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VOL.31, NO.9

Coming around to cannabis

Reaching a decision With his interest piqued, Mintz looked into the law, medical literature and spoke

PHOTO COURTESY OF MATTHEW MINTZ, M.D.

By Margaret Foster Dr. Matthew Mintz wasn’t an early proponent of medical uses for cannabis (the scientific name for the plant more commonly known as marijuana). In fact, he said, “I was a little skeptical.” Mintz, a board-certified internist and Washingtonian “Top Doctor,” attended George Washington University medical school and then practiced medicine while serving on its faculty for the next two decades. During that time, he also did research and published articles on diabetes, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and obesity. In 2017, he decided to open his own concierge practice in Bethesda, Md. While getting his new office up and running, he noticed a medical cannabis dispensary was opening in the same medical office building. “That intrigued me,” he said. “I lived in Maryland forever, but wasn’t paying attention to the [medical marijuana] legislation.” While federal law continues to consider cannabis an illegal “Schedule 1” drug, 33 states — including the District of Columbia and Maryland — now permit its sale and possession for medicinal and/or recreational use. The Maryland legislature had first voted to legalize medical marijuana in 2012, but five years passed before it became available at state-licensed facilities called dispensaries. Under Maryland’s law, medical marijuana may be recommended to patients with any severe condition in which other medical treatments have been ineffective, as long as the symptoms “reasonably can be expected to be relieved” by marijuana. Since Dec. 1, 2017, the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission (MMCC) has licensed nearly 50 physicians and hundreds of other healthcare providers to certify patients as eligible and make recommendations. And today, there are more than 80 dispensaries around the state, 29 of which are in Howard County and Baltimore, where patients can pick up a wide variety of products.

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The wonders (and whales) of Antarctica; plus, highlights of Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands and other great options for fall travel page 38

ARTS & STYLE

Dr. Matthew Mintz, a board-certified internist and former member of the faculty of the George Washington University School of Medicine, certifies some of the patients in his concierge practice for medical marijuana use. He has found many can benefit from the appropriate treatment.

with fellow physicians. Eventually, he decided to become certified to recommend cannabis to appropriate patients and see for himself how it worked. Some of Mintz’s early patients had metastatic cancer and were suffering debilitating pain and severe anxiety. They had tried “everything under the sun” for the symptoms, he said, and come up short. After he certified them for daily doses of pills, liquids or topical creams containing cannabis, he said, “I realized very quickly” how effective the products were at relieving their pain and anxiety. “While I continued to certify patients, I really dove into the research, took some

courses, researched on my own and talked to a lot of people,” he said. “Studying the research and seeing the results of patients, I’ve become convinced that medical cannabis is a useful therapeutic agent.” Mintz now speaks around the area, giving presentations describing the active substances in the cannabis plant, THC — which induces the characteristic “high” of marijuana — and cannabidiol or CBD — which does not. CBD oil, especially a version derived from the hemp plant (which is legal and has low levels of THC), is now found in See DR. MINTZ, page 18

A top-notch theatre tucked into Tyson’s Corner; plus, Filipino artist uncovers family secrets, and books on how to age with grace page 44

TECHNOLOGY 5 k Ways to protect smartphone data FITNESS & HEALTH k How foods affect our moods k Post-hospital care options SPOTLIGHT ON AGING k Newsletter for D.C. seniors

LAW & MONEY 30 k When to pick stocks by intuition k Timeshare nightmares ADVERTISER DIRECTORY

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Limited space remains. To exhibit, call Alan at (301) 949-9766. Shepherd's Center of Annandale/Springfield Shepherd's Center of Oakton-Vienna C/o Vienna Baptist Church South County Senior Center St. Martin de Porres Senior Center Sunrise at Bluemont Park Sunrise of Arlington Synergy Home Care The Carlin The Crossings at Chantilly Thoreau Place Virginia Hospital Center Visit Fairfax â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Official DMO of Fairfax County, VA Wakefield Senior Center Walter Reed Senior Center

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Your opinion, please There’s only one thing that no one can walk down the street and are asked to sign give you or take away from you: your opinion. a petition or “answer a few questions” to What you think in your help a pollster. We take a surmind and feel in your heart is vey somewhere and find ouruniquely and always yours. selves inundated with invitaYour opinion might change tions to take more or join a from time to time, even from focus group. minute to minute. But at any Yes, sometimes it seems point it’s still yours. And overdone. Sometimes, in both that’s something we should business and political contexts, cherish. we might feel the requests are Sometimes, however, we disingenuous. (“They don’t recan feel we are being bomally care how I feel,” we might barded with opportunities to FROM THE think. “They just want to use express our opinions, espe- PUBLISHER my opinion, if they like it, to inBy Stuart P. Rosenthal cially in a commercial or politfluence others.”) ical context. That could be true. But in We shop in a retail store and the receipt most cases, I believe, businesses and politiinvites us to go online to say how we feel cal candidates really want to know what about the salesperson. We order a product you think. A business can’t survive if it isn’t from Amazon and are asked to rate it or meeting the needs of its customers. A cansubmit a comment. didate or politician who wants to represent Especially during campaign seasons, we voters well needs to know what they think.

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Sept. 17+

BOOK SALE

Browse used books at a Fall Book Sale from Tuesday, Sept. 17, through Sun., Sept. 22. All books are $4 or less; discount day is Sunday. The book sale will be located at the Charles E. Beatley Central Library, 5005 Duke St., Alexandria, Va. For more information and hours, call (703) 7461702 or visit beatleyfriends.org.

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The Beacon is a monthly newspaper dedicated to inform, serve, and entertain the citizens of the Greater Washington DC area, and is privately owned. Other editions serve Greater Baltimore, Howard County, Md. and Richmond, Va. Readership exceeds 400,000. Subscriptions are available via first-class mail ($36) or third-class mail ($12), prepaid with order. D.C. and Maryland residents: add 6 percent for sales tax. Send subscription order to the office listed below. Publication of advertising contained herein does not necessarily constitute endorsement. Signed columns represent the opinions of the writers, and not necessarily the opinion of the publisher. Publisher/Editor – Stuart P. Rosenthal President/Associate Publisher – Judith K. Rosenthal Vice President of Operations – Gordon Hasenei Vice President, Sales & Marketing – Alan Spiegel Managing Editor – Margaret Foster Art Director – Kyle Gregory Director of Operations – Roger King Advertising Representatives – Doug Hallock, Dan Kelly, Hubie Stockhausen Assistant Editor – Susan Ahearn Editoral Interns – Ivey Noojin, Erin Yu

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So try not to feel too jaded when asked for your opinion. Only you know what you think — until you are asked to express it. And that is when your opinion starts to make a difference elsewhere.

You oughta be in pictures Speaking of surveys… Here at the Beacon, we also frequently seek information from our readers regarding your views about our newspaper in general, as well as about particular articles, authors and events we sponsor, such as our upcoming 50+Expos (see prior page) and last year’s Celebration of the Arts. We recently signed up for a new service that will allow you to respond to such survey questions via video. That way, we can both see and hear you sharing your opinion. The idea for this service, called Talk Back Time, comes from a local senior with whom I’ve had the pleasure of working before, Allan Horlick. For a story about him and this new venture, see our Technology & Innovations section on page 5. For now, we are eager to try it out. Will you help us? If so, using your smartphone camera scan the QR code (the box on the right), or using a tablet or a computer enabled with a camera (for Skype, for example) go to bit.ly/proudest, and after answering one question, you can tell us via video what you are most proud of in your life. You’ll have

up to 30 seconds for your video. Or if you prefer, you can share with us what you think about the Beacon, this column, or any other topic of the day that interests you. You may also send an email with the subject line “Please send survey” to info@thebeaconnewspapers.com and we’ll send you the link. We appreciate your reading the Beacon, and look forward to hearing — and seeing — what you have to say!

Letters to the editor Readers are encouraged to share their opinion on any matter addressed in the Beacon as well as on political and social issues of the day. Mail your Letter to the Editor to The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915, or e-mail to info@thebeaconnewspapers.com. Please include your name, address and telephone number for verification. Dear Editor: I’ve written to the Montgomery County Council and Executive numerous times with recommendations for reducing pedestrian and auto fatalities in the county but have yet to receive a response. If the council and executive were on the ball, which they are not, they would do the following about the fact that drivers in Montgomery County disobey its traffic laws all the time. I suggest: 1) A driver education campaign stressing the basics such as the need to avoid tailgating, the need to stay within speed limits, etc. 2) Increasing the number of speed cameras and intersection cameras and move them from place to place so drivers will not know where they are and defeat their purpose by slowing for them. Crime is out of control in the county and the police no longer engage in traffic law enforcement. That leaves the above two suggestions as the only option. The latest pedestrian fatality was committed by a 20-year-old driver on a cellphone. We’ve had more than 300 fatalities so far this year. What else would one expect from a county council and executive

who do not care about the situation? Richard Kreutzberg Bethesda Dear Editor: I am a retired computer science teacher who went to college after serving in the U.S. Navy. I appreciated your opinion piece “No one to trust” (From the Publisher, August 2019) with one caveat: there was no information on who to contact to express our sentiments regarding this situation. The Beacon should define acronyms. What is a “JCA” anyway? I Googled JCA; it’s defined as Jewish Council on Aging. As a retired Fairfax County person who volunteers regularly, I am delighted to see another county do a better job connecting seniors with potential volunteers, but am flummoxed as to why you would leave an abbreviation undefined. Joshua Strong Via email Editor’s response: Only Congress has the authority to change Social Security laws. Please share your views with your representatives. They get less genuine voter feedback than you’d think, so your opinion matters.

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Technology &

Innovations Tech startup aims to bring surveys to life By Margaret Foster Allan Horlick enjoyed a whirlwind career as a television producer that had taken him from managing the NBC television station in Washington, D.C., to launching CNBC and NBC Asia from Hong Kong, and then serving as president of CNBC and NBC Europe, based in London. When he turned 50, he decided to retire from all that, and return to America to golf his days away in Florida. “I did that for about three months and I went crazy,” said Horlick, now 71. “I tried retirement and I completely screwed it up.” Instead, he headed back to the Washington area to work as president and general manager at CBS.

Then he started his own consulting company — not his first or last startup. By his own admission, Horlick is “addicted to starting new businesses.”

His latest venture In June, Horlick launched yet another new company, TalkBackTime, which allows survey respondents to submit short videos that flesh out their answers. Instead of just checking a box, people can use their smartphone, tablet or computer to submit a 30-second video of themselves and elaborate on an answer. The idea for TalkBackTime was born in a local Starbucks. Five years ago, Horlick met former colleague Bob Okun for cof-

fee, and Okun mentioned an idea to capture voter feedback about the presidential campaign via video. “That conversation morphed into a company we started called VoteandVideo.com,” Horlick said, which became “the first iteration of what we’re doing now.” The two started shopping their new idea to potential investors. Last year, they received a significant financial investment that enabled them to launch TalkBackTime this past June. Companies who use the service pay a monthly subscription fee. Customer service surveys are very common today, Horlick pointed out. “Every time I buy a meal, I’m asked to take a survey.” While simple check-off-your-answer sur-

veys provide “quantitative data,” such as how many people bought a product, they don’t provide “qualitative data,” the kind of information you can gather from a focus group or a conversation. Videos that can convey a customer’s body language, expression and tone of voice provide much more of the latter than a traditional written or telephone survey could ever capture. “To be able to look into the face of someone who probably is really happy with you — or really mad at you — you’re going to get a real sense of how they feel,” Horlick said. Attention Beacon readers: What are you most proud of in your life? Visit bit.ly/proudest and send us a quick video — it’s easy.

Advertorial

Why can’t I hear what’s being said on TV? If you notice you have trouble hearing the TV clearly, and specifically dialogue, you are not alone. Part of the difficulty has to do with variations in the quality of the audio, which is mixed for each individual program or television channel. Movies are also mastered differently for audio. Essentially this means that when watching TV, even with perfect hearing, you can expect a great deal of variability in the clarity of the TV audio, including the level of sound effects, music and, of course, dialogue. The other factor is that all of the original mixing of television audio is done for those with perfect hearing. The bottom line is, TV audio is often poorly mixed, with many movies and programs not well produced for those with even mild hearing loss.

Hearing loss and television listening When we combine this problem with mild hearing loss, or a more significant level of hearing loss, the result is enormous difficulty hearing television dialogue clearly, and often the need to turn the television volume up above the preferred level of others in the house. Hearing specialist Don Hudson says trouble hearing the television is one of the

strongest complaints by those with hearing loss. “Even those with the very best hearing aids often complain that television dialogue is unclear, and their family complains if the TV volume is turned up.” Unfortunately, turning the TV volume up, or even purchasing a TV amplifying system, often doesn’t result in a significant improvement in clarity for the listener. Of course, this also presents a problem in the household for others who are disturbed by the loud volume of the TV.

Why aren’t my hearing aids helping? Hearing aids work with the signal they receive from the air. For those with hearing loss and hearing aids, and even those with normal hearing, the listener is always at a disadvantage as sound waves get distorted as they leave the TV speakers. This is why many people complain that hearing aids don’t work for the TV. Many assistive listening devices are available. The TV Voice Pro wireless system was developed by two prominent hearing specialists and audio engineers based on extensive client-centered audiology experience and clinical hearing test results. More than 1,000 audiograms were analyzed to enable the development of the best TV

headphone sound quality for those with hearing loss. TV Voice Pro uses wireless technology to deliver optimized TV audio directly to your ears. Following a complete recalibration and optimization of the television audio, the TV Voice Pro system transmits the audio signal directly from your TV audio output to the TV Voice Pro headset in digital form. The result is crystal clear television audio for the wearer.

How the whole family benefits from TV Voice Pro TV Voice Pro allows the wearer to listen at their own volume, while the rest of the family can listen to television at their preferred volume (or even turn the TV volume off entirely). The TV Voice Pro can even be used from a distance, meaning the wearer can move into another room close by and still hear the television through the headset. All TV Voice Pro system earpieces sit within the ear canal. The shape of the earpieces ensures optimal sound and audio clarity is delivered at the eardrum, and re-

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sults in an enhanced TV watching experience for the user. The device is rechargeable and guaranteed to connect to any television. TV Voice Pro is $299 and is sold with a 30-day money back guarantee, free shipping and a one-year warranty. The company stands by its excellent customer service. $40 Gift Voucher: As a Special Offer, Beacon readers can use the code BEACON at the TV Voice Pro website checkout, or over the phone, for a further $40 off the purchase price of $299, valid until October, 15th 2019. Your cost: only $259. For more information, or to order TV Voice Pro, visit www.TvVoicePro.com or call (415) 277-2026.

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How to outsmart smartphone scammers By Sean Pyles Your smartphone is your confidante, your hand-held connection to the world — and one of your biggest vulnerabilities. Scammers can take advantage of day-today tasks that seem innocuous, such as checking a bank balance or charging a phone at a public USB port, to exploit personal information for their profit. To keep that data safe, start by understanding the threats. Your phone has three main areas of vulnerability: its hardware, its software and your phone number. Each carries a risk, but there are steps you can take to mitigate them.

Hardware vulnerability A four-digit passcode alone isn’t enough to secure your phone’s hardware from intruders. One weakness comes from the charging

port. Think twice before plugging into a public USB jack for a quick charge at a cafe or airport. “Any time you’re using a mobile port, you can be vulnerable to viruses or malware if you’re sharing it with other people who are plugging in their devices,” said Lisa Schifferle, ID theft program manager at the Federal Trade Commission. Using a public charging port at an airport is like “finding a toothbrush on the side of the road and deciding to stick it in your mouth,” Caleb Barlow, vice president of X-Force Threat Intelligence at IBM Security, recently told Forbes. Hackers can modify these ports to install malevolent software, or “malware,” on your phone. Once installed, it can transfer your phone’s data to hackers. The hacked USB ports can also directly suck up your phone’s information.

To avoid the risk, use your USB cord with your own charging block that can plug into a standard electrical outlet, or use an external battery pack [which are convenient for recharging anywhere]. For daily security, go beyond the fourdigit passcode if possible, said Gary Davis, chief consumer security evangelist at the cybersecurity company McAfee. “Passcodes aren’t as effective as biometrics, like fingerprint readers or facial recognition software, because people can do shoulder surfing to see your passcode and get into your phone if they steal it,” he said.

Software and network risks Scammers can also target your personal information using unsecured wireless networks and software vulnerabilities. — Network risks: Be wary of public

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Wi-Fi networks. “We advise against using public Wi-Fi, but if you’re going to use it, avoid logging in to sensitive accounts,” said Allen Spence, director of product leadership at IDShield, an identity theft protection company. To protect yourself from inadvertently using insecure Wi-Fi networks, adjust your phone settings to avoid auto-connecting to Wi-Fi. — Software: Hackers can exploit vulnerabilities in phone software. Schifferle of the FTC suggests consumers routinely check for and download software updates for their phones, because updates often include security patches.

Phone number scams There are two common ways that scammers target your phone number: robocall scams and phone number theft. — Robocalls: U.S. consumers fielded nearly 48 billion robocalls in 2018, according to an estimate from robocall blocking service YouMail. That was a 57% increase from 2017. A common scam comes from supposed representatives of the Social Security Administration calling to say your benefits will be cut if you don’t give them your personal information. If you get a call from a number you don’t recognize, don’t answer. That’s the best way to ensure you don’t get caught up in a phone scam. And know that government agencies like Social Security and the IRS won’t call you out of the blue seeking your personal information. “You should never give out personal info or money unless you have initiated the call,” Schifferle said. If you answer a call and realize it may be a scammer, hang up, she advised. If you suspect your personal information has been stolen by scammers, file a report with the FTC at identitytheft.gov. — Phone number theft: Scammers are stealing phone numbers, which can leave you vulnerable to other forms of identity theft. The scam is clever: A malevolent actor calls your cellphone carrier pretending to be you, and after confirming some key information, such as your mother’s maiden name, transfers your phone number to their device. You may not find out this has happened until you go to make a call and find that your SIM card has been deactivated. Because phone numbers are often used as security keys, hackers may be able to get into many other accounts once they have access to your phone account. Make it harder for scammers to penetrate your account by avoiding common security questions, Davis said. “When you set up your security questions and answers, make sure you’re using really challenging questions that are going to be hard for others to figure out.” —AP/NerdWallet

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operations, limited now to delivering medical samples at a group of hospitals in Raleigh, North Carolina. It filed for certification from the Federal Aviation Administration for the subsidiary, called UPS Flight Forward, to fly drones beyond line of sight, at night, and with an unlimited number of drones and operators in command. Still, Google is ahead of UPS on the drone front. In April, Google announced that its affiliate Wing Aviation received federal approval allowing it to make commercial deliveries by drone. It marked the first time a company has gotten a federal air carrier certification for drone deliveries. The approval from the FAA means that Wing can operate commercial drone flights in part of Virginia, which it plans to begin later this year. —AP

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By Anne D’Innocenzio United Parcel Service Inc. is responding to the growth in online shopping and pressures for speedy delivery by seeking to expand its drone deliveries and adding thousands of new spots where customers can pick up and return packages. The Atlanta-based package delivery giant recently announced it is adding 12,000 new package pickup locations inside CVS pharmacies, and Michaels Co. and Advance Auto Parts stores. The new locations will bring to 21,000 the number of pickup points UPS has in the U.S. and to 40,000 globally. The company also announced that starting Jan. 1, 2020, it will offer pickup and delivery services seven days a week, adding service on Sundays. It said it is setting up a subsidiary that will focus on expanding its drone-delivery

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Health Fitness &

CAN’T SMELL THE ROSES? Sense of smell is compromised in many older adults. Some treatments help UNDESIRABLE SIDE EFFECT Hormone-block meds for prostate cancer may raise dementia risk AFTER THE HOSPITAL When the hospital kicks you out, where do you go? A guide to the options ALL ABOUT SOCIAL MEDIA Learn the good, the bad and the ugly of social media from an expert: a teen!

Gut feelings: How food affects our mood By Uma Naidoo, M.D. The human microbiome, or gut environment, is a community of different bacteria that has co-evolved with humans to be beneficial to both humans and the bacteria. Researchers agree that an individual’s unique microbiome is created within the first 1,000 days of life, but there are things you can do to alter your gut environment throughout life. In the relatively new field of nutritional psychiatry, we help patients understand how gut health and diet can positively or negatively affect their mood.

How are gut and mood related? When we consider the connection be-

tween the brain and the gut, it’s important to know that 90% of serotonin receptors are located in the gut. [Serotonin, sometimes called a feel-good hormone, is a neurotransmitter associated with appetite, digestion, mood, sleep and more.] When someone is prescribed an antidepressant such as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), the most common side effects are gut-related, and many people temporarily experience nausea, diarrhea or gastrointestinal problems. There is anatomical and physiologic two-way communication between the gut and brain via the vagus nerve. The gutbrain axis offers us a greater understanding of the connection between diet and dis-

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ease, including depression and anxiety. When the balance between the good and bad bacteria in our bodies is disrupted, diseases may occur. Examples of such diseases include: inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), asthma, obesity, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and cognitive and mood problems. For example, IBD is caused by dysfunction in the interactions between microbes (bacteria), the gut lining and the immune system.

Ultra-processed foods What we eat affects our gut environment and increases our risk of diseases. It can also affect our mood. Ultra-processed foods contain sub-

stances extracted from food (such as sugar and starch), added from food constituents (hydrogenated fats), or made in a laboratory (flavor enhancers, food colorings). It’s important to know that ultra-processed foods, such as fast foods, are manufactured to be extra tasty by the use of such ingredients or additives, and are cost effective to the consumer. Therefore, these foods are very common in the typical Western diet. Some examples of processed foods are canned foods, sugar-coated dried fruits and salted meat products. Some examples of ultra-processed foods are soda, sugary or savory packaged See GUT FEELINGS, page 10

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 9

Hope for nipping Alzheimer’s in the bud By Veena Alfred Wouldn’t it be wonderful to be able to nip Alzheimer’s disease in the bud before it got started — or at least nab it in its early stages? This has, of course, been the dream of researchers and medical professionals for several decades. Now it appears the dream might soon become a reality. Last month, an article published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reported on the findings of a research study, conducted at the University of Washington in Seattle, which tested the effectiveness of a new synthetic protein in stopping the progression of Alzheimer’s in its early stages. The study targeted beta-amyloid, which is thought to be responsible for memory loss and general cognitive decline.

False start For several decades, it was thought that the beta-amyloid plaques — the large clumps of beta-amyloid that accumulate around neurons — were the cause of the classic symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s. However, over the past few years, evidence has been mounting that the plaques themselves are not the culprit. The toxicity of beta-amyloid lies in an earlier stage of the process of plaque formation. Beta-amyloid in its simplest form is called a “monomer.” Monomers clump together to form what are called “oligomers.” The oligomers go on to form larger units known as “fibrils,” which then cluster together and form plaques. The only stage in which beta-amyloid is harmful appears to be in the oligomer stage. Not only do oligomers cause damage to neurons (brain cells), but one form of oligomer is capable of spreading by converting surrounding non-toxic monomers

into toxic oligomers. This ability to act as a “seed” from which new toxic oligomers spring is perhaps the most dangerous aspect of beta-amyloid oligomers. Another aspect of beta-amyloid oligomer activity is its association with inflammation. Inflammation in the brain is one of the earliest signs that Alzheimer’s is setting in, even before the appearance of the beta-amyloid plaques. Research conducted between 2012 and 2015 has uncovered many ways in which beta-amyloid oligomers give rise to inflammation, though the relationship between the two is not absolutely clear. It is important to note that none of the other forms of beta-amyloid monomers, fibrils or plaques is associated in any way with inflammation, and they are therefore not contributors to the development of Alzheimer’s.

Aiming for a new target The new approach to stopping Alzheimer’s targets beta-amyloid in its toxic oligomer stage. Researchers created a new synthetic protein (known as a peptide). The synthet-

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ic protein mimics the shape of the oligomers and wraps itself around them, thus shielding the surrounding area from their toxic effects, and also preventing See ALZHEIMER’S, page 10

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Gut feelings From page 8 snack foods, packaged breads, buns and pastries, fish or chicken nuggets and instant noodle soups. Researchers recommend “fixing the food first” (in other words, what we eat) before trying gut modifying-therapies (probiotics, prebiotics) to improve how we feel. They suggest eating whole foods and avoiding processed and ultra-processed foods, which we know cause inflammation and disease.

Diet and depression A recent study suggests that eating a healthy, balanced diet such as the Mediter-

Alzheimers From page 9 them from “infecting” non-toxic forms of beta-amyloid.

S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 9 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

ranean diet, and avoiding inflammationproducing foods, may be protective against depression. Another study outlines an Antidepressant Food Scale, which lists 12 antidepressant nutrients related to the prevention and treatment of depression. Some of the foods containing these nutrients are oysters, mussels, salmon, watercress, spinach, romaine lettuce, cauliflower and strawberries. A better diet can help, but it’s only one part of treatment. It’s important to note that just like you cannot exercise out of a bad diet, you also cannot eat your way out of feeling depressed or anxious. We should be careful about using food as the only treatment for mood, and when we talk about mood problems, we are re-

ferring to mild and moderate forms of depression and anxiety. In other words, food is not going to impact serious forms of depression and thoughts of suicide. Seek treatment in an emergency room or contact your doctor if you are experiencing thoughts about harming yourself.

The study tested the new protein on animal models, which documented a 40% reduction in oligomer levels within 24 hours. The synthetic protein was also tested on the common roundworm or nematode (C.

elegans) with positive results. What does this mean for humans? First, researchers suggest that the new protein can be used to develop a test that measures the level of toxic beta-amyloid

For a healthier gut and better mood Eat whole foods and avoid packaged or processed foods, which are high in unwanted food additives and preservatives that disrupt the healthy bacteria in the gut. Instead of vegetable or fruit juice, consider increasing your intake of fresh fruits and vegetables. Frozen fruits without added sugars/additives are a good choice, too.

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oligomers in the brain and thus provide an early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s before the symptoms appear. Second, research is already under way to develop a treatment that will trap and remove the toxic beta-amyloid oligomers before they have a chance to do further damage. This sounds very promising and gives us every reason to be hopeful. Veena J. Alfred, Ph.D., is a Certified Dementia Practitioner and CEO/Administrator of AlfredHouse Assisted Living.

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Sept. 9+

GENTLE YOGA

For a low-stress, lowimpact yoga session, stop by the Cleveland Park Congregational UCC, 3400 Lowell St. NW, Washington, D.C. on Mondays at 10 a.m. Bring a yoga mat or participate from a chair. Classes are $10. To sign up or for more information, email info@ClevelandWoodleyParkVillage.org or call (202) 615-5853.

Get more beneﬁts than you’re currently getting from Original Medicare with a UnitedHealthcare Dual Complete® (PPO SNP) plan. It combines your doctor,hospital and prescription drug coverage into one plan — for a $0 plan premium.

Additional beneﬁts may include: Dental Coverage $2,000 toward dental services. Health Products Beneﬁt Up to $500 in credits to place catalog orders for health products you may need. Transportation Assistance Up to 24 one-way rides every year. Vision Coverage Bi-annual exam and $150 credit every 2 years for eyewear.

Call today to enroll or get answers to your questions. UnitedHealthcare 1-855-304-9001, TTY 711

uhccp.com/DCdual Plans are insured through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or one of its aﬃliated companies, a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract and a contract with the State Medicaid program. Enrollment in the plan depends on the plan’s contract renewal with Medicare. Y0066_180910_034822_M

Eat enough fiber and include whole grains and legumes in your diet. Include probiotic-rich foods, such as plain yogurt without added sugars. To reduce sugar intake at breakfast, add cinnamon to plain yogurt with berries, or to oatmeal or chia pudding. Adding fermented foods such as kefir (unsweetened), sauerkraut or kimchi can be helpful to maintain a healthy gut. Eat a balance of seafoods and lean poultry, and less red meat each week. Add a range of colorful fresh fruits and vegetables to your diet, and consider choosing certain organic produce. © 2019 President and Fellows of Harvard College. All Rights Reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

PUT A IN YOUR KNEE

12 weeks of osteoarthritis knee pain relief. >-06)88% MW XLI Ƥ VWX ERH SRP] *(% ETTVSZIH XVIEXQIRX XS QEREKI SWXISEVXLVMXMW ORII TEMR XLEX YWIW I\XIRHIH VIPIEWI QMGVSWTLIVI XIGLRSPSK] 8LIWI XMR] QMGVSWTLIVIW WXE] VMKLX MR ]SYV ORII NSMRX VIPIEWMRK QIHMGMRI [LIVI XLI TEMR MW 8LMW GSYPH FI XLI non-opioid XVIEXQIRX ]SYŭZI FIIR LSTMRK JSV .YWX SRI MRNIGXMSR GSYPH QIER E [LSPI WIEWSR SJ ORII TEMR VIPMIJ %WO EFSYX XLI >

Indication and Important Risk Information What is ZILRETTA? >-06)88% MW ER I\XIRHIH VIPIEWI GSVXMGSWXIVSMH ETTVSZIH XS QEREKI SWXISEVXLVMXMW ORII TEMR -X MW RSX MRXIRHIH JSV VITIEX YWI Who should not receive ZILRETTA? =SY WLSYPH RSX VIGIMZI E >-06)88% MRNIGXMSR MJ ]SY EVI EPPIVKMG XS GSVXMGSWXIVSMHW XVMEQGMRSPSRI EGIXSRMHI SV ER] SXLIV GSQTSRIRX SJ XLI TVSHYGX

What are the most common side effects of receiving a ZILRETTA injection? -R QYPXMTPI GPMRMGEP XVMEPW XLI QSWX GSQQSR WMHI IJJIGXW WIIR MR TISTPI XEOMRK >-06)88% [IVI NSMRX TEMR LIEHEGLI NSMRX W[IPPMRK FEGO TEMR WSVI XLVSEX ERH VYRR] RSWI YTTIV VIWTMVEXSV] XVEGX MRJIGXMSR ERH FVYMWMRK Please see additional and full Important Risk Information on next page.

Learn more at www.ZILRETTA.com/Beacon

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PUT A IN YOUR KNEE

INDICATION AND IMPORTANT RISK INFORMATION

What is ZILRETTA? >-06)88% MW ER I\XIRHIH VIPIEWI GSVXMGSWXIVSMH ETTVSZIH XS QEREKI SWXISEVXLVMXMW ORII TEMR -X MW RSX MRXIRHIH JSV VITIEX YWI

Who should not receive ZILRETTA? =SY WLSYPH RSX VIGIMZI E >-06)88% MRNIGXMSR MJ ]SY EVI EPPIVKMG XS GSVXMGSWXIVSMHW XVMEQGMRSPSRI EGIXSRMHI SV ER] SXLIV GSQTSRIRX SJ XLI TVSHYGX

What possible side effects of corticosteroids could occur with ZILRETTA? ŵ 6EVI WIVMSYW EPPIVKMG VIEGXMSRW ŵ )JJIGXW MR XLI MRNIGXIH ORII WYGL EW MRJIGXMSR [MXL TEMR W[IPPMRK ERH VIWXVMGXIH QSXMSR SV NSMRX HEQEKI ŵ -RGVIEWIH GLERGI SJ KIXXMRK ER MRJIGXMSR ERH E HIGVIEWIH EFMPMX] XS ƤKLX ER MRJIGXMSR ŵ )JJIGXW SR LSVQSRI TVSHYGXMSR 8LIWI IJJIGXW GER FI VIZIVWMFPI ŵ )PIZEXIH FPSSH TVIWWYVI WSHMYQ ERH [EXIV VIXIRXMSR ERH TSXEWWMYQ PSWW ŵ -RXIWXMREP TIVJSVEXMSR MJ ]SY LEZI GIVXEMR KEWXVSMRXIWXMREP HMWSVHIVW ŵ ;IEOIRMRK SJ FSRIW ŵ 'LERKIW MR FILEZMSV SV QSSH HMWXYVFERGIW ŵ -RGVIEWIH TVIWWYVI MRWMHI XLI I]I

k *PI\MSR 8LIVETIYXMGW -RG %PP VMKLXW VIWIVZIH ZILRETTA MW E VIKMWXIVIH XVEHIQEVO SJ *PI\MSR 8LIVETIYXMGW -RG .YP] > Z

S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 9 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

What should you tell your doctor BEFORE receiving a ZILRETTA injection? 8IPP ]SYV HSGXSV EFSYX EPP SJ XLI QIHMGEXMSRW ]SY EVI XEOMRK MRGPYHMRK FSXL TVIWGVMTXMSR ERH SZIV XLI GSYRXIV QIHMGMRIW ERH EFSYX ER] QIHMGEP GSRHMXMSRW IWTIGMEPP] MJ ]SY LEZI LMKL FPSSH TVIWWYVI LIEVX HMWIEWI YPGIVW HMZIVXMGYPMXMW SV SXLIV KEWXVSMRXIWXMREP HMWSVHIVW OMHRI] TVSFPIQW HMEFIXIW KPEYGSQE FILEZMSV SV QSSH HMWSVHIVW ERH SV MRJIGXMSRW

What should you tell your doctor AFTER receiving a ZILRETTA injection? 'SRXEGX ]SYV HSGXSV MJ ]SY HIZIPST E JIZIV SV SXLIV WMKRW SJ MRJIGXMSR LEZI ER MRGVIEWI MR TEMR EPSRK [MXL W[IPPMRK SJ XLI MRNIGXIH ORII VIWXVMGXMSR SJ NSMRX QSXMSR SV E KIRIVEP JIIPMRK SJ HMWGSQJSVX 'SRXEGX ]SYV HSGXSV MQQIHMEXIP] MJ ]SY EVI I\TSWIH XS GLMGOIR TS\ SV QIEWPIW SV JSV ER] RI[ SV [SVWIRMRK GLERKIW MR FILEZMSV SV QSSH These are not all of the possible side effects with ZILRETTA or corticosteroid medications. Please see the full Prescribing Information at www.ZILRETTALabel.com. Always contact your doctor if you have questions or experience any side effects. You are encouraged to report side effects to the FDA: Call 1-800-FDA-1088 (332-1088), or visit www.fda.gov/medwatch. You may also report side effects to Flexion at 1-844-FLEXION (353-9466).

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 9

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

When your sense of smell lets you down By Eric Holbrook, M.D. We spend our days interacting with the world around us through our senses of sight, sound and touch. But anyone who has developed complete nasal obstruction from an infection or severe allergies has experienced what it’s like to be without one of our most basic senses: our sense of smell. In other animals, the sense of smell is crucial for survival, reproduction and rearing of young. Although humans can survive without smell, research has shown that losing the sense of smell negatively impacts quality of life, even driving some people toward clinical depression. Just as other animals depend on their sense of smell as an alarm system for danger, we also depend on smell to warn us of such hazards as smoke from a fire, natural gas leaks in the home or spoiled food. Also, the flavor of a meal depends heavily on our ability to smell. Scents round out our experiences and are often integral parts of our memory of events. Memories of a perfume worn by your spouse or the bread being baked at your grandmother’s house when you were a child last for decades, and are often intricately tied in with strong emotions.

a five-year period. The detrimental effect of smell loss on flavor of food could significantly impact older adults, for whom diet and nutrition may already be a concern. The sense of smell (olfaction) is dependent on millions of specialized nerve cells that are located in a deep protected recess high in the nasal cavity. Remarkably, these nerve cells normally die and are replaced throughout our lifetime. Therefore, the system has the capacity to repair itself after injury. But this isn’t always possible or complete. The most common causes of prolonged smell loss occur as a result of upper respiratory infection, head injury, chronic sinus disease and aging. However, other conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and tumors can also be associated with smell loss. In some cases, the loss of smell is complete (anosmia), while in other cases there is only a partial loss (hyposmia). In many instances where smell loss occurs, remaining smells are distorted. Most patients report that these distorted odors are unpleasant: “smoky,” “swamp-like,” “musty,” “garbage” or “chemical-like.”

Sinus disease usually requires longterm management, and fluctuations in the ability to smell are common. Unfortunately, people with loss of smell resulting from head injury, upper respiratory infection or aging don’t often improve. The natural ability of the olfactory system to repair itself allows for some patients to regain the sense of smell after a respiratory infection-related loss or head injury. This recovery can take over a year, and can be so gradual that people have difficulty recognizing the change. If you experience any persistent change in your sense of smell, visit your doctor. Some rare forms of smell disorders may result from tumors in the brain, neurodegenerative disease or infection.

In addition, your doctor should talk to you about risks, such as depression and nutritional concerns that may stem from loss of smell. Ongoing scientific work is investigating how stem cells in the nose replace dying olfactory nerve cells. In the future, we will be able to trigger these cells to make more neurons, or replace missing stem cells to regenerate the neurons. Or we may be able to electrically stimulate a sensation of smell using an artificial implant. Eric Holbrook, M.D., is a contributor to Harvard Health Publications. © 2019 President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Treating the condition Problem is fairly common Smell disorders affect 19% of the population over the age of 20 and 25% of the population over 53. If smell loss from aging alone is considered, one out of eight people between 53 and 91 will be affected over

In cases where smell loss results from sinus disease, doctors have had some success in treating the condition. Oral and topical steroids often provide relief. Sometimes surgery is required to reduce the obstruction of odors to the sensory nerve cells.

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vol • un • teer It’s a person who changes a child’s life forever Join Us. Experience Corps volunteers – people age 50 and older – help children in Pre-K through third grade learn to read. Join us at one of the following information sessions to learn how you can become a reading tutor and transform the lives of students in the DC Metro Area.

Upcoming Sessions:

September 4, 2019 | 11 a.m. – noon September 24, 2019 | 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. Information sessions held at 601 E. St. NW Washington, DC 20049 Register online at: aarpfoundation.org/ecdcmetro or contact Denise Fraction at 202-434-6349

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Dementia risk raised by cancer treatment By Lindsey Tanner Alzheimer’s disease may be a risk for older prostate cancer patients given hormone-blocking treatment, a large, U.S. government-funded analysis found. Previous evidence has been mixed on whether the treatment might be linked with mental decline. But experts say the new results stand out because they’re from a respected national cancer database and the men were tracked for a long time — eight years on average.

Among 154,000 older patients, 13% who received hormone-blocking treatment developed Alzheimer’s, compared with 9% who had other treatment or chose no therapy, the study found. The risk for dementia from strokes or other causes was higher: It was diagnosed in 22% of those who got hormone-blocking treatment, versus 16% of the other patients. The results, using perhaps one of the largest and most reliable databases, suggest there truly may be a connection, said

Dr. Sumanta Pal, a prostate cancer expert with the American Society of Clinical Oncology. Pal was not involved in the study. The analysis from University of Pennsylvania researchers was published in July in JAMA Network Open.

Weigh risks and benefits The results aren’t proof, but experts say they underscore the importance of discussing potential risks and benefits when choosing cancer treatment. The researchers analyzed data from a National Cancer Institute database of cancer cases and treatment that covers almost 30% of the U.S. population. The study focused on men in their 70s, on average, with local or advanced prostate cancer diagnosed between 1996 and 2003. They were followed until 2013. Medicare records indicated dementia or Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Hormone-blocking treatment can include testes removal to reduce levels of testosterone, which fuels prostate cancer growth. But it more typically involves periodic drug injections or implants that achieve the same result.

Most U.S. men who receive this treatment are in their 70s or older. It’s sometimes used in men who might not be healthy enough to tolerate other cancer treatments, including surgery to remove the prostate and radiation. It’s unclear how the treatment might be linked with mental decline. The researchers noted that it can lead to diabetes, which also has been linked with dementia — perhaps because blood vessel damage from diabetes can restrict blood flow to the brain. Hormone treatment also raises risks for heart disease and depression, which both have been linked with dementia. Researcher Grace Lu-Yao of the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center in Philadelphia said the potential dementia risks from hormone-blocking treatment may outweigh any benefit for younger, healthier patients with longer expected life spans. While the study doesn’t prove that the treatment causes dementia, she said, it is important to tell patients “because of the potential impact of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia on the quality of life of patients and their family.” She was not involved in the study. —AP

Send us a video comment. See page 4.

PARKINSON’S POINTERS “Advances in Treatment for Parkinson’s” A free, livestream event followed by a question-and-answer session

Presented by Fernando Pagan, MD, director of the Movement Disorders Program and vice chair of the Department of Neurology at Georgetown University Hospital, a Parkinson Foundation Center of Excellence

Thursday, September 12 • 6:30-8 p.m. check-in & Hors d’oeuvres • 6 p.m. Brooke Grove Rehabilitation and Nursing Center 18131 Slade School Road • Sandy Spring, MD 20860

For information or to register, contact Toni Davis, 301-388-7209 or tdavis@bgf.org, by September 10.

www.bgf.org

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 9

the best of

NEW TERRACE HOME APARTMENTS COMING IN 2020

Falcons Landing is proud to announce our latest expansion project, The Terrace Homes. With the best features of apartment and cottage living, The Terrace Homes oﬀer a new take on Independent Living for military oﬃcers who have honorably served and senior-level federal employees. Whether your passion is serving up aces both on the court and in the pool, or popping open the perfect wine with friends, you can experience it all here at Falcons Landing. Call (703) 293-5054 to claim your Terrace Homes apartment before they’re all reserved!

FalconsL anding.org | 20522 Falcons L anding Circle, Potomac Falls, VA 20165

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S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 9 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

A guide to grains for eating healthily By Heidi McIndoo Grains can be confusing. We hear “eat more whole grains” and then “cut out grains.” What should we actually be doing? Grains are loaded with nutrients, including B vitamins and carbohydrates, your body’s main source of energy. In addition, whole grains such as oats

and brown rice are good sources of fiber, protein and even more vitamins and minerals. It’s recommended that at least half of your daily grains be whole grains.

Eat, but don’t overdo The concern with grains isn’t so much that they aren’t nutritious. It’s the quantity

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Ongoing

SENIOR CALL CHECK

Now Marylanders can check on older residents with a daily automated telephone call. Through the free statewide program launched on Sept. 3, if no one answers their phone after three calls, an adult child, neighbor or another loved one will be alerted. Any Maryland resident 65 years of age or older who has a land line phone or cell phone can apply for Senior Call Check. Call (866) 502-0560 to opt in or register at aging.maryland.gov; click on Senior Call Check.

consumed. A serving of up to one cup of grains provides beneficial nutrients. However larger servings may contain more calories than needed daily from the grain group. Grains are pretty easy to prepare — boil a liquid, add the grain, simmer — ta da! These days it’s even easier with the wide array of microwaveable pouches and cups on the market. But how do these “instant grains” compare to traditionally prepared grains? Should they be included in a healthy eating plan? As long as you stick to the basic grains, those without flavors or seasonings added, instant grains are comparable to traditional grains, nutritionally speaking. In fact, being able to heat up a pouch of brown rice or steel cut oats in 60 to 90 seconds, versus the longer simmering process of tradition-

al cooking, may make including them in your diet much easier.

Helpful hints Keep these ideas in mind the next time you pick up some instant grains: —Season yourself. Flavored savory grains can be full of sodium. Your best bet is buying them plain and adding your own sodium-free herbs and spices. —Don’t be heavy handed while dishing out. Most serving sizes for these are one cup. While this is a decent amount for a side dish, it may be less than you are used to when compared to serving out of a large pot of rice or other grain. —Sweetness. Flavored instant oats can provide substantial amounts of sugar. Some have nearly 5 teaspoons of sugar in one cup. Stick to the unflavored and sprinkle on your favorite spices or drizzle with a bit of maple syrup. Reprinted with permission from Environmental Nutrition, a monthly publication of Belvoir Media Group, LLC. 1-800-8295384, EnvironmentalNutrition.com. © 2019 Belvoir Media Group. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Our quick guide to grains Amaranth: Technically a seed, amaranth is high in protein and contains many vitamins and minerals. Barley: Try traditional pearl barley in soups or as a base for a stir-fry. Brown rice: Always a better choice over white rice due to its fiber content, brown rice also contains magnesium and selenium. Buckwheat: Despite its name, this seed is gluten-free. Try it in pancakes. Farro: Like a rounded version of brown rice, farro contains protein, magnesium and iron. Kamut: The ancient grain Kamut, or Khorasan wheat, is twice the size of modern wheat and is high in protein. Millet: Found in bread, millet contains calcium, iron and zinc. It has a low glycemic index, so it’s good for diabetics. Quinoa: These tiny protein-packed grains, which resemble couscous, are delicious cold or hot. Teff: Widely used in Ethiopian flatbread, teff is gaining popularity in the D.C. area for its sourdough-like taste. Wheatberr y: This unprocessed wheat grain contains bran and vitamin B. —Margaret Foster

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Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

Beacon celebrates 20th year of 50+Expos For the past 20 years, the Beacon newspaper has been providing free community education events every fall for readers and their families. Known as the 50+Expos, they are held in both suburban Maryland and Northern Virginia for the convenience of residents throughout the metro area. Between the two events, more than 100 informative exhibitors will provide giveaways and helpful information. In addition to government agencies and nonprofit associations that focus on older adults, there will be home care agencies, hearing, vision and other healthcare providers, housing communities, remodelers and other home services, financial planners, elder lawyers and much more. New this year, our sponsor Giant Pharmacy will be providing four different vaccines. The flu vaccine (both regular and

high-dose) and pneumonia vaccine are free to those with Medicare and often covered by health insurance. Two additional vaccines, tetanus and Shingrix (the new shingles vaccine) will also be offered. These are often covered by insurance, though co-pays may apply. Bring your Medicare and insurance cards with you. This year’s keynote speaker will be Dr. Matthew Mintz (see this month’s cover story) who will address a healthcare issue that is much in the news: “Medical cannabis and CBD oil: What you need to know.” This year’s events will take place at two locations: On Sunday, Sept. 22, from noon to 4 p.m., at Springfield Town Center in Springfield, Va., and On Sunday, Oct. 6, from noon to 4 p.m., at the Silver Spring Civic Building in downtown Silver Spring, Md.

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Sept. 11

THE EYES HAVE IT

Dr. Catherine Cukras of the National Eye Institute will present current research on retina disorders, including treatments to slow the progression of visual impairment, and explain how to participate in a research study. Light refreshments provided. The event on Wed., Sept. 11 from 10 a.m. to noon, will take place at the Leisure World Clubhouse 2 Auditorium, 3300 North Leisure World Blvd, Silver Spring, Md. For more information or to register, call Larry at (301) 244-8004.

At Silver Spring only, there will be Tai Chi demonstrations and the following screenings: blood pressure, bone density and BioSway balance testing, courtesy of sponsor Holy Cross Health, glaucoma testing from the Prevention of Blindness Society, and skin cancer screens from Anne Arundel Dermatology. At Springfield only, there will be a shredder truck, courtesy of sponsor AARP Va., and a presentation on “Medicare 101” by UnitedHealthcare, also a sponsor. Blood

pressure, glaucoma and skin cancer screenings will also be offered there. Other sponsors include Flexion Therapeutics, Sommerset Retirement, Oak Manor Healthcare, GraceFul Care, Health for Life, JCA and Bath Fitter. Admission is free, and so is parking at both venues. For more information — or to exhibit or volunteer at either Expo — call (301) 949-9766 or visit www.theBeaconNewspapers.com/50-expos.

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Dr. Mintz From page 1 many consumer products. However, it is not regulated by the FDA, so not all products contain what they claim. “Since medical marijuana can be expensive (and is not covered by insurance) and I often recommend several products at a time, the cost of using medical marijuana adds up quickly,” Mintz noted. “Using hemp-based CBD can lower the cost, but I recommend only products that are independently verified by a third-party lab.” In Mintz’s talks, he explains how these

substances affect the human endocannabinoid system, through which the body itself synthesizes cannabinoids. That explains why people have CB1 and CB2 receptors throughout their central nervous systems. He also addresses concerns about cannabis such as toxicity and addiction, safety and efficacy in older adults, interactions with other medicines, and side effects, which he has found to be limited. “A lot of people don’t understand that, no, you don’t have to get high, and no, you don’t have to smoke it” to derive benefit from cannabis, Mintz said. He never recommends smoking be-

S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 9 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

cause of its adverse effect on the lungs. “Because it’s a medicine, I dose it like a medicine,” he said. Mintz typically recommends either pills or a tincture that patients can place under their tongue. For patients with painful arthritis, he suggests topical creams that aren’t absorbed into the bloodstream and won’t produce a “high.” Sometimes he recommends patients try a battery-powered vaping device that heats oil concentrates from the leaves of the cannabis plant to be inhaled. “For someone with severe symptoms, that’s a good way to get instant relief,” he said.

More research needed There is still much we don’t know about cannabis and its potential uses and side effects, chiefly because relatively little scientific research has been done to date. Nonetheless, nearly half of U.S. cancer doctors who responded to a survey said they’ve recommended medical marijuana to their patients, even while most of them admit they haven’t seen enough medical evidence to support it. Researchers have been held back by the strict controls imposed on the availability and use of cannabis even in federally-funded trials. This makes it difficult for researchers to obtain the product legally, limiting their ability to conduct studies and find other uses. Harvard University and the Massachu-

setts Institute of Technology received grants of $9 million last spring to research cannabis. Two years ago, the National Institutes of Health supported 330 cannabis research projects with grants that totaled almost $140 million. Earlier this year, the Maryland legislature amended the state’s cannabis law to allow research universities here to purchase medical cannabis for studies. As a result of these limited efforts, to date the FDA has approved a handful of medications derived from the cannabis plant, mostly to treat seizures in certain forms of epilepsy, anorexia in AIDS patients, and nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy. Another boost came from a 2017 report from the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine that “found evidence to support that patients who were treated with cannabis or cannabinoids were more likely to experience a significant reduction in pain symptoms.”

Patients prove convincing Mintz has seen many of his patients benefit from medical marijuana, which he said appears to have fewer side effects and is safer than many drugs. One of its benefits is that it doesn’t interact with most medications — which works well for older patients who may be taking See DR. MINTZ, page 19

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Dr. Mintz From page 18 several other drugs, he said. “One day it dawned on me: Why am I prescribing Ambien for an 85-year-old to help her sleep, when it has associated side effects and may interact with her medications, when a little cannabis can do the same thing without the side effects and the interactions?” Mintz said. “It may be a very good medication for seniors because most have a little insomnia, they have aches and pains, and they have a little bit of anxiety, and cannabis is good for all those things.” Of course, like any medication, medical cannabis has risks. Among the prescriptions that do interact with it are certain sleep medications, blood thinners, blood pressure medications and diabetes drugs. It also may increase fall risk in older adults and the chance of auto accidents, especially when THC is used. And the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has concluded that “heavy users of marijuana can have shortterm problems with attention, memory and learning, which can affect relationships and mood.” How do Dr. Mintz’s patients react when he suggests cannabis treatment? Some re-

ject the idea, citing unpleasant episodes from their youth, when marijuana wasn’t available in precise doses. “People who had a bad experience with pot in college probably took too much,” he said. “That’s why we start [my patients on] a very low dose and titrate up slowly, to avoid negative effects.” Attitudes about marijuana vary depending on the age of his patients, Mintz has found. “It’s interesting. The folks in their 60s and 70s are much more amenable to it. It’s the 80- to 90-year-olds, who were adults in the 60s, who have a hard time getting past the pot thing,” he said. Members of that generation remember the stigma of marijuana and are reluctant to see it as a medication. Further research may cement the benefits of medical marijuana and change public perception of the drug, Mintz said. “It doesn’t cure everything and it’s not like it has absolutely no risk,” he said. “But compared to other medications that we use commonly, I think it’s something people and physicians should consider.” Dr. Mintz will be the keynote speaker at both of the Beacon’s 50+Expos this fall. The events are free, and feature government, nonprofit and business exhibitors; health screenings; flu, pneumonia and shingles vaccines (provided this year by Giant); as well as informative resources and entertainment geared to older adults and their families.

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CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUPS

Northern Virginia caregivers meet once a week in Alexandria and Vienna to compare notes, swap tips and support each other. The Caring for You, Caring for Me program is a free, five-week session facilitated by an experienced eldercare case manager and a social worker. The Alexandria group meets on Mondays from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Hollin Hall Senior Center, 1500 Shenandoah Rd., Alexandria, Va. The Vienna group meets Fridays starting Sept. 13 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Vienna Community Center, 120 Cherry St. SE, Vienna, Va. Register online at fairfaxcounty.gov/olderadults or call (703) 3247210 or (703) 324-7577.

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The events will take place on Sunday, Sept. 22, from noon to 4 p.m., at Springfield Town Center in Springfield, Va., and on Sunday, Oct. 6, from noon to 4 p.m., at the Silver Spring Civic Center in downtown Silver Spring, Md. Exhibitors will offer giveaways and help-

ful information, answering questions about retirement communities, home remodeling, financial planning, healthcare, travel, fitness, senior services and more. For more information about the 50+Expos, or to exhibit or volunteer, call (301) 949-9766 or visit thebeaconnewspapers.com/50-expos.

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S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 9 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

How to find the right post-hospital care By Eleanor Laise For patients and their families, a hospital stay can be a confusing and stressful time. But for hospitalized Medicare beneficiaries who are very sick or have complex needs, the question of where to go after the hospital may be even more difficult. Patients who need continued care after a hospital stay are destined for “post-acute care” — skilled nursing or therapy services that may be provided by long-term-care hospitals, nursing homes, inpatient rehab facilities or home health agencies. When it comes to picking the right postacute care provider, however, patients and their loved ones are often left largely on their own. They may also be under intense

deadline pressure, as a hospital discharge can come with less than a day’s notice. Asking the doctor or hospital staff for guidance may be of little use. Medicare rules prevent hospitals from making specific post-acute care recommendations. And “there’s not a lot of clinical consensus about what setting is right for what patients,” said Brian McGarry, a postdoctoral fellow at Harvard Medical School. Recent studies, meanwhile, raise new questions about the cost and quality of care in long-term-care hospitals, where some of the sickest patients are sent for post-acute care. A study published by the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER), for

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example, called long-term-care hospitals “a case study in waste,” finding that patients discharged to these facilities owe more money out of pocket but don’t spend less time in institutional care or have better outcomes as a result.

A significant number need it About 40% of Medicare beneficiaries who are discharged from a hospital receive post-acute care, which costs Medicare about $60 billion a year, according to the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission. The quality of that care is critical: A bungled transition to a lower-quality provider could mean more days in the facility, deteriorating health, and a return trip to the hospital. Patients with serious health conditions should understand the types of post-acute care providers that operate in their area and plan in advance when possible, researching local facilities’ quality of care, special services provided and potential out-of-pocket costs. Here’s a look at the issues facing the sickest Medicare patients and tips for navigating post-hospital care: Some of the most complex patients, including those who have traumatic brain injury or need prolonged mechanical ventilation, may be sent to long-term-care hospitals. Because of a regulatory quirk, Medicare under certain circumstances pays longterm-care hospitals much higher rates than other post-acute care providers — and recent studies question whether the quality of care is worth the extra cost. In 2014, the average long-term-care hospital stay was 26 days and cost Medicare $36,000 — three times as much as the av-

erage skilled-nursing-facility stay, which spanned 25 days, according to the NBER paper. Patients discharged to a long-term-care hospital also owe an additional $2,420 out of pocket, but they get no clear benefit, the study found. A long-term-care hospital stay doesn’t improve patients’ odds of returning home within 90 days or reduce their mortality risk, according to the study.

High rate of injury What’s more, nearly half of Medicare patients in long-term-care hospitals suffered harm resulting from their medical care, such as pressure ulcers or infections caused by contaminated equipment, according to a 2018 report by the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Inspector General. The harm rate was substantially higher than that of hospitals, nursing homes and rehabilitation hospitals — and over half of those events were preventable, according to the report. The higher rate of harm can be partly explained by the fact that patients have longer stays in long-term-care hospitals. The rate of harm per 1,000 days was still higher in long-term-care hospitals than in rehab hospitals or nursing homes, the inspector general found, but lower than in acute-care hospitals. “It’s clear from the study that long-termcare hospitals can do better,” and the industry is working to improve performance, said Lane Koenig, policy and research director at the National Association of Long Term Hospitals, an industry group. Given that long-term-care hospitals See POST-HOSPITAL, page 21

Post-hospital From page 20 treat very sick patients, “the risks have to go up,” said Dr. John Votto, the association’s chief medical officer. But in its own study, the industry found that a long-termcare hospital stay may improve outcomes for some patients, Koenig said. As for the overall cost, he said, patients who wind up in these facilities are also more expensive in the 90 days before they enter post-acute care. “These patients are sick and expensive no matter where they go,” he said.

Plan ahead if possible

Choices may be limited No matter what guidance you receive from the hospital, understand your rights. If you have traditional Medicare, you have the freedom to choose any post-acute care provider that participates in Medicare — theoretically. In reality, your options may be limited by the availability of beds and the fact that providers don’t have an obligation to accept every patient that’s referred to them. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, you’ll want to choose a provider that’s within your plan’s network to control your out-of-pocket costs. When possible, start planning early. “Do some research on post-acute care providers while you’re well,” Rogut suggested. Medicare.gov offers comparison tools for long-term-care hospitals, nursing

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homes, inpatient rehab facilities and home health agencies. Recent changes to Medicare’s Nursing Home Compare tool make it more useful for people researching post-acute care providers. In April, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services created a separate quality rating for short-stay nursing home residents. Rather than focusing on a nursing home’s overall star rating, people shopping for post-acute care should pay particular attention to the short-stay rating and some of the quality measures that comprise it, McGarry said, such as the per-

centage of short-stay residents who were rehospitalized. Ask whether the facilities on your short list provide any specialized services you might need, such as on-site dialysis or dementia care, said Kristina Ramos-Callan, program manager at the United Hospital Fund. If there’s no dialysis available for a patient who needs it, she said, “a family member is going to have to do a lot of coordination of transport between the facility and a dialysis center and back again.” © 2019 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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The choice of a post-acute care provider can be daunting even for healthcare experts. Lynn Rogut, director of quality measurement and care transformation at the United Hospital Fund, a New York nonprofit focused on improving healthcare, was a caregiver for her mother, father and aunt for more than a decade. Yet no hospital staff ever had a detailed discussion with her about how to choose post-acute care, she said. At one point, her father was given 24hours’notice of hospital discharge, and she was handed a list of 30 facilities in Palm Beach County, Fla. — an area unfamiliar to her. “I’m sitting there paralyzed in the hospital room,” she said, “thinking, ‘Now what am I going to do?’” Under Medicare regulations, hospitals are required to provide beneficiaries a list of nearby post-acute care providers, but they generally can’t recommend specific providers. Hospitals may have a financial incentive to discharge patients to a long-term-care hospital when that’s an option, researchers say. Hospitals typically receive a lump-sum payment, regardless of how long a traditional Medicare patient stays — and pa-

tients with complex needs can be discharged relatively quickly to a long-termcare hospital. In some cases, a long-term-care hospital is simply a separate wing or floor of an acute-care hospital, so “you’re rolling the patient to this different facility that is in the same building, and suddenly Medicare is making much larger payments,” said Neale Mahoney, an economics professor at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and co-author of the NBER paper. The hospital industry says it’s focused on treating patients in the right setting at the right time. “We support a patient-centered approach regarding the timing of discharges,” said Rochelle Archuleta, policy director at the American Hospital Association. In recent years, many hospitals have established networks of preferred post-acute care providers. Patients and families should ask, “What criteria do you use to make this preferred provider list?” Koenig said.

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S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 9 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Social media: the good, the bad, the ugly There are few things more characteris- Dictionary this term includes all “forms of tic of the 21st century — or more contro- electronic communication (such as websites versial — than social media. for social networking and miWhether it’s catching up with croblogging) through which friends on Facebook, watchusers create online communiing videos on YouTube, or ties to share information, ideas, posting a new selfie on Instapersonal messages, and other gram, social media has come content (such as videos).” to dominate our lives, espeThis would include such cially for young people. apps and sites as Facebook, And given its undeniable Snapchat, Instagram, YouTube, presence and impact, it is esTwitter and more. sential that we consider its GENERATIONS Some are quick to write off benefits, drawbacks and the TOGETHER social media as destructive and unfortunate stereotypes that By Alexis Bentz dangerous, but they are neits use perpetuates. glecting social media’s many Let’s start by clarifying the term “social benefits. Communicating with others online media.” According to the Merriam-Webster has been shown to help individuals develop

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better social skills and feel less isolated.

Many benefits My own personal experience has taught me that this can indeed be the case. After coming home from summer camp, social media has allowed me to stay in touch with my friends who live miles away. And this notion can be especially relevant to older adults: As corroborated by Sunrise Senior Living’s website, “One of the most advantageous aspects of social media for senior citizens is that it allows them to communicate with loved ones who live in other parts of the world. “They are able to chat with friends or family in group messages, enabling both parties to check in on the other and have peace of mind knowing everyone is healthy and happy.” However, for many, social media can go even deeper when it comes to combating isolation. For instance, an LGBTQ+ individual can connect online with others who are also a part of that community, making them feel as if they are less alone. One can also be exposed to new cultural and societal ideas and issues through social media. Logging onto Facebook, one is often bombarded with news clips and current events. Even though the reporting on many of

these social media sites may not be the most credible, it still serves to alert users to what is going on in the world, and can often influence them to do further research on more reputable sites. In addition, social media can serve as a platform to promote positivity and spread valuable ideas. A topical example is none other than the #NeverAgain movement on Twitter, formed by high school students fighting for increased gun control after their school was attacked.

Drawbacks, too Of course, this doesn’t mean that social media is perfect. Far from it. Spending too much time online can lead to a disconnect with the real world. I’ve seen this occurring in my own life as well: there have been several times when I’ve arrived at lunch at school only to find my friends ignoring one another, immersed by the world behind their screens. Social media such as Instagram and Facebook can also lead to the development of poor body image and self-esteem. This frequently stems from the fact that many users post only the most flattering, aesthetically pleasing images of themselves, creating the illusion that their lives See SOCIAL MEDIA, page 23

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Social media

alike must aim to stay vigilant and exercise critical thinking skills when balancing social media with political messages.

From page 22 are perfect, and making viewers feel like failures by comparison. In fact, according to the Huffpost, “60% of people using social media reported that it has impacted their self-esteem in a negative way.” And then, of course, there’s cyber-bullying. Teen girls in particular are at risk of being victimized, but teen boys, adults and older adults are not immune. And this type of bullying can have profoundly detrimental effects, ranging from depression and anxiety, to suicidal thoughts and actions. With national elections soon approaching, how can I not mention the role social media has played of late in the political sphere? Russian hacking, propaganda and Twitter storms have been in the public eye in recent days, reminding us that social media can negatively impact our political as well as personal lives. With this in mind, older adults and teens

Common stereotypes Beyond the good and bad about social media, we must also consider the ugly: stereotypes we frequently make about social media and technology use. Some common ones: “all teens are obsessed with their phones” and “anyone over the age of sixty has no clue how to use social media.” I can still remember a time when, after the end of my shift at work one summer, I was approached by an older man who told me that if I didn’t get off my phone, I might turn into one. I respectfully nodded and acknowledged him, but I remember feeling hurt by his comment. I, in fact, have very little social media presence and had just wanted to quickly check my emails. Similarly, I remember feeling aggravated when a friend of mine made a comment

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about how annoyed she was that her grandparents had no idea how to use a smartphone. It wasn’t fair for her to fault her grandparents who, unlike her, had not been born into a technological world. With these anecdotes in mind, I ask that, regardless of your level of familiarity or comfort with social media, you please remember the importance of putting an end to harmful stereotypes. Another great way to prevent these stereotypes from being made is to defy them. For those interested in becoming more technologically fluent, there are plenty of programs in which teens help older adults learn how to use technology and social media. A great local example is the Interages Tech Connect program (visit https://accessjca.org/senior-tech-program-featuredon-seniors-today/ or call (301) 255-4234 to

learn more). In addition, you may want to consider contacting your local library, senior center or recreation center to see if they offer any tech courses. Social media is a complex animal. Having conversations about its merits and drawbacks is therefore extremely important to understanding it. And it is my belief that making said conversations intergenerational will diminish use of stereotypes like the ones I’ve listed above. When you next interact with your younger friends, I encourage you to partake in this kind of dialogue, and work together to secure a more technologically safe and aware future. Alexis Bentz is a 12th-grade student at Thomas Wootton High School in Rockville, Md. This is the sixth year she has been writing this intergenerational column for Beacon readers.

BEACON BITS

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PICKLEBALL

Drop-in Pickleball Play starts in September at the Activity Center at Bohrer Park, 506 South Frederick Ave., Gaithersburg, Md. Grab a racquet and play on Wednesdays from 10 to noon. Or take a lesson: Beginners Clinic/Play takes place on Fridays from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Fee per session is $4; $3 for Gaithersburg residents. For more information or to register, visit gaithersburgmd.gov or call Dave Ludington at (301) 258-6350.

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Health Studies

S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 9 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

INFORMATION ON AREA CLINICAL TRIALS

Study pays you for trying to quit smoking By Margaret Foster How many clinical trials offer a free Tshirt emblazoned with an image of your brain? A new Johns Hopkins research study that promises the T-shirt will try to help smokers quit by using e-cigarettes. Perhaps more enticing, the one-year study offers up to $1,690 in compensation to make a total of 16 visits to the Bayview Center in East Baltimore. You may qualify if you are up to 60 years old, currently smoke cigarettes and want to quit.

For comparison purposes, the study is also looking for smokers who are not interested in quitting, as well as ex-smokers who have successfully quit in the past.

What’s involved? Once enrolled in the study, you’ll receive six MRI scans of less than two hours each, plus several blood draws and medical assessments. And of course, you’ll have to try to stop smoking — with help from 12 weekly one-hour sessions with a trained smoking-cessation counselor.

Smokers who are not looking to quit and ex-smokers can make as few as two visits and be compensated $200 to $400. The study takes place at the National Institute of Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, located on the Johns Hopkins Bayview campus at 4940 Eastern Ave, Baltimore, about a 60- to 90-minute drive from most of the Greater Washington area. Each visit lasts anywhere from one to six hours (for the MRI imaging). At the longer visits, lunch and snacks will be served throughout the day.

May help others quit “The study investigates brain changes associated with quitting smoking, and we are looking for people who want to quit smoking in a supported setting with the help of our team of trained counselors and doctors,” Dr. Elliot Stein, Chief, Neuroimaging Research Branch and Chief, Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychopharmacology Section at the National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural

Research Program, said in an email. “The brain activity patterns of non-treatment and ex-smokers will be compared to that of the treatment seekers to help identify what changes in the brain go along with changes in smoking behavior.” Best of all, by participating, you may be indirectly helping others quit smoking, Stein said. “We hope to answer the question: What changes in brain activity go along with successfully quitting smoking?” Stein said. “By enrolling in the study as a treatment seeker, you give us the opportunity to learn about what makes a successful quitter. “If we can identify brain activity patterns that change when you quit smoking, we will be able to better understand how to design new treatment programs in the future to help others quit, too.” For more information about the study, or to volunteer, call 1-855-207-1157. For information about other clinical trials, call 1800-535-8254.

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HEALTHY VOLUNTEERS NEEDED • Healthy adults ages 65 & up are needed for a RSV research study. • Compensation may be provided.

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BEWARE OF FREE DNA TESTS

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) says to use extreme caution when being asked to undergo “free” genetic DNA screening. Medicare rarely pays for DNA or genetic testing. Be as protective of Medicare and insurance information as you are with a Social Security number and other sensitive information, the BBB said, because “by giving strangers insurance information, consumers open themselves up to possibly having their identity stolen.” Check the company’s BBB Business Profile at bbb.org or by calling 1-888-9963887. You can also check for scams in your area using the BBB’s Scam Tracker at bbb.org/scamtracker/us.

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 9

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

Volunteer for studies of lung health, COPD By Margaret Foster If you’re a former smoker or are suffering from Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or another lung illness, Johns Hopkins’ Breathe Center may be able to help. At the same time, you can help others if you enroll in one of the center’s many studies on lung health. The Baltimore Breathe Center, originally known as the Johns Hopkins Center for Childhood Asthma in the Urban Environment, was formed more than 20 years ago. The center has evolved to study the effects of environmental factors on lung health and specific lung diseases, according to its website. The Breathe Center’s name is derived from their descriptive tag line: “Bridging Research, Lung Health and the Environment.” It is funded by the National Institutes of Health and the Environmental Protection agency. Its physicians, residents and scientists adhere to this mission statement: “To lead the way in the research of lung disease and how environmental influences affect pulmonary health. By focusing on quality research and transparent scientific findings, we strive to engage the community through education efforts.” The Breathe Center is located at the Johns Hopkins Bayview Asthma and Allergy Center, 5501 Hopkins Bayview Circle, Baltimore, Md. 21224, about 45 minutes from Washington, D.C. Right now, it’s seeking volunteers with COPD for several studies, including one that compensates up to $570 for six months of participation. In one study now enrolling, researchers hope “to learn about the effects of diet, indoor air, physical activity and other factors on COPD symptoms,” Dr. Nadia Hansel, the center’s director, said in an email. “There have been many studies about outdoor air and air pollution and how that affects people’s health, but we spend more than 80% of our time indoors, and very few studies have looked at indoor air quality and the effects on health,” Hansel said. “This is particularly important for people with COPD and asthma.”

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THE BEST MEDICINE

Bring your favorite joke or story to the Laugh Café the first Monday of each month from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The café is located in Sibley Memorial Hospital, 5255 Loughboro Rd. NW, Washington, D.C. For more information and to register, call the Sibley Senior Association (202) 364-7602.

Neighborhood outreach The Breathe Center’s physicians don’t just stay in the office. The center established the Lung Health Ambassadors Program, which sends physicians to local recreation centers and schools to educate children and adults about asthma, COPD, smoking, secondhand smoke and diseases that can affect the lungs. In the sessions, students blow up balloons and ask doctors questions about anything from asthma to secondhand smoke. “We teach them about these effects so they can be empowered to bring that message to their community and families,” pulmonologist Dr. Meredith McCormack told WMAR in March. For more information about COPD studies at the Baltimore Breathe Center, visit breathecenter.org or call (410) 550-2810 or (410) 550-9646.

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S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 9 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Sweet and spicy Indian turkey burgers Sweet, spicy, fruity and jammy, mango chutney is a powerhouse ingredient common in Indian cuisine that can liven up even the most mild-mannered of dishes. We first tried packing some chutney into our Classic Turkey Burgers by mixing it with the ground turkey, but the chutney’s high sugar content caused the patties to burn. Simply moving the chutney from inside the burger to on top of it solved the problem. To complement the chutney, we added some garam masala (a popular Indian spice mixture) to the ground turkey, as well as a pinch of cayenne for a little fire. Stirring a little melted butter into the turkey mixture prevented the meat from

drying out during cooking, and some Worcestershire sauce added extra flavor. A little mayonnaise generally goes a long way on a burger, but you can opt for creamy Greek yogurt instead, which nicely complements the other components. We piled on some crunchy red onion for its savory allium flavor and sprigs of cilantro for a final fresh note. Be sure to use 93% lean ground turkey, not 99% fat-free ground turkey breast, or the burgers will be tough.

Spiced Turkey Burgers with Mango Chutney Servings: 4 Start to finish: 45 minutes

Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds ground turkey 2 tablespoons unsalted butter or margarine, melted and cooled 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce 1 teaspoon garam masala 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1/4 teaspoon pepper 1/2 teaspoon table salt 2 teaspoons vegetable oil 1/4 cup mayonnaise or plain Greek yogurt 4 hamburger buns, toasted if desired 4 leaves Bibb or Boston lettuce 1/4 cup mango chutney 1/2 red onion, sliced thin 12 fresh cilantro sprigs, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces

Directions: Break ground turkey into small pieces in large bowl. Add melted butter or margarine, Worcestershire, garam masala, cayenne, and pepper and gently knead with hands until well combined.

Divide turkey mixture into 4 equal portions, then gently shape each portion into 3/4-inch-thick patty. Using your fingertips, press center of each patty down until about 1/2-inch-thick, creating slight divot. Season patties with salt. Heat oil in 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Transfer patties to skillet, divot side up, and cook until well browned on first side, 4 to 6 minutes. Flip patties, reduce heat to medium-low, and continue to cook until browned on second side and meat registers 160 degrees F, 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer burgers to platter and let rest for 5 minutes. Spread mayo or yogurt on bun bottoms and arrange lettuce on top. Serve burgers on buns, topped with chutney, onion, and cilantro. Nutrition information per serving: 457 calories; 208 calories from fat; 23 g. fat (7 g. saturated; 0 g. trans fats); 121 mg. cholesterol; 787 mg. sodium; 31 g. carbohydrate; 1 g. fiber; 4 g. sugar; 32 g. protein. —Courtesy of America’s Test Kitchen

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Need help with printing, scanning, copying or computer needs? A volunteer tutor is available every Friday at the Kensington Library, 4201 Knowles Ave., Kensington, Md., from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information or to ask about similar programs near you, call (240) 773-9515.

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MEMOIR WRITING

Is there something you’ve always wanted to write but don’t know how to get started? The Petworth Library has a new writing program, This Is My Story, which meets every two weeks on Monday mornings at 9:30 a.m. through June 2020. Open to all ages, the writing group will meet Mon., Sept. 9, Sept. 23, Oct. 7, etc., at the library, located at 4200 Kansas Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. For more information, email chris.stevenson@dc.gov or call (202) 243-1187.

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WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 9

Sweating at night By Howard LeWine, M.D. Q: My husband has night sweats with a cheese-like smell. It’s been going on for almost two months. He says he feels fine. He doesn’t seem worried, but I am. Should he see his doctor? A: Since your husband otherwise feels well, it’s likely nothing serious. But he should still make an appointment with his doctor. The cheesy smell is not unusual. Some Swiss researchers actually studied the smell of sweat in men and women. Sweaty men tended to smell like cheese, while sweaty women smelled like onions or grapefruit. When a patient comes to me with new night sweats, I start by asking about the temperature of the bedroom and the number and type of blankets used. Assuming that he is not getting overheated because of a warm room or bedding, I would make sure your husband is not having fevers during the day. I also would want to confirm that he has a good appetite and his weight is stable. If he hasn’t already been periodically checking his temperature with a thermometer, he should do that several times per day over a few days. If he is not experiencing fever or weight loss, then the reason for the night sweats is unlikely to be something like an infection, an inflammatory disorder, or cancer.

Other important but less serious possibilities I consider include: —Sleep apnea, especially if he snores, is sleepy during the day, or both —Anxiety —A side effect of a medication: He should review with a pharmacist any medications, herbs or supplements he takes. —Low blood sugar (though this is not likely unless he has diabetes) —An overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). Usually there would be additional symptoms, such as weight loss despite a good appetite, rapid heartbeat, sweating during the day and feeling jittery —Other hormonal disorders While waiting to see his doctor, here are some things he can try to decrease the sweats: Keep the bedroom cool and open a window. Avoid spicy food, especially at night. Avoid alcohol for a while. Quite often, no specific cause for night sweats is discovered. In these cases, the sweats usually go away on their own. Howard LeWine, M.D., is an internist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston and assistant professor at Harvard Medical School. For additional consumer health information, visit www.health.harvard.edu. © 2019 President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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VOLUME XXXI, ISSUE 9

DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE By Laura Newland, Director D.C. Department of Aging and Community Living

Thanks to everyone who took the time to vote on our new logo that will officially brand us as the Department of Aging and Community Living! We received hundreds of votes — it’s only fitting that you helped choose our new look because we wouldn’t be here without you. Since Mayor Muriel Bowser signed the bill changing our agency to a department back in February, we’ve been hard at work incorporating this new identity into all that we do at the agency. I can’t wait for you to see our new look in the coming months. As we roll out our new branding, my team and I will be out in the community connecting with you — after all, YOU are a major part of who we are as an agency. Starting this October, you may see some familiar faces from my leadership team pitching in to serve lunch at one of our 46 community dining sites. Or maybe I’ll answer your call into our Information & Referral/Assistance line, (202) 724-5626. You may catch us riding along on one of our Seabury buses, delivering meals to at-home clients, supporting our Medicaid Enrollment team on home visits, or playing a round of bingo at a Senior Wellness Center. Members of my leadership team will be joining my front-line staff and learning more about their experiences in serving our community, and just as important, seeing the many ways in which you connect with us as an agency. By taking the time to experience all of the different programs, services and activities, we are building a stronger and more supportive team here at DACL. And the better we can support each other within the agency, the better we can support you out in the community. So, don’t be shy. When you see me or my team having lunch or taking a class with you, take a moment to share some of your ideas and feedback with us. Also, on November 8, 2019, DACL is excited to be partnering with the Department of Parks and Recreation to host the first ever Roll, Stroll, and Run Caregiver 5k and 1-mile Fun Run at Anacostia Park. This event is open to all past, present and future caregivers, and supporters, and of course is wheelchair accessible. We invite you to join us to connect with other caregivers, celebrate the work you do, and raise awareness. Registration is available at https://caregiver5k.eventbrite.com/. We have a busy season ahead of us, and we’re looking forward to these new initiatives and introducing our new branding in the months ahead. You are such a critical part of what makes DACL so great — thank you! Thank you for your feedback, your ideas, your advocacy and guidance. Because of you, our older adults, adults with disabilities and caregivers have a Department that we can all call our own. See you out in the community!

S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 9 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

A newsletter for D.C. Seniors

September 2019

Great Volunteer Opportunity Now Open D.C.’s State Health Insurance Assistance Program (DC State SHIP) is seeking volunteer counselors who can help D.C. residents navigate their health insurance options. DC State SHIP depends on volunteers to carry out its mission to provide personal one-on-one counseling and information on Medicare and other health-related issues for the District’s beneficiaries, people living with disabilities, their families and caregivers. With more than ten thousand people reaching retirement age in the U.S. every day, the need for these volunteers is greater than ever. As a DC State SHIP volunteer, you’ll receive training and valuable on-the-job experience that will allow you to advise people on Medicare insurance choices, assist with administrative tasks, and participate in outreach events.

What is the process for becoming a Volunteer Counselor? The DC State SHIP volunteer screening process requires a completed application

form, resume and an interview. DACL will also check at least two personal and/or work references and conduct a background and criminal records check. All volunteers are required to complete a 30-hour initial training program to become a Certified DC State SHIP/Medicare Counselor, and to successfully complete a period of mentoring with an experienced counselor to further observe the volunteer’s counseling skills and comprehension of Medicare. Following that, the certification is maintained through continuing education and trainings to facilitate up-to-date knowledge on the latest Medicare information.

APPLY TODAY! If you are interested in becoming a part of this volunteer program, visit dcoa.dc.gov or email volunteer.dacl@dc.gov for more information. This project was supported in part by grant number 90SAPG0019-03-00, from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, DC 20201.

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 9

Spotlight on Aging

Say you saw it in the Beacon

Get Involved Wednesday, September 4 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Wednesday, September 11 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Thursday, September 19 10 a.m. – Noon

Saturday, September 21 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Congresswoman Norton’s Senior Fair Deanwood Recreation Center 1350 49th Street NE – Ward 7 Contact: Cilicia Johnson, (202) 816-3139

Senior Zone – Senior Spa Day Kenilworth Recreation Center 4321 Ord Street NE – Ward 7 Contact: Shawn Perry, (301) 509-9013

Train to Become a DACL Ambassador! 500 K Street, NE Register at dacl.communications@dc.gov or call (202) 727-0374

Paramount Baptist Church’s 24th Annual Harvest Day Health Fair 3924 4th Street SE Contact: Susie Harris, (301) 928-8572

Saturday, September 7 1 – 5 p.m.

Saturday, September 14 Noon – 5 p.m.

Friday, September 20 10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Wednesday, September 25 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Ward 7 Community Day Redeeming Love Outreach Center 4611 Nannie Helen Burroughs, Avenue NE – Ward 7 Contact: Emanuel Fields, (240) 305-0710

Gethsemane Baptist Church Annual Summer Cookout! Join Us for Food, Fun & Fellowship 5119 4th Street NW – Ward 4 Contact: Fredia Steward, (202) 549-2585

6th Annual Senior Health Fair Vida Brightwood Meal-Site 1330 Missouri Avenue NW – Ward 4 Contact: Fabiola Moran, (202) 483-5800

Monday, September 9 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Wednesday, September 18 Rain Date September 27th

Homes for Hope, Inc. Lincoln Heights and Richardson Dwellings Senior Wellness Fair In Collaboration with the Department of Aging and Community Living and Partners 25 53rd Street NE – Ward 7 Contact: Elder Ronald Williams, (202) 5820169

DACL & Partners Community Presentation & Workshop Deanwood Branch Library 1350 49th Street NE – Ward 7 Contact: Virgil Armstrong, (202) 698-1175

10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Fourth Annual D.C. Senior Wellness BBQ Gateway Pavilion 2700 MLK, Jr. Avenue SE – Ward 8 Contact: Sherrell Briscoe, (202) 727-0357

Saturday, September 21 11 a.m. — 7 p.m.

Saturday, September 28 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Hillcrest Community Day Hillcrest Recreation Center 3100 Denver Street SE – Ward 7 Contact: Michelle amospeete@gmail.com

H Street Festival 3rd H Street to 15th H Street, NE – Ward 6

Spotlight On Aging is published by the Information Office of the D.C. Department of Aging and Community Living for D.C. senior residents. Advertising contained in the Beacon is not endorsed by the D.C. Department of Aging and Community Living or by the publisher.

500 K St. N.E., Washington, D.C. 20002 (202) 724-5626 www.dcoa.dc.gov

Director Laura Newland

Editor Darlene Nowlin

Photographer Selma Dillard The D.C. Department of Aging and Community Living does not discriminate against anyone based on actual or perceived: race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, familial status, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, disability, source of income, and place of residence or business. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination which is prohibited by the Act. In addition, harassment based on any of the above protected categories is prohibited by the Act. Discrimination in violation of the Act will not be tolerated. Violators will be subjected to disciplinary action.

The D.C. Department of Aging and Community Living is in partnership with the District of Columbia Recycling Program.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2019

500 K ST NE

10AM - 1PM

S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 9 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

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Money Law &

AVOID LATE LIFE DIVORCE The transition to retirement strains many marriages. Here are things to avoid TIME TO SHIFT GEARS To ensure your nest egg lasts, you need to change your investment thinking AVOID AT ALL COSTS A timeshare may seem tantalizing, but it’s a debt you can never get rid of ALWAYS SOMETHING NEW Scammers keep coming up with new angles. New scams to watch for

When to go with your gut with investing By James K. Glassman There are four ways to invest in stocks. You can buy a low-cost index fund, with holdings that reflect an entire market or a broad swath of one. You can buy a managed fund, hiring an expert to do the stock picking. You can conscientiously study data from individual companies and invest in their shares. Or you can buy stock in companies that appeal to you subjectively — that is, invest with your gut. You like what they’re doing. You trust the product, the management or,

best of all, the idea behind the business. You can create a good stock portfolio by deploying all four of these methods. But it is the fourth, which I’ll call Big Idea investing, that is frequently overlooked or even derided. Big Idea investing is more fun than the other strategies, potentially more profitable, and not necessarily riskier. If markets are efficient — and I believe that they are the vast majority of the time — then today’s price for a stock reflects all known information. It is rational and fair.

But the market may not recognize the power of a Big Idea because it is hard to quantify using conventional tools. That means you as an investor, listening to your gut, may have an edge on the professionals.

Gut instincts Big Idea investing is an act of faith. Though you may lack evidence today that a company will become an outrageous success, you believe it will, even if you are not sure how. Probably the most famous practitioner of Big Idea investing was Peter Lynch, who, before he retired at age 46, was the most successful mutual fund manager of his day, producing average annual returns of 29% for Fidelity Magellan over 13 years. His book, One Up on Wall Street, published 30 years ago, makes the case that average investors run across great prospects all the time just by keeping their eyes open and their imaginations vivid. The way to score huge gains is to understand those prospects before they are reflected in the numbers. As Lynch wrote, “Remember, things are never clear until it’s too late.”

Follow your hunches I bought Netflix (NFLX, $291) right after its 2002 initial public offering mainly because I thought the company had a Big Idea: letting you order movie discs online, mailing them to you immediately, and letting you keep them as long as you wanted. Netflix killed the video store, but I also had an inkling that, if films could someday be downloaded swiftly from the Internet, Netflix would be well positioned. Okay, I sold Netflix after it had tripled — a “threebagger” in Lynch’s parlance — and missed out as the stock became a 300-bagger. (Stocks I like are in bold; prices are as of August 23.) When I bought Netflix, it had almost no revenues and no earnings — really nothing for an investor to count on but the idea. Today, Netflix has about 150 million subscribers. For the second quarter, the company reported weaker-than-expected subscriber numbers, and the stock plunged. I have seen such episodes before, and they don’t worry me. The strategy and brand are strong. See STOCKS, page 32

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Law & Money

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 9

Don’t be so sure you can ID a scammer By Liz Weston Believing that fraud can’t happen to us — because we’re too smart, logical or informed — may make us more vulnerable. Successful scam artists skillfully overcome our defenses and get us into emotional states that override logical thinking, said Kathy Stokes, AARP’s director of fraud prevention programs. “Scammers call it getting the victim under the ether,” she said. Various studies have tried to identify characteristics that make people more susceptible to fraud. But that can create a “blame the victim” mentality and give the rest of us a false sense of security, she said. “The majority of people are unwittingly deceived through no other reason than that the criminals are good at what they do,” Stokes said.

Those over 50 are targets Research is mixed on whether older people are more likely to be defrauded than younger ones. One thing is certain, though: Older people are more likely to have money. People 50 and older control 83% of the wealth in the U.S. One way to protect that money is to cut down on our exposure to sales pitches, fraud experts say. AARP studies have found investment fraud victims were more likely than other investors to respond to sales pitches delivered by phone, email or television. They also were more likely to send away for free promotional materials, enter drawings, attend free lunch seminars and read all their mail, including advertisements.

To reduce your exposure to potential scams, consider the following steps: — Put yourself on the federal Do Not Call list. (Call 1-888-382-1222 or go to donotcall.gov to register.) — Sign up for a telephone call blocking system, such as NoMoRobo, and let unknown callers go to voicemail. — If you give out personal information, be sure you know who you are giving it to and why they need it. — Don’t make investment decisions based solely on a phone or email pitch or an ad.

Don’t be overconfident Overconfidence can lead people to put off saving for retirement (convinced they can catch up later) or ignore warning signs of fraud (convinced that they can’t be victimized). The risk may increase with age. Studies have found that our financial decision-making abilities peak by our early 50s and decline, sometimes precipitously, after that. But our confidence in our abilities doesn’t drop — in fact, many of us become more self-assured. “So as we age, this gap grows between actual and perceived ability to make good decisions,” said Chris Heye, co-founder of Whealthcare Planning, a site that helps older adults and financial advisors plan for age-related changes. Seniors who got answers wrong on a financial literacy quiz, but who were the most confident they answered correctly, were more likely to be victims of fraud, according to a study by researchers at DePaul University and the Rush University Medical Center.

People of any age can combat overconfidence by getting a second opinion on financial decisions from a trusted advisor or money-smart friend. As we get older, it can also make sense to consolidate our accounts so there are fewer to monitor, and to switch to investments that require less hands-on management, such as target date mutual funds.

Romance scams growing The Federal Trade Commission said romance scams cost people more money than any other type of consumer fraud in 2018. Reports of these scams more than doubled between 2015 and 2018, while reported losses more than quadrupled to $143 million. The scams often start via dating apps, social media or email. The con artists pretend to have a lot in common with their victims, then build trust over many weeks or even months before asking their targets to

reveal personal data or send money for an “emergency.” Once again, the young and old alike can be defrauded. One 90-year-old victim met a man via email who, many months later, told her he needed help with a business deal. She sent him eight infusions of cash, draining her $500,000 life savings. “She sent all that money, and the only reason she knew that it was a scam was that he didn’t show up on Christmas day like he said he would,” Stokes said. A reverse-image search using TinEye or Google Images may show if an imposter is using someone else’s photo, while sites such as Romancescams.org keep track of known scammers’ email addresses. But perhaps the best inoculation against being defrauded is to talk to someone you trust about the situation before you send any money. That could be enough to bring you out from under the romantic ether. —AP/NerdWallet

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Stocks From page 30

No profits yet? No problem Do not be afraid to invest in companies without profits. Jeff Bezos launched Amazon.com (AMZN, $1,750), the online retailer, in 1994. Five years later, it had annual sales of $1.6 billion but was losing $720 million, or nearly 50 cents on every dollar of sales. The firm did not eke out a profit until 2003. In the first quarter of 2019, Amazon more than doubled its earnings compared with the same period a year earlier, to $3.6 billion, or $7.09 a share. Profits still represent only 6% of sales. Even today, Amazon remains a Big Idea company, and the idea is being a technology-driven retailer that cares about market share and satisfying the customer, no matter what it costs in the short run. As Bezos put it in a 2017 letter to shareholders, “Experiment patiently, accept fail-

ures, plant seeds, protect saplings, and double down when you see customer delight.” What about Uber (UBER, $33)? The financial figures for the ride-sharing phenom are discouraging. In the first quarter of 2019, just before the company’s IPO, Uber’s operating loss more than doubled compared with the same period a year earlier. Revenues rose 20%, but selling, general and administrative expenses rose 28%. Not a formula for success. Still, my interest in Uber is the Big Idea, not the numbers. Ride-sharing is revolutionary, and, just like Netflix, Uber is positioned for the future — in this case, with driverless vehicles and any other business its leadership can devise to serve the people who take 14 million rides a day.

Ignore the P/E Because most of us aren’t experts in software, energy exploration or high finance, our Big Idea stocks will be those of con-

S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 9 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

sumer companies we encounter every day. A good example is Five Below (FIVE, $114), a retailer that makes shopping an exciting experience for kids roughly 8 to 14 years old, selling candy, simple beauty products, scarves, lamps, sports gear and electronics at low prices. It’s sort of a Dollar Tree store for children, with a great website. Unlike Uber, Five Below has good numbers: For the first quarter of fiscal 2019, sales rose 23% and earnings rose 18%. Five Below has 789 stores, but it is still small, with a market capitalization (share price times shares outstanding) of $7.2 billion. Keep in mind that with fast-growing, high-potential Big Idea companies, priceearnings ratios are nearly meaningless. Five Below’s P/E for the coming four quarters is more than 40, and P/Es for other Big Idea stocks are even higher. Another favorite Big Idea stock, Lululemon Athletica (LULU, $180), has been public for 12 years but is still youthful. The

company created an aura around its exercise clothing, connecting it to the healthful mysticism of yoga and unabashedly pricing its products high. Lululemon stock still carries a modest market cap of $24.7 billion.

Pay attention to ads, trends Ulta Beauty (ULTA, $322), a cosmetics retailer with stores in every state, has a Big Idea that’s reflected in the best TV commercial I have seen in years, depicting a glorious diversity of women, with Alessia Cara singing “Scars to Your Beautiful” in the background. Buying a stock because of an ad may sound absurd, but I wish I had. The shares are up more than 40% this year. The marketing is part of the approach that CEO Mary Dillon, a veteran of McDonald’s and Gatorade, brought to the company in 2013. I should have bought Shake Shack (SHAK, $98) when I first saw the long lines in front of celebrity chef Danny Meyer’s little burger stand in Madison Square Park in New York. The Big Idea here is food that is hip, retro and tasty. Shake Shack went public in 2015, but it is still young, with only about 200 stores and a market cap of $2.8 billion. Big Idea investing is hardly foolproof. Selling pet supplies over the Internet was a Big Idea when Pets.com went public in 2000, but the company was bankrupt less than a year later. Still, even the most hyper-analyzed stock can go broke. Look at Enron. Keep an eye out for Airbnb, whose IPO could come later this year. Home-sharing has to be one of the biggest Big Ideas ever. There are many more out there for investors with imagination and a bit of courage. James K. Glassman chairs Glassman Advisory, a public-affairs consulting firm. He does not write about his clients. His most recent book is Safety Net: The Strategy for De-Risking Your Investments in a Time of Turbulence. Of the stocks mentioned in this column, he owns Amazon.com and Lululemon Athletica. © 2019 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC

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PLAN FOR THE 2020 CENSUS

Did you know the 2020 Census will be online? If you’re not counted, your area could lose critical social programs. No access to a computer at your senior center or library? You can request a paper form or take the census over the phone. Take 10 minutes to take the Census in March 2020 and avoid the knock! Those who don’t respond will be contacted by a Census worker going door to door. For more information and to make a plan for March 2020, visit census.gov.

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Law & Money

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 9

How to avoid critical mistakes later in life Although the divorce rate of younger successful aging: a physically active and couples has been dropping, the National mentally stimulating lifestyle, strong social engagement, and finding a Center for Health Statistics purpose and meaning in life. and the U.S. Census Bureau report that the divorce rate for married people over 50 has Agree on a strategy doubled, and for those ages 65 Stearns poses a number of and older the rate has approxikey questions for couples to mately tripled since 1990. consider, including: What is Some financial planners have your vision of an ideal retirespecialized in this area, and can ment? Do you have a clearly provide the necessary guidance defined financial roadmap for to families facing this situation. retirement? Are both partDennis Stearns, founder of THE SAVINGS ners on the same page when GAME fee-only Stearns Financial it comes to retirement housBy Elliot Raphaelson Group in Greensboro, N.C., has ing or joining a community? focused on this issue for a Once couples agree on a fidecade. He has written a comprehensive and nancial roadmap, an attorney, financial planconcise book, Fourth Quarter Fumbles: How ner and insurance agent should be able to Successful People Avoid Critical Mistakes work with them to carry out their strategy. Later in Life. It is crucial that couples decide on The book addresses what is needed for whether they plan to spend more in retiresuccessful aging and has some insights ment on travel and vacations than they that could significantly reduce the proba- have previously. How important is it to bility of facing divorce later. leave some of their assets to their chilTransitioning to retirement can be chal- dren? Couples who agree on these queslenging. You may do less, spend more or tions before retirement will increase their struggle with boredom. Health may deteri- chances of happiness. orate and caregiving issues arise. Stearns identifies the problems that al- Take care of yourself most all couples will face in retirement, and Stearns draws a distinction between he elucidates the factors that are needed for “wellness vs. the absence of illness.” Ac-

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cording to a 2016 Employee Benefit Research Institute study, 80% of healthy respondents were “very satisfied” after 15 years of retirement, compared to 25% among those who were in poor health. There are many things you can do to ensure a higher quality of life: Eat sensibly; exercise regularly; get enough sleep; exercise your brain regularly (I recommend volunteer work and hobbies for this). Also, feed your spirit. Regardless of your religion, healthy aging benefits from a good spiritual foundation. Stearn summarizes a few of the key actions to minimize fumbles. • Health is your No. 1 asset in life. Focus more on the pursuit of wellness, not

just the absence of illness. • Explore your “why,” your reason to get out of bed every morning. • Nurture your “who” in order to face the challenges of the fourth quarter. You need a team of friends, family and advisers to help you to avoid or recover from fumbles. • Consciously work on better decision making. Have several friends or family members help you. • Sharpen your bounce-back skills. Resiliency is a top predictor of fourth-quarter success, and it can be improved. Elliot Raphaelson welcomes your questions and comments at raphelliot@gmail.com. © 2019 Elliot Raphaelson. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Retirement requires a shift in thinking By Jonathan Imber For most of your investing life, you’ve probably been encouraged to build a portfolio that balances risk and return — achieving the highest returns possible based on your personal tolerance for risk. For most people, that means living with a certain amount of volatility in exchange for growing a comfortable nest egg for their retirement years. You can lose money taking on too much risk, of course, but you won’t gain much ground being too risk-averse. So a larger investment in the stock market (60%, 70% or more) would be a must for those looking to help grow their wealth over the long term. In retirement, though, things are differ-

ent and a shift in thinking is required. The goal for most people should change as retirement nears — from growing their nest egg to helping to protect their savings and ensuring the money they’ve accumulated can provide them with enough income to last 20 to 30 years or more. That means a shift in mindset and a transition in strategies. The problem is, the financial industry has done such a good job of pushing accumulation at (almost) any cost, it can be tough for some to switch their focus to the next stages of investing: preservation and distribution.

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retirement plan for a potential client who had saved a hefty chunk of money — more than $3 million. We included an income plan — using a bucketing strategy — that laid out where he would get his money in retirement. With bucketing, we typically look at three time frames, which could be labeled “now,” “soon” and “later.” The “now” bucket is designed to cover living expenses and larger emergency expenses in the first years of retirement. The “soon” bucket holds money you may need to access a few years down the road. And both buckets are built to withstand a market downturn early in retirement — a time when “sequence of returns risk” can devastate a portfolio. In this case, the first bucket, the “now” bucket, was set up with cash equivalents and fixed-income investments. The second, “soon,” bucket included equities (about 50%). The “later” bucket had a higher percentage of equities, designed for long-term growth and legacy planning. When presented with the potential plan, the client felt that we had put too much into fixed income, especially at the beginning of the plan. He thought more growth opportunity was needed and wanted to take more risk. So, rather than focusing on how to gen-

erate income from the portfolio, the client was still focusing on trying to achieve potential higher rates of return. We had covered the biggest concerns the client had come to us with: How long the money would last, and where exactly to pull income from. But in the end, the client focused more on maximizing the rate of return. Those are two different goals.

Time to change perspective I can’t blame the investor, who had been trained for 30 years to think about risk and reward, account values and returns. But I do hope that, as an industry, we can help people understand that cash and fixed-income investments can play a critical role in weathering economic storms and can help protect what individuals have in retirement. Each investment has valuable features people can use to their advantage. But needs are different in retirement, and a person’s plan should reflect that. Even if you can handle a more aggressive investing strategy, why risk it? In retirement, it’s important to think of your savings as income rather than a lump sum. It’s not all about achieving maximum return on investment anymore; it’s about See SHIFT IN THINKING, page 35

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Law & Money

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 9

Considering a timeshare? Don’t you ever! By H. Dennis Beaver Over the past several years I’ve written about the nightmares that timeshare owners lived through, both when first purchasing — often under physical and mental duress — and then when attempting to get themselves out of their contracts. I had never before said, “Don’t ever buy a timeshare!” But no more. I now believe that because of the nature of timeshare contracts — and sales practices — they are the most dangerous purchase anyone can make. I urge federal action to nullify provisions in existing contracts that keep buyers on the hook for thousands of dollars in yearly fees glued to a contract they can’t walk away from — even after years of paying for something they no longer use or are able to use.

Seemed smart at the time Picture yourself on vacation with your family in Florida, Las Vegas or Mexico, staying in a spacious condominium-type unit in a beautiful resort.

Shift in thinking From page 34 how you can get the maximum return from your portfolio and into your pocket. Instead of sticking with a collection of random investments or going with a cookie-cutter asset allocation, talk with your adviser about ways to help build a strategic plan for how you’re going to distribute your assets to yourself.

It truly is lovely, you are all having the time of your lives, and are told, “For a onetime payment (which we can finance) of $15,000, plus modest yearly maintenance fees, you will have the right to come back, with your family, year after year.” It would be far cheaper to pay as you go, but you don’t do the math, nor do you run this decision by your accountant or lawyer as you are convinced of how economical a decision it is. Maybe for a few years your family uses the property, and then the kids grow up and there are no more family vacations. Or one of you gets ill and can’t travel. But the yearly maintenance bills keep on coming, first hundreds, and then thousands of dollars out the window. After asking to be let out of the contract, your request, “Please, just take the thing back!” is refused. The singular, diabolical feature of timeshare contracts is that they last in perpetuity. The contract permits no way out. And unless your heirs reject the inheritance, they will also be burdened with this monstrosity!

Timeshare buyer scam It’s no wonder that people get excited when someone offers to buy their timeshare from them. But be very careful, because that proposition can be fraught with danger as well. In 2017, Joe Corriveau of Lynchburg, Va., purchased a timeshare at the Villa del Palmar in Cancun, Mexico, for slightly over $14,000. In early March of this year, he received a $25,000 offer from an organization call-

ing itself Travel Pirates Mexico to buy it, and a few days later he was contacted by the Eric H. Anderson Law Group. In reality, there was no buyer, only an appeal to greed, as “sellers” are required to wire thousands of dollars for various fees for what is a nonexistent purchaser. “I researched the Eric H. Anderson Law Group based out of San Jose, Calif.,” Corriveau wrote me. “Their website is very professional looking, but I could not find the actual Eric H. Anderson in San Jose, Calif. I only found him in Palo Alto, Calif., but could not locate a phone number. “I came across your article online, ‘Beware of the Mexican timeshare resale See TIMESHARE, page 37

Kim Franke-Folstad contributed to this article. Jonathan Imber, an investment adviser and Registered Financial Consultant, is vice president of Imber Wealth Advisors Inc. This article was written by and presents the views of the author, not the Kiplinger editorial staff. Check adviser records with the SEC or with FINRA. © 2019 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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It is the only such contract like this I have ever seen. And timeshares — because of maintenance fees — are almost impossible to sell. You will find them offered online for one dollar!

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S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 9 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Avoid the latest phone and email scams By Liz Weston Some of us in the personal finance realm have a weird little hobby: We try to scam the scam artists. We’re not out to steal their money — just their time. When fraudsters call to say we’re about to be arrested for tax debt, our Social Security number has been “suspended” or a loved one is in trouble, we play along. This gives us valuable insight into how the scams operate while wasting the time these jerks could spend victimizing more vulnerable people. We have our work cut out for us. Government-imposter frauds have scammed people out of at least $450 million since 2014, according to the Federal Trade Commission.

Interestingly, people ages 20 to 59 are more likely to report being defrauded this way than those 60 and over, but older people tend to lose more money. The median individual reported loss was $960, but it was $2,700 for people 80 and older, the FTC said in a July report. You don’t have to engage with the bad guys to help thwart them. Answering the phone when scam artists call can put you on a “sucker list” that will prompt more calls. But you can sign up for free “watchdog alerts” from AARP’s Fraud Watch Network, report scam attempts to the FTC, and warn loved ones about the latest schemes, such as these three:

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Government imposters Fraudsters are nothing if not flexible. As media coverage of IRS-imposter calls increased last year, scammers switched to impersonating Social Security investigators. The crooks often use software to spoof caller ID services into showing phone numbers for the Social Security Administration or its fraud hotline. Doug Shadel, AARP’s lead researcher on consumer fraud, recently pretended to take the bait. He returned a robocall from a group of these impersonators and was told the FBI was about to arrest him for opening 25 fraudulent bank accounts. To help the “investigators,” Shadel was advised to move all the money in his legitimate bank accounts to prepaid cards issued by “government-certified” stores such as Apple, Target, CVS or Walgreens. Then, Shadel was supposed to give the caller the cards’ serial numbers so the information could be added to his “file” — which, of course, would actually allow the bilkers to steal all the money. Details of these scams may seem absurd, but con artists are exceptionally good at creating an atmosphere of fear and urgency so you’ll react emotionally, Shadel said. “Once you’re in that state of fear, it swamps all reason,” he said. Variations on this scheme include warn-

ings that your Social Security number has been suspended because of suspicious activity, or that your help is needed to investigate a crime, such as immigration fraud. Know this: Social Security numbers can’t be suspended, investigators typically don’t enlist civilians, and government agencies don’t call out of the blue, said Kathy Stokes, director of AARP’s fraud prevention programs. “Anyone calling from the government saying there’s a problem and you owe money is a scam,” she said.

Password-enabled blackmail “Sextortion” blackmail tries to convince you that your computer has been hacked and that the blackmailer is about to expose an extramarital affair, porn-watching habits or other embarrassing behavior. The email is really just a boilerplate form, but the subject line may include your actual password (which was probably exposed in some previous, unrelated database breach). The blackmailer typically demands payment via bitcoin or other digital currency. The solution is not to pony up, but to hit delete — and change your passwords regularly. See SCAMS, page 37

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Law & Money

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 9

Timeshare From page 35 scam’ and called you.” His research led to the discovery of a new Mexican timeshare resale scam, which became obvious when, on a conference call with him, I tried to reach attorney Eric Anderson. We reached a nasty sounding guy who claimed to be an attorney, yet he would provide no name or other identifying information, and when learning that I am a journalist researching Mexican timeshare scams, he hung up! My calls to the “Eric Anderson Law Group” yielded 30 minutes on hold, and a refusal to connect me with anyone. Further research showed that Anderson was supposedly working for the Baker McKenzie law firm in Palo Alto, but they had never heard of him. The California State Bar shows such an attorney, but no telephone number is listed.

Scams From page 36

Kidnapping scams This is a twist on family emergency scams, where someone pretends to be a loved one who urgently needs money — to get out of jail, leave a foreign country or pay a hospital bill, for example. With kidnapping scams, crooks pretend to hold your loved one hostage, often including the sounds of someone screaming or pleading. The call may appear to come from the supposed victim’s phone number. Resist the urge to panic, and instead veri-

Attorney names ripped off

Just say NO

According to Scott Morse, chief operating officer of Rockford, Ill.-based Resort Release (an A+ BBB rated company that legitimately helps to get people out of timeshares), “This scam has been refined over many years. “They rip off the name of a real U.S. attorney, and create a fake website. The average person would have no idea how to quickly spot the scam, so I applaud your reader’s intuition for sensing that something was just not right.” Morse discovered that the images on the firm’s website were stolen from a law firm in North Carolina. Also, the website was set up on March 3, 2019, making it just a few days old when Corriveau was called. “These guys are the worst of the worst. Don’t respond to them, don’t call them, don’t answer them,” Morse said. “Block their number with your telephone provider. If you have provided them ANY banking information, change it immediately.”

If you are wondering if there is anything redeeming about timeshares, there is indeed. The big players in this industry woo potential buyers to their properties by offering a “Vacation Package,” which is usually a three-day/four-night stay at a huge discount. The catch is a requirement to sit through their “90-minute sales presentation,” which typically feels more like 90 years! These high-pressure sales events are conducted by some of the slickest salespeople — I was about to say con artists, but that wouldn’t be nice — you’ll ever encounter. So just pretend you are a twoyear-old and only say ‘No!’ when pushed to buy. You are free to walk out of the sales room after going through the presentation, and do not hesitate to leave if the pressure becomes too much. If couples are strong enough and can

fy your loved one’s whereabouts, Stokes said. That could mean hanging up without speaking — often the best approach — then calling or texting the loved one’s cell phone. Alternatively, reach out to someone likely to know where they are, such as a spouse, friend or parent, Stokes said. If you stay on the line, expect that the swindlers will try to keep you from checking out the story by threatening dire consequences. “If they say, ‘Don’t tell anybody or drastic things will happen,’ just know that that’s part of their ruse,” Stokes said. —AP/NerdWallet

Sept. 18

tolerate being in the company of people who will tell you anything — who will lie with a lovely, sincere smile — then go for it and enjoy an inexpensive getaway. But if you can’t say no, feel guilty when a long, sad face almost starts to cry when you refuse to sign this grotesque real estate contract, then stay away! I hope that the Federal Trade Commission or a U.S. senator will propose legislation that outlaws those sections of timeshare contracts that are simply unconscionable. Beaver is an attorney and author of You and the Law. This article was written by and presents the views of the author, not the Kiplinger editorial staff. Check adviser records with the SEC or with FINRA. © 2019 The Kiplinger Washington Editors. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

The T he best time to sell & get TOP DOLLAR How H ow to declutter & organize your stuff org How H ow to interview a Realtor® ... and much more! Rea

BEACON BITS INVESTMENT CLUB MEETING To learn more about investing, consider attending a free meeting of the Montgomery County Model Investment Club (MCMC) on Wed., Sept. 18 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Rockville Memorial Library, 21 Maryland Ave., Rockville, Md. For more information, call (240) 777-0140.

Sept. 11

MONEY MATTERS WORKSHOP A free money management and financial workshop on budgeting and credit is scheduled for Wed., Sept. 11 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at 2410

17th St. NW, Washington, D.C. The workshop is sponsored by the nonprofit organization Housing Counseling Services, Inc. Register online at http://housingetc.org/.

Sept. 9

ISO VOLUNTEERS OVER 50 Want to find a way to give back to your community? Attend a special, library-sponsored volunteer seminar on Mon., Sept. 9 from 10

to 11 a.m. at the Connie Morella (Bethesda) Library, 7400 Arlington Rd, Bethesda, Md. The Montgomery County Volunteer Center will help you find the right volunteer fit at a local nonprofit. The event is free; no registration necessary. If you can’t attend, pick up a copy of the 50+ Vital Living Networker with a list of local resources. For more information, email 50plus@montgomerycountymd.gov or call the Bethesda Library at (240) 777-9700.

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Travel Leisure &

Antarctica is a land of breathtaking sites, from icy mountains to whales and penguins. See story on page 41.

Visiting Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands A road that’s an experience The best way to see the Laurel Highlands is via the Lincoln Highway, the road that changed America. Built in 1913 (prePennsylvania Turnpike, pre-interstate highways), it connected New York City and San Francisco, stretching 3,142 miles from coast to coast. In its heyday between 1913 and 1940, it fostered car travel and roadside enterprises like gas stations, restaurants and motels. The 200-mile central Pennsylvania section of the Lincoln Highway has gentle hills, long slopes and remnants of roadhouses situated on mountaintops so car radiators could cool down after the climb. Order a driving guide ahead of time and you can explore the highways’ neon signs and funky architecture, like old Burma Shave signs and Bedford’s 18-foot coffeepot, built in 1927. It’s much more than a road; it’s an experience, promoters say. The Lincoln Highway Experience museum, also in Latrobe, provides an education in the old days of auto travel in a former tavern and stagecoach stop. Here nostalgia seekers can see vintage gas pumps, a tourist cabin and a 1937 Packard. The average car speed in 1924 in Pennsylvania was 12 to 15 miles per hour, and gasoline cost 24 cents a gallon in 1950, according to exhibits. With their $14 admis-

PHOTO COURTESY OF LAUREL HIGHLANDS VISITORS BUREAU

By Glenda C. Booth There are many good finds in Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands, an undulating countryside 50 miles southeast of Pittsburgh. Visitors to the 3,000-square-mile region, which encompasses Westmoreland, Somerset and Fayette Counties, will find Pennsylvania’s highest peaks, rolling hills, small towns, covered bridges and dense verdant forests that burst into blazing colors in the fall. The area gets its name from the flowering laurel shrubs that bloom each June. But since 2001, the area has been best known for what happened on 9/11, when hijacked United Flight 93 crashed in Shanksville, killing all aboard. A more comforting association would be with the children’s television hero Mister Rogers, who died in 2003. Fans of Fred McFeely Rogers — the soft-spoken, fatherly host of “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” which aired on television from 1968 to 2001 — can learn more about him at the Fred Rogers Center located in his hometown of Latrobe, Pennsylvania. His popularity is currently on the rise. Last year, a successful HBO documentary about his life became the top-grossing biographical documentary in American history. In November, the movie A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, will hit theaters, starring Tom Hanks in a signature cardigan.

Fallingwater, perhaps the most famous home designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, draws many tourists to the Laurel Highlands region of southwestern Pennsylvania. Built in 1935, the home is open to the public for tours of various lengths. October is a peak tourist month, so advance reservations for tours are recommended.

sion ticket, visitors get a Lincoln Highway driving guide and are invited to enjoy a piece of pie and coffee in a restored 1938 diner.

A stagecoach and fort

PHOTO COURTESY OF LAUREL HIGHLANDS VISITORS BUREAU

Fort Ligonier’s unusual construction, featuring bundles of sticks and basketwork to absorb shot from 18th century muskets, kept the supply depot impregnable during the French and Indian War. Every October there’s a reenactment of the 1758 Battle of Fort Ligonier.

In nearby Laughlintown, the restored logand-stone Compass Inn and Museum was a stagecoach stop from 1799 to 1862. President Zachary Taylor and Senator Henry Clay stayed at the inn and tolerated rules like “Beds must be shared,” “Do not expectorate on the floor,” “Remove boots before crawling into bed” and “All singing and boisterous talk must cease by 9 o’clock.” Docents in period dress explain that the on-site stagecoach from the 1830s carried 12 to 15 people, and that horses went full gallop downhill to this stop, where drivers changed their steeds. The site also has a beehive oven, a blacksmith’s shop, and an 1830s Conestoga wagon that was “powered” by a walking teamster and six horses. Admission is $9 (with a discount for those 65+). Just up the road, Ligonier is a walkable, picture-postcard town with a made-for-Hollywood town green lined with boutique shops and restaurants. The town is most famous for its reconstructed Fort Ligonier, an active supply depot from 1758 to 1766 during the French and Indian War.

Every October, British, French and Native American re-enactors fill the town for Fort Ligonier Days (this year on October 11-13), commemorating the 1758 Battle of Fort Ligonier, a successful defense from a French attack. Visitors can explore the fort’s four-gun batteries, dry moat, and walls protected by fascines (stick bundles) with enough dirt to absorb shot. The museum displays Prussian artifacts, swords, cartridge boxes, cannon balls, chamber pots and other artifacts of military life. Fort guides will expound on 18th-century military fort engineering. One explained its French style, stressing that the French were the military engineers of the day (and that the Brits “stole” their techniques). Admission is $12; $10 if 62 or over.

Beauty in art, outdoors Half an hour away, the Westmoreland Museum of American Art in Greensburg displays art by Mary Cassatt, Winslow Homer and John Singer Sargent, in addition to a 1905 Tiffany window and bronze sculptures from late 19th century. Many of the artists’ works depict southwest Pennsylvania scenes: glowing, steel mill smokestacks and workers arriving for See LAUREL HIGHLANDS, page 40

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Leisure & Travel

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 9

Affordable options beckon for fall travel It’s time to start working on your fall trav- Caribbean and Mexico, generally with el plans. And if your schedule permits, fall good base rates and often with promotional offers, including upgrades, remains a top time for vacation ship credit and free port travel for at least two reasons. tours. First, throughout the UnitOne caveat: Fall is also a ed States, Canada and Europe, high season for hurricanes, so the summer heat is largely if you do book a cruise, buy over, but winter chill hasn’t trip-cancellation insurance so yet set in. Second, families that you can abort or change with kids are back home with your trip if bad weather hits. kids in school. Fall is also the season when The net result is that, histhe big cruise lines reposition torically, the fourth quarter of TRAVEL TIPS many ships from the Mediterthe year has almost always By Ed Perkins ranean to the Caribbean. If been the least busy and least expensive. And I see no reason why 2019 you would like a cruise with comparatively few port calls and lots of time on the open should be any different. seas, you can find quite a few transatlantic options from Europe to the U.S. in SeptemBeach destinations The period between Labor Day and the ber, October and November, when starting week before the Christmas holidays is the prices get as low as $50 per person per day. slowest time of the year for major beach destinations in the U.S., the Caribbean, Europe Mexico and Europe. I’m a big fan of visiting Europe in the fall Seasonal hotel and resort rates and air- — England, France, Germany and Scandifares are well below summer and year-end navia in September and early October; holiday levels, and you aren’t likely to have southern Europe until early December. a problem with availability of whatever It’s very refreshing to be able to visit the sort of accommodation you prefer. top museums and visitor attractions without coping with huge lines and wall-to-wall Cruises people — and to take the Amalfi Drive Cruise lines continue to operate in the without fighting bumper-to-bumper traffic.

You can find off-season hotel deals in the countryside, but not in the big cities, where business travel replaces tourist travel.

Oktoberfest The official Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany will run from September 21 through October 6. If you don’t want to go that far for beer and pretzels, the big Oktoberfest in Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario, runs October 11 through October 19, and Cincinnati, Ohio’s runs October 20 through October 22. The similar Wurstfest in New Braunfels, Texas, runs November 1 through November 10. And if those are still too far, funtober.com/Oktoberfest/us lists Oktoberfest action in all 50 states.

World Series The 2019 “October Classic” runs October 22 through October 30, and although nobody knows for sure which teams will be in it, FiveThirtyEight gives the Los Angeles Dodgers a close to 50-50 chance of playing. Consider a cancellable hotel reservation.

Fall foliage Peak fall foliage months generally run from September through early November, with the peak season early in the north and later in the south. The official websites that track foliage aren’t up yet for 2019, but keep checking foSee FALL TRAVEL, page 40

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Laurel Highlands From page 38 the night shift. Admission is free. Laurel Highlands’ towering trees, ridgelines, valleys and waterways lure locals and visitors alike. The 20,500-acre Ohiopyle State Park is famous for the Youghiogheny River’s rushing rapids and 79 miles of hiking trails. Linn Run State Park’s Spruce Flats is home to carnivorous pitcher and sundew plants, four-toed salamanders and wood frogs. A bucket-list favorite is Fallingwater, the famous Frank Lloyd Wright masterpiece built over Bear Run’s waterfall as a private home. Wright integrated the house into the natural landscape, reflecting his passion for Japanese architecture. A National Historic Landmark, its famous

S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 9 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

cantilevered terraces harmonize with nearby rock formations, and the sound of water permeates the site. Basic tours are $30 per person; more in-depth tours, some including brunch, cost $150 per person or more.

Flight 93 Memorial One of the country’s newest and most powerful national memorials opened in the Laurel Highlands in 2015. The pastoral countryside near Shanksville was anything but that on September 11, 2001. At 10:03 a.m., United Airlines Flight 93 crashed and caught fire in a farm field, killing 40 passengers and crew members and four al Qaeda hijackers. The terrorists’ presumed target was the U.S. Capitol, 18 minutes away. But passengers and crew overcame them, presumably leading to the downing of the plane in the field.

Classes and courses to discover interests ĂŶĚ ŽďƚĂŝŶ ƉƌĂĐƟĐĂů ŝŶĨŽƌŵĂƟŽŶ Λ D W>͊

REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Cartooning Workshop (Ages 50+) ŝŐŝƚĂů WŚŽƚŽŐƌĂƉŚǇ ,Žǁ ƚŽ ŚŽŽƐĞ Ă EĞǁ ŽŵƉƵƚĞƌ ^ƚĂƌƚƵƉ͊͗ Get assistance for small business owners. ŝWŚŽŶĞƐ͗ Learn what to consider when purchasing one. KŶůŝŶĞ ,ĞĂůƚŚ ZĞƐŽƵƌĐĞƐ͗ Get familiar with health websites. :Žď ^ĞĂƌĐŚŝŶŐ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ŝŐŝƚĂů ŐĞ ĨŽƌ KůĚĞƌ ĚƵůƚƐ &Žƌ ŵŽƌĞ ŝŶĨŽƌŵĂƟŽŶ͕ ǀŝƐŝƚ ǁǁǁ͘ŵĐƉů͘ĞǀĞŶƚƐͬĚŝƐĐŽǀĞƌ

The somber Flight 93 Memorial looms on a windswept, grassy hill, honoring those killed. The site’s design by Paul Murdoch includes a black granite walkway that evokes the flight path, and a nearly milelong walk to a wall of names and an overlook of the crash site. At the 93-foot-tall Tower of Voices, 40 individually tuned steel chimes ring in perpetuity for the deceased. Museum exhibits tell the story of that dark day, minute by minute. In perhaps the most moving exhibit, visitors can listen to actual telephone conversations of passengers who called loved ones and authorities (13 people made 37 calls). One woman told her sister where to find her will. A wife assured her husband she was fine but warned that something strange was happening. And the recovered cockpit voice recorder captured the screams, struggles and breaking glass inside the airplane.

The comforting Mr. Rogers After contemplating Flight 93, a visit to

Fall travel From page 39 liagenetwork.com, with separate regional reports for the northeast, midwest and southeast, and stormfax.com/foliagemap.htm, with a national map and links to state and regional fall foliage websites and hotlines.

How to find a deal Start monitoring fall deals through a few of the free deal bulletins: airfarewatchdog.com and others for airfares; cruisecritic.com and others for cruises.

the Fred Rogers Center in Latrobe, a 50minute drive away, can be soothing. The Fred Rogers Center for Early Learning and Children’s Media, located on the campus of Saint Vincent College, displays four of his signature cardigan sweaters, original puppets like Daniel Tiger and X the Owl, and the show’s anthropomorphic trolley. Admission is free. A Presbyterian minister, Rogers took his preschool viewers on field trips to factories, explained how bulldozers work, and tenderly advised them on topics like mistakes, conflicts, fears, loneliness, illness and loss. “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news,” Rogers once said, “my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’” The Laurel Highlands is situated 200 miles from Washington, D.C., and Fort Ligonier is 17 miles from the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Roundtrip flights to Pittsburgh on American Airlines in September start at around $260. For more information, visit laurelhighlands.org or lhhc.org.

You have plenty of time to wait for a good deal — until about a month before you want to travel — but as soon as you see a good deal, pounce on it. At this writing, for example, United is offering round-trips from Newark to Paris for $257. Don’t hesitate to make a fully cancellable hotel reservation as soon as you see a good price; cancel and rebook if you find a better deal later on. Send e-mail to Ed Perkins at eperkins@mind.net and visit his rail travel website at rail-guru.com. © 2019 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Say you saw it in the Beacon | Leisure & Travel

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 9

Whales and wonder in icy Antarctica By Don Mankin One after the other, humpback whales arched their backs and slid into the frigid waters of Antarctica. As they flicked their tails in the air, rivulets dripped from the edges before they disappeared below the surface. I stood up in the Zodiac, a small inflatable boat with an outboard motor, my camera poised for the next opportunity for a once-in-a-lifetime shot. I didn’t have to wait long. Wherever I turned, I saw whales — from spouts in the distance to nearby humps and tails glistening in the sun. It wasn’t just the sheer number of whales in Antarctica (more than 100 or so) that boggled my mind. The marine mammals’ performance was framed by the icy splendor of mountains and glaciers in the background, along with icebergs and “bergy bits” (smaller chunks of ice) in the foreground. Sculpted blocks of floating ice created a wonderland of blue shapes and textures, a polar landscape more beautiful to me than any other place I have ever seen.

Drawn back repeatedly This was my third trip to Antarctica in 17 years. I am drawn by its remoteness, beauty, otherworldliness and the sense of adventure. My first visit involved a flight into the interior and sleeping in a tent for a week. The second was an adventure cruise much like this one but without the whales. One Ocean Expeditions, my host, dubbed the one-week trip “Marine Mammals of Antarctica.” The excursion runs in February and March, near the end of the short Antarctic summer but at the height of migration for the humpback and minke whales of the Southern Hemisphere. We also saw the usual year-long residents, such as seals and penguins, putting on fat to carry them through the long win-

ter months ahead, and a huge variety of polar sea birds. Crossing the Drake Passage, the area where the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans meet, was different this time. On my last trip in 2013, I spent the entire voyage braced against the constant swaying as our boat rocked from side to side. I ended up with sore muscles, bruises from bouncing off the walls, and cuts on my face after an ill-advised attempt to shave. This time we experienced the polar opposite (pun intended). The weather was clear and sunny, and the seas were relatively calm. Our ship was a Russian research vessel, an austere, workmanlike vessel that was nonetheless quite comfortable and attractive. Cabins were well appointed, there was plenty of outside deck space for chilly observation, and the boat had an attractive lounge with a fully stocked bar, which included a surprisingly wide selection of single malt whiskeys. The tour also included some expert presentations on Antarctic mammals, birds and history, as well as ice, krill and whale poop. There were several scientists on board who were studying the impact of plastic trash on marine life. How better to assess that than by analyzing whale poop? Talk about a career choice.

arch that tunneled through to the other side drifted slowly in the water. In the afternoon, we climbed into the Zodiacs to cruise around and look for seals lounging on the ice floes. We maneuvered our way around blocks of ice as large as houses, city blocks, even shopping centers. There was no noise except for the sounds of calving glaciers and the soft putt-putt of the boat’s motor. I never grew tired of the views, which changed dramatically with the sun and clouds. On clear days, everything sparkled. On partly cloudy days, the view was more textured, creating a moody landscape of

BEACON BITS

Sept 3+

GROUP RATES AT THE NEWSEUM

Bring your friends to the Newseum. With a group of at least 10 visitors 65+, your admission from Sept. 3 to the end of the month is only $12 per person (plus tax). Individual 65+ admission is $19.95 (plus tax). Bring your ID. Also, for the same period of time they will offer visitors a class on weekdays at 11 a.m. focusing on how to tell the difference between

Dramatic and dynamic views

real news and fake news. The

Once we reached the Antarctic Peninsula, the scenery was spectacular. On one of the first days, we went on an easy hike up to a viewpoint that looked out over one of the most stunning views I had ever seen. A vast, open bay stretched in front of me. The mountains and glaciers ringing the bay were reflected in the steel gray waters. A huge iceberg with a bright blue

Newseum, which is located at 555 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC, will be closing at the end of the year. Now is the time to visit. For more information, call (202) 2926100 or contact info@newseum.org.

black, white and grey with occasional streaks of sunlight that turned peaks and glaciers stark white and the water bright blue. When it was completely overcast it was spooky, hushed and otherworldly, like a landscape from a sci-fi movie set on a stark, distant planet. Often a whale’s tale injected an additional element and some perspective into the vast tableau.

Volcanic island visit On the last day before heading back across the Drake Passage, we cruised into See ANTARCTICA, page 43

Leisure & Travel | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 9 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

How to bypass ATM fees while traveling By Margarette Burnette If you find yourself short on cash while on vacation, it might seem easiest to hit up the nearest ATM. But if that handy machine is not in your bank’s network, you could get a double whammy of fees: The ATM owner will probably charge a few dollars for the convenience, and your own bank may tack on an extra $2.50 or so. You can avoid paying ATM surcharges,

however, with some prep work. Here are ways to get cash without the expense on your next trip. Choose a bank account that offers ATM fee reimbursements. Some banks will credit customers’ accounts for any fees that are charged by ATM machine owners. Depending on the bank and account, refunds may be unlimited, or they could be capped at around $10

BEACON BITS

Oct. 2+

FREE WEDNESDAY MOVIES

Watch a free movie the first Wednesday of every month at ArcLight Cinema at Westfield Montgomery through November. Stop by for a 10 a.m. film and get police safety tips to prevent crimes that target older adults. Tom Hanks stars in Big on Oct. 2 and Forrest Gump on Nov. 6. The theater is located at 7101 Democracy Blvd., Bethesda, Md. For more information, contact Montgomery County Police at (240) 773-6727 or Dana.Stroman@montgomerycountymd.gov.

per statement cycle. Even capped reimbursements would cover a few trips to the cash machine while on vacation, so if you think you’ll be hit with multiple ATM charges, consider opening an account at a bank that refunds fees. Note that if you’re traveling overseas and need funds, you may still incur foreign transaction fees. Scope out retailers that offer free cash back. If you use a debit card for purchases while on your trip, look for merchants, such as supermarkets or drugstores, that offer free cash back with purchases. This is an easy way to skip the ATM, though it does mean you’ll have to make a purchase. But if you were planning on that anyway, it means no extra costs. Two things to consider: It’s likely the merchant’s cash back limit is lower than an

We Turn Addresses

into homes

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

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

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 Park View at Fullerton: 410-663-0665 Park View at Miramar Landing: 410-391-8375

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 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

ATM’s — you may be able to withdraw up to $500 from a cash machine, but as little as $40 from a retailer — and some merchants charge a fee of a dollar or so for the convenience. Before you tap the “cash back” button in the checkout line, ask if there’s a fee. Join a large ATM network. For customers who travel within the United States, a bank or credit union account that has access to thousands of domestic ATMs is another good option, since you have a good chance of finding surcharge-free machines at your destination. You don’t need an account at a megabank with a branch on every corner to take advantage of a large ATM network. Many small credit unions and online banks are part of cooperative networks, such as Allpoint and Co-op, that provide access to 30,000 or more member ATMs within the United States. In addition, some banks have relationships with convenience stores or other retailers that have ATMs on site. So a cash machine might be inside a gas station, even if no bank branch is nearby. Check your institution’s website or mobile app to locate nearby in-network ATMs. If all else fails, decide whether cash is really necessary. You may not need to use cash much at all while on vacation. If you want a snack from a hotel vending machine or to pay for a parking spot, for example, you may be able to use a credit or debit card for those transactions. If you want to split a restaurant check with a friend or family member, consider putting the total on your or your companion’s plastic and using Venmo or a similar peer-to-peer payment app to even up. It’s a way to pay your share without having to dig up dollar bills. Going cashless also allows you to keep track of your spending online, which can be useful motivation. When you can log in to your bank account and see a list of all recent transactions, it can encourage you to be thoughtful about new purchases. Don’t give in to pricey ATMs while on vacation for the sake of convenience. With a little planning, you can keep all your money yourself instead of giving a cut to an ATM owner. —AP/NerdWallet

BEACON BITS

Sept. 8

FOLK FESTIVAL Check out folk bands

on six outdoor stages, browse crafts and sample international food at the Takoma Park Folk Festival, Sat.,

Call the community nearest you to inquire about eligibility requirements and to arrange a personal tour. www.rhomecommunities.com MOST COMMUNITIES ARE PET-FRIENDLY

Sept. 8, from 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at 7611 Piney Branch Rd., Silver Spring, Md. Free shuttles from the Takoma metro station and Montgomery College. Visit tpff.org or contact publicity@tpff.org

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Leisure & Travel

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 9

From page 41 Deception Bay, a volcanic caldera created by an eruption in 1969. The Zodiacs dropped us off on an island that is one of the few remnants from the eruption. We hiked through the moonlike, volcanic landscape up a slope covered with pumice and rocks to the rim of a crater, essentially a crater within the crater. With heavy clothes and gear, the climate was reasonably comfortable — warmer than the Northeast in the middle of winter. The only time I was cold was after sitting in the Zodiac surrounded by ice after a couple of hours of cruising around. While others hiked further, I just hung around the rim of the crater, marveling at the power that created it. I was a mere protozoan in comparison. Others took the polar plunge after the hike, running and diving into the water,

then trying to get out as quickly as possible. Mindful of the many ways my aging body would protest, I took a pass. I don’t see any reason to tempt the fates, or at least my calcified arteries. In the afternoon, we landed the Zodiacs on a small island with a penguin colony, fur seals and at least one elephant seal. I took my time, ending the visit with several minutes of contemplation as I stared at the penguins and the wall of ice across the bay, soaking it all in. I realized that this would probably be my last time in Antarctica and I wanted to burn the view and the feeling of peace forever into my memory. One Ocean Expedition’s Marine Mammals 11-day tour starts at $11,295. Other tours to Antarctica start at about $6,000, not including airfare to Argentina, where most tours begin. For more information and photos, see the author’s website, adventuretransformations.com.

BEACON BITS

Sept. 14

BOOMERS AND BEYOND

At the Boomers and Beyond Academy, learn some legal tips, how to declutter a house, and other useful information for aging adults. The free workshop is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Sat., Sept. 14, at Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at George Mason University, 4210 Roberts Road, Fairfax, Va. Free refreshments will be provided. For more information and to register, visit states.aarp.org/bbacademy or call 1-877-926-8300.

PHOTO COURTESY OF DON MANKIN

Antarctica

On his third trip to Antarctica, author Don Mankin is shown whale watching on an inflatable Zodiac boat. It’s the type of peak experience that has drawn him repeatedly to this land at the far reaches of the earth.

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S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 9 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

Style Arts &

Older authors share advice for aging wisely. See reviews on page 48.

Powerhouse theatre tucked into Tysons Kenneth Lonergan, director of the 2016 Academy Award-winning film Manchester by the Sea. “There’s a theme here, a real mission to be socially valuable,” Mandell said.

Humble origins, then fame Mandell has been with 1st Stage since its inception. Her sons’ high school drama teacher, Mark Krikstan, founded 1st Stage, assembling a talent pool of his former students. As founding artistic director, Krikstan urged Mandell to get involved after her husband’s recent death. In the early years, when Mandell was general manager, the young theater struggled financially, she remembered. “There were times when the show ran and Mark would run to the bank the next Monday because there wasn’t enough money to pay the actors,” she said. The theater’s luck changed one day in 2012 when Wall Street Journal arts critic Terry Teachout caught its production of Side Man, a 1999 Tony Award-winning play by Warren Leight. Teachout’s rave review called 1st Stage

one of the best regional theaters in the country. In another positive review four years later, Teachout called the venue’s suburban strip mall location “an unlikely-looking site for first-class theater.” After Teachout’s endorsement, 1st Stage’s audience grew. Alex Levy took over as artistic director in 2014, after Krikstan stepped down. Levy has overseen cutting-edge plays that have garnered many awards and nominations. “His choice of plays has been outstanding,” Mandell said. One of the theater’s most popular pro-

PHOTO COURTESY OF EILEEN MANDELL

By Margaret Foster Tysons Corner’s most celebrated theater is easy to miss. Taking a cue from gritty New York City venues, 1st Stage is located in a corrugated metal warehouse in a Northern Virginia strip mall. Despite the theater’s less-than-grand exterior, “our audience loves it,” said Eileen Mandell, 1st Stage’s director of community engagement. “People like the funkiness of this place.” More important, the Washington area theatre community seems to enjoy the quality of its productions. Since the 110seat theater opened in 2008, it has won more than 15 awards for its 64 productions. Four of last season’s five productions garnered 22 Helen Hayes nominations (second only to Arena Stage), and the theatre took home five of the prestigious awards. “There wasn’t one play [in the last season] that wasn’t meaningful and beautiful,” Mandell said. Now 1st Stage has announced its 12th season, a lineup of eclectic but hard-hitting plays, including The Waverly Gallery by

See 1ST STAGE, page 47 Eileen Mandell, currently 1st Stage’s director of community engagement, has been with the theatre since it opened in 2008. Its productions have garnered high praise from reviewers and won numerous local Helen Hays awards.

SEPTEMBER 13 - NOVEMBER 3

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410-730-8311

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

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 9

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Arts & Style

Artist tries to recapture family’s lost past By Noelani Kirschner Walking into the third-floor gallery of the American University Museum feels like stepping into a painterly vision of a family photo album, that of Brooklyn-based, Filipino-American artist Maia Cruz Palileo. Most Americans have a familial origin story rooted in immigration; perhaps a great-grandfather arriving at Ellis Island from Ireland, or a grandmother passing through the port of Seattle from Japan. What happens to the stories left behind in the old country? Do memories of the family’s ancestral home disappear?

Palileo, a first-generation American, tries to answer those questions for her family in the exhibition, which shares her name and runs from September 3 to October 20.

Digging for untold history

Palileo knew nothing of her parents’ life in Manila before they came to Ohio in the 1970s. When she asked them directly about it, they gave her vague, murky answers. After her mother died, Palileo spent years digging through boxes of family photographs, but found little evidence of life before the United States. So she turned to the archives at the Newbury Library in Chicago. There she unexpectedly uncovered the largely hidden history of American involvement in the Philippines after the Spanish-American War, including American actions that many Filipinos feel was brutally racist, oppressive and colonialist. “I learned more about my family’s history through the research,” Palileo said. “They didn’t teach me what the actual history [of the Philippines] was. I don’t know if they thought it was implied or why I wasn’t taught any of this in school. But once I learned this history, it gave so much conThe Visitors, a 2014 oil painting by Maia Cruz Palileo, text to everything.” reflects the colors and images she recalls from a visit to The exhibition features her family’s ancestral home, the Philippines. An intimate 17 works Palileo created exhibit of her works is currently on view at American between 2013 and 2019, University’s Katzen Arts Center.

mostly oil paintings. One notable exception is a wall-length paper and graphite installation titled All the While I Thought You Had Received This, which was inspired by Palileo’s research among more than 8,000 ethnographic photographs in the Newbury Library’s collection. “What I saw were dead Filipinos with American soldiers around them,” she said. “For me, it was this process of learning about a history that has been erased.” After scanning the photographs from the collection, Palileo traced over them to create silhouettes of the scenes. From those drawings, she created three-dimensional paper collages, which she then rubbed charcoal over to create shadowy and elusive reproductions.

The result is a wall composed of gossamer leaves that offer black, white and grey images of a fraught history of military conflict.

Folk tales of the Philippines Other works in the exhibition draw upon the Filipino cultural fabric of folklore and mythology. Works like Burying Teeth — which shows children throwing baby teeth over the roof of a house — refer to specific folktales. But the paintings that contain more personal and nostalgic themes — those that relate to the artist’s childhood and family photographs — are where Palileo’s talents shine through. See AU MUSEUM, page 47

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF JAZZ SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 3 P.M. The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center 4915 East Campus Drive, Alexandria, Virginia Concert is FREE, no tickets required.

Arts & Style | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 9 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

September 7â&#x20AC;&#x201C;22, 2019 AUR 8R[[RQf 0R[aR_ V` PRYRO_NaV[T aUR \]R[V[T \S aUR ?2.05 Va` Âť_`a RcR_ Re]N[`V\[ AU_RR NO\cR T_\b[Q ]NcVYV\[` Wb`a `P_NaPU aUR `b_SNPRÂ°NP_\`` aUR ?2.05 N[Q b[QR_ Va` `^bN_R S\\a T_RR[ _\\S f\b dVYY Âť[Q PYN``_\\Z` open studios, outdoor spaces, a lecture hall, cafĂŠ, and more, all open to the public. This brand-new campus of innovative indoor and outdoor spaces put YOU at the center of the artâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;where you can chart your own course and connect what moves you to creative experiences beyond imagination.

Join us for 16 full days and nights of creativity in action! FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS With almost 400 events planned, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s something for everyone! RenĂŠe Fleming showcases our Sound Health initiative, exploring the connections between the arts and wellness in discussions and performances. Discover the life and legacy of Marian Anderson in the new documentary Once in a Hundred Years. Get an up-close look at our namesake through a series of 7\U[ 3 8R[[RQf Q\PbZR[aN_f Â˝YZ`.

Kealiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;i Reichel

Opening Day

Embrace a full spectrum of indigenous performances including the art of hula with Kealiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;i Reichel, hoop dancing with Ty Defoe, aboriginal sounds of the didgeridoo by Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s David Williams, and storytelling from Rose Powhatan.

Saturday, September 7 At Opening Day, experience the colorful spectrum of what the full festival, and the future of our expanded campus, has in store. Help us activate the power and potential of the REACH by joining forces with local, national, and international artists all throughout the day. This includes dancers, actors, singers, musicians, writers, composers, visual artists, culinary experts, teachers, DJs, emcees, diverse arts & culture groups, local personalities â&#x20AC;&#x201D; RcR[ N UbTR V[ÂźNaNOYR ]VTR\[ A\TRaUR_ dRÂ´YY collectively engage all of our senses and start making our mark on D.C.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new home for creativity in action.

Feel the power of a 300-voice chorus, soloists from Washington National Operaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Domingo-Cafritz Young Artists, and the National Symphony Orchestra in Beethovenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ninth Symphony. RenĂŠe Fleming Celebrate songs from your favorite musicals when Broadway and Hollywood composer Alan Menken (Little Shop of Horrors, Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast) is joined by Broadway stars, the National Symphony Orchestra, and conductor Steven Reineke for an open-air concert.

Step into new worlds in our Virtual Reality Lounge, where you can put on an Oculus headset that brings to life colorful adventures near, far, and beyond imagination in three dimensions! Go for hands-on fun in our new Moonshot Studio, where visitors of all ages can spend time delving into various art forms and create their own works of art.

All events are free; timed-entry passes required for entry. Free passes and a complete day-by-day schedule of events at Kennedy-Center.org/REACH AUR ?2.05 V` ZNQR ]\``VOYR Of YRNQR_`UV] `b]]\_a S_\Z 1NcVQ : ?bOR[`aRV[ /\RV[T 7NP^bRYV[R /NQTR_ :N_` :VPUNRY 3 N[Q ;\zZV 8 ;RVQ\_Ă&#x153; N[Q AUR 0R[aR[R 0UN_VaNOYR 3\b[QNaV\[ Stephen and Christine Schwarzman, and hundreds more individuals, corporations, and foundations from around the world. Help us open the REACH by making your fully tax-deductible contributionâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;double-matched until the Opening of the REACHâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;at Kennedy-Center.org/future

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 9

1st Stage From page 44 ductions — the 2017 play My Name is Asher Lev, based on a Chaim Potok novel — was extended three weeks. Levy says he considers hundreds of plays before choosing five works for the season. “We try to have balance. We try to make sure we’re representing different styles and different voices, and to make sure that we are giving a real breadth of conversation throughout the year,” Levy said.

AU museum From page 45 A diptych, Uncles Drinking Beer II, renders the viewer an intruder to a small gathering of brothers amidst an evocatively retro ‘70s living room. The three men, hair long and coiffed, make eye contact over their bottles of pilsner. The painting could be a photograph taken by one of her parents rather than a moment she imagined.

Rich colors convey mood Palileo, who mixes her own paints to achieve just the right coloration, chooses the pigments based on her own memory of the locations depicted in her work after she visited family there in 2015.

Easy access from Metro The theater has become even more popular now that the Metro’s Silver Line Spring Hill station has opened a few blocks away. In 2016, 1st Stage expanded, taking over the former Jazzercize studio next door. Today it uses the 4,000-square-foot space for rehearsals, set design, storage and events. For each production, a new art exhibition is installed in the lobby gallery, which is transformed into a lively bar before performances. As for Mandell, who started her career as a home economics teacher, the theater “The flora and the fauna signify a specific place,” she said. “The color becomes this fill-in for my memory of the Philippines. It’s associated with the mood of the time, and I took colors from what I actually saw.” At a distance, her vaguely expressionistic style appears luminescent amidst a palette of turquoise, forest green and mustard yellow. But upon further inspection, each of Palileo’s paintings are a study in subtle texture. Whether she has utilized the wooden end of a paintbrush or a serrated metallic tool, she faintly digs into the oil paint to hint at dimensionality. These details engage the viewer, forcing us to be active voyeurs into a family’s history and, more broadly, America’s past rela-

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Arts & Style

has been an unexpected twist in a varied career that has included marketing and radio show production. “I never expected to be part of theater. This is just such a joy.” Mandell also has a passion for cooking and does catering work on the side, she said. But the theater has been central to her life since 2008. “The theater world is so warm and welcoming.” 1st Stage is located at 1524 Spring Hill Rd., Tysons, Virginia, near the Silver Line’s Spring Hill station. From Sept. 19 through Oct. 20, 1st Stage will present Trying by Joanna McClellan Glass, a play

about the chief judge of the Nuremberg trials. From Dec. 2 through 29, the comedy Airness by Chelsea Marcantel will run. Subscriptions to the season (including five productions plus a pass to the 4th annual Solo Festival, featuring one-person performances) start at $160. Individual tickets are $42 per show ($39 for 65+; $15 for students and military), and accessible entrances and seats are available. Performances are Thursday through Saturday evenings, with matinees on Saturday and Sunday. For more information, visit 1ststagetysons.org/season12 or call (703) 854-1856.

tionship with the Philippines. Maia Cruz Palileo was curated by Isabel Manalo, a working artist and adjunct professor at American University’s studio art

department. It can be viewed at the Katzen Arts Center, American University (4400 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, D.C.) through Oct. 20, 2019.

CELEBRATING 244 YEARS OF SERVICE WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 8 P.M. The Music Center at Strathmore 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, Md. FREE tickets available at www.strathmore.org or 301-581-5100.

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S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 9 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Books on how to age wisely, gracefully For many, the challenges of aging can be daunting. These four books can provide encouragement and advice. Coming of Age: My Journey to the Eighties, by Madeleine May Kunin, 200 pages, Green Writers Press paperback, 2019 Former Vermont governor Madeleine Kunin writes about aging from the vantage point of her mid-80s. Kunin also reprises, from a personal perspective, her experiences in the Clinton Administration as deputy secretary of education and ambassador to Switzerland, her native country. Coming of Age is a personal memoir by an indomitable individual, not an autobiography by a retired politician.

A keen observer, Kunin writes candidly about growing old. She remarried in her 70s, a decade after her divorce, to a widower who was almost nine years her senior. Kunin describes their move to a retirement community and selling their condo. Anyone hesitant to take that step will find encouragement in reading her account. Kunin adjusted with love and compassion to John’s depression, insomnia and physical ailments. She was widowed in 2018. Those coping with a spouse’s decline will find inspiration in her words. Kunin, an accomplished poet, includes 19 well-crafted poems in the book. Each chapter is accompanied by one of these creative compositions.

Nearing Ninety: and Other Come- cluding It’s Hard to be Hip Over Thirty, Forty dies of Late Life, by Judith Viorst, il- and Other Atrocities, and her books about lustrated by Laura Gibson, turning 50, 60, 70 and 80. 96 pages, Simon & SchusWishing Ms. Viorst happy reter hardcover, 2019 turns to a centennial edition. This slim volume is a prePurpose and a Paycheck: cious collection of more than Finding Meaning, Money, 30 poems on the theme of and Happiness in the Secgrowing old — its challenges, ond Half of Life, by Chris compensations, highlights Farrell, 288 pages, AMAand milestones. COM hardcover, 2019 The poet looks back in Regardless of their finances, rhyme at her contented life older people should work, acwith wit and humor. Evolving THE cording to Chris Farrell, a 65BIBILOPHILE living arrangements, becomyear-old economist, author, By Dinah Rokach ing dependent on others, and columnist and radio host. He similar issues are addressed encourages his fellow older with sensitivity, compassion and a season- Americans to embark on what he coins “uning of spunk. retirement.” Nearing Ninety is the latest in Viorst’s A wide range of pastimes are available: poetry collection series Decades, which paid or volunteer, full-time or part-time commenced with Thirty. work. Retiring to a life devoted solely to She is also the bestselling author of psy- leisure is a downward spiral to social isolachology books such as Necessary Losses tion, depression and physical deterioraand the popular children’s book Alexander tion, Farrell says. The result is a shorter and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very lifespan. That is the thesis of A Purpose Bad Day, now a motion picture and musi- and a Paycheck. cal. She has lived in Washington, D.C. Today’s economy, with its low unemsince her marriage to political writer Mil- ployment rates and a demand for workers ton Viorst in 1960. of all ages, provides a good environment At the back of the book are short exSee BIBLIOPHILE, page 51 cerpts from some of her previous books, in-

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Arts & Style

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 9

Typewriters regain a measure of respect By Katherine Roth For most of us, the clickety clack of a manual typewriter — or the gentler tapping of the IBM Selectric — are but memories or something seen only in movies. But at the few remaining typewriter repair shops in the country, business is booming as a younger generation discovers the joys of the feel and sound of the typewriter. Meanwhile, older generations admit they never fell out of love with it. “What’s surprising to me is that the younger generation is taking a liking to typewriters again,” said Paul Schweitzer, 80, owner and operator of the Gramercy Typewriter Co., founded by his father in 1932. He now works alongside his son, Jay Schweitzer, 50, and — this summer — a grandson, Jake. Vintage typewriters are sent for repair and restoration daily from around the country, Schweitzer said. Demand is so great that early this year, the family finally opened their own store in New York City. Other surviving shops include Berkeley Typewriter and California Typewriter, both in Berkeley, California, and also founded in the 1930s, and Ken & Ray’s in Baltimore. Gramercy sold dozens of old typewriters over the last holiday season, Schweitzer said.

Cranston, president of the museum, which now features an exhibit with 16 typewriters used by famous writers like Jack London, Ernest Hemingway and Maya Angelou. Students who visited the museum on a field trip were so enamored with the typewriters that they started their own typewriter club, and Cranston said he’ll never forget the reaction of one fifth-grader discovering typewriters for the first time. “Wow, this is great! It’s an instant printer!” he exclaimed. Ellen Lupton, senior curator in contemporary design at the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, which has an array of typewriters in its collection, said, “There’s an irresistible tactility to typing on a typewriter, a satisfying sound, a feeling of authentic authorship. No one can spy on you and there are no distractions,” she said. She notes that typewriters’ legacy can

be seen in smart phone and computer keyboards. The “shift” key, for instance, was originally meant to literally shift the position of a typewriter key to a capital letter from a lower-case one. The return key (or lever, on manual typewriters) originally returned the carriage into position for the next line. “And we’re still stuck with the QWERTY keyboard — even on phones — which was supposedly designed to prevent keys from sticking together when someone is typing quickly,” Lupton said.

Elegant design While early typewriters of the late 19th century were designed purely for function, “by the ‘20s and ‘30s they’d become quite stylish,” Lupton said. “We have quite a few very stylish Italian typewriters in our collection. They’re very

chic, with wonderful geometry and unusual lines. Olivetti was a big producer of office equipment and they are really invested in design,” said Lupton. “Another reason for the appeal must surely be the beautiful and authentic appearance of a typewritten page.” It’s common for typewriters to allow for typing in red and black, and to feature a “ribbon reverse” function to maximize use of the ink ribbon by running it in the opposite direction once it reaches the end of the spool. And as with every tool, there are tricks to using a typewriter. To save on the number of keys, there is generally no number “1” on older keyboards (a lowercase “L” suffices). And to make an exclamation point, a period is simply topped with an apostrophe. And the “cent” key seems decidedly quaint today. —AP

Continuing interest Two recent documentaries, “The Typewriter (In The 21st Century)” (2012) and “California Typewriter” (2016), featuring collector Tom Hanks, have helped popularize vintage typewriters among young people, who also have a soft spot for other analog technologies like vinyl records and fountain pens. At one time, Schweitzer said, there were six pages of typewriter repair listings in the New York City phone book (which also hardly exists anymore). Schweitzer, who also services HP laser printers, still packs up his leather typewriter-repair bag and heads out on jobs at offices around the city, seeing to sticky keys and shredded ribbons. But these days, he sees to just a handful of typewriters in any given office, as opposed to years ago, when he visited offices with as many as 700 typewriters, one at each desk. “A lot of law firms and accounting firms still have typewriters in their offices. They have computers, too, but there are always times when typewriters come in handy,” he said. They are convenient for smaller jobs, like addressing envelopes, and there are times you just want something done quickly and in triplicate.

A novelty for young people The American Writers Museum, in Chicago, features a popular section with seven manual typewriters and an electric typewriter that visitors can try. “Typing for the first time is exciting, especially for younger people,” said Carey

OUR VOLUNTEERS ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN VIRGINIA.

To find out more about what we’re doing in the community and how you can get involved visit aarp.org/va.

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S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 9 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

Waxing nostalgic over phones of yore My grandmother, bless her 19th centu- phone number with as many as 10 addiry heart, never got it about telephones. tional households. If Mrs. McGillicuddy When she would pick up was talking to her sister for the boring-black handset in hours, you were cooked. her living room, she would fuNo way to make or receive riously click the two black a call — unless you asked buttons that popped up. She Mrs. M. to please call her sissaid she was clicking to atter back in 15 minutes. Effitract the attention of the opercient it wasn’t. ator. But my favorite Grandma “But, Grandma,” I would say, telephone memory was the in my eight-year-old wisdom, way she made long distance “it’s all automatic. There’s no calls. HOW I SEE IT operator.” Those were rare — and “I just know an operator is By Bob Levey slightly exotic — in the early listening,” she would say. Believe it not, this was an improvement on her previous phone adventures. She had a party line. Remember those? You would share one

1950s. My grandmother — pretty rare and exotic herself — used to blow into the receiver “to clear the line.” No amount of giggling by her grandson would deter her. She was sure that dust lay

BEACON BITS

Sept. 7+

REACH FESTIVAL Celebrate the opening of the expansion of the Kennedy Center

campus with two weeks of free performances and activities from Sat., Sept. 7 to Sun., Sept. 22. Timed entry passes are required; get them by phone at (202) 467-4600 or in person at the box office. For more information about the expanded REACH Center opening, visit kennedy-center.org/festivals/reach/overview.

in the path of her call. So, she would huff and she would puff. None of it made a bit of difference, of course. Today, our telephones are dust-free, party line-free digital marvels. In an airport the other day, my nextseat neighbor in the departure lounge whipped his cellphone out of his shirt pocket and dialed Qatar — bip, bop, boom, just like that. The call went through in less than eight seconds. Now, we can forward calls, get messages, put calls on speaker, store a caller’s name and number with a couple of clicks. In a pinch, our phones could probably even shine our shoes. It has all become routine to so many of us. But it makes me go “ooooh” just the same. Because I remember when pay phones demanded a fresh quarter every five minutes or so. I remember when there was only one phone company — and her name was Ma Bell. I remember when there was no such thing as voicemail — and I would have to dictate my call-back number to an actual human, digit by painstaking digit. I remember when the Princess phone was introduced, in all its cutesy glory. My high school girlfriend talked her parents into buying her a Princess, in

shocking pink. She would wipe it down with cleaning fluid every night, as if it were a jewel. I remember when wall-mounted rotary dial phones were introduced. I got one, in pea soup green. My college girlfriend pronounced the color “weird.” The phone lasted longer than she did. I remember when an enterprising buddy in my college dorm figured out how to cheat the 1940s-era pay phone at the end of the hall. He would unscrew the mouthpiece and touch one end of a compass to the innards. Then he’d touch the other end to anything else metal. Presto! Dial tone! And I remember calling my mother in the early 1960s. She lived in East Africa. To call her was something right out of an Abbott and Costello routine. It was impossible to dial her directly. The call had to go through an operator in London, who would relay my voice via short-wave radio all the way to Nairobi. The radio signal took several seconds to reach her — and her reply took several seconds to reach me. Not only did this hugely increase the duration and cost of the call, but it led to the most fractured phone conversations I’ve ever had. See BOB LEVEY, page 53

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Arts & Style

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N â&#x20AC;&#x201D; S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 9

Bibliophile From page 48 for working people over 50 who have no desire to retire. The increase in quality part-time jobs is especially suitable for those covered by Medicare who are already drawing Social Security benefits. Flexible schedules and the widespread introduction of telecommuting are a boon for older workers. Farrell challenges society at large to eschew ageism, its stereotypes and demean-

FROM PAGE 52 ANSWERS TO SCRABBLE

ing humor. He admonishes employers to embrace the experience, creativity, stability and reliability of older workers. The End of Old Age: Living a Longer, More Purposeful Life, by Marc E. Agronin, M.D., 240 pages, Da Capo Press Lifelong Books hardcover, 2018 Geriatric psychiatrist Dr. Marc Agronin has written an uplifting book about the challenges that confront us in late life. In it, he recommends tools to create a purposeful old age. As he sees it, this stage of life brings

ANSWERS TO CROSSWORD G R I P A P N E S I N G S A T M D O U B A D O R M O N O N B E A T I N B E S S R Q U A D U R I S E E N Y

S A L A B L E O R D E R

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

A G I N T A C O L I N E S I D C A M A H A L E C I P E S H I O W A S E W E R H R E A T A S K Y R B P I Z Z A I D I O M E S T O P

ANSWERS TO JUMBLE Jumbles: MACAW SCARF HARBOR EQUITY Answer: She loved making dresses by hand -"SEW" MUCH

with it the opportunity to reinvent oneself, to release forces of creativity, and to plumb the wisdom accumulated during the course of a long life with its vast experiences. This positive attitude delineated in The End of Old Age emphasizes the value that older people can contribute to society in the roles of seers, sages, curators and creators. Agronin describes with objectivity the traumatic events one may encounter during the last decades of life, such as the onset of serious illness, diagnosis of potentially life-ending diseases, or physical and

mental disability. In his mid-50s, Agronin has been practicing medicine for a quarter of a century. He urges older people to overcome depression and negative thoughts, and give meaning and purpose to their evolving situations. Moving forward and not bemoaning lost youth makes for healthy aging. Overcoming obstacles with hope is his prescription for the coda of a life well lived. Those who cannot summon the courage to address their limitations should seek professional help. His resounding message: Never give in to despair.

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Crossword Puzzle

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

Stephen Sherr 3

22 28

38 43 47

49 51

50 54

52 58

Across

Jumble answers on p. 51.

Scrabble answers on p. 51.

21 26

18 20

4. Cribbage score-keepers 5. Satisfactory, as merchandise 1. White-knuckles the steering wheel 6. Football flag dropper 6. First victims of the Pied Piper 7. Bush 43’s “___ of evil” 10. “I’ll have ___ and tonic, please” 8. Piece of a roof or floor 14. Sleep disorder 9. Handle for a rose flower or wineglass 15. Glowing word in a dark theater 16. Part of a cantina’s combination platter 10. End of Illumin- or Masor11. He said “Be the change that you want 17. Kindergartners’ formations to see in the world” 20. Good name for a retailer 12. Feature of Mars’ north pole 21. Toll House Cookie chip sweetness level 13. Cash register key 22. DC area airport code 18. A female sprite (and anagram for 23. Gadget for checks and balances “flee”) 26. Best Friends Forever, in text-talk 19. Bartender’s garnishes 28. India’s Taj ___ 23. Man named in Genesis 2:19 30. Cook for a larger crowd 24. Chore list heading 35. Think the world of 25. Elementary particle 36. Salad veggie 27. ABC Western satire which premiered 37. “The kissing disease” 9/14/65 38. Neither 1 Down nor liquid 39. Eastern edge of the Louisiana Purchase 29. More sore 31. Author Charlotte or Emily 43. Reason to be banned from a fancy 32. Permissible to be eaten, to a Muslim restaurant 33. Cleaned up text 45. Underground film location in 34. Health mag topic: “How to get ___ of The Third Man belly fat” 46. Sing, dance, and act; for example 38. Chem. or bio. 50. Unwilling to face the day 40. Accepts a loan 51. 24 horas 41. Excessively watery (as coffee) 52. Pie in the ___ 53. One of 15 regions under Gorby’s control 42. Affectedly creative 44. Diner’s selection 54. Deer, deer relatives 45. Permanent marker 58. Federal Reserve Board (briefly) 46. Creamy soup 60. Two slices, generally 47. Provide a guarantee 66. Bestselling author, Leon 48. Scarecrow’s desire, in Oz 67. “___ there, done that” 49. Small squabble 68. Phrase with different literal and 55. Cholesterol testers figurative meanings 56. Hemline baseline 69. “___ meeny, miny, moe” 57. Be anxious about the jambalaya 70. Uses a straight or zigzag stitch 59. Participates in an auction 71. Prevent legally 61. Back part of “backwoodsy” Down 62. Switch settings 1. Composition of Jupiter 63. Facial blemish 2. Research univ. in Troy, NY 64. San Diego’s is most visited in the US 3. Last word in many motel chain names 65. Sound booster

Answers on page 51.

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 9

Bob Levey From page 50

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Arts & Style

ONE BIG HAPPY By Rick Detorie

Me: “Happy birthday, Mother!” (wait ten seconds — hear the London relay repeating what you had just said — wait ten more seconds). She: “Thank you, Bob!” (which I would hear twice — once when it landed in London, then once more when it was relayed feebly to the U.S.). A bit prehistoric, wouldn’t you say? But worth recounting to the younger generation, whose eyes get very wide. (Radio relay? Really?) I have to admit that I am my grandmother’s grandson. I find text messaging awkward. I redial all ten digits of a phone number rather than push REDIAL. I feel uncomfortable when I push 6 to speak to a service rep (why can’t that rep just answer my call in the first place?). But I have never blown imaginary dust out of my receiver, and I never will. With a bow to my Grandma, that’s progress. Bob Levey is a national award-winning columnist.

BEACON BITS

Sept. 12+

FOLK SONG SINGALONG

Sing along to “This Land is Your Land,” “Little Boxes” and other folk songs from the Rise Up Singing songbook. All are welcome to a three-class session on Thurs., Sept. 12, Thurs., Oct. 10 and Thurs., Nov 14 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. The singalongs will take place at the Macy’s Home Store, 7125 Democracy Blvd., Bethesda, Md. To register for the session (fee: $20), call Washington Metropolitan Oasis at (301) 469-6800, x211 or register online at oasisnet.org.

BEACON BITS

Ongoing

CAPTIONED MOVIES

Some movie screenings are available with open captions (OC) on the screen, thanks to the group DC Deaf Moviegoers. Anyone can attend these. To find out OC movie locations and times, email dc.deaf.moviegoers@gmail.com or join the Facebook group DC Deaf Moviegoers.

Ongoing

DRIVERS AND RIDERS, UNITE

The Village of Takoma Park offers free rides to church, grocery stores or medical appointments for older residents of the village. The program trains drivers and matches them with friendly local seniors. If you need a ride or want to volunteer to drive seniors, call (301) 6462109 or email sandyeganretired@gmail.com.

Sept. +

FREE GARDENING TALKS

To meet other gardeners and learn tips from master gardeners, stop by the Wednesday Night Garden Talks at the Arlington Central Library, 1015 N. Quincy St, Arlington, Va. Hosted by the Arlington Food Assistance Center, the 7 p.m. talks are free, and no registration is necessary. Download the entire schedule at afac.org.

Sept. 26

VAN GOGH’S JAPAN CONNECTION

Learn about Van Gogh’s sojourn in Arles, France, where he produced hundreds of works inspired by Japanese artists. The presentation by art historian Joan Hart is scheduled for Thurs., Sept. 26 at 1:30 p.m. at the Lee Senior Center, 5722 Lee Hwy., Arlington, Va. Cost is $6. For more information and to register, call (703) 228-0555.

WB919

S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 9 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

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CLASSIFIEDS The Beacon prints classified advertising under the following headings: Business & Employment Opportunities; Caregivers; Computer Services; Entertainment; For Sale; For Sale/Rent: Real Estate; Free; Health; Home/ Handyman Services; Miscellaneous; Personals; Personal Services; Vacation Opportunities; and Wanted. For submission guidelines and deadlines, see the box on page 55. CAVEAT EMPTOR! The Beacon does not knowingly accept obscene, offensive, harmful, or fraudulent advertising. However, we do not investigate any advertisers or their products and cannot accept responsibility for the integrity of either. Respondents to classified advertising should always use caution and their best judgment. EMPLOYMENT & REAL ESTATE ADS: We will not knowingly or intentionally accept advertising in violation of federal, state, and local laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, familial status or handicap in connection with employment or the sale or rental of real estate. Business and Employment Opportunities SENIOR VILLAGE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR — Near SW nonprofit seeking full-time manager to coordinate member services, recruit volunteers and donors, assist Board to manage our growth, and represent Waterfront Village in the community. Salary/benefits negotiable. Inquiries/resumes to jobs@dcwaterfrontvillage.org.

Caregivers HELPING HANDS: I provide first class care for your loved ones. My services include household chores, general housekeeping and transportation as needed. I have a varied background working with all types of issues and aging concerns. Please call Mrs. Paul (240)898-7956 or email hands2help@gmail.com NEED ASSISTANCE WITH APPOINTMENTS, shopping, scheduling, errands, medication reminders, meal-planning and preparation, downsizing, de-cluttering, or organizing? Years of experience in non-medical companion care. Currently studying Universal Design and Home Modification for accessibility. Clean background, don’t drink or smoke, excellent driving record, and get along with most pets. Instructor in CPR/AED and First Aid. Reliable, punctual, efficient with a great attitude. Bonded and Insured. www.gatekeepercompanioncare.com (301) 371-2210 SENIOR HELPING HAND. A compassionate care giver to provide non medical daily living assisstance to seniors. Call Pam, 301 891 0001. A HOME HEALTHCARE - Experienced nurses, CNA, GNA are available 24/7. Cooking, companionship, personal care, housekeeping, driving. Full/Part-time or live-in care flat rate. 15 years’ experience. 240-533-6599

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CEMENTERY PLOTS FOR SALE - 301-9841109. Mt. Lebanon Cemetery - Jewish Section. 4 Plots - $850 each - includes transfer fees. Perpetual Care.

ELIMINATE GUTTER CLEANING FOREVER! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule a FREE LeafFilter estimate today. 15% off and 0% financing for those who qualify. PLUS Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-844-359-6933.

For Sale/Rent: Real Estate IF YOU’RE LOOKING TO TAKE THE LEAP to a retirement community, try our newly announced Real Estate Partnership: Sue Heyman, Rick Winkler, and Sudha Baxter. Rely on our combined strengths: Top Weichert Producers, plus backgrounds in Teaching, Tax, and Business. We are located at the Leisure World Plaza Weichert Office and have personal knowledge of the Community from the investor and resident perspective. We will take you on a tour of the Community, show you floor plans, discuss campus amenities & offer how best to coordinate your move. We will set up an automated search for you, preview units, and contact you to arrange a showing when there is a match. We also offer exceptional service selling your current home. Call for your free Community booklet. You can see our current listings in this issue. Office 301-681-0550, Sue 301-580-5556, Rick 301-404-3105, Sudha 202-368-8536. FREE LIVE-IN HOUSING - Trade Off Opportunity in Sandy Spring/Olney area. Call Mary 240-390-3941 anytime or Clarice after 5pm 240855-5886 for a detailed conversation. BEAUTIFUL AND WELL MAINTAINED 2BR, 2BA + Library 1460 SF Condo available for rental on Sept. 1. Located in Fairways North, this type S unit includes garage space and enclosed balcony with ceiling fans. $2,200.00/month, call Allen at 301-252-7663. SEEKING A QUIET BUT FRIENDLY woman between ages of 55-70 to share my lovely home in Silver Spring, Md. Must be vegetarian, employed and easygoing. Please call Carol at (301)754-1289. ELDER REALTOR HELPS SENIORS. Harry Fang, Evergreen Properties (broker of 30 years in metro area) 240-478-0250. EISDOM@GMAIL.COM Commission 1.5% , buy or sell. Like to help seniors in Maryland / Virginia to locate (purchase) or sell your properties. Senior helps seniors. Harry is a senior, and like to assist other seniors in regards of real estate. If you purchase, Harry will collect 1.5% of commission paid by the seller and return rest to you. If you sell, Harry will charge only 1.5%. (Separately, you need to pay to the buyer’s agent.) Harry also handles rental properties. Harry is specialized in entire Montgomery County (Rockville, Potomac, Gaithersburg, etc) plus Hyattsville & College Park. Phone 240478-0250 Harry Fang. EISDOM@GMAIL.COM A PLACE FOR MOM. The nation’s largest senior living referral service. Contact our trusted, local experts today! Our service is FREE/no obligation. CALL 1-855-502-4495

Health DENTAL INSURANCE from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. NOT just a discount plan, REAL coverage for [350] procedures. Call 1-844366-1003 for details. www.dental50plus.com/320. 6118-0219

Legal Services PARALEGAL/RESEARCHER: will run interference for your task, knowledgeable about federal and local government(s), trade and professional associations, public and private libraries. e-mail rushresearch@comcast.net, call 301-565-2917. APPLYING FOR SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY or Appealing a Denied Claim? Call Bill Gordon & Assoc., Social Security Disability Attorneys, 1-866-970-0779! FREE Consultations. Local Attorneys Nationwide [Mail: 2420 N St NW, Washington DC. Office: Broward Co. FL (TX/NM Bar.)]

Miscellaneous WAYS TO SAVE ON YOUR ELECTRIC BILL. (Pepco) call me at 240-328-2730. Monday’s between 12pm-3pm. We are an energy saving company that serves the Distict of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia residents who pay electric. First come first serve. You may also receive a cash prize of $20 for enrolling for a year. “And go into the dollar tree and shop till you drop”

Personal Services FREE DRAWING CLASSES: Volunteers in pilot program propose free at-home drawing classes for seniors over 75 in groups of 1 to 3 participants. Materials provided. Contact our coordinator for details: lex_ever@protonmail.com SELL YOUR SILVER AND OLD GOLD JEWELRY. Gold 4 Good (8241 Georgia Ave., Suite 100, Silver Spring, MD 20910) buys gold and silver jewelry, including broken pieces, all sterling silver and silver flatware, gold watches and gold and silver coins. I will come to your house and give you a free evaluation of what I can pay. If you decide to sell, I can buy your items at that time, but there is no obligation. Licensed with both Maryland and Montgomery County (lic. #2327). Call Bob, (240) 938-9694. Gold 4 Good pays an additional 5 percent to all military veterans (and their spouses). Gold 4 Good is a Maryland licensed precious metals dealership, not a pawnshop or private home based business. WRITING TUTOR FOR YOUR GRANDCHILD — man in his 70’s has taught college and had graduate training in law, social work, sociology, will tutor your grandchild in academic writing for high school, community college, college. $20/hr. Steve, 301-589-4040.

Personals ENCHANTING LADY, 50s - young looking, voluptuous woman seeks to meet/date an attractive gentleman, SWM, 50s or 60s, with husky build, 200+ lbs, who is sincere, compassionate, dependable, affectionate. Enjoys the great outdoors, movies, dancing, dining out. Seeks friendship, possible relationship. 240-316-6152. Please leave a nice voice message for reply.

TV/Cable DISH NETWORK $59.99 For 190 Channels! Add High Speed Internet for ONLY $14.95/month. Best Technology. Best Value. Smart HD DVR Included. FREE Installation. Some restrictions apply. Call 1-844-560-5837. SPECTRUM TRIPLE PLAY! TV, Internet & Voice for $99.97/mo. Fastest Internet. 100 MB per second speed. Free Primetime on Demand. Unlimited Voice. NO CONTRACTS. Call 1-888366-7573. GET NFL SUNDAY TICKET FREE w/ DIRECTV Choice All-Included Package. $59.99/ month for 12 months. 185 Channels PLUS Thousands of Shows/Movies On Demand. FREE Genie HD DVR Upgrade. Call 1-888-572-4953 or satellitedealnow.com/TBN

Wanted WANTED: OLDER VIOLINS, GUITARS, BANJOS, MANDOLINS, UKULELES, ETC. Musician/collector will pay cash for older string instruments. Jack (301) 279-2158. CASH FOR JEWELRY: Buying jewelry, diamonds, gold, platinum, silver, watches, coins, flatware, etc. Ask for Tom. Call anytime, 301654-8678 (Reg. 883). COLLECTOR BUYING MILITARY ITEMS: Helmets, weapons, knives, swords, web gear, uniforms, etc. from all wars & countries. Also Lionel Trains, & slots/coin operated machines. Will pay top prices. Discreet consultations. Call Fred, 301-910-0783. $$$ CASH $$$ FOR MILITARY USMC ARMY USAF USN ITEMS - Buying Military Uniforms, Patches, Medals, Insignia, Flight Jackets, Weapons etc. from the Civil War through Vietnam. Especially seeking U.S. Army Air Corps, USMC, Airborne and German/Japanese/Italian items from WWII. Call or Text Dan at 202-8413062 or email MILITBUFF@AOL.COM. BUYING VINYL RECORDS from 1950 through 1990. Jazz, Rock-n-Roll, Soul, Rhythm & Blues, Reggae, Punk, Blues, and Disco. 33 1/3 LPs, 45s or 78s, Larger collections of at least 100 items wanted. Please call John, 301-596-6201. BUYING OLD COMIC BOOKS, old magazines, Presidential Inaugural material, antique Asian items and more. Polite and professional. Call anytime. Keith 240 994-0941. PAYING CASH merchandise pre 1980. Old toys, silver, records, books, photographs, smoking pipes and lighters, fountain pens. If you have old stuff to sell cal Carl 312-316-7553. Sorry no furniture or glassware. Located Silver Spring MD. I BUY MILITARY ANTIQUES. I have an MA in History & buy American and foreign military medals, documents, uniforms, insignia, books & historic firearms - Civil War, World War I, World War II, Korea and Vietnam. I offer fair prices for single items or collections. Trusted for over 30 years in the Washington, DC area. Call me first or for a second opinion. My biography and testimonials from veterans and their families are on my website. www.midatlanticmilitaryantiques.com Tim Frank 703-447-7243. SEEKING FULL/SEALED BOTTLES of Vintage Bourbon and Rye (Pre-1990). Examples include, but are not limited to: Old Grand Dad, Pikesville Rye, Wild Turkey, Old Fitzgerald, I.W. Harper, Fairfax County, Old Forester, Old Overholt. Call Alex 443-223-7669

Classifieds cont. on p. 55

Say you saw it in the Beacon

WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N — S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 9

Classifieds cont. from p. 54 Wanted

Wanted

BUYING OLD STEREO/Audio Components from 1940’s - 1980’s Speakers, Receivers, Amplifiers, Turntables, etc. working or not. Also interested in parts. (540)999-1486 TURN YOUR SILVER AND OLD GOLD JEWELRY INTO CASH. Gold 4 Good (8241 Georgia Ave., Suite 100, Silver Spring, MD 20910) buys gold and silver jewelry, including broken pieces, all sterling silver and silver flatware, gold watches and gold and silver coins. I will come to your house and give you a free evaluation of what I can pay. If you decide to sell, I can buy your items at that time, but there is no obligation. Licensed with both Maryland and Montgomery County (lic. #2327). Call Bob, (240) 938-9694. Gold 4 Good pays an additional 5 percent to all military veterans (and their spouses). Gold 4 Good is a Maryland licensed precious metals dealership, not a pawnshop or private home-based business. COINS, JEWELRY, ESTATES, antiques, silver, gold, art, wristwatches, old toys, dolls, trains, comic books, baseball cards, memorabilia, military, firearms, knives, old golf, Halloween. Call Tom 240-476-3441. CASH FOR RECORDS, CDS AND DVDS. Best price guaranteed. No collection too large. Free appraisals. All types of music {33, 45, 78 & CDs.} Also buying turntables and stereo equipment. Will make house calls. Call or text Steve at 301-646-5403.

CASH FOR ESTATES; moving, etc. I buy a wide range of items. Buy out/clean up. TheAtticLLC.com Gary Roman 301-520-0755. LADY WHO LIKES CHINA and other pretty things would like to buy yours. Favorites include Herend, Meissen, Royal Copenhagen, Shelley and Villeroy & Boch. Some Lenox and Johnson Brothers. I love English bone china cups and saucers. Baccarat and Lalique too. Paintings and pottery. I’ve collected antique Christmas and Halloween for thirty years and am always looking to add to my collection. Sterling and jewelry. MD license no. 2753. Call, 301-785-1129. ESTATE LIQUIDATION/ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES: One call solves it all when you hire us to handle your estate liquidation, down-sizing and/or home cleanout. We sell your treasures, take care of charitable donations and provide junk removal. We also purchase partial estate contents/collections. Always buying antiques, jewelry, fine art, vintage toys, collectibles, advertising, sports memorabilia, military, rare books, Mid Century Modern furniture, vinyl records, gold and silver coins and more. Based in Silver Spring, we serve Montgomery, Howard and Baltimore Counties, Washington D.C., NOVA and beyond. No home, outbuilding or storage unit is too packed for us! Friendly, conscientious staff. Call Chris on cell (202) 731-9447. www.OrionsAttic.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 amount for you. Note: Maryland contractors must provide a valid MHIC number. • Each real estate listing qualifies as one ad. • All ads are subject to publisher’s discretion. Payment will be refunded if unacceptable for any reason.

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

ADVERTISERS IN THIS ISSUE Clinical Studies Flu Vaccine Research Study.....25 Hearing Research Study...........25 RSV Research Study................24 Speech Comprehension Study .24

Computer/ Technology TechMedic4U.............................7

Dental Services Friedman, Stephen, DDS .........30 Oh, Judy, DDS .........................26

Events Active Aging Walk ...................21 Beacon 50+Expo..............2, 3, 48 Brooke Grove ...........................14 Parkinson Foundation...............24

Financial/ Insurance Services Children’s National Hospital....31 Health Markets.........................13

Funeral Services Going Home Cremation...........43

Government Services DC Dept of Insurance ..............35 DC Office on Aging ...........28-29 Montgomery County Aging and Disability Services ................26 Montgomery County Public Libraries .....................40

Home Health Care/Companion Services Best Senior Care . . . . . . . . . . .40 Bright Hope Home Care . . . . .10 Family & Friends Home Care .23 GraceFul Care . . . . . . . . . . . . .51 Options for Senior America .....45

Housing AlfredHouse.............................13 Armed Forces Retirement Home ..................33 Ashby Ponds.............................18 Brooke Grove Retirement Village .............................14, 56 Chesterbrook Residences.............................31 Chevy Chase House .................22 Churchill Senior Living ...........30 Culpeper Garden ......................21 Falcons Landing ......................15 Five Star Premier Residences...............23 Friendship Terrace....................23 Gardens of Traville, The...........20 Greenspring..............................18 Homecrest House .....................40 Homewood at Frederick ...........17 Landing of Silver Spring, The .................20 Landow House .........................47 Quantum Property Mgmt............27 R Homes Communities...............42 Riderwood................................18

Sylvestery, The .........................22 Sommerset Retirement.............16 Springvale Terrace..............17, 26 Victory Housing.......................27 West Half Apartments ................9 Wilshire Estates........................39

Legal Services Farr Law Firm ..........................32 Law Offices of Lee Holdmann ..................33 Law Offices of Nancy Feldman .....................31 Law Offices of Paul Riekhof ...35

Medical/Health Allied Pharmaceutical Svcs .....14 Arya Wellness Center...............19 Giant Pharmacy..........................8 Health For Life Dispensary......19 Holy Cross Health......................6 I Hate Knee Pain ........................9 Lesner Hearing.........................18 Medical Eye Center..................17 Silver Spring Medical Center...20 United Healthcare ..............10, 51 Zilretta ................................11-12

Miscellaneous Green House H St. ...................30

Real Estate Long & Foster/ Eric Stewart.....................37, 43 Weichert/Sue Heyman..............33

Retail/Auction McKay Used Books .................21 Quinn’s Auction Galleries ........51 SAS Shoes..................................9 TV Voice Pro..............................5

Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Manor Care Health Services ....19

Subscriptions Beacon Newspaper...................53 Washington Jewish Week.........36

Theatre/Music City of Rockville......................48 F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre .......44 Kennedy Center .......................46 Senior Zone..............................45 Toby’s Dinner Theatre ..............44 US Navy Band ...................45, 47

Tour & Travel Almost Heaven Vacations ........41 Eyre Travel ...............................41 Martinsburg, WV Travel ..........41 Shillelaghs................................39

Volunteers & Careers AARP Foundation....................13 AARP Virginia .........................49 Bath Fitter ................................48 Beacon, The .............................34 Career Gateway ........................34 Interages...................................36

S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 9 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N

More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

SEPTEMBER 2019

UPCOMING SEMINARS & EVENTS at Brooke Grove retirement village

As experts in senior care and memory support, Brooke Grove Retirement Village is pleased to offer seminars and events that promote physical, spiritual and mental well-being. All seminars and events will be held at Brooke Grove Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, located at 18131 Slade School Road on the Brooke Grove Retirement Village campus. Please register with Toni Davis at 301-388-7209 or tdavis@bgf.org. Healthy Living class: “Everyday balance” September 16 through October 23 MONDAYS & WEDNESDAYS 10-10:30 A.M. During this class, simple yet effective techniques are used to improve balance and agility and reduce your risk of falls. No props are used, so exercises may easily be performed at home. Six-week Session Fee: $30 Reservations are requested by September 13.

Living well seminar: “Use It or Lose It — Strategies to Maintain Your Brain” WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 1-2:15 P.M. Are you experiencing more difficulty with your memory? Are you worried about developing Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia? Discover the steps you can take to improve and maintain your cognitive function and reduce your risk of developing memory impairment. Preceded by complimentary lunch at 12:30 p.m.

caregiver connection: “Too Late to Wait” TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 • 2-3 P.M. Discover the signs that indicate when it’s time to consider adding more care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia — either in the home or with a move to assisted living. During this seminar, you’ll explore options, determine how to weigh the pros/cons of a change, and gain tips on how to have this tough discussion with the loved one in your care. FREE. Register by September 15.

Alzheimer’s disease and dementia care consultations SECOND WEDNESDAY OF EACH MONTH 50-MINUTE SESSIONS This service is designed to help caregivers — as well as those who are newly diagnosed — cope with the impact of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, enabling participants to better understand the disease, manage care and make informed decisions regarding services and treatments. FREE. Schedule an appointment at any time during the dementia journey.

FREE. Register by September 16. Healthy Living class: “mindful meditation” September 18 through October 23

18100 Slade School Road Sandy Spring, MD 20860

MONDAYS • 11-11:30 A.M. Recent scientific studies show that mindful meditation changes the brain in astonishing ways — promoting greater focus, reduced anxiety, increased compassion and improved well-being. Experience guided, mindful meditation in a quiet space.

301-260-2320 · www.bgf.org

Six-week Session Fee: $20 Reservations are requested by September 15.

Independent Ind Independent ependent living living

a assisted ssisted living living

reh rehabilitation abilitation

long-term long-term care care

memory memory support support