August 2018 | Howard County Beacon

The Howard County

I N

F O C U S

VOL.8, NO.8

F O R

P E O P L E

O V E R

More than 30,000 readers throughout Howard County

Christopher Plummer’s new first

5 0 AUGUST 2018

I N S I D E …

PHOTO BY AMY SUSSMAN

By Jake Coyle Regal and commanding even in his youth, Christopher Plummer has turned into an even mightier force in old age.

The 88-year-old Plummer earlier this year became the oldest actor ever nominated for an Oscar (for his J. Paul Getty in All the Money in the World), six years after setting the mark for eldest acting winner (for his coming-out 75-year-old in Beginners).

The King Lear phase of Plummer’s career has been colorfully crowded with aged men too roiled by appetite to resemble any standard portraits of the elderly.

In his latest film, Shana Feste’s Boundaries, Plummer plays the estranged, weeddealing father of a single mother (Vera Fermiga). The film, which opened June 22 is showing at the Charles Theatre in Baltimore through July 19. It is Feste’s semi-autobiographical road trip about her own comically flawed family.

“I loved playing that old geezer,” Plummer said with characteristic relish for a meaty role. In a recent interview at a Manhattan hotel, Plummer discussed his own connections to the part, his last-minute substitution for the disgraced Kevin Spacey on All the Money in the World and his undying thirst for acting.

AP: When we spoke six years ago, you said the onset of your 80s made you feeling panicked at having enough time to accomplish what you wanted. Do you still feel that way?

Plummer: No, I don’t. There isn’t as much panic because now I’ve been through my 80s. That kind of panic does not exist anymore. I’m enjoying myself very much.

And in my 80s, I had another career. I’m very happy about that. It’s gone better than most other decades have.

AP: Why is that?

FREE

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

A trip off the beaten path to Myanmar; plus, how to avoid airline, hotel and other fees page 23

In 2011, at the age of 82, Christopher Plummer became the oldest actor to win an Academy Award, for Best Supporting Actor in Beginners. Now 88, Plummer has once again been nominated for an Oscar, this time for his role in last year’s All the Money in the World. He’s also currently onscreen in a new movie, Boundaries, where he plays a weed-dealing estranged father.

Plummer: The parts. I played everything in the theater. I still would like to do something else in the theater, of course.

But I’ve played all the great parts. And not too shabbily. Now I want the same great parts, if I can, on the screen. And so far, yes. I’ve played marvelous characters.

AP: In your memoir In Spite of Myself,

you romantically recounted your heavydrinking days. Do you have any marijuana experience, like your character in Boundaries?

Plummer: No, I’ve tried little attempts at marijuana and a couple of others. It See PLUMMER, page 28

ARTS & STYLE

Take a chance on Mamma Mia! now onstage at Toby’s Dinner Theatre page 27

TECHNOLOGY 4 k Protect your privacy on Facebook FITNESS & HEALTH k Can you use expired meds? k Weight loss mistakes

7

THE 50+ CONNECTION 15 k Newsletter from Howard County Office on Aging & Independence LAW & MONEY 19 k Why you need a credit card k How and why to avoid probate ADVERTISER DIRECTORY

31

PLUS CROSSWORD, BEACON BITS, CLASSIFIEDS & MORE

2

A U G U S T 2 0 1 8 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

A complex subject For most Americans, recent headlines dependent, bipartisan federal agency. Four concerning unfair trade and retaliatory tar- of its five current commissioners were apiffs seem far removed from pointed by President Obama.) daily life.

NORPAC, which supplies But for papers like the Beahalf the U.S. market for con, a trade dispute with Cananewsprint, blames Canadian da — which has led to U.S. government subsidies for drivtariffs that have caused multiing down the price of imported ple and continuing increases newsprint in the U.S., thereby in the price of newsprint since hurting its business and its emlast fall — could be a life-andployees. death matter.

After an investigation, the So I have chosen to write ITC identified 34 separate subabout this, complex though FROM THE sidies by Canada of its paper the subject is, because seem- PUBLISHER mill industry. This led to tempoBy Stuart P. Rosenthal ingly distant issues like tarrary tariffs being imposed on iffs are having a serious imCanadian newsprint in March, pact right now on newspapers throughout with a final determination and permanent the country, and therefore affect our read- tariffs to be announced next month. ers and advertisers as well.

In response, U.S. newspapers and much Not surprisingly, the tariffs have been of the rest of the publishing industry have widely blamed on President Trump. Though banded together to fight the tariffs, arguit’s true the Trump administration has im- ing that the sharp price increases they are posed tariffs on a number of Chinese, Euro- creating threaten to put many smaller papean, Mexican and Canadian goods, this par- pers out of business. ticular problem cannot be laid at the presiPrinting constitutes the second largest dent’s doorstep. cost of producing a newspaper, after labor.

Rather, the cause is an anti-dumping The cost for newsprint has already risen case brought by the North Pacific Paper more than 25%, and additional increases Company (NORPAC) against Canada be- are on the horizon. This has led to a reducfore the U.S. International Trade Commis- tion in frequency, circulation and/or page sion (ITC) last August. (The ITC is an in- count, as well as staffing, by newspapers

Beacon The

I N

F O C U S

F O R

P E O P L E

O V E R

5 0

The Beacon is a monthly newspaper dedicated to inform, serve, and entertain the citizens of the Greater Baltimore area, and is privately owned. Other editions serve Howard County, Md., Greater Washington, DC and Richmond, Va. (Fifty Plus).

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

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

• Publisher/Editor ....................Stuart P. Rosenthal • Associate Publisher ..............Judith K. Rosenthal • Vice President, Operations........Gordon Hasenei • Vice President, Sales & Marketing ....Alan Spiegel • Managing Editor............................Barbara Ruben • Art Director ........................................Kyle Gregory • Director of Operations ........................Roger King • Advertising Representatives .................................. ................................Barbara Koscielski, Steve Levin • Assistant Editor ..........................Rebekah Alcalde

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

The Beacon welcomes reader contributions. Deadline for editorial is the 1st of the month preceding the month of publication. Deadline for ads is the 1st of the month preceding the month of publication. See page 31 for classified advertising details. Please mail or email all submissions.

© Copyright 2018 The Beacon Newspapers, Inc.

across the country, including the Beacon.

These actions, of course, reduce the demand for newsprint which, in turn, could lead to reduced business for the remaining paper mills in the U.S., causing them and newspaper printers to cut their staff and operations in a downward spiral of dire consequences.

Furthermore, these price increases are coming at the worst possible time for newspapers, which are struggling against growing competition from online publications that don’t bear printing costs. In the face of this competition, print publishers cannot raise their advertising and subscription rates sufficiently to offset the price increases.

A bill has been introduced in the Senate (known as the PRINT Act, S. 2835), to require the Commerce Department to pause the tariffs and evaluate their impact on the publishing industry. As a business owner and publisher, I would like to see that law pass.

But NORPAC argues against this, saying U.S. trade laws don’t permit the consideration of such side effects in the case of clear dumping from abroad. And I have to admit, there do seem to be two sides to this debate.

Canada has clearly taken steps to reduce the price of its newsprint. This has driven down the price of newsprint in the

U.S. for years, benefitting papers like ours with what now seem to be below market paper costs.

At the same time, the unfair competition has driven a number of U.S. paper mills out of business or led them to close down unprofitable mills, which reduces supply and thus contributes to the rising prices sparked by tariffs.

So NORPAC has a case, but its efforts to level the playing field all at once is putting tremendous strain on the newspapers that remain in business, and on the many related businesses that service publishers and their readers (including, ultimately, NORPAC itself).

So you see, as I said, it’s complex. There are so many moving parts in our economy, and in both domestic and international trade, that it’s hard to know who’s right and who’s wrong when there’s a trade dispute.

But it’s not hard to see who loses when there’s an attempt to solve things by imposing a tariff. In the long run, just about everybody.

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 e-mail to barbara@thebeaconnewspapers.com.

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

Dear Editor: Many of us still need to work after retirement. Even as we receive Social Security payments, we are taxed on working income and have Social Security tax withheld from it. They are lost income when we need it most.

There are two things that need to be changed to make Social Security more equitable for seniors: 1. Social Security not be withheld for those receiving Social Security payments.

2. Social Security not be taxed. Other earned monies to be taxed as with any other work.

These changes are not tax reductions, and apply only to those who have worked and need funds upon retirement. This will be agreeable as these changes are not increases to Social Security payments across the working spectrum, but decreases in withholdings that apply only to the specific working segment.

Contact national legislators to [ask them to] accommodate these changes.

James A. Martin Baltimore Dear Editor: Admittedly, I am skeptical about our medical system relying so much on drugs and technology.

As a holistic health provider, caregiver for my mother for 18 years, working with

cancer patients, and interacting with my elder friends (I am in my 80th year), I have heard and witnessed many stories and situations where prescribed procedures did not work as predicted, diagnoses were incorrect or could not be verified, costs were extreme, scams were tried, and a general lack of doctor empathy.

Now we hear phrases like “this drug will help your long-term control medicine to work better.” Suddenly we have pre-diabetes.

Blood pressure limits are lower for heart disease. Now there is pre-Alzheimer’s, new diseases we never heard of before, unnecessary tests are done too quickly (e.g. PSA) as if there is magic in the technology, and lobbyists with too much influence. I often wonder how much of it is driven by profit motives, not by what is for the common good.

The editorial challenge in your July issue is welcome (“Would you want to know?,” From the Publisher). It is our body — to learn about, discover, treat and take charge of. When confronted with a health issue, we should use our own minds, research with the help of doctors and others, then think, trust our gut, and decide on what is best.

Do not just jump to the scare being given about the weak Alzheimer’s research. No matter what we do, life cycle’s ending is inevitable.

Al Muehlberger Rosedale, Md.

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — A U G U S T 2 0 1 8

Say you saw it in the Beacon

3

4

A U G U S T 2 0 1 8 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

Technology &

Innovations Take steps to protect your Facebook data

By Kaitlin Pitsker Facebook is not getting a lot of likes these days. This spring, we learned that Cambridge Analytica, a data analytics and political consulting firm, gained access to the personal information of up to 87 mil-

lion Facebook users.

In the weeks that followed, Facebook’s stock plunged, founder Mark Zuckerberg testified before Congress, and lawmakers discussed regulating how tech giants manage consumer information.

In an effort to repair the damage, the social media giant announced plans to prevent further misuse of user data. It’s also rolling out easier-to-use tools to help you manage what you share, and which companies have access to your data.

So far, though, the changes have been largely cosmetic, and many users remain concerned about the personal information Facebook is collecting and how it’s being used.

See what they’ve got on you

RE AL SAVINGS REQUIRE RE AL INTEREST R ATES. With our Premier Money Market Savings, you get just that. And it comes with FDIC protection1 and convenient access to your funds.2 To learn more or to open an account, stop by a convenient community !"#$%"&''%())*+,,*-,.,% /%01213% sandyspringbank.com/premier.

1.70

% APY

GUARANTEED FOR 6 MONTHS 3

PERSONAL

|

BUSINESS

|

WEALTH

|

INSURANCE

|

MORTGAGE

1Please visit www.fdic.gov/deposit for more information about FDIC coverage. 2Withdrawals over the limits are excess activity. You may make up to a combined total of 6 withdrawals

per monthly statement cycle (or calendar month if you receive a quarterly statement) by either check, draft, debit card purchase or similar order (if available on the account), telephone, or automatic or pre-authorized transfer to another of your accounts with us or a third party. Such transfers include those made by Telephone Banking, Online Banking, and transfers from your savings account to cover overdrafts. The excess activity fee will be assessed each time you exceed any of these limits. 3Annual Percentage Yield (APY) as of 6/27/18. This is a variable rate account subject to change at any time without notice after the account is opened. During the first 6 months, the account will earn no less than 1.70% APY. At the end of the 6-month guarantee period the APY will be based upon your balance. As of 6/27/18 the APY for corresponding balances is as follows: $250,000 and above: 1.41%; $100,000.00 -$249,999.99: 1.06%; $50,000.00 - $99,999.00: 0.71%; $25,000.00 - $49,999.99: 0.35%; $10,000.00 - $24,999.99: 0.05%; below $10,000.00: 0.00%. Minimum opening deposit is $10,000 in funds not already on deposit with Sandy Spring Bank. Fees may reduce earnings. Premier Money Market Savings is only available to clients who maintain/open a Premier, Private, or Signature Banking checking account, or a Commercial or Business checking account. Offer available for a limited time. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. Sandy Spring Bank NMLS #406382. Wealth and insurance products are not FDIC insured, not guaranteed, and may lose value. © 2018 Sandy Spring Bank. All rights reserved. Real Life Requires Real Banking. SM

You can see much of the information Facebook has collected about you by clicking the small arrow in the upper right corner of Facebook, selecting “Settings” and then “Download a copy of your Facebook data.” Facebook will e-mail a link to download your archive.

If you are ready to delete your account — causing your photos, status update messages and everything else to disappear — see a guide at kiplinger.com/links/quit.

Telling the service to remove your account takes only a few minutes, but it may take up to 90 days for Facebook to delete your data from its system. And even that won’t retrieve your data from any company that has already harvested it for marketing or other purposes.

Facebook says you own the content you post, but it also says that your information will be shared with their business partners and other third parties.

Limit what you share If you want to continue to use the service, you can take steps to make it more difficult for Big Data to delve into the details of your personal life.

On your computer, start by reviewing how much of your profile is available to the public. Some items, such as your name, gender, profile picture and cover photo, will be visible to everyone.

But many users are unknowingly sharing far more with the public, from lists of friends to photos of their kids.

To quickly review what the public can see about you, go to your Facebook profile: • Click the three dots in the lower right corner of your cover image and select “View As.” To change what information is public and what can be seen only by your friends: • Click the small arrow in the upper right corner of Facebook, select “Settings” and then the “Privacy” and “Timeline and Tagging” pages from the menu at the left.

If you’ve used your Facebook account to See FACEBOOK DATA, page 6

5

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Technology & Innovations

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — A U G U S T 2 0 1 8

How Google aims to simplify your life “We know the path ahead needs to be navigated carefully and deliberately,” he said. “Our core mission is to make information more useful, accessible and beneficial to all of society.”

More AI for Androids Google’s latest version of its Android phone software, for now known as Android P, will offer other smart features. It will teach the battery to adapt to how you use apps in order to conserve energy.

Phones using Android P will also learn how to set your screen brightness by studying your manual adjustments, a change from automatic adjustments based on ambient light levels.

But not everyone will see the new Android features soon — if at all. Android P won’t be See GOOGLE, page 6

I N F O R M AT I O N F R EE ★

❏ Heartlands Senior Living (see ad on page 11) ❏ Homecrest House (see ad on page 12) ❏ Park View at Colonial Landing (see ad on page 6) ❏ Park View at Columbia (see ad on page 6) ❏ Park View at Ellicott City (see ad on page 6) ❏ Park View at Emerson (see ad on page 6) ❏ Shriner Court (see ad on page 25) ❏ Sommerford Place (see ad on page 11)

F R EE

Clinical Trials ❏ Fasting Diet Brain Study (see article on page 12 and ad on page 13) Name_________________________________________________________________ Address________________________________________________________________

I N F O R M AT I O N

I N F O R M AT I O N

❏ Brooke Grove (see ad on page 32) ❏ Charlestown/Erickson Living (see ad on page 10)

★

F R EE

Housing Communities

I N F O R M AT I O N ★

★

Phone (day)________________________(evening)________________________

Email_________________________________________________________________

818HC

Check the boxes you’re interested in and return this form to: The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915 or fax to (410) 248-9102.

I N F O R M AT I O N

Please provide your e-mail address if you would like to receive monthly links to the Beacon online and occasional notices of events and programs of interest.

F R EE

City______________________________________State______Zip________________

✃

For free materials on housing communities and health studies, just complete and clip this coupon and mail or fax it to the Beacon.

F R EE

I N F O R M AT I O N

FREE INFORMATION

★

★

F R EE

I N F O R M AT I O N

★ F R EE I N FOR MATION ★ F R EE I N FOR MATION ★ F R EE I N FOR MATION ★

I N F O R M AT I O N

Other changes are more immediate.

Gmail is getting an autocomplete feature that uses machine learning to offer suggestions for finishing half-completed sentences.

For example, “I haven’t seen you” might be autocompleted to “I haven’t seen you in a while and I hope you’re doing well.” You can accept the completion by hitting the tab key.

The Google Photos app aims to get smarter about suggesting who you might want to share photos with. Whenever it

F R EE

Making predictions

recognizes a photo of one of your Google contacts, it can suggest sharing the photo with that person. It will also convert photos to PDFs and automatically add color to black-and-white photos or make part of a color photo black and white. The changes are coming in the next two months.

The search giant aims to make its assistant and other services so useful that people can’t live without them — or the search results that drive its advertising business.

But it also wants to play up the social benefits of AI and how it’s being used to improve healthcare, preserve the environment and make scientific discoveries.

Pichai didn’t emphasize the privacy and data security concerns that have put companies like Facebook, Twitter and Google in the crosshairs of regulators. But he did say the company “can’t just be wide eyed about the innovations technology creates.”

★

F R EE I N FOR MATION ★ F R EE I N FOR MATION ★ F R EE I N FOR MATION ★

It will also encourage kids to be polite by thanking them when they say please, similar to a feature Amazon is bringing to its Alexa voice assistant.

The assistant may also soon be talking with ordinary people at businesses for tasks such as restaurant reservations, although the feature is still in development.

“Hi, I’m calling to book a hair appointment for a client,” said a realistic-sounding automated voice in a demo from the conference stage. The AI assistant deployed pauses and “ums” and “mmm-hmms” to sound more human in conversation with real people.

Google is now rolling out the technology, called Duplex, as an experiment. “We really want to work hard to get this right,” said Google CEO Sundar Pichai, who kicked off the conference, known as Google I/O.

F R EE

By Ryan Nakashima and Mae Anderson Google put the spotlight on its artificial intelligence smarts at its recent annual developers conference, announcing new consumer features aimed at simplifying your life.

Many of the updates have a practical bent, designed to ease tasks such as composing emails, making lists, navigating city streets, and lessening the digital distractions that have increasingly addled people’s lives as a result of previous tech industry innovations.

One of the biggest crowd-pleasers for the thousands of software developers who gathered at the outdoor conference was an augmented reality feature on Google Maps that helps people get walking directions.

Users will be able to follow arrows — or possibly a cartoon-like creature — that appear on a camera view showing the actual street in front of them.

Some new features for Android phones also aim to improve people’s digital wellbeing, including a new “shush” mode that automatically puts a phone in “do not disturb” mode if you flip it face down on a table. And a “wind down” mode will fade the screen to grey at a designated time to help you disconnect before bed.

The company’s digital concierge, known only as the Google Assistant, is getting new voices — including one based on that of musician John Legend — later this year.

6

Technology & Innovations | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

Facebook data From page 4 access other services — in other words, you’ve logged in with your Facebook user name and password — data harvesters may be able to see your profile.

To see a list of the apps and sites that you’ve accessed using your Facebook account:

• Select “Settings” and then “Apps and Websites” from the menu on the left side of the page.

• Visit each app or site that you still use and create separate log-in credentials before returning to Facebook to revoke their access. Instead of trying to commit all these new user names and passwords to memory, consider using a password manager. [See “Secure passwords with less

headache,” in our March issue.]

• To turn off this Facebook feature, return to the Apps and Websites page and select “Edit” from beneath “Apps, Websites and Games.” By turning off this setting, you’ll no longer be able to use Facebook to log in to other accounts, and those sites and services will no longer be privy to your Facebook data.

Restrict targeted ads

BEACON BITS

July 30

A U G U S T 2 0 1 8 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

TWITTER FOR BEGINNERS Want to start using Twitter, a popular social media platform?

Confused by tweets and hashtags? The Miller Branch Library is holding a free introductory class on Twitter on Monday, July 30 from 7 to 8 p.m. Bring a smart phone, laptop or tablet.. The library is located at 9421 Frederick Rd., Ellicott City.

Register online at http://bit.ly/learn-twitter or call (410) 313-1950.

To reassure jittery users, Facebook promised to limit the data that advertisers can use to serve up ads related to your online activity.

You can also reduce the amount of info that advertisers gather about you by doing the following: • Return to Facebook’s Settings page and click “Ads” from the menu on the left.

Here, you’ll see a list of topics Facebook has concluded are of interest to you, advertisers you’ve interacted with, a summary of what advertisers see about you (including biographical information, your political

We Turn Addresses

into homes

MOST COMMUNITIE S ARE 62 AND B ET T ER

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY

BALTIMORE COUNTY (CONT.)

The Greens at Hammonds Lane: 410-636-1141 Park View at Furnace Branch: 410-761-4150 Park View at Severna Park: 410-544-3411

Park View at Towson: 410-828-7185 Park View at Woodlawn: 410-281-1120

BALTIMORE CITY

Westminster Overlook: 410-876-7600

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

BALTIMORE COUNTY Cove Point Apartments I: 410-288-2344 Cove Point Apartments II: 410-288-1660 Evergreen Senior Apartments: 410-780-4888 The Greens at English Counsul: 410-789-3000 The Greens at Liberty Road: 410-655-1100 The Greens at Logan Field: 410-288-2000 The Greens at Rolling Road: 410-744-9988 Park View at Catonsville: 410-719-9464 Park View at Dundalk: 410-288-5483 Park View at Fullerton: 410-663-0665 Park View at Miramar Landing: 410-391-8375 Park View at Randallstown: 410-655-5673 Park View at Rosedale: 410-866-1886 Park View at Taylor: 410-663-0363

CARROLL COUNTY EASTERN SHORE Park View at Easton: 410-770-3070

FREDERICK COUNTY Taney Village: 301-663-0929

views and the devices that you use to access the site) and your ad settings.

• Remove interests, delete info from your advertising profile, and hide ads from certain advertisers from your Facebook feed by clicking on the “x” in the top righthand corner of the advertiser or interest.

• To put the kibosh on targeted ads, change the three items under “Ad Settings” to “Not Allowed,” “No” and “No One.” You’ll still see advertisements, but they won’t be based on your online activities or be as relevant to you.

Consider omitting sensitive information, such as your political or religious views, from your profile. If you post an event invite, leave out your exact address.

Finally, consider culling your friends list to exclude people you don’t know very well, or creating tighter circles of friends within Facebook. © 2018 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC

Google From page 5 released until later this year, and even then, phone manufacturers and carriers frequently limit Android updates to their newest phones. Owners of Google’s own Pixel phones will get the updates most quickly.

Samsung is getting snubbed on some of these new features, at least for now. It has been challenging Google more frequently by launching services that duplicate what Google already offers on Android.

For instance, Samsung users won’t have access to an early “beta” version of Android P. Samsung’s camera app also won’t get a built-in Lens feature that lets Google offer information after taking a photo of a building or sign. Samsung has been developing its own similar feature, called Bixby Vision.

— AP

HARFORD COUNTY

BEACON BITS

Park View at Bel Air: 410-893-0064 Park View at Box Hill: 410-515-6115

Ongoing

TECH HELP

Aug. 7

SENIOR DAY AT THE FAIR

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

Having problems with your laptop, phone or tablet? Need help downloading new apps? Stop by the East Columbia Branch Library to ask questions about technology and receive help on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The library is located at 6600 Cradlerock Way, Columbia. For more information, call (410) 313-7700.

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

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

www.rhomecommunities.com MOST COMMUNITIES ARE PET-FRIENDLY

If you’re 62 or older, get free admission to the Howard County Fair on Tuesday, Aug. 7 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. In addition to the agriculture displays and rides, get information on healthy aging programs and county services. For more information, call (410) 313-6410.

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — A U G U S T 2 0 1 8

Say you saw it in the Beacon

Health Fitness &

7

LESS IS MORE A recent study has shown that some with breast cancer can skip chemo WEIGHTY MISTAKES To lose weight, do not: cut all carbs, skip weight training or skimp on sleep SUPPLEMENTAL ADVICE A supplement for arthritis pain, chondroitin, may pose a risk for melanoma FASTING FOR BRAIN HEALTH A study is recruiting volunteers to see if fasting twice a week protects the brain

Is it safe to use your expired medicines?

How to know what’s probably safe and what’s risky

By Linda A. Johnson Just how firm are expiration dates on bottles of allergy or pain pills? Probably not as crucial as the “Best By” date on milk cartons.

Medicines are expensive and, amid occasional shortages, some people are tempted to use expired pills. After all, a pill good till July 31 can’t be useless on Aug. 1.

The expiration date, typically just one or two years after manufacture, simply shows how long the maker tested the drug’s stability by exposing it to extreme temperatures, humidity and light.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration advises against using expired drugs, warning they may not work as intended or may be harmful, especially for people with serious ailments.

Yet many people, including doctors, use medicines well after expiration. “I think everybody does,” said Dr. Jennifer Lowry, a toxicology expert at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri.

Waste is costly Still, most expired medications get tossed.

“We probably are throwing away $60 to $70 billion a year,” estimated Ajaz Hussain, president of the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Technology and Education. Hussain, a former FDA official, said he doesn’t hesitate to take expired pills.

Multiple medical groups have urged the FDA to lengthen expiration dates, but the federal agency said it’s not sure it has authority to do so. The FDA does provide recommendations for drugmakers to do that voluntarily, but the companies have little financial incentive to do so.

During acute shortages of some medicines, the FDA lets drugmakers extend dates if they have data indicating they’re still good. That’s happened with this year’s shor tage of saline solution for hospitals, as well as for a seizure drug last year and during a 2013 shortage of Tamiflu.

Numerous studies on expired, properly stored drugs, mostly pills, have found them fully potent or close, some many years after the expiration date.

In one case, unopened bottles of

painkillers, antihistamines and other drugs from the 1960s were still very potent when tested a half-century later.

The FDA and Department of Defense jointly run a program that periodically tests batches of antibiotics and other drugs in the national stockpile for potential disease epidemics and chemical attacks. That’s repeatedly resulted in yearslong extensions, saving billions of dollars.

General guidance on use Experts tell the Associated Press they know of no cases of patients harmed by taking expired medicines. The exceptions are aspirin and the antibiotic tetracycline, which can deteriorate soon after expiration dates.

But it’s hard for consumers to know what’s safe and what’s risky. “A year out, I think you’re perfectly OK to use the medications,” said Dr. Ali Raja, an emergency medicine doctor at Boston’s Massachusetts General Hospital.

But experts say don’t use expired liquid medicines, insulin and other injected drugs that must be refrigerated. They can

break down faster than pills, especially if they aren’t kept cold.

Ditto for drugs not properly stored.

Medicines kept in areas with high humidity or fluctuating temperatures — like a bathroom cabinet — or left in direct light degrade faster and can lose potency.

Instead, keep them in a cool, dark place, advised Michael Ganio of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.

Also, don’t put different pills in one bottle, as the chemicals could interact. And don’t use discolored, powdered or smelly pills, cloudy liquids or dried creams.

What about EpiPens, the pricey emergency injectors people with severe allergies carry as a precaution? Their shelf life is about a year and a half. But multiple studies have shown their potency declines slowly unless they’re exposed to heat or light.

“We know expired EpiPens can work,” said Lowry. In a pinch, people should use them and then head to an emergency room, she said.

— AP

Few smokers get free lung cancer scans

By Marilynn Marchione Lung cancer screening has proved to be stunningly unpopular. Five years after government and private insurers started paying for it, less than 2 percent of eligible current and former smokers have sought the free scans, researchers report.

The study didn’t explore why, but experts say possible explanations include worries about false alarms and follow-up tests, a doctor visit to get the scans covered, fear and denial of the consequences of smoking, and little knowledge that screening exists.

“People are not aware that this is a test that can actually save lives,” said Dr. Richard Schilsky. “It’s not invasive, it’s not painful, there’s no prep, nothing has to be stuck into any body cavity,” so to see so little use “is shocking.” Schilsky is chief medical officer of the American Society of

Clinical Oncology, which released the study.

Lung cancer is the top cancer killer worldwide, causing 155,000 deaths in the United States each year. It’s usually found too late for treatment to succeed.

The big study found that annual lowdose CT scans, a type of X-ray, could find cases sooner and lower the risk of dying of lung cancer by 20 percent for those at highest risk. That’s people ages 55 through 79 who smoked a pack of cigarettes a day for 30 years (or the equivalent, such as two packs a day for 15 years).

In 2013, a government task force and others backed screening for such folks.

The scans cost $100 to $250, and are free for those who meet the criteria. But people must have a special appointment to discuss risks and benefits with a doctor.

Dr. Danh Pham at the University of

Louisville in Kentucky and others got information on how many scans were done from an American College of Radiology registry of all 1,800 sites in the U.S. accredited to perform them. A federal health study was used to estimate how many current and former smokers were eligible.

The results: In 2016, less than 2 percent of 7.6 million eligible smokers were screened. Rates ranged from 1 percent in the West to 3.5 percent in the Northeast.

That’s way below the 60 to 80 percent rates for breast, colon or cervical cancer screening.

The study was sponsored by the BristolMyers Squibb Foundation. One study leader has consulted for the company and other cancer drugmakers.

Mary Baroody of Alexandria, Va., has had several scans at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital since her husband, Michael, was diagnosed with lung cancer

and successfully treated seven years ago.

Both are 71 and longtime smokers who quit 15 years ago.

“I’m glad to go do it, and I feel good afterward,” she said of getting screened.

“You get a clean bill of health. What else could you want?”

Her husband said screening “just seems to be a no-brainer” because it can find cancer when it’s most treatable. “I’m living proof, literally, that caught early you can do something about it,” he said.

But screening has a dark side: research shows that over three years of annual scans, 40 percent of people will have an abnormal finding that often leads to follow-up tests such as a lung biopsy, and complications of those can be fatal, said Dr. Otis Brawley, the American Cancer Society’s chief medical officer.

—AP

8

Fitness & Health | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

A U G U S T 2 0 1 8 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

Latest news in breast cancer treatment

By Marilynn Marchione Most women with the most common form of early-stage breast cancer can safely skip chemotherapy without hurting their chances of beating the disease, doctors are reporting from a landmark study that used genetic testing to gauge each patient’s risk.

The study is the largest ever done of breast cancer treatment, and the results are expected to spare up to 70,000 patients a year in the United States, and many more elsewhere, the ordeal and expense of these drugs.

“The impact is tremendous,” said the study leader, Dr. Joseph Sparano of Montefiore Medical Center in New York. Most women in this situation don’t need treatment beyond surgery and hormone therapy, he said.

The study was funded by the National Cancer Institute, some foundations, and proceeds from the U.S. breast cancer postage stamp.

Who can avoid chemo?

Cancer care has been evolving away from chemotherapy — older drugs with harsh side effects — in favor of gene-targeting therapies, hormone blockers and immune system treatments. When chemo is used now, it’s sometimes for shorter pe-

riods or at lower doses than it once was.

The breast cancer study focused on cases where chemo’s value increasingly is in doubt: women with early-stage disease that has not spread to lymph nodes, is hormone-positive (meaning its growth is fueled by estrogen or progesterone), and is not the type that the drug Herceptin targets.

The usual treatment is surgery followed by years of a hormone-blocking drug. But many women also are urged to have chemo to help kill any stray cancer cells.

Doctors know that most don’t need it, but evidence is thin on who can forgo it.

The study gave 10,273 patients a test called Oncotype DX, which uses a biopsy sample to estimate the risk that a cancer will recur. It measures the activity of genes involved in cell growth and response to hormone therapy.

About 17 percent of women had high-risk scores and were advised to have chemo. The 16 percent with low-risk scores now know they can skip chemo, based on earlier results from this study.

The new results are on the 67 percent of women at intermediate risk. All had surgery and hormone therapy, and half also got chemo.

After nine years, 94 percent of both groups were still alive, and about 84 percent were alive without signs of cancer, so adding chemo made no difference.

Certain women 50 or younger did benefit from chemo. Slightly fewer cases of cancer spreading far beyond the breast occurred among some of them given chemo, depending on their risk scores on the gene test.

Who needs less Herceptin?

A different study suggests that many women with a common and aggressive form of breast cancer that is treated with Herceptin (a drug designed to block the growth and spread of cancer cells) can get by with six months of that drug instead of the usual 12, greatly reducing the risk of heart damage Herceptin sometimes can cause.

It’s good news, but it comes nearly two decades after the drug first went on the market, and many patients have suffered that side effect.

The study was done in the United King-

dom and funded by UK government grants. Results were released by the American Society of Clinical Oncology.

Herceptin transformed care of the dreaded disease when it was approved in 1998 for women with advanced breast cancers whose growth is aided by a faulty HER2 gene, as 15 percent to 20 percent of cases are.

It was later approved for treatment of those cancers in earlier stages, too, based on studies that had tested it in patients for 12 months. That guess, that the drug should be taken for a year, became the standard of care.

Shorter use appears sufficient But over time, the drug can hurt the heart’s ability to pump. That often eases if See BREAST CANCER, page 10

BEACON BITS

July 19+

ADVANCE CARE PLANNING HELP

July 20+

DRIVER SAFETY

An advance directive is a legal document that assigns a healthcare agent, a person who would speak for you should you be unable to communicate for yourself. Receive free assistance with your advance care planning as Howard County General Hospital staff help you think through your care wishes, complete an advance directive, and electronically store your documents for providers to easily access. The free assistance is offered between 3 and 6 p.m. on Thursdays, July 19 and Aug. 16. For more information, contact Karen Shelton at kshelto7@jhmi.edu or 443-518-6684 (phone) or 410-720-8786 (fax).

This one-day classroom refresher course, taught by AARP instructors, is for drivers 50 years and older. The cost is $15 for AARP members and $20 for non-AARP members. It will be offered on Fridays, July 20 and Aug. 24 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Check with your auto insurance company to see if it is one of many who offer a discount to seniors who attend this class. It takes place at the Howard County General Hospital Wellness Pavilion, Suite 100, 10710 Charter Drive, Columbia. For more information and to register, call 443-364-8647.

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — A U G U S T 2 0 1 8

9

Common weight-loss mistakes to avoid

By Mallory Creveling From juice cleanses to super-early workouts, some common “good for you” fitness practices might actually be making it more difficult for you to get in shape.

Here is a review of what not to do: Committing only to cardio. Despite what you may have heard, running or spinning shouldn’t be your only workouts — strength training is vital to fitness, too.

After all, the more muscle you have, the more calories you burn at rest. Aim to lift weights at least twice a week.

Try adding 30-second high-intensity intervals to the treadmill (or bike) by upping the incline, resistance or speed. Do more squats or lunges, too, or try using equipment such as resistance bands or battle ropes.

Cutting calories. Eating fewer calories will initially help you slim down, but it probably won’t last. Consuming less while moving more, for example, forces the brain into starvation mode, which makes the body hold onto fat.

Not all calories are alike, either: 100 calories of apple are not the same as 100

calories of chips. Processed carbs spike levels of insulin and signal fat cells to hoard calories. Then, your brain says you need more food.

To slim down, focus on food quality instead. Specifically, aim for healthy fats, natural carbs and proteins.

Waking up super-early to work out.

If you’re also staying up late, you could actually be sabotaging your ability to get sculpted.

Skimping on shut-eye leaves you hungrier the next day, and more likely to reach for sugary, starchy snacks. It can also destabilize hormones, upping your risk of diabetes and obesity. Make it a priority to get seven to nine hours of sleep each night.

Cutting out all carbs and fat. An important PSA: Not all carbs are evil, and fatfree products often have more sugar or additives than the regular versions.

On the other hand, full-fat foods (like yogurt) typically leave you more satisfied, so you won’t crave another snack.

And while saturated fat may harm your health, monounsaturated varieties (found

in avocados and nuts) are better for you.

As for carbs, they’re a crucial part of a healthy, get-slim diet — the fiber fills you up faster and keeps you feeling full longer.

Just choose 100 percent whole-grain crackers, pasta and bread, and eat more whole fruit and ancient grains such as quinoa.

Only working out when you have a full hour. Don’t ditch exercise just because you can’t carve out 60 minutes: try HIIT (high-intensity interval training) instead. Doing 30 seconds of all-out effort (like sprints or jump squats) followed by 30 seconds of active rest (such as walking or biceps curls) and repeating this four to eight times melts fat faster than an hour of moving at a moderate pace.

Also keep in mind that a sweaty workout isn’t the only way to get in shape. Classes like yoga and barre provide toning bene-

fits — and they don’t leave you drenched.

Using the gym as an excuse to overindulge. You can’t lose a significant amount of weight without paying attention to what you eat, said Lawrence Cheskin, M.D., founder of the Johns Hopkins Weight Management Center.

While it’s OK to have dessert occasionally, don’t eat a big portion and plan to work it off later. Aim for 400- to 500-calorie meals, and 100- to 150-calorie snacks, by filling your plate with fruits, veggies, fish and legumes — and cutting back on empty calories.

Family Circle offers candid advice and fresh ideas for everything, from what to make for dinner to what keeps parents up at night. Online at www.familycircle.com. © 2018 Meredith Corporation. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

BEACON BITS

Aug. 6

FREE BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENING Howard County General Hospital will be offering free blood pres-

sure screening and monitoring at the Glenwood Branch Library 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Please patronize our advertisers.

They keep the Beacon free!

on Monday, Aug. 6. No registration is necessary. The library is located at 2350 Maryland 97, Cooksville. If you have any questions, call (410) 313-5577.

ALONE I’M JUST A HEARING AID. But in the hands of our hearing care specialists, I’m the key to a better way of life.

RSVP to join us during our

Better Hearing Event • August 14–16 UP TO

$500

trade-up allowance or new-user credit toward new hearing devices All trade-ins are accepted regardless of where they were purchased. Good toward the purchase of an AGX5, 7, or 9 two-device hearing system. Offer cannot be combined with any other promotional discount. Expires 8/31/18.

HEARING BETTER involves a team that listens to your concerns, supports your empowerment, and works with you to tailor the right technology to your unique communication needs.

Call today to schedule your complimentary hearing consultation.

443.832.4562 8885 Centre Park Dr, Ste A • Columbia

Six other convenient locations in Salisbury, Easton, Ocean Pines, Kent Island, Severna Park, and Annapolis

HelpYourHearing.com

Dr. Tyler Raup, Au.D., FAAA, CCC-A Mariya Hutto, Hearing Aid Dispenser Bria Mann, Patient Care Coordinator Latoya Pinsuwan, Patient Care Coordinator

10

Fitness & Health | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

A U G U S T 2 0 1 8 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

Supplement for pain may pose cancer risk

By Robert H. Shmerling, M.D. Q: I was thinking about taking chondroitin for my arthritis pain. But I recently read it might cause melanoma.

Should I avoid it?

A: Chondroitin sulfate is among the most popular supplements in the world.

It’s often taken in combination with glucosamine for joint disease. Some take it for prevention, others to treat pain.

And yet, evidence that it actually works at all is limited at best. One review of the evidence suggested that of the few studies of chondroitin that were positive, nearly all were funded by makers of the supplement.

Despite this, millions of people take it, many of my patients swear by it, and the

lack of evidence doesn’t seem to be much of a concern to them. A frequent comment I hear is: “Well, I’m not sure if it’s doing much, but it can’t hurt, right?”

A new study suggests that maybe it can.

Researchers publishing in the medical journal Molecular Cell are raising concerns that chondroitin sulfate may encourage the development or recurrence of melanoma, a potentially deadly form of skin cancer.

Here’s what they found: • The growth of human melanoma cells with a particular mutation (called V600E) that had been grafted onto the skin of mice was promoted when the mice consumed chondroitin sulfate. About half of human melanomas contain this mutation.

Learn about senior living at Charlestown.

• Among mice fed chondroitin sulfate, these melanoma tumors were more resistant to an antitumor drug, vemurafenib, than those without the mutation.

Although this research did not actually study human beings with melanoma, the study authors speculate that for people with precancerous skin growths containing the V600E mutation, taking chondroitin might be a bad idea because it could speed up tumor growth. And if a person had melanoma in the past, taking chondroitin might make recurrence more likely.

More study needed It’s important to point out that this is preliminary research. Although the tumor cells studied came from humans, a link between chondroitin sulfate use and melanoma in humans has not yet been established.

It’s possible that these results aren’t relevant to actual people: For example, the

Breast cancer From page 8 treatment is stopped, but the damage can be permanent and lead to heart failure.

Some studies tested shorter use periods, but results conflicted. The new study is the largest so far, and involved more than 4,000 women with early-stage cancers who were given usual chemotherapy plus Herceptin for either six or 12 months.

After four years, about 90 percent of both groups were alive without signs of the disease. Only 4 percent on the shorter treatment dropped out due to heart problems versus 8 percent of those treated for a year.

“It’s great news” for patients, said the study leader, Dr. Helena Earl of the Uni-

Request your FREE brochure from the premier retirement community in Catonsville. Get the facts about our vibrant lifestyle, stylish apartment homes, expert health care, and so much more!

There’s no risk in learning more!

Call 1-800-989-6981 or visit CharlestownCommunity.com.

12620106

CharlestownCommunity.com

versity of Cambridge in England. Earl has consulted for Herceptin’s maker, Roche.

The company had no role in the study.

“There’s no reason to not immediately change practice. The findings are persuasive,” said Dr. Richard Schilsky, chief medical officer for the oncology society. Most of Herceptin’s cancer-fighting benefit seems to come in the early months of use, he said.

Others said that because so few women have died or relapsed after being treated with the drug, longer follow-up may be needed to make sure the findings hold up before guidelines should be changed.

Doctors also want to see results published, and to study them to see if certain groups of women need longer treatment.

—AP

BEACON BITS

Ongoing

WALK FOR WELLNESS Walkers are invited to join a free guided walking program that

meets weekly on Saturdays at 9 a.m. for group walks in the Laurel area.

Participants gather in the parking lot of the North Laurel Community Center, 9411 Whiskey Bottom Rd., Laurel. For more information, call (410) 740-7601.

Ongoing Catonsville

doses or metabolism of chondroitin sulfate may be so different in humans (vs. mice) that these results do not apply to humans.

It is not rare that studies in animals do not translate directly to people.

Here’s my take: This research is quite preliminary, and might turn out to have little relevance to human disease.

But if chondroitin sulfate may promote melanoma growth — and it’s not clear that this supplement is particularly helpful anyway — I’d advise against its use, at least until we know more.

Robert H. Shmerling, M.D., is associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and clinical chief of rheumatology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. For additional consumer health information, please visit www.health.harvard.edu. © 2018 President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Distributed

by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

RECYCLING QUESTIONS ANSWERED Unsure whether or not an item is recyclable? Check it out at

HowardCountyRecycles.org, or call (410) 313-6444.

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — A U G U S T 2 0 1 8

FEEL EXCEPTIONAL EVERY DAY DISCOV ER HOWARD COUNTY’S HOME FOR SENIOR HEALTH & WELLNESS

DID YOU KNOW? At Five Star Senior Living, many of our Health & Wellness programs are open to our neighbors. We believe the stronger you feel, the younger you are.

HEARTLANDS AT ELLICOTT CITY:

SOMERFORD PL ACE COLUMBIA:

Five Point Fitness personal training and group classes

Ageility’s Connection Program – Rehab & Wellness for post-surgery and injury care for those with memory impairments

Ageility Rehab & Wellness for post-surgery and injury care

CALL OUR COMMUNITIES

TO

TRY A FREE CLASS

HEARTLANDS AT ELLICOTT CITY 3004 North Ridge Road • Ellicott City, MD 21043 • 410-461-9494 Independent Living • Assisted Living • Respite Care • On-site Rehabilitation SOMERFORD PLACE COLUMBIA 8220 Snowden River Parkway • Columbia, MD 21045 • 410-313-9744 Assisted Living • Memory Care • On-site Rehabilitation www.FiveStarSeniorLiving.com ©2018 Five Star Senior Living

11

12

Fitness & Health | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

Health Studies Page

A U G U S T 2 0 1 8 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

THE PLACE TO LOOK FOR INFORMATION ON AREA CLINICAL TRIALS

Studying if fasting protects your brain

By Barbara Ruben The equation to lose weight is simple: Burn more calories than you take in each day.

But a popular recent diet trend goes beyond this, promoting fasting two days a week to not just lose weight but gain other benefits, like less inflammation and insulin resistance.

Doctors with the National Institute of Aging in Baltimore are conducting a study to see if this intermittent fasting may also be beneficial to the brain.

These researchers are now seeking overweight or obese people ages 55 to 70 to join a study in which half the participants will drink only two shakes two days a week, eating a healthy diet the rest of the time.

Why might drastically restricting calories like this help the brain? NIA’s Dr. Dimitrios

Kapogiannis, the study’s principal investigator, said that once the body has no food to break down for energy, it begins to break down proteins in the body, some of which may be abnormal.

“If we eat constantly, we block the process of metabolism of breaking down proteins that may be abnormal. And that is not healthy,” he said.

When the body does not get nutrients from outside, it breaks down fat and generates what are called ketone bodies. These are an alternative fuel for the brain, rather than glucose (which is what the body produces when digesting food).

It takes about 12 hours without food for this to happen. And it may be helpful in the prevention of dementia, Kapogiannis said.

When we don’t eat, “the body kind of

holds its own and waits patiently with the hope that nutrients will come in. But at 12 hours it kind of gives up, and says it will now break down lipid stores and start producing ketones.

“Ketones are exactly what we want the brain to be fed on because they are neuroprotective. We think that this is something that has potential for preventing damaging processes that ultimately lead to Alzheimer’s disease.”

Kapogiannis also says that ketones may even be helpful once someone already has dementia.

Little study has been done in this area in middle-age adults, although about 24 people have already taken part in the fasting study now underway.

Volunteers sought To qualify for the study, participants must be between the ages of 55 and 70 and have a BMI over 27, putting them in the overweight or obese range. They cannot have diabetes or severe neurological issues, such as a brain tumor, stroke or seizures.

During the 11-week study, participants will visit Harbor Hospital in Baltimore six times. At the beginning and end of the study, they will have a number of tests, including an MRI of the brain and a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) to measure chemicals in the brain. They will also have glu-

cose tolerance and memory tests.

Participants will be randomly divided into two groups. Both groups will get a two-hour education session on healthy eating habits, and guidelines for what the study calls a Healthy Living diet.

One group will eat the diet each day for eight weeks. The other group will eat the diet for six days a week and choose two days each week to consume only two nutritional shakes, for a total of 460 calories on those days.

From those who have already completed the study, Kapogiannis said he’s found that during the first two weeks or so they have some difficulty making it through the fast days.

“Later on, from three to four weeks, something seems to switch, and they look forward to these days. They don’t find it hard. Overall they feel more focused and have more clarity on these days. They feel better and brighter,” he said.

In addition to the visits at the beginning and end of the study, participants will make four more office visits, and have weekly phone calls with the study coordinators for support.

Compensation is offered for completing the study. For more information, or to volunteer, call (410) 350-3941 or email NIAStudiesRecr uitment@mail.nih.gov and mention NIA Study #15-AG-0123.

BEACON BITS

Aug. 16

RESPONDING TO OPIOID OVERDOSE Learn how to deal with an opioid overdose emergency in a free

program sponsored by the Howard County Health Department on Thursday, Aug. 16, from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Howard County General Hospital Wellness Center, 10710 Charter Dr., Columbia. To complete the required registration, call (410) 313-6245 or contact mgibson@howardcountymd.gov.

• Eye Care for All Ages • Specialists in Cataracts, Glaucoma, Diabetic Retinopathy and Macular Degeneration • Contact Lens Specialists • Plastic & Reconstructive Eye Surgery

Full In-House Optical Department Outpatient No-Stitch Cataract Surgery • Laser Surgery MEDICARE ASSIGNMENT ACCEPTED LENARD H. HAMMER, M.D., F.A.C.S. GORDON LUI, M.D. SCOTT B. BECKER, M.D. BRIAN J. WINTER, M.D.

VANESSA LIMA, M.D. CRISTINA F. ROUILLER, O.D..

410-997-9900

8860 Columbia 100 Parkway, Suite 101, Columbia, MD

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — A U G U S T 2 0 1 8

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

13

Issues with daughters over marriages Dear Solutions: “courageous.”

My daughter is getting married this Ignore the boor. People will admire you, summer, and although I’m and you will be giving your thrilled at this news, I’m daughter a really loving wedalso very, very angry. My ding present — a day of joy husband, her father, left me for her. She will feel good after 35 years of marriage, about you and — surprise — and is now living with the so will you! woman with whom he had Dear Solutions: the affair that broke up our My daughter is giving me marriage. hard time. My wife died a Now my daughter is very little over a year ago. I’ve upset because her father told met a great woman who I her he won’t come unless SOLUTIONS want to marry so we can that woman is part of the By Helen Oxenberg, travel together. greeting line after the cere- MSW, ACSW My daughter says it’s “inmony. My daughter wants appropriate” and too soon, him there no matter what. I don’t want and that I’m “forgetting her mother his girlfriend there — especially as part like she didn’t exist.” I’m not forgetof the greeting party. ting her mother (my wife). I had a good My daughter and I have always been marriage, and I miss her. close, and she knows how hurt I’ve been. How should I handle this with her?

People say I should forgive and forget and be friendly. But I won’t forgive this latest nastiness, and I can’t forget it all, and I certainly won’t be friendly to either of them.

— Millie Dear Millie: You’re right. You don’t have to forget.

You have to remember your daughter! She is caught in the middle, and she needs your help to get out of it and have a happy wedding memory instead of an aggravating event.

Let your husband be the inconsiderate, nasty boor that he is. You rise above it. Leave out all those F words. Instead of “forgive,” “forget” and “friendly,” try “cool,” calm” and

BEACON BITS

Ongoing

MEN’S GROUP

The Seniors Together Program of the Howard County Office of Aging and Independence offers a weekly men’s current events and more discussion group on Tuesdays at 10 a.m. Join in the conversation and make new friends at the Glenwood 50+ Center, 2400 Route 97, Cooksville. Call (410) 313-4846 to learn more.

Ongoing

PROTECTING VETERANS FROM SCAMS

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service and AARP have joined in a campaign to fight financial scams targeting veterans. To learn more about the program, visit AARP.org/fraudwatchnetwork. Call (877) 908-3360 if a scam aimed at veterans is suspected.

But I’m past 75, and I don’t know what’s appropriate at this age. My daughter says all I think about is having fun, and there’s time for remarriage later.

I don’t know what to tell her. I don’t want to lose my daughter, but this woman takes away my loneliness. What can I say when she says I only think of having fun?

— Fred Dear Fred: Tell her time flies even when you’re not having fun!

Try to make her understand that you’re in a different time zone from her. When you’re young, there’s an illusion that there’s time for everything. When you’re older, you become more and more conscious of the limits of time.

Also, people grieve in different ways.

People who have had good marriages are much more likely to seek to remarry than to continue mourning. Actually, this is not an insult to her mother but a tribute, since she helped you to see marriage as a plus.

You must do what you feel is right for you, at the same time assuring your daughter that you care about her feelings and hope you and she can remain close.

Remember, you are not asking for her permission, only her understanding.

Also, it might be helpful for your daughter to join a bereavement group for a while.

This will give her an opportunity to share her feelings and her grief. © Helen Oxenberg, 2018. Questions to be considered for this column may be sent to: The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915. You may also email the author at helox72@comcast.net. To inquire about reprint rights, call (609) 655-3684.

14

Fitness & Health | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

A U G U S T 2 0 1 8 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — A U G U S T 2 0 1 8

Say you saw it in the Beacon

A Publication from the Howard County Office on Aging and Independence

15

Volume 8, No. 8 • August 2018

OAI Bridges Language Barriers to Living Well

L

iving Well with Diabetes is a chronic disease self-management program designed to help those living with Type 2 Diabetes better manage their condition. For more than a decade, the program has helped Howard County residents manage the symptoms and challenges of diabetes by developing healthy nutrition and exercise plans and learning to communicate better with their family members, caregivers and health care providers.

Coordinated by the Health & Wellness Division of the Office on Aging and Independence (OAI), Living Well with Diabetes is offered on a regular basis at locations throughout Howard County.

But up until a couple of years ago, county residents with limited English proficiency were unable to participate due to language barriers. “One of our major goals is to serve non-English speaking community members, especially since we live in such a diverse county,” says Courtney Barkley, Health & Wellness Division Manager. In 2015, OAI completed the initial translation of the program manual into Korean. “Not only is there a large Korean population in Howard County, there is also a high prevalence of diabetes within that community,” she explained.

Minjung (MJ) Engle, a bilingual specialist with OAI’s Maryland Access Point, translated the original Diabetes Self-Management Program (DSMP) manual into Korean. “A lot of people are concerned about their health but don’t know what to do because of the language barrier,” said MJ, who volunteers as a lay leader for OAI’s Living Well

programs and with a Korean caregiver support group run by Alzheimer’s Association. “One of my clients, a 67-year-old Korean man who had been diagnosed with pre-diabetes, was worried about his health. After attending the Living Well with Diabetes workshop, he acquired the tools he needed to overcome his fears and get his confidence back.”

MJ Engle, pictured above, is a bilingual information specialist with Maryland Access Point, the aging and disability resource center of the Office on Aging and Independence.

MJ most recently updated the Korean DSMP manual to reflect new American Diabetes Association (ADA) guidelines, which will be submitted to the national Self-Management Resource Center (SMRC). The SMRC in turn will make the Korean DSMP manual available to all licensed organizations world-wide that want to offer a Korean Diabetes program. “We appreciate MJ’s willingness to take on a project of this magnitude,” said Jennifer Lee, OAI’s Health Promotion Program Manager. “Under her continuing leadership, we are looking forward to offering Living Well with Diabetes workshops led by Korean-speaking lay leaders in the Fall.”

Start Living Well Today!

Learning how to take charge of your health while managing the symptoms of diabetes or other chronic conditions is the goal of the Office on Aging and Independence’s six week Living Well program. Living Well with Diabetes will be offered at the Elkridge 50+ Center, located at 6540 Washington Boulevard in Elkridge, from 1:00 to 3:30 p.m. on Wednesdays, from August 29 through October 3. To achieve the most benefits from this program, participants are encouraged to attend all six sessions.

Each session will include information and a group discussion of topics related to diabetes self-care, including: stress management; glucose monitoring; skin and foot care; goal setting; communication skills; appropriate exercise; nutrition

and healthy eating; maintaining a balanced blood sugar; and techniques to manage symptoms and challenges.

Course materials will be provided, and can be purchased on-site for a nominal fee.

To register or for more information, contact Jennifer Lee at jlee@howardcountymd.gov or 410-313-5940 (voice/relay).

To request a sign language interpreter or other accommodations to participate or to obtain this information in an alternate format, contact Maryland Access Point at 410-313-1234 (voice/relay) one week before the first class.

16

More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

The 50+ Connection

A U G U S T 2 0 1 8 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

New County Law Protects Residential Tenants

By Rebecca Bowman, Administrator, Howard County Office of Consumer Protection

A new Howard County law that provides residential tenants with additional rights, will go into effect August 12. While State landlord-tenant laws still apply, your rights under the new law will include: Before You Sign a Lease • Your landlord must have a rental housing license before you move into the rental property.

• You must be given copies of the lease and housing license and be allowed to view the unit.

• If your application is denied due to information obtained through a credit check, you have the right to dispute inaccurate information with the credit reporting company.

Security Deposits A security deposit may be collected by your landlord to help cover the cost of any damage you cause to the property beyond normal wear and tear, nonpayment of rent or breach of lease.

• Security deposits (including pet deposits) cannot exceed the equivalent of 2 month’s rent.

• You can ask for an inspection to identify damages at the beginning and end of the lease.

• If any part of a deposit is withheld, you must be given an itemized list of the damages, and the cost for repairs. You can also request proof of the damages and costs.

• Your deposit (plus interest, minus damages) must be returned within 45 days of move out.

New Lease Terms Effective December 12, 2018, a lease must be in writing and include, among other things, the following information: • The rental period (one year or month-to-month), amount of rent and payment due date; • Who (you or the landlord) is responsible for repairs and utilities;

• The amount of notice that must be given by either party to terminate the lease; • The amount of any fee, not to exceed 5%, that will be charged for late payment of rent; • 24 hours’ notice is required before the landlord can enter the property unless you agree to less, there’s an emergency or the landlord reasonably believes you are violating the lease; • If a ratio utility billing system (RUBS) is used, information on how bills are calculated.

The landlord may only charge you money for processing your application, the security deposit, rent, the cost of utility services listed in the lease, and fees for optional amenities (e.g. having a pet or using pools or fitness centers). If the landlord lets you change units during the lease term, you can’t be charged a transfer fee.

At the End of Tenancy • If you move out before the end of the lease term, you are liable for the rent for the rest of the term, but the landlord must “mitigate” its damages by re-renting the property.

• You may terminate a lease early with limited penalties under certain special circumstances such as: unemployment or death of a tenant whose income is used to qualify for the lease, certain medical conditions, change of military posting, domestic violence or sexual assault.

• Your landlord can evict you for non–payment of rent, failure to move at the end of the lease term, or for breaching the lease terms. But, your landlord must obtain an Order of Eviction from the court before making you vacate, removing your belongings, or changing the locks.

For more information on this or other consumer issues, contact the Office of Consumer Protection at 410-313-6420 (voice/relay), consumer@howardcountymd.gov or visit www.howardcountymd.gov/consumer.

Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HoCoCommunity Stay connected to the Howard County Department of Community Resources and Services. Like us today!

P4C Pet Evaluations If you are interested in volunteering, or wish to receive a FREE evaluation for your pet, contact:

Ingrid Gleysteen, PROGRAM COORDINATOR igleysteen@howardcountymd.gov 410-313-7461 (voice/relay)

August 2 • 7:00 TO 9:00 PM Bain 50+ Center, 5470 Ruth Keeton Way, Columbia 21044

A Moment to Honor Thursday, August 30 • 10:30 a.m.

Ellicott City 50+ Center 9401 Frederick Road, Ellicott City, MD 21042 In recognition of Grief Awareness Day, we gather to honor those who have touched our lives and are no longer with us, including beloved pets. The program includes a brief presentation, quiet reflection, live music and a commemorative activity. FREE.

To register, contact Elaine Widom by August 27 at ewidom@howardcountymd.gov or 410-313-7353 (voice/relay).

www.howardcountymd.gov/sentog

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — A U G U S T 2 0 1 8

The 50+ Connection

Learn about Medicare’s Prescription Drug Coverage and Plan Finder Are you on Medicare (or helping someone who is) and want to get a better understanding of how Medicare Prescription Drug coverage (Part D) works? With the Part D open enrollment period fast approaching, now is a good time to learn more. During Open Enrollment – October 15 through December 7 – you will have the opportunity to review, compare, and if you so decide, enroll in a new plan for 2019.

While 2019 plan details are not available until October, you can improve your general knowledge so that you are ready for your Part D review in the fall. Howard County’s Senior Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) offers a series of public education presentations which can help you understand the process and make an informed decision (see box, right). Here is what you will learn: Understanding Medicare’s Prescription Drug Coverage will help you understand how Part D plans are structured, and provide information about cost-sharing categories, types of restrictions, and pharmacy considerations, as well as benefit programs available to help with costs.

Using Medicare’s Plan Finder will teach you how to use this powerful tool, which is available at www.medicare.gov. The Plan Finder provides you with personalized calculations on all plans available to you based on your medications and pharmacy. (If you are not familiar with the structure of Part D plans, attend the “Understanding Medicare’s Prescription Drug Coverage� presentation first.)

SHIP – your local help with Medicare – provides free, unbiased and confidential information and assistance to Medicare beneficiaries of any age or their families/caregivers. For general inquiries, contact us at 410-313-7392 (voice/relay).

Say you saw it in the Beacon

MEDICARE EDUCATION FREE Information Presented by SHIP 6HH DUWLFOH WR OHIW IRU GHVFULSWLRQ RI SUHVHQWDWLRQV

81'(567$1',1* 0(',&$5( 6 35(6&5,37,21 '58* &29(5$*( 7XHVGD\ $ $XJXVW ‡‡ ¹¹ 3 30 (ONULGJH &HQWHU :DVKLQJWRQ %OYG (ONULGJH

:HGQHVGD\ $ $XJXVW ‡‡ ¹¹ $ $0 (OOLFRWW &LW\ &HQWHU )UHGHULFN 5G (OOLFRWW &LW\

7XHVGD\ 6 6HSWHPEHU ‡‡ ¹¹ 3 30 %DLQ &HQWHU 5XWK .HHWRQ :D\ &ROXPELD

86,1* 0(',&$5( 6 3/$1 ),1'(5 7XHVGD\ $ $XJXVW ‡‡ ¹¹ 3 30 %DLQ &HQWHU 5XWK .HHWRQ :D\ &ROXPELD

6HSWHPEHU ‡‡ ¹¹ 3 30 7XHVGD\ 6 +RZDUG &RXQW\ *HQHUDO +RVSLWDO :HOOQHVV &HQWHU &KDUWHU 'U 6XLWH &ROXPELD

5(*,675$7,21 5(48,5('

)RU %DLQ (ONULGJH DQG (OOLFRWW &LW\ &HQWHUV

)RU +&*+ :HOOQHVV &HQWHU )RU DGGLWLRQDO DVVLVWDQFH ZLWK \RXU 0HGLFDUH TXHVWLRQV DQG FRQFHUQV FRQWDFW WKH +RZDUG &RXQW\ 6WDWH +HDOWK ,QVXUDQFH $VVLVWDQFH 3URJUDP 6+,3

410-313-7392 (VOICE/RELAY)

FOR OTHER UPCOMING PRESENTATIONS, VISIT

www.howardcountymd.gov/SHIP

17

18

More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

The 50+ Connection

Intergenerational Fun at the Bain 50+ Center

Coming up in August

Older adults and children of all ages can learn a lot from one another. Join us this summer as we help bring the generations together to foster lasting relationships that are meaningful and fun. FREE. For more information or to register, call 410-313-7213.

Leadership U Comes to Bain Wednesday, August 1 • 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Leadership U empowers local high school students to learn by doing. Spend the day with students as they discuss and develop solutions to issues that affect their community and develop relationships with community leaders.

Come share your experiences with Howard County youth!

Back to School: No Adult Left Behind Thursday, August 2 • 10:00 a.m. to Noon Gain speed in the new tech age by learning to text message on your mobile phone. This program is offered in partnership with the Howard County Public School System.

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

This publication is available in alternate formats upon request.

To join our subscriber list, email kahenry@howardcountymd.gov 0ATUXENT 7OODS $RIVE, Columbia, MD 21046 410-313-6410 (VOICE/RELAY) • www.howardcountymd.gov/aging Find us on

A U G U S T 2 0 1 8 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

www.Facebook.com/HoCoCommunity

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

White Elephant Sale August 21-23 • 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

August 24 • 9:00 a.m. to noon Ellicott City 50+ Center, 9401 Frederick Road, Ellicott City 21042 Shop for unique items or find a great bargain at the Ellicott City 50+ Council’s White Elephant Sale. Donations of clean, unused or gently used items will be accepted August 20 and 21 (no books, clothing or electronics). All proceeds benefit 50+ Center programming. For more information, call 410-313-1400.

Julie Hall and Company Sing Wednesday, August 8 • 12:30 p.m.

Ellicott City 50+ Center, 9401 Frederick Road, Ellicott City 21042 Stop in for an afternoon of delightful music as Julie and her daughter perform some of the greatest hits from days gone by. Julie formed her own top 40 band at age 15, worked with the group Sister Sledge and recorded the theme for PBS television production. FREE. Intro to Self-Defense for Women Friday, August 10 •12:30 to 1:30 p.m.

North Laurel 50+ Center, 9411 Whiskey Bottom Road, Laurel Learn personal awareness and real-life tactics to protect yourself against attackers. This free intro course is taught by a Martial Arts Master. Call (410) 313-0380 to register.

Investigation in the George Wallace Assassination Attempt in 1972 Wednesday, August 29 • 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

North Laurel 50+ Center, 9411 Whiskey Bottom Road, Laurel Kevin Leonard, historian and writer of the popular “History Matters” column in the Laurel Leader, shares a collection of long-forgotten events and people from Laurel’s rich history. FREE. Call (410) 313-0380 to reserve a seat.

th

Help Us Celebrate Our 20 Anniversary!

The 2018 Focus —

FUTURE PLANNING • 11 AM – AARP’s Caregiving Expert & Author • 2 PM – The Capitol Steps Plus, don’t miss out on: • • • • • $

170+ Exhibitors Engaging Seminars Dynamic Presentations Flu Shots and Health Screenings Resources for All Stages and Ages

1 ADMISSION benefits the Vivian Reid Community Fund

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Wilde Lake High School 5460 Trumpeter Road, Columbia, MD 21044

#HoCoEXPO18 facebook.com/HoCoCommunity

410-313-6410 (VOICE/RELAY) • www.howardcountymd.gov/aging

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — A U G U S T 2 0 1 8

Say you saw it in the Beacon

Money Law &

19

ERRING ON HEIRS Name beneficiaries for all your investments to avoid probate cost, delays FRESH SAVINGS How to get more for your money at the farmers markets this summer FREEZE FOR FREE New rules mean you can freeze and unfreeze your credit report without cost

Why to always use at least one credit card

By Liz Weston Certified financial planner David Rae said he used to think that “anyone who could draw breath” could get an auto loan.

Then one of his millionaire clients tried to buy a car — and failed.

The 42-year-old client was turned down for a loan because he had no credit scores, said Rae, who is based in Los Angeles.

Nineteen million American adults are “unscoreable,” lacking enough recent credit history to generate credit scores, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. They either have “thin” files, with too few accounts, or “stale” ones that haven’t been updated in a while.

Roughly 7 million of these people are what credit scoring company FICO calls “credit retired.” They no longer actively use credit, but their histories are free from charge offs, collections or other negative marks that might indicate that “their exit from the credit mainstream was involuntary,” said Ethan Dornhelm, FICO’s vice president for scores and predictive analytics.

Having no scores can cost you These consumers can face a host of po-

tential problems, including: • People without scores could be shut out of credit they might want in the future, including rewards credit cards and lowcost loans.

• Insurers typically use credit-based scores to set premiums for auto and home insurance, so not having credit could cause those without scores to miss out on lower rates.

• People with no credit scores may not qualify for the best cell phone plans, and may have to make bigger deposits to get utilities.

The median age of these credit retirees is 71, Dornhelm said. They may have retired from work, paid off their homes, and feel no need to borrow money. But the credit retired also can include younger people, including those who live cash-only lifestyles.

Credit scores can die fast They may not realize that credit scores can die relatively quickly. While closed accounts in good standing typically remain on credit reports for 10 years, lenders often stop updating those accounts soon

after they’re closed.

Without updates, scores can’t be generated. The FICO scoring formula used in most lending decisions requires peoples’ credit reports to show at least one account that’s been updated within the previous six months.

The rival VantageScore looks back somewhat further, 24 months, for updated accounts. VantageScore and FICO’s alternative formula, FICO Score XD, also generate scores for people based on their histories paying noncredit accounts, such as telecommunications and cable bills.

But applicants typically can’t know in advance if a lender uses VantageScore or an alternative score, so they should assume it will be a traditional FICO score.

You just need one card The key to reviving traditional scores?

Having and using a single credit card is enough, as long as the card issuer reports to all three credit bureaus (most do). Balances can and should be paid in full each month, since there’s no credit score advantage to carrying debt.

Rae’s client was a renter whose only

credit card was tied to his business. Business credit cards often don’t show up on individuals’ credit reports. Rental payments are included on some credit reports, but they’re not factored into the most commonly used FICO credit scores.

So Rae had his client apply for a secured credit card, which required a $500 deposit to get a $500 credit limit. After four months, the client applied for a regular credit card from his bank. His healthy account balances helped convince the bank he was a good bet, Rae said.

Having lots of assets or making big down payments can help the credit retired get approved for many types of credit, noted Jeff Richardson, vice president of communications for VantageScore. Credit unions, which are member-owned, may also be willing to look beyond credit scores when making lending decisions, he added.

Two months after being approved for the credit card, Rae’s client got a car loan.

And a year after that, he got a mortgage to buy a multimillion-dollar home, Rae said.

“It’s all good, but it was rough and a big hassle at the beginning,” Rae said.

Some answers to your Medicare questions Learn the answers to some common Medicare questions, courtesy of the experts at Kiplinger’s Retirement Report and Kiplinger’s Personal Finance. Whether you’re already retired or just starting to plan for retirement, brushing up on your knowledge of Medicare will pay off.

Healthcare pre-Medicare My husband will retire when he turns 65 and sign up for Medicare. I am five years younger, work part-time and have no benefits. So, what are my options for healthcare?

One is to buy coverage through the Affordable Care Act marketplace. Go to Healthcare.gov to find a link to your state’s marketplace. Despite the political uncertainty surrounding the ACA, it’s worth reviewing your options.

You can buy coverage outside the marketplaces, but you won’t receive any subsidy under the ACA. Another possibility: You may qualify for

COBRA, which would let you continue on your husband’s former employer’s plan for up to 18 months. This is likely to be expensive, because you would have to pay both the employer and employee portion of the premium.

looking for, and specify that you want to see providers who accept the Medicare-approved amount as payment in full. The search will produce a list of physicians in the area who accept Medicare.

Finding a Medicare doctor

New HSA contributions once on Medicare

I’m moving to a new town, and I’m having a hard time finding a doctor who accepts Medicare patients. Are there any good resources to help?

First, know that you’re not alone. A report to Congress last year noted that 20 percent of Medicare beneficiaries seeking a new primary care physician said they had a “big problem” finding one willing to accept Medicare’s approved amount as payment in full for covered services. Another 15 percent reported a “small problem.”

Start by checking the “physician compare” tool at Medicare.gov. Enter the new Zip code and the type of doctor you’re

I am about to sign up for Medicare at age 65. Can I still contribute to a health savings account once I enroll?

You can’t make new contributions to an HSA after you enroll in Medicare, but you can continue to use any money that was already in the account tax-free for out-ofpocket medical expenses, such as deductibles, co-payments, your share of prescription-drug costs, and a portion of longterm care insurance premiums based on your age (up to $4,160 in 2018 for ages 61 to 70, for example).

After turning age 65, you can also use HSA money tax-free to pay premiums for Medicare Part B and Part D, and for

Medicare Advantage plans.

You can make tax-deductible contributions (or pretax if through an employer) to an HSA in 2018 if you have an eligible health insurance policy with a deductible of at least $1,350 for single coverage or $2,700 for family coverage.

You can’t make HSA contributions after enrolling in Medicare, but you can make pro-rated contributions in the year you sign up, based on the number of months before your Medicare coverage takes effect.

Using wife’s HSA to pay Medicare premiums I’m on Medicare, but my wife is in her 50s and is covered by an HSA-eligible health insurance policy. Can she use HSA money tax-free to pay for my Medicare premiums and other HSAeligible medical expenses?

She can use HSA money tax-free to pay See MEDICARE, page 21

20

Law & Money | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

A U G U S T 2 0 1 8 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

Name beneficiaries to limit cost to heirs An article appeared recently on the editorial page of the Wall Street Journal written by Warren Kozak, whose wife died earlier this year. Kozak indicated that his bankers had never recommended to him and his wife that they should name beneficiaries on their savings accounts.

Kozak was under the false impression that the savings account in his wife’s name

would automatically transfer to him. He had to hire an attorney, at the cost of $465 per hour, to name him as the executor of the estate in order to give him the power to transfer the accounts.

The filing costs in New York City were $1,286, and the running attorney bill now stands at over $7,400, and is expected to increase.

BEACON BITS

July 19+

REJUVENATE YOUR RETIREMENT Howard County Community College will have an educational pro-

gram for retirees from Thursday, July 19 to Thursday, July 26. This program reviews financial topics such as tax reduction and healthcare planning. The tuition is $59. The college is located at 10901 Little Patuxent Pkwy. For more information, call (443) 518-1000. To register, go to http://bit.ly/rejuvenateretirement.

Aug. 4

COMPOSTING DEMONSTRATION How do you turn your kitchen scraps into compost? Master gar-

deners at the Robinson Nature Center will teach you about composting in a free program on Saturday, Aug. 4 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. You can also receive a free mesh compost bin. The Nature Center is located at 6692 Cedar Ln., Columbia.

For more information, call (410) 313-0400.

Baltimore County Department of Aging

POWER OF AGE EXPO 2018

Wednesday, October 3, 2018 • 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Thursday, October 4, 2018 • 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Timonium Fairgrounds • Connect with over 300+ exhibitors with information and specialty products • Delight in two days of continuous entertainment on the Main Stage • Discover a treasure in the Silent Auction by being the highest bidder • Visit the Veterans Muster for resources and information • Learn the best in County resources available in Baltimore County • Crown the best local artist in the Power of Age Art Show/Exhibit !"#$#%&!'()*!'(##!+(#,#$&-,#!.#/0&.!12(##$-$31!/$4!

ADMISSION: Donation or two cans of non-perishable food !!!!567+$#6*)$-/!,/22-$/&-)$1 FREE GIFT Sponsored by

For information, call 410-887-2594 or visit www.powerofageexpo.com

GBMC and Sharecare

Kozak also indicated that his wife had for probate. The probate process took sevnever named a beneficiary for the retire- eral months before the assets associated with the CDs that did not have ment account held at her a named beneficiary could be bank. As I have pointed out transferred to the individuals many times, in order to make named as beneficiaries in the sure that your IRAs and other will. retirement accounts are inherited by the individual(s) you Plan to avoid probate select, ensure that you specify Naturally, you would like a named beneficiary for your your assets to be inherited by retirement accounts, and that the individuals you select, the names are retained by the and you want these assets to financial institution that mainTHE SAVINGS be transferred in a timely tains your account.

GAME manner without expensive atName for each account By Elliot Raphaelson torney costs and filing costs.

You need to name beneficiI suggest you make a list of aries properly for all of your financial as- all your assets, specify who you want to insets. As Kozak found out, it is very expen- herit each asset, and indicate what actions sive and time consuming if you fail to en- you have taken to ensure that these individsure that you name a beneficiary properly uals will inherit that asset. Review this inforfor each financial asset you own. mation with your attorney and/or financial For example, several years ago, I was planner. named as the executor of my aunt’s estate.

If you have postponed preparing or upAll of her assets were in the form of certifi- dating a will to reflect significant changes cates of deposit held at various financial in- in your life, don’t procrastinate. Set up an stitutions. appointment with your attorney to make For most of her accounts, she had sure your will is up-to-date regarding your named beneficiaries for the CDs she wishes. owned. Unfortunately, unknown to me, If you want to educate yourself regardshe neglected to name specific beneficiar- ing ways to avoid probate, I recommend ies for some of her CD accounts. the book, 8 Ways to Avoid Probate She had a valid will in which she did (www.nolo. com) by Mary Randolph. The name specific individuals who would in- author discusses the ways you can name herit any assets in which there was no beneficiaries for different asset classes named beneficiary. The CDs she owned, in such as stocks, bonds, retirement acwhich she had not named a beneficiary, counts and savings accounts so that you would be inherited by these individuals. can avoid probate and its associated costs However, in order for this to happen, I was and delays. forced to hire an attorney to file for proElliot Raphaelson welcomes your questions bate. and comments at raphelliot@gmail.com.

Accordingly, the estate had to pay sever© 2018 Elliot Raphaelson. Distributed by al thousand dollars in attorney fees to file Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Law & Money

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — A U G U S T 2 0 1 8

21

Fresh ways to save at the farmers market

By Laura McMullen The difference between the produce at farmers markets and supermarkets is more than “tomayto” versus “tomahto.”

Plus, buying fresh fruit and vegetables at farmers markets offers opportunities to save money in ways you might not find at a grocery store.

The produce sold at most supermarkets is typically harvested before it’s ripe, said Chris Curtis, executive director of Seattle Neighborhood Farmers Markets. Then it’s transported — often long distances — before arriving at the store.

The many people involved in getting a tomato from the vine to the store and, finally, into your tote may get a slice of your payment, she said. That doesn’t leave much for the farmer.

When you buy a tomato at a farmers market, however, “almost all of your dollar is going directly to the grower,” Curtis said. That grower picked the produce ripe, soon before selling it. A recently harvested peach tastes better than that “hard little green ball” sold at large retailers, she said.

Here’s how to get the most for your money when buying produce and other farmers market goods: 1. Get to know the vendors. Many vendors give deals to folks they know, said

Gabrielle Lupton, a baker at Bubble & Brown Bakery, which sells goods at Salt Lake City farmers markets. To build that kind of relationship with a vendor, become a regular. Consistently buy from that seller and turn to her for bulk and special orders.

In addition to scoring deals — and maybe even a friendship — becoming a regular gives you “an inside scoop on the variability of the season,” said Nina Gruber, outreach and development coordinator for Seattle Neighborhood Farmers Markets. For example, you may be among the first customers to know when farmers will start selling peaches, she said. You may also learn when peach prices are expected to change with supply and demand throughout the season.

2. Buy “ugly” produce. “Seconds” or “No. 2s” are fruits and vegetables that taste the same as other produce but look a little off — they may be misshapen or bumpy, for example. Farmers typically sell them more cheaply than the perfect-looking produce.

“It’s something farmers have been doing since the dawn of farmers markets,” Gruber said. Get a deal on seconds and you’re not just saving money — you’re also helping to reduce food waste.

Even if you prefer eating or serving

Medicare

premiums for Medicare parts B and D and Medicare Advantage only if the account owner is 65 or older. Because it’s her account and she is only in her fifties, she can’t do it. After she turns 65, she can use those tax-free dollars for Medicare premiums — her own as well as yours. © 2018 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC

From page 19 for eligible expenses for herself, her spouse and her dependents, so she can use money in her health account to pay for your out-ofpocket medical expenses, such as vision and dental care, as well as co-payments for medical care or prescription drugs.

But HSA money can be used tax-free for

flawless produce, you can follow Gruber’s lead and use seconds for cooking, baking and making jam. She buys a box of No. 2 tomatoes, then cooks and freezes batches of pasta sauce. “Then I have sauce for the rest of the year,” she said.

3. Pay in cash. Access to a credit or debit card — and dozens of freshly baked pastries — can put your grocery budget in danger. Lupton said that customers paying with a card typically outspend those who use cash. Consider bringing cash, spending a set amount and leaving your cards at home. (This is a reliable money-saving tip for most kinds of shopping trips.)

4. Shop late. Vendors don’t want to be stuck with unsold inventory so “they’ll start slinging deals toward the end of the day,” Gruber said.

For example, in the final 30 minutes the market is open, you may be able to snag a bag of apples for half the price you would have paid first thing in the morning. The tradeoff is that there will be a smaller selection of products at the end of the day, Gruber said.

5. Get discounts on bulk purchases.

Remember, vendors want to offload as much of their product as possible. So they’re incentivized to cut a deal if you’re interested in buying a lot of it, Lupton said.

Ask vendors what prices they can offer for the quantity you want, such as a dozen cookies or two pounds of potatoes. They may throw in a few extra potatoes or charge you less for a batch of cookies than they would have for 12 individual treats.

— NerdWallet via AP

Tell them you saw it in the Beacon!

Sol Levinson & Bros. s.

Funeral Services, PA A 5560 Sterrett Place, Suite 204 Columbia, MD 21044 Restricted - Operating out of Sol Levinson & Bros., Inc., Pikesville, MD

410-730-7230 Pre ree-Planning Available le howardcounty@sollevinson.com www.sollevinson.com

Frank, Frank & Scherr, LLC

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Experts in Elder Law, Estate and Special Needs Planning

Jason A. Frank, Esq.

Laurie S. Frank, Esq.

Kandace L. Scherr, Esq.

Medical Assistance Eligibility Planning and Asset Protection Disability Planning / Special Needs Trusts / Veterans Benefits Healthcare Directives / Living Wills Trusts / Estate Planning and Administration Wills / Powers of Attorney / Guardianship

410.337.8900 | www.frankelderlaw.com | 1.888.338.0400 Towson | Columbia | Easton

22

Law & Money | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

A U G U S T 2 0 1 8 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

Freeze and unfreeze credit reports for free

By Kimberly Lankford Question: I’d like to freeze my credit record to protect against identity theft. I heard that Congress recently passed a law making credit freezes free. When can I get my free freeze?

Answer: A credit freeze prevents new creditors from reviewing your credit report, making it harder for identity thieves to take out credit in your name.

Congress recently passed a law that will prohibit the three big credit bureaus —

Equifax, Experian and TransUnion — from charging a fee to place or lift a credit freeze. The free freezes will be available throughout the country this fall; the credit bureaus have until September 21 to implement the new law.

Until the new law goes into effect, the cost to freeze your credit record varies by state. In many states, each credit bureau charges $5 to $10 to freeze your credit record, and may charge a similar fee to lift the freeze if you’re applying for a loan. (To

hinder ID thieves, you need to freeze your record at all three credit bureaus.)

But several states recently passed laws to eliminate credit-freeze fees. You can place a free credit freeze in Colorado, Indiana, Maine, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, Utah and Washington, D.C. (You may need to pay a fee to lift the freeze in some of these states.)

By the end of June, Michigan, Nebraska, Oregon and Washington state will also be offering free credit freezes.

Go to www.equifax.com, www.experian.com and www.transunion.com to initiate the freeze and find out more about the cost and procedures.

Also check with your state attorney general’s office or consumer protection bureau to find out whether your state offers additional consumer protections on security freezes beyond what the federal law provides. © 2018 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

BEACON BITS

July 19+

MODERATE INCOME HOUSING Howard County Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) is accepting applications for its Moderate

Income Housing Unit (MIHU) program through Tuesday, July 31. DHCD will host three MIHU workshops to explain the program’s eligibility requirements and the application process. The workshops are free and open to the public; however, registration is required. On Thursday, July 19, DHCD will host its first of two MIHU HOMEOWNERSHIP Information Workshops from 6 to 8 p.m. in Room 6 of the Gateway Building, 6751 Columbia Gateway Drive in Columbia. The second workshop takes place in the same location on Wednesday, July 25. On Thursday, July 26, DHCD will host a MIHU RENTERS Information Workshop from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Gateway Building. For more information on either workshop or to register, contact DHCD’s Housing Opportunities Programs Division at 410-313-6318 and select option two.

TECHNOLOGY SIMPLIFIED – BIGGER AND BETTER

Wow! A Simple to Use Computer Designed Especially for Seniors!

Easy to read. Easy to see. Easy to use. Just plug it in! now, the very people who could benefit most from E-mail and the Internet are the ones that have had the hardest time accessing it. Now, thanks to the WOW Computer, countless older Americans are discovering the wonderful world of the Internet every day. Isn’t it time you took part? Call now, and you’ll find out why tens of thousands of satisfied seniors are now enjoying their WOW Computers, emailing their grandchildren, and experiencing everything the Internet has to offer.Call today!

Now comes with...

Larger 22-inch hi-resolution screen – easier to see 16% more viewing area Simple navigation – so you never get lost Intel® processor – lightning fast Computer is in the monitor – No bulky tower Speech to Text translation – You talk, It types for you

Text to Speech translation – it can even read your emails to you!

U.S. Based Customer Service

FREE Automatic Software Updates

Call toll free now and find out how you can get your own WOW! Computer.

1-888-581-3805 Mention promotional code 109707 for special introductory pricing.

© 2018 firstSTREET for Boomers and Beyond, Inc.

81177

There is finally a computer that’s designed for simplicity and ease of use. It’s the WOW Computer, and it was designed with you in mind. This computer is easy-to-use, worryfree and literally puts the world at your fingertips. From the moment you open the box, you’ll realize how different the WOW Computer is. The components are all connected; all you do is plug it into an outlet and your highspeed Internet connection. Then you’ll see the screen. This is a completely new touch screen system, without the cluttered look of the normal computer screen. The “buttons” on the screen are easy to see and easy to understand. All you do is touch one of them, from the Web, Email, Calendar to Games– you name it… and a new screen opens up. It’s so easy to use you won’t have to ask your children or grandchildren for help. Until

NEW

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — A U G U S T 2 0 1 8

Say you saw it in the Beacon

Travel

23

Leisure &

On Myanmar’s Inle Lake, farmers both plant and harvest crops using floating gardens, anchored to the lake bottom.

Off the beaten path: our trip to Myanmar long on any “must-see” list.

Breaking free of Britain If the pervasiveness of religion in everyday life leads to an assumption that Myanmar is only about Buddhist temples, think again. In fact, it’s a multi-racial country with interesting cities, intriguing villages, stunning nature, and attractions sure to excite and delight even the most intrepid traveler.

Britain controlled Burma from 1824 until the country gained its independence in 1948. An oppressive military junta that took control in 1962 left a lasting stain on the nation’s history. The generals suppressed dissent, were accused of serious civil rights abuses, and allowed the economy to stagnate, largely isolated from the rest of the world.

In an effort to erase reminders of British domination, the name of the country was changed from Burma to Myanmar, although both are still used. Names of cities, rivers, mountains and other places also were altered to avoid memories of the colonial days.

When free elections were permitted to take place in 2015, the political party of Aung San Suu Kyi won a resounding victory. She is an activist who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991, but whose advocacy for democracy resulted in her being held under house arrest for 15 years until her release in 2010.

Aung San now serves as the State Counselor, a position similar to prime minister, and she has managed to institute some new freedoms, economic reforms and

PHOTO BY ZZVET@DREAMSTIME.COM

By Victor Block I was 3,000 feet high, floating in a hot air balloon with 11 other passengers, including my wife Fyllis, and — thank goodness — a pilot.

Since this was my first balloon flight, my attention during the ascent was focused on the gigantic orb overhead that was keeping us aloft, into which our aviator was directing occasional bursts of flame. Flame!

Once I was convinced that we would stay afloat and not catch on fire, I was able to focus my attention on the reason why we had clambered into the airborne basket in the first place. We were gently passing over a vast plain that is home to a massive and magnificent collection of Buddhist pagodas, temples, monasteries and dome-shaped monuments called stupas (stoo-puhs).

Our balloon ride sailed us over the ancient city of Bagan, which was the capital of a kingdom spanning the 9th to 13th centuries from which Burma later evolved. At one time, more than 10,000 Buddhist structures dotted the landscape there, and the remains of over 2,200 survive today.

We spotted both crumbling red brick shrines and whitewashed, gilded edifices that have been spruced up and returned to their former glory. This assortment of centuries-old Buddhist monuments is part of the reason that Myanmar (ME-un-mahr) is referred to as “The land of pagodas.”

For non-Buddhists, an itinerary that includes a seemingly endless array of holy places may threaten to cause a bit of pagoda overload. Even so, sites like Bagan be-

PHOTO BY VICTOR BLOCK

In the crowded city of Mandalay, Myanmar’s traditional marketplaces juxtapose with motor scooters, cell phones and other 21st century technology.

Balloons float over the ancient city of Bagan, which in the 9th to 13th centuries was the capital of a kingdom from which Burma, now called Myanmar, evolved. Buddhist pagodas and shrines are prevalent throughout the country.

other advancements. However, the constitution still gives the military a strong voice in governing the country.

Myanmar’s major cities In recent years, tourism to Myanmar has slowly increased and those who go there find variety enough to satisfy a myriad of interests. The major cities alone would make the trip worthwhile.

Yangon, formerly known as Rangoon, is the biggest city and commercial center. It boasts the largest number of colonial-era buildings in southeast Asia, along with a proliferation of new shops and restaurants that have sprung up since the country reopened to the world.

A good way to get a sense of the city is to board the Circular Train that transports workers, students and shoppers to their destinations. A ride costs only 30 cents, and while we didn’t stay on the run-down coach car for the entire three-hour roundtrip, we observed a colorful slice of local life.

The tracks lead past upscale homes, ramshackle wooden huts and tent cities.

Passengers see apartment buildings with porches festooned by a colorful array of drying laundry. Vendors walk the aisles, selling goods ranging from fresh fruit and

cooked corn on the cob, to bottled water and astrology charts.

Mandalay is the second-largest city in the country, and before the British colonization it was the last seat of Burma’s kings. In addition to the de rigueur religious relics, it is renowned as a center of arts and crafts, with different neighborhoods dedicated to various trades.

The streets are clogged by motor scooters and trucks laden with unbelievably large loads, and pedestrians avoiding sidewalks that are badly in need of repair.

More special to me than the cities were the villages scattered about the countryside, where in many ways people live much as their forebears did. Simple houses made of intertwined bamboo line narrow dusty lanes. Domesticated animals often wander along the streets.

Where time stands still But one place where life has changed little is Inle (In-lay) Lake, and a fascinating way of life it is. That large, shallow body of water is home to the Intha people, one of 135 nationalities — each with their distinctive dialects, clothing and traditions — that comprise Myanmar’s population.

See MYANMAR, page 24

24

Leisure & Travel | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

Myanmar From page 23 Small villages consist of rustic two-story houses elevated above the water by bamboo stilts. Here and there is a store, post office, barber shop and other establishment of similar construction.

All transportation is by boat, primarily long, narrow teakwood dinghies propelled by whining outboard motors.

Fishermen, however, move their motorless boats in a kind of over-water ballet, with a paddle held in one leg, leaving their hands free to cast a net.

Farmers plant crops in floating gardens made of hyacinths, weeds and mud, bound together and anchored to the lake bottom by long bamboo poles.

Not surprisingly, even in this dreamlike setting, pagodas dotted around the lake serve as reminders that you are, in fact, in Myanmar.

If you go Accommodations included in the Myths and Mountains itinerary range from fivestar city hotels to more casual, very comfortable bungalow complexes.

The Bagan Thiripyitsaya Sanctuary Re-

A U G U S T 2 0 1 8 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

sort originally was established as the government’s guesthouse for “elite visitors,” and is located within the archaeological zone. It sprawls over 24 acres of landscaped gardens, and many rooms are in separate cottages. Rates begin at $110 a night. For more information, visit www.thiripyitsaya-resort.com.

Equally inviting is the Inle Princess Resort, perched at the edge of the lake. The architecture of the teak and bamboo huts echoes that of minority people who live in the area, and guests who stroll through the small village adjacent to the property get a good picture of rural life. Rates

begin at $217. For more information, see www.inleprincess.com.

For those considering a trip to Myanmar, the company Myths and Mountains operates tours and individual custom travel there and to a number of other destinations in Asia and Southeast Asia. One twoweek trip next January called “Myanmar: Cruising the Chindwin River” starts at $5,960 per person, excluding airfare. The least expensive airfare from BWI currently offered at that time is $1,487 on Korean Airlines.

For more information, call (800) 6706984 or see mythsandmountains.com.

Human rights issues in Myanmar Since August 2017, there have been continuous news reports about atrocities by Myanmar’s military forces against Rohingya Muslims who lived in Rakhine Province and have been attacked or chased across the border.

The Rohingyas originally came from neighboring Bangladesh, and have been viewed by natives as interlopers since they arrived. Both the United Nations and the United States government have described the campaign against the Rohingyas as “ethnic cleansing.”

Because the unrest is confined to a narrow strip of land along the border with Bangladesh, it’s safe for tourists to

travel throughout most of the country.

However, some people believe that to travel to Myanmar at this time could be construed as supporting, or at least turning a blind eye to, the violence.

Others conclude that tourism supports Burmese civilians because the money that visitors spend helps to provide a livelihood for people who work in that industry.

According to Voices for Burma, a prodemocracy advocacy group, tourists assist by “bringing money to local communities and small businesses, and by raising awareness of the situation worldwide.”

—Victor Block

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — A U G U S T 2 0 1 8

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Leisure & Travel

25

How to avoid airline, hotel and other fees You hear a lot about travel fees these days — especially airline fees, more especially fees for “something you used to get free,” and most especially fees that are theoretically optional but in reality are mandatory.

A recent survey by MileCards listed fees that travelers hate most. Fortunately, you can avoid many of the worst fees, at least some of the time, at little or no cost. Here’s how:

frequent flyer, you can’t avoid them. But they’re in a different class: You can get to your destination in a regular seat. An extra-legroom seat is a product upgrade for which you should expect to pay.

Fees to use an airline’s phone reservation system are a minor annoyance. My take is that Allegiant’s fee to book online is even worse: The only way to book Allegiant without paying an extra fee is to schlep TRAVEL TIPS Airline fees to an airport and line up at AlleI n M i l e C a r d ’ s s u r v e y, By Ed Perkins giant’s counter. checked-bag fees came out as the most hated. In theory you don’t have Hotel fees to check a bag, but if you’re going on a Surprisingly, hotel Wi-Fi fees topped Miletwo-week vacation or business trip, you Card’s hate list, and it’s hard to see why: probably really need to do so.

These fees are easy to avoid most of the time.

You can avoid this fee completely in only With a giant chain, just join its loyalty one instance: when you fly Southwest, an program, at no charge, and book through airline that allows two free checked bags its website, where you might even get a on any type of ticket. slightly better rate. And very few small inYou can also avoid the fee on a single big dependent hotels add a Wi-Fi fee: If they airline if you use that line’s credit card, but if have it at all, it’s free, and most have it. you don’t already have the card, you’ll have to The really annoying hotel fee is the “repay an annual fee of $80 or more to get one. sort” or similar fee, which is not included Another most-hated airline fee is for ex- in the initial price display but is actually changing or canceling a ticket, and like the part of the true price. You can’t avoid it. bag fee, the only way to avoid it completely It’s actually a scam, a deceptive pricing is to fly Southwest. You can limit the loss on practice that the Federal Trade Commisother airlines by buying cancellation insur- sion should outlaw, but I’m not holding my ance, which costs a lot less than the fee. breath until the sluggish FTC fulfills its obThe third top-hated fee is payment for vious obligation. advance seat assignments, which is especially annoying for family groups who want Other hated fees Cellphone data roaming charges are a to sit together. You can’t avoid it. This problem is tough enough that several leg- moving target, with constant adjustments islative proposals call for airlines to seat being made to roaming costs. But you can avoid most problems by installing an app families together without fees.

Fees for extra-legroom seats make the that lets you call through the Internet hate lists, and unless you’re an exalted-level when you’re roaming.

Fees for using an out-of-network ATM are unavoidable with many ATM cards. But if your regular bank charges for foreign withdrawals, you can open a separate checking account for travel use with a bank or credit union that issues no-foreign-fee debit cards.

Similarly, you can avoid credit-card and debit-card foreign transaction fees by using a card that doesn’t charge fees — a feature most travel-focused cards now provide.

Rental car companies’ fees for collision damage waiver (CDW) are outrageous —

but avoidable. Your regular auto insurance may cover you, and these days, many credit cards provide secondary coverage that picks up whatever your insurance doesn’t.

If you’d rather avoid a potential hit on your insurance rates, some premium credit cards offer primary collision coverage, or you can buy third-party primary coverage starting at around $8 a day.

Send e-mail to Ed Perkins at eperkins@mind.net. © 2018 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Are you an Active Senior of Moderate Income?

Discover Great Senior Living at our Affordable Community Conveniently located near the Union Bridge Community Center. 24-hour emergency on-call maintenance.

Affordable rent. Caring & dedicated staff.

550 Shriner Court Union Bridge, MD 21791

410-775-2940

www.qpmgmt.com Rent starts at $545. Income restrictions apply.

Call or visit our web site to view this community.

T/A Quantum Property Management

Leisure & Travel | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

A U G U S T 2 0 1 8 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

It’s not a Wheelchair...

It’s not a Power Chair...

It’s a Zinger!

Meet the future of personal transportation.

More and more Americans are reaching the age where mobility is an everyday issue. Whether from an injury or from the everyday aches and pains that come from getting older– getting around isn’t as easy as it used to be. You may have tried a power chair or a scooter. The Zinger is NOT a power chair or a scooter! The Zinger is quick and nimble, yet it is not prone to tipping like many scooters. Best of all, it weighs only 42 pounds and folds and unfolds with ease so you can take it almost anywhere, providing you with independence and freedom.

Years of work by innovative engineers have resulted in a mobility device that’s truly unique.

They created a battery that provides powerful energy at a fraction of the weight of most batteries. The Zinger features two steering levers, one on either side of the seat. The user pushes both levers down to go forward, pulls them both up to brake, and pushes one while pulling the other to turn to either side. This enables great mobility, the ability to turn on a dime and to pull right up to tables or desks. The controls are right on the steering arm so it’s simple to operate, and its exclusive footrest swings out of the way when you stand up or sit down. With its rugged yet lightweight aluminum frame, the Zinger is sturdy and durable yet lightweight and comfortable! What’s more, it easily folds up for storage in a car seat or trunk– you can even gate-check it at the airport like a stroller. Think about it, you can take your Zinger almost anywhere, so you don’t have to let mobility

Call Now for FREE Shipping

One-touch Folding Comfortable Seating

Sturdy yet Lightweight Frame

Easy-Steer Throttle Inflatable Tires

Powerful Battery/Motor Available in Black (shown) and Green

Swivel Footrest

Just think of the places you can go:

• Shopping • Air Travel • Bus Tours • Restaurants– ride right up to the table!

• Around town or just around your house issues rule your life. It folds in seconds without tools and is safe and reliable. It holds up to 250 pounds, and it can go up to 6 mph and operates for up to 8 hours on a single charge.

Why spend another day letting mobility issues hamper your independence or quality of life?

Zinger Chair Call now toll free 10”

and get FREE Shipping

1-888-831-4172 The Zinger folds to a mere 10 Inches.

Not intended for use by disabled or handicapped individuals. Zinger is not a medical device.

Please mention code 109706 when ordering. © 2018 firstSTREET for Boomers and Beyond, Inc.

83917

26

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — A U G U S T 2 0 1 8

Say you saw it in the Beacon

Style

27

Arts &

Christopher Plummer stars in the movie Boundaries, now in theaters, with Vera Farmiga. See the continuation of our cover story on page 28.

Mamma Mia! returns with gusto to Toby’s

A standout Donna The boisterous singing and dancing is enough to make the show worth seeing, but there’s one particular performance that makes it unmissable. Toby’s veteran Heather Marie Beck is a firecracker as the freewheeling, independent Donna, who once moon-

lighted as a nightclub singer. Though the show is mostly told though the eyes of Sophie, Beck truly steals the spotlight, making her feel like the main character.

She also captures the raw energy, free spirit and strength of the single mom, who’s struggling to stay afloat on the island and stay true to herself. Beck’s the show’s best singer, and you need to see her performance to believe it. More than a few eyes watered (mine included) during her emotional scenes and soaring vocals.

Mamma Mia! debuted in 1999, but its theme of female empowerment still feels very current. The production has certainly aged well, and it’s nice to see such a well-rounded, nuanced role for an older female actress. In fact, in a show filled with young people, it’s the more mature actors who shine the most.

PHOTO BY JERI TIDWELL PHOTOGRAPHY

By Rebekah Alcalde Abba fans rejoice. The popular musical Mamma Mia! is back in town, this time at Toby’s Diner Theatre in Columbia, and it’s a smash. If you’re unfamiliar, this jukebox musical was created by Catherine Johnson, stitched together entirely through songs by Swedish pop duo Abba. There was a film adaptation in 2008, which now has a sequel in theaters.

The show is loosely based on the film Buono Sera, Mrs. Campbell, about a single woman who discovers she’s pregnant, and there are three possible fathers.

Mamma Mia! is more centered on the relationship between the mother, Donna, and her soon-to-be married, 20-year-old daughter, Sophie. They own and run an inn and taverna on the fictional Greek island Kalokairi, with some help from Sophie’s tech-savvy fiancé Sky. Thinking about who will walk her down the aisle, Sophie decides to impersonate her mom and send letters to the three possible candidates, Sam, Bill and Harry, inviting them to the wedding. Despite their 21-year absence, they all agree to come.

Hijinks ensue, of course.

In the hit Abba musical Mamma Mia! at Toby’s Dinner Theatre, Heather Beck (middle back) plays a fierce and fun Donna, who is forced to relive the past when her soon-tobe-married daughter Sophie invites her three possible fathers to her wedding. With the hip-shaking final number, Donna and her friends, “the Dynamos,” close out the show, alongside the three dads, Harry, Sam and Bill. The show is on stage until Sept. 9.

A robust cast Toby’s newcomer Maggie Dransfield (Sophie) brings a fresh voice and personality to the show. As is appropriate to her character, she starts out a little uncertainly but warms up gradually throughout the show. By the end, when her character reprises the first song, it’s like she’s become a new singer — more sure of herself and the notes.

She’s accompanied by her friends Ali and Lisa, played admirably by Jamie Pasquinelli and Cassie Saunders, who hardly have much of a role at all. Still waiting for a version that makes use of these characters.

Thankfully, Donna’s best friends — the rich, feisty and thrice-divorced Tanya and the sweet, carefree single Rosie — are given much more to work with. In their youth, they sang backup in their disco-inspired pop trio Donna and the Dynamos,

and we’re treated to several of their glittery performances, including “Dancing Queen,” “Super Trouper,” “Mamma Mia” and “Waterloo.”

See MAMMA MIA!, page 29

28

Arts & Style | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

Plummer From page 1 never did any good to me at all. I just fell asleep. I just disappeared into myself.

No, I prefer the gregariousness of booze: you can make friends with people. If you’re drugged out of your skull, you don’t know who you’re talking to.

AP: Did you connect personally to the film’s father-daughter relationship? You weren’t much a part of the life of your daughter, the actress Amanda Plummer, from your first marriage.

Plummer: I suppose unconsciously.

A U G U S T 2 0 1 8 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

Particularly the stuff about taking each other for granted. There’s a little bit of that in the film. There’s a bit of I-owe-you and you-owe-me parent banter. That also exists in real life.

AP: The experience coming in to replace Kevin Spacey in All the Money in the World must have been head-spinning. You were nominated for a Golden Globe even before...

Plummer: ...it was finished! Just for remembering my lines I get an award? I also had fun, believe it or not. Ridley [Scott], I always wanted to work with him. So I thought it was a terrific opportunity. I said

Going Home Cremation Service Beverly L. Heckrotte, P.A. Personalized

Professional

Dignified

Affordable

• 24-hour service specializing in direct cremation • Return of the urn and memorial merchandise to your home • Serving Maryland and Washington, D.C.

(301) 854-9038 or 1 (866) 728-4663 (toll free) call for your FREE information package

Visit us at www.GoingHomeCremation.com

yes, and he made it so comfortable for me.

[The cast] all came back and had to do the whole thing over again. The cameras were ready at 6 a.m. They flew us everywhere private, thank God. AP: Did you have any doubt that you could work so quickly?

Plummer: No, I was just hopeful that at my age, my memory would serve me. Because I had to learn my lines very quickly, and I thought, “Oh, Christ, am I going to be able to hold on to this?”

But that’s because of years in theater.

You’re trained to be in an emergency like that. The whole theatrical experience is an emergency.

AP: Since then, whenever scandal befalls another performer, it’s become a regular joke that you should substitute in.

Plummer: It’s terribly funny. (Chuckling.) I think it’s hilarious. The latest one [suggested] was “Roseanne.” I thought that was a bit far-reaching. But it tickled me pink.

AP: Are you encouraged by what the #MeToo movement has done for women in the movie business?

Plummer: It’s going to take time, because there’s still so many, hundreds and hundreds, of the old-school tie, the oldclub men that still, even now in modern times, have inherited this bigotry, this superiority, this “my little woman.”

It’s great, though, that the fight is on.

Long before this happened, my wife and I

both thought there should be a woman president. And it doesn’t have anything to do with Hillary Clinton. Because it’s time for a woman.

We’ve seen what happens. Men go hysterical. Women are far stronger and would be able to run a country with less temperament.

AP: You came up at time when the actor, onstage and on screen, was supreme. What do you think digital-effects-heavy blockbusters have done to acting?

Plummer: This whole new wave of young studs who look great against the green screen, they’re at the mercy of all that...at the mercy of phony crocodiles and dragons.

Technically, it’s simply wonderful what goes on now. I’m in love with the dragon lady (Emilia Clarke on “Game of Thrones”), for example. I think she’s great. And the other night I replayed Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings. Those are directorial triumphs, and the actors are along for the trip.

On stage, it’s a different thing. But that doesn’t exist anymore. Somebody [asked me], “Are you going to the Tonys?” I said no, because the Tonys are a funny thing now. It’s all musicals, and not particularly terrific musicals. But that’s it.

What’s happened to the legitimate theater, the writing? Where’s all that now?

— AP

Perfect Choice HD Ultra™ is simple to use, hard to see and easy to afford…

FREE Shipping

Invention of the Year

limited tim e offer

PERSONAL SOUND AMPLIFICATION PRODUCT (PSAP)

IT’S NOT A HEARING AID If you are one of the 48 million Americans suffering from hearing loss, we have great news for you. An innovative team of doctors and engineers have teamed up to create a truly revolutionary personal sound amplifier. It’s not a hearing aid– those require trips to the audiologist, hearing tests and can cost as much as $5,000. It’s also not a cheap amplifier that just makes everything louder, making it virtually impossible to hear conversations. It’s Perfect Choice HD UltraTM… and it may be the perfect solution for you.

Perfect Choice HD UltraTM is the first PSAP that features Dynamic Speech Optimization (DSO). This technology enables the device to prioritize the spoken word over other sounds.

These noises are generally in different frequencies than voices, but they can drown out the words and make conversations hard to understand. This invention targets the frequencies of the human voice and amplifies the words. It’s even designed to diminish feedback even at higher volumes, so you can customize your hearing experience to meet your needs. Just imagine how great it will feel to be able to understand what people are saying… the first time they say it.

Now you see it...

• Watching TV • Restaurants • Dinner parties • Lectures• Outdoor conversations • Sermons …and other times where you need to turn up the volume

on is if you tell them. Plus, its moisture resistant coating make it durable– you could even leave it in when you take a shower!

There’s no fitting or hearing test required, so it’s ready to use right out of the box. Once it’s arrived, a helpful product expert will provide a one-on-one set up over the phone so you’ll get the maximum benefit from this new technology.

Call now, and you’ll find out for yourself why so many people love their Perfect Choice Ultra. If you aren’t completely satisfied, you can return your purchase and only pay a small restocking fee depending on the condition of the product.

Call Today, and be sure to ask about special discounts for Seniors and Military personnel!

That’s only the beginning. This unit is small and lightweight at less than an ounce, so it hides discreetly and comfortably behind your ear. The only way people will know you have it

It’s Better

Now you don’t

Perfect Choice HD UltraTM is perfect for...

Less than 1 ounce

COMFORT SOUND QUALITY

Excellent: Optimized for speech

FITTING REQUIRED?

No

ONE-ON-ONE SETUP

Free

SENIOR AND MILITARY DISCOUNTS

Yes

Call now and get FREE Shipping

1-888-752-0260 Please mention promotional code 109708.

1998 Ruffin Mill Road, Colonial Heights, VA 23834 Perfect Choice HD Ultra is not a hearing aid. If you believe you need a hearing aid, please consult a physician.

81213

Understand what people are saying... the first time

Mamma Mia! From page 27 Coby Kay Callahan is perfection as Tanya, hilarious as the superficial cougar.

Her shining moment appears in the second act’s “Does Your Mother Know?,” sung while fending off the attentions of a much younger man-child.

Tess Rohan is wonderful as Rosie, whose character always seems so much older than Donna and Tanya but is equally spirited. “Take a Chance on Me” is the highlight for Rohan and also my other favorite Toby’s performer Russell Sunday, who plays the happily single and adventurous writer Bill Austin. There’s hip thrusting in this song, and the audience members were left clutching their sides.

College student Paul Roeckell plays Sophie’s fiancé Sky, who certainly captures the youth and fun-loving aspect of his character. Darren McDonnell is very British as the banker Harry Bright (perhaps a bit too on the nose).

There’s also some cheeky energy from Joey Ellinghaus’ Pepper, the much younger man who has eyes for Tanya, and Shiloh Orr as the goofy Eddie.

The strongest male performance was by Jeffrey Shankle, who actually seems a little miscast in this show as architect Sam Carmichael. His Sam is a bit of a jerk and has an unexpected hard edge that’s difficult to define. Though his vocals seem less

strong than usual, his acting is sharp, and he really stands out as memorable. Maybe he leaned into it, so he could better serve as a foil and balance to Donna’s free spirit.

A Greek chorus The ensemble is also used very effectively in this production, coming in and out of group numbers, often singing together on the sidelines. I can’t help but wonder if it’s a nod to its setting, since ancient Greek drama used the chorus as one voice in a similar way.

The most important thing to consider about this show is whether you enjoy the music. If you hate Abba, it would be difficult to tolerate Mamma Mia! It’s glorious for anyone who’s a fan, or loves upbeat pop music and acrobatic dancing. The audience even boasted some fans who came dressed like the dynamos.

I found myself clapping and cheering enthusiastically, and I couldn’t stop smiling on the way out. Clearly other patrons felt the same.

Mamma Mia! continues through Sept. 9 at Toby’s Dinner Theatre, located at 5900 Symphony Woods Rd. in Columbia, Md. The show runs every day except Mondays, with evening and matinee performances.

Doors open at 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday, for dinner prior to the evening performances, which begin at 8 p.m. For Sunday evenings, doors open at 5 p.m. for dinner, followed by the show at 7 p.m.

There are matinees on Wednesdays and

PLATINUM MEMBERS: The Beacon Newspapers, Vantage House GOLD MEMBER Howard County Office on Aging & Independence SILVER MEMBERS Brightview Rolling Hills, Brooke Grove Retirement Village, Ellicott City Healthcare Center, Right At Home In-home Care & Assistance, The Bob Lucido Team of Keller Williams Integrity BRONZE MEMBERS Arden Courts Memory Care Community, ComForCare Home Care of Howard County, Homewatch Caregivers, Let's Move, LLC., Stress Free Solutions PATRON MEMBERS Alzheimer's Association - Greater MD Chapter, Angels of Elder Care Planning, LLC, Assisting Hands Home Care, Country Gardens Assisted Living, Freedom Mobility, Genesis SelectCare, Home Instead Senior Care, Home With You Senior Care, HomeCentris Personal Care, Integrace Copper Ridge, Integrace Fairhaven, Miracle-Ear of Columbia, New Life Assisted Living, Inc., Professional Care Pharmacy, Shangri-la Senior Living, Sunrise of Columbia, Visiting Angels

29

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Arts & Style

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — A U G U S T 2 0 1 8

Sundays, which open for brunch at 10:30 a.m., with shows beginning at 12:30 p.m.

Reservations are required. Ticket prices range from $45.50 (for children under 12) to $64, depending on the performance.

Ticket prices include buffet dinner or brunch, tea and coffee. Alcoholic drinks — like this show’s “Dynamo” — cost extra.

The buffet meal features a selection of meats and sides (all helpfully marked vegetarian or gluten-free if applicable), includ-

ing ribs, fried chicken, prime rib, a variety of vegetables, salad bar and more. Cake and unlimited ice cream are also included.

You can also arrange to have coffee or alcohol brought to you during intermission.

Since the actors at Toby’s also wait on tables, their tips constitute much of their pay for their performances, so be sure to tip well. For more information or to reserve tickets, call (410) 730-8311 or visit www.tobysdinnertheatre.com.

Enjoy the Beacon?

Tell your friends about it.

ANSWERS TO CROSSWORD

FROM PAGE 30 ANSWERS TO SCRABBLE

P A T H S P R Y E G R E T

L U R E

O D O R

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

S O L A A R R A U R S A E T D S P W E E S L O L

B I T G A M U S T A L A H M I T S P S U E B E D T Z E H E R B M A T A P O I T H F R I E E E P D S

S T E T Z I L T T I E I V E P T L E A R N A S N

S I L V E R M O O N

A V I A N

M Y T H S

E U R O

S T E W

E R I E

C O V E

E W E R

30

A U G U S T 2 0 1 8 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

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

2

3

4

Sherr ByStephen Stephen Sherr

5

6

9

10

14

15

16

17

18

20

25

26

23 28

27

29 33

37

38

39

42 45 50

49

35

36

58

59

30

32

48

12

24

31

41

11

21

22

HC0818

8

13

19

Scrabble answers on p. 29.

7

34 40

43

44

46

47

51

52

53

54

55

60

61

62

63

64

65

66

67

68

Across 1. Walks through heavy snow 6. A Salad bar bacon 10. Boston bartender 13. Jack, of electronic music 14. Run the ___ 15. Harvard or Yale 16. Internet provoker 17. Past its prime 18. Activated, as a cigarette 19. Where a lamb becomes a ewe 22. Write air, when you really meant heir 23. Amt. of salt in a batch of Toll House Cookies 24. Common conclusion to “homo sapiens” and “aliens” 25. Walk of Fame tile 28. Pac-12 school with highest enrollment 30. 8 1/2 x 11 paper tray 31. When sheep count sheep 37. Monopoly props. furthest from the corners 38. Got into position to take an entrance exam 39. Highest point Scrabble tile 40. Fully anesthetized 41. Why Mary looks so familiar 45. Pre-___ (undergrad. studies) 46. Welcome ___ 47. Sufficient, old-style 48. WNBA broadcaster 50. Maple syrup source 52. Make a selection 54. Lie down with sheepdogs, ___ 60. Outdoor rec. chain founded in Seattle 61. Like Halloween sound effects 62. Part of Amazon’s logo 63. Rock producer Brian 64. Hypnotist’s command 65. Unworldly 66. 2,000 pounds 67. Assembly-line pioneer 68. Disdainful look

56

57

Down 1. Off the beaten ___ 2. It may be in a tackle box 3. It may be all around a tackle box 4. Modern office drone 5. Class of renewable energy 6. Dog-washing basin 7. Mosque leaders 8. Dutch flower 9. “On second thought, let it stand” 10. Shiny satellite 11. Birdlike 12. Fairy tales 14. Fed. property overseer 20. Noah’s landing spot 21. Last choice for pasta (alphabetically) 25. Full of pep 26. Poi ingredient 27. Initial theory 29. Eve’s last named son 30. Scramble of LITE or TILE 32. Previously owned 33. Book before Nehemiah 34. ___ Honor (Thomas Clancy novel) 35. Currency of Portugal 36. Beef bourguignon, basically 42. List of sandwiches at Subway 43. Used-up beer cans 44. One honored annually on November 11 48. Everglades bird 49. ___ evil (first monkey’s limitation) 50. Grow, as a head bump 51. Publicized ones grievances 53. “The best laid ___ of mice and men...”

55. Cold cash, in Chile 56. Are You ___ to the Jive? (Cab Calloway classic) 57. Cleveland’s lake 58. Small bay 59. Decorative pitcher

Answers on page 29.

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — A U G U S T 2 0 1 8

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.

Caregivers EXPERIENCED LICENSED LPN AND RN seeking private duty assignments in Howard and Montgomery Counties. If you want the ultimate caregiver experience, call 410-925-1700.

Events SQUARE DANCE LESSONS BY Tom Thumb Square Dance Club. Lessons start on September 10 at Catonsville Senior Center at 501 N. Rolling Road in Catonsville, MD 21228. Basic, mainstream and Plus Calls will be taught. Class begins at 7:30 p.m. and ends at 9:30 p.m. First lesson is half price: $3 per person. Bruce Simpers is the instructor. Contact Melanie Jester for more information, melaniejester@gmail.com.

Financial DONATE YOUR CAR, TRUCK OR BOAT to Heritage for the Blind. Free 3-Day Vacation, Tax Deductible, Free Towing, All Paperwork Taken Care Of. CALL 1-844-855-7670.

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

Say you saw it in the Beacon

Health STOP OVERPAYING for your prescriptions!

SAVE! Call our licensed Canadian and International pharmacy, compare prices and get $25.00 OFF your first prescription! CALL 1-888-9817657 Promo Code CDC201725.

DENTAL INSURANCE. Call Physicians Mutual Insurance Company for details. Not just a discount plan, real coverage for 350 procedures. 844366-1003 or http://www.dental50plus.com/320 Ad# 6118.

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.

TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED Deadlines and Payments: Ad text and payment is due by the 5th of each month.

Note: Only ads received and prepaid by the deadline will be included in the next month’s issue. Please type or print your ad carefully. Include a number where you can be reached in the event of a question.

Payment is due with ad. We do not accept ads by phone or fax, nor do we accept credit cards.

Private Party Text Ads: For individuals seeking to buy or sell particular items, or place a personal ad. Each ad is $10 for 25 words, 25 cents for each additional word.

Business Text Ads: For parties engaged in an ongoing business enterprise. Each ad is $25 for 25 words, 50 cents for each additional word.

Note: Each real estate listing counts as one business text ad.

Send your classified ad with check or money order, payable to the Beacon, to:

Home/Handyman Services JUNK HAULING: RESIDENTIAL/ Commercial Junk Removal, Garage/Attic/Basement Cleanouts, Light Demolition. $50 off. “Call Today, We’ll Haul Away.” HoCoHaulers.com, 410-292-6700.

ESTATE LIQUIDATION & COLLECTIBLES: One call solves it all when you hire us to handle your estate liquidation, down-sizing and/or home cleanout. We sell your treasures, take care of charitable donations and provide junk removal. We also purchase partial estate contents/collections.

Always buying antiques, jewelry, fine art, vintage toys, collectibles, advertising, sports memorabilia, military items, rare books, Mid-Century Modern furniture and more. Based in Silver Spring, we serve Montgomery County, Howard County, Baltimore County, Washington, D.C., NOVA and beyond. No home, barn or warehouse is too packed for us! Friendly, conscientious staff. Call Chris on cell, 202-731-9447. www.OrionsAttic.com.

Legal Services WERE YOU AN INDUSTRIAL OR CONSTRUCTION TRADESMAN and recently diagnosed with lung cancer? You and your family may be entitled to a significant cash reward. Call 1-888-351-0312 for your risk free consultation.

SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY? Up to $2,671/mo. (Based on paid-in amount.) Free evaluation! Call Bill Gordon & Associates. 1-866970-0779. Mail: 2420 N St NW, Washington, D.C. Office: Broward Co. FL., member TX/NM Bar.

For Sale 2 SALVADOR DALI woodblock prints from Dante’s Divine Comedy. Signed and framed.

Asking $900 for the pair. Can email pictures if desired. Call Steve 410-913-1653.

31

Thanks for reading!

The Beacon, Baltimore Classified Dept.

P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915-2227 Miscellaneous

TV/Cable

DONATE VEHICLES. Your donation to Auted helps train disadvantaged at-risk youths in basic auto repairs and maintenance, also vehicles donations to low-income families. MVA Registered Charity Accepted to Receive Donated Vehicles.

100% Tax-deductible. Complete donation form at www.auted.org or mail@auted.org, 301-355-9333.

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

Personals CUTE, ATTRACTIVE FEMALE, FIFTIES — Looking for single white male, fifties plus, attractive, robust, warm-hearted, romantic. Enjoy dates, companionship, devoted relationship. If interested, call 240-418-4124, leave message.

LOVELY WOMAN, 50S, SHAPELY LADY, young at heart, easygoing, seeking to meet and date a very attractive SWM, age 50s or 60s, a gentleman. Prefer brawny build, who is caring, sincere, courteous, compassionate, affectionate, stable, secure and lives a healthy, active lifestyle, non-smoker. Have fun dates, laughter, friendship, possibly more. 703-863-5564. Please leave a nice message with phone number for reply.

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

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

Wanted MONEY, TIME TO SELL! Make the right choice. Call Greg, 717-658-7954. We buy jewelry, coins, silver, antiques, watches, gold, art, paper money, toys, bottles, comic books and records, etc. No middleman, no fees, no overhead means more money for your stuff. Give me a call, and let’s do business.717-658-7954.

BUYING VINYL RECORDS from 1950 through 1985. Jazz, Rock-n-Roll, Soul, Rhythm & Blues, Reggae and Disco. 33 1/3 LPs, 45s or 78s, Larger collections of at least 100 items wanted. Please call John, 301-596-6201.

CASH FOR ESTATES, PARTIAL ESTATES, DOWNSIZING. I buy a wide range of items.

Buy-out/cleanup. Gary Roman, 301-520-0755.

COLLECTOR BUYING MILITARY ITEMS: Helmets, weapons, knives, swords, bayonets, web gear, uniforms, etc. from all wars and countries. Also Lionel Toy Trains, and coin operated machines. Will pay top prices for my personal collection. Discreet consultations. Call Fred, 301-910-0783.

MILITARY ITEMS WANTED: Collector seeks to purchase military uniforms; flight jackets, patches, insignia, medals, etc. from the Civil War through Vietnam. Especially seeking U.S. Army Air Corps, USMC, Airborne, and German/Japanese/Italian items from WWII. ALSO BUYING old Boy Scout, Airline Items, Toys, Lighters. Call Dan, 202-841-3062.

ADVERTISERS IN THIS ISSUE Clinical Studies Healthy Living Diet Study . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Events Baltimore County Power of Age Expo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Beacon 50+Expo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 COGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

Financial Services Sandy Spring Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Funeral Services Going Home Cremations . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Harry H. Witzke’s Family Funeral Home, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 Sol Levinson & Bros., Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Hearing Services Chesapeake Hearing Centers . . . . . . . . . . .9

Home Health Care A-1 Action Nursing Care . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 HomeCentris Personal Care . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Options for Senior America . . . . . . . . . . .27

Housing Brooke Grove . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 Charlestown/Erickson Living . . . . . . . . . .10 Heartlands Senior Living . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Homecrest House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Park View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Shriner Court . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 Somerford Place . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Legal Services Angels of Eldercare Planning . . . . . . . . . .21 Frank, Frank & Scherr, LLC . . . . . . . . . . .21 Lifson Law . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Medical/Health BW Eye Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Herbiculture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Medical Eye Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Trilogy Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 VitaScripts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Real Estate Services Long & Foster-Nellie Arrington . . . . . . . .22

Retail/Services Antwerpen Hyundai . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 Attitudes on the Boulevard . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Columbia’s Village Centers . . . . . . . . . . . .24 First Street . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22, 26, 28

Senior Services Senior Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15-18

Subscriptions Beacon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

Technology BeaconSilver Pages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 TheBeaconNewspapers.com . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Theatre/Entertainment Toby’s Dinner Theatre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

Tour & Travel Eyre Tour & Travel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

32 More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

A U G U S T 2 0 1 8 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

THIS SUMMER ...

Start a New Journey Whether it’s strolling winding paths or socializing in sunny courtyards, residents of Assisted Living at Brooke Grove experience a warm, vibrant lifestyle and delight in our charming setting of open meadows and airy trees.

OUR AMENITIES Private rooms filled with sunshine from over-sized windows and skylights 24-hour on-site clinical support from licensed and caring nurses Secure courtyards and walking paths Ornamental koi pond Manicured flower and sensory gardens Playground for visiting kids

MEMORY SUPPORT PROGRAM For residents with Alzheimer’s or dementia, we offer a special assisted living option with: Specially trained memory support staff An interactive lifestyle that maximizes choice and independence ®

Tailored LIFE enrichment programming that connects each resident to his or her past Group activities that allow residents to enjoy the outdoors and a thriving social life

18100 Slade School Road Sandy Spring, MD 20860 301-260-2320 or 301-924-2811

www.bgf.org