August 2019 | Baltimore Beacon

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Women take to the air in races

AUGUST 2019

I N S I D E …

PHOTO BY AIR RACE CLASSIC

By Glenda C. Booth Their teams have names like “Flying Flashes,” “Estrogen Express,” “Dakota FlyGirls,” “Liberty Belles” and “White Lightning.”

For a week in June, 109 women pilots grouped into 49 teams flew 2,538 miles across nine states and one Canadian province in a variety of planes.

The women, who range in age from 21 to 90 years old, are members of an exclusive club. Only 7% of airplane pilots are female.

And these women are not just experienced pilots who love to soar above Mother Earth. They race airplanes for fun.

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

Best road trips with grandkids; plus, today’s top-rated hotel chains, and how to snag lastminute travel deals

Channeling Amelia Earhart The 43rd Air Race Classic was the ninth race for Debi Dreyfuss, a Potomac grandmother of six. With 30 years of flying experience, Dreyfuss is now a flight instructor, having retired from 20 years in advertising. She owns three airplanes and flies around 250 hours a year.

“It’s kind of addictive,” Dreyfuss said. “I enjoy being with women who like to compete, and it’s a way to get to know your airplane intimately.”

Dreyfuss and Morgan Mitchell of Alexandria, Virginia, dubbed Team DC3(-1), flew a Cessna Skylane 182T and placed 13th place in June. (They came in fourth last year.)

Dreyfuss recalled her naiveté in her first race. “We did not know what the heck we were doing,” she said. They placed 23rd that time, though they came in first in the last leg. But awards matter less than the thrill.

“We went 209 knots. Our normal speed is 140 knots. It encouraged me to do it again. It’s a rush — 200 feet off the ground, going full throttle at the flybys, zooming past the timing judge.”

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ARTS & STYLE

Carol Christian of Baltimore, left, and Jane Toskes of Bel Air smile after touching down in Canada at the conclusion of the 2019 Air Race Classic. The annual event sends women pilots, ranging in age from 21 to 90, zigzagging 2,500 miles from Tennessee to Ontario over four days.

Carol Christian of Baltimore and co-pilot Jane Toskes of Bel Air, Maryland, raced in a Cirrus SR22 and called themselves the Cirriusly Amazing team. In June, they

clocked in at 29th place.

“We had a great time and learned a lot,” See AIR RACE, page 27

Baltimore artist Oletha DeVane’s multimedia art at the BMA’s Spring House; plus, Maryland’s 99 garden clubs offer classes and camaraderie page 26

TECHNOLOGY 3 k New cars monitor their drivers FITNESS & HEALTH 6 k Finding cancer via blood tests k What we know about marijuana

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AUGUST 2019 — BALTIMORE BEACON

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Social insecurity Every year, when the Medicare and So- After all, aren’t the payroll deductions that cial Security Trustees issue their annual re- come out of our paychecks meant to cover port on the status of those those expenses and then programs, there’s a flurry of some? interest in one fact: At what That used to be the case. point in the future will the But as Americans are living programs no longer be able to longer, and having fewer chilmeet their obligations in full? dren, the payroll deductions The 2019 report estimated of our shrinking workforce that Social Security would be are no longer sufficient to pay unable to cover full benefits even current Social Security as of 2035, 16 years from now. and Medicare benefits, much Medicare’s day of reckoning less sock some away for the is much sooner, 2026, or FROM THE rapidly growing costs that seven years from now. will face these programs as PUBLISHER Neither program becomes By Stuart P. Rosenthal the baby boomers continue to completely broke then. Social retire. (10,000 Americans Security, for example, would still be able to reach the age of 65 every day, and that will pay about 79% of benefits. That’s cold com- continue to be the case every day for the fort to those who will be depending on next 10 years.) those benefits for a significant chunk of And let’s be honest: we never really their retirement income. “saved” any of the funds raised by excess But there’s another fact buried in the payroll deductions over the last couple of Trustees’ report that is of more interest to decades anyway. There is not really any me. How many current taxpayer dollars mechanism for the U.S. government to do are spent on meeting current Social Secu- that. rity and Medicare obligations over and Instead, literally trillions of dollars over above the annual withholding amounts those years were spent as they came in, paid by workers? paying for programs at the time or reducYou may well express surprise at this. ing the federal deficit.

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

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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.

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To represent the future obligation of the government to make good on that money for the benefit of Social Security and Medicare, the government issued itself IOUs in the form of special interest-earning U.S. Treasury Bills that are held in a misleadingly named “trust fund.”

But when Social Security and Medicare need the money from that fund — as they do now to pay for benefits not covered by current payroll deductions — the funds represented by the bonds (as well as the interest owed on them) must come either out of the current year’s federal budget or be borrowed elsewhere, raising the federal deficit.

What it all amounts to is a generationshifting transfer, with earlier governments gaining hundreds of millions of dollars each year, while we are saddled with paying it all back, plus interest.

So how much are we taxpayers contributing each year to make up for the shortfall? In 2018, it was $411 billion, and this year it is estimated to be $431 billion.

Yes, that’s $431,000,000,000.

Are the Trustees concerned about this?

You bet. Have they been concerned for a while? Indeed.

So, who is rousing the public to be incensed enough to force Congress and the administration to take steps that will put Social Security and Medicare on a sounder footing (and not do so on the backs of ordinary taxpayers)?

No one. In part, that’s because the two positions on the Board of Trustees for “public representatives” — one Democrat and one Republican — have been vacant for four years now.

The remaining trustees are all members

of the administration: the secretaries of Labor, Treasury, Health & Human Services and the commissioner of Social Security.

Many readers of the Beacon may remember that the keynote speaker at our 50+Expo back in 2011 was one of the public trustees at the time, an economist named Charles Blahous. He gave us an earful about how the current problems came to be, and described many options that congress and the White House could exercise to gradually put Social Security and Medicare into better financial shape with less impact on current budgets.

But years have gone by with no apparent will to take any action.

Will the next year or two be any different? Highly unlikely. On the contrary, it seems like every candidate campaigning for president today is committed to “preserving” Social Security and Medicare as they now stand, or to vastly increasing benefits (and potentially, their financial problems) by offering them to more people.

Just so you know: in many cases it’s your taxes they are spending and committing to expand. The candidates’ suggestions may or may not be good policy, but either way, they should be upfront about where the money is coming from.

I recommend you raise this point when you have an opportunity to meet or speak with campaign officials. Only when more of us at the grassroots level express concern and exasperation with what’s happening with Social Security and Medicare will anyone start to pay attention.

Letters to the editor Readers are encouraged to share their opinion on any matter addressed in the Beacon as well as on political and social issues of the day.

Mail your Letter to the Editor to The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915, or email info@thebeaconnewspapers.com.

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

Dear Editor: At an auction in June, I tried to buy a semi-automatic pistol. I was informed I am not allowed to purchase the pistol without permission of the state. At 70, I am less a citizen than I was at 15, when I purchased a .22 revolver for $5 and later a 12-gauge shotgun. I served in Vietnam for 15 months.

You can take your salutes and your “thank you for your service” and shove them. Where are the freedoms I fought for? What greater slap in the face can a vet face than have the very freedoms we fought for taken away?

Ken (last name withheld by request) Baltimore, Md. Dear Editor: For seniors, older adults and others

who are beyond contact sports, what’s the point of a ramp to an exclusionary facility like basketball courts, soccer fields or tennis courts? That strikes me as accessibility without inclusion.

When was the last time you saw a man like me, in my mid-80s, standing around waiting to play in a pickup game at a neighborhood park?

Where are the ball-playing sports that are drop-in, walk-on or always available to participate with my grandchildren in the neighborhood park?

The remedy: sports like bowling, golf and now bankshot. Why in senior centers, recreation centers and neighborhood parks are there so few of these non-competitive sports?

Reeve Robert Brenner Bethesda, Md.

BALTIMORE BEACON — AUGUST 2019

Say you saw it in the Beacon

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Technology &

Innovations More new cars can monitor their drivers

By Tom Krisher Would you pay more for a car or SUV that warns you if you’re falling asleep or not paying attention behind the wheel?

Auto companies are figuring that, because your life could depend on it, you will.

As safety features such as automatic emergency braking and lane-centering make their way from luxury vehicles down to lower-cost rides for the masses, distracted driver alert systems are coming with them.

Every day at least nine people are killed in the U.S. and 100 are injured in distracted driving crashes, according to the National Safety Council. Drivers who are preoccupied by cellphones, dashboard touch screens and other distractions caused 3,157 fatal crashes in the U.S. in 2016, the latest year that government statistics were available. That’s 9% of all fatal crashes in the country.

Distracted driver alert systems started showing up in luxury cars about a decade ago. Over the years they’ve become more sophisticated and made their way into mainstream vehicles, usually on pricier versions.

For instance, Subaru’s “DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System” uses a dashboard camera to watch the driver’s eyes and face. If it sees the driver is looking away from the front of the vehicle for an extended period, it will beep and show the message “Keep eyes on road” on the dashboard.

The system also watches for heads nodding or someone talking on the phone, texting or even looking into the back seat, said Subaru spokesman Ron Kiino.

On the newly redesigned 2020 Outback SUV, the system will be standard on the

three priciest versions, the Touring, Touring XT and the Limited XT, and it will be an option on the Limited, the lowest cost version with leather seats.

The Subaru system made its debut as standard equipment on the luxury version of its Forester SUV for the 2019 model year.

To get it, you have to buy the priciest version, the Touring, which starts at $35,270.

Even on entry level cars Hyundai’s system is standard on the Venue, an entry-level SUV that will start under $19,000. It doesn’t watch the driver’s face. Instead, it uses the same front-facing camera as the standard automatic emergency braking and lane assist.

If you swerve, the Venue’s software will sound a bell, and the dash display will show a coffee cup and the words “Take a Break.”

Hyundai’s market research found that people want the feature, said Mike Evanoff, senior manager of product planning. “It’s just another layer that’s a ‘got your back’ kind of thing,” he said.

The warning system is already on Hyundai’s Veloster sports car and will make its way to the entire lineup as vehicles are updated and outfitted with standard automatic emergency braking by September of 2022 due to an industry agreement with the U.S. government, Evanoff said.

Other systems on luxury vehicles are even more sophisticated. The one on Cadillac’s Super Cruise semi-autonomous system makes sure the driver is paying attention and will even pull to the side of the road if they aren’t.

Mercedes’ Attention Assist system tracks more than 70 variables including

time of day, elapsed driving time and steering movement to determine if a driver is tired or not paying attention. When a certain threshold is reached, it issues audible and visible warnings.

Karl Brauer, executive publisher for Kelley Blue Book, said the devices are proliferating as vehicles make the transition from human drivers to full automation.

Systems like Tesla’s Autopilot and Super Cruise — which control steering, braking and speed under certain conditions — are steps toward autonomous cars, but they can’t drive themselves. Hu-

mans must be ready to take over, he said.

“If you’re going to have systems like that, you need these driver monitoring systems to make sure that humans aren’t abusing the technology,” Brauer said.

But not everyone will be interested in being monitored. Chris Cerino, 49, of Wadsworth, Ohio, near Cleveland, said he’s old enough to know that he has to pay attention while driving.

“There’s a time and place for a lot of things, but I don’t need to be told when to hit the brakes or when to swerve or everything else,” he said.

—AP

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AUGUST 2019 — BALTIMORE BEACON

Find a laptop that fits you and your needs

By Kaitlin Pitsker For all the convenience and computing power that smartphones and tablets offer, sometimes a full-fledged computer is still the best tool for completing tasks at home or even on the go.

Today’s laptops typically have faster processing speeds, more storage capacity and longer battery life than their recent predecessors. Many have also taken cues from tablets to become more versatile, with touchscreens and designs that let you turn a clamshell laptop into a tablet.

The best laptop for you depends on how you spend your screen time. But no matter how you use a computer, you can find a solid choice for $600 or less.

For a child or teen, a Chromebook — a basic laptop with fewer features that relies on the Chrome web browser — is a solid option with an attractive price tag of about $200.

Adults who mostly surf the web, check e-mail and social media and use word processing and spreadsheets can pick up a mid-range machine for $300 to $500.

And if you’re looking for an all-purpose workhorse, you can find models that pack enough power and speed to run multiple applications without delays, come with higher-resolution displays and use solidstate drives starting at about $600.

One thing that hasn’t changed: Shopping for a laptop still requires wading through an alphabet soup of terms, such as RAM, SSD, GB and other specs, to compare memory and speed.

Narrow the field Start by considering style and size. Before you look at specific models, decide how big a machine you want and the key features you need.

Check the specs

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A laptop with a 13- to 14-inch screen offers a balance between portability and usability while still weighing in at less than four pounds. Shaving about two inches off the screen size typically lightens the load by at least half a pound.

If you’re looking for the power of a laptop but want the versatility of a tablet, consider one of the many Windows 2-in-1 models that you can use as a traditional clamshell or as a handheld tablet (or in other screen positions).

Some models offer a screen that fully detaches from the keyboard. Others use flexible hinges that allow the screen to open 360 degrees (these laptops generally boast better battery life than the ones with fully detachable screens). A so-called convertible laptop generally costs about $50 to $100 more than a similar traditional laptop.

GMAIL CLASS Learn the basics of using a Gmail account on Wednesday, July 24.

An active Gmail account is required. The free event takes place from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Randallstown Branch of the Baltimore County Public Library, 8604 Liberty Rd., Randallstown. For more information, call (410) 887-0770.

To make sure your laptop will meet your needs, take a closer look at the main components. Here’s a good baseline for shoppers who want to strike a balance between performance and price: an eighth-generation Intel Core i5 or i7 processor with 8 to 16 gigabytes of RAM and a 256GB solidstate drive (SSD).

Here’s why it works well: The processor, which serves as the brains of your

computer, has a huge influence on performance. But for users who don’t run power-hungry programs, such as demanding video games, a top-of-the-line Core i9 usually isn’t worth the premium price tag.

A laptop equipped with an i5 or i7 can handle everyday tasks, such as web browsing and word processing, as well as jobs that require more muscle, such as streaming high-definition video and editing photos.

Spending more for a little extra RAM — which is short for random access memory and affects your computer’s speed and ability to multitask — makes sense if you’re a big multitasker. For most users, 8GB is enough.

But for those who are guilty of leaving too many web browser tabs open at once or who like to listen to music while drafting e-mails, browsing Twitter and reading the news, springing for 16GB will keep things running more smoothly.

As for hard drives, size matters less if most of your files and applications live in the cloud. But choosing an SSD, which is light and power-efficient, instead of a traditional mechanical hard drive will make your computer faster and more reliable. © 2019 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Say you saw it in the Beacon | Technology & Innovations

BALTIMORE BEACON — AUGUST 2019

Share your passwords with your spouse And what about keeping tabs on those devilish passwords? The women I interviewed for this column use digital password managers (Kiplinger’s often recommends LastPass) — but as backup, they also keep a written record and store it in a place that’s secure yet accessible to family members.

They consider the risk that written passwords might be stolen less serious than making sure everyone can find them in an emergency — and avoiding a situation like Susie’s.

Even in this digital age, paper still rules.

Said King, “Any documentation you have is always the best thing.” © 2019 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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To address that problem, Marilee Fitzgerald and Robyn Wagman co-founded Estate of Mine Organizers, a system for helping women organize both personal and financial records.

Their system includes checklists of musthave documents — a will, powers of attorney for financial and health affairs, bank and investment accounts — but it also covers facets of life other than financial. Where is the warranty for your new stove? The titles to your cars? The name of the furnace repair person? (Susie had to scramble to find a plumber on New Year’s Eve when her ice maker broke, gushing water onto the floor.)

Fitzgerald and Wagman have found that a number of issues tend to trip people up — for example, beneficiary designations on life insurance policies or retirement accounts. “People don’t understand that beneficiaries take precedence over anything you have in your will,” said Wagman, “and they often forget to update them.”

She and Fitzgerald suggest other ways to

F R E E

Make a checklist

avoid unpleasant surprises: Be sure your joint bank account really is in both your names. Have a credit card in your own name, and get a copy of each spouse’s credit reports. Keep a copy of your will outside the safe deposit box.

If getting organized sounds overwhelming, start small. When Fitzgerald and Wagman wanted to get their own affairs in order, Fitzgerald began by compiling a list of emergency contacts, and Wagman started by opening the mail and looking at bills and insurance paperwork. Then, said Fitzgerald, “practice being on your own by taking over the finances for a couple of weeks to minimize surprises.”

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A further complication is that women of all ages often delegate key financial and estate responsibilities to their spouse.

“Younger women may have a better awareness of the family’s financial situation than older generations, but they still may not choose to be involved,” King said.

F R E E

By Janet Bodnar About a year ago, my friend Susie’s husband of 46 years died unexpectedly. John, a dedicated techie, left Susie with wonderful memories, an estate to settle, and a technology nightmare: an Apple computer, four iPads, four iPhones, a stack of hard drives — and no passwords.

That left her unable to get access to critical information (think tax records) and accounts in his name that were on autopay, including Amazon Prime and the cell phone bill.

To help her crack the codes, Susie hired someone from her IT department at work.

They were never able to get into the computer, but thanks to a combination of logic and “wild guesses,” they managed to open the iPads and iPhones. The entire process took almost a year, “and it all occurred during a time when, as a grieving widow, you are most vulnerable,” Susie said.

Getting access to key financial and estate information has always been a critical issue for women, who are statistically more likely than men to be widowed or have a spouse who suffers from a serious illness.

“The problem has gotten more pronounced as we’ve gone more digital,” said Jody King, director of financial planning at Fiduciary Trust Co. in Boston.

“With digital records and passwords, there’s no paperwork to help you find accounts no one knew existed,” she said.

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AUGUST 2019 — BALTIMORE BEACON

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Health Fitness &

POWER OF THE PEN Medical scribes are there to take notes while your doctor focuses on you IS IT DEMENTIA? Delirium is a common side effect of drugs, but it can have other causes POT’S POTENTIAL Medical research has lagged behind growing pot use; what we know and don’t FIGHTING FIRE WITH FIRE A unique study seeks to alleviate chronic pain with hot chili peppers

Progress on blood tests to detect cancer

By Marilynn Marchione A California company said its experimental blood test was able to detect many types of cancer at an early stage and gave very few false alarms in a study that included people with and without the disease.

Grail Inc. gave results in a news release in May and reported them at a recent American Society of Clinical Oncology meeting in Chicago. They have not yet been published in a journal or reviewed by other scientists.

Non-invasive diagnostic tools Many companies are trying to develop early detection “liquid biopsy” tests that capture bits of DNA that cancer cells shed into blood.

Last month, Johns Hopkins University

scientists launched a company called Thrive Earlier Detection Corp. to develop its CancerSEEK test, which yielded results similar to Grail’s more than a year ago.

Grail is closely watched because of the extraordinary investment it’s attracted — more than $1 billion from Jeff Bezos, Bill Gates and other celebrities.

The new results included 2,300 people, 60% with cancer and 40% not known to have it. The test detected 55% of known cancers and gave false alarms for 1%. Dr. Len Lichtenfeld, interim chief medical officer of the American Cancer Society, called the low rate of false alarms “remarkable.”

The detection rate was better — 76% — for a dozen cancers that collectively account for nearly two thirds of cancer deaths in the U.S., including lung, pancre-

atic, esophageal and ovarian.

The test found only about a third of cancers at the very earliest stage but as many as 84% that had started to spread but not widely.

It also suggested where the cancer may be in 94% of cases and was right about that 90% of the time.

That’s the most encouraging part because you don’t want to tell people they may have cancer and then need to do a lot of other tests to figure out where, said Dr. Richard Schilsky, chief medical officer of the oncology society.

“They still have a long way to go” to prove the test’s worth as a screening tool, but these results are encouraging, he said.

More studies underway “I have little doubt that in the next several

years we’re going to have what is probably a true early detection test,” Lichtenfeld said.

But the technology still needs to improve and to be tried in large groups of people without known cancers where the detection rate may not be as good, he added. Grail and Thrive already have larger studies underway.

Grail’s test has not been compared to mammography, colonoscopy or other screening tools, and is not intended to replace them, the company said.

On the other hand, many deadly cancers that the Grail test detected have no screening tests now, he noted.

The biggest question, Lichtenfeld said, is “will it make a difference in outcomes” such as helping people live longer — the ultimate measure of a screening test’s worth. —AP

FDA to boost experimental drug access

By Marilynn Marchione Sally Atwater’s doctor spent two months on calls, messages and paperwork to get her an experimental drug he thinks can fight the lung cancer that has spread to her brain and spine.

Nancy Goodman begged eight companies to let her young son try experimental medicines for a brain tumor that ultimately killed him, and “only three of the companies even gave me a reason why they declined,” she said.

Thousands of gravely ill cancer patients each year seek “compassionate use” access to treatments that are not yet on the market but have shown some promise in early testing and aren’t available to them through a study.

Now the government wants to make this easier and give more heft to the requests. In June at a cancer conference in Chicago, the Food and Drug Administration announced a project to have the agency become the middleman.

Instead of making doctors plead their case first to companies and then to the FDA if the company agrees to provide the drug, the FDA will become the initial step and will assign a staffer to quickly do the paperwork. That way, when a company gets a request, it knows the FDA already considers it appropriate.

The project only involves drugs for can-

cer, not other diseases.

“We are here to help. We are not here to make a drug company give a specific drug to a patient. We don’t have that authority,” said Dr. Richard Pazdur, the FDA official leading the effort. But the agency gets little information now on how many requests are turned down and why.

Easier access for all

But the new FDA project is “absolutely going to change things” and push more companies to say yes, Goodman said. She founded an advocacy group, Kids v Cancer, after her son Jacob Froman died in 2009 at age 10.

The FDA has not been the problem, she said. It keeps a website with links to companies’ policies and contact information for patients, and has quickly approved the vast majority of these requests whenever a company has granted access.

The current system also is cumbersome and sometimes unfair, he said. Patients in rural or inner-city areas, or at community hospitals that lack staff to work on special A burden on doctors That’s what happened when Dr. Chul requests, may be disadvantaged. Social Kim, a lung specialmedia campaigns ist at Georgetown can add to the in“We are here to help. We Lombardi Compreequity. hensive Cancer “We do not want are not here to make a drug Center, made his to have the situafirst attempt to get tion where somecompany give a specific compassionate use body who screams drug to a patient. We don’t for a patient, in this loudest gets the drug” and other case to help Atwahave that authority.” worthy candidates ter, whose cancer don’t, Pazdur said. was spreading deThe project has nothing to do with the spite usual treatments. federal Right to Try law passed last year, “I felt there was an urgent need to which many have called “right to ask” be- switch therapy,” and early results suggestcause it only allows patients to request a ed the experimental drug could get into drug from a company under certain cir- the brain, which many therapies can’t do, cumstances and does not mandate that it and fight the cancer there, Kim said. be provided.

He started the process in early Febru-

ary and ultimately got Atwater the drug in late March.

“I have other patients and I needed to carve out time for this,” and was fortunate to have staff that had been working with the company on a study who could help, Kim said. Once the company agreed, it took the FDA only a day to do the same.

“It requires quite a bit of work,” usually at least 24 hours over several weeks, said Dr. Ajai Chari at Mount Sinai’s Tisch Cancer Institute in New York, where dozens of patients have gotten compassionate use access over the last decade. “A lot of people have to drop what they’re doing to get all that done.”

Chari just did it for Michael Walsh, a 58year-old musician from New York City, who has had myeloma since 2011.

“He’s exhausted all approved FDA therapies,” including 13 types of chemotherapy, Chari said. Within a few weeks of starting on the experimental drug, however, Walsh had a dramatic reduction in his cancer.

Atwater, the 68-year-old Washington woman treated at Georgetown, is hoping for the same from her experimental drug.

She said she asked her sister who had breast cancer how she might be able to tell if the treatment was working.

“She said, ‘You’re still here, aren’t you?’”

Atwater said. “I think it’s worth the risk. At least I hope it is.”

—AP

BALTIMORE BEACON — AUGUST 2019

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

7

Hearing is essential to health, well-being

By Charlotte S. Yeh, M.D. For many years, it was clear that my father was becoming hard of hearing. Normally gregarious and the life of the party, he became increasingly withdrawn because he couldn’t hear well enough to partake in conversations around the table.

He began to walk with a shuffling gait.

He was declining in front of my eyes. And yet, when we communicated by email, his intellectual curiosity and warm storytelling skills were intact.

After considerable prodding, I convinced him to get a pair of custom hearing aids. The transformation was amazing. At a family reunion a month later, there was my father sitting at the breakfast table, regaling everybody with stories of his mischievous childhood.

He was, once again, the center of attention. Gone was the shuffling walk, replaced by a strong, confident stride. From the withdrawn, quiet man who would sit by himself emerged my funny, animated father who told stories, laughed and joked around. He could hear his children and grandchildren. The dad I remembered as a child came back to us.

This story, and so many just like it, are about changing the public conversation on hearing to show how people who experience hearing loss can move from fear and

denial to aging gracefully, with resilience, joy and health.

Health benefits are many We should be talking about what I saw: the profound impact that hearing well can have on the living. We should be talking about what is gained by hearing well — social interaction, family connection, and workplace productivity — not about what is lost.

Hearing loss is not a stand-alone disability. It is linked to everything we do every single day.

Surprisingly, many wait seven to 10 years before even acknowledging they are having trouble hearing and getting a hearing aid.

Why? For some of us it’s denial, or fear of looking old; for others the hearing loss is so gradual we might not be aware of the insidious progression of it. In fact, more Americans report getting a colonoscopy than a hearing test!

Yet, failing to get hearing tested and corrected early may actually contribute to aging faster. Hearing loss is associated with earlier onset of dementia, earlier mortality, and six times the rate of falls compared to those with normal hearing.

Contributing to these negative health consequences is the isolation that comes with the loss of interactive communication

with others due to inability to hear clearly.

This results in loneliness, which is known to have a negative health impact equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

Moreover, when the input is diminished, the brain loses the ability to distinguish sounds, which means having to “relearn” to hear when she or he finally gets a hearing aid.

Larger impact than illness Instead of hearing loss, think about what you gain when you hear, allowing you to live life to the fullest. Life is about keeping the critical ability to stay connected to family and friends.

A recent study found that for Americans 65 and older, hearing loss had a greater impact on life than cardiac disease, stroke, osteoporosis, sciatica, cancer and many other common conditions.

My dad’s transformation was an “aha” moment for me — as a daughter and a doctor. I’ve since learned that hearing loss, which can be alleviated fairly easily, is a largely hidden problem, even as it affects many. One in three people 60-plus and twothirds of people 70-plus have hearing loss.

More than 60% of AARP members indicated that hearing loss made it hard to follow conversations in noisy settings, while 44% noted the impact hearing difficulties can have on relationships with friends and family.

Roughly two-thirds said they would get a hearing test if hearing loss hurt their relationships with family, and 59% said they would be tested if it became a burden on the family.

Think about my dad’s story. What’s more powerful and positive — talking about what hearing loss sounds like, or talking about how better hearing helps people regain that edge and enjoy life?

Your own hearing loss story may still be down the road. But remember that early screening, early testing and early intervention mean you won’t lose your all-important relationships with friends and family.

And you’ll never miss the birds chirping outside your window.

Charlotte S. Yeh, M.D., chief medical officer, AARP Services, Inc., is a guest contributor to Harvard Health Publications. © President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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AUGUST 2019 — BALTIMORE BEACON

Delirium and dementia differ but overlap Dear Mayo Clinic: My mother is 78, and over the past two weeks, she has become really confused off and on. Before this, she seemed fine, other than having some problems with short-term memory loss.

Could this be delirium? How is delirium different from the beginnings of dementia?

A: It is possible that your mother has delirium, which is a common condition that occurs when people become ill. It also can be a side effect of some medications.

Unlike dementia, which develops gradually over a long period of time, the start of delirium usually is rapid. Symptoms of delirium require prompt medical evaluation to determine the underlying cause

and start treatment.

Symptoms of delirium Signs and symptoms of delirium usually begin over the course of a few hours or a few days.

Delirium is a serious disturbance in mental abilities. Its hallmarks include changes in attention, such as becoming extremely confused or withdrawn, and having that condition shift throughout the day. For example, some people affected by delirium will be fine in the morning and then become confused at night.

Other symptoms of delirium may include restlessness, agitation, hallucinations, anxiety and unpredictable mood changes, as well as sleep problems, slug-

gishness and abnormal drowsiness.

Delirium often is triggered by an acute illness, such as an infection or a condition that affects the body’s metabolism, like low sodium or low calcium.

Delirium also can be caused by heart or lung problems, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, a pulmonary embolism or a heart attack.

Many medications can cause delirium when they are first introduced. Those most frequently associated with delirium include some types of medication prescribed for pain, sleep problems, mood disorders, allergies, asthma, Parkinson’s disease and spasms or convulsions.

How it differs from dementia It sometimes can be hard to tell the difference between delirium and dementia, but there are several distinguishing factors. The most obvious is the onset of these disorders, with delirium developing quickly and dementia developing slowly.

In addition, dementia often begins with memory loss that involves daily activities, such as forgetting appointments or bills, or difficulty with planning.

Unlike those affected by delirium, people with early-stage dementia typically don’t have problems with their ability to maintain attention, and they generally remain alert and en-

SENIOR LIVING WITH

gaged with what’s going on around them.

Finally, symptoms of dementia don’t fluctuate as much as those of delirium.

People who have dementia may have times of the day when their symptoms seem somewhat better or worse. But, overall, their memory and thinking skills stay fairly constant throughout the day.

It is possible to have both dementia and delirium. Delirium frequently occurs in people with dementia. But having episodes of delirium does not always mean a person has dementia.

In a situation like your mother’s, where a family member or friend notices symptoms of delirium, it’s important that the affected individual receive a medical evaluation.

Delirium usually can be diagnosed based on a person’s medical history and symptoms, along with tests to assess mental status and identify underlying health problems. Input from a family member or friend during the evaluation often helps the healthcare provider arrive at an accurate diagnosis.

If a new health concern is uncovered during the medical assessment, treatment for that condition often relieves delirium symptoms.

When delirium is caused by medications, adjusting the dose or switching to an See DELIRIUM, page 9

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BALTIMORE BEACON — AUGUST 2019

9

Medical scribes let doctors focus on you

By Adam Landman, M.D. You have a medical appointment, perhaps with a new doctor. The physician enters the examination room, introduces herself, and then introduces the medical scribe, who moves to the corner of the room in front of the computer. As the doctor starts asking you questions, the scribe begins typing.

Scribes are becoming increasingly common in doctor’s offices. But what do they do, what type of training do they have, and why are they gaining in popularity?

Scribes are assistants to physicians and other healthcare providers. Their primary role is entering electronic documentation (notes) into the computer, including pa-

Delirium From page 8 alternative medication may be all that’s needed to eliminate delirium.

Paul Takahashi, M.D., Community Internal

tient history, physician examination findings, test results and other information pertinent to your care.

Scribes may also check for test results and assist with assigning diagnoses and billing. The physician is then responsible for carefully reviewing the scribe’s notes, correcting any misinformation or omissions and signing the notes.

Who works as a scribe?

Scribes are often college students or recent college graduates seeking additional exposure to the healthcare field before applying to medical school or other graduate training programs; however, scribing can also be a full-time career.

They receive training on how to document as well as on medical coding and billing rules.

In general, scribes do not have healthcare provider training or certification. Unless your scribe is also a nurse, medical assistant or other certified medical professional, they should not be providing medical advice or delivering care to you.

Scribes are members of the healthcare delivery team and are therefore accountable to all applicable institutional policies and are expected to act professionally. For example, scribes are held to the same standards to protect patient privacy as other healthcare professionals.

Scribes should be introduced to the patient when they enter the room. If you are

uncomfortable with a scribe being present during your visit, you should request to be seen by the healthcare provider privately.

Why are scribes so common now?

The practice of medicine requires a large number of administrative tasks, including thorough documentation of all patient visits. As the majority of U.S. hospitals and physician offices have now transitioned to electronic documentation, physicians are spending an increasing amount of time on the computer instead of with the patient.

Adding a scribe to the team enables physicians to spend more time directly See SCRIBES, page 10

Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn.

Mayo Clinic Q & A is an educational resource and doesn’t replace regular medical care. Email a question to MayoClinic Q&A@mayo.edu. For more information, visit mayoclinic.org.

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AUGUST 2019 — BALTIMORE BEACON

Scientists studying marijuana’s potential

By Carla K. Johnson Marijuana has been shown to help ease pain and a few other health problems. Yet two-thirds of U.S. states have decided pot should be legal to treat many other conditions with little scientific backing.

At least 1.4 million Americans are using marijuana for their health, according to an Associated Press analysis of states that track medical marijuana patients. The analysis is based on data from 26 states and the District of Columbia.

The number of medical marijuana cardholders more than tripled in the last five years as more states jumped on the bandwagon. States that expanded the use of medical pot for common ailments such as severe pain, post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety saw a boost in enrollment, the AP found.

The U.S. government, meanwhile, considers marijuana as both an illegal drug and a therapeutic herb worth more study.

Here’s a look at the health claims and research on medical marijuana to date:

The proof

Scribes

physician and patient in the room. In-person scribes are also being supplemented by virtual scribes who aren’t physically present in the room with the patient.

For example, physicians may use a recording device to capture their interview and examination of the patient. The electronic recording can then be sent to scribes who are offsite, and then transcribed and entered into the computer.

Newer video teleconferencing software and “smart” glasses are also being used to allow the scribe to view and transcribe the visit into the computer from an offsite location. The latter technology has the benefit of allowing the scribe to work in real time, asking clarifying questions to the providers and entering the notes faster.

Importantly, with both these scenarios, physicians are still responsible for the content of the notes and must review and sign off on the notes.

The U.S. Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services, which oversees federal health insurance programs, is currently working to reduce documentation requirements for billing, which may help decrease physician workload. In addition, advances in technology may one day completely au-

From page 9 talking with patients, while the scribe documents the visit.

Scribes are being used in all care settings, including the primary care office, specialist offices, urgent care, emergency departments and inpatient hospitals.

A recent study in the primary care setting found reductions in the amount of time spent with electronic documentation and improvements in physician productivity and work satisfaction associated with the use of medical scribes.

In-person and virtual scribes Today, scribes typically accompany the

Besides chronic pain, there’s strong evidence marijuana, or its ingredients, can ease nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy and help with symptoms of multiple sclerosis.

Several European countries have approved Sativex, a mouth spray containing THC and CBD, for multiple sclerosis symptoms. British drugmaker GW Pharmaceuticals is seeking U.S. approval for Sativex. (Note: THC is the natural ingredi-

ent that causes marijuana’s mind-altering effect. CBD, which is also found in regular hemp, doesn’t get people high.)

Last year, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Epidiolex, made from CBD, to treat two rare seizure disorders. As a result, other companies are pursuing FDA backing for products based on marijuana ingredients.

Prescription drugs already on the market See MARIJUANA, page 11

tomate documentation of patient visits.

In the meantime, scribes provide the ability for physicians to focus more on the patient relationship and interaction and less on computer data entry.

Adam Landman, M.D., M.S., M.I.S., M.H.S., is a contributor to Harvard Health Publishing. © 2019 President and Fellows of Harvard College. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

BEACON BITS

July 24

QUIT SMOKING

If you’d like free assistance to help quit smoking tobacco and ecigarettes, come get counseling and nicotine replacement therapy on Wednesday, July 24 from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at the Woodlawn Branch of the Baltimore County Public Library, 1811 Woodlawn Dr., Woodlawn. For more information, call (410) 887-1336.

Aug. 8

SAVE A LIFE

Learn how to save a life from an opioid overdose with the medication naloxone on Thursday, Aug. 8. The event is a part of the Don’t Die campaign of the Baltimore City Health Department that educates the public about addiction. There are two information sessions, from noon to 1 p.m. and 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., at the Baltimore City Health Department, 1001 E. Fayette St., Baltimore. To register for the free events, visit http://bit.ly/2XngF73.

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BALTIMORE BEACON — AUGUST 2019

Marijuana From page 10 use synthetic THC to treat weight loss, nausea and vomiting in patients with AIDS or cancer. And researchers continue to study whether marijuana helps with PTSD, back pain and other problems.

An opioid alternative?

New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New Mexico allow medical marijuana for opioid addiction despite little evidence that it works.

But marijuana may be helpful in reducing the use of opioid painkillers. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, better known for its research on herbs and yoga, has set aside $3 million for studies to determine which of marijuana’s 400-plus chemicals help with pain.

THC was excluded, however. Its moodaltering effects and potential for addiction and abuse make it less useful to relieve pain, said Dr. David Shurtleff, the agency’s deputy director. And THC has been studied more than the lesser-known compounds.

Cure for cancer?

Despite online claims, there’s only weak evidence that marijuana’s ingredients might one day be used to fight cancer.

Most studies have been on animals or in the lab, and results have been mixed.

In one study, nine patients with an aggressive form of brain cancer had THC injected into their tumors; any effect on their survival was unclear.

Another study found worrying evidence that marijuana might interfere with some cancer drugs, making them less effective.

Research is stymied by laws The U.S. government grows marijuana for research at a farm in Mississippi and generally bans grant-funded studies of

real-world products.

With increased demand by researchers for pot to be used in testing, the Drug Enforcement Administration created an application process for growers but has not acted on more than two dozen applications.

Such challenges are common for scientists studying an outlaw medicine, said Dr. Igor Grant, who directs the oldest marijuana research center in the U.S. at the University of California, San Diego.

There, scientists are studying marijuana chemicals for autism and brain disorders.

Established by state law in 2000, UCSD’s Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research once relied solely on California for funding. The center now has support from private foundations, a sign of growing public acceptance of the research.

Studying cancer pain Minnesota medical marijuana patients must regularly fill out surveys about their symptoms and side effects. That allows researchers to study how people with cancer react to marijuana.

In one study, a third of cancer patients made only one purchase and didn’t come back during a four-month period. They may have died, or decided marijuana was too expensive or didn’t work.

Of the rest, most reported improvements in vomiting, pain, disturbed sleep, anxiety and depression with few side effects.

Marijuana can ease many symptoms “all at one time,” but more study is needed, said study co-author Dr. Dylan Zylla of the healthcare system HealthPartners. He has no financial ties to cannabis companies.

Zylla is studying whether cancer patients can decrease their prescription opioid use while using marijuana.

Marijuana “does seem to help patients,” he said, “but so much is unknown about the risks, side effects and drug interactions.”

—AP

11

BEACON BITS

Aug. 9

CALLING ALL WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Drink coffee and get to know women who are passionate about equal pay in the Baltimore area. The free event will be held on Friday, Aug. 9 from 8 to 9 a.m. at Bird in Hand, 11 East 33rd St. For more information, visit ladiesgetpaid.com.

Aug. 7

SAFEGUARD YOUR RETIREMENT

Learn how to protect your finances as you prepare for retirement.

Discover what expenses to expect in retirement, suggestions for safe investing, how to avoid scams aimed at older adults, and tips for budgeting on a fixed income. The free event will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 7 at 6 p.m. at the White Marsh Branch of the Baltimore County Public Library, 8133 Sandpiper Cir. To learn more, call (410) 887-5097.

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AUGUST 2019 — BALTIMORE BEACON

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BALTIMORE BEACON — AUGUST 2019

13

How cooking helped me cope with Mom

By Miriam Green The following is excerpted from the new book, The Lost Kitchen, by Miriam Green.

In it, the author shares family recipes and discusses her mother’s Alzheimer’s and how it affected her family.

Those early months were difficult. I didn’t want to believe the diagnosis. If I was being honest with myself, though, I knew with certainty that Mom had Alzheimer’s.

I was not prepared for the disarray that Alzheimer’s brought into our lives. I didn’t realize the extent to which every emotion I displayed would be amplified in Mom’s behavior.

I couldn’t grasp fully that Mom had entered an alternate reality where her unchecked and discordant emotions often burst out indiscriminately. I had to keep reminding myself that Mom was blameless, that it was the disease affecting her.

It took a slow while, but eventually I found ways that helped us minimize the confusion. It had to start with my own behavior.

It meant acknowledging Mom’s reality, listening patiently to her often incoherent statements, bringing her into conversations instead of talking over her head, assuaging her anger, tamping down my own anger, finding ways to make her laugh, being in the moment and loving her unconditionally.

The effect was like shining a bright light in a dark place and finding that the room was filled with hidden blessings.

Through it all, as a way to cope, I have stationed myself in my kitchen and focused on cooking. I have become a more adventurous cook, incorporating family recipes that I learned from Mom into our daily cuisine and borrowing from the culture around me.

Mom, my greatest teacher, has taught me how to love and laugh in a world that is

often confusing and painful. She has unknowingly encouraged me to give of myself and to express as best I can the advice I’ve learned about Alzheimer’s. I hope that it can help others who are caring for loved ones no longer in their prime but still loved, still wanted and still needed.

Whatever you do, however you approach this illness, be it your spouse or parent who is affected, give them as much love as you can even when they’ve forgotten who you are. Do it for them. Do it for yourself. One meal at a time.

Kitchen Sink Soup When the kids ask me what’s in the soup, I reply like Mom taught me: “Everything but the kitchen sink.” I make variations of this soup all the time, depending on what I have in the house.

The basics are a can of crushed tomatoes, a plentiful amount of vegetables and a cup of lentils. I’ve been known to add cabbage, spinach, broccoli, even peas.

Ingredients: 2 Tbsp olive oil 1 onion, chopped 4 cloves garlic, crushed 2 carrots, diced 3 stalks celery, diced (with leaves) 1 cup pumpkin, chopped ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped 1 tsp dried oregano 1 tsp dried basil 2-3 bay leaves 1 28 oz. can crushed tomatoes 1 cup green lentils ½ cup barley or brown rice (optional) 6 to 8 cups water Salt and pepper to taste Directions: In a large pot, sauté onions and garlic in olive oil until onions become translucent.

Add vegetables and spices. Cook an additional five minutes. Add the lentils and barley (if using). Add water. Bring soup to a boil, then cover and simmer on low heat for at least an hour.

Saigon Chicken Mom had given me this recipe many years ago written out in her own hand.

When I read the recipe, it reminds me of her fragility.

Ingredients: 2 chickens, cut into 8 pieces 1½ tsp curry powder 1½ tsp granulated garlic or 2 cloves fresh

½ cup honey 1 30 oz. can crushed pineapple with juice 1 cup flour for dredging Directions: Coat each chicken piece in a thin layer of flour by dredging it in a small bowl of flour. Place in baking pan.

In separate bowl, mix pineapple and other ingredients, including juice from the pineapple. Pour over chicken and bake covered at 350 degrees F for one hour. Uncover and bake another fifteen minutes until browned.

Copies of The Lost Kitchen are available on Amazon for $13.49 paperback; $3.99 Kindle.

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Health Studies Page

AUGUST 2019 — BALTIMORE BEACON

THE PLACE TO LOOK FOR INFORMATION ON AREA CLINICAL TRIALS

Hot chili peppers could help with chronic pain

By Ivey Noojin Many people like a little kick to their dish, whether that’s through hot sauce or some other type of spicy ingredient. But can a fiery sensation help treat chronic pain?

A possible method for understanding chronic pain better could be through capsaicin, an irritant from hot chili peppers that produces a burning sensation, according to Dr. Claudia Campbell, Ph.D., associate professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral

BEACON BITS

Aug. 8

OUTDOOR YOGA Rejuvenate at the end of the day with a free outdoor yoga class.

All levels and abilities are welcome. The event will be held on Thursday, Aug. 8 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the American Visionary Art Museum, 800 Key Hwy., Baltimore. To register, visit http://bit.ly/322wwqu.

Sciences at The Johns Hopkins University.

By focusing on the scorching feeling from capsaicin, your brain might “forget” what is causing you pain, whether that be arthritis, nerve damage or back problems. “[The study is] not about improving pain,” Campbell said. “It’s about giving a different sensation other than the pain people have in the clinical condition.”

Campbell is looking for 60 participants, ages 33 to 65, to volunteer for the randomized, double-blind study. They must have a pain level of at least two on a scale of one to 10.

However, people with fibromyalgia and autoimmune diseases cannot participate, along with those who took any opioid,

gabapentin or tramadol within the last month.

Participants must attend four sessions in downtown Baltimore that last from two to four hours each. These sessions include a general screening, an MRI brain scan, an X-ray and two PET (positron emission tomography) brain imaging scans. The study is funded by the National Institutes of Health.

A hot chili pepper cream will be applied to the back of participants’ hands during two out of the four sessions to see how the brain processes different sensations.

Chronic pain affected around 20% of U.S. adults in 2016, according to a CDC study in 2018. The medical condition also contributes $560 billion annually in medical costs, lost productivity and disability programs.

“Chronic pain is really a challenging thing because so many [aspects] influence how people experience pain,” Campbell said.

Since people react differently to the consumption of hot chili peppers, Campbell supposes the same variety of responses within the brain will occur when topically applied.

Participants will receive up to $300 in compensation, including free parking and transportation to Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, 4940 Eastern Ave., Baltimore. To learn more or volunteer, call (410) 550-6165.

BEACON BITS

Aug. 5

RESUME AND INTERVIEW HELP

Polish your interviewing skills and develop a better resume to get the attention of employers. Bring your current resume. This session will take place on Monday, Aug. 5 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Essex Branch of the Baltimore County Public Library, 1110 Eastern Blvd., Essex. To learn more about the free event, call (410) 887-0295.

Ongoing

STORIES OF WWI AT THE B&O

Nearly 7,000 employees of the B&O Railroad served in World War I, so women were hired in 1917 to replace them. Learn more about their stories in the B&O Museum’s exhibit “First to Fight: Railroaders of WWI” through Sept. 2.

The museum is located at 901 W. Pratt St. For more information, call (410) 752-2490 or visit borail.org.

BALTIMORE BEACON — AUGUST 2019

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

15

Genetic tests can quickly ID infections

By Marilynn Marchione Brian Jetter, a previously healthy 40year-old, was on life support, suddenly battling pneumonia and sepsis, and a slew of tests had failed to find the cause.

Mystery illnesses like this kill thousands of people each year when germs can’t be identified fast enough to reveal the right treatment. Now genetic tests are helping to solve these cases.

One finally was used to search Jetter’s blood for bits of non-human genetic material from viruses, fungi and the like. It detected unusual bacteria that probably got into the Connecticut man’s lungs when he choked and accidentally inhaled bits of a burger weeks earlier.

With the right medicine, he recovered.

“I realized how fragile life is,” Jetter said. “No matter how healthy you are, the smallest microbe can destroy you.”

A new use of the tests Doctors routinely use genetic tests to spot inherited diseases and guide cancer treatment. But using them to detect infectious diseases is so new that few doctors and even fewer patients know they’re available.

A study of one test was published in June in The New England Journal of Medicine.

They are modernizing a field long overdue for an overhaul. To identify bacteria, labs still rely on century-old techniques from Louis Pasteur — putting a few drops of blood or other sample in a lab dish and waiting days or weeks to see what germs grow.

To test for a virus, a doctor usually has to guess what the patient is sick with. Testing for a fungus or some other things can take a long time.

Several companies and university labs now offer gene-based tests on blood or spinal fluid. Once fragments of foreign

DNA or other genetic material are found, their code is analyzed, or sequenced, to identify bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites causing sepsis, meningitis, encephalitis and other deadly illnesses.

“The key advantage of sequencing is it can look for everything at once” rather than doing separate tests for each virus or other microbe that’s suspected, said Dr. Charles Chiu, a microbiologist at the University of California, San Francisco.

He led the New England Journal study that tried a spinal fluid test on 204 children and adults with meningitis or encephalitis — dangerous illnesses that aren’t always caused by an infection.

The gene test wasn’t perfect. It missed some cases, but also found others that standard tests missed.

In all, 58 infections were diagnosed. The gene test matched standard lab findings in 19 cases, found 13 more that standard testing missed and missed 26 that the standard tests eventually found.

Quick, but expensive Doctors say the gene-based tests could be a fast, non-invasive first step for serious or unusual cases.

“For infectious disease, you need to know the answer today,” because a patient’s risk of dying goes up the longer the cause isn’t found, said Dr. Asim Ahmed, medical director at Karius Inc. The Redwood City, California, company sells a blood test developed by Stanford University scientists that searches for 1,200 bacteria, fungi, viruses and parasites at once and gives a result within two days.

The test showed high agreement with standard lab testing in a study in the journal Nature Microbiology.

“The biggest issue is the cost” — around

$2,000 for the Karius test — said Ali Torkamani, a San Diego scientist who directs a genetics conference that featured these tests in March. More competition may lower the price and lead to wider use, he said.

Karius has its own lab for its test. Other companies offer software and tools that hospitals can use to develop their own test.

One of them, Arc Bio, based in California and Massachusetts, offers virus testing from blood and gives an answer in less than two days.

IDbyDNA, based in San Francisco, uses a Utah lab that works with 3,000 U.S. hospitals. It gives an answer within about 48 hours after a sample arrives, said its chief medical officer, Dr. Robert Schlaberg.

So far, hospitals are using these tests for the worst cases — long, unexplained illnesses or very vulnerable patients such as children and people with cancer or weak immune systems.

Dr. Asha Shah tried one for the first time

last year, when Jetter was rapidly getting worse at Stamford Hospital in Connecticut.

“He had multiple blood tests, chest Xray, CAT scan, you name it,” she said. “I thought, this doesn’t make sense, why aren’t we getting any answers?”

The Karius test revealed unusual oral bacteria in his lungs, suggesting he’d inhaled some while choking on the burger.

An even more unusual story emerged when Dr. Amir Khan, an infectious disease specialist, ordered a Karius test for 47year-old Ryan Springer, who doctors first suspected of having cancer.

He turned out to have tularemia, sometimes called “rabbit fever,” which can come from inhaling bacteria from infected rodents or running over their droppings with a lawn mower. With the right treatment, he recovered.

“This is the future of medicine,” Khan said. When patients are very sick, “every minute and hour counts.”

—AP

16

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AUGUST 2019 — BALTIMORE BEACON

New drugs are improving cancer survival

By Marilynn Marchione Newer drugs are substantially improving the chances of survival for some people with hard-to-treat forms of lung, breast and prostate cancer, doctors reported recently at the world’s largest cancer conference.

Among those who have benefited is Roszell Mack Jr., who at age 87 is still able to work at a horse farm in Lexington, Kentucky, nine years after being diagnosed with lung cancer that had spread to his bones and lymph nodes.

“I go in every day, I’m the first one there,” said Mack, who helped test Merck’s Keytruda, a therapy that helps the immune system identify and fight cancer. “I’m feeling well and I have a good quality of life.”

The downside: Many of these drugs cost $100,000 or more a year, although what patients pay out of pocket varies depending on insurance, income and other criteria.

The results were featured in June at the

American Society of Clinical Oncology conference in Chicago, and some were published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Companies that make the drugs sponsored the studies, and some study leaders have financial ties.

Here are some highlights:

Lung cancer Immunotherapy drugs such as Keytruda have transformed the treatment of many types of cancer, but they’re still fairly new and don’t help most patients.

The longest study yet of Keytruda in patients with advanced lung cancer found that 23% of those who got the drug as part of their initial therapy survived at least five years, whereas 16% of those who tried other treatments first did. In the past, only about 5% of such patients lived that long.

“I’m a big believer that it’s not just about duration of life; quality of life is important,”

said Dr. Leora Horn, of the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville, Tennessee.

She enrolled Mack in the 550-person study.

Mack said he had manageable side effects — mostly some awful itching — after starting on Keytruda four years ago. He went off it last winter and scans showed no active cancer; he and his doctor hope it’s in remission.

Last year, a smaller study reported fiveyear survival rates of 16% for similar patients given another immunotherapy, Opdivo.

“From both studies we’re getting a similar message: When these drugs work, they can have a really durable effect,” Horn said.

Breast cancer The risk of breast cancer rises with age, but about 48,000 cases each year in the U.S. are in women under age 50. About 70% are “hormone-positive, HER2-negative” — that is, the cancer’s growth is fueled by estrogen or progesterone and not by the gene that the drug Herceptin targets.

In a study of 672 women with such cancers that had spread or were very advanced, adding the Novartis drug Kisqali to the usual hormone blockers as initial therapy helped more than hormone therapy alone.

After 3½ years, 70% of women on Kisqali were alive, compared to 46% of the rest. Side effects were more common with Kisqali.

This is the first time any treatment has boosted survival beyond what hormone blockers do for such patients.

Prostate cancer The options keep expanding for men with prostate cancer that has spread beyond the gland.

Standard treatment is drugs that block the male hormone testosterone, which helps these cancers grow, plus chemotherapy or a newer drug called Zytiga.

Now, two other drugs have proven able to extend survival when used like chemo or Zytiga in men who were getting usual hormone therapy and still being helped by it.

One study tested Xtandi, sold by Pfizer and Astellas Pharma Inc., in 1,125 men, half of whom also were getting chemo.

After three years, 80% of those given Xtandi plus standard treatments were alive, compared to 72% of men given the other treatments alone.

The other study involved 1,052 men who were given hormone therapy with or without the Janssen drug Erleada. After two years, survival was 82% among those on Erleada and 74% among those who weren’t.

Men now have a choice of four drugs that give similar benefits, and no studies yet have compared them against each other, said Dr. Ethan Basch, a prostate specialist at the University of North Carolina’s Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center who has no financial ties to any drugmakers.

Cost and side effects may help patients decide, he said. Chemo can cause numbness and tingling in the hands and feet and may not be good for men with diabetes who already are at higher risk for this problem. Zytiga must be taken with a steroid; Xtandi and Erleada can cause falling and fainting.

Chemo has more side effects but costs much less and requires only four to six intravenous treatments. The other three drugs are pills that cost more than $10,000 a month and are taken indefinitely.

“I have patients who refuse to take these drugs because of cost,” Basch said. “Patients have more choice, but it isn’t clear more benefit is being provided” beyond what chemo gives, he said.

—AP

BALTIMORE BEACON — AUGUST 2019

Say you saw it in the Beacon

Money Law &

17

MAKE YOUR MONEY LAST Among the ways you can stretch your retirement savings: work longer, maximize Social Security and invest wisely MEDICARE EXPENSES Having trouble covering out-of-pocket costs? These programs can help HOME SWEET HOME Is your homeowner’s insurance policy up-to-date? Annual audits are recommended

Consider a side hustle to earn extra cash

By Kathy Kristof Can you make a decent living in the gig economy? The odds are against you if you rely on the best-known job platforms, such as Uber and DoorDash, which offer miserable net pay to drivers.

A dozen other well-known sites — including HomeAdvisor, Mechanical Turk and TaskRabbit — treat workers equally poorly.

Their specific sins vary from site to site, ranging from charging workers for worthless “leads,” paying pennies per hour and penalizing workers for turning down bad jobs.

But dozens of sites you may have never heard of offer great moneymaking opportunities. Some promise fun experiences, too. The website SideHusl.com has more information on each one, including the expected pay, a rating and a detailed review.

Rent your house. Consider Giggster, a site that allows you to rent your house by the hour for movie and photography shoots. I personally tested the platform to see if it worked as well as it appeared.

Result: I earned $1,455 in one day renting out my house to an advertising firm that was charged with trying to discourage kids from smoking. The 12-hour shoot was fascinating to watch, and I got to eat catered food with the “talent.”

Giggster has a limited geographic reach, operating primarily in Los Angeles,

New York and San Francisco, but there are a half dozen other sites that do the same thing. PeerSpace, for instance, operates in Virginia and Washington, D.C. Be a tour guide. You can make $50 to $100 per hour conducting tours in your own city. You determine the itinerary, schedule, maximum (and minimum) tour capacity and price.

ToursbyLocals, Viator and Vayable will advertise your offerings on their sites, charging a commission on each booking.

Best of all, you can design your tours around your own passions — movie locations, historic sites or restaurants. And you’ll spend the day with people who are interested enough in those passions to pay you to lead them around.

Host a dinner party or cooking class.

A website called Eatwith allows home cooks to host dinner parties with paying guests. Eatwith operates worldwide, so you might host local couples looking for an unusual night out or adventurous tourists looking to sample authentic local cuisine.

You choose when you cook, what you offer and how much you charge. The site takes a commission for arranging bookings and collecting payment.

However, you need to have a food handler’s license to sign up. And you must be willing to undergo regular inspections of

your kitchen.

Cozymeal offers a similar service but also allows home chefs to offer cooking classes. You’ll pay a 20% to 30% commission on each booking.

Be a teacher. Thinkific and Teachable allow you to put a class online and charge whatever you see fit. You could teach people how to build things, speed-read or manage a website.

Both sites have easy-to-use platforms that coach you through setting up your class. They also give users the choice of paying a monthly fee or a commission on sales, which allows you to start for free.

Fix hair and makeup. People with a background in cosmetology can sign up for a fun side hustle that involves going to clients’ homes to fix hair, nails and makeup for special events, such as weddings and television appearances.

A site called beGlammed will set up appointments and collect payment for you (for a hefty 40% commission). Hourly rates range from $30 to $90 per hour.

Walk and watch dogs. Animal lovers can make decent money by signing up to take care of dogs. Typically, dog walkers at Wag! get $12 per half-hour walk and a bit more if there are two animals.

If you sign up with Rover, you can watch dogs overnight and set your own rates,

paying the site a 20% commission for booking and collecting payment for you.

Consult. A site called WAHVE (for Work-At-Home Vintage Experts) looks for people in their 50s and 60s in the accounting, insurance and human resources fields.

If you’re at a point in life when you’d rather work flexible hours and telecommute, the site will find jobs with smaller companies that are willing to work around your schedule.

Other sites offer similar opportunities in a wide array of fields — from law to marketing. FreeeUp, for instance, is an online marketplace for web developers, designers and content creators. Pay ranges from $10 to $75 per hour, depending on your skill level.

Fairygodboss specializes in finding professional jobs for women, rating employers on flexibility and maternity-leave policies.

If the site you’re considering isn’t rated on SideHusl.com, scroll to the bottom of the site’s landing page and look for its terms and conditions. This is a legal document that spells out your contract with the site.

Site terms may be long and full of legalese, but they should be required reading. © 2019 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Hospitals ordered to reveal costs up front

By Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar President Donald Trump signed an executive order in June that calls for upfront disclosure by hospitals of actual prices for common tests and procedures to help keep costs down.

The idea is to give patients practical information that they can use to save money. For example, if a hospital charges your insurer $3,500 for a type of echocardiogram and the same test costs $550 in a doctor’s office, you might go for the lower-price procedure to save on copays.

But insurers said the idea could backfire, prompting hospitals that now give deeper discounts to try to raise their own negotiated prices to match what high earners are getting. Hospitals were also skeptical of the move.

In addition, Trump’s order requires that patients be told ahead of time what their

out-of-pocket costs, like deductibles and copays, will be for many procedures.

Specifics are months away Little will change immediately. The executive order calls for a rule-making process by federal agencies, which typically takes months or even years.

The details of what information will have to be disclosed and how it will be made available to patients must be worked out as part of writing the regulations. Consumers will have to wait to see whether the results live up to the administration’s promises.

“For too long it’s been virtually impossible for Americans to know the real price and quality of healthcare services and the services they receive,” Trump said at the White House. “As a result, patients face significant obstacles shopping for the best care at the best price, driving up health-

care costs for everyone.”

Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar told reporters earlier that the order “will put patients in control by increasing choice and competition.”

Lack of information on healthcare prices is a widespread problem. It’s confusing for patients, and experts say it’s also one of the major factors that push up U.S. costs.

The same test or procedure, in the same city, can cost widely different amounts depending on who is performing it and who is paying the bill. Hospital list prices, which are available, don’t reflect what they are paid by insurers and government programs.

Industry predicts higher prices The health insurance industry said disclosing negotiated prices will only encourage hospitals that are now providing deeper discounts to try to raise their rates to

match the top-tier facilities.

“Publicly disclosing competitively negotiated proprietary rates will reduce competition and push prices higher — not lower — for consumers, patients and taxpayers,” said Matt Eyles, head of the industry group America’s Health Insurance Plans.

The Federation of American Hospitals, representing for-profit facilities, warned that if the Trump administration regulations take the “wrong course,” they may “undercut the way insurers pay for hospital services, resulting in higher spending.”

While the prices Medicare pays are publicly available, private insurers’ negotiated rates generally are not. Industry officials say such contractual information is tantamount to trade secrets and should remain private.

Azar pushed back against that arguSee HOSPITAL COSTS, page 19

18

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AUGUST 2019 — BALTIMORE BEACON

Resources to help cover Medicare costs To qualify for an MSP, the minimum stanDear Savvy Senior, Are there any sources you know of that dard set by Medicare is that your income be under 135 percent of the federcan help me save on my al poverty level, which at the Medicare coverage? I’m 65 moment works out to around and live primarily on my So$1,426 a month for individuals cial Security, and I’m having ($1,923 for married couples). a hard time paying my Everything counts towards inMedicare out-of-pocket costs. come, including payouts from —Need Some Help 401(k) plans, pensions, Social Dear Need, Security and help from family There are several financial members. assistance programs that can Medicare also allows states help lower-income Medicare beneficiaries who are having a SAVVY SENIOR to impose an asset test, which can be as little as $7,730 per difficult time paying their out- By Jim Miller individual ($11,600 for marof-pocket health care costs.

Here’s what’s available, along with the ried couples), not counting your house or car but counting retirement savings and eligibility requirements and how to apply: bank accounts.

Medicare Savings Program But some states have made their MSP Let’s start with a program that helps pay programs a lot more generous, with much premiums and out-of-pocket costs for higher income limits and in some cases no Medicare Parts A and B. It’s called the asset tests at all. The program may also be Medicare Savings Program (MSP), and it called something else in your state. has several different benefit levels for peoTo find out if you qualify or to apply, conple based on their income and asset level. tact your state Medicaid program.

At its most generous, the program will Maryland residents should visit http:// pay your Part A and B premiums and pret- bit.ly/MSPMd or call 1-800-638-3403. ty much all your Medicare deductibles, In Virginia, visit http://bit.ly/MSPVirginia coinsurance and copayments. At its least or call your local Social Services department. generous, the program will pay just your The phone numbers for each department are Part B premium. listed at http://bit.ly/MSPVaLocal.

SIMPLY SELL TO SMYTH. Sell or trade in your old gold, silver and diamonds at Smyth Jewelers and get the highest possible return.

No mystery, no wondering if the price is right— just expertise and cash on the spot. So, when you have jewelry you no longer want, keep things simple.

Bring it to Smyth Jewelers in Annapolis, Ellicott City or Timonium, no appointment necessary.

TIMONIUM | ELLICOT T CIT Y | ANNAPOLIS 410-252-6666 | S M Y T H J E W E L E R S .C OM

WHERE MARYLAND GETS ENGAGED.

For D.C. residents, visit http://bit.ly/ MSPWashington or call (202) 442-5988.

D.C. residents may visit http://bit.ly/ MSPWashington or call (202) 442-5988.

Extra Help with meds

Other assistance programs

For help with Medicare Part D prescription drug plan costs, there is a completely separate program called Extra Help. To get it, you’ll need to apply through your local Social Security office.

Depending on how low your income is, this program will pay part or all of your Part D prescription drug plan’s monthly premiums, annual deductibles and prescription co-payments.

In 2019, individuals with a yearly income below $18,735 ($25,365 for a married couple) and assets under $14,390 ($28,720 for a married couple) can qualify for Extra Help.

And if you’re eligible to be in the Medicare Savings Program described above, you will automatically qualify for Extra Help. But because the requirements are slightly different, even if you don’t qualify for a Medicare Savings Program for Part B, you might be able to get Extra Help for Part D. For more information or to apply, Marylanders should visit http://bit.ly/ExtraHelpMd or call 1-800-243-3425.

Virginians should go to http://bit.ly/ExtraHelpVa or call your local aging department with phone numbers listed at http:// bit.ly/ExtraHelpVaContact.

Depending on your income level, needs and location, there are many other financial assistance programs that can help, such as Medicaid, SSI (Supplemental Security Income), PACE (Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly), SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) and many others.

To help you find out what types of assistance programs you may be eligible for, and learn how to apply for them, go to BenefitsCheckUp.org. This is a free, confidential Internet tool designed for people 55 and older that contains information about more than 2,500 programs.

It’s also possible to get help in person at one of the 87 Benefits Enrollment Centers scattered across the U.S. Call 1-888-268-6706 or visit NCOA.org/centerforbenefits/becs to locate a center near you. There are multiple sites in the Greater Washington area. Some centers also offer assistance over the phone.

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

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Law & Money

BALTIMORE BEACON — AUGUST 2019

19

How to make your retirement money last

By Liz Weston Many people worry about running out of money in retirement. That’s understandable, since we don’t know how long we’ll live, what our future costs might be, and what kind of returns we can expect on our savings.

There are several ways, however, to boost the odds that your money will last as long as you need it. Among them:

ly $9,000 a year, which is the average cost of car ownership according to AAA. Eliminating debt before you retire is often a good way to reduce expenses, but consult a fee-only financial planner before withdrawing retirement funds to pay off a mortgage. Such withdrawals can trigger a big tax bill and leave you without enough cash for the future.

Keep earning Reduce ‘must have’ expenses Lowering your fixed expenses — shelter, food, transportation, insurance, utilities and minimum loan payments — can help you withdraw less from your savings, which in turn can help your money last longer.

One powerful way to reduce expenses is to downsize to a smaller home if you can reduce or eliminate your mortgage payment and shrink other costs such as property taxes, utilities and insurance.

Getting rid of a car could save you near-

Hospital costs From page 17 ment, saying insurers do ultimately disclose their payment rates when they send individual patients an “explanation of benefits.” That’s the technical term for the form that patients get after they’ve had a procedure or seen the doctor.

“Every time any one of us goes to a doctor or a hospital, within a couple of weeks in our mailbox arrives an explanation of benefits. [It] contains the list price...the negotiated rate...and what your out-of-pocket is,” Azar said. “This is not some great state secret out there.”

He added that patients should have that information ahead of time to help them make decisions, not only after the fact

Frank, Frank

A study for the National Bureau of Economic Research found that delaying the start of retirement from age 62 to 66 could raise someone’s annual, sustainable standard of living by 33%. Even if you can’t continue working full time, income from a part-time job or side business could help you withdraw less from your savings.

Maximize Social Security Most people will live past the “break-even point,” where the larger checks they get when the bill comes.

Trump’s executive order also calls for: — expanded uses for health savings accounts, a tax-advantaged way to pay healthcare bills that has long been favored by Republicans. Coupled with a lower-premium, high-deductible insurance plan, the accounts can be used to pay out-of-pocket costs for routine medical exams and procedures.

— a plan to improve the government’s various healthcare quality rating systems for hospitals, nursing homes and Medicare Advantage plans.

— more access by researchers to healthcare information, such as claims for services covered by government programs like Medicare. The data would be stripped of individual patient details.

—AP

& Scherr, LLC

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from delaying the start of their Social Security benefit will total more than the smaller checks they bypass in the meantime.

More importantly, though, bigger Social Security checks serve as a kind of longevity insurance. The longer you live, the greater the chances you’ll run through your savings and depend on Social Security for most, if not all, of your income.

It’s particularly important for the higher earner in a couple to delay as long as possible to maximize the survivor benefit that one of them will get after the first spouse dies.

Consider annuities Many retirement experts say it’s a good idea to have enough guaranteed income to cover your basic, must-have expenses. If those expenses exceed what you expect to get from Social Security and traditional pensions, consider buying additional guaranteed income by purchasing an immediate annuity.

Unlike other types of annuities that can

be complicated and expensive, an immediate annuity can provide a stream of income for life in exchange for a single lump-sum payment upfront.

Withdraw carefully Big withdrawals or bad markets at the start of your retirement can dramatically increase the risk you’ll run out of money.

Financial planners typically recommend that people take no more than 4% of their nest egg in the first year of retirement, increasing the withdrawal by the inflation rate in subsequent years.

That means a retiree with $200,000 in retirement savings could withdraw $8,000 the first year. If inflation is 3%, the retiree would add $240 (3% of $8,000) and withdraw $8,240 the second year, and so on.

People who retire early or who want to be more conservative might start at 3% See MAKE MONEY LAST, page 21

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21

Most Americans have too little insurance

By Gary Ran In October, I took my family on a trip to Europe. While waiting for our return flight from Paris to Detroit, I received a frantic call from our housekeeper.

“I just walked into your house,” she said, “and there’s a river running through it.”

The pipe providing water to our refrigerator broke. Located in the ceiling above our kitchen, it had run unabated for the entire weekend. We lost floors, cabinets, appliances, carpeting and furniture to the tune of $350,000.

Imagine if I had the wrong insurance and this disaster was wrongly or not covered.

One year ago, that would have been the case.

In 2016 — after reading a piece about being wrongly insured — I did an extensive review of my insurance coverages with our insurance specialist.

In doing so I discovered that, generally speaking, I was overpaying to be wrongly in-

sured. I had too low of a deductible (which bumped up my premiums unnecessarily), had poor overall coverage if something major happened, and was with the wrong carrier.

The insurance change I ended up making did mean an increase in the cost of my coverage. However, I had been with my old insurance company, basically under the same policies, for almost two decades.

Thankfully, I made the switch when I did, or else I would have been in bad shape.

The surprising thing about my inadequate coverage is that I was among the nearly two-thirds of homeowner insurance payers lacking in quality coverage.

Blanket coverage — which is bundled coverage for a variety of valuables under one policy — may be adequate to cover most people’s needs, but it does not include the levels of coverage that best suit those with more complex risk associated with wealth accumulated over decades of earning.

Get an insurance audit

Understand your coverage

For anyone who accumulates wealth over a lifetime, their insurance needs change.

Insurance audits are important to make sure you have the coverage that meets your current, and ever-changing, needs.

So, how do you choose the right insurance agent? First, take a realistic look at your circumstances and what you have accumulated over the years. Does your current insurance agent have the reputation, expertise and capabilities to effectively provide the insurance that meets your net worth?

Finding the right coverage is crucial and worth shopping around for. Most of the time, the agent does not need more than the information on your current policy and some of your time to conduct a brief interview. The insurance agent should ask about your various assets to ensure that you have accurate coverage and go over the policies so you know what’s included.

More than half of homeowners do not have a clear understanding of their insurance coverage, according to a J.D. Power and Associates study. Make sure you do.

It’s common to scoff at insurance; it often goes unused and doesn’t seem like something you need. But that’s the thing with insurance — you don’t need insurance until you actually need it. And at that point, you really need to be properly covered.

Don’t wait 20 years to review your insurance policies like I did. It’s recommended to have someone conduct an insurance audit every few years to ensure your policies align with your assets, living situation and lifestyle.

This article was written by and presents the views of Gary Ran, investment adviser and chairman of Telemus Financial Life Management, not the Kiplinger editorial staff. Check records with the SEC or with FINRA. © 2019 The Kiplinger Washington Editors.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Make money last

complicated in retirement, especially if you were a good saver.

You could be thrown into a higher tax bracket by required minimum distributions from retirement funds that typically must start at age 70½. The higher income also can cause more of your Social Security to be taxable and raise your Medicare premiums.

Sometimes it can make sense to start distributions earlier or to do Roth conversions to reduce future taxes. The math involved can get intense, so consult an experienced tax pro.

ing diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, arthritis and heart disease are associated with higher medical costs in retirement, according to a study by Vanguard and Mercer Health and Benefits.

Regular screenings, proper medical care and a healthy lifestyle may help you reduce some of those costs.

—AP

From page 19 rather than 4%, or skip inflation adjustments in years when markets are bad.

Get good tax advice Your tax situation can become more

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22

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AUGUST 2019 — BALTIMORE BEACON

Travel Leisure &

Summer nights can be magical for all generations in Myrtle Beach, S.C. See page 23.

Roadtrips worth taking with grandkids

Nemacolin Woodlands Resort So, where can you go? Perhaps the easiest vacation is at a resort where everything is in one place. Nemacolin Woodlands Resort in western Pennsylvania offers just that, with a variety of accommodations, activities and places to eat.

Located about three hours from Baltimore the resort has several hotels on site at different price points and styles, ranging from casual (The Lodge) to opulent (Chateau Lafayette) to sophisticated luxury (Falling Rock, the only Forbes Five

Star, AAA Five Diamond property in Pennsylvania).

Townhouses and luxury vacation homes are also available for families who want to be under one roof.

Luckily, entrepreneur Joe Hardy built this resort as the ultimate playground for all ages, so you don’t have to over-think how to satisfy those hard-to-please teenagers and even 20-somethings.

Outdoorsy daredevils should test their courage at the Adventure Center, with two 3,000-foot-long zip lines that reach speeds of up to 60 miles per hour; a 50-foot free fall; the 40-foot-high canopy tour; and an off-road adventure in an all-terrain vehicle (ATV).

All family members can enjoy the nearby 18-hole miniature golf course. Visit the Wildlife Academy, swim indoors or out, or just relax around the adult pool that features a Jacuzzi, a fire pit and a bar area.

Need a little time without the kids? For children ages 4 to 15 there is Kidz Klub, and a program called Little Tykes for ages 6 weeks to 3 years. Both offer full and half-day sessions, as well as “night out” sessions until 10 p.m. All require advance reservations.

Professional babysitters are also available.

Sans the kiddos, play on one of the two championship golf courses (Mystic Rock hosted a PGA tournament). Take a tour of the multi-million-dollar art collection. Schedule a massage or pedicure at the spa. And I highly recommend going off property to Fallingwater, one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s

PHOTO BY NEMACOLIN WOODLANDS RESORT

By Alice Shapin If you’re like many grandparents who can’t get enough of their adorable grandchildren, nothing could be better than an overnight trip with them.

But vacations can also be tricky and even stressful, especially when traveling with a wide range of ages. There can be meltdowns, fights and temper tantrums. (And the grandchildren can have them, too!)

When friends ask me about intergenerational travel, I have a few suggestions: First, make sure everyone knows up front who’s paying for what. Second, plan but be flexible. Third, choose a destination with age-appropriate activities for everyone in your group.

Finally, spend some time apart; nothing can ruin a vacation more than being together 24-7. And most importantly, grandparents, don’t try parenting. Your turn is over, so just enjoy.

People of all generations can find interesting things to do indoors and out at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, located about three hours from Baltimore.

PHOTO BY HERSHEYPARK

There’s more to Hershey, Pennsylvania, than chocolate and roller coasters. Kids and grandparents can make their own candy bars, take a trolley tour, or relax in the Hotel Hershey’s butterfly garden.

true masterpieces, only 20 miles away.

With an eclectic collection of places to eat, it’s easy to find the right one for your family no matter how large a group.

Don’t worry about the kids getting up and being rowdy. You can enjoy a casual meal minus the dirty stares at some of the more casual venues.

Or leave the kids in the club and savor Aqueous, a Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired restaurant with modern cuisine and a nod to the sea, or the Forbes Five-Star, AAA Five-Diamond rated Restaurant Lautrec.

Hersheypark Who doesn’t love chocolate, especially now that dark chocolate is (finally!) deemed good for us? Indulge and immerse yourself in “The Sweetest Place on Earth” — Hershey, Pennsylvania, where you can smell chocolate in the air. It’s about a 1 ½hour drive from the Baltimore area.

If you really want to make the trip easy, book either the Hotel Hershey (old world charm with modern amenities at splurge prices) or Hershey Lodge (casual, family friendly with Water Works, an indoor pool complex).

Staying “on property” means you’ll get VIP benefits, including: the best price on Hersheypark tickets; free shuttle bus

service to the park; one-hour early access to the park; free admission to Hershey Gardens; and access to the Hershey Golf Collection, including the private courses at the Hershey Country Club.

Both hotels provide a long list of recreational facilities, have events during the summer and help plan family activities.

Hersheypark — which has more than 70 rides, a full water park and a zoo with more than 200 animals — is a perfect spot for the little tykes, teens and way beyond. Be it something mild or hair-raisingly wild, you’ll find it here.

If grandparents are thrill seekers, they might join the kids on one of 13 roller coasters. If they are more like me and want something tamer, ride the 100-year-old carousel with the littler ones.

Chocolate lovers of all ages will enjoy Hershey’s Chocolate World, a free ride located just outside the amusement park.

Think of it as a Disney ride that tells you how chocolate is made — with a free Hershey kiss at the end of the ride.

To learn more about Milton Hershey, America’s most prolific chocolate maker, visit the Hershey Story Museum downtown. For the grandparents, old Hershey See ROAD TRIPS, page 23

BALTIMORE BEACON — AUGUST 2019

Road trips From page 22 tins and other Hershey packaging will bring back fond childhood memories.

For an extra fee of about $12, visit the Chocolate Lab to create and decorate your own personalized candy bar. Or take the Hershey Trolley Works ($13 to $16), where you can choose a family-friendly tour of the town or a separate history tour that’s best suited to parents and grandparents.

Need a break from chocolate? Visit the gardens, great for the older folks or kids that need to burn off all that chocolate energy. And don’t miss The Butterfly Conservatory in the garden.

Both hotels offer kids’ clubs and nighttime activities. Parents and grandparents can take advantage of this time to play golf or have a treatment at the spa. Keeping with the chocolate theme, enjoy such treatments as the Whipped Cocoa Bath and Chocolate Fondue Wrap.

Perfect for any family history buffs or architecture lovers, take a tour of Pennsylvania’s State Capitol in close-by Harrisburg. Add a visit to Broad Street Market, founded in 1860.

Myrtle Beach, S.C. Myrtle Beach is a true hybrid vacation destination. It runs the gamut from long stretches of sandy beaches, to championship golf, to rides for all ages, to shows and boardwalk delights such as fries and funnel cake. It’s about an eight-hour drive down I-95 from this area.

North Myrtle Beach area is less con-

gested and frenetic than the original Myrtle Beach. Its permanent show venues, such as The Alabama Theatre and The Carolina Opry, have great shows. At the Opry we saw a variety of musical acts from country to pop to Broadway tunes, a comedian and a high-energy finalist dance troupe from “America’s Got Talent.”

Another great option there is “Broadway at the Beach,” an amusement park area with rides for young kids and daredevils. They include a zip line, Beach Rider Jet Boat, wave pool, The Simpsons 4D film, helicopter rides and a Grand Prix raceway.

Most attractions require tickets that range from $10 to $25 each. Be sure to visit at night, when all the neon and LED lights make the place magical.

If you really want “classic beach crazy,” go down to Myrtle Beach and stroll along its boardwalk for the super-charged energy you would expect.

Myrtle Beach has no shortage of miniature golf. I’m not talking about your average mini-golf. I’m talking extravaganzas, mountains, waterfalls and volcanoes. The names say it all: Mayday Miniature Golf, Hawaiian Rumble and Professor Hacker’s Lost Treasure Golf.

If mini-golf makes some family members yearn for the real thing, you’re in luck. The Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach areas are known as The Golf Capital of the World for a reason: they have more than 100 courses. You’ll have no trouble getting a tee-time.

If you want something entirely different from anything else at Myrtle Beach, visit Brookgreen Gardens. Located south of Myrtle Beach, this 9,127-acre floral jewel

BEACON BITS

Aug. 9

HOW TO SET UP A HOME OFFICE

July 25

WATERCOLOR PAINTING

Learn how to properly set up a business office in the comfort of your home at this free workshop by Catherine Wright of Wright Way Tax Solution. It takes place on Friday, Aug. 9 at 6 p.m. at the Park Circle Office Park, 3000 Druid Park Dr., Suite 3000B. To register, visit bit.ly/2KVEY5E.

Paint away stress with watercolors and socialize with others at this monthly event. Supplies are provided. The free event takes place on Thursday, July 25 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the White Marsh Branch of the Baltimore County Public Library, 8133 Sandpiper Cir., Baltimore. To learn more, call (410) 887-5097.

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Leisure & Travel

is a combination of beautiful gardens and spectacular sculptures.

Myrtle Beach’s accommodation choices are wide-ranging. We stayed at the North Beach Plantation in a two-bedroom, two-bath terrace apartment with a kitchen and, thankfully, a washer/dryer. There are even fivebedroom units. Our 19th-floor apartment overlooked the ocean, a view I never tire of.

Besides the beach, our resort had several pools, including an adult-only one for some quiet time. And the area has an endless array of restaurants that serve everything from tater tots to tapas.

When you’re on vacation, don’t forget to bring your digital camera or snap pictures on your phone. That way you and your grandchildren can create a slideshow or photo book together (at Shutterfly.com or other sites) to remember the trip.

23

If you go Rooms at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort range from $459 at Chateau Lafayette to $419 for a night at Falling Rock. The Lodge’s rooms are $439 per night. To make a reservation at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, visit Nemacolin.com or call 1-877-724-5165.

In Hershey, you’ll pay about $460/night at the historic Hotel Hershey and $379 for the Hershey Lodge. To book a room at the Hotel Hershey, visit hotelhershey.com or call 1-844-330-1711; contact the Hershey Lodge via hersheylodge.com or 1-844-5333311.

Myrtle Beach hotels can range from $130 to $350 per night in the summer season. For more information about Myrtle Beach sites and hotels go to visitmyrtlebeach.com or call 1-800-356-3016.

24

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AUGUST 2019 — BALTIMORE BEACON

How to get a good last-minute travel deal

By Pat Mertz Esswein Budget-minded travelers often plan their vacations months in advance so they can find the best deals.

But if you’re yearning for a last-minute summer or early fall getaway, there’s good news: Fuel prices are relatively low, and you can find good deals on airfares, as long as you know where to look. You have more options for places to stay, too.

Kiplinger expects gas prices to run about the same this summer as last — fluctuating between a national average price per gallon of $2.80 and $2.85 through the summer months and declining a bit after Labor Day. Wild cards in the forecast include a hurri-

cane disrupting refineries on the Gulf Coast or OPEC and Russia failing to agree to maintain their current oil production quota.

To plan your trip, budget for gas and find current gas prices along your route, use AAA’s TripTik Travel Planner or the AAA Mobile app (both are free, with a couple of features available to members only).

Finding low airfares Despite the temporary grounding of Boeing’s 737 Max planes, you can find deeply discounted airfares this summer, thanks to lower-cost jet fuel, according to Tracy Stewart, content editor of airfare-deal site Airfarewatchdog.com. Stewart has seen round-

BEACON BITS

Aug. 8

BLACK POWER HAPPY HOUR

Support a local network of black-owned businesses, together with others in the area, at this happy hour event. It will be held on Thursday, Aug. 8 at 6 p.m. at the Blue Caribbean Bar & Lounge, 5402 Park Heights Ave., Baltimore. For more information, call (410) 374-7683 or visit lbsbaltimore.com.

HELP FOR VETERANS

Aug. 16+

Are you a vet? Meet with a representative from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to go over any questions or claimrelated inquiries. This opportunity will take place on Friday, Aug. 16 and Saturday, Aug. 17 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Baltimore Convention Center, 1 West Pratt St. To schedule a free appointment, visit http://bit.ly/2XlhbxM.

trip fares from the U.S. to Barcelona as low as $280 and to China for less than $400.

Don’t rely solely on the big travel sites — such as Expedia, Google Flights, Kayak and Orbitz — to get the best deal. Airlines have enhanced their websites and apps in an effort to sell directly to customers, said Brian Sumers, senior aviation business editor at Skift.com, a travel industry news site.

You also risk overlooking some good fares: Southwest lists only on its own site, and United Airlines has threatened to stop doing business with Expedia Group on September 30.

To get the best fares, sign up for fare alerts, compare prices on the search sites, and then book directly through airlines’ websites. Be flexible on dates and destinations. Midweek flights can cost hundreds of dollars less than weekend flights.

If you’re flying to Europe, you could save money by focusing on getting across the ocean as cheaply as possible — say, to London or Barcelona — then book a secondary flight on a budget regional carrier to your destination.

Hotels and home stays Though you can find good deals on international airfares, you may get the best deals on lodging by staying closer to home. Lodging prices domestically are expected to rise only 2% to 2.5% from last

year, according to Henry Harteveldt, a travel industry analyst with Atmosphere Research Group. Whereas Global Business Travel Association and Carson Wagonlit Travel expect lodging prices in the Asia-Pacific region to rise by 5.1% and Western Europe by 5.6%.

If you like the idea of staying in a home rather than a hotel, but want more amenities than the typical home-sharing services like Airbnb or VRBO offer, you have a new option.

In April, Marriott launched Homes & Villas by Marriott International, with 2,000 premium and luxury homes in the Caribbean, Europe, Latin America and the U.S. Book through HomesandVillasbyMarriott.com. Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program members will earn points and can redeem them, too.

[Ed. Note: To book a hotel last-minute, try Hotwire.com, a free website that allows you to book a hotel in a particular area for a deeply discounted rate. Although you won’t know exactly which hotel you got until you pre-pay, you can choose the exact area and category, e.g., a four-star hotel in Times Square. Of course, you can also call the front desk of any hotel and ask for lastminute rooms by phone.] © 2019 The Kiplinger Washington Editors. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

BEACON BITS

Ongoing

CITIZENSHIP CLASS

Preparing for the U.S. citizenship exam? Get help with English and U.S. civics knowledge every Friday. Bring your green card and Social Security number. Classes are held from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Rosedale Branch of the Baltimore County Public Library, 6105 Kenwood Ave., Rosedale. To learn more, call (410) 887-0512.

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Leisure & Travel

BALTIMORE BEACON — AUGUST 2019

25

Which are the best hotel chains today?

The best U.S. multi-brand hotel chains are cludes Marriott Hotels (81), Hilton Hotels Hilton and Marriott, tied at a score of 80 out and Resorts (79), Hyatt Regency (79), Sheraof 100 in the latest American ton (77) and Westin (76). RelaCustomer Satisfaction Index tively low scores for stablemates (ACSI). Hyatt at 79 and InterSheraton and Westin may come Continental at 78 follow closely, as a bit of surprise to veteran and Best Western scores above travelers. the industry average at 77.

Upscale: Top-of-group Chains scoring below averHilton Garden Inn, at 82, age run from Choice at 74, La outscores every upper upscale Quinta at 74, Wyndham at 70, brand except Embassy Suites. down to Motel 6 at 64.

Other scores in this group inAggregate scores for each clude Crowne Plaza (81), TRAVEL TIPS chain are based on weighted Courtyard by Marriott (81),

By Ed Perkins averages of customer satisfacBest Western Premier (81), AC tion with 10 individual quality elements.

Hotels (79), Residence Inn (79), DoubleHalf of the elements refer to essential Tree (78), Hyatt Place (77) and Wyndham experience features of any hotel stay: staff Hotels and Resorts (78). courtesy and helpfulness, room quality, inUpper Midscale: Fairfield Inn and room features, in-room entertainment and Suites, at 83, outscores all but two brands in-room Internet. The other five deal with in the upper upscale and upscale groups. the reservation process, loyalty program, Clearly, Fairfield is doing something right restaurants, and such.

— a lot of things, actually.

Overall, ratings for those essential expeOther scores in this diverse group inrience factors are generally good, with the clude Holiday Inn Express (80), Hampton possible exception of in-room internet, Inn (79), Hilton Hotels and Resorts (79), which scores well below the other factors. Best Western Plus (77), Comfort Inn and This is in sharp contrast with airline scores, Suites (76), Holiday Inn (75) and Quality where the actual essence of the product — Inn and Suites (73). the seat — scores well below all other eleMidscale: The top midscale brand is ments of the customer experience.

Best Western, which ties its upper midscale Plus partner at 77. The second-best Get what you pay for scorer in this group is La Quinta, now part In many ways, the most interesting results of Wyndham and top scorer among all deal with individual brands, rather than Wyndham brands at 74. The rest of the chains. ACSI published separate scores for group includes Wyndham stablemates 31 individual brands, as grouped into six Baymont (72) and Ramada (71). price categories: luxury, upper upscale, upEconomy: The four economy brands scale, upper midscale, midscale and econo- are the lowest scorers in the compilation: my.

Days Inn (68), Econo Lodge (67), Super 8 In general, satisfaction scores tend to (65) and Motel 6 (63). follow price levels, with luxury J.W. MarTo me, the big take-away is that travelriott on top at 84 and economy Motel 6 on ers favor real value — the steak, not the the bottom at 63. Individual winners in- sizzle — at all price levels. clude few surprises: I’ve been impressed by both the faciliLuxury: J.W. Marriott, at 84, is the only ties and service I’ve encountered at J.W. brand included in this category.

Marriott. Embassy Suites offers great Upper Upscale: Embassy Suites, num- space, with door-separated living and ber 2 overall at 83, tops this group, which in- sleeping areas and outstanding free break-

fast and happy hour.

Hilton Garden Inn offers great rooms and an attractive breakfast proposition.

I’ve never stayed at a Fairfield, but reports are favorable. And Best Western has been busy upgrading its core properties. As for the economy segment, this report shows “you get what you pay for.”

The seven megabrand chains cover a big chunk of the U.S. hotel marketplace and also rate pretty well against the unaffiliated remaining field.

Parking + Utilities Included

“All others” shows a score of 73, outdoing only Wyndham and Motel 6. But that unaffiliated marketplace includes a wide range of players — from small boutique chains and independent properties, to mom-and-pop motels on highways bypassed by the Interstate.

Always check TripAdvisor reviews when you stray from the big chains.

Email Ed Perkins at eperkins@mind.net and check out rail-guru.com. © 2019 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

ONE BEDROOM: $939/mo.

STUDIOS: $798/mo.

BEACON BITS

Aug. 12

FREE MEMOIR WRITING CLASS Tell your own story in a workshop led by Gary Almeter, the author

of The Emperor of Ice-Cream. Learn about memoir types and topics, how to hook the reader, and using scenes to craft a plot. The free workshop takes place on Monday, Aug. 12 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Perry Hall Branch of the Baltimore County Public Library, 9685 Honeygo Blvd., Perry Hall. To learn more, call (410) 887-5195.

July 25

IRISH MUSIC Check out Celtic guitarist Seamus Kennedy in a unique setting: an 1883 B&O Railroad Station. Kennedy will perform at Baldwin’s

Station, 7618 Main St., Sykesville, Maryland, on Thursday, July 25, at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $20. Have dinner in Baldwin’s restaurant at 6 p.m. before the show. For more information or information about other Thursday shows, call (410) 795-1041.

*Income limits apply

TOUR TODAY! 410-523-0013

26

AUGUST 2019 — BALTIMORE BEACON

More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

Style Arts &

Nearly 100 garden clubs help beautify Maryland. See story on page 28.

Multimedia artist pursues universal truths

AUGUST 1

troduce me to the notion that there were black artists out there working diligently,� she said.

DeVane set her sights on art school, attending the Maryland Institute College of Art on a scholarship. After receiving a Bachelor of Fine Arts there, she went on to the University of Massachusetts Amherst to earn a Master of Fine Arts in Painting.

DeVane, a painter, printmaker, sculptor and video artist, worked as a teacher. Later, she was promoted to director of the McDonagh School, a private college preparatory, in Owings Mills. Currently, she serves as the head of its Tuttle Gallery.

Gallery was part of plantation Her solo exhibition at the BMA will be displayed in its Spring House, a former dairy from the estate of Senator Robert Goodloe Harper, built around 1812. The estate was known to have enslaved 27 people. “I really wanted to be able to put that installation in that space, and that’s where it ended up,� DeVane said. “There’s a strong historical component to it.�

The show’s five sculptures came from a

SEPTEMBER 8

preexisting series titled Spirit Sculptures. These works integrate themes of light, water and reflective surfaces through the use of beads, sequins and mirrors.

Many of the materials used in her sculptures were either found by DeVane or given to her by friends. One piece incorporates stones that her daughter gave her after DeVane admired them. “I really think of her as a collector,� explained Virginia Anderson, curator of American Art. “She collects all of these materials and combines them to make her spirit sculptures. In a way, they’re sort of autobiograph- Baltimore artist Oletha DeVane references Buddhism, ical, but the narratives are the Bible, Greek mythology and Haitian Vodou in her universalized as well.� eclectic works. Her multimedia exhibit Traces of the The sound of ocean waves Spirit can be experienced at the Baltimore Museum of plays in the background of Art through October 20. the space. The audio recording of the Atlantic Ocean from the coast of Global spirituality In her travels to Haiti, South Africa and Haiti was made by her son Christopher Kojzar’s Baltimore-based collective strike- Thailand, DeVane has studied various spiritual practices of the regions.

Ware. “I’m always curious about how people wor“Water, in so many cultures, is about change and the spiritual things that hap- ship,� she said. “It’s like climbing up a mounpen,� said DeVane. She also wanted to in- tain, right? We’re all climbing up different corporate the sound of the ocean to allude sides, but we’re all reaching for the same pinto the ocean voyage that enslaved Africans See ARTIST, page 27 were forced to take.

PHOTO BY MITRO HOOD

By Noelani Kirschner At age 15, Oletha DeVane accompanied her mother to her job at an agricultural research center in Maryland. When one of the doctoral students there learned that DeVane was artistic, she was hired to draw various insects the lab was studying.

Over the next 50-plus years, DeVane continued her artistic growth, exploring universal spirituality through multimedia art, while also drawing inspiration from the African diaspora. “My whole life has been centered around art making and art — whether I was doing arts administration, working as an artist or teaching,� DeVane said.

Some of her most recent works are on display in a solo installation, “Traces of the Spirit,� on view at the Baltimore Museum of Art’s Spring House, located on the west lawn behind the museum’s contemporary wing.

In addition to her mother’s inspiration, DeVane credits her father for her career in the arts. To introduce her to painting and drawing, her father would take her to the BMA on weekends, particularly to see works by African American artists. “My dad was one of the first people to in-

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Say you saw it in the Beacon | Arts & Style

BALTIMORE BEACON — AUGUST 2019

Air race From page 1 Toskes said after the race. “Weather, as always, is a major factor that affects all racers.

Next time, we may wait for better winds.”

The Air Race Classic started in 1929 as the Women’s Air Derby, in which 20 women, including Amelia Earhart, raced from Santa Monica, California, to Cleveland, Ohio.

Racing continued through the 1930s, was interrupted by World War II, and then resumed in 1947 as the All Women’s Transcontinental Air Race, nicknamed “the Powder Puff Derby.” The last derby took place in 1977, and the Air Race Classic continued the tradition of women’s racing.

The race route The race route changes every year. The one prescribed for the 2019 race stretched from the race’s start in Jackson, Tennessee, to its terminus in Welland, Ontario. It consisted of nine legs of 280 to 320 statute miles each, and racers were given four days to complete the trip.

Race organizers designate certain air-

Artist From page 26 nacle….We’re all part of the same journey.”

DeVane’s art also examines the cultural significance of the African diaspora.

“There’s something significant about look-

ports on the route for “flybys” where officials record the aircrafts’ times. At these checkpoints, pilots can either land or continue on.

As Mitchell explained, “Pilots must hit every checkpoint. How you get there is up to you.”

Rules require racers to fly only in daylight with three miles of visibility and a 1,000-foot ceiling. Planes must be fixed wing and nonturbocharged, non-supercharged pistonpowered airplanes with between 100 and 600 horsepower.

Each airplane must have at least two pilots with 100 or more hours of experience as the pilot-in-command. One of them must have at least 500 hours of experience.

The trip requires meticulous strategic planning and analysis of factors like wind, rain, visibility, terrain and airplane performance. Pilots must decide, for example, how many legs to fly each day and at what elevation.

And yet, the racers aren’t truly competing against each other. Officials assign a handicap speed specific to each individual airplane so that planes can compete on an equal footing. This means that each team races against its own handicap. The winning team is the one that beats its handiing at the African culture, particularly at how it migrated through the transatlantic slave process to various parts of the world and maintained a kind of core, a spirituality,” DeVane said. “That’s what’s of interest to me.”

Next, DeVane hopes to create larger sculptural pieces than she has made in the

27

Christian, who has been flying since 1985, is an astronomer for one of the contractors that helps operate the Hubble Space Telescope for the National Aeronautics and Space administration (NASA). In her free time, she’s a flight instructor and master airplane mechanic.

“It is even less common to be a woman mechanic than pilot,” she said.

Growing up, Christian wanted to be astronaut. “It’s all about up, going into space, getting away from the nonsense in one’s regular job,” she said.

Christian realized in her college years

that she wanted to fly planes. Once, when she was a passenger in an airplane doing reconnaissance over an erupting Hawaii volcano, the plane experienced partial engine failure during takeoff.

“I was frustrated. I knew if I could talk on the radio, I could help. Instead, I had to sit quietly,” she said. “That experience convinced me I should be a pilot.”

Christian’s teammate Toskes, a grandmother of two and great-grandmother of two, has 40 years of flying experience. “I grew up wanting to be an astronaut, but with poor eyesight, it was never going to happen,” she said.

Over the last 20 years, Toskes and her husband Joe have run a company that provides private jet services and manages other people’s jets. Her customers typically own airplanes but do not know how to fly or maintain them. So, for example, they flew an airplane owner to the NCAA Final Four basketball tournament.

For Toskes, flying is both a job and pure fun. “Every time you go up, there’s always something to learn, always challenges.”

For more information about the Air Race Classic, visit airraceclassic.org.

past. But she wants to keep her focus on the communities within Howard County and Baltimore.

“Baltimore is possibly one of the most vibrant places for artists,” DeVane said. In this area, she said, “artists support each other…in a way that I think is vital.”

Oletha DeVane’s installation “Traces of the Spirit” is on view at The Baltimore Museum of Art’s Spring House until October 20. The museum is open from Wednesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and admission is free. For more information, visit artbma.org or call (443) 573-1700.

cap speed by the most.

There are cash prizes: first place wins $6,000; second, $4,000; third, $3,000; and a smaller prize goes to each leg’s winner.

Other prizes included the fastest by aircraft brand, and the SOS Claude Glasson “Turtle” Award for the lowest-scoring team with no penalties.

Team DC3(-1) won four race segment prizes and what Dreyfuss dubbed “a small wad of cash.”

The pilots

CAROL BURNETT AN EVENING OF LAUGHTER AND REFLECTION WHERE THE AUDIENCE ASKS QUESTIONS

JULY 23 7:30 PM

BOX OFFICE 800.745.3000

28

Arts & Style | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

AUGUST 2019 — BALTIMORE BEACON

Garden clubs aim for sustainable beauty

Environmentalism starts at home At the club meetings, members swap stories and give advice. “A big topic is conservation of the environment, because we are all concerned about climate change,” said Jackie Handley, past officer and parliamentarian of FGC. The club’s environmental courses, which follow the national organization’s

curriculum, teach members how to eliminate polluting chemicals, manage storm water runoff, get rid of non-native species and restore original habitats.

Anna O’Kelly learned about the garden clubs when she relocated from New Jersey 30 years ago. She moved into a house with an existing garden in Anne Arundel County and wanted to keep it looking beautiful.

“I knew nothing about gardening,” said O’Kelly, who is now first vice president of FGC. “The first step was to learn how to take care of the shrubs, trees and perennials the previous owners had planted.

“By adding natives such as black-eyed Susans, bee balm — hummingbirds love it — and spiderwort to attract butterflies, the garden has evolved,” she said.

O’Kelly learned everything she knows about gardening from fellow members and the classes offered by FGC. Courses range from gardening, landscape design and environmental conservation, to a program called flower show school, which trains people to be judges at flower shows.

Each club offers four two-day courses in those areas of interest, at a cost of about $100 each. All classes are open to nonmembers, and people who complete four courses can earn certification as a consultant, which enables them to serve on one of

PHOTO BY LINDA HARRIS

By Diane Carliner Everyone talks about climate change, but who is doing anything about it?

How about the 3,600 or so gardeners who are members of Maryland’s 99 Federated Garden Clubs (FGC)?

The clubs, which began back in 1926, are part of the National Garden Clubs, a St. Louis-based nonprofit that is the largest volunteer gardening organization in the world.

Its Baltimore City chapters include Bolton Hill, Mt. Royal, Mt. Washington, For-Win-Ash, Guilford and the Woman’s Club of Roland Park.

Baltimore County’s clubs include Catonsville, Green Spring Valley, Lake Roland, Hampton, Wiltondale in the Towson area, and Lutherville, which is especially active.

People can choose any local club they wish; members are not required to join the club closest to their neighborhood.

Together, the members of the Mountain Laurel Garden Club created and planted a garden at Maryland’s newest state park, Sang Run State Park, near Deep Creek Lake. The local chapter is one of 99 garden clubs in the state.

the club’s active councils.

The group’s Landscape Design School educates students in landscape design and community landscape planning. After students complete four courses and pass an exam, they become design consultants who help to establish educational programs, scholarships and awards for promoting bet-

ter landscape design.

Putting knowledge to good use “We have a wonderful education program with professional speakers,” Handley said. She belongs to two garden clubs See GARDEN CLUBS, page 29

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Arts & Style

BALTIMORE BEACON — AUGUST 2019

Garden clubs From page 28 herself, and says she “looks forward to the camaraderie of meetings.”

For instance, in June, Handley’s fellow club members toured each other’s home gardens. Discussions at meetings range from planting advice to pest control.

Club members then bring that knowledge into the real world, to places like Cyl-

Classifieds cont. from page 31.

Wanted ESTATE LIQUIDATION/ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES: One call solves it all when you hire us to handle your estate liquidation, down-sizing and/or home cleanout.

We sell your treasures, take care of charitable donations and provide junk removal. We also purchase partial estate contents/collections. Always buying antiques, jewelry, fine art, vintage toys, collectibles, advertising, sports memorabilia, military items, rare books, Mid Century Modern furniture, vinyl records collections and more. Based in Silver Spring, we serve Montgomery County, Howard County, Baltimore County, Washington D.C., NOVA and beyond. No home, barn or warehouse is too packed for us! Friendly, conscientious staff. Call Chris on cell (202) 731-9447. www.OrionsAttic.com.

TOP PRICES PAID for fine antiques, artwork and high quality decorative items including decorated crocks and jugs, rare antique clocks, music boxes,unusual lamps, slot machines and great old toys and dolls to name a few. I am 66 years old with over 40 years in the antique business, well educated and financially capable . Why pay expensive auction house , estate sale, or consignment store commissions when you can get a fair upfront price for your pieces immediately? If you have something unusual and interesting, rare and valuable and are prepared to sell it I would like to speak with you. Please call Jake Lenihan 301 279 8834 . No calls after 7 pm please. Thank you.

FROM PAGE 30 ANSWERS TO SCRABBLE

E A T I N

T A M E

I R I S

T R U E

W A R T

T R E G A

U T A H

P A R T Y M O E A F I D N D I N S T E S E N T I D N S S

A C T N I O N W I G E N T O S T Y S O O U S R O

B O R N

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A P O S T M A L U R E S T H E G Y A E S I X P Z E O C D S

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

Chances to volunteer, take trips Members of the clubs range from rank

amateur to master gardener. Everyone is welcome, Handley said. “We are a very diversified group from all walks of life.”

Volunteer opportunities spring up throughout the year. Following the tradition of the parent National Garden Clubs, club members place Blue Star memorial markers alongside highways to honor service people who fought in World War II. Other markers are placed in Rawlings Conservatory.

In addition to a trip abroad this year to tour gardens in England, clubs plan trips around Maryland or Delaware to intriguing, off-the-beaten-path destinations, such as Queen Anne’s County Home and Garden Pilgrimage, Secret Gardens of Oxford and Sang Run Park near Deep Creek Lake.

The clubs also recognize and reward Maryland’s superior gardeners. A pro-

gram overseen by the group’s Gardening Consultants Council offers a cash award for the best container garden (defined as a collection of two or more pots that enhance a public space or support the mission of a nonprofit organization). An award is also given for an edible garden that provides a public service or supports the mission of a nonprofit.

To join a club, whether near you or not, call the administrator at Cylburn Arboretum at (410) 396-4842. Dues, which vary from $30 to $100 annually, fund a variety of programs that include professional speakers and hands-on projects.

Existing garden clubs meeting specific qualifications can join the organization via an online form available at Federated Garden Clubs of Mar yland’s website, fgcofmd.org.

To subscribe, see page 30.

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 Randallstown: 410-655-5673 Park View at Rosedale: 410-866-1886 Park View at Taylor: 410-663-0363 Park View at Towson: 410-828-7185 Park View at Woodlawn: 410-281-1120

BALTIMORE CITY 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

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

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

BALTIMORE COUNTY

ANSWERS TO CROSSWORD S C A L D

burn Arboretum on Greenspring Avenue.

The current state president of FGC is overseeing a storm water runoff management program at Cylburn. The group also works with Cylburn to offer programs open to the public throughout the year, including a daffodil show in April.

Maryland roadsides are no longer cluttered with billboards, thanks in part to the FGC’s efforts. The group has also helped the Chesapeake Bay Foundation select plant species that contribute to a healthy aquatic environment and protect watershed areas.

The organization also seeks to beautify historic properties. For example, it has contributed grants for gardening projects at the Hammond-Harwood House in Annapolis, Historic Hampton, near Towson, and the Rawlings Conservatory, the famous glass greenhouse in Druid Hill Park.

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Cove Point Apartments I: 410-288-2344 Cove Point Apartments II: 410-288-1660 Evergreen Senior Apartments: 410-780-4888 The Greens at English Consul: 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

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

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

W A S I R I G H T

R I N K

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

U N I O N

S T O N E

E S T E R

www.rhomecommunities.com MOST COMMUNITIES ARE PET-FRIENDLY

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AUGUST 2019 — BALTIMORE BEACON

More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

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

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Across 1. Assign the chessmen to their initial squares 6. The first band in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (alphabetically) 10. QB’s targets 13. Magna ___ 14. Any 1 of the Fortune 500 15. Get a grade below 60 16. Go on ___ 17. Huey, Dewey, and Louie, for example 18. “Ignorance of the law ___ excuse” 19. Rare (but illuminating) event 22. 23andMe input 23. Over there 24. Wedding cake section 25. Do some summer yard work 26. Teen hangout 28. Word heard many times on Disney’s “Small World” ride 31. Prepare a rope for rock climbing 36. Like Luke Skywalker’s home planet 37. Thanksgiving time at Plymouth Rock, MA 38. “___-Team” 39. Propensity to obscenity 44. Curviest letter 45. All up in someone’s business 46. First word before “last words?”

47. Evaluation of a new driver’s skills 49. Top left key on many computers 50. “___ only as directed” 53. Second frame score after throwing the three balls featured in this puzzle 58. Late-night kitchen visit 59. Move like The Blob 60. Moron 61. Mausoleum contents 62. It’s main training facility is in Colorado Springs, CO 63. Sierra ___ 64. UFO crew 65. Carbon and Carew 66. Having fewer bats in one’s belfry BB819

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Scrabble answers on p. 29.

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Down 1. Hurt with hot soup 2. Avoid restaurants 3. GREAT mix-up 4. Where the golden spike was hammered in 1869 5. ___ the first part 6. Join the cast of 7. Gravestone heading 8. Naval jail 9. One of a biblical dozen 10. Question revealing one is having second thoughts 11. I, Tonya filming location 12. Gin flavoring 15. Notre Dame cathedral tragedy of 4/15/2019 20. “___ have seen everything” 21. Mosaic piece 25. Safety org. founded in 1980 26. Overly sentimental 27. Johnson of “Laugh-In” 29. You, in some bibles 30. Constellation corner 31. Like animals in a park 32. Flower painted by van Gogh in a mental asylum 33. Brainiacs 34. Understands the joke 35. ___-bitty 40. Research univ.

41. “___ father’s Oldsmobile” 42. Perform a “water tank escape” trick (or observe one) 43. Disables a Slinky 48. Reaches the coda 49. Big wigs 50. Blue side in the Civil War 51. One was skipped a record 88 times in 2013 52. Fragrant compound 53. About half the answers on many quizzes 54. Witch’s feature, usually 55. A quite mediocre adjective 56. Polo shirt maker 57. Brainchild

Answers on page 29.

BALTIMORE BEACON — AUGUST 2019

CLASSIFIEDS The Beacon prints classified advertising under the following headings: Business & Employment Opportunities; Caregivers; Computer Services; Entertainment; For Sale; For Sale/Rent: Real Estate; Free; Health; Home/ Handyman Services; Miscellaneous; Personals; Personal Services; Vacation Opportunities; and Wanted. For submission guidelines and deadlines, see the box on the right.

CAVEAT EMPTOR! The Beacon does not knowingly accept obscene, offensive, harmful, or fraudulent advertising. However, we do not investigate any advertisers or their products and cannot accept responsibility for the integrity of either.

Respondents to classified advertising should always use caution and their best judgment.

EMPLOYMENT & REAL ESTATE ADS: We will not knowingly or intentionally accept advertising in violation of federal, state, and local laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, familial status or handicap in connection with employment or the sale or rental of real estate.

Computer Services THE COMPUTER DOCTORS “We Make House Calls!” Voted Best Computer Repair of Baltimore. On-site Computer Service for homes and businesses. We specialize in helping seniors with their technology needs. Internet, email and WiFi troubleshooting. Virus removal. Clean up and tune-up. PC and Apple support. Our friendly, knowledgeable technicians speak in easy to understand language. Serving Baltimore, Howard, Harford, Anne Arundel and Carroll Counties. Stay connected and call us today!

410-840-3434

Say you saw it in the Beacon

Health PORTABLE OXYGEN CONCENTRATOR — May Be Covered by Medicare! Reclaim independence and mobility with the compact design and long-lasting battery of Inogen One. Free information kit! Call 855-8510949.

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

MOBILE FOOT REFLEXOLOGY in the comfort of your home! This alternative therapy may assist with health and relaxation. Certified provider offering convenient weekend availabilities. Contact Shelby at (410) 412-0230 or visit www.solesorcery.com.

Home/Handyman Services BLU-HAUL MOVING and HAULING: Get rid of all that clutter! Hauling, junk removal, clean outs, light moving, and more. We offer quality service at a reasonable price. Call Simcha 443846-5943 BORN AGAIN REFINISHING c/o Vernon E. Madairy Sr. Because your antique and fine furniture is an investment since 1973 ( 46 years). Photographs at www.bornagainrefinishing.com. Furniture refinishing and repairs. All pieces hand striped. Restorations. Missing pieces hand carved. Veneer repair and replaced. Upholstery.

Hand-woven cane. Cane webbing. Natural rush.

Fiber rush. Wood splint. Residential and Commercial 410-323-0467

HOW TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED AD All classified ads must be submitted and paid for online, via our website, www.thebeaconnewspapers.com/classifieds Deadlines and Payments: To appear in the next issue, your ad text and payment must be entered by the 5th of the preceding month (for Baltimore and Howard County editions); by the 20th (for Washington and Richmond editions).

Cost will be based on the number of characters and spaces in your ad: • $25 for 1-250 • $35 for 251-500. • $50 for 501-750 (maximum length). The website will calculate this for you.

Note: Maryland contractors must provide a valid MHIC number. • Each real estate listing qualifies as one ad. • All ads are subject to publisher's discretion. Payment will be refunded if unacceptable for any reason.

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

Wanted

GETTING BACK INTO THE WORKFORCE or changing careers? Clean up that resume and highlight your talents! $75 for a resume, $75 for a cover letter, or $125 for both if you mention this ad. Business and Marketing plans available too! Steve 410-585-5700

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.

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

CUTE, ATTRACTIVE FEMALE, FIFTIES Fun loving, down to earth woman looking for single white man, fifties/sixties, attractive, robust, non-smoker, large build, reliable, warmhearted, romantic. Have together dates, companionship, devoted relationship. If interested, call 443-466-3717 lve message.

Financial

Miscellaneous

TV/Cable

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

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

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.

For Sale THREE LIVING ROOM FURNITURE including coffee and two end tables for $400.00. and Mazda Tribute 2003 for $1400.00 Please call Mariam 240-350-9392.

CEMETERY LOTS & VAULTS. 2 side by side lots in Druid Ridge Cemetery in Baltimore...near the “duck pond”. Forest Lawn Section of special lawn crypts. $2900 for both includes transfer fees and perpetual care. Call 410-356-9255.

Personal Services FREE DRAWING CLASSES: Volunteers in pilot program propose free at-home drawing classes for seniors over 75 in groups of 1 to 3 participants. Materials provided. Contact our coordinator for details: lex_ever@protonmail.com

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.

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 1-888366-7573.

COLLECTOR BUYING MILITARY ITEMS: Helmets, weapons, knives, swords, web gear, uniforms, etc. from all wars & countries. Also Lionel Trains, & slots/coin operated machines.

Will pay top prices. Discreet consultations. Call Fred, 301-910-0783 SELL ME YOUR CAR, Truck or SUV for CASH today instead of a maybe tax deduction tomorrow. I come to you. NO FUSS NO MUSS. 410-916-0776 I also buy Motorcycles, Scooters & Bikes. If it’s got wheels, I am a CASH BUYER. Call Today. Let’s Roll BUYING VINYL RECORDS from 1950 through 1990. Jazz, Rock-n-Roll, Soul, Rhythm & Blues, Reggae, Punk, Blues, and Disco. 33 1/3 LPs, 45s or 78s, Larger collections of at least 100 items wanted. Please call John, 301-5966201.

CASH FOR ESTATES; moving, etc. I buy a wide range of items. Buy out/clean up. TheAtticLLC.com Gary Roman 301-520-0755.

Classifieds cont. on page 29.

ADVERTISERS IN THIS ISSUE Clinical Research Studies Balance & Falls Study . . . . . . . .16 Diabetic Nerve Study . . . . . . . .15 Former Smoker Study . . . . . . . .16 Gestalt Healthy Volunteer Study 14 Gingivitis Study . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 MARC Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Vaccine Trials . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Dental Services Denture Doctor . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Events Beacon 50+Expo . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Funeral Services Dignity/Schimunek . . . . . . . . . .10

Health Keswick Wise & Well Center . . .9

Patriot Mobility . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 Rosenblatt Foot Care . . . . . . . . . .8 Skin Cancer EB . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Snyder Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Home Health Care Options for Senior America . . . .24

Housing Brightwood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 Charlestown/Erickson . . . . . . . . .8 Christ Church Harbor Apts. . . . .19 Glynn Taff Assisted Living . . . .21 Linden Park Apartments . . . . . .25 Oak Crest/Erickson . . . . . . . . . . .8 Park View Apartments . . . . . . . .29 Rhome Communities . . . . . . . . .29 St. Mary’s Roland View Towers . .21 Virginia Towers Apartments . . .18 Warren Place Senior Apartments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

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Legal Services

Subscriptions

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

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

Medical Cannabis

TheBeaconNewspapers.com . . .20

Cannabis Docs . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Health For Life . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Pure Life Wellness . . . . . . . . . . .11

Theatres/ Entertainment

Shopping Radio Flea Market . . . . . . . . . . .26 Smyth Jewelers . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Sleep Chair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 TV Voice Pro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Zinger Chair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Manor Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Technology

Carol Burnett . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Toby’s Dinner Theatre . . . . . . . .26 Myerberg Center . . . . . . . . . . . .32

Travel Ama Waterways Cruise . . . . . . .23 Eyre Bus, Tour & Travel . . . . . .23 Festive Holidays . . . . . . . . . . . .23 Superior Tours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

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AUGUST 2019 — BALTIMORE BEACON

More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

| 410-358-6856 | myerberg.org

WHAT’S NEW AT THE EDWARD A. MYERBERG CENTER

3101 Fallstaff Road, Baltimore, MD 21209 Check out our new fall guide! Priority registration is August 5 – August 16.

Visit myerberg.org to see our complete program guide. Call to sign up for membership and register for classes today 443-963-1448 or 443-963-1449.

History of the State of Israel – The 60s Tuesdays, July 30 – August 20 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Members $57 / Non-members $72 (4 sessions) Our sister country’s history continued to blossom amidst triumph and tragedy, and America would be there to help her along. From Kennedy to Johnson to Nixon, from Eshkol to Meir to Begin, we will re-examine those remarkable days. The Six Day War, a class unto itself, will be our centerpiece.

Relive the epoch of the chosen people in the chosen land.

Instructor: Harry Karp

EXERCISE AS MEDICINE Exercise is medicine for creating change in a person’s physical, emotional and mental states.

New Members: Explore the benefits of exercise by joining the Fitness Center and receive $25 off a six-month membership and a free workout towel.

Current Members: Refer a friend to the Fitness Center and receive $5 off your next Fitness Center membership for every friend that signs up.

Gentle Yoga Fridays, August 2 - August 23 9:00 - 9:45 a.m.

COMMEMORATE

Members $32 / Non-members $45 (4 sessions) Gentle Yoga is yoga for aging bodies, incorporating range of movement exercises, alignment, stretching, strengthening, awareness, breathing and relaxation to refresh, energize, improve posture, deepen breathing and improve well-being. This class will include both seated and standing poses and participants will use a chair for added support and stability.

Instructor: Mica Saunders

VETERANS DAY

Movement Improvement – Exercise for Parkinson’s

3101 Fallstaff Road, Baltimore

AT THE MYERBERG CENTER

Mondays/Wednesdays, August 5 - August 21 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

Members $36 / Non-members $48 (6 sessions) Participate in a fun variety of seated and standing exercises, including cardio, stretching and light weights focusing on improving endurance, strength, balance and posture. Physician clearance is required for participation.

Instructor: Lynn Rosen Stone

Monday, November 11 9:30 - 11:00 a.m.

Light kosher refreshments and a presentation Free event open to all. Register by calling the reservation line at 443-963-1462 by October 31.