an adult child during military service, Memorial Day can be a piercing reminder of loss — as painful as their loved one’s birthday or anniversary of their death. “The very images that are symbols of our country are very personal symbols of loss,” said Virginia author Joanne Steen. “With military loss you get innumerably more reminders every day.” So this spring, Steen published a book for these families, We Regret to Inform You: A Survival Guide for Gold Star Parents and Those Who Support Them. No one except Gold Star parents can understand what it’s like to hear that knock at the door, to see the uniformed messenger, to get the unimaginable news that their child has lost their life for their country. That knock on the door arrived for Steen one June afternoon in 1992. Steen’s husband, 35-year-old Navy reservist Ken Steen, had been killed in a routine training exercise. He and six others died when their helicopter exploded and crashed into the Lynnhaven River in Norfolk, Va.

Joanne Steen was an electrical engineer until her husband, a reservist, died in a military training exercise. Today she’s a grief counselor who works with military families. Her survival guide for Gold Star parents was published in May.

sented with a folded American flag, a military death can change the course of life. “When Gold Star families go through that trauma, many of them want something good to come from that loss,” Steen said. “So many of them grow in ways they never thought they could.” Steen’s books and workshops are her way of growing, sharing and helping others deal with their grief.

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JUNE 2019 — BALTIMORE BEACON

New book helps women find true selves By Margaret Foster When you were eight years old, what did you want to be when you grew up? A fireman, a baseball player, a zookeeper? Later in life, those unrealistic childhood ambitions can become valuable, according to Columbia career coach Janet Ruck, author of You Anew: A Guide for the Woman Who Is Ready to Create Her Best Life, published in May. “If you wanted to be a ballerina and you’re 70 now, that person who is physical and likes music is still there. Reach back and see if there are elements of that you can use in your current life,” Ruck, 66, suggested. “When you’re a little kid and people ask what you want to be when you grow up… they say, ‘That’s great.’ For the most part,

Honor Flights From page 1 first so-called Honor Flight on May 21, 2005, Morse and his volunteer pilots flew 12 veterans in six small planes to Manassas Regional Airport for a day-trip into D.C. The same year, Miller, owner of a drycleaning company in Hendersonville, N.C., discovered that his late mother and father had been charter members of the World War II Memorial.

people don’t stomp on a kid’s dreams. As you get older, they start stomping, and you lose sight of your dreams.” You Anew encourages readers to recapture and re-shape those dreams, using prompts and journal entries. Ruck’s journal-style book takes a cue from Julia Cameron’s classic, The Artist’s Way, which asks readers to write three pages each morning to get in touch with their creativity. As Ruck put it, “This book is for the woman who’s asking herself, ‘What do I want to do with my life? Who am I? What matters to me as I age? What’s next for me?’”

Existential crisis at 60 Ruck wrote the book for them — as well

Distressed that his parents, along with other vets who lived far from Washington, D.C., would never see the memorials constructed in their honor, Miller formed a company called HonorAir and began flying them to D.C. in chartered jets. “I decided that I would take every WWII vet in our county to see that memorial, and it snowballed from there,” said Miller. He brought more than 300 of them to D.C. in a year. “It lifted me and a lot of people up.” When Miller heard that Morse was also

as for herself. The mother of two grown sons, Ruck realized at age 60 that “I had been diverted from a path.” Like other empty nesters or retirees, she faced an existential crisis. “I realized there were things that I wanted to do in my life, like write and teach.” Ruck had worked in the federal government for most of her career. After earning a bachelor of arts in psychology from Notre Dame of Maryland University, she went on to get a master of arts in clinical psychology at Loyola and an M.B.A. from the University of Baltimore. She started her career as an alcoholism counselor for the U.S. Public Health Service, and then moved on to be a career counselor at the U.S. Department of Labor,

transporting veterans to the D.C. memorials, the two merged their companies and formed the Honor Flight Network in 2007. For their efforts, President George W. Bush awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal in 2008 to Miller and Morse.

Tours are short and sweet The veterans’ one-day tour begins with an early flight from their hometown to one of the D.C.-area airports. Veterans are greeted with applause and shuttled to their chartered buses, well stocked with snacks and water. They visit four or five sites, stop for lunch and dinner, and fly home. “It’s a well-choreographed day,” Miller said, noting that the hubs, or local chapters, coordinate with each other so as not to overwhelm a site with too many visitors at once. Hub volunteers (called guardians) assist veterans, and a registered nurse and certified emergency medical technician accompany each group as well. “National Park Service Police allow us to have police escorts so that even on congested days in D.C., we make sure our vets see [as much as] possible,” said Honor Flight Network’s CEO, Meredith Rosenbeck. Each charter flight costs between $45,000 and $75,000, which is covered by private donations. Each local chapter does its own fundraising, Rosenbeck said, but Honor Flight’s national headquarters provides grants to each of the hubs to make sure they can get their veterans to this area. Southwest Airlines, a corporate sponsor, gives Honor Flight Network with roundtrip ticket vouchers for the chartered flights —

where she provided executive coaching until 2010. She coached people who were “experiencing outplacement,” she said — a euphemism for layoff or retirement. Since retirement about ten years ago, she has worked as a career coach for federal employees and started her own consulting business in January 2012. Today, in addition to the workshops she teaches, Ruck provides late-career advice via telephone and email for a Pennsylvaniabased consulting firm, the White Hawk Group.

Book starts a process Ruck wanted to synthesize everything she See YOU ANEW, page 29

since 2006, more than 9,000 free tickets. The Hilton BWI is also a corporate sponsor, along with Breitling and Snap-On. The Honor Flight Network flights operate in May and June, then take a break during the hot summer months — to protect older veterans from heat stroke — before resuming tours in September and October.

On the ground at BWI During the busy months of May and June, Glen Anderson, 77, works between 75 and 80 hours a week. The Maryland resident helps as many as 30 busloads of veterans in one weekend. “We have the opportunity to meet the history that’s passing through,” said Anderson, Honor Flight Network’s BWI Airport Coordinator volunteer. “It’s an honor. A lot of ‘allergies’ develop, shall we say. People need tissues and handkerchiefs.” Anderson remembers one particular Honor Flight arrival at BWI. A teenage bystander joined the crowd and asked him what was going on in the terminal. “These are World War II veterans,” Anderson told the boy, who still seemed confused. “Did you see Saving Private Ryan?” Anderson asked him. “This is them.” “Oh, they’re actors?” the boy asked. “No,” Anderson replied. “This is the original cast.” For an application, visit honorflightnetwork.org and search for your local hub. About 38,000 veterans are on the waiting list for an Honor Flight. World War II vets get first priority, along with terminally ill veterans.

BEACON BITS

June 15

LITERARY WALKING TOUR

Follow in the footsteps of Baltimore’s literary luminaries in the Mt. Vernon neighborhood and discover the elegant brownstone mansions and cultural institutions built by Baltimore’s successful 19th-century merchants and industrialists. Learn how a neighborhood of scholars, struggling artists and authors, newspapermen, philanthropists and social reformers offered rich opportunities to discuss and debate ideas and open new literary avenues. The tour begins at 11 a.m. at the Enoch Pratt Free Library Central Branch, 400 Cathedral St., Baltimore. Tickets are $10. Advance registration is required; no walk-ups will be accepted. Learn more and register at mdhumanities.org/programs/literarywalking-tour.

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BALTIMORE BEACON — JUNE 2019

Artists From page 26 While the two Scotts rarely made pieces of art together, the nature of their working relationship was entirely based on each other’s presence and the conversations they would have in the studio. “We just spent a lot of time talking about artwork and about design and desires, luxuriating in beauty,” Scott said. “That kind of hands-on work, it’s your mother introducing you and telling you tales that will help you

You Anew From page 28 had learned from her career into one book. “A lot of the work I had done was helping [others] with getting new jobs or finding a new career, so this [book] was an outgrowth of that — thinking about life rather than just work,” she said. “I wanted my book to start a process: Who am I; what do I want?” Ruck, who has written in her own journals since she was 13 years old, said that for her 60th birthday, she sat down with the dog-eared notebooks. “I went back and read them all as a gift to myself, and I have to say, I wasn’t that thrilled with that gift,” she laughed. Some of her 20-something ideas were embarrassing, she said. But the overall reading experience was valuable.

become a better human being, a citizen, an adult, a young lady. So I learned manners and all sorts of things sitting at her knee.” Elizabeth Talford Scott primarily made quilts, while Joyce Scott would create anything from multi-media sculptures to beadwork tapestries. The BMA exhibition features 10 works — one done in direct collaboration between mother and daughter; plus, six works by Joyce Scott and three textile pieces by Elizabeth Talford Scott. “There are generations of scholars who

have been working on both the work of Joyce Scott and Elizabeth Talford Scott for years,” said Cecilia Wichmann, assistant curator of contemporary art at the Baltimore Museum of Art. “Joyce is a brilliant mind, a creative force, and an incredibly generous person. She’s a great storyteller and through her stories, I’ve learned about her mother and the power of her mother’s stories,” Wichmann said. Scott has no intention of slowing down. “My future is just to keep working. When I talk about social justice and being a men-

tor, it’s to keep showing young artists that you work past the time when people think you retire,” she explained. “If you can stay as alive and interested and fertile as you possibly can with your artwork, then you just keep making art forever.” “Hitching Their Dreams to Untamed Stars” runs through December 1 at the Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Dr. The museum is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday, and general admission is free. For more information, call (443) 573-1700 or visit artbma.org.

“Even though I was cringing, this is who I am. I had to go through all that struggle to be who I am,” Ruck said. “I see who that person was all those years ago, and now it’s time for that person to thrive.” When Ruck was eight years old, she liked to run, despite the lack of organized sports for girls. She enjoyed racing with boys. Although she’s not a runner today, she’s still a runner in spirit, she said. “I always wanted to be free and untethered,” Ruck said. “I’m that person when I’m write. There’s nothing in my way. I’m free, I’m moving and there’s no barriers.” Paperback copies of You Anew are available for $20 on Ruck’s website, youanewguide.com. Those who prefer a digital journal can download the e-book for $16. Free downloads of some exercises — “My Favorite Things” and “What My 24-Year-Old Self Could Teach Me” — are

also available on the website. In October, Ruck will host a workshop at Haven on the Lake, 10275 Little Patuxent

Pkwy., Columbia, about the process of finding your life’s purpose. For more information, visit havenonthelake.org.

ANSWERS TO CROSSWORD

FROM PAGE 30 ANSWERS TO SCRABBLE

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A T C L H A E S

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I P R U D H O T E I D E A

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S T A K E

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

H I F D I E L A G H O S T I S A M E R Y

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

JUNE 2019 — BALTIMORE BEACON

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Crossword Puzzle Daily crosswords can be found on our website: www.TheBeaconNewspapers.com Click on Puzzles Plus Feeling Desserted 1

24 28 33

29 35

30 36

44 47 51

48 53

59 64

25 32

BB619

Stephen Sherr By Stephen Sherr 7

Scrabble answers on p. 29.

Across 1. Actress Jessica, named “Sexiest Woman in the World” for 2007 5. A Go over 21 9. Most central of the Great Lakes 14. Display disappointment 15. One on the other side 16. Bumbling 17. Library, study, or conservatory 18. West of Gotham City 19. Too much vodka, for most 20. Hindsight on one’s dessert selection at the Single Ladies’ Diner (with 39, 45, and 57 Across) 23. Accessory for a Toy Story action figure 24. Strike from the record 25. Try to reach China 28. Letters on a bike pump 30. Possible result of this puzzle’s second thoughts 33. E-Cigarette lacking 35. Letters on Miracle on Ice losing jerseys 38. “___ down and get some rest” 39. More of the dessert thoughts 42. Santa of Silicon Valley 43. Maiden name monikers 44. Its first retirement check was in 1940 for $22.54 45. Still more of dessert thoughts 47. Secure an ice skate 49. Dir. from Washington state to Washington DC 50. Weakens 53. Immunizations 57. Dessertion conclusion 60. One who routinely avoids R-rated movies 63. Most of a unicycle 64. One convicted of perjury 65. Final Monopoly investment 66. Arab nobleman 67. Wedding invitation color 68. In an ___ world... 69. Violate norms 70. Ticket stub identification Down 1. National Canine Fitness Month

2. Exfoliation sensation 3. Keeps afloat 4. Ambience 5. Biblical false god 6. Voided 7. Vampire killer 8. Technique which can make a flower appear to bloom in seconds 9. Quality of an audiophile’s audio files 10. “A piece of spaghetti or a military ___ can only be led from the front end” (Patton) 11. Gridiron official 12. Make a choice 13. To the ___ degree 21. Acronyms for universities in Oregon and Ottawa 22. The first letters of the first state 25. Raggedy Ann and Andy 26. “___ bad thing” (regretful words) 27. “I’m impressed!” 29. Like Pluto 31. Sixth word of the Gettysburg Address 32. Consistent features of Tom and Jerry’s houses 33. Rand McNally publication 34. Convert a full beard to a goatee 36. Got in touch with 37. White billiards ball 40. Siesta 41. Next after FDR 42. Marxist Guevara 46. ___ it or lose it 48. End of symbol- or social51. Like 1999 and 2017 52. Feature of the Century Schoolbook font 54. In the cooler 55. Headwear available at shopdisney.com 56. Walk confidently 57. Invention’s first step 58. Landline alternative 59. Ethereal 60. One down from upsilon 61. Good name for a fisherman 62. Denizen of the Beehive State

Answers on page 29.

BALTIMORE BEACON — JUNE 2019

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

Business & Employment Opportunities

Say you saw it in the Beacon

For Sale/Rent: Real Estate WE BUY HOUSES!!! CALL 443-415-0790. Are you tired of toilets and tenants, but like the monthly income? Call us for a creative solution to your real estate problems. We buy houses in any condition, any location, any price range. We pay CASH or terms and offer QUICK closings. Call us today at 443-415-0790 or visit www.ikebuyshouses.com.

Health DENTAL INSURANCE. Call Physicians Mutual Insurance Company for details. Not just a discount plan, real coverage for 350 procedures. 844366-1003 or http://www.dental50plus.com/320 Ad# 6118. MOBILE FOOT REFLEXOLOGY in the comfort of your home! This alternative therapy may assist with health and relaxation. Certified provider offering convenient weekend availabilities. Contact Shelby at (410) 412-0230 or visit www.solesorcery.com. PORTABLE OXYGEN CONCENTRATOR — May Be Covered by Medicare! Reclaim independence and mobility with the compact design and long-lasting battery of Inogen One. Free information kit! Call 855-8510949.

Home/Handyman Services BLU-HAUL MOVING AND HAULING: Get an early start on spring cleaning. Hauling, junk removal, clean outs, light moving, and more. We offer quality service at a reasonable price. Call Simcha 443-846-5943.

A PART-TIME CARPENTRY JOB Where You Can Make a Difference! Second Chance, Inc., a nonprofit near Raven’s Stadium, is seeking an experienced part-time carpenter to work on such projects as interior/exterior renovations, bathrooms, kitchens, framing, painting, finish trim, doors and windows. If you’re interested in joining a business with a heart, we’d love to talk. Contact us: 410-385-1700 x 111 or jobs@secondchanceinc.org. Learn more about us at www.secondchanceinc.org.

SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY? Up to $2,671/mo. (Based on paid-in amount.) Free evaluation! Call Bill Gordon & Associates. 1866-970-0779. Mail: 2420 N St NW, Washington, D.C. Office: Broward Co. FL., member TX/NM Bar.

Financial

Miscellaneous

GOT AN OLDER CAR, VAN OR SUV? Do the humane thing. Donate it to the Humane Society. Call 1-844-230-2952.

ENJOY 100% GUARANTEED, DELIVERED to-the-door Omaha Steaks! Save 75% plus get 4 more Burgers & 4 more Kielbasa FREE! Order The Family Gourmet Buffet — ONLY $49.99. Call 1-844-302-3754, mention code 51689JCT or visit www.omahasteaks.com.

GAMEPLAN FOR RETIREMENT 401K 403b TSP and IRA Rollover to Safe Lifetime Income! 410-902-0464 WTTR 102.3FM Saturdays at 8am and WCBM 680AM Saturdays at 4pm.

For Sale CEMETERY LOTS & VAULTS. 2 side by side lots in Druid Ridge Cemetery in Baltimore... near the “duck pond”. Forest Lawn II Section. $3500 for both. Call 410-356-9255.

Legal Services

TV/Cable DISH Network. 190+ CHANNELS. FREE Install. FREE Hopper HD-DVR. $49.99/month (24 months) Add High Speed Internet - $14.95 (where avail.) CALL Today & SAVE 25%! 1844-560-5837.

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

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

Wanted

SPECTRUM TRIPLE PLAY! TV, Internet & Voice for $29.99 ea. 60 MB per second speed. No contract or commitment. More Channels. Faster Internet. Unlimited Voice. Call 1-888-366-7573.

COLLECTOR BUYING MILITARY ITEMS: Helmets, weapons, knives, swords, web gear, uniforms, etc. from all wars & countries. Also Lionel Trains, & slots/coin operated machines. Will pay top prices. Discreet consultations. Call Fred, 301-910-0783

DIRECTV. CALL AND SWITCH NOW — Get NFL Sunday Ticket for FREE! Every Game. Every Sunday. CHOICE- All-Included Package. Over 185 Channels. $60/month (for 12 Months.) CALL 1- 888-572-4953.

Wanted SEEKING FULLS/SEALED BOTTLES of vintage Bourbon and Rye. Do you have full/sealed vintage bottles of bourbon or rye collecting dust in your cabinet? Do any of your bottles have an old red and green tax strip? Call Alex, 443-223-7669. TOP PRICES PAID for fine antiques, artwork and high quality decorative items including decorated crocks and jugs, rare antique clocks, music boxes,unusual lamps, slot machines and great old toys and dolls to name a few. I am 66 years old with over 40 years in the antique business, well educated and financially capable . Why pay expensive auction house , estate sale, or consignment store commissions when you can get a fair upfront price for your pieces immediately? If you have something unusual and interesting, rare and valuable and are prepared to sell it I would like to speak with you. Please call Jake Lenihan 301 279 8834 . No calls after 7 pm please. Thank you. BUYING VINYL RECORDS from 1950 through 1985. Jazz, Rock-n-Roll, Soul, Rhythm & Blues, Reggae and Disco. 33 1/3 LPs, 45s or 78s, Larger collections of at least 100 items wanted. Please call John, 301-596-6201.

MONEY, TIME TO SELL! Make the right choice. Call Greg, 717-658-7954. We buy jewelry, coins, silver, antiques, watches, gold, art, paper money, toys, bottles, comic books, records, etc. No middleman, no fees, no overhead means more money for your stuff. Give me a call and lets do business. 717-658-7954. ESTATE LIQUIDATION/ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES: One call solves it all when you hire us to handle your estate liquidation, down-sizing and/or home cleanout. We sell your treasures, take care of charitable donations and provide junk removal. We also purchase partial estate contents/collections. Always buying antiques, jewelry, fine art, vintage toys, collectibles, advertising, sports memorabilia, military items, rare books, Mid Century Modern furniture, vinyl records collections and more. Based in Silver Spring, we serve Montgomery County, Howard County, Baltimore County, Washington D.C., NOVA and beyond. No home, barn or warehouse is too packed for us! Friendly, conscientious staff. Call Chris on cell (202) 731-9447. www.OrionsAttic.com. CASH FOR ESTATES; moving, etc. I buy a wide range of items. Buy out/clean up. TheAtticLLC.com Gary Roman 301-520-0755.

Thank you for reading the Beacon!

ADVERTISERS IN THIS ISSUE Clinical Research Studies

Baltimore County SHIP . . . . . . . . .7

COPD Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Gingivitis Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 MARC Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Shoulder Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Health

Education

Keswick Wise & Well Center . . . .13 Noxicare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Patriot Mobility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Regenerative Medicine . . . . . . . .11 Rosenblatt Foot Care . . . . . . . . . .13 Skin Cancer EB . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Snyder Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Myerberg Center . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

Events

Dental Services Denture Doctor . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Beacon 50+Expo . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 GBMC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Funeral Services Dignity/Schimunek . . . . . . . . . . .24

Government Baltimore County Foundation . . .19

Park View Apartments . . . . . . . . .21 Rhome Communities . . . . . . . . . .21 St. Marys Roland View Towers . .25 Virginia Towers Apartments . . . . .12 Warren Place Senior Apartments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Westminster House Apartments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

Wilkens Beltway Plaza . . . . . . . . .18 Zinger Chair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Manor Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Subscriptions

Legal Services

Beacon Subscription . . . . . . . . . .30

Home Health Care

Angels of Elder Care Planning . .19 Frank, Frank & Scherr Law Firm .18

Technology

Baltimore City Senior Companion Program . . . . . . . . . .4 Options for Senior America . . . . .24

Medical Cannabis

Housing Charlestown/Erickson . . . . . . . . . .8 Christ Church Harbor Apts. . . . . .19 Glynn Taff Assisted Living . . . . .27 Linden Park Apartments . . . . . . . .4 Oak Crest/Erickson . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Cannabis Docs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Health For Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Pure Life Wellness . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Shopping Perfect Sleep Chair . . . . . . . . . . .20 Radio Flea Market . . . . . . . . . . . .26 Smyth Jewelers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

Beacon Silver Pages . . . . . . . . . . .16 TechMedic4U . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 TheBeaconNewspapers.com . . . .16

Theatres/Entertainment Toby’s Dinner Theatre . . . . . . . . .26

Travel Eyre Bus, Tour & Travel . . . . . . .23 Superior Tours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

32 More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

JUNE 2019 — BALTIMORE BEACON

| 410-358-6856 | myerberg.org

WHAT’S NEW AT THE EDWARD A. MYERBERG CENTER

3101 Fallstaﬀ Road, Baltimore, MD 21209 Get high tech at the Myerberg! New TECH-Knowledge Hub courses are ﬁlling up!

Visit myerberg.org to see our complete program guide. Call to register for classes today 443-963-1449. Tech classes are FREE this summer for members! American Jewish Humor Thursdays, June 6 - June 27, 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Members $60 / Non-members $95 (4 sessions) Each session of this class will cover Jewish humorists’ contributions to a diﬀerent form of popular media (literature, ﬁlm, TV, music). The course will range from the Marx Brothers to modern YouTube stars, covering everything in between. Clips, songs and scenes will be played, and stories will be read together to create a fun and interactive experience for humor fans of all ages. Instructor: Jenny Kaplan from Baltimore Hebrew Institute at Towson University

Baltimore Mayors II Tuesdays, July 2 - July 23, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Members $57 / Non-members $72 (4 sessions)

Immerse yourself in cultural experiences and leave the travel to us!

JOIN US FOR

DEAR EVAN HANSEN

Mayors D’Alessandro and McKeldin are returning for more lessons on how to build and run a city (or how not to). The stores are great and many. These men took many risks to accomplish what they were sure was just and right. We continue to be the beneﬁciaries of their careers in public service. Whether you ride the highways or use the airport, these men had a hand in it. Let’s step back into the not so distant past to visit the “good ol’ days.” Instructor: Harry Karp

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 8

Gentle Yoga

Registration closes on July 1.

at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC 10:30 a.m. departure from Baltimore Hebrew Congregation 2:00 p.m. matinee $175 Members / $200 Non-members Call 443-963-1448 to reserve your seat. Seating is orchestra level. Enjoy lunch on your own at Union Station.

Fridays, May 10 - August 23, 9:00 - 9:45 a.m. Members $113 / Non-members $158 (15 sessions) Gentle Yoga Is yoga for aging bodies, incorporating range of movement exercises, alignment, stretching, strengthening, awareness, breathing and relaxation to refresh, energize, improve posture, deepen breathing and improve well-being. This class will include both seated and standing poses and participants will use a chair for added support and stability. Instructor: Mica Saunders

Tzofim Israeli Scouts Performance Monday, July 22, 11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Members $5 / Non-members $8 Join us in welcoming the Friendship Caravan to the Myerberg Center. The traveling troupe of 10 talented 17-year old Tzoﬁm Israeli Scouts will entertain and teach you about Israel through a unique blend of song, dance and story. Enjoy a light box lunch at 11:30 a.m. and a performance by the Scouts at 12:00 p.m.

JUNE IS ALZHEIMER’S AND BRAIN AWARENESS MONTH: Did you know daily light activity can help maintain your total brain volume? New Members: Get a brain boost by joining our Fitness Center and receive $20 oﬀ a six month or one year membership. Current Members: Take our weekly brain challenge to boost your score on our leaderboard. Prizes will be awarded for the top three winners.