August 2020 | Howard County Beacon by The Beacon Newspapers

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An antidote to pandemic’s stress PHOTO COURTESY OF THE HOWARD COUNTY CONSERVANCY

By Tony Glaros Be it a world steeped in pandemic drama or a frayed social order, the show must go on for devotees of the Howard County Conservancy at Mount Pleasant in Woodstock. Nestled on a gentle, 232-acre rise, the land was originally owned by a family who farmed it for three centuries. They set aside the property for students and adults in order to enrich their environmental consciousness, said Meg Boyd, the conservancy’s executive director. “They left the property for land preservation and education. They didn’t specify the Conservancy, but they did specify how they wanted it to be used.” Global reordering notwithstanding, eager planters — many of them retired seniors — flock to the facility’s community garden to monitor the care and feeding of the tomatoes, peppers and lettuce. Birders continue to train their binoculars, on the alert for Carolina chickadees, Golden-crowned kinglets or some of the other 142 species of birds in the county. Meanwhile, persevering hikers vanquish any notion of kicking to the curb their love of putting one foot in front of the other.

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Take a road trip through pristine Sweden; plus, a peek at Rhode Island’s historic towns and estates page 19

The community garden On a recent morning, like most days during the growing season, Glenelg resident Diane Ference, 67, who grew weary of the daily commute to her job at the Navy Yard in Washington, could be found on her knees, in the midst of a forest of trellises and bags of organic humus. The scene around her was dense with wheelbarrows and watering cans. “We get about 15, 20 new gardeners a year. We have a lot of retirees,” Ference said. “If you’re into being outdoors, it’s a commitment.” She said along with the sowing and the harvest, you must keep pace with the weeding. Ference, who’s won medals for her heirloom cherry and Roma tomatoes, said she’s volunteered at the Conservancy for 20 years, leading school groups on hikes to nearby spots like the Davis branch of the Patapsco River, under Route 99. Another seedsman, busy raising radishes, looked up from the soil long enough to paraphrase renowned chef Julia Child.

ARTS & STYLE Gardeners at the 232-acre Howard County Conservancy show off their tomatoes, many of which are donated weekly to the Howard County Food Bank. During the pandemic, the Conservancy’s community gardeners have increased their food donations to keep up with demand. Others visit the site to enjoy peaceful hikes or birdwatch.

“She said, ‘Go to the market and pick it out yourself,’” he said. Pausing to scan the well-watered beds on all sides, he added: “So, this is, like, better than that!” Boyd said she is impressed by the growing number of gardeners, some with international roots. “We were so pleasantly surprised to see nine different nationalities. It’s a sense of community. It’s sharing ideas about growing.” Many gardeners, who pay a yearly rental fee for space, help the conservancy maintain two 20-by-25-foot plots whose bounty is donated weekly to a local charity — the Howard County Food Bank. Gardeners also donate food from their individual plots.

“Last year, it [totaled] 5,000 pounds of produce,” Boyd said. “Last week alone, we donated 250 pounds, so we are on track to beat that this year. They’ve really stepped up to help their neighbors.”

Volunteers, donors are essential In addition to the community garden, the rolling, verdant landscape, 15 minutes from downtown Columbia, includes a farmhouse, carriage house, blacksmith shop, corn crib and smokehouse. There’s also a hand-hewn oak and chestnut English wheat barn, which the Conservancy saved from demolition in 2003. See CONSERVANCY, page 24

Singer Carolyn Black-Sotir opens her barn in Phoenix, Maryland, to classical concerts and donates proceeds to Parkinson’s research page 23

FITNESS & HEALTH k Avoid rebound headaches k Hopkins’ new COVID study k Drugs winning against cancer

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Reader snapshots A couple of months ago, I shared some in recent years, that had dropped to the insights that we learned from hundreds of low 20s. readers who answered our So, it’s interesting to me that, survey asking how the paneven as “aging in place” has demic has affected them. grown in popularity — with a We followed that up with notable rise in the percentage another survey, asking readplanning home improvements ers more about who they are, — the number planning to what their future plans are, move has gone back up as well. and what they think of the In earlier years, the largest Beacon and our advertisers. group of those planning a This type of information is move were considering an inespecially valuable to us, both dependent living retirement so we know for whom we are FROM THE community. But in this surwriting, and so we can let our PUBLISHER vey, that group was edged advertisers know more about By Stuart P. Rosenthal out by readers looking to you. move to a smaller home. I thought some of this information Still, a solid third of those moving are might also be interesting to you, so I’m considering independent living communisummarizing it this month. ties, with one in 10 looking at assisted livFor example, just over half our readers ing options for themselves. have grandchildren, about 25% have a I’m kicking myself for not asking if readhousehold pet, and nearly 60% regularly ers were looking for housing for other famuse Facebook (by far the most popular so- ily members. That might well have procial media with our readers). duced a different set of answers. Oh well, One in three readers plans to make next time… home improvements in the next 12 Nearly 90% of our survey respondents had months, while a similar number are con- picked up a printed copy of the Beacon at one sidering a move within the next two years. of our 1,500 free distribution sites. Most of Over the decades we have been doing the rest were subscribers, with only a handsuch surveys, we frequently used to see 30 ful saying they read the Beacon online. Similarly, nearly 90% said they read the to 40% of readers considering a move, but

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

Beacon every or most months, with fewer than 10% saying they were occasional readers or had picked it up for the first time. Because revenue from advertising is what enables us to print and distribute more than 200,000 copies of our four editions each month without charge to readers, we were also interested in reader response to ads. We listed a number of ways people might respond to an ad and allowed respondents to choose as many as applied. I thought this was especially informative. Two out of three respondents said they had purchased products or chosen services based on ads seen in the Beacon. Furthermore, more than half had referred a friend or relative to an advertiser from the Beacon. Nearly 50% said they call advertisers for more information, more than 40% check out an advertiser’s website, one out of three Googles the product or advertiser, one out of four shows ads to friends or family and asks for advice, and an astonishing 43% cut out ads and save them for later response. In this day and age, when so many printed publications are going out of business, or are switching solely to publishing online, it was impressive to see how strongly our readers continue to prefer and respond to the printed medium. At the end of the survey, we invited readers to add a comment. Nearly one out of three respondents took us up on this, and their comments were also very enlightening and encouraging. The most frequently repeated comments were variations on: “I love reading the Beacon,” “Always interesting articles,” “My favorite newspaper,” “Highlight of my month,” and “Keep up the good work.” Of course, you can’t hear such things too often! A number of respondents indicated that they have volunteered for one or more of the health studies we write about, and that they enjoy taking advantage of the events (or, more recently, the online offerings) we share in our Beacon Bits.

Many also highlighted our health and financial sections as being particularly valuable (in a few cases, calling them a lifesaver), or said how much they enjoy our crossword and other puzzles. I think my favorite comment is worth sharing in full: “I’ve been reading the Beacon for decades. Every single section has such valuable information; it has helped me in every facet of my life — besides being exciting and fascinating. May it continue and thrive forever.” I couldn’t have put it better myself! But we know the general trend is moving away from print, and even if we continue to attract satisfied readers for years to come, advertisers and advertising agencies are shifting more and more to digital platforms only. It means the world to us that our readers love us. But we won’t be able to stay in business unless you let our advertisers know that their ads in the printed Beacon work. How? By responding to those ads and mentioning the Beacon when you do. Please encourage friends and family with whom you share ads to do the same. Thank you!

This year’s Expo Each fall, for 20 years, thousands of readers flock to our two metro area Expos. Needless to say, that won’t be happening this year. Instead, we are developing a virtual (online) event that we hope you will find equally engaging and informative. Please help us make this fall’s Virtual 50+Expo as useful and fun as possible: Fill out the survey on page 3 of this issue and return it to us promptly. You may also fill it out online at bit.ly/50plusexpo. All entries submitted by Aug. 20 will be entered into a random drawing for $100 cash. Thank you for responding!

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.

Vice President of Operations – Gordon Hasenei Vice President, Sales & Marketing – Alan Spiegel Managing Editor – Margaret Foster Art Director – Kyle Gregory Director of Operations – Roger King Advertising Representative – Steve Levin Editorial Assistant – Ivey Noojin

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

The Beacon welcomes reader contributions. Deadline for editorial is the 1st of the month preceding the month of publication. Deadline for ads is the 1st of the month preceding the month of publication. See page 27 for classified advertising details. Please mail or email all submissions.

Dear Editor: As the founder and president of The National Great Blacks in Wax Museum, I am requesting that our museum be added to the Beacon’s list of African American Museums in Maryland [listed in a Beacon Bit in July]. As the nation’ s first wax museum of African American history, we are highly acclaimed. Several of your readers reached out to us to express concern that the museum’s name was absent from your list. Thank you. Dr. Joanne Martin Baltimore, MD

[Ed.: We apologize for the omission. The museum’s website is greatblacksinwax.org.] Dear Editor: [Ed.: This note came with a half-price subscription form. The form is also in this issue on page 26.] Am really looking forward to receiving your wonder ful Beacon publication! I enjoy reading it so much when I’m in the area. I am now out in Western Maryland, Garrett County, and there is no Beacon here. See LETTERS TO EDITOR, page 25

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What would you like to see at the Beacon’s VIRTUAL 50+Expo this November? Reply and you may win $100! Due to the continuing spread of the coronavirus around our area, and out of an abundance of caution, we have decided to hold a “virtual” (that is, online) 50+Expo this November instead of our usual in-person events. Please answer the following questions to let us know what you think of this idea, and what you would like to see at such an Expo. All responses returned by August 20 will be entered into a random drawing for $100 cash. One response per person, please.

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Complete this page and mail to: The Beacon Survey, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915-2227 Feel free to return this page together with the Reader Information form on page 5. Or you may complete this survey online at bit.ly/50plusexpo Thank you!

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Health Fitness &

MODERN MEDICINE These safer, gentler drugs help treat lung, prostate and colon cancer SAFER SAMPLES A new technique for prostate biopsies reduces the risk of infection ICE CUBES WITH A TWIST Make ice cubes with green tea to boost your immune system this summer COVID POSITIVE? Enroll in a Johns Hopkins study to monitor your oxygen levels from home

Ending rebound headaches from meds By Sait Ashina, M.D. Rebound headaches, also known as medication overuse headaches, are caused by the frequent or excessive use of pain-relieving and/or anti-migraine drugs to treat headache attacks that are already in progress. (Note that these are not the same as oral prophylactic or preventive headache medicines, which should be taken daily.) In other words, the same medications that initially relieve headache pain can themselves trigger subsequent headaches if they are used too often. Medication overuse headaches can be disabling, forcing people with this condition to take sick leave and to be less productive at work and home. To be diagnosed with medication overuse headaches, a person must experience headaches on more than 15 days per month for at least three months while taking painrelieving and/or anti-migraine drugs. In addition to headache, other symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, light sensitivity, sound sensitivity, irritability, difficulty concentrating, insomnia, restlessness and constipation. Medication overuse headache is a common headache disorder. Approximately one to two out of every 100 people have experienced medication overuse headache

in the past year. This headache is more common in women, and in people with chronic pain conditions and who have depression and anxiety. Pain relieving or anti-migraine medications may stop a headache attack when taken as needed to relieve headache. But if a person with a primary headache disorder, such as a migraine or tensiontype headache, takes these headache-relieving medications more than two to three days a week, they may trigger medication overuse headache.

In fact, butalbital-containing medications and opioids have been shown to increase the risk of a person’s migraine progressing from episodic (occurring zero to 14 days per month) to chronic (occurring 15 or more days per month). Interestingly, the same pain-relieving medications taken for other conditions such as back pain, neck pain or arthritis usually do not trigger medication overuse headache in people without a pre-existing primary headache disorder.

Treating rebound headaches Who’s at risk? A variety of medications can lead to rebound headaches. For example, people with migraine who take over-the-counter pain-relieving medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve) more than 15 days per month are at risk for medication overuse headache. So are people who take combination medications such as Excedrin, which contains caffeine, aspirin and acetaminophen; people who take combination medications that contain the barbiturate butalbital; and those who take triptans, including sumatriptan (Imitrex), ergots or opioids, if they take these medications on more than 10 days per month.

Medication overuse headaches usually stop when a person stops taking the headache medication. It may be difficult in the beginning, because once you stop your medication, your headache is likely to get worse before it gets better. But medications that prevent headaches, and nonmedical therapies such as biofeedback and avoiding headache triggers, can help get a person through this medication withdrawal period. Some headache medications can be discontinued abruptly, while others may need to be tapered slowly. For example, following long-term use, opioids and butalbitalcontaining medications should not be stopped abruptly.

Doing so may lead to withdrawal symptoms such as sweating, shaking, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, body aches, anxiety, irritability or runny nose. Abrupt discontinuation of butalbital may result in seizures. Some people may benefit from discontinuing these medications in an inpatient setting. If you are taking opioids or butalbital-containing medications, talk to your doctor.

How to prevent rebounds The following steps can help stave off rebound headaches: • Limit the use of any headache medications taken as needed to relieve headache pain to no more than two to three days per week (fewer than 10 days per month). • Contact your doctor if you need to take headache medications more than two days per week. If you experience headaches more than four days per month, you may need to be on headache preventive medication. • Avoid using butalbital-containing medications or opioids. • Control and avoid anything that triggers your headaches. Common triggers include dehydration, hunger, lack of sleep, stress and certain foods and drinks. © 2020 Harvard University. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Ways to lower stress, boost whole grains By Howard LeWine, M.D. Q: The coronavirus outbreak has raised my stress level. I am worried that anxiety is making me more susceptible to infection. What can I do now to feel calmer? A: The stress response is also known as “the fight or flight” reaction. It’s what the body does as it prepares to confront or avoid danger. When appropriately invoked, the stress response helps us rise to many challenges, such as fighting infections. But trouble starts when this response is constantly provoked by events and circumstances, such as dealing with the rapid changes in our lives due to the coronavirus outbreak. Not only does persistent stress increase the risk of hypertension and heart disease, it also is associated with an altered im-

mune response to infections. Stress does not make you more likely to get infected with coronavirus or other germs. But stress could mean a greater chance of developing more symptoms. We can’t avoid all sources of stress in our lives, nor would we want to. But we can develop healthier ways of responding to them. One way is to invoke the relaxation response, a state of profound rest that can be elicited in many ways, including through meditation, yoga or progressive muscle relaxation. Breath focus is a common feature of several techniques that evoke the relaxation response. The first step is learning to breathe deeply. When you breathe deeply, the air coming in through your nose fully fills your lungs, and your lower belly rises.

Breath focus helps you concentrate on slow, deep breathing, and aids you in disengaging from distracting thoughts and sensations. It’s especially helpful if you tend to hold tension in your stomach. To try focusing on your breath, find a quiet, comfortable place to sit or lie down. First, take a normal breath. Then try a deep breath: Breathe in slowly through your nose, allowing your chest and lower belly to rise as you fill your lungs. Let your abdomen expand fully. Now breathe out slowly through your mouth (or your nose, if that feels more natural). Notice how your body feels and changes as you breathe in and out. Once you’ve taken the steps above, you can move on to regular practice of controlled breathing. As you sit comfortably with your eyes closed, blend deep breath-

ing with helpful imagery and perhaps a word or phrase that helps you relax. It’s important not to try too hard. That may just cause you to tense up. Just be aware of your breathing. The key to eliciting the relaxation response lies in shifting your focus from stressors to deeper, calmer rhythms. Q: What makes whole grain foods healthier than other carbs? And how can you tell which products are really whole grain? A: Whole grains reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes. But they do even more. People who eat a diet rich in whole grain foods live longer compared to people who consume foods made from refined grains. See HARVARD Q & A, page 5

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

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Can you cocoon with friends or family?

From page 4

Support bubbles are already catching on in the U.S. with reopenings underway.

whole grain. To be sure that you are really getting whole grains, look for the word “whole” or “whole-grain” before the grain’s name as the first ingredient. And it’s not enough that “made with whole grain” appears somewhere on the list of ingredients. That grain may have been refined. Again, the key is the word “whole” in

the first ingredient listed — for example, “stone-ground whole wheat.” Howard LeWine, M.D., is an internist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston and assistant professor at Harvard Medical School. For more information, visit health.harvard.edu. © 2020 President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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bye to the germ and bran, along with their nutritional value. When you eat a whole grain, you’re getting more than just the fiber from the outer layer. You also get all the vitamins, minerals, good fats, protein, antioxidants and other healthful parts of the grain’s inner layer. It’s easy enough to decide between brown rice and white rice. But selecting whole-grain breads and cereals often requires a close reading of the food label. Don’t be fooled by terms such as “wheat flour,” “unbleached wheat flour” and “enriched wheat flour.” They can refer to refined white flour. The same goes for “stone-ground,” “multigrain,” “fortified,” “stoned wheat,” “cracked wheat” and “organic.” None of these terms guarantees that the product is

strategies, such as limiting contact to one’s neighborhood. “I don’t think we can promise people complete safety when they have face-toface contact with others outside their household,” said study co-author Per Block of Oxford University. But he said limiting interactions to one other family poses a much smaller risk than resuming previous socializing habits. —AP

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All grains grow as kernels. Each kernel has three layers: —The inner germ contains many of the vitamins, minerals and healthy oils. —The middle layer is called the endosperm. It is primarily starch and makes up most of the kernel. It provides the energy the kernel needs to start growing. —The outer coating, known as bran, contains most of the grain’s fiber. In the 1880s, millers became very adept at separating the layers, especially for wheat. The starchy middle layer was ideal for baking. These new refined grains became very popular. White bread crowded grocery store shelves for the next 100 years. Good-

Idea is gaining adherents

And earlier this month, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that adults living alone or single parents can form support bubbles with another household. Members of a bubble can meet, indoors or out, without remaining two meters (6 ½ feet) apart. It’s too soon to know whether the strategy will work on a broad scale. But a recent study indicated that bubbles with more limited contacts worked better to flatten the curve of infection compared with other

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Harvard Q & A

agrees to follow social distancing guidelines while outside the bubble. “You are now swimming in the same pool with not just that person, but all the people those people are interacting with,” said Dr. Aaron Milstone at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

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Q. Is it safe to form a COVID-19 “support bubble” with friends? A. Yes, if done correctly. Support bubbles, also known as quarantine pods, may help fend off loneliness and anxiety after months of social distancing. The idea, which originated in New Zealand, calls for two people or households to agree to socialize in person only with each other in order to limit the risk of infection. Experts say don’t do it unless everyone

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

Better, gentler cancer drugs are helping mo’ method,” she said. Carroll jumped at the chance to help test a newer drug taken as a daily pill, AstraZeneca’s Tagrisso. Rather than chemo’s imprecise cellkilling approach, Tagrisso targets a specific gene mutation. Its side effects are manageable enough that it can be used for several years to help prevent recurrence, doctors said. A big drawback: It and other newer drugs are extremely expensive — $150,000 or more per year. How much pa-

By Marilynn Marchione Doctors are reporting success with newer drugs that control certain types of cancer better, reduce the risk it will come back, and make treatment simpler and easier to bear. Gentler drugs would be a relief to patients like Jenn Carroll, a 57-year-old human resources director from New Hartford, Connecticut, who had traditional IV chemotherapy after lung cancer surgery in 2018. “It was very strong. I call it the ‘blam-

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tients end up paying depends on insurance, income and other factors. Here are highlights of that study and others from an American Society of Clinical Oncology conference held online this spring because of the coronavirus pandemic:

Lung cancer Lung cancer kills more than 1.7 million people globally each year. Dr. Roy Herbst of the Yale Cancer Center led a study of Tagrisso in 682 patients with the most common form of the disease. All had operable tumors with a mutation in a gene called EGFR that’s found in 10 to 35% of cases, especially among Asians and nonsmokers. About half had standard chemotherapy after surgery and then took Tagrisso or placebo pills. Independent monitors stopped the study in April when the drug’s benefit seemed clear. After two years on average, 89% of patients on the drug were alive without a cancer recurrence versus 53% on placebo. Severe side effects were a little more common on Tagrisso — mostly diarrhea, fatigue and inflamed skin around nails or in the mouth. Tagrisso is approved for treating advanced lung cancer, and “the excitement now is moving this earlier” before the dis-

ease has widely spread, said Herbst, who has consulted for the drug’s maker. The drug costs about $15,000 a month.

Prostate cancer Men with advanced prostate cancer often are treated with medicines to suppress male hormones that can help the cancer grow. The drugs are given as shots every few months but take days or weeks to start working and can cause an initial flare of bone pain and urinary or other problems. Researchers tested Myovant Sciences’s relugolix — a different type of hormone blocker and the first that’s a daily pill — versus leuprolide shots every three months in 930 men treated for nearly a year. About 97% on the experimental drug kept hormones suppressed throughout that time versus 89% on leuprolide. Four days after the start of treatment, 56% of men on relugolix and none on leuprolide had their hormones suppressed. A heart attack, stroke or other serious heart problem occurred in 3% of men on relugolix and in 6% of men on leuprolide. The difference was even greater among men with prior heart problems. That could be important because heart See CANCER DRUGS, page 9

KNOW before you THROW GENERAL RULES

Paper (newspaper, office paper)

Keep it loose, lose the bag.

Plastic (bottles, tubs, jugs, jars)

Metal (aluminum & steel cans, EMPTY aerosol cans)

Glass (bottles & jars)

Cardboard (clean & ﬂattened)

Place recyclables loosely together. No need to remove lids, caps or labels from items. Make sure containers are CLEAN, EMPTY, and DRY.

KNOWBeforeYouTHROW.org

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

Low-risk technique for prostate biopsies By Julio Gundian Jr., M.D. Dear Mayo Clinic: My husband had an MRI that showed an abnormal spot on his prostate. The last time he had a prostate biopsy, he got a severe urinary tract infection, which led to him being hospitalized. It took him weeks to recover. Is he at risk of another serious infection after this prostate biopsy? Is there anything we can do to reduce that risk? A: Although it’s uncommon to contract an infection as a result of a prostate biopsy, as your husband found out, it can happen. A new technique for prostate biopsies has been developed, however, which reduces the odds of an infection to almost zero. That technique, called “transperineal fusion biopsy,” is a good alternative to consider, particularly for someone like your husband, who has already had one infection due to a biopsy. A prostate biopsy is a procedure that removes samples of suspicious tissue from the prostate gland, so they can be examined for signs of cancer. Until recently, prostate biopsies had to be performed with a probe inserted through the rectum. During the procedure, a needle is passed through the rectal wall to obtain tissue from the prostate. This approach, known as a transrectal biopsy, exposes the biopsy needle to bacteria found in the rectum. Despite measures to reduce the risk of infection with a transrectal biopsy, such as cleansing enemas and antibiotics, the needle may encounter fecal contents, and bacteria can be introduced into the prostate or bloodstream. The risk of contracting an infection with a transrectal biopsy is about 6%. The risk of requiring hospitalization for urosepsis — a

serious infection of the bloodstream — due to a transrectal biopsy is about 3%.

Minimal risk and side effects In contrast, the new technique — transperineal fusion biopsy — virtually eliminates the risk of infection. The perineum is the area that lies between the scrotal sac and the anus in men. For a transperineal fusion biopsy, a needle is inserted through the perineal skin while an ultrasound probe in the rectum helps locate the area in the prostate that requires biopsy. When this technique is used, the needle never enters the rectum, virtually eliminating the risk of infection. This technology also uses previously obtained MRI imaging of the prostate to guide the needle to the suspicious region. After the procedure, there is a small risk of urinary retention or inability to urinate in about 2% of patients, which is similar to the transrectal approach. Unlike the transrectal approach, however, there is almost no risk of bleeding from the rectum after a transperineal biopsy.

Reduces antibiotic use Another significant difference between the new transperineal biopsy and the traditional transrectal biopsy is that the new approach dramatically reduces the need for antibiotics before the procedure. Prior to a transrectal biopsy, the patient usually receives a quinolone antibiotic, such as ciprofloxacin. But between 15% and 30% of typical bacteria in the colon are resistant to this powerful antibiotic. The CDC estimates that the problem of antibiotic resistance by bacteria will only worsen with time. Bacteria can develop resistance to antibiotics the more they are exposed to them.

It’s also a better choice for people who have drug allergies or who have developed serious side effects to antibiotics in the past. Encourage your husband to talk with his healthcare provider about a transperineal biopsy. While the procedure is not widely available at this time, it is offered at Mayo Clinic and some other large academic medical centers. © 2020 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Patients who have previously been treated with multiple antibiotics, who work in medical facilities, who travel internationally or who have a weakened immune system are more prone to be resistant to the antibiotics. As a result, they have a higher risk for infection. Patients who fall into those categories are better served by a technique such as the transperineal prostate biopsy that requires little to no antibiotic treatment prior to the procedure.

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YOU CAN’T HUG HER

BUT YOU CAN

SALUTE HER Every day of this pandemic, US healthcare workers—from doctors and nurses to hospital housekeepers—are putting themselves at risk to care for the rest of us. Which is why all of them deserve our thanks and support. Join us in honoring those serving on the front lines of COVID-19. Visit UniteInGratitude.com to get your Gratitude Flag or apparel with its design. Proceeds from all purchases support the CDC Foundation’s Coronavirus Emergency Response Fund.

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Try making immunity-boosting ice cubes As the weather warms, I find myself still circulating, it’s important to protect craving ice cubes in my water. But I make your immune function as best you can. I also what you might call “weird” think making immune cubes ice cubes. might be a fun project with Sometimes they’re green. your kids or grandchildren. Sometimes they are the norThere are green tea bags mal whitish color, but they’ve available everywhere, as well been laced with herbs like asas matcha powder. This has tragalus or echinacea, all incaffeine. I usually use matcha tended to boost immunity. because it’s stronger. You’re When my children were drinking crushed-up leaves, young, they didn’t notice what not an extraction. was going on, but they got “im- DEAR The antioxidants in green mune cubes” at times (usually PHARMACIST tea and matcha, especially in their smoothies). EGCG, chase down free radiBy Suzy Cohen All soups were simmered cals and help balance your cywith a piece of astragalus bark in the tokines, so they are in healthier ratios. broth, along with the expected bay leaf. The FDA requires me to say that nei(I’d take the astragalus bark out before ther green tea nor matcha powder (or supserving them, of course.) plements containing these ingredients) I made some of their drinks and smooth- prevent, cure or treat COVID-19 — or any ies using coconut water or bilberry-in- disease for that matter. fused water. I’d put a dash of matcha powder This herb simply provides antioxidants to in their cookie dough. go after oxidants (free radicals), which are reToday, my adult children are tickled about active molecules in our bodies that can cause my antics. They tease me that they knew inflammation and contribute to disease. what was going on…which is possible because they were always in the kitchen, lick- How to make them ing spoons and “helping me” pour flour out Steep 4 green tea bags in 4 cups of hot onto the floor. water for about 5 minutes. Strain the infusion into an ice cube tray and freeze. Made with green tea If you are using matcha, you can use a At times like these, with the coronavirus bamboo whisker or a metal whisker and

Cancer drugs From page 6 disease is a frequent cause of death in men with prostate cancer, according to Dr. Celestia Higano of the University of Washington in Seattle in a commentary published with the results in the New England Journal of Medicine. She had no role in the study. Myovant is seeking Food and Drug Administration approval for the drug; no cost estimate has been disclosed.

Colon cancer Merck & Co.’s blockbuster Keytruda, which helps the immune system find and fight cancer, proved better than standard chemo combinations as initial treatment for people with advanced colon cancer and tumors with gene defects that result in a high number of mutations, making them tough to treat.

The study involved 307 patients in France. Those given Keytruda went more than 16 months on average before their cancer worsened compared to 8 months for those on chemo. After a year, 55% on Keytruda were alive without worsening cancer versus 37% on chemo. After two years, it was 48% versus nearly 19%. About 22% of people getting Keytruda had severe side effects versus 66% on chemo. About 5% of colon cancers are like those in this study, said Dr. Howard Burris, president of the oncology society and head of the Sarah Cannon Research Institute in Nashville. “If you’re one of that one in 20, instead of taking that combination chemotherapy you can take a simpler immunotherapy once every two weeks” with better results and fewer side effects, he said. Keytruda costs about $12,500 a month. —AP

stir 2 teaspoons of matcha powder into 4 cups of hot water. Make sure it has all dissolved well, or put it through a stainless steel strainer before pouring into your ice cube tray. Freeze. These will probably stay good for about a month. Use these ice cubes daily. Put them in individual glasses or in a pretty water dispenser for your counter. You can also use these ice cubes in your smoothies. You won’t even taste the green tea (which is a tad bitter if you over-steep it) in a glass of water. But it will provide powerful immune benefits. Studies support this. Between 1998 and 2009, a group of women were studied, and those who drank green tea showed a 30%

reduced risk of getting breast cancer. In another study of 49,000 men, they found that prostate cancer risk was cut virtually in half. I have a longer version of this article with other immunity-boosting recipes using licorice root, astragalus, oranges and more. It’s available via email after you sign up for my newsletter at suzycohen.com. This information is opinion only. It is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose your condition Consult with your doctor before using any new drug or supplement. Suzy Cohen is a registered pharmacist and the author of The 24-Hour Pharmacist and Real Solutions from Head to Toe. To contact her, visit suzycohen.com.

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Health Studies

INFORMATION ON AREA CLINICAL TRIALS

Seeking those testing positive for COVID By Margaret Foster So far in Maryland, more than 70,000 people have tested positive for COVID-19, the illness caused by the novel coronavirus. If you have tested positive and are 40 or over — whether you are currently ill or have recovered but still test positive — researchers need your help for a study. This summer, researchers at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine are studying whether a small, portable device that measures blood oxygen levels, called a pulse oximeter, can help predict who will become severely ill from COVID-19. “There are many people who are living at home with COVID. How do you know who’s going to get worse or not? As we know, some patients wait too long to go to the hospital,” decreasing their odds of survival, said Dr. Yukari Manabe, professor of medicine at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and the study’s principal investigator. “Intuitively, if you give people a pulse oximeter [so they can see a worrisome drop in their blood oxygen], they could get to the hospital [earlier].” Manabe’s team is recruiting COVIDpositive patients aged 40 and over for a longitudinal observational study. That’s because, according to the CDC, “The risk for severe illness from COVID-19 increases

with age, with older adults at highest risk.”

No need to leave the house The study can be done entirely at home. Once enrolled in the study, people will receive a package in the mail containing a pulse oximeter and thermometer. (They will return both by mail after two weeks.) The box will also contain several swabs to take different samples of oral fluid as well as swabs from the nose and throat. Hopkins researchers will call to walk participants through the process of sending them a throat sample on days one, three, 7 and 14 of the two-week period. Rich in antibodies, the oral fluid samples will give researchers a window into the disease’s trajectory, Manabe said. “Oral crevicular fluid often mirrors what’s going on in the blood,” she said. “In most people, as the virus goes down, the antibody titer goes up.” Study researchers are curious about household transmission of the virus, too, so they will ask a few questions during those phone calls, Manabe said. For instance, “We ask who developed symptoms of COVID-19 first, and who else in the household got sick or was tested,” she said. Although volunteers are not compensated for participating, other than having the use of medical grade thermometer and

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July 29

CLIMATE CHANGE IN A PANDEMIC

Join the Patapsco Heritage Greenway in a free webinar on the similarities between how the United States has addressed the pandemic and climate change. The Zoom lecture will be held on Wed., July 29 at 3:30 p.m. To register, visit https://bit.ly/HealthandClimate.

pulse oximeter, many people have been willing to participate because they want to help scientists learn more about the novel coronavirus. “You would be amazed at the altruism out there from people,” Manabe said. “There’s a lot to be learned about COVID, and as long as people can [participate]

from home, they’re happy to help.” And one other benefit shouldn’t be overlooked: personal phone calls from medical professionals. “Doctors will call you if things are going poorly. That’s a benefit,” she said. To learn more about the study or to volunteer, call (410) 955-8571.

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A Publication of the Department of Community Resources and Services

OAI Virtual Programs Increase in Popularity New Monthly Fitness Pass Debuts

efore COVID-19, Patsy Kennan spent a lot of time at Howard County 50+ Centers, partaking of the wide variety of programs on history, art and culture. “That’s one of the things I have missed most about staying at home,” she says, “So I was happy to see the announcement about virtual programs to enrich my mind and provide some connection during this pandemic.” Over the past few months, Kennan has learned how to “bust through clutter” in her home and gained an understanding of how the World’s Fairs reflected the cultural and industrial development of the U.S. “Plus,” she adds, “I now know how easy it is to make corn dogs at home!” To ensure continued social connectedness for Howard County’s older adults during quarantine, the Office on Aging and Independence (OAI) has developed interactive and engaging nutrition and wellness webinars and established a virtual 50+ Center with more than 68 offerings, including exercise and dance classes, cooking demonstrations, history, consumer protection, and social programs. “Our team has worked tirelessly to transform programs and services that typically are delivered in person to a virtual platform that ensures access to timely information, assistance, resources and activities,” said OAI Administrator Jenna Crawley. “The response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive.”

A recent survey of virtual program participants found that 92 percent felt that virtual exercise classes enabled them to STAY FIT, and 63 percent said the classes introduced them to NEW WAYS to exercise online. Perhaps even more importantly, 89 percent experienced an IMPROVEMENT IN OVERALL HEALTH and well-being; 82 percent maintained a SENSE OF CONNECTEDNESS; and 86 percent reported an IMPROVEMENT IN THEIR ATTITUDE and outlook. “I feel good about myself when I’m done,” says Nancy Duvall, “I get a good workout, and I have fun too. And if I take a quick break in the middle of class, no one is watching!” Like many older adults in Howard County, Duvall is looking forward to the time when she can attend 50+ Centers again in person, but for now is grateful for “a wonderful schedule of things to do, learn and enjoy” while staying home.

Volume 10, No. 8 • August 2020

A Message from Howard County Executive

Calvin Ball

his August, as we enjoy the last full month of summer, we are focused on addressing the long-term impacts COVID-19 will have on our residents and our community. Over the past several months our older adult population has been through challenging circumstances, and we encourage everyone to find some time for self-care, if you haven’t already. As Howard County continues to safely reopen, there are many activities that allow for physical distancing, wellness and the opportunity to build connections. You could join our “Phone a Senior” program to have a friendly conversation and engage with others in the area; enjoy a stroll around one of our many parks; play a game of pickleball or bocce with members of your household; or engage in one of our virtual programs online. August is also National Immunization Awareness Month, and although there is not a vaccine for COVID-19 yet, you may get your annual influenza or flu shot starting this month. Influenza still poses a large risk to our older adult population and it’s important to protect yourself where you can. There is no doubt that this pandemic has stretched our limits as a community – we naturally want to build connections with one another. We hope that despite the necessary safety restrictions, you are still able to access the resources and services needed to stay healthy and thrive. Our goal is always to improve the quality of life for all Howard County residents. Wishing you a safe and relaxing August.

“We recognize the value of offering remote programming for older adults in our community,” says Crawley, “We are also creating a model that will be sustainable even when we can resume meeting in person, which will be beneficial to those who may not be able to physically attend classes for various reasons.” Beginning this month, OAI will offer a monthly virtual fitness pass ($50) which enables participants to access 20 different exercise classes in a variety of formats. “The virtual group exercise pass offers a wide range of options to older adults which support overall fitness — from strength training and core work to yoga and Pilates,” says Barbara Scher, OAI’s 50+ center division manager, “There is something for everyone and at every level of ability.” OAI will also continue to offer many FREE virtual programs, including exercise classes, line dancing and the “Let’s Cook,” “Let’s Get Social,” “Let’s Learn” and SeniorsTogether programs. For more information about OAI’s new monthly fitness pass and other virtual programs, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/aging or call 410-313-5440 (voice/relay).

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

The 50+ Connection

Say you saw it in the Beacon

Bain 50+ Center Renovation Nears Completion

he Bain 50+ Center renovation is nearly complete! The $2.7 million upgrade includes a new fitness center, a new roof and HVAC system, upgraded restrooms, expanded administrative offices and additional program space. These renovations will increase the size of Bain to 25,000 square feet and enable the center to expand hours of operation as well as increase opportunities for joint programming with other 50+ Centers. Although the Bain 50+ Center has remained closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, members got a sneak peek at the improvements in July during a virtual tour hosted by Center Director Linda Ethridge (pictured below, left). Pictured at right, Jenna Crawley, administrator of the Office on Aging and Independence (on right), and Barbara Scher, 50+ center division manager, get a first look at the completed fitness center space, which will soon be equipped with state-of-the-art exercise equipment. (Photo Credit: Scott Kramer)

National Immunization Awareness Month

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n August of each year, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) sponsors National Immunization Awareness Month to highlight the importance of vaccination for people of all ages. According to the CDC, flu vaccination will be especially important this year to reduce the overall impact of respiratory illnesses on the population and lessen the resulting burden on the healthcare system during the COVID-19 pandemic. A flu vaccine may also provide individual health benefits, including keeping you from getting sick with flu, reducing the severity of your illness if you do get flu and reducing your risk of a flu-associated hospitalization. This is especially true for adults age 65 and over, and those with chronic health conditions, like diabetes. The CDC is working with healthcare providers and state and local health departments, including the Howard County Health Department, to develop plans on how to vaccinate people against flu without increasing their risk of exposure to respiratory germs, like the virus that causes COVID-19. To learn more about seasonal flu, visit www.cdc.gov/flu or the Howard County Health Department at www.hchealth.org.

ONLINE. BY PHONE. BY MAIL. www.my2020census.gov 410-313-6325 (VOICE/RELAY)

The 50+ Connection is published monthly by the Howard County Ofﬁce on Aging and Independence. This publication is available in alternate formats upon request. To join our subscriber list, email kahenry@howardcountymd.gov 9830 Patuxent Woods Drive, Columbia, MD 21046 410-313-6410 (VOICE/RELAY) • www.howardcountymd.gov/aging Find us on

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

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Money Law &

While the stock market remains volatile, most domestic bonds remain safe, with interest rates staying low. See story on page 16.

Money tight? Ways to adjust your budget By Courtney Jespersen You’re not the only one with a tight budget. Millions of Americans are currently struggling with unemployment, lost hours and lowered wages. We talked to financial experts for advice on getting more mileage out of the money you have available right now. Here are their tips for finding extra money in your monthly budget:

Go line by line You’re probably spending a lot of time at home these days, so devote some of that free time to analyzing your finances. Go over every single transaction in your checking account, savings account, credit card bills and so forth, said Robinson Crawford, a certified financial planner. He said you can use a budgeting system to make this step easier. Try an app, Excel file or some other tool. Once you see all of the dollars going in and out, you’ll be able to identify areas for savings. And you’ll be ready to start making

some (or all) of the changes outlined below.

Pick up the phone As you look at your line items, focus on the largest bills first, suggested Cady North, another financial planner. Lowering substantial, recurring payments has the potential to reap the biggest savings. For example, even if you already received an automatic rebate from your auto insurance company [due to the pandemic], it doesn’t hurt to call and see if you can negotiate additional savings. That’s particularly applicable if you’re not driving right now. [Ed. Note: If you have a federally backed mortgage and are able to attest that the pandemic has caused you financial hardship, you can request up to one full year’s “forbearance” on mortgage payments from your lender. That’s only a temporary hold on your debt payments, but if you need the extra money now and expect to be able to resume payments later, it can be a big help.] If you choose to contact companies and

service providers you do business with, be honest about how COVID-19 has affected you. Crawford recommends telling them about your situation and why you’re asking for help, especially if you’ve been laid off [or suffered steep declines in investment savings]. They’re likely to empathize. “Part of the reasoning should be, ‘Listen I’m trying to do everything to keep all of my bills paid. I want your service. I want to keep you. I want to stay as a customer,’” he said.

Unplug and unsubscribe After the big expenses, seal smaller holes in your spending. Try looking around your house, recommended certified financial planner Shehara L. Wooten. Unplug electronics when they’re not in use. (They’re using electricity even while turned off.) Stop buying disposable paper towels and paper plates — switch to reusable towels and plates instead. Monitor the thermostat and lights as you spend increased amounts of time at home.

You can also pull the plug on unnecessary subscriptions. Crawford said now might be the right time to cancel those streaming services and online shopping memberships, especially ones you haven’t found use for even while you’ve been cooped up at home. If you still like (and use) your subscriptions and aren’t willing to give them up completely, cut them out temporarily. Some companies allow you to go online and pause your account for a period of time. “That’s a way to get $15, $20 here and there extra in your budget,” North said.

Get money back Sign up for cash-back shopping sites or apps to earn money back when you purchase groceries and other essentials, Wooten suggested. With some apps, you scan your receipt after a transaction for post-purchase savings. Every change you can make — no matter how major or minor — can make a difference. —AP/NerdWallet

Excellent resources for financial planning By Elliot Raphaelson Life is fraught with a series of complicated financial decisions, from financing an education or a first home to distributing an estate after death. Fortunately, on almost every aspect of personal financial planning, there is at least one published guide that can help you through. I use many sources to keep current on the latest innovations, legal developments and information about personal finance. Here are the most reliable and readable:

Social Security My favorite guide is Andy Landis’ Social Security: The Inside Story (available online at andylandis.biz). The book, which Landis updates regularly, is well organized and easy to read, and he includes references relevant to Social Security regulations. Landis answers questions from readers promptly and clearly.

tion of his comprehensive and authoritative guide to retirement accounts. He and his staff at Ed Slott & Co. stay up-to-date with all new issues. I count on Ed and his staff to respond quickly and accurately to any issues.

Annuities Annuities are a complex subject. My favorite expert is Stan Haithcock, an annuity agent with whom I have been working for 10 years. Haithcock has prepared readable and accurate brochures, available at no cost, on every type of annuity that discuss the pros and cons. His website, stantheannuityman.com, has a wealth of information. He responds quickly and accurately to readers. As an agent, he recommends only costeffective products to his clients and does not push products for high commissions. I have recommended many readers to Stan and have yet to receive a complaint.

is comprehensive and easy to read. It covers all major retirement issues, including Social Security, healthcare, pensions, retirement plans, investing, housing issues (including reverse mortgages) and life insurance. She also identifies her sources, so readers can seek additional information.

Investment strategy and risk When I first started writing my column, I control

Reverse mortgages

had a very low opinion of reverse mortgages, owing to deceptive ads and high costs. Costs are still pretty high, but some authors have presented a good case for the advantages of reverse mortgages for some homeowners. The best book I have read on the subject is Reverse Mortgages: How to Use Reverse Mortgages to Secure Your Retirement, by Wade Pfau. He has presented a reasonable case for some homeowners. I would recommend that anyone considering a reverse mortgage read his book before committing to anything.

Index investing IRAs and other retirement accounts Ed Slott’s Retirement Decisions Guide: 2020 (irahelp.com) is the most recent itera-

Retirement planning The best general book on the subject is How to Make Your Money Last, by Jane Bryant Quinn. Recently updated, the book

ment writers, who makes a strong case for it in his book, Winning the Loser’s Game: Timeless Strategies for Successful Investing . His book is excellent, readable and recommended reading by many of the leading investment experts. Ellis regularly updates this book, printing seven additions.

Readers of my column know that I am a strong believer in the advantage of index investing. A leading proponent is Charles Ellis, one of the most influential invest-

I haven’t read an investment book that covered the subject of risk as well Howard Marks’ The Most Important Thing: Uncommon Sense for the Thoughtful Investor. Considered a must-read by John Bogle, Warren Buffett and many other prominent investors, the book is comprehensive and readable. Marks is the cofounder of Oaktree Capital Management, which manages over $120 billion for clients.

Periodicals I recommend Barron’s weekly and Investors News monthly. Elliot Raphaelson welcomes your questions and comments at raphelliot@gmail.com. © 2020 Elliot Raphaelson. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Law & Money

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

Ethical wills let you share life’s lessons By Alina Tugend Rebecca Schreiber, a Manhattan real estate agent, was getting her papers in order after a divorce and decided that, along with redoing her legal will, she would also write up an ethical will for her two young children. “It was a way to convey my wishes and hopes to my children,” Schreiber, 42, said. Ethical wills, or legacy letters as they are also called, are documents to “communicate values, experiences and life lessons to your family,” said Abby Schneiderman, co-founder of Everplans, which helps people plan and store important documents online in one location. Barry Baines, a hospice medical director in Minneapolis and St. Paul and author of Ethical Wills: Putting Your Values on Paper, said he first came upon the concept in the 1990s when he and his colleagues were working on a project about existential pain at the end of life. A dying young man told them his nonphysical pain was a 10 out of 10. Even though this patient was a husband and father, “He told us, ‘I feel like I’m going to die, and there won’t be any trace that I was ever on the Earth.’” When Baines heard this, he recalled a book he had read about ethical wills and suggested the patient create one with some guidance from a chaplain. The patient

“grabbed onto the idea like a drowning person grabs onto a life preserver,” Baines said. And when it was done, the young man said his spiritual suffering had dropped to zero. Baines is also co-founder of livingwisely.org, a company that, among other things, offers both guidance for creating ethical wills and trains facilitators — such as financial planners, hospice workers and those who work in faith communities — about how to help people fashion their own legacy letters. No one needs an expert to write their own ethical will, Baines acknowledged, but services like his are a way to prompt people to do it. “Everyone is capable of doing it by themselves,” he said. “But you need that protected time to reflect and write.” While the task may seem daunting, most people’s ethical wills aren’t long, perhaps only a page or two. For those who don’t know where to start, Schneiderman suggests writing about their personal history, favorite things, academic and professional life, religious and political views, and hopes for the future.

favorite quotes. Or, think of how a favorite hobby can convey to others your passions and beliefs. For example, Kline, 68, recommended that if you love cooking, take beloved recipes and annotate them with memories and hopes for future family gatherings. Legacy letters can even be accidental. Kline discovered a two-page typewritten letter from her uncle that was saved by his brother (her father) while clearing out her parents’ house in the early 2000s. Her uncle had written the letter in 1963 on the back of a church bulletin shortly after his only child had died in an airplane crash. In it, her Uncle Bill urges his brother to take walks, to worry about his mental health as well as his physical health, to keep an open mind and be tolerant of others. “When I saw it, I thought, ‘This is my

uncle’s ethical will. But he didn’t have any idea what it was called,’” Kline said. For many, leaving an ethical will seems like a grandiose idea, that their lives are too ordinary or unsuccessful for them to have valuable insights to share. But the struggles are where life lessons come from, Baines said. Kline also urges those considering writing a legacy letter to perhaps do it at their life’s milestones — for instance, when you become an empty nester or when you retire. The document can also be one of self-reflection for how you want to live the rest of your life. “It’s a way to soul-search what I want the rest of my footprint to look like,” she said. “What do I stand for?” © 2020 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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TAX HOTLINE Do you have a question about taxes? Contact the Maryland

Volunteer Lawyers Service’s free tax hotline to get individualized help. The hotline

Ethical wills take many forms Be creative. Jo Kline, a retired attorney and author of So Grows the Tree: Creating an Ethical Will, said her ethical will is a slideshow with photos of loved ones and her

is open Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with an option for leaving a voicemail. Call (443) 451-4091.

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Law & Money | Subscribe for half-price. See p. 26

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

Bonds still offer pockets of opportunity By Jeffrey R. Kosnett Bonds survived a brutal financial upheaval, reinforcing my confidence that positive returns will extend through the remainder of this strange year, albeit with massive help from the Federal Reserve. There will be more bad days and shrill headlines, and you can expect a bulge in cor-

porate debt downgrades to junk status in the most-depressed industries and localities. But actual defaults will remain low. And there will be no magical economic boom to send interest rates flying and slash bond returns. Consequently, your principal will be okay, and income will remain reliable. This is in

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Ongoing

ESTATE PLANNING FOR HOMEOWNERS

The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development is offering low-income residents a free online program for homeowners who want help with estate planning. To access, visit myhomemydeed.org.

Ongoing

SPORTS PODCASTS

If you are missing your spots fix, check out The New York Times list of seven podcasts for sports fans. Listen to stories about history, game recaps and crime at https://bit.ly/SportsPodcast.

sharp contrast to that hour-by-hour maelstrom of emotion called the stock market.

Most bonds remain safe With few exceptions, corporations, states, municipalities and public-service authorities have the cash flow and reserves to meet their interest obligations. The Fed is buying big-city bonds. The U.S. government pays Treasury debt and backstops gazillions of mortgages. And in April, Fed Chairman Jerome Powell said he is “not concerned about the financial system collapsing as in 2008,” noting that banks are lending, credit is flowing, and sound companies (and even some not-so-sound ones) find ready buyers for new bond issues. Yes, airlines and firms in the travelleisure-convention-sports complex are in a bad way. Oil companies are going belly-up,

ENTERPRISE RESIDENTIAL MOST COMMUNITIES ARE 62 AND BETTER 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 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

as will some suppliers. Many have junk debt trading for 50 cents or less on the dollar. Energy bonds still rated investmentgrade are rickety. So, the question is: what to hold and what to avoid for the rest of 2020? Let us go down the list. Treasuries. As the world’s lockbox, Treasury debt sells no matter how big the volume or how low the yield. You’ll break even on the principal, but do you want less than 1% forever? You can find risk-free federally insured savings accounts paying 1.5%. Mortgages. I like funds holding bonds backed by the Government National Mortgage Association because of the full faith and credit guarantee. You are shielded from missed mortgage payments and foreclosures. Fidelity GNMA (symbol FGMNX), T. Rowe Price GNMA (PRGMX), Pimco GNMA (PAGNX) and Vanguard GNMA (VFIIX) are all good choices. Avoid non-government-backed commercial mortgages, such as in most mortgage real estate investment trusts (REITs), even though they’ve already crashed. Indiscriminate or desperate bottom-fishing is unwise. Municipals. There are sectors in peril — nursing homes, for one. But general obligations and school, highway and water/sewer bonds are sound and beckoning to fresh buyers with excellent taxableequivalent yields. Use actively managed, low-cost mutual funds, where the pros find numerous opportunities to pick and choose. Kiplinger 25 member Fidelity Intermediate Muni Income (FLTMX) is fine. Corporates. At one point in March, the index of triple-B-rated bonds was down 10% for the year. It is now just above break-even, and the losers are crowded into a few sectors. I look for actively managed funds to have a good second half. Vanguard Intermediate-

HOWARD COUNTY

BALTIMORE COUNTY Cove Point Apartments I: 410-288-2344 Cove Point Apartments II: 410-288-1660 Evergreen Senior Apartments: 410-780-4888 The Greens at English 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 • 55 & Better Park View at Fullerton: 410-663-0665 Park View at Miramar Landing: 410-391-8375 Park View at Randallstown: 410-655-5673

Park View at 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

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

www.enterprisecommunity.org PET-FRIENDLY

See BONDS, page 17

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LEARN MORE ABOUT COVID

Are you interested in understanding the coronavirus and the science behind health pandemics? TEDTalks has a page dedicated to everything COVID-19, with more than a dozen videos on the virus at https://bit.ly/TedTalkCOVID.

Ongoing

VIRTUAL ALZHEIMER’S SCREENINGS

The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America is holding free screenings to detect early memory problems that could indicate Alzheimer’s. You can schedule videoconference appointment any Monday and Wednesday by calling 1-866-232-8484.

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

Bonds From page 16 Term Investment Grade (VFICX) holds nearly 2,000 bonds and shouldn’t get tripped up by one rogue sector. Foreign bonds and emerging markets. Just say no. Nein. Nada. Junk bonds and other high-yield credit. The worst is over for business development

companies and floating-rate bank-loan funds, but if the economy doesn’t regain positive momentum this year, look out below again. That’s not what we’re expecting, but I’d stick with senior and secured debt with high ratings, from good borrowers you recognize and understand. © 2020 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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BRAIN FITNESS

Want to stay sharp? The Howard County Public Library can email you a list of interactive activities to help you stay mentally active. Email hcls.brainfitness@hclibrary.org to receive the library’s fun activities and instructions.

Ongoing

DANCE FOR PARKINSON’S

Exercise has been proven to mitigate the effects of Parkinson’s disease. Get moving with free on-demand dance classes, along with daily live classes, that you can do from the comfort of your home. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/DancePD.

July 29

MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT GROUP

If you suffer from mental illness, there’s a community for you. Join a digital support group hosted by the National Alliance on Mental Illness on Wed., July 29 at 6 p.m. To register for the free session, visit https://bit.ly/NAMIJuly.

July 30

COMPOST BASICS

Are you interested in composting your food for your garden? Learn techniques for beginners and veterans at a free webinar on Thurs., July 30 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. To register, visit https://bit.ly/CompostOnline.

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Law & Money

Five stocks to consider buying now By Anne Kates Smith With the market finding its way through tricky economic territory, investors will have to strike a careful balance between offensive and defensive moves. These five stocks will help you finesse your approach with a blend of classic safety plays, companies that will shine as the economy recovers, and companies poised to profit in a post-pandemic world: American Electric Power (AEP, $81): Operating in 11 states, this electric utility mixes defense of a 3.6% yield with some sensitivity to an economic rebound, according to T. Rowe Price portfolio manager David Giroux. Look for long-term annual earnings growth in the mid-single-digit percentages. Becton Dickinson (BDX, $235): The healthcare equipment maker has a pipeline of products to battle COVID, according to BofA Securities, including a test that will confirm an active infection in 15 minutes. Becton is ramping up to produce syringes for a COVID vaccine. Costco Wholesale (COST, $300): Competitive advantages go beyond pan-

demic-related stockpiling, according to Morningstar. Membership renewal rates are nearly 90% and have held steady through the financial crisis and the rise of e-commerce. Peloton Interactive (PTON, $53): Peloton (which makes indoor exercise bikes and treadmills with screens connecting you to remote classes and fellow exercisers) has yet to post a profit. But it has first-mover advantage in the interactive fitness market, allowing it to achieve critical mass and cultivate a loyal following. Brand awareness grew with free-trial marketing amid the pandemic, according to investment research firm CFRA. Southwest Airlines (LUV, $34): People will fly again, and this low-cost airline has the financial resources to survive until they do, according to Artisan Partners portfolio manager Dan O’Keefe. The domestically focused carrier is in the best position to take market share from struggling competitors. © 2020 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Law & Money | Subscribe for half-price. See p. 26

A U G U S T 2 0 2 0 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

Say you saw it in the Beacon

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

Travel

Leisure &

Explore the historic estates of the Ocean State. See story on page 20.

Enjoy the simple life in modern Sweden and Skåne, the southernmost county in Sweden, I had the chance to explore parts of the country I missed on my first trip.

Oysters and art in the West The first morning after arriving in Gothenburg we picked up a new hybrid Volvo with a hi-tech navigation system at the factory on the outskirts of the city and headed north to the Bohuslän Coast — the rugged, rocky, indented coastline to the north. It didn’t take long to get used to the Volvo’s new-fangled gadgetry, and soon I was cruising along like a local. Lulled by a smooth, effortless ride that made 80 mph feel like 50, I even got a speeding ticket. We made our way up the coast to Everts Sjöbad, a guesthouse near the town of Grebbestad, for our first taste of Sweden’s back-to-nature revival. There are only six simple rooms in this weathered former boathouse, all with access to a deck where guests can eat simple, healthy meals or just gaze over the water to the rocky islands offshore. The first activity on our agenda was an oyster-shucking lesson from Hanna, our host, on her father’s classic wooden fishing boat. We chugged around the rocky bay, nothing in view to suggest that we were in one of the most modern, technologically advanced countries on Earth.

PHOTO BY DON MANKIN

By Don Mankin [Editor’s Note: Given the worldwide reach of the coronavirus and the fact that COVID-19 cases in Sweden and elsewhere are still rising, this is not the time to travel there, or anywhere, for enjoyment. Please enjoy this article as armchair entertainment and for planning your future travel in healthier times.] Sweden has been much in the news of late. First, it was teenage activist Greta Thunberg scolding adults for trashing the planet. More recently it’s been the country’s controversial no-quarantine approach to the COVID-19 pandemic. Its reputation, however, has long been in the vanguard of progressive lifestyles, social innovation and avant-garde experimentation, and is now heading “back to the future” by focusing on sustainable living and eco-friendly lifestyles. This past fall, my wife and I saw both sides of Sweden — futuristic art and technology coupled with a pervasive desire to return to nature. Our week-long road trip to West and Southern Sweden was my second trip to the country. My first was in 1969 when I purchased a Volvo in the U.S., picked it up at the factory in Gothenburg, and drove it for three weeks throughout Scandinavia. Fifty years later, with help from Volvo and the tourism boards of West Sweden

Quiet fishing villages such as Marstrand, above, line the West Coast of Sweden, a region famous for its open spaces and fresh seafood.

PHOTO BY BERNHARD KLUG, DREAMSTIME

Built an estimated 1,400 years ago, the windswept monument of Ales stenar in Southern Sweden brings to mind England’s Stonehenge. The Swedish site’s 59 stone megaliths, arranged in the shape of a ship, may have been used to observe cycles of the moon.

Hanna did most of the shucking; I did most of the eating. I washed down the oysters, plucked from the water just minutes before, with a bottle of the local oyster stout. You can have champagne with your oysters, but I’ll take a bottle of oyster stout on a fishing boat any day. After a sunny four-mile walk into Grebbestad and back, two huge platters of seafood with crab claws, langoustine, mussels and prawns, plus various accompaniments, were waiting for us outside our room. We took our time working our way through the meal as we sat on the deck and watched the sunset. Before leaving West Sweden, we visited a scenic sculpture park on the island of Tjörn. We wandered for over an hour through Sculpture in Pilane’s fields of heather, gaping at the collection. All of the pieces were interesting, many dramatic, but the highlight was the gigantic head of a woman by the Spanish artist Jaume Plensa. It looks like a marriage between the elongated faces painted by Modigliani and the massive stabiles of Alexander Calder.

Vineyards of Southern Sweden From the sculpture park, we headed four hours south to Skåne. Our first stop was Mölle, a 19th-century fishing village

that was transformed into one of Sweden’s first seaside resorts by its scandalous, mixed-gender beaches. Sweden, and indeed the rest of the Western world, has come a long way since then. Just a few minutes from Mölle is Arild’s Vineyard, with rows and rows of grapevines, wine vaults from Roman times and 16th-century farm buildings. Fine wine is not what you would normally associate with Sweden, so I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the wine served at dinner. I enjoyed several more glasses to confirm my initial impression.

Sweden’s Stonehenge For a glimpse of an even simpler time, my wife and I made our final stop of the week-long trip at the megalithic Ales stenar (Ale’s stones) monument — ancient stones several feet high arranged in the shape of a ship, probably the burial site for somebody very important. It’s a short but steep hike to the stones in a grassy meadow on a bluff overlooking the sea. In a trip that featured spectacular scenery, this was some of the best. It was late afternoon when we started our hike. The sun was low in the sky, and See SWEDEN, page 21

Leisure & Travel | Subscribe for half-price. See p. 26

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

Visiting quaint, yet grand, Rhode Island

Historic waterfront mansions Quaint, seaside towns are not difficult to find in Rhode Island. Narragansett and Newport are among the most popular, but we chose Bristol for its proximity to the capital city of Providence. We wanted to explore historic houses, so we were excited to find one we could sleep in: the Bradford Dimond Norris House, a Federal-style mansion in the heart of downtown. This B&B is 228 years old but feels remarkably clean and modern. Next door to the BDN House is the crown jewel of Bristol’s collection of historic houses. Linden Place’s spacious man-

G COMIN

sion, ballroom, sculpture garden, carriage house (complete with a carriage!) and outbuildings were built before the Revolutionary War. To get the full experience, call ahead to make sure a docent will be on hand to give you a tour. From Linden Place it was an easy walk to the other two properties on our list. (Bristol is quite walkable as long as the weather cooperates.) Our second stop was Mt. Hope Farm, a 127-acre National Historic Site built on land once occupied by the Pokanoket tribe — the Native Americans who lived in the area in 1620, when the Mayflower arrived. Last, we headed to Blithewold Mansion, yet another massive home by the sea. A late-19th-century estate, Blithewold has been meticulously maintained with period art and furniture, so walking through the home feels more like a stroll through a museum. If you want to live out your Downton Abbey fantasies, book a spot for the mansion’s popular tea service.

Historic houses line Thomas Street in the College Hill area of Providence, Rhode Island. The bright yellow building, built in 1885, is an artists’ studio today.

Funky Providence A couple days in the country left us eager to get back to the city, so we headed to Providence. Our room at the newly renovated Graduate Providence (formerly the Biltmore) was dark and moody, like the city itself.

EMBE V O N S HI

PHOTO BY RHODE ISLAND COMMERCE CORPORATION

By Ashley Stimpson Rhode Island is easy to miss. It’s famously small, crammed tightly into the jigsaw puzzle of New England. But travelers who seek out this tiny-butmighty state are rewarded with quaint accommodations, uncrowded attractions and one-of-a-kind cuisine. My partner and I set out from Baltimore on a blustery fall day last year, content in the cozy silence of an Amtrak Northeast Regional quiet car. We pulled into Providence Station six hours later and caught an Uber to Bristol, an easy 20 miles and 200 years down the road.

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The hometown of famous horror writer H. P. Lovecraft and site of much Revolutionary angst, Providence feels like a mystery waiting to be unraveled. Plan to explore by foot; the city is compact and walkable. We began our time in PVD, as the locals call it, by visiting its most beloved institution (no offense to Brown University): the Rhode Island School of Design. The RISD Museum has a permanent collection of 100,000 pieces, which it showcases alongside student work. Make sure to stop by the gift shop for the best souvenirs in the city. Around the block we found the Athenaeum, a historic, picturesque library housed in a handsome 1938 Greek Revival building. We enjoyed the self-guided tour, which takes visitors on a veritable treasure hunt of cool history. Just make sure you explore quietly — the Athenaeum is still a working

library. From the library, we took a stroll down Benefit Street, Providence’s main thoroughfare. The John Brown House, Stephen Hopkins House and the Old State House face these cobblestones and could keep any history buff entertained. If you’re looking for evening plans, Trinity Repertory Company (the locals call it Trinity Rep) is one of the most highly regarded local theatres in the country.

Food for foodies, vegans Unsurprisingly, the Ocean State is all about seafood — specifically the quahog, a hard-shell clam that makes a memorable chowder. We got ours at the Lobster Pot in Bristol along with fried calamari, the official state appetizer. Rhode Island-style calamari is topped with hot peppers, served with garlic See RHODE ISLAND, page 21

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FILIPINO FOOD

Would you like to learn new recipes? Discover how to make popular Filipino cuisine with videos by Eva Kronenburg, a former pastry chef at the cafe Convivial, on her YouTube channel at ttps://bit.ly/FilipinoFoods.

July 30

BOOKKEEPING FOR NONPROFITS

Learn about basic finance practices, including recording revenues and tracking the checkbook balance, that you can use in your nonprofit. The online workshop takes place on Thurs., July 30 from noon to 1:30 p.m. for $25. To register, visit https://bit.ly/Bookkeeping30.

Ongoing

ART HEIST HISTORY

On March 18, 1990, 13 works of art were stolen from the Isabella Stewart Gardener Museum in Boston in the largest property theft in the world. Listen to an audio, read about the story, and discover other pieces of art inspired by the incident online at gardenermusuem.org/about/theft.

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Leisure & Travel

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

Sweden From page 19 the stones casted long shadows across the meadow. We coould imagine that we were living 1,400 years ago, worshipping, watching the sun rise, or fasting for spiritual enlightenment (well, maybe not that). The hike to Ales stenar essentially marked the end of our trip. I did not realize it at the time, but that hike also marked the end of my traveling for a while, at least until a vaccine for COVID-19 becomes available. When we all emerge from our pandemic cocoons and start thinking about traveling again, there will be lots of destinations competing for our dollars and time. Despite its radical and potentially risky approach to the pandemic, I recommend Sweden. Not just because it’s safe, clean and beautiful. But also because it offers a peek at a possible future and how we might return to a simpler, sustainable life — and enjoy ourselves while doing it.

Rhode Island From page 20 butter — and worth a try. Another Rhode Island classic is coffee milk. Made with sweet, coffee-flavored syrup, it’s like chocolate milk for grown-ups. We fell in love with it at a diner called Olneyville N.Y. System, where you can also indulge in a hot wiener (insider tip: Do not call it a hot dog, and do not ask for ketchup) with salt-and-vinegar fries. If meat is not your thing, Providence delivers with Plant City, the country’s first all-vegan food hall. Featuring four restaurants, a coffee bar, bakery and small grocery store, Plant City has something for everyone, even for skeptics. If you try one meal in Providence, let it

If you go British Airways, Air France and SAS have one stop, round-trip flights from Baltimore to Gothenburg for around $1,000. Check cdc.gov for current travel restrictions. Getting around: With Volvo’s Factory Delivery Experience, you can make arrangements for the purchase of a new car in the U.S., pick it up at the factory just outside Gothenburg, drive it around for as long as you want, and drop it for shipment back to the U.S. See volvocars.com/intl/buy/explore/experience-volvo-cars/factory-delivery-experience for more info. We enjoyed our stays in Gothenburg at the Hotel Eggers (hoteleggers.se/en/), Grebbesta’s Everts Sjöbod (evertssjobod.se/en/), Mölle’s Hotel Kullaberg (hotelkullaberg.se) and at Arild’s Vineyard (arildsvingard.se). This trip was hosted by Volvo, West Sweden Tourist Board and Tourism in Skåne. For more information, photos and details on what to do and places to stay and eat, visit Don’s website, adventuretransformations.com.

be the cacio e pepe at Double Zero. The thick noodles coated in cashew cream sauce will change your life — or at least your misconceptions about vegan cuisine. Elsewhere, we were impressed with the service and French toast at Nick’s on Westminster, and the opulent dining room at the Dorrance. If you’re hungry in Rhode Island, you’re doing it wrong. We did it right, I can happily report, and were stuffed for the duration of the train ride home. At the end of our journey, we were full of seafood and stories, and ready to let everyone in on the East Coast’s bestkept secret. You can get to Rhode Island by train (around $100), plane (around $150), or car. It’s a six-hour drive. Check cdc.gov for current travel advice.

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GO BACK TO SCHOOL

Take advantage of your time at home by learning something new. Take free online classes from Ivy League universities about business, the arts, science, health and more. Check out 450 options at https://bit.ly/IvyLeagueClasses.

July

CAST YOUR VOTE

The Global Innovation Search has received 130 ideas from around the world on ways to mitigate social isolation and loneliness in older adults. You can vote for your favorite innovation online until Fri., July 31 at https://bit.ly/GISVote.

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

Introducing the future of personal transportation.

10”

The Zinger folds to a mere 10 inches.

It’s not a Wheelchair... It’s not a Power Chair... It’s a Zinger!

Years of work by innovative engineers have resulted in a personal electric vehicle that’s truly unique. They created a battery that provides powerful energy at a fraction of the weight of most batteries. The Zinger features two steering levers, one on either side of the seat. The user pushes both levers down to go forward, pulls them both up to brake, and pushes one while pulling the other to turn to either side. This enables great mobility, the ability to turn on a dime and to pull right up

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More and more Americans are reaching the age where mobility is an everyday concern. Whether from an injury or from the aches and pains that come from getting older– getting around isn’t as easy as it used to be. You may have tried a power chair or a scooter. The Zinger is NOT a power chair or a scooter! The Zinger is quick and nimble, yet it is not prone to tipping like many scooters. Best of all, it weighs only 47.2 pounds and folds and unfolds with ease. You can take it almost anywhere, providing you with independence and freedom.

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PHOTO BY KEITH JANSON

Style Arts &

The Howard County Conservancyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 232 acres remain open to gardeners, hikers and birders. Our cover story continues on page 24.

Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s put on a concert in the barn!

A new type of concert Four years ago, Black-Sotir, 63, wanted to create a more intimate, comfortable concert venue, reinventing the way people experience live classical music. And itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all for a good cause: raising funds for Parkinsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s disease research and sup-

port services for patients. Both of BlackSotirâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s parents suffered from the disease. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Somehow music reaches some part of a personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s soul or brain that is unreachable by other means,â&#x20AC;? Black-Sotir said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s therapeutic no matter what state of health.â&#x20AC;? Black-Sotir and her husband, Michael Sotir, moved into their home on the 100acre property almost a year before. They were immediately drawn to the large, wooden post-and-beam barn built by Amish artisans from Pennsylvania. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We thought the barn deserved a nobler purpose,â&#x20AC;? Black-Sotir said. They wanted it to eventually host musical concerts, so her husband, a builder, began to add bathrooms and a kitchen serving area. Then Black-Sotir sat down with friends Ernest Ragogini, the former music department chair of Notre Dame of Maryland University chair, and Matthew Bachman, pianist and manager of Baltimoreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Steinway Piano Gallery. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We were afraid live concerts were going to be a dying art,â&#x20AC;? Black-Sotir said. So, the trio decided to create a new kind of atmosphere, one that was accessible, casual and comfortable. Black-Sotir would use her barn as the venue, and Bachman would provide Steinway grand pianos. In October 2016, their dream became a reality when opera singer Frederica von Stade took to the stage. Since then, â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have had sellouts for every single concertâ&#x20AC;? until the coronavirus lockdown, Black-Sotir said.

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PHOTO BY JEFFREY HIGDON/EASTPORT FILMS

By Ivey Noojin Imagine being able to listen to your favorite classical musicians while sipping wine and enjoying light fare, all without having to dress up, fight for parking, or maneuver around hundreds of other people. In a barn located in the spacious farm country of Phoenix, Maryland, 30 miles from Ellicott City, Steinway Series at Silo Hill has room for around 100 guests. Since 2016, it has hosted four concerts a year from September to May with famous musicians such as Baltimore jazz artist Cyrus Chestnut, violinist Joanna Kaczorowska and opera singer Frederica von Stade. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, Silo Hill had to reschedule its two spring concerts â&#x20AC;&#x201D; which were to feature pianist Jenny Lin as well as bass violinist William McGregor with pianist Young-Ji Kim â&#x20AC;&#x201D; for 2021. For its planned reopening this September, to make distancing possible, the venue is considering performing concerts twice, each time with half the usual number of patrons, or possibly moving the concerts completely outdoors. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to make this work,â&#x20AC;? president Carolyn Black-Sotir said.

Small audiences can enjoy live classical music performances in a refurbished barn in Phoenix, Maryland. As its website states, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Steinway Series at Silo Hill is hassle free â&#x20AC;&#x201D; no parking issues, no long lines, no dressing up â&#x20AC;&#x201D; this is a barn, after all!â&#x20AC;?

Family-style atmosphere Excited for the reopening, Stephen Wilcoxon, 76, has been attending concerts in the intimate barn venue since it opened. Wilcoxon and his wife attended the first concert in 2016. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As we went to more and more of them, it just became like our private little concert hall,â&#x20AC;? Wilcoxon said. Living only 10 minutes away, it wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t hard for Wilcoxon to become a regular, which is very common. Another consistent attendee, Carl Behm,

loves the intimacy of the concert hall. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s like being in someoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s living room surrounded by people who quickly become your friends,â&#x20AC;? Behm said. Aspasia Oosterwijk, 61, credits the intimate, familial environment to not only the fellow attendees, but also to Black-Sotir. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Besides being so incredibly talented herself as a soprano, [Black-Sotir] is just so warm and welcoming,â&#x20AC;? Oosterwijk said. See SILO HILL MUSIC, page 25

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Conservancy From page 1 Open to the public, some of the eight historic buildings are available to rent for events, and others are utilized in the Conservancy’s education programs or for storage. The Conservancy has had a partnership with the Howard County School System since 2003, welcoming more than 25,000 annual visitors through its school field trips, public programs, summer camps and other educational events held throughout the year. Ann Strozyk, who teaches envi-

ronmental education at county schools, maintains an office at the Conservancy. As a result, the center is the leading provider of environmental education programs in Howard County. Students on field trips get a front-row seat into the riddle of bees, Y-shaped branches and animal footprints along the banks of the nearby Patapsco River and its tributaries. Other groups partnering with the Conservancy include the county’s Bird Club, Master Gardeners and Beekeepers Club, all of which are based there. “We have a very active core of volunteers who are seniors,” Boyd said. “They

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EDGAR DEGAS EXHIBIT

The National Gallery of Art has opened a virtual gallery of works by 19th-century French painter Edgar Degas. You can read about the history, listen to an audio tour and take a 3D tour of the exhibit. Visit https://bit.ly/NGADegas for more information.

Ongoing

DIGITAL CONCERT HALL

Do you miss classical music concerts? The Berlin Philharmoniker has opened a digital stage, with free concerts and films that delve into the lives of famous musicians. To learn more, visit digitalconcerthall.com/en/home.

Ongoing

TALKING ABOUT RACE

Get tools on how to productively and respectfully discuss race and its history in the United States from the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Check out the museum’s resources at https://bit.ly/NMAAHCTalk.

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

work as tour guides and help with setting up events and check-ins. Of course, they come with a lifetime of skills.” During the pandemic, when the Conservancy’s administrative offices and gift shop were closed, Boyd and her staff swung into action to fill the void, presenting garden tours and other programs for all ages on Facebook Live. Since programs at the Howard County Conservancy began streaming on Facebook, viewers have joined from places like Pennsylvania and New York. While that news excites Boyd, “nothing really replaces the in-person” connection, she said. The Conservancy, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, relies mostly on private donations from individuals, corporations and foundations to stay afloat. “Wine in the Garden, Beer in the Barn,” its biggest fundraising event, had to be canceled this year because of the pandemic, making donations all the more important. Contributors receive the Conservancy newsletter and invitations to special events.

A place to find peace, safety The property’s lacework of tiny cul-desacs, each featuring well-placed park benches, encourage conversation while allowing observance of social distance recommendations. Visitors can sit on a bench and spend part of their day listening to the rhythmic

rush of two waterfalls. Inspiring signs dot a landscape brimming with twisting brick paths. One is inscribed with a quote from naturalist John Muir: “Everybody needs beauty as well as bread.” And from spiritualist Eckhart Tolle: “Nature can bring you to stillness. That is its gift to you.” On a cool May day, as the lunch hour beckoned, visitors Kevin Heffernan, 67, and his wife Karen, 68, strolled back to their car after a morning spent searching for a juniper hairstreak butterfly. “They’re hard to see,” said Kevin, packing a Canon camera and binoculars. There are 80 butterfly species in Howard County, he said, and the Conservancy is “just a great place for hiking.” During the quarantine, the Conservancy has offered a chance to get some fresh air, exercise and serenity. “With everything going on, the mental health benefit is huge,” Boyd said. “Not only from nature, but from all the events going on. You can see people are really just seeking some peace.” The trails and grounds are open from dawn to dusk daily. A portable toilet with hand sanitizer is located in the parking area, as the nature center and its restrooms are currently closed to the public. Visitors are asked to follow CDC distancing guidelines while at the Conservancy. For more information, visit howardnature.org.

Silo Hill music From page 23 “You want to surround yourself with people like this.” In addition, Oosterwijk praises all the hard work Black-Sotir and the volunteers put into the seasonal decorations, and how close attendees can get to the performers. “It’s genuine; it’s alive; it’s right there in front of you,” she said. Oosterwijk has made an effort to expand the Silo Hill family, bringing neighbors, friends, her daughters (who are in their 20s) and even her 91-year old mother, who doesn’t have Parkinson’s disease but

Letters to editor From page 2 the Beacon regularly by mail. Pamela Houde Friendsville, MD Dear Editor: Here is my poem, “Forgettable Clichés:” Growing old gracefully is a phrase I remember. I had thought I could give it a try

often participates in music therapy. “If you could see how [the performance] lit up her face,” Oosterwijk said of her mom. “It was beautiful.”

The Parkinson’s connection Many of the attendees have a personal connection to Parkinson’s disease, and praise Silo Hill’s greater calling. Two of Wilcoxon’s friends have had Parkinson’s disease. “I don’t care how much they charge for the ticket,” he said. “It’s going to hopefully cure that damn disease.” Behm, 78, also has several friends with Parkinson’s. “It’s one of the reasons why we make a donation to Silo Hill above and because I had a long time from May to December but the years passed so rapidly by. Now I look for the glitter in the golden years and I find that it’s no more than dust. Going over the hill is not much of a trip but, like it or not, we must. Valerie Forde-Galvin Via email

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ANIMAL PLANET AQUARIUM

Learn about ocean life from Animal Planet with 19 full-length episodes available online for free. Check it out at https://bit.ly/AquariumOnline.

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beyond the tickets,” he said. Behm, together with his wife, also volunteered to help at the November 2019 concert, serving food and wine and helping to clean up afterward. As a perk, they got to meet the musicians, violinist William Terwilliger and pianist Andrew Cooperstock, who comprise the duo known as Opus Two. Musicians like Opus Two often reduce their performance fees to Silo Hill to help the organization raise more funds for Parkinson’s research. “I think the artists have been inspired by what we’re trying to accomplish here,” Black-Sotir said. Each year, Silo Hill has picked a Parkinson’s-related project to receive its donation. In 2016, it was a study by Johns Hop-

kins University and the Maryland Association of Parkinson’s Services (MAPS) on the effects of community singing on Parkinson’s patients. Another year, the money went to a study about guitar playing for people with Parkinson’s. This past year, Silo Hill donated to a boxing program run by MAPS in Baltimore, as studies have shown the benefits of boxing-like exercise for mitigating the effects of Parkinson’s disease. [For more about Rock Steady Boxing classes, see “Box, dance, sing and repeat,” in the September 2019 Beacon.] The Steinway Series at Silo Hill is planning to re-open on Sat., Sept. 26 from 4 to 6 p.m. with opera singer Andrew Owens. Concert tickets cost $50. Visit steinwaysilohill.org for more information or to buy tickets.

ANSWERS TO CROSSWORD

FROM PAGE 26 ANSWERS TO SCRABBLE

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

L A B R O W A I O E S N T N O Z L A H S O L E C C O M P O A N O T L E A K S R E M A R T O R E O O M S O F S T O U E S H

A N N O Y

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Crossword Puzzle

Daily crosswords can be found on our website: www.TheBeaconNewspapers.com Click on Puzzles Plus Domestic Blues 1

By Stephen Sherr

17 21

Down

34 40

54 59

1. It hath 30 days 6. Have loose lips 10. Deeply engrossed 14. Schlessinger, with a doctorate in physiology 15. Part of the Corn Belt 16. On a tour of the stars’ homes 17. “I got the Household Blues. I’m so tired because ___. ...” 20. Dir. from Daytona to West Palm Beach 21. Prom attendee 22. Molecule of three oxygen atoms 23. Gnaw on gnachos 24. “Well, ___-di-dah!” 26. Proposal possibility 27. Sneaky add-on charges 30. Lonely fish 31. “... Every month, I have to pay the ___, ...” 38. Standard piece in an angel costume 39. “Her name’s Naomi; that’s ___ backwards” (Van Wilder) 40. Hodgepodge 41. “... so there’s not enough money left to fix the ___.” 44. The mom in Malcolm in the Middle or Family Guy 45. Project on PBS’ This Old House 46. Down in the dumps 49. Hospital’s C-section sections 50. Put graffiti on the third calendar page 52. Double-reed instruments 54. Opened a bag of chips 55. Cliched Father’s Day gift 58. “... Worst of all, I’m not even allowed to use the ___!” 62. “People are hanged; pictures are ___” 63. Turn- ___ (centerfold’s pet peeves) 64. Go ___ (deteriorate) 65. Eye sore 66. With 67 Across, what each line of the Household Blues contains 67. See 66 Across

HC820

Across

Scrabble answers on p. 25.

10 16

2. Picks up the check 3. Bumpkin 4. Retirement acct. 5. Cholesterol counting 6. Bathroom appliance 7. Provincial bird of Ontario 8. Leave dumbstruck 9. Undergrads’ goals 10. Ostentatious luxury 11. Get someone’s goat 12. Airbus product 13. Repairs shredded evidence 18. Positive vote 19. Iron-on patch advantage 24. Bus that stops a lot 25. In solitary confinement 27. Criticism 28. Wriggling 29. Part of an environmental sci. program 30. Mary Queen of ___ 31. Sounds of doubt 32. Severity 33. “He’s mine, and ___” 34. More than just point at 35. “Put ___ on it!” 36. Member of la familia 37. Start of a Bear or Berra’s first name 42. “My shot accidentally knocked in the 8-ball” 43. Takes into custody 46. Some move out of the dorms 47. Approximately 48. Fabric softener, freshening since 1960 50. Bullwinkle’s last name 51. Provide with weapons 53. Advantage 54. Vegan’s protein 55. Gone with the Wind locale 56. Apple music player 57. Direction from Madrid to Valencia 59. Good name for a bandit 60. The UK’s Rugby Football League 61. “That firework was pretty”

1. Donations

Answers on page 25.

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OPEN WITH CARE The difﬁculties of the past few months have only compounded existing challenges for many families. At Brooke Grove Retirement Village, we’re here to help by accepting admissions for all levels of care.

As our community progresses through the reopening process, we are committed to protecting our residents from the spread of COVID-19. As always, the health and well-being of all in our care remains our top priority.

WE’RE TAKING THE FOLLOWING STEPS TO MAINTAIN A SAFE ENVIRONMENT AND RIGOROUSLY ADHERING TO RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND LOCAL HEALTH AUTHORITIES. · Dedicated isolation care units for quarantined COVID-19 patients

· Current residents are screened daily, have been tested and are retested if symptoms arise

· All new residents and staff are tested prior to admission or starting work

· Daily screenings and weekly testing for all staff, physicians and other service providers

· Masks required for everyone in facilities and additional personal protective equipment worn by all who enter patient rooms

· Meticulous disinfection of all rooms and surfaces · Hand sanitizing stations in lobbies and hallways of all buildings

We have a thorough approach to maintaining a safe environment for our residents. To see a full list of our protocols, visit www.bgf.org.

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

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