October 2019 | Baltimore Beacon

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Villages help residents stay independent

By Audrey Partington and Susan Ahearn As the saying goes, there’s no place like home. Three out of four adults over 50 want to remain in their homes as they age, according to AARP’s 2018 Home and Community Preferences Survey.

Furthermore, a majority of adults surveyed said they would be interested in joining a so-called “village” — a nonprofit supported by volunteers who provide services that help residents “age in place” rather than having to move from a familiar neighborhood.

Free rides for seniors are the most requested service provided by villages. In the village model, volunteer drivers provide doorto-door service or arrange rides through referrals to county-subsidized transportation.

Volunteers may also perform a variety of tasks, from decluttering, to technology assistance, to grocery shopping, to friendly calls and visits to isolated seniors.

Villages may be structured as concierges (providing referrals to vetted ser vice providers), membership organizations with annual dues and paid staff, or as non-fee, all volunteer organizations.

Beacon Hill, a neighborhood in Boston, is credited with creating the country’s first such village 20 years ago. The idea sprang from a conversation among neighbors in 1999 about their desire “to stay engaged in our own neighborhood in this vibrant city.”

The nonprofit Beacon Hill Village enrolled its first members in 2002. Today, the group has more than 400 members and is a model for many others.

Nationwide, there are nearly 300 villages in 45 states and the District of Columbia, plus an estimated 150 additional ones in development, according to the Village to Village Network (VtV), founded in 2010 to foster collaboration among the nation’s villages.

Two villages in Baltimore The city of Baltimore currently has two village groups, Village at Home and Northwest Neighbors Connecting.

Founded in 2011, Village at Home is located in north central Baltimore City and helps people in 22 neighborhoods. About 40 volunteers serve its 40 members.

According to Caroline McKeldin Wayner, its executive director, services are not limited to older adults. “We don’t have any age restrictions at all. You have to just live in our service area,” she said.

Village at Home provides personal assistance to its members ranging from home repair to transportation as well as social activities. Wayner said it also acts as a support system for neighbors who are aging in place until they may need more help.

“We do have people who age out of our village because either they move to assisted living or…get a personal aide in their house,” Wayner said. But “I call us ‘the first line of defense.’”

Village at Home can also provide information to members about local home healthcare services.

The group charges membership fees for its services: $400 a year for an individual, and

$600 for two or more people living at the same address. “For that, you get a lot of service. We say we’re the best bargain in town,” Wayner said.

Northwest Neighbors Connecting Baltimore’s other village is Northwest Neighbors Connecting (NNC), focused primarily on the Park Heights neighborhood of north Baltimore. The program is supported by Comprehensive Housing Assistance, Inc. (CHAI), an arm of the Associated Jewish Federation of Baltimore.

“While most village models operate independently, [we] work as a partnership,” Aging in Community Program Manager Anne Shimanovich said in an email. “NNC helps CHAI fulfill their mission to support aging in community. CHAI supports NNC by providing a place for members to hold organized activities and by offering administrative support.”

The more than 120 members of Northwest Neighbors Connecting, many of whom are on fixed incomes, pay just $10 a month in membership fees as a result of the financial support NNC receives from CHAI. “[Our] model is a great one,” Shimanovich said. “It’s difficult for villages to operate on dues alone…and it’s wonderful when villages can find sponsors,” she said in an email.

Social ties and more NCC members can use CHAI’s Northwest Senior Shuttle, which provides members with transportation to malls and shopping centers.

PHOTO BY SHUTTERSTOCK

By Robert Friedman Have you heard the one about the Johns Hopkins professor who teaches standup comedy to science students?

Actually, it’s not a joke. Baltimore author and biologist Adam Ruben has been overseeing the undergraduate class — call it a joke laboratory — for students to test their lines on live audiences since 2005.

Although the popular seminar requires inclass performances, Ruben said, he also encourages his students to perform in public.

“The best teacher is stage time,” Ruben said. “Going to low-stakes, open mic shows is a good way to work things out.”

Ruben himself will be one of 10 comedians to perform at one such show, the Try It Out Comedy Showcase in Columbia on Nov. 4.

Open to beginner and seasoned comedians, the comedy show is the brainchild of Howard County resident Rich Madzel, 81, a retired businessman and theater impresario.

Madzel opened the Try It Out Comedy Showcase in downtown Columbia last September. “It occurred to me that I was bored and needed more to do,” he said.

His monthly 90-minute shows feature stand-up comedians from throughout the Baltimore/Washington region.

The comedians who take to the stage, located in the 18th & 21st supper club on Grantchester Way in Columbia, are of all ages, Madzel said — from teenagers to 70plus jokesters. Their routines last from three minutes for the newcomers to 30 minutes for the headliners.

One big difference between the routines performed at Madzel’s club and in many other comedy venues: The comics are required to tell clean jokes.

“There is enough funny stuff going on in life, and I do not want to hear language I used in the street as a kid” in Brooklyn, he said.

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Getting free rides from volunteer drivers is just one of the perks to joining a “village,” generally a nonprofit organization that helps neighborhood residents remain in their homes as they age.

In addition, according to Reverend Arnold Howard, president of the group’s board of directors, enabling social connections is a key part of his group’s work.

“We’re primarily focused on the relational side of people working together, living together and continuing to maintain the relatively higher standard of living by being in connection with their neighbors,” Howard said.

The group aims to provide social interaction for village residents, who are primarily elderly. “In doing so, we make them feel much more at home in their home or in their neighborhood,” Howard said. “Our primary See VILLAGES, page B-3

SEE SPECIAL INSERT Housing & Homecare Options following page 14

Comedian Sally Love, 75, often performs at the Try It Out Comedy Showcase in Columbia, Maryland. Launched by Howard County resident Rich Madzel, 81, last year, the comedy venue is drawing large crowds and new comedians.

On the other hand, he added, “we are not quite Sunday school, and our audience appreciates our level of comedy. We have been fortunate to perform before sell-out crowds of 75 people, mostly older than those attending typical comedy shows.

“At a recent show, we had in the audience four judges, 15 attorneys, and former Howard County Executive Allan Kittleman.”

First the doctor told me the good news: I was going to have a disease named after me. — Steve Martin One of the most senior stand-up comedians to have appeared at the club is Sally Craig (stage name: Sally Love). Craig, a longtime D.C. resident and a widow, started

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OCTOBER 2019 — BALTIMORE BEACON

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Music, in theory When I was in grade school, the year I wrote about this program in 2017. Spendnearly always began with writing the same ing a day there in order to write that story report: “What I did last summade me want to experience mer.” It was usually a simple the whole thing. I finally recital of the fun activities signed up to go this summer. (and boring ones) we experiI was never more than a day enced with our friends and camper as a kid. But I now unfamily. derstand much better what a I don’t remember ever being bonding experience it can be asked to draw lessons from the to spend a week living with a experiences, or even to think group of like-minded people. seriously about them. But it From early morning lecwas grade school, and the tures to evening performancpoint I suppose was to give us FROM THE es, from breakfast to dinner to an assignment to improve our PUBLISHER nightcaps at the hotel down the By Stuart P. Rosenthal writing. block (unlike camp), we spent Well, this past summer, I the long days sharing interestwent to sleepaway camp for the first time. ing times and making new friends.

Granted, it was for less than a week and it This was also my first experience particwas “piano camp” for adults. But I can’t ipating in a “master class,” where I played help feeling an urge to write about it now. a piece I love rather badly (a case of The program at the Peabody School of nerves, I like to think), and got a kind criMusic in Baltimore brought together ama- tique from the teacher. He said something teur pianists from the East Coast and Mid- along the lines of, “What good would it do west to learn from Peabody faculty and for me to be teaching here if you played award-winning performers in both classi- everything perfectly?” cal and jazz repertoire.

One day, I was playing a jazz number by Some readers may recall the cover story the late Billy Taylor in front of some new

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friends in the jazz workshop room when in walked our teacher, Larry Willis, former keyboardist for Blood, Sweat & Tears. “Go on,” he said, as I froze mid-chord.

He went on to give me some basic but important pointers about playing jazz.

“Keep the beat going throughout.”

One lecture that I expected to be a snooze turned out to be among the most interesting. It was billed as a “refresher” session in what is known as “music theory.”

All through my 12 years of piano lessons as a kid, my teacher included theory lessons. I never really understood what was theoretical about it: either it’s music or it isn’t, right?

But music theory, it turns out, does have some interesting elements. The lecture reminded us about key signatures (what sharps or flats apply to a scale to make it a particular key). For example, the key of C major has no sharps or flats, while the key of C-sharp major is nothing but sharps.

The insight that really took my breath away, however, was the one about “relative minors.” (The term has nothing to do with how much older some campers were than others, though we ranged in age from our early 30s to mid-90s.)

Rather, the relative minor is the minor key that shares the same key signature as a major key. Every major key has a relative minor key that starts on the note exactly one and a half steps down from the major key’s first note. So, for example, the key of A minor has the same key signature (no flats or sharps) as C major.

When a performer sees a new piece of music, the first thing to notice is the key signature, so we know what notes to make sharp or flat. And then we generally look to see where the piece (or first theme) starts and where it ends. That usually tells us which key the piece is in: whether the major key or its relative minor.

I had learned this as a kid, but suddenly, I found myself facing a huge question. How can it be that a minor scale — which most listeners can identify immediately upon hearing — uses exactly the same notes as a

major scale? The only difference in the scale is where we start: on the A or on the C. Why should the way we perceive a scale or feel about pieces written in a minor key depend solely on where we decide to start and stop playing?

And then it hit me. This is a metaphor for life in general. Where we start and where we stop has an inordinate effect on how we evaluate nearly everything in life.

Start a day feeling great and end it angry, anxious and with a headache, and it was a very bad day. Start a day with a backache and end feeling like a million bucks, and it was a great day.

This goes for stages of life all the more so. Looking back, how do you feel about your childhood? Your teenage years? Your early career? Your parenting years? Your more recent years?

In so many cases, the overall flavor of those time periods depends on how you were feeling as you exited them. Was the overall trajectory onwards and upwards?

Or the opposite?

How much of this perception do we have in our control? In some cases, at least, we can decide where to start and stop our own music.

Are we primed to begin each day in A minor? Or can we jump up a few notes, and decide today will start (or at least stop) in C major? I’m still wrestling with this concept and with my newfound appreciation for music theory.

There are a number of other interesting things I learned about — or learned again — at camp: augmented intervals, seventh chords and bluesy notes, for example.

Each one of them can jazz up a tune.

But to continue the metaphor, it seems to me we are all making our own music every day. Each note and chord we “play” in life can either keep the jazzy beat going or bring us down. What counts is knowing that it’s all in our hands.

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Dear Editor: In regard to the editorial “Your opinion, please” in the September issue, the viewpoint that businesses and politicians basically want to serve the public fairly and honorably is naïve.

In some large corporations, chief executives receive as much as 250 times the median salary of employees. As for politicians, I’ve spent three years trying to get

my congressman and senator to do something — anything — about the multiple federal agency impersonation extortion scams. This issue was addressed in the Beacon. No response.

If you are expecting corporations and politicians to look out for the public interest, I fear you will be disappointed.

David M. Shea Ellicott City, Md.

BALTIMORE BEACON — OCTOBER 2019

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Technology &

Innovations How to outsmart smartphone scammers

By Sean Pyles Your smartphone is your confidante, your hand-held connection to the world — and one of your biggest vulnerabilities.

Scammers can take advantage of day-today tasks that seem innocuous, such as checking a bank balance or charging a phone at a public USB port, to exploit personal information for their profit.

To keep that data safe, start by understanding the threats. Your phone has three main areas of vulnerability: its hardware, its software and your phone number. Each carries a risk, but there are steps you can take to mitigate them.

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

One weakness comes from the charging port. Think twice before plugging into a public USB jack for a quick charge at a cafe or airport.

“Any time you’re using a mobile port, you can be vulnerable to viruses or malware if you’re sharing it with other people who are plugging in their devices,” said

Lisa Schifferle, ID theft program manager at the Federal Trade Commission.

Using a public charging port at an airport is like “finding a toothbrush on the side of the road and deciding to stick it in your mouth,” Caleb Barlow, vice president of X-Force Threat Intelligence at IBM Security, recently told Forbes.

Hackers can modify these ports to install malevolent software, or “malware,” on your phone. Once installed, it can transfer your phone’s data to hackers. The hacked USB ports can also directly suck up your phone’s information.

To avoid the risk, use your USB cord with your own charging block that can plug into a standard electrical outlet, or use an external battery pack [which are convenient for recharging anywhere].

For daily security, go beyond the fourdigit passcode if possible, said Gary Davis, chief consumer security evangelist at the cybersecurity company McAfee.

“Passcodes aren’t as effective as biometrics, like fingerprint readers or facial recognition software, because people can do shoulder surfing to see your passcode and get into your phone if they steal it,” he said.

Software and network risks Scammers can also target your personal information using unsecured wireless networks and software vulnerabilities.

— Network risks: Be wary of public Wi-Fi networks. “We advise against using public Wi-Fi, but if you’re going to use it, avoid logging in to sensitive accounts,” said Allen Spence, director of product leadership at IDShield, an identity theft protection company.

To protect yourself from inadvertently using insecure Wi-Fi networks, adjust your phone settings to avoid auto-connecting to Wi-Fi. — Software: Hackers can exploit vulnerabilities in phone software. Schifferle of the FTC suggests consumers routinely check for and download software updates for their phones, because updates often include security patches.

Phone number scams There are two common ways that scammers target your phone number: robocall scams and phone number theft.

— Robocalls: U.S. consumers fielded nearly 48 billion robocalls in 2018, accord-

ing to an estimate from robocall blocking service YouMail. That was a 57% increase from 2017.

A common scam comes from supposed representatives of the Social Security Administration calling to say your benefits will be cut if you don’t give them your personal information.

If you get a call from a number you don’t recognize, don’t answer. That’s the best way to ensure you don’t get caught up in a phone scam. And know that government agencies like Social Security and the IRS won’t call you out of the blue seeking your personal information.

“You should never give out personal info or money unless you have initiated the call,” Schifferle said. If you answer a call and realize it may be a scammer, hang up, she advised.

If you suspect your personal information has been stolen by scammers, file a report with the FTC at identitytheft.gov.

— Phone number theft: Scammers are stealing phone numbers, which can leave you vulnerable to other forms of See SCAMMERS, page 5

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livery operations, limited now to delivering medical samples at a group of hospitals in Raleigh, North Carolina.

It filed for certification from the Federal Aviation Administration for the subsidiary, called UPS Flight Forward, to fly drones beyond line of sight, at night, and with an unlimited number of drones and operators in command.

Still, Google is ahead of UPS on the drone front. In April, Google announced that its affiliate Wing Aviation received federal approval allowing it to make commercial deliveries by drone.

It marked the first time a company has gotten a federal air carrier certification for drone deliveries. The approval from the FAA means that Wing can operate commercial drone flights in part of Virginia, which it plans to begin later this year.

—AP

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By Anne D’Innocenzio United Parcel Service Inc. is responding to the growth in online shopping and pressures for speedy delivery by seeking to expand its drone deliveries and adding thousands of new spots where customers can pick up and return packages.

The Atlanta-based package delivery giant recently announced it is adding 12,000 new package pickup locations inside CVS pharmacies, and Michaels Co. and Advance Auto Parts stores. The new locations will bring to 21,000 the number of pickup points UPS has in the U.S. and to 40,000 globally.

The company also announced that starting Jan. 1, 2020, it will offer pickup and delivery services seven days a week, adding service on Sundays.

UPS said it is setting up a subsidiary that will focus on expanding its drone-de-

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security questions, Davis said. “When you set up your security questions and answers, make sure you’re using really challenging questions that are going to be hard for others to figure out.”

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identity theft.

The scam is clever: A malevolent actor calls your cellphone carrier pretending to

Because phone numbers are often used as security keys, hackers may be able to get into many other accounts once they have access to your phone account.

Make it harder for scammers to penetrate your account by avoiding common

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be you, and after confirming some key information, such as your mother’s maiden name, transfers your phone number to their device. You may not find out this has happened until you go to make a call and find that your SIM card has been deactivated.

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Health Fitness &

DO YOU DRINK ENOUGH? Water can boost your mood, your brainpower and help you lose weight QUIT SMOKING A new Johns Hopkins study will pay you for trying to quit cigarettes X MARKS THE SPOT Radiation carries risks. If it won’t change your treatment, limit your exposure GO WITH THE GRAINS From amaranth to wheatberry, these whole grains are packed with protein

Gut feelings: How food affects our mood

By Uma Naidoo, M.D. The human microbiome, or gut environment, is a community of different bacteria that has co-evolved with humans to be beneficial to both humans and the bacteria.

Researchers agree that an individual’s unique microbiome is created within the first 1,000 days of life, but there are things you can do to alter your gut environment throughout life.

In the relatively new field of nutritional psychiatry, we help patients understand how gut health and diet can positively or negatively affect their mood.

How are gut and mood related?

When we consider the connection between the brain and the gut, it’s important to know that 90% of serotonin receptors are located in the gut. [Serotonin, sometimes called a feel-good hormone, is a neurotransmitter associated with appetite, digestion, mood, sleep and more.]

When someone is prescribed an antidepressant such as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), the most common side effects are gut-related, and many people temporarily experience nausea, diarrhea or gastrointestinal problems.

There is anatomical and physiologic two-way communication between the gut and brain via the vagus nerve. The gutbrain axis offers us a greater understanding of the connection between diet and disease, including depression and anxiety.

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

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

Ultra-processed foods contain substances extracted from food (such as sugar and starch), added from food constituents (hydrogenated fats), or made in a laboratory (flavor enhancers, food colorings).

It’s important to know that ultra-processed foods, such as fast foods, are manufactured to be extra tasty by the use of such ingredients or additives, and are cost effective to the consumer. Therefore, these foods are very common in the typical Western diet.

Some examples of processed foods are canned foods, sugar-coated dried fruits and salted meat products.

Some examples of ultra-processed foods are soda, sugary or savory packaged snack foods, packaged breads, buns and pastries, fish or chicken nuggets and instant noodle soups.

Researchers recommend “fixing the food first” (in other words, what we eat) be-

fore trying gut modifying-therapies (probiotics, prebiotics) to improve how we feel.

They suggest eating whole foods and avoiding processed and ultra-processed foods, which we know cause inflammation and disease.

Diet and depression A recent study suggests that eating a healthy, balanced diet such as the Mediterranean diet, and avoiding inflammation-producing foods, may be protective against depression.

Another study outlines an Antidepressant Food Scale, which lists 12 antidepressant nutrients related to the prevention and treatment of depression. Some of the foods containing these nutrients are oysters, mussels, salmon, watercress, spinach, romaine lettuce, cauliflower and strawberries.

A better diet can help, but it’s only one part of treatment. It’s important to note that just like you cannot exercise out of a bad diet, you also cannot eat your way out of feeling depressed or anxious.

We should be careful about using food as the only treatment for mood, and when we talk about mood problems, we are referring to mild and moderate forms of depression and anxiety.

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

For a healthier gut and better mood • Eat whole foods and avoid packaged or processed foods, which are high in unSee GUT FEELINGS, page 8

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

BALTIMORE BEACON — OCTOBER 2019

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We all probably need to drink more water

By Kristen N. Smith Do you drink enough water each day? If not, your overall health may be taking a toll.

Drinking water regularly can help you to lose weight, think better, be in a better mood, prevent disease and more.

How our bodies use water Water makes up about 60% of our body weight. It’s vital for almost every function in the body.

Water acts as a building block, a solvent for chemical reactions, and a transport material for nutrients and waste.

Water also helps maintain blood volume and allows proper circulation. It helps regulate our body temperature and acts as a shock absorber for our joints and our brain.

It even helps lubricate the linings of our inner organs and maintains healthy kidney function.

How much should you drink?

The amount of water you need to drink will depend on several factors, including your age, gender, activity level and more.

However, here’s a good general guideline when it comes to recommended daily water intake: Women should drink at least 2.21 liters per day, and men should drink three liters per day.

Increase your daily water intake as you increase your activity level. Drink filtered water to avoid potential toxins in tap water, depending on where you live.

As you age, you will likely feel less thirsty and thus be prone to drinking less fluid. Be sure to keep water on hand and

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Oct. 2+

CELL PHONE BASICS You can learn how to use your cell phone to download apps,

access library resources and more on Wed. Oct. 2 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Waverly Branch of the Enoch Pratt Free Library’s Adult Study Room, 400 E. 33rd St., Baltimore. Free classes are held through June 2020. For details, visit prattlibrary.org/locations/waverly.

drink regularly throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty.

Need help drinking more water? Keep track of your water intake by measuring your progress with a cup or water bottle placed in a spot you will see throughout the day. Set goals for yourself at time points throughout the day to make sure you are drinking enough.

Numerous benefits Drinking plenty of water can help keep your body healthy and functioning at its highest capacity. Staying hydrated will help you to: 1. Improve physical performance.

During physical activity, our bodies use up

a lot of water. Staying hydrated before, during and after exercise helps you perform better and protects your body from harm. Proper hydration can reduce fatigue, improve endurance and lower your maximum heart rate. It can also help you to be less sore after exercise.

2. Help you to lose weight. Studies show that people who are on diets lose more weight when they also increase their water intake. In one study, people on weight loss diets who drank 500 milliliters of water before each of their three daily meals for 12 weeks lost 4.6 more pounds on average than people who did not drink See DRINK MORE WATER, page 8

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Gut feelings From page 6 wanted food additives and preservatives that disrupt the healthy bacteria in the gut.

• Instead of vegetable or fruit juice, consider increasing your intake of fresh fruits

OCTOBER 2019 — BALTIMORE BEACON

and vegetables. Frozen fruits without added sugars/additives are a good choice, too.

• Eat enough fiber and include whole grains and legumes in your diet.

• Include probiotic-rich foods, such as plain yogurt without added sugars.

• To reduce sugar intake at breakfast, add cinnamon to plain yogurt with berries, or to oatmeal or chia pudding.

• Adding fermented foods such as kefir (unsweetened), sauerkraut or kimchi can be helpful to maintain a healthy gut.

• Eat a balance of seafoods and lean poul-

try, and less red meat each week.

• Add a range of colorful fresh fruits and vegetables to your diet, and consider choosing certain organic produce. © 2019 President and Fellows of Harvard College. All Rights Reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Drink more water

Studies suggest that even mild dehydration can impair cognitive function in the short-term. So next time you need to focus, keep a glass of water next to you and keep sipping.

5. Prevent headaches. Water deprivation is a common cause of headache. In most cases, rehydrating can provide relief from a headache.

For some people, dehydration can also trigger a migraine, so be sure to keep your water intake regular if you are prone to getting migraines or headaches.

6. Protect against disease. Proper hydration may be a useful tool in preventing a variety of health conditions and diseases.

Staying hydrated may protect against kidney stones, constipation, asthma, urinary tract infections, coronary heart disease and even possibly some cancers.

Reprinted with permission from Environmental Nutrition, a monthly publication of Belvoir Media Group, LLC. 800-8295384. www.EnvironmentalNutrition.com. © 2019 Belvoir Media Group. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

BEACON BITS

Oct. 12+

FREE YOGA Do some yoga poses while relaxing to Reggae music. The

Pigtown restaurant Old Major Baltimore, 900 S. Carey St., offers free classes every second Saturday. Bring your own mat to the one-hour class, which starts at noon. Free parking is available on-street or across the street at the Southwest Baltimore Charter School. Old Major also has Game Night every Thursday at 6 p.m. For more information, call (443) 873-7363 or visit oldmajorbaltimore.com.

Reclaim Your Health!

Regenerative Medicine Towson offers alternative life changing treatments to help our patients regain mobility, reverse pain, and heal. Our emphasis is on treating the cause of your aliment not the symptoms. If you are suffering with chronic pain, or had physicians tell you there are No treatments to help you overcome your disorder. Call 443.291.7911 80% of our patients have overcome COPD, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Shoulder Tears, Lower Back, and Neuropathy Pain, when other physicians told them there was no solution. Call 443.291.7911 for a consultation or visit our website to learn about life changing services for anti-aging, pain, and wellness care.

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www.regenerativemedicinetowson.com Osler Medical Center, 7600 Osler Drive / Suite 205, Towson, MD 21204

From page 7 the additional water.

3. Boost your mood. People who drink more water also tend to have better moods. One study found that when people who regularly drank less than 1.2 liters of water per day increased their intake to 2.5 liters per day, the participants experienced significantly less confusion, bewilderment, fatigue and sleepiness.

On the other hand, for people who regularly drank two to four liters of water per day who were then restricted to one liter per day, the reduced water intake led to negative effects on mood, including decreased contentedness, calmness and positive emotions.

4. Boost your brainpower. Several studies have shown that people drinking water during cognitive tasks performed much better than those people who did not drink water during the tasks. These results have been found in both adults and children.

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

BALTIMORE BEACON — OCTOBER 2019

9

When your sense of smell lets you down

By Eric Holbrook, M.D. We spend our days interacting with the world around us through our senses of sight, sound and touch.

But anyone who has developed complete nasal obstruction from an infection or severe allergies has experienced what it’s like to be without one of our most basic senses: our sense of smell.

In other animals, the sense of smell is crucial for survival, reproduction and rearing of young. Although humans can survive without smell, research has shown that losing the sense of smell negatively impacts quality of life, even driving some people toward clinical depression.

Just as other animals depend on their sense of smell as an alarm system for danger, we also depend on smell to warn us of such hazards as smoke from a fire, natural gas leaks in the home or spoiled food.

Also, the flavor of a meal depends heavily on our ability to smell.

Scents round out our experiences and are often integral parts of our memory of events. Memories of a perfume worn by your spouse or the bread being baked at your grandmother’s house when you were a child last for decades, and are often intricately tied in with strong emotions.

Smell disorders affect 19% of the population over the age of 20 and 25% of the popu-

lation over 53. If smell loss from aging alone is considered, one out of eight people between 53 and 91 will be affected over a five-year period.

The detrimental effect of smell loss on flavor of food could significantly impact older adults, for whom diet and nutrition may already be a concern.

The sense of smell (olfaction) is dependent on millions of specialized nerve cells that are located in a deep protected recess high in the nasal cavity.

Remarkably, these nerve cells normally die and are replaced throughout our lifetime. Therefore, the system has the capacity to repair itself after injury. But this isn’t always possible or complete.

The most common causes of prolonged smell loss occur as a result of upper respiratory infection, head injury, chronic sinus disease and aging. However, other conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and tumors can also be associated with smell loss.

In some cases, the loss of smell is complete (anosmia), while in other cases there is only a partial loss (hyposmia).

In many instances where smell loss occurs, remaining smells are distorted. Most patients report that these distorted odors are unpleasant: “smoky,” “swamp-like,” “musty,” “garbage” or “chemical-like.”

Treating the condition In cases where smell loss results from sinus disease, doctors have had some success in treating the condition. Oral and topi-

cal steroids often provide relief. Sometimes surgery is required to reduce the obstrucSee SENSE OF SMELL, page 10

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Health Studies

OCTOBER 2019 — BALTIMORE BEACON

INFORMATION ON AREA CLINICAL TRIALS

Study pays you for trying to quit smoking

By Margaret Foster How many clinical trials offer a free T-shirt emblazoned with an image of your brain?

A new Johns Hopkins research study that promises the T-shirt will try to help smokers quit by using e-cigarettes.

Perhaps more enticing, the one-year study offers up to $1,690 in compensation to make a total of 16 visits to the Bayview Center in East Baltimore. You may qualify if you are up to 60 years old, currently smoke cigarettes and want to quit.

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

What’s involved?

Once enrolled in the study, you’ll re-

ceive six MRI scans of less than two hours each, plus several blood draws and medical assessments. And of course, you’ll have to try to stop smoking — with help from 12 weekly one-hour sessions with a trained smoking-cessation counselor.

Smokers who are not looking to quit and ex-smokers can make as few as two visits and be compensated $200 to $400.

The study takes place at the National Institute of Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, located on the Johns Hopkins Bayview campus at 4940 Eastern Avenue in Baltimore.

Each visit lasts anywhere from one to six hours (for the MRI imaging). At the longer visits, lunch and snacks will be served throughout the day.

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

“The brain activity patterns of non-treatment and ex-smokers will be compared to that of the treatment seekers to help identify what changes in the brain go along with changes in smoking behavior.”

Best of all, by participating, you may be

Sense of smell From page 9 tion of odors to the sensory nerve cells.

Sinus disease usually requires longterm management, and fluctuations in the ability to smell are common.

Unfortunately, people with loss of smell resulting from head injury, upper respiratory infection or aging don’t often improve.

The natural ability of the olfactory system to repair itself allows for some patients to regain the sense of smell after a respiratory infection-related loss or head injury. This recovery can take over a year, and can be so gradual that people have difficulty recognizing the change.

If you experience any persistent change in your sense of smell, visit your doctor.

indirectly helping others quit smoking, Stein said.

“We hope to answer the question: What changes in brain activity go along with successfully quitting smoking?” Stein said. “By enrolling in the study as a treatment seeker, you give us the opportunity to learn about what makes a successful quitter.

“If we can identify brain activity patterns that change when you quit smoking, we will be able to better understand how to design new treatment programs in the future to help others quit, too.”

For more information about the study, or to volunteer, call 1-855-207-1157. For information about other clinical trials, call 1800-535-8254.

Some rare forms of smell disorders may result from tumors in the brain, neurodegenerative disease or infection.

In addition, your doctor should talk to you about risks, such as depression and nutritional concerns that may stem from loss of smell.

Ongoing scientific work is investigating how stem cells in the nose replace dying olfactory nerve cells. In the future, we will be able to trigger these cells to make more neurons, or replace missing stem cells to regenerate the neurons.

Or we may be able to electrically stimulate a sensation of smell using an artificial implant.

Eric Holbrook, M.D., is a contributor to Harvard Health Publications. © 2019 President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

BALTIMORE BEACON — OCTOBER 2019

Hope for nipping Alzheimer’s in the bud

By Veena Alfred, Ph.D. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to be able to nip Alzheimer’s disease in the bud before it got started — or at least nab it in its early stages?

It appears the dream might soon become a reality.

Last month, an article published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reported on the findings of a research study, conducted at the University of Washington in Seattle, which tested the effectiveness of a new synthetic protein in stopping the progression of Alzheimer’s in its early stages.

The study targeted beta-amyloid, which is thought to be responsible for memory loss and general cognitive decline.

False start For several decades, it was thought that the beta-amyloid plaques — the large clumps of beta-amyloid that accumulate around neurons — were the cause of the classic symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s.

However, over the past few years, evidence has been mounting that the plaques themselves are not the culprit. The toxicity of beta-amyloid lies in an earlier stage of the process of plaque formation.

Beta-amyloid in its simplest form is called a “monomer.” Monomers clump together to form what are called “oligomers.”

The oligomers go on to form larger units known as “fibrils,” which then cluster together and form plaques.

The only stage in which beta-amyloid is harmful appears to be in the oligomer stage. Not only do oligomers cause damage to neurons (brain cells), but one form of oligomer is capable of spreading by converting surrounding non-toxic monomers into toxic oligomers. This ability to act as a “seed” from which new toxic oligomers spring is perhaps the most dangerous aspect of beta-amyloid oligomers.

Another aspect of beta-amyloid oligomer activity is its association with inflammation.

Inflammation in the brain is one of the earliest signs that Alzheimer’s is setting in, even before the appearance of the beta-amyloid plaques.

Research conducted between 2012 and 2015 has uncovered many ways in which beta-amyloid oligomers give rise to inflammation, though the relationship between the two is not absolutely clear.

It is important to note that none of the other forms of beta-amyloid monomers, fibrils or plaques is associated in any way with inflammation, and they are therefore not contributors to the development of Alzheimer’s.

Aiming for a new target The new approach to stopping Alzheimer’s targets beta-amyloid in its toxic oligomer stage.

Researchers created a new synthetic protein (known as a peptide). The synthetic protein mimics the shape of the oligomers and wraps itself around them, thus shielding the surrounding area from their toxic ef-

fects, and also preventing them from “infecting” non-toxic forms of beta-amyloid.

The study tested the new protein on animal models, which documented a 40% reduction in oligomer levels within 24 hours.

The synthetic protein was also tested on the common roundworm or nematode (C. elegans) with positive results.

What does this mean for humans? First, researchers suggest that the new protein can be used to develop a test that measures the level of toxic beta-amyloid oligomers in the brain and thus provide an early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s before the symptoms appear.

Second, research is already under way to develop a treatment that will trap and remove the toxic beta-amyloid oligomers before they have a chance to do further damage. This sounds very promising and gives us every reason to be hopeful.

FORMER SMOKER?

You are one of life’s great mysteries.

Some things in this world we just don’t understand. One of them is why you were able to quit smoking when so many others can’t.

Help us understand why.

If you are 18–60 years old and have successfully quit smoking cigarettes, we need you for a RESEARCH STUDY at the National Institute on Drug Abuse in Baltimore. Your participation could help us develop new treatments for people who want to quit smoking.

Participation is quick and easy!

We’ll ask you to: • Fill out questionnaires • Have an MRI scan of your brain • Provide blood and urine samples

You will be paid for your time – up to $230 for completing the study. Plus, you’ll even receive an image of your brain on a t-shirt!

Call today to see if you qualify.

855-207-1157 www.ResearchStudies.DrugAbuse.gov

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OCTOBER 2019 — BALTIMORE BEACON

Should X-rays be avoided due to risks?

Dear Mayo Clinic: At what level does radiation exposure from X-rays and other medical imaging increase the risk of getting cancer in the future?

A: While there are wide-ranging benefits to modern X-ray imaging technology, you are correct that there also are risks. The answer to your question isn’t clear-cut, so it’s important to weigh the potential risk against the known benefits of medical imaging.

Medical imaging uses radiation to generate images of the inside of your body. It can provide a quick and painless diagnosis or guide treatment, such as determining artery-opening stent placement.

The use of X-ray imaging has increased dramatically over the past 30 years, mainly due to technical advances and an increased use of CT and positron emission tomography (PET) scans.

As a result, the average amount of lifetime radiation exposure also has increased.

[Ed. Note: MRIs, which use magnetic reso-

nance imaging, do not carry radiation risk.]

The downside is that radiation can cause damage to, and mutation of, DNA. This might lead to the development of certain cancers.

Some radiation is unavoidable Radiation is naturally present in the environment, coming from sources such as the sun and radon in rocks and soil.

The average annual exposure in the U.S. from all sources of natural radiation is estimated to be about 3 millisieverts per person. However, you may be exposed to more or less depending on where you live. Exposure from natural radiation varies from 1 to 20 millisieverts in the U.S. It’s estimated that the average annual amount of radiation exposure — a combination of natural and medical exposure in the U.S. — has roughly doubled since the 1980s to about 6.2 millisieverts.

This value is an average over the entire

population. If you haven’t had any medical exams that use radiation, your radiation exposure has not increased.

How much is too much?

It’s not known at what levels radiation begins to significantly increase cancer risk. Below 100 millisieverts, an increase in risk has not been shown to exist.

However, by scaling the risk at higher doses down to lower doses, it has been estimated that 10 millisieverts of radiation exposure could increase the lifetime risk of an adult dying of cancer by about 0.05%.

With a 21% overall lifetime risk of dying of cancer, 10 millisieverts of radiation exposure theoretically could raise the lifetime risk of dying of cancer to 21.05%. This is a small amount considering the benefits of medically needed imaging tests.

Lower risk at older ages Because the potential for an increased risk of cancer due to medical exams using radiation is small, there’s no reason to forgo an imaging test or X-ray-assisted procedure that could better your health or prolong your life. This is especially true for older adults, as potential radiation-caused cancer development may not occur for decades.

Also consider that CT and PET scanners in use today use a much lower radiation dose than was used even just a few years ago.

Radiation doses are further kept to a minimum when the dose is tailored specifically to body size and diagnostic requirements.

Still, radiation experts generally err on the side of caution. They assume that there’s no risk-free level of radiation exposure and recommend only medically necessary imaging tests.

To keep medical radiation exposure to a minimum, ask if the results of a scan or test are likely to change the course of your treatment. If not, it may not be necessary.

If you switch healthcare providers, have image files transferred over to your new provider to avoid repeat X-ray exams.

Finally, if the test is medically necessary, have the imaging done at a nationally accredited imaging center when possible.

Patricia Mergo, M.D., Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida.

Mayo Clinic Q & A is an educational resource and doesn’t replace regular medical care. E-mail a question to MayoClinic Q&A@mayo.edu. For more information, visit mayoclinic.org. © 2019 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

BEACON BITS

Oct. 19

INTRODUCTION TO THE INTERNET Learn the basics about social networks, Internet terms and cloud

storage on Sat., Oct. 19 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Enoch Pratt Central Library’s Public Computer Center, 400 Cathedral St., Baltimore. For more information about the free class, call (410) 396-5430.

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Fitness & Health

BALTIMORE BEACON — OCTOBER 2019

13

The whole scoop on healthy whole grains

By Heidi McIndoo Grains can be confusing. We hear “eat more whole grains” and then “cut out grains.” What should we actually be doing?

Grains are loaded with nutrients, including B vitamins and carbohydrates, your body’s main source of energy.

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

Eat, but don’t overdo The concern with grains isn’t so much that they aren’t nutritious. It’s the quantity consumed. A serving of up to one cup of grains provides beneficial nutrients. However larger servings may contain more calories than needed daily from the grain group.

Grains are pretty easy to prepare — boil a liquid, add the grain, simmer — ta da!

These days it’s even easier with the wide array of microwaveable pouches and cups on the market.

But how do these “instant grains” compare to traditionally prepared grains? Should they be included in a healthy eating plan?

As long as you stick to the basic grains, those without flavors or seasonings added, instant grains are comparable to traditional grains, nutritionally speaking. In fact, being able to heat up a pouch of brown rice or steel cut oats in 60 to 90 seconds, versus the longer simmering process of traditional cooking, may make including them in your diet much easier.

to when compared to serving out of a large pot of rice or other grain.

—Sweetness. Flavored instant oats can provide substantial amounts of sugar.

Some have nearly 5 teaspoons of sugar in one cup. Stick to the unflavored and sprinkle on your favorite spices or drizzle with a

bit of maple syrup.

Reprinted with permission from Environmental Nutrition, a monthly publication of Belvoir Media Group, LLC. 1-800-8295384, EnvironmentalNutrition.com. © 2019 Belvoir Media Group. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Helpful hints Keep these ideas in mind the next time you pick up some instant grains: —Season yourself. Flavored savory grains can be full of sodium. Your best bet is buying them plain and adding your own sodium-free herbs and spices.

—Don’t be heavy handed while dishing out. Most serving sizes for these are one cup. While this is a decent amount for a side dish, it may be less than you are used

You can help shed light on the mystery of opiate addiction & recovery.

Our quick guide to grains Amaranth: Technically a seed, amaranth is high in protein and contains many vitamins and minerals.

Barley: Try traditional pearl barley in soups or as a base for a stir-fry.

Brown rice: Always a better choice over white rice due to its fiber content, brown rice also contains magnesium and selenium.

Buckwheat: Despite its name, this seed is gluten-free. Try it in pancakes.

Farro: Like a rounded version of brown rice, farro contains protein, magnesium and iron.

Kamut: The ancient grain Kamut, or Khorasan wheat, is twice the size of modern wheat and is high in protein.

Millet: Found in bread, millet contains calcium, iron and zinc. It has a low glycemic index, so it’s good for diabetics.

Quinoa: These tiny protein-packed grains, which resemble couscous, are delicious cold or hot.

Teff: Widely used in Ethiopian flatbread, teff is gaining popularity in the area for its sourdough-like taste.

Wheatberr y: This unprocessed wheat grain contains bran and vitamin B. —Margaret Foster

We need you for a research study if you:

Participants will:

• Are 21-50 years old

Ř $WWHQG RQH YLVLW XS WR ƓYH KRXUV long) at the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) in East Baltimore

• Have a history of opiate addiction • Are currently in treatment or no longer using opiates This study is looking at how opiate use and addiction affect different types of information processing in the brain.

Learn more:

855-207-1157

ResearchStudies.DrugAbuse.gov

• Have two follow-up phone calls with the study staff • Earn up to $140 for completing the study

14

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Health Shorts Medicare moving toward covering some acupuncture Medicare says it’s moving toward potentially covering acupuncture for chronic low back pain as an alternative to opioid painkillers that can become addictive.

The agency announced its initial decision on July 15. For now, access will be limited to those signed up in government-approved clinical studies. Medicare says

more evidence is needed before broad approval can be considered.

A cornerstone of traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture is believed to be thousands of years old. Trained practitioners insert thin needles at predetermined trigger points in the body to relieve pain and treat various conditions.

Acupuncture has gained acceptance in the U.S., but insurance coverage remains limited and patients generally pay for it themselves.

Many clinicians in Western nations remain skeptical of acupuncture, but the National Institutes of Health says research shows some pain-management benefits.

OCTOBER 2019 — BALTIMORE BEACON

U.S. expands growth of marijuana for research The U.S. government is growing the largest crop of research marijuana in five years, responding to interest in varieties with high levels of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD). (The compound THC causes pot’s mind-altering effect; CBD doesn’t get people high but conveys some health benefits.)

Because it still considers marijuana to be an illegal substance, the government is the only source of pot for nearly all research in the U.S. Scientists have asked for weed that more closely matches what’s sold in states that have legalized medical or recreational marijuana, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).

The federal agency said it plans to grow 2,000 kilograms (4,409 pounds) this year at the University of Mississippi, which holds the sole federal contract for producing marijuana. That’s enough for 5 million joints, although the government provides the marijuana in different forms.

The crop will be divided between high THC and high CBD varieties with “recent interest (in CBD) as a potential medicine for a number of medical conditions,” NIDA said.

Last year, a CBD-based drug was approved by federal regulators for two rare

seizure disorders. Some scientists are pursuing research on it for other conditions.

Others are focused on THC. “We want to study what our patients are using,” said University of Colorado Assistant Professor Emily Lindley, who is investigating marijuana with high THC as an alternative to opioids for chronic back pain.

Lindley and other researchers want others besides the University of Mississippi to get federal authorization to grow research pot.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration created an application process for growers, but has not acted on more than two dozen applications.

In June, Scottsdale Research Institute in Arizona asked the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia to order the DEA to process the applications.

“We are still working through the process and those applications remain under review,” said DEA spokeswoman Katherine Pfaff in an email. She declined to comment on the litigation.

In response to questions from the AP, NIDA said there had been no major increase in demand for cannabis by researchers in recent years. Last year, 20 researchers got shipments of government marijuana, much of it from frozen cannabis grown in 2014. Since 2010, the number of researchers receiving government marijuana has ranged from eight to 21.

Researchers should be able to obtain material from the new crop in the fall after harvest and analyses are completed, NIDA said.

—AP

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BALTIMORE BEACON — OCTOBER 2019

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SPECIAL PULL-OUT SECTION

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Villages help residents stay independent Nationwide, there are nearly 300 villages in 45 states and the District of Columbia, plus an estimated 150 additional ones in development, according to the Village to Village Network (VtV), founded in 2010 to foster collaboration among the nation’s villages.

Two villages in Baltimore The city of Baltimore currently has two village groups, Village at Home and Northwest Neighbors Connecting.

Founded in 2011, Village at Home is located in north central Baltimore City and helps people in 22 neighborhoods. About 40 volunteers serve its 40 members.

According to Caroline McKeldin Wayner, its executive director, services are not limited to older adults. “We don’t have any age restrictions at all. You have to just live in our service area,” she said.

Village at Home provides personal assistance to its members ranging from home repair to transportation as well as social activities. Wayner said it also acts as a support system for neighbors who are aging in place until they may need more help.

“We do have people who age out of our village because either they move to assisted living or…get a personal aide in their house,” Wayner said. But “I call us ‘the first line of defense.’”

Village at Home can also provide information to members about local home healthcare services.

The group charges membership fees for its services: $400 a year for an individual, and

$600 for two or more people living at the same address. “For that, you get a lot of service. We say we’re the best bargain in town,” Wayner said.

Northwest Neighbors Connecting Baltimore’s other village is Northwest Neighbors Connecting (NNC), focused primarily on the Park Heights neighborhood of north Baltimore. The program is supported by Comprehensive Housing Assistance, Inc. (CHAI), an arm of the Associated Jewish Federation of Baltimore.

“While most village models operate independently, [we] work as a partnership,” Aging in Community Program Manager Anne Shimanovich said in an email. “NNC helps CHAI fulfill their mission to support aging in community. CHAI supports NNC by providing a place for members to hold organized activities and by offering administrative support.”

The more than 120 members of Northwest Neighbors Connecting, many of whom are on fixed incomes, pay just $10 a month in membership fees as a result of the financial support NNC receives from CHAI. “[Our] model is a great one,” Shimanovich said. “It’s difficult for villages to operate on dues alone…and it’s wonderful when villages can find sponsors,” she said in an email.

Social ties and more NCC members can use CHAI’s Northwest Senior Shuttle, which provides members with transportation to malls and shopping centers.

©IAN ALLENDEN/DREAMSTIME

By Audrey Partington and Susan Ahearn As the saying goes, there’s no place like home. Three out of four adults over 50 want to remain in their homes as they age, according to AARP’s 2018 Home and Community Preferences Survey.

Furthermore, a majority of adults surveyed said they would be interested in joining a so-called “village” — a nonprofit supported by volunteers who provide services that help residents “age in place” rather than having to move from a familiar neighborhood.

Free rides for seniors are the most requested service provided by villages. In the village model, volunteer drivers provide doorto-door service or arrange rides through referrals to county-subsidized transportation.

Volunteers may also perform a variety of tasks, from decluttering, to technology assistance, to grocery shopping, to friendly calls and visits to isolated seniors.

Villages may be structured as concierges (providing referrals to vetted ser vice providers), membership organizations with annual dues and paid staff, or as non-fee, all volunteer organizations.

Beacon Hill, a neighborhood in Boston, is credited with creating the country’s first such village 20 years ago. The idea sprang from a conversation among neighbors in 1999 about their desire “to stay engaged in our own neighborhood in this vibrant city.”

The nonprofit Beacon Hill Village enrolled its first members in 2002. Today, the group has more than 400 members and is a model for many others.

Getting free rides from volunteer drivers is just one of the perks to joining a “village,” generally a nonprofit organization that helps neighborhood residents remain in their homes as they age.

In addition, according to Reverend Arnold Howard, president of the group’s board of directors, enabling social connections is a key part of his group’s work.

“We’re primarily focused on the relational side of people working together, living together and continuing to maintain the relatively higher standard of living by being in connection with their neighbors,” Howard said.

The group aims to provide social interaction for village residents, who are primarily elderly. “In doing so, we make them feel much more at home in their home or in their neighborhood,” Howard said. “Our primary See VILLAGES, page B-2

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OCTOBER 2019 — BALTIMORE BEACON

Back yard ‘granny pods’ address a need PJ Feinstein and Susan Ahearn Remember the above-garage apartment Fonzie rented from the Cunninghams on TV’s “Happy Days”? Today that would be termed an “accessory dwelling unit” (ADU), or a small residence with a kitchen, bathroom and bedroom located on the same single-family lot as a larger house.

Accessory dwelling units have been around for centuries, starting perhaps with carriage houses. In recent years, guest cottages, “she sheds” and in-law suites — all different types of ADUs — have been gaining popularity in the area, as many communities are looking for affordable and flexible housing options.

One type of ADU is nicknamed the “granny pod.” An example would be the MedCottage, designed almost a decade ago by Virginia-based company N2Care and the Virginia Tech College of Engineering as a temporary family healthcare struc-

Villages From page B-1 role is to be a conduit for them to have services that they may need,” Howard said.

Growing slowly in Baltimore Although interest in the villages concept

ture.

Each MedCottage has a bedroom, bathroom and kitchenette along with a variety of safety features, making them suitable for older adults who might need special care but still want to live on their own.

Some MedCottage safety features are low-tech, such as safety rails and special rubber floors to minimize injury from falls.

Others rival state-of-the-art hospital rooms, including floorboards that illuminate a path from the bed to the bathroom, cameras that alert a caregiver if the resident falls, and a computer system that reminds forgetful individuals to take their medication from a dispenser. There’s even a toilet seat that can track a person’s weight, temperature and urine content.

sider creating an ADU in order to provide a home for a loved one in need of care.

So why aren’t there more of them?

First, they’re relatively expensive. Detached ADUs often exceed $150,000 after installation.

In addition, residents frequently have to contend with residential zoning codes that typically allow only one home per lot.

meetings on the ADU bill took place not long after the legislation was introduced in early February last year.

The initial community meeting was held by the city’s planning department. Dorsey then hosted two other sessions to hear directly from his constituents.

“We got a mixed bunch of feedback and have not moved beyond that,” Dorsey said.

Baltimore’s plans

Families support the idea

In its 2018 Home and Community Preference Survey, AARP found that 84% of people over the age of 50 said they’d con-

The city of Baltimore is considering proposed legislation that would allow ADUs. A bill currently before the Baltimore City Council was introduced last year by Third District Council member Ryan Dorsey.

The bill, now before the council’s Land Use Committee, defines an auxiliary dwelling unit as a detached single-family dwelling that is located on the same lot as a principal structure, and whose gross floor area may not exceed 750 square feet.

According to Dorsey, a few community

Some Baltimore residents were in favor of the plan, such as those who want to be able to allow their grown children to live on their property in ADUs. Dorsey said he heard from residents who had children or grandchildren who are recent college graduates interested in moving back to the area.

“This would be a good fit for them, as kind of a next stop, like post-college,”

is growing nationwide, it has not yet caught on in the Baltimore area.

One of the reasons Baltimore has been slow to create more villages may be because it already has many community organizations that assist residents.

Cost may also be a factor: some residents can’t afford to pay high membership

to a village organization.

Wayner suggests another theory: “Baltimore is just a little bit slower to embrace things. We’re a little more provincial. That’s just the way we are. We’re not D.C.,” Wayner said.

The Greater Washington metro area currently has nearly 75 villages, probably the largest concentration of villages in the

country.

It’s only a matter of time before more people embrace the villages model, Wayner believes. The village concept is a great option that more Baltimore residents should consider when they think about aging in place, she added. “It is definitely a fantastic option for the majority of people.”

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Granny pods From page B-2 Dorsey said.

Older residents who want to age in place also supported the idea. Dorsey calls older adults in Baltimore City “a key demographic for occupancy of ADUs.” During the community hearings on

ADUs, some older residents told him, “I don’t need this three-bedroom, two-story house anymore…but there’s just nowhere else in the neighborhood for me to go,” Dorsey recalled. He believes ADUs would give older residents the option to grow old in their own neighborhoods.

Then there are some third district residents who like the idea of allowing ADUs

in Baltimore City as a way to diversify the housing stock. According to Dorsey, those individuals believe cities should allow more different types of housing to exist as a way to increase economic and social diversity.

“If this will help diversify the housing offerings, and diversify our community, and meet a need that might otherwise go unmet, well, we should help that to happen,” Dorsey said.

PHOTO BY DREAMSTIME

Tiny houses, garage apartments and back yard cottages are examples of accessory dwelling units (ADUs), often used to provide flexible, affordable housing for older adults who want to live near family members. Legislation has been proposed in Baltimore City to approve this type of housing.

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Objections to more housing However, some Baltimore residents reject the idea of allowing small houses to be built because they don’t want them to proliferate, Dorsey said. He believes some of these individuals are wary of potential new neighbors.

“Some of [the objections are] pretty strongly or classically coded racist language,” Dorsey said. “Things like, ‘If you allow this, it will disrupt the stability of the neighborhood,’” he said. “Like the idea

B-3

that if we allow the ADUs to exist, then suddenly they’ll be…in all the back yards at every house, on every block.”

Dorsey has no immediate plans to bring the bill up for a vote. However, he is contemplating more comprehensive housing legislation for the city of Baltimore that might include the concept of ADUs. In the meantime, he hopes to have broader discussions about various ways to improve access to affordable housing.

This would include making changes to Baltimore’s city zoning code as a way to remove barriers to affordable housing and housing diversification.

ADUs are just “one piece of a package that we could present that exhibits a larger vision for how we address the housing needs in the city,” Dorsey said.

Dorsey represents District 3, an area of See GRANNY PODS, page B-4

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INDEPENDENT LIVING COMMUNITY

Linden Park Apartments in Bolton Hill 410-523-0013 (TTY: 711) 301 McMechen Street Baltimore, MD 21217 www.LindenParkApartments.com Enjoy the fall season in your new apartment at Linden Park Apartments in Bolton Hill. Our community boasts beautiful gardens and plenty of social activities — a lifestyle that encourages engagement and wellness in one location. Offering efficiency apartments at $798 a month, for ages 62 plus, there are many activities for you to enjoy, from fitness workshops to art programs! Newly renovated and updated, Linden Park Apartments in Bolton Hill has undergone $24 Million in Renovations! FREE parking, FREE utilities and 24-hour concierge, plus small pets are welcome! Stop by for a tour today! www.LindenParkApartments.com

OCTOBER 2019 — BALTIMORE BEACON

Granny pods From page B-3 single and semi-detached houses with grocery stores, transit access and what he calls “a growing interest in walkability and human-scale development along commercial main streets.”

Dorsey thinks allowing ADUs would en-

hance his district by attracting new residents.

“If we’re able to see ADUs develop in a way that can be priced appropriately as affordable housing, then we’re also creating an opportunity for people to move to an area of opportunity,” Dorsey said.

For a list of accessory dwelling laws in your area, visit accessorydwellings.org/aduregulations-by-city/.

BEACON BITS

Sept. 29

FREE CONCERT

The Hopkins Concert Orchestra will perform Fauré and Schubert’s Symphony No. 4, “Tragic,” on Sun., Sept. 29, at 3 p.m. The performance will be held at the Bunting-Meyerhoff Interfaith Center, 3509 N Charles St. For more information, visit studentaffairs.jhu.edu/hso or call (410) 516-6542.

Sept. 28

FREE FOOD & MUSIC FESTIVAL

Bring a blanket or chair and sample food-truck fare and music from around the world at historic Gwynn Oak Park, 6010 Gwynn Oak Ave., Gwynn Oak. The free festival takes place on Sat., Sept.

28 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information, visit houseofotem.com or email house.otem@gmail.com.

An Equal Housing Opportunity Community.

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BALTIMORE BEACON — OCTOBER 2019

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OCTOBER 2019 — BALTIMORE BEACON

Making retirement safer for LGBTQ elders

By Ivey Noojin Moving into an assisted living facility can be a difficult transition. It is even harder, however, for LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer) older adults, who have faced discrimination all of their lives.

Cecelia Hayden Smith, a retired drug and alcohol counselor from Essex, hasn’t moved into a continuing care community yet. She’s heard stories about friends in nursing homes who were raped or weren’t allowed to go to the funeral of their samesex spouse.

Having been with her wife for 32 years, Smith is familiar with hostility from others due to her sexuality, and is wary of staff members in assisted living facilities. “They say they’re welcoming,” Smith said. “Welcoming, my foot.”

This fear is the reason only 20% of LGBTQ older adults in long-term care facilities are open about their sexual orientation, according to a 2016 report by Justice In Aging, a national organization that fights senior poverty through the judicial process.

Many older LGBTQ adults are estranged from their family members, and therefore must rely solely on contracted caregivers. Without family support, they are more likely to delay obtaining healthcare, according to the Williams Institute at the UCLA School of Law — a think tank

dedicated to studying issues of gender identity and sexual orientation.

she said, “it can never be denied from you.”

Baltimore gets training Overcoming the stigma SAGE, an advocacy organization based in New York City, has launched a training program for retirement communities around the country aiming to create more understanding for this marginalized group. Its program addresses the specific difficulties LGBTQ older adults face, including abuse, neglect and hurtful comments.

“Most people work with older adults because they have a caring orientation,” said Tim Johnston, director of national projects at SAGE. “We are giving them the tools they need to help older adults feel more comfortable.”

SAGECare training targets the staff and administrators of assisted living facilities with online and in-person education about the needs and concerns of LGBTQ older adults.

SAGE shares the history of LGBTQ discrimination and invites advocates in the area to personalize this issue with stories about their own experiences. The training is only one hour per year for staff, and four hours every three years for managers and executives.

A former volunteer with SAGE, Smith visited retirement communities to share her own experiences with discrimination. “If you tell your story and you tell your truth,”

The Baltimore area is among those learning from SAGECare. The Edward A. Myerberg Center, a community center for older adults in Baltimore, received a bronze certification in 2017. That means that 25% of its employees have received the training.

Nikki Barr, center director for Myerberg, described it as an “educational opportunity” that they embarked on “so we would know how to communicate in a respectful way,” she said.

The Myerberg Center is now attempting to expand on its SAGECare training. Barr hopes to hold events with LGBTQ speakers in the future to demonstrate that the center is “a warm and welcoming place.”

A safe space Washington, D.C. will soon have its first affordable housing residence specifically designed for LGBTQ older adults: Mary’s House.

Imani Woody, former chair of SAGE for the D.C. area, started working on the project in 2012 to address the issue of LGBTQ discrimination in retirement homes. “I wanted to create a space for all [older adults] to feel comfortable being old,” Woody said.

The new community is part of the 2015

Parking + Utilities Included

National LGBT Elder Housing Initiative, a SAGE program that helps build LGBTQfriendly living communities for older adults.

Construction of Mary’s House is scheduled to begin in January with the 15 units available for lease by October. The project has already received over a million dollars in funding from the city.

What makes Mary’s House different from other LGBTQ communities across the country is its communal basis. Instead of individual kitchens in each of the 15 suites, there will be a single dining room for all. In addition, a walled garden will allow residents to grow flowers and food together.

“We’re building family in these units,” Woody said.

Smith is excited that she will be able to live with her wife in the same unit at Mary’s House, which other retirement communities wouldn’t necessarily allow.

“People really don’t value what this could mean to our community yet,” Smith said. There’s a great need for communities like Mary’s House, she said. “This is just the first house,” she said. “We’re going to get 20.”

To learn more about SAGECare training for your retirement community, visit sageusa.care.

For more information about Mary’s House, visit maryshousedc.org.

STUDIOS: $798/mo. *Income limits apply

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BALTIMORE BEACON — OCTOBER 2019

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Should you move or stay once retired?

By Janet Bodnar Now that I’m retired, people often ask me if I’m planning to move. The short answer: Not anytime soon. My husband and I live in a location that’s easily accessible to activities, friends and family members, both near and far. Our house is large enough to accommodate out-of-town guests but not so big that we rattle around in it. Our mortgage is paid off, and I don’t have a burning desire to live anywhere else — at least for now.

That makes me pretty typical of retirees, according to a study by Age Wave and Bank of America Merrill Lynch. Their research shows that 36% of retirees do not anticipate moving in retirement. But more than onethird (37%) of retirees have moved, and 27% expect to move at some point.

Among those who have relocated, about half downsized. But a surprising 30% moved up to a larger home. “That stunned us,” said Ken Dychtwald, CEO of Age Wave. Those who upsized “wanted a house where they could add an office or where grandchildren could come and spend the summer.”

Respondents in the Age Wave study said their primary reason for moving was to “be closer to family.” But no single reason — and no single destination — makes sense for everyone.

“Decades ago, people thought of relocating to places where they vacationed, such as Phoenix and Miami,” Dychtwald said.

“Now, they look for somewhere that’s stimulating, has access to excellent healthcare

and a community of folks to interact with.”

Before you make a move, make sure that you and your spouse agree on the destination. It’s not uncommon for one of you to dream of being closer to the grandkids while the other prefers to bask in a warmer clime. Ask yourself if you’d still be happy if the temperature soared or the grandkids didn’t visit often.

And consider your finances. If you’re hoping to unlock your home equity, Fidelity estimates that transaction and moving costs can eat up as much as 13% of the sale price of your home. “Do your homework and learn from the successes and failures of others,” Dychtwald said.

Reality check A good place to start is with the experience of Kiplinger’s readers such as Mark and Sharon Koenig. The Koenigs agreed on several criteria for a retirement location when they moved from South Carolina: a climate with less heat and humidity, a place their scattered kids would visit, proximity to a major airport and a community that would allow them to meet new friends.

They settled on an active living community near Denver, and “things couldn’t have worked out better for us,” Mark said.

A number of people turn into reverse snowbirds as they get older. After a “wonderful, 20-plus-year vacation in Florida,” Joe and Ginger Cissell said, they moved back to Wisconsin to “reconnect with old friends, be closer to the family we love and start a new adventure.”

Pull out and save this special section or share with a friend.

Sometimes a retirement move hits a speed bump. Together with another couple, Tom and Gayle King bought a home in Belize. The other couple decided almost immediately that an ex-pat community wasn’t for them and returned home.

The Kings traveled back and forth for several years before selling the house and returning to New Mexico because, Tom said, “I didn’t have enough to keep me busy.” Before retiring overseas, he advises, “rent for at least one year, or one season, to see if you like it.”

That’s good advice wherever you decide to go. And be prepared to adapt. One New Jersey couple, Nancy and Garry, had always planned to spend time at their Florida condo when Garry retired. But when

the time came, it was hard for Nancy to step away from her volunteer activities, including a youth group and a basketball program.

The solution: During the couple’s initial 3½-month stay in Florida, Nancy returned home for a basketball fundraiser. And she is stepping up her volunteer time over the summer.

“The best thing is to talk it through,” she said. “I figured out a way to spend time with my husband in Florida and still get joy from my volunteer work.”

By Janet Bodnar is editor-at-large at Kiplinger’s Personal Finance. ©2019 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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OCTOBER 2019 — BALTIMORE BEACON

Say you saw it in the Beacon

BALTIMORE BEACON — OCTOBER 2019

Money Law &

15

TIME TO SHIFT GEARS To ensure your nest egg lasts once retired, you might need to change your goal from maximizing rate of return to maximizing and maintaining income LATE LIFE MISTAKES Transitioning to retirement can put various pressures on a marriage. A new book explains how to avoid mistakes and age successfully

Avoid the latest phone and email scams

By Liz Weston Gover nment-imposter frauds have scammed people out of at least $450 million since 2014, according to the Federal Trade Commission.

To help thwart them, you can share suspicions with AARP’s Fraud Watch Helpline at 1-877-908-3360, report scam attempts to the FTC, and warn loved ones about the latest schemes, such as these three:

Government imposters Fraudsters are nothing if not flexible. As media coverage of IRS-imposter calls increased last year, scammers switched to impersonating Social Security investigators.

The crooks often use software to spoof caller ID services into showing phone numbers for the Social Security Administration or its fraud hotline.

Doug Shadel, AARP’s lead researcher on consumer fraud, recently pretended to take the bait. He returned a robocall from a group of these impersonators and was told the FBI was about to arrest him for opening 25 fraudulent bank accounts.

To help the “investigators,” Shadel was advised to move all the money in his legiti-

$*&('#)$*&('

mate bank accounts to prepaid cards issued by “government-certified” stores such as Apple, Target, CVS or Walgreens.

Then, Shadel was supposed to give the caller the cards’ serial numbers so the information could be added to his “file” — which, of course, would actually allow the bilkers to steal all the money.

Details of these scams may seem absurd, but con artists are exceptionally good at creating an atmosphere of fear and urgency so you’ll react emotionally, Shadel said. “Once you’re in that state of fear, it swamps all reason,” he said.

Variations on this scheme include warnings that your Social Security number has been suspended because of suspicious activity, or that your help is needed to investigate a crime, such as immigration fraud.

Know this: Social Security numbers can’t be suspended, investigators typically don’t enlist civilians, and government agencies don’t call out of the blue, said Kathy Stokes, director of AARP’s fraud prevention programs.

“Anyone calling from the government saying there’s a problem and you owe money is a scam,” she said.

& "!**#)%%

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410.337.8900 | www.frankelderlaw.com | 1.888.338.0400 Towson | Columbia | Easton

Password-enabled blackmail “Sextortion” blackmail tries to convince you that your computer has been hacked and that the blackmailer is about to expose an extramarital affair, porn-watching habits or other embarrassing behavior.

The email is really just a boilerplate form, but the subject line may include your actual password (which was probably exposed in some previous, unrelated database breach).

The blackmailer typically demands payment via bitcoin or other digital currency.

The solution is not to pony up, but to hit delete — and change your passwords regularly.

Kidnapping scams This is a twist on family emergency scams, where someone pretends to be a loved one who urgently needs money — to get out of jail, leave a foreign country or pay a hospital bill, for example.

With kidnapping scams, crooks pretend See SCAMS, page 16

16

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OCTOBER 2019 — BALTIMORE BEACON

Retirement requires a shift in thinking

By Jonathan Imber For most of your investing life, you’ve probably been encouraged to build a portfolio that balances risk and return — achieving the highest returns possible based on your personal tolerance for risk.

For most people, that means living with a certain amount of volatility in exchange for growing a comfortable nest egg for their retirement years.

You can lose money taking on too much risk, of course, but you won’t gain much ground being too risk-averse. So a larger investment in the stock market (60%, 70% or more) would be a must for those looking to help grow their wealth over the long term.

In retirement, though, things are different, and a shift in thinking is required.

The goal for most people should change as retirement nears — from growing their nest egg to helping to protect their savings

and ensuring the money they’ve accumulated can provide them with enough income to last 20 to 30 years or more.

That means a shift in mindset and a transition in strategies.

The problem is, the financial industry has done such a good job of pushing accumulation at (almost) any cost, it can be tough for some to switch their focus to the next stages of investing: preservation and distribution.

Don’t let this happen to you Recently, for example, my firm put together a retirement plan for a potential client who had saved a hefty chunk of money — more than $3 million. We included an income plan — using a bucketing strategy — that laid out where he would get his money in retirement.

With bucketing, we typically look at three time frames, which could be labeled “now,” “soon” and “later.”

The “now” bucket is designed to cover living expenses and larger emergency expenses in the first years of retirement. The “soon” bucket holds money you may need to access a few years down the road.

And both buckets are built to withstand a market downturn early in retirement — a time when “sequence of returns risk” can devastate a portfolio.

In this case, the first bucket, the “now” bucket, was set up with cash equivalents and fixed-income investments. The second, “soon,” bucket included equities (about 50%). The “later” bucket had a higher percentage of equities, designed for long-term growth and legacy planning.

When presented with the potential plan, the client felt that we had put too much into fixed income, especially at the beginning of the plan. He thought more growth opportunity was needed and wanted to take more risk.

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So, rather than focusing on how to generate income from the portfolio, the client was still focusing on trying to achieve potential higher rates of return.

We had covered the biggest concerns the client had come to us with: How long the money would last, and where exactly to pull income from. But in the end, the client focused more on maximizing the rate of return.

Those are two different goals.

Time to change perspective I can’t blame the investor, who had been trained for 30 years to think about risk and reward, account values and returns.

But I do hope that, as an industry, we can help people understand that cash and fixedincome investments can play a critical role in weathering economic storms and can help protect what individuals have in retirement.

Each investment has valuable features people can use to their advantage. But needs are different in retirement, and a person’s plan should reflect that.

Even if you can handle a more aggressive investing strategy, why risk it? In retirement, it’s important to think of your savings as income rather than a lump sum.

It’s not all about achieving maximum return on investment anymore; it’s about how you can get the maximum return from your portfolio and into your pocket.

Instead of sticking with a collection of random investments or going with a cookie-cutter asset allocation, talk with your adviser about ways to help build a strategic plan for how you’re going to distribute your assets to yourself.

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

Scams From page 15 to hold your loved one hostage, often including the sounds of someone screaming or pleading. The call may appear to come from the supposed victim’s phone number.

Resist the urge to panic, and instead verify your loved one’s whereabouts, Stokes said. That could mean hanging up without speaking — often the best approach — then calling or texting the loved one’s cell phone.

Alternatively, reach out to someone likely to know where they are, such as a spouse, friend or parent, Stokes said. If you stay on the line, expect that the swindlers will try to keep you from checking out the story by threatening dire consequences.

“If they say, ‘Don’t tell anybody or drastic things will happen,’ just know that that’s part of their ruse,” Stokes said.

—AP/NerdWallet

BALTIMORE BEACON — OCTOBER 2019

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Law & Money

17

How to avoid critical mistakes later in life

By Elliot Raphaelson Although the divorce rate of younger couples has been dropping, the National Center for Health Statistics and the U.S. Census Bureau report that the divorce rate for married people over 50 has doubled, and for those ages 65 and older the rate has approximately tripled since 1990.

Some financial planners have specialized in this area, and can provide the necessary guidance to families facing this situation.

Dennis Stearns, founder of fee-only Stearns Financial Group in Greensboro, N.C., has focused on this issue for a decade. He has written a comprehensive and concise book, Fourth Quarter Fumbles: How Successful People Avoid Critical Mistakes Later in Life.

The book addresses what is needed for successful aging and has some insights that could significantly reduce the probability of facing divorce later.

Transitioning to retirement can be challenging. You may do less, spend more or struggle with boredom. Health may deteriorate and caregiving issues arise.

Stearns identifies the problems that almost all couples will face in retirement, and he elucidates the factors that are needed for successful aging: a physically active and mentally stimulating lifestyle, strong social engagement, and finding a purpose and meaning in life.

Agree on a strategy Stearns poses a number of key questions for couples to consider, including: What is your vision of an ideal retirement? Do you have a clearly defined financial roadmap for retirement? Are both partners on the same page when it comes to retirement housing or joining a community?

Once couples agree on a financial roadmap, an attorney, financial planner and insurance agent should be able to work with them to carry out their strategy.

It is crucial that couples decide on whether they plan to spend more in retirement on travel and vacations than they have previously. How important is it to leave some of their assets to their children? Couples who agree on these questions before retirement will increase their chances of happiness.

volunteer work and hobbies for this).

Also, feed your spirit. Regardless of your religion, healthy aging benefits from a good spiritual foundation.

Stearn summarizes a few of the key actions to minimize fumbles.

• Health is your No. 1 asset in life.

Focus more on the pursuit of wellness, not just the absence of illness.

• Explore your “why,” your reason to get out of bed every morning.

• Nurture your “who” in order to face the

challenges of the fourth quarter. You need a team of friends, family and advisers to help you to avoid or recover from fumbles.

• Consciously work on better decision making. Have several friends or family members help you.

• Sharpen your bounce-back skills. Resiliency is a top predictor of fourth-quarter success, and it can be improved.

Send questions and comments to raphelliot@gmail.com. © 2019 Elliot Raphaelson.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Take care of yourself Stearns draws a distinction between “wellness vs. the absence of illness.” According to a 2016 Employee Benefit Research Institute study, 80% of healthy respondents were “very satisfied” after 15 years of retirement, compared to 25% among those who were in poor health.

There are many things you can do to ensure a higher quality of life: Eat sensibly; exercise regularly; get enough sleep; exercise your brain regularly (I recommend

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18

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OCTOBER 2019 — BALTIMORE BEACON

Say you saw it in the Beacon

BALTIMORE BEACON — OCTOBER 2019

Travel

19

Leisure &

Antarctica is a land of breathtaking sights, from icy mountains to whales and penguins. See story on page 20.

Visiting Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands A road that’s an experience The best way to see the Laurel Highlands is via the Lincoln Highway, the road that changed America. Built in 1913 (prePennsylvania Turnpike, pre-interstate highways), it connected New York City and San Francisco, stretching 3,142 miles from coast to coast.

In its heyday between 1913 and 1940, it fostered car travel and roadside enterprises like gas stations, restaurants and motels.

The 200-mile central Pennsylvania section of the Lincoln Highway has gentle hills, long slopes and remnants of roadhouses situated on mountaintops so car radiators could cool down after the climb.

Order a driving guide ahead of time and you can explore the highways’ neon signs and funky architecture, like old Burma Shave signs and Bedford’s 18-foot coffeepot, built in 1927. It’s much more than a road; it’s an experience, promoters say.

The Lincoln Highway Experience museum, also in Latrobe, provides an education in the old days of auto travel in a former tavern and stagecoach stop. Here nostalgia seekers can see vintage gas pumps, a tourist cabin and a 1937 Packard.

The average car speed in 1924 in Pennsylvania was 12 to 15 miles per hour, and gasoline cost 24 cents a gallon in 1950, according to exhibits. With their $14 admission ticket,

PHOTO COURTESY OF LAUREL HIGHLANDS VISITORS BUREAU

By Glenda C. Booth There are many good finds in Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands, an undulating countryside 50 miles southeast of Pittsburgh.

Visitors to the 3,000-square-mile region, which encompasses Westmoreland, Somerset and Fayette Counties, will find Pennsylvania’s highest peaks, rolling hills, small towns, covered bridges and dense verdant forests that burst into blazing colors in the fall.

The area gets its name from the flowering laurel shrubs that bloom each June.

But since 2001, the area has been best known for what happened on 9/11, when hijacked United Flight 93 crashed in Shanksville, killing all aboard.

A more comforting association would be with the children’s television hero Mister Rogers, who died in 2003. Fans of Fred McFeely Rogers — the soft-spoken, fatherly host of “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” which aired on television from 1968 to 2001 — can learn more about him at the Fred Rogers Center located in his hometown of Latrobe, Pennsylvania.

His popularity is currently on the rise.

Last year, a successful HBO documentary about his life became the top-grossing biographical documentary in American history.

In November, the movie A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, will hit theaters, starring Tom Hanks in a signature cardigan.

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

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

A stagecoach and fort

PHOTO COURTESY OF LAUREL HIGHLANDS VISITORS BUREAU

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

In nearby Laughlintown, the restored logand-stone Compass Inn and Museum was a stagecoach stop from 1799 to 1862. President Zachary Taylor and Senator Henry Clay stayed at the inn and tolerated rules like “Beds must be shared,” “Do not expectorate on the floor,” “Remove boots before crawling into bed” and “All singing and boisterous talk must cease by 9 o’clock.”

Docents in period dress explain that the on-site stagecoach from the 1830s carried 12 to 15 people, and that horses went full gallop downhill to this stop, where drivers changed their steeds.

The site also has a beehive oven, a blacksmith’s shop, and an 1830s Conestoga wagon that was “powered” by a walking teamster and six horses. Admission is $9 (with a discount for those 65+).

Just up the road, Ligonier is a walkable, picture-postcard town with a made-for-Hollywood town green lined with boutique shops and restaurants. The town is most famous for its reconstructed Fort Ligonier, an active supply depot from 1758 to 1766 during the French and Indian War. Every October, British, French and Na-

tive American re-enactors fill the town for Fort Ligonier Days (this year on October 11-13), commemorating the 1758 Battle of Fort Ligonier, a successful defense from a French attack.

Visitors can explore the fort’s four-gun batteries, dry moat, and walls protected by fascines (stick bundles) with enough dirt to absorb shot. The museum displays Prussian artifacts, swords, cartridge boxes, cannon balls, chamber pots and other artifacts of military life.

Fort guides will expound on 18th-century military fort engineering. One explained its French style, stressing that the French were the military engineers of the day (and that the Brits “stole” their techniques). Admission is $12; $10 if 62 or over.

Beauty in art, outdoors Half an hour away, the Westmoreland Museum of American Art in Greensburg displays art by Mary Cassatt, Winslow Homer and John Singer Sargent, in addition to a 1905 Tiffany window and bronze sculptures from late 19th century.

Many of the artists’ works depict southwest Pennsylvania scenes: glowing, steel mill smokestacks and workers arriving for the night shift. Admission is free.

See LAUREL HIGHLANDS, page 21

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OCTOBER 2019 — BALTIMORE BEACON

Whales and wonder in icy Antarctica

By Don Mankin One after the other, humpback whales arched their backs and slid into the frigid waters of Antarctica. As they flicked their tails in the air, rivulets dripped from the edges before they disappeared below the surface.

I stood up in the Zodiac, a small inflatable boat with an outboard motor, my camera poised for the next opportunity for a once-in-a-lifetime shot. I didn’t have to wait long. Wherever I turned, I saw whales — from spouts in the distance to nearby humps and tails glistening in the sun.

It wasn’t just the sheer number of whales in Antarctica (more than 100 or so) that boggled my mind. The marine mammals’ performance was framed by the icy splendor of mountains and glaciers in the background, along with icebergs and “bergy bits” (smaller chunks of ice) in the foreground.

Sculpted blocks of floating ice created a wonderland of blue shapes and textures, a polar landscape more beautiful to me than any other place I have ever seen.

Drawn back repeatedly This was my third trip to Antarctica in 17 years. I am drawn by its remoteness, beauty, otherworldliness and the sense of adventure. My first visit involved a flight into the interior and sleeping in a tent for a week. The second was an adventure cruise

much like this one but without the whales.

One Ocean Expeditions, my host, dubbed the one-week trip “Marine Mammals of Antarctica.” The excursion runs in February and March, near the end of the short Antarctic summer but at the height of migration for the humpback and minke whales of the Southern Hemisphere.

We also saw the usual year-long residents, such as seals and penguins, putting on fat to carry them through the long winter months ahead, and a huge variety of polar sea birds.

Crossing the Drake Passage, the area where the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans meet, was different this time. On my last trip in 2013, I spent the entire voyage braced against the constant swaying as our boat rocked from side to side. I ended up with sore muscles, bruises from bouncing off the walls, and cuts on my face after an ill-advised attempt to shave.

This time we experienced the polar opposite (pun intended). The weather was clear and sunny, and the seas were relatively calm. Our ship was a Russian research vessel, an austere, workmanlike vessel that was nonetheless quite comfortable and attractive.

Cabins were well appointed, there was plenty of outside deck space for chilly observation, and the boat had an attractive

lounge with a fully stocked bar, which included a surprisingly wide selection of single malt whiskeys.

The tour also included some expert presentations on Antarctic mammals, birds and history, as well as ice, krill and whale poop. There were several scientists on board who were studying the impact of plastic trash on marine life. How better to assess that than by analyzing whale poop?

Talk about a career choice.

Dramatic and dynamic views Once we reached the Antarctic Peninsula, the scenery was spectacular. On one of the first days, we went on an easy hike up to a viewpoint that looked out over one of the most stunning views I had ever seen.

A vast, open bay stretched in front of me. The mountains and glaciers ringing the bay were reflected in the steel gray waters. A huge iceberg with a bright blue arch that tunneled through to the other side drifted slowly in the water.

In the afternoon, we climbed into the Zodiacs to cruise around and look for seals lounging on the ice floes. We maneuvered our way around blocks of ice as large as houses, city blocks, even shopping centers. There was no noise except for the sounds of calving glaciers and the soft putt-putt of the boat’s motor.

I never grew tired of the views, which changed dramatically with the sun and clouds. On clear days, everything sparkled.

On partly cloudy days, the view was more textured, creating a moody landscape of black, white and grey with occasional streaks of sunlight that turned peaks and glaciers stark white and the water bright blue.

When it was completely overcast it was spooky, hushed and otherworldly, like a landscape from a sci-fi movie set on a stark, distant planet. Often a whale’s tale injected an additional element and some perspective into the vast tableau.

Volcanic island visit On the last day before heading back across the Drake Passage, we cruised into Deception Bay, a volcanic caldera created by an eruption in 1969.

The Zodiacs dropped us off on an island that is one of the few remnants from the eruption. We hiked through the moonlike, volcanic landscape up a slope covered with pumice and rocks to the rim of a crater, essentially a crater within the crater.

With heavy clothes and gear, the climate was reasonably comfortable — warmer than the Northeast in the middle of winter.

The only time I was cold was after sitting in See ANTARCTICA, page 21

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Leisure & Travel

BALTIMORE BEACON — OCTOBER 2019

Laurel Highlands From page 19 Laurel Highlands’ towering trees, ridgelines, valleys and waterways lure locals and visitors alike.

The 20,500-acre Ohiopyle State Park is famous for the Youghiogheny River’s rushing rapids and 79 miles of hiking trails.

Linn Run State Park’s Spruce Flats is home to carnivorous pitcher and sundew plants, four-toed salamanders and wood frogs.

A bucket-list favorite is Fallingwater, the famous Frank Lloyd Wright masterpiece built over Bear Run’s waterfall as a private home. Wright integrated the house into the natural landscape, reflecting his passion for Japanese architecture.

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

Antarctica From page 20 the Zodiac surrounded by ice after a couple of hours of cruising around.

While others hiked further, I just hung around the rim of the crater, marveling at the power that created it. I was a mere protozoan in comparison.

Others took the polar plunge after the hike, running and diving into the water, then trying to get out as quickly as possible. Mindful of the many ways my aging body would protest, I took a pass. I don’t see any reason to tempt the fates, or at least my calcified arteries.

In the afternoon, we landed the Zodiacs

Flight 93 Memorial One of the country’s newest and most powerful national memorials opened in the Laurel Highlands in 2015.

The pastoral countryside near Shanksville was anything but that on September 11, 2001.

At 10:03 a.m., United Airlines Flight 93 crashed and caught fire in a farm field, killing 40 passengers and crew members and four al Qaeda hijackers. The terrorists’ presumed target was the U.S. Capitol, 18 minutes away.

But passengers and crew overcame them, presumably leading to the downing of the plane in the field.

The somber Flight 93 Memorial looms on a windswept, grassy hill, honoring those killed. The site’s design by Paul Murdoch includes a black granite walkway that evokes the flight path, and a nearly milelong walk to a wall of names and an overlook of the crash site.

At the 93-foot-tall Tower of Voices, 40 individually tuned steel chimes ring in perpetuity for the deceased.

on a small island with a penguin colony, fur seals and at least one elephant seal. I took my time, ending the visit with several minutes of contemplation as I stared at the penguins and the wall of ice across the bay, soaking it all in.

I realized that this would probably be my last time in Antarctica and I wanted to burn the view and the feeling of peace forever into my memory.

One Ocean Expedition’s Marine Mammals 11-day tour starts at $11,295. Other tours to Antarctica start at about $6,000, not including airfare to Argentina, where most tours begin. For more information and photos, see the author’s website, adventuretransformations.com.

Museum exhibits tell the story of that dark day, minute by minute. In perhaps the most moving exhibit, visitors can listen to actual telephone conversations of passengers who called loved ones and authorities (13 people made 37 calls).

One woman told her sister where to find her will. A wife assured her husband she was fine but warned that something strange was happening. And the recovered cockpit voice recorder captured the screams, struggles and breaking glass inside the airplane.

The comforting Mr. Rogers After contemplating Flight 93, a visit to the Fred Rogers Center in Latrobe, a 50minute drive away, can be soothing.

The Fred Rogers Center for Early Learning and Children’s Media, located on the campus of Saint Vincent College, displays

four of his signature cardigan sweaters, original puppets like Daniel Tiger and X the Owl, and the show’s anthropomorphic trolley. Admission is free.

A Presbyterian minister, Rogers took his preschool viewers on field trips to factories, explained how bulldozers work, and tenderly advised them on topics like mistakes, conflicts, fears, loneliness, illness and loss.

“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news,” Rogers once said, “my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’”

The Laurel Highlands is situated 200 miles from Baltimore, and Fort Ligonier is 17 miles from the Pennsylvania Turnpike.

Roundtrip flights from BWI to Pittsburgh on Southwest Airlines in October start at around $230. For more information, visit laurelhighlands.org or lhhc.org.

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21

NEVERMORE ONCE AGAIN Celebrate Baltimore’s famous author with Poe-related performanc-

es, book sales, musicians and vendors. The Edgar Allan Poe Festival takes place on Sat., Oct. 5 and Sun., Oct. 6 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. It’s located across the street from the Poe House and Museum, 203 N. Amity St., in the new Poe Park at Center/West. Admission and parking are free. Visit PoeFestInternational.org.

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OCTOBER 2019 — BALTIMORE BEACON

LI V ING

C ON Largest 50+ NE Event in Maryland C

Baltimore County y Department of Aging

TE D

POWER OF AGE EXPO 2019

Formerly known as Boomer/Senior Expo Baby Boomer/Se

Wednesday, October 30, 2019 ADMISSION 9 a.m. toof8Aging p.m.

Baltimore County Department Donation or two cans Timonium Fairgrounds

of non-perishable food

FREE GIFT Sponsored by:

GBMC Healthcare

ALL AGES WILL ENJOY THE FOLLOWING SPECIAL CIAL FEATURES INCLUDING: INCLUDING • Connect with over 300 exhibitors with information and specialty products

• Benefit from free preventive health screenings and flu/pneumonia vaccinations

• Learn about age-friendly communities

• Learn about government resources available in Baltimore County

• Discover a treasure in the Silent Auction by being the highest bidder • Crown the best local artist in the Power of Age Art Show/Exhibit

• Explore BCDA’s Living Connected feature area • Visit Centerville • Enjoy Dating 101 and Speed Dating

Special accommodation requests by 10/18/19 by calling 410-887-2002.

Call 410-887-2594 or visit www.powerofageexpo.com

FOR SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES CALL 410-887-2012

TIME OF YOUR LIFE Digest

Say you saw it in the Beacon

BALTIMORE BEACON — OCTOBER 2019

PHOTO BY KEVIN LYNCH

Style Arts &

23

Stand-up comedy is now taught at Johns Hopkins by Adam Ruben, above. See our cover story, continued on page 24.

Family dynamics plus mystery in Proof

Much to prove Proof takes place on the back porch of an aging, rundown Chicago dwelling. The setting itself is a reflection of Catherine’s father, Robert (Bruce Randolph Nelson), a one-time Mozart of mathematics who suffered from dementia marked by “graphomania� (the compulsive urge to write).

His 25-year-old daughter, Catherine (Katie Kleiger), serves as his caregiver,

friend, confidante and emotional parent, a role she feels honor-bound to play even if it means putting her own life on hold.

There’s something else unusual about Robert, we learn at the close of the first act, just before his death. A conversation with Catherine makes her question — and then seek proof of — her own sanity and sense of self.

Enter Hal (Jeremy Keith Hunter), a former student of Robert and now a mathematics professor himself at the local university. After Robert’s passing, Hal visits to sift through his mentor’s notebooks for mathematic gold, should some shards of brilliance appear among Robert’s final frenetic musings.

Visiting from New York for her father’s funeral, Claire (Anderson) offers some of the play’s more comic moments, as she perfectly portrays an annoying older sister, unable to fathom why Catherine isn’t dating, why she’s drinking champagne alone, and why she can’t appreciate how much better New York is than Chicago.

Theater may have no math matrix or modules, but it does have MacGuffins, that is, an object, device or event that is necessary to the plot and the motivation of the characters. In this case, it’s a particular notebook that may contain the key to solving some of the greatest mathematics mysteries of the age.

Catherine provides the key (literally) that opens the notebook for Hal, but the question is, who wrote the proof? Father

PHOTO BY DJ COREY PHOTOGRAPHY

By Dan Collins One of the most wonderful things about theater is that it isn’t math. That said, there is a sort dramatic arithmetic to theater, an equation where the figures are living, breathing human beings and the final answer (hopefully) results in a standing ovation, as was the case at the opening performance of Proof, at Everyman Theatre through October 6.

Proof earned the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 2001 for playwright David Auburn, and was produced 15 years ago on the Everyman’s old North Charles Street stage with Megan Anderson playing Catherine, the play’s main character.

Anderson appears again in Proof, this time portraying Catherine’s older sister, Claire. As Everyman Artistic Director Vincent M. Lancisi noted in his address to the audience before curtain, the change in roles offered Anderson a chance to tackle the material from a different tack. That’s a challenge every actor would embrace, having a chance to bring a fresh look to previously explored material.

A daughter must contend with her mathematician father’s dementia and death, along with fears about her own mental stability, in the award-winning play Proof, at Everyman Theatre through October 6.

or daughter? Auburn’s family drama is a mystery as well.

lar, multi-layered performances from this very talented acting ensemble.

As Robert, Nelson beautifully explores a

Top-notch cast Director Paige Hernandez coaxes stel-

See PROOF, page 25

SEPTEMBER 13 - NOVEMBER 3

THE COLUMBIA ORCHESTRA October 12, 2019 at 7:30pm Jim Rouse Theatre Gubaidulina: Concerto for Orchestra & Jazz Band Prokofiev: Violin Concerto No. 2 Ivan Stefanovic, violin Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 6, “PathĂŠtiqueâ€?

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Arts & Style | More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

Comedy From page 1 doing standup this January, not long after celebrating her 75th birthday.

What led her to the stage?

“A year ago, I took a friend who had been through a sad time to a stand-up show to cheer her up, and it just came upon me: I want to do stand-up!

“I like to make people laugh. I loved Lucille Ball, Sid Caesar, Ernie Kovacs, Carol Burnett, all the TV greats,” Craig added.

She only got the confidence to actually prepare a stand-up routine after taking a

comedy writing class last summer with Alan Zweibal, an early writer for Saturday Night Live.

She recently appeared at the Columbia club, where she told the audience all about her current “social life.”

It’s fine and dandy she said, if she meets a guy with conditions such as sleep apnea, macular degeneration and even erectile dysfunction, as long “as he’s not a Yankee fan or goes full Anthony Weiner on me.”

Craig also performed on June 8 at the Wooly Mammoth Theater in downtown D.C. Hearing the laughter from the crowd “was certainly intoxicating,” she said.

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

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

OCTOBER 2019 — BALTIMORE BEACON

Why can’t you explain puns to kleptomaniacs? They always take things literally.

If not an addiction, stand-up has certainly become “a passion” for Ken Watter, who lives in Gaithersburg. When he’s not making them roll in the aisles at the Columbia club, he’s figuring out their finances as a CPA in Rockville.

Watter took to the stand-up stage in 2007, following his divorce. “I went into walk-in comedy shows in the area, looking for laughs,” he said. “A lot of the stand-ups were horrible.

“I decided, ‘I can do that.’ When I started out, I was horrible, too.”

Then came classes at the famous DC Improv on Connecticut Avenue south of Dupont Circle, whose stage has hosted performances since 1992 by the likes of Dave Chappelle, Ellen DeGeneres and Jerry Seinfeld, among other headliners.

“I learned how really to do stand-up there, from holding audiences to constructing jokes,” Watter said.

Becoming a stand-up comedian has helped him in his CPA business, Watter said. “Now, I can actually make people laugh when I talk to them about the IRS,” he said.

FROM PAGE 26 ANSWERS TO SCRABBLE

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Benjamin Franklin may have discovered electricity, but the man who invented the meter made all the money. — Johnny Carson Another comedian who hasn’t quit his day job is Bob Jeffers, who lives in Bethesda. Like Watter, Jeffers also started doing stand-up later in life — a year ago, when he reached his 60th birthday. He did it, he said, “to fulfill an item on my bucket list.

I’m not getting any younger, I told myself.

Let me try it.”

The stand-up urge started when he was about 7 years old, listening to Bill Cosby records. Now that he’s finally living his dream, Jeffers said he lives “a double life. I sell long-term care insurance by day, then I step into a phone booth at night and come out with a tight-fitting outfit with the letter C (for Comedian) on it.”

Why did the belt go to jail? Because it held up a pair of pants. — Laffy Taffy Errol Krass is a recent retiree who discovered a new life on the stand-up stages in the area. Krass, 68, who has been “telling jokes my whole life,” is also a reSee COMEDY, page 25

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

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

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

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

Say you saw it in the Beacon | Arts & Style

BALTIMORE BEACON — OCTOBER 2019

Comedy From page 24 cent graduate of comedy courses at DC Improv.

After retiring as a patent lawyer two years ago, the longtime Olney resident decided to start telling his jokes if not for a living, at least for some extra change. His first stage appearance was in a Columbia warehouse, where Madzel was putting on his first comedy shows.

So far Krass has picked up a few tricks, he said. “For instance, the rule of three — it’s always funnier when a rabbi, a priest and a minister enter some place rather than just two of them.”

Krass, a Brooklyn-bred comedian, says his comedy has its roots “in the Borscht Belt,” the nickname given to a group of re-

Proof From page 23 man in a desperate battle to resurrect his brilliance and maintain his pinky-toe hold on sanity. Vulnerable, manic, he is both angry and terrified at the same time.

Kleiger is her father’s daughter, as she fears whether genetics will cast her into the same pit as her father, and is angry at lost time and lost love she’s experienced.

Hunter plays the geeky math-dude exceedingly well, and Anderson takes a somewhat thankless role and makes it

sorts located in New York’s Catskill Mountains that had their heyday during the 1940s and 50s.

The hotels catered to New York City Jews, and featured comedians such as Jerry Lewis, Sid Caesar and Henny Youngman.

Krass said a lot of his routine for the older crowd in the audience is also geared to early TV shows, such as the Western “Have Gun, Will Travel.”

“I tell the audience, if they know of other possible gigs for me, ‘Have large prostate, will travel.’”

Tickets for Try It Out Comedy Showcase are $12 ($15 at the door) and are available at EventBrite.com. The next performance will take place on Nov. 4 at 18th & 21st Restaurant, 10980 Grantchester Way, #110, Columbia. For more information or a schedule, call (443) 745-0332.

Classifieds cont. from page 27.

Wanted

Wanted

SEEKING FULL/SEALED BOTTLES of Vintage Bourbon & Rye (Pre-1990). Examples include, but are not limited to: Old Grand Dad, Pikesville Rye, Wild Turkey, Old Fitzgerald.

Also buy whiskey & beer advertisements, art & antiques. Phil Gallant 410-336-1153.

SELL ME YOUR CAR, Truck or SUV for CASH today instead of a maybe tax deduction tomorrow. I come to you. NO FUSS NO MUSS. 410-916-0776 I also buy Motorcycles, Scooters & Bikes. If it’s got wheels, I am a CASH BUYER. Call Today. Let’s Roll

ESTATE LIQUIDATION/ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES: One call solves it all when you hire us to handle your estate liquidation, down-sizing and/or home cleanout. We sell your treasures, take care of charitable donations and provide junk removal. We also purchase partial estate contents/collections. Always buying antiques, jewelry, fine art, vintage toys, collectibles, advertising, sports memorabilia, military, vintage cars, Mid Century Modern furniture, vinyl records, gold and silver coins and more. Based in Silver Spring, we serve Montgomery, Howard and Baltimore Counties, Washington D.C., NOVA and beyond. No home, outbuilding or storage unit too packed for us!

Friendly, conscientious staff. Call Chris on cell (202) 731-9447. www.OrionsAttic.com.

COLLECTOR BUYING MILITARY ITEMS: Helmets, weapons, knives, swords, web gear, uniforms, etc. from all wars & countries. Also Lionel Trains, & slots/coin operated machines. Will pay top prices. Discreet consultations. Call Fred, 301910-0783 STAMP COLLECTIONS WANTED. CHINA, U.S., JAPAN, CONFEDERATE, WORLDWIDE. I buy Stamps, Covers, Sheets. Mint or Used. No Collection Too Big! Top Prices Paid. I will come to you. Call Glenn. 301 641-5744. Glennthen@comcast.net.

CASH FOR ESTATES; moving, etc. I buy a wide range of items. Buy out/clean up. TheAtticLLC.com Gary Roman 301-520-0755.

three-dimensional, as a woman trying to keep what’s left of her family from spinning out of control.

Though the play is nearly 20 years old, it stands the test of time, keeping the audience engaged, surprised, shocked, amused and, by play’s end, on their feet.

Proof continues its run at the Everyman, located at 315 W. Fayette Street in Baltimore, through Oct. 6. Tickets range from $10-$65; $5 off for those 65+ for all matinees and Sunday evening performances.

Buy tickets online at everymantheatre.org, call (410) 752-2208, or visit the box office.

Start your learning adventure with senior programs at CCBC! Your recovery after a hospital stay should begin with a knowledgeable, interdisciplinary team that understands your health care goals. Working with state-of-the-art equipment, we have the expertise and experience to treat patients recovering from a variety of conditions, including: Neurological Cardiac Orthopedic

Create and compute.

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Discover more about the human experience.

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26

OCTOBER 2019 — BALTIMORE BEACON

More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

Crossword Puzzle

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

2

Stephen Sherr 3

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Across 1. White-knuckles the steering wheel 6. First victims of the Pied Piper 10. “I’ll have ___ and tonic, please” 14. Sleep disorder 15. Glowing word in a dark theater 16. Part of a cantina’s combination platter 17. Kindergartners’ formations 20. Good name for a retailer 21. Toll House Cookie chip sweetness level 22. DC area airport code 23. Gadget for checks and balances 26. Best Friends Forever, in text-talk 28. India’s Taj ___ 30. Cook for a larger crowd 35. Think the world of 36. Salad veggie 37. “The kissing disease” 38. Neither 1 Down nor liquid 39. Eastern edge of the Louisiana Purchase 43. Reason to be banned from a fancy restaurant 45. Underground film location in The Third Man 46. Sing, dance, and act; for example 50. Unwilling to face the day 51. 24 horas 52. Pie in the ___ 53. One of 15 regions under Gorby’s control 54. Deer, deer relatives 58. Federal Reserve Board (briefly) 60. Two slices, generally 66. Bestselling author, Leon 67. “___ there, done that” 68. Phrase with different literal and figurative meanings 69. “___ meeny, miny, moe” 70. Uses a straight or zigzag stitch 71. Prevent legally

Down 1. Composition of Jupiter 2. Research univ. in Troy, NY 3. Last word in many motel chain names BB1019

11

19

31

37

Scrabble answers on p. 24.

10

21

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60

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18 20

46

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7

4. Cribbage score-keepers 5. Satisfactory, as merchandise 6. Football flag dropper 7. Bush 43’s “___ of evil” 8. Piece of a roof or floor 9. Handle for a rose flower or wineglass 10. End of Illumin- or Masor11. He said “Be the change that you want to see in the world” 12. Feature of Mars’ north pole 13. Cash register key 18. A female sprite (and anagram for “flee”) 19. Bartender’s garnishes 23. Man named in Genesis 2:19 24. Chore list heading 25. Elementary particle 27. ABC Western satire which premiered 9/14/65 29. More sore 31. Author Charlotte or Emily 32. Permissible to be eaten, to a Muslim 33. Cleaned up text 34. Health mag topic: “How to get ___ of belly fat” 38. Chem. or bio.

40. Accepts a loan 41. Excessively watery (as coffee) 42. Affectedly creative 44. Diner’s selection 45. Permanent marker 46. Creamy soup 47. Provide a guarantee 48. Scarecrow’s desire, in Oz 49. Small squabble 55. Cholesterol testers 56. Hemline baseline 57. Be anxious about the jambalaya 59. Participates in an auction 61. Back part of “backwoodsy” 62. Switch settings 63. Facial blemish 64. San Diego’s is most visited in the US 65. Sound booster

Answers on page 24.

Say you saw it in the Beacon

BALTIMORE BEACON — OCTOBER 2019

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.

Business & Employment Opportunities DOORMAN/LOBBY REGISTRAR for Established Pikesville Office Bldg. Ideal for Retiree, Retired Firefighter/Officer. Responsible OnCall or Sub. Part-time position. Evenings & Saturday. Call 410-484-4162 NEW FRONTIERS OF FAITH BAPTIST CHURCH is seeking God’s man to fill the office of Pastor. Any potential candidate who is ready to preach, teach, and shepherd God’s people through prayer and the ministry of the Word should submit a resume to the Pastor Search Committee, New Frontiers of Faith Baptist Church, 1110 Beaumont Ave, Baltimore, MD 21212. Any questions? Call 410-433-7553 and leave a message.

Caregivers SEEKING PART-TIME CAREGIVER with 5 years experience to take care of 80 year old elderly man with Parkinson’s. Male preferred, assist with daily bathing and restroom breaks, physical therapy, ensuring medication is taken and light housework. Must have a vehicle to transport to and from class and like dogs.

Please contact Linda (301) 520-6937.

Computer Services THE COMPUTER DOCTORS “We Make House Calls!” Voted Best Computer Repair of Baltimore. Onsite Computer Service for homes and businesses. We specialize in helping seniors with their technology needs. Internet, email and WiFi troubleshooting.

Virus removal. Clean up and tune-up. PC and Apple support. Our friendly, knowledgeable technicians speak in easy to understand language. Serving Baltimore, Howard, Harford, Anne Arundel and Carroll Counties. Stay connected and call us today! 410-840-3434.

For Sale FOR SALE — MINIMALLY USED MEDICAL EQUIPMENT: Quantum Q6 Edge Powerchair; Electric Sit-to-Stand Lift; Wheelchair/transporter combo; Portable 6’x30”“ PVI multi-fold ramp; Rascal Scooter and Powerchair. Call and leave message at (410)592-9772.

For Sale/Rent: Real Estate BEAUTIFUL BRAND NEW TOWNHOME FOR RENT. Located in the Brand New Trotters Knoll Development in Ellicott City (Columbia/Elkridge area). 3 levels, 3 bedrooms, 3 1/2 baths, Garage. Awesome setting on a hill. Convenient to Route 100 and I-95. Easy commute to Baltimore or DC. Looking for primarily a mature 50+ individual/couple or working professional. Start Oct or Nov. $2,990/month. HOA fee is paid for you.

Call Mike at 443-472-0041 for more info.

A PLACE FOR MOM. The nation’s largest senior living referral service. Contact our trusted, local experts today! Our service is FREE/no obligation. CALL 1-855-502-4495.

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

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

6118-0219.

Home/Handyman Services BLU-HAUL MOVING and HAULING: Get rid of all that clutter! Hauling, junk removal, clean outs, light moving, and more. We offer quality service at a reasonable price. Call Simcha 443-846-5943 ELIMINATE GUTTER CLEANING FOREVER! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule a FREE LeafFilter estimate today. 15% off and 0% financing for those who qualify. PLUS Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1844-359-6933.

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

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

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

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

TV/Cable

STAY IN YOUR HOME LONGER with an American Standard Walk-In Bathtub. Receive up to $1,500 off, including a free toilet, and a lifetime warranty on the tub and installation!

Call us at 1-877-240-2061 or visit www.walkintubquote.com/beacon

GET NFL SUNDAY TICKET FREE w/ DIRECTV Choice All-Included Package. $59.99/month for 12 months. 185 Channels PLUS Thousands of Shows/Movies On Demand.

FREE Genie HD DVR Upgrade. Call 1-888-5724953 or satellitedealnow.com/TBN

EHRLICH PEST CONTROL EXPERTS: providing pest control solutions since 1921. Protect your home from termites, ants, spiders, fleas, roaches and more? 365 days a year! Call 1-855338-8198 to schedule your FREE Pest Inspection.

DISH NETWORK $59.99 For 190 Channels!

Add High Speed Internet for ONLY $14.95/month. Best Technology. Best Value.

Smart HD DVR Included. FREE Installation.

Some restrictions apply. Call 1-844-560-5837.

**STOP STRUGGLING ON THE STAIRS** Give your life a lift with an ACORN STAIRLIFT! Call now for $250 OFF your stairlift purchase and FREE DVD & brochure! 1-855-850-3183.

Legal Services APPLYING FOR SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY or Appealing a Denied Claim? Call Bill Gordon & Assoc., Social Security Disability Attorneys, 1-866-970-0779! FREE Consultations. Local Attorneys Nationwide [Mail: 2420 N St NW, Washington DC. Office: Broward Co. FL (TX/NM Bar.)]

Wanted BUYING VINYL RECORDS from 1950 through 1990. Jazz, Rock-n-Roll, Soul, Rhythm & Blues, Reggae, Punk, Blues, and Disco. 33 1/3 LPs, 45s or 78s, Larger collections of at least 100 items wanted. Please call John, 301-596-6201.

CUTE, ATTRACTIVE FEMALE, FIFTIES Fun loving, down to earth woman looking for single white man, fifties/sixties, attractive, robust, non-smoker, large build, reliable, warmhearted, romantic. Have together dates, companionship, devoted relationship. If interested, call 443-466-3717 lve message.

TOP PRICES PAID for fine antiques, artwork and high quality decorative items including decorated crocks and jugs, rare antique clocks, music boxes and antique phonographs ,unusual lamps, slot machines, country store and advertising items, great old toys and dolls to name a few. I am 66 years old with over 40 years in the antique business, well educated and financially capable . Why pay expensive auction house , estate sale, or consignment store commissions when you can get a fair upfront price for your pieces immediately? If you have something unusual and interesting, rare and valuable and are prepared to sell it I would like to speak with you. Please call Jake Lenihan 301 279 8834 . No calls after 7 pm please. Thank you.

VERY PRETTY single white lady age 62 enjoys socializing with people and recreation (dining and movies.) I would like to meet a gentleman age 62 or older who enjoys socializing with people and recreation. Call Patti 443-845-7802.

Classifieds cont. on page 25.

Personals

ADVERTISERS IN THIS ISSUE Clinical Research Studies

Balance & Falls Study . . . . . . . . .10 COPD Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Diabetic Nerve Study . . . . . . . . . .12 Former Smoker Study . . . . . . . . .11 Gingivitis Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Knee Osteoarthritis Study . . . . . .10 MARC Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Opiate Addiction Study . . . . . . . .13 Shoulder Pain Study . . . . . . . . . . .11

Dental Services

Denture Doctor . . . . . . . . . . . . .7, 9

Education

CCBC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 Myerberg Center . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

Events

Funeral Services

Dignity/Schimunek . . . . . . . . . . .24

Health

Advanced Center for Plastic Surgery . . . . . . . . . . .9 Keswick Wise & Well Center . . . . .8 Profile by Sanford . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Regenerative Medicine Towson . . .8 Rosenblatt Foot Care . . . . . . . . . .13 Skin Cancer EB . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Snyder Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Home Health Care

Baltimore City Companion Program . . . . . . . . .20 Options for Senior America . . . . .24

Home Improvement

Beacon 50+Expo . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Power of Age Expo . . . . . . . . . . .22

Peak Custom Remodeling . . . . . . .7

Financial Services

Blair House at Stoneleigh . . . . . .20 Brightwood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 Catholic Charities . . . . . . . . . . .B-7 Charlestown/Erickson . . . .B-3, B-4

ArborSun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Housing

27

Christ Church Harbor Apts. . . . .B-1 Glynn Taff Asst.Living . . . .B-3, B-4 Linden Park Apartments . .B-4, B-6 Oak Crest/Erickson . . . . . .B-3, B-4 Park View Apartments . . . . . . . . .16 Pickersgill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-2 Rhome Communities . . . . . . . . . .16 St. Mary’s Roland View Towers . .B-2 Virginia Towers Apartments . . . .B-6 Warren Place Senior Apartments . .B-7 Weinberg Assisted Living . . .B-4, B-8

Legal Services

Shopping Radio Flea Market . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Silver & Gifts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Smyth Jewelers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation

Manor Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

Subscriptions

Beacon Subscription . . . . . . . . . .26

Technology

Angels of Elder Care Planning . .15 Frank, Frank & Scherr Law Firm . .15

Computer Doctors . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 TechMedic4U . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Medical Cannabis

Theatres/ Entertainment

Cannabis Docs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Health For Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Pure Life Wellness . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Moving Services

BLUhaul . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-7 Caring Transitions . . . . . . . . . . .B-1

Real Estate

Bob Lucido Team . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Columbia Orchestra . . . . . . . . . . .23 Toby’s Dinner Theatre . . . . . . . . .23

Travel

Ama Waterways Cruise . . . . . . . .21 Eyre Bus, Tour & Travel . . . . . . .21 Superior Tours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

28

OCTOBER 2019 — BALTIMORE BEACON

More at TheBeaconNewspapers.com

| 410-358-6856 | myerberg.org

WHAT’S NEW AT THE EDWARD A. MYERBERG CENTER

3101 Fallstaff Road, Baltimore, MD 21209 Save the date for our Art Show and Fitness Open House on November 3.

Peruse over 100 works of art and talk fitness and tech with our friendly staff.

Visit www.myerberg.org for details.

Crimes and Controversies Mondays, November 11 – December 16, 1:30 - 3:00 p.m Members $100 / Non-members $140 (6 sessions) In this CCBC course, learn about high profile crimes, their victims, suspects, evidence, trials and outcomes of such criminals as Jack the Ripper, Sacco and Vanzetti, Lindbergh’s kidnaper and many more. Explore the controversy surrounding each crime.

Instructor: George “Bill” Krause

Dancing Through the Ages Tuesdays, November 5 – December 17, 10:00 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.

REDUCE YOUR RISK FOR FALLS Exercise has been shown to reduce the incidence of falls by up to 40%. This includes traditional activities like walking, aerobics and cycling as well as dance, yoga and tai chi. Reduce YOUR fall risk by enrolling in one of our many fitness classes.

New Members: Register in October and receive $25 off a six-month membership.

Current Members: Receive $10 off your membership for every new member you refer to the fitness center this month.

Members $60/ Non-members $95 (7 sessions) Let’s bring our Prom back – add on present day dance techniques to what we know: Charleston, Swing, Cha-Cha, Twist, Disco and more!

Instructor: Lynn Rosen Stone

Android Essentials Monday/Tuesday, November 18, 19, 25, 26, 9:30 - 11:00 a.m.

Members $20/ Non-members $30 (4 sessions) This course integrates and coordinates the major digital devices in wide use today. It will enable the participants to logically use an Android phone to enrich their ability to communicate and to assimilate information from the Internet. Each session is geared to build confidence and optimize the use of these valuable devices. We will explore calendar, clock, GPS, camera, photos and social media.

Instructor: Melanie Waxman

Return of the Gangsters Tuesdays, November 26 – December 17, 1:30 - 3:00 p.m.

Members $60/ Non-members $75 (4 sessions) Not for the faint hearted. This course will cover a mix of the cruelest Jewish and Italian gangsters. We’ll flash back a bit to the ones you know, like Capone, Luciano, Siegel, Buchalter, Zwillman, and Lansk but most of the course will cover crooks who were somewhat less famous – but just as infamous. Beware of the appearance of Baltimore mobsters as well.

Instructor: Harry Karp

OFF THE WALL: AMERICAN ART TO WEAR Tuesday, November 19 Join us as we travel to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. $70 Members / $80 Non-members Register by calling 443-963-1448

by October 22.

COMMEMORATE

VETERANS DAY AT THE MYERBERG CENTER Monday, November 11 9:30 - 11:00 a.m.

Free event open to all. Register by calling the reservation line at 443-963-1462 by October 31.