October 2016 | Howard County Beacon by The Beacon Newspapers

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Flood doesn’t drown most dreams

Resolved to return Baltimore native Shea-Cohen has had an antiques store on Main Street since 2000. In 2013, she expanded the business and moved to the lower part of the street, which got hit by more flood waters than anywhere else. “I [left] the store at 6 p.m., closing time. Everything happened just a little after that. If I would have been there when the storm hit, I’m sure I would have tried to move things, and I would have been trapped.

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PHOTO COURTESY OF JOAN EVE SHEA-COHEN

By Robert Friedman “I’ve lost everything — furniture, jewelry, glassware, sterling, crystal chandeliers — I’m lucky to be alive. But I’m going back. Absolutely.” Those are the words of Joan Eve SheaCohen, the 73-year-old owner of the Classics and Collectibles antique shop, which was left in shambles — like so many other businesses along Main Street in Ellicott City — after the devastating July 30 flood. Shea-Cohen’s words are being echoed by just about all the other Ellicott City entrepreneurs and residents forced from their business and living quarters, according to Maureen Sweeney Smith, executive director of the Ellicott City Partnership. The organization represents the businesses in the city’s Old Town, where the flood caused the most damage. “I would say that 90 percent of the people affected by the flood are determined to come back,” Sweeney Smith said. A few have said, ‘See you later.’ But for the most part, people want to come back.” A total of 90 businesses and 190 residents in 107 households were affected by the flood that ravaged Old Town, and its Main Street in particular, she said. The massive rainfall that caused the devastating flash flood has been described as a 1-in-1,000-year event. The storm killed two people and dumped 6.5 inches of rain on Ellicott City in about three hours, according to the National Weather Service. The flood claimed another victim on Sept. 8, when John Peter Pacylowski Jr., 67, owner of the store Precious Gifts, died after a fall from scaffolding while making repairs to his flood-damaged store. The store has been on Main Street since 1991.

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Joan Eve Shea-Cohen stands in her Classics and Collectibles shop on Ellicott City’s Main Street in a photo taken before it was devastated by a flood on July 30. She, like many other business owners, is now in the midst of the arduous process of clearing out the damage and rebuilding. At least 90 businesses and 190 residents suffered significant losses from the 6.5 inches of rain that fell in just three hours.

“There would have been no way out. A car crashed through the window, and the water [apparently] came through like Niagara Falls. I’m lucky to be alive,” she recounted. Nevertheless, Shea-Cohen said she will return to the same location once it is fixed up. “I have a wonderful landlord and wonderful customers,” she said. Robin Holliday, owner of the now-shuttered HorseSpirit Art Gallery, also on lower Main Street, said she was not going anywhere else to fulfill her lifelong passion to own an art gallery. “I gave up my job of 26 years in national security,” said the 54-year-old Holliday. “All my life I’ve wanted an art gallery. The flood is not going to get me down.” She noted that her landlord “has been very good to us,” and already has replaced

the heating and cooling system, ripped out ruined dry wall and replaced the floor. Holliday said she planned to reopen by the end of September.

Insurance woes Like many of the Ellicott City business people who suffered flood damage, Holliday appears to be having a difficult time with her insurance company She told the Beacon that she bought a policy that covers $150,000 in damages, but the company told her the policy would only pay $2,500 in flood damages. She has filed a complaint with the state and hired a lawyer. “We’ve had about $55,000 in damages to the art on the first floor” of the two-story See FLOOD, page 10

ARTS & STYLE

New cultural center on tap for Columbia; plus, how to start a book club with your grandchildren page 34

FITNESS & HEALTH k New dissolving stent k Early clues to dementia

THE 50+ CONNECTION 17 k Newsletter from Howard County Office on Aging and Independence LAW & MONEY 25 k Coping with low interest rates k Protect yourself against scams ADVERTISER DIRECTORY

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Head in the clouds It used to be, if you said someone “had ers can be hacked. But how likely is that, his head in the clouds,” you meant his we ask ourselves? And we can, if we choose, utilize various means mind was elsewhere; he wasof protecting our data with n’t paying attention. passwords, firewalls, security Nowadays, when people software and the like. speak of “the cloud,” they are But what if we are running talking about computers, out of computer or smartwebsites, software and digital phone memory? We are frestorage that are maintained elsewhere, but available for quently urged to move our us to use through the Interdigital files into the cloud. net. This amalgam of cloud Uploading our photos to a services has become the website not only lets us place where many of us store delete them from our personFROM THE our personal information, al devices. It offers additional PUBLISHER family photos, financial and benefits: We can easily allow By Stuart P. Rosenthal tax history, and more. friends (or even strangers) to Unfortunately, some of us view our photos at will. have our heads in the clouds, too. The same is often true of our personal Let me take a step back and explain medical and financial information. As we what I mean. get older, we might be asked to keep a list Many aspects of our lives have become of our medications and doctors, our living “digital” today. We don’t take pictures will and powers of attorney, on a website using cameras with film. We capture im- that can be shared with certain family ages on our smartphones or digital cam- members and medical professionals, so the eras and view them there, or on our com- people who care about us (and may one puters, when we like. day need to care for us) can have ready acWe don’t do our taxes by hand and keep cess to the information they would need loads of files. We use a software program should we become incapacitated. As a result, we might become careless that makes it far simpler and keeps our about maintaining our paper records or data from one year to the next. Yes, we know our phones and comput- our own computer.

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The Beacon is a monthly newspaper dedicated to inform, serve, and entertain the citizens of Howard County, Md. and is privately owned. Other editions serve Greater Baltimore, Md., Greater Washington DC, and Greater Palm Springs, Calif. Subscriptions are available via third-class mail ($12), prepaid with order. Maryland residents add 6 percent for sales tax. Send subscription order to the office listed below. Publication of advertising contained herein does not necessarily constitute endorsement. Signed columns represent the opinions of the writers, and not necessarily the opinion of the publisher. • Publisher/Editor ....................Stuart P. Rosenthal • Associate Publisher ..............Judith K. Rosenthal • Vice President, Operations........Gordon Hasenei • Director of Sales ................................Alan Spiegel • Assistant Operations Manager ..........Roger King • Managing Editor............................Barbara Ruben • Art Director ........................................Kyle Gregory • Advertising Representatives ........Doug Hallock, ......................Steve Levin, M.K. Phillips, Paul Whipple • Editorial Assistant ........................Rebekah Sewell

The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915 (410) 248-9101 • Email: info@thebeaconnewspapers.com Submissions: The Beacon welcomes reader contributions. Deadline for editorial and advertising is the 1st of the month preceding the month of publication. See page 39 for classified advertising details. Please mail or email all submissions.

Businesses (and governments as well) make use of online services and websites to maintain information about their customers, their employees, their stockholders, etc. In addition, they frequently use the cloud in carrying out essential functions: our nation’s electric grid and long-distance service rely heavily on satellites and the Internet, as do many aspects of our military communications. The individual and societal benefits are great. But the risks are also very serious. We have not yet developed a way to keep digital information — whether on our computers or in the cloud — truly safe from hackers or disgruntled employees who want to steal our data and disseminate, manipulate or sell it to others. The victims of these thefts are not just ordinary individuals who lack technical knowledge. They include Target, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, the Democratic National Committee, and even the National Security Agency. And as for our satellites, China has demonstrated (using one of its own) that they can be destroyed by a missile. As individuals, we cannot really do anything about this pervasive shift on the part of business and government, other than to continually press our legislators and other leaders to secure these systems as much as possible, and develop backups that can function in an emergency. But as individuals, we don’t have to make ourselves needlessly vulnerable. We should not trust the cloud to be the only place where we access or store important information. As long as we maintain either a physical copy of our data, or a digital backup on a hard drive or flash drive, it may make sense to maintain a backup of important information in the cloud. After all, a house fire can destroy all our precious tax records and photo albums, too. But sometimes there is no way to hold

onto a backup of the data we upload, or to retrieve the reports that software in the cloud creates for us. I speak from experience. Some years ago, the Beacon’s first website, may it rest in peace, was part of a national senior organization that created and hosted it — together with those of many other senior publications — on their website. In exchange, we advertised the parent site in the Beacon. One day, the Beacon’s website suddenly disappeared. When I called, panicked, to find out what had happened, I was told that, unfortunately, there had been a “catastrophic failure” of our site. I noted that the rest of their website, on which we had been housed, seemed just fine, and then I asked about their backup. Oh, he said, “believe it or not” (and I didn’t), their backup failed at the same time, meaning we could no longer access any of the material we had painstakingly uploaded over a period of years onto their site. Of course what really had failed was their honesty and their will to continue providing the service. With not so much as a day’s notice, or any effort to back up our information or provide it to us in another form, they closed us down. It took months and tremendous effort to create a new website from scratch. This experience gave me a taste of what it would be like were the Internet to be “down” for a considerable period of time, or were a site in the cloud to be hacked and disabled. As a result, I am highly reluctant to rely on any software or storage that exists solely in the cloud. I am not a Luddite. I wouldn’t recommend avoiding or pulling out from all the beneficial software and cloud platforms that perform highly useful functions at a reasonable cost. But we need to understand the risks involved, and take whatever precautions we See FROM THE PUBLISHER, page 35

Letters to the editor Readers are encouraged to share their opinion on any matter addressed in the Beacon as well as on political and social issues of the day. Mail your Letter to the Editor to The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915, or e-mail to barbara@thebeaconnewspapers.com. Please include your name, address and telephone number for verification.

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Oct. 4

COLUMBIA HOUSING INTERGRATION

The Columbia Association is presenting a program on “Sustaining Racial Integration in Housing in Columbia” on Tuesday, Oct. 4 at 7 p.m. at the Owen Brown Community Center, 6800 Cradlerock Way, Columbia. To learn more or to register in advance, call Scott Templin at (410) 715-3166 or email ScottTemplin@ColumbiaAssociation.org.

Oct. 13

BIRD CLUB OFFERS FREE FILM SHOWING

The Messenger, a 90-minute film featuring birds that foretell impending environmental changes, will be shown at the Robinson Nature Center, 6692 Cedar Ln., Columbia. The program, sponsored by the Howard County Bird Club, is free and open to the public, beginning at 7:30 p.m. with a half hour social, followed by the film at 8 p.m. For more information, visit www.howardbirds.org.

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Fitness &

Health

NEW CLUES TO DEMENTIA Behavioral changes may signal dementia years ahead of memory loss EXERCISE AND CANCER People who are physically active are less likely to develop cancer DO YOU HAVE SLEEP APNEA? A study is looking at a new implanted device that promotes healthier sleep STOP SHINGLES Get a vaccine to cut the risk of shingles, and treat as soon as you spot a rash

FDA approves new stent that dissolves By Matthew Perrone A medical implant that slowly dissolves into the body could be the answer to longstanding safety concerns with devices used to treat clogged arteries. But not so fast, say experts. Abbott Laboratories’ newly-approved Absorb stent comes with one important caveat: it hasn’t yet been shown to be safer than older metal implants. The Food and Drug Administration approved the device recently for patients with coronary artery disease — the artery-narrowing condition that causes about 370,000 U.S. deaths each year, according to government figures. The new stent is made of a plastic-like material that’s designed to grad-

ually dissolve over three years. Currently-available stents are permanent, metal mesh-wire tubes that hold open arteries after a procedure used to clear fatty plaque. Experts describe Abbott’s device as an important step in finding a better approach to treating the leading cause of death in the U.S. “This is presumably a better technology going forward, at least that’s the theory, but it will take years to prove,” said Dr. George Vetrovec, professor emeritus at Virginia Commonwealth University. Vetrovec was part of an FDA advisory panel of cardiologists who overwhelmingly endorsed the device in March. The Absorb stent, already sold in Europe

and Asia, is made of a degradable material that’s designed to stay intact for one year then break down over the next two years.

Metal stent safety worries Use of metallic stents surged in the early 2000s as a treatment for people who suffered a heart attack or experienced chest pain caused by clogged arteries that restrict blood flow. They are still implanted in about 850,000 U.S. patients annually. But doctors have scaled back their use due to safety concerns, insurance cost-cutting and evidence that they are overused. Studies in 2007 and 2008 suggested that stented arteries faced a higher risk of blood clots, potentially triggering a heart

attack a year or more down the road. Results of another five-year study showed that patients who received stents to treat chest pain fared about as well as those treated with drugs. Amid these concerns, Abbott and others began developing dissolving stents that would slowly melt away like stitches, presumably reducing complications. In the company study submitted to the FDA, patients who got Absorb fared about as well as those receiving Abbott’s older metal stent after one year. But heart-related complications were actually slightly higher with Absorb — 7.8 percent of paSee DISSOLVING STENT, page 5

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H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — O C T O B E R 2 0 1 6

New technique depicts brain synapses

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Researchers who studied Absorb said it may take years before its advantages become clear. Long-term safety results aren’t expected until 2020. “We have good theoretical reasons to believe that by getting rid of the stent [through dissolution], and allowing the coronary artery to restore its normal shape, that will prevent many of those late events,” said Dr. Gregg Stone, of Columbia University Med-

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More than a dozen medical device makers are working on their own dissolving stent technologies. — AP

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tients, versus 6.1 percent of patients with the metal stent. That 1.7 percent difference is not considered statistically significant. Other complications with the new device include allergic reactions, infections and internal bleeding.

$30,000 for stenting procedures, which includes the costs of the stent, medical staff and other equipment and services. Chicago-based Abbott controls a little more than a third of the U.S. stent market.

See NEW TECHNIQUE, page 6

✃

From page 4

But measuring synapses has required autopsies, or occasional attempts during brain surgery. To find a non-invasive approach, the

F R E E

ical Center, who helped conduct the pivotal trial of Absorb. Stone was not paid by Abbott for his work on the trial. Some Wall Street analysts are betting that products like Absorb will allow companies to raise prices and boost revenue. “The key for the stent market will be whether pricing returns to rational levels and the success of the new bio-absorbable stent platforms,” states Evercore ISI analyst Vijay Kumar, in an investment note. He says a “perfect storm of events,” including safety concerns and the economic downturn, led Abbott and competitors Medtronic Inc. and Boston Scientific Corp. to slash prices in recent years. Stent sales fell roughly 30 percent to $4.1 billion in 2014 from 2006 levels, according to Evercore. Abbott said it does not disclose the price of its stents. However, hospitals often bill

Non-invasive approach

Yale-led team developed a radioactive compound, called a tracer, that is injected into the body and binds with a particular protein that is found in the brain’s synapses. The idea: During a PET scan, those synapses appear lit up against dark, synapse-free areas of the brain. Animal testing confirmed the tracer was

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Dissolving stent

Changes in the density of synapses may signal where epilepsy seizures originate. Later in life, synapse loss is associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

I N F O R M AT I O N

bility of one day monitoring synapse function in some common diseases. A healthy human brain harbors trillions of synapses, a number that changes over a lifetime. Early in life, the brain “prunes” the many synapses between neurons so the right number is in each region, a process that can go wrong in disorders such as autism or schizophrenia.

F R E E

By Lauran Neergaard The brain’s nerve cells communicate by firing messages to each other through junctions called synapses. Problems with those connections are linked to disorders like Alzheimer’s and epilepsy. Now Yale University researchers have developed a way to picture synapses in living brains. The technique, using PET scans, is highly experimental, but it raises the possi-

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O C T O B E R 2 0 1 6 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

Behavior changes may precede dementia By Lauran Neergaard Memory loss may not always be the first warning sign that dementia is brewing — changes in behavior or personality might be an early clue. Researchers recently outlined a syndrome called “mild behavioral impairment” that may be a harbinger of Alzheimer’s or other dementias, and proposed a checklist of symptoms to alert doctors and families. Losing interest in favorite activities?

Getting unusually anxious, aggressive or suspicious? Suddenly making crude comments in public? “Historically those symptoms have been written off as a psychiatric issue, or as just part of aging,” said Dr. Zahinoor Ismail of the University of Calgary, who presented the checklist at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in Toronto. Now, “when it comes to early detection, memory symptoms don’t have the corner on the market anymore,” he said.

Alzheimer’s, the most common form of dementia, affects more than 5 million people in the U.S., a number growing as the population ages. It gradually strips people of their memory and the ability to think and reason. But it creeps up, quietly ravaging the brain a decade or two before the first symptoms become noticeable. Early memory problems called “mild cognitive impairment,” or MCI, can raise the risk of later developing dementia, and worsening memory often is the trigger for potential

patients or their loved ones to seek medical help. It’s not uncommon for people with dementia to experience neuropsychiatric symptoms, too — problems such as depression or “sundowning,” agitation that occurs at the end of the day — as the degeneration spreads into brain regions responsible for more than memory. And previous studies have found that people with mild cognitive impairment are at greater

New technique

chiatric diseases,” said Dr. Peter Herscovitch, who directs PET scanning at the National Institutes of Health’s Clinical Center and wasn’t involved in the research. Much more work is needed to make the tracer last longer in the brain — a key if it’s ever to be of use to doctors, cautioned Yale radiology professor Richard Carson, the study’s senior author. But even though it starts disappearing quickly, he said it’s a good tool to research brain function. Stay tuned: Carson’s team has begun using the technique to study Alzheimer’s, to determine if changes in synaptic density over time can help predict that disease’s development. — AP

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targeting synapses. The research team then mapped the density of synapses in the brains of 10 healthy volunteers and three patients with a form of epilepsy. Compared to the healthy brains, the technique revealed lost synapses in the epilepsy-affected regions of those patients’ brains, the researchers reported in the journal Science Translational Medicine. “This work represents a breakthrough in the ability to study an important process in the brain that is not only part of normal brain development, but that also may be involved in several neuropsy-

See DEMENTIA CLUES, page 8

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Dementia clues From page 6 risk of decline if they also suffer more subtle behavioral symptoms.

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What’s new: The concept of pre-dementia “mild behavioral impairment,” or MBI, a term that describes specific changes in someone’s prior behavior that might signal degeneration is starting in brain regions not as crucial for memory, he said. Ismail is part of an Alzheimer’s Association committee tapped to draft a checklist of the symptoms that qualify — new problems that linger at least six months, not temporary symptoms or ones explained by a clear mental health diagnosis or other issues such as bereavement, he stressed. (See below for a checklist of possible symptoms.) If validated, the checklist could help doctors better identify people at risk of

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brewing Alzheimer’s, and study changes over time. “It’s important for us to recognize that not everything’s forgetfulness,” said Dr. Ron Petersen, the Mayo Clinic’s Alzheimer’s research chief. He wasn’t involved in developing the behavior checklist but said it could raise awareness of the neuropsychiatric link with dementia. Technology specialist Mike Belleville of Douglas, Mass., thought stress was to blame when he found himself getting easily frustrated and angry. Normally patient, he began snapping at co-workers and rolling down his window to yell at other drivers, “things I’d never done before,” Belleville said. The final red flag was a heated argument with his wife, Cheryl, who found herself wondering, “Who is this person?” When Mike Belleville didn’t remember the strong words the next morning, the two headed straight for a doctor. Physicians tested for depression and a list of other suspects. Eventually Belleville, now 55, was diagnosed with an early-onset form of dementia. With medication, he no longer gets angry so easily, allowing him to volunteer his computer expertise. “If you see changes, don’t take it lightly and assume it’s stress,” Cheryl Belleville advised. — AP

Warning signs

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The following checklist of symptoms may be a harbinger of Alzheimer’s or other dementias. The symptoms must mark a change from prior behavior and have lasted at least six months. Among the questions: • Has the person lost interest in friends, family or home activities? • Does the person view herself/himself as a burden to family? • Has the person become more anxious or worried about things that are routine, like events, visits? • Does the person feel very tense, having developed an inability to relax, or shakiness, or symptoms of panic? • Has the person become agitated, aggressive, irritable or temperamental? • Does the person hoard objects when she/he did not do so before? • Has the person recently developed trouble regulating smoking, alcohol, drug intake or gambling, or started shoplifting? • Does the person say rude or crude things or make lewd sexual remarks that she/he would not have said before? • Has the person started talking openly about very personal or private matters not usually discussed in public? • Has the person developed beliefs that they are in danger, or that others are planning to harm them or steal their belongings? • Does the person report or act as if seeing things or hearing voices? — AP

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How regular exercise may cut cancer risk By Dr. Howard LeWine Q: It makes sense that regular exercise helps prevent heart disease. But I have also read that it might help prevent cancer. Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the reason? A: Many studies show that people who are physically active are less likely to develop cancer. Such associations donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t prove that exercise prevents cancer. But there are also several potential biological explanations for a protective effect of regular exercise. Adiposity. Fat tissue, especially abdominal fat, increases the levels of cytokines, insulin and a variety of hormones that tend to promote cancer by, in part, spurring cell growth and turnover. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hard to fight the battle of the bulge with exercise alone, but in combination with a good, calorically prudent diet, exercise can help keep the pounds off. Insulin levels. Insulin is the key hormone in blood sugar regulation. Insulin also acts a growth factor by turning on signals that stimulate cell growth. Physical activity helps the body use blood sugar more efficiently. Therefore the pancreas can release less insulin into the blood stream. Lower insulin levels may mean cancer cells get less stimulation to grow out of control. Estrogen levels. Results from a large study of women called the Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Health Initiative showed that, compared to

women who get a lot of exercise, those who reported being sedentary had considerably higher levels of estrone, estradiol and free estradiol. They also had lower levels of sex-hormone-binding globulin, which by attaching to estradiol, makes it less available to target tissue. Results from other studies have shown that breast cancer risk is higher for postmenopausal women with high levels of various sorts of estrogen. Inflammation. Studies have shown that high levels of inflammatory factors such as C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 have been linked to cancer. In some studies (but not all), exercise â&#x20AC;&#x153;cools offâ&#x20AC;? the levels of these inflammatory factors as well as increasing the levels of adiponectin, a natural anti-inflammatory factor. Immune function. Intense exercise can suppress the immune system, so some athletes are susceptible to colds and other upper respiratory functions. But in moderate amounts, exercise results in a stronger, more nimble immune system. How the immune system and cancer are related is complicated, but one hypothesis is that exercise makes the systemâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s natural killer cells more effective, and they seem to play a role in tumor suppression. Howard LeWine, M.D., is an internist at Brigham and Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hospital in Boston

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and assistant professor at Harvard Medical School. For additional consumer health information, please visit www.health.harvard.edu.

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PREPARE NOW FOR FLU SEASON Besides getting a flu shot, several Howard County government

and private health and education organizations are urging residents to prepare for the flu by keeping phone numbers for doctors and weekend urgent care centers by the phone, and storing a weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s supply of water and food in case one is too sick to shop. For more information on precautions and preparations, visit the Community Emergency Response Network of Howard County at www.cernhc.org or the Howard County Health Department, www.hchealth.org.

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Flood From page 1 gallery. “We’re very upset about the insurance company, and we’re not going down without a fight,” she said. Holliday said she may take out a small

business loan to get the gallery going again. She has raised about $17,000 so far through a GoFundMe campaign. (GoFundMe is a “crowdfunding” website that allows individuals to collect donations online for any personal cause.) Shea-Cohen also has a GoFundMe page

O C T O B E R 2 0 1 6 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

that has raised more than $4,200 so far. “I am so grateful to those who are helping the store rebuild,” she said. Steven McDermott — who has owned the Southwest Connection and Fudge Shop on Main Street for 27 years — told the Baltimore Sun that his business interruption insurance policy would result in no payment for the flood. He said he did not buy a specific flood insurance policy because it was too expensive. “If we had a fire or an earthquake or civil unrest, it’s covered. But because it’s a flood, we get nothing,” he said. Tom Shoemaker didn’t believe he needed flood insurance for his Shoemaker Country custom furniture, home furnishings and gifts store on Main Street. The two-story building in which the business was located had undergone a “very strong, solid rebuilding” after a 1999 fire. While the windows withstood the flood, the onrushing waters broke through the two adjoining front doors and filled the

first floor with five feet of water. Shoemaker, who is 71, has been “a continuing part of the Ellicott City community for 15 years.” He and his family opened a smaller arts and crafts store on the street in 2001 before moving in 2003 to their current location. Shoemaker said that he intends to reopen the store, which he owns with wife, Susan, possibly by the end of September or October. “This is a family business” he said, “and as a family and a business we have to keep going.” He noted that he and his sons, John and Michael, will continue to design and build custom furniture while the store is being brought back into shape.

Hoping to be home soon For three comfortable years, Kelly Zimmerman and husband Scott had been living in a large apartment on the top floor above See FLOOD, page 11

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PODIATRIST CONSULTATION Podiatrist Andew Liss will conduct screenings for one or two

areas of concern for participants in a free program from 5 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 25 at the Wellness Center, 10710 Charter Dr., Columbia. Although there is no charge, registration is required. Go to http://events.hcgh.hopkinsmedicine.org or call the center at (410) 740-7601.

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Flood From page 10 the Salon Marielle beauty shop on Main Street. As the flood hit, they felt the building shake, and when they went to their front door, they saw a 12-foot sinkhole. Ellicott City-raised Zimmerman said she didn’t panic. “This was my second flood, and we had contact with neighbors who were going to bring over a ladder,” she said. The ladder did not show, but firemen did. They broke a “two-or-three-foot hole” in the apartment wall and Kelly, Scott and their four cats squeezed through. “The carriers in which we put the cats couldn’t fit through the hole, [so] we had to wrap them in towels,” she said. Zimmerman, who works in marketing, is now also a volunteer at the Ellicott City Partnership. She hopes to move back into her apartment by the end of the month. “I love this town — it’s the people, the community, everyone working side by

side to help everyone else out. I’m not leaving,” she said. Sweeney Smith of Ellicott City Partnership said that, as of the beginning of September, the organization had collected $500,000 in donations that it was starting to give out to Old Town residents and merchants “to get them through the next few weeks. There will be rebuilding funds later.”

Man-made problems? Since 2001, developers have submitted more than 100 proposals to build homes, shopping centers and other buildings over an area of less than three square miles around Ellicott City, and most applications have been approved, the Baltimore Sun reported. Dozens of those developments are near the Tiber and Hudson banks. During July’s flash flood, the Tiber and Hudson tributaries — one of which flows under Main Street before converging with the other — overflowed, putting the down-

debris from Ellicott City’s waterways to reduce the risk of future flooding in the historic Howard County town. “There’s nothing we can do to stop six inches of rain,” County Executive Allan Kittleman said. “But we can have an impact on other storms.” Many storm water improvements will be expedited, he said. In the meantime, he said he was heartened to see the reopening of some businesses. “Step by step, life is returning to Ellicott City. While we still have much work to do, [the] openings are a sign of the progress we are making,” Kittleman said. “I have been saying all along, this recovery effort will take time. But we are grateful for each day’s progress.” Further information from the Ellicott City Partnership is available at www.HelpEllicottCity.com or by calling (410) 579-2594.

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town shopping, dining and residential district in the path of a raging river, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. It found evidence that the Hudson branch rose as much as eight feet in a concrete bed at Rogers Avenue and Frederick Road, where the stream there is normally a trickle. Reports also noted that while Ellicott City flooding used to come from a rising Patapsco River at the bottom of Main Street, floods now come from higher ground because of the increase in development on the hilly terrain overlooking the 244-year-old river town. More development means more pavement, and less soil and plants to absorb water in a rain storm. During July’s flood, waters reportedly pushed 50 cars and about 50 tons of debris into the three tributaries, making a bad situation even worse. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has been busy removing this

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Health Studies Page

O C T O B E R 2 0 1 6 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

THE PLACE TO LOOK FOR INFORMATION ON AREA CLINICAL TRIALS

Join a study of a new sleep apnea device By Carol Sorgen Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a serious condition that occurs when the muscles in your airway relax during sleep, causing the airway to narrow or close as you breathe in. As a result, your brain can be deprived of needed oxygen while you sleep. Your brain senses the drop in oxygen

level and wakes you from sleep so you can reopen your airway. As a result, the quality of your sleep may be poor, making you feel tired during the day. Your brain also tells your heart to pump harder, and this puts more stress on your heart and heart valves. If left untreated or undertreated, OSA can lead to the development of serious con-

ditions such as hypertension, angina, heart attack, stroke and diabetes. While it is difficult to reverse some of these changes, it is important to stop their progression.

Testing a new technique Johns Hopkins Medicine is currently participating in the THN3 (Targeted Hypoglossal Neurostimulation) clinical study for patients with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea who have been unable or unwilling to use a different treatment called continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. The objective of the study is to collect data to determine whether or not a technique called hypoglossal neurostimulation (delivered by a device called the aura6000 system) is safe and effective. The aura6000 system is investigational, meaning it is not yet approved by the FDA for sleep apnea. This study is part of the process required to obtain such approval. In the study, stimulation of the hypoglossal nerve, which controls movement of the tongue, will be provided by the aura6000 system, which is surgically implanted. The stimulation is intended to increase muscle tone of the tongue during sleep and thereby reduce the number of times that your airway narrows or closes when you sleep. The aura6000 System looks and operates much like a cardiac pacemaker, except that instead of sending pulses to the heart, it sends pulses to the hypoglossal nerve in the neck. The aura6000 System has three main parts: A small metal case containing a rechargeable battery and electronics that

generate pulses to stimulate the hypoglossal nerve (the neurostimulator); a lead with electrode cuff and a cable with electrodes that carry pulses of current from the neurostimulator to the hypoglossal nerve; an external device that you will use to start, stop or pause, and charge the neurostimulator as necessary. The electrode cuff is surgically placed around the hypoglossal nerve, and the lead wire is routed under the skin to the implant below the collarbone. The study is sponsored by ImThera Medical, a medical device company based in San Diego, Calif. (More information about the company can be found online at www.ImTheraMedical.com.)

Who can participate? Volunteers for the study must have moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea, be at least 18 years old (there is no upper age limit), and have body mass index under 35. Participants chosen for the study will undergo four screening visits. The first of these is with a sleep doctor, will take about two hours, and requires participants to undergo a physical examination and complete questionnaires and other forms. The second visit, which will last about an hour, is with a surgeon to see if there are any reasons why you should not undergo the surgery. The third and fourth visits are overnight sleep studies (polysomnographies or PSGs) at a sleep laboratory. The next phase of the study is a surgical procedure, which takes about 60 minSee SLEEP APNEA, page 14

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Treat shingles right away and get vaccine By Matthew Solan If you had chickenpox as a kid, there is a good chance you may develop shingles later in life. “In fact, one in three is predicted to get shingles during their lifetime,” said Dr. Anne Louise Oaklander, director of the Nerve Unit at Massachusetts General Hospital. The same varicella-zoster virus that causes chickenpox also causes shingles. After the telltale spots of chickenpox vanish, the virus lies dormant in your nerve cells near the spinal cord and brain. When your immunity weakens from normal aging or from illnesses or medications, the virus can re-emerge. It then travels along a nerve to trigger a rash in the

skin connected to that nerve. The rash often appears on only one side of your body. The most common locations are the chest, back, or stomach, or above one eye. Most cases of shingles cause severe pain and itching, and can leave scars. Fluid-filled blisters develop, break and crust over during and a few weeks after an outbreak. You also may feel sick or fatigued, with a slight fever or headache. However, it is possible to have rashes that are so mild they’re not even noticed.

Seek treatment right away Many people have the mistaken impression that, like poison ivy, shingles is a nuisance rash that fades on its own. “But in fact a shingles rash should alert people, especially in middle or old age, to seek immediate medical help,” said Oaklander. Rapid treatment with one of three antiviral drugs — acyclovir (Zovirax), valacyclovir (Valtrex) or famciclovir (Famvir) — can shorten a shingles attack and reduce the risk of serious damage, such as: See SHINGLES, page 15

Sleep apnea From page 12 utes. Participants will check into the hospital on the day of surgery and may or may not stay overnight at the hospital. After surgery, participants will be randomly placed into one of two groups: the treatment group or the control group. Participants in the treatment group will have another PSG about 30 days after surgery, at which time their stimulation will be started. Participants in the control group will wait until month four before starting stimulation. In the first year following surgery, participants will be contacted regularly to monitor their progress, and will make at least two visits to the study center and spend at least six nights at the sleep laboratory. After that year, participants will visit the study center and have a PSG once per year for four more years. Unscheduled visits or PSGs may occur at the discretion of the study doctor. Potential participants do not have to be Hopkins patients, but must be able to provide proof of the sleep apnea diagnosis via a recent PSG (within the last few years), or willing to complete a clinical PSG prior to consideration. The device, surgical procedure and study-related follow-up care will be provided at no cost. Participants will receive $50 per sleep study visit (a total of $600 for the entire study completion), and $50 for each of the screening sleep studies as well. For more information, visit www.thnstudy.com or contact Tracy Klopfer, Research Program Coordinator, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, at (410) 550-4588 or Tracy.Klopfer@jhmi.edu.

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H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — O C T O B E R 2 0 1 6

Shingles From page 14 Long-term pain. Pain that lingers in the area of a healed shingles rash is called postherpetic neuralgia. This often-disabling pain can last several months to a year. Prolonged itching. Many people are left with an itchy area from their shingles, which can be as disabling as chronic pain. It is most common on the head or neck. Damage to vision and hearing. Pain and rash near an eye can cause permanent eye damage, and requires an urgent ophthalmological exam. When the nerve to the ear is affected, it can permanently damage hearing or balance. Strokes and heart attacks. A PLOS Medicine study that tracked about 67,000 people ages 65 and older who were newly diagnosed with shingles found that stroke risk more than doubled in the first week after the shingles diagnosis. The same study reported an increased risk for heart attacks in the three months after shingles, but the additional risk dissipated after six months.

Prevent shingles with vaccination The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that almost all people ages 60 and older be vaccinated against shingles, whether or not they had chickenpox in their youth or have had

shingles before, said Oaklander. The vaccination that prevents chickenpox in children was used to develop a similar vaccine (Zostavax) that protects against shingles. “It reduces the risk of getting shingles by about half, and shingles rashes that still develop are slightly less likely to cause postherpetic pain, or other serious complications,” said Oaklander. People with especially weak immune systems, such as those with cancer or anyone undergoing immunosuppressive treatments, should avoid Zostavax since the vaccine contains a weakened form of the live virus. Because Zostavax has only been available since 2006, it is still not yet clear if a single vaccination offers lifelong protection, but at this time, no booster is recommended. A new shingles vaccine in development, called HZ/su, may be particularly helpful for older adults. It is not made from a live, weakened virus, so is safe to give to people with weak immune systems. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that the vaccine was highly effective, but it needs to undergo further testing before it can be submitted for FDA approval, which may happen as early as this year. © 2016. President and Fellows of Harvard College. All Rights Reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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HELP IN PAYING FOR MEDICINE

Ongoing

ELECTIONS WEBSITE OFFERS INFORMATION

The Department of Citizen Services of the Howard County Office on Aging suggests those with Medicare who are having trouble paying for prescription drugs contact the Senior Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for an appointment to discuss qualifications for extra help in making payments. For more information, call (410) 313-7392 or MD Relay 7-1-1.

Persons wanting to verify that they are registered to vote or to find their polling place and other voting information can go to the website www.elections.maryland.gov or call the State Board of Elections at (800) 222-8683.

FINALLY – Straight Talk About Sciatica Are you suffering from back pain or sciatica? Then it’s likely your biggest problem is pain. But there’s another major problem: bad information. To end sciatica misery you must have the right information. Pay close attention because I’m going to destroy sciatica myths and give you the facts. MYTH: Sciatica will just “go away” with some rest. FACT: If you are dealing with back pain, buttock pain or leg pain, then you must seek help from a sciatica specialist immediately. Left untreated, sciatica can lead to permanent nerve damage - and lifelong pain. MYTH: Pain is the only problem associated with sciatica. FACT: In severe cases, sciatica can lead to the inability to control your bowels or bladder. MYTH: You must take pain medications to deal with sciatica. FACT: Drugs like muscle relaxants, pain killers, narcotics, antidepressants, and anti-seizure medications have serious potential side-effects and do not cure the root cause of sciatica. MYTH: “I must have done something wrong to get sciatica.” FACT: Physical work or simply sitting at a desk for long periods can lead to sciatica. Accidents and trauma can also be the culprits. Pregnancy can cause sciatica. Sciatica can affect anyone - including superfit celebrities like Tiger Woods, and Sylvester Stallone. MYTH: Stop exercising and get several weeks of bed rest to overcome sciatica. FACT: Staying active can help to relieve sciatic pain and prevent the pain from getting worse. Staying inactive in bed could be the worst advice - based on a recent study in the Netherlands.

MYTH: Sciatica requires surgery. FACT: NO! There’s been a huge breakthrough in the treatment of sciatica and lower back pain. It’s a new procedure called Non-Surgical Re-Constructive Spinal Care. The excellent results from this treatment have been published in major medical journals. Success rates are up to 90%. MYTH: “There’s nothing anyone can really do. I’m just stuck with this for the rest of my life.” FACT: With the correct treatment from a healthcare professional who specialize in sciatica, you can find relief from the core cause - and the symptoms. MYTH: Getting sciatica properly diagnosed is expensive. FACT: Not true. Dr. Steve Silverston of World Class Chiropractic in Ellicott City, MD is currently offering an initial consultation and comprehensive examination for Just $43, this includes all tests and x-rays if necessary. Dr. Steve Silverston – In Ellicott City, MD has helped over the past 24 years thousands of patients find relief from agonizing back pain and sciatica. He uses Non-Surgical Re-Constructive Spinal Care. This procedure does not require a hospital stay, drugs or anything invasive. The focus is on finding - and correcting - the original cause of the back pain and sciatica. According to Dr. Silverston, “We use a combination of gentle, non-invasive, proven techniques, for precisely diagnosing and correcting the cause of your low back pain and sciatica. This means superior long-term results for most people.” Almost Immediate Relief from Pain! Because the treatment is non-surgical, safe, and easy, most patients report an almost immediate relief from their back pain. Patient Brad H. from Eldersburg, MD wrote, “For several years I saw numerous

doctors including chiropractors in an attempt to resolve unrelenting low back pain and sciatica from a serious motor vehicle injury. Nobody could help me resolve it and my work and life were suffering. Dr. Silverston was able to quickly identify my problem and within one week of beginning care, for the first time in years, I’m virtually pain free! Now, many years later, I am still better.” Take the Next Step - END the Suffering... Initial Consultation and Comprehensive Examination for Just $43. This includes all tests and x-rays if necessary. The first step is a thorough sciatic examination with Dr. Silverston. Call 410-461-3435 to schedule your appointment. Mention this article (CODE: 43TB1016) and Dr. Steve Silverston will happily reduce his usual consultation fee to just $43! Only 50 reader consultations are available at this exclusively discounted rate. Call them now and get a full and thorough examination to pinpoint the cause of your problem for just $43. The normal cost of such an exam is $345 so you will save $302! Call them now on 410-461-3435 and cut out or tear off this valuable article and take it to your appointment. You’ll be on your way to safe, lasting relief! You can even call on the weekend and leave a message on their answering machine to secure your spot and they promise to return all calls. During the week staff can be very busy helping patients so if they don’t pick up straight away, do leave a message. Call 410-461-3435 NOW. If it’s the weekend or they’re away from the phone the staff at World Class Chiropractic promise they will get back to you. So call now on 410-461-3435 and quote this special discount code: 43TB1016.

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50+

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Tech Opportunities and Apps Headline 50+EXPO

ore than ever before, older adults are embracing technology to connect with family and friends; explore options for restaurants, travel and entertainment; research health topics; and to manage daily life by shopping and banking online. Yet there are many older adults who for one reason or another are not tech-savvy, and some who would prefer to avoid electronic gadgets altogether. If you fall into one of these categories, the Howard County Office on Aging and Independence can help you embrace the opportunities technology offers. Technology you can use in everyday life is a focus of the 18th annual 50+EXPO being held Monday, October 31, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Wilde Lake High School in Columbia. AARP’s self-proclaimed “gadget guy” Mike Lee will kick things off with his feature presentation, Tracking Wellness with Technology at 10 a.m. in the James Rouse Theatre. Lee will focus on the benefits of using activity trackers such as FitBit, Misfit Shine, Apple Watch, and Move Now, as well as phone apps and low-tech mechanical pedometers. Lee will also share how using these devices has benefitted him in his journey back to health following thyroid surgery in 2014.

Our signature Health Fair will offer a variety of important screenings and flu vaccines at no charge to attendees. Also, a job fair will be held for older adults looking for a new career or to re-enter the workforce. Plan to attend Wired for Work– 50 and Beyond, presented by the Office of Workforce Development (11 a.m. in Classroom 222). Consultant Brenda Guild covers the unique challenges older adult job seekers may face, and will explore areas that negatively impact a job search and identify strategies to create a positive mindset. continued on next page

Volume 6, No. 10 • October 2016

A Message from Office on Aging and Independence Administrator

Starr P. Sowers When our calendars turn to October, it means the annual Howard County 50+EXPO is near! Now in its 18th year, Howard County’s 50+EXPO has grown to become a popular community event for all ages, and has enjoyed tremendous support from both public and private sector partners as exhibitors and sponsors. This year we welcome back AARP and look forward to their feature presentation, “Tracking Wellness with Technology.” In fact, you will find that technology you can use in everyday life is a recurrent theme throughout the 50+EXPO this year. Join us Monday, October 31, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. at Wilde Lake High School in Columbia. New this year, we are asking that you consider making a $5 donation to attend one of the always popular Capitol Steps shows at noon and 2 p.m. As a member of the Capitol Steps put it, that works out to about 4 cents a laugh! But on a more serious note, all funds raised go directly to the Vivian Reid Community Fund, which provides emergency financial assistance to older adults and adults with disabilities here in Howard County. Your donation could help someone avoid eviction, purchase dentures or eyeglasses or keep the heat turned on this winter. Thank you in advance for your generosity. Coordinating an event the size of the 50+EXPO would not be possible without the hard work and commitment of the Office on Aging and Independence; staff throughout County government; generous support of our sponsors; and dedication of our volunteers. The EXPO features 170 exhibitors and vendors, making it easier for you to find the information and resources you need to meet today’s needs and prepare for tomorrow’s challenges. While you are there, stop by the Office on Aging and Independence booth on Main Street and pick up your free copy of the 2017 Howard County Resource Guide. The full schedule of events will be available in the October 20 edition of both the Howard County Times and Columbia Flier, as well as online at www.howardcontymd.gov/50plusexpo.

IMPORTANT REMINDERS FOR 50+EXPO 2016 All parking is at the Mall in Columbia, lower level by Sears. A $1 admission fee will be collected as you board the shuttle bus (or pay at the door). Also, Capitol Steps attendees are asked to make a $5 donation at the ticket booth. All proceeds benefit the Vivian Reid Community Fund, which provides emergency assistance to older adults and adults with disabilities in Howard County whose needs are not covered by Medicare or other programs. Your generosity is greatly appreciated.

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The 50+ Connection

O C T O B E R 2 0 1 6 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

Technology Opps O and Apps Headline the t 50+EXPO 2016 continued ffrrom prreevious page Protecting Your Your Privacy (and Money) in a High-TTech ech World will be presented by Rebecca Bowman, Administrator, Howard County Office of Consumer Protection at 11:00 a.m. in Classroom 220. While 21st century techn nology can provide you with a wealth of conveniences, it can also put your privacy, money and safet e y at risk. Bowman will discuss how to weigh the benefits and risks of using the latest high-tech products and applications.

Other Featured Seminars Rumbles and Grumbles: Taming Your Physical and Emotional Digestive Health (12:00 noon in Classroom 237) Learn how emotions contribute to poor digestio on, n w wh hat to do about it, and w whic hich ffo ood and beverages will help to soothe discomffort and symptoms. Led by Tibet e an Y Yoga oga T Teeacher Joseph Murraay, and V Vaalencia W Wo ood, President and V Vice ice President, respectively, of IO W Wo orkshop|Mélong Ling.

Navigating the Marylannd Workforce Exchange (1:00 p.m. in Classroom m 222) Learn how to utilize the resources available through the Maryland Workforce Exchange, a user-ffriendly system to assist the older adult population with job searches and workforce service needs. Led by Joan Greene-W Washington, W Wo orkforce Consultant, Howard County Office of W Wo orkforce Development.

Know the 10 Signs of Alzheimer’s (1:00 p.m. in Classroom 220) Recognize the subtle signs and behavior changes associated with Alzheimer’s. Early detection matters. Led by Phyyllis Meyerson, LCSW-C, C Education Program Vo Volunteer, Alzh heimer’s Association.

A Pinch of This, a Dassh of That (2:00 p.m. Classroom m 237) Learn how you can en nhance the healing propeerties of your meals with healthy add-ons. Led by Jade Connelly-D Duggan, M.Ac., L.Ac., director of W WiisdomW Well Family Acupuncture and W Weellness. Round out your day at EXPO by en njjoying one of the many entertainment options in the 50+ Café while you grab a quick, healthy lunch, or check out one of two performances by the Capitol Steps at noon and 2 p.m. . in the James Rouse Theatre.

A full-colorr,, printed scchedule of the 50+EXPO highlights, seminars, exhibitors, etc. will be available in the October 20 edition of both the Howard County Tim mes and Columbia Flierr,, and will also be posted online at www w.howardcountymd.gov/50plusexpo. Follow us on Faceboook at www.Facebook.coom/HoCoCommunity. For more info: 410-3313-6410 or aging@howardcountymd.gov.

+ TECHNOLOGY + INFORMA ATION A TION + ENTERT E TAINMENT AIN NMENT +

9:00 AM - 4:00 4 PM $

1 ADMISSION $ 5 CAPITOL STEPS S* 2 SHOWS: NOON and 2:0 00 P.M. P.M. All Admission and Show Prooceeds Benefit the Vivian Reid Community Fundd for Older Adults * suggested donation

COURTESY SHUTTLE from The Malll in Columbia accessible parking on-site at Wilde Lake HS Only

Wilde Lake Higgh School 5460 Trumpeter Road, Columbia 210044 EVENT HIGHLIGH HTS

• 10:00 a.m. Feature Presentation by AARP Tracking Wellness e with TTechnolog echnology • 170 Exhibitors rs • NEW! Job Fair a • Flu Vaccines • NEW! TTech-Sa ech-S Savvy Seminars • Health Screenings

410-313-6410 (VOICE/RELA R AY) • www.howardcou untymd.gov/aging

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — O C T O B E R 2 0 1 6

The 50+ Connection

Say you saw it in the Beacon

Who’s Knocking on Your Door? Tips for Avoid Home Solicitation Scams

f you dislike being disturbed by door-to-door solicitors, you can simply refuse to answer your door or just say “no” to their offers. But, if you are interested in what a solicitor has to offer, you need to stay alert to potential scams that are aimed at stealing your money or identity.

• In Howard County, door-to-door soliciting is allowed only between 9 AM and sunset. Door-to-door solicitors who sell goods or services or request donations must first register with the Howard County Office of Consumer Protection (OCP). Registered solicitors are given an identification card which they must carry at all times and show to anyone who asks. • Solicitors working in Howard County are also required to leave a resident’s property when asked. So if you decide to talk with a solicitor, first ask to see their ID card. If they do not have one, ask them to leave and report the solicitor to the police or OCP. • Beware of any offer that sounds too good to be true and don’t feel pressured to make a decision on the spot. Before making a major purchase, research the company and ask for references. • Be especially wary of home improvement contractors or tree services that claim that they are “doing work in your neighborhood.” Such “traveling” contractors often do not have valid state licenses, or countyregistered identification. • Before you sign a contract or pay any money, read the contract thoroughly to make sure that all of the seller’s claims or promises are included. The contract should also include a notice about your three-day right to cancel under the Maryland Door-to-Door Sales We’ve got you covered. Act, along with a cancellation form you can use if you change your mind. Take Advantage of US Before Someone Takes Advantage of YOU! • If you feel threatened or are not able to get the salesperson to leave, call 9-1-1 for police assistance. 410-313-6420 (voice/relay) consumer@howardcountymd.gov • To report unregistered solicitors, contact the Office of Consumer Protection at 410-313-6420 or consumer@howardcountymd.gov. www.howardcountymd.gov/consumer For additional information when shopping for home improvement contractors and other services or products, visit us online at www.howardcountymd.gov/consumer.

CONSUMER PROTECTION

Be a FRIEND of the 50+EXPO! Sign Up TODAY to Receive Your FRIEND OF THE EXPO Gift Package!

CONTACT PHONE EMAIL

Jeanne Davis 410-313-6410 jwhitedavis@howardcountymd.gov

■ One RESERVED seat for “The Capitol Steps” ■ One ADMISSION ticket to the 50+EXPO! ■ One EXCLUSIVE “Friends” raffle ticket for a grand prize basket of goodies! ■ A “Friends” RECOGNITION badge to wear at EXPO!

A portion of the proceeds from Friends of the EXPO will benefit the Vivian Reid Community Fund.

Thank you for your support! 410-313-1234 (VOICE/RELAY) •

WWW.howardcountymd.gov/50plusexpo

The 50+ Connection

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O C T O B E R 2 0 1 6 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

Howard County 50+ Centers

CALENDAR HIGHLIGHTS Go to www.howardcountymd.gov/50pluscenters for a complete list of events, programs and services.

Bain 50+ Center

East Columbia 50+ Center

Starting Wednesday, October 5 • 1 to 2 p.m. —

Thursday, Sept. 29 • 10 to 11:30 a.m. — Beginning Bridge

NEW PROGRAM! Sit and Get Fit

Bridge is a brain fitness exercise that will provide a lifetime of enjoyment! Meet new friends who will share your challenges. Cost: $60/six weeks. Register: 410-313-7680.

Try a gentle seated conditioning exercise program that’s easier than Tai Chi or Yoga. Sit and Get Fit for Seniors with Regenerative Movement Technique blends activity and relaxation with natural breathing. FREE. Register: 410-313-7213.

Friday, October 7 • 1 to 2:30 p.m. —

Celebrating Our Legacy and Culture Through the Arts Presented by printmaker and painter Professor Curlee R. Holton, Executive Director of the David C. Driskell Center for the Study of the Visual Arts and Culture of African Americans and the African Diaspora, along with Deputy Director and Curator, Dorit Yaron. FREE, refreshments served. RSVP: 410-313-7213.

Tuesday, October 11 • 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. —

Wednesday, October 5 • 1 p.m. —

To Health presents: How Food Can Affect Your Mood Karen Basinger MS, CFCS, LDN, will share nutrition information to help you fine-tune your health. FREE. Details: 410-313-7680.

Tuesdays, starting October 11 • 3:30 p.m. –

Technology Tune Up Bring your technology questions, challenges and dreams of mastery and our student ‘geniuses’ will assist you. Borrow one of our iPads or bring your own phone, tablets or computers. FREE. Register: 410-313-7680.

Classical Music Returns to Bain!

Wednesday, October 26 • Noon — Lunch and Learn

Phoenix Arts Management presents international renowned faculty members and students from the Peabody Conservatory of Music in a classical music performance. FREE. RSVP: 410-313-7213.

Learn how to diffuse volatile situations and deal with conflict. The Mediation Center’s Stephanie Klein will teach skills that turn challenges into opportunities. Cost: lunch donation. Register: 410-313-7680.

Wednesday, October 12 • 10 a.m. to noon —

Elkridge 50+ Center

Flu Vaccinations The Center for Disease Control recommends everyone age six months and older get vaccinated. Cost: FREE with original or traditional Medicare; low cost with Medicare HMO, PPO or other insurance. Pneumonia and high dose flu vaccine also available. Appointments: 410-313-7213.

Tuesday, October 18 • 10 a.m. —

TEMPORARY LOCATION: 5660 Furnace Avenue, Elkridge 21075

Thursday, October 6 • 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. — Be Scam Free! Don’t be a victim and lose your money and good credit! Learn how to protect yourself from the scam crooks. FREE. Register: 410-313-5192.

Friday, October 7 • 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. — AARP Driving Class

Opera Lovers and Lunch Carmen follows the exploits of a beautiful gypsy seductress. Composed by Georges Bizet, the opera is sung in French with English subtitles. Cost: $13. Register at the front desk by October 11.

Wednesday, October 19 • 11:30 a.m. —

Playing with Languages Do you speak another language? Do you want to learn basic sign language? Meet us in the lobby for an informal quick round of language sharing. FREE. Register: 410-313-7213.

This presentation will cover the new driving laws, and provide tips to help keep you and your loved ones safe on the road. FREE; lunch available with reservation. Register: 410-313-5192.

Wednesday, October 12 • 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. —

Healthy Eating on a Budget Food prices have certainly gone up, but it’s still possible to stock up on healthy food without emptying your pockets! Learn how to shop and cook on a limited budget. FREE. Register: 410-313-5192.

Wednesday, October 19 • 9 to 11 a.m. —

Share the

of Your 4-legged Friend

2016 PET EVALUATIONS AT 7:00 PM ON:

Oct 6 • Nov 10 • Dec 1 Bain 50+ Center 5470 Ruth Keeton Way, Columbia 21044

Ingrid Gleysteen PROGRAM COORDINATOR 410-313-7461 (voice/relay) igleysteen@howardcountymd.gov

PHONE EMAIL

Pumpkin Pancake Breakfast Enjoy the delicious taste of the season with pumpkin pancakes, plus eggs, sausage and fruit. FREE; donations accepted. Register: 410-313-5192.

Monday, October 24 • 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. — Halloween Bingo Join us for bingo with a “spooky” twist. Seasonal snacks will be served. Cost: $5 for 10 games. Register: 410-313-5192.

Friday, October 14 • 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. —

Let’s Dish: Fall in Love with Pumpkin Pumpkin is colorful, nutritious and tasty! Watch us prepare a great treat and enjoy generous samples. FREE; donations accepted. Register: 410-313-5192.

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — O C T O B E R 2 0 1 6

The 50+ Connection

Say you saw it in the Beacon

Ellicott City 50+ Center

North Laurel 50+ Center

Wednesdays, October 5-26 • 10 a.m. to noon — Calligraphy

Monday, October 17 • 10 to 11 a.m. — 80’s Zumba-thon

Calligraphy means “beautiful writing.” In this class, we will use felt-tip markers to write calligraphy italics for greeting cards, messages and more. Cost: $30/4 classes, plus $3 supply fee. Register: 410-313-1400.

Try a variety of dance styles such as salsa, hip hop, and samba, then make every move count during a drop-in Zumba-thon to benefit breast cancer research. Cost: $5; register at 410-313-0380.

Fridays, October 7-28 • 10 a.m. to noon — The Daring Way

Tuesday, October 18 - November 1 • 10 a.m. to noon —

Explore the topics of vulnerability, courage, shame and worthiness in this transformative workshop, led by Kat Middleton, based on the research of Brené Brown. Cost: $43/4 classes. Register: 410-313-1400.

Journaling with Zentangle

Thursday, October 13 • 1 p.m. — Recycle/Repurpose Join professional organizer Sonal Adamson, owner of Clutter-Free 4life, a professional organizer specializing in clutter management, to create a home mail organization system. FREE; details at 410-313-1400.

Friday, October 14 • 1 p.m. — The Ukulele Experience Join the fun as Ray Forton introduces participants to playing the ukulele (instruments will be provided). Space is limited; all levels are welcome. Cost: $10; register at 410-313-1400.

Glenwood 50+Center Thursday, October 6 • 3 p.m. — Sip and Swap Be green, have fun, update your style. Bring five gently used items to swap: clothing, shoes, accessories or jewelry. Bring a friend and enjoy snacks and door prizes while you swap. Register: 410-313-5440.

Wednesday, October 12 • 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. —

Leesburg Outlets and Lunch Join us for a day of fall shopping and enjoy a beautiful day out. Cost: $25 and includes travel on deluxe coach, snacks, water and coupons. Lunch is on your own. Reserve your seat: 410-313-5440.

Thursday, October 13 • 6:30 to 9 p.m. — Love Story the Duo Enjoy an evening of music and dancing, hors d’oeuvres, 50/50 raffle, and door prizes. Cost: $5; proceeds benefit the Western Howard County Senior Council. Register: 410-313-5440; walk-ins welcome.

Friday, October 21 • 10 a.m. —

“Fire Underground” Book Talk Learn the fascinating story of a little town in Pennsylvania that has been burning since 1962. A modern day mine disaster in Centralia has created a ghost town today. FREE; for additional information, call 410-313-5400.

Thursday, October 13 • 1 to 3 p.m. —

Trash to Treasure Series Our Pallet Palooza series continues! Get your creative juices flowing as you create a pumpkin and reversible scarecrow/snowman from wood pallets. Cost: $15. Register in advance: 410-313-5440.

Enrich your life through the art mediums of tangling and journaling. Participants will create a personalized journal and record of their development. Cost: $45; register by October 14 at 410-313-0380.

Wednesday, October 19 • 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. —

Oktoberfest Celebration Enjoy a lively fall celebration with German-inspired fare, a ginger beer garden and live music by the band “Just Us.” Cost: $3 plus lunch contribution. Reserve lunch by October 12 by calling 410-313-0380.

Thursday, October 20 • 12:15 to 1 p.m. —

Meditation & Movement for Happiness Under the direction of Yogi Connie Bowman, learn how to pay attention to your body and be more mindful, reduce stress and enjoy life on a deeper, more meaningful level. FREE. Register: 410-313-0380.

Wed., October 26 • 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. — “OWL-oween” Explore these mysterious creatures of the night, their hunting techniques and habitats. “OWL-oween” will feature Ranger, a beautiful Barred Owl, with soulful brown eyes and brown-and-white-striped plumage, who will be visiting from the Howard County Conservancy. FREE. Register: 410-313-0380.

Howard County 50+ Centers BAIN 50+ CENTER 5470 Ruth Keeton Way, Columbia 410-313-7213 • bain50plus@howardcountymd.gov

EAST COLUMBIA 50+ CENTER 6600 Cradlerock Way, Columbia 410-313-7680 • eastcolumbia50plus@howardcountymd.gov

ELKRIDGE 50+ CENTER TEMPORARY LOCATION: 5660

Furnace Ave., Elkridge 410-313-5192 • elkridge50plus@howardcountymd.gov

ELLICOTT CITY 50+ CENTER 9401 Frederick Road, Ellicott City 410-313-1400 • ellicottcity50plus@howardcountymd.gov

GLENWOOD 50+ CENTER 2400 Route 97, Cooksville 410-313-5440 • glenwood50plus@howardcountymd.gov

Bereavement Group ŵƵůƟͲǁĞĞŬ ŐƌŽƵƉ ƚŽ ĞǆƉůŽƌĞ ƚŚĞ ƉƌŽĐĞƐƐ ŽĨ ŵŽƵƌŶŝŶŐ͕ ĐŽƉŝŶŐ ƐƚƌĂƚĞŐŝĞƐ͕ ĂŶĚ ůŝĨĞ ďĞǇŽŶĚ ŐƌŝĞĨ ŝŶ Ă ƐƵƉƉŽƌƟǀĞ ĂƚŵŽƐƉŚĞƌĞ͘ WƌĞͲƌĞŐŝƐƚƌĂƟŽŶ ƌĞƋƵŝƌĞĚ͖ Ă ŶŽŵŝŶĂů ĨĞĞ ĂƉƉůŝĞƐ͘

November 15-December 20 • 2:30 - 4:00 p.m.

LONGWOOD 50+ CENTER 6150 Foreland Garth, Columbia 410-313-7217 • longwood50plus@howardcountymd.gov

NORTH LAUREL 50+ CENTER

Ellicott City 50+ Center, 9401 Frederick Road, Ellicott City 21042

9411 Whiskey Bottom Road, Laurel 410-313-0380 • northlaurel50plus@howardcountymd.gov

Contact Karen Hull 410-313-7466 (VOICE/RELAY) • khull@howardcountymd.gov

www.howardcountymd.gov/50pluscenters

The 50+ Connection

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O C T O B E R 2 0 1 6 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

Celebrate Disability Employment Aw Awareness Month By Michelle H Hen enry, ADA Coordinator, H Hooward County October is National Disability Employment A Awa wareness Month, an opportunity to spread awareness about disability employment issues and celebrate the many and varied contributions of America’s workers with disabilities. This year’s theme is “InclusionW Works.” In 1945, Congress enacted a law to designate the first week in October as “National Employ the Phyysically Handicapped W Weeek..” In 1962, the word “physically” was removed to acknowledge the employment needs and contributions of individuals with all types of disabilities. In 1988, Congress expanded the week to a month and created National Disability Employment A Awa wareness Month. “Our nation’s most successfful companies proudly make inclusion a core value. They know that inclusion works... fo for individuals... fo for employers... ffo or opportunity... ffo or innovation,,” said Jenniffer Sheehy, deputy assistant secretary of labor fo for disability employment policy. On October 6, the Howard County Commission on Disability Issues will host its annual awards ceremony at the Roger Carter Communiity Center e in Ellicott City. Karen n J. Lee, Executive Director, SEEC, and Publicc Policy Fellow, Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration will deliver the keynote on the benefi e ts of inclusive work practices. For more infformation, visit www w.h howardcountymd.gov/A ADA. The O Office ce of ADA Coord dinatio on is proud to be a part of this year’s National Disability Employment Awa Awareness Month and supports the eff ffo orts of the Howard County Commission on Disability Issues to value diverse perspectives, including those of individuals with disabilities. T To o learn more about National Disability Employment Awareness Month, visit www.dol.gov/ndeam. Source: https://www.dol.go l v/odep/topics/ndeam//resources.htm.

Howard County Executive Allan H. Kittleman and the

Howard Countyy Commission on Disability b l Issues cordially invite you to the

ANNUAL AW AWARDS CEREMONY Thursday, October 6, 2016 • 7:00 PM Roger Carter Community Center

3000 Milltowne Drive, Ellicott City y,, MD 21043 In recognition of National Disability Employment Awareness Month KEYNOTE PRESENT TATION T

Karen J. Lee Executive Directorr,, SEEC Public Policy Fellow, Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration

To RSVP and/or request accommodations to attend, contact Erica Lewis at 410-313-6402 (VOICE/RELAAY) or ealewis@howardcountymd.gov by Thursday, September 29 — This Event is Free and Open to the Public —

V9$ %HQHÀW &RXQVHOLQJ 6HUYLFHV IRU +RZDUG &RXQW\ 99HHWHUDQV

etteran ns and Military Families IN PARRTNERSHIP WITH The American Legion

TWO Thursdays • 9:30 AM too 4::30 PM • September 29 AND October 27 Howard County M MultiServicee Ceenter 9000 Washington Blvvd., Suite I, Laurel 20723 OR A ADDITIONAL INFORMA ATION, CONTTACT:

Lisa B. Teerry, PHONE

Manager, Howard County Office ce of Veterans and Military Families Administrrator, Howard Countyy Commission mission on Veterans and Military Families

410-313-08211 (VOICE/RELAYY) ★

EM MAIL

lbterry@howardcountymd.gov

Apppointments Ap ppreeciated • Walk-ins Welcome Pleaase bring form #DD2214, military ID and/or medical records, if available. 6751 Columbia Gateway Drrive, Suite 300, Columbia, MD 21046 www w.howardcountymd.gov/veterrans • www.facebook.com/HoCoMilitary • 410-313-6400 (VOICE/RELAAY)

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — O C T O B E R 2 0 1 6

The 50+ Connection

Say you saw it in the Beacon

Bike with a Cop Tuesday, October 4 • 10:00 a.m. Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy a casual Cycle2Health ride accompanied by the Howard County Police Pathway Patrol Unit. The ride will depart from the East Columbia 50+ Center at 10 a.m., weather permitting. Each rider must provide their own bicycle, helmet, water, spare tube, tire pump, and tools to change a flat.

Registration is required to participate. To register, contact Jeannie DeCray at jdecray@howardcountymd.gov or 410-313-6535. For more information, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/C2H. The Howard County Police Department’s Pathway Patrol officers provide year-round, highly-visible police presence on pathways and in residential areas. The team works to deter crime, address quality-of-life issues and allows officers to interact more directly with community members.

2016

Holiday

PROJECT

The Howard County Office on Aging and independence is collecting donated items for low-income seniors who reside in nursing homes, assisted living facilities and in the community. The wish list includes the following items for both adult men and women and include: • • • • • •

Body Lotion Body Wash Deodorant Hair Conditioner Shampoo Shaving Cream

• • • • • •

Slipper Socks Socks Toothbrushes Toothpaste Toiletry Gift Sets Throw Blankets

• Monetary Donations also accepted Funds will be used to purchase items we don’t receive or of which we have a shortage.

Drop off your donations by December 12 at any Howard County 50+ Center or the Howard County Office on Aging and Independence 6751 Columbia Gateway Dr., Suite 200, Columbia, MD 21046 FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Cycle2Health is a volunteer-led bicycling club for adults of all ages and riding abilities. Weekly rides depart from various locations during daytime hours.

Debby Magin at 410-313-6063 (VOICE/RELAY) • dmagin@howardcountymd.gov

www.howardcountymd.gov/aging If you need this information in an alternate format, contact Maryland Access Point at 410-313-1234 or map@howardcountymd.gov

START LIVING WELL TODAY! DIABETES and other CHRONIC CONDITIONS

can be managed with our evidence-based, self-management LIVING WELL PROGRAM. Participants can experience positive health outcomes, as well as reduce health complications and the need for emergency care.

How to Be a GREAT Grandparent! Parenting has changed in many ways since today’s grandparents were raising their ownn cchildren, hildren, so don’t miss this program!

Living Well: Take Charge of Your Health

Thursday, October 6 6:00 - 8:00 pm

10:00 am – 12:30 pm

Bain 50+ Center mbiaa 5470 Ruth Keeton Way, Columbia

Medical Pavilion at Howard County Wellness Center, Columbia Conference Room

nd FREE, but space is limited and pre-registration is required!

10710 Charter Dr., Suite 100, Columbia, MD 21044

■ Research-based practices too ba balance alance with your own tried & true skills killss ■ Great resources to support yo your ourr children in their new role as pparents arents ■ Ways to safeguard your homee for infants & toddlers ■ Your role as a grandparent vs. a parent reent

September 30 thru November 4, 2016 $28 includes 15 hours of workshop and materials To achieve the most benefits from this program, we encourage a commitment to attend all six sessions.

Contact: Jennifer Lee at 410-313-5940 (VOICE/RELAY) OR jlee@howardcountymd.gov

www.howardcountymd.gov/aging

WE HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!

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The 50+ Connection

O C T O B E R 2 0 1 6 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

It’s Time to Review Y Yo our Medicare Plans.... Again By Bill Salganik, Counselor, H Hooward County State H Heealth IIns nsurance Assistance Proggram (SSHIP)

By appointment ent only; call 410-313-7392. 0-313-7392.

es, it’s that time again: i Medicare M di O Open n Enrollment E ll t runs October 15 to December 7. Even if your u Medicare prescription plan or your u Medicare Advantage (HM ( O or PPO) plan is working fine fo for you, you should review it ffo or next year. Each year, the insurancee companies can – and d do – change their premiums, copays, deduc u tibles, and list of coverred drugs. Some plans close, and new ones enter. And, your own needs can change. The plan that worked well ffo or you in 2016 may not work ffo or you in 2017 People have saved hundreds of dollars and avoided problems 2017. by switching plans. And if your current plan still works well in 2017, you don’t need to take any ffur urther action.

During open enrolllment, you can pick a new plan or sign up forr a plan if you don’t have one. Changes take effect January 1, 20177. Assistance is aava vailable ffrrom the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). HIP) In Howard County, you can sig i n up ffo or a one-on-one counseling session; SHIP sees clients by appointment at the Bain, Ellicott City, Glenwood and North Laurel 50+ Centers. SHIP also conducts seminars, including one that will teach you to use the Medicare website to do your own review. To get inffo ormation or schedule an appointment, call the Howard County SHIP office at 410-313-7392.

, ,

North Lauurel 50+ Center 9401 Fredeerick Road, Ellicott Cityy 21042 Wednesdayy, October 26 • 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.

KNOW YOUR R OPTIONS. Contact us for f help. 410-313-7392 (VOICCE/RELAAY) • www.howardcoountymd.gov/SHIP

New! 2017 Resource r Guide Howard County Office O on Aging andd Independence

The Howard County Office on Aging and Independence invites you to a

SG G THANKSGIVING C AT CELEBRA A TION!

The latest edition of Ho H ward’s County’s Resoource Guide will make its debut at thee 50+EXPO. Attendees can pick up a copy at the Office on Aging and a Independence boothh on Main Street. Additional copies are available at the Office on Aging and Independece (6751 Gateway Drive, Columbia); at any of our 50+ Centers; ers; and at all County libraries. Orr, call Maryland Acccess Point (MAP) at 410-313-12234 to have one sent to you. Visit our booth at thee 50+EXPO to learn more about the many services and assistannce offered by MAP APP..

The 50+ Connection is published monthly thly by the Howard Coounty Office on Aging and Indeependence. This ppublication is available in alternate formaats upon p request. q w To join our subscriber criber list, email kahenry@howardcountymd.gov 6751 Columbia ia Gateway Dr.., Suite 200, Colum mbia, MD 21046 410-313-6410 (VOICE V /RELAAY) • www.howardcountymd.go ntymd.gov/aging Find us on

www.Facebook.com/HoCoCommunity oCommunity Kim Higdon Henry, Editor kahenry@howardcountymd.govv

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

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — O C T O B E R 2 0 1 6

Say you saw it in the Beacon

Law &

Money

DON’T GET SWINDLED How to protect yourself against auto repair, debt and other scams. See page 26.

How record low interest rates affect you By David McHugh Record low interest rates were meant to be a temporary response to the global financial crisis. But eight years later, rates are still near zero — or even below — in much of the developed world, and some experts are warning of long-term side effects: a hit to pension savings, pressure on banks, and possible booms and busts in stock markets and real estate. Some economists argue that people may have to get used to living in a zero-interest world for a lot longer than they expected, or at least one with rates far lower than those in recent decades. Here’s a look at how we got here and what ultra-low interest rates mean for people. Q: How did rates get so low? A: Central banks in the U.S., Europe and Japan are keeping their benchmark interest rates at zero or just above in response to financial crises and weak economic growth. To further reduce borrowing costs, central banks have purchased hundreds of billions in mortgage, corporate and government bonds. This increased demand for bonds drives up their prices and

lowers their yields, or interest rates. The European Central Bank has been so aggressive as a buyer that German 10year bonds now yield slightly less than zero, meaning that rather than paying interest when it borrows for a decade, the German government earns a small profit. Q: Why did central banks cut rates so much? A: The idea is to stimulate economic growth and job creation by cutting borrowing costs for businesses and consumers, making it easier to buy things and invest in new production. They also lower returns on savings accounts and other ultra-safe investments and are intended to push people toward riskier but potentially more profitable ones, such as stocks, bonds and real estate. The idea is “to get people to take risks that they weren’t taking before,” said Stephen G. Cecchetti, professor of international economics at the Brandeis International Business School. “And when you get them to do that, what happens is that it drives up growth, employment and prices, and that’s a good thing.” Q: What is the downside to low rates?

A: Some experts warn they can encourage investors looking for higher returns to bid up too much the price of riskier investments. That can lead to a “bubble” in that market that is at some point followed by a crash. Economists at Germany’s Commerzbank warned that house prices in Germany “look increasingly like a bubble.” Sweden’s central bank has warned that house prices have risen too fast and consumers have too much debt. What about stocks? U.S. stock markets are near record highs. But it’s hard to say if this is a bubble. Stocks are affected by many factors, and the U.S. economy has been growing steadily. Q: Is that the only risk? A: No, low interest rates also mean that people’s savings won’t grow as much over the years. Central banks have cut rates to encourage savers to spend or invest, but it could also have the opposite effect. People or companies who see their savings are not growing as much as hoped due to lower returns could put more money aside, not less. Carmaker Daimler AG said in June it was transferring its stakes in Renault SA

Frank, Frank

and Nissan Motor Co. into its pension fund, adding 1.8 billion euros ($2 billion). Siemens said underfunding of its pension plan rose by 1.8 billion euros in the most recent quarter, from 10.9 billion. Some analysts note companies may also be tempted to use the cheap money not to invest in new jobs but for financial strategies that don’t immediately benefit the economy, such as buying back their own shares. And rates near zero may actually increase the fear factor by indicating that policy makers think there’s a crisis, argues Ian Shepherdson, chief economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics: “You signal to everybody that the economy stinks... Maybe when rates get that low, people become alarmed by further rate cuts, rather than pleased by further rate cuts.” Q: Some banks blame low rates for poor earnings. Is that fair? A: For some, yes. Interest rates around zero compress the difference between what the bank pays to borrow and the rates at which it lends. That cuts their interest earnings. And unprofitable banks See INTEREST RATES, page 27

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O C T O B E R 2 0 1 6 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

Protect yourself against scams, disputes The Consumer Federation of America and the North America Consumer Protection Investigators issued a report in July detailing the leading complaints consumers registered with 33 agencies in 21 states. Prominent among them are fraud scams. Susan Grant, director of consumer protection and privacy at the Consumer Federation, stated that some of the newest fraud complaints were related to solicitations from individuals claiming to be from

the IRS, a utility company, a technical support operation, and even the victim’s employer. Unfortunately, scammers have been able to illegally get personal information from company databases and use it to initiate fraud. Grant recommended that whenever you are asked to immediately send money, or are asked for information from someone who should already have it, it is a sign of fraud, and you should not comply without investigating first.

The report recommended that consumers take these precautions and actions to protect themselves from the most common conflicts and scams.

Auto repairs

for any large expenditure. That way, if you are dissatisfied with any product or service, you can file a written complaint with the credit-card issuer. Federal law provides protection that you would not have with cash, checks or debit cards.

Before you agree to have work done, determine whether Credit and debt the facility uses technicians If you are contacted by a certified by the nonprofit Nadebt collection firm for an old tional Institute for Automotive debt, check first to see if the Service Excellence (ASE). Go statute of limitations has run THE SAVINGS to www.ase.com for more inforout. Each state has statutes GAME mation and a handy shop locathat determine the length of By Elliot Raphaelson tor for service providers certitime without making payfied by the institute. ments after which the debtor If you run into a problem due to uncerti- has no legal responsibility for repaying the fied technicians, you can go to a local debt. agency that enforces county, state and fedFor example, if your state has a five-year eral consumer laws for assistance. It is always a good idea to use a credit card See SCAMS, page 27

BEACON BITS

Oct. 20

SAFETY AND CRIME PREVENTION

Learn crime prevention steps that should be taken while in public and at home, as well as how to make your home less vulnerable to being burglarized. This program at the Savage Branch Library, 9525 Durness Ln., Laurel, is presented in partnership with the Howard County Police Department and takes place from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 20. To register, call (410) 313-0760.

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Say you saw it in the Beacon | Law & Money

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — O C T O B E R 2 0 1 6

Scams

at www.makinghomeaffordable.gov.

From page 26

Prize or inheritance notifications

limit, and you haven’t made a payment for at least five years, you can’t be forced to initiate payments. Debt collection companies are not legally required to provide this information to you. Learn what the limit is in your state. If you fall behind in your mortgage payments for a reason such as illness or unemployment, and are in danger of foreclosure, determine if you are eligible for loan modification, which would reduce your monthly payment. Find more information

If you receive an email informing you of a prize or inheritance that requires a frontend payment on your part, it is almost surely a fraud. You would receive a certified letter if it were legitimate.

Interest rates From page 25 are hampered in making new loans to companies — a drag on the economy. Rates near zero have in particular become a concern for banks in Europe, which are struggling with low profits overall and with lingering bad loans, especially in Italy. U.S. banks, by contrast, were pushed to clean up their finances early on after the global financial crisis and are in better shape. Q: So when does all this end? A: Interest rates were supposed to be slowly raised from record lows as economies started to recover. But that’s not happening. Even in the U.S., where the economy is growing slowly but steadily,

IRS imposters If you receive any phone calls or emails from someone telling you they represent the IRS, you can be certain it is a fraud. The IRS does not contact taxpayers by email, text messages or social media. Nor does the

the Fed has been very cautious in raising its key rate, making only one quarter-point increase to 0.25-0.50 percent. Some economists say that weaknesses in the global economy may mean that the normal level of interest rates is lower than it used to be — and central banks have to take that into consideration. If they don’t, they wind up setting rates that are higher than the economy can bear. “Low long-run real rates do create problems, but they are not caused by central banks,” Cecchetti said. “There is a sense in which central bank policies have followed real rates down. They have to, otherwise they’re tightening without wanting to.” In other words, we could be in this low rate world for a while yet. — AP

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IRS call taxpayers with threats of lawsuits or arrest. If you do receive such correspondence or calls, report them to www.Treasury.gov/tigta/contact_report_ scam.shtml.

Utilities There has been a large number of new complaints from individuals who have been contacted by individuals posing as electric company employees threatening to shut off power because of “overdue” bills, and asking that immediate payments be made by prepaid cards or money transfers. In this situation, you should hang up

and call the utility to report the scam.

Immigration There have been many reports of individuals offering prepaid immigration services. Only licensed attorneys or nonprofits authorized by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) can represent parties or provide legal advice. More information is available at www.uscis.gov, or 1-800-375-5283. Elliot Raphaelson welcomes your questions and comments at raphelliot@gmail.com. © 2016, Elliot Raphaelson. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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O C T O B E R 2 0 1 6 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

S E E W H AT ’ S N E W AT S O M E R F O R D O F C O L U M B I A

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H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — O C T O B E R 2 0 1 6

Say you saw it in the Beacon

Leisure &

Travel

How to play it safe in dangerous times while traveling abroad. See story on page 31.

The Caribbean’s spicy island of Grenada By Victor Block There’s no denying that Grenada, like other Caribbean islands, has the requisite white sand beaches lapped by crystal clear waters. Or that the modest pastel-painted houses in which most people live provide a storybook setting. But the Isle of Spice, as it’s known, also boasts a unique quality that sets it apart from other islands in the region. This realization springs from the smiles and giggles of children bathing beneath a spigot outside their modest, brightly painted frame house. And from the odor of spices that permeates the clear air throughout the island. A visit to Grenada provides as much an

immersion in a lifestyle as an introduction to a destination. More than the beautiful beaches, surpassing picture-perfect towns, the most memorable experiences involve interaction with the people of this compact dot of land on the Caribbean map.

U.S. restored democracy Grenada’s geography and history fit naturally into this theme. Measuring about 12 by 21 miles, the island is large enough to offer diversions and diversity, yet small enough so visitors may take in all there is to do and see within a short drive. The major historical event of interest to travelers from the United States is the mil-

itary force sent by President Reagan that restored democracy to the island in 1983, following several years of Marxist rule brought about by an earlier coup. The intervention led by American troops accounts in part for the hospitable greeting offered to visitors from the U.S. The anniversary of the invasion, known as Thanksgiving Day, is a national holiday in Grenada. One sign of the reaction of Grenadians is a hand-painted message on a cinderblock building that overlooks a busy intersection. It reads: “Thank you USA for liberating us.” Previous visitors to Grenada were not always so welcome. The fierce Carib Indians, who dominated the island for almost 1,000

years, drove out early British and French settlers during the 17th century. After a French force later overcame the Caribs, the island remained under France’s control until 1762, when it was captured by the British.

The local economy Following a period when sugar cane was the underpinning of the economy, nutmeg was introduced into the welcoming climatic conditions. Today nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, ginger and other seasonings are grown by small landowners who bring their crops to processing stations for See GRENADA, page 30

Leisure & Travel | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

Grenada From page 29 preparation and shipment. Standing outside the nutmeg plant in

O C T O B E R 2 0 1 6 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

the town of Gouyave (pronounced Gwave), I was immersed in a typical island scene. A goat strolled by, ignored by chickens scratching in the dirt. A sow munched on a banana skin as her litter drank their lunch. PHOTO BY VICTOR BLOCK

Spotting several street vendors hawking their wares beneath a “No vendors allowed here” sign, I strolled over to examine the trinkets on their tiny makeshift tables. My inquiries about prices led to a discussion of my impressions about Grenada — and an invitation to lunch at the home of a grandmotherly woman. Similar incidents provided the most vivid and pleasant memories of Grenada. I chatted with children bathing beneath a sidewalk spigot, and women doing their wash in a stream. I watched men playing dominoes slap their tiles on the table in a triumphant, if noisy, display of victory. During drives over mountains that run down the center of the island like a spine,

The picturesque harbor in Grenada’s capital city, St. George’s, is one of the Caribbean island’s attractions. The island is also known for its spice trade, including cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves.

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men and women tending vegetable gardens planted on terrain so steep it’s a wonder they could stand offered a friendly wave.

Gorgeous St. Georgesz About a third of Grenada’s 90,000 residents live in the capital of St. Georges, one of the most picturesque towns in a part of the world where “picturesque” is commonplace. Its multi-hued houses cling to hillsides that slope down to the water’s edge. Cobbled streets lead to the horseshoe-shaped main thoroughfare that runs around the deep harbor in the heart of the small city. On Market Square, people gather around umbrella-shaded stalls to sell handicrafts, spices, fruits and vegetables, including some I did not recognize. This small space has played an important part in Grenada’s history since 1791, first as the site of a slave market and setting for public executions — and more recently as a bustling center for commerce and a social gathering place. Each of the other towns offers its own unique appeal. Grenville, the second largest, has a miniscule marketplace that comes alive each Saturday. Grenville also claims the largest spice processing plant in Grenada. Gouyave has a nutmeg station and a thriving fishing industry. To Grenadians, it’s known as “the town that never sleeps,” with rum shops and the sounds of music emanating from them on most nights. Marquis, another small fishing community, also is a good place to buy goods woven from long, slender pandanus grass leaves. Hats, bags and mats woven with the tough strands make good souvenirs and gifts.

Mountains and beaches Outside the towns, visitors find an enticing volcanic island creased by a ridge of mountains and extinct craters. Those who climb 2,757-foot Mount St. Catherine to the highest spot on Grenada are rewarded with a view over much of the island. The Grand Etang Reserve encompasses a lake surrounded by a dense forest. A number of waterfalls add to its appeal. Those who prefer ocean water will find 45 beaches scattered about the island. Many of the more inviting stretches of sand are strung out along the protected west coast. The two-mile-long white sand beach that skirts Grand Anse Bay, the closest thing to a resort area, is rated as one of the best in the Caribbean. Those seeking solitude head for smaller beaches, many of which are set in secluded little coves. Boaters find scores of safe anchorages in small bays that have earned Grenada its well-deserved reputation as one of the best yachting and charter boat centers in the Caribbean. But along with the wide variety of activities, and more than some of Mother Nature’s most magnificent handiworks, it is the people of Grenada that provide the See GRENADA, page 31

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — O C T O B E R 2 0 1 6

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Leisure & Travel

Is fear an acceptable reason to cancel? By Beth J. Harpaz Spooked by headlines about Zika, terrorism and mass shootings? Maybe the news is so bad you’re ready to cancel your vacation and stay home. But can you recoup what you paid for flights, lodging, car rentals and tours? The answer is, it depends. Your best bet for getting a refund under such circumstances is to buy an expensive type of insurance called “cancel for any reason” insurance when you book your trip. Otherwise, whether you get money back depends on the circumstances and policies of individual airlines, hotels and other vendors.

Insurance policies Standard travel insurance may cover trip cancellations if a terror attack takes place shortly before your arrival, according to Rachael Taft of SquareMouth.com, a travel insurance comparison site. For example, depending on the policy, insured travelers cancelling trips to Nice, France, may have been eligible for refunds for trips scheduled within seven to 30 days

Grenada From page 30 most inviting aspect of a visit there.

If you go Few places to stay represent a destination more than the Blue Horizons Garden Resort. The small, family-owned property is well-named, set in a landscape of lush tropical flowers and foliage that is home to more than two-dozen species of birds. Rooms have a small kitchen, there’s a swimming pool and inviting restaurant, and Grand Anse Beach is a short stroll away. Rates begin at $170 per night. For more informa-

of the July 14 truck attack there, she said. But standard trip insurance won’t cover trips cancelled out of more generalized fears. If you booked a trip to Rio de Janeiro for the Olympics and bought standard insurance, “you would unfortunately have been out of luck if you wanted to cancel due to fear of Zika,” Taft said. So what does standard insurance cover? Typically, illness, injury, death in the family, natural disasters, or other major events that prevent you from traveling. “If you break your leg, you’re covered. If your mother passes, you’re covered. If a hurricane cancels flights to your destination for 24 hours or makes your home or destination uninhabitable, you’re covered,” said Daniel Durazo, spokesman for the travel insurer Allianz Global Assistance. Standard insurance also helps if you get sick or injured while traveling, covering medical treatment, reimbursements for unused prepaid trip costs, and travel home. Cancel-for-any-reason policies, however, let you change your mind on a whim. These policies are more expensive: Stantion, log onto www.grenadabluehorizons.com. An authentic Grenadian dining experience is offered by the weekly Street Food Night at Dodgy Dock restaurant adjacent to the True Blue Resort, which attracts as many locals as visitors for the food and live music. Vendors sell typical dishes, including spicy jerk chicken and barbeque ribs ($9), accompanied by a choice of sides ($2-$3). For more information, log onto dodgydock.com. JetBlue has two daily flights from Dulles Airport, each with one plane change. Roundtrip fares start at $512 in late September. For more information about Grenada, log onto www.puregrenada.com.

dard trip insurance costs about 5 percent of a trip, while cancel-for-any-reason policies can cost substantially more, Durazo said. Standard insurance can be bought up to the day before departure, but cancel-forany-reason insurance must be bought sooner. At SquareMouth, cancel-for-anyreason policies are only available within 14 to 30 days of your first booking for a trip. Reimbursement rates vary by policy, so don’t expect 100 percent of your losses to be covered.

Airline rebooking Airlines often charge hefty fees to change flights, but that can change in a crisis, especially if airports close or governments issue warnings. British Airways allowed customers who’d planned to travel to Nice the weekend after the July 14 attacks to change their date of travel or rebook to an alternative destination. Following the coup attempt in Turkey, See TRIP CANCELLATION, page 32

Leisure & Travel | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

Trip cancellation From page 31 British Airways allowed customers with bookings through July 24 to rebook to a later date or use the value of their ticket toward an alternative destination.

Hotels more flexible Hotel chains and car rental companies often allow cancellations with no penalty until a day or two before arrival. But discount rates and package deals are sometimes nonrefundable, so check the terms. If you booked with a tour company or re-

sort that has multiple locations, ask about a credit for another location. Booking website policies vary. Expedia does not itself charge cancellation fees, but cautions users that hotels and other providers may charge fees depending on their terms and deadlines. On Airbnb, hosts choose their cancellation policies, ranging from a full refund up to one day prior to arrival (except fees), to “strict” policies with just a 50 percent refund up until a week prior to arrival (except fees).

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O C T O B E R 2 0 1 6 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

to book a trip that’s disrupted by an event like the terror attacks that closed the Brussels airport, according to Brian Karimzad, director of MileCards.com, which compares credit

card travel rewards. Karimzad says Chase Sapphire Preferred and Citibank ThankYou Rewards cards are among those that cover losses in some circumstances. — AP

Staying safe overseas By Scott Mayerowitz Travel experts advise vacationers not to lose sleep over highly-publicized terror attacks, and to look at the larger, statistical picture. “My advice is to stay calm and play the odds,’’ said George Hobica, founder of Airfarewatchdog.com. “The odds of becoming a victim of terrorism while traveling abroad are less than being injured or killed at home by any number of possible hazards: driving a car, smoking, a non-terrorist gunshot, or being swept away by a tornado.’’ But don’t ignore the threat of terrorism, either. Take practical precautions, such as avoiding large protests or crowds that might lead to violence or be a target.

Embassies can help Start by signing up for the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, which provides registered travelers with information from the local embassy about safety conditions in the country. It also helps the embassy contact you in the event of an emergency — whether it’s terrorism or a natural disaster. Learn more about the program at https://step.state.gov/step. Travel expert Wendy Perrin offers a number of tips on her website wendyperrin.com to help you stay safe overseas.

“Clearly, we’re living in a world where an attack can happen anywhere at any time. The answer is not to stop traveling abroad out of a misperception that your risk is greater overseas than it is at home,’’ Perrin said. “The answer, actually, is to experience more of the world — to make friends in other countries and to be a responsible ambassador for yours.’’

Common sense precautions Planning for a safe trip starts long before departure. For instance, Perrin suggests booking hotels that have TVs getting CNN, BBC and AlJazeera, and reliable Internet service, so travelers can get news in the mornings and evenings. And when arriving at the hotel, grab its business card — the one written in the local language — and carry it at all times. If there is an emergency, the card can be shown to non-English speakers, such as taxi drivers, who can help you get back to your hotel. Program emergency numbers — such as the police, the hotel and medical facilities — into the cellphones of everyone in your party. Finally, make practical decisions, such as staying away from bad neighborhoods, especially at night, just like travelers would in any U.S. city. — AP

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O C T O B E R 2 0 1 6 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

Arts &

Style

Sharing books you love with grandchildren and school children is a good way to build connection. For intergenerational reading suggestions, see story on opposite page.

New cultural center on tap for Columbia Project may take four years Completion of the entire project could be four years off, but Orenstein said if all goes well, her new theater space should be ready in less than two years. Until then, her current theater will remain open. She owns the land where the projected arts center site would be located. Besides Toby’s, several of the county’s leading art organizations — including the Columbia Festival of the Arts, the Howard County Arts Council, and the Columbia Center for Theatrical Arts — would move into the proposed $130 million facility. The center’s 123,000 square feet will house theater space, large and small, for performing and visual arts, studios for artists, and a café, along with the apartments and a parking garage for more than 700 vehicles. The project is scheduled to get underway in August 2017. In the first of several approval steps, the planners are awaiting a decision from the Howard County Housing Commission, which would own the property and offer long-term leases. Howard County press secretary Andy Barth said a decision about the county’s involvement will be made soon.

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ZODIAC TRIO Sat Oct 1, 8 pm

PHOTO COURTESY OF ORCHARD DEVELOPMENT

By Robert Friedman “Finally, we will have what just about every other county around us has,” said Toby Orenstein — owner, operator, producer and director of Toby’s Dinner Theatre. What Columbia could soon have is a cultural center where the performing and visual arts would be showcased under one roof. The center is being proposed for the site where Toby’s Dinner Theatre is now located, on Symphony Woods Road in the Crescent area. The Crescent neighborhood is set for a massive redevelopment that will revitalize downtown Columbia. The cultural center on 2.7 acres will be “sort of a crown jewel” for the redeveloped downtown Columbia, said Scott Armiger, president of Orchard Development Corp. which is proposing the project. “This will be a one-of-a kind center,” said Orenstein, who noted that plans also call for 200 one- and two-bedroom apartments there, mostly for artists and people involved in the arts. Half will be offered as affordable housing, and half will rent at market rate. Orenstein is the one who proposed the affordable living spaces.

Columbia’s proposed new Cultural Center, still in the planning stages, is shown in this artist’s rendering. The center would offer new and expanded space for Toby’s Dinner Theatre, the Columbia Festival of the Arts, the Howard County Arts Council, and the Columbia Center for Theatrical Arts, which runs a theater education program for children.

“The administration is committed to encourage the growth and vitality of downtown Columbia with a vibrant and inclusive arts district,” Barth told the Beacon. “We look forward to joining with members of the arts community to support specific plans in the near future,” he said.

Theater school would relocate For Orenstein — who recently won a Tony honorable mention for Excellence in Theater Education for the longtime chil-

Klezmer-inspired works for the New Year POST-CONCERT RECEPTION

Meet the Zodiac Trio and celebrate the beginning of the 44th season!

BEHZOD ABDURAIMOV Sat Oct 29, 8 pm Winner of the London International Piano Competition PRE-CONCERT LECTURE

7 pm

Smith Theatre, Horowitz Center

dren’s theater education program she runs through the Columbia Center for Theatrical Arts (CCTA) — a major role for the center would be as a new home for the school, which teaches the theatrical arts to students and students with special needs. Finding theater space for performances has always been a problem, Orenstein said. “I’ve been looking for many, many years for a children’s theater,” said OrenSee ARTS CENTER, page 37

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — O C T O B E R 2 0 1 6

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Arts & Style

Start a book club with your grandchildren We may be decades apart, but my length. Most of the time she agrees with grandparents and I share a love of books my opinions, but sometimes we get into — and love to swap them. great debates over characters and plots. How do we figure out what Even when I was little, my books might bridge our ages grandparents inspired a love and diverse tastes? of reading in me. My grandfaRecently, my grandmother ther used to read fairy tales to told me, “WeIl, I want a realisme and make them silly by tic fiction book, not fantasy mixing them all up. It took me like usual, and I’d love to have a while to realize that Cinsomething like the Out of My derella was the one who went Mind book, about the girl to the ball, not Goldilocks! with a photographic memory But no matter what, after and cerebral palsy you gave each story we read together, GENERATIONS me a few months ago.” my grandparents and I always TOGETHER So I told my grandmother By Alexis Bentz hold a discussion about the about a book called Fish in a moral, plot and characters of Tree, about a girl with dyslexthe book. ia, which sounded like a great next choice. The book To Kill a Mockingbird by Whenever I see my grandmother, we Harper Lee is a special book that we parswap books and then discuss them at ticularly bonded over. The story is one of

From the publisher From page 2 can to back up our important information. We also need to protect ourselves by using strong passwords, and think twice before uploading to the cloud any information that could cause us severe harm were it to fall into the hands of unscrupulous people. We can choose to store some information in the cloud. But we shouldn’t be walking around with our heads up there, too. If you have been a victim of hacking or identity theft, please write to us to share your story.

FROM PAGE 38 ANSWERS TO SCRABBLE

ANSWERS TO CROSSWORD B O A R D

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K O M U R E O U A R M S U Y O U T B L O A R O N E L Y O S A E R N D

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R U E S

M O T H E A E S A T S Y M A A P F O L U A T K

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my grandmother’s favorites, and she was very eager to share it with me. I loved the book. My grandmother and I talked about the bond between Scout and Atticus, and how he shared his wisdom with her and modeled, by his actions not just his words, what traits and values should be followed — respect, justice, kindness, etc. We also discussed the message of the book and noticed the contrast between the seriousness of the theme and the moments of humor in the novel. I watched the movie adaptation, and it was interesting to see how the story was brought to life on the screen. I also just recently finished Harper Lee’s second book, Go Set a Watchman, which I also thoroughly enjoyed. I have read so many books that I never would have thought to read without my

grandmother’s recommendation, and have fallen in love with many of the classics such as Pride and Prejudice, Jane Eyre, Little Women, and Anne of Green Gables. It has also been interesting to see the development of our discussions from when I was younger until now. I am now able to state my opinions more clearly, and have a more educated discussion with my grandmother. I can now comprehend more adult themes, which have allowed me to take another step into the world of literature. This book exchange has become a tradition between me and my grandmother. In fact, recently, my grandfather became jealous, and now we have begun a book exchange as well! Maybe you could start a book exchange See BOOK CLUB, page 37

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Say you saw it in the Beacon | Arts & Style

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — O C T O B E R 2 0 1 6

Arts center From page 34 stein, who feels her major accomplishment has been as an educator of children. “We have had to do performances in many places. I don’t know how many times we’ve gone to Wolf Trap in Virginia. Now we will have our own home. I’m very excited about that.” Orenstein, who started CCTA in 1974 at the request of Columbia founder Jim Rouse, said that the visionary planner saw a school that taught the arts through theater as part of his ideal city. Howard County Housing Commission Director Tom Carbo told Business Monthly that the proposed Commission ownership, if it comes to pass, “is a model we’ve used successfully in other parts of the

Book club From page 35 with a younger friend or grandchild, too. Each week you could meet and discuss what you read, and then swap books. If you want to go even bigger than that, you could also go to your local library and host a book club with multiple participants from both your generation and mine. You might try selecting books that include multi-generational relationships, such as Harry Potter and Dumbledore from the Harry Potter series, Reynie and

county — such as our developments at Monarch Mills and Burgess Mill Station. “We’re very excited that Orchard Development approached us with their commitment to include such a large affordable housing component, which is something they’re known for in this area.” Orchard President Armiger said various financial plans were being studied, “including lease revenue bonds issued by the Housing Commission that would be offset by revenues generated by operations and backed by the county.” The arts community will be pursuing grants of its own to assist with financing, he said. “We’re also hopeful that a major capital campaign can raise between $20 and $30 million within the community to help make it a true community project,” Armiger said.

BEACON BITS

Oct. 1+

CANDLELIGHT CONCERT SEASON OPENS The Candlelight Chamber Music Concerts presents the Zodiac

Trio on Saturday, Oct. 1 at 8 p.m. at the Smith Theatre at the Horowitz Performing Arts Center, 10901 Little Patauxent Pkwy., Columbia. The trio, with violins and clarinet, focuses on music of Eastern Europe. Then on Saturday, Oct. 29, a classical piano concert will be presented. Tickets for each concert are $34 in advance and may be purchased by calling (410) 997-2324 or by visiting online at www.candlelightconcerts.org. Tickets are also available at the door.

Mr. Benedict from The Mysterious Benedict Society, and Scout and Atticus from To Kill a Mockingbird. If you aren’t nearby to physically set up an exchange, use technology to communicate, like email or Skype. And if you have no reading-age children in your life, consider volunteering at a local elementary school. Whatever option you chose, you will be able to bond with a young person and devour a good book. And who doesn’t like that? Alexis Bentz is a 9th grader at Thomas Wooton High School in Rockville, Md.

TECHNOLOGY

INFORMATION

ENTERTAINMENT Don’t miss the fun, excitement and learning opportunities at the 50+EXPO!

Coalition of Geriatric Services We’re a coalition of nonprofits, agencies, businesses and professionals who come together to advocate for and help older adults.

October Meeting Date: Wed., October 26, 2016 Time: 8:30 – 10:00 a.m. Location: Brightview Catonsville 912 South Rolling Road, Catonsville, MD 21228

Speaker: Peggy Hoﬀman & Kathy Weher of the Howard County Oﬃce on Aging Topic: OOAI, ADRC, MAP, SHIP, MSPU, NFCSP Whaaatttt! An alphabet soup of programs and services

Go to www.cogsmd.org for more information Or learn more by calling (410) 997-0610. Thank you to our 2016 Executive Members PLATINUM MEMBERS: The Beacon Newspapers • Vantage House Retirement Community GOLD MEMBERS Howard County General Hospital Howard County Oﬃce on Aging and Independence SILVER MEMBERS Being There Senior Care, LLC • Brightview Rolling Hills Brooke Grove Retirement Village • Deborah L. Herman, CPA Ellicott City Healthcare Center • Home Call • Oasis Senior Advisors Right At Home In-home Care & Assistance The Bob Lucido Team of Keller Williams Integrity BRONZE MEMBERS ComForCare Home Care of Howard County • Earl Wilkinson, M.D. (ENT) Gentiva Home Health an Aﬃliate of Kindred at Home Let’s Move, LLC • Professional Healthcare Resources, Inc.

Monday October 31 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

Wilde Lake High School

• 10:00 AM Feature Presentation by

5460 Trumpeter Road Columbia 21044

AARP

Tracking Wellness with Technology • • • • •

170 Exhibitors NEW! Tech-Savvy Seminars Flu Vaccines NEW! Job Fair Health Screenings

1 ADMISSION* 5 CAPITOL STEPS* $

2 SHOWS: NOON and 2:00 P.M.

All Admission and Show Proceeds Benefit the Vivian Reid Community Fund for Older Adults * suggested donation

COURTESY SHUTTLE from The Mall in Columbia Only Accessible Parking On-Site at Wilde Lake High School 410-313-6410 (VOICE/RELAY)

•

www.howardcountymd.gov/aging

O C T O B E R 2 0 1 6 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

Crossword Puzzle

PUZZLE PAGE

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

By Stephen Sherr

49 56

27 35

HC10/16

11 15

26 34

23 24

Scrabble answers on p. 35.

Across

Down

1. Soak up the sun 5. Jerry’s cartoon foe 8. Visiting the Keystone State (briefly) 12. Capital of Norway 13. Office message 14. Shortcoming of a typical continental breakfast 16. Strong tennis server 17. Military group 18. Impressive display 19. Weather a difficult period 22. De-weaponize 23. Highest point 24. “Success is the ___ of details” (Harvey Firestone) 26. That Spanish thing 27. About half the composition of Saturn’s moon Titan 30. June 4 guidance from the American As sociation of Feline Practitioners 36. Pre-med class 37. Calendar pages (abbr.) 38. Philosopher Descartes 39. Scream as loudly as possible 44. Collection of sewing supplies 45. Weaponize 46. __ in apple 47. First-rate 49. Relating to snail mail 54. What tea leaves are said to do 59. Ukrainian seaport 60. Humdinger 61. Europe’s highest volcano 62. Stun gun 63. Uncluttered 64. Hardly any 65. Fix a fence 66. “___ me no more questions...” 67. Partner to the first word in each of this puzzles theme answers

1. Step off the jetway 2. Set of 128 characters 3. Travels from Settler’s Bay to Nome, perhaps 4. “M*A*S*H” setting 5. “M*A*S*H” setting 6. Leave off a lettr 7. Like a ___ to a flame 8. Facing tough choices 9. Direction from Mexico to Nueva Mexico 10. Made blonde 11. Food thickener 13. Loose dress 15. Middle school class 20. Roughly 21. Morning direction of a sunflower’s face 25. 1983 Michael Keaton comedy 26. GPA booster 28. Prop for a Willy Wonka costume 29. Suspicious observer 30. Gain unauthorized computer access 31. Unrighteous start 32. His 14th book is 2016’s The Voyeur’s Motel 33. Net slang for “You’re the best” 34. The fish in fish and chips, most often 35. His number 4 was retired by the Boston Bruins in 1979 40. ID card holder 41. Breyers flavor 42. Plan one’s route 43. “It was either ___ them” 48. Coworker of Kent and Lane 50. Banquet entree option 51. ___-frutti 52. Actresses Kendrick and Faris 53. Is closer to the finish line 54. Rugrat 55. Dutch cheese 56. Forearm bone 57. Cries over spilt milk 58. Criticism

Answers on page 35.

H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — O C T O B E R 2 0 1 6

CLASSIFIEDS The Beacon prints classified advertising under the following headings: Business & Employment Opportunities; Caregivers; Computer Services; Entertainment; For Sale; For Sale/Rent: Real Estate; Free; Health; Home/ Handyman Services; Miscellaneous; Personals; Personal Services; Vacation Opportunities; and Wanted. For submission guidelines and deadlines, see the box on the right. CAVEAT EMPTOR! The Beacon does not knowingly accept obscene, offensive, harmful, or fraudulent advertising. However, we do not investigate any advertisers or their products and cannot accept responsibility for the integrity of either. Respondents to classified advertising should always use caution and their best judgment. EMPLOYMENT & REAL ESTATE ADS: We will not knowingly or intentionally accept advertising in violation of federal, state, and local laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, familial status or handicap in connection with employment or the sale or rental of real estate.

Financial Services ACCOUNTING, TAXES AND BOOKKEEPING, eldercare. CPA 38 years, reasonable rates. Call 410-653-3363.

For Rent/Real estate A ROOM AND BATHROOM available for rent in my three bedroom townhouse in Columbia. No pets or smoking allowed. Please call 240-731-7585.

For Sale 2 SALVADOR DALI woodblock prints from Dante’s Divine Comedy. Signed and framed. Asking $900 for the pair. Can email pictures if desired. Call Steve 410-913-1653.

Say you saw it in the Beacon

Home & Handyman Services BALTIMORE’S BEST JUNK REMOVAL – Clean Outs: Whole House, Emergency, Attics/Basements. Furniture and Junk Removal, Yard Waste Removal, General Hauling, Construction Debris Removal. Free estimates. 10% Senior Discount. Licensed, Bonded and Insured. Call Jesse, 443-379-HAUL (4285).

Wanted WE BUY GOLD AND SILVER JEWELRY. Costume too. Gold and silver coins, paper money, military, crocks, old bottles and jars, etc. Call Greg, 717-658-7954. WE BUY STERLING SILVER FLATWARE, tea sets, single pieces of silver, large pieces of silver plate. Attic, basement, garage. You have something to SELL, we like to BUY. Call Greg, 717-658-7954. BUYING ANTIQUES, ESTATES. 20-year Beacon advertiser. Cash paid for jewelry, gold, silver, old coins, pens, art, old toys, dolls, trains, watches, old comics, sports memorabilia, military guns, knives, swords, all collections. Tom, 240-476-3441. BUYING VINYL RECORDS from 1950 through 1985. Jazz, Rock-n-Roll, Soul, Rhythm & Blues, Reggae and Disco. 33 1/3 LPs, 45s or 78s, Larger collections of at least 100 items wanted. Please call John, 301-596-6201. FINE ANTIQUES, PAINTINGS AND QUALITY VINTAGE FURNISHINGS wanted by a serious capable buyer. I am very well educated [law degree] knowledgeable [over 40 years in the antique business] and have the finances and wherewithal to handle virtually any situation. If you have a special item, collection or important estate I would like to hear from you. I pay great prices for great things in all categories from oriental rugs to Tiffany objects, from rare clocks to firearms, from silver and gold to classic cars. If it is wonderful, I am interested. No phony promises or messy consignments. References gladly furnished. Please call Jake Lenihan, 301-279-8834. Thank you.

TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED Deadlines and Payments: Ad text and payment is due by the 5th of each month. Note: Only ads received and prepaid by the deadline will be included in the next month’s issue. Please type or print your ad carefully. Include a number where you can be reached in the event of a question. Payment is due with ad. We do not accept ads by phone or fax, nor do we accept credit cards. Private Party Text Ads: For individuals seeking to buy or sell particular items, or place a personal ad. Each ad is $10 for 25 words, 25 cents for each additional word. Business Text Ads: For parties engaged in an ongoing business enterprise. Each ad is $25 for 25 words, 50 cents for each additional word. Note: Each real estate listing counts as one business text ad. Send your classified ad with check or money order, payable to the Beacon, to:

The Beacon, Baltimore Classified Dept. P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915-2227 Wanted

Thanks for reading the Beacon!

COLLECTOR BUYING MILITARY ITEMS: Helmets, weapons, rifles, shot guns, knives, swords, bayonets, web gear, uniforms, etc. from all wars and countries. Large quantities are okay. Will pay top prices for my personal collection. Discreet consultations. Call Fred, 301-910-0783.

BEACON BITS

Oct. 26

HOWIE NOMINATIONS DUE

The Howard County Arts Council is accepting nominations to recognize those who create, teach and support the arts in Howard County. The awards will be presented at the Celebration of the Arts in Howard County gala next March. For more information and nomination forms, visit the Getting Involved page at hocoarts.org or call (410) 313-2790.

ADVERTISERS IN THIS ISSUE Clinical Research Studies Dementia Behavior Study . . . . . . . . . .12 Memory Loss Drug Study . . . . . . . . . .12

Events Baltimore County Senior Expo . . . . . .36 COGS Meeting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37 Howard County 50Plus Expo . . . . . . .37 Howard County Early Voting . . . . . . . .14 Walk To End Alzheimer’s . . . . . . . . . .31

Financial Services PENFED Financial Services . . . . . . . .26 Moriarity Financial Services . . . . . . . .27

Funeral Services Harry H. Witzke’s Family Funeral Home, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Going Home Cremations . . . . . . . . . . .27 Sol Levinson & Bros., Inc. . . . . . . . . . .8

Hearing Services Designer Audiology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Miracle-Ear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Home Health Care A-1 Action Nursing Care . . . . . . . . . . .32

Hands That Touch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Options for Senior America . . . . . . . . .26

Housing Brooke Grove . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13, 40 Buckingham’s Choice/Integrace . . . . .25 Charlestown/Erickson Living . . . . . . . .9 Fairhaven/Integrace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 Gatherings at Quarry Place/Beazer Homes . . . . . . .8 Homecrest House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 Ivy Manor Normandy . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 Lutheran Village at Miller’s Grant . . . . .9 Olney Assisted Living . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Park View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 Shriner Court/Quantum . . . . . . . . . . . .32 Somerford Place . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Vantage House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Legal Services Frank, Frank & Scherr, LLC . . . . . . . .25 Law Office of Karen Ellsworth . . . . . .26

Medical/Health AMS Men’s Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Columbia Advanced Dental Studio . . . .4 Low Vision Specialists . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Medical Eye Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

World Class Chiropractic . . . . . . . . . .15

Retail/Services Columbia’s Village Centers . . . . . . . . .32 Homelife Remodeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Kugler Design Center . . . . . . . . . .16, 33 Magic Mountain Chimney Sweeps . . .10

Senior Services Senior Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . .17-24

Skilled Nursing & Rehab CommuniCare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Subscription Services The Beacon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

Theatre/Entertainment Candlelight Concerts . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 Columbia Orchestra . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 Columbia Pro Cantare . . . . . . . . . . . . .37 Toby’s Dinner Theatre . . . . . . . . . . . . .35

Tour & Travel Eyre Tour & Travel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 Nexus Holidays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

INDEPENDENT LIVING OPEN HOUSE

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O C T O B E R 2 0 1 6 — H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N

simply

DIFFERENT

because what surrounds you really matters.

Tuesday, October 11, 2016 11 A.M. – 2 p.m. Westbrooke Clubhouse • 18310 Slade School Road • Sandy Spring, MD 20860

Discover the casual elegance and comfort of our independent living cottages. TOUR a cottage and MEET current residents. Explore Westbrooke Clubhouse, its restaurant and fitness center. Enjoy our 220-acre campus of lush pastures and hardwood forest. MAINTENANCE-FREE LIVING NEVER LOOKED SO BEAUTIFUL

An optional, informal “Lunch and Learn” presentation by Retirement Counselor Laura Wright Learn how to become a no-obligation priority list member, examine financial options and review the long-term benefits of a secure lifestyle with continuing care options. Sessions will be held at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

301-260-2320 orr 301 301-924-2811 1-924 4-2 2811 1

Please register with Toni Davis at 301-388-7209 or tdavis@bgf.org by October 9.

www.bgf.org g rg gf.or

Independent living assisted living rehabilitation b l tat at on long-term care memory support