July 2022 | Howard County Beacon

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Born in Scranton, Pennsylvania, Pagnotti launched his TV career in North Carolina (see letter above), then worked his way up at stations in Ohio, Connecticut and New York before settling in Baltimore in 1985 at WMAR-TV. In 2012, he switched over to Fox45, where he became a co-anchor on the weekend Morning News, then the station’s meteorologist.

Pagnotti recalled an incident when he was a hard-news reporter for News 4 New York, working out of the iconic 30

PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER MYERS PHOTOGRAPHY

45 years on the air

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More than 30,000 readers throughout Howard County

Recounting a TV journalist’s life

By Robert Friedman Dear Mrs. Pagnotti, Thank you for the recent letter informing me about your son Tony who is on TV in Asheville, North Carolina. I am sure, as you stated, he is a talented, hard-working and handsome reporter. However, there are no appropriate job opportunities for him at CBS at this time. I wish him the best of luck.

Regards, Walter Cronkite, September 1976 In spite of the answer the late mother of Tony Pagnotti got from the dean of all anchormen, the 22-year-old did not give up his television career. He went on to build it, mostly in Baltimore, for 45 years until his retirement last year at age 68.

Television viewers in Baltimore and beyond will immediately recognize Pagnotti from his more than 30 years on the local airwaves via WMAR and Fox 45.

Pagnotti covered the news, sat at the anchorman’s desk, and gave the weather reports, which included, to the delight of viewers, the day’s “hum-a-didity.”

Though no longer on the air, Pagnotti has not fully ceased spreading the news as he knows it. A resident of Columbia, he now teaches at the Community College of Baltimore County in Catonsville. His course is called “the fundamentals of communication” — the same class he taught for a decade at the University of Maryland in College Park.

Last year, Pagnotti published a book, My Scripted and Unscripted Life: A Memoir of a TV Newsman.

In a recent interview with the Beacon, Pagnotti discussed his life on the air and at his writer’s desk, in and around Baltimore and other far-flung locales.

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Beloved television news anchor and meteorologist Tony Pagnotti, a Columbia resident, has been busy during his retirement writing a memoir about his decades on the airwaves. He’s most proud of those stories that “bring hope and a ray of sunshine into the doom and gloom of most everyday news,” he said.

Rockefeller Center.

In what he called “an only-in-New York moment,” Pagnotti described what happened one day when he covered a train outage in a Manhattan subway station. As he started giving his live report amidst a crowd of stranded passengers, Pagnotti felt a hand reach into his back pants pocket for his wallet.

As he recalled in his memoir, “With one big swoop of my elbow, I swung around and grabbed my wallet.” The would-be pickpocket scurried away up the subway stairs while Pagnotti finished his report to the TV viewers at home.

ered lots of “hard news,” like fires, murders and assorted mayhem, as well as lots of protests, politics and weather.

But his favorite reporting was, and always will be, on what is known as human interest stories. “I’ve gotten the most satisfaction from ‘everyday people’ stories,” he said.

“The world news has to be told. But a story about a little boy battling muscular dystrophy, or any feel-good story that brings hope and a ray of sunshine into the doom and gloom of most everyday news — that’s what was the most important story of the day for me.”

Pagnotti started writing what became a

‘Everyday people’ stories The TV veteran noted that he has cov-

See TV JOURNALIST, page 6

ARTS & STYLE

A biography of Betty White highlights 100 moments in her life; plus, a cheeky look at high school reunions page 23 FITNESS & HEALTH 4 k Think twice before genetic testing k What hearing aids can and can’t do LAW & MONEY k Safe places to invest today k Who determines gas prices?

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A(nother) wake-up call Both of those statements should be Each spring, the Trustees of Social Security and Medicare publish an annual report ringing alarm bells and generating action in Congress. Unless steps are on the state of those programs. taken to address these, taxNews organizations duly anpayers are going to have to swer what they seem to think is pay more, and Social Security the main question the public and Medicare beneficiaries asks: How long will the proare going to get less. grams remain “solvent?” That I want to add another conis, when will there be a real risk cern. I think we should also that either Medicare or Social be asking about the status of Security run out of sufficient Medicare Part B — the part funds to cover current costs? of Medicare that covers outThis question is pertinent patient doctor visits, prevennot only to older adults who FROM THE tive care and mental health are currently collecting So- PUBLISHER cial Security or relying on By Stuart P. Rosenthal services.

By design, the payroll Medicare for their health insurance, but also to the rest of the taxpay- taxes all Americans pay for Medicare, plus ing public on whose shoulders additional the premiums paid by the 64 million of us covered by Medicare, only cover about costs ultimately rest.

This year’s report was deemed to offer half that program’s cost. General rev“good news.” Social Security, overall, is be- enues — that is, our tax dollars — cover lieved to have sufficient funds to pay all the balance.

I suppose it’s “good news” that Part B is scheduled benefits through 2035 (“one year later than reported last year!”), after not in danger of insolvency, but that’s only which it could pay only 80% of benefits because we can always raise taxes to cover the shortfall. going forward.

FYI, last year, the contribution of tax Medicare Part A/hospital insurance is in worse shape. Its hospital and inpatient dollars to Medicare Part B was approxidoctor coverage is secure only through mately $428 billion, and the Trustees pre2028. For the sixth consecutive year, the dict that, “due to the rapid growth of Trustees have issued a warning to Con- [Medicare Part B’s] cost” each year, it will gress that “excess general revenue” (that place “steadily increasing demands on is, more tax dollars than Congress wanted both taxpayers and beneficiaries.”

Left unaddressed, these growing costs to allocate) will be required to maintain could soon start to undermine other federthat portion of Medicare.

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al spending priorities, not to mention our personal finances.

Turning back to Social Security, it’s important to understand that this program also now relies on taxpayer-funded contributions.

Social Security was designed to be a pay-as-you-go program, where contributions from the paychecks of all American workers (matched by their employers) would cover payouts to current retirees.

From here comes the belief that we all have “earned” our Social Security.

The reality, however, is somewhat different. First, back in the early years of Social Security, there were about 42 workers paying into the system for every retiree.

Today there are only 2.7. Furthermore, Americans are generally living longer, while the birth rate has dropped.

For all these reasons, the program stopped being pay-as-you-go back in 2016, and the amount of general revenues required to maintain it grows every year.

In 2021, the Trustees report that taxpayers contributed $126 billion to Social Security, about 11% of total costs. That is also expected to rise over time.

So where does all this leave us? For years now, the Trustees’ report, and related reports from organizations concerned about older adults and federal deficits, have urged Congress to take steps to put Social Security and Medicare on more solid financial footing.

This year’s “message to the public,” released with the Trustees’ report, concludes (as it generally has for a number of years now) with this: “Lawmakers have many policy options

that would reduce or eliminate the longterm financing shortfalls in Social Security and Medicare. Taking action sooner rather than later will allow consideration of a broader range of solutions and provide more time to phase in changes so that the public has adequate time to prepare.”

The problem isn’t that we don’t have any solutions. The problem is that our congressional representatives aren’t willing to take the steps to implement them.

This is endemic to Congress, where any action would inevitably step on the toes of some constituents, costing the representatives votes here and now, while the shortfalls in benefits will only cause pain down the road — presumably during the tenure of a future congressperson.

Another problem is that the slots for two “public Trustees” — who are appointed by the president and intended to represent the people, rather than the government — have not been filled since 2015. The absence of these trustees, who often serve as watchdogs for the public, dampens the pressure on both Congress and the president to do something.

My advice: talk to your elected representatives (and preferred candidates) and let them know you want to see action on Social Security and Medicare, and that you won’t vote them out of office if they take responsible steps to fix these important programs.

The power is in your hands. Don’t forget to vote!

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 have read many editorials addressing the Aduhelm dilemma, but yours (“Alzheimer’s drug saga,” From the Publisher, May) was by far the best, condensing information and common sense into a very understandable article.

Your article is the first time that I have heard that CMS is considering rolling back the “Aduhelm premium increase.” It is troubling that a single drug, even if it works, can hold a multitrillion dollar operation hostage.

Thank goodness CMS brought some reason to the table and severely limited coverage for a drug that probably really doesn’t work even in a limited fashion. My family has dealt with Alzheimer’s, and I understand the enthusiasm for anything that will help even a little bit (as with many new cancer therapies).

I just don’t believe this is one of them.

I will continue to look for your publication.

Jeffery Schul, MD Via email

Dear Editor: Over the past year, inflation in Howard County has grown over 8%. We are paying more for gas, more at stores, and on top of that, we are paying more in taxes/fees. Under County Executive Calvin Ball, our fire tax has increased 34%, our trash fee has gone up almost 50%, and if we want to downsize, we are even losing more there with our transfer tax going up 25%. These are just a few of the increases that have occurred under his watch.

It’s tough enough to try and stay in Howard County to be near our kids and grandkids, but these continued increases make it really hard to live and survive here.

I understand we all need to pay to support the great amenities we have, but I really don’t see any additional improvement there, do you? It makes me wonder if we are getting the best value for our tax dollars, at a time when we ourselves could use every penny.

Sharonlee Vogel Columbia, MD

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Health Fitness &

STROKE PREVENTION To prevent a stroke, eat healthy foods, exercise and take medication LICENSE LAPSE When to stop driving and how to convince older relatives to stop MEMORY AND BALANCE Johns Hopkins researchers want to train you to keep your balance SILENT DISEASE Early kidney disease has few symptoms, but simple tests can diagnose

Want to get genetic testing? First ask why

By Robert H. Shmerling, MD When it comes to health and disease — and, of course, many other aspects of life — one thing is certain: genes matter.

A single gene mutation can cause conditions such as sickle cell anemia or cystic fibrosis. More often, multiple genes are involved in disease development, and they act in concert with nongenetic factors, such as diet or exercise, to affect disease risk.

Several companies offer you the opportunity to look at your genes. But how might that help you from a health standpoint?

And how do such tests differ from the genetic testing a doctor may recommend?

Consider the example of familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), a condition in which multiple variants of several different genes lead to markedly high cholesterol. This greatly increases the risk of heart attack, stroke and other health problems.

FH affects about one in 300 adults, which means it isn’t rare. Among adults who have the most common genetic variants that cause it, heart attack or sudden cardiac death may occur in middle age.

Children who have a double dose of a gene

variant linked to this condition may die of cardiovascular disease before age 20.

Treatments to reduce the risk of complications, such as cholesterol-lowering drugs, are available if a child or adult is known to have a mutation linked to FH.

Genetic testing is on the rise In recent years, there’s been a dramatic increase in genetic testing. It was nearly unheard of only a few decades ago. Now, you or someone you know has likely had genetic testing within the last year or two.

And while healthcare providers can now order far more genetic tests for their patients than in the past, you don’t need a doctor’s order to request this.

Testing companies like 23andMe, Ancestry.com and others are ready and willing to check your genes for variants associated with certain health conditions, as well as your family ancestry. In fact, spending on direct-toconsumer genetic testing is predicted to reach $2.5 billion within the next few years.

Sometimes, tests are lifesaving Is testing useful? For some people, the

answer is clearly yes.

When performed accurately, genetic tests can uncover a disease or a tendency to develop certain conditions, and it can lead to close relatives getting tested as well. Preventive measures or treatment can be lifesaving.

Here are four examples (though there are many more): Hemochromatosis. This is a genetic condition in which too much iron is absorbed from the diet. The extra iron can harm important organs like the heart and liver. Once a person is diagnosed, phlebotomy (blood removal, similar to what happens during blood donation) and avoiding iron supplements can prevent serious complications such as diabetes and liver failure.

Prenatal testing. For people planning pregnancy or who are already pregnant, genetic testing is available to check for many conditions, such as cystic fibrosis and Down syndrome.

Cancer. A number of genes are known to increase the risk of certain cancers. Testing may be especially important for people with a family history of these cancers. Per-

haps the most well-known are BRCA mutations, which increase the risk of breast, ovarian and several other types of cancer.

People who don’t know their family’s medical history. A person who is adopted and has no information about family medical problems may learn from a test they are at increased risk of a preventable disease, such as heart disease or colon cancer. In these cases, knowing you might develop a condition or are a carrier can help direct medical care, and may inform life decisions or encourage you or other family members to consider genetic counseling.

Tests can be misleading In other cases, testing is problematic.

Results of genetic testing may provide information you already know, may be unhelpful, or may even be misleading.

For example, testing could reveal that you have a genetic mutation that rarely causes any health problems. Learning that you have this mutation may not help you — though it might alarm you.

See GENETIC TESTING, page 5

What hearing aids can and cannot do

By Shari Eberts and Gael Hannan The following is excerpted with permission from the book Hear & Beyond: Live Skillfully with Hearing Loss.

Putting a price on hearing is impossible, but the purchase of hearing aids often forces us to do exactly that.

If you thought deciding to get a hearing aid was the hardest part of the whole process, it probably was! But now you need to focus on which one to get.

Before deciding where to spend your resources, you need to understand what hearing aids can and cannot do. Hearing aids are modern miracle devices, but they are not a silver bullet.

Moderate your expectations People often expect hearing aids to “cure” their hearing problems, to correct hearing loss in the way that wearing glasses corrects vision. With these expectations, many people get a rude shock.

Success with hearing aid technology depends on many factors, including the de-

gree and type of hearing loss, the presence of other hearing-related issues such as tinnitus, and the use of additional technical and non-technical communication strategies. Just as influential are personality, lifestyle and attitude.

Hearing aids cannot replicate the body’s natural, perfect hearing ability. Because of this, they cannot: • deliver sounds as sharply as heard by the natural ear • read your mind — they amplify all sounds rather than just those you want to hear • distinguish among numerous simultaneous speakers • block out all unwanted background noise Hearing aids can: • improve speech comprehension, especially in a quiet environment • reduce (but not eliminate) listening effort and fatigue • improve personal speech clarity and volume (because you hear yourself better)

• assist with sound localization • mask or reduce the effects of tinnitus • connect to other devices to enhance communication • combine with non-technical strategies, such as lipreading, to improve speech comprehension Hearing aids vary in size, shape, color and how they fit in the ear. Decades of research and technological developments have gone into creating sleek and sophisticated devices that provide an increasingly improved sound experience.

(Two must-have features in hearing aids are telecoils and streaming capability via Bluetooth, for instance.)

This ongoing and innovative research is part of what makes the devices so expensive.

Do your research Choosing a hearing aid is like any serious, major purchase — what’s right for me might not be right for you. Although you will discuss the decision with an ex-

pert — your hearing care professional — doing some outside research is a good idea as well.

Visit hearing aid review websites that show the full feature comparisons of different models and their accessories, and see what users are saying about the pros and cons of different devices.

Reach out to your hearing loss peers or visit online social media groups to learn what features are most critical to other users. (Ignore the Negative Nelly types and focus on relevant feedback.)

Then think about your lifestyle and the situations where enhanced hearing is most important to you. The intersection of these two is your sweet spot. Discuss your findings with your hearing professional — and together you can pick a winner!

Hear & Beyond: Live Skillfully with Hearing Loss, by Shari Eberts and Gael Hannan, is available in bookstores and on Amazon. For more information, visit livingwithhearingloss.com/hearandbeyond.

Genetic testing From page 4 Or, learning you’re at increased risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease late in life may be more upsetting than useful, as there are currently no reliably effective preventive treatments.

Genetic testing may have more than one kind of cost. A genetic test ordered by your doctor for a specific medical reason may be covered by your health insurance, but it’s unlikely that an over-the-counter test will be.

And, as one company states on its website, “knowing about genetic risks could affect your ability to get some kinds of insurance.”

When tests are not reliable A study on testing for a genetic cholesterol disorder had some surprising results.

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This 2021 study published in JAMA Cardiology demonstrates how direct-to-consumer testing may be misleading.

The researchers looked at genetic testing for familial hypercholesteremia. They compared the results from a comprehensive panel of genetic testing ordered by doctors (which included more than 2,000 gene variants) with results from the more limited genetic testing (24 variants) provided by 23andMe. Among more than 4,500 people tested for a medical reason, such as evaluating an unexpectedly high cholesterol level, the more limited testing would have missed important genetic variants for: —nearly 70% of study participants —nearly 94% of Black and 85% of Hispanic individuals —about a third of Ashkenazi Jewish individuals

This suggests that a large number of people would be falsely reassured by the results of their genetic tests for FH if they relied on the type of screening offered by a popular over-the-counter product. And results may be particularly unreliable among persons of color.

In many cases, it’s best to review your decision to have genetic testing with your doctor before having it done. You may

choose to see a genetic counselor about the ramifications of testing before you jump in, and let your doctor do the testing, rather than ordering it yourself.

Or, you may decide the best plan is no testing at all.

Dr. Shmerling is a senior faculty editor for Harvard Health Publishing. © 2022 Harvard University. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Stroke prevention strategies at any age

By Kevin Barrett, M.D. Dear Mayo Clinic: A family member had a stroke a month ago. I’m 45 years old, and I maintain a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a good diet. What steps can I take to make sure this doesn’t happen to me?

A: A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of your brain is interrupted or significantly reduced, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients, and causing brain cells to die.

Stroke has several common causes. A frequent cause is narrowing of the arteries in the neck — the carotid arteries — that carry blood to the brain. This narrowing occurs due to fatty deposits in those arteries.

A tear or injury in the wall of a blood ves-

sel, certain heart conditions and blood clotting disorders also can result in strokes, particularly in younger people.

In some conditions, the optimal approach to stroke prevention is not certain. For example, many people have narrowing of the carotid artery, but they are asymptomatic.

Mayo Clinic is leading a multicenter study looking at the best treatment for this issue.

This study, the CREST-2, seeks to identify best treatment for stroke prevention in those who have carotid artery narrowing without symptoms. To date, more than 1,800 participants have enrolled.

For about 35% of people who have a stroke, a specific cause can’t be identified.

This is called a cryptogenic stroke. If this is your situation, the goal should be to work

with your primary care physician or neurologist to pinpoint any risk factors you have that can be modified, and reduce your risk, if possible.

Some stroke risk factors cannot be changed. For example, gender, ethnicity, age and family medical history all play a role in stroke risk. Men are more likely than women to have a stroke. Asians and African Americans are also at increased risk. After age 55, your stroke risk doubles each decade.

Exercise, eat healthy foods Focusing on modifiable stroke risk factors can have a big impact. For instance, a variety of treatable medical conditions can significantly affect your stroke risk. People who have high blood pressure, high cholesterol or uncontrolled diabetes are at in-

TV journalist From page 1 publishable manuscript 10 years ago as a required thesis for a Master’s Degree in Communications, which he earned at the College of Notre Dame in Baltimore.

“I returned to school at age 55,” he said, noting that he wanted a master’s degree so that he could continue to follow his other career of teaching the up-and-coming generation how to communicate in an increasingly confusing world.

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Pagnotti’s memoir doesn’t read as one written by a cockeyed optimist, especially when he describes contract renewal time at various TV stations.

Did Ted Koppel and David Brinkley in the past, or Rachel Maddow and Anderson Cooper now, have to go through the oftenugly contract negotiations and other wrangling with management that Pagnotti describes in his book?

“Television is filled with business people looking out for the ‘product,’” he said.

“Everything depends on ratings. You can be on the top of the world one day; then, if your ratings go down, you go in the other direction.”

Pagnotti recognized that “feel good” stories were not a high priority for the top brass at stations.

“I didn’t enjoy doing fires, murders and the like,” Pagnotti said. “But I knew it came with the reportorial territory.

creased risk for stroke.

If you have any of these conditions, talk to your healthcare provider about developing a plan. If you have elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein, also called LDL or “bad” cholesterol, taking a statin drug may lower not only your cholesterol, but also your stroke risk.

In addition to managing any underlying medical conditions, lifestyle choices can help. You mention that you exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet. Both are important.

Exercise can lower your blood pressure, increase your level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL or “good” cholesterol), and improve the health of your blood vessels and heart.

See STROKE PREVENTION, page 7

“I found the one way to avoid those hardnews assignments was to come up with enterprising feature stories. But it wasn’t an easy sell. When you’re up against the gatekeeper mentality, if it bleeds, it leads.”

Today’s ‘smorgasbord of news’ While he might have run into disputes with station managers, viewers were in Pagnotti’s camp all the way, according to Jamie Costello, one of WMAR-TV’s leading newsmen.

In a foreword to Pagnotti’s book, Costello calls Pagnotti “one of the best TV personalities Baltimore has ever seen,” adding, “This man could make you laugh, cry, sing and dance…in the same story.”

Now that Pagnotti is retired from the TV newsroom, from where and from whom does he get his news?

Well, he admitted, “comparatively fewer people are watching the traditional network newscast now. There are so many ways to get the news, so many sources.”

“Now,” Pagnotti said, “you have to be strategic to be well-informed. You can’t just watch Fox or CNN or MSNBC. There’s newspapers, on-line streaming, radio.

“Nowadays, to stay informed, you need a smorgasbord of news.”

Pagnotti’s memoir is available on Amazon. He will read from the book and sign copies at the Catonsville Senior Center on July 12 at 1 p.m., Seven Oaks Senior Center in Perry Hall on August 12 at 10:30 a.m., and East Columbia 50+ Center in Columbia on Sept. 22 at 7 p.m

Makes a great gift! | Fitness & Health

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

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Low inflammation diet fights chronic pain

By Densie Webb The idiom “you are what you eat” is well accepted when it comes to increasing or decreasing your risk for heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, obesity, and some types of cancer.

But it may come as a surprise that research increasingly suggests that what you put on your plate can either increase or decrease pain that stems from osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, bursitis and migraines, and can even potentially impact chronic lower back pain.

That’s because pain, whether it’s acute or chronic, results from inflammation, and what you eat and drink can either stimulate or quell inflammation. In fact, research strongly suggests that your diet can contribute to inflammation throughout your body.

The diet/pain connection While research shows a connection between diet and pain, exactly how it works isn’t completely understood yet.

However, it’s believed that a poor diet that’s high in saturated fats, sugar and

Stroke prevention From page 6 It also can help you lose weight, control diabetes and reduce stress. A good goal is to participate in at least 30 minutes of moderate aerobic activity most days.

A diet high in fruits and vegetables, and low in cholesterol and saturated fat, can reduce your stroke risk, as well as help you maintain a healthy weight.

Other stroke prevention lifestyle changes you can make include quitting smoking and keeping alcohol intake to less than one to two drinks per day.

Depending on your medical history, preventive medications also can be appropriate. Anti-platelet drugs, such as aspirin or clopidogrel (Plavix), can make your blood less likely to form clots.

Anticoagulant medication, such as heparin or warfarin, can help prevent strokes if you have certain heart problems or a blood clotting disorder.

The bottom line is that you can take steps to reduce your risk of stroke. But the specific measures that are right for you depend largely on your medical history. Talk to your healthcare provider about the stroke prevention approach that best fits your situation. © 2022 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. All Rights Reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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highly processed foods that are low in nutrients can negatively affect your immune system, contributing to chronic inflammation which, in turn, can trigger pain.

Some studies have even found that the immune system can react to an unhealthy diet in the same way it responds to an infection — with inflammation.

Chemicals, such as cytokines, neuropeptides, growth factors and neurotransmitters, are produced by the body in response to your diet, and affect whether you experience pain, where you experience pain, and to what degree.

Diet prescription for pain A review of studies on diet and chronic pain published in The Journal of Clinical Medicine found that sticking to a healthy diet, such as the Mediterranean diet, is linked to lower levels of markers of inflam-

mation found in the blood.

The Mediterranean diet is a plant-based diet, rich in whole grains, dark green leafy vegetables, nuts, legumes and fruits. These foods are all rich in nutrients that the immune system needs to function at its peak.

The diet also includes olive oil and fatty fish, like salmon and sardines (rich in omega-3 fatty acids, a fat that has been found to ease inflammation).

Eating a plant-based diet is not a quick fix or a cure-all for pain, but it could help and it certainly won’t hurt. In fact, sticking to a plant-based diet can offer even greater health benefits, such as a reduced risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and some types of cancer.

In other words, a diet to reduce your risk of experiencing pain due to inflammation can reduce your risk of several diseases and improve your overall health.

What to eat, avoid In your diet, there are many foods to include and several to limit or avoid.

Eat more: Whole grains; beans; nuts; seeds; soy; berries; cherries; yellow, orange, and red vegetables; Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, onions and garlic; salmon, herring, anchovies, sardines and mackerel; plain yogurt; spices, including cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, rosemary, cayenne pepper; tea; dark chocolate.

Eat less: Fruit juice; sugar-sweetened sodas; sweets, such as cakes, cookies, pastries, muffins, donuts, brownies, pies and puddings; processed meat, such as ham, bacon, sausage and lunch meat; fried foods.

Reprinted with permission from Environmental Nutrition. © 2022 Belvoir Media Group. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

HOWARD COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS

The first choice you will make this elecƟon is which day to vote!

Maryland voters can vote in-person BEFORE ElecƟon Day at Early VoƟng!

Early VoƟng will be held from Thursday, July 7, 2022, through Thursday, July 14, 2022 (including Saturday and Sunday), from 7:00 AM unƟl 8:00 PM daily.

Early VoƟng will be held at the following five locaƟons: Howard High School Aux. Gym ad Gym 8700 Old Annapolis Road EllicoƩ City, MD 21043 Long Reach High School – Aux. Gym and Gym 6101 Old Dobbin Lane Columbia, MD 21045

Reservoir High School Aux. Gym and Gym 11550 Scaggsville Road Fulton, MD 20759

MarrioƩs Ridge High School – Aux. Gym and Gym 12100 Woodford Drive MarrioƩsville, MD 21104

Wilde Lake High School – Cafeteria and Gym 5460 Trumpeter Road Columbia, MD 21044

Please note: If you vote during early voƟng, you cannot vote on ElecƟon Day or by (July 19, 2022), or by mail-in ballot. If you have requested a mail-in ballot and choose to not vote that ballot and come to in-person voƟng, you will vote a provisional ballot.

8

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

When a loved one ought to stop driving Dear Savvy Senior, ing abilities, a good first step, if you What is the best way to deal with haven’t already done so, is to take a ride older drivers who probawith him and watch for probbly shouldn’t be driving lem areas. anymore? My dad, who’s For example: Does he have 86, is bound and deterdifficulty seeing, backing up mined to keep driving as or changing lanes? Does he long as he’s alive. react slowly, get confused easi—Backseat Daughter ly or make poor driving deciDear Backseat, sions? Does he drive at inapFor many families, talking propriate speeds, tailgate or to a parent about giving up the drift between lanes? car keys can be very difficult Also, has your dad had any SAVVY SENIOR fender benders or tickets lately, and sensitive.

While there’s no one way to By Jim Miller or have you noticed any dents handle this issue, here are a or scrapes on his vehicle? few suggestions that can help you evaluate These, too, are red flags. your dad’s driving and ease him out from If you need some help and your dad is willbehind the wheel when the time is right. ing, consider hiring a driver rehabilitation specialist who’s trained to evaluate older Take a ride together drivers and provide safety suggestions.

To get a clear picture of your dad’s drivThis type of assessment typically costs

BEACON BITS

July 14+

SUPPORT GROUP FOR SUICIDE LOSS JCS Baltimore hosts a free virtual support group for those who

have lost a loved one to suicide. It meets on the second Thursday of each month from 7 to 8:30 p.m. For more information, visit jcsbalt.org/suicide-loss/call or email Donna Kane at dkane@jcsbaltimore.org or (410) 843-7394.

between $200 and $400. To locate a professional in your area, visit AOTA.org/olderdriver or ADED.net.

Take a class, have a talk After your assessment, if you think it’s still safe for your dad to drive, see if he would be willing to take an older driver refresher course. These courses will show him how aging affects driving skills, and offer tips and adjustments to help keep him safe.

If your dad takes a class, he may also earn a discount on his auto insurance. To locate a class, contact your local AAA (AAA.com) or AARP (AARPdriversafety.org, 1-888-2277669). Most courses cost around $20 to $30 and can be taken online.

If, however, your assessment shows that your dad really does need to stop driving, you need to have a talk with him.

But don’t get carried away. If you begin with a dramatic outburst like, “Dad, you’re going to kill someone!” you’re likely to trigger resistance. Start by simply expressing your concern for his safety.

The Hartford Financial Services Group and MIT AgeLab offer a variety of resources to assist you with talking to your dad and evaluating his driving skills. Visit TheHartford.com/lifetime and click on “Publications” on the menu bar, then on the “We Need to Talk” guidebook.

If he refuses If your dad refuses to quit, you have several options. One possible solution is to suggest a visit to his doctor, who can give him a medical evaluation and, if warranted, “prescribe” that he stop driving.

Older people will often listen to their doctor before they will listen to their own family.

If he still refuses, contact your local Department of Motor Vehicles to see if they can help. Or call in an attorney to discuss with your dad the potential financial and legal consequences of a crash or injury. If all else fails, you may just have to take away his keys.

Once your dad stops driving, he’s going to need other ways to get around, so help him create a list of names and phone numbers of family, friends and local transportation services that he can call on.

In Howard County, Md., NeighborRide, a nonprofit powered by volunteer drivers, can provide up to 12 free rides a month to people age 60 and up. To request a ride, call 410-884-RIDE (7433) or see neighborride.org.

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

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

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Couscous makes a quick, creamy ‘risotto’

By Christopher Kimball Classic risotto is made with starchy, medium-grain Italian rice, such as Arborio or carnaroli. It is toasted then cooked, sometimes slowly, over low heat as broth is ladled into the pan in stages. While the liquid absorbs, the cook stirs, stirs and keeps stirring.

This “risotto,” from our book Cookish (which limits recipes to just six ingredients without sacrificing flavor), uses pearl couscous (which actually is a pasta) and higher heat to produce “grains” with a rich, creamy consistency.

Much as with rice, stirring releases starch from the couscous that thickens into a creamy sauce, and the “risotto” finishes in the time it takes to cook pasta.

The wheaty flavor of pearl couscous (sometimes called Israeli couscous or ptitim) is a perfect match for grassy, subtly sweet asparagus and the salty, nutty flavor of Parmesan cheese.

We reserve the asparagus stalk and tip pieces separately; they’re added at different times because they cook at slightly different rates. Don’t use especially thick or particularly slender asparagus for this

recipe; pencil-sized spears will be perfectly tender when the couscous is done.

Pearl couscous ‘risotto’ with asparagus Start to finish: 30 minutes Servings: 4 4 tablespoons (½ stick) salted butter, cut into 1-tablespoon pieces 1 medium yellow onion, chopped Kosher salt and ground black pepper 3 medium garlic cloves, thinly sliced 1 cup pearl couscous ¹/³ cup dry white wine 1 pound asparagus, trimmed and cut on the diagonal into ½-inch pieces; reserve the stalks and tips separately 1 ounce Parmesan cheese, finely grated (½ cup), plus more to serve ½ cup lightly packed fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped, plus more to serve Directions: In a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat, melt 3 tablespoons of the butter. Add the onion and ½ teaspoon each salt and pepper, then cook, stirring, until it begins to soften, 3 to 5 minutes.

Add the garlic and cook, stirring, until

fragrant. Add the couscous and cook, stirring often, until it begins to brown.

Pour in the wine and cook, stirring, until the pan is almost dry, about 1 minute. Add 3 cups water and ½ teaspoon salt, then cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes.

Stir in the asparagus stalks and cook, stirring, for 3 minutes, then stir in the asparagus tips. Continue to cook, stirring, until almost all the liquid has been absorbed and the asparagus is tender, about another 2 minutes.

Send a letter to the editor. See p. 2.

Off heat, add the Parmesan, parsley and remaining 1 tablespoon butter, then stir until the butter melts. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Serve sprinkled with additional Parmesan and parsley.

Christopher Kimball’s Milk Street includes a magazine, cooking school, TV and radio shows and bold, fresh recipes.

Check Amazon or bookstores for the book Milk Street: Cookish: Throw It Together: Big Flavors. Simple Techniques. 200 Ways to Reinvent Dinner. —AP

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

Health Studies INFORMATION ON AREA CLINICAL TRIALS Studying connection between aging, falls

By Margaret Foster When it comes to dementia and falls, which comes first? Do people with dementia fall more often, or does falling down indicate dementia?

Researchers at Johns Hopkins hope to find out. They’re conducting two studies this summer that will look at how demen-

tia affects balance.

“The same parts of your brain that control memory play a significant role in how you maintain your balance,” said Dr. Yuri Agrawal, principal investigator of the studies and professor of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at Hopkins’ School of Medicine.

BALANCE AND MEMORY! J O H N S H O PK I N S U N I VE R S I TY

We are studying why falls and balance disorders occur in older adults with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia and how falls impact their lives.

Individuals 60+ may be able to join our research study. We take the burden of travel away from you by traveling to your home (if desired).

We provide compensation up to $100 for our participants.

Approved October 25, 2021

For more information call 410-614-9825 Or email vhorta1@jhmi.edu

Agrawal’s lab conducts research on the vestibular system (the inner ear’s balance system), according to its website, “and how the function of the vestibular system changes with aging. Particular focus is given to study how age-related changes in vestibular function influence mobility disability and fall risk in older individuals.”

Two-year observational study The first study is an observational study, meaning that the subjects don’t have to do anything such as swallow pills or keep a journal.

Instead, Agrawal’s researchers will make in-home visits and keep in touch over the phone with participants for a period of two years. Volunteers must be 60 or over.

Agrawal has seen his staff interact successfully with many older adults, she said.

“It’s engaging,” she said. “We have a lot of young study staff. They’re a great group.”

Eight weeks of balance therapy DATE: SEPTEMBER 9, 2021 PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: YURI AGRAWAL, MD APPLICATION NO.: NA_00087648

The second trial underway this summer is one that lasts eight weeks.

Two thirds of Alzheimer’s patients fall every year, Agrawal said — that’s twice as

many falls as experienced by healthy older adults.

“Falls are difficult to prevent. We want to try a new app to see if we can reduce the risk,” Agrawal said.

In this eight-week trial, researchers will determine “whether or not a specific kind of balance therapy can improve balance and prevent falls,” she said.

In this day and age, that therapy is via computer, of course — or in this case, a tablet. Agrawal’s staff will give each participant a tablet and access to wi-fi.

Anyone 60 or over with memory problems, including Alzheimer’s, is eligible to participate as long as they have someone to help them use the tablet, answer the phone, and fill out surveys.

Through the tablet, Agrawal’s team has developed some exercises called vestibular therapy, a type of physical therapy.

“We’ve made it so that it’s fully remote, because it’s hard for some people to get transportation,” she said.

Only one in-person visit to the Johns Hopkins Bayview campus or the particiSee AGING AND FALLS, page 11

Makes a great gift! | Fitness & Health

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

11

Simple tests can ID silent kidney disease

By Family Features When people are unexpectedly diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD), their lives can be turned upside down.

CKD, which is the gradual loss of kidney function, strikes Americans at a faster rate than any other non-contagious disease.

When diagnosed early, kidney disease can often be treated so that it does not worsen into kidney failure (which can be fatal). However, with no symptoms in the early stages, CKD often goes undiagnosed until the late stages.

To survive with kidney failure, people must either receive a kidney transplant or start dialysis care, which involves a machine filtering their blood on a regular basis.

The wait for a transplant can be three to five years or more, and 13 Americans die every day waiting to get off the kidney transplant waitlist.

No early symptoms Most people with kidney disease do not know they have it because they do not have any symptoms until their kidneys are badly damaged.

The only way to know how well your kidneys are working is to get simple blood and urine tests, which a doctor can order at your annual physical. Testing is especially important if you have diabetes or high blood pressure.

When caught and treated early, it is often possible to slow or stop the progression of kidney disease and avoid serious complications like heart attack, stroke, kidney failure and death.

Some at higher risk People of all races and ethnicities are equally likely to develop kidney disease; however, people of color are more likely to reach kidney failure.

Black Americans make up just 13% of the U.S. population, but they account for 35% of Americans with kidney failure.

Hispanic/Latino people are 1.5 times more likely to progress to kidney failure than non-Hispanic white people.

Native Americans are twice as likely to go into kidney failure as white Americans.

Asian Americans are 1.3 times more likely to go into kidney failure.

The higher risk for kidney failure in these communities is in part due to higher rates of diabetes and high blood pressure, as well as to a lack of access to timely preventative care.

People in regions where there is a

scarcity of healthcare resources can experience higher instances of kidney failure.

An estimated 22% of people with kidney failure live in rural areas. People with later stage kidney disease who live more than 100 miles away from a dialysis center are more likely to die than people who live closer.

As a patient, you have the right to under-

BEACON BITS VIRTUAL MEMORY SCREENINGS

Ongoing

The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America offers free virtual and confidential memory screenings every weekday. Call (866) 232-8484 or visit alzfdn.org/memory-screening to schedule an appointment.

CAREGIVER ALLIANCE

Ongoing

The Family Caregiver Alliance provides a list of resources available to caregivers in each state. Access the list by visiting bit.ly/CaregiverResourcesbyState.

Do you have one or more of these risk factors for vascular disease?

• Age (50+ years old) • High Cholesterol • Diabetes • High Blood Pressure • Family History of Vascular Disease

Aging and falls

A painless 30-minute screening at Maryland Vascular Specialists can detect: Carotid Artery Disease —

From page 10 pant’s home is required.

Agrawal’s hope is that the virtual therapy exercises can help prevent falls. “It’s an important public health issue,” she said of falls in older adults. “Right now, we’re watching and waiting. This is a more proactive approach.”

Compensation is available for participants in both studies. For more information about the two-year observational study, call (410) 614-9825. To volunteer to participate in the two-month vestibular therapy trial, call (410) 502-2145.

stand everything about your health. Talk with your doctor about risk factors, testing options, prevention strategies and available treatment options. If you feel your concerns are not being heard, you have the right to get a second opinion.

To learn more about kidney disease or improving health equity in kidney care, visit KidneyFund.org.

can increase the risk of stroke “I was very pleased with my visit there.

The wait time was minimal, and the staff was great and the doctor was very professional and understanding.

I look forward to my next visit.”

– Doris H.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm — rupture can be fatal

Peripheral Artery Disease — build-up of arterial plaque that can lead to infection, ulcers, and amputation in severe cases

BEACON BITS

Ongoing

Schedule a Screening Today!

NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides free support 24/7 for anyone in distress. It can be reached at 1-800-273-8255.

Beginning July 16, people across the United States can access the Lifeline by dialing 988.

410-936-5149 mvsdoctors.com Columbia

Laurel

10700 Charter Dr • Suite 335 • Columbia, MD

14201 Laurel Park Dr • Suite 214 • Laurel, MD

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

Subscribe online! See how on p. 26

Upcoming Programs for 55 Years +

Recreation & Parks

To view all of our programs and activities, visit www.HowardCountyMD.gov/rap.

Cooking

Drop-In Programs

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

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

NEW! Meet You There with Kupcakes & Co.

Drop-In Social Bridge

Gather your friends or family and join us at Kupcakes & Co. in Elkridge for a hands-on cupcake decorating class. Their head cake designer (who helped them win two cake decorating contests for The Cooking Channel) teaches the class! Each person enjoys this incredible experience that includes instruction, 6 cupcakes (3 designs that will go along with a theme), a goodie bag filled with a few decorating tools, and a YUMMY cupcake to grab from their case on the way out! You get to take home all of the extra supplies used during the class! Don’t miss out! These classes may fill quickly!

Meet You There: Summertime Fun with Kupcakes & Co. 13 yrs + Classes: 1 RP3510.801 Jul 23

1-2:30pm

Sa

Duplicate Bridge

Kiwanis-Wallas Hall 11am-3pm Kiwanis-Wallas Hall 10am-1:30pm

Marathon Bridge

Kiwanis-Wallas Hall Noon-2:30pm

Trivia Time Bain 50+ Ctr

10:30-11:30am

Wii Bowling Club Bain 50+ Ctr

$95

10-11am

W

Free

W F

Free Free

First W of the month

Free

Third W of the month

Free

Th

Free

Special Event

Crafts & Fine Arts

Worthington Dog Park 20th Anniversary

Stained Glass Suncatcher Workshop

Make a 6-8-piece stained glass hanging using the copper foil technique. Learn to score, cut, foil, and solder stained glass pieces into a finished hanging. Develop and practice the skills needed to score and break glass. Supplies provided. This class is appropriate for all skill levels.

55 yrs + Instructor: Maureen Stone Classes: 1 RP3536.801 N Laurel Comm Ctr Jul 10 11am-3pm

Kiwanis-Wallas Hall 9am-noon

Su

$89

Join us on July 9, 10am-1pm for the Worthington Dog Park 20th anniversary celebration for an ON-LEASH day! Event will be held in the big dog area of the park. Give your dog (and yourself ) a great day of play and socialization.

Please keep your dog on a leash at all times. No retractable leashes. All dogs must have someone 18 or over with them.

Children are welcome with adult supervision. Event is free.

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

Makes a great gift!

FREE Summer Concerts • All concerts start at 7pm. Ending time is not exact.

June 13: Bach To Rock - Music School Showcase Free Rock Concert

Join Bach To Rock for a FREE band showcase at Centennial Park, July 13 at 7pm! Bach To Rock is a well-known music school for students of all ages. The scenic lake is the perfect setting for a concert you won’t forget. Don’t miss out on this chance to see an amazing performance from some of Maryland’s best student talent! Concert is at the Centennial Park Amphitheatre.

July 20: Risa Binder - Free Country/Pop Concert

What’s summer without a little country music? Join us at Centennial Park for a FREE concert by the multi-talented Risa Binder on July 20 at 7pm. Risa graduated from Howard High School and the University of Maryland (College Park) and now resides in Nashville but comes to Maryland often. She was nominated for an Emmy for song writing and has opened for national country acts. She performed at Wine in the Woods several years ago and we are excited to have her return to Howard County. Concert is at the Centennial Park Amphitheatre.

July 27: Damon Foreman & Blue Funk - Free Funk/Blues/Rock Concert

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

Emerge with Pamela Schuckman

Are you an active aging participant looking to get fit after illness, an injury or quarantine? This class helps you take the first steps towards your fitness goals while having fun and building confidence. Focus on core strength, balance and flexibility while teaching participants proper body mechanics and ways to modify exercises. Class is tailored to individual needs.

Mark your calendars for this awesome FREE concert at Centennial Park, performed by Howard County native Damon Foreman & Blue Funk on July 27 at 7pm. Damon has performed in past summer concerts and at Wine in the Woods and we are excited to have him back! Damon also runs an award-winning music school in Glenwood. Don’t miss out on this amazing Funk/ Blues/Rock performance at the Centennial Park Amphitheatre.

55 yrs + Classes 10 RP3544.802 Roger Carter Comm Ctr Jul 12 10:15-11:15am Tu,Th $75

Fitness for Life with Lori Nowicki, ACE, AFPA

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

55 yrs + Classes: 6 RP8666.804 Roger Carter Comm Ctr Jul 8 10-11:15am

F

$45

Yoga in the Park Pop Ups with Kathy Greisman

Relax while you take in the sights and surrounding beauty of nature as you get fit and improve your health in this outdoor yoga class. All classes will be held at the beautiful Belmont Manor outdoor tent area. Walk away feeling refreshed, energized and ready to take on the day that lies ahead.

55 yrs + Classes: 1 RP3541.805 Belmont Manor Tent RP3541.806 Belmont Manor Tent RP3541.807 Belmont Manor Tent

Jul 11 Jul 18 Jul 25

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

• Registration: 410-313-7275, www.howardcountymd.gov/rap, or 7120 Oakland Mills Road, Columbia, MD 21046 • Information: Tracy Adkins, 410-313-7279 or tadkins@howardcountymd.gov

Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery RP4550.801 18 yrs + Aug 4

$14 $14 $14

9:30am-3:30pm Th

$69

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

13

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

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A Publication of the Department of Community Resources and Services

Volume 12, No. 7 • July 2022

Lunch & Learn Events Offer Age-Friendly Updates

A Message from Howard County Executive

H

Summer is a great time to enjoy all that Howard County has to offer!

oward County Executive Calvin Ball is hosting a series of Lunch & Learn events in July for community members to learn more about plans to implement the Age-Friendly Action Plan.

The series offers residents an opportunity to share their thoughts on what’s needed to move the county toward becoming a more age-friendly community for all.

Dr. Ball kicked off the series at the North Laurel 50+ Center on June 13, and, along with other county representatives and work group members, listened intently as residents discussed their needs and raised concerns about growing older in the county. “Age-Friendly communities foster independence, allowing residents of all ages and abilities to have greater access to our amenities and services,” said Ball. “With these discussions, we want the community to know that the action plan addresses many of their concerns. We encourage everyone to get involved in the implementation process.”

Participation from across the county and culturally diverse segments of our population will bring the county closer to becoming a more livable, safer and healthier community. “As we make our community more walkable, provide better options to connect and engage with one another, and support more accessible housing – people of all ages will benefit,” said Ball.

If you are interested in attending one of the three remaining Lunch & Learn sessions in July, email agefriendly@howardcountymd.gov to register. “By attending a Lunch & Learn and/or reviewing the Action Plan, you will find that there is a place for everyone in the implementation process,” says Terri Hansen, manager of Age-Friendly Howard County. Groups will begin meeting this month. We encourage you to share your time and talents; sign-up for one or more of the implementation groups at https://bit.ly/agefriendlygroups.

Visit www.howardcountymd.gov/agefriendly to review the Age-Friendly Howard County action plan and/or sign up for one of the implementation groups. Anyone who would like to receive a hard copy of the plan can call Maryland Access Point of Howard County at 410-313-1234 (voice/relay) to have one mailed to them.

Calvin Ball

I

n our approved budget we included record funding of $8.24 million for bike and pedestrian projects, so that more of our residents can safely walk or roll to libraries, 50+ Centers, and grocery stores. Improved walkways will also make it easier for our residents to access our parks and green spaces; we have dedicated $19 million in our budget to improve and expand our recreational facilities.

We’ve also allocated funding to ensure our new East Columbia 50+ Center is completed by the summer of 2023. The longawaited 29,600 square foot center will greatly expand the programs and services for the community. It will provide more space to support meal programs, events and community meetings, art programs, fitness rooms, and lounge space, as well as technology for distance learning.

Our budget also invests in local non-profits, like NeighborRide, that provide direct services for older adults. All these efforts put us on track to make Howard County more Age-Friendly. My office will join the Office on Aging and Independence to host a series of Lunch & Learn events this month at 50+ Centers to provide an update on the Age-Friendly Howard County Action Plan.

I invite you to attend and find out how you can get involved. For details, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/aging; to register, email agefriendly@howardcountymd.gov and indicate which session you are interested in attending.

Our investments in critical infrastructure and community gathering spaces demonstrates our commitment to providing the best possible quality of life for our residents of all ages and abilities.

SHARE YOUR STORY! The Office on Aging and Independence and Age-Friendly Howard County want to hear your Age My Way plans and ideas! Visit www.surveymonkey.com/r/HoCoAgeMyWay OR scan the QR code to tell us how you are aging your way. Upload a photo and we will share it on social media to celebrate you and inspire others. Learn more about the Age-Friendly initiative and how YOU can get involved at www.howardcountymd.gov/agefriendly.

Open a Business. Take Dance Lessons. Join Community Theatre. Go Back to School. Learn to Paint. Adopt a Pet. Volunteer. Play Music. Start a Blog. Train for a 5k. Travel Abroad. Plant a Garden. Teach Arts & Crafts. Hit the Local Parks. Organize Day Trips. How will YOU "AgeMyWay?"

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

The 50+ Connection

Makes a great gift!

15

Keep Foods and Family Safe This Summer!

Summer Fun at 50+ Centers

By Carmen Roberts, MS, RD, LDN Nutritionist, Howard County Office on Aging and Independence

Pool Party Wednesday, July 6 • noon

EAST COLUMBIA 50+ CENTER Join us poolside — baby pools, that is — for games, music and lunch!

Cost: lunch donation (register in advance at the front desk to reserve lunch).

Exercise to Improve Your Mental Health Wednesday, July 13 • 11:00 a.m.

NORTH LAUREL 50+ CENTER Exercise can be a powerful tool to combat multiple mental health symptoms and complement other treatment options. Join Exercise Specialist Malarie Burgess to discuss research findings, explore the physiological and psychological benefits of proper exercise and pick up additional resources. FREE.

Asian Brush Art Show and Reception Monday, July 18 • 10 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

ELKRIDGE 50+ CENTER Take in the beauty of art work crafted by students in our Asian Brush Art and Korean Calligraphy classes. Led by Chung Sook Kang, these classes help students create beauty with brushstrokes and ancient artistic writing.

FREE; refreshments served.

Jazz and Jeans Luncheon Wednesday, July 27 • noon

BAIN 50+ CENTER Join us for an afternoon of live music featuring Franklyn Johnson-Williams (Bonniejazz Music) and have lunch, too. Pick up a ticket at the front desk and make your lunch donation in advance. Space is limited.

AARP Smart Driver Course Wednesday, July 13 • 9 a.m. to noon

ELLICOTT CITY 50+ CENTER Refresh your driving skills and knowledge of the rules of the road, and rediscover proven driving methods to help keep you safe behind the wheel. Call 888-773-7160 to pre-register. Cost: $20 AARP members/$25 non-members (payable to AARP on the day of class).

History of Broadway Monday, July 18 • 11:00 a.m.

GLENWOOD 50+ CENTER Join Steve Friedman for his entertaining and informative series on Broadway's history. Each monthly session focuses on a different era.

Enjoy the lecture and sing along! FREE.

D

uring the summer months, we look forward to family gatherings, cookouts, and trips to the beach. But hot summer temperatures can increase the risk of food poisoning since warmer air causes foodborne germs to multiply quickly. Here are a few simple tips to keep your favorite summer foods safe: • When grocery shopping or eating outdoors, be sure to refrigerate perishable food within one hour if the outside temperature is 90°F or warmer.

• When preparing food for an outdoor event, divide cooked food into shallow containers and store them immediately in the refrigerator or freezer so that they cool rapidly.

• If you’re cooking on the grill, throw out any marinades or sauces that have touched raw meat juices, since they can spread germs to cooked foods. Use clean utensils to remove cooked meat from the grill.

• If you eat food from a food truck at a fair or carnival, make sure that the food handler is wearing gloves and using tongs when preparing and serving food. It’s a good idea to use hand sanitizer or wipes to clean your hands before eating if handwashing areas aren’t available.

• Packing a cooler for the beach? Chill your cooler the night before, pack it with plenty of ice, and freeze any items you can (like grapes and water bottles) to keep the cooler cold. Pack non-perishable foods (like popcorn, canned tuna and fruit, and single-serve peanut butter packets) that can withstand warmer temperatures.

Need help getting on track with your nutrition goals? Schedule a free nutrition consultation with Carmen Roberts. For more information and available dates, contact your nearest 50+ Center or register online at https://bit.ly/HoCoNutrition.

JULY: UV SAFETY Awareness Month Skin Cancer Detection Starts with You Friday, July 22 • 11:00 a.m.

NORTH LAUREL 50+ CENTER You play an important part in detecting abnormal skin growths or potential skin cancers by checking your skin regularly and seeing a healthcare professional for routine skin examinations. Danielle LeClair, a nurse practitioner specializing in Dermatology for over 15 years, will discuss what to look for during self-exams and when to seek the advice of a healthcare professional.

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

This publication is available in alternate formats upon request.

To join the subscriber list, go to https://bit.ly/HoCosubscribe.

9830 Patuxent Woods Drive, Columbia, MD 21046 410-313-6410 (VOICE/RELAY) • www.howardcountymd.gov/aging Find Us on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter — @HoCoCommunity Kim Higdon Henry, Editor •

EMAIL:

kahenry@howardcountymd.gov

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

16

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

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Money Law &

What’s behind the rise in gas prices?

See story on page 19.

What are the safest places to invest now?

Many who have invested in various For that reason, I don’t recommend addiforms of bond funds have been disappoint- tional new investments in bond funds/ETFs ed to see that, despite receivwith long maturities at this ing regular interest payments, time.

Investments in short-term the value of their investment bond alternatives will have has decreased significantly in lower risk, but also lower yields.

2022.

I have received quite a bit of mail from readers asking Certificates of deposit whether they should bail out Many readers have asked of bond funds and instead whether this is a good time to make new investments in be reinvesting proceeds from money-market funds, CDs or maturing CDs and funds from THE SAVINGS I bonds. savings accounts with low GAME Here are some considera- By Elliot Raphaelson yields into new CDs. As the Fed increases intertions you should take into acest rates, banks and credit unions will likecount: ly offer higher rates on CDs. I expect interest rates on CDs to increase gradually, so Bond funds The Federal Reserve has indicated that it would be prudent to invest in shorterfor the rest of the year it will raise interest term CDs now. As interest rates increase, rates several times in order to curb inflation. you can invest in longer-term CDs. As a result, if you have investments in One of the advantages of investing in bond mutual funds or exchange-traded funds CDs as opposed to bond funds now is that, with long maturities, it’s likely in the short as you redeem your CD at maturity, your run that the net asset value (NAV) of your in- principal is safe. In contrast, there is no vestments will decrease and that, even with guarantee that new investments in bond regular interest reinvested, the total value of funds, even in Treasury instruments, will your holdings may decrease in value. not decrease in value in the short term.

Money market funds If your main objective is to stay liquid while protecting your capital, you can invest in money market instruments. However, with inflation likely to stay at high levels in the short run, the returns you receive will not keep pace with inflation.

I bonds (inflation-protected bonds) As I have written in many recent columns, investing in Series I bonds has a significant advantage now, as well as one disadvantage that I don’t think is significant.

The major advantage is the high rate of return with no capital risk. For the six months starting May 2022, I bonds will be paying 9.62% in interest.

After October, there will be a new rate, based on the updated consumer price index. Although the next new six-month rate may be lower than 9.62%, you can be sure that the rate of return will be higher than the return from CDs or money-market instruments.

Individuals can purchase up to $10,000 each calendar year and they must be bought through the U.S. Treasury at TreasuryDirect.gov. Married couples can invest $20,000 per year. In addition, you can

invest an additional $5,000 per year using a tax refund.

The main disadvantage of investing in I bonds is liquidity. Once you purchase an I bond, you can’t sell it for 12 months; if you do sell it in less than five years, you lose three months of interest.

You cannot lose money on your investment in I bonds. When you compare investing in I bonds to investing in CDs, savings accounts and money-market instruments, I bonds stand out as a superior choice for conservative investors (as long as you can accommodate the one-year holding period).

Treasury bills and notes For short-term investments, you can purchase Treasury bills directly from TreasuryDirect.gov without a brokerage account.

You can invest in bills that mature in six or 12 months. The recent rate for sixmonth bills was almost 1.5%, and the 12month rate was 2.07%. Another option is the two-year Treasury note yielding 2.71% as of the time of publication.

Elliot Raphaelson welcomes your questions and comments at raphelliot@gmail.com.

Guaranteeing income in uncertain times

By Elliot Raphaelson I have discussed single-premium immediate annuities, or SPIAs, in previous columns. They have features that are very important because of the uncertainty in the stock and bond markets, and because some politicians would like to reduce future Social Security benefits.

When stock markets were bullish for several years, some investors expected equity prices to always go up. Because of the current volatility in equities, reality has set in and investors now know that equity prices don’t always increase.

Also, because of inflation and the Federal Reserve’s recent actions to increase interest rates, investors have seen bonds fall significantly in value.

So, investors now recognize that, because of the current uncertainty in the equity and bond markets, it makes sense to look at alternatives that, like definedbenefit pensions and Social Security,

offer a guaranteed income stream.

Consider annuities SPIAs are such an alternative.

There are many different forms of annuities. Some are complex, and some have high commission costs.

In contrast, the single-premium annuity is easy to understand, does not have high hidden commission costs, does provide a guaranteed income stream, and is independent from market fluctuations.

The simplest explanation of SPIAs is that you provide a fixed sum to a life insurance company, and the company pays you guaranteed income for life (or for a specific time frame that you specify).

SPIAs are not a new product. They have existed for hundreds of years. Stan Haithcock (aka Stan the Annuity man), an annuity expert licensed in all 50 states, points out that SPIAs are “commodity” products.

“No one is better than the other,” he ex-

plained. “You have to shop for the best contractual deal for your situation.”

If you contact him (stan@theannuityman.com), indicating your age and the amount of your investment, he can let you know the income you can receive from toprated insurance companies, for specific variables. You can also run these quotes at his site, using an SPIA calculator (stantheannuityman.com/spia-calculator).

Haithcock believes you should not allocate more than 50% of your investable assets to an annuity.

Some of the advantages of SPIAs are: they are easy to understand; they have no annual fees; the commissions (built in) are minimal; and the income you receive is contractual and not dependent on market conditions.

You may elect an inflation option (cost of living adjustments), such as a 3% increase in income each year. But this option would result in a lower income initially. For example, if you were entitled to a $524 monthly

payment without a COLA, a 3% COLA would decrease your monthly payment to $374 (which would increase 3% per year).

Three main options There are three primary options: “life only,” “life with a period certain,” and “cash refund or installment payment.”

The life-only option provides the highest monthly payment. You can elect that for yourself only as long as you live, or for you and your spouse for as long as he/she lives.

Naturally, the monthly income will be lower if your policy covers both of your lifetimes.

If you elect life with a certain period, you can indicate that you want to be covered for a specified minimum period. The longer the term certain, the lower the monthly payments.

For example, you might consider other life-insurance coverage when choosing how See ANNUITIES, page 17

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17

Down market suggests Roth conversion

By Andrew Rosen While a down market may not be a fun time for investors, there are some bright spots and opportunities to be had. Stock market drops like we’ve seen recently might make a Roth IRA conversion more appealing as a strategy for investors.

Should you consider converting a traditional IRA to a Roth during a down market?

There are a few things to consider.

What is a Roth conversion?

When you have a traditional IRA, those are pre-tax dollars that you’re investing.

While the money grows tax-free in the IRA, when you later go to take a withdrawal, every dollar you pull will be taxed at your current rate for income (not capital gains).

With a Roth IRA, you invest alreadytaxed dollars, which not only grow tax-free in the Roth, but are tax-free (along with any gains) whenever you withdraw them, as long as you are at least 59½ and follow a few other rules.

So, there is a lot of value to a Roth. However, when you convert a traditional IRA to

Annuities From page 16 long to receive your annuity. If you had a term life-insurance policy that would pay proceeds to your spouse for 20 years, you might elect a shorter specified time frame for your annuity (say, 10 years) because you knew that if you died after 10 years, your named beneficiary would receive the benefits of your life insurance policy. In the meantime, during the next 10 years, you would receive a higher monthly income from your annuity.

The life with installment option offers the highest lifetime payment while guaranteeing that 100% of your initial premium

a Roth, you need to turn those pre-tax IRA dollars (and any gain to date) into post-tax Roth dollars at the time. That means when you trigger a Roth conversion, you’ll be responsible for paying that year the tax due on any pre-tax contributions or earnings within the traditional IRA.

Conversions in a down market When the market has dropped, it’s likely your IRA value has dropped along with it. Since the value of your IRA has gone down, you’ll be paying less taxes on the current value than you would have a few months ago when the market (and your IRA’s value) were higher.

That suggests you can probably convert a larger portion of your IRA in a down market than you could in years when the market is up.

It’s important to work with both a financial adviser and your tax professional to determine not only the amount of tax you’ll owe during the year that you perform the Roth conversion, but also how long it would potentially take you to break even. will go to whomever you specify. The beneficiary(-ies) would receive payments over time of the remaining premium not already paid out to you.

With the life with cash refund option, your beneficiaries would receive a lump sum of the difference between the initial premium and the amount received in monthly payments. This is the second highest guarantee while insuring 100% of your initial premium.

Bottom line: If you want to ensure regular guaranteed income in retirement, you can consider using an SPIA for contractually guaranteed monthly income. © 2022 Elliot Raphaelson. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Pros of a Roth conversion Converting from a traditional IRA to a Roth has many potential benefits for investors. As noted above, because a Roth IRA allows for dollars to grow tax-free, all the growth is also tax-free.

There are also no RMDs, or required minimum distributions, on a Roth IRA. With a traditional IRA or 401(k), you have a set minimum you must withdraw each year once you hit the age of 72, but Roth IRAs do not have this requirement.

Tax rates are still relatively low, historically, which means now is as good of a time as any for a Roth conversion, from a tax perspective.

Another benefit of having a Roth IRA is that it gives you a different “bucket” of income to pull from in an effort to keep your taxes as low as possible during retirement.

Roth IRAs also benefit your spouse and heirs at inheritance time, as the tax-free benefits pass along to them in various ways, de-

pending on the time limit and amount, and their relationship with you, the deceased.

A few cautions Roth IRA conversions have other costs.

There’s the five-year rule, where you must wait five years after a conversion before making a withdrawal or else you could incur a 10% penalty. Keep in mind that this fiveyear rule only applies to those who are younger than 59½.

Triggering a Roth conversion will also increase your adjusted gross income (AGI) that year, which could increase your tax rate that year and possibly affect other issues, such as raising the cost of Medicare premiums (which go up for those with higher AGIs).

The best way to determine if a Roth conversion is the right move for you during the down market is to work with a financial adviser and a tax professional so you can get feedback on your specific financial situation.

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

Apps address end-of-life planning issues

By Liz Weston Before the pandemic, entrepreneurs Liz Eddy and Alyssa Ruderman had trouble getting venture capitalists to invest in their endof-life planning app, called Lantern. Potential business partners were skeptical as well.

“We would hear, ‘Oh, this is really a niche issue,’ which I think is pretty hilarious,” Eddy said. “Death is quite literally the only thing on the planet that affects every single person.”

The past two years have highlighted the importance of such preparation, even for younger people. Abigail Henson, a 31-yearold college professor in Phoenix, said she started using Lantern about 18 months ago to plan her funeral, tell her executor where to find her passwords, and explain what she wanted to be done with her social media accounts.

“I’m a planner, and I have control issues,

so the idea of being able to have a say in what happens following my passing was appealing,” Henson said.

Planning for death and navigating life after a loss can be difficult, complex and sometimes expensive. However, several apps — including Lantern, Cake, Empathy and Everplans, among others — promise to help.

How the apps work Death-planning apps typically have free tools for consumers, and most have additional premium services available for a fee.

For example, Empathy’s free offerings include checklists, articles and collaboration tools for family members.

Those who pay a subscription fee of $8.99 a month or $64.99 per year can access a document vault and automated tools to close accounts. Subscribers also get around-the-clock access to “care special-

ists” who can answer questions and help users search for specialized advisers, such as attorneys or tax pros.

Everplans, a document-storage site and app, offers a free trial followed by an annual $75 subscription fee.

Lantern’s free offerings include basic preplanning tools, an after-loss checklist, document storage and collaboration tools.

A one-time $149 fee provides access to more resources and the ability to create additional plans.

Cake’s free features include end-of-life planning, online memorials, a post-loss checklist and document storage. A $96 annual subscription buys unlimited storage, a legal online will, and one-on-one consultations with the app’s support team, said Suelin Chen, Cake’s co-founder.

Some apps partner with employers, insurers, banks and other companies that

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provide the app’s features to employees or customers as a benefit.

The apps also may earn referral fees for connecting users with service providers.

Lantern has a “Funeralocity” tool to search for funeral homes, for instance, and Cake partners with Eterneva, which turns cremated remains into diamonds.

Plan at your own pace Henson chose Lantern because she wanted to complete preplanning tasks at her own pace and share them online with trusted people. That felt more manageable than tackling estate planning all at once and storing the documents in a filing cabinet, which is what her mother has done, Henson said.

“It can be really overwhelming to think about it in one sitting. But the idea that, every once in a while, you can pop in and add more is helpful,” Henson said.

People shouldn’t rely on apps to do all their estate planning, said certified financial planner and physician Carolyn McClanahan of Jacksonville, Florida. Wills and trusts, for example, are tricky to draft and best done by experienced attorneys, she said.

But McClanahan likes apps that help with tasks such as funeral instructions, advanced care directives, pet care plans and obituary drafts.

“Anything that can get people to start thinking about planning for end of life is good,” McClanahan said.

Thinking about your legacy Planning for your death can be a tremendous gift to the people you leave behind, sparing them confusion and stress. But dealing with death’s aftermath can still be a heavy load, made even more complicated by grief.

Families often spend thousands of dollars and hundreds of hours on post-death tasks, said Ron Gura, Empathy’s co-founder and CEO. Those chores can include arranging the funeral, probating the estate, closing accounts, canceling services and dealing with various government agencies, including Social Security and the IRS. Apps allow people to answer a few questions and get personalized advice. “We can show you only the things that you need to do right now, and also tell you what can wait,” Gura said.

The apps focus on practicalities, such as completing tasks and uploading important documents. But many also encourage users to think about their legacies.

Everplans, for example, has a worksheet to help people create an ethical will — a document that communicates their values, life lessons and most important experiences. Everplans also has templates and guidance for writing letters and creating videos with a legacy message.

Cake’s Chen said people often ask her if running a death-planning app is depressing.

Quite the opposite, she said.

“It really gets at the core of what makes life meaningful,” she said. “I am reminded every single day to make the most of the time that I have.” —AP/NerdWallet

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What is making the price of gas so high?

By Jim Patterson As gasoline prices keep climbing, many frustrated drivers might be asking, “Who controls gas prices?” The short answer is: No one person, company or government can really be said to set gas prices.

But it is possible to break down some of the major factors that go into determining the cost of a gallon of gas. Let’s take a look.

briefly turned negative because global oil demand fell so fast that oil storage facilities filled up with unwanted oil.

Since then, global oil demand has come roaring back, but global oil output has been slower to recover from the cuts that OPEC and many energy companies implemented.

Unfortunately, there’s little sign of oil prices dropping much, which makes it hard to say when gas prices will go down.

Crude oil The Department of Energy has a handy chart that breaks down the major expenses involved in turning crude oil in the ground into the refined gas you can put in your car.

The biggest, accounting for a bit more than half the price you pay, is the price of crude oil — the raw material from which gas is refined.

Unfortunately, the price of that raw material has been on a tear for over a year now, bringing gas prices higher with it.

West Texas Intermediate crude now trades for about $110 per barrel. A year ago, it was only $65 per barrel.

In 2020, during the depths of the recession caused by COVID-19, WTI prices

Taxes The next biggest factor determining gas prices, according to the Department of Energy, is gas taxes — specifically, the state, local and federal taxes levied on fuel.

No one loves paying taxes, but they can’t be blamed for the recent run-up in gas prices. The 18.4-cent-per-gallon federal tax on gas hasn’t been increased in about three decades.

Some states, including Maryland, actually cut or suspended their own gas taxes briefly in an attempt to give motorists some relief. Sadly, those reductions haven’t done anything to keep the average price of gas from hitting new records.

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Other factors The remaining factors controlling gas prices are a mix of related costs: refining crude into gasoline and other fuels, transporting it to stations by pipeline and truck, and marketing it.

This bucket of costs includes refiners’ profits on turning barrels of oil into barrels of gasoline, and these days, those profits are soaring.

Some refineries closed due to the slump in fuel demand during the pandemic, which

means bigger profit margins for those that remain in operation, now that demand is strong.

If you want to share in some of those profits as an investor instead of just funding them as a driver, consider Valero, Phillips 66 or PBF Energy stocks. Maybe they will provide some comfort during your next expensive fill-up. [Ed. Note: Or invest in solar or wind energy.] © 2022 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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PHOTO BY DIANE YORK

Travel Leisure &

Bougainvillea blooms at a Kauai resort.

See story below.

Hawaii’s green island soothes the mind plied in the wild.

My favorite part of this resort on Poipu Beach was the proximity of a hiking path that stretches for about a mile north and a mile south. The path is delineated by a low wall of volcanic black rock leading all the way to the ocean.

Walking this trail at dawn, listening to the morning songs of the birds, passing open meadows and patches of forest with tiny yellow birds (saffron finches) flitting about, and watching a slow, sweet sun rising, was my favorite morning treat.

At the end of the path, you can get a latte at a coffee shop or check out the Whalers General Store. Across the street, walking through the Kiahuna Plantation Resort with its orchid garden and fish pond, you’ll find Poipu Beach.

Thankfully, local laws guarantee free beach access to all. If you are up for it, you can connect with a surfing instructor there who will take you out past the reef and teach you to surf Hawaiian-style.

In February, the weather was perfect, with highs in the 70s. The ocean was still chilly for me, but my family found Poipu Beach great for swimming and snorkeling.

They saw eels, multicolored fish and a whale far off in the distance, its plume marking its route. A monk seal clambered

PHOTO BY HAWAII TOURISM AUTHORITY

By Diane York There is a saying that Hawaii is not a state of mind but a state of grace. I found that to be true during five perfect days in Kauai (Ka-wai’-ee, rhymes with Hawaii) last winter.

People often tell you about their favorite vacation spot, describing it as heavenly.

But none of the typical descriptors fulfill their promise as does Hawaii.

It’s not just sun, beaches and surf. The native Hawaiians are mellow, the pace is slower than the mainland, and the air is magical.

Of the Hawaiian Islands, Kauai is called the “green island.” And green it is — lush, abundant, fertile with flowers, plants and trees in abundance.

On our first day there, we arrived weary, jet-lagged and a bit cranky. But the easy smiles and patience of the airport staff, and the soft breezes blowing through the airport, softened all that.

We drove to the Pilli Mai Condo complex next to the expansive Kiahuna golf course. One of the first things I noticed was the abundance of roosters, hens and chicks that roam wild everywhere. The story is that Hurricane Iniki in 1992 blasted winds of up to 225 mph across the island, freeing chickens who happily multi-

PHOTO BY HAWAII TOURISM AUTHORITY

Tropical rainforests cover much of the lush Hawaiian island of Kauai. Not surprisingly, its vistas have served as the backdrop for dozens of Hollywood films, from South Pacific to Pirates of the Caribbean.

Spending an evening on a Kauai beach, or watching a sunrise over the water, make for a bucket-list vacation that doesn’t require a passport. Also known as Hawaii’s “garden island,” Kauai’s picture-perfect gardens, slow pace and mellow residents can make visitors never want to leave.

up the beach and made itself comfortable next to us.

Later in the day, we drove to old Koloa town, where we bought groceries at the Safeway grocery store. Shipping goods to Hawaii inflates the cost; I was in sticker shock when I realized I had bought five bags of groceries for $400!

We ate pizza and drank mango martinis that night at the Volcano Pizza restaurant across from Poipu Beach.

Cave adventure Twenty miles east of Poipu Beach is the spectacular Makauwahi Cave Preserve.

This mammoth, two-story cave on the ocean exceeded all expectations.

One of the Pirates of the Caribbean movies was filmed here. When Captain Jack Sparrow leaped from a high cliff, it was from the top of the Makauwahi Cave.

An off-road vehicle is your best bet for driving there, as the rocks can tear up the bottom of a low-riding sedan. On your way, you will pass the CJM Country Stables, where you can rent horses to ride along the beach.

A bit of an uphill hike through woods brings you to a stone wall with a small, triangular opening at the base. Taking a leap (crouch?) of faith, you must crawl on your

hands and knees into the cave.

After about 15 feet, you can stand and find yourself inside a huge open area with tall palms reaching to the sky, surrounded by three-story cliffs. There is a feeling of having found the Lost World — and that at any moment, a pterodactyl might fly overhead and sweep you off your feet.

The cave is considered to be the largest fossil area on the island, with 10,000 years of animals, plants, seeds and leaves preserved in its layers of sand, soil and sediment. There is also a preserve here where you can get eye to eye with several giant land tortoises.

After that challenging hike, we visited Uncle’s Best Shaved Ice in the shops at Kukuiula shopping center on Poipu Road and ate mounds of pina colada shaved ice with a huge scoop of creamy, cold, vanilla ice cream on top.

Historic ‘Wild West’ village On day three, after a late brunch and dip in the pool, we drove the winding, scenic road up to the old town of Hanapepe.

Hanapepe is called the “smallest big town in Kauai” and is known for its art galleries, bookstore and swinging bridge.

See HAWAII, page 22

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Makes a great gift! | Leisure & Travel

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Stay off the beaten path for summer deals

By Sam Kemmis Many Americans are looking to travel this summer. Most hope to find a good deal. Unfortunately, that’s not how the law of supply and demand usually works.

Air travel has nearly returned to prepandemic levels. Hotels are filling up, and vacation rentals are booming.

“Demand across the board for summer 2022 travel is up 20% to 25% relative to 2019,” said Jamie Lane, vice president of research at AirDNA, a vacation rental data platform that tracks trends on Airbnb and Vrbo.

Volatile oil prices could also impact summer travel costs. The price of U.S. Gulf Coast kerosene-type jet fuel hit $4.47 per gallon in our area in May, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

With so many factors pushing travel prices upward, where are the deals? And what destinations should budget-conscious travelers avoid altogether?

Zig while others zag The rise of inflation has reminded consumers of a simple economic truth: When everybody wants something and there isn’t enough of it, prices go up. This is true for real estate, microchips and airfare.

So, when planning a trip for this summer, it’s helpful to know where demand remains high.

“Destination resort areas are up 40% over 2019,” said Lane, of vacation rental occupancy rates.

Mexico has been a particularly hot destination for U.S. travelers, due to proximity and easygoing testing requirements. Indeed, the number of travelers to Mexico in March 2022 was up nearly 20% compared with 2019 levels.

Deals for summer travel in Mexico could still exist, but they’ll be harder to find than in less popular destinations. The same goes for rural U.S. destinations, especially those close to national parks.

“The strongest demand is in small-town rural areas,” Lane said. “Demand has doubled over 2019.”

Instead, Lane suggests targeting destinations that rely heavily on foreign visitors and have been slower to recover tourists.

“Places like Croatia, Italy and Greece have been very slow to recover and are down anywhere from 40% to 60% in demand. They haven’t seen the price increases that we’ve seen in the U.S.”

Flight bookings to Europe dropped after the start of the Russia-Ukraine war, according to data from Hopper, a travel booking app, suggesting that travel to the continent could remain sluggish through the summer. That means deals could (and should) follow.

“A last-minute booking in Croatia? You’re going to find a great deal,” Lane said.

Book (some things) late The pandemic has reshaped how many travelers make plans. Instead of cementing dates months in advance, many began booking trips mere weeks away. And despite much conventional travel wisdom, this approach is actually a good way to secure deals.

“Generally, if you book far in advance, you’re going to pay more,” said Lane, pointing to how the Airbnb pricing algorithm will drop prices at the last minute to fill remaining availability. “As you get closer to the stay date, if it’s not booked, you’re going to get a discount.”

The same is true of hotels, which are often cheaper to book within a few weeks or days of your stay rather than a few months. Similarly, deals on rental cars are generally easier to find at the last minute.

This advice comes with two big caveats.

First, if demand does outstrip supply at a particular destination, prices could actually go up in the few weeks before a trip rather than down. Worse, availability could dry up altogether, leaving few cars or vacation rentals available.

Second, last-minute airfare is usually costlier. This is not an ironclad rule — lastminute deals can pop up, but they’re more common a month or more out.

Stay flexible The only thing we don’t know about what will happen this summer is everything. Another variant could emerge. Borders could close. International conflicts could escalate. Who knows?

As a traveler, that’s why flexibility is a must for finding deals.

Rather than making a firm plan to visit a particular destination, follow the deals.

See what airfare and accommodation deals are available on target dates, and build a trip around them. Flexibility has always been important for budget travel. Now it’s necessary.

BEACON BITS

July 18

CRYPTOCURRENCY SCAMS

Do you wish you knew more about cryptocurrency? Howard County Public Library and the Better Business Bureau of Greater Maryland will discuss cryptocurrency and the ways criminals exploit this new type of asset to scam investors. This free event takes place online Mon., July 18 from 2 to 3 p.m. For more information and to register, visit bit.ly/HCPLCrypto.

July 26

BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO GOING VEGAN

Learn more about a vegan lifestyle in this free virtual workshop hosted by AARP on Tues., July 26 from 7 to 8 p.m. Registration is required. For more information and to register, visit bit.ly/AARPVegan.

Make sure to only book travel that can be easily changed or canceled. A great deal on airfare with a low-cost airline such as Spirit Airlines could carry high change

and cancellation fees. The same goes for basic economy fares, which usually can’t be changed or canceled at all.

—AP/NerdWallet

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For your FREE VACATION CATALOG, visit EyreTours.com or call (410) 442-6872

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Leisure & Travel | Subscribe online! See how on p. 26

Hawaii From page 20 The charming town resembles a movie set for a Western, with wood frame houses dating back to the 1880s. The Hanapepe River passes through town, crossed by a 185-foot-long rickety footbridge. It’s only three feet wide and sways wildly, providing plenty of thrills.

The view is gorgeous, though, with fish jumping in the river and the sun streaking the cliffs with gold. If you make it across, peruse the Bridge Art Galler y on the other side.

The town bookstore, called Talk Story, is a delightful escape with an eclectic collection of art, gardening, non-fiction and fiction, and mystery books. It even has the robots from the 1990s TV show “Mystery Science Theatre 3000.”

Talk Story has a unique collection of Hawaiian cultural items, too, including books written in the Hawaiian language. It’s the kind of bookstore you could spend a week in.

Art galleries abound here, with paintings and photography of Hawaii and beyond. A cluster of restaurants just down the road serves Hawaiian pork ribs, salads and rice bowls.

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

Garden tours Think Jurassic Park without the dinosaurs, and you can picture Allerton and McBryde Gardens in Koloa. The two gardens together comprise about 380 acres of flowers, fruit orchards, forest, jungle, water features including waterfalls, streams, a gazebo and pool, ancient palms, enormous Moreton Bay Fig Trees, and monstrous tropical plants that look like they might eat you.

Jurassic Park was, in fact, partly filmed here. National Geographic Traveler calls this place one of its “50 Places of a Lifetime.” A three-hour adventure of riding (a bus) and walking is well worth the $60 fee.

The visitors center sign reads: “relax, connect and be inspired,” and I was.

Back in Koloa we stopped at the Koloa Jodo Mission to view its traditional Japanese temple, whose lovely garden is known for its collection of lotus and water lilies.

We had dinner at the Bangkok Happy Bowl and listened to a Hawaiian soft rock band while sharing four dishes: Bangkok coconut curry noodles, a Poipu Bowl, a cashew dish and fried rice.

Ziplining and Lydgate Beach Three people in our family wanted some action, so on day five, we went ziplining in Koloa. I watched in awe as they flew away over ravines and streams. They found it “absolutely exhilarating.” Ziplining is safe even for children.

Wanting a different beach experience that afternoon, we drove 34 miles south to Lydgate Beach. Fallen trees are carried here from an inland river, creating “the Driftwood Beach,” where you can find fan-

tastic creations of ocean-sculpted wood.

Two huge enclosed ponds protect you from the big waves, are full of colorful fish, and are perfect for safe swimming.

We finished the day at the Roy Yamaguchi Eating House back in Koloa. Sizzling tataki ribeye and locally grown tomato and mozzarella salad. Yum. There is much, much more to do on Hawaii’s green island. Perhaps the best way to see the mountains, hidden valleys and waterfalls that dot the island is by helicopter. Most of these tours are based at the airport in Lihue.

In addition, boat tours provide views of inaccessible cliffs and oceanfront caves.

There are snorkel and scuba tours to enjoy the vast diverse creatures hidden in the ocean.

In Hawaii, it’s possible to be outdoors from sunrise to sunset with ideal weather most days of the year, which to me would be a perfect life.

Others in my party remarked they felt 10 years younger after a week here. My visit was far too short. But when I need to, I can return to the state of grace that is Hawaii, if only through my memories.

Aloha, heavenly island.

If you go Round-trip flights from BWI to Kauai start at $860 on American Airlines.

Kauai resorts range from Marriott and Sheraton Grand Hyatt to lesser-known and less expensive hotels. Poipu Beach is sunny year-round, while the Princeville area on the north side is a lush, occasionally rainy area.

For more information, visit gohawaii.com.

BEACON BITS

Ongoing

WORLD LANGUAGES CAFÉ On the fourth Tuesday of each month from 7 to 9 p.m., the

A Network of Professionals Dedicated to Serving Older Adults Our members enjoy: • Monthly Networking Meetings • Social Gatherings • Directory & Website Advertising • Professional Development Programming

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

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

To register, email info@cogsmd.org.

Columbia Association hosts a world languages café, with an opportunity for participants to practice speaking any of 18 different languages, meet new people and learn about different cultures. The event takes place at the 50+ Center of the East Columbia Library. For more information, visit bit.ly/CALanguageCafe or contact Grace Chang at (410) 715-3178 or International@ColumbiaAssociation.org.

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

Makes a great gift!

Style

23

Arts &

Look for the second edition of the Betty White biography in September 2022. See story below.

Betty White shines in coffee table book MacLeod, who died last May at age 90, wrote the book’s forward. Saluting White as a great performer and “national treasure,” he deemed her “one of the most caring and loving human beings I’ve ever known.”

Played against type She was also a pro, said Bill D’Elia, producer with David E. Kelley of TV’s “Boston Legal,” in which White appeared. Kelley, who had also worked with White on his film “Lake Placid,” delighted in giving her salty language and bad behavior to play, D’Elia says in the book.

“David loved the contrast of her image versus what the character was saying,” he said. “She would happily say anything and do anything the story and script called for.”

The book briefly sketches the Illinois native’s early years before moving to a breezily detailed account of White’s success in Hollywood.

The great loves of her life — husband Allen Ludden, who was a game show host, and animals of all breeds — also get attention. Among the book’s photos is one of

PIANO AT PEABODY is a

AP PHOTO/CHARLES SYKES

By Lynn Elber A photo of the late Betty White, with dimpled smile and guileless gaze, filled the cover of a coffee table book that was published a month before her 100th birthday, just days before her death on Dec. 31, 2021.

The image on the cover of Betty White: 100 Remarkable Moments in an Extraordinary Life (becker&mayer! Books) evokes the genuine White, according to the book’s author, Ray Richmond. After digging into her life and career, he concluded that she was as warm and appealing as appearances would have it.

“You could make a convincing case that Betty White was the most versatile and beloved entertainer in American history,” said Richmond.

White, who would have reached centenarian status on Jan. 17, 2022, didn’t participate in the making of the book. Richmond, a veteran entertainment reporter and critic, instead relied on research and interviews with her friends and colleagues, including Carol Burnett, Candice Bergen and Gavin MacLeod (Murray on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show”).

the couple on the day of their Las Vegas wedding in 1963 (Ludden died in 1981).

There are also studio and publicity shots of White alone and with her co-stars. One was taken the night she, Bea Arthur, Rue McClanahan and Estelle Getty re-enacted scenes from “The Golden Girls” at a royal variety show in London attended by Britain’s Queen Mother, who is said to have requested their performance.

Did you know?

Among the moments and milestones recounted in Betty White: 100 Remarkable Moments in an Extraordinary Life: See BETTY WHITE, page 25 Betty White, pictured here in May 2011, died last December at age 99.

N O W O N S TA AGE

week-long summer program for adults of all skill levels, led by faculty artists with jazz and classical backgrounds.

July 10–15, 2022 • Lectures • Workshops • Faculty Recitals

• Master Classes • Individual Lessons and Recitals (optional)

RE G NO IST W ER

peabody.jhu.edu/ pianoatpeabody 667-208-6640

T TobysDinnerThe eatre.com

for ticketets call 410-730-8311 or visit

Due to the nature of theatrical bookings, all shows and dates are subject to change

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Arts & Style | Subscribe online! See how on p. 26

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

Sixty years since high school? Can’t be!

The letter was so upbeat, it almost chirped. time of day.

“Come back!” it urged. “Relive All Those About how that young first-year Spanish Great Memories! Bask in the teacher made female hearts Glow!” flutter.

It was an invitation to my About how bobby socks 60th high school reunion. Gulp. and penny loafers were stanWince. Run fingers through dard equipment. white hair.

About how dopey it was that Have 60 years really passed? girls couldn’t wear slacks to They have. school unless the mercury Are most of my classmates dipped to 22 degrees. still alive? They are.

About how some kid brought Are most of them planning a record to a party by some HOW I SEE IT to attend? They are. singer named Elvis Presley —

By Bob Levey Am I planning to attend? and it turned heads.

Wouldn’t miss it for love or money.

About how we were caught between two Sixty isn’t as round a number as 50, and eras — not exactly Eisenhower and not exthat reunion was a blast and a half. So, actly Kennedy.

Number 60 should be festive and the mood About how we traded surefire ways to should be light, even if some of us now own make pimples disappear. titanium knees and sport toupees.

About how the boys bragged about havBring on the grandchildren pix! ing kissed their best girls in the movies.

And bring on all the tales of yesteryear, About how the girls said no, no, it never which get better with age, even if we don’t. happened — even when it had.

About how he wanted to invite her to the About how cars had tail fins and trunks senior dance but she never gave him the big enough to carry a good-sized suburb.

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About how math was tough for everyone, and English class produced endless soupy, silly poems.

About student government meetings that always ended with…RESOLVED, we demand better food at lunch.

About study halls where the books soon gave way to snickering and spitballs.

About how half of our homes did not contain a television set.

About cigarettes. We smoked them when our parents weren’t looking, so we could look and act like adults. We never considered the health consequences.

About jet planes. They had just been invented. Suddenly, California was no longer on the dark side of the moon.

About Princess phones. Every girl who wanted to show off had one. Usually pink.

About blue jeans. They weren’t allowed at school. Too casual. So, weekend parties were a festival of denim.

About reputations that would last for decades. For example, Your Faithful Correspondent had great trouble pronouncing the French word for “street.” So he was inducted into — and still inhabits — The La Roo Club.

About cliques. They were everywhere.

Sixty years later, they are nowhere. All walls have been forgotten and forgiven.

About parents who insisted that Tommy Dorsey and Frank Sinatra were the

archdeacons of pop music. We made sure to guffaw when they weren’t listening.

About college. We all expected to go.

We all went. And at every reunion — including, no doubt, Number 60 — we will all admit that we couldn’t get into our alma maters today.

And about togetherness. We have helped each other across many rough patches in life. We are amazingly close, thanks in large part to an e-mail chat group. We expect and intend to remain that way.

Of course, no reunion could be complete without subplots.

Will the classmate who said we were all bourgeois and shallow show up and seek forgiveness? Will the basketball players who slacked on defense finally admit that they had?

And will She be there?

If you have to ask who that is, you must have missed the capital S. She, as in Girl Friend Number One. We parted on messy terms. We never reconciled. I haven’t seen her in 60 years.

She won’t be there…Will she? Won’t she?

Maybe? Please?

So go reunions. So will go our 60th. We are older, wiser and frozen in time. Truly, we are joined at the hip.

Bob Levey is a national award-winning columnist.

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Betty White From page 23 — After singing at her 1939 high school graduation, White and another student were asked to join an experimental TV test in Los Angeles. As the pair danced and sang on the sixth floor of a building owned by auto dealer and broadcast pioneer Earle C. Anthony, the performance was transmitted to the lobby. The audience: the teens’ parents and a few others.

— When the United States entered World War II in December 1941, White, then just shy of 20, joined a women’s volunteer organization that provided home-front support.

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Makes a great gift! | Arts & Style

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

She drove trucks carrying supplies for soldiers housed at Los Angeles-area camps during the day. At night, she joined dances for troops set to be deployed overseas.

— “The Betty White Show,” with White hosting a half-hour of songs and interviews, debuted in 1954 on NBC. It included 21-year-old Black tap dancer Arthur Duncan at a time when people of color were rarely seen on TV. Station managers citing viewer complaints threatened to pull the show. A defiant White began booking Duncan more frequently, with the network’s backing. Duncan, who became a longtime regular on “The Lawrence Welk Show” starting in the 1960s and is now 88,

is quoted in the book saluting White for defending him and “opening a lot of doors for me in performing.”

— White moved in glamorous circles, and created them. Burnett recalls joining “game nights” at the White-Ludden house.

Charades, board games and such were the entertainment, and “they would have people there like Fred Astaire just hanging around. And Burt Reynolds. My gosh, there were just so many,” Burnett said.

—AP

BEACON BITS

July 15+

MERRIWEATHER MOVIE NIGHTS Enjoy free movies at Merriweather Post Pavilion this summer! See

“The Goonies” on Fri., July 15 and “Summer of Soul” on Thurs., July 21. Doors open at 6 p.m., and movies begin at 7 p.m. For more information and to register, visit bit.ly/MerriweatherMovies22.

BEACON BITS

July 16+

POW WOW Enjoy Native American dancing, singing, storytelling and craft

ANSWERS TO CROSSWORD

FROM PAGE 26

demonstrations at the Howard County Fairgrounds on Sat., July 16 from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., and Sun., July 17 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission costs $12 for ages 13 and up. Email powwow@vance.net for a $1 discount coupon. For more information, visit bit.ly/HCPowWow.

Ongoing

ANSWERS TO SCRABBLE

MAPLELAWN FARMERS MARKET The Maplelawn Farmers Market takes place every Saturday through Nov. 5 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 7405 Maple Lawn Blvd.

in Fulton. For more information, visit maplefarmersmarket.com.

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M I S O

M E E K N E L S E A I M S S M A S T E L L I A S N G O A S A N N E B E T A S S A M

A F N A L N O F S Y S E U N A H S M A C E R A E R S M I L E A S T T E

I M A M

S A T U P

T H E G R A E I M E O C K L A I T S R A E A M R N A G T E

B O O S H I O R O E D R E S T E I N A T R E A D

A R M O R S M A R T

B E E T S

E O N S

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

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66. Befuddle

1. One is in O Brother, Where Art Thou?

6. ___ bump (COVID-era handshake substitute) 10. Nickname for George Herman Ruth 14. Visitor from another planet 15. Asian nurse 16. Carvel cake flavor 17. Gone higher, as Duncan Hines batter 18. Behind schedule 19. A black cat, perhaps 20. School album, with just pictures of the “most likelies” 23. Where to find UPS and FDX 24. Rap sheet list 25. “I am seeing someone ___” 28. Spanish Star Wars IV: ___ Nuova Speranza 30. A love god 31. Points the telescope at a distant star 32. Multiple Grammy award winner, Mann 34. Jan, Feb, and more 37. Great opportunity for each team to pick uniforms 41. ___ Aviv 42. Its northernmost station is in Boston 43. Sea eagle 44. Italian currency, until 2002 46. It is 25% shorter 48. “Knock it off!”

49. Lou Grant actor Ed, and his four children 51. Assign stars 53. Grin 1440 times in a day 58. Amsterdam’s ___ Frank House 59. Merit 60. Aboard the Disney Fantasy 61. VHS alternative 62. Doe’s beau 63. Rods’ partners 64. Korean dish (or MASS-backwards) 65. Head of the (French) class

1. Doughnut, but not peanut 2. Hodgepodge 3. Japanese soup 4. Timidity 5. Ruffle someone’s feathers 6. Alias 7. Mosque leader 8. Moved from the fish pose to the lotus pose 9. NFL score predictor Jimmy 10. “Oh, cry me a river” 11. Knowledgeable about shields 12. Borscht, basically 13. Phanerozoic and proterozoic 21. Tallahassee’s ‘Noles 22. Fathered puppies 25. Direction from New England to England 26. Garnish for a mojito 27. Christmas guy, the same size as his assistants 29. Mayonnaise and garlic sauce 33. It goes from 472 to 528 for pre-meds 35. A man ___ importance 36. Dance maneuver 38. Group of gorillas 39. Most bood-curdling 40. Harbored a grudge 45. One figure on a sewing measurement chart 47. Cheers’ bartender 49. Mid-grade bonds 50. Bluish gray 52. Headwear for Miss Universe 53. Yammers on 54. Middle part of QED 55. Like items at a yard sale 56. Kiss and ___ 57. Uncomplicate

Down

Answers on page 25.

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

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 JOBS AVAILABLE! - Care Drivers/ Care Drivers Assistants are needed immediately. Care Drivers provide safe and clean transportation to school, medical appointments, extra activities for students, including those on IEP plans, special needs, etc. Care Assistants help the driver with special needs children. Drivers earn $17.00 an Hour and Mileage. Drivers Assistants earn $16.00/ hour. Must be reliable, friendly, have a clean driving record, pass background check/ security process, and comfortable transporting kids with special needs. Come be a part of our Winning Team! Call Immediately at 214-585-6138.

Makes a great gift!

PUT ON YOUR TV EARS and hear TV with unmatched clarity. TV Ears Original were originally $129.95 - NOW WITH THIS SPECIAL OFFER are only $59.95 with code MCB59! Call 1-833-934-0843.

PORTABLE OXYGEN CONCENTRATOR May Be Covered by Medicare! Reclaim independence and mobility with the compact design and long-lasting battery of Inogen One. Free information kit! Call 855-851-0949.

DENTAL INSURANCE from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for 350 plus procedures. Real dental insurance - NOT just a discount plan. Do not wait! Call now! Get your FREE Dental Information Kit with all the details! 1-844366-1003 www.dental50plus.com/320 #6258.

MOBILEHELP, America’s Premier Mobile Medical Alert System. Whether You’re Home or Away. For Safety and Peace of Mind. No Long Term Contracts! Free Brochure! Call Today! 1240-650-9189.

Home/Handyman Services THE BATHROOM OF YOUR DREAMS for as little as $149/month! BCI Bath & Shower.

Many options available. Quality materials & professional installation. Senior & Military Discounts Available. Limited Time Offer - FREE virtual in-home consultation now and SAVE 15%! Call Today! 1-855-653-0087.

BOB WOOD, THE BUILDER: can fix anything. Competent, creative, licensed contractor available for any sized home or business improvement project. Lots of references. For electronics, computers & games, please check with your grandchildren. (410) 294-2800.

Financial

THE GENERAC PWRCELL, a solar plus battery storage system. SAVE money, reduce your reliance on the grid, prepare for power outages and power your home. Full installation services available. $0 Down Financing Option. Request a FREE, no obligation, quote today. Call 1-866-944-0699.

WESLEY FINANCIAL GROUP, LLC Timeshare Cancellation Experts. Over $50,000,000 in timeshare debt and fees cancelled in 2019.

Get free informational package and learn how to get rid of your timeshare! Free consultations.

Over 450 positive reviews. Call 855-626-8703.

AXS TILE, COMMERCIAL/RESIDENTIAL Install hard tile, bricks, stone works, new installation, repair. Install handicap, showers, new bathrooms, kitchen backsplash, countertops, drywall, plaster, handyman services.

Please call 410-977-3610 or 410-285-5452. email: axstile@yahoo.com MHIC # 115085.

For Sale NATIONAL MEMORIAL PARK CEMETERY. 4 Choice Sites in Desirable Block DD. Reg $7995/ea. Sale $3495/ea OBO. Contact 917754-3355 EMMITT KELLY CLOWNS over 40 Figurines, pictures some signed and have boxes + other items 1 of a kind. Call Michael 410-3569219. also have all 12 Days at the Fair.

PREPARE FOR POWER OUTAGES TODAY with a GENERAC home standby generator $0 Money Down + Low Monthly Payment Options.

Request a FREE Quote. Call now before the next power outage: 1-866-964-8106.

HOW TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED AD

For Sale

Health

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

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 1250 • $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 Miscellaneous

TV/Cable

I WILL BUY YOUR UNWANTED REAL ESTATE for CASH! AS IS! No repairs, inspections and no Realtors Fees or Closing Fees! No need to clean the house out, take what you want and leave the rest! You can have your MONEY in 14 DAYS! CALL NEAL for your cash offer now!

410-419-1289.

DIRECTV for $79.99/mo for 12 months with CHOICE Package. Watch your favorite live sports, news & entertainment anywhere. First 3 months of HBO Max, Cinemax, Showtime, Starz and Epix included! Directv is #1 in Customer Satisfaction (JD Power & Assoc.) Some restrictions apply. Call 1-888-572-4953.

Personal Services

Wanted

HOUSE MAID WANTED PART TIME for 79 year old male 410-242-2249

WE BUY ESTATE JEWELRY St. John’s Jewelers is one of Howard County’s most trusted jewelers and is family owned and operated. Certified appraiser for over 35 years is looking to buy your unwanted gold, silver, diamonds and precious metals. Contact us today. 410-465-7770

TV/Cable DISH NETWORK. $64.99 for 190 Channels!

Blazing Fast Internet, $19.99/mo. (where available.) Switch & Get a FREE $100 Visa Gift Card. FREE Voice Remote. FREE HD DVR. FREE Streaming on ALL Devices. Call today!

1-844-560-5837.

CASH FOR ESTATES: I buy a wide range of items. jewelry, silver, art, rugs, cultural items, collections, etc. Buy out/clean up. Gary: 301520-0755. Website: theatticllc.com. I have my own trucks, my own crew & insurance.

BEACON BITS

Aug. 4

FREE LAKEFRONT CONCERT

On August 4, enjoy a free Lakefront Live concert from 7 to 9 p.m. with Sons of Mystro, two brothers who interpret reggae classics and American pop songs using their violins. For more information and to register, visit bit.ly/LakefrontLive8-4.

Legal Services APPLYING FOR SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY or Appealing a Denied Claim? Call Bill Gordon & Assoc. Our case managers simplify the process & work hard to help with your case. Call 1-866-970-0779 FREE Consultation.

Local Attorneys Nationwide [Mail: 2420 N St NW, Washington DC. Office: Broward Co. FL (TX/NM Bar.)]

July 19

SMALL BUSINESS RESOURCES

Learn about the resources available for small businesses through Howard County Economic Development Authority in this free presentation and Q&A session on Tues., July 19 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at 6751 Columbia Gateway Dr. For more information and to register, visit bit.ly/HoCoSmallBusiness.

We thank our advertisers who make our publication possible.

Please patronize them and let them know you saw their ad in the Beacon.

Clinical Health Studies

Balance & Memory Study . . . . . .10 Ketone Drink Study . . . . . . . . . . .10

Elections

Howard Co. Board of Elections . . .7

Funeral Services

Cremation Society of Maryland . .17 Going Home Cremation . . . . . . . .19 Harry H. Witzke’s Family Funeral Home, Inc. . . . . . . . . .21 MacNabb Funeral Home . . . . . . .17 Sol Levinson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

Home Health Care

A-1 Action Nursing Care . . . . . . . .6

27

Options for Senior America . . . . .22

Home Improvement/ Remodeling

Amazing Walk-in Tubs . . . . . . . . . .5 Renovation Real Estate . . . . . . . . .8

Housing

Brooke Grove . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Charlestown/Erickson . . . . . . . . . .8 Enterprise Residential . . . . . . . . .18 Morningside House of Ellicott City . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Park View Apartments . . . . . . . . .18 Shriner Court . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Medical/Health

Dr. Jeannine George-Richardson, DPM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Howard Co. Recreation & Parks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12-13 Maryland Vascular Specialists . . .11 Medical Eye Center . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Patapsco Acupuncture . . . . . . . . . .9

Real Estate

Renovation Real Estate . . . . . . . . .8

Retail

Perfect Sleep Chair . . . . . . . . . . .24 Potomac Collector . . . . . . . . . . . .17 SoLite Scooter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Zinger Chair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

Senior/Government Services

COGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Howard Co. 50+ Connection .14-15 Howard Co. Recycles . . . . . . . . . .19

Subscriptions

Beacon Newspapers . . . . . . . . . . .26

Theater/Entertainment

Johns Hopkins Piano at Peabody .23 Toby’s Dinner Theatre . . . . . . . . .23

Travel

Eyre Tour & Travel . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Howard Co. Recreation & Parks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12-13

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