August 2021 | Baltimore Beacon

FREE

I N

F O C U S

VOL.18, NO.8

F O R

P E O P L E

O V E R

More than 125,000 readers throughout Greater Baltimore

Stay happy by staying connected PHOTO COURTESY OF MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION OF MARYLAND

By Simone Ellin As the saying goes, no one is an island.

We all need the counsel, support and friendship of other people to lead happy, healthy and productive lives.

As we age, it’s especially important to avoid loneliness and isolation. That’s because, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “social isolation [is] associated with a 50% increased risk of dementia and other serious medical conditions.”

Fortunately, older adults in the Baltimore metropolitan region have a number of options for support and socialization.

As the leader of several groups for older adults, Baltimore County resident Lee Richmond, 87, has seen firsthand the transformative power of connection.

“The groups become cohesive. Members become friends and form important bonds,” she said.

5 0 AUGUST 2021

I N S I D E …

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

See Yosemite’s famous landmarks and historic sites outside the national park; plus, immerse yourself in the quiet beauty of Virginia’s Eastern Shore page 20

In person or via Zoom The Mental Health Association of Maryland offers several different types of groups for older adults, according to Casey Saylor, MSW, Older Adult Project Manager at MHAMD. Mind Your Mind Mondays, a Zoom group that began at the start of the pandemic, is one. The peer-facilitated weekly group focuses on issues related to brain health including mindfulness, memory, addiction and creativity.

“We find that the folks that participate, they like the science,” Saylor said. “So we try to bring in a spirit of easy-to-understand brain science in every presentation.”

Typically, Mind Your Mind group meetings include a 20- to 30-minute presentation followed by break-out sessions where participants can discuss the topic of the week in small groups.

Though Mind Your Mind was meant to be short-term, the meetings have proven so popular that Saylor said they plan to continue offering them after the pandemic ends.

In addition to bringing educational presentations on mental health to venues around the state — something MHAMD is known for — the organization offers Encouraging Conversations, “a space for folks to get together and check in about how they’re doing. It’s open ended and [partici-

Everyone is welcome to “Mind Your Mind Mondays,” a group that meets weekly via Zoom to learn about and discuss brain health topics with fellow older Marylanders.

In addition to that program, the Mental Health Association of Maryland offers a variety of conversation and study groups.

pants] provide support to one another,” Saylor said. Currently, the monthly Conversations group is also being held over Zoom.

Study group uses guidebook MHAMD also offers a Mental Health in Later Life study group. Participants use a guidebook, created by MHAMD and available for download on the organization’s website, to spur discussions.

The book covers brain and behavioral health; common mental health concerns; grief and bereavement; cognitive impairment and dementia; substance abuse and more. When prospective participants register for the group, they receive a free, hard copy of the guidebook.

In group meetings, Saylor said, “We go through [the book] section by section and just kind of touch base every month about what

was interesting…What did you relate to?”

Individuals are welcome to launch their own study groups using the guidebooks, Saylor said, and the organization provides training on how to run a study group.

“One of the things that we really try to tap into in our programming is the peer support network that exists throughout the county and throughout the state. And these are folks of all ages with lived experience around mental health and addiction,” Saylor said.

Seeking more spirituality Older adults seeking greater spirituality may benefit from joining a Wise Aging group. Wise Aging, a program of the Institute for Jewish Spirituality, is based on the book Wise Aging: Living with Joy, Resilience See CONNECTED, page 10

ARTS & STYLE

Theater teacher brings Broadway magic to her popular classes; plus, celebrate Christmas early with Elf at Toby’s page 23 TECHNOLOGY k Outwit thieves online

4

FITNESS & HEALTH k New hope for prostate cancer k Whole grain myths and facts

6

LAW & MONEY 16 k 9 money numbers to know k Why convert your IRA to Roth?

ADVERTISER DIRECTORY

27

PLUS CROSSWORD, BEACON BITS, CLASSIFIEDS & MORE

2

AUGUST 2021 — BALTIMORE BEACON

Subscribe online! See how on p. 26

Farewell, Cicadaville In my last column, which ran in May, I vice and give it a whirl myself. announced I was taking a seven-week sabI have played the piano since the age of batical to see if my old school 5, and been composing short penchant for composing melodies and pieces since, music for the piano might be well, not long after. something I could return The pieces I wrote back to…you know, when I retire then proved popular at talent or something. shows and with friends, but We have frequently enfrankly, they were mostly couraged our readers to disbrief and undeveloped. For cover their passions — years, I have wondered if I whether resuming a hobby could rework them into mafrom youth or learning how ture pieces that could one FROM THE to do something completely day, perhaps, become somePUBLISHER different — and to investithing other pianists would

By Stuart P. Rosenthal gate their options before they like to play as well. stop working.

That inspired my limited So, I thought it high time to take that ad- agenda over the sabbatical: developing

BEACON BITS

July 26

SLEEPER AGENT In this free virtual event, Spy Museum curator Andrew Hammond talks to Ann Hagedorn, author of Sleeper Agent: The Atomic Spy

in America Who Got Away, about George Koval, the only Soviet military spy with security clearance in the atomic bomb project. This event takes place Mon., July 26 at noon. For more information and to register, visit bit.ly/SleeperAgent. Call (202) 393-7798 with questions.

Beacon The

I N

F O C U S

F O R

P E O P L E

O V E R

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 Executive Vice President – Gordon Hasenei Managing Editor – Margaret Foster Art Director – Kyle Gregory Director of Operations – Roger King Advertising Representatives – Steve Levin, Alan Spiegel Assistant Editor – Catherine Brown Content Manager – Ashley Griffin

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

© Copyright 2021 The Beacon Newspapers, Inc.

judgment? I suppose that’s reasonable.

But I need to ask your indulgence while I try to accommodate that request. You see, first I have to learn how to play them!

(Yes, it’s quite possible to write music one cannot play.) I’m almost there.

Then I need to make decent videos of myself performing them and figure out the best way to make those available to you.

The last few days of my sabbatical were spent watching innumerable YouTube videos explaining “how to set up a website,” “how to upload videos to YouTube,” “how to get your songs on Spotify,” and many more headache-inducing topics of the sort.

My hope (not a promise) is that, by the time of my next column, I will be able to refer you to a site — somewhere — where you can watch me playing my new pieces.

But there’s a price involved: I want you to get back to me and tell me what you think!

I also am hoping you will find inspiration from my story and plan your own sabbatical, or take a class to help you recover or discover your own creative passions. It’s not only a delightful way to spend some time, but a great way to get the juices flowing for your life’s next project.

I want to thank our wonderful Beacon staff for cheerfully taking on the various duties I shirked during my sabbatical.

When I returned, a part of me found it nice to discover I had been missed. But there’s another part that wonders how in the world I’ll convince everyone I’ll need to take another sabbatical next year…

5 0

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

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

Submissions:

some of the melodies and short ideas I wrote decades ago to see what I could make of them.

To that end, I took daily inspiration walks (through what I came to call “Cicadaville”) along the paths in the woods near our home. When I got back to my piano, I would spend time improvising, recording everything on my smartphone.

I would then listen to those recordings on my next walk, taking note of passages I thought would make good music or were worth tooling around with more.

Then, after a few days of this back and forth, I’d sit down and pull together the themes and variations I had come up with into something resembling a piano solo.

I was fortunate to have a mentor in all this: a friend who majored in music composition in college and still composes today.

In addition to educating me on methods composers have used for centuries to develop their musical themes, he also guided me in learning how to use music notation software. I learned there are a number of rather complex but altogether amazing computer programs that enable anyone to create printed sheet music that looks quite professional.

I am happy to report that all this time away from “real” work led to three new compositions. I took one hodgepodge of a piece I wrote long ago and produced two separate pieces using some of its themes.

I also found among my “papers” a piece I had completely forgotten about, written during middle school. I turned that oneand-a-half-page theme into a six-minute piece I rather like now.

What’s that, you say? You want to hear them yourself so you can make your own

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

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

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

Dear Editor: My husband and I grew up on farms in Iowa, where most people were white, Protestant children. It wasn’t until we entered university that we had classes with students who were Black, Asian or Latino.

Later we decided to move our three children, ages 2, 5 and 7, to the Baltimore/ Washington area.

Years later, we offered a temporar y home to a Japanese student [studying] at a university two miles from our home.

During this time my son came home from college for holidays, and soon he was taking our Japanese student everywhere he went. After both of them graduated, our son told us that he wanted to marry our Japanese houseguest.

Then, our daughter in Columbus told

us she was going to adopt a baby girl from Korea. Friends teased us about our multicultural grandchildren. But the story wasn’t over yet.

I had been widowed five years when one evening a Jewish widower came to our support group. It doesn’t take long when people who belong together find each other, and on our third date we made plans to marry.

Maybe it’s good that our Iowa grandparents are gone. They would not understand this modern, city way of connecting to one another when they didn’t know that this multicultural, dynamic way of life even existed.

Karmen Worden via email

BALTIMORE BEACON — AUGUST 2021

Say you saw it in the Beacon

We learn. You earn.

You could earn up to $125 for participating in biometrics capture research study.

7KH REMHFWLYH RI WKH 6HFXUH86 VWXG\ LV WR FRPSDUH QHZO\ GHYHORSHG IDFLDO LULV DQG ȴQJHUSULQW ELRPHWULF V\VWHPV WR WKH PRVW FRPPRQO\ XVHG FRPPHUFLDOO\ DYDLODEOH V\VWHPV 6SHFLȴFDOO\ WKH VWXG\ ZLOO HYDOXDWH KRZ H΍HFWLYHO\ WKHVH V\VWHPV FDQ GHWHFW WDFWLFV GHVLJQHG WR GHFHLYH WKH V\VWHPV $GYDQFHG ELRPHWULF WHFKQRORJLHV WKDW GHWHFW these deceptions can help protect personal information and enhance our national security.

You may be eligible to participate if you are: ȏ $ 8 6 FLWL]HQ EHWZHHQ WKH DJHV RI DQG ȏ $EOH WR SURYLGH SURRI RI FLWL]HQVKLS LQ WKH IRUP RI D YDOLG JRYHUQPHQW LVVXHG Ζ' VXFK DV D VWDWH GULYHUȇV OLFHQVH ELUWK FHUWLȴFDWH RU SDVVSRUW ȏ :LOOLQJ DQG DEOH WR SURYLGH SURRI WKDW \RX DUH IXOO\ YDFFLQDWHG DJDLQVW &29Ζ'

ȏ :LOOLQJ WR ZHDU D IDFH PDVN DQG SUDFWLFH VRFLDO GLVWDQFLQJ ZKHQ SRVVLEOH ZKLOH DW WKH WHVW IDFLOLW\ ȏ $YDLODEOH WR DWWHQG D WHVW DSSRLQWPHQW ODVWLQJ DSSUR[LPDWHO\ KRXUV DW WKH -+8 WHVW IDFLOLW\ LQ &ROXPELD 0DU\ODQG 0RQGD\ Ȃ )ULGD\ GXULQJ normal business hours

3DUWLFLSDQWV ZLOO EH FRPSHQVDWHG DIWHU FRPSOHWLQJ WKH full test session. Study participation is by appointment only.

To learn more or to see if you may qualify for the study, visit www.welearnyouearn.com. ΖQYHVWLJDWRU Marcia Patchan &RQWDFW secureusstudy@mmgct.com USA_ENG_10023871_SECUREUS4_FLPA-01_v2-0_2021-06-14

3

4

AUGUST 2021 — BALTIMORE BEACON

Subscribe online! See how on p. 26

Technology &

Innovations These strategies can thwart online thieves

By Ann Marie Maloney Whether it’s fake online shopping sites, identity theft or scam artists using phone or email, fraud is on the rise, with a record 1.3 million cases in the first nine months of last year, according to the Federal Trade Commission.

Although anyone can become a victim, FTC data show that consumers age 80 and older are far more likely to be scammed by phone and lose the most money, a median of $1,250.

By now, you probably know not to give out sensitive information to anyone contacting you — and that credit cards offer more protection against fraud than debit cards.

With a credit card, the most you’ll be responsible for is $50. Debit cards, however, could leave you paying for all of a thief’s spending spree if you don’t report it within 60 days.

But there’s a lot more to guarding

against fraud than knowing which card to use. In fact, it’s the things you may not know that could cost you the most money.

Even savvy consumers can be defrauded Fraudsters don’t just target the gullible.

“I see victims from all walks of life and all professions,” said Alisa Bralove-Scherr, deputy director of mediation in the Maryland Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division.

The biggest mistake people make is to think they’re immune, said Bryan Roslund, assistant state’s attorney for Montgomery County, Maryland. Thieves keep honing their craft, using whatever new scheme they can to take over your bank or retirement account. “This is where they excel,” he said, by finding new ways to take advantage of you.

For example, Roslund said, if you challenge a caller who warns that you have not

shown up for jury duty, a scammer knows how to shift tactics immediately — usually by admitting you’re right and that they were working from the “wrong list.”

Some criminals even monitor emails to intercept lucrative transactions. Roslund had a case where a financial agent lost $30,000 when he wired money to a restaurant because someone made a tiny change to the recipient’s email address.

How identity thieves often find you According to the FTC, you’re more likely to suffer fraud through online purchases, and COVID-19 has only encouraged this equal-opportunity crime to flourish as more Americans turn to websites for shopping. A 2020 Pitney Bowes survey found that 45% of shoppers bought more than half of their goods online, three times the pre-pandemic level.

Scammers capture buyers — especially

those looking for deals or hard-to-find products — with convincing emails and websites that appear to be from a known company. In November 2020, for instance, the FTC filed a complaint against the operators of 25 websites claiming to be Lysol or Clorox with high-demand products for sale.

Consumers should scrutinize URLs for subtle misspellings or punctuation at the end, which can be signs of a bogus company website. A site with an “https” address is more secure but not necessarily legitimate. With emails, check for irregularities by hovering your mouse over a sender’s address before opening a message that appears to be from a known source.

A credit freeze is not a credit lock To prevent identity theft, you may consider a credit freeze or a credit lock, which are See THWART THIEVES, page 5

How to learn new technology skills Dear Savvy Senior, 800-677-1116 to get your local number.

Can you recommend some good technology classes or online GetSetUp.io learning resources for inexGetSetUp.io is one of the perienced seniors? I have a best online learning websites computer and a smartphone, that partners with guides to but my knowledge and skills provide training on tech tools are pretty limited. for adults 50 and older. They —Tech Challenged Senior provide more than 350 online Dear Tech Challenged, classes taught in real-time by There are many different retired educators and tech intechnology teaching tools dustry experts in a way that available to older adults that SAVVY SENIOR lets older adults learn by can help you learn new tech doing, versus just watching a

By Jim Miller skills so you can better utilize video. your devices. Here are some good options Their technology classes — all taught to consider: via Zoom — cover things like learning how to use smartphones and tablets, how to set Local classes or workshops up and use Zoom, how to utilize Gmail feaDepending on where you live, there tures, how to recognize online scams, how may be community resources that offer to sell your stuff online and much more. beginning computer and personal technol- Most of their classes are free; however, ogy classes, be it online or in-person, for some charge a small fee. older adults that are new to technology.

To find out what’s available in your area, SeniorPlanet.org contact your local public library, senior cenCreated and sponsored by national nonter, college or university, or local stores that profit OATS (Older Adults Technology sell computers. Your Area Agency on Aging Services) and recently joining forces with may also be able to help you. Visit the Elder- AARP, Senior Planet offers 60-and-older care Locator at Eldercare.acl.gov or call 1- adults a wide variety of free online cours-

es, programs and activities.

Instructors teach live classes to help seniors learn new technology skills, as well as save money, get in shape and make new friends. Some of their more popular tech classes include “All Things Zoom,” “Everything Smartphones,” and an “Introduction to Social Media.” They even offer a “lunch & learn” tech discussion group at various times throughout the year where you can ask questions as well as share your struggles and experiences.

And, if you ever have a technology question that pops up during the week, you can call their National Senior Planet Hotline for tech help at (920) 666-1959 anytime Monday through Friday during working hours.

tech support and training to help older adults feel more comfortable with phones, computers, tablets, home safety devices and more.

Their specially trained tech concierges will teach you how to use your technology, fix what’s not working and install software, as well as learn how to set up and use email, video chat, social media, online shopping and entertainment, ride sharing services and more.

Candoo offers one-hour, one-on-one or small group sessions for $50, or you can become a member and get two 90-minute training sessions plus unlimited quick support (30 minutes or less) for $180 per year.

They also provide device installation and set-up done remotely for $180.

OasisEverywhere.org This nonprofit educational organization for older adults provides more than 10 lowcost/free online computer, internet and mobile technology courses for beginners.

And when the pandemic dies down, they will resume offering beginner tech classes in their 27 locations (located in nine states) throughout the country.

CandooTech.com This company provides fee-based online

TechBoomers.com This is a free educational website that provides video tutorials and articles that teach older adults and other inexperienced technology users how to use the most popular and trusted websites, apps and devices.

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

❏ Charlestown (see ad on page 11) ❏ Charter Senior Living (see ad on page 21) ❏ Christ Church Harbor Apts. (see ad on page 17) ❏ Oak Crest (see ad on page 11) ❏ Park View Laurel (see ad on page 18) ❏ Park View Towson (see ad on page 18) ❏ Park View Fullerton (see ad on page 18) ❏ Park View Rosedale (see ad on page 18) ❏ St. Mary’s Roland View Towers

✃

I N F O R M AT I O N F R E E ★ I N F O R M AT I O N

Housing Communities

I N F O R M AT I O N

F R E E

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

F R E E

Clinical Research Studies

I N F O R M AT I O N

❏ Biometrics Research Study (see ad on page 3) ❏ Depression/Memory Study (see ad on page 12) ❏ Diabetes Study (see ad on page 13) ❏ Knee Pain Study (see ad on page 13) ❏ PEERS/Stress Study (see ad on page 13) ❏ PINBal Balance Study (see ad on page 13) ❏ Stroke Survivors Study (see ad on page 12)

F R E E

(see ad on page 22) ❏ Virginia Towers (see ad on page 8) ❏ Warren Place Senior Apartments (see ad on page 22) ❏ Zen Apartments (see ad on page 7)

★

★

MAIL OR FAX FOR FREE INFORMATION

★

Mitchal Smith, owner of a credit processing company in Raleigh, N.C., recommends using an app such as Google Pay or Apple Pay instead of carrying a card that can be stolen or scanned. To pay, you tap your phone at a payment terminal.

Like PayPal, the apps are safer because you don’t give the merchant your credit card number. Instead, Google or Apple assigns a different virtual account number for every transaction you make. © 2021 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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

I N F O R M AT I O N

Safest to pay with a smartphone app

pilot study of adults in a memory care facility.

According to the company, Telememory helps “seniors re-live experiences with friends, family and caregivers remotely, while also measuring their cognitive responses, recollection and overall engagement.”

With the help of the patient’s family, Telememory’s platform compiles biographical material about a patient, including music, art, photographs and videos — “a highly personalized TV station of your family’s life.”

It measures the “emotional and biometric responses to the memories to gauge recall,” according to the company. It also has a FaceTime-like feature so loved ones can communicate over the platform.

Telememory is scheduled to be available to consumers later this summer.

Learn more at telememory.care.

—Margaret Foster

F R E E

not the same. Freezing your credit deters someone from obtaining a loan, phone or credit card in your name. A freeze restricts access to your credit report, which most institutions require before approving a new account. You will need to contact all three credit bureaus (Equifax, Trans-Union and Experian) to get a PIN or password.

“It took me about 15 minutes to do,” said John Buzzard, a financial fraud and security expert with Javelin Strategy & Research during a recent AARP webcast.

You will need to lift the freeze when applying for loans or credit. Under federal law, if you request a lift online or by phone, a credit bureau must do so free of charge and within one hour.

A credit lock offers similar protections, except that you don’t get a PIN, and you can lift the lock yourself. But the convenience comes at a price: Locks don’t have the backing of federal law that freezes do, leaving you vulnerable if something goes wrong. Plus, one of the bureaus charges

I N F O R M AT I O N

From page 4

for the lock (you need all three for a lock to be effective).

You can also lock credit cards you rarely use so that they can’t be used to make purchases. Card issuers will do this for free, and unlocking is simple and immediate.

Thanks to last year’s stimulus package, the three credit bureaus are offering consumers free weekly credit reports until April 20, 2022.

A Kansas City company, Telememory, said its technology — offering a cellphone-based reminiscence therapy — reduced anxiety and depression and increased engagement in a

F R E E

Thwart thieves

Technology for less anxiety

Name_____________________________________________________________________________

Phone (day)_____________________________(evening)_____________________________ E-mail_____________________________________________________________________________

B8/21

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

I N F O R M AT I O N

City_________________________________________State__________Zip____________________

F R E E

Address__________________________________________________________________________

★

★

Mesenchymal stem cells (stem cells harvested from adult body fat tissue, bone marrow and other sites) have been found in studies to produce a variety of growth factors and cytokines that can promote wound healing.

These properties have led some beauty product manufacturers to include what they call “human stem cell-derived conditioned media” in their anti-aging products

I N F O R M AT I O N

Better skin from stem cells?

have been independently tested “to ensure growth factor protein density and quality.”

In addition to the “Eye/lash” cream, the company sells Regenerative Serum and AntiAging Cream, in full-size and mini-size dispensers. Prices range from $55 to $199 per item. They may be purchased from Amazon, physician’s offices or the company’s website.

For more information, visit factorfiveskin.com.

—Stuart Rosenthal

F R E E

By Beacon staff

to promote rejuvenation of the skin, reduce wrinkles and improve hair density.

The “Eye/lash” cream from FACTORFIVE, for example, claims to improve density of lashes and brows as well as reduce under eye circles and minimize the appearance of crow’s feet.

FACTORFIVE beauty products are made with proteins derived from adult human stem cells with the promise to restore your skin’s ability to heal itself so you look younger.

Other ingredients include hyaluronic acid (to help retain moisture and soften skin), various vitamins and minerals and botanical derivatives. They contain no alcohols, aldehydes or parabens.

The company also says their products

★

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

Tech Shorts

5

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Technology & Innovations

BALTIMORE BEACON — AUGUST 2021

6

AUGUST 2021 — BALTIMORE BEACON

Subscribe online! See how on p. 26

Health Fitness &

SAFE SCANS Bone density tests safely assess risk of fractures, osteoporosis BREATHE EASY To control asthma, try vitamin D, black seed oil or breathing devices SEEDING GOOD HEALTH Pumpkin, sesame and hemp seeds provide minerals and protein KIDNEYS DO MORE THAN YOU THINK Keep your kidneys healthy by eating less meat, salt and processed food

Radiation drugs track and kill tumor cells

By Carla K. Johnson Doctors are reporting improved survival in men with advanced prostate cancer from an experimental drug that delivers radiation directly to tumor cells.

Few such drugs are approved now, but the approach may become a new way to treat patients with other hard-to-reach or inoperable cancers.

The study tested an emerging class of medicine called radiopharmaceuticals, drugs that deliver radiation directly to cancer cells. The drug in this case is a molecule that contains two parts: a tracker and a cancer-killing payload.

Trillions of these molecules hunt down cancer cells, latching onto protein receptors on the cell membrane. The payload emits radiation, which hits the tumor cells within its range.

“You can treat tumors that you cannot see. Anywhere the drug can go, the drug can reach tumor cells,” said Dr. Frank Lin, who had no role in the study but heads a division at the National Cancer Institute that helps develop such medicine.

Results were released in June by the

American Society of Clinical Oncology ahead of its annual meeting. The study was funded by Novartis, the drug’s maker, which plans to seek approvals in the United States and Europe later this year.

Drug targets advanced cancer When cancer is confined to the prostate, radiation can be beamed onto the body or implanted in pellets.

But those methods don’t work well in more advanced prostate cancer. About 43,000 men in the United States each year are diagnosed with prostate cancer that has spread and is no longer responding to hormone-blocking treatment.

The study tested a new way to get radiation treatment to such patients.

It involved 831 men with advanced prostate cancer. Two-thirds were given the radiation drug and the rest served as a comparison group. Patients got the drug through an IV every six weeks, up to six times.

After about two years, those who received the drug did better, on average.

The cancer was kept at bay for nearly nine

months compared to about three months for the others. Survival was better too — about 15 months versus 11 months.

The gain may not seem like much, but “these patients don’t have many options,” said ASCO president Dr. Lori Pierce, a cancer radiation specialist at the University of Michigan.

Radioactivity can reduce blood cell production, which can lead to anemia and clotting problems for patients. In the study, 53% of the patients had serious side effects compared to 38% of patients in the comparison group. Both groups were allowed to get other treatments.

Similar approach may fight other cancers The results pave the way for government approval and will boost interest in radiation drugs, Lin said.

Others already in use include Novartis’ Lutathera for a rare type of cancer of the stomach and gut.

And Bayer’s Xofigo is approved for men whose prostate cancer has spread to the bone but not elsewhere. Xofigo targets

areas where the body is trying to repair bone loss from tumor damage, but it isn’t directly aimed at prostate cancer cells wherever they may be in the body.

Since the experimental drug targets tumor cells, “that would be a first for prostate cancer,” Lin said.

In the coming decade, such drugs “will be a major thrust of cancer research,” said Dr. Charles Kunos, who worked on standards for radiopharmaceutical research at the National Cancer Institute before leaving to join University of Kentucky’s Markey Cancer Center. “It will be the next big wave of therapeutic development.”

“There’s great potential” with drugs being tested for melanoma and breast, pancreatic and other cancers, said Dr. Mary-Ellen Taplin of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, who had no role in the study but reviewed the data.

As for prostate cancer, “it opens up a range of future strategies,” including at earlier stages of disease and alongside other treatments, said study leader Dr. Michael Morris of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York.

—AP

Setting the record straight on whole grains

By Densie Webb Whole grains are recommended, with few exceptions, to be included as part of a healthful diet. The latest 2020-2025 U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend three servings a day of whole grains and point to whole grain amaranth, barley, brown rice, buckwheat, bulgur, millet, oats, popcorn, quinoa, dark rye, wholegrain cornmeal, whole wheat bread, whole wheat chapati, whole grain cereals and crackers and wild rice as important, nutrient-dense sources of whole grains.

Despite these recommendations and overwhelming evidence that including whole grains in your diet can be beneficial to your health, 98% of Americans fail to meet the three-servings-a-day recommendation. That shortfall may be partly due to several myths about whole grains that continue to circulate.

Here, Environmental Nutrition sets the whole-grain record straight.

Myth 1: Whole grains cause inflammation in the body. We’re not sure where this one started, but it’s simply not true. If anything, the natural phytochemi-

cals found in whole grains act as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents.

Myth 2: Whole grains can aggravate or cause diverticulitis. The truth: Doctors used to advise steering clear of whole grains and seeds if you’ve been diagnosed with diverticulosis — small, bulging pouches called diverticula that develop in your digestive tract. When one or more of these pouches become inflamed or infected, the condition is called diverticulitis.

A high-fiber diet that includes whole grains can actually help decrease pressure in the colon, preventing flare-ups in these pouches.

Myth 3: Whole grains cause bloating. This is partially true. The myth is that you shouldn’t eat whole grains because they always cause bloating.

Abruptly increasing the amount of fiber you eat from any source can indeed cause gas and bloating. If you currently eat a lowfiber diet and want to increase the amount of whole grains in your diet, increase gradually so your digestive system has time to adjust.

Myth 4: Only whole grains, not

processed grains, provide vitamins.

The facts behind this myth might surprise you. While processed grains don’t contain the fiber of whole grains, processed breads are fortified with several vitamins and iron and may actually contain more than whole grains, which are not fortified.

Myth 5: Allergic reactions to whole grains are common. The truth: Actual allergies to whole grains that result in an immune response are uncommon.

People with celiac disease can become sick after eating wheat due to the gluten it contains. Celiac disease affects only about one to 2% of the population.

Some people may have gluten-sensitivity that causes rumbling down below, but it’s not an allergic reaction.

Myth 6: Only organic, non-GMO whole grains are healthy. The truth: Well, currently there is no genetically modified wheat commercialized anywhere in the world. Putting non-GMO on a product containing wheat is akin to putting a “cholesterol-free” label on a peach — never had it in the first place. So, yes or-

ganic wheat is GMO free, but so is non-organic wheat.

And if you’re choosing organic wheat to avoid gluten, don’t. All wheat contains gluten, organic or not.

Myth 7: Whole grains are loaded with pesticides. The truth: Glyphosate is a chemical that sometimes is used to control the timing of wheat harvests, but that practice is not common in the U.S. [Ed. Note: According to the National Wheat Foundation, “Glyphosate use is limited in the wheat industry, if even used at all in some wheat fields. In fact, for 2016, it was applied to 33% of wheat acres in the U.S.”] There is no credible evidence that glyphosate is the cause of digestive problems.

Myth 8: “Multigrain” or “contains whole grains” on the label is an indication that the product is as high in fiber as a product that says “whole grain” on the label. The truth: Breads, See WHOLE GRAINS, page 8

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

BALTIMORE BEACON — AUGUST 2021

Health Shorts New targeted drug may help lung cancer patients U.S. regulators have approved the first medicine for patients with the most common type of lung cancer whose tumors have a genetic mutation long considered untreatable with drugs.

The Food and Drug Administration in May said it has approved Amgen’s drug Lumakras to treat non-small cell lung cancer with the mutation in patients who have worsened after initial treatment with at least one other drug. Each year, about 13,000 U.S. patients are diagnosed with this cancer and mutation.

This is the first targeted therapy for tumors with a so-called KRAS mutation, the FDA noted. This type of mutation occurs in genes that help regulate cell growth and division. The mutation is involved in many cancer types.

“Today’s approval represents a significant step toward a future where more patients will have a personalized treatment approach,” Dr. Richard Pazdur, director of

the FDA’s Oncology Center of Excellence, said in a statement.

Amgen said Lumakras, also known as sotorasib, will cost $17,900 per month, though most patients will pay less, depending on health insurance and other factors.

Lung cancer is the most common cancer type and is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. The agency also approved diagnostic tests from two companies that can determine if patients have the specific mutation, known as KRAS G12C, targeted by the drug.

Amgen and other drugmakers are working to develop several medicines designed to attack tumors with KRAS mutations.

“KRAS has challenged cancer researchers for more than 40 years,” Dr. David M. Reese, Amgen’s head of research and development, said in a statement.

The FDA approved the drug on an accelerated schedule, based only on early study results, because of its potential and the lack of options for these patients. It is requiring further testing to confirm the drug’s benefit.

In a study including 124 patients, 36% had their tumors shrink or disappear. Improvements lasted for six months or longer for nearly 60% of those who benefited.

Common side effects included diarrhea, joint and muscle pain, fatigue and liver

times fail to restart, the Food and Drug Administration said. The company said it hasn’t been able to pinpoint the root cause in every case.

Surgeons can use implants from other manufacturers, the FDA said in a memo to physicians.

About 4,000 people worldwide currently have the Medtronic device, roughly half of them in the U.S. For those patients, the agency said U.S. doctors should contact the company for the latest guidance on managing the device, which includes managing blood pressure.

The FDA said Medtronic halted sales after reviewing 100 reports of power failures with the device, which led to 14 patient deaths and 13 patients having it removed.

damage. The FDA said the drug should be discontinued if patients develop liver damage or a type of lung disease. —AP

FDA stops use of heart pump tied to deaths U.S. health regulators warned surgeons in June to stop implanting a heart pump made by Medtronic due to power failures recently tied to cases of stroke and more than a dozen deaths.

Medtronic said it would stop selling its Heartware assist device, which is intended to boost blood circulation in patients with heart failure.

Recent company data showed the device can unexpectedly stop working and some-

See HEALTH SHORTS, page 8

HIGH QUALITY & AFFORDABLE IN-HOME CARE • Bathing & Hygiene • Meal prep • Medication Reminders • Light Housekeeping • Companionship • Respite Care

Following All COVID Safety Procedures

CALL TODAY AND ASK FOR YOUR FREE SHIFT* *ask for details

Dandelion Healthcare

443-518-6446

www.dandelionhealthcarellc.com

Here, assisted living is living, with the right amount of personal assistance… …at a great value.

Now open! Schedule a tour today!

A place of independence

!

"

Pickersgilll assisted living residents are rarely in their rooms! Instead,, theyy’re out and about— participating in a community activity or event or dining with friends.

A place of beauty

Living Livi ng in th this is com ommu muni nity ty—ttuc ucke kedd in into to a beautiful West Towson neighborhood —you or your beau ur loved one will enjoy enjo a warm welcome and daily activities, and they’ll appreciate the h walking paths, path beautifully landscaped grounds, lovely gardens and more.

1 + 2 Bedroom Apartments

A place of caring

Each assisted livingg re resident enjoys three chef-prepared meals per day, ho housekeeping and laundryy se services, medication administration, help with daily tasks an and more—always by reques quest, and all included in a reasonable monthly fee. Eachh re resi s dent also has access too all of the Pickersgilll amenities.

Our assisted liv ivin ingg residences include a private, priv full bath, and residents are encouraged to decora rate te their homes as they wish. This is a lifestyle dedicated to independence and assured ed by a caring, professional fessional al staff. sta sttaff.

FOLLOW US @ZenApts

Call 888-877-9883 today for more information or to schedule your personal tour.

Reserve your new apartment home today!

ZenApartments.com | 855-852-8009 (TTY: 711)

6 5 Chestnut Avenue • To 61 Tows wson, MD 21204 • www.Pi Pick ckersgillRetirement.org BEAC

7

VILLAGE CENTER AT STADIUM PLACE | 1100 EAST 33RD STREET, BALTIMORE, MD 21218

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

8

Fitness & Health | Subscribe online! See how on p. 26

Whole grains From page 6 muffins, rice mixes, and the like that are labeled as “multigrain” may sound like high fiber, but processed white flour is also a grain.

The only way to know if a grain product is made with whole grains is to read the label carefully. If it says “100% whole grains,” then it is. If it says “multigrain” or

Health shorts From page 7 The company previously issued recalls on some Heartware devices and components used when implanting it. In December, the company warned about power failures or delayed restarts with three lots.

AUGUST 2021 — BALTIMORE BEACON

“contains whole grains,” check the label for the amount of whole grains. You should aim for 48 grams of whole grains a day.

Myth 9: Whole grains contain “anti-nutrients” that are unhealthy.

The truth: Anti-nutrients such as phytate, lectins and oxalates, which are found naturally in wheat and other plant foods, can block the absorption of nutrients.

However, while wheat may contain small amounts of anti-nutrients even after

being processed and cooked or baked, the health benefits of including whole grains in your diet outweigh any potential negative nutritional effects.

Myth 10: Ordering “wheat bread” in a restaurant is the same as ordering “whole-grain bread.”

The truth: It’s not uncommon when ordering a sandwich at a restaurant to be asked, “White or wheat?” But the question would make sense only if the waiter asks,

“White or whole wheat?” Often the bread may be brown, but that doesn’t mean it’s whole wheat — just that a darker wheat has been used or a coloring has been added that makes it look more healthy.

Reprinted with permission from Environmental Nutrition, a monthly publication of Belvoir Media Group, LLC, 1-800-8295384, EnvironmentalNutrition.com. © 2021 Belvoir Media Group. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

The company said patients should not automatically have the device removed. Taking out recalled heart implants has to be carefully weighed against the potential risks of surgery. The company said it is preparing a guide for managing patients “who may require support for many years.”

—AP

FDA approves obesity drug that cut weight by 15%

Bays, medical director of the Louisville Metabolic and Atherosclerosis Research Center. Bays, who is also the Obesity Medicine Association’s chief science officer, helped run studies of the drug.

In the U.S., more than 100 million adults — about 1 in 3 — are obese.

Bays said Wegovy appears far safer than earlier obesity drugs that “have gone down in flames” over safety problems. Wegovy’s side effects were gastrointestinal problems, including nausea, diarrhea and vomiting.

Those usually subsided, but led about 5% of study participants to stop taking it.

Wegovy (pronounced wee-GOH’-vee) is a synthesized version of a gut hormone that curbs appetite. Patients inject it weekly under their skin. Like other weight-loss drugs, it’s to be used along with exercise, a healthy diet and other steps like keeping a food diary.

Novo Nordisk also is developing a pill version.

—AP

Regulators in June said a new version of a popular diabetes medicine could be sold as a weight-loss drug in the U.S. The Food and Drug Administration approved Wegovy, a higher-dose version of Novo Nordisk’s diabetes drug semaglutide, for long-term weight management.

In company-funded studies, participants taking Wegovy had average weight loss of 15%, about 34 pounds. Participants lost weight steadily for 14 months before plateauing. In a comparison group getting dummy shots, the average weight loss was about 2.5%, or just under 6 pounds.

“With existing drugs, you’re going to get maybe 5% to 10% weight reduction, sometimes not even that,” said Dr. Harold

Affordable Living for 62+ in the Heart of Towson Special Offer!

Your recovery after a hospital stay should begin with a knowledgeable, interdisciplinary team that understands your health care goals. Working with state-of-the-art equipment, we have the expertise and experience to treat patients recovering from a variety of conditions, including:

The first 25 accepted applicants will receive $50.

Call for details.

Neurological Cardiac Orthopedic Cancer Pulmonary Complex Medical

manorcare.com © 2018 HCR Healthcare, LLC

If you need help with any of these conditions, you may benefit from an inpatient skilled nursing and rehabilitation stay.

Four Baltimore locations: • ManorCare – Roland Park • ManorCare – Rossville • ManorCare – Ruxton • ManorCare – Towson For more information, call

888.255.7054

• Free Reserved Resident Parking • Computer Room • Pet Friendly • Laundry Facilities • Close to Shopping and Theatres • Free Hot Water

Virginia Towers A PA R T M E N T S

If you’re 62 or over, call and apply.

410-324-7656 for more information

It is our policy to admit residents without regard to race, color, religion, sex handicap or national origin and any other federal, state or local fair housing protections.

Note: Housing for Older Persons is exempt from the prohibitions against age or familial status.

BALTIMORE BEACON — AUGUST 2021

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

9

Bone density tests assess risk of fractures

By Jeremiah Long, M.D. Dear Mayo Clinic: I am a 62-yearold woman who has been fairly healthy most of my life. I try to walk daily and eat right. I’ve never had a fracture or bone health issues. But after my annual physical this year, my doctor suggested a bone density test.

Do I really need one and how often?

A: A bone density test uses a low dose of X-rays in a quick, noninvasive way to measure the amount of calcium and other minerals in a segment of bone, usually the hips and spine. By identifying decreases in bone mineral density, your health care provider can determine your risk of fractures and diagnose and monitor osteoporosis progression.

Most young, healthy people do not need a bone density test. But, as you age, your risk for osteoporosis increases because bone density tends to decrease as people grow older. That is especially true in women. If you are a woman and 65 or older, a bone density test is recommended with a repeat test generally performed two years after the initial test — although this interval may change depending upon any treatments being administered.

For women under age 65, bone density tests may be recommended based on risk factors for osteoporosis, such as a family his-

tory of the disease or a history of fractures.

For men without fractures, the answer isn’t quite as clear. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force doesn’t recommend routine bone density testing for men. Because men have a higher bone mass and lose bone more slowly than women, they’re at a lower risk of fracture.

However, up to 1 in 4 men over 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis. Groups such as the National Osteoporosis Foundation still recommend testing for men 70 and older. Men 50 to 69 may consider testing also if they have risk factors for osteoporosis.

People over 50 who have broken a bone and people who have lost 1.5 inches of height or more also may need a bone density test to screen for osteoporosis.

Another risk factor for osteoporosis is taking certain kinds of drugs that can interfere with the body’s process of rebuilding bone. Examples of these drugs include steroid medications, such as prednisone, and immunosuppressant medications, such as those taken after organ or bone marrow transplants.

Bone density test results are reported in a measurement known as a “T-score.” A Tscore of minus 1 or higher is normal. A score of minus 2.5 or lower is osteoporosis.

The range between normal and osteo-

Join Us!

For an exciting virtual tour of three Baltimore parks!

0/$!0' '/$(* & 1$-/0 ' /*0- ) ' -) *0/ /# #$./*-4 ) 1*'0/$*) *! /#- '/$(*- + -&.ө # - 4*0- *2) ( (*-$ . !-*( /# . .+ . ) " / $)!*-( /$*) *0/ 0-- )/ ..$ $'$/4 ) 2 '&$)" /- $'.ө / ӫ Wednesday, July 21- Druid Hill Park Wednesday, August 18 - Patterson Park Wednesday, September 15 - Herring Run Park $( ӫ ҴҴӫҶҳ ( ӿ ҴҵӫҶҳ +( $'$/ /*-ӫ )4 4'*-

To register, please contact us at 410.662.4363 or email us at communityhealth@choosekeswick.org

porosis is considered osteopenia, a condition where bone density is below the normal range and puts a person at higher risk for developing osteoporosis. Osteopenia also raises the risk for breaking a bone.

Exercise, avoid tobacco and alcohol There are things you can do to help keep your bones healthy as you get older.

Exercise is important. Be sure to include a combination of weight-bearing exercises, such as walking, jogging, running or stair climbing.

Eat a healthy diet, making sure to get the right amounts of calcium and vitamin D. And if you smoke, stop. Research suggests that tobacco use contributes to weak bones.

Similarly, regularly having more than two alcoholic drinks a day raises your risk of osteoporosis, possibly because alcohol can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb calcium. Therefore, limit the amount of alcohol you drink.

Talk to your health care provider about getting a bone density test and discuss any concerns you have about your bone health. Taking steps now can help ensure good bone health in the future.

Mayo Clinic Q & A is an educational resource and doesn’t replace regular medical care. Email a question to MayoClinicQ&A@mayo.edu or visit mayoclinic.org. © 2021 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Is your house less than perfect?

Sell your home for CASH! •No repairs – We Buy AS-IS •No fees or commissions •No obligation cash offer “Our house became too much to handle. We sold our home to Nick AS-IS and hassle-free” –William H.

NTR Home Buyers www.NTRhomebuyers.com

Call Nick today 410-790-3952

10

Fitness & Health | Subscribe online! See how on p. 26

Connected From page 1 and Spirit by the late Rabbi Rachel Cowan and Linda Thal.

Currently, the program is offered at several Baltimore County synagogues, but facilitator Lee Richmond, who facilitates Wise Aging groups at Beth El Congregation in Pikesville, believes it will eventually be available in non-Jewish venues as well.

“It’s not so much about religion as it is about spirituality,” Richmond said.

AUGUST 2021 — BALTIMORE BEACON

The program explores mindfulness techniques and spiritual practices such as meditation, journaling, movement and prayer. The curriculum includes topics such as relationships with spouses and adult children, body image and sexuality, and coping with loss.

When Rabbi Cowan came to speak about her book at Beth El Congregation in Pikesville several years ago, Richmond, a professor emeritus in psychology at Loyola University Maryland, was impressed.

Although she was already a trained

BEACON BITS

Ongoing

FREE TRANSMITTERS FOR WANDERERS Do you have a relative with dementia who wanders away from

home? Now you can register a patient with autism or dementia and get a free transmitter for their wrist or ankle. If your loved one gets lost, the Baltimore County Police Department can track and locate them quickly. To enroll in the Baltimore County Police’s Project Lifesaver program, call (410) 887-4233.

Aug. 10+

Howard County’s programs

PARKINSON’S SUPPORT Are you or a loved one struggling with Parkinson’s disease? On the second Tuesday of every month, join a free support group,

“Wellness Conversations: Living with Parkinson’s Disease,” to talk with others in your situation. The next meeting takes place via Zoom on Tues., Aug. 10 from 2 to 3 p.m. For more information, visit jcsbalt.org/parkinsons or contact Caitlin Rife, LMSW at crife@jcsbaltimore.org or (410) 843-7352.

group therapist, Richmond decided to participate in a Wise Aging facilitator training program. After the training, Richmond offered two Wise Aging Groups through Beth El — one group only for women and another coed group.

Since then, Richmond, who is currently studying to be a rabbi, has established several additional groups for people in their late 60s through 80s. They’re so popular that she has had to extend the groups’ length, even creating an advanced Wise Aging group at participants’ request.

“After I exhausted the book [curriculum], I brought in material from other sources,” she said.

“The groups give participants a different perspective on aging. They are geared to people who want to live very active lives,” Richmond said. “Not everything about aging is decline.”

While MHAMD mostly focuses on older adults in Baltimore County, Howard County’s Office on Aging and Independence offers various types of support groups for its residents — everything from low-vision support, bereavement and current events to groups that deal more generally with issues related to aging.

One of the organization’s longest running groups, known as the Trenders, is “a place to discuss health issues, disconnection from family members, changing fi-

nances and loss,” said Karen Hull, the county’s Mental Health Coordinator.

Last year, the Trenders had to meet over Zoom, but now they have restarted live meetings at the Florence Bain 50+ Center in Columbia. Since Zoom enabled group participants who lived far away or who lacked transportation to attend, the Trenders are currently looking at ways to offer both in-person and Zoom attendance.

Members of the Trenders may discuss concerns or share the events of their weeks. The group simply provides a means of connection for its members. And that doesn’t always mean discussion.

“Sometimes we play trivia or have a treasure hunt,” Hull said. Prior to the pandemic, “members used to go out for lunch after the group session.”

Howard County also established the Think Positive Group, which meets at the Elkridge 50+ Center. In Think Positive, members explore ways to maintain an optimistic attitude in the face of challenges.

“We look at how do we work to use positivity and energy to open our minds and to find friends,” Hull said. “When older adults connect, it reduces depression and feelings of isolation.”

Hull urges people to give these groups a try.

“People are there for the same reasons [as you]. Put your toe in and give it a chance. It takes more than one time to know if it’s the right fit. If one doesn’t work, try another.”

Have confidence

IN EVERY CONVERSATION. &Q RJQPG ECNNU GXGT UQWPF OWHƃGF QT JCTF VQ HQNNQY! Captioned Telephone can help! Similar to a standard telephone— but with one big difference—a Captioned Telephone displays captions of your conversations so that you can listen to what is being spoken, while reading captions on the device’s screen.

As a service of Maryland Relay, Captioned Telephones can be «ÕÀV >Ãi` ` ÀiVÌ Þ vÀ > Ì À` «>ÀÌÞ «À Û `iÀ° 9 Õ V> w ` Ài information at mdrelay.org.

The /CT[NCPF #EEGUUKDNG 6GNGEQOOWPKECVKQPU (MAT) program also offers Captioned Telephones, provided by the State, to those who qualify. The MAT program includes a variety of equipment «Ì Ã Ì ÃÕ«« ÀÌ V i>ÀiÀ V Õ V>Ì ] V Õ` } > « wi` phones. Visit our website to see if you or a loved one qualify for no cost assistive equipment through the MAT program.

CapTel® is a registered trademark of Ultratec, Inc.

For more information: 800-552-7724 | 410-767-6960 (Voice/TTY) 443-453-5970 (Video Phone) | mdrelay.org

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

BALTIMORE BEACON — AUGUST 2021

11

Breathe easier with these asthma products If you’ve ever had your bronchial tube go And finally, there’s something called into a spasm, you know how “cardiac asthma” which stems scary it is! A bronchospasm from the heart. occurs when the breathing airIf you’d like to read a more ways suddenly contract, makcomprehensive version of this ing it hard to breathe and article with more details and causing that high-pitched, more solutions, please visit whistling sound called wheezmy website, suzycohen.com, ing. If this goes on chronically, where you can sign up for my it is termed bronchial asthma, weekly newsletter. I’ll email or just asthma. the longer article it to you.

About 25 million AmeriIn the meantime, here are cans have asthma, and at- DEAR some natural remedies and detacks may be mild and short- PHARMACIST vices to help you breathe with By Suzy Cohen lived or serious. Today’s artimore comfort: cle is for those of you who wish to breathe easier and are seeking nat- Vitamin D-rich foods ural options to use in conjunction with Eating more foods with vitamin D such your medication. as milk and eggs can help. Getting the The symptoms vary from day to day, “sunshine vitamin” is useful too, because sometimes hour to hour, but always in- your body activates the D into a hormone clude wheezing, coughing, shortness of that is used for immune function. breath, exercise intolerance and chest pain. Acid reflux is also quite common.

Black Seed Oil There are many reasons for a person to This is a dietary supplement that fights have a problem breathing. One lesser- inflammation and is especially useful for known trigger includes perfume or cologne. the lungs. It contains many active comAnother is pet fur, especially cat saliva. pounds such as “thymoquinone,” which There is also the trigger of tropomyosin, has been studied specifically for breathing. which comes from cockroaches. When I lived down South, it was the headache of The Breather every Florida resident!

The Breather, a “natural breathing lung

recovery exercise trainer,” is a small plastic device that you hold in your hand. It’s designed to improve the flow of oxygen. It’s just an exerciser; it’s not intended or useful during an asthma attack. It improves lung capacity and is sold online.

AirPhysio This “natural breathing lung expansion and mucus removal device” is helpful to clear the airways and minimize mucus, which can be helpful with many respiratory conditions such as asthma, atelectasis,

COPD, emphysema, even cystic fibrosis.

Please seek medical attention and proper treatment if you have breathing difficulties. The options above are for your consideration, and are not intended to treat an asthma attack.

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 author of The 24-Hour Pharmacist and Real Solutions from Head to Toe.

Write a letter to the editor.See page 2.

Get the Facts About Senior Living at Charlestown and Oak Crest Order your FREE brochure to discover all the amazing benefits of our Baltimore County premier senior living communities. It’s packed with over 40 pages of information about apartment homes, amenities, financial value, and more.

Order your FREE brochure today!

Ask us about a FREE shift*

The Care You Need with the Warmth You Want • Companionship • Transportation • Nutrition Adherence • Light Housekeeping • Medication Reminders • and much more

Call 1-800-590-4091 or visit us at SeniorLivingMaryland.com.

Ask about Skilled Care!

14675573

443-342-4100

www.heavenlyhomecare.us *new clients only Strictly following all COVID-19 safety precautions

12

Fitness & Health | Subscribe online! See how on p. 26

Health Studies

AUGUST 2021 — BALTIMORE BEACON

INFORMATION ON AREA CLINICAL TRIALS

How to find out about Alzheimer’s studies

By Margaret Foster If you or a loved one has received an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, you may want to join a community of people in the same boat. There’s strength — or at least comfort — in numbers, after all.

A 21-year-old organization called UsAgainstAlzheimer’s invites everyone af-

fected by the disease or other dementia to sign up for a health registry called the AList. Everyone, including caregivers and those who are simply interested in brain health, is welcome to join the web-based network.

“The inspiration for the A-List was to validate caregiver insights, which are so im-

portant to this disease,” said Virginia Biggar, program director of the A-List.

So far about 8,000 people are on the AList, and the organization is seeking to enroll 10,000 total.

Once you have placed your name on the A-List and signed an optional consent form, Biggar said, “then you’re in the loop for all the virtual studies” on Alzheimer’s or other dementias. “You can do this from the comfort of your home.”

Then, if you’d like, you can help the organization by enrolling in its ongoing study called the What Matters Most Insight study.

Participants in the What Matters Most Insight study complete anonymous surveys twice a month via phone or email.

Past survey topics include challenges for caregivers; dementia symptoms, such

as agitation; managing the COVID-19 pandemic; and traveling with dementia, according to the website.

During the pandemic, one of the surveys asked A-Listers, “What is one thing you’ve learned about yourself?” Biggar compiled the answers in a publication about the impact of the pandemic on caregivers and their families.

Since the A-List launched three years ago, USAgainstAlzheimer’s has published more than a dozen papers about its research.

Participation in the A-List and What Matters Most study is free. Other studies that the A-List publicizes may occasionally offer gift cards as compensation, Biggar said.

For more information, visit usagainstalzheimers.org/networks/A-LIST.

BEACON BITS

Ongoing

TECH CLASSES Are you curious about Facebook, eBay, Paypal or Shutterfly? Or do

you need tips on how to safely shop online? Melanie Waxman, technology concierge at the Myerberg Center, teaches virtual and in-person classes with a $59 annual subscription. For more information, visit myerberg.org/tech-classes or call (410) 358-6856.

July 29+

ART AND SOUND AT THE WALTERS The Walters Art Museum presents a unique, free program on its Facebook page and YouTube channel every Thursday from 5:30 to

6 p.m. On July 29, listen to a 20-minute “sonic installation” of Andean music in the Sculpture Court. This free online event is open to the public. For more information, visit thewalters.org or call (410) 547-9000.

ARE YOU OVER 60 AND FEELING DEPRESSED OR HAVING MEMORY PROBLEMS? Depression and memory problems in older adults are common and are often undetected.

Symptoms of depression: • Feelings of sadness or hopelessness • Loss of energy • Inability to enjoy pleasurable activities • Changes in appetite or sleep

Symptoms of memory problems: • Difficulty remembering recent events • Misplacing household objects • Poor concentration

If you are not taking antidepressant medication and are in good physical health, you may be eligible to participate in a research study.

Qualified people will participate at no cost to them and will be compensated for time and transportation.

For more information, please call: (410)

Approved June 8, 2021

550-4192

IRB Protocol: IRB00068329; IRB00069715 Principal Investigator: Gwenn Smith, PhD

BALTIMORE BEACON — AUGUST 2021

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

13

Illness-related fatigue: More than just tired

By Jennifer Crystal “Tired” is a nebulous word that covers a broad spectrum of levels of fatigue. A crucial distinction, however, is between regular fatigue and illness-related fatigue.

Everyday fatigue that is not illness-related starts with a baseline of health. You may feel sleepy, you may in fact be sleepdeprived, or your body and mind may be worn out from long hours, exertion, or unrelenting stress — but you don’t feel sick.

Your muscles and joints don’t ache. You are capable of getting out of bed and powering through the day, even if you don’t want to. A cup of coffee or a nap might perk you up.

This type of fatigue is usually related to external factors: lack of sleep, stress, an extra-hard workout. But internally, your body is working well: your glands and organs are operating properly; infection is not depleting your body of energy; your nervous system may be overtaxed, but it’s not frayed from actual impairment.

Illness-related fatigue has few solutions When I was acutely ill with persistent Lyme disease, babesiosis, and ehrlichiosis (all tick-borne illnesses), as well as chronic Epstein-Barr virus, a good night’s sleep did nothing. Naps were staples of my day that helped me survive but didn’t improve my energy. Drinking a cup of coffee was akin to treating an ear infection with candy.

No matter how much I rested, my exhaustion persisted.

I felt like I had the flu, except it lasted for years. My whole body ached. I suffered

migraine headaches. I had hallucinogenic nightmares. Exercise was out of the question; at times, I was literally too tired to walk up a flight of stairs or sit at the dinner table. I couldn’t concentrate, unable to read or watch TV. Sometimes I was too tired to talk.

There was no pushing through this level of fatigue, because it was caused by illnesses that were ravaging my body. Only when they were adequately treated did I get my energy back.

For me, the root causes were bacterial infections (Lyme, ehrlichiosis), a parasite (babesiosis) and a virus (Epstein-Barr).

Profound fatigue may also result from a host of other diseases and conditions, including chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia and multiple sclerosis.

When determining whether your tiredness is everyday fatigue or illness-related, consider the following questions: —Do you feel worn out, or do you feel sick?

—Have you experienced this before, or does it feel more extreme or unrelenting?

—When you lessen the load of external factors (work, stress, long days) does the fatigue improve, or does it persist?

—Do you feel refreshed after a good night’s sleep or a nap?

—Can you go about your day, or is it impossible to get out of bed?

—Has the fatigue persisted longer than you would expect?

—Are you experiencing other symptoms that might point to illness?

The bottom line: No one knows your body better than you do. If you are not re-

BEACON BITS

Ongoing

MALL WALKING Beat the heat and stay in shape by walking in the air-conditioned

Towson Town Center, 825 Dulaney Valley Road, Towson. The mall welcomes walkers as part of its informal Inside Strides program. The mall opens for walkers at 9 a.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. on Sunday. One lap of each level equals about a half mile. No registration required for this free activity.

sponding to regular fatigue remedies, your fatigue has persisted over time, you have other symptoms or you just don’t feel

right, it’s probably time to call your doctor. © 2021 Harvard University. Distributed

by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Feeling stressed or isolated?

Get support from home.

Growing older is a part of life, but feeling stressed and isolated does not have to be. Our team at Johns Hopkins is conducting a study to address the emotional and social needs of older adults during COVID-19. Eligible participants will be matched with a Peer Mentor or PEERS staff member for social support and will be compensated for their time.

Study will be conducted entirely over the phone. If you are interested in learning more about PEERS, our team can be reached by phone at 443-327-2432.

14

Fitness & Health | Subscribe online! See how on p. 26

AUGUST 2021 — BALTIMORE BEACON

Seeds are packed with protein, minerals husk intact are referred to as unhulled and are golden in color, while those with the husk removed are considered hulled and are off-white. Andrews said the unhulled variety have a bit more calcium.

There is also a black variety of unhulled sesame seed, which has a deeper flavor and more crunch as well as higher antioxidant levels. When sesame seeds are blended into a creamy spread you get trendy tahini.

By Matthew Kadey There is an old saying that “great things come in small packages.” When it comes to edible seeds, don’t let their diminutive size fool you: “In many cases, the nutritional make-up of seeds rivals that of nuts,” said Julie Andrews, MS, RDN, The Gourmet RD. “Each seed has a unique nutrition profile, but they’re all similar in the sense that they’re very nutritious.”

So, it’s a shame that nuts get the lion’s share of research dollars and attention in our kitchens. Not only are pumpkin, sesame and other seeds dense in minerals, healthy fats, antioxidants and other nutritional goodies, they are also delicious and undeniably versatile in the kitchen.

Here are the best ones to sprinkle into your diet:

Tame hunger with chia seeds What tiny chia seeds lack in size they make up for with impressive amounts of soluble fiber. When the soluble fiber in chia mixes with fluids in your stomach, it turns gel-like, which slows down food digestion to create a sense of fullness. So, chia could be a way to help put the brakes on overeating.

“Soluble fiber also slows the absorption of sugar to help better regulate blood sugar levels,” Andrews said.

Chia seeds also supply a bounty of heart-healthy omega-3 fat and bone-benefiting phosphorus. Chia is available in both black and white hues, but important nutritional differences have not been shown.

Strengthen bones with sesame seeds You might be surprised to learn that sesame seeds are a good non-dairy source of calcium, with a tablespoon providing about 10% of the daily need. “Bones store calcium, and it’s an essential mineral for maintaining bone mass,” Andrews said.

Sesame seeds also supply good amounts of copper, a mineral needed for proper energy production and neurotransmitter synthesis. Sesame seeds with the

Drop blood pressure with pumpkin seeds Often called pepitas when they’re hulled to

reveal their green interiors, crunchy pumpkin seeds are a great way to boost your intake of magnesium, an often under-consumed nutrient linked to improved blood pressure numbers, which may translate into a lower risk for cardiovascular events like stroke.

Magnesium may increase the production of nitric oxide — a signaling molecule that relaxes blood vessels. The seeds are also a reliable source of vitamin K, which we need to make proteins involved in blood clotting and bone metabolism. As with other seeds and nuts, select unsalted pumpkin seeds to keep your sodium intake in check.

Build muscle with hemp seeds The nutty-tasting seeds or “hearts” from the hemp plant are lauded for their plantbased protein — about 10 grams in a three tablespoon serving — to aid in strengthening and building lean body mass, a key part of maintaining fat-burning metabolism and preventing injuries as we age.

Unlike many plant foods, the protein contained within hemp is considered “complete,” in that it provides all the essential amino acids needed for bodily functions like muscle-building. The nutritional wealth of hemp seeds includes magnesium, omega fatty acids and iron to help keep you feeling energized. It’s important to note that hemp seeds contain virtually none of the psychoactive compound THC found in marijuana.

Fortify heart health with flax Inexpensive yet highly nutritious flaxseed is a leading source of alphalinolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fat considered to be important for heart health.

“A small amount of ALA is converted into the fats EPA and DHA, which have a

!

"

# $ ! % $ & '

! "

( & ( # ) * ( % $ )

+ & ! & * ( !

, (

)

( +

(

&

+

-

* .

/ (

01234 55675333

Baltimore County Department of Economic & Workforce Development The Baltimore County Career Center s , a proud par tner of the Amer ican Job Center s , provide equal oppor tunity and access to all of its ser vices , resources and programs . Aux iliar y aids and ser vices are available to individuals with a disability and/or those needing language inter preter ser vices with advanced reques t. TTY user s call via the Mar yland Voice Relay Ser vice at 711.

host of benefits, such as improved cardiovascular and brain health,” Andrews explained.

Like chia, flax is a good source of soluble fiber, which confers more heart protection by helping to keep cholesterol numbers out of the danger zone. Flaxseeds are best consumed ground because the hard shell of the whole seed resists digestion.

Boost brain power with sunflower seeds Sunflower seeds are a stand-out source of vitamin E. Research suggests higher intakes of this fat-soluble vitamin with antioxidant efficacy can help delay aspects of cognitive decline like memory loss associated with aging. More good news: vitamin E from food sources may help lessen the risk for certain cancers like colon, breast and prostate. Both unshelled and shelled sunflower seeds are available with the latter being a more convenient way to get them into your diet.

Seeding your diet To incorporate seeds into your diet, Andrews recommends sprinkling them on salads, roasted vegetables, soups, oatmeal and yogurt bowls, or mixing into smoothies, granola and baked goods like muffins.

“They can also be ground up and used as a coating for fish,” she said. Ground flax can be used as a binder in veggie burgers and meatballs. And the gel-forming nature of chia seeds can be used to make jams and puddings.

Reprinted with permission from Environmental Nutrition, a monthly publication of Belvoir Media Group, LLC, 1-800-8295384, EnvironmentalNutrition.com. © 2021 Belvoir Media Group. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

BALTIMORE BEACON — AUGUST 2021

15

Eating right to support kidney health

By University Health Network Our kidneys play a vital role in protecting our overall health. What exactly are their main functions?

– Remove wastes and excess fluid: They filter about 200 quarts of blood daily to create one to two quarts of urine.

– Assist in the creation of red blood cells: They make a hormone called erythropoietin which signals bone marrow to make red blood cells. Red blood cells deliver oxygen to all our cells.

– Help regulate blood pressure: They produce angiotensin, a hormone that causes blood vessels to restrict as needed to maintain blood pressure and fluid balance in the body.

– Keep bones strong: They produce an active form of vitamin D which is needed to absorb calcium and phosphorus, minerals crucial to strong bones.

– Maintain pH levels: Our bodies require a tightly controlled pH level in the blood of about 7.4. Our kidneys balance the amount of acid and alkaline to keep

that level just where we need it.

In the United States, 37 million adults are living with kidney disease. The main causes are high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity. These diseases can damage the blood vessels of many organs, including the kidneys. The good news is that making changes to our lifestyle can prevent or slow kidney disease.

“Diet, smoking, and obesity are modifiable lifestyle factors that we can all control.

By eating well, quitting smoking, and maintaining a normal weight, people can protect their kidneys and prevent future damage,” said Dr. Alex Chang, M.D., M.S. of Johns Hopkins University.

Here are some dietary changes to make to help maintain kidney health: Reduce sodium. Most Americans consume about 50% more than the recommended intake of 2300 milligrams. Eat less salty snacks, limit convenience foods, prepare more meals at home, and remove the saltshaker from the table.

Choose plant-forward meals. Diets

BEACON BITS

Ongoing

DONATE BLOOD NOW The American Red Cross is experiencing a severe blood shortage.

Donors of all blood types, especially type O and those giving platelets, are urged to make an appointment to give as soon as possible to prevent delays to critical patient care. To make an appointment, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1800-RED CROSS (733-2767).

Ongoing

AGE IN PLACE Need home repairs or safety modifications? The Baltimore County Age-Friendly Upgrades for Seniors (BCAUSE) program provides

home repairs to residents 65 and older who are at or below half of the area’s median income. For more information about the BCAUSE program, call (410) 887-2594.

Funeral Hom e

Our family offers yours personalized services and an affordable tribute Highview Funeral and Cremation Services offers sensitive, professional service and assistance 24/7.

Located on the spacious ground of Highview Memorial Gardens

Services provided at any location or cemetery: • Cremation services starting at $995 (on-site crematory) • Traditional funeral services with viewing starting at $4,550 • Pre-planning available (We can come to you.)

• Military Funeral Honors for eligible veterans

For more information or a no-obligation consultation

Call 410-941-5492

high in animal protein from red meat may harm the kidneys. Consuming more plantbased foods like dried beans, nuts, seeds, tofu and vegetables protects your kidneys and provides great nutrition and fiber.

Drink water. Sugar sweetened beverages like sodas, energy drinks, specialty coffee and tea drinks, and smoothies are high in calories and sugar. Some sodas, including cola drinks, also contain phosphorus which can be harmful to the kidneys.

Pass on processed foods. Processed, packaged and convenience foods are generally high in sodium and phosphorus additives which can damage the kidneys.

The DASH diet The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hyper-

tension (DASH) diet was originally designed to help lower blood pressure. It is rich in vegetables and fruits, fat-free and low-fat dairy products, whole grains, fish, poultry, beans, seeds and nuts and low in salt, added sugars and sweets and red meats. A study published in the American Journal of Kidney Disease concluded that in addition to its benefit for blood pressure, the DASH Diet was also associated with a lower risk for developing kidney disease.

You can find more information about the DASH Die at nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/dash-eating-plan.

Reprinted with permission from Environmental Nutrition, © 2021 Belvoir Media Group. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Gearing Up for a Strong Senior Center Month!

September is Senior Center Month and there are many programs and activities to partake in. Join us for: Getting To Know You Circle on Sept. 2, Spice it Up on Sept. 9 at noon, My Life Story: Kathy Brummett on Sept. 9 at 1:15 p.m., BINGO, Sept.

10 from 1-2 p.m., Right Down Memory Lane on Sept. 14, General Membership Meeting on Fri., Sept. 17, 5k Run/Walk on Sun., Sept.

19, please call for further details, No Senior Eats Alone Day on Thurs., Sept. 23 with entertainment from Rearview Mirror, Farm to Table Nutrition program on Fri., Sept. 24, and we’ll finish off the month with In The Kitchen with Natalie Black on Thurs., Sept. 30 at 4:30 p.m. This is a virtual program; please call for link information.

Advance registration is required for all programs. Please register for membership as soon as possible. After you have registered, you may drop in to meet friends, socialize and participate in classes as you did prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Although it is free to join Pikesville Senior Center, a $15 donation affords you a subscription to the “Time of Your Life Digest,” an important and informative publication from the Baltimore County Department of Aging.

If you have any questions for us at the Pikesville Senior Center, please feel free to email us at pikesvillesc@baltimorecountymd.gov or call us at (410) 887-1245.

16

AUGUST 2021 — BALTIMORE BEACON

Subscribe online! See how on p. 26

Money Law &

Have you heard the scam about the “free” ancestry test? See story on opposite page.

Nine important money numbers to know

By Liz Weston Your doctor needs to know certain numbers to judge your physical health, such as your weight, blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Similarly, you need to know certain numbers to monitor your own financial health, including these:

After-tax income and ‘must-have’ expenses Your after-tax income is your gross income minus the taxes you pay (federal, state and local income taxes, plus Social Security and Medicare taxes). If you get a steady paycheck, you can use your latest pay stub to calculate this figure. Otherwise, check your most recent tax return.

Divide your after-tax income by the number of hours you worked to earn it.

That gives you a rough idea of how much time you’re trading when you buy something. For example, if you make $20 an hour after tax and something costs $100, you have to work five hours to afford it.

Knowing that figure can help you make more conscious money decisions.

Your after-tax income also is the basis for the 50/30/20 budget, a spending plan that helps you balance current expenses, debt payments and savings.

That budget suggests limiting your essential or must-have expenses — shelter, utilities, transportation, food, insurance,

minimum loan payments and child care needed to work — to 50% of after-tax income. Wants, such as vacations and dining out, make up 30%. That leaves 20% for savings and extra debt payments.

Capping must-haves can help you survive a job loss or other financial setback.

You also can use the limits to determine if you can afford a new loan payment. If the payment pushes your must-haves over the 50% mark, the answer may be no.

Lifetime income and net worth You can access your Social Security statement, including your lifetime earnings history, by signing up at socialsecurity.gov/myaccount.

Add up your annual earnings, plus any other income you’ve received such as gifts, inheritances, investment income, pensions, under-the-table earnings or government benefits. (Estimates are fine.)

Now, calculate your net worth by subtracting what you owe (your debts, including loans, credit card debts and mortgages) from what you own (your assets, such as your home, retirement accounts, investments and savings).

Compare your net worth to your lifetime income to see what you’ve done with the money that came into your hands.

There’s no objective scoring system. Like the hourly wage figure, this exercise is meant to make you more aware of what you do with

your money. If you think you should have more to show for the money you’ve received, consider trying to save more of your income.

Full retirement age, expected benefit Your full retirement age is the age at which you are entitled to 100% of the Social Security benefits you’ve earned. If you apply for benefits before that age, your checks will be permanently reduced.

If you delay your application until after full retirement age, you can qualify for delayed retirement credits that boost your benefit by 8% each year until 70 years old, when benefits max out.

The full retirement age has gradually been increasing. For those born 1943 through 1954, your full retirement age was 66. After that, full retirement age increases by two months each year: it’s 66 and two months for people born in 1955; 66 and four months for people born in 1956, and so on. The full retirement age is 67 for people born in 1960 and later.

To better plan for retirement, you should have some idea of how much you can expect from Social Security. You’ll find estimated benefits in your Social Security statement. (While Social Security is facing a shortfall, the system will still collect enough taxes to pay at least 75% of promised benefits even if Congress doesn’t act to shore up its finances.)

Retirement savings rate How much of your income are you saving for retirement? Is your savings plan likely to let you retire when you want? (An online retirement calculator can give you a ballpark figure.) Anything you can do to close this gap may help you have a more comfortable retirement.

Credit scores and debt-toincome ratio You’ll have a better idea of how lenders view your credit applications if you know your credit scores and debt-to-income ratio.

(Good credit also can save you money in myriad ways, from interest payments to insurance premiums.)

Monitoring at least one of your scores can allow you to see your progress in building credit and alert you to problems, such as identity theft.

To calculate your debt-to-income ratio, combine your monthly debt payments with your current rent or mortgage payment and compare that with your monthly income.

A debt-to-income ratio of 36% or less is considered good by most lenders. A ratio over 50% could make it difficult to get approved for new loans. If your ratio is in between those two points, paying off some of your debt could help you qualify for the loans you want (and help you sleep easier at night).

—AP/NerdWallet

Reasons to convert IRAs to Roths in 2021

By Elliot Raphaelson vert your traditional IRA to a Roth account, Recently, IRA expert Ed Slott (irahelp.com) you will be providing a significant advantage pointed out the advantages of to your future beneficiaries.

Roth conversions in light of Since it is likely that your President Biden’s tax propostax rates will increase in the als. I’ll discuss some reasons future, it would be to your adyou should consider such a vantage, as well as that of fuconversion. ture beneficiaries, to do a Roth For high income tax-payers, conversion in the near future it is likely that marginal tax rather than later. rates will not be reduced, and it In addition, if you initiate a is likely that marginal tax rates Roth conversion in the near fuwill increase in the future. ture, it is less likely that any tax THE SAVINGS The SECURE Act eliminated reform will be retroactive to GAME the stretch IRA for most nonJanuary 1, 2021. Any changes

By Elliot Raphaelson spouse beneficiaries. These in the tax code will most likely beneficiaries will be able to acbe effective in 2022. cumulate funds in a Roth IRA for 10 years on There are three tax benefits associated a tax-free basis. Accordingly, if you do con- with a conversion in 2021:

1. By converting now, you are locking in today’s tax rates, which are much lower than previous tax rates.

2. A conversion now will lock in a zero percent tax rate on the funds in the account for the rest of your life and your spouse’s life, and for ten years for subsequent beneficiaries.

Roth owners do not have minimum distribution requirements, and your surviving spouse also will not have any minimum distribution requirements. So, as long as there is no need to withdraw funds from these accounts, the accounts will continue to increase tax free.

3. Future taxes will be reduced because the funds converted will lower IRA balances subject to required minimum distributions, and accordingly will lower your taxes.

It is true that, in the year of the conver-

sion, there would be a tax increase. However, avoiding income taxes now is shortsighted, and in the long run the advantages of converting now outweigh the disadvantages of paying an increased tax in the year of the conversion.

[Ed. Note: Consider whether you have liquid assets available to pay the extra tax.

If you have to liquidate some good investments to pay the current tax, that will reduce your future earning power.]

Currently, the estate and gift tax exemption is $11.7 million ($23.4 million for a married couple). However, it is possible that exemption can be reduced, which would have an adverse effect for large estates. The exemption could be reduced to See ROTH, page 17

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Law & Money

BALTIMORE BEACON — AUGUST 2021

17

New Medicare con: ‘free’ genetic test kits

By Better Business Bureau of Virginia If you are on Medicare, watch out for a resurgence of this scam. Scammers are claiming to offer “free” genetic testing kits that allegedly screen for heart conditions or cancer. It’s really a ruse to steal your Medicare information for fraudulent billing and/or identity theft.

How the scam works You get a call from someone claiming to be from Medicare or an official-sounding organization (one victim reported to BBB Scam Tracker that they received a call from “the Cardiac Test Center”).

The caller claims to be providing free ge-

Roth From page 16 as low as $3.5 million.

While Roth assets are included in your estate, converting now would reduce the estate value, because of the tax paid. The result would be a reduced estate tax, and a larger net estate for your beneficiaries.

Paying the tax associated with a conversion now does not count as a gift for gift or estate tax purposes. The result would be that, even if the gift and estate tax exemption is lowered, the conversion to a Roth is

netic testing kits. All you need to do is agree to receive a kit in the mail, swab your cheek, and return the vial. The test will tell you if you have a genetic predisposition to heart disease, cancer, or another common condition. The caller insists that the test will be totally covered by Medicare.

This sounds like a useful (and free) test, so you agree. Of course, there’s a catch!

Before the company can mail your kit, they need your Medicare ID number and a lot of personal information.

Targets of this scam report being asked extensive questions about their health, such as their family medical history and previous diagnoses.

One victim reported, “They kept asking me about my own history and family members going back to their grandparents. I finally said my father died from a stroke, and that seemed to qualify me. At that point, they verified my address — they already had it. Then they asked for information off my Medicare card, and I hung up.”

As always, there are several variations of this con. Previous versions involved scammers going door-to-door or setting up tables at health fairs. Con artists may even

provide gift cards or other giveaways in exchange for your participation.

While genetic testing is a legitimate service — some victims do actually receive a genetic testing kit — the scammers are trying to commit fraud by billing Medicare for the unnecessary tests.

For the victims, these cons can lead to medical identity theft and, in some instances, a bill for thousands of dollars. Consumers See MEDICARE CON, page 19

essentially a way to make a gift that isn’t categorized as a gift.

Moreover, if you reside in a state that has lower estate tax limits than the federal regulations, there would be an additional advantage.

The bottom line is that there are many long-term advantages associated with a Roth conversion that outweigh the shortterm disadvantage of the additional tax.

Elliot Raphaelson welcomes your questions and comments at raphelliot@gmail.com. © 2021 Elliot Raphaelson. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Social Security Disability Hearing with an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ)

By Aaron Moss, Esq. Last month's article discussed the Reconsideration Level following an initial claim denial for Social Security disability. This article picks up where last month's ended, but for more information about the Reconsideration Level and qualifying for disability, please see our article on page 15 of the July Beacon or call 877-771-0294.

If your claim has been denied at the Reconsideration Level, you can request a hearing in front of an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). As with the prior appeal, a request for hearing with an ALJ must take place within 60 days of receipt of notice of the reconsideration denial. Approximately 46% of claimants were determined to be disabled by ALJ's in fiscal year 2020, but the results vary by hearing office. In the Baltimore hearing office, ALJ's have historically had around a 55-60% decision approval rate.

There is usually a lengthy wait to obtain a hearing, and it can take an additional 2 to 3 months after the hearing to receive a decision from an ALJ. The most recent numbers from the Social Security Administration show that it took an average of 9 months to receive a hearing at the Baltimore hearing office, and around 11 months from the day the claimant requested a hearing to the day an actual decision was received.

The number of individuals present at a hearing can vary, but it generally includes the ALJ, the

claimant, a hearing reporter who provides technical assistance and ensures that there is a working

recording of the hearing, and a vocational expert.

The ALJ may also determine that testimony from an independent medical expert is necessary. In addition, if applicable, a claimant's representative will also be present at the hearing. The claimant is also able to request that additional witnesses testify at the hearing on one's behalf.

An ALJ is able to hear testimony, rule on questions of evidence, and make findings of fact. Hearings are held under oath and recorded, but it is an informal process. Currently, due to COVID-19,

hearings are being held over the phone or through an online video hearing.

During the hearing, an ALJ may choose to question you regarding your impairments and their effects on your daily living. Alternatively, the ALJ might prefer to have this questioning be performed by your representative.

The ALJ Hearing Level is a crucial part of the disability application process, as it is the level with the highest percentage of approved claims. A knowledgeable attorney is able to use Social Security rules and regulations to argue persuasively on your behalf, both in a pre-hearing Representative Brief and in front of an ALJ during the hearing.

There are no hourly legal fees or retainer requirements for disability representation with The Moss Disability Group. The Moss Disability Group will use a well-planned approach to get you through the application process.

Call 877-771-0294 or visit mossdisability.com for more information on how to get the disability benefits you deserve. _______________________________________ This article is attorney advertising and written for informational purposes only. The information herein is not formal legal advice and does not constitute the formation of an attorney-client relationship.

18

Law & Money | Subscribe online! See how on p. 26

AUGUST 2021 — BALTIMORE BEACON

Five ideas can shape your retirement plan

By Anthony Landi Stashing away money for retirement is both smart and necessary to increase the odds that you will be financially secure once your working career comes to an end.

But the act of saving money is not in itself a retirement plan. You also need to be intentional in establishing how much money you will need, when and how you will spend it, how taxes might affect you and a host of other issues.

Let’s look at five key areas you should think about as you carefully produce a retirement plan that can serve you well when you finally take that step into your postworking years.

1. Income distribution A top concern among retirees is running out of money, so it’s critical to take steps to make your money last. But how do

you do that, especially now that the oncepopular 4% rule is falling out of favor in some quarters?

Dr. David Babbel, professor of finance at the Wharton School, puts it this way: “If you have a stock portfolio and withdraw a fixed amount per year, such as the standard rule of 4% plus inflation, you have a 90% chance of running out of money in retirement.”

While it would be nice to think a magicbullet investment exists that could fix this problem, there isn’t one. That ideal investment would be safe, liquid and would show strong growth. Investments typically will do some combination of two of those, but no investment will do all three.

One of the most effective ways to make your money last is to separate your investments into different asset classes to accomplish different goals. This means you

would set aside, into income-producing vehicles, the lowest amount necessary to produce the monthly income you need above and beyond Social Security and pensions.

You would also have an emergency fund of at least six to 12 months plus any known upcoming big expenses. And the rest of your money would be in a growth portfolio to hedge against inflation.

2. Tax mitigation plan The IRS doesn’t lose interest in you when you reach retirement; in fact, a portion of your Social Security may be taxable, depending on how much other income you have. Therefore, it’s important to continue to find ways to reduce your tax bill.

Instead of micro tax planning, you need macro tax planning — focusing on the big picture of what your tax-deferred accounts are going to cost you over your lifetime.

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

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.

EnterpriseResidential.org PET-FRIENDLY

Explore how each of your investments is taxed, and create a written plan for the most tax-efficient way of withdrawing money from accounts in retirement.

3. Readjust your portfolio for retirement needs As you near and enter retirement, your goal is no longer to grow your money but to hang on to what you have. The time has arrived to begin shifting your portfolio into more conservative investments.

This might also be a good time to reconsider which financial professional you are working with. Some advisers are more focused on accumulation — piling up as much money as possible for you — while others are more skilled at income planning, making sure that the money you accumulate lasts.

4. Healthcare planning Both healthcare and long-term care costs can eat away at your savings. It’s especially important for retirees to know the complex ins and outs of Medicare, for which you become eligible at age 65. For example, if you don’t enroll in Medicare during your initial enrollment period, you could face premium penalties.

Also, it’s important to know that Medicare doesn’t cover everything, and one thing it doesn’t cover is long-term care. You will need another plan — savings, long-term care insurance, or other alternatives — to deal with that.

Maybe you will never need long-term care, but the odds say you will. Someone who turns 65 today has a 70% chance of needing some type of long-term care services at some point.

5. Estate planning None of us likes to dwell on this, but evenSee RETIREMENT PLAN, page 19

BEACON BITS

July 30

FREE SUMMER CONCERT

Catch the BSO’s last free concert this month. Listen to opera, jazz and music from the movies. The “Summer Spectacular” performance is scheduled for Fri., July 30 at 7 p.m. at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 1212 Cathedral St. For more information, visit bsomusic.org/summer.

Aug. 10

ART AFTER WORDS

Explore public remembrance and the history of Washington, D.C. through analysis of a portrait of Malcolm X at the National Portrait Gallery together with the book The Autobiography of Malcolm X by Alex Haley. This event takes place Tues., Aug. 10 at 5:30 p.m. For more information and to register, visit dclibrary.org/node/68055.

Call (202) 727-0321 with questions.

BALTIMORE BEACON — AUGUST 2021

Medicare con From page 17 should always consult with their primary care doctor before agreeing to tests.

How to protect yourself Be wary of any lab tests at senior centers, health fairs, or in your home.

Be suspicious of anyone claiming that genetic tests and cancer screenings are “free” or “covered by Medicare.” If a prod-

Retirement plan From page 18 tually our lives come to an end. It’s vital to have a plan in place so that the right assets get left to the right people in the right way.

“Having a properly crafted estate plan can assist your family in avoiding the sub-

Medicare will never call you to confirm your personal information, your Medicare number, or ask questions about your personal health.

Report Medicare fraud. If you think you are a victim of Medicare fraud, be sure to report it. Go to Medicare.gov to get started. There you can read more about healthcare scams — including the Medicare back brace scam and durable medical equipment fraud — and how to protect yourself from Medicare fraud.

If you’ve spotted a scam (whether or not you’ve lost money), report it to BBB.org/ScamTracker. Your report can help others avoid falling victim to scams.

BBB is a nonprofit organization established in 1954 to advance responsible, honest, and ethical business practices and to promote customer confidence through self-regulation of business. Core services of BBB include business profiles, dispute resolution, truth-in advertising, scam warnings, consumer and business education and charity review.

stantial expense of the lengthy probate or guardianship proceedings,” said Tanya Bell, an estate-planning attorney in Florida. “One of the biggest problems we see is that many people don’t ever fund their trusts.”

When you fund a trust, you transfer ownership of assets from you to your trust.

If that doesn’t happen, your beneficiaries will end up in probate, something you likely sought to avoid by setting up the trust.

Certainly, creating a retirement plan that covers all the bases can be complicated, so consider conferring with a financial professional who understands the best

strategies for making your money last. You don’t want all those years of investing and saving to go to waste.

Ronnie Blair contributed to this article. © 2021 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

BOOK DISCUSSION

Have you read any good books lately? Are you looking for recommendations? On select Wednesdays from 2 to 3 p.m., a librarian from the Baltimore Public Library hosts a virtual book club discussion. Sessions are free, but registration is required at bit.ly/booksandconversation.

Aug. 7+

HUMOR WRITING CLASS

If you’ve ever dreamed about writing jokes or funny stories, sign up for a short class, Introduction to Humor Writing, at Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave., Baltimore. The $50 seminar takes place on Saturdays from Aug. 7 through Aug. 21 from noon to 2 p.m. For more information, call or email info@creativealliance.org.

Aug. 3

19

uct or test is truly “free,” you will not have to provide your Medicare number.

Don’t share your Medicare number.

If anyone other than your physician’s office requests your Medicare information, do not provide it. Also, protect your Medicare card by keeping it in a safe place (not your wallet).

Do not trust a name or phone number. Con artists often use official-sounding names or appear to be calling from a government agency or related area code.

BEACON BITS

July 28

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Law & Money

MAKE BETTER HEALTHCARE CHOICES

Award-winning investigative journalist Jim McElhatton shares how to make more informed healthcare decisions in this virtual seminar that takes place Tues., Aug. 3 from 3 to 4 p.m. Register by visiting bit.ly/HealthCareAL to receive the Zoom link. Contact Caroline at cpak@alexlibraryva.org if you have questions or need help with set-up.

20

AUGUST 2021 — BALTIMORE BEACON

Subscribe online! See how on p. 26

Travel Leisure &

Oysters, ponies and wildlife inhabit Virginia’s Eastern Shore. See story on page 22.

Many wows await Yosemite Park visitors

Highlights of the park Given the size of Yosemite, and the fact that most people visit for a relatively short

time, it’s challenging to take in all that the park has to offer. Several attractions appear on most people’s “must see” list.

Yosemite Valley is the natural backbone of the park, an almost mile-deep trough carved out by Ice Age glaciers. The Merced River meanders through the valley floor, while upstream, its powerful Vernal Falls and Nevada Falls are fed by melting snow.

Hiking trails range from short and flat to long and challenging. One alternative is the paved one-mile Mirror Lake Trail along the valley floor, which offers outstanding closeup views of Half Dome and other features.

One site I came upon provides a view of a microcosm of the best landmarks in Yosemite. Glacier Point, and adjacent Washburn Point, overlook Yosemite Valley, waterfalls, and Half Dome and Clouds Rest, two massive granite formations.

Half Dome is just that, a three-sided cupula with one sheer face that looks as if it has been sliced off by a giant knife. The tallest of eight other high peaks visible from Glacier Point is Mount Hoffman, which tops off at 10,850 feet.

An hour south of Glacier Point, Mariposa Grove is the largest cluster of Giant Sequoias in the park, home to some 500 towering trees.

Most noteworthy are the Grizzly Giant, which has grown to a lofty height of 210 feet during its estimated 1,900-to-2,400year lifetime, and the California Tunnel Tree, which in 1895 was cut to allow vehi-

PHOTO BY MIKE MCBEY

By Victor Block Following the hairpin-curvy road that snakes through Yosemite National Park, every turn elicited another “wow” moment. It was challenging to decide which view was best: dramatic overlooks across deep gorges, soaring mountains or some of the highest waterfalls in the country?

Suddenly, I found the answer. I spotted several people pointing binoculars at a cliff rising straight up from the valley floor, peering intently at — what?

It took me several minutes to pinpoint tiny dots of color on the precipice. Only after asking did I realize they were people climbing that seemingly insurmountable monolith, the massive 3,000-foot-tall granite formation known as El Capitan.

Wondering why anyone would take on such a challenge, I concluded that this colossal rock demonstrates why the word “big” is so apt when describing Yosemite National Park.

For starters, Yosemite sprawls over four California counties and is roughly the size of Rhode Island. Ranging in elevation from about 2,000 to more than 13,000 feet, the park supports a diversity of animal and plant life in vast valleys, clear lakes and rolling meadows, glaciers and groves of towering sequoias.

PHOTO BY BRYCE EDWARDS

The Ahwahnee, Yosemite National Park’s upscale hotel, opened in 1927 and has hosted celebrities, royals and presidents.

For a dramatic view of Half Dome, the iconic granite dome that rises 5,000 feet above Yosemite Valley, visitors park at Glacier Point overlook.

cles to drive through it and retains that original opening in its trunk.

Off the beaten path I also found worthwhile stops at interesting places that some people might miss in their rush to take in the park’s major sights.

The little Yosemite Chapel, for instance, has been in continuous use since 1879 and offers a spectacular view of Yosemite Falls.

For those with an interest in history, the outdoor Pioneer Yosemite History Center, located just outside the park, displays structures that had important roles in the park.

One, a covered bridge erected in 1857 from timbers that still have its builders’ original markings, was once used by all Yosemitebound traffic. Another, a Wells Fargo Office, operated as a stagecoach terminal and telegraph agency. A blacksmith shop was once the place to replace lost horseshoes and repair damaged stage coaches.

And if you wander over to a nearby cemetery, you’ll find intriguing headstones with nondescript identifications like “Pioneer Settler” and “Frenchman.”

The Pioneer Yosemite History Center is just one of many places near Yosemite that enhance a visit to the area. A number of attractions are grouped in Madera County, which provides easy access to the southern entrance into Yosemite. From ancient fos-

sils to Native American culture to gold miners, there’s something to interest everyone.

Nearly 800,000 years ago, wooly mammoths, giant sloths and camels lived in what now is California. Prehistoric rivers washed some of their bones to a low-lying area, where they have been uncovered and are displayed at the Fossil Discovery Center.

The Sierra Mono Museum documents the Native Americans who lived in presentday Yosemite nearly 4,000 years ago. By the late 18th century, most of the region was populated by members of Miwok tribes and later by others, while Mono people occupied a large swath of territory nearby. Exhibits include tools, baskets, ceremonial items and intricate bead craft.

Miners, lumberjacks and ranchers were next to arrive, and to change the land forever. Discovery of gold in 1848 set off an influx of people into the territory.

By the time the Gold Rush ended seven years later, California had become a state, the Native American population had been largely decimated, towns were established, and farmers and ranchers arrived to feed the new residents.

The towns of Fine Gold and Coarsegold got their names from the precious metal found nearby, and you’ll find information See YOSEMITE, page 21

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Leisure & Travel

BALTIMORE BEACON — AUGUST 2021

Yosemite From page 20 about mining at the Coarsegold Historical Society and Museum. It’s located on property that was a horse-drawn freight wagon station, and the original adobe building is still in use.

With authentic Indian teepees, grinding stones, mining exhibits, another blacksmith shop and other outbuildings, this little gem of a museum can transport visitors back to earlier times.

Finally, there’s the Fresno Flats Historic Village, which captures the flavor of 19thcentury life of settlers. Visitors can explore two fully furnished homes, one-room school houses, a jail and a log cabin which once sat along a stagecoach road.

These and other remnants of America’s pioneer history would be reason enough to visit the area. Throw in some of the most magnificent natural settings anywhere, and it’s no wonder that Yosemite National Park and its surrounding area are included on many a bucket list.

If you go Most people who visit Yosemite go there May to October, so a fall or spring trip can avoid the biggest crowds. Fall color, winter snow and spring flowers add their own seasonal beauty. The national park is about a four-hour drive from both San Francisco and Sacramento.

A good way to see the park is by tour

bus. Guided tours hit the high spots and avoid the hassles of driving and seeking limited parking space.

Accommodations within Yosemite National Park, which range from the luxurious Ahwahnee Hotel to canvas-walled tent cabins, often are reserved well in advance.

I stayed just outside the park’s south entrance at the Sierra Sky Ranch, which dates to 1875 and was the area’s first working cattle spread. Log walls and stone fireplaces are among touches that retain the feel of the Old West. Room rates begin at $120 (sierraskyranch.com).

As for dining, the Forks Restaurant overlooking Bass Lake is a throwback to times gone by, with prices to match. Chicken fried steak ($15) and a triple-decker club sandwich ($12) will leave room to enjoy ice cream pie, sundaes and other fountain specialties (theforksresort.com).

In contrast, the Elderberry House, ensconced in a French-style chateau, should be reserved for a special occasion. The sophisticated décor and impeccable service come at a price of $80 for a prix fixe three-course meal. My free-range lamb was perfectly prepared, and the melt-in-your-mouth espresso panna cotta provided the perfect ending to a memorable meal (elderberryhouse.com).

For more information about visiting Yosemite National Park, go to nps.gov/yose.

For information about exploring Yosemite’s southern gateway communities in Madera County, visit yosemitethisyear.com.

Charters Available for All Occasionss Atlantic City SSaturdays, t d Sundays S d and d Holidays H lid

Ocean City, MD Every Saturday Ocean City Sunfest Oct. 2

St Michael’s Maryland Crab Claw Restaurant Aug. 29 & Sept. 26

Call us for Reservations

410-602-1704

Orioles vs Yankees at Yankee Stadium Lower level seats – Sept. 5 Tropicana Hotel Atlantic City 2-nights/3-days All Inclusive!

Oct. 4 – Oct. 6

Mohonk Mountain House Resort Oct. 24 –Oct. 27 All Inclusive Radio City Christmas Show Orchestra Seats – Dec. 9 & 15

Email: info@superiortours.net • Website: www.superiortours.com

The Charter Difference:

Enhance

WE THE HUMAN SPIRIT.

Get to know the Charter Senior Living communities in the Baltimore area. Each community has its own distinct look and feel, but all share the same commitment to providing lifestyles that enhance the human spirit of our residents, families and staff. Find one near you!

Charter Senior Living of Woodholme Crossing

vol • un • teer A person who changes a child’s life forever

Join Us. Experience Corps volunteers – people age 50 and older – help children in kindergarten through third grade learn to read. Join us at an information session to learn how you can become a reading tutor and transform the lives of students in the Baltimore area.

Register online at: aarpfoundation.org/ecbaltimore or call (443) 278-9400

21

1840 Reisterstown Road | Pikesville, MD 21208 Assisted Living | All-Inclusive Memory Care 410.698.6216

Charter Senior Living of Towson

6451 N. Charles Street | Towson, MD 21212 Assisted Living | All-Inclusive Memory Care 410.202.8415

The Cottages of Perry Hall

9900 Walther Blvd | Parkville, MD 21234 Assisted Living | All-Inclusive Memory Care 410.260.0982

www.charterseniorliving.com

22

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

AUGUST 2021 — BALTIMORE BEACON

Visit Virginia’s Eastern Shore to unwind

By Glenda C. Booth With two national wildlife refuges, a national seashore, one state park and three state wildlife management areas, Virginia’s Eastern Shore is “nature untamed,” wrote local author Kirk Mariner.

The state’s Eastern Shore stretches 70 miles from Maryland to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. It is flanked by the Atlantic Ocean on the east (“seaside”) and the Chesapeake Bay (“bayside”) on the west.

Fully experiencing the Eastern Shore requires branching off Route 13, which bisects the region, and exploring the small towns, vegetable stands, bustling wharfs, quiet coves and friendly mom-and-pop stores.

This landscape of vast saltmarshes, mudflats, beaches, inlets, creeks, hummocks and maritime shrub thickets and forests is a birding mecca. It’s also home to the wild ponies of Chincoteague Island.

Quiet beaches To native Americans, “Chincoteague” meant “beautiful and across the water.”

Reaching Chincoteague Island requires driving across a five-mile causeway, flanked by watery marshes alive with foraging egrets and swirling, laughing gulls.

Chincoteague (insiders pronounce it “Shink-a-tig,” and others call the smalltown beach the “anti-Ocean City”) is easy

to stroll and has plenty of fishing and wildlife outings for hire.

If you’d rather spend the day at the ocean, pick up a fresh catch at a local market or restaurant, many of which specialize in seafood. The 48th annual Chincoteague Oyster Festival will celebrate the peninsula’s piscine bounty on October 9. At this typically sold-out event, guests can snarf up oysters raw, steamed, fried and frittered, accompanied by hush puppies and clam fritters.

Throughout the year, watch rockets rise from the Wallops Flight Facility, a NASA rocket launch station just outside Chincoteague.

Middle Peninsula: cool towns In the 1600s Capt. John Smith called the area of Onancock “the Gem of the Eastern Shore.” Today, Onancock, pop. 1,200, has been dubbed the sixth-coolest U.S. small town by Budget Travel.

The town is full of stately, 19th-century homes, dockside eateries, artsy shops and galleries. The Eastern Shore of Virginia Historical Society is housed in Ker Place, a federal period, Georgian-style house, restored to its 1806 glory.

The tiny town of Wachapreague, population 230, is a mix of sea and science. Fishing and recreational boats chug out of the town marina along lush marshes. The

Senior Apartments Age 55 or Better LIVE WELL FOR LESS Roland View Towers • One- and Two-Bedroom as well as Efficiencies • Rents from $725 for efficiency, $900 for 1-bedroom, and $1,135 for 2-bedroom Utilities Included!

• 24/7 on-site Maintenance and Reception Desk • Beauty/Barber Shop on premises • Only 2 blocks from Hampden’s ‘The Avenue’

Spectacular View

$300

Rent Credit

When you present this coupon upon application.

To schedule a personal tour call

410-889-8255

St Mary’s Roland View Towers 3838/3939 Roland Ave Baltimore, MD 21211

www.rolandviewtowers.com

Make new friends

pedestrian-friendly town has a general store, tackle shop and places to rent kayaks, bicycles and golf carts.

Locals here expound on the gastronomic merits of Chincoteague oysters. The local waters, fed by ocean tides, give “their” oysters a briny, saltier flavor than others. Sweet potato biscuits pair perfectly with the oysters.

Also in Wachapreague is the Virginia Institute of Marine Science’s Eastern Shore Laboratory, a world-class research and teaching seawater lab for coastal ecology, aquaculture and marine science.

Every year scientists invite the public inside to learn about, for example, benthic invertebrates under high-powered microscopes or microplastic ocean pollution. Marine Life Day is scheduled for Sept. 18, 2021.

Lower Peninsula: Cape Charles On the Delmarva peninsula’s southern tip, anyone with a driver’s license can scoot around Cape Charles in a golf cart and explore its boutiques, coffee shops, inns, art galleries, a distillery, cidery, brewery and bed-and-breakfasts in century-old buildings.

Given its “urbanity,” Cape Charles “may be on the Eastern Shore, but it is not quite of it,” wrote Mariner in his book, Off 13.

In the Cape Charles Museum, located in a former power plant, visitors learn that in the Eocene epoch, a meteor smashed into

the Atlantic Ocean at 37 miles per second and in effect created the Chesapeake Bay. On the fishing pier, pros and amateurs can fish or crab without a license. The town’s Festive Fridays and old-fashioned holiday celebrations start the day after Thanksgiving.

The Islands For a full experience of the Eastern Shore, a boat trip to the barrier islands is a must. Shells in shades of brown, gray and bleached white decorate the sand. Spartina grasses sway as terns dive and laughing gulls squawk overhead.

Longer than they are wide, the 23 uninhabited wind-blown sand strips are constantly reshaped by the winds (some are closed to the public). Most are prime, undisturbed habitat for shorebirds, sand diggers, fiddler crabs and other wildlife, owned and protected by the state and the Nature Conservancy.

These islands are some of the most pristine, uninhabited habitat in the United States and have been designated an International Biosphere Reserve by the United Nations. To get there, rent a kayak, charter a boat or take a boat taxi from Wachapreague.

For more information about the barrier islands, see nature.org. For general information, visit Eastern Shore of Virginia Tourism Commission, VisitESVA.com.

Say you saw it in the Beacon

BALTIMORE BEACON — AUGUST 2021

PHOTO BY JERI TIDWELL PHOTOGRAPHY

Style Arts &

23

Toby’s delivers holiday cheer this summer. See story on page 24.

Teacher immerses students in Broadway former and educator.

Katz, 76, a popular instructor at the Edward A. Myerberg Senior Center in Baltimore and other venues, gives her students a front-row seat and deep immersion into the history of the characters and plays that she teaches.

“I love to teach, and I know how much people need the escape,” said Katz, who calls herself an “edutainer.”

When the pandemic hit last year, Katz began teaching her classes on Zoom, like many instructors. She has thrived in that format, teaching as many as 150 vir tual classes in 15 months.

Lively and passionate, Katz presents theatrical experiences rather than lectures, all from her “Broadway Zoom Room,” as she describes it.

Her home office has a colorful backdrop of With costumes and a theatrical flair, Pikesville resident Ellen Times Square. When Katz teaches in-person and virtual classes about the back she appears on camera stories of Broadway musicals and singers such as Barbra in full costume and Streisand, Bette Midler and Carole King. Her popular classes makeup, students feel are offered through the Myerberg Senior Center, Towson as if they’re entering University, CCBC and other venues.

By Sharon Clark Dressing up as a Victorian grand dame or a buttoned-up founding father is part of the job for Ellen Katz, a singer, per-

COURTESY OF ELLEN KATZ

the larger-than-life world of Broadway.

Katz’s love of theater was inspired by her parents, she said, “especially my father.” She keeps a picture of her father on the wall in her Zoom theater.

“He loved singing, and he was so young in his heart,” she said. “He was my Peter Pan, and I was his Tinker Bell. I was always inspired by his music.”

Longtime, loyal students Now Katz inspires hundreds of others to appreciate show tunes. “[Ellen’s] classes are very popular, and the attendees always rave about what a fantastic way it is to start the weekend on Fridays,” said Niki Barr, director of the Myerberg Center. “Ellen makes the presentations very interactive and keeps people engaged. Everyone leaves her class smiling.”

Katz has “quite a following,” said Herta Baitch, a Pikesville resident who has taken many classes with Katz over the past eight years, both at the Myerberg and at a senior center in Naples, Florida, where Katz taught a class on Fiddler on the Roof.

“She does a tremendous amount of research,” Baitch said. “She not only gives

you the story but…gives the background to the Broadway show and the directors, lyricists and others.”

Katz enjoys bringing the joy of theater to her students. She was thrilled to teach a recent class (in full costume, of course) about the award-winning Broadway show Hamilton. “I want to show the impact of these musicals. What is their legacy in [our] culture?”

For Baitch, Katz’s focus on the impact of Hamilton resonated. She recalled Katz’s passion for the musical and the teacher’s insistence that “this show will change show business.”

Courses coming up This month Katz will be teaching “The Films and Iconic Career of Barbra Streisand” through the Community College of Baltimore County, which will host her classes on Hairspray and West Side Story in the fall. In addition, she’s scheduled to teach classes at Towson University and Har Sinai and Oheb Shalom Congregations.

“Ellen loves what she does, and it shows,” Baitch said. “Everyone [can’t] See BROADWAY, page 25

Opening August 27

Cars, boats, furniture, antiques, tools, appliances Everything and anything is sold on

Radio Flea Market Heard every Sunday, 7-8:00 a.m. on 680 WCBM

410-730-8311

TobysDinnerTheatre.com

Call Today!

Seats are going FAST!

Due to the nature of theatrical bookings, all shows and dates are subject to change. • Toby’s Dinner Theatre, Columbia, MD

24

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

AUGUST 2021 — BALTIMORE BEACON

At Toby’s, Elf brings an early Christmas well received by critics, and was nominated for nine awards. Its soundtrack of Christmas favorites sold more than 695,000 copies and was the second highest grossing soundtrack album for a Christmas-themed film.

The movie inspired the musical, with a whole new set of songs written by Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin. (The pair were nominated for Tony Awards for Best Original Score for two other musicals they wrote: The Wedding Singer and The Prom.)

PHOTO BY JERI TIDWELL PHOTOGRAPHY

By Eddie Applefeld What’s going on at Toby’s Dinner Theatre? The Columbia theater’s current production is Elf — a holiday show about a man raised as an elf who helps save Christmas in the Big Apple.

Did Toby’s lose track of the months?

Are they in a time warp? Did they want to use up tinsel left over from last Christmas?

Or perhaps, they’re thinking back to an iconic song from an older Broadway classic, Mame: “We need a little Christmas, right this very minute.”

After the last 16 months, who doesn’t need a little happiness and cheer? We all do, and that’s why Elf (book by Thomas Mechan and Bob Mar tin) brings its comedic delight and feel-good story to Toby’s this summer.

The musical is based on the 2003 film of the same name, starring Will Ferrell, James Caan, Zooey Deschanel, Ed Asner and Bob Newhart.

The story is about Buddy, a human who was adopted and raised by elves. He eventually leaves the North Pole to find his biological father, a Scrooge-like Manhattan book publisher, and along the way helps cynical New Yorkers rediscover the magic of Christmas.

Elf the film grossed more than $200 million on a $33 million dollar budget, was

A new, safer normal Like most theatergoers, I am delighted Toby’s is back in action, even though there are a few changes to the previous protocol.

First, Toby’s has reduced the number of people in the audience.

Second, they no longer call patrons to the buffet by table. Instead, a Toby’s staff member visits your table to invite you to eat. Gloves are offered before you head to the buffet, which, by the way, was delicious and inspired at least two trips.

Although there is no longer a salad bar, servers bring salads directly your table.

There is also no longer an ice cream sundae bar; instead, desserts (usually a choice of cheesecake or chocolate cake) are

Jeffrey Shankle stars as Buddy in Elf, the musical of that name inspired by the Will Ferrell movie, Elf. After the pandemic delayed last year’s production, Toby’s is now presenting Elf through Aug. 22.

brought to your table.

In another change, parties of four or less are charged for their tickets a week before the performance. For parties of five or more, you’re charged when you make your reservation. You can still leave a cash tip for the servers, who are also the actors.

A well-suited cast

Toby’s is very particular and precise, and their stable of regulars has a lot of talent.

I was pleased to see many familiar faces in the cast, including David BosleyReynolds, David James, Janine Sunday and Jeffrey Shankle, who has the lead as Buddy. There is not a misstep between them, including their singing and dancing.

Even if you don’t know any of the songs,

After dinner, it’s on with the show. Elf was a good choice for Toby’s. Casting at

See ELF, page 25

Make your home more comfortable than ever

“To you, it’s the perfect lift chair.

To me, it’s the best sleep chair I’ve ever had.”

— J. Fitzgerald, VA

NOW also available in Genuine Italian Leather

Three Chairs in One

(and new Chestnut color)

Sleep/Recline/Lift

ACCREDITED BUSINESS A+

Our Perfect Sleep Chair® does all that and more. More than a chair or recliner, it’s designed to provide total comfort. Choose your preferred heat and massage settings, for hours of soothing relaxation. Reading or watching TV? Our chair’s recline technology allows you to pause the chair in an infinite number of settings.

And best of all, it features a powerful lift mechanism that tilts the entire chair forward, making it easy to stand. You’ll love the other benefits, too. It helps with correct spinal alignment and promotes back pressure relief, to prevent back and muscle pain. The overstuffed, oversized

biscuit style back and unique seat design will cradle you in comfort. Generously filled, wide armrests provide enhanced arm support when sitting or reclining.

It even has a battery backup in case of a power outage.

White glove delivery included in shipping charge. Professionals will deliver the chair to the exact spot in your home where you want it, unpack it, inspect it, test it, position it, and even carry the packaging away! You get your choice of Genuine Italian leather, stain and water repellent

custom-manufactured DuraLux™ with the classic leather look or plush MicroLux™ microfiber in a variety of colors to fit any decor. New Chestnut color only available in Genuine Italian Leather. Call now!

The Perfect Sleep Chair

®

1-888-632-7056 Please mention code 115442.

46562

Pictured: Genuine Italian Leather chair chestnut color.

Because each Perfect Sleep Chair is a made-to-order bedding product it cannot be returned, but if it arrives damaged or defective, at our option we will repair it or replace it. © 2021 firstSTREET for Boomers and Beyond, Inc.

Broadway From page 23 wait for her next series.”

In the fall, Katz also plans to continue teaching her Myerberg classes on Zoom.

“Students are currently interested in keeping the classes virtual. They enjoy the flexibility of signing on at the last minute and not having to travel,” Barr said. Also, if students miss a class, sessions are recorded and available for watching later.

Elf From page 24 that won’t diminish your enjoyment of the show, thanks to the musical direction of Ross Scott Rawlings.

Kudos to the outstanding choreography

by Minnick. The costumes, designed by Janine Sunday, transport the audience to the North Pole.

The show is, of course, suitable for the whole family. An 8 p.m. curtain gets you out about 10:30 p.m. But, hey, this is Christmas during summer vacation. The kids can sleep in.

25

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Arts & Style

BALTIMORE BEACON — AUGUST 2021

This September Katz will teach “Broadway Jazz: Broadway during the Roaring Twenties” on Fridays at 10:30 a.m. through the Myerberg Senior Center.

When she describes Al Jolson, Fred and Adele Astaire and the work of George and Ira Gershwin, don’t be surprised if she’s dressed as a flapper.

To contact Katz about her teaching schedule, visit ellenkatzbroadway.com, email ellenkatzmusic@gmail.com or call (443) 622-7490.

Elf runs through August 22. There are eight shows (usually) per week, including matinees on Wednesdays and Sundays.

The theater is located at 5900 Symphony Woods Rd., Columbia, next to Merriweather Post Pavilion.

Ticket prices, which include the dinner meal or matinee brunch (Wed. and Sun.), range from $65 to $68 for adults; $49.50 for children 12 and under.

Patrons 65 and over can attend Tues. and Wed. evening or Wed. brunch for $55.25.

For tickets, call the box office at (410) 730-8311 or visit tobysdinnertheatre.com.

BEACON BITS

Ongoing

SINGING CHORALES

Do you like to sing? Encore Creativity for Older Adults, the largest choral organization for Americans over 55, returns to inperson rehearsals this fall. Registration is now open for Baltimore Encore Chorale (formerly Towson Encore Chorale), which meets at Grace United Methodist Church, 5407 North Charles St., every Monday from Sept. 13 to mid-December, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Tuition ranges from $140 to $190 for the 14-week session.

For more information, go to encorecreativity.org or call (301) 261-5747.

Ongoing

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Make a difference in your community by volunteering your time through the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) of Baltimore County. No experience necessary. To find volunteer opportunities for people age 55 and up throughout Baltimore County, call (410) 887-3101 or email volunteers@baltimorecountymd.gov.

ANSWERS TO CROSSWORD

FROM PAGE 26 ANSWERS TO SCRABBLE

Please tell our advertisers, “I saw you in the Beacon!”

S G T S

T O U T

P H A T

H O L A

C O N G A

A G R O N O M I C

Y O K O O N O

O F U F F R E S B A A S N T

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

D A Y

A I D M E D A D E Y L I B I A O L E N D A T E R R A N I G A L L E

R O U N D

M U D D Y

I D L E

S O A R

T H U D

A T M S

The Invention of the Year The world’s lightest and most portable mobility device Once in a lifetime, a product comes along that truly moves people.

Introducing the future of battery-powered personal transportation... The Zinger.

“What my wife especially loves is it gives her back feelings of safety and independence which has given a real boost to her confidence and happiness! Thank You!” –Kent C., California

The first thing you’ll notice about the Zinger is its unique look. It doesn’t look like a scooter. Its sleek, lightweight yet durable frame is made with aircraft grade aluminum. It weighs only 47.2 lbs but can handle a passenger that’s up to 275 lbs! It features onetouch folding and unfolding– when folded it can be wheeled around like a suitcase and fits easily into a backseat or trunk. Then, there are the steering levers. They enable the Zinger to move forward, backward, turn on a dime and even pull right up to a table or desk. With its compact yet powerful motor it can go up to 6 miles an hour and its rechargeable battery can go up to 8 miles on a single charge. With its low center of gravity and inflatable tires it can handle rugged terrain and is virtually tip-proof.

10”

Think about it, you The Zinger folds to a mere 10 inches. can take your Zinger almost anywhere, so you don’t have to let mobility issues rule your life.

Why take our word for it. You can try the Zinger out for yourself with our exclusive home trial. Call now, and find out how you can try out a Zinger of your very own.

Zinger Chair® Call now and receive a utility basket absolutely FREE with your order.

1-888-627-5392 Please mention code 115443 when ordering.

The Zinger Chair is a personal electric vehicle and is not a medical device nor a wheelchair. Zinger is not intended for medical purposes to provide mobility to persons restricted to a sitting position.

It is not covered by Medicare nor Medicaid. © 2021 firstSTREET for Boomers and Beyond, Inc.

85221

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

26

AUGUST 2021 — BALTIMORE BEACON

Subscribe online! See how below

Crossword Puzzle

Daily crosswords can be found on our website: www.TheBeaconNewspapers.com Click on Puzzles Rhyme Time 1

2

3

By Believin’ Stephen

4

5

6

17

11

40

28

29

31

32

33

38

44 49

52

35

55

56

39

42

41

48

34

25

37

36

13

22

24

27

12

19 21

30

43

45

46

50

51

53

54

57

58

60

61

62

63

64

65

Across

BB821

10

18

23

Scrabble answers on p. 25.

9

16

20

47

8

15

14

26

7

1. Gallows delay 5. Scrubbed out of the history books 11. Loveseat’s leftmost lump 14. Energetic 15. Home to CA’s Latino Walk of Fame 16. Vowels of poverty 17. High-protein snack 19. Worthless item 20. Backless chairs 21. ___ in apple 22. Fix a broken heart 23. Oscar recognition, briefly 24. Stage name of Rocky III star Lawrence Tureaud 25. Pops 26. Artificial 30. ___ sapien 31. TV’s Tarzan, Ron 32. Excuses 36. Winner of The Rumble in the Jungle 37. Make use of a cheese cave 38. X-Files employer 39. Commotion 40. Original western terminus of the Northern Pacific Railroad 42. Angus announcement 43. Stewpot 44. Minor motoring mishap 47. Restrains a suspect 50. One entranced by The Pied Piper 51. Raided the refrigerator 52. Gold and silver (but not bronze) 53. Bush 43, to Bush 41 54. Extra sheet in a yearbook 57. Grp. with Magic and Wizards 58. Potential first mover in a chess game 60. Symptom of lactose intolerance 61. Element with symbol “I” 62. One with tix to the homecoming game 63. Kitchen pest 64. Checked for COVID antibodies 65. Long-lasting light bulbs

Down 1. Soldiers with supervisory resp.

59

2. Plug a product 3. Adhering to applications of plant science 4. She funded Central Park’s Strawberry Fields memorial 5. SeeYa centers 6. Member of The Big Bang Theory gang 7. “Feel free to arrive ___ as you want” 8. ___-Matic (baseball game simulator) 9. Lodge men 10. Genesis time unit 11. Helped out a teacher 12. Like Target’s logo 13. Bluesman Waters 18. Covered in tall trees 22. Mother ___ (kid’s game) 24. Cock or bull 25. Grocery store counter 26. Excellent, in 90s slang 27. Greeting at Cancun International Airport 28. “At 50, I ___ to know who I was” (Maya Angelou) 29. Mongolian magnate 33. Centerpiece of the Great Seal of the United States 34. Homophone of idol and idyll 35. Change, as 1970s gas prices 37. Iowa college town 38. Structure built from sofa cushions 41. Trade-___ (pros and cons) 42. Was sincere 43. Subject to a jury’s verdict 45. Some Star Wars action figures 46. Acquire interest on savings 47. Cuban drum 48. Citified 49. Wedding meal 53. Loafer or sneaker 54. Barely managed 55. Sound of impact 56. Nowadays, some let you key in bitcoin sales 58. Wisdom’s alliterative partner 59. Dir. from Charlotte to Raleigh

Answers on page 25.

Say you saw it in the Beacon

BALTIMORE BEACON — AUGUST 2021

CLASSIFIEDS

For Sale

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

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

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

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

Caregivers MOBILE HAIR AND NAIL SERVICES - WE COME TO YOU. Professional Licensed Stylist.

Women and Men’s Services - All Hair Types.

Shampoo, Cuts, Sets, Color, Perms, Mens Cuts & Facial Grooming, Manicures & more. Call 410-415-1760.

MOBILE HEARING AID SERVICES - Fully vaccinated, licensed hearing aid dispenser can deliver better hearing right to you at your kitchen table. Repairs and adjustments available for most manufacturers. Call or text 410299-2986 or visit www.hearrighthere.com for more information. In-network provider for Blue Cross Blue Shield.

THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME! Jamhuri Healthcare Services recognizes the importance of keeping seniors or adults with special needs, in their homes, rather than sending them to a skilled nursing facility. Our personal in-home care program is designed to implement non-medical tasks to meet the clients’ physical needs. Our home care aides provide a multitude of services for our clients, ranging from meal preparation & house cleaning to personal assistance & running errands. We are diligent in our staff & client pairings. We won’t put just anyone in your home or the home of your loved ones. Senior transportation services available 24/7. Call us toll-free at 1800-547-2851.visit us on the web: www.jamhuricares.com. send us a text at: 443-929-9769

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

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

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

JIM PALMER, JOE FLACCO, OJ SIMPSON, RG3. Autographed Framed Jersey’s w/COA Mint Condition! OJ Simpson Football, Joe Theismann Shoe, Nolan Ryan baseball hats all 4 teams. All items are inside of plastic cases, autographed w/COA Mint Condition! Please call 410-916-2159 or email drsinddd@gmail.com for pictures & pricing. Will deliver.

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

GENERAC STANDBY GENERATORS provide backup power during utility power outages, so your home and family stay safe and comfortable. Prepare now. Free 7-year extended warranty ($695 value!). Request a free quote today! Call for additional terms and conditions.

1-866-964-8106.

CEMETARY LOTS AND VAULTS - 2 side-byside lots in Dulaney Memorial Gardens (Holy Cross Garden). Sale price $5500. Call 410-5610775

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

DENTAL INSURANCE from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for 350 plus procedures. Real dental insurance - NOT just a discount plan. Do not wait! Call now! Get your FREE Dental Information Kit with all the details! 1844-366-1003 www.dental50plus.com/320 #6258.

LIFE ALERT. One press of a button sends help FAST, 24/7! At home and on the go. Mobile Pendant with GPS. FREE First Aid Kit (with subscription.) CALL 240-847-6732 FREE Brochure.

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

Home/Handyman Services DON’T LET THE STAIRS LIMIT YOUR MOBILITY! Discover the ideal solution for anyone who struggles on the stairs, is concerned about a fall or wants to regain access to their entire home. Call AmeriGlide today! 1866-365-5170 T’s HAULING & MOVING I will move your possessions or haul them away. I clean out yards, basements, garages, houses, apartments, attics, etc. No job too small. Brush work. I can pick up furniture from stores. Friendly, reliable service with many references. Honest and hard working!

Call Tim at 443-690-6525 OR 410-889-3795.

Same day service most days! Like me on Facebook! @Tshaulingmoving. Check out my website WWW.TSHAULINGANDMOVING.COM

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

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

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

To place your classified ad, visit ww.thebeaconnewspapers.com/classifieds Home/Handyman Services

Wanted

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

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

PAYING CASH FOR COMIC BOOKS from the 1940s to the 2000s. So check your attics and closets and let me know if you have any you would like to sell! Call Joe at 443-562-8082 I BUY LARGE LP RECORD ALBUM COLLECTIONS, cassette and CD collections and musical estates as well. Large collections preferred. Rock, metal, synth-pop, alternative rock, jazz, punk, amd more. 410-900-5657 or baltimorerecords.com

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

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

BUYING VINYL RECORDS from 1950 to 1990. Jazz, Rock-n-Roll, Soul, Rhythm & Blues, Reggae, Punk, Blues, and Disco. 33 1/3 LP’s, 45’s and some 78’s, Some Groups Of CD’s Larger collections of at least 100 items wanted.

Please call John, 301-596-6201.

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

Top prices paid, Vaccinated & COVID Safe.

CALL FRED 301-910-0783.

Personal Services WORKOUT WITH RONDA ONLINE FROM HOME: Not ready or able to return to the gym?

No problem! Join Ronda for Chair Yoga, Restorative Yoga, Yoga Stretch, Pilates, Strength Training w/ light weights and Relaxation/Meditation all from your own home for just $10 per class. Packages and private lessons are also available. Visit www.moxie.xyz/RondaBernstein for schedule and registration. Don’t see a time that works for you? Classes can be added by request. Certified Group Fitness Instructor since 1994.

BEACON BITS

July 26+

MEMOIR WRITING CLASS

Want to write about your life? Sign up for a Guided Autobiography class through Baltimore County Public

TV/Cable

Library. Certified instructor Karen Bovie will provide a writing prompt at each

DIRECTV for $69.99/mo for 12 months with CHOICE Package. Watch your favorite live sports, news & entertainment anywhere. One year of HBO Max FREE. Directv is #1 in Customer Satisfaction (JD Power & Assoc.) Call for more details! (some restrictions apply) Call 1888-572-4953.

virtual session. The eight-session class, which takes place on Mondays at 6:30 p.m., begins on July 26 and ends on Sept. 27. Find out more at

DISH NETWORK. $64.99 for 190 Channels!

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

1-844-560-5837.

yourlifewellwritten.com. Call (410) 396-5320 to register.

ADVERTISERS IN THIS ISSUE Clinical Research Studies

Health

Biometrics Research Study . . . . . .3 Depression/Memory Study . . . . .12 Diabetes Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 HIPS Fall Prevention Study . . . . .13 Knee Pain Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 PEERS/Stress Study . . . . . . . . . .13 Stroke Survivors Study . . . . . . . .12

Dr. Rosenblatt, DPM . . . . . . . . . .11 Keswick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Home Health Care/ Companion Services

Events

Dandelion Healthcare . . . . . . . . . .7 Heavenly Home Care . . . . . . . . . .11 Home Instead Senior Care . . . . . . .9 Options for Senior America . . . . .14

Beacon 50+Expo . . . . . . . . . .19, 28 Pikesville Senior Center . . . . . . . .15

Housing

Funeral Services

Charlestown/Erickson . . . . . . . . .11 Charter Senior Living . . . . . . . . .21 Christ Church Harbor Apts . . . . .17 Enterprise Residential . . . . . . . . .18 Oak Crest/Erickson . . . . . . . . . . .11 Park View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Pickersgill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Cremation Society of Maryland . .19 Highview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 MacNabb Funeral Home . . . . . . .19

27

St. Mary’s Roland View Towers . .22 Virginia Towers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Warren Place . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Zen Apartments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

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

Government Services

Computer Doctors . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Maryland Relay . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Theater

Real Estate

Toby’s Dinner Theatre . . . . . . . . .23

NTR Home Buyers . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Travel

Retail

Superior Tours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Perfect Sleep Chair . . . . . . . . . . .24 Radio Flea Market . . . . . . . . . . . .23 Zinger Chair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

Volunteers & Careers

Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Manor Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Subscriptions Technology

AARP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Baltimore County Dept of Economic & Workforce Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

28

AUGUST 2021 — BALTIMORE BEACON

Subscribe online! See how on p. 26

RETURNING THIS FALL

This year, we are pleased to announce two in-person events and an online Virtual 50+Expo In-person Expos

NEW LOCATION

Springfield, Va. Sunday, Oct. 17, 2021

Bethesda, Md. Sunday, Oct. 24, 2021

Springfield Town Center

Westfield Montgomery Mall

Health Screenings • Flu Shots • Keynote Speaker • Giveaways Exhibitors (nonprofit, government and business) • Door Prizes

Online Expo

October 1 thru November 30 at beacon50expo.com Online find dozens of free classes, speakers and entertainers available 24/7, as well as helpful resources and exhibitors at your fingertips for two months.

2021 PRESENTED BY

Watch this space for more details. Or email info@beacon50expo.com to receive updates.

ATTN: Businesses and nonprofits: To sponsor or exhibit at either or both in-person Expos and/or at our virtual Expo, call (301) 949-9766 or speak with your Beacon advertising representative.