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Ballplayer now autism activist

SEPTEMBER 2021

I N S I D E …

PHOTO BY M. PAYNE

By Margaret Foster When baseball great B.J. Surhoff’s son Mason was a year old, B.J. and his wife, Polly, started to notice that something was off. Mason didn’t seem to hear well and wasn’t as engaged as his brothers.

“He was developing just as quickly, if not quicker. And then he wasn’t,” B.J., now 57, remembered.

So he took his son to a neurologist, who diagnosed Mason with “classic autism.”

B.J. and Polly felt lost. “We had no idea what it was,” Polly said. “We had no idea what to do.”

This was in the early 1990s, when there was less awareness of autism. “At that point, we didn’t have the luxury of having the internet,” B.J. said in an interview with the Beacon.

By a stroke of luck, Polly found an autism specialist at the couple’s alma mater, UNC-Chapel Hill, and flew therapists up to Wisconsin, where the family lived while B.J. played for the Milwaukee Brewers.

Mason started an in-home therapy program 40 hours a week, which the Surhoffs paid for out-of-pocket.

“It was a game changer,” Polly said. “If we didn’t have the [financial] resources, none of this would have happened, and it shouldn’t be like that.”

The Surhoffs’ quest to find help for their son led them to Baltimore — home of the Kennedy-Krieger Institute and its cutting-edge programs for children with developmental disabilities.

Their journey also led the couple and fellow parents of autistic children to start a nonprofit, Pathfinders for Autism, which celebrated its 20th anniversary last year.

Based in Hunt Valley, Pathfinders for Autism helps families with autistic kids

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Explore Underground Railroad sites in Maryland via the Harriet Tubman Byway; plus, check out offbeat attractions nearby page 20

Former Oriole B.J. Surhoff and his wife, Polly, are the parents of four grown children, one of whom has autism. They co-founded Pathfinders for Autism 20 years ago and remain active in the nonprofit, which provides support for families and education for police and other first responders.

find the help they need — from basic information to special training.

“There was not one particular moment when we said we needed to start Pathfinders. It kind of evolved over time. We started more of a support group of parents,” Polly explained. “These kids deserve more, and so do the families.”

Maryland’s high autism rate Autism spectrum disorder affects 1 out of 54 American children on average, most often boys. It usually appears before age three.

If a child doesn’t speak, doesn’t make eye contact, lacks social skills or makes

Baltimore author and standup comedian Dawne Allette talks about her children’s books and recent novel page 23 TECHNOLOGY k Digital estate planning

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FITNESS & HEALTH k Do hair dyes cause cancer? k Myths about hydration

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See AUTISM, page 10

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SEPTEMBER 2021 — BALTIMORE BEACON

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Living with lemons A surprising (to me) number of readers find the rest of my day I feel almost comand friends have been asking pletely normal — except that me when they will get to hear I can’t sit down for more than the new piano compositions I five minutes at a time without wrote during my recent sabthe pain starting to return. batical.

So, I now use a “standing It had certainly been my desk,” which suits me fine, intention to record myself and I stand or walk all day playing them and to make the long, even while eating. videos available to all on There are only a few things YouTube. It still is, actually. that this generally gets in the But reality has intervened way of. One is driving or in the form of a rather painful being driven, and another is FROM THE bad back. My doctor has di- PUBLISHER practicing the piano. agnosed me with “lumbar By Stuart P. Rosenthal They apparently haven’t radiculopathy,” and I find the yet invented a “standing baby term apropos, as it has me grand” (it’s not available on feeling “radiculous” in a number of situa- Amazon, so it must not exist). tions.

But I’ve come up with the next best You see, it mostly affects me pain-wise thing: I ordered a portable electric piano in the mornings, when it takes anywhere keyboard that I intend to put on my standfrom 30 minutes to two hours before I can ing desk. I fully expect to feel like Elton take more than a few steps away from my John once I start playing it when it arrives bed upon wakeup. Sharp pains shoot down in a few days. my leg, and I find myself panting from the I tell you all this not to ask for your symaftermath for a few minutes every time I pathy (not that there’s anything wrong try to take another step. with that). Rather, just to explain why I But the pain gradually fades away, and I haven’t gotten to the point of making the

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Publisher/Editor – Stuart P. Rosenthal President/Associate Publisher – Judith K. Rosenthal Executive Vice President – Gordon Hasenei Managing Editor – Margaret Foster Art Director – Kyle Gregory Director of Operations – Roger King Advertising Representatives –

promised videos.

But in addition, I want to take a moment here to credit my late father for setting an example I am striving to emulate.

My dad was not a complainer. He had some difficult experiences in his lifetime, both when young and when old, but he wasn’t one to dwell on his pains or problems.

For example, when he developed swallowing issues while hospitalized for pneumonia in his late 80s, he didn’t seem to flinch when the doctors said they would need to insert a feeding tube.

We all thought it was to be a temporary measure, but it ended up being a permanent one that he lived with for another six years or so. He always maintained that preserving life is an all-important value, and you do what you need to do to keep on living.

And since he prized his independence and didn’t want a nurse or other aide handling his various pills and feeding tube apparatus, he quickly learned how to do it all himself.

When I would visit, he would grudgingly allow me to fetch this or that, or to wash out the utensils when he was done, but he always insisted on getting his pills, grinding them finely in a special pill grinder, mixing them with the liquid diet and pouring it all into his feeding tube.

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.

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Dear Editor: Concerning your August cover story, “Stay happy by staying connected,” I disagree with the whole thing, beginning at the opening line. I call to your attention the song by Paul Simon which goes, “I am a rock/I am an island.”

For a myriad of people, “happy” is not — frequently never was — a realistic ex-

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

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pectation.

As for connection, I am reminded of what Michael Harris wrote in a 2017 book: “Not everyone needs more socialization. Indeed, many of us are desperately in need of isolation.”

Edward B. Frohnet Ellicott City, MD

BEACON BITS

Aug. 25

AUGMENTED REALITY

Learn the difference between augmented reality and virtual reality, and create an augmented reality project in this free event at the Mount Airy Branch of the Carroll County Public Library. This event takes place on Wed., Aug. 25 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Find out more and register by visiting bit.ly/CCPLAugmentedReality.

Steve Levin, Alan Spiegel Assistant Editor – Catherine Brown Content Manager – Ashley Griffin

Though he didn’t coin the phrase, what popped into my head as I wrote this column is that dad’s motto could have been: “When life give you lemons, get a juicer.”

While he knew you can’t always turn lemons into lemonade — some things can never be made sweet — you can sometimes find ways to power through the sourness and move on with your life as best you can.

So that’s what I’m trying to do, at the same time as I’m doing the PT exercises, taking the long walks, and doing whatever else my doctor tells me has the best chance of getting me through this rough patch and back to good health.

My “juicer,” I hope, will be my electronic keyboard, and I intend to practice and try to memorize my new pieces so I can video myself (in five-minute increments) playing them on a real piano.

So, who knows? I may well have them ready for next month. And I may even be able to get up in the morning and walk like a normal person again.

I can tell you one thing: when I can perform those once simple tasks again, I sure will appreciate them a lot more than I did a few months ago.

Sept. 9+

TECH DISCUSSION GROUP

Join a Lunch and Learn technology discussion group about the newest technology trends. This group meets virtually every Thursday from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. For more information and to register, visit bit.ly/TechLunchLearn.

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NAVIGATING OFFICE AND HOME

Learn how to balance the new realities of in-person and remote work in this free AARP webinar, which takes place Thurs., Aug. 26 at 7 p.m. For more information and to register, visit bit.ly/WorkandOffice.

BALTIMORE BEACON — SEPTEMBER 2021

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SEPTEMBER 2021 — BALTIMORE BEACON

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Technology &

Innovations Paralyzed man communicates via thought

By Lauran Neergaard In a medical first, researchers harnessed the brain waves of a paralyzed man unable to speak — and turned what he intended to say into sentences on a computer screen.

The study, reported in July, marks an important step toward one day restoring more natural communication for people who can’t talk because of injury or illness.

“Most of us take for granted how easily we communicate through speech,” said Dr. Edward Chang, a neurosurgeon at the University of California, San Francisco, who led the work. “It’s exciting to think we’re at the very beginning of a new chapter, a new field” to ease the devastation of patients who lost that ability.

Today, people who can’t speak or write because of paralysis have very limited ways of communicating. For example, the man in the experiment, who was not identified to protect his privacy, has been using a

pointer attached to a baseball cap that lets him move his head to touch words or letters on a screen. Other devices can pick up patients’ eye movements.

While these methods have some effectiveness, they are frustratingly slow and a limited substitution for speech.

Translating thought into action Tapping brain signals to work around a disability is a hot field. In recent years, experiments with mind-controlled prosthetics have allowed paralyzed people to shake hands or take a drink using a robotic arm — they imagine moving, and those brain signals are relayed through a computer to the artificial limb.

Chang’s team built on that work to develop a “speech neuroprosthetic” — decoding brain waves that normally control the vocal tract, the tiny muscle movements of the lips, jaw, tongue and larynx that

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form each consonant and vowel.

Volunteering to test the device was a man in his late 30s who, 15 years ago, suffered a brain-stem stroke that caused widespread paralysis and robbed him of speech.

The researchers implanted electrodes on the surface of the man’s brain, over the area that controls speech.

A computer analyzed the patterns when he attempted to say common words such as “water” or “good,” eventually becoming able to differentiate between 50 words that could generate more than 1,000 sentences.

Prompted with such questions as “How are you today?” or “Are you thirsty?” the device eventually enabled the man to answer “I am very good” or “No, I am not thirsty” — not voicing the words but translating them into text, the team reported in the New England Journal of Medicine.

It takes about three to four seconds for the word to appear on the screen after the man tries to say it, said lead author David Moses, an engineer in Chang’s lab. That’s not nearly as fast as speaking, but quicker than tapping out a response.

In an accompanying editorial, Harvard neurologists Leigh Hochberg and Sydney

Cash called the work a “pioneering demonstration.”

They suggested improvements, but said if the technology pans out it eventually could help people with injuries, strokes or illnesses like Lou Gehrig’s disease whose “brains prepare messages for delivery, but those messages are trapped.”

Years of research Chang’s lab has spent years mapping the brain activity that leads to speech.

First, researchers temporarily placed electrodes in the brains of volunteers undergoing surgery for epilepsy, so they could match brain activity to spoken words. Only then was it time to try the experiment with someone unable to speak.

How did they know the device interpreted his words correctly? They started by having him try to say specific sentences such as, “Please bring my glasses,” rather than answering open-ended questions until the machine translated accurately most of the time.

Next steps include ways to improve the device’s speed, accuracy and vocabulary size — and maybe one day allow a computer-generated voice rather than text on a screen. —AP

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Say you saw it in the Beacon | Technology & Innovations

BALTIMORE BEACON — SEPTEMBER 2021

Who gets the keys to your digital estate?

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You don’t want to include sensitive information such as passwords in your will, since that document becomes public after you die. Instead, store the inventory and letter of instruction with your other estate planning documents in a secure location, such as with your

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The first step in creating a plan for your digital assets is to make a list of them.

Searching online for a “digital assets inventory” will turn up some worksheets, in-

Update and safeguard your list

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Share an inventory and passwords

dentials in a password manager such as LastPass or 1Password.

These tools typically have a “notes” field that would allow you to include details about how you’d like the account to be handled.

You would need to provide your executor with the master password, which could be included in the letter of instruction.

I N F O R M AT I O N

In the past, your executor — the person entrusted with settling your estate after your death — probably could have figured out what you owned and owed by rummaging through the papers in your filing cabinet and the bills in your mail, said Sharon Hartung, the author of two books for financial advisors, Your Digital Undertaker and Digital Executor. That’s no longer the case.

“Because our digital assets tend to be

cluding a detailed one created by the trade organization Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners, or STEP. It allows you to list your accounts, usernames and, if desired, your passwords.

Don’t forget to include access to your devices. If you have two-factor authentication set up on accounts to verify your identity — and typically you should — your executor will need the passcode to unlock your phone or other device that receives the authentication code.

You may also want to leave a letter of instruction telling your executor about your wishes for various assets — what to delete, what to archive and what to transfer to heirs, for example.

Another option is to keep your login cre-

F R E E

Provide logins to your executor

virtual in nature, an executor is not going to find them in a search of our home office,” Hartung said. “We’re going to have to leave some additional instructions on what we’ve created and how the executor is supposed to get access.”

Google and Facebook are among the few online providers that allow you to appoint someone to manage your accounts if you become incapacitated or die. Apple recently announced plans to add a similar feature.

The vast majority of online providers don’t have this option, however. Complicating matters further, almost all providers prohibit sharing passwords.

Typically, executors can’t demand access to your digital assets unless you specifically give them authority to do so in your will or living trust. Even then, a provider’s terms of service may limit what the executor can do and hinder them from carrying out your wishes.

So, giving your executor your login credentials may be the easiest way to make sure they can carry out your wishes, estate planning experts say.

F R E E

By Liz Weston If you do almost anything online, you probably have digital assets — electronic records that you own, control or license.

Failing to make arrangements for those assets while you’re alive could result in unnecessary costs, stress and heartache to those you leave behind.

Online photo and video collections could be lost forever. Heirs could also be locked out of electronic records with monetary value, such as cryptocurrency and frequent flyer miles. Email and social media accounts could be hacked.

Even basic tasks, such as paying bills online or canceling online subscriptions, may be difficult or impossible if you haven’t made arrangements.

Here’s what you should consider and do to make this job easier for your descendants:

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SEPTEMBER 2021 — BALTIMORE BEACON

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Health Fitness &

WATER EVERYWHERE Should you really drink eight glasses of water a day?

OFF THE CUFF How to choose the best blood pressure monitor for you BETTER THAN SURGERY? Ablation is a viable and less intrusive alternative to prostate cancer surgery FREE HEALTHY MEALS Diabetics can eat for free; enroll in a Hopkins study testing different diets

Do hair dyes increase the risk of cancer?

By Shinjita Das, M.D. Personal use of hair dyes is very common, with estimates that 50% or more of women and 10% of men over age 40 color their hair. As natural hair colors get rooted out, let’s cut to a layered question: do permanent hair dyes increase cancer risk?

Hair dyes come in three major varieties: oxidative (permanent), direct (semi-permanent or temporary), and natural dyes.

Most hair dyes used in the U.S. and Europe, both do-it-yourself dyes and those used in salons, are permanent dyes. They undergo chemical reactions to create pigment that deposits on hair shafts — and may pose the greatest cancer risk.

People are exposed to chemicals in hair dyes through direct skin contact or by inhaling fumes during the coloring process.

Occupational exposure to hair dye, as experienced by hairstylists, has been classified as probably cancer-causing. However, it remains unclear whether personal use of permanent hair dyes increases risk for cancer or cancer-related death.

Many studies have explored the relationship between personal hair dye use and risk of cancer or cancer-related death. Conflicting findings have resulted from imperfect studies due to small study populations, short follow-up times, inadequate classification of exposures (personal

or occupational) or hair dye type (permanent versus non-permanent), and incomplete accounting of cancer-specific risk factors beyond permanent hair dye use.

Study finds little increase in risk In a recent study published in The BMJ, a British medical journal, researchers at Harvard Medical School evaluated personal hair dye use and risk of cancer and cancer-related death.

The study authors analyzed survey data from 117,200 women enrolled in the Nurses’ Health Study, collected over 36 years beginning in 1976. They tabulated information that included age, race, body mass index, smoking status, alcohol intake, natural hair

color, permanent hair dye use (“ever-user” versus “never-user,” age at first use, duration of use, frequency of use), and risk factors for specific types of cancer.

Compared to non-hair dye users, participants who had ever used permanent hair dyes did not have an overall higher risk for cancer or cancer-related deaths.

Among specific cancers, there was slightly higher risk for basal cell carcinoma (the most common type of skin cancer) in ever-users compared to non-users. Risk for certain breast cancers and ovarian cancers seemed to increase with longer-term use of permanent dye.

See HAIR DYES, page 7

BALTIMORE BEACON — SEPTEMBER 2021

Hair dyes From page 6 Women with naturally dark hair seemed to have increased risk for Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and women with naturally light hair were observed to have higher risk for basal cell carcinoma.

The authors were cautious in reporting their findings, concluding that further investigation is needed to better understand associations that were identified. In addition, we should keep in mind that association does not prove causality.

Some study limitations This was a large, well-designed study with high participant response rates. The researchers analyzed detailed data, allowing them to tease out the degree to which cancer risk was attributable to personal permanent hair dye use rather than to other potential risk factors.

This study also had several limitations.

First, participants were female nurses of mostly European descent, meaning the findings are not necessarily generalizable to men or to other racial or ethnic groups.

Next, the study could not account for

every single cancer risk factor (for example, exposure to pesticides and other environmental chemicals).

Data were not collected on other hair grooming products beyond hair dyes, and subjects may have mistakenly reported use of permanent hair dyes when they were in fact using semi-permanent or natural dyes.

Without data on actual color of hair dyes used, the authors assumed that hair dye color correlated with natural shades of hair. This assumption may miscalculate true chemical exposures — such as in the case of dark-haired users who had additional chemical exposures from stripping their natural darker pigment.

To dye or not to dye?

After the pandemic, some may reconsider whether to dye their hair. The key highlights from this study are: —Personal permanent hair dye use did not increase risk for most cancers or cancer-related death. This is reassuring, but continued safety monitoring is needed.

—Additional research is needed to study diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, specific hair dye colors (light versus dark), cancer subtypes, and exposure

Write a letter to the editor.

See page 2.

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

levels (personal versus occupational).

Though this study exposed possible associations between permanent hair dye use and increased risk for some cancers, there is not enough new evidence to move the needle on recommendations for personal permanent hair dye use.

7

Until more is known, consider your personal and family histories when deciding whether to use permanent hair dyes.

When in doubt, check with your doctor for more guidance. © 2021 Harvard University. Distributed

by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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SEPTEMBER 2021 — BALTIMORE BEACON

How much water do you really need daily?

By Jessica Migala As the warm weather persists, you’ve probably got your water bottle out. And that’s a good thing.

“Every single cell in your body needs fluid to function properly,” said Angie Eakin, M.D., a family medicine physician in Spokane, Washington. “That’s why even mild dehydration can make you irritable, foggy-headed and headachy.”

But while it’s smart to keep sipping, a lot of conventional wisdom about hydrating is just plain false.

Myth: We’re all chronically dehydrated.

Fact: Not if you eat a healthy diet.

Moisture in food contributes about 20% of the fluid you need. So if you avoid “dry” foods like heavily processed crackers, fill up on fruits and veggies, and drink when you’re thirsty, you should stay well hydrated, even if you’re not chugalugging, according to Barbara Rolls, Ph.D., a nutrition professor at Pennsylvania State University.

Myth: It’s easy to mistake thirst for hunger.

Fact: Your body knows the difference.

You’re unlikely to mix up true thirst and hunger because the sensations aren’t even

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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

The University Of Maryland's Legacy Leadership Institute on Public Policy, in partnership with the State of Maryland, is looking for volunteers age 50+ to serve as volunteer legislative leaders during the 2021 session of the Maryland General Assembly. Classroom instruction will be 100% virtual and begin on Sept. 21 and end on Dec. 2, 2021. Visit sph.umd.edu/legacyleaders. For more information or to apply, contact Wesley Queen at or (301) 405-2529.

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similar. “They feel different and are regulated by separate mechanisms in your body,” Rolls said.

When you’re low on fluids, your cell and blood volumes decrease, and you get an unpleasantly dry, tacky-feeling mouth.

Hunger, on the other hand, is driven by gut hormones, nutrients and glucose, and is heralded by stomach rumbles and a sensation of emptiness.

Myth: You need to drink at least 64 ounces of water a day.

Fact: That’s a random number.

“There’s not a lot of hard-core evidence that you have to drink this amount,” Eakin said. You might need more if you live in a hot and humid climate, exercise a ton or are pregnant.

Most healthy adults will hit the right amount by following their own thirst cues.

Myth: Thirsty? You’re already dehydrated.

Fact: You could use a drink, but it’s not a crisis.

Folks who tout this myth would have you believe that thirst is something you should never feel, ever. But thirst is simply your body’s way of saying, “Hey, maybe you ought to take a swig from your water bottle.”

It’s OK to feel a little thirsty — just don’t wait too long to grab a drink. Actual dehy-

dration (the kind that endangers your health) comes with more serious ill effects, like migraines and dizziness.

Myth: You should drink a lot during exercise.

Fact: Let thirst be your guide.

You may think it’s good to glug loads of water during spin class — or that it can’t hurt.

But there is such a thing as overhydration.

Hyponatremia, in which the level of sodium in your blood gets too low, can be caused by drinking large volumes of fluid, even with electrolytes. It’s rare, but it can be deadly.

“There is no reason to drink more than your body needs, and the sensor that tells us how much we need is thirst,” said Mitchell Rosner, M.D., professor of medicine at the University of Virginia Health System.

Myth: Water will curb your appetite.

Fact: Maybe, but not for the reason you think.

Though eating soup or another water-rich food at the start of a meal will fill you up, “plain water empties out of your stomach quickly,” Rolls said. On the other hand, she points out, research shows that if you believe water can tame your appetite, it might.

Health delivers relevant information in clear, jargon-free language that puts health into context in peoples’ lives. Online at health.com. © 2021 Meredith Corporation. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Join Us for Falls Prevention Week at the Wise & Well Center September 20th-24th, 2021

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

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Health Aging: How to reduce your fall risk Time: 10:00 am

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Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

BALTIMORE BEACON — SEPTEMBER 2021

9

Choosing a good blood pressure monitor Dear Savvy Senior, flates automatically, giving you your blood I just found out I have stage 1 hyper- pressure reading on the display window in a tension, and my doctor recmatter of seconds. ommended I get a home Wrist monitors work simiblood pressure monitor to larly, except they attach to the keep an eye on it. Can you wrist. Wrist monitors are also offer me any tips on choossmaller in weight and size, ing a good one? which makes them more —Hypertensive Helen portable.

Dear Helen, While they’re a bit more It’s a smart idea! Everyone comfortable to use than the with elevated or high blood arm monitors, they tend to be pressure (stage 1 and higher) SAVVY SENIOR a little less accurate. should consider getting a To help you choose the best

By Jim Miller home blood pressure monitor. monitor for you, here are sevHome monitoring can help you keep tabs eral things to check into: on your blood pressure in a comfortable setMake sure it fits. Be sure the cuff fits ting. Plus, if you’re taking medication, it will snugly around the circumference of your make certain it’s working and alert you to a upper arm. Using a cuff that’s the wrong health problem if it arises. size can result in an inaccurate reading.

Here are some tips to help you choose a Most arm models have two sizes or an good monitor. adjustable cuff that fits most people. Wrist models also fit most people.

Types of monitors Choose one that’s easy to use. Be The two most popular types of home sure the display on the monitor is easy to blood pressure monitors sold today are au- read and that the buttons are large. The ditomatic arm monitors and automatic wrist rections for applying the cuff and operatmonitors that are electric and/or battery ing the monitor should be clear. powered.

Consider what extra features you With an automatic arm monitor, you sim- want. Many automatic monitors come ply wrap the cuff around your bicep. With the with additional features such as: push of one button, the cuff inflates and de—irregular heartbeat detection that

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checks for arrhythmias and other abnormalities —a risk category indicator that tells you whether your blood pressure is in the high range —a data-averaging function that allows you to take multiple readings and get an overall average —multiple user memory that allows two or more people to save their readings —downloadable memory that lets you transmit your data to your computer or smartphone

Where to buy

line, and you don’t need a prescription to buy one. Prices typically range between $40 and $100.

In most cases, original Medicare will not cover a home blood pressure monitor, but if you have a Medicare Advantage plan or a private health insurance policy it’s worth checking into, because some plans may provide coverage.

The best automatic arm monitors as recommended by Consumer Reports include the Omron Platinum BP5450 ($75), Omron Silver BP5250 ($50) and the Omron 10 Series BP7450 ($100); A&D Medical UA767F ($45); and Rite Aid Deluxe Automatic BP3AR1-

You can find blood pressure monitors at pharmacies, medical supply stores or on-

See BLOOD PRESSURE, page 11

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

Autism

SEPTEMBER 2021 — BALTIMORE BEACON

Free events for kids with autism

From page 1 repetitive physical movements, they may have the disorder. Although treatments and therapies exist, there is no cure.

Autism is on the rise: according to the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, the autism prevalence rate has nearly tripled since 2000, from 0.67% to 1.85%. In Maryland 1 in 52 kids is diagnosed with autism — one of the country’s highest rates.

That means more parents are finding themselves in the same situation as the Surhoffs. Pathfinders for Autism tries to provide a clear path for them, the path that the Surhoffs had to forge alone.

“That’s why we started [Pathfinders].

Our founding members wanted better resources,” said Rebecca Rienzi, Pathfinders for Autism’s executive director.

The nonprofit has a website with monthly articles, a free help hotline, and free educational sessions for parents taught by financial advisors, attorneys and behavioral therapists.

Over the years, its staff of eight has formed strong relationships with Maryland parents.

“We work with families from the day [their children] were diagnosed,” said Rienzi, who has been with the organization for 15 years. “We see their progress, and they come out for all our events.”

Pathfinders also organizes events just for autistic kids, who might struggle in typical social situations. The group has rented out the Maryland Science Center, Ladew Gardens and Earth Treks Climbing and Fitness Center, as well as other venues for the programs.

In Februar y 2020, Pathfinders hosted a free “night out” at the National Aquarium, and more than 1,700 people attended.

“It was raining, but everyone was sticking it out,” Polly said. “I was like, ‘Wow, all these people showed up.’ It was really a validation of what the need was for this community.”

The popular events are “an opportunity for the whole family to get out and have some fun,” Rienzi said. “They’re focused on breaking the isolation that many families feel when they’re dealing with [an autism] diagnosis.”

After venturing out at such events, parents might feel more confident about taking their autistic kids on other outings or vacations.

“It’s a good place to go practice in a safe way, supported by communities that understand you, so you feel comfortable visiting…in any setting,” Rienzi said.

Staffers train police, teachers Pathfinders for Autism’s staff also offers training sessions for Secret Service offi-

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cers, Baltimore County police officers, firefighters, medical school students, teachers — anyone who may interact with autistic people.

And that’s most people, said B.J., president of the Hunt Valley-based nonprofit.

“It’s not an if; it’s a when — just because of the numbers — that you will encounter someone on the [autism] spectrum. You may not know it, but there’s a good chance you will,” he said.

That’s why these training programs are so important, he added, so first responders will “get a better understanding of what their actions might mean [to someone with autism].

“We don’t expect everyone to become an expert overnight, but there is a need.

There’s a mandate as well for many police, fire and first responders to deal with people with intellectual disabilities.”

Colorful bus tours as fundraiser This summer, as part of its annual fundraiser, Pathfinder for Autism’s colorful buses traveled throughout Maryland to raise awareness and funding for its programs. So far, the “2021 Dip Challenge” has raised more than $200,000 of its $1 million goal.

“The bus is just incredible looking. It’s big, and people are drawn to it whether they know who we are or not. We’ve gotten a lot of attention that way,” Rienzi said.

Of course, the group gets attention from Orioles fans and others who remember B.J., who retired in 2005.

The Surhoffs remain extremely committed to the organization, Rienzi said. “He’s the president, but he’s hands-on. Polly will come in and answer phones if that’s the kind of work that needs to be done.”

The couple, parents of four grown children, work hard to light the way for Maryland families and “to fill a niche,” B.J. said.

“We helped build this, and we do it because we feel like it’s necessary. Do we get some satisfaction out of it? Yeah, but that’s not why we do it,” he said.

They’re also committed parents to Mason, who is now 29 and lives with them.

Before the pandemic, Mason had four volunteer jobs, a personal trainer and plenty of swimming workouts. Although he’s stable today, there’s no cure for autism spectrum disorder.

“Things are day-to-day. When he’s busy doing stuff, he’s great,” B.J. said.

Who will care for autistic adults?

Many aging parents worry about what will happen to their grown autistic children when they’re gone. So far, the Surhoffs haven’t found a housing solution or program that provides both support and independence to people like Mason.

“I hope someone comes up with a [housing] model that can be replicated and taken around the country,” B.J. said. Perhaps one day soon “a foundation catches on and says this is really an epidemic, and it’s a large issue.”

Autism has become more well known since Mason was diagnosed, partly due to its increased prevalence and partly because of the media.

For instance, the 2017 television show “The Good Doctor” starred an autistic surgeon, and that same year “Sesame Street” introduced a Muppet with autism.

Would B.J. appear on the program to chat with Elmo’s friend Julia?

“I don’t think so,” he said with a smile. “I haven’t heard from them yet, so I don’t think I’ll be on ‘Sesame Street.’ I might be a little old for that.”

For more information about Pathfinders for Autism, call its Help Line at (443) 3305341. To donate to the organization, visit pathfindersforautism.org or call (443) 3305370.

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Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

BALTIMORE BEACON — SEPTEMBER 2021

11

Herbs, vitamins that can help with anxiety It’s summer, and many people I know are there’s no amount of lavender that helps me! still battling some type of anxiety, whether But for other occasional anxiety, there is it’s from travel stress, flying, help in the form of a few natuthe idea of the Delta variant or ral remedies. something stressful going on Common symptoms of anxwith family. iety include sweaty palms, Whatever it is, there are rapid heartbeat, a feeling of some natural ways to conquer impending doom, trembling anxiety and boost mood. or shaking, dry mouth, gasFirst off, do not feel alone: trointestinal problems, and inMillions of people are anxious ability to think of anything about something. else other than the perceived I’ll tell you one of my issues: DEAR danger at hand. Some people driving on big highways with PHARMACIST also experience insomnia. other cars. I assume, when driv- By Suzy Cohen Hypertension, gastric ulers fly past me, that they are texcers and depression are also ting. In fact, I assume pretty associated with prolonged anxiety. Finding much everyone is distracted except for me, the root cause (or the root person) that and so I usually use GPS to find the slower causes your anxiety is key to getting well. roads. I have been this way for years, and By the way, few things work better to

Blood pressure From page 9 4DRITE ($37). And the top wrist monitors are the Omron 7 Series BP6350 ($80); and the Equate (Walmart) 4500 Series ($40).

After you buy a monitor, it’s a good idea to take it to your doctor’s office so they can check its accuracy and teach you the proper techniques of how and when to use it.

curb difficult emotions than exercise. Go for a run or take a trip to the gym. Physical activity is known to raise dopamine immediately.

For some simple anxiety-producing situations, you can also look into the following nutrients. But remember: If your condition is serious, you must see a qualified specialist.

Vitamin B1: Thiamine or B1 helps you produce and release serotonin and norepinephrine, which reduce mental fatigue and improve physical energy. If you like to drink wine, you are sure to be defi-

cient in this nutrient.

Vitamin B2: Riboflavin or B2 helps your adrenal glands, which secrete DHEA and cortisol — hormones that must remain in proper homeostasis for you to cope with feelings of anxiety.

Probiotics: These friendly gut bugs help you activate thyroid hormone, which has been proven in some studies to work even better than traditional antidepressants See ANXIETY HELP, page 12

You can also get more detailed information on how to accurately measure your blood pressure at home at Heart.org/HBP — click on “Learn How to Monitor Your Blood Pressure at Home.”

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

Have confidence

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

Health Studies

SEPTEMBER 2021 — BALTIMORE BEACON

INFORMATION ON AREA CLINICAL TRIALS

Diabetic study includes all meals free

By Margaret Foster You may have heard of the DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension).

Created in 1997 by Dr. Lawrence Appel of Johns Hopkins, the diet includes grains, fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy foods.

Appel, the lead investigator on a study published that year, found that the DASH

diet lowered blood pressure, which when high can lead to stroke and heart attack.

Now Appel’s team is studying whether the DASH diet can help people with diabetes, too, since they’re also at risk for stroke and heart disease.

“The DASH diet has been proven very effective in lowering blood pressure, but it

hasn’t been tested for people with diabetes,” said Scott Pilla, assistant professor of medicine at Johns Hopkins and one of the co-investigators of the DASH 4D study.

“Figuring out what diet is best to prevent [a stroke or heart attack] is really important.”

The best part about participating in the study is that volunteers with diabetes will get free, healthy food for five months as well as monetary compensation up to $1,625.

How the study works Once enrolled, participants will be provided all their meals for 21 weeks. For three days a week, all meals will be served at the Johns Hopkins study center called ProHealth in Woodlawn, Maryland (free parking is provided). All participants will be put into one of four random groups, each receiving a different meal plan. One of the plans will be the DASH diet.

People aren’t required to eat any unusu-

Anxiety help From page 11 in some people. We know that a reduction in probiotics can indirectly cause profound anxiety and depression.

Zinc: This mineral has a very calming effect on the body. Perhaps it helps with the COMT gene variation some people have that causes them to experience feelings, including pain, with greater intensity. (However, beware: One can overdose on zinc, which is dangerous.)

Herbs: There are many herbs that can help you, either via teas or supplements.

Among the best are chamomile, lavender,

al or fancy foods, Pilla said — just healthy, nutrient-rich meals. The DASH diet, which includes beans, nuts and fish, is similar to the Mediterranean diet.

“The general American diet is not very healthy. How can people do better? If you’re going to change your diet and you have diabetes, what’s the most effective way to do that to prevent problems?”

Learning about good nutrition can prolong people’s lives. In past studies, Pilla said, “people learn a lot, and they get a lot out of it.”

Although the Dash 4D study is in person, Hopkins says it’s committed to safe practices during the pandemic. Kitchen and research staff wear masks and follow CDC guidelines, and social distancing will be in effect in the ProHealth center’s dining room.

To find out more or to volunteer for the Dash 4D study, visit dash4D.com, email dash4d@jhmi.edu or call (410) 281-1600. lemon balm, ashwagandha, catnip and valerian.

Conventional medical wisdom has programmed us to believe that sedatives and addictive medications are the answer to anxiety, but that’s not necessary for everyone.

If you’d like to read the more comprehensive version of this article, please sign up for my free newsletter at suzycohen.com.

This information is opinion only. It is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose your condition. Consult with your doctor before using any new drug or supplement.

Suzy Cohen is a registered pharmacist and author of The 24-Hour Pharmacist and Real Solutions from Head to Toe.

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

BALTIMORE BEACON — SEPTEMBER 2021

13

Advances in prostate cancer treatment

By Chandler Dora, M.D. Dear Mayo Clinic: My husband was diagnosed with prostate cancer, and we are looking at treatment options. One doctor suggested a prostatectomy, but my husband finds ablation appealing because of quality-oflife advantages.

I’ve been reading about ablations and came across information about different techniques. I am wondering if one technique or process is better, or if surgery is more successful?

A: I’m sorr y to hear that your husband is dealing with prostate cancer, which is the most common cancer in American men. Approximately 192,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2020, according to the American Cancer Society.

Prostate cancer is more likely to develop in older men, typically those over 60, and it is more common in African American men.

Fortunately, given advances in care, most men will not die from their prostate cancer.

There are many options for treating prostate cancer, depending on the grade and stage of the cancer. In recent years, the guidelines for treating prostate cancer have changed. Also, technological advances in imaging and treatment have made it possible for some men to avoid radical surgery that may come with adverse side effects.

What is ablation?

Ablation is a generic or nonspecific term

for destroying tissue. In recent years, surgeons are finding that ablation is a viable alternative to traditional surgery.

In terms of prostate cancer, ablation means the reliable and precise destruction of cancerous tissue while avoiding structures important for normal sexual and urinary function. Over the years, many types of energy have been used to ablate prostate cancer, including heat generated by ultrasound or laser, and cold generated by expansion of gas.

The ability to control the application of the heat or cold to keep it within an intended boundary, without it spreading even 1 or 2 millimeters beyond, has proven difficult.

Ultrasound ablation methods The most common type of ultrasound ablation has been transrectal high-intensity focused ultrasound, or HIFU. During this treatment, a rectal probe is inserted, and the treatment is done using ultrasound.

However, many prostates are beyond the maximum size limits that can be treated with transrectal high-intensity focused ultrasound.

A promising new technology that is in clinical trials at select centers around the country is building on the rapidly emerging role of the MRI scanner to monitor real-time temperatures in the prostate.

Known as transurethral ultrasound ablation, or TULSA, this procedure is performed while the patient (under anesthesia) is in the MRI scanner. It uses software that provides thermometry or real-time temperatures within the prostate and sur-

rounding structures. This allows for more precision during the treatment.

The temperatures are sent to the ablation device so the power output from the device is continuously adjusted to achieve the desired temperature at the boundary between the prostate and the surrounding normal structures. The temperature is continuously monitored every six seconds with MRI thermometry.

Transurethral ultrasound ablation is a refinement of previous ultrasound-based treatments that do not provide real-time monitoring of temperatures within the prostate.

Early results are promising Although this is a new technology and many years of follow-up will be required to demonstrate equivalency to treatments such as radical prostatectomy, early results have been encouraging, especially considering how long patients remain cancer-free three years after surgery.

The clinical trials have proven that this treatment is superior to surgery and radiation in preser ving urinar y and sexual function after three years. This preservation of function translates into improved quality of life.

Mayo Clinic in Florida is the only Mayo Clinic location that offers this technique.

Johns Hopkins also offers the TULSA procedure. Patients are selected for this procedure based on prostate anatomy, as well as a review of MRIs, PSA results, biopsy pathology reports and treatment goals.

As different facilities have different infrastructures and expertise, your husband’s healthcare provider can discuss with him the availability of ablation techniques and which technique, if any, would be most appropriate. Also, consider obtaining a second opinion. © 2021 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

BEACON BITS

Ongoing

BLOOD DONORS NEEDED

The American Red Cross is experiencing a severe blood shortage.

Donors of all blood types, especially type O and those giving platelets, are urged to make an appointment to give as soon as possible to prevent delays to critical patient care. To make an appointment, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (733-2767).

Ongoing

WALK, JOG OR RUN TO PARKRUN

The organization Parkrun hosts weekly informal runs every Saturday morning at 9 a.m. Participants can walk, jog or run a 5k. Events are free and take place at Winan’s Meadow, North Franklintown Road, West Baltimore. For more information, visit parkrun.us/leakinpark.

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

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

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

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

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

For more information, please call: (410)

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

SEPTEMBER 2021 — BALTIMORE BEACON

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Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

BALTIMORE BEACON — SEPTEMBER 2021

15

Asian salmon with veggies and noodles

Asian Barbecue Sesame Salmon with Noodles and Veggies Recipe courtesy of Emily Weeks of “Zen and Spice” Total time: 40 minutes Servings: 4 Sauce ingredients: ½ cup soy sauce 2 tablespoons brown sugar 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

2 cloves garlic, minced 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce (optional) 2 tablespoons water 2 teaspoons cornstarch Other ingredients: 1 ½ pounds salmon (4 filets) 12 ounces stir-fry (Pad Thai) rice noodles 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil 1 pound white mushrooms, sliced 1 cup sugar snap peas 1 large broccoli head, cut into bite-size florets 2-3 green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish sesame seeds, for garnish Preheat oven to 400° F. In small saucepan, whisk soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, barbecue sauce and chili garlic sauce, if desired. Bring to boil over high heat then reduce heat to simmer.

In small bowl, whisk water and cornstarch. Pour into saucepan and cook on low, whisking often, until sauce thickens, 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Pour 3 tablespoons sauce into small bowl. Brush salmon filets with reserved

sauce and place on baking sheet. Bake 15 minutes, or until salmon is flaky.

While salmon cooks, prepare stir-fry noodles according to package directions. Drain, rinse and set aside.

Heat large skillet over medium heat. Add sesame oil. Add mushrooms, snap peas and broccoli.

Cook, stirring often, until vegetables are tender-crisp, 7-8 minutes. Add noodles and remaining sauce from pan; toss to combine.

To serve, divide noodles, vegetables COURTESY OF ZEN AND SPICE

By Family Features If eating wholesome meals is a daily goal, keep in mind you can serve up tasty foods that also feed your immune system by including ingredients like mushrooms.

With their earthy flavor, mushrooms — like many other fruits and vegetables — can play a positive role in supporting a healthy immune system.

Studies at Oregon State University concluded there are a variety of micronutrients important for supporting a healthy immune system. Consider that three of these nutrients (vitamin D, selenium and B vitamins) can be found in mushrooms, meaning the following family-friendly recipe can help you add all-important nutrients to your family’s menu.

Find more ways to add mushrooms to meals at mushroomcouncil.com.

and salmon between plates. Top with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

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SEPTEMBER 2021 — BALTIMORE BEACON

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Money Law &

Long-distance caregiving is challenging and costly. Learn how to do it better on opposite page.

The four phases of retirement planning

By Max Verkuilen and Leslie Verkuilen It is crucial to think about the long term when you are planning for your retirement. Having a plan — a specific road map to retirement — is absolutely essential.

Effective retirement planning comes down to four phases: 1. The accumulation phase The first phase is one of accumulating assets, usually from earned income. However, most individuals do not put away enough, or they use the wrong vehicles for accumulating assets.

Today, most people rely on just their 401(k) plans to save for retirement, only to find out later that the savings are not enough, and that their withdrawals are fully taxable.

In addition to a 401(k), investors can utilize long-term savings vehicles like Roth IRAs or brokerage accounts, in which after-tax funds are invested for retirement.

It is imperative to meet with a retirement adviser early on to get advice on both how much and where you should be putting your hard-earned savings during the accumulation phase.

2. The planning and preservation phase Many people tend to ride the market roller coaster all the way until their last working day, and they simply cross their

fingers and hope the market won’t plunge in the critical few years just before and after retirement.

As you get closer to the distribution phase, one thing you should do is scale back risk.

Consider adhering to the adage 100 years minus your age equals the most money you should have at risk. Example: If you are 50, you should only have 50% of your portfolio at risk; at 60 you should only have 40% at risk, and so on.

Now, if you will have a pension or other guaranteed income in retirement, this rule may be too conservative for you, and you may feel you can afford more risk. But you should still be careful.

In the seven to 10 years prior to retirement, watch for good times when the market is up to sell off riskier investments and move those assets to vehicles that are protected from loss.

Scaling back risk as you get closer to retirement is only one part of a solid retirement plan. Your plan should also include a year-byyear spendable income strategy to meet and exceed your goals in the distribution phase (next) while considering taxes, inflation, liquidity, market losses, required minimum distributions, the cost of healthcare and funds to cover any unanticipated large purchases.

Finally, your plan should include some protection against long-term care costs,

which can quickly decimate a retirement portfolio, and premature death, which can sometimes leave a surviving spouse with significantly lower guaranteed income.

3. The distribution phase This is retirement — the phase you have been saving for your whole life — and you deserve to enjoy it. Continue to scale back risk as you get older, and be sure to stick to the plan.

Again, the cushion of liquid assets that you are not relying on to supplement your income can help cover the cost of any unanticipated large purchases, but you should not simply pull those assets from anywhere at any time.

You don’t want to sell off assets that are market sensitive during a down trend or a bear market, so keep some of these funds in a vehicle that is not market sensitive and is very liquid.

4. The legacy phase People want to leave money behind if they can, but that shouldn’t be your top priority. Instead, your top priority should be making it through retirement without going broke.

You may think that the IRA funds you put away pretax might be a great gift to your heirs, but they can also be a curse.

IRA money left to anyone other than the

surviving spouse increases the recipient’s taxable income in the year it is received.

If you want to leave money behind, there are other types of accounts, such as Roth IRAs, that are better for leaving to your family. Distributions from Roth IRAs are tax-free if the person who set up the account met the five-year holding period for contributions and conversions.

Annuities are another option people utilize because they bypass probate upon death in most states, and the growth is taxdeferred until you or your beneficiaries make withdrawals.

Stocks can be a good option because your beneficiaries inherit the stepped-up value, which means that they never have to pay taxes for any growth or increase in value you may have experienced before they inherit the stock. [Ed. Note: Legislation proposed by the Biden administration would eliminate stepped-up basis for estates above $1 million ($2 million for couples)].

Best of all for inheritance is life insurance. With life insurance, your beneficiaries are not required to pay taxes on the difference between the premiums paid and the death benefit, which is often significant.

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

The financial effects of losing a spouse

By Rocky Mengle The death of a spouse is one of the most difficult things imaginable. Besides the emotional toll, though, surviving spouses typically confront financial issues, which often trigger tax-related questions and consequences. Some of them are fairly straightforward, while others can be tricky.

That’s why Letha McDowell, president of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, advises surviving spouses not to make major financial changes immediately. Instead, she tells them to reassess their finances from a tax perspective.

The loss of income after a spouse dies certainly has tax implications. For instance, if a drop in income means the surviving spouse needs to tap into a retirement account, McDowell points out that “the taxes may be less than initially antici-

pated because, if you have lower income, you may be in a lower bracket.”

Less income could also mean that the surviving spouse now qualifies for certain tax deductions or credits that have income caps or phase-out rules. Local jurisdictions often have income-based property tax breaks that may suddenly be available, too.

Eventually, every surviving spouse has a new filing status. A joint federal tax return is allowed for the year the deceased spouse dies if the surviving spouse didn’t remarry. The qualifying widow(er) status may be an option for two more years if there’s a dependent child.

After that, a surviving spouse who doesn’t remarry must file as a single taxpayer, which usually means less favorable tax rates and a lower standard deduction.

IRA rules are complex Inheriting a traditional IRA can also affect the surviving spouse’s taxes, but first, there’s a decision to make.

An inheriting spouse can be designated as the account owner, roll the funds into their own retirement account, or be treated as a beneficiary. That decision will affect required minimum distributions and ultimately the surviving spouse’s taxable income.

As either the designated owner of the original account or the owner of the account with rolled-over funds, the surviving spouse can take RMDs based on their own life expectancy.

If they choose the third option — staying as the IRA’s beneficiary — RMDs are based on the life expectancy of the deceased spouse.

“Almost everyone either rolls [an inher-

ited IRA] into their own IRA or at least they transfer it into an account in their name,” McDowell noted. “Consolidating makes things much easier to manage.”

The third option may make sense if the surviving spouse is at least 72 years old, but the deceased spouse wasn’t. In that case, RMDs from the inherited IRA are delayed until the deceased spouse would have turned 72.

Basis of inherited property A surviving spouse also receives a stepped-up basis in other inherited property. “If the assets are held jointly between spouses, then there’s a step up in one half of the basis,” McDowell said. “But if an asset was owned solely by the decedent, See LOSING A SPOUSE, page 18

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Law & Money

BALTIMORE BEACON — SEPTEMBER 2021

17

Become a better long-distance caregiver

By Liz Weston Long pandemic lockdowns forced many older adults to become comfortable with video calls to stay connected with family.

That in turn meant that long-distance caregivers had a better way to see how their loved ones were faring.

“You can’t tell on the phone that they’re wearing the same clothes every day, or they’re not bathing because they’re afraid they’ll fall in the shower,” said Amy Goyer, AARP’s national family and caregiving expert and the author of Juggling Life, Work, and Caregiving.

More than 1 in 10 caregivers look after family or friends from a distance, which can be more difficult and expensive.

A 2016 AARP survey found that caregivers in general incur an average of about $7,000 a year in out-of-pocket expenses. Long-distance caregivers — those who live at least an hour away from the care recipient — incur about $12,000 on average, according to the

survey. They’re more likely than local caregivers to hire help, take unpaid time off work and pay for travel, Goyer said.

Yet many distant caregivers worry they’re not doing enough.

“As caregivers, guilt is our constant companion,” Goyer said. “When you’re a long-distance caregiver, it’s even more so.”

AARP has numerous resources for caregivers, including a “Prepare to Care” planning guide and a financial workbook for estimating and tracking costs. Goyer, who cared for her grandparents, parents and a sister from afar, suggests the following ways to make long-distance caregiving more effective and manageable.

or even a friendly neighbor to whom you can give your contact information.

“You may say, ‘Hey, if you notice grass isn’t getting mowed, things around the house look like they’re not being kept up, will you let me know?’” Goyer said.

If you have siblings, they can pitch in even if they’re long-distance too. They can make daily check-in calls or handle tasks such as paying bills, making medical appointments and dealing with insurance companies.

If you have the means, consider hiring a geriatric care manager, also known as an aging life care professional, to help you evaluate your loved one’s caregiving needs, hire home health aides if necessary

Assemble a team

BEACON BITS

If you can’t physically check in on your loved one regularly, enlist others who can, Goyer suggested. Those could include family members or friends who live closer,

Sept. 25

and step in if there’s a crisis.

These professionals, who are often nurses or social workers, typically charge $75 to $200 an hour. An initial assessment may cost a few hundred dollars, but then the manager can be tapped as needed.

“If my parents had to go to the hospital or some emergency happened, there had to be somebody right away who could deal with it,” Goyer said.

Embrace technology Video calling isn’t the only technology that can make life easier.

Medical alert systems can allow a loved See CAREGIVER, page 18

OUTDOOR CONCERT To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Job Hunters Support

Group, the Hotel Paradise Roof Garden Orchestra will perform under the portico of the Corner Community Center, 5802 Roland Avenue, Baltimore. Jobseekers can

Digital estate From page 5 attorney or in a home safe, and let your executor know where to find it.

You also could upload the information to an online storage site, such as Everplans

or LifeSite, which allows you to give a trusted person access to the documents.

Consider reviewing the inventory at least once a year and make any needed updates.

You’ll rest easier knowing your loved ones won’t be locked out of your digital life.

—AP/NerdWallet

have free professional headshots taken. This event takes place Sat., Sept. 25 from 2 to 6 p.m. For more information, visit bit.ly/CornerCenterConcert or call Janet Glover-Kerkvliet at (410) 627-2372.

Social Security Disability Appeals to The Appeals Council

By Aaron Moss, Esq. Last month’s article discussed Social Security Disability hearings with an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). This article picks up where last month’s ended, but for more information about hearings with ALJs and qualifying for disability, please see our article on page 17 of the August Beacon or call 877-771-0294.

You may have received an unfavorable decision from an ALJ who found that you are not disabled.

Do not give up - you can appeal this decision to the Social Security Administration's Appeals Council (AC).

As with appeals for the Reconsideration and Hearing Stages, a request for a review of the ALJ's decision must be made within 60 days after you receive the decision. A request for review must be done in writing and can be completed online. It is rare, but the AC might also decide to review your case on its own initiative. It generally takes around 1 year to receive a decision from the AC. The AC is composed of Appeals Officers and Administrative Appeals Judges, who look for errors in an ALJ's decision and determine what, if any, actions must be taken to remedy the situation.

You can also submit additional evidence to the AC. The AC will review a case based upon ad-

ditional evidence if the evidence is new material, related to the period on or before the hearing decision,

and there is a reasonable probability that the evidence would change the outcome of the decision.

After receiving a request for review, the AC will either grant, deny or dismiss the request for review. In fiscal year 2020, slightly fewer than 16% of cases were granted review.

Upon granting review, the AC can remand a case back to the ALJ for further action, including instructing the ALJ to offer an opportunity for a new hearing and issue a new decision. Remand is

by far the most common action that the AC will take when granting review, as approximately 14.5% of cases were remanded by the AC in fiscal year 2020.

The AC can also grant review and issue a corrective decision. When issuing a corrective decision, the AC can reverse the ALJ decision and issue a fully favorable decision. If the AC decides to issue a corrective decision that is less than fully favorable to you, they will send a notice of proposed action to you (and your representative) that will afford an opportunity to respond prior to the issuance of the decision from the AC. There are no hourly legal fees or retainer requirements for disability representation with The Moss Disability Group. The Moss Disability Group will use a well-planned approach to get you through the application process.

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

18

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

Losing a spouse From page 16 then that would be a step up of 100%.”

In community property states, the total fair market value of property, including the portion belonging to the surviving spouse, becomes the basis for the entire property if at least half its value is included in the deceased spouse’s gross estate.

There’s also a special rule that helps surviving spouses who want to sell their home.

In general, up to $250,000 of gain from the sale of a principal residence is tax-free if certain conditions are met. The exemption jumps to $500,000 for married couples filing a joint return, but a surviving spouse who hasn’t remarried can still claim the $500,000 exemption if the home is sold within two

BEACON BITS

Aug. 21+

FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT FOR WOMEN

Join participants across the country in this Zoom workshop hosted by AARP that addresses financial empowerment, including savings strategy, debt management, investment basics and retirement planning.

Workshops take place the third Saturday of the month from 10 to 11 a.m. For more information, visit bit.ly/AARPFinancialEmpowerment.

Aug. 31

ART FOR HEALTH

Did you know that creating art can lead to physical relaxation and mental wellness? Tap into those benefits by painting, illustrating and scribbling with the Baltimore Public Library on Tues., Aug. 31 from 11 a.m. to noon.

This event takes place via Zoom and requires registration. For more information, visit bit.ly/ArtforHealth. To receive a free art kit in advance, email ace@bcpl.net.

SEPTEMBER 2021 — BALTIMORE BEACON

years of the deceased spouse’s death.

As for estate taxes, there’s an unlimited marital deduction as well as this year’s $11.7 million estate tax exemption (the amount is adjusted annually for inflation).

If the deceased spouse’s estate is nowhere near that amount, the surviving spouse should still file Form 706 to elect “portability” of the deceased spouse’s unused exemption amount. This protects the surviving

spouse if the exemption is lowered, as President Joe Biden and others have proposed doing.

If that happens, “it’s going to be important for a surviving spouse to have elected portability,” McDowell warned. “And if you don’t file, you don’t get it.” © 2021 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Caregiver

fits.gov. Resources for older Americans can also be found through the Eldercare Locator at eldercare.acl.gov.

Goyer’s father suffered from dementia for many years, but only during the last year of his life did she learn that he qualified for healthcare benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

“I wish I’d gotten him into VA healthcare earlier, because they ended up covering incontinence supplies and medications and a lot of things that I had been paying for,” Goyer said.

The person you’re caring for may have other resources that can be tapped, such as long-term care insurance, savings or home equity.

Talking about money can be difficult, but not doing so can be disastrous, Goyer said. She eventually filed for bankruptcy protection because of the credit card debt.

If she had it to do again, Goyer said she would consult with a financial advisor to better plan for the costs ahead.

—AP/NerdWallet

From page 17 one to summon aid, and some have falldetection technology that works even if the person isn’t wearing a special device.

Smart pill dispensers manage medications, and some can let caregivers know if doses aren’t taken.

Smart home systems can also help. A smart door lock, for example, can allow you to grant access from afar to someone such as a friend, a health aide or paramedic. A smart thermostat can help you ensure a comfortable temperature, while a smart home security system can let you know if your loved one has left the house.

Goyer used security cameras to keep an eye on her dad “whether I was going outside to take out the trash or 2,000 miles away.”

Look for available benefits Your loved one may be eligible for public benefits that could help with caregiving tasks or costs. Start your search at Bene-

BEACON BITS

Ongoing

JOB HUNTERS SUPPORT GROUP

The Baltimore Job Hunters Support Group hosts weekly meetings via Zoom to help with the social, emotional and psychological stress of job loss. Meetings take place Mondays at 6:30 p.m. and Tuesdays at 1 p.m. Find the Zoom link information by visiting bjhsg.org/faqs.

BALTIMORE BEACON — SEPTEMBER 2021

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Law & Money

19

Maximize spouse assets if on Medicaid and still meet the Medicaid limit.

Your assets must be $2,000 or less, with a spouse allowed to keep up to $130,380.

Cash, bank accounts, real estate other than a primary residence, and investments, including those in an IRA or 401(k), all count as assets.

But you don’t have to count as assets your residence, non-luxury personal belongings like clothes and home appliances, one vehicle, engagement and wedding rings, and a prepaid burial plot.

Therefore, redistributing your assets can help you meet Medicaid’s standards.

“Rather than keeping $100,000 in the bank, use that money to pay off your mortgage or pay for home renovations,” Shah suggested.

Alternatively, you could prepay a burial plot, replace a vehicle or upgrade household appliances. Your spouse will keep these purchases if you need long-term care, and with fewer assets to spend down, you’ll qualify for Medicaid sooner.

What your spouse is left with, however, is unlikely to be enough to live off of. You could boost a spouse’s income with a Medicaid-compliant annuity.

These contracts turn your savings into a stream of future retirement income for you and a spouse and don’t count as an asset.

You can buy the annuity at any time, but to

By David Rodeck The bill for long-term care adds up fast.

The annual median cost for a private room in a nursing home was $105,850 in 2020, according to Genworth. The government will up these costs if you qualify for Medicaid, but that’s easier said than done.

“Medicaid is a welfare program,” said Neel Shah, estate-planning attorney and a certified financial planner at Shah & Associates in Monroe Township, N.J. “There are strict income and wealth limits to qualify.”

(Medicaid should not be confused with Medicare, the national health insurance program for people age 65 and over that largely doesn’t cover long-term care.)

If you can pay for your own care, you’ll have more options, as not all facilities accept Medicaid. Still, even individuals with ample savings risk impoverishing their spouses to pay for a long stay in a nursing home.

If that’s what you fear, you may be surprised to learn that you can preserve some assets for a spouse and qualify for Medicaid using tools designed for that purpose.

How to qualify, but protect spouse Although qualifications vary by state, to qualify for Medicaid, your income generally must be less than $2,382 per month.

However, you can allocate as much as $3,259.50 of your monthly income to a spouse, whose income isn’t considered,

be Medicaid compliant, the annuity payments must start immediately, with the state named as the beneficiary after you and your spouse pass away.

Consider irrevocable Miller Trust You could also set up a Miller Trust for yourself, according to Steve Parrish, co-director of the Center for Retirement Income at the American College of Financial Services in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania.

This irrevocable trust is used exclusively to satisfy Medicaid’s income threshold.

If your income from Social Security, pensions and other sources is above Medicaid’s limit but not enough to pay for nursing home care, the excess income can go into a Miller Trust. That lets you qualify for Medicaid while keeping some extra money in the trust for your own care.

The funds can be used by you to dine out, purchase new clothes, or pay for dental work, which Medicare doesn’t cover, Parrish said.

Descendants may have to pay These strategies protect assets or income for couples. Leaving something to

other heirs is harder.

After you and your spouse pass away, state governments are required to recover Medicaid costs from your estate whenever possible — through a lien on your home, reimbursement from a Miller Trust, or seizure of assets during probate before they’re distributed to heirs.

A potential workaround comes with risk. Any assets given away within five years of a Medicaid application date still count toward eligibility, but property transferred to heirs earlier doesn’t.

“You could set up an irrevocable trust on behalf of your children, and transfer property that way,” Shah said. “It’s like putting the property away in a vault and giving them the key.”

Because you lose control of the trust’s assets, your heirs should be willing to help you out financially if you need it.

That’s too much uncertainty for Parrish.

If someone has that much money, he said, maybe they should use it to pay for better care. © 2021 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Tell them you saw it in the Beacon!

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A person who changes a child’s life forever

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

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

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Travel Leisure &

Check out this parade float museum and other quirky attractions. See story on opposite page.

In search of the Underground Railroad

Invisible depots and tracks Neither subterranean nor a train, the Underground Railroad was a loosely connected network that stretched over half of the United States, connecting sympathizers who helped self-emancipating people escape slavery.

Runaways headed to free northern states and Canada as well as Spanish Florida, California, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central

America. They were aided by people who cooperated across racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, gender and religious lines.

Freedom-seekers often traveled at night — in disguise, on foot, in wagons, by boat, however they could. During the day they slept in barns, cellars, sheds, churches or other “stations.” They used railroad-related code words such as stations and depots (safe hiding places), conductors (guides) and tracks (routes with sympathizers).

Maryland was a pivotal border state before the Civil War. Its many waterways and overland routes were used by many enslaved people, who often headed to Philadelphia as their first destination. That city was the headquarters of William Still’s Pennsylvania Anti-Slavery Society, which aided 1,500 people in their journey to freedom.

PHOTO BY MARYLAND OFFICE OF TOURISM

By Glenda C. Booth Maryland’s most famous heroine, Harriet Tubman, was born enslaved in Dorchester County around 1822. She was rented out at age six by her owner, but at age 27 escaped to Pennsylvania.

After her escape, Tubman became a highly effective “conductor” on the Underground Railroad, making 13 trips back to her home area to guide 70 people to freedom.

“I never ran my train off the track, and I never lost a passenger,” Tubman once said.

Dorchester County, Maryland, less than two hours from Baltimore, is a mosaic of 600 square miles of vast, flat farmlands, dense woods, creeks, rivers and marshes.

Its mazelike landscape looks much as it did in the 1800s, when many enslaved people bolted from their Dorchester County plantation owners to freedom.

The Underground Railroad was secretive in nature, and few structures remain.

But many historic sites related to Tubman survive today.

Harriet Tubman Byway’s 45 sites If you want to tour local Underground Railroad sites, follow the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway — a selfguided driving tour along 125 miles in Maryland and 98 miles in Delaware — which highlights 45 marked sites.

Travelers can download an audio guide from the website (harriettubmanbyway.org) or download a free smartphone app to navigate the trip. In fact, smartphone users can now point their phone’s cameras at certain sites to see historic images superimposed on the current landscape.

For an introduction to the byway and PHOTO COURTESY OF HARRIET TUBMAN BYWAY

The Bucktown Village Store looks much as it did in the 1830s, when 13-year-old Harriet Tubman was maliciously injured there. An overseer pursuing an enslaved man struck Tubman with an iron weight, fracturing her skull and causing lifelong headaches.

Harriet Tubman offers a helping hand in a mural by artist Michael Rosata, painted on the side of the Tubman Museum & Educational Center in Cambridge, Maryland. The museum is one of 45 sites on the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway, a self-guided driving tour through Maryland and Delaware.

touring materials, start at the Dorchester County Visitor Center in Cambridge, Maryland. The Harriet Tubman Museum and Educational Center opened in Cambridge four years ago.

Not far away, slave auctions took place outside the Italianate Dorchester County Courthouse, built in 1854, and its 1852 predecessor, destroyed by fire. Inside this courthouse, a free Black man, Samuel Green, was given a 10-year prison sentence for owning the anti-slavery novel, Uncle Tom’s Cabin.

A memorial garden in Cambridge honors Tubman with murals painted by her descendant Charles Ross.

At the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center in Church Creek, 10 minutes away, a film and exhibits detail Tubman’s life. Visitors learn that her early love of the outdoors and life of hard work, including driving mules, timbering and farming, later gave her insight and survival skills to escape, aid others, and become a Civil War Union nurse, spy and suffragist.

The adjacent Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge is a wild expanse of the natural elements that Tubman and others navigated. In the refuge, they foraged for food in the wetlands, dense woods and muskrat lodges.

Historic buildings help tell the story One of the byway’s most popular stops, the Bucktown Village Store, stands mostly unchanged today. (The store, now a small museum and gift shop, is currently closed due to the pandemic.)

Here Tubman witnessed an enslaved field hand break free of his master. When the “owner” demanded that Tubman help with the capture, she refused, and he struck Tubman in the head, cracking her skull and leaving her with seizures and headaches for the rest of her life.

The tour route takes visitors north to several sites from the 1800s, including the Jacob and Hannah Leverton House in Preston, a Quaker abolitionist haven.

At Preston’s Linchester Mill, a waterpowered grist mill with a post office, general store and several safe houses, people could get the latest news. The town’s Mount Pleasant Cemetery was likely a meeting place for fugitives.

In Denton, the William Still Family Interpretive Center honors the Still family’s struggle for freedom. Still documented more than 1,000 escapes, compiling in 1871 one of the most authentic existing records of the Underground Railroad.

See RAILROAD, page 22

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Leisure & Travel

BALTIMORE BEACON — SEPTEMBER 2021

21

Some offbeat attractions close to home

By Victor Block While the Statue of Liberty stands as America’s most famous symbol, our country’s character can also be found in its quirky roadside monuments: the world’s largest ball of twine, a corn palace, giant dinosaur statues, and buildings that resemble shoes, bugs or coffee pots.

For your next day trip, consider a few overlooked destinations in our region (including some right here in Baltimore): ships that sailed in Maryland's waterways centuries ago, for instance, or giant floats that have appeared in inaugural parades and the Rose Bowl.

We have some wonderful, welcoming — and, in some cases, downright weird — places to visit without driving far from home.

um of Dentistry, appropriately located near the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery.

Among some 40,000 objects that trace the history of the profession are historic dental chairs, instruments that were used on Queen Victoria, and George Washington’s lower dentures — which, despite legend to the contrary, were fashioned primarily from ivory, not wood (dental.umaryland.edu/museum).

Along with breakfast classics and Southern staples, the Papermoon Diner serves up a colorful collection of quirky decorations that it touts as “living art” (others may call it pop-culture kitsch).

Mannequins lean against walls and lounge on the lawn. Plastic toys, carousel horses and a collection of Pez paraphernalia help to transform a place to eat into a feast for the eyes as well (papermoondiner24.com).

After eating, floss. That’s one of many messages imparted at the National Muse-

Baltimore’s eclectic treasures In Curtis Creek, a unique collection of ruined ships rises from the water’s surface.

As their useful lives ended, they were unceremoniously dumped along the shoreline.

Among the residents of the ship graveyard are several wooden World War I freighters, a sidewheel steamer and several houseboats.

The most notable ship, a three-masted schooner known as the William T. Parker, was abandoned in the 19th century off the coast of North Carolina and drifted all the way to Maine. To see the vessels, rent a boat or kayak, park at the nearby Jaws Marina, or glimpse them from the I-695 bridge nearby (gofishbaltimore.com).

When you get hungry, stop at a unique diner near the Baltimore Museum of Art.

See OFFBEAT, page 22

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Railroad

SEPTEMBER 2021 — BALTIMORE BEACON

Frederick Douglass also led people on the Underground Railroad near Rochester, New York. Douglass was born into slavery around 1818 in Talbot County on Mary-

land’s Eastern Shore. He became a bank president, statesman, lecturer and author.

To learn more about Douglass, visit the Talbot County Courthouse in Easton, where Douglass was jailed in 1836 after he attempted to escape from his plantation.

In addition, visitors can see the Banneker-Douglass Museum in Annapolis, and

Offbeat

mon feature of circus sideshows, where it was presented as a real animal.

From page 20

Another conductor: Frederick Douglass

From page 21 Frightening teeth are among the exhibits at Protean Books & Records, located in a local warehouse. A real book store, it’s also where Dr. Gloom’s Crypt of Curiosities displays a collection of morbid artifacts, like ghastly recreations of cryptids, mummified remains and a representation of Barnum’s sharp-toothed Fifi mermaid.

That fraudulent creature has the torso and head of a monkey attached to the back half of a fish, and in years past was a com-

Parade floats in Virginia Although Shenandoah Caverns in Virginia (near Luray Caverns) is well known, its adjacent warehouse, the American Celebration on Parade, gets less attention. But visitors to the red-carpeted warehouse will be impressed by the enormous floats that had a few hours of glory before being laid to rest.

In addition to the elaborate parade floats, including from Presidential Inaugurals and Rose Bowl parades, the facility

Douglass’s home, Cedar Hill, in Washington, D.C., where he lived from 1878 until his death in 1895.

To help your search The Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway has a list of all 45 sites on the self-guided tour: harriettubmanbyway.org.

Some sites may be closed during the pandisplays models ranging from a miniature U.S. Capitol building and Iwo Jima Memorial to a 20-foot pelican playing a banjo and a 30-foot genie (shenandoahcaverns.com).

Open through Labor Day.

Another unbelievable creature, the Mothman, is celebrated in the heart of West Virginia. At the Mothman Museum in Point Pleasant, visitors can learn about the birdlike humanoid that residents claimed to have seen in the mid-1960s.

They reported sightings of a large,

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gray-winged creature with glowing red eyes. The Mothman Museum displays police reports of eyewitness accounts, newspaper articles about the sightings, and a statue of the alleged creature itself (mothmanmuseum.com).

West Virginia’s Mothman

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demic, so call ahead.

Make a reservation for the Harriet Tubman Visitor Center in Church Creek, open Thursday through Sunday, at bit.ly/Tubmanreservations.

The National Park Service’s National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom lists more than 650 locations in 40 states. Visit bit.ly/exploreugrr.

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

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Offbeat buildings and museums Einstein’s brain, Ulysses S. Grant’s fatal tumor, and other medical samples are part of the massive collection of the National Museum of Health and Medicine in Silver Spring, Maryland.

Established in 1862 by U.S. Surgeon General William Hammond, who asked physicians to send him “specimens of morbid anatomy…together with projectiles and foreign bodies removed,” the museum displays grim anatomical accidents as well as historic artifacts such as a 1660 microscope. Relocated 10 times, the museum has been located in the Army’s Forest Glen Annex since 2011 (medicalmuseum.mil).

Other buildings that in themselves are oddities are worth a visit.

The Markel Building in Richmond has the dubious distinction of having been included on a list of “The World’s 10 Ugliest Buildings.” That’s no surprise to those who have seen the circular edifice, whose top three floors are sheathed in a single piece of crinkled aluminum. The building’s designer conceived the idea at an American Institute of Architects dinner, where he was served a baked potato (architeturerichmond.com).

While smaller, the O Mansion in downtown Washington, D.C. has more to offer in terms of chic charm. The 1892 building houses a boutique hotel, museum, gourmet dining room and event venue under a single roof.

Its eccentric interior styling includes rooms individually decorated with antiques and fine art, and dozens of hidden secret doors. It even has a room that served as temporary home for civil rights activist Rosa Parks.

The museum displays a diverse collection of art, sculpture and memorabilia (omansion.com).

Before you visit any of these sites, call ahead to check for hours or pandemic restrictions.

BEACON BITS

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

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The Children’s Home is collecting back-to-school supplies for vulnerable kids across Maryland.

Learn about three ways to give and ensure students have the tools they need to succeed in school this year by visiting thechildrenshome.net or calling (410) 744-7310.

Say you saw it in the Beacon

BALTIMORE BEACON — SEPTEMBER 2021

Style

23

Arts &

Read these three novels by talented older writers. See reviews on page 24.

Prolific children’s author now a novelist The birth of a writer Allette wrote her first book at age 10 because, she said, “I didn’t see myself in books. I was invisible, so I wanted to write about a Black girl. The story was called ‘What Will I Be?’ I rewrote it 40 years later, and it was published as a children’s book.”

Another nudge toward a writing life for the then-12-year-old Dawne was a birthday present of the complete works of William Shakespeare.

“I was very upset,” she said. “But it was a present from an uncle and an aunt, so I had to read it.”

And guess what? “I actually enjoyed it!” she said. Her favorites were Othello and Macbeth, whom she fell for because he was “a grown man, a king, who allows his wife, Lady Macbeth, to coerce him into committing a dastardly act although he was not in agreement. I found it fascinating at a young age the power that one human can have over another.”

She added: “And the words. They sounded fantastic! Like [the witches] in Macbeth: ‘Double, double, toil and trouble.’

I still find myself using these words when I get into a pickle.”

First novel; more on the way Her first novel, Mango Samba, published in 2019, follows the life of an unhappily married pediatric nurse from Baltimore who, while on a cruise, contemplates jumping overboard, then decides that “the Caribbean Sea was too beautiful a place in which to die.”

PHOTO BY PARK SCHOOL

By Robert Friedman Author Dawne Allette — born 70 years ago on the island of Grenada and a Baltimore resident for the past 33 years — became a writer to contribute stories she felt were missing.

“I started writing because, when I was a little girl in the Caribbean, all the books were about little white girls like Cinderella and Goldilocks. One was nutty enough to wear shoes made of glass, and the other was a felon,” Allette said in an interview with the Beacon.

Allette, who lives in Roland Park, is also a part-time stand-up comedian (as you might have guessed already), sculptor, painter and mosaic-maker.

“I write,” she said, “because it’s a natural thing for me. I breathe. I write. If I don’t write, I’m liable to have an uprising in my brain caused by all the stories that are clamoring around waiting to be told. I call my stories ‘noisy tenants.’”

So far, Allette’s published works include five children’s books; three books for young readers, including two biographies (one of former President Obama, the other of former First Lady Michelle Obama) and a soon-tobe-released book about Baltimore resident Henrietta Lacks; a memoir, and a novel that features, among other things, a U.S. invasion of a Caribbean island not unlike Grenada.

On nights off, Allette has also appeared in front of the stand-up mike in Baltimorearea clubs like Magooby’s Joke House in Timonium.

Born in Grenada and now 70, Baltimore author Dawne Allette has published several children’s books and biographies for young readers. Her most recent book is a novel titled Mango Samba, and her biography of Henrietta Lacks will be published this fall.

Instead, the nurse settles on a Caribbean island “where the people rival the fauna for color and improbability.” So, improbably, she falls in love with a fisherman, has a son,

and gets involved in a revolution against a corrupt dictator.

See WRITER, page 25

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24

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

SEPTEMBER 2021 — BALTIMORE BEACON

Timeless fiction offered by older authors These three novels are set, respectively, in However, Jack stands alone on its own the past, present and future. Their charac- merits. You needn’t have read the other ters confront crises that resbooks in the series to be enonate with readers no matter thralled by the storytelling the era. prowess of the author.

Jack: A Novel, by MariThe Tunnel: A Novel, by lynne Robinson, 320 pages, A. B. Yehoshua, translated Farrar, Straus & Giroux

by Stuart Schoffman, 336 hardcover, 2020, Picador pages, Houghton Mif flin paperback, 2021 Harcourt hardcover, 2020, This story unfolds with a sepaperback, 2021. quence of incidents on the Tzvi Luria is a retired engihomefront during WWII as exneer who is in the early stages perienced by Jack, a white man, THE of dementia. He and his wife, BIBLIOPHILE and Della, the Black woman he Dina, live in Tel Aviv, Israel.

By Dinah Rokach His neurologist advises the loves. Segregation lurks in the retired Tzvi to remain active background, never far removed from the day-to-day lives of the protagonists. physically and mentally and not succumb The two live in a society that promotes to — but fight — the beginning signs of dementia, which are visible on his brain scan. racism and enforces Jim Crow laws.

The author, septuagenarian Marilynne Dina is the driving force that arranges Robinson, has written three previous novels to find him an unsalaried part-time posiabout the Boughton and Ames families. Jack tion in his old department at the Israeli is chronologically second in the series after Roads Authority.

Gilead, which was awarded the Pulitzer The Tunnel tells the story of the misadPrize for fiction in 2005. ventures that beset Tzvi as he returns to

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his old stomping grounds in an advisory capacity. It is a tale, told with humor, irony and imagination, of how the aged confront their limitations.

An error or misstep by a young person would be readily dismissed without much ado. But when committed by the septuagenarian protagonist, it is perceived as another step down a long bleak road from which there is no hope of recovery.

Readers will enjoy following the interaction between generations, the deep love alternating with petty contention between long-married couples, and the cord that binds parents and their adult offspring.

The bureaucratic intricacies of governments the world over will resonate. The depiction of the humanity exhibited among individuals from different cultures whose leaders are in conflict in the Middle East is heartwarming.

Take a tour of Tel Aviv and the Negev desert in the south through the author’s descriptive writing. Follow Tzvi as he cannily and happily escapes the confines of his wife’s close surveillance while she is abroad on a business trip.

A.B. Yehoshua is an octogenarian who has been called the Israeli Faulkner. This is his 12th novel.

2034: A Novel of the Next World War, by Elliot Ackerman and Admiral

James Stavridis, USN (Ret.), 320 pages, Penguin Press hardcover, 2021 Escape into the future for a thrilling adventure as the U.S. military confronts evil forces in the Pacific and the Persian Gulf.

Needless to say, future warfare will be dominated by electronic communications and navigational guidance. Women will hold important decision-making positions in the military and political spheres. Tactical nuclear arms are in the arsenal, ready to be deployed. Some things haven’t changed: Vladimir Putin, now in his 80s, still rules Russia.

Characters exhibit the full range of human behavior — betrayal and loyalty, arrogance and wisdom, survival mode and gofor-broke bravado, cowardice and bravery.

Friendships that go back decades are the glue that attempts to stop the runaway train of events from disaster. The doomsday scenario is exploited for all its suspense, and the human element adds a twist to the denouement.

Novelist Elliot Ackerman, 41, is a parttime resident of D.C. who served eight years in the Marines. Co-author retired Admiral James Stavridis is in his mid-60s.

Stavidris remains active as a consultant, media analyst and public speaker. This is his first work of fiction.

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Say you saw it in the Beacon | Arts & Style

BALTIMORE BEACON — SEPTEMBER 2021

Writer From page 23 In her latest children’s book, Wellington Willoby Weeks, a character has a magic globe that enables him to travel anywhere. His first trip is to a Brazilian rainforest, where he learns and hopes to pass on the message of how important rainforests are for the survival of humans and everything else.

Allette notes that the best thing about Wellington’s adventures is that he always gets home before his mother notices that he is gone.

While Allette plans to continue writing novels, she will “always get back to children’s books because children who read as children become adults who read as adults,” she said.

Allette’s memoir, Alligator Shoes: Confessions of a Helicopter Mom, is “a collection of stories about raising a little boy who wanted to be a doctor and scientist, and is now a doctor and a neuroscientist,” she said. (The doctor-scientist in question, she

noted, was not named because he would rather stay out of the literary limelight.)

BEACON BITS

A world traveler

Learn about the USS Constitution’s humanitarian mission to deliver food and supplies to Ireland in this event that takes place Sat., Aug. 28 at 7:30 p.m. Conor Conneally will give a talk on the historic ship to mark the 141st anniversary of its arrival in the port town of Cobh. To learn more and purchase $10 tickets, visit bit.ly/EveningMarinerSeries.

Although Allette was born and raised in Grenada, she spent many years in London, followed by a move to Brooklyn. She has also lived in Iran, in other parts of the Middle East and in Europe.

Allette used to work as a literary program facilitator for the Baltimore Public Schools, encouraging children to read and write. She also taught creative writing classes to adults.

Though she likes it here, “I always return once a year to Grenada,” Allette said.

“Grenada is my real home. It’s where the best mangoes are…where the sun caresses you every day, and the Caribbean Sea lulls you to sleep every night. But mostly, I go home to escape winter’s cold embrace.”

Dawne Allette will read an excerpt from her novel Mango Samba at The Ivy Bookshop at 7 p.m. on Tues., Sept. 21. The Ivy Bookshop is located at 5928 Falls Road in Baltimore. For more information, call (410) 377-2966.

BEACON BITS

Sept. 9

25

Aug. 28

Thursdays

ABOARD THE CONSTITUTION

ART AND SOUND AT THE WALTERS

The Walters Art Museum presents a unique, free program on its Facebook page and YouTube channel every Thursday from 5:30 to 6 p.m. On Aug. 26, the artist Upendo will perform a 20-minute concert inspired by the Egyptian Gallery and all the work in the Walters by Black artists or about Black people. This free online event is open to the public. For more information, visit thewalters.org or call (410) 547-9000.

ANSWERS TO CROSSWORD

FROM PAGE 26 ANSWERS TO SCRABBLE

VIRTUAL TOUR OF ARTIST’S STUDIO Enjoy a free virtual happy hour with the American Visionary Art Museum. Tour the studio of artist Betsy Youngquist, who uses

beads to transform found objects into gorgeous sculpture. This event takes place Thurs., Sept. 9 from 7 to 8 p.m. For more information and to RSVP, visit bit.ly/ArtistHappyHour.

C O D A

A B E D

G O P O S R E T B R A S A L

B O F F O

U N I O N S

N E B U L A

Y E A R O M A I R S T S A E K E E R E R D A G

O N T O

M A M M A E M M I E A E R M A L D I M S A A N

A H A S A L E N T S G O T G O A E N T P L A L C R E Z O O E N T A D D C O P T E N S I G E S G S T

N U T E T A L T O R E P T A P I A N L A N S I A S E S B R A T L I T Y E L A B C O N A L O K R A H A N D

Learning Never Stops Join us for a Virtual Open House Friday, September 10, 10am Online via ZOOM Stay sharp, renew, refresh with Senior Adventures in Learning at CCBC.

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RSVP. Send your email address to Melinda Bynog at mbynog@ccbcmd.edu to receive your ZOOM link.

26

SEPTEMBER 2021 — BALTIMORE BEACON

Subscribe online! See how below

Crossword Puzzle

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

2

3

By Stephen Sherr

4

5

13 18

20

21 24

10

22 27

35

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51 55

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69

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66

12

29

39

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28 33

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Scrabble answers on p. 25.

8

19

25

34

46

7

14

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30

6

57

58

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68

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Across

Down

1. Cautious with information 5. Largest city in Nebraska 10. Crackpot 13. Common woodwind instrument 14. Like a bad singer's American Idol audition 15. Latin list shortener 17. Where Kim Cattrall came to life in Mannequin 20. Fuss 21. Dutch uncle (or a comment from a cow walking backwards) 22. "Cat ___ your tongue?"

23. Org. that runs a school's Fall Festival 24. Snugger than Lar. or Med. 26. Fifth word of the Sgt. Pepper's album 28. Beelike 30. Nest eggs 34. Items in Bare Necessities' inventory 35. A thousand thous 36. He said "I am the astronaut of boxing; Joe Louis and Dempsey were just jet pilots" 37. Hypersaline body of water 39. Results of poor luggage packing 43. Just the vowels in "BRACELET" 44. It has lions and tigers and bears 45. One who will not inherit from Willy Wonka 46. Extreme defense mechanism 51. Singleton 52. Put two and two together 53. Animation frame 54. White lie 55. Maturity 57. Make a choice 59. Brady Bunch network 62. Including time and space 66. Eye ___ (TV show originally called Eyewitness Los Angeles) 67. Wise guys 68. Ingredient in Campbell's Chicken Gumbo Soup 69. Droop 70. Lack of serenity 71. Game piece for Rock Paper Scissors

1. Post-credit scene 2. Waiting for the next snooze alarm 3. Lose one's temper 4. Positive vote 5. "Hold ___ your hat" 6. Number two song on ABBA Number Ones 7. End of an enzyme 8. "I'll be there in a sec" 9. Cher, vocally 10. Cast a wide ___ 11. Perfect world 12. Kilt design 16. Tilts southward (as Pisa's tower) 18. Excited crowd sound 19. Combine all the receipts together 25. Whoopsie 27. Shaving cream alternative 29. Easy to manipulate 30. Goal line TD scorers 31. Historic time 32. Arab ruler 33. 78-card deck 38. Boil over with rage 39. Accepts bad behavior 40. Island nation called "the teardrop of India" 41. Word between dogs 42. Pigpen 44. Letter to Queen Elizabeth 46. Successful, theatrically 47. Marriages 48. Giant cloud in space 49. Lunatic 50. When Romeo met Juliet 56. The Simpson's middle child 58. "hey... buddy..."

60. "The hay is in the ___" 61. Dressed 63. Scandal sheet 64. Ingredient in brioche bread pudding 65. Sound repeated 188 times in Don't Worry, Be Happy

Answers on page 25.

Say you saw it in the Beacon

BALTIMORE BEACON — SEPTEMBER 2021

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

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

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Health DENTAL INSURANCE from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for 350 plus procedures. Real dental insurance - NOT just a discount plan. Do not wait! Call now! Get your FREE Dental Information Kit with all the details! 1-844366-1003 www.dental50plus.com/320 #6258.

MOBILEHELP, America’s Premier Mobile Medical Alert System. Whether You’re Home or Away. For Safety and Peace of Mind. No Long Term Contracts! Free Brochure! Call Today! 1240-650-9189 PORTABLE OXYGEN CONCENTRATOR May Be Covered by Medicare! Reclaim independence and mobility with the compact design and long-lasting battery of Inogen One. Free information kit! Call 855-851-0949.

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

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

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

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

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

Wanted

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

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

MONEY, TIME TO SELL! CALL GREG, 1717-658-7954. We buy sterling silver flatware, jewelry, gold, silver, coins, watches, paper money, antiques, toys, bottles, comic books, records, pottery, art glass, vintage military and old sporting items (baseball, football and boxing) just about anything old. Make the right choice! You have something to sell give me a call. Greg 1-717-658-7954

TV/Cable

***COLLECTIBLES WANTED - Comics Toys and Astronomy Gear*** Mature Experienced collector - Covid Safe - Fair prices paid - Free estimates. Comics, older vintage toys - Astronomy telescopes and accessories. Contact Ben 301-310-8055, dinfoguy@gmail.com

DISH NETWORK. $64.99 for 190 Channels!

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

1-844-560-5837.

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

Home/Handyman Services

Wanted

WE CAN FIX ANYTHING! 3 generations of builders, cabinet makers, remodelers and crafters completing kitchens, baths and additions got us to this point. If it’s broken, disassembled, ugly, out of date, needs replacement or renewal: please call Bob at R. W. Wood Improvements: 410.294.2800. MHIC 92322. It it’s electronics or computes, we suggest you contact your grandchildren.

HOBBY COLLECTOR LOOKING TO BUY 45 RPM RECORD “JUST THE WAY YOU ARE” by The Marlettes (not the Glasgow Scotland group); also “TEARS IN MY EYES” by the Magic Tones (please do not contact me about TRUE TONES record). Call 443/703-6595

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

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

Ongoing

DON’T LET THE STAIRS LIMIT YOUR MOBILITY! Discover the ideal solution for anyone who struggles on the stairs, is concerned about a fall or wants to regain access to their entire home. Call AmeriGlide today! 1866-365-5170

Fridays

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

Top prices paid, Vaccinated & COVID Safe.

CALL FRED 301-910-0783.

Thank you for reading the Beacon!

BEACON BITS DEMENTIA FRIENDS

Join a support group, Dementia Friends, to better understand dementia. One-hour virtual sessions take place the first Friday of each month at 1 p.m. and the third Thursday of each month at 10 a.m. Visit dffairfax.org for more information.

OPEN STUDIO

Make art inspired by the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery.

Every Friday from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., the museum will post weekly art workshops on YouTube with new activities and techniques.

For more information, visit bit.ly/SIOpenStudio.

We thank our advertisers who make our publication possible.

Please patronize them and let them know you saw their ad in the Beacon!

Clinical Research Studies

Home Health Care/Companion Services

Depression/Memory Study . . . . . . . .13 Diabetes Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 HIPS Fall Prevention Study . . . . . . . .13 Knee Pain Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Sleep Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Stroke Survivors Study . . . . . . . . . . .13

Heavenly Home Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Home Instead Senior Care . . . . . . . . . .7 Options for Senior America . . . . . . . .21

Events

Peak Custom Remodeling . . . . . . . . . .3

Beacon 50+Expo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 CCBC Virtual Open House . . . . . . . .25

Funeral Services Cremation Society of Maryland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Highview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 MacNabb Funeral Home . . . . . . . . . .18

Health Keswick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1, 8

Home Improvement Housing Charlestown/Erickson . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Charter Senior Living . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Christ Church Harbor Apts . . . . . . . .18 Enterprise Residential . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Oak Crest/Erickson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Park View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Pickersgill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 St. Mary’s Roland View Towers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Virginia Towers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Warren Place . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 Zen Apartments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

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Government Services

Subscriptions

Maryland Relay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

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

Legal Services

Technology

Mid-Atlantic ADA Center . . . . . . . . .11 Moss Disability Group . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Computer Doctors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 TechMedic4u . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Real Estate

Theater

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

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

Retail

Travel

Ken Dychtwald Book . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Perfect Sleep Chair . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Radio Flea Market . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 Wilkens Beltway Plaza . . . . . . . . . . .18 Zoomer Chair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

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

Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Manor Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 St. Elizabeth Rehabilitation & Nursing Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Volunteers & Careers AARP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Baltimore County Dept of Economic & Workforce Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 UMD Leadership Institute . . . . . . . . . .7

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SEPTEMBER 2021 — BALTIMORE BEACON

Subscribe online! See how on p. 26

RETURNING THIS FALL

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

In-person Expos

NEW LOCATION

Springfield, Va. Sunday, Oct. 17, 2021

Bethesda, Md. Sunday, Oct. 24, 2021

Springfield Town Center

Westfield Montgomery Mall

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

Online Expo

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

2021 PRESENTED BY

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

ATTN: Businesses and nonprofits: To sponsor or exhibit at either or both in-person Expos and/or at our virtual Expo, call (410) 248-9101 or speak with your Beacon advertising representative.

SILVER SPONSORS

BRONZE SPONSORS