September 2020 | Howard County Beacon

The Howard County

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Repairing and restoring together

A complete rebuild With fewer assistance applications coming in, RTHC was able to turn its focus to the reconstruction of the Greene house —

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PHOTO BY M. PAYNE

By Ivey Noojin An Ellicott City house, badly damaged by the 2016 and 2018 floods, was in such rough shape that it was barely habitable. However, the Greene family, who had lived there for 30 years, didn’t want to abandon the house where their children grew up and didn’t have the means to bring the house up to code.

A local group, Rebuilding Together Howard County (RTHC), which had repaired eight houses affected by the 2016 flood, heard about the family’s predicament and got to work.

In March, despite the pandemic, their team of contractors and volunteer laborers worked tirelessly to construct a new house from scratch at no cost to the family, enabling them to move back in July.

RTHC is the local affiliate of a nonprofit dedicated to repairing the houses of those with disabilities, veterans, families with children and older adults with limited incomes.

Growing out of a smaller organization known as Christmas in April, Rebuilding Together became a national nonprofit in 1988, and has since repaired more than 100,000 homes at no cost with the help of corporate sponsorship, volunteer labor, discounted services and donations.

Since 1992, the Howard County branch has itself repaired more than 800 homes. So it was surprising this year that, since March, RTHC has received only about half its usual number of requests for vital repairs, according to its executive director, Ann Heavner.

“It has to be a really big emergency for us to be called in,” Heavner said. “Not too many people want you to come inside their home [at the moment].”

The lower volume is good in one sense because Heavner’s group hasn’t been able to utilize volunteer labor during the pandemic, per direction of the national headquarters of Rebuilding Together.

Instead, the organization has had to hire contractors to complete urgent projects, such as roof repair, HVAC unit installations and water pump fixes. For smaller, exterior services like handrail or window installations, RTHC sends its own handyman crew.

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ARTS & STYLE John Startt of Rebuilding Together Howard County stands outside a newly rebuilt house in Ellicott City with the homeowners’ grandson, Jay Greene. The house, heavily damaged by two floods, had to be completely rebuilt — during a pandemic. “It was a group effort,” Startt said.

its largest reconstruction project.

John Startt, who has been on the RTHC board for 22 years and became its construction manager two years ago, has been with the project since the beginning.

Three years ago, Startt, 73, got a call from a team of homebuilders.

“They had inspected the house, and they said, ‘We don’t really know where to start.’

It was in pretty severe shape,” Startt said.

He and the builders determined that the house needed more than just repairs; it needed rebuilding. But the Greene family, who had lived there for three decades, didn’t want to abandon their home.

So, Heavner secured a $100,000 grant

from Howard County for the project. Seven contractors donated their services, and other local companies donated materials, according to Startt.

In the beginning of March, after demolition, the RTHC team had just begun rebuilding the house when the county went on lockdown. To limit exposure, Startt scheduled only one group of construction workers at a time. In addition, there were stronger sanitation efforts, which cost more money.

“There were all kinds of issues that I was called upon almost every day to deal with,” he said.

See REBUILDING, page 24

A Clarksville resident shares juicy details of her decadeslong career reading the White House mail for five presidents page 23

FITNESS & HEALTH k Red light may improve vision k How to strengthen your core k Foods for better sleep

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Seizing an opportunity I’ve never been one to keep a daily jour- here? Should he wait on the platform to nal or diary. I do find myself wishing some- catch the next train? times that I had done so in No, this train no longer the past, but not enough to continues downtown, I told get myself to start keeping him. You have to switch to anone now. other train and change to anHowever, there have been a other after that to get back to few days in my life when I the Red Line. have had such a meaningful Not only did he not have (or traumatic) experience that any idea how to do that, he I feel compelled to write down was looking for an elevator, what happened and how I felt. since he had great difficulty The other day, I was looking walking. (It turned out the for a folder on my computer FROM THE spinner suitcase he pushed and came across one I had la- PUBLISHER was actually his “cane,” as he beled “Memorable Experi- By Stuart P. Rosenthal told me later. He needed it to ences.” I opened it up, and stay upright and walk.) there was one document there. It read more So, I said I would show him how to get or less as follows: back to the Red Line by changing to the Interesting/amazing experience today, Green Line and then again to the OrJuly 31, 2018 ange/Blue Line.

I had an appointment at the Smithsonian But as I started to walk with him, not office on the National Mall, but since the knowing where to find the elevator for Red Line is being repaired and several him, I suddenly saw a uniformed Metro metro stations are closed down, I had to employee just ahead of us and asked if he change trains twice to get there. could help.

First, I took the Red Line to Fort Totten.

The two of them began talking, and it When we arrived at that station, the driver turned out the gentleman needed to get to announced that the train terminated there. Virginia, which was not the route I was As I was getting off the train to make my taking, so at that point I just walked away, first transfer, an older man with a suitcase saying to myself, “Well, I got him someone was confused. Why was the train stopping helpful, and he’ll be OK now.”

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

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

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

Publisher/Editor – Stuart P. Rosenthal President/Associate Publisher – Judith K. Rosenthal Vice President of Operations – Gordon Hasenei Vice President, Sales & Marketing – Alan Spiegel Managing Editor – Margaret Foster

I was also in a bit of a hurry to make my appointment, and seeing how slowly he walked, I was concerned that if I accompanied him for the rest of his journey, I might be late to my appointment. Still, I was feeling a little bad that I left him.

Fast forward about two hours. My meeting at the Smithsonian ended. I sat on a park bench and ate my lunch. Then I headed back on my three-train odyssey to get home.

I arrived at the Fort Totten station (this time on the lower level), and as I walked toward the staircase at the far end of the platform, I found myself walking right behind the SAME gentleman with the suitcase (apparently returning from his errand as well)!

I greeted him and asked how he was.

And he said, very matter-of-factly, as he did earlier that day, “I need an elevator, and I don’t know where it is.” I pointed out that there was an escalator right in front of us, but he said he was afraid to take it, given his gait.

I said I would take his suitcase on the escalator for him, so he could just hold onto the handrail, but he was still afraid to take that first step onto the escalator. I was carrying my jacket and a briefcase and didn’t have another free hand.

Just then, a younger man came up and asked if we needed help. I said yes. He took the gentleman’s arm, and we gently guided him onto the escalator.

As we got off that escalator, I pointed out we needed to go up yet another one, and the younger man said to me, “You take the suitcase, and I’ll hold his arm.” And we successfully got him up to the train on the upper level.

I was so happy that God gave me a second chance to do the good deed I had rather cavalierly jettisoned a couple of hours earlier. It was amazing to me that twice in the same day, at the same station, both going and coming back, I found myself at the arm of the same man in need of help. What a blessing! What a day!

I share this with you now, although it happened two years ago and I had nearly forgotten about it, because I feel our cur-

rent times have, in some ways, given us fewer opportunities to help others, but in other ways, given us more of them.

We don’t just “run into” people anymore (or if we do, we must be careful to remain socially distant and masked), making “random acts of kindness,” such as holding the door for someone, feel downright unpatriotic.

But if we think about it, we probably know people in our neighborhood who live alone or for other reasons might be having a particularly difficult time of it in this pandemic. If we know their name, hopefully we can pick up the phone and call them.

Sometimes just the conversation alone can make a difference for someone, and sometimes they really could use something from the store.

A Beacon reader sent us a poignant letter recently that gives another example of ways we might help others.

You see, she moved to Baltimore recently from another state, and said, “You have no idea how hard it is to get connected” to new people there.

The reason? Baltimoreans are so close with their fellow locals, particularly the ones they grew up with, that she couldn’t break in socially.

This seems to be true especially among people her age. “Seniors talk about high school and friends they have had since they were born.”

Is this problem unique to Baltimore, or do lots of us keep new arrivals out of our circles, perhaps unintentionally? As we get older, many of us wind up relocating for a variety of reasons and may find ourselves in a similar situation.

Are there any readers out there who can identify with our letter writer and would like to share stories? What worked for you? Please email us at info@thebeaconnewspapers.com.

And if you end up reaching out to others as a result of reading this, please let us know as well.

Thank you, and stay well.

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

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

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

Art Director – Kyle Gregory Director of Operations – Roger King Advertising Representative – Steve Levin Editorial Assistant – Ivey Noojin

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

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Dear Editor: According to Webster’s dictionary, police typically are responsible for maintaining public order and safety, enforcing the law, and preventing, detecting and investigating criminal activities.

We have seen may cases of violence set upon citizens and police alike. Police fear for their lives or loss of authority while citizens fear those who are supposed to be protecting them.

Let’s get rid of this fear. Let’s change how police are viewed. They should be viewed as peace keepers who negotiate and prevent violence.

I experienced an event in New York City long ago. We were on a bus when two officers came aboard. A young man stood up and pointed his firearm at them.

What did they do? Have a shootout? No. See LETTERS TO EDITOR, page 24

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Health Fitness &

HARVARD ADVICE To avoid the pain of kidney stones, start by drinking plenty of water KICK THE HABIT Some good tips for smoking cessation, and how Medicare pays for it COVID-19 STUDY UMD School of Medicine seeks volunteers of any age for a vaccine trial SQUASH SEASON Put your zucchini harvest to good use with this healthy, hearty soup recipe

Study suggests red light improves vision Courtesy of University College London Staring at a deep red light for three minutes a day can significantly improve declining eyesight, according to a new study from University College London, the first of its kind in humans.

Scientists believe the discovery, published in The Journals of Gerontology, Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences, could signal the dawn of new, affordable home-based eye therapies, helping the millions of people globally with naturally declining vision.

“As you age your visual system declines significantly, particularly once over 40,” said lead author, professor Glen Jeffery of the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology.

“Your retinal sensitivity and your color vision are both gradually undermined, and with an aging population, this is an increasingly important issue. To try to stem or reverse this decline, we sought to reboot the retina’s aging cells with short bursts of longwave light.”

How red light helps In humans around 40 years old, cells in the eye’s retina begin to age faster than in

other organs. This is caused, in part, by the decline in ability of the cells’ mitochondria to fuel cell functions by producing ATP (adenosine triphosphate).

The retina’s photoreceptor cells include cones, which are responsible for color vision, and rods, which provide peripheral vision and adapt vision in low or dim light.

These cells have high-energy demands, so they possess greater numbers of mitochondria. However, over a lifespan, ATP is reduced in retinal cells by 70%, causing a significant decline in photoreceptor function as cells lack the energy needed to perform their normal roles.

Researchers built on their previous findings in mice, bumblebees and fruit flies, which all found significant improvements in the function of the retina’s photoreceptors when exposed to 670 nanometer (long wavelength) deep red light.

“Mitochondria have specific light-absorbance characteristics influencing their performance: Longer wavelengths spanning 650 to 1,000 nm are absorbed and improve mitochondrial performance to increase energy production,” Jeffery said.

How the study worked Researchers recruited 24 people (12 male and 12 female) without eye disease.

All participants’ eyes were tested for the sensitivity of their rods and cones at the start of the study.

Rod sensitivity was measured in darkadapted eyes (with pupils dilated) by asking participants to detect dim light signals in the dark. Cone function was tested by subjects identifying colored letters that had very low contrast and appeared increasingly blurred, a process called color contrast.

All participants were then given a small LED flashlight to take home and were asked to look into its deep red 670 nm light beam for three minutes a day for two weeks. (Participants placed their eye over the end of the flashlight. Eyes could be closed, as the red light is not filtered by the eyelid.)

After the two weeks, they were re-tested for their rod and cone sensitivity. Researchers found the 670 nm light had no impact on the vision of younger individuals, but in those around 40 years and over, significant improvements were observed.

The ability to detect colors (known as cone color contrast sensitivity) improved by approximately 20% in people aged around 40 and over. Improvements were higher in the blue part of the color spectrum that is more vulnerable to aging.

Rod sensitivity (the ability to see in low light) also improved significantly in the older subjects, though less than color contrast.

“Our study shows that it is possible to significantly improve vision that has declined in aged individuals using simple brief exposures to light wavelengths that recharge the energy system that has declined in the retina cells, rather like recharging a battery,” Jeffery said.

“The technology is simple and very safe, using a deep red light of a specific wavelength that is absorbed by mitochondria in the retina that supply energy for cellular function. Our devices cost about $15 to make, so the technology is highly accessible to members of the public.”

Jeffery said further studies are continuing to determine the amount of time the red light should be used daily for optimal improvement.

Strengthen your core in minutes a day

By Matthew Solan The best exercise I do only takes a minute.

Granted, it is often the longest and most grueling 60 seconds of my life. I sweat, I shake, and I often collapse in relief when it’s over. But spending quality time in a plank pose always pays off.

The plank pose is holding a push-up position while resting on your forearms. This simple move is the ideal exercise for strengthening crucial core muscles. Almost every move you make revolves around your core — from picking up items on the floor to twisting to see if the coast is clear when driving.

Why is a strong core vital?

Your core is made up of several muscle groups, including your abdominals, back, hips, pelvis and buttocks.

A weak core can cause all kinds of problems. It can lead to poor posture, and inevitably to neck and shoulder pain.

Sore knees and hips often can be traced

to a weak core.

But the biggest issue with core weakness is low back pain. Your back muscles and core help to stabilize your body before any movement.

If your core is weak, the other surrounding muscles have to compensate. Over time, these muscles can suffer strain, which leads to lingering pain.

Better than sit-ups The standard sit-up is often the go-to core strengthener, but it has limits. “It only targets a portion of the core musculature, and the bending-forward motion can strain the neck and lower back,” said Eric L’Italien, a physical therapist with Harvard-affiliated Spaulding Rehabilitation Center.

By comparison, the plank pose activates all the core muscles at once and doesn’t require extra movements that can cause stress or injury. “And because it has many modifications, it can be done by almost anyone, regardless of current fit-

ness level,” L’Italien said.

How long to hold a plank The world record for holding a plank is more than four hours, but you don’t need to devote that much time! Most experts suggest anywhere from 10 to 30 seconds is plenty. “Focus on doing multiple sets of smaller amounts of time,” L’Italien said.

Soon you can extend your plank for up to one or even two minutes, but don’t go beyond that. “Two minutes is often considered the maximum, and you don’t get much more benefit after that,” he said.

You can perform a plank every day, on alternate days, or simply as part of your regular workouts. (I sometimes like to do mine during workday breaks.)

How to do a plank correctly Lie facedown with your forearms on the floor, with your legs extended and your feet together. You can use a mat or towel to make this more comfortable.

Push into your forearms as you raise your body, so it forms a straight line from your head and neck to your feet. (Do not let your hips rise or sag.)

Keep your gaze down and hold this position as you engage your abdominal muscles. Take steady, even breaths.

Try to maintain the position for up to 30 seconds and then lower your body and rest. This completes one set. Work toward completing two to three sets.

When you first start to do planks, you may not be able to hold the correct position for very long. Keep practicing, and you’ll find it becomes easier to do.

If resting on your forearms is uncomfortable, do the plank from a push-up position, with your arms fully extended. If you have back pain or other back issues, either do the plank on your knees, or stand straight and lean against a counter, so your body is at a 45-degree angle. © 2020 Harvard University. Distributed

by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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peeled mango and put it in a blender. Add a handful of ice, a small scoop of plain Greek yogurt and a splash of water or milk. Add a dash of stevia for extra sweetness, if desired.

If mango isn’t your thing, substitute frozen berries or watermelon.

Chickpeas High-fiber chickpeas (also known as garbanzo beans) are rich in vitamin B6, which your body uses to produce serenity-boosting serotonin. Try adding rinsed canned chickpeas to salads, soups and stews.

Chamomile tea This caffeine-free herbal tea has a calming effect on the body. Plus, a hot drink before bed can make you feel cozy and ready for sleep.

Honey A rise in blood sugar can reduce the brain’s production of orexin — a neurotransmitter that has been linked to wakefulness.

For a touch of sweet without the sugar rush, add a little honey to your chamomile tea.

Dried tart cherries A handful of dried cherries not only provides serotonin-boosting carbs, it’s also one of the few food sources of melatonin, which has been found to promote better sleep and lessen the effects of jet lag.

Turkey Wondering why you feel like napping

F R EE

By Matthew Kadey Having trouble sleeping? These snoozeinducing snacks can help you escape a slumber slump: Popcorn Eating a heavy meal within two hours of bedtime can keep you awake, but light-andairy popcorn makes a great late-night snack.

Popcorn contains carbohydrates that help send the amino acid tryptophan to your brain, where it is used to make serotonin — a sleep-inducing neurotransmitter.

Choose plain, fat-free popcorn and jazz it up with a little curry powder or other tasty topping.

Halibut and more When it comes to seafood, halibut has a mild flavor and meaty texture that appeals to finicky fish eaters. It’s also packed with two building blocks for better sleep: tryptophan and vitamin B6.

Other foods high in tryptophan include poultry, beef, soybeans, milk, cheese, yogurt, nuts and eggs.

Mango lassi Full of antioxidants, protein and vitamins, this treat from the Indian subcontinent can satisfy your cravings for creamy and sweet — without the sugar in most ice creams. A lassi is basically a smoothie, but it’s always made with yogurt.

To make a mango lassi, cut up one fresh,

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Avoiding kidney stones, digestive issues

By Howard LeWine, M.D. Q: I recently passed a kidney stone.

I never want to go through that pain again! What’s the best diet to avoid another kidney stone?

A: First and foremost, be sure you drink plenty of fluids every day and avoid dehydration. Kidney stones form when certain minerals concentrate in the urine and form hard crystals. By drinking plenty of fluid, you can decrease the concentration of these minerals.

Drink 8 to 12 cups (64 to 96 ounces) a day.

The most common type of kidney stone is the calcium oxalate stone. About 80% of all kidney stones are made of calcium oxalate. The name might make you think you should eat a low calcium diet to avoid getting them, but you should do the opposite.

The problem is oxalate. Most people who develop calcium oxalate absorb too much oxalate. The extra oxalate is absorbed by the intestines and passed into the blood stream.

The body uses what it needs, and the extra oxalate is excreted in the urine. In the urine, the higher concentration of oxalate can combine with calcium to cause kidney stones.

Many of the foods we eat, including some very healthy foods, contain oxalate. Examples include beets, chocolate, spinach, rhubarb, tea and most nuts. But it’s quite difficult to stay on an oxalate-restricted diet.

Instead, concentrate on eating plenty of calcium-rich fools. Inside your intestines, the dietary calcium binds the oxalate before it has a chance to get absorbed into your blood stream, so less oxalate will need to pass into your urine.

Eating too much animal protein, such as meat, eggs and seafood, increases the likelihood of both calcium oxalate and the less common uric acid kidney stones. Highprotein diets boost blood and urine levels of uric acid and reduce the amount of natural stone inhibitors in the urine.

A high-sodium diet also can trigger kidney stones because it increases the amount of calcium in your urine. A low-sodium diet is therefore recommended for the stone prone.

Federal guidelines suggest limiting total daily sodium intake to 2,300 mg., and this is a good target to help prevent a recurrence.

While coffee and most teas contain small amounts of oxalate, some studies suggest that drinking tea and coffee decreases the risk of kidney stones. However, you should avoid too much black tea, as it has four times the concentration of oxalate compared to green tea.

Q: I consider myself a healthy eater, but my bowel movements are irregular and I often feel bloated during the day. Would a digestive enzyme supplement help?

Food and sleep

At first, they’ll just look slimy, but eventually they’ll morph into a creamy, delectable dessert. Add a handful of chopped nuts, if you’re so inclined.

Kale chips Don’t knock these roasted green “chips” until you’ve tried them. The hefty dose of vitamin K they contain helps repair and build muscles while you sleep. Simply chop up a bunch of kale, toss with olive oil and sea salt, spread on a pan and bake at 350° F until crispy.

SHAPE is dedicated to helping you live a healthy and happy life. Online at shape.com. © 2020 Meredith Corporation. Distributed

by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

From page 5 after a big Thanksgiving feast? Tryptophan, found in turkey, is known to help calm you down and naturally get you to sleep.

Not into turkey? Try roasted pumpkin seeds, which also contain tryptophan.

Bananas Packed with potassium (which can help you fall asleep faster), frozen bananas are the perfect base for healthy vegan “ice cream” (sometimes called “nice cream”).

To make it, place a few frozen bananas in a blender and blend for several minutes.

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A: Digestive enzyme supplements are promoted to fix all sorts of abdominal symptoms, including bloating, gas, bowel irregularity and overall gut health. However, for most people there’s little evidence that they do any good.

Naturally occurring digestive enzymes help break down food, so we can soak up nutrients. Your mouth, stomach and small intestine make some digestive enzymes.

However, the majority come from your pancreas, which floods the small intestine with enzymes when food arrives there.

The main pancreatic enzymes are lipase, which breaks down fats; amylase, which breaks down carbohydrates; and proteases and peptidases, which break down proteins.

Once nutrients are broken into small enough molecules, they are absorbed through the wall of the small intestine into the blood and delivered throughout the body.

Sometimes the body doesn’t make enough digestive enzymes. This can slow the digestion process and lead to uncomfortable symptoms.

For example, if your small intestines don’t make enough of the enzyme lactase, you’ll have a hard time digesting lactose — the sugar in milk and milk-based products.

This can lead to bloating, flatulence and loose stools.

For people who can’t make enough digestive enzymes because of a health condition

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

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Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

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

Tools that can help you stop smoking

By Jim Miller Dear Savvy Senior, I understand that COVID-19 hits smokers a lot harder than nonsmokers, but quitting at my age is very difficult. Does Medicare offer any coverage that helps beneficiaries quit smoking? —Must Quit Dear Must, It’s true. Smokers and vapers have a higher risk of severe COVID-19 infection, as the coronavirus attacks the lungs.

That’s why quitting now is more important than ever before.

If you are a Medicare beneficiary, you’ll be happy to know that Medicare Part B covers up to eight face-to-face counseling sessions a year to help you quit smoking.

If you have a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan, certain smoking-cessation medications are covered too. Here are some other tips that can help you kick the habit:

It’s never too late

Harvard Q & A

and taking an alpha-galactosidase supplement (such as Beano or Bean Relief) may reduce gas and bloating if you have a hard time digesting the sugars in beans.

But for other common gut problems there is little evidence that digestive enzymes are helpful. Since your symptoms may be due to irritable bowel syndrome, I recommend making an appointment with your primary care clinician. Some dietary changes may be all you need.

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, please visit health.harvard.edu. Š 2020 President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

such as chronic pancreatitis or cystic fibrosis, doctors prescribe special enzyme pills to substitute for the lack of natural enzyme production. People with known deficiencies clearly get a benefit from the drugs.

On the other hand, over-the-counter digestive enzyme supplements — available in health food stores and drugstores and on the Internet — are not medications.

The FDA does not regulate them. Therefore, you can’t be sure what the pills are really made of or the exact amounts of enzymes they contain.

Taking a nonprescription lactase supplement (such as Lactaid or Lactrase) can help people manage lactose intolerance,

Each of our clients is wonderfully unique.

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Home Care Services Provided: • Hourly to 24/7 care • Hygiene assistance and medication reminders • Light housekeeping and meal preparation • Companionship and socialization • Hospital sitting one-on-one

nearly $2,200 after one year.

How to quit The first step you need to take is to set a “quit date,� but give yourself a few weeks to get ready. During that time, you may want to start by reducing the number or the strength of cigarettes you smoke to begin weaning yourself.

Also check out over-the-counter nicotine replacement products such as patches, gum and lozenges to help curb your crav-

ings (these are not covered by Medicare).

Just prior to your scheduled quit day, get rid of all cigarettes and ashtrays in your home, car and place of work, and try to clean up and even spray air freshener. The smell of smoke can be a powerful trigger.

Take advantage of counseling Studies have shown that you have a much better chance of quitting if you have See STOP SMOKING, page 10

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From page 7

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 12.5% of Medicare beneficiaries smoke. Many older smokers, like yourself, indicate that they would like to quit, but because of the nicotine, which is extremely addictive, it’s very difficult to do.

Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable illness, responsible for an estimated one-fifth of deaths in the United States each year.

But research shows that quitting, even after age 65, greatly reduces your risk of heart disease, stroke, cancer, osteoporosis and many other diseases, including COVID-19.

It also helps you breathe easier, smell and taste food better and, not incidentally, saves you quite a bit of money. A $6 pack-aday smoker, for example, saves about $180 after one month without cigarettes, and

10

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Health Studies

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

INFORMATION ON AREA CLINICAL TRIALS

UMD recruiting for COVID-19 vaccine trial

By Margaret Foster Many vaccines against the coronavirus are currently in development all over the world. In Baltimore, you can help researchers with one of them: Moderna Therapeutics’ mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.

The University of Maryland School of Medicine is seeking 500 participants — in-

cluding people over age 65 — to be part of a nationwide study of 30,000 adults.

“Most vaccine trials exclude people 65 and older, but in this case we want to include them because they are a vulnerable population,” said Dr. Matthew Laurens, associate professor at the Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health at the Uni-

versity of Maryland School of Medicine.

Moderna’s vaccine, which uses mRNA or messenger RNA, has been proven to be safe in humans. The current trial is a phase-three trial, meaning that phases one and two tested and verified the safety of the vaccine.

According to the New England Journal of Medicine in July, “no trial-limiting safety concerns were identified” in the vaccine.

“This vaccine has showed safety in the early studies,” Laurens emphasized.

In phase three, researchers are studying not only the safety of the vaccine, but also how well it works.

“This helps us look at safety in a much larger group of individuals. We’ll also be looking at the immune response to the vaccine in different groups of people,” such as people over 65 or people with diabetes or heart conditions, Laurens said.

There are two ways a vaccine could be effective against COVID-19: It could prevent people from contracting the disease.

Or, like a flu vaccine, it could help people recover faster.

Seven visits in two years

Stop smoking

one of the free quit lines; keep your mouth occupied with some sugar-free gum, sunflower seeds, carrots, fruit or hard candy; go for a walk; read a magazine; listen to music; or take a hot bath.

The intense urge to smoke lasts about three to five minutes, so do what you can to wait it out. It’s also wise to avoid drinking alcohol and to steer clear of other smokers while you’re trying to quit. Both can trigger powerful urges to smoke.

For more tips on how to quit — including managing your cravings, withdrawal symptoms and what to do if you relapse — visit 60plus.SmokeFree.gov.

There are also a variety of helpful quit smoking apps you can download, like SmokeFreeApp.com and QuitGenius.com.

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

From page 9 help. So, tell your friends, family and coworkers about your plan to quit. Don’t go it alone. Start by contacting your doctor about smoking cessation counseling covered by Medicare, and find out about the prescription antismoking drugs that can help reduce your nicotine craving.

You can also get free one-on-one telephone counseling and referrals to local smoking cessation programs at 1-800-QUITNOW. Or call the National Cancer Institute’s free smoking quit line at 1-877-44U-QUIT.

Line up some distractions It’s also important to identify and write down the times and situations you’re most likely to smoke and make a list of things you can do to replace it or distract yourself.

Some helpful suggestions when the smoking urge arises are to call a friend or

The trial requires seven in-person visits over two years. Participants will travel to the school’s downtown Baltimore location to receive the vaccine and have blood drawn. Compensation up to $1,600 will be provided. Free parking and transportation assistance are also available.

Perhaps most importantly, participants can take pride in knowing they helped the country recover.

“I consider people who volunteer for this study true American heroes who do their best to help science without being scientists themselves,” Laurens said.

“Most people are at home waiting out COVID-19, as they should be,” he said, “but this is a way to get out and support the effort to end the pandemic.”

The University of Maryland School of Medicine is seeking 500 participants age 18 and older from the Baltimore area. To learn more about the trial or to volunteer, email clintrial@som.umaryland.edu, visit medschool.umaryland.edu/cvd/trials or call (410) 706-6156.

BEACON BITS

Aug. 26

CHOOSING HEALTH INSURANCE

Are you considering different health insurance plans? Learn strategies for picking the right one for your health and finances with community financial educator Dorothy Nuckols. The free webinar presented by the Howard County Public Library will be held on Wed., Aug. 26 from 5 to 6 p.m. To register, visit https://bit.ly/ChooseHealthInsurance.

Aug. 31

COVID AND RACIAL JUSTICE

Former Secretary of Education John B. King, Jr., and Sabina Taj, member of the Howard County Board of Education, will discuss the intersection of COVID-19 and racial injustice. The free online lecture will be held on Mon., Aug. 31 from 4 to 5 p.m. To register, visit https://bit.ly/JohnBKingJr.

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

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

11

Mexican zucchini soup is great for summer

By Mee McCormick Years ago, my idea of home cooking was purchasing mainly processed foods and serving them along with salads and fruits, thinking I was cooking healthy for my family. Now I know that wasn’t the case.

With some detective work, I discovered that I had many food allergies and sensitivities, which led me to master allergy-friendly cooking. I’m happy to say that a year after taking my kitchen back, I have found digestive relief.

Soup is a great way to start eating healthier because you can modify soups into powerhouse meals. I add nuts, mushrooms, probiotic miso pastes and bone broths.

This soup is a total showstopper — it’s rich and creamy, and kids love it. I use zucchini, but any summertime squash will work.

In fact, this soup is super adaptable for any food sensitivity or health need, with a little ingenuity. I love to top this soup with a dollop of cashew sour cream (see my book My Pinewood Kitchen for that recipe), a drop of sriracha sauce and a sprig of cilantro.

Summertime Mexican Zucchini Soup Serves 6 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil or 1 tablespoon ghee ½ onion, chopped 3 cloves garlic, peeled and pressed or crushed 4 medium zucchinis with the skin on, sliced into medium rounds 3 small red potatoes with skin, halved ¼ cup raw unsalted cashews or pumpkin seeds 2 tablespoons ground cumin 2 tablespoons chili powder 1 tablespoon ground coriander ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) 6 cups vegetable broth 4 shiitake mushrooms, stems removed and sliced

BEACON BITS

Ongoing

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Maryland Accessible Telecommunications is looking for volunteers for a focus group to access telecommunication technolo-

1 heaping tablespoon miso 1 cup fresh cilantro (optional) Directions: Heat the oil or ghee in a large saucepan over medium heat, add the onion, and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in the garlic and zucchini. Add the potatoes, cashews or pumpkin seeds, cumin, chili powder, coriander and cayenne pepper (if using).

Add the broth and mushrooms, and cover with a lid.

Cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes. Cool the soup for 10 minutes.

Transfer to a blender or food processor.

Add the miso paste and cilantro (if using), and blend until smooth and creamy. Pour

the blended mixture into the saucepan, and stir over medium-high heat until hot.

[Ed. note: It’s delicious served hot or cold.

We tried it!]

Mee McCormick was raised in Northern Appalachia. She owns a farm and restau-

rant in rural Tennessee called Pinewood Kitchen and Mercantile.

This recipe is from her second book, My Pinewood Kitchen: A Southern Culinary Cure. It’s available on Amazon, where it has a 5-star rating, for around $20.

BEACON BITS

Saturdays

VIRTUAL LUNCH

Get some social interaction, even during quarantine, every weekend with a virtual lunch on Saturdays from noon to 1 p.m. All you need is an electronic device with a microphone and screen. Register for the free weekly lunch at https://bit.ly/SatVirtualLunch.

Tuesdays

HEART HEALTHY EATING

Help prevent some heart conditions by choosing foods that are good for you, your blood pressure and your cholesterol. Join a free webinar with dieticians every Tuesday from 1 to 1:30 p.m. Receive the link by email after registering at https://bit.ly/HeartHealthyWebinar.

ENTERPRISE RESIDENTIAL MOST COMMUNITIES ARE 62 AND BETTER ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY

BALTIMORE COUNTY (CONT.)

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

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

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

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

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

HOWARD COUNTY

BALTIMORE COUNTY Cove Point Apartments I: 410-288-2344 Cove Point Apartments II: 410-288-1660 Evergreen Senior Apartments: 410-780-4888 The Greens at English Consul: 410-789-3000 The Greens at Liberty Road: 410-655-1100 The Greens at Logan Field: 410-288-2000 The Greens at Rolling Road: 410-744-9988 Park View at Catonsville: 410-719-9464 Park View at Dundalk: 410-288-5483 • 55 & Better Park View at Fullerton: 410-663-0665 Park View at Miramar Landing: 410-391-8375 Park View at Randallstown: 410-655-5673

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

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

gies. It’s seeking people who are deaf, hard of hearing, deafblind, blind or have difficulty speaking, limited mobility or cognitive difficulties. If interested, contact Kevin Steffy at (410) 246-4418 or kevin.steffy@maryland.gov.

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

www.enterprisecommunity.org PET-FRIENDLY

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

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Say you saw it in the Beacon

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

A Publication of the Department of Community Resources and Services

50+ Centers Deliver Vital Connections Virtually

W

hile senior centers across the nation may be physically closed due to the current global health pandemic, the importance of National Senior Center Month in September will be celebrated as usual. The 2020 theme is, appropriately, Senior Centers: Delivering Vital Connections!

According to the National Institute of Senior Centers (ncoa.org), this year’s theme was chosen to highlight how senior centers continue to deliver vital connections to support older adults' desire to age well. Preventing social isolation is vital and a core senior center mission. While the delivery methods have changed during the pandemic, centers have succeeded in continuing to provide knowledge, programming and resources. Howard County’s Office on Aging and Independence (OAI) has opened its virtual doors to extend its capacity to meet the needs and interests of a growing and diverse older adult community living in these uncertain times.

Necessity is the Mother of Invention

— Plato, 300 BC Under normal operating conditions, making significant programmatic changes would have taken months or years of planning to accomplish.

However, with the sudden closure of our 50+ Centers and all in-person activities put on hold, our Virtual 50+ Center was envisioned and brought to fruition in just a matter of weeks!

These efforts and innovative ideas were put together by the OAI team, which met and exceeded the challenge to devise a new — yet comprehensive — approach in its commitment to our older adult population. Our committed staff worked tirelessly to develop virtual programming which has since been incorporated into a virtual 50+ Center with over 200 programs to satisfy a broad spectrum of interests.

The Virtual Offerings Guide features an ever-growing variety of programs focused on mind, body and spirit to engage older adults, plus community and safety options to combat social isolation. Some of the highlights are: MIND — OAI’s SeniorsTogether program facilitators are continuing to host many of the program’s peer support sessions and interactive discussions virtually via Webex, including Think Positive, Men’s Roundtable, and News Talk, and Low Vision and Caregiver Support via conference call.

BODY — OAI’s popular and energizing group exercise fitness pass has gone totally virtual! Eighteen different weekly classes ranging from Yoga and Pilates to Strength Training and Zumba, and can be accessed online for a modest monthly fee. Just recently, OAI was fortunate to bring KASA (Korean American Senior Association) onboard to offer Korean Line Dancing. Living Well evidence-based workshops have been added to the virtual lineup to help older adults learn how to better manage their chronic conditions, and nutrition education provides guidance and resources for those who want to make healthier decisions about their diet and eating habits.

13

Volume 10, No. 9 • September 2020

A Message from Howard County Executive

Calvin Ball

T

his month is National Senior Center Month, and although our senior centers are currently not open to the public, we are still committed to providing vital connections. While the delivery methods have changed during the pandemic, centers have succeeded in continuing to provide knowledge, programming and resources.

Our Office on Aging and Independence has created an innovative Virtual 50+ Center model that offers high-quality programming to engage you and your friends. The virtual offerings include fitness and cooking classes, social engagement and opportunities for lifelong learning. If you haven’t checked out the virtual offerings yet, there is no time like the present! Learn more about out our Virtual 50+ Centers online at www.howardcountymd.gov/aging.

Additionally, September is National Emergency Preparedness Month and we are getting the message out that “Disasters Don’t Wait.

Make your Plan Today!” After more than six months of responding to the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, it’s clear that being prepared for disasters is paramount. Beyond our current public health challenges, we still must prepare for weather emergencies that usually occur in the fall and winter.

There are many resources available for you and your family to make a plan, build an emergency kit, and be prepared for natural emergencies.

For more information about how to prepare your emergency plan, visit www.readyhoco.gov.

While we continue to face the uncertainty of a pandemic, we can take comfort in the resilience and innovation of these critical services that continue to find a way to support everyone who calls Howard County home. Wishing you a safe and healthy month ahead.

SPIRIT — OAI staff and volunteers continue to make wellness calls to reach out to those with limited access to technology. Several centers have a weekly Coffee and Chat, and the Social Day programs host a Connections Corner program for individuals with cognitive impairments who need more support. There are plenty of opportunities for friendly contact, fun and laughter, including virtual games and trivia on Thursday evenings.

COMMUNITY AND SAFETY — Sit, Stitch & Give brings talented textile artists together to create items that benefit charities throughout our community.

Other online presenters share information about Medicare, online safety tips, scams and fraud prevention to empower older adults to make betterinformed decisions as they navigate an ever-changing world.

Feedback from participants thus far has been heartwarming and overwhelmingly positive, and lets staff know that their efforts to keep people informed and connected to their communities, while providing opportunities for wellness and continued growth, are on the right track.

To find a program that interests you, view the Virtual Offerings Guide at www.howardcountymd.gov/aging. Register by phone, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 410-313-1400 or 410-313-5440 (voice/relay).

14

Subscribe for half-price. See p. 26

The 50+ Connection

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

COVID-19 and Food Safety By: Carmen Roberts, MS, RD, LDN, Nutritionist, Howard County Office on Aging and Independence

T

he safety of our food supply is a concern for all Americans. During the current pandemic, we are looking for ways to minimize our risk of exposure to the COVID-19 virus. Contrary to some beliefs, the risk of getting COVID-19 from food and food packaging is very low. This is because the virus is spread mostly from person-to-person through respiratory droplets (such as from a sneeze or a cough).

The virus that causes COVID-19 cannot grow on food. Viruses require a living host (like a person or an animal) to multiply. Currently, no cases of COVID-19 have been identified where infection occurred by touching food, packaging, or shopping bags. There are ways, however, to help minimize your exposure to unhealthy bacteria and germs through proper food safety precautions:

Start With Clean Hands — After grocery shopping, handling a food package, or before preparing or eating food, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Handle Packaged Food Safely — When unpacking groceries, refrigerate meat, poultry, eggs, seafood, and dairy products within two hours of purchasing to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria (meat, poultry and some seafoods can also be put in the freezer, as long they have not previously been frozen). Do not use disinfectants designed for hard surfaces (like bleach or ammonia) on food in cardboard or plastic wrap.

Clean Fresh Produce — Gently rinse fresh fruits and vegetables under cold, running tap water. Do not use soap or chemicals to clean produce. Scrub produce with a clean brush before slicing, even if you don’t plan to eat the peel.

As we age, our body's immune system and its ability to fight infection is weakened. Following these basic food safety tips can help you avoid getting sick from bacteria found in our food and minimize your exposure to viruses.

Complete YOUR Census Today!

The Census deadline is SAT., SEPTEMBER 30 IMPORTANT. EASY. SAFE.

YOUR RESPONSE is a CRITICAL piece!

A well-stocked EMERGENCY PREP KIT should include:

ONLINE.

BY PHONE.

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

Prepare yourself, your family and/or business.

PLAN AHEAD FOR THE UNEXPECTED Understanding your hazard risk is the first step toward building a resilient community. Learn more about how you can protect your home or business from the consequences of a disaster at the following sites:

readyhoco.org — Howard County Government weather.gov/safety — National Weather Service ready.gov — US Department of Homeland Security emergency.cdc.gov — Centers for Disease Control & Prevention

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

This publication is available in alternate formats upon request.

To join our subscriber list, email kahenry@howardcountymd.gov 9830 Patuxent Woods Drive, Columbia, MD 21046 410-313-6410 (VOICE/RELAY) • www.howardcountymd.gov/aging Find us on

www.Facebook.com/HoCoCommunity

Kim Higdon Henry, Editor • Email: kahenry@howardcountymd.gov

— www.readyhoco.org —

Advertising contained in the Beacon is not endorsed by the Office on Aging and Independence or by the publisher.

Say you saw it in the Beacon

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

Money Law &

15

NEW HABITS FOR NEW TIMES The pandemic offers the opportunity to cut costs now and change our spending habits long term. Can’t take that big vacation now? Invest what you would have spent BOND-LIKE STOCKS Worried about stock market volatility?

Take a look at preferred stocks, whose dividends generally offer a slow but steady income stream

Probate workarounds may aid your heirs

By Liz Weston A reader recently reached out after his elderly mother died, asking how soon he could distribute the $10,000 she had earmarked in her will for each of her two grandchildren.

Because she lived in California, I had to break the bad news: He won’t be able to hand over the money any time soon.

Probate is the court process to distribute someone’s estate after their death, even if there is a will, and it is notoriously slow in California. A typical probate takes nine to 12 months, and court shutdowns related to COVID-19 mean the wait could be longer. Probate is also expensive in California: By law, an attorney could charge $11,000 in fees to handle the woman’s $400,000 estate.

Probate tends to be less onerous in most other states, but the process still costs money and delays when beneficiaries can receive their inheritance.

Avoiding probate, however, also requires time or money and sometimes both.

If you’re trying to decide whether to make the investment to spare your heirs the expense and hassle of probate, here’s what to keep in mind:

When probate makes sense If you die with a lot of debt, probate can help by limiting the amount of time creditors have to make claims against your estate, said attorney Betsy Simmons Hannibal, a writer and editor at self-help legal website Nolo.

If there isn’t enough to pay all your creditors, the probate court decides how much each creditor gets. Without probate, creditors may surface after your assets have been distributed and sue your heirs or the person who divided up your estate, she said.

Probate also provides court supervision, which can be helpful if you worry your wishes won’t be carried out. Your will and the details of your estate are made public, which is bad for the publicity-shy but may prevent greedy or contentious heirs from otherwise disregarding your will.

All the assets, debts and costs paid by the estate have to be disclosed, and the court has to approve the distributions to beneficiaries. “There’s going to be much more oversight, which can be useful in some situations,” Hannibal said.

Some probate alternatives States have simplified probate for smaller estates, which can reduce how long pro-

bate takes and its cost. What’s considered “small,” though, varies by state. In Maryland, it’s estates worth $50,000 or less, or — if the surviving spouse is the only beneficiary — $100,000 or less.

Those limits don’t include assets that can go directly to heirs, such as jointly held property and accounts that have a beneficiary. Retirement funds and life insurance usually require you to name a beneficiary, and you can also name beneficiaries for bank and brokerage accounts.

You need to name specific people or organizations, however. If you name your estate as your beneficiary, the assets typically must go through probate.

Many states, including Maryland, Virginia and D.C., have “transfer on death” deeds for real estate, and some allow people to register their cars with a form that names a beneficiary. Both methods allow a property transfer without probate.

The other way to avoid probate You may not be able to divide your estate the way you want to simply by using beneficiary designations and “transfer on death” forms. Or you may want a more comprehensive solution, especially if you have a lot of assets or complicated finances.

Living trusts are the other way to avoid probate. Living trusts are legal documents, like wills, that allow you to detail how you want your property divided and who should care for any minor children.

Unlike wills, living trusts take effect while you’re still alive. Once a living trust is created, you must transfer ownership of your property to the trust, which requires changing titles and deeds, to avoid probate.

These trusts are revocable — you can change them at any time. You will be the trustee, so you continue to have control over your property, and you’ll name a successor trustee or trustees to take over if you become incapacitated or die.

Living trusts typically aren’t cheap to create, however. Lawyers usually charge $1,000 to $2,500, Hannibal noted.

You can create a living trust without an attorney using software or do-it-yourself legal sites, but consult one if you have a large estate, or foresee problems such as spendthrift heirs or people who might challenge your estate plan.

“If that’s your situation, your best bet is to go to a lawyer and say, ‘I anticipate trouble. How can you help me?’” Hannibal said.

—AP/NerdWallet

How to find financial help in hard times

By Jim Miller Dear Savvy Senior, Are there any financial assistance programs you can refer me to? The coronavirus pandemic has cost me my parttime retirement job and has shrunk my measly IRA account.

– Needy Retiree Dear Needy, Absolutely! In addition to the $1,200 federal coronavirus stimulus check that was distributed in April and May, there are many other financial-assistance programs (both public and private) that can help struggling retirees, as well as give relief to family members who help provide financial support for their loved ones.

To find out what types of assistance you may be eligible for, just go to BenefitsCheckUp.org — a free, confidential Web tool designed for adults 55 and older and their families. It will help you locate

federal, state and private benefits programs that can assist with paying for food, medications, utilities, healthcare, housing and other needs. This site, created by the National Council on Aging, contains more than 2,500 programs across the country.

To identify benefits, you’ll first need to fill out an online questionnaire that asks a series of questions like your date of birth, ZIP code, expenses, income, assets, veteran status, the medications you take and a few other factors. It takes about 15 minutes.

Once completed, you’ll get a report detailing all the programs and services you may qualify for, along with detailed information on how to apply.

Some programs can be applied for online, some have downloadable application forms that you can print and mail, and some require that you contact the program’s ad-

ministrative office directly (they provide the necessary contact information).

If you don’t have Internet access, you can also get help in-person at any of the 84 Benefit Enrollment Centers located throughout the U.S. Call 888-268-6706 or visit NCOA.org/centerforbenefits/becs to locate a center near you. [There are numerous centers throughout the Washington/Baltimore area.] Some centers also offer assistance over the phone.

Types of benefits Depending on your income level and where you live, here are some benefits you may be eligible for: Food assistance: Programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) can help pay for groceries.

The average SNAP benefit for 60-and-older households is around $125 per month.

Other programs that may be available in-

clude the Emergency Food Assistance Program, Commodity Supplemental Food Program and the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program.

Healthcare: Medicaid and Medicare savings programs can help or completely pay for out-of-pocket healthcare costs. And there are special Medicaid waiver programs that provide in-home care and assistance too.

Prescription drugs: There are hundreds of programs offered through pharmaceutical companies, government agencies and charitable organizations that help lower or eliminate prescription drug costs, including the federal low-income subsidy known as “Extra Help” that pays premiums, deductibles and prescription copayments for Medicare Part D beneficiaries.

Utility assistance: There’s the LowSee FINANCIAL HELP, page 16

16

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

A big chance to change spending habits

By Josh Monroe No matter how much we earn, the amount we spend often impacts more of a person’s future financial success than their income, savings or investment returns. Try as we might, cutting back our spending is never easy.

Until now.

The current pandemic has impacted all of us. Nearly everyone I’ve spoken with is spending much less money than they were three months ago.

This forced spending reduction may be

a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to re-evaluate our spending habits, invest more and reshuffle the financial deck.

Here are some recommendations on how to make at least some of these spending cuts permanent and bolster your finances:

Determine a new monthly budget Many people are likely saving $200 month or more from less car maintenance, lower gasoline prices, no parking fees or dry cleaning, and less dining out at restaurants.

Since working from home the past few months, I’ve been sweeping over to savings the money I would have ordinarily spent buying lunch a few days a week and getting gas to drive to my office.

You may also consider paying down your mortgage or other debts with this surplus each month. If you are currently retired and spending less, this is a great opportunity to build up your cash reserves.

Take a few minutes to determine how much less you are spending now, and see if there are opportunities to convert any short-term spending reductions into longterm gains.

Use a short-term cash surplus wisely Even if some savings are temporary, it’s the perfect time to sweep extra cash over to a savings account, fund a Health Savings Account, an Individual Retirement Account (IRA), Roth IRA or a 529 college education savings plan for your children or grandchildren.

It can also be used to contribute to food banks and other charitable organizations to meet the needs of those most directly impacted by coronavirus.

On the other hand, you can start some positive habits now and carry them into the future, such as increasing the contribution rate into your 401(k) plan.

For example, someone earning $100,000 annually who has been contributing 8% of their income to a 401(k) may be able to bump up that contribution to 10%. The extra $2,000 annual contribution, growing over several years, will likely provide you with a significant increase in your retirement account.

Turn that canceled vacation into an investment If you have a pile of cash tucked away

Financial help From page 15 Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), as well as local utility companies and charitable organizations that provide assistance in lowering home heating and cooling costs.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Administered by the Social Security Administration, SSI provides monthly payments to very low-income persons 65 and older, as well as to those who are blind or disabled. For 2020, SSI is paying up to $783 per month for a sin-

for a major trip that’s been canceled, consider the benefits of investing that money.

For example, if a couple had planned to spend $5,000 or more on a romantic getaway to Europe or a family trip to a theme park, they may now be choosing a less costly vacation that makes it easier to adhere to health and safety guidelines. Others may be canceling these trips and staying at home until new infections in their state or county continue to recede.

If you have money that you now won’t be spending for at least three years, consider investing it in a balanced portfolio in a brokerage account. If you’ll need the money sooner, consider opening a highyield savings account with an online bank.

Think twice about a new car Some people who had planned to buy a new car may be re-evaluating the need to drive as much once the economy recovers.

If working from home is now a permanent option for one or more persons in the household, it may make more sense to buy a used car and save thousands of dollars, or hold off on a purchase for a few more years. Less mileage on your car now means it could run a lot longer.

Keep those good habits going Everyone needs to save for something.

Now we all have the opportunity to create a “new normal” and form new spending and savings habits. A few thoughtful moves now can make a big impact.

Josh Monroe, CFP®, is a Chartered Financial Consultant and Financial Planner at Brightworth. © 2020 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

gle person and up to $1,175 for couples.

In addition to these programs, there are numerous other benefits your nearest Benefits Enrollment Center can help you locate, such as HUD housing, home weatherization assistance, tax relief, veteran’s benefits, senior transportation, respite care, free legal assistance, job training and employment and debt counseling.

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

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

17

Preferred stocks are worth a closer look Many investors don’t fully understand mon stockholders but subordinate to the advantages and disadvantages of buy- bondholders. ing preferred stocks. PreSome preferred stock is ferred stock is really a hybrid convertible to a specific numsecurity more similar to a ber of shares of common bond than to a common stock. stock under certain circumThe primary advantage is stances. Naturally, this feaconsistent high income with less ture is attractive when the downside risk than common common stock price increasstocks. The primary disadvanes. However, most issues are tage is that when interest rates not convertible. increase significantly, the value of preferred stocks decrease.

For income more than THE SAVINGS growth Preferred shareholders have GAME priority over common stockIn general, investors should

By Elliot Raphaelson holders when it comes to divilook at preferred stock with dends, which generate a higher the objective of high income, yield than common stock dividends. Most not capital growth. For example, currently preferred stocks have a fixed rate, although the largest preferred stock ETF, iShares some are variable, in which the rate is based Preferred and Income Securities ETF on a benchmark such as LIBOR. (PFF), has a trailing 12-month yield of 5.61% Dividends can be paid monthly or quar- and an expense ration of 0.46%.

Regarding capital growth, even if a compaterly. Generally, dividends on common stock can’t be paid until dividends are paid ny increases its earnings dramatically, it will to the shareholders of preferred stock. If a not have a significant effect on the net asset preferred stock is “cumulative,” then pre- value of a preferred stock fund unless the ferred stockholders would receive their preferred is convertible. Investors who are dividends in arrears before any dividends interested in capital growth should be primarily investing in common stock equities, not can be paid to common stockholders.

Preferred stock generally has no specific preferred stock.

For investors who have established a end date, unlike all bond issues. However, preferred stock generally does have specific allocation to fixed income, and are “callable” provisions, which allows the board interested in high income, they can considof directors of the company to purchase out- er preferred stock for part of that allocation. standing preferred stock at par value after a set date. However, this provision would only Recommended funds My recommendation would be an investbe an option if interest rates decrease after ment in one of the large diversified popular the initial issue of the stock.

In the case of liquidation, a preferred ETF’s such as PFF, First Trust Preferred Sestockholder’s claim is greater than com- curities and Income (FPE), or VanEck Vec-

Tell them you saw it in the Beacon!

tors Preferred Securities ex Financials (PFXF). Yields are stable, currently over 5%, and you can re-invest the dividend income back into the funds. You can compare other preferred ETFs at Morningstar.

According to the Wall Street Journal, over the last 10 years, preferred stocks underperformed the S&P 500 index and long-term bonds (S&P: 13.52%; preferred stock: 7.29%; long-term bonds: 7.7%). However, preferred stocks were much less volatile than common stocks and long-

term bonds over that 10-year period.

In general, both preferred stocks and long-term bonds have a low correlation to the stock market indexes. It’s likely that, as long as major banks remain stable financially, a moderate investment in preferred stock ETFs will provide some stability in your portfolio.

Elliot Raphaelson welcomes your questions and comments at raphelliot@gmail.com. © 2020 Elliot Raphaelson. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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PHOTO BY CYNTHIA PYUN

Travel Leisure &

The French side of the French-Dutch island of St. Martin is known for having some of the best cuisine in the Caribbean. See story on page 20.

Drawn to Monterey’s heritage, sea life mate and a mix of outdoor recreation, seafood restaurants and rich history.

For centuries, the Rumsien Native Americans lived on the Pacific Coast, where they fished for sardines, anchovies and rockfish, crafted abalone-decorated baskets, and thrived on local plants and wildlife. That is, until the Spanish arrived with livestock and new diseases.

By 1770, Franciscan Father Junipero Serra established the Mission de San Carlos Borromeo de Monterey, the second mission in the Spanish colonial province called Alta California. For a quarter century, Monterey was the region’s capital.

By the mid-1800s, the town was California’s main port. That’s when an entrepreneur named David Jack sold some cheese that some say he stole from area Franciscan friars. At some point, it became known as Monterey Jack cheese, another bragging point.

PHOTO BY SEEMONTEREY.COM

By Glenda C. Booth [Editor’s Note: Given the worldwide reach of the coronavirus and the fact that COVID19 cases in California and elsewhere are still rising, this is not the time to travel there (or possibly anywhere) for enjoyment. Statewide, many parks and beaches are temporarily closed or have very limited access.

Please enjoy this article as armchair entertainment and for planning your future travel in healthier times.]

For Monterey, California, a tiny silver fish has brought both fame and infamy.

In the first half of the 20th century, the pungent scent of sardines wafted from the town’s booming canneries and powered its economy, prompting town leaders to trumpet Monterey as “the sardine capital of the world.”

Nobel Prize-winning fiction writer John Steinbeck made Monterey’s booming fish processors famous in his 1945 novella Cannery Row, and the town of olfactory renown lured all kinds of characters to cannery jobs — and dicey diversions.

Today, Cannery Row has been repurposed with trendy shops, restaurants and one of the country’s finest aquariums.

Located on the southern edge of Monterey Bay on California’s central coast, Monterey has a balmy Mediterranean cli-

Cannery Row, above, got its name from John Steinbeck’s 1945 novel, not the other way around. Many of its former fish processing plants have been converted to restaurants, shops and wine bars.

Spanish-Mexican heritage Today the town’s Spanish-Mexican heritage is preserved in 21 historic adobes.

Nineteenth-century author Richard Dana wrote that the adobe buildings sparkled in the sun because of their ground-up abalone shells.

Monterey State Historic Park preserves PHOTO © PETER SVEC/DREAMSTIME

Steven Whyte’s Cannery Row monument in effect honors its important fish in bronze as well as the rowdy characters of Monterey’s fish-packing heyday. Steinbeck is immortalized, too, surrounded by eight others, including the prosperous “Madam” Flora Woods, who ran the Lone Star Café and house of ill repute in the sardine-canning days. The monument also honors Chinese fishermen and four entrepreneurs who revived Cannery Row.

and interprets 12 such buildings, including the Custom House, the oldest government building in California.

Starting at the park’s headquarters in the Pacific House Museum, visitors can amble along a marked two-mile trail and see a whalebone sidewalk, historic gardens and adobes.

At the Cooper-Molera Adobe, built in 1827, visitors learn that early locals made sun-dried adobe bricks from clay soil, straw, crushed seashells and horse manure. Its garden has a working, beehiveshaped oven, called an horno, which originated in Spain.

The Joseph Boston Store in the Casa del Oro, built in 1845, was the first general store in Monterey; it now sells 1850sthemed merchandise, such as artisan soaps, elderberry syrups and balsamic vinegars.

At the Custom House in 1846, Commodore John Drake Sloat raised the American flag and claimed more than 600,000 square miles of territory for the United States, ending Mexican rule without firing a shot.

Exhibits explain that Boston seafaring merchants brought iron tools, bear traps and metal buckets to locals. They paid $1 each for cattle hides, which they sold to

belt-makers for $10 each in Boston in the 1800s. The Russians came for the region’s otter pelts, and Chinese traders brought goods like firecrackers and dishes.

The free Museum of Monterey explores the town’s connection to the sea, with exhibits on the cannery workers, nautical memorabilia, boat types, a Fresnel lighthouse lens from Point Sur, and a tutorial on sardine fishing, processing and packing.

At the industry’s height, there were 19 canneries and reduction plants employing hundreds of workers. (Reduction plants convert fish into feed meal, oil and other consumer products.)

During World War I, the canneries shipped 1.4 million cases of sardines to troops. They had another boom in World War II.

Underwater forests The sea is both indoors and out at the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, where 100 exhibits highlight the beach, ocean and wetland habitats of a full range of marine life, including sea slugs, jellyfish, sea turtles, limpets and anemones.

In an underwater kelp forest, “the redwoods of the sea,” divers plunge into the See MONTEREY, page 19

Monterey From page 18 glass tanks to feed the fish and talk to visitors from underwater. Visitors can also watch sea otters and penguins eat and play.

An aviary has shorebirds and two species of penguins, tufted and horned.

There’s plenty of life outside the building, too — tidal pool critters darting around, common murres skimming the surface, kingfishers and cormorants diving, and brown pelicans flapping or perching on the rocks. With museum scopes, tourists can scan the ocean for whales, seals and sea otters.

The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is known as the “Serengeti of the Sea” for its rich wildlife diversity. It’s the site of North America’s biggest and deepest underwater canyon, plunging more than two miles deep, and one of the largest kelp forests in the U.S. In this 6,100-square-mile sanctuary, there are 334 known species of marine mammals, more than 180 species of sea and shorebirds and at least 525 species of fish.

Several operators offer boat tours to see humpback, blue, gray and killer whales, as well as seals, dolphins, sea lions, otters, sea turtles and seabirds.

The nearby outdoors Multiple parks and preserves near Monterey offer breathtaking views and stun-

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

ning nature.

Pinnacles National Park near Soledad has talus caves, rolling chaparral, and dramatic rock spires and crags formed by volcanic action 23 million years ago. Lucky visitors may see an endangered California condor.

Big Sur is well known for its dramatic coastal scenery, wave-sculpted blowholes, sea stacks, ancient coastal redwood trees, beaches and hiking trails.

In the 19th century Point Sur Light Station, situated on a large volcanic rock promontory 316 feet above the ocean, docents tell tales of lighthouse keepers, and explain the importance of lighthouses to seafaring vessels.

For wetland explorers, the Elkhorn Slough is a tidal salt marsh stretching seven miles inland from Monterey Bay, home to oak woodlands, maritime chaparral, sea otters, harbor seals, sea lions and over 340 species of birds.

Here, if you look really hard, you might spot a sardine shimmering in the water.

If you go In pre-pandemic times, the Monterey Regional Airport typically offered more than 40 daily flights. The San Jose International Airport is one hour north, and San Francisco’s airport is two hours north.

Currently, one-stop flights from Baltimore to Monterey in September start at $280 round trip on American Airlines.

Check cdc.gov for current travel recommendations.

To plan your trip, visit seemonterey.com or Monterey.org. There are many guided tours available to explore the region’s history, food, wine, movies, gardens and whale watching.

Upon arrival, start at the Visitors Center, 401 Camino El Estero, or call them at 1-888-221-1010.

Monterey’s cuisine highlights local artichokes, mushrooms and wine from Salinas and Carmel Valley farms, located less

than an hour away. Several tour companies offer food, wine and agriculture tours to “California’s Salad Bowl.”

If you can’t travel now, get a glimpse of Monterey Bay’s spectacular wildlife from home. At montereybayaquarium.org/animals/live-cams, viewers can explore kelp forest life, “swim” with sharks and sea turtles, and watch moon jellies open and close like fancy, upside-down parasols.

At elkhornslough.org/ottercam, you can watch otters, including playful pups, at Elkhorn Slough.

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

Caribbean island has unique dual culture

French vs. Dutch In French St. Martin, for instance, sidewalk cafes tempt passersby with mouthwatering

pâtisseries and other hard-to-resist sweets. Its capital, Marigot (population 5,700), resembles towns of similar size throughout France, with the added attraction of palm trees.

Food plays a prominent role in Marigot, especially on market days. That’s when island ladies wearing colorful dresses and big-brimmed straw hats offer fresh-fromthe-sea fish, baked goods and spices at outdoor stalls.

Fort Louis has looked out over Marigot Bay since 1789. The mighty fortress was built to protect warehouses that stored salt, sugarcane, rum and other goods from British and French pirates. Sugar was a major crop on the island during the 18th century, and the ruins of sugar houses are scattered about the countryside.

On the Dutch side of the island, casinos offer games of chance and skill, as well as nighttime entertainment. Sint Maarten is said to have more gaming machines per resident than any other country in the world.

Some casinos are hotspots for live entertainment, dancing and other leisuretime pursuits, including live sporting events beamed from around the world on big-screen televisions.

So much for the “Dutch conservatism” described by my acquaintance.

Philipsburg, the Dutch capital of the island, is bisected by two main streets, aptly

PHOTO © RICHAIR/DREAMSTIME

By Victor Block The tiny Caribbean island of French St. Martin and Dutch Sint Maarten offers tourists a chance for a traditional sun-andsand getaway, but its unique dual culture keeps vacationers coming back year after year.

The 36-square-mile island is the smallest land mass in the world that’s shared by two nationalities. Approximately 60% of the land is part of the French Republic, while the rest belongs to the Netherlands — a division that dates back to 1648.

In a display of togetherness that can inspire the rest of the world, these two enclaves coexist in harmony. Just one example: No passport or border-checks are required to pass from one side of the island to the other. The only indications that you’ve entered another nation’s domain are small roadside welcome signs.

However, the atmosphere and ambience do undergo a dramatic change. Differences in lifestyle, language, cuisine and customs provide contrasting settings and experiences. One resident described the ambiance as a blend of Dutch conservatism and French joie de vivre.

A Boeing 787’s low approach to Sint Maarten’s airport thrills tourists on Malo Beach, located on the Dutch side of the Caribbean island.

though unimaginatively named Front Street and Back Street. They’re connected by a network of narrow alleyways with Dutch names reminiscent of Amsterdam.

The town’s restaurants and shops can be crowded, especially if one or more

cruise ships has docked. The duty-free stores in Sint Maarten have long served as a magnet for people seeking discounts of 50% and even more on items ranging from jewelry, crystal and perfume to alcoholic See ST. MARTIN, page 21

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St. Martin From page 20 beverages and cigars.

Beyond the capitals In addition to spending time in the two most sizeable towns, visitors should explore other island attractions by rental car, taxi or the mini-buses that link most points at very reasonable fares. It’s possible to drive around the entire island in about an hour, depending upon the traffic and stops to take in the scenery.

As it traverses the coastline of St. Martin and Sint Maarten, the main road ascends tree-blanketed hills and offers views of nearby neighboring islands.

It leads to tiny towns like Colombier, a village of Creole huts in a verdant valley, and French Cul de Sac, a cluster of redroofed houses clinging to a hillside.

When it comes to dining, even many residents of Dutch Sint Maarten admit that the best food and restaurants are located in “la partie Française.” Gourmets often rank the island’s cuisine among the very best in the Caribbean.

Part of its appeal is based upon the combination of French flair with Dutch touches, augmented by traces of West Indian and Creole cooking.

Marigot on its own boasts enough restaurants to provide a different dining experience for weeks on end.

Then there’s the little town of Grand Case, which, despite its name, is anything but grand. The village consists of little more than a single road, but that street is lined with inviting places to eat, many of which have an inviting outdoor terrace overlooking the sea. Visitors may dine al fresco in a setting that in ways resembles Paris with palm trees.

Snorkeling, fishing, golf and more In addition, there’s a lengthy list of other to-do’s on the island, including sailing, parasailing, windsurfing and scuba diving. As an avid snorkeler, I enjoyed swimming over multi-colored reefs and through teeming schools of colorful fish.

The warm, multihued waters of the Caribbean Sea that surround the island are home to a prolific variety of marine animals. There’s outstanding close-in angling off the beaches, along rocky stretches of shoreline and in saltwater grass beds, and deep-sea fishermen may rent charter boats to seek larger prey.

While golf is confined to the course at the Mullet Bay resort, that layout alone offers plenty for both duffers and low-handicap players to enjoy. Palm-tree lined fairways loop around a lovely lagoon, and unusually small greens challenge even the most practiced putters.

Tourists head for the broad beaches near the resort hotels, while locals trek to small, crescent-shaped beaches off the

beaten track. A few adventurous souls who find those lesser-known gems take advantage of their isolation by losing their inhibitions, and their swimsuit, as they seek a full-body tan.

A personal favorite during my visit to the 36-square-mile island was Cupecoy, three itty-bitty beaches that hug a low cliff.

These isolated beaches couldn’t accommodate a large crowd even if more people sought them out.

Adding to the island color at Cupecoy is Dany’s Beach Bar, a nondescript, open-air affair where owner Dany’s mother occasionally hangs out looking for someone to play dominoes.

If she challenges you to a game for money or drinks, be forewarned that the innocentlooking older woman plays a killer game.

Your money would be better spent on an ample portion of barbecued ribs or chicken.

If you go The island’s airport reopened in July, and round-trip flights from BWI start at $380. Accommodations on St. Martin/Sint Maarten range from modest B&Bs to upscale hotels.

When I visited last year, I opted for a best-of-both-worlds option at the Sapphire Beach Club. It’s a timeshare and rental resort that has a restaurant, swimming pool and a full menu of activities like Caribbean barbecues, wine and cheese parties, and fitness classes. Rates for suites with a full

G COMIN

kitchen, sitting area and outside deck begin at $136/night. For more information, visit sapphire-beach-club-resort-cupecoy.booked.net.

The island’s vast and varied array of restaurants include casual beachside cafes, white-tablecloth gourmet eateries and everything in between.

One caveat to keep in mind is that because many ingredients, other than fresh fish and some other local fare, must be imported, restaurant prices can be a bit higher than encountered on some other Caribbean islands.

The Rendez-vous at Porto Cupecoy, St. Maarten, has a pleasant courtyard environment. Appetizers include duck or lobster ravioli ($15). After enjoying both grilled red snapper with creole sauce and poached salmon ($22 with sides), I couldn’t decide which was my favorite seafood entrée. For more information, visit rdvlounge.com or call (721) 545-3070.

A less formal setting greets a mix of locals and visitors at the lunch-only Lazy Lizard Beach Bar in Philipsburg. Specialties include oxtail, conch and curr y goat, ser ved with sides for $18. Less adventurous eaters may prefer a fresh grouper sandwich with fries (also $18).

Check lazylizardsxm.com or call (721) 520-4653.

For more information about the island, call 1-721-545-2179 or visit st-martin.org or vacationstmaarten.com.

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Arts &

A local nonprofit rebuilt this flooddamaged house from the ground up, at no cost to its owners. Our cover story continues on page 24.

A career reading five presidents’ letters who taught us to read down the middle of the page,” Maddox recalled. She understood why Carter was such a stickler. “He was an engineer; he wanted everything orderly.”

Upon taking office in 1977, Carter inquired as to why the few African Americans working in the executive mansion were confined to laboring as cleaners, Maddox remembered. “He pulled people out of there” and gave them better jobs, she recalled.

To this day, Maddox credits Jimmy Carter for helping her maintain a vital skill: rapid reading.

“You’d be surprised how I read the paper nowadays,” she said, her folksy, down-home intonations bubbling to the surface. “I have to slow up!”

From Ford to Clinton Maddox was born in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, the daughter of a Baptist preacher who later settled in Harford County.

In 1975, Maddox was working for an association in downtown Washington, D.C. When she felt ready for a change, a friend told her the White House was hiring administrative personnel. After passing the required background investigation, she found herself working in the administration of Gerald Ford.

Every day, she received and read hundreds of letters. Before a letter landed on her desk, all incoming mail went through the post office in the executive mansion.

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“It’s opened and stapled and ready to read. They gave it to us in bundles of 100,” Maddox said.

From there, it was Maddox’s job to determine what route individual letters would take. For example, if a correspondent was seeking assistance for Social Security, the letter would be forwarded to the appropriate agency.

If a letter writer simply wanted to sound off about abortion or HIV, Maddox would craft a response using parts of a position paper crafted by a legislative specialist who outlined the president’s views.

The process beMary Lou Maddox, who worked in the White House correcame streamlined once spondence office from 1975 until 1997, recalls many stocomputers were intro- ries and anecdotes from her career reading presidential mail. duced, she recalled, At times during the 1980s, she said, “We were knee deep but in the early days, in mail.”

“They were terrible! would eventually be stored at the incumThey were archaic.”

Each letter the staff read, she said, was bent’s presidential library, which at times marked up using a Number 2 pencil. “No amassed an extensive collection. pens, because ink disintegrates,” she See PRESIDENTS’ LETTERS, page 25 noted. The annotated correspondences PHOTO COURTESY OF MARY LOU MADDOX

By Tony Glaros There aren’t many retirees who can boast of having the president of the United States stop by her desk to offer a helping hand. But Mary Lou Maddox can.

Maddox, 90, of Clarksville, the former director of the office of mail analysis at the White House, recalled the day President George H. W. Bush visited her office for a tour.

“He stopped at my desk, pulled up a chair and said, ‘Get me a box. I’m going to work with you,’” she said. “And he worked with me for an hour. He asked questions.

He was curious. He was the only president who took the time to come in” to learn about what she did during her 22-years working in the White House.

Since Maddox served at the pleasure of the president, her biggest fear was the possibility of losing her job after each election.

“I would lean against the fence of the building and pray, ‘Please, dear God, I can’t afford to lose this job.’”

Naturally, every president had his own way of doing things, she said. Jimmy Carter, Maddox reminisced, “thought we read too slow. He thought we should be able to read 300 letters a day.”

So, Carter brought in a specialist from Evelyn Wood, a company that helped build reading speed, to teach employees how to pick up the pace. While they registered improvements, Carter still wasn’t completely satisfied.

“He brought in someone from Harvard

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Rebuilding From page 1 Despite the obstacles, Startt’s teams completed the work at the end of July, and the family was able to move back in.

“We were able to rebuild the house to a brand new home for them,” Startt said.

Making repairs safely Typically, families don’t need to move out of their homes for repairs. But providing that assistance is more complicated for RTHC as a result of the pandemic.

George Clifford, who has been volunteering with RTHC since 2008 and recently became the head of its handyman program, understands the dangers.

“Our clients are almost universally going to be people at risk,” as many are older adults or individuals with chronic health problems, he said. “We don’t want to get sick or make anybody else sick.”

At the beginning of lockdowns, Clifford, 64, was frustrated at not being able to complete as many projects as usual. In response, “I challenged Ann [Heavner] and

said, ‘Listen, if you’re not sending me into people’s homes, how can we make good use of this time?’” Clifford recalled.

Downtime can be a good time to learn, Heavner decided, so she found a virtual home-modification training course with the University of Southern California to help RTHC staff better understand the laws behind house repairs. More than half of the participants are employees of Rebuilding Together chapters, according to Clifford. “I’ve met ‘virtually’ some people who I wouldn’t know otherwise,” he said.

Clifford has also worked on a few handyman projects with his team — safely, of course. Generally two handymen go to local residents’ home to do exterior repairs. They also wear Rebuilding Together branded masks.

“I respect that whatever protocols we put in place have to be flexible,” Clifford said.

“We still want to help people, [and] we’ll just figure out a way to do it that’s safe.”

homes; it also has decreased RTHC’s funds.

The group had to cancel its premiere fundraising and most popular event of the year, Rebuilding Day. Normally on that day in April, around 100 volunteers repair more than 30 houses.

“Our fundraising was definitely hampered because we had to cancel that Rebuilding Day,” Heavner said.

The group has received some money through grants, and funding from the federal Payment Protection Program. With the dearth of donations and the increased cost of materials due to the pandemic, however, RTHC has had to postpone some projects.

Before March, RTHC had identified two mobile home parks in the county that it would sponsor for free repairs. They were planning some kickoff events, with representatives that lived in the mobile park

homes to help spread awareness about RTHC and its services. As of now, that project is postponed, according to Heavner.

In addition, Stratt is reviewing the houses that volunteers were supposed to help repair on the April Rebuilding Day. RTHC will have to hire contractors to do some of the fixes. For others, “We’ll put the volunteer projects back in the hopper, and hopefully we’ll do them [next year],” Stratt said.

Even with safety concerns and less money, RTHC won’t stop helping the members of its community; it will simply adapt.

“Our little nonprofit has a really important role,” Clifford said, but “the model that worked for over 20 years — that’s not going to happen for a while.”

For more information about the organization or about applying for home repairs, visit rebuildingtogetherhowardcounty.org.

Letters to editor

Some projects on hold

From page 2

The coronavirus has impacted more than just the volunteers’ ability to enter people’s

One officer spoke to the young man. The officer knew how to successfully de-escalate the situation.

As a clergyman I, too, learned the power of intelligent gabbing. Talk, walk in their shoes and respond.

Police and citizens need to learn what it is like to live in one another’s shoes.

Pulling a weapon should be a last resort.

The power of intelligent thoughts can

transform a situation of potential violence into an act of peaceful good.

Our police need to be trained as peace keepers. The days of turning off body cams, taking a suspect downtown for a beating, and hassling someone because they are in a neighborhood not symbolic of their demographic must end.

Police seem to fear loss of their authority. But authority is not as powerful as respect. It is not Them and Us. It is Us. Steven Kaszab Via email

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Do you love modern art and the history behind it? Join host Tyler Green on the Modern Art Notes Podcast with weekly interviews with historians, authors, curators and conservators. Check it out at https://bit.ly/ArtistsPodcast.

Presidents’ letters From page 23 “During Three-Mile Island and the IranContra affair, we had so much going on,” Maddox recalled. With as many as 50,000 letters bulging from a 12-foot-long shelf, “We were knee-deep in mail.”

Jelly beans, booze and curses Maddox, who rose to supervisory status before retiring in 1997, met both famous and infamous people during her career. Once she met a young intern named Monica Lewinsky.

“I gave her a job answering the chief of staff’s mail. She didn’t like reading the mail; she didn’t want to stay there.”

Reading the mail wasn’t always the most pleasant task, Maddox admitted. Frequently, jaw-dropping surprises were sprinkled into the mix.

“Curse words would get filed” permanently, she said, preventing the president from seeing expletive-filled correspondence.

“One man saved his nose-pickings for an entire year and sent it them to the president in a big brown envelope…They sent everything nasty you could think of. Crazy people!”

The White House had strict rules regarding the receipt of food and liquids, Maddox said. When Reagan was in office, his penchant for popping jelly beans inspired many Americans to send him candy.

“We got so many jelly beans, the boss picked every one up and threw them in the garbage. Then she went back and yelled at the mailroom workers.”

Maddox remembered a rumor about one man who worked in the mailroom.

Knowing the prohibition on receiving liquid at the White House, the story goes, he was snapping up the booze that arrived for the president and taking it home and adding it to his personal inventory.

“People in the office would laugh and say he had the best bar in the state,” she recalled.

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Sept. 9

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Aug. 30

MORNING YOGA

Get a relaxing start to your Sunday morning with a virtual beginner’s yoga class. The free online class will be held on Sun., Aug. 30 at 8 a.m. Register at https://bit.ly/SundaysYoga.

Sept. 12

MADD WALK

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) will host a “Virtual Walk Like MADD” event on Sept. 12 at 9 a.m. The walk will begin on its Facebook page with inspiration from local dignitaries, celebrities and sponsors. Then participants will walk in their neighborhoods or even on a treadmill and post pictures of the experience. In this way, MADD hopes to unite Maryland “to get one step closer to ending impaired driving.” Register at walklikemadd.org/Maryland.

FROM PAGE 26 ANSWERS TO SCRABBLE

ANSWERS TO CROSSWORD C A N O A R O L P O O D O K D A L A B T A T E A C E L E E L P O A M E N R E P E G N P U S E E A R

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Crossword Puzzle

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

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Across 1. Deliverance transport 6. Chocolate source 11. “Hey; I can’t hear the movie” 14. On ___ (getting a lot of 7’s) 15. Prepare to receive the next correspondence 16. Gardener’s tool 17. Wardrobe item useful in a Grease revival 19. Measurement unit named for a German physicist 20. Green-lighted 21. Coniferous tree you may like 22. Prepare for the annual refresher test 24. Spend time inside a bourbon barrel 26. Lawyers’ org.

28. Doctrines 29. Glucose level, for example 34. First-stringers 35. Runs in neutral 36. Like many apples 39. Animation unit 40. Visual effects co. sold from George Lucas to Disney in 2012 42. Enzyme ending 43. Words spoken at the rehearsal dinner 44. Slithery swimmer 45. “___ say more?”

47. One of the Fab Four 49. iPad input tool 52. Last word of the bible 54. ___ few rounds 55. Legal Due Diligence, briefly, in briefs 56. Second-time broadcast 58. 23andMe data source 60. Afore “the land of the free” 63. Econ. value some find disgusting 64. One preparing for a bout 68. “Never let yesterday ___ up too much of today” (Will Rogers) 69. Black tea 70. Hollywood or Rose Bowl 71. Personal pencil holder

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72. Stumbling blocks 73. Fancy tie Down 1. It displays the baseball team’s logo 2. End of buck- or kang3. Cozy spot 4. Obsolete information 5. Building wing 6. Open and shut ___ 7. Socially uncomfortable 8. Airport code for Egypt’s busiest airport 9. Where B-52’s are stationed 10. Germany’s von Bismarck 11. Tiny budget 12. Uninspired 13. Strong ropes 18. Stares at, suspiciously 23. Goals in a scoreless tie 25. One born on Memorial Day 27. Ritzy Los Angeles neighborhood 29. Slip someone a Mickey 30. Suit to ___ 31. Ingredient in Sizzling Steak Fajitas 32. At the stroke of 13, it is ___ get a new clock 33. Logon requirement 37. Crispiest brownie piece 38. It opens upwards on a DeLorean 41. Add inches 46. “Nobody kicks a ___” (Dale Carnegie) 48. “Tea to the English is really a picnic ___” (Alice Walker) 50. Last word before “Blastoff!”

51. The Death Star’s thermal exhaust port, for example 52. Try to influence the jury 53. Club for brainiacs 57. Egyptian cobras 59. Yesses and ___ 61. Member of the c-suite 62. The Biggest Little City in the World 65. Acronym on a wanted poster 66. Comment from a black sheep 67. Chef in Ratatouille

Answers on page 25.

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Columbia’s Village Centers . . . . . .16 Oakridge Auction Gallery . . . . . . . .17 Perfect Sleep Chair . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Perfect Walker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 UpBed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Beacon Virtual 50+Expo . . . . . .12, 21 COGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22, 25

Funeral Services Cremation Society of Maryland . . .17 Going Home Cremations . . . . . . . .23 Harry H. Witzke’s Family Funeral Home, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . .10 MacNabb Funeral Home . . . . . . . .17 Sol Levinson & Bros., Inc. . . . . . . . .9

Home Health Care A-1 Action Nursing Care . . . . . . . . .7 Homewatch Caregivers . . . . . . . . . . .9

27

Senior/Government Services

Medical/Health

Howard County 50+ Connection13-14

Inogen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Kaiser Permanente . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Medical Eye Center . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Subscriptions

Real Estate Coldwell Banker/Debbie McGrann 17

The Beacon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

Technology TheBeaconNewspapers.com . . . . . .24

28 Subscribe for half-price. See p. 26

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

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

As our community progresses through the reopening process, we are committed to protecting our residents from the spread of COVID-19.

As always, the health and well-being of all in our care remains our top priority.

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

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

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

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

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

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

We have a thorough approach to maintaining a safe environment for our residents.

To see a full list of our protocols, visit www.bgf.org.

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

Independent living

assisted living

rehabilitation

long-term care

memory support